It was almost evening when the members of the basketball club went to visit Momo at the hospital. Some of the cheerleaders went as well. They squeezed themselves inside the small room where their shooting guard is confined. Mina was beside her the entire time so she excused herself for the moment to so the team can talk to Momo.

“Did Mina told you that we are going to the Nationals?” Jeongyeon elatedly announced, her eyes are sparkling.

“Yes, Mina told me, congratulations to you” the words were weak but the team didn’t notice.

“We hope you could join us in our practice, we still got more than a month before the game” their point guard said.

“I hope so, too…” Momo felt suffocated with the conversation, she knew that they just wished for her fast recovery but it doesn’t felt right to Momo. She doesn’t want to fake a smile every time so she needed to bail out from them.

“I’m sorry but, I’m sleepy…” she lied.

“Ah, right, we’ll be going, Momo, get well soon and rest well” the coach said and the group went outside the room one by one each of them waving goodbye to their ace player. Momo waved weakly with a small smile, she appreciates the thought of visiting her after the game, but she couldn’t help but to feel pathetic, to feel unimportant.

Mina entered the empty room where Momo was lying, staring blankly outside the window. She sat at the chair beside the bed and held onto her hands.

“I thought you’re sleeping, are you not feeling okay? Does your feet hurt?” Mina asked feeling worried, she knew that Momo isn’t fond of talking with her teammates but she felt that the older is avoiding them.

“I’m fine, I just felt tired”. Momo turned her gaze towards her now girlfriend, she gave her hand a tight squeeze. “Don’t worry, I’m okay” she assured Mina with a warm smile.

Only Mina can ease her mind from racing thoughts. With Mina’s bright smile, she felt that everything’s going to be alright.

“You should rest now…” her soft voice echoed in the empty room. Mina reached her hand placing her palm against the older’s cheek, rubbing her thumb. She leaned forward to give her a forehead kiss and a peck on her lips. These sweet gestures make Momo’s insides flip and her heart pounding fast. She’s lucky being nursed by Myoui Mina.

“I love you” Momo blurted under her breath but Mina heard them clearly making her flustered. She’s still not used to being this expressive and vocal with each other, but she loved it.

Mina grabbed a pen in the side table and wrote something in Momo’s cast, she wrote “I love you, Momoring~” with a cute drawing of penguin beside it. Momo smiled widely at the sight of her cast making the younger blush in embarrassment. She finds Mina’s action cute, she never knew Mina could be this shy towards her. It’s adorable.

++

Momo was discharged after few days, and Mina always visits her after school during her stay at the hospital. Mina would occasionally bring her home made meals.

The doctor talked with Momo before she went home, reminding her of her scheduled therapy and discussing the do’s and don’ts.

“Momo, we can remove the cast after 2 weeks but you should avoid putting pressure on your right ankle, I’m sorry to say this but, you couldn’t go back to playing any sport as soon as it is completely healed, more or less after 9 weeks, and it still depends on your ankle’s condition after surgery”

Momo felt disappointed after the talk with her doctor, the Nationals will be out of her reach now. She walked outside the doctor’s room with her crutch supporting her. Mina approached her with questioning look.

“What did he say?”

“I don’t think I could play in the Nationals” Momo looked away, avoiding the look of Mina that might break her heart. She doesn’t want to be pitied, most especially by her beloved. She really wanted to win the game, the Nationals, for her, so for the next year, when the seniors already graduated, the juniors will have this pride that they were able to participate in the biggest competition for the first time. But Momo would never be a part of that dream. And the team will move on without her. Will make more memories without her.

Without words, Mina enveloped her in a tight hug. Mina knew, how hard it is for Momo.

“It’s okay, Momo…” Mina pats her back gently, rubbing her palms in circling motion to comfort the older girl. Momo rested her head against Mina’s shoulder and she couldn’t help her tears from falling. “I’m sorry…” the older said in between the sobs.

“Shhh… it’s not your fault, the most important thing now is that you’re okay and you will be in a better condition soon. We’ll focus on your therapy, right?” Mina comforts her with her words, and Momo just nods in response.

++

It was a fine week end and Mina visited Momo in her apartment, since Momo was living alone, she couldn’t let Momo spend her days by herself. She asked permission from her parents if she could spend the weekend with her and they were open about it, they’ve known Momo from before, and she also confessed to her family that she’s already dating the older, it wasn’t an issue and they were more than glad that Mina is happy.

Momo was more than glad that she could spend more time with her girlfriend and the thought sends butterflies in her stomach. It was early in the morning when the doorbell rang and she was limping her way through the door with her metal crutch.

“You’re early, come in” Momo welcomed her with a bright smile. Mina entered clutching her bag and a paper bag full of homemade food. When Mina saw an empty cup of ramen at the table, she stared back at Momo.

“I told you to eat healthy” Mina scolded her but the older find it endearing. Momo chuckled under her breath and approached the younger who is busy throwing the trash and cleaning the table. Her free arm lingers around Mina’s waist and she buried her chin at the crook of Mina’s neck. Mina stopped what she’s doing as she felt a warm and soft lips touched her neck which sends shivers down her spine.

“Don’t you know that you’re cuter when you’re mad?” Momo whispered in her ear and Mina felt her insides twirl, she couldn’t believe that a simple whisper can make her knees weak.

“H-hey, stop that! You should be resting your foot and don’t walk around” Mina turned and now facing Momo who was still holding her waist. Mina’s face is obviously flushed with the sudden closeness. She doesn’t know when she will get used to Momo’s teasing.

“Yes, manager” Momo jested and retreated to the couch. She kept herself busy watching NBA in the TV. When Mina finished cleaning the table and washed the dishes, she sat beside the older. She tucked her knees in comfort and lay her head against Momo’s shoulder. Momo leaned her head too as if acknowledging her presence, and they watched in silence. Momo’s injured foot were raised in the center table and Mina can see clearly her doodles in the cast.
 

“It’s still there” Mina pointed on the cast’s drawing and the “I love you” scribble. Momo smiled at the memory, it was like a tangible proof of Mina’s confession.

“I don’t want them gone, I want this cast to be put into a museum after” she giggled, but it was half meant, it has become one of her treasured things.

“You don’t have to do it because of a simple doodle, I will say it to you every day” Mina intertwined her hands with Momo’s and held them tight. “I love you, Hirai Momo”

Mina shifted her position to face the older and she looked intently at her, finally she can freely let her feelings revealed in the open, without any guilt, without any fears. And knowing that Momo feels the same is still like a dream. In a heartbeat, their lips touched, slow and gentle kiss, Momo put her hand below Mina’s neck right above her jaw line, like tracing the edge of her jaw. It was sweet, kissing Momo is one of her favorites. Momo parted her lips and tilted her head slightly to taste her lower lip, Mina too, delved into the kiss.  

They kiss again, and again. Mina felt like it was so far their best kiss, her fingers travel to Momo’s side fringe and down to her neck. When she felt she’s out of breath, the older pulled away gently, making their forehead touching.

“You still don’t know how to breathe” Momo said in low voice that sends Mina out of control. “Then teach me…” Mina blurted and then she crashed her lips against the older, her body melts onto Momo’s touch, her hands are everywhere. I love you, I want you. All of you.

++

If Momo weren’t injured maybe they already made love. But the two of them settled cuddling in the couch. Momo was sitting in a reclining position, and Mina was on her side lying on her shoulder, arms all over her. They were enjoying this comfortable warmth.

“This is the same position we had when I realize I love you” Momo said while wearing a thin smile on her face. Mina focused her attention to Momo, wanting to hear the story.

“When was that? I couldn’t remember” Mina asked, tilting her head towards Momo to face her and gave her a peck on her jaw.

“When I was sick, and you nursed me” Momo felt shy all of a sudden.

“Ah! That time when you have tantrums!” the younger chuckled remembering the moment when Momo was in a bad mood suddenly. “You really at expressing your feelings, Momo, good thing I didn’t gave up on you” Mina said in between her laugh.

“Ya! I’m confused that time, and I still thought that time that you like Jeongyeon so I don’t have the courage to tell you what I really feel, but sometimes I think you like me too because you’re giving me those hints, when we kiss and do stuff” Momo muttered saying all the things she’s been keeping in her head. Mina hugged her tight at the cute confession.

“You’re just slow Momo, I’m always giving you hints, you’re too oblivious” the younger said as she pinched her girlfriend’s cheek.

++

Mina’s weekend stay in Momo’s apartment was spent with the both of them watching movies until one of them fell asleep, who is Momo, and eating healthy meals prepared by Mina, in which Momo will eat bountiful. Mina will help the older to clean the cast and help her take a shower, of course, they would end up both soaked and Mina would join her as well. Both of them sitting at the small bathtub and Momo’s back was facing Mina who scrubs her back. Momo felt the happiest, having Mina by herself, but the weekend will end soon, and the younger will be going home in a few more hours.

“Two days passed by so quick” Momo muttered. It doesn’t leave unnoticed to Mina how sad it sounded. She pulled the older against her chest and squeezed her for a hug. “Aw, don’t be like that, we’ll see each other often in school and after school during pract-” she suddenly realized that Momo couldn’t join them anymore in practice and the older have a therapy after school.

“I’m sorry…” Mina apologized for being insensitive. Momo rubs her girlfriends arm around her. “It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize” and she raised Mina’s hand and kissed them.

++

“Call me if you need anything” Mina said in a worried tone as the older pats her head with her free arm. “I will, don’t worry” as she gave her a smile. Mina took her bag and gave a sweet kiss at her before leaving the apartment. Momo waved goodbye and retreated towards her apartment and heaved a sigh, she immediately missed Mina’s presence.

++

It’s not been too long when Mina left when she heard her phone beeped. Her eyes beamed when she saw a penguin calling her.

You’re moping right? Mina said while chuckling I just arrived home, and I’m in my room.

“You’re not wrong about the moping thing” Momo smiled hearing Mina’s voice. “But I’m okay now that I can hear your voice again”

When did you become so cheesy Momoring?

“It’s your fault” Momo pouted as if Mina could see her.

They talked long until one of them fell asleep, of course it was Momo who is an easy sleeper. And Mina knew when she heard a light snore on the other line. Sweet dreams. I love you. She whispered.

++

Momo’s cast has been replaced with a brace which is lighter that makes her feet easier to move. She’s been attending school now and after class, Mina would go to her classroom and she would accompany her to the bus stop before she goes to the usual afternoon basketball practice. Momo would go alone in her regular therapy.

“Mina, you don’t have to accompany me if you have a basketball practice” Momo assured her since she knew how busy their club is these days in preparation for the Nationals.

“I want to, please, this is the only time we can see each other” she pouted that makes Momo gave in to her resolve. “Okay, if you want” she gave her a smile and the bus arrives. Before she enters, Momo pecked her lips and went inside. Mina was caught off guard since they never kissed in public, Momo saw her shocked face as she sat near the window. Mina loved the sweet gesture and her heart beats all over the place, Momo knows how to keep her flushed all the time.

++

The practice already started when Mina came to the gymnasium. The coach is also with them now that they have to be focused on improving the team dynamics because their ace player isn’t around and it also came to their awareness that Momo cannot join them sooner, more like in the entire season of the competition.

The coach approached her when she quickly took her stat sheet.

“Mina, you know that we need a manager’s support more now, I hope you could focus on your responsibility as well, I’ll let it pass now and I hope you could do better next time, most importantly on being on time” their coach scolded her for the first time, and she just nods a muttered a silent yes. She knew she had been out of focus since she’s worried about Momo, if only she can divide herself between practice and Momo’s therapy.

She dedicated her full attention in the practice, taking notes of their progress and also helping with after practice chores, organizing the ball in the rack. She couldn’t help but feel nostalgic when doing this, this is how Momo and her bond before when they were good friends. She smiled at the memory, she’s all alone in the huge gym now, suddenly a sound of slow footstep and a crutch was heard. An approaching figure appeared and Mina couldn’t hide how bright her face becomes seeing her.

“Momo! Why are you here? It’s already late” Mina said in surprise as the older settled beside her.

“I was right that you’re still here, you didn’t reply to my message so I came instead” Momo said as she leaned her back against the chair. Mina’s heart sunk at how thoughtful Momo was, she felt a bit guilty for not looking at her phone the entire time.

“I’m sorry I was trying to finish this quickly so I can talk to you that I forgot to check my ph-“ Mina was stopped with a sweet kiss. And when Momo pulled away, Mina was a blushing mess.

“Ya! Why are you always doing that?” Mina said feeling her heart racing.

“Because you’re always apologizing unnecessarily, I felt that I had to do that” Momo’s words are enough for Mina to feel relieved. The older enveloped her to a hug and she felt relaxed as she rested her head against Momo’s shoulder.

“Thank you” she said under her breath.

“I know you’re busy with the Nationals, I understand if you won’t be able to send me off after class, we can see each other after our own engagements.” Momo reassured and Mina felt a thug in her chest, touched by Momo’s words. She clutched her at Momo’s shirt as she melts into her warm hug.

++

Mina became busier with the basketball club’s practice, she has to research as well their opponent’s data and she sometimes extends her stay at school. She can no longer see Momo even after the practice. Momo will sometimes message her after her therapy and give her an update, talk about her day, and Mina would sometimes reply late but she would still try to call Momo but sometimes the older is already asleep when she did. It was hard, she wanted to give the older all her time but her responsibility is keeping her from spending time with Momo.

Momo left her a message one morning, and it really brightens her day.

MM: Let’s go on a date this weekend, my ankle can handle some little walk now, if you’re free?

MN: I would love to~ *heart*

MM: Alright, let’s meet at the Kim’s Coffee shop at 9am, Sat. *smiley* I love you. Can’t wait to see you~ *hug emoji*

MN: See you! I love you too, Hirai~

Mina is shaking in excitement. It’s been a while since they spent time together. Her whole day felt complete, she’s really looking forward to weekend, today is Thursday and she wanted it to be Saturday already. But school and practice is still keeping her busy. Her excitement was easily replaced by loads of tasks as she’s now helping the team with their routine.

“Manager, please assist us on our passing” one of the small forward asked.

“Alright” she was quick to comply.

++

Today is already Friday and it was Momo’s last day of therapy, one of the reasons she wanted to go on a date with Mina and also, tomorrow is their first month being together.

“You’re getting better, Momo-ssi, but still, you can walk without your crutch now but let me remind you that you can’t still put pressure on your ankle and no running” the doctor stated earning Momo’s nod.

“I understand, Dr. Song” she cheerfully answered.

“I’m glad you’re in a good mood today, well, maybe because it is our last session” the doctor jested and the patient chuckled at the doctor’s attempt to joke.

“Thank you for bearing with me all this time” Momo bowed as she stood up and bids goodbye to the young doctor.

She went hurriedly to a jewelry store after and chose a perfect gift for Mina. She saw this pair of elegant ring and she thought that it really suits Mina when she wore them. She bought the ring, then she became worried all of a sudden. What if this ring scared her, or she might think that I’m proposing to her? Oh god, what am I thinking. Yes, I want to marry her soon but it’s too early and she might be creeped out. With so much thoughts running into her mind, a familiar voice echoed inside the shop.

“Can I see this earring please” the girl said and when Momo turned to see the girl, she was surprised. She’s the stranger I slept with!

The girl shot a glance at her and was surprised as well.

“Hey! Momo! I didn’t expect to see you here!” the girl walked towards her and saw the box she just purchased.

“Is that for your girlfriend?” Momo looked at the direction of the finger the girl is pointing at.

“Y-yes” she stammered still uncomfortable with the stranger’s familiarity. She couldn’t even remember her name. The girl chuckled at the sight of a nervous Momo.

“I bet you didn’t even recall my name” the girl was so straightforward that Momo couldn’t keep up. Momo just looked at her blankly, mouth open.

“Wendy” she smiled and extended her arm for a handshake. Momo took her hand to acknowledge her friendliness. “Please don’t forget my name again”

++

They are now sitting at a cozy café near the shop as Wendy insisted to catch up with her. She took the chance to get to know her for she looked like a nice person. Her bright aura is so contagious that Momo was able to feel comfortable in a short span of time.

“I remembered that you’re a basketball player, how was it?” Wendy asked in curiosity. Momo felt there’s a knot in and she couldn’t respond quickly, she’s thinking of what words to say so it won’t sound forced or something that would ruin the mood.

“Our team was able to get to the Nationals; the biggest competition we’ve entered” she tried to hide the pain with a smile.

“Wow, your team must be great!” she exclaimed feeling elated with their achievements.

“They are, well, I could no longer play with them, unfortunately I got an injury” she pointed into her ankle.

“Oh, I’m sorry” Wendy felt apologetic suddenly

“Please, don’t, it’s really okay, I’m okay” Momo said, she doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her.

“So… tell me about your girlfriend. Mina right?” Momo, for the second time, was surprised at how this girl know so much. Her startled look isn’t left unnoticed by her companion.

“You may be thinking how did I know? Well, based on your expression, I think my guess is correct about her name, I just assumed that “Mina” is your girlfriend. You kept saying that name when, you know, we did that” Wendy, for the first time, felt a bit shy at the moment.

“Ah, yes, you’re right, I’m sorry about that-” Momo was surprised and embarrassed at the same time at Wendy’s memory and her drunk blabbering before.

“It’s funny how we met, well, that was an experience, first time sleeping with a stranger, and I don’t regret it” she smiled. And Momo still couldn’t read what’s going on with the girl’s mind.

“It’s getting late” Wendy commented and she took Momo’s phone and dialed her number and pressed call.

“I got your number, you got mine, call me any time, when you’re alone like today” the girl winked and smiled as she stood up “Bye”

“Bye” the only word Momo could say as the figure disappeared from her sight. What a small world, she couldn’t believe that she would meet that girl again. She opened her bag and saw the box of ring she bought earlier and she smiled thinking of tomorrow’s date.

++

Mina is still on the court and the players were gathered for a quick meeting. Jeongyeon was the one speaking in front and she’s at the side listening to the announcement.

“Everyone, please don’t be late for tomorrow’s practice game with Daegu High’s team, the one we competed against the finals” the captain loudly said and Mina was confused at the remark. She hasn’t heard about it, and she gave Jeongyeon a questioning look.

“Ah Mina would’ve heard it only today, we talked about this when you are late last time, I’m sorry I forgot to mention, I hope it wouldn’t be a problem with you, it’s weekend after all” the coach interrupted and Mina couldn’t retort.

“May I ask what time is and when will it be finished?” Mina asked hoping for a positive answer.

“It will start at 7am, usually a game will last for two hours” Jeongyeon answered and she felt relieved.

++

It’s Saturday, Mina made sure to go early so she can prepare everything the team needs in this practice game. She’s been busy preparing that she didn’t noticed a person approached her.

“It’s been a while, Mina” she turned and saw Chaeyoung who just arrived at the gym. The manager was startled a bit and she turned to face the small point guard.

“You’re early, how are you?” Mina asked. Chaeyoung settled into a seat near Mina, a sign that she wanted to talk to her more.

“We’re still practicing even though we lost with your team, we still want to be in the Nationals next year though” she smirked. Mina just hums in response.

“Can Momo play today?” the point guard was curious if the older recovered from the ankle injury. She heard a heavy sigh coming from Mina and she knew the answer.

“Unfortunately, she couldn’t play in the Nationals” the answer is short but the point guard felt how sad it sounded. “Ah I see” and there was a long silence.

“Let’s hang out after the game” Chaeyoung suggested and Mina was quick to respond “Sorry, I’m meeting Momo after the game”. The statement doesn’t sit well with the point guard as she felt her heart sank. “Are you two together now?” she asked, even though it hurts to hear the answer, she still wants to reconfirm.

“I’m sorry Chaeyoung, yes, we’re dating” Mina knew about the point guard’s feelings, the girl is very vocal about it, and Mina admired her for being honest. She knew how hard it is to love someone and be rejected and she felt really sorry for her. She’s a good friend after all.

“I guess you really love her” she said in a low tone. “Remember that, I’m still your friend, when things are difficult you can still talk to me” Mina said to comfort the younger. “When you say it like that, I might end up always talking to you” she said and gave the manager a weak smile.

++

The game started and the gym started to be packed with people who wanted to watch the two teams that were once competed in the finals. Mina did her job with assisting and taking notes. Their players are really struggling when Momo wasn’t around but due to their non-stop practice every day, Mina can clearly see the improvement. But no one can top Momo’s athleticism, a sudden image of Momo appeared inside her head, missing the presence of the older inside the court, it still amazes her how the older can get the crowd’s attention just by playing. A smile appeared on her face as her thoughts trail off and began to focus again on the game.

At the end of fourth quarter, the score was tied and the players were all exhausted as they have to play again in overtime. Their opponents were really strong, Chaeyoung stepped up her game and the team also didn’t slack off in the entire break.

++

Momo is now at the café where they decided to meet. She’s excited to see her significant other. She glanced inside the box inside her sling bag and she felt her heart beating fast. She inhaled and exhaled heavily to calm her nerves down and decided to put her earphones on and listen to a good music.

++

Maybe it wasn’t Mina’s day today, of course she couldn’t control any fortuitous event that may happen in the practice game, and everything just doesn’t fall in her favor. First, the game was tied several times and it’s now on its third overtime, of course that’s rare to happen yet it can happen. Next, there is a delay in game since the basketball rim was damaged due to the opponent’s dunk a while ago. And finally, her phone ran out of batteries and she couldn’t connect with Momo at this moment. She’s basically stressed, she wanted to leave immediately but the game isn’t finished. She even forgot to tell Momo about this since she thought that she could make it on time. It’s already 10am and the game isn’t finished.

“Hey, are you okay?” Jeongyeon asked when she noticed that Mina was fidgeting in her seat, uncomfortably. Mina suddenly felt the urge to ask the captain

“Can I leave now?” Mina’s voice is shaking and it is evident that she really wanted to leave. Jeongyeon wanted to let Mina go but it is up to their coach to decide. “I’m sorry but it’s not really up to me, what’s up?” the older wanted to know what’s bothering her friend.

“I promised Momo that I’ll meet her and I didn’t expect that this game will take long, and I couldn’t contact Momo, my phone’s dead, she might get mad and-” she’s trembling in between her words and Jeongyeon gave her mobile phone to Mina.

“Use this to message her” Mina accepted the phone but then she realized, she didn’t memorize her girlfriend’s number, if only she knew this will happen, she would write Momo’s number in everything she brings.

“It’s no use” Mina couldn’t control the tear that escaped her eyes. What if Momo got tired of her, what if she decided to leave her because she can’t keep her promise.

Mina wiped her tear stained cheeks and decided to talk to their coach, it’s her last resort and she’s prepared to get scolded after this, she just needed to leave now.

“Coach, I will leave now, I have something important to attend to” she bravely said without flinching. The coach showed disappointment in a form of a heavy sigh. “You know that the team needs a manager and that’s your job right?” Mina hangs her head low; she knows she’s becoming irresponsible with her actions but she doesn’t want to lose someone important.

“If you’ll excuse me, coach, I promise this is the last”

The coach couldn’t retaliate at how Mina immediately disappeared after her last statement. He squeezed his temple at how chaotic the team now and how hard-headed their manager had become.

++

Momo glanced at her watch and saw that it’s already past ten. She tried to contact Mina several times but to no avail, she’s always been redirected to a voice mail. She was about to leave the café when a call flashed on her phone’s screen.

“Hey, Momo, are your free?” Wendy’s voice resonates on the other line.

++

A/N: Hello again! I'm glad that you're still reading this. Thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed this update.