Minjeong bakes cookies in the night and packs them into a container. Her roommate, Aeri stumbles out of her room in a daze and her eyes land on them.

 

“So that’s why you were making a ruckus last night.” Aeri snorts, making her way to them. She reaches a hand out and Minjeong smacks it away immediately, snapping the lid on.

“Hey!” Aeri whines.

“These are for Jimin. Those are yours.” Minjeong tells her as she puts the container into her bag.

 

Aeri turns her head and finds another container on the kitchen counter.

 

“Oh. Thank you Minjeongie~” Aeri approaches Minjeong, intending to land a kiss on her cheek.

“Ew! You've got morning breath!” Minjeong shoves her away and Aeri laughs loudly.

 

Minjeong successfully pushes her roommate away and her eyes flit to the clock on the wall.

 

“I’m going to be late - share some with Ningning, bye!” Minjeong waves at her frantically before dashing out of the dorm. Aeri doesn’t even get to have a word in as she watches Minjeong scurry out of the dorm. She shakes her head lightly with an amused smile.

 

Aeri and Minjeong became roommates freshman year and have been since. They found it easy to live with each other as their schedules also coincided, which was convenient for them as they eventually became friends because of Aeri’s out-going manner, since Minjeong is shy and mostly introverted. Although Minjeong’s incredible ability to be introverted usually hinders her attempts at socialising, she’s been doing a fine job of keeping her friends close. 

 

Minjeong smiles almost immediately when she spots Jimin running towards her. The taller of them jumps straight onto Minjeong and hugs her tightly.

 

“I missed you!” Jimin grins into Minjeong’s hair.

“We saw each other a couple days ago.” Minjeong dismisses, but she grins into Jimin’s shoulder.

“Still, I always miss you.” Jimin pulls away with a pout.

 

Minjeong reaches into her bag and pulls out the container of cookies.

 

“Here, I made some for you.” She hands it to Jimin. “You said you needed a sugar boost after finishing your papers.”

“Why would I need a sugar boost when I am on the receiving end of Kim Minjeong’s sweetness?” Jimin hugs her again. “Kidding - but thank you!”

“It’s nothing.” Minjeong shrugs modestly.

“It smells so good!” Jimin says as she opens the container and breathes in the freshly baked aroma. “And you made so much! How am I going to finish it?”
“You can share it with your other friends.” Minjeong suggests offhandedly and Jimin gasps like someone killed her pet cat.

“No way will I share Kim Minjeong’s sweetness!” Jimin declares defensively. “Kim Minjeong is all mine.”

 

Minjeong pretends a warmth doesn’t blossom to the tips of her ears, from her cheeks and to her neck. She excuses the beating of her chest for simple excitement.

 

“Yeah, yeah…” Minjeong dismisses. “Let’s get to class.”
That we should do.” Jimin links her arm with Minjeong’s before descending down the campus hallway.

 

Minjeong has always chosen to observe her surroundings, rather than actually interacting with them. Like exhibit A; being friends with Jimin since middle school and high school garners quite the attention. Jimin is a force to be reckoned with and all eyes land on her the moment she enters a space. It’s not like Minjeong had been oblivious to Jimin’s beauty and character, since she might be the only one who knows Jimin so well. Sometimes she wonders why and how Jimin has managed to keep her around for so long. She remembers that day in middle school when Jimin transferred and had an assigned seat beside Minjeong. Jimin said hi to her and from that day onwards, Jimin lifted Minjeong over her shoulder like a sack of rice and deemed them best friends. Obviously, it didn’t play out like that literally, but it’s pretty much how it happened.

 

Many people wave to Jimin on the way to class and Minjeong admires her. Her dark hair cascades softly around her shoulders in light curls as she clings onto Minjeong's arm as they walk. Minjeong has always loved Jimin’s hair like this. Soft and carefree. When Jimin suggested the possibility of going blonde, Minjeong had shut her down immediately. It’d be a travesty to ruin such beautiful hair. Minjeong’s hair had already gone through that process, now a dark brown bob with many, many fried bits. 

 

Minjeong had considered not cutting her hair, but Jimin had insisted— even had taken Minjeong to the salon and personally told the hairdresser to cut Minjeong's hair short. God knows why Jimin had always taken a liking to Minjeong’s short hair.

 

Minjeong doesn’t fully register that they’ve made it to class and that they’re even sitting down. She blinks awake and finds herself sitting a few rows away from the front where the professor is, and with Jimin right beside her— taking notes.

 

Minjeong in a deep breath.

 

These days she finds it harder to focus with Jimin around. She doesn’t know why. She could know why, but perhaps she’s too afraid to try. This relationship has never hindered her so much before. She wonders what has changed.

 

—

—

—

 

Minjeong cancelled on Jimin for the first time in a while. Not being able to get rid of the itch in her disposition, Minjeong had taken a step back when Jimin had asked her to come over to watch a movie. She declined and said she was feeling unwell, to which Jimin took merely less than a second to jump and ask if she should come over and take care of her instead. Minjeong had quickly messaged her and said Aeri was taking care of her. 

 

Evidently, she wasn’t sick but Aeri was actually with her. Minjeong was lazing around in her room and Aeri was in the living room of their dorm.

 

Minjeong unsettles on her bed and rolls around, letting out another big sigh. 

 

“Minjeong!” Aeri calls out to her loudly from the living room.

“Yeah?” Minjeong answers.

“You’ve sighed for like the tenth time! Come out and hang with me!” Aeri calls out and Minjeong debates with her body for a second before getting up.

 

She has nothing to do anyways.

 

She finds Aeri on the couch playing Call Of Duty on her own.

“Play with me?” Aeri asks, already giving her the other controller.

“I don’t think you’re asking.” Minjeong chuckles lightly as she takes the controller in hand.

“You’re right. You’ve got no choice.” Aeri beams.

 

They play a few games and then Aeri comes to terms with something. There is something definitely wrong, and something is definitely bothering Minjeong because she has died in the game more than usual, and her eyes are absently staring at the screen.

 

Aeri pauses the game and puts her controller down and then does the same to Minjeong— which consequently returns Minjeong back to reality.

 

“W-what - what happened?” Minjeong’s hand twitches, registering the absence of the controller in her mind.

“Okay, spill.” Aeri says, facing her. Minjeong blinks and backs away slightly.

“What are you talking about?” Minjeong questions.

“Somethings bothering you and it is messing with your game,” Aeri says and Minjeong opens to object, but Aeri is quicker. “And don’t say nothing is wrong because you’ve been sighing all day and moping around.” Minjeong closes . 

 

She sinks into the couch and Aeri watches her.

 

“I’ve just… I’ve been feeling weird.” Minjeong sighs.

“Weird how?” Aeri asks.
“Like I’m not being me…” Minjeong huffs. “I can’t focus, I don’t want to leave my room, and my mind is all messed up.”

“So what’s the root of those problems?” Aeri asks and Minjeong opens and closes again.

 

She looks away, unable to look Aeri in the eye— already feeling another wave of the bad feeling coming over her.

 

Aeri frowns and places a hand on Minjeong’s forearm comfortingly.

 

“It’s not always fun having to keep your feelings to yourself.” Aeri says softly. “I’m here, you know. I’m here for you, Minjeong. I can be your person.”

 

Minjeong smiles tightly and looks down at her lap.

 

Somehow in the quiet of her dorm with Aeri, the unsettling feeling— the itch in her disposition makes itself known, and Minjeong feels her chest tighten.

 

“You can talk to me.” Aeri nudges her softly with her shoulder. Minjeong sways from the little push and Minjeong immediately covers her face with her hands as she bursts into tears.

Aeri’s eyes widen. “H-hey - uh, I didn’t mean to make you cry!” Aeri panics as she watches Minjeong’s shoulders tremble up and down.

 

Minjeong cries and sobs into her hands like a child.

 

“Minjeong - hey, what’s going on?” Aeri asks, wrapping her arms over Minjeong’s small frame.

“I-it's nothing.” Minjeong mumbles, shaking her head.

“It’s not nothing if it’s got you crying like this.” Aeri presses.

 

Minjeong removes her hands and wipes at her face harshly. Aeri reaches over to the coffee table and gives Minjeong a tissue. The younger girl heaves her soul into it and Aeri waits patiently.

 

“It’s just - no one’s ever been my person, and you’re really nice to me, Aeri.” Minjeong sniffles and Aeri pouts— beginning to cry too.

“Aw - Minjeong..” Aeri’s bottom lip trembles.

“Yah… why are you crying?” Minjeong hiccups.

“Because you’re crying.” Aeri whines and Minjeong cracks a smile. “And now you’re laughing at me!”

“This situation is pretty ridiculous.” Minjeong sniffles as she laughs.

Aeri stops for a moment. “You’re totally right.” Aeri laughs as she wipes at her eyes.

 

They laugh it out and blow their noses until they’re cleared for talking.

 

“So… let’s talk.” Aeri begins.

“I… I’m…” Minjeong struggles.

“It’s okay. Take your time. Whatever you tell me, nothing will change.” Aeri encourages her.

“I’m…” Minjeong takes a deep breath. “I think I’m gay.”

 

Aeri blinks at her.

Minjeong blinks at Aeri.

 

“Okay. Thank you for telling me.” Aeri smiles softly. “I’m proud of you.”

Aeri leans in to hug her but then Minjeong catches her off-guard.

“And I’m in love with Jimin.” She blurts.

“What!”

 

Aeri jumps up from her seat and stares at Minjeong with wide-eyes and a slack jaw.

 

“That surprised you?” Minjeong guffaws.

“Yes! Why would it not!” Aeri is flabbergasted.

“I don’t know!” Minjeong stands up too.

“You’re in love with your best friend!” Aeri exclaims.

“I know!” Minjeong huffs.

“Why are we shouting at each other?!” Aeri asks.

“I don’t know!”

 

They settle down again, but this time at the dinner table as Aeri pulls out leftovers to heat up, since they got hungry all during that.

 

“Okay, so let me get this straight… or gay.” Aeri begins. “You’ve had a crush on Jimin since when?”

“Like since freshman year?” Minjeong says. “I don’t know when. It just happened. Like one day I looked at her and kind of was like, oh - I’m in love with Yu Jimin.”

Aeri squeals loudly. “So cute - anyways.”

 

Minjeong almost rolls her eyes.

 

“So you’ve just been keeping your feelings to yourself this whole time?” Aeri asks. “Three years is a long time, man.”

“It’s not long for me, I guess? We’ve been friends longer since high school. Plus, I only really just came to terms with it recently.” Minjeong shrugs.

“Are you going to do anything about it?” Aeri asks, sitting down with the heated food.

Minjeong grabs a pair of chopsticks and grabs a piece of meat— blowing on it. “No. I haven’t thought that far.”

“Would you want to do something about it?” Aeri questions and Minjeong hums.

“Not really, no.” Minjeong says.

“Seriously?” Aeri asks.

“Well, yeah. We’ve been friends for ages. I’d rather not tell her because it’d definitely change the dynamic.” Minjeong tells her and Aeri nods but then she pauses.

“Wait, wait, wait - have you told Jimin you’re gay?” Aeri halts the conversation.

 

Minjeong grins sheepishly. “Uh… no?”

“What!” Aeri flips out again.

“Stop shouting at me!” Minjeong whines.

“Okay - sorry, sorry.” Aeri clams herself down. “But, what!” 

“I only just came to terms with it and I was preparing myself to tell you all during that.” Minjeong tells her and Aeri pouts again, making her huff resignedly. “...do not cry again.”

“You wanted to tell me first?” Aeri coos and Minjeong sighs deeply.

 

It was going to be a long night.

 

“Are you going to tell Ning too?” Aeri asks.

“I don’t think she’ll care all that much.” Minjeong snorts.

“Send her a message then.” Aeri tells her. 

 

Aeri looks over Minjeong’s shoulder as she messages her.

 

> Hey I’m gay.

 

“Seriously?” Aeri deadpans and Minjeong shrugs with a smile.

 

< Word.

 

“Oh you two are unbelievable.” Aeri throws her hands up in the air as she scoffs and Minjeong laughs.

 

—

—

—

 

Two down, another to go. Minjeong felt it was slightly easier to tell Aeri than to tell Jimin because every scenario she comes up with in her mind goes terribly wrong, and not because of Jimin in her mind, but it’s Minjeong doubts instead.

 

They’ve never tread this kind of road before in their years of friendship since it was always about boys for them. Minjeong remembers silly conversations about boys who they’d never approach in the comfortable confines of their rooms. It was true that they’d never approach a  boy, but soon Minjeong began to notice the eyes on her best friend. Jimin was a head turner as she hit puberty. She grew gracefully, taller and more mature. Minjeong feels as if she hadn’t changed that much, but she could say her features did grow sharper. Her sharp features are also why people usually shy away from Minjeong and try to talk to her through Jimin.

 

Jimin’s always been the friendlier one between them two.

 

Jimin’s kindness and friendliness makes Minjeong aware that she’ll accept her wholeheartedly, but then Minjeong doubts and feels as if the kindness of Jimin comes too easily. 

 

One day, Minjeong is brave enough to answer coherently when Jimin messages her to come over to hang, and so she says yes.

 

Minjeong stops at Jimin’s dorm and stands at the door for a little less than a minute to collect her thoughts. 

 

“Two down, another to go.” She repeats quietly before knocking on the door. The door swings open and Minjeong tries to ignore the flutter in her stomach when Jimin greets her with the brightest of smiles.

“I was wondering when we’d be able to catch each other.” Jimin smirks, pulling Minjeong in.

“We literally just agreed to meet up.” Minjeong snorts.

“Hush.” Jimin tuts at her.

 

They shuffle into the living room and Minjeong hears the faint noise of the microwave popping popcorn from the kitchen.

 

“Where’s Ning?” She asks. 

“We traded spots. She’s with Aeri.” Jimin says, going to the kitchen. The microwave beeps and Minjeong takes off her jacket and leaves it on the dinner table.

 

She settles down on the couch in front of the TV and tucks her feet underneath herself just as Jimin returns with a large bowl of popcorn.

 

“That’s a lot.” Minjeong comments with a chuckle.

“Well. I guess I popped them right.” Jimin beams. “There were barely any kernels left in the bag.”

“Good job.” Minjeong quips and Jimin elbows her gently.

 

Minjeong gets a hold of a cushion and places it on her lap, cheating some sort of safe distance between her and Jimin.

 

“So… what are we watching?” Minjeong asks.

“Love, Simon.” Jimin quips and Minjeong’s breath stutters for a moment.

“What.” Minjeong blinks.

“Yeah, Ningning told me to watch it because she was raving on about it for a couple days, so I waited to watch it with you.” Jimin tells her happily and Minjeong chuckles nervously.

“Right… that’s nice.” Minjeong feels the tip of her ears burn red.

 

Jimin reaches over Minjeong to get the remote on the side table. Minjeong’s eyes shake nervously, feeling the beating of her heart quicken as Aeri’s words resonate in her head from their previous conversation about her coming out to Jimin. 

 

“Wait.” Minjeong blurts and Jimin turns to her, surprised.

“What’s wrong?” Jimin asks.

“Um, b-before we watch the movie - I have something to say.” Minjeong breathes out and Jimin returns back to her position.

“Okay.” Jimin agrees, albeit slightly worried since Minjeong seems to be nervous.

 

Minjeong shakes her leg nervously and Jimin waits for Minjeong to speak.

 

“Jimin, I have something to tell you.” Minjeong can’t sit still any longer as she stands up from the couch and begins pacing— it worries Jimin.

“Okay.” Jimin nods, unblinking.

 

Minjeong paces for a little more.

 

“Give me a second.” Minjeong says before putting her hands over her head and breathing deeply.

“Hey… you can tell me anything, y’know?” Jimin says softly. “You’re my best friend. Nothing bad’s going to happen as long as I’m here.”

Minjeong visibly softens and she sits back down beside Jimin.

“What I tell you… I don’t want anything to change.” Minjeong swallows. “I don’t want you to treat me differently and I want us both to be okay… is that alright?”

“Yes. It’s always alright.” Jimin nods vigorously.

“Jimin…” Minjeong breathes in deeply. “I’m gay.”

 

Jimin’s eyes widen slightly as she tries her best to control her facial expressions, but it seems like Minjeong reads her too well.

 

“I-if you need space, I’ll understand.” Minjeong swallows. “I’ll be okay with it! I won’t hate you, y’know-”

“No.” Jimin cuts her off. She reaches over and holds both of Minjeong’s hands in her own. “No way in hell am I distancing myself from you.”

 

Minjeong’s eyes widen and she wants to fight off the blush she can feel on her ears.

 

“Nothing’s changed.” Jimin pats her head softly. “We’re still us. I still see you.”

“You see me?” Minjeong’s voice is quiet, soft and full of trepidation.

“I see you. You know I love you, Min.” Jimin affirms and Minjeong swallows and feels heat burning at her cheeks. She tries to pretend it doesn’t affect her. “Now let’s get on with the movie.”

“Okay.” Minjeong smiles bashfully.

 

The movie begins to play and Jimin makes herself comfortable in Minjeong’s personal space— laying herself in Minjeong’s lap as she snacks on the popcorn. Minjeong’s hands automatically find their way to Jimin’s long hair and the older girl hums contentedly. Minjeong almost disregards the reason why she had declined Jimin’s offer to hang a couple days ago. She feels light and warm in this moment, having Jimin’s friendship all to herself. She thinks things will be fine now, but then she remembers.

 

She remembers she’s in love with her.

 

—

—

—

 

Minjeong sits at her desk in her room as she types up another draft for her creative writing class. Ever since she told Jimin she was gay, her writing has slowly come back— although, the writer’s block is still present. Aeri comes into her room quietly without a word and Minjeong glances at her from the side but doesn’t interact any further. Minjeong tries to type a few more words out, but then she suddenly registers that Aeri has gotten closer and is right next to her.

 

“Yes?” Minjeong turns slowly.

“Party.” Aeri whispers.

“What kind of party?” Minjeong asks.

“Club.” Aeri answers.

“No.” Minjeong sighs.

“Please?” Aeri twinkles her lashes and Minjeong rolls her eyes.

“No.” Minjeong answers again.

“Dang it. Of course that only works with Jimin.” Aeri curses under her breath and Minjeong hears her.

“Shut up.” Minjeong tries to defend herself as a light blush coats her cheeks. 

“I will shut up if you get dressed right now since Jimin is personally coming to pick us up.” Aeri grins and Minjeong shoots up from her desk.

“What?!” Minjeong grabs Aeri by her shoulders. “Why didn’t you say that earlier!” 

“Gee, I wonder why I didn’t say that earlier as if you hadn't been ignoring me from the other room?” Aeri says sarcastically.

“No time to talk - help me pick something to wear!” Minjeong runs to her wardrobe just as a knock on their dorm room calls to their attention.

“Or maybe Jimin can pick something for you.” Aeri grins as she rushes out to open the door. Minjeong tries to grab her but just misses by a thread.

 

Minjeong hears Ningning talking to Aeri as Jimin makes her way to her room.

 

“Hello there, Jeongie.” Jimin teases as she leans on the doorframe. Minjeong tries to ignore her attraction towards the action.

“Hi.” Minjeong greets her unenthusiastically.

“Aw, I know you don’t want to party, but since I came here to get you - you have no choice to refuse.” Jimin grins as she pinches Minjeong’s cheek.

“Ow.” Minjeong swats her away, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks at the close proximity.

“Come on. I know exactly what I want you to wear!” Jimin giggles excitedly before heading over to Minjeong’s wardrobe.

 

Minjeong sits down on her bed obediently, accepting her defeat.

 

Minjeong puts on what Jimin picks out for her and sits unmoving when Jimin straightens her hair and styles her bangs neatly. She doesn’t have the heart to complain either when Jimin says she’ll do her make-up, since Jimin is so excited with a childlike glint in her eyes, Minjeong accepts it and lets her do whatever.

 

“Okay, lie down.” Jimin tells her.

“Won’t we ruin my hair?” Minjeong asks.

“We can fix it.” Jimin waves her off and pushes Minjeong down onto the bed. Minjeong stutters in her movement and falls flat abruptly. Jimin swings her leg and props her body to straddle Minjeong.

“Is this necessary?” Minjeong asks quietly.

“Very - ‘cause I definitely do not want to mess up this liner.” Jimin tightens into a line as she leans down in pure focus— all her hair over one shoulder as Minjeong looks up at her through lidded eyes.

 

She’s so…

 

Minjeong’s brain freezes when she begins to feel Jimin’s breathing on her own lips— suddenly noticing Jimin has gone closer, with one hand down on the bed beside Minjeong’s head and the other holding the eye liner.

 

Minjeong doesn't remember breathing at all during that. Jimin backs away but doesn’t move from straddling Minjeong. She releases a steady breath as Jimin stares down at her with a soft smile.

 

Jimin grins, “My pretty Minjeong.” 

 

When Minjeong exits her room with Jimin in tow, Aeri and Ningning’s jaws drop and Minjeong immediately shies away. Jimin has given Minjeong dark and heavy eye makeup and had styled her short hair neatly to lay straight. She wears a mini-skirt, a crop shirt and a leather jacket on top.

 

“What? Do I not look okay?” Minjeong blinks.

“No!” Ningning chuckles. “Girl you look amazing!”

“Minjeong I’m in love with you.” Aeri squeals and Minjeong threatens to hit both of them.

“I thought I looked bad!” Minjeong whines.

“How can you look bad if I styled you?” Jimin slings an arm over Minjeong’s shoulder and leans down close to her face. “I’m offended that you’d think of my skills like that.”

“W-well - I’ve never dressed up like this.” Minjeong turns her head, feeling all too close to the other.

 

Giselle watches curiously as Jimin openly stares at Minjeong.

 

“We should um - we should go.” Jimin looks away and tucks her hand under Minjeong’s arm safely. Minjeong doesn’t complain.

 

“Who’s party is this again?” Minjeong asks as they exit the uber.

“Guess.” Aeri snorts just as the line at the club welcomes them. Minjeong sees a bunch of people they know.

“Ah.” Minjeong nods her head. “Lee Jeno.” 

“Correct!” Aeri slings an arm over Minjeong’s shoulder and she ducks away.

 

Jimin comes and grabs Minjeong’s arm, slipping her hand lower as she intertwines their hands.

 

“Oh, I see how it is.” Aeri smirks and Minjeong grumbles. “Shut up.” 

“Let’s go!” Ningning hooks her arm with Aeri as they approach the club.

 

They join the line, and soon walk in— and Minjeong is suddenly drowned out by all the noise and people. She tries to focus on one point in the club to not get overwhelmed but there is a lot going on and she can’t seem to focus at all.

 

Jimin squeezes her hand, catching her attention and Minjeong turns to her.  

 

“Focus on me.” Jimin smiles softly.

“Okay.” Minjeong blinks.

“If it’s too much, we can leave. You didn’t actually have to agree to come.” Jimin talks into her ear. Minjeong feels the heat on the shell of her ear and she shudders.

“N-no, it’s okay.” Minjeong shakes her head. “Plus, who am I to deny you?”

Jimin grins and Minjeong finds herself smiling too.

“I like the way you think, Minjeong-ah.” Jimin holds Minjeong’s hand tighter and her heart fears that her hand might be too sweaty, but if it is— Jimin seems to choose to say nothing and not let go.

 

Something happens— it’s abrupt and it makes Minjeong feel like she’s gasping for air, lost as sea. Their contact breaks and Minjeong finds herself wanting to reach out and grab Jimin’s hand, but there she is— being spun around by none other than Lee Jeno.

 

“Glad you could make it!” Jeno grins with his signature eye smile. Minjeong almost rolls her eyes.

“Yah! Put me down!” Jimin smacks his arm hard and Minjeong smirks a little.

He puts her down with a sleazy grin. “Ow - you hit hard, woman.” 

“That’s what you get for sneaking up on me like that.” Jimin huffs.

 

Jimin tries to find her way back to Minjeong’s hand, but she pulls away subtly and Jimin frowns.

 

“I see you finally managed to bring out Minjeong.” Jeno turns his attention to her and she smiles, unimpressed.

“She did.” Minjenong deadpans and he chuckles nervously. “Right.” 

“Well, I’m here with Minjeong so scurry along.” Jimin tells him.

“Alright, find me later though.” He leans in close to Jimin and Jimin backs away slightly. “I have to talk to you.”

 

Minjeong frowns.

 

Jimin leads her to the bar where they share a couple drinks before Jimin’s eyes trail towards where the real party is. Minjeong sees Somi waving at her from the other side and she smiles and waves back. Jimin sees Somi trying to approach them and for a reason unknowing, Jimin scowls.

 

“Let’s dance!” Jimin grins and finally takes Minjeong’s hand successfully. She gets pulled to the dance floor and no refusal forms at her lips.

 

The music starts off loud and pumping, and then it turns to something sensual and moves to a steady rhythm— Minjeong feels herself blushing when Jimin pulls her in closer by wrapping her arms around her neck. Minjeong hesitantly rests her hands on Jimin’s hips as they dance.

 

“Only me.” Jimin brings her focus back and Minjeong feels a heat rise to her cheeks, and she hopes it’s not visible in this club lighting.

 

Only you, only you, only you— Minjeong hears her own voice in her mind chant over, and over again.

 

Jimin never once breaks eye contact and Minjeong doesn’t back down either, even if her heart threatens to burst out of her rib cage each passing second. 

 

Jimin pulls them closer and leans down close to Minjeong’s ear.

 

“You’re beautiful, Minjeong-ah.” Jimin’s husky voice penetrates the sound around them— drowning out all the other sounds and voices at the club. Minjeong swallows thickly and breathes out slowly.

“Y-you too.” Minjeong curses at herself for her flusteredness. Jimin catches on and giggles softly into her neck.

“You’re so cute.” Jimin grins.

 

Minjeong relishes in this moment as best as she can. She feels all her senses are heightened and her heart beats like the drums of war— and she doesn’t want to pull away at all. This is what occupies her mind during the day and the night when she sleeps. These are her best dreams, and worst nightmares all at once. It all feels so right, yet so wrong and Minjeong begins to feel sick as a lump forms in , and the atmosphere seems so heavy.

 

Minjeong's eyes look around the party as she tries to avoid Jimin’s gaze, and it unfortunately lands on Jeno, who seems to be approaching them. Minjeong swallows the hard lump in and it hurts to do so. She removes her hands from Jimin’s hips and backs away. Jimin searches her eyes and Minjeong looks down, away from Jimin’s warm eyes.

 

“Hey, was it too much?” Jimin asks, trying to reach out to her but Minjeong shakes her head.

“Sorry, just-” Minjeong tries to think of something to say, but nothing forms as Jeno swoops right in— placing his wretched hands on Jimin.

 

Minjeong turns away and exits the crowd.

 

She misses it by a second as she walks away, but there is Jimin— looking like a lost puppy chasing after their owner.

 

The next day, Minjeong isn’t all that hungover but her head does sort of hurt. She made her own way home and left the club pretty quickly. Maybe around 2am Aeri returned and jumped into bed with Minjeong. Minjeong was disheartened and too tired to tell Aeri to get out since she reeked of alcohol and was wearing outside clothes, so she left Aeri alone and slept beside her.

 

Minjeong sighs and gets up, pushing her blanket to Aeri’s side more.

 

She prepares a small breakfast for the two of them and eats hers quickly since she had to meet with a professor in the morning to ask about something. Aeri wakes up shortly after just as Minjeong puts on her shoes.

 

“Morning.” Minjeong greets her.

“Morn.” Aeri quips.

“I made breakfast. There's water and medicine, take it.” Minjeong instructs her and Aeri nods sleepily.

“Bye - I gotta go.” Minjeong says before leaving.

Aeri slumps her body against the dinner table, hitting her head.

 

The day seems to go by quickly since a buzz in Minjeong’s head had been affecting her all day ever since yesterday. Every corner she turns, she fears she'll bump into Jimin— or worse, Jimin and Jeno and at this point in time, her heart can’t take it anymore.

 

She’s lining up at the cafeteria for lunch, craving a sandwich when out of the corner of her eye, she spots Jimin entering the cafeteria. She tries not to stare for too long but when she sees Jeno approach her, Minjeong looks away.

 

She buys the sandwich quickly and scans the area to see an empty table, but then she sees Jimin sitting with Ningning, and the older girl seems to be beckoning her over any second, so she looks away quickly and heads over to another table, where she spots a fellow classmate.

 

“Wassup.” Somi blinks when Minjeong abruptly slams down her tray.

“Nothing’s up.” Minjeong chuckles nervously. Somi subtly looks over Minjeong’s shoulder to see Jimin with a glare aimed at her. She moves back immediately.

“Ah, trouble in paradise. I see.” Somi laughs.

“Shut up. There’s no trouble in paradise.” Minjeong grumbles.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Somi asks.

“No thanks.” Minjeong shakes her head.

“Alright. Suit yourself.” Somi shrugs. “But since you sat here, you have to hear what me and my circle are wearing to the halloween fest!”

 

Oh boy. Minjeong sighs.

Ningning feels sad too when she finds Jimin pouting when they see Minjeong sit with Somi. She doesn’t feel sad at first because there’s a jealous glint in her eyes, and then the cute pout, but then Jimin’s eyes look like they lose light and dim when they watch Minjeong.

 

—

—

—

 

Jimin notices it like a change in season, a change in the wind and a new obstacle places itself in her way. Minjeong is avoiding her. Is she one-hundred-percent sure? Maybe seventy-percent sure. She hasn’t seen Minjeong around at all since the party, and Jimin feels it all on her part because she could have been overwhelming Minjeong— which she never, ever wants to do.

 

Jimin wallows in sadness for a while. She tries messaging Minjeong, but the younger girl always has an excuse or may sometimes just leave on her read. It disheartens her.

 

Jimin wants to know what she did exactly to Minjeong for her to be avoiding her at every chance.

 

Jimin sighs again into her pillow.

 

A few stomps from the next door alerts her, and then Ningning’s climbing into bed with her.

 

“Jimin-unnie.” Ningning huffs.
“Hm?” Jimin hums.

“You better get your up and look for your girl because if you sigh one more time, I’m killing you.” Ningning says coldly and Jimin shoots up from her bed.

“You sound terrifyingly serious.” Jimin chuckles nervously.

“Don’t test me.” Ningning grins at her sweetly and Jimin begins to back away from her bed very slowly.

“Okay… I’ll go.” Jimin says and Ningning smiles. “Finally. Good luck, unnie!” 

 

Jimin calculates it perfectly in her head. Minjeong’s sitting way in the back and Jimin’s sitting in the front. If the teacher dismisses them, everyone will be packed up and the people in the back will take slightly longer to reach the front to exit— which means if Jimin packs away slightly slower than she usually does, the room will empty and Minjeong will be walking to the front.

 

It happens just as she favoured in her mind as she successfully watches the class empty. She swings her back over her shoulder and sees Minjeong from the corner of her eye walking down. She moves quickly to the door and stands in the way of it— blocking any possible escape.

 

Minjeong stops abruptly and looks up to find Jimin, looking more determined than ever for whatever reason.

 

“You’ve been avoiding me ever since the party.” Jimin doesn’t question it— she states it boldly.

“I haven’t - I've been busy with writing.” Minjeong excuses, trying to step to the side to leave the room, but Jimin blocks her.

“You’re still trying to avoid me.” Jimin huffs frustratedly.

“I’m not - I said I was busy.” Minjeong is just as frustrated.

“Liar.” Jimin accuses and Minjeong frowns.

“Look - I’ve been busy, Jimin - a-and I have something to do right now, so if you could please move out of the way, I’d really appreciate it.” Minjeong says, closing her eyes briefly.

“I’ll move if you tell me why you keep avoiding me.” Jimin proposes and Minjeong sighs.

 

“Jimin.” Minjeong tries to move again, but Jimin clasps a hand around Minjeong’s wrist.

“Please?” Jimin pleads softly. “We haven’t really been best friends, Minjeong-ah… I miss you.”

Minjeong stills for a moment and softens.

“I- I can’t…” Minjeong shakes her head, looking away.

“You don’t miss me?” Jimin steps forward and Minjeong steps back. 

“J-Jimin.” Minjeong’s attempt to stop this is futile and weak.

“We’ve been apart for so long, Minjeong-ah.” Jimin’s frown hardens. “Why don’t you miss me like I miss you?”

 

Jimin steps closer and Minjeong continues back.

 

“Are you talking to someone? Is that why you’re avoiding me?” Jimin jumps to another conclusion. “Is it that Somi girl?”

Minjeong huffs before shaking off Jimin’s grip on her.

“Why should you care if I'm talking to someone? I find you doing the same with Jeno but I don’t say anything.” Minjeong grits her teeth.

“So it’s that, then?” Jimin raises a brow.
“No, it’s not - just”, Minjeong clenches her fist. “Just stop. It’s nothing, Jimin.” 

“It’s something if you can’t even act like a best friend to me, Minjeong.” Jimin scowls.

“Well - not everything's about you!” Minjeong spits and Jimin recoils.

 

The words burn on Minjeong’s tongue and she wants to apologise immediately when she sees the pained expression on Jimin’s face and her dimmed eyes, but she cannot stand to be this close to Jimin for too long. She pushes aside and leaves the room, heading to the open grass field at their campus since it’s a short-cut to the dorms. 

 

“Kim Minjeong!” Jimin’s voice calls out. Minjeong whips around and finds Jimin had been following her up until this point.

“Look - I’m sorry for what I said, I just-” 

“Did you mean it?” Jimin’s eyes are watery, Minjeong notices first. “Did you mean what you said?”
“No - Jimin, I could never mean something like that - it was just a spur of the moment, okay? Don’t dwell on it.” Minjeong turns away again, but Jimin grabs her again and Minjeong tries to shake her off, but Jimin’s grip is stronger this time.

“Could you please stop walking away from me!” Jimin huffs, tears finally spilling. “Just tell me what I did wrong?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong - just let me go, please.” Minjeong feels a pain building up in her chest— creeping up to .

“What did I do?” Jimin cries softly and Minjeong finally pulls away.

“Just stop!” She almost screams.

 

Jimin backs away slightly and watches as Minjeong begins to cry.

 

“You need to stop doing this to me!” Minjeong cries. “You keep giving me all these mixed signals and I don’t know what it means!” 

“Minjeong…” Jimin calls her so softly it makes Minjeong want to throw up.

“I know we’re best friends - that’s where our boundaries stop, but these days you keep messing with me, crossing those boundaries - and maybe you’re taking pity on me because I’m gay and you think I’m some plaything for you - but I have feelings, Jimin!” Minjeong finally bursts. “You make me all confused! You tell me how much you love me, you’re too affectionate, you get jealous, and I don’t know what it means!” 

 

“You’re not a plaything, Minjeong - you’re my-” Jimin hesitates. “You’re my best friend. I just want you to have everything. I didn’t want to treat you differently because I was weird for a couple days and I wanted to compensate.”

“Compensate for what!” Minjeong huffs exasperatedly. “I told you we could have some space between us after that day but you chose not to!”

“Because I didn’t want to be apart from you!” Jimin shouts and it almost rears Minjeong speechless.

 

“I just… I want the best for you, Minjeong.” Jimin sighs. “I don’t want anyone to treat you differently. I won't let them… you deserve the world.”

 

Minjeong’s tears fall harshly and do not stop. Jimin steps forward and Minjeong steps back again— making Jimin frown deeper.

 

Minjeong cannot meet Jimin’s eyes and she finds that this time, it is best to tell the truth.

 

“...you’re always telling me that I deserve the world, but I don’t know how to tell you that I already have the world— just here, standing next to you, looking at you, and just with you.” Minjeong lays herself bare.

 

Jimin stares, mouth slightly ajar— eyes glazed with shock.

 

“I’m in love with you.” Minjeong swallows as she drops her arms by her sides, swinging them weakly. “That’s it.”

 

“I don't know how, I don’t know when, but I just know... I know that I’m in love with you and I don’t know how to stop.”

 

Jimin tries to