Her slender, elegant fingers were slowly becoming stiff and swollen, holding the pen with more strength than needed. The side of her hand had become reddish and over sensitive due to all the pressure she has been applying in it for way too long. Her wrist was even worse. Kyungwon could feel like little needles were piercing through her muscles into her bones, she knew this kind of pain all too well. Still, she didn’t budge, focusing on finishing the last details as fast as she could. Her hand would need plenty of rest after it, but right now her work required all her effort.

Twenty or so minutes passed until she finally gave her hand a rest, stretching her arms over her head for a moment before standing up. The final product was ready, at least she thought so, hopefully it was worth all the time and effort she had put into it. Kang had sent the latest version to her editor, a little over two days before her final deadline. She could have taken a break once in a while and do things slowly, but Kyungwon didn’t want to lose her creative strike.

It was her first official webtoon, the first one that was receiving attention and good reviews, the first one that was actually getting her better paychecks and recognition. It was her big chance of establishing herself as an artist and she was doing all that she could to make sure she wouldn’t ruin it. Even if it meant putting her swollen hand in a bucket full of ice for the next half an hour. Gods know how much she hated the cold biting on her skin, but she hated the pain in her right hand a whole lot more.

She had expend a lot of time working as an assistant and a freelancer for some animation companies. The webtoon was by far her biggest and most steady project, she couldn’t help but feel nervous and excited every time she had to deliver new chapters. Her editor, a younger and overly smart woman named Bae Sungyeon, was a good friend even though she could be a little harsh at times. The american girl was good at keeping her in the right path and not allowing her to slack off or become discouraged. Kyungwon was doing her best to make sure her work would make both of them proud, she knew Bae had pretty much begged for her webtoon to be published in first place and she would never be grateful enough for this.

The webtoon was in the top rankings for the last couple of months, the interest of the public had grown with time and now, over a year since the first chapter was uploaded, it had a small but loyal fan base. Kang was both, thrilled and a bit scared, every time she had to put out new content. The response was always overwhelming, every comment and suggestion sparkling her imagination alive. So many ideas, plot twists, different styles and undertones…Sungyeon really had to remind her to not go overboard. Of course a lot of pressure came with the success, her deadlines were shorter now, she needed to pay more attention to detail and try to fix every plot hole she mistakenly left. It was erratic, but she was loving it so much.

Besides Sungyeon, she had an even bigger supporter that was always there for her and was also her main source of inspiration. This supporter wouldn’t be so please to know she had spent the whole day working nonstop and even skipped lunch, she would be extra unpleased if she knew Kyungwon had “forgotten” her wrist brace once again. That’s why Kang had to make sure she would make her hand presentable before Minkyung could have a good look at her.

Kyungwon massaged her right hand with her left for a moment, a very non subtle pain radiating from the side of her pinky, bringing only some small relief after a while. Her tendonitis was nothing new, but it didn’t mean she would ever get used to it.

The tall brunette made sure her hand was hide deep into her jacket’s pocket before leaving the small room that she uses as her studio. If only she could fetch some ointment and ice before her girlfriend noticed her, everything would be fine.

Of course she didn’t, Kyungwon was never good at being sneaky and Minkyung’s hearing seemed especially good at recognizing her steps – this and the fact that she actually dropped a bunch of old plastic cups while trying to fetch one to pour the ice on.

“The ointment is over here. You can come get it now.” The slightly older woman said from their room, her voice sounding as clear as if she was standing right next to her, full of a mocking tone that would surely match the know-it-all expression she would give Kyungwon as soon as the younger stepped into the room.

Kang sighed, letting the ice aside and walking towards the room her and Minkyung shared.

The younger girl already knew she would get a good scolding for overworking herself, it was becoming a frequent occurrence ever since she began her new work. Before she began the webtoon it was always the opposite, Kang would be the one that would scold her perfectionist girlfriend and convince her to take a break from work once in a while. Maybe Minkyung wasn’t only concerned about her wellbeing, but also enjoying the reversal. The small smirk in her face when their eyes met confirmed her supposition.

Kyungwon gave her a warm smile, trying to not look too embarrassed for her failed attempt of going unnoticed. She would always get excited whenever Minkyung headed home earlier, anticipating a night full of their favorite shows and some takeout food that they would eat while talking about their days and making plans for the weekend – She loved their little couple routine. But today she wished Minky had come home just a little later, or at least that she didn’t had such light steps that made it impossible to hear her entering the house.

Minkyung was sitting on their bed, using comfortable clothes even though her laptop was still resting on her lap making it clear that she had been finishing off some work. The so said ointment was on her hand as well, and by the way she put the laptop aside and kept the medicine she was clearly going full nurse mode. A smirk was pasted on her face as predict. But her eyes were more serious and concerned than expected, a deep mark formed on her forehead to emphasize it.

Kang wondered how bad she looked to get this kind of reaction. Note to self: Put a mirror in the studio.

“Good evening, love. How come you look so gorgeous after such a long day?” Kyungwon began, using her cheese tone that never failed to make the other woman smile. She sat beside her on the bed. “How was work? Should we order some pizza? I have your favorite movies ready already, we could a marathon!”

Her cheerful tone wasn’t fooling anyone, but her smile was sincere. After all, to see Minkyung, even if she was about to scold her pretty badly, was always something that made her happy. Kim was the only person that could make her feel better solely with her presence. Kang leaned in, using her left hand – the one she wasn’t trying to hide --, to caress Minky’s soft cheek. She kissed her gently, the usual warm and sweet feeling filling her up.

Minkyung didn’t push her away, but she did pull away faster than usual. Her gaze dropping to Kyungwon’s right hand, the one the girl was still trying to hide from her sight. Kim left out a sigh, grabbing Kang’s arm so she could get a good look at her hand. “Can’t you use your wristband for once?” She nagged, a bit harsher than she had meant it to be. She knew how painful it was for her girlfriend and seeing Kyungwon hurt was almost as painful for herself. Kim was fully aware of how stubborn the Kang could be, that’s why she interrupted her before the girl could say anything. “I know, it makes you draw slower and it’s hot. It also will helps preventing you from ruining your hands and having to drown yourself in ointment after every chapter you finish.”

“Just take it easy, okay? I know Sungyeon gives you enough time, so don’t rush so much.” It wasn’t the first time she told Kyungwon it, and usually it would only work for a couple of days before the younger woman start to act recklessly again. It was a bit ironic that her usually lazy and mischievous girlfriend had this overly responsible and all too serious side of her when it came down to this project. Kyungwon would go to all extents to make sure her drawings were delivered with plenty of time to fix any mistakes, even if it meant hurting herself. Minkyung loved how passionate she was, but hated how it affected her.

Kim kissed the artist swollen hand – she would always kiss Kyungwon whenever she hurt herself, it was like this ever since they were in middle school. “Please, Kyungwonie. I don’t want to have to hide your tablet again.” Minky warned with a tone that was both sweet and determined at the same time. She smiled when her girlfriend nodded slowly, looking more like a guilty child than a newly famous webtoon artist.

Minkyung concentrate in applying the ointment on the girl’s hand, gently but firmly. Kyungwon was really like a child sometimes, always whining and trying to run away too afraid of the pain even if she knew it was for the best. “Minky! I still need this hand to work and pay for our kid’s college tuition, you know?” Her arguments were equally childish and the taller woman just rolled her eyes, still focused on massaging her hand – a little more gently now. Kyungwon knew how much she loved hearing about their future family, it gave her a warm, happy feeling. Kang might be a whiny big kid in various aspects, but Minkyung was fully aware of how serious she was about that job and the reason for it.

“That’s why I’m making sure you’ll still have it by the time they go to college.” She finished her massage, getting a hot pack from the drawer to place on top of Kyungwon’s hand. Warmth was far better than cold, she wondered how much of an air head the other woman must be to not know it even after all this time – Or maybe she was just too forgetful to hide some in her studio and had to try improvising.

“I know you are doing this for us, and I’m grateful for this. But for me nothing is more important than your wellbeing.” Finally she allowed herself to face Kyungwon, meeting the dark brown eyes she could recognize anywhere. She could see Kyungwon was trying to come up with a light reply as usual, but there was a pinch of guilty in her eyes. Kang had worked harder in the last months than her whole life, and Kim knew her too well to know that it was more than just for the fame. Kyungwon was making a lot of money with the webtoon, more than they could’ve expected, and even if she hadn’t said it out and loud yet, Minky didn’t need to be a genius to know what she was planning on doing next.

Minkyung leaned in, giving her a peck in the lips. “I can’t have any kids if you over work yourself to death before I’ve the chance.” She said in a playful tone, giving up on scolding the younger woman for now. Kyungwon hugged her, tight and warm, making Minkyung melt into the embrace. Her soft and fresh scent had a calming effect over Kim, reminding her why she always did her best to get home earlier. There was nothing like being in Kyungwon’s arms after a long day at her stressful work.

“I promise you, we are going on vacation soon. Summer is right around the corner and I even thought of a place that is just right for us!” Kyungwon said near her ear, her tone full of excitement and determination. The puppy like girl had always been the type that keeps her promises and Minkyung didn’t doubt she would find a way to get rid of all their work just for a couple of lazy days. “I’d love that. But you know spring just started, right?” She pulled away a bit so she could face Kyungwon that had her typical smile on her face. A smile that would grow bigger whenever she lied, just like she was about to do. “Sure thing, I knew that! But you know, it’s a very fancy place and they even let you take your dogs with you, so we have to make reservations soon and pick Kongie up at mom’s and...” Kyungwon proceed talking about all the attractions the so called hotel had, most of them for pets and their owners.

Minky was feeling like it would be more like a ‘Kang Kongie and Kang Kyungwon featuring Minkyung’ tour than a romantic vacation, but she didn’t mind it. Spend some time with her girlfriend and her beloved dog didn’t sound half bad, she could imagine how cute Kyungwon would look running around with Kongie and acting like the big child she is. Minkyung would probably use this time to try to get some inspiration and write a bit. They could spend their nights together visiting all the places Kongie wouldn’t be allowed in and enjoying the food and local culture. It sounded great and she was more than willing to accept it.

“Okay, okay, I get it. We are going!” She agreed once more, interrupting Kyungwon’s endless plans for their – or maybe she should call it ‘kongie’s – vacation. “But now that I finished taking care of my overly grown baby, I’d would like some food. Meat and pizza since you are paying!”

Not so far away of that place Kang Yaebin was, finally, bringing her work day to an ending. She was closing the bookstore and making sure every inch of the place was clear and organized before going out.

Yaebin adjusted her light jacket over her shoulders, letting out a small yawn. She wasn’t really feeling sleepy, it was rather early still. She was just bored.

It had been a slow day, not that many clients came in, and the ones that did were the very annoying kind that would make her suggest dozens of books and explain their plots only to end up buying something completely random, or worse, not buying anything at all. Kyla, the part-timer she would usually talk to during their boring hours of waiting, hadn’t come today due to her college exams – Yaebin was kind enough to give the kid the time she needed to study, after all she had graduated not so long ago and she always wished she had more time to study back then.

She looked at her wristwatch, mentally calculating how much time she had to do her daily routine. A whole organic meal waited for her in the fridge back home, but she wasn’t feeling so inclined to her healthy diet when the mouth watering smell of fried chicken was coming from the restaurant down the street. She had to remind herself how much those were bad for her body and the amount of effort it would take to get rid of the extra calories. She sighed to herself, wondering how she had become such a health freaky over the years -- No wonder her friends would call her ‘no fun’ nowadays.

The small Kang took a long breath, savoring the smell of the prohibited food once more before start walking to the opposite direction. A new scent embraced her as she walked, slowly but surely filling her lungs. The woman slow down her pace, her gaze attracted to the trees that flanked the road. Yaebin always loved the smell of the cherry blossoms, however she had been so busy lately that she hadn’t even noticed spring had come and the streets were turning pink again.

The scene made a smile appear on her face, bringing her nice memories and giving her the courage she needed to get through one more night. She speeded up, in a hurry to reach home.

Yaebin didn’t lose too much time at her house, she just went in to change into some more comfortable clothes and put on her sneakers. She took a bite on her not do appetizing dinner and almost instantly put the food back into the fridge, deciding to delay their fatidic meeting for another time. The brunette grabbed a bottle of water and an apple instead, heading out.

The people she passed by were just a blur and she didn’t mind it -- She had enough dealing with strangers every day at the store. Couples were particularly a bother, and she made some extra effort ignoring the few ones that were around. Today Yaebin just wanted to feel at ease with herself, without thinking too much.

She always felt better outside and the evening was so pretty that night, decorated with a beautiful indigo sky and the pink of the cherry blossoms on the streets. If she only concentrated on the beauty of the nature, she wouldn't have to think about all her work and family worries, and even if only for a little while, she would be free.

So she run, slowly gaining speed in the almost empty tracks of the park near her house.

It took a while for the young woman to get tired and slow down her pace, eventually coming to a stop. Kang rested her hands on her hips, taking quick breaths to recover from the jogging. It was tiring, but it made her feel good and alive.

A high pitched sound started to echo, a very annoying song that she would never set as anyone’s ringtone. But she wasn’t the one that picked the song, it was the person who was calling her right now. She picked up the call, a smile in her voice as she answered. “Ya, Jung Nunu! What about you get your lazy self out here and join me for a run?”

Of course the person declined the offer right away. Jung Eunwoo, a close friend she met in college, was probably the least athletic person she ever met and the only one that could be proud of such a thing.

The voice in the other side of the line asked her if she had plans for the night and Yaebin hummed, starting to slowly walk towards the metal fences that separated the park tracks from the river that run down there. “Not really. I think I’ll will just enjoy some fresh air and stuff.” She said, leaning in the fence and closing her eyes for a moment. The smell of spring was still strong and she did her best to memorize it. Eunwoo complained about how boring she was, but Yaebin just left out a small chuckle. “Well, I’d ask you again to join me and make it a little less boring, but I don’t want to ruin your dinner date with the TV, so...See you tomorrow, Eunwoo!”

Eunwoo protested a couple more times, insisting on her coming over instead before hanging up. Any other day Kang would have considered going over to Nunu’s house to chat for a bit and try to resist all the snacks she would have laying around. However, today she felt like enjoying her time alone would be the best. For the last couple of years she always had to much on her mind, too much to deal with and too little time to do so. Finally she was getting a little time for herself and she would enjoy it.

Soon enough she wouldn’t feel alone anymore, even if she wanted to.

A/N: Hi again! This chapter came out a lot more fluff than expected, but I hope you all can enjoy it and all the different pov’s didn’t make it confusing. In the next chapters I’ll introduce a bit more of their backgrounds and lives and we will get to the actual plot.

Once again, mistakes are all mine and apologize for any.

*As you may have noticed I'll be using the "Yaebin" spelling for this, I hope you don't mind it.