Mina took the quickest route to the café where she would meet Momo. She’s out of breath running in the street. She’s almost two hours late, and the worse is that she couldn’t even contact Momo.

As she entered the expanse of the cozy coffee shop, she scanned through each of the tables, looking for a specific someone. She felt a tightness of her chest when she realized that Momo already left. She staggered towards the exit of the café gripping on the glass door’s handle. She couldn’t hold her tears but she’s continuously wiping her own tears with the back of her hand. Sea of thoughts occupied her head. Did Momo grew tired of her and decided to leave her? Or maybe something bad happened that Momo wasn’t able to go?

She was seating at the bench outside near the café, she’s still sobbing uncontrollably when a familiar voice breaks her thoughts from wandering.

“Thank God you’re safe” and she felt a warm hug enveloped her. She doesn’t need to see the person to know who it was. This scent, the voice, the warmth, she knows whom they belong, she missed her so much and she couldn’t help but to burst out crying. Momo kissed her temple and gently pulled away to wipe her tears flowing.

“Why are you crying?” the older worriedly asked, Mina was still sobbing trying to compose herself because she needed to explain.

“I-I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… I broke my promise and things were out of control I couldn’t even contact you because my battery died and, I was afraid you would leave m-“

Momo, again, stopped her from blabbering with a soft kiss, and Mina felt her insides flip upside down at the sudden action. She gently closed her eyes and returned the kiss. Mina knew they were out in public, and people can watch them but she doesn’t care, when Momo pulled slowly, she hugged her tight again. “I understand… I’m glad that you’re fine, I thought, something bad happened to you that’s why I went to your house, you’re your parents said you have an early game so I assumed you’d still come here and I was right”. Momo’s voice sounded relieved.

Mina clutched onto the hem of Momo’s shirt, she’s so blessed to have Momo as her girlfriend and Mina felt she doesn’t deserve Momo’s kind-heartedness. But she’s greedy and she wanted Momo all by herself.

“I look ugly now because I ran so hard, I’m sorry” Mina shyly said still not looking up to meet Momo’s eyes. “You’re the most beautiful” Momo said gaining Mina’s attention with flushed face. “and enough with the sorry” the older continued and she grabbed Mina’s hand, pulling her.

++

They are now at this sophisticated restaurant at the top of a tower, with a stunning view of the whole city. Mina was speechless, and her jaw dropped literally at how beautiful this place is and it’s perfect with Momo beside her. The older went at her back while she’s enjoying the view and then she felt a cold thing gently hanged around her neck. It was a necklace with a ring pendant. She turned to look at Momo who is smiling at her, and the older showed her that she’s wearing the same one too.

“Please keep that ring in your necklace until we’re ready to get married, for now that’s a promise ring, a promise that we’ll stay with each other, no matter what happens” Momo’s voice echoed like a music into her hears. She’s afraid it’s all her dream and she would wake up in a state where Momo didn’t show up in the café and she’s alone crying.

Momo pinched her cheek since she’s spacing out. “Hey, aren’t you going to say anything? Do you hate it? Did I scare you? I’m sorry, if it’s too fast but I really wanted to-

Mina wrapped her arms around Momo’s neck and she gave her a peck in the cheek. Momo was dumbfounded with the younger’s action. Mina leaned her head against Momo’s ears as she whispered “I would love to spend the rest of my life with you, I’ll keep this until that time when we’re both ready”

Momo returned the hug and her head rested against Mina’s, body pressed against each other feeling both of their hearts pounding.

++

Both of them spent the rest of the day strolling around the city, trying new cafés and playing at Mina’s favorite arcade. This is the first time they tried things like couples do. They were walking while arms linked with each other. Mina felt the happiest, she couldn’t count how many times her heart was touched by Momo’s action. It was a new discovery for her, she never knew Momo could be this loving and sweet, like she’s the most special person in the world. She made sure she really felt loved.

It’s getting dark outside and both of them are now on their way back, Momo tighten her grip on Mina’s hands, not wanting to let go. Mina noticed that and glanced at the face of her girlfriend.

“I’ll miss you” Momo whispered but Mina heard it clear, even catching a hint of sadness on her tone. They both know how hard it has been the last few days and it will be harder moving forward, especially now that the Nationals is fast approaching. The younger felt a tug in her heart hearing those words. A heart ache. She knew she haven’t been spending enough time for Momo and she’s more than disappointed about that, she wanted to spend every minute and every second with her. If only she could.

“Let’s go to your apartment” Mina decided all of a sudden “I want to spend the rest of the weekend with you” the younger continued. Momo was surprised but she couldn’t hide the joy she felt knowing that she could spend more time with Mina. She gave her a toothy smile and an excited nod.

++

“I’m sorry about the clutter, I never thought that you’d come here today” Momo swiftly picked up the visible trashes. “It’s okay, let me do it for you, your ankle is still recovering, don’t push yourself” Mina is quick to help Momo. When Mina is about to throw the trash, she saw a pile of university pamphlets and other papers related to entrance exams. Then it came to her realization that it was Momo’s last year as well. After the Nationals, the seniors will graduate and will be busy with exams. She was too occupied with her own issues that she forgot to even ask Momo about her day, her plans. She felt disappointed with herself as Momo’s partner. She should have known better.

“Mina, are you okay?” Momo’s voice stopped her thoughts from wandering.

“Y-yes, I’m okay, I’m almost done” as she put the last trash in the bin.

++

The room was lit dimly, and Momo approached the younger, feeling their body pressed perfectly fit with each other. Her hands trailed from her fringe tucking it behind her ears, down to her cheeks, and to her lips. In a moment, they kissed. She felt hypnotized by Momo’s kiss that she couldn’t feel her limbs. Momo is in control, her warm touch all over her body. In a beat, Momo lifted her, carrying her toward the bed, letting the younger fall with a soft bounce at the mattress. Their eyes met for a moment just enough for Mina to feel safe with one another. Then the older proceed with her business, undoing Mina’s jeans and pulling her clothes, leaving her .

Mina couldn’t stop herself as well, feelings were overflowing. She missed her kisses, her touch, her scent, her breath against her skin, everything. I love you.

She felt the desire in the older’s touches, she loves it. Momo peppered her with kisses all over her body, and she felt herself burning with every contact. More. Mina felt a hand rubs her below, their tongues entwined in a kiss, and then her fingers are inside, changing her breathing with every . She squeezed Momo’s waist with her shaky legs, as she felt sensitive where Momo’s hands are. I love you. Don’t stop. She wanted to say but she couldn’t articulate the words as her mind already stopped functioning with the pleasure she’s feeling. With a last hard , she felt disintegrated as her limbs collapsed. They are both sweating when Momo slumped beside her, she turned her body towards Momo and she collects her remaining strength to pleasure the older.

++

The snuggled inside the blanket after rounds of , facing each other enveloped in a warm hug. Momo was already asleep and Mina is looking intently at her girlfriend’s perfect features. She loves every part of her, her forehead, even though Momo hated them, her eyes, her nose, her lips, everything. She leaned gently to give her a peck on the lips. “Sweet dreams” she whispered.

When she was about to sleep, Momo’s phone buzzed, someone’s calling her this late at night. Mina’s curiosity got the best of her when she saw the name on the phone’s screen. Wendy? She hasn’t heard that name before. She pressed the green button and put the phone to her ear.

“Hi Momo, I’m glad you’re still awake, how was your date? Did she show up? I’m a bit disappointed that we haven’t seen each other today…”

Mina felt her inside twists, her knuckles turned white as she gripped the sheets tightly. This voice, the tone, she could never forget them because it haunts her, Momo slept with this woman before. And it’s more unnerving that you don’t know the face of your enemy.

“Momo? Are you still there? Hello?”

“This is her girlfriend” Mina sternly stated like proclaiming what’s hers. There was a momentary silence.

“So this is Mina?” Wendy asked as if confirming if it was her. Mina was a bit surprised at how this girl knows her name. Or maybe Momo told her, or they’ve gone to many dates without her knowing. The thought doesn’t sit well with Mina. She doesn’t like the idea that Momo is meeting this girl.

“Yes. And who are you?” Mina was quick to ask as if interrogating who on earth is the person on the other line, even though she knows the name as it appeared on the phone screen.

“I bet you already know when you picked up the call, I’m the one who saved my number on her phone, well, it is Wendy by the way” Another information that Mina wouldn’t want to hear. Mina cleared , she doesn’t like the familiarity on the other girl’s tone towards Momo.

“What I mean is, who are you, To Momo?” Mina finally said what she really meant.

“You can say that we’re friends, who used to share an intimate night together. Will you accept that?” Wendy’s words are like fuel that provokes the flame inside her guts. Her thoughts were all messy. Since when are they seeing each other? Why does Momo didn’t tell me about her? Are they meeting behind my back? Am I being deceived? Is this all a game?

Mina couldn’t take it. She hanged up the phone and she immediately wore her clothes. A tear escaped her eyes as she left the apartment at dawn feeling miserable. She hates it. She hates feeling like this.

++

Momo woke up feeling cold and empty. Empty. She realized that Mina’s already gone. Without taking much time, she grabbed her phone trying to contact the younger. No answer. She quickly fixed herself and went to Mina’s house, taking her chance that she might went home ahead, but she’s not sure why would Mina leave without waking her.

A worried look from Mina’s mother welcomed her. “Are you two fighting?” Mrs. Myoui asked. Momo wasn’t sure what to reply since she’s not sure herself. “I want to talk to her if you would allow” Momo courteously asked and Mrs. Myoui let her in.

“Mina, Momo’s here, please open the door” her mother knocked into her room. Mina has been crying in her bed all night, she couldn’t sleep thinking about Momo’s involvement with Wendy. She’s furious that Momo is not telling her about Wendy, or if there’s something more and she wouldn’t know how she could handle the truth. But she has to face Momo, so she bravely opened the door. She saw a worried look in Momo’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but to feel weak, yet her mind’s still clouded by insecurities and doubt.

It was evident in her eyes that she’s not okay, it was puffy and red. And Momo hugged her tight. “Why? What happened?” the question is so innocent and Mina couldn’t bring herself to escape from the older’s arms even when her mind tells her to push her away. In a moment, her mind won, she pushed Momo, releasing herself from the warmth that she immediately missed.

“Are you cheating on me?” her voice cracked at the question she just thrown at Momo’s face. Momo was speechless, how on earth will she cheat on Mina, never in her entire life will she ever do that.

“What? I don’t understand what you are saying? Where did that come from?” Momo looked at Mina sincerely. Mina couldn’t control her tears and she burst out crying.

“Wendy… why didn’t you tell me about her?” she felt tightness in her chest when the name escaped . Momo was still confused about Mina’s assumptions. Yes, she’s the one she slept with before but there’s nothing more than that. But Momo needs to comfort Mina, she held the girl close to her and enveloped her in a tight hug. Is that the reason she went home without telling her?

“There’s nothing going on between us, I just happen to see her the night before our date. And we just talked a bit. I swear I wouldn’t cheat on you, never. I love you and please trust my love for you.” Momo comforted her rubbing her back with her palm. She never knew Mina would be this sensitive and easily jealous.

Mina’s tears aren’t stopping, she knew Momo was telling the truth, but she just doesn’t trust that girl. Not after their exchange of words over the phone. She’s sure that girl has ulterior motives.

“I trust you, but I don’t trust that girl” Mina managed to say between her sobs. Momo wiped her tears with her thumb and she placed a finger before her pursed lips to hush her. Momo did everything for Mina, she tried to understand her, but she was lost for words on how to make her feel reassured. It was hard. She also felt sorry for Wendy since the girl didn’t do anything wrong and is being dragged to this.

“What do you want me to do Mitang?” she asked softly as she looked at her girlfriend lovingly, wanting to make her feel secure.

“I don’t know, maybe avoid her, don’t talk to her” Mina suggested, she’s not even sure if this will make her feel better. She knows she’s being unfair now, and she hates herself on how she’s imposing things. She’s becoming greedy. I’m really the worst.

“Alright, I’ll do what you want” the older promised and she leaned closer for a soft kiss on her lips. In an instant, all her worries were vanished, Momo really had this spell on her, and it’s always effective.

++

With the Nationals fast approaching, Mina became more and more busy with the club activities. Momo, on the other hand, would always wait for her after the practice so she could send her home.

“I’m sorry for the wait, the team had to extend their practice today” Mina apologized for making the older wait again. But Momo doesn’t mind waiting as long as she could see Mina.

“It’s okay, I have to do something also after class so I don’t really wait long” she gave her a warm smile and a hug. Mina felt all her stress swept away with a simple hug from Momo. This is her favorite part of the day. Momo made sure to always show how she loves Mina. If words aren’t enough, Momo puts them into action. Yes, Mina was pampered with Momo’s attention. And she loves it, so much, that she’s forgetting something.

++

“Hello, Momo, why aren’t you answering my calls? Is there a problem?” the girl from the other line worriedly asked.

“I’m sorry Wendy, I know it may sound weird but I have to stop talking to you” Momo said, she has to do it for Mina.

“Oh, because of Mina?”

“It’s not really because of her, it’s my choice too, I’m sorry and thank you for your company”

“You know, I really like to be your friend Momo, I guess I don’t even deserve to be your friend too” Wendy dejectedly said. There was a heavy sigh, and Momo couldn’t bring herself to hate the girl, she’s a nice person and she doesn’t see any reason not to be friends with her, except Mina’s distrust towards the latter.

“I’m really sorry Wendy, you’re a nice person, honestly” Momo tried to at least cheer the girl up.

“Alright, I will still be here when you need me, or if you need someone to talk to, I won’t close my door for you. Remember that” Wendy promised and it’s noticeable that there’s a sorrow in her voice.

“Thank you, Wendy”

++

Momo was also busy in preparing for the university entrance exams and she’s been studying after class while waiting for Mina’s practice session. This is her way to catch up to Mina’s busy schedules. She’s still thinking about enrolling to a cram school but she’s hesitant because it will limit her time with Mina. She might not be able to walk Mina home or even see her after that. But she really wanted to enter the most renowned university which is JYP University, and she’s having a hard time to decide. After her injury, her dream to be in the Nationals has been taken away from her, and now, she’s got a new dream which is to be admitted to JYP but she’s torn between her dream and seeing Mina regularly.

This time, Momo waited for Mina’s practice and she went earlier to the gym, she’s able to watch the practice game. She saw the team’s effort on improving their game and she’s glad that they improved a lot. She missed being with this team of talented individuals. Her eyes scanned the expanse of the court and saw Mina, sitting at the bench, talking with someone on the phone. Momo waved her hand so Mina could see her, and Mina put her phone down and gave her a gummy smile which Momo loves.

The team also noticed Momo and they gathered around her, including Mina, to ask about her injury.

“Hey Momo! How is your ankle?” Jeongyeon asked in between her breath as they just finished a whole hour non-stop practice.

“Well, I can walk properly now without any support but I still couldn’t run” Momo stated earning a nod from the players.

“We really wish you could play with us Momo, we don’t have a score machine like you, and the coach really pressured us to improve our shooting, you know how strict he is” the point guard commented and Momo laughed at the remark.

“You’ll be fine, you managed to win the finals without me, I know you will do great in Nationals too” she sincerely said.

“By the way, are you planning to take an exam in any university?” one of the players said and Momo was quick to glance at Mina, she hasn’t talked about it to her. Maybe it’s time to let the younger know her plans.

“Yes, I am” her answer resulted in to her team’s teasing.

“I never knew Momo is a studious type, I always sees you as a laid back one” one of them commented.

Momo knew she’s not that really smart, that’s why it’s hard for her to practice self-study sessions. Mina on the other hand was not really surprised by the answer, she accidentally saw the pamphlets before. But they haven’t talked about it. Maybe later she would ask Momo.

++

“So are you really applying for entrance exams?” Mina asked while they are walking towards Mina’s house.

“Hmm, I’m planning to tell you this but I haven’t got the chance to talk about it, except now” she started and she breathes heavily. “I wanted to enroll to cram school, if that’s okay with you?” Momo continued and she looked at Mina like finding the answer on her face.

Mina felt she doesn’t have the right to object, it was Momo’s dream after all. She knew the consequences that they will have lesser time for each other. She felt a lump in but she still managed to respond.

“Of course, you should do it Momo, it’s for your future”

She’s glad Momo didn’t notice her voice cracking.

“Thank you Mitang” and she wrapped her arms around the younger’s waist and Mina’s breath hitched with the contact. In an instant she felt safe and calm yet her heart is beating fast. “I love you”

I love you too.

++

Momo enrolled in the cram school, and she’s a bit disappointed with her schedule. Maybe because she enrolled later than the usual that’s why all her days are occupied even on weekends.

The Nationals will be this coming weekend and Momo wasn’t able to watch the game, she’s been busy with her self-studying and the cram school. Mina felt a bit upset that Momo wouldn’t be able to attend.

“It’s okay, I understand” was all she said when Momo apologized for her absence in the big game. Momo, if only she could divide her time, wanted to watch the game herself, but she’s got priorities now that she has to catch up with her lessons.

++

Unfortunately, the team lost, big games have stronger opponents, and they were lacking with players, like Momo. Still, they need her in times like these.

Mina on the other hand, felt sad at the result, the team worked so hard, practiced so hard, but still come up short against their opponent. She was at the bench when she heard a familiar voice.

“Your team did great” Chaeyoung commented and Mina turned to see the small girl sat beside her.

“But still, it wasn’t enough” Mina responded dispirited.

“Where’s Momo? She didn’t even watch the game?” Chaeng asked while scanning the bleachers.

“She’s busy with cram school” there was a hint of despair in Mina’s voice. She really wanted Momo to come, and losing the game makes it more unbearable for her.

“Do you have plans for the rest of the day?” the point guard asked and Mina shook her head.

“Let’s unwind to this new arcade store” she pulled Mina’s arms and they headed to the gym’s exit.

++

Mina felt relieved that Chaeyoung was able to at least cheer her up. And she’s grateful for her company, she’s able to smile and laugh with the silly jokes that the younger is throwing at her.

“I’m glad you finally smiled” the point guard noticed

“I’m sorry if I sounded so gloomy a while ago, I still can’t believe that we’ve lost at the first round, after all the practice and trainings, and… well, after this, we won’t be able to do club activities after classes, the seniors will be busy with exams…” Mina suddenly stopped talking, realizing that she couldn’t see Momo that often and now that the club activities were temporarily ceased, she will be missing her girlfriend more now that nothing’s keeping her busy as well.

“Our school is not far from yours so we could hang out while you’re waiting for Momo” Chaeyoung proposed and Mina thought that the offer is sincere and friendly.

“We’re friends right?” Chaeyoung added to reassure Mina that it’s okay. The older just nodded and the latter grinned in response. “That’s a deal then”

++

Mina went home after, and she checked her phone to see a message from Momo, it was already late in the afternoon.

MM: How was the game? I’m really sorry I couldn’t come today, I hope you went home safely, text me if you have time

The message was sent three hours ago. She was too occupied with the games at the arcade that she forgot to check her phone. She immediately typed a response upon reading.

MN: The team lost… By the way, I got home safely.

++

Momo was in her apartment studying when her phone beeped.

MN: The team lost… By the way, I got home safely.

Momo felt her heart ached a little, she really wished for them to win. She dialed Mina’s number and called her.

“Mina, are you okay?” Momo asked worriedly.

“I’m good, I’m just tired” Mina doesn’t want to sound harsh but hearing Momo’s voice trigerred a bit of her disappointment.

“You want me to come over?” Mina felt her heart jumped out of her ribcage at Momo’s suggestion, it’s been a while since she saw her and the idea that the older will come to her house makes her elated. But she knew that Momo suggested this because of her depressed response. There was a pause, but her longing got the best of her, she missed her so much.

“Yes”

++

It was already late at night when Momo came to her house. Mina welcomed her with kisses like she hasn’t kissed her for years.

“I’m sorry again if I wasn’t able to attend the game” Momo apologized for the nth time and Mina shook her head.

“Don’t be sorry, I understand, I’m sorry too, for sulking, you don’t really have to come here if you’re bus-“ Mina was stopped when Momo crashed her lips against the hers, it was really her fad to stop Mina from talking with her kiss.

“Let’s not talk about that, what matters is that we’re together now, right?” Momo touched her chin upward to meet her gaze, and Mina was lost in Momo’s eyes.

In a heartbeat, they made love, in her room. In Momo’s arms, she’s the happiest, it’s the safest place in the world and she’s tucked inside like a baby, feeling their body pressed against each other.

“I love you, Mina”

“I love you too, Momo”

++

A/N: Sorry if i have to cut in this part. Also, thank you again for the feedbacks. I really appreciate it.

Spoiler: Please prepare your heart in the next chapter.