a/n:

Last confirmation that this is for MiChaeng shippers.

If you're looking for the JeongMi ending, please proceed to the next chapter, Chapter 17.

All good to go?

THEN LET'S ING END THIS SH*T.

“HELLO MS. SON!” the petite artist shrieked as she made her way to her favourite easel, once again giving the teacher a mini heart attack; Ms. Son had already lost count on how many times she had been shocked by Chaeyoung’s undying energy.

“Hello, Chaeyoung-yang. Enthusiastic as always, huh.” Ms. Son smiled after a soft sigh, her heart still racing from the student’s abrupt entrance.

“What will we be doing today? Same old? Another fabric practise? Oh! How abou-”

“Eaaasy, dear baby tiger.” the woman laughed, “We will be doing something special today, since it’s the last session we will be having with our model. Our rental time’s up.”

Chaeyoung’s grin on her face instantly faded upon hearing her teacher’s words.

She felt her heart sinking down to her stomach, aching from the thought that she’d no longer see Mina in class every day.

It was their special connection since Chaeyoung had no other mutual classes with the older female.

She had already forgotten how her art classes were without the dancer’s lovely existence, and she didn’t want to return to the way it was before. Not when Mina had given her so much joy in her life.

Ms. Son noticed Chaeyoung’s new behaviour and was now looking at her with empathy.

The woman knew clearly how the student had a special place within her heart for their model, and out of all the students she’d be the one to be hurt by the fact the most.

“Time sure flies past when you’re having fun, eh?” the art teacher attempted to cheer Chaeyoung up, yet it didn’t seem to have any sort of effect.

The short artist’s mind was already drowned with worries and sorrow.

What if their friendship weakens from the sudden lack of interactions?

What if Mina finds a replacement for Chaeyoung during her new spare time?

What if everything they had created between themselves gradually turns to dust, and they become strangers once again?

Chaeyoung’s anxiety and lack of self-confidence made her whole body tremble subconsciously, resulting her teacher to approach and wrap an arm around her shoulders.

“You know, Chaeyoung-yang.” Ms. Son cooed softly, “Relationships are a mysterious and wonderful thing, regardless of the type. It was formed out of pure timing and luck, since there’s 7.4 billion people on Earth. Out of all those people you could’ve possibly met, you managed to develop a strong bond with one of them.”

Chaeyoung snuggled her face into the teacher’s torso, making Ms. Son instinctively wrap her into an embrace. “But relationships end, even when you don’t want them to.” the student mumbled sadly, “I’m not ready for that to happen yet. Not when I have so much to look forward to in the future.”

“Who says it’ll end? You’re thinking waaay to much, Chaeyoung-yang.” Ms. Son chuckled, “Despite the fact some relationships don’t last forever, the memories do- even ‘til the last second of its existence. The moments which would result in those memories are something you have control over, since it’s completely up to you on how you’d like your relationship to go or end. All your choices matter and will definitely alter how things will go, so take your actions wisely.”

“You really think that it can still go on? Even if I don’t get to see her as often anymore?” Chaeyoung questioned with glistening eyes while Ms. Son released the hug.

“With a bit more confidence in yourself, Chaeyoung-yang, I believe you can achieve anything.” the art teacher replied with a warm smile before returning to her desk, giving the girl some time to calm herself down before class begins.

By the time the room was filled with most of the art students, Ms. Son went to the centre of the classroom while clapping her hands twice to gain the attention of her students.

Chaeyoung was actually paying attention to her speeches for once, now that she had a great amount of respect for the wise woman and her encouragements.

“Hello everyone! I hope you had a great day so far, because I’m about to ruin it with my announcement.” Ms. Son instantly made her students laugh with her entertaining way of breaking a bad news, “Unfortunately, today will be our last day working with our lovely and hardworking model- oh, speak of the Devil. Let’s give her a round of applause!”

Myoui Mina, who always spare only a few minutes for herself to arrive before class begins, blinked in confusion as she was welcomed enthusiastically by the class of art students.

She could only smile sheepishly back as she waddled to the side to store her bag away, not noticing Chaeyoung’s sorrowful gaze towards her.

“As I was saying, it’s Mina’s final day as our model.” Ms. Son repeated, which resulted in her students to whine sadly as a protest. “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Ms. Kim has complained that we’ve been hogging her for too long. But hey, it’s not like Mina-yang is transferring to a foreign country or anything. You’ll still get to see her within the campus.”

“Can we throw a goodbye party for her?” one student suddenly suggested, gaining some cheers of approval.

“I had that idea in mind, but we still need to get some work done first.” Ms. Son answered, gaining more whines and groans from her students. “I’ll let you guys order some food for the final hour of class, but the first half of the period is still going to be art-related, okay? Don’t get me fired for this.”

“Dae!” Chaeyoung and her classmates all cheered in union before they were given 10 minutes to drop down some orders for the party.

Mina found herself getting pulled into the circle of discussing students, all asking for her preference since it was a goodbye party for her.

The model was finally capable of going onto the platform after the commotion had died down; the art teacher also made her way back to the centre of the room.

“Alright, since today is a special occasion, you guys won’t just be drawing one model- you’ll be drawing two.”

Chattering among the room rose once more as people searched around the room, a little confused about the woman’s words since they couldn’t spot any other non-art student within the room other than their original model.

Chaeyoung felt confused when she caught Ms. Son smiling mischievously towards her.

“Since Ms. Kim would definitely not let me borrow another one of her students when we’ve already hogged one for a few months straight, I had to choose someone from our own class.” she explained briefly, “So, Chaeyoung-yang! Would you please join us on stage?”

“M-Me?!” the petite artist immediately shrieked while her fellow classmates applauded loudly.

She caught sight of Mina smiling happily at her, gesturing for her to join her side. She immediately started moving after seeing that.

“I know it’s surprising for you to be chosen, since your height lacks quite a bit to meet the standard requirements of a true model.” the woman teased playfully, “But I believe you and Mina-yang have the strongest chemistry with one another compared to everyone else.”

“What does that have to do with staying still though?” Chaeyoung questioned while her body was already getting positioned in place.

“It’ll just be easier and more comfortable for the two of you to work together, plus the emotions of the poses can be expressed with more sincerity.”

It was when Ms. Son had hooked Mina’s leg over her own, Chaeyoung had realised how they were being positioned; the artist had a hand clutching onto the dancer’s hooked-thigh to hold it in place, while the other held onto the female’s waist. Mina had both of her hands placed onto Chaeyoung’s shoulders for support, as her body was pressing slightly onto the artist’s.

They were holding a very difficult Argentine Tango dance position, and the audience were letting out ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ while they admired their forms.

“Okay kids, you only have 3 minutes to sketch this pose before they crash, so let’s get it going while you can!” Ms. Son exclaimed before starting her timer, with the sound of pencil against paper filling up the classroom.

With the pose requiring Chaeyoung’s endurance rather than Mina’s- who had trained herself to the point where she could hold a pose up to half an hour, the poor first-timer was already struggling to hold still.

“T-This is how you’re starting us off?” Chaeyoung hissed through her gritted teeth while trying her best to maintain as still as a marble statue, a brick, a tree, Medusa’s victim, or Jack Dawson. “That’s r-really nice of you, Ms. Son!” she still managed to sass to her giggling teacher.

“You’re welcome.” Ms. Son winked teasingly, “Remember, determination will lead you to your goal. Let’s go guys, two minutes!”

After struggling for three whole minutes, Chaeyoung sat herself down onto the platform in pure exhaustion.

She knew how difficult it was to model since she had a brief experience already when she had asked Mina to draw in her sketchbook, yet this was a whole new level of pain; she felt like her leg cramp became permanent from holding it for so long, while her calf was about to explode.

“M-Ms. Son, please go easier on her. It’s her first time modelling like this.” Mina pleaded with concern while wiping the sweat off of her friend’s face with her handkerchief.

“I’m actually fairly surprised. I thought she’d give up half way through.” the woman marvelled in amusement. “I see you’re truly dedicated, huh.”

“Of course I wouldn’t quit now. Not after what you have told me.” Chaeyoung smirked back, the two having their own hidden side conversation. “I may be short, but I’m not weak.”

“You’re speaking as if you weren’t shaking the whole way through, Chaeyoungie.” Mina suddenly decided to join in with the teasing, making Chaeyoung blush from her sudden attack.

“S-Shut it, don’t blow my cover.” the artist mumbled in embarrassment, knowing pretty well that she was shaking mostly for another reason; it was hard not to tremble from nervousness when your crush had one leg hooked onto yours, while your bodies were intensely close to one another. Chaeyoung could smell the faint scent of Jasmine while they were in that position, which merely made her shake even more.

“Don’t worry ladies, that one was the hardest pose I have for you guys.” Ms. Son reassured as she massaged her student’s poor calf, and after resting for a few more minutes she proceeded to place them into their second pose.

It was oddly familiar for the dancer.

“I-Is this what I think it is…?” Mina asked when Ms. Son had finished altering their bodies.

“Yup. I enjoyed your performance greatly, Caroline Barnum.” the art teacher grinned, “I thought the idea of infusing the two types of dance together was a great idea, although I’m not sure whether Ms. Kim had the ‘father-and-daughter’ factor in mind when she choreographed it.”

“It’s okay, we get that a lot.” Mina smiled sheepishly, “She gets teased about that still.”

“Good, continue doing just that.” Ms. Son chuckled out loud before starting the timer. “5 minutes guys!”

Chaeyoung’s face was burning uncontrollably from the intimate pose of theirs.

She still remembers clearly how jealous she had felt when she witnessed Jeongyeon pulling Mina into the exact same position, yet she had never thought she would get the chance to execute it herself.

She was thanking her teacher non-stop within her mind, while Mina was having a hard time focusing on her job.

Despite being in the same position multiple times from all of her previous practise runs with her dance partner, she had never felt such emotions within herself while doing so.

Just by feeling Chaeyoung’s soft breaths against her skin, her body was reacting in a way that was improper for a school environment, yet she had no control over it. She was getting lured in by the younger student who wasn’t even doing anything other than what they were instructed to do. Mina felt like she was going insane.

Thankfully, her flustered heart got to take a break as Ms. Son informed the students that time was up- though Chaeyoung immediately took the break away from her.

The artist had placed a hand onto Mina’s forehead to feel the temperature of her skin. “Unnie, are you okay? You’re kinda hot.” she mumbled without a thought, yet a nearby classmate caught her words.

“That was goddamn smooth, Chaeng.” the girl whistled, making other students erupting into laughter while the two models were now burning up in embarrassment together.

Luckily for them, the teacher stepped in before the teasing could’ve continued further.

“Alright, final pose before the party begins. Remember to keep your notifications on for your orders.” the woman reminded as she made her way back to the duo’s side, placing them into a new pose.

“Kneel down onto one knee.” she ordered Chaeyoung, who obediently did was she was told without any doubt. “Now, hold onto this for your dear life. You’ll have a huge price to pay if you lose it- and an explanation to prepare for my fiancé.”

“You’re engaged, Ms. Son?!” Chaeyoung shrieked in shock, making everyone applause excitedly for their art teacher.

“Over the summer, yes.” the woman smiled shyly, “My lady is quite a bold character, so you wouldn’t want her to come hunt you down.”

“I think you’re putting way too much trust in me…” the artist gulped as she held onto the ring with both hands, extremely cautious with her actions.

“Now, pretend you’re putting it onto Mina-yang’s ring finger.”

More cheers and claps erupted from their classmates as Chaeyoung hesitantly obliged, her palms shaking violently from her chaotic heartbeat.

Mina was also visibly flustered from their situation, with neither of them knowing how they could feel that frantic over a single position.

“Stop shipping your fellow friends and get working!” Ms. Son chuckled as she snapped her students out of it while successfully giving the models another playful jab.

She was definitely enjoying her role of being a one-class Cupid.

With someone’s phone ringing after 5 minutes or so, the teacher let her students tidy up their workspace before setting them free to fetch their food.

Chaeyoung and Mina took the opportunity to rest from everyone’s playful teases and stares, with neither of them having the courage to look at one another.

“Good job today, you two.” Ms. Son complimented as she took a sip of her coffee at her desk, “How did you like your modelling experience overall, Mina-yang?”

“It has been a pleasure.” Mina smiled back politely, “I’ve learnt a lot over the past few months, and I’ve really enjoyed my time working with everyone here.”

“As expected of an elegant and well-brought up ballerina. You should learn from her, Chaeyoung-yang. Did you hear how well she answered my question?” the woman still couldn’t help but most-adored student, who gave her a big pout.

“Grace is not my thing, Ms. Son. You should know from the mess I make while painting.” Chaeyoung let out a chuckle afterwards. “It’s a miracle that I haven’t destroyed my side of my dorm room yet.”

“Well you better keep it up or else you’ll have to pay the school for the damages.” the woman grinned as she watched her students hastily return with their orders of pizza and fried chicken.

After pouring everyone a glass of coke, the students raised their glasses up high- with Ms. Son raising her coffee instead.

“To our hard-working model, Myoui Mina! Cheers!!!”

It wasn’t a surprise for Mina to get bombarded with attention and questions from her fellow schoolmates during the party, leaving no chance for Chaeyoung to have a talk with her crush.

Although she could only sit there and admire the ballerina from the side, she still caught herself subconscious smiling at the sight of Mina’s beauty.

Even though the dancer was incredibly introverted and afraid of mass attention apart from being onstage, she was still trying her best to interact with everyone that came to her while giving them her kindest smile.

She was incredibly patient and mature when it came to handling the curious art students, who were all trying to make use of the remaining time left to get to know their soon-to-be-ex model better. It was obvious that they’d miss her dearly.

That sight of Myoui Mina was incredibly beautiful to Son Chaeyoung.

It further confirmed the fact she wasn’t just pretty on the outside, but also equally in the inside.

It made Chaeyoung confirm her feelings for the girl to 100%, and that she knew it was now or never.

She was finally ready to approach Mina about the matter without running away anymore.

With the chime of the school bell, everyone said their final goodbyes to their art model before going on their separate ways.

Chaeyoung gulped as she saw Ms. Son giving her a wink before the woman pretended to focus on her own work, leaving them be.

The artist took a deep breath as Mina returned to her side after grabbing her bag.

“Shall we?” Mina asked with a soft smile, but Chaeyoung shook her head.

“You don’t have to walk me to class today, unnie.” Chaeyoung replied with a smile also, making Mina’s disappear from her face. “I’d like you to accompany me to somewhere else instead.”

“Eh? Why?” Mina tilted her head in confusion. “Today’s a Tuesday though. Remember that one time you thought was a Wednesday and had me draw in your sketchbook, before realising it was actually a Tuesday and bolted for your life?” she giggled just from remembering the look on Chaeyoung’s face.

“Wow, you remembered that clearly.” Chaeyoung laughed shyly, “But class can wait. I have something else I’d like to sort out first.”

“I mean… If you insist.” Mina shrugged, and just like that they headed out of the room with Ms. Son’s fingers crossed behind her back.

The two were slowly strolling around the campus, with Mina having no clue to where they were going.

All she knew was that there was something troubling her friend, who’s stress was written all over her face.

“Are you okay, Chaeyoungie?” Mina eventually chose to speak up, unable to hold back her worries. “You can talk to me if you’d like. I’m a good listener.”

“Well…” Chaeyoung huffed out the anxiety within her heart with a loud sigh, “You see, there’s this person I like, but there’s also someone else who likes her.”

“O-Oh.” Mina blinked, a little taken back from the sudden topic. “And that competitor is stressing you out?”

“A lot. That chick is way cooler, more charismatic, taller, funnier, and much more handsome than I am.” Chaeyoung sulked, “Not to mention that she’s a campus celebrity- like, her popularity’s no joke. How am I supposed to compete with someone like that? I’m just a nerdy and messy artist who spends most of her time hiding in the dorm to finish up a bunch of art projects.”

Mina nodded along to her words, listening attentively to her concerns. “Well, who knows? Maybe your crush prefers a nerdy artist over a popular celebrity.”

“The look on her face whenever they’re together tells me that she had already fallen for the other chick. I can tell.” the self-called nerdy artist couldn’t help but sigh once more. “I’m just scared that I’ve already lost the competition without even getting the chance to tell her my feelings. I’ve even made her a present, but I never had the balls to give it to her.”

“Really? I’m sure she’d appreciate it though.” Mina exclaimed. “Maybe that’ll win her heart.”

“Yeah well, I wanted to ask your opinion on it, that’s why I asked you to tag along.” Chaeyoung revealed as they gradually approached the dormitory building. “I’d like you to judge whether if it’s good enough to steal her heart.”

“I don’t have the rights to judge, but I’m willing to help.” Mina smiled despite her heart somewhat aching from the situation.

Mina felt incredibly confused with herself.

Was she hoping for something, or was she jealous of the mysterious someone?

And how come Chaeyoung’s description of her competitor sounded a little familiar to her ears?

All she knew for sure was that her heart was once again pounding dangerously fast, and it wasn’t getting any better when they had made it to the entrance of dorm number 159.

Chaeyoung took a deep breath in front of the door, her heart beating just as fast as Mina’s.

“Just to let you know, my room is still messy as ever.” she snickered at herself, which also successfully made her crush giggle softly.

“I was mentally prepared for that, no worries.”

Unlocking the door, the two slowly made themselves inside.

Mina placed her bag near the entrance before catching up to Chaeyoung, who was now digging for something beneath her bed.

“I made it in like 3 days, so I’m not sure whether if the quality’s good enough.” she grunted while pulling out a medium-sized canvas with effort, “But I’ve still poured all my heart and soul into it. Here.”

Mina hesitantly accepted the canvas, slowly turning it around to take a look.

She swore her heart had almost jumped out of her chest when her eyes scanned through the stunning painting.

It was a painting of herself in her ballerina attire, when she was performing during the opening ceremony.

“So, do you think she’d like it?”

Mina lifted her head up to meet the eyes of a shy Chaeyoung, who was smiling sheepishly back at her.

“Chaeyoungie…” Mina gasped while looking back and forth from the canvas to the artist.

“I was called a stalker by Momo-unnie from trying to get that shot, so I really hope it’s worth the insult.” the artist chuckled to herself.

Mina’s gaze landed on Chaeyoung’s face as her lips arched into a smile. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“It’s nothing compared to the real deal though.” Chaeyoung rubbed her neck in embarrassment, “Gosh- that was way too cheesy even for myself. Sorry.” she laughed some more, partially from her words and partially from the nervousness.

To her surprise, the short girl felt herself being enveloped into a warm embrace after Mina had safely placed the canvas to the side.

“You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for you…” Mina’s muffled voice travelled to Chaeyoung’s voice from her own neck, where the dancer had snuggled her face into. “I love it, Chaeyoungie. Just like how I love you.”

“I-I’m so glad…” Chaeyoung’s voice trembled slightly as she gripped onto Mina’s waist, pulling her until they couldn’t get any closer. “I really thought you had fallen for you ‘father’.”

“The way you put it makes it sound really weird.” Mina giggled as she pushed away from the younger’s body to look at her face. “But no, I actually prefer nerdy artists over popular celebrities.”

“Well, are you willing to be this nerdy artist’s girlfriend?” Chaeyoung asked shyly, but instead of a verbal answer she found Mina’s lips crashing straight into hers, the two of them finally letting themselves go.

Mina finally found the true answer to the commotion within her heart whenever she was around the artist.

Letting her body take control, her hands slid themselves to Chaeyoung’s head and grasped loosely onto the girl’s locks while her tongue explored freely at its will.

Chaeyoung was up on cloud nine as she squeezed the female within her arms, returning the kiss just as passionately as the other.

They were forced to separate from the lack of oxygen within their lungs, the two of them desperately gasping for air with rosy cheeks.

As they stared into each others’ eyes lovingly, Mina smiled wider than ever towards the adorable girl before her.

The artist was also reflecting the exact same expression, her hand the dancer’s cheek gently.

“Well unnie, I’ll take that as a yes.”