"Interesting, your status effect is back... because I was non-existent for the past- Wait, how long has it been again?"

"...Status effect wha- Huh? Since what?"

"Never mind that status effect." Minjeong smiled at the latter's cute confused expression, "What I meant was since we won that round together."

"We? Uhm, two months-"

Mentioning the 4th round, Jimin suddenly hissed and held her forehead. It felt as if a needle went through her head, and Minjeong couldn't contain herself but instinctively cup the latter's cheeks out of concern.

"You okay?"

Because Jimin hadn't recovered all of her memories of Minjeong yet, she only stared at the latter blankly before gently pushing her hands away, slightly flustered.

"You seem really accustomed to this."

Minjeong laughs, "I told you, you weren't going crazy. Those voices were your lost memories, and we were together before I was nonexistent."

Jimin furrowed her brows, "And I still can't put my finger around how that happened." she said in a tone of doubt.

"Ah, don't tell me you're straight now."

"What? No."

When Jimin denied it in a much louder voice, she found Minjeong smirking at her. And If she wasn't so pretty and full of bandages on her face, the taller would've given her a slap. Probably.

"Whatever, whatever! Can you please just do what you were going to do and let me practice? I have to meet the others later."

Gazing at the taller, Minjeong cracked into chuckles and nodded in defeat. "But, before that. Do you have anything in mind? For lunch?"

"Oh, right... I remember that part." Jimin crossed her arms in thought, "Cook whatever you can come up with the ingredients inside the fridge."

"Your wish is my command, m'lady~"

Minjeong playfully bowed before walking toward the kitchen and began browsing the contents of the fridge. When the latter had her back turned, Jimin looked at her secretly and chuckled. She shook her head after a second and continued practicing for the evening's filming.

In the spacious living room of the apartment, Minjeong stood by the kitchen counter and scattered the ingredients on it. There was a warm smile gracing her lips as she prepared lunch for her beloved.

At the same time, she still couldn't believe that she was done with the outbreak. Moreover, she's with Jimin, and the latter recently started remembering their shared memories. Minjeong couldn't help but smile to herself and hum a happy song.

What a bliss...

Now, all she had to worry about was getting through with the show once the producer gives her a phone call.

On a side note, Aeri informed her about how they were supposed to only bring back Jimin's memories and not everyone in the world. But because she earned the (Creator)'s liking for such a simple wish, they brought Minjeong's whole existence back.

It wasn't instant, but slowly, her name was popping up everywhere after what felt like an eternity.

Thinking about this, Minjeong continued humming to herself. The sound of hip-hop music filled the air as Jimin practiced her performance, her dedication evident in every move she made.

As Minjeong watched Jimin from across the room, she couldn't help but feel a wave of pride and love. She admired Jimin's unwavering passion and determination, and she was grateful to exist this time to support her in pursuing her dreams.

With each step, spin, and jump, the latter's talent and charisma shone through— captivating Minjeong's heart.

Carefully, she chopped fruits with precision, her gaze never straying far from Jimin's graceful movements. She analyzed her every spin, noting the slight adjustments that could enhance the performance even further.

While she didn't want to interfere too much, Minjeong couldn't resist offering occasional tips to help Jimin refine her choreography.

"Jimin, try extending your arm a little more during the spin," Minjeong suggested, her voice gentle yet confident. "It will give your steps a more powerful and dynamic look."

Jimin paused mid-move, turning to meet Minjeong's eyes with an indiscernible face.

"Alright, I'll try that."

Stopping the music, she was about to restart when Minjeong spoke again, preventing her from pressing the play button on her phone.

"You'll do amazing, Jimin... You already reached this far, right? So, please don't ever doubt yourself." 

Minjeong said while putting the chopped fruits into a bowl, it was affectionate and comforting.

"You ranked second for a reason. You're really talented, you know? That's one of the many reasons why I fell for you."

*DING*

[ Status Effect ]
+ (Lack of Self-esteem) has been deactivated!

Seeing the window pop up before her eyes, Minjeong pulled her eyes away from the counter to look at Jimin who seemed to be staring at her dazedly.

As always, Minjeong couldn't understand her girlfriend when she was like this, but as soon as she called out her name, Jimin flinched and looked away. It was faint, but she could hear her mumbling a thank you.

Then as if nothing happened, Jimin continued practicing. Due to her status effect deactivating, she was ten times better, even more accurate, and graceful with her movements.

"Deja vu."

Minjeong whispered to herself with a giddy smile plastered on her face.

As the music continued to play, she worked diligently, preparing a delicious and nutritious meal for Jimin. She selected fresh ingredients, carefully seasoning each dish with love. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, knowing that the meal would provide the nourishment the latter needed to fuel her practice sessions.

Once the meal was ready, Minjeong set the table, arranging the plates with a touch of elegance. The savory aroma filled the room, adding to the ambiance of their shared space.

With each passing minute, Jimin's performance grew more confident and polished, and Minjeong's heart swelled with pride.

Please remember me faster.

Finally, as Jimin concluded her practice, she walked over to the dining table, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. Minjeong couldn't help but admire the sweat glistening on the latter's forehead, a testament to her hard work and dedication.

"I made your favorite dishes," Minjeong said softly while handing her a face towel.

"Wow." Jimin blurted out as she took the towel to wipe the sweat on her forehead, "You made all of that? I remember the fridge having almost nothing."

"I'm not your personal chef for nothing, Jimin." Minjeong walked next to the latter to pull a chair for her to sit down, "Now, sit."

Mi