The invitation for Heeyeon’s wedding arrives in the mail and it hits Hyojin harder than she thought it would.

Her hands gripped the paper tightly as she scanned the words. They felt menacing despite them being printed in pretty black font. Even the flowery perfume they were scented with intimidated her.

“You are formally invited to our wedding on the 16th of February…” Hyojin whispered under her breath. The 16th. That was less than a month away from now.

Great.

She sighed and folded the paper back into the envelope, tossing it onto her kitchen counter without another glance.

She should be happy. She should be ecstatic for Heeyeon.

But why did she feel so heavy?

Her eyes drifted to her wrist and another pang formed in her chest. Time was catching up to everyone else but her. Heeyeon already found her soulmate, Solji only had a few weeks until she met hers, how long until Hyelin finally found hers and Hyojin was left alone?

Hesitantly, she reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. She needed a distraction for tonight and maybe alcohol. Maybe a lot of alcohol.

When Hyelin arrived, Hyojin heard her before she saw her. “How’d you know I was here?” Hyelin grinned as she approached Hyojin who was leaning against the doorway.

“I heard you all the way up here. You need to work on your indoor voice by the way,” Hyojin squinted at her. Hyelin shrugged and held up the beer she brought as an apology.

“Here,” she said as she placed it on the kitchen table. “I normally charge extra for deliveries but I’m willing to give you a senior discount.” Normally, a comment like that would have irked her, but Hyojin simply sighed through her nose, not even having the energy to retort back. She reached for a beer, popped it open and sagged on her couch. Hyelin arched a brow at her.

“That bad, huh?”

She joined her within a moment, beer in hand and cross legged on the couch waiting expectantly for a reply. Hyojin shifted awkwardly and took another drink.

“Did you get the invitation for Heeyeon’s wedding?” she glanced at her. Hyelin pursed her lips and nodded.

“Yeah, that was something. Crazy, right? I feel like just yesterday we were in high school, teasing her about her crush on Junghwa and now here we are weeks away from their wedding.”

Hyojin let out a laugh and shook her head. “That’ll be you soon, just wait.” Hyelin stayed quiet and let her gaze drop to the can in her hand.

“Is that why you called me over? The whole soulmate thing?”

There was a pause.

“I just needed a distraction from it,” she sighed. “It’s like everywhere I turn I can hear the faint ticking of a clock somewhere and it’s driving me crazy.”

Hyelin frowned and scooted closer. “I know this is the last thing you want to hear, Hyojin, but,-”

“Don’t,” Hyojin shook her head.

“Hyojin.”

A frustrated huff slipped past her lips as she ran a hand through her hair. “I can’t, Hyelin, I just can’t do it,” she clutched her can tighter. “It’s been so long since I looked.”

She felt Hyelin’s hand on her shoulder. “Is it because of Solji?”

The silence that followed was enough to answer Hyelin’s question. She felt her hand tighten on her shoulder and sagged deeper into the couch.

“I’m still in love with her,” Hyojin whispered, yet the words felt heavy on her tongue. Hyojin loved her, wanted her more than anything, but she already knew they weren’t meant for each other and checking the timer would just confirm it. Again.

She wasn’t ready for that heartbreak yet. She wanted more time with Solji, wanted every second she could spend with her until Solji’s timer ran out and she was forced to accept their fate.

Fate.

Hyojin didn’t like how dramatic that sounded. Or how true it was.

“,” Hyojin whispered as she took another drink. “Love , Hyelin. Don’t fall in love.”

“Kind of impossible,” Hyelin laughed dryly as she held up her wrist, displaying her timer. “Let me just say one more thing,” her gaze turned serious. “The longer you two spend together, it’s just passing the time until Solji finally meets her soulmate. It’s going to hurt the most then. You need to tell her before that.”

Hyojin fell silent upon hearing Hyelin’s words

. She swallowed the knot in and let her head fall into her hands. “I really don’t know if I can,” she said.

“You can and you will. I hate seeing you hurt like this, Hyojin.”

She was right, unfortunately. Hyojin couldn’t keep torturing herself like this. She needed to do something.

“I’ll try finding the right time,” she gave in with a sigh.

The right time… as if there’s much left.

Hyelin brightened up and gave her shoulder another squeeze. She downed the rest of her beer in one go and crushed the can with a burp. “Good. I guess we’re gonna need more of this, huh?”

“I’ll get some blankets and a pillow out. I already know you’re gonna overdo it and pass out on my couch. Again.”

Hyelin scoffed and held a hand to her chest. “I never overdo it. I can handle my alcohol.”

Hyojin snorted as she got up. “Right. Remember when you stayed at a bar for 3 days straight?”

“2 days and 1 night.”

“Whatever.”

Hyojin only managed to see Solji once in the few weeks that flew by, both of them too busy to plan anything outside of their schedules. Despite being disappointed, Hyojin also felt a bit relieved.

It gave her time to think things clearly, time to sort out her complicated feelings that didn’t seem so complicated at all now.

Everything was settled. She was going to confess to Solji at the wedding tomorrow.

She had already promised Hyelin she would so there was no backing out now. Hyelin wouldn’t allow her to.

As if on cue, her phone chimed from under her pillow. She reached for it, squinting at her screen in the dark as she unlocked it.

Hyelin: tomorrow!! don’t even think of backing out… or else

Hyojin: i feel like im being threatened by a puppy

Hyelin: >:(

Hyojin rolled her eyes and slid her phone back under her pillow. She needed to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

As her eyes slipped closed, the soft sound of ticking filled the room.

Heeyeon just had to call us here early.

The day dragged on longer than she thought it would’ve. By noon Hyojin and Hyelin had already spent an hour trying to calm Heeyeon down about the wedding, soothing any and all worries she was thinking up. Hyelin had been of little help in consoling her so Hyojin did most of the talking and, boy, was that exhausting.

Heeyeon’s anxiety was at least enough to distract Hyojin from her own for a bit. The wedding was in an hour and guests were set to arrive soon. Guests which included Solji.

She closed her eyes with a sigh and ran a hand through her hair. She couldn’t help but think on all the possible scenarios that could follow after her confession. It could end one of two ways: horribly or fine, though Hyojin didn’t even know what she considered as “fine”. A groan left as she leaned on the railing of the gazebo and stared out towards the ocean. Despite the stress weighing on her, she took a moment to appreciate the scenery and felt slightly thankful Heeyeon had chosen a beach venue for the wedding. She watched the sun cast hues of orange and yellow across the water as it began to set.

A soft chime came from her phone, interrupting the silence.

Hyelin: weddings starting soon. where are you?

With a sigh, Hyojin pocketed her phone and spared one last glance at the water. If everything went okay, maybe she’d be able to share the view with her .

Maybe.

“I do.”

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Heeyeon and Junghwa shared a shy, chaste kiss but it didn’t stop Hyelin from cheering excitedly. Hyojin hid her embarrassment behind her hand and heard a faint giggle come from Solji beside her. They all stood up in their seats as Junghwa and Heeyeon made their way down the carpet aisle. Hyojin felt her lips tug into a wide smile as she watched them happily pass by, chuckling lightly at the sight of Heeyeon trying her hardest not to skip with her arm linked around Junghwa’s.

Guests shared toasts of congratulations and excitement, save for Hyojin and Hyelin who had already said enough at the reunion. Somewhere along the way, Hyojin had lost Hyelin, though she had a strong hunch that she was near the free bar. She couldn’t help but send her a quick text.

Hyojin: where are you?

Hyelin: in heaven. dont look for me.

Hyojin: so... at the bar?

Hyelin: dont worry about me! go get your girl already!

Hyojin rolled her eyes at her screen. She had a point. She needed to get this over with already but was wasting time trying to find the confidence to. She pocketed her phone with a sigh and glanced around. It was too loud to think with the music blaring and the chatter of guests around her. Hyojin needed some place quiet.

Quickly, she stood up and made her way to the gazebo she was at earlier.

Maybe the ocean will calm my nerves a bit, she sighed to herself.

Her feet slowed down as she approached the structure and noticed a familiar figure there. Her heart began to pound in her chest when she recognized them.

Solji.

She approached quietly from behind, already feeling her mind blank at the sight of her. She was gazing out towards the ocean with a solemn expression. Hyojin hesitated coming any closer, not wanting to interrupt whatever she was doing.

“You can come closer,” Solji spoke suddenly. Hyojin stilled in surprise and couldn’t help the awkward laugh that left .

“Sorry, I didn’t want to be rude.”

Solji turned her head towards her with a smile and Hyojin felt her breath hitch. The moonlight left a glossy sheen on her hair and illuminated her curls perfectly. Hyojin restrained herself from reaching out to run her fingers through them.

“You okay?” Solji spoke softly. Hyojin blinked quickly and realized she was staring.

“Yeah, yeah,” she stammered. “Just needed to get away from the crowd for a bit. You?”

“Same here,” she smiled.

Hyojin leaned against the railing beside her, close enough for her to see the glistening of her eyes. A cool breeze passed, causing Solji to shiver. “Here,” Hyojin said, shrugging off her jacket.

“Oh, it’s okay!” Solji shook her head politely but Hyojin didn’t budge.

“I know you’re freezing in that dress,” Hyojin smiled. “Take it.”

Solji gave in with a sigh, but bit down her smile as Hyojin slipped it  around her shoulders. “Thank you,” she nudged lightly before leaning her head on her. Hyojin ignored the flip in her stomach and stared straight ahead at the water. “Hey,” Solji looked up at her after a moment.

Hesitantly, Hyojin glanced down. “Yeah?”

“Let’s walk on the beach.”

“Seriously?” Hyojin laughed.

“Come on,” Solji beamed and reached for her hand. Hyojin didn’t have time to object before Solji pulled her away and lead her down a set of worn down wooden steps.

After throwing off her heels, Solji looked towards Hyojin expectantly. “You too.”

“I didn’t know you were so demanding,” Hyojin laughed as she slipped hers off. Solji giggled excitedly and reached for her hand again, pulling her ahead as she walked along the shore. She dug her toes into the damp sand and stood far enough for the waves to barely reach her feet. Hyojin slowly adjusted to the cold water while she walked through it.

“It’s calming isn’t it?” she smiled. Hyojin glanced at her shyly before returning the smile.

“Yeah,” she breathed. Her eyes drifted to their hands clasped together. The moment was perfect. It was serene, with Solji by her side and their hands intertwined as they walked along the beach. A gentle breeze blew by and Solji leaned into her side for warmth. The tug in her heart only pushed Hyojin to speak. She knew that this was the perfect time. She needed to tell her now.

“Sol-”

“Hyo-”

They both paused as their eyes met, before breaking into laughter. “Sorry,” Hyojin ran a hand through her hair. “You go first.”

Solji smiled gratefully and swung their hands as they walked along the water. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something, but we haven’t had the chance to hang out again until now,” she said.

The vague words were enough to make Hyojin tense. “Tell me what?” she said.

A moment of silence passed between them before she responded. “Well,” she said. “I think I found my soulmate.”

What?

The confession made her halt. “You what?” she said, the words sounding strained as they left . Suddenly, the ocean breeze grew colder.

Solji glanced away, her grip on Hyojin’s hand loosening before she dropped it. “I’m not completely sure,” she said, still walking slowly ahead. Hyojin willed herself to follow despite how heavy her steps felt in the sand.

“What makes you think you did?”

There was a short pause. Solji’s gaze fell to the ground as she worried her bottom lip. “The timing, I guess. I haven’t felt this happy in a while and I know it’s because of them,” she looked up at her with a tentative smile. “I don’t know if they are, but I really want them to be.”

Hyojin’s heart was going a mile a minute as Solji spoke.

Did I wait too long? Did I miss out on another chance? How much time does Solji have left? This isn’t what I planned.

, I need to get out of here.

“That’s… great, Solji,” she said, willing her voice not to waver. Solji gazed at her curiously.

“Are you okay?” she furrowed her brows. Hyojin blinked, feeling the pinprick of tears threatening to spill from the corner of her eyes. The warmth in her chest from just moments ago quickly faded, letting the deep ache of disappointment take over.

“I’m fine,” she replied too quickly and took a deep breath. “I hope whoever they are, they turn out to be your soulmate,” she forced a smile. Solji’s expression remained concerned. Hyojin averted her gaze, unable to meet her eyes for the sake of the ache in heart. She felt her hand rest on her shoulder.

“Hyoj-”

The sound of ringing interrupted her. Hyojin silently prayed to every god out there that this was a means of escape. She shot Solji an apologetic smile and reached into her pocket, quickly answering the call.

“Hello?”

“Uh, Hyojin? You mind picking Hyelin up?” Heeyeon answered. “She’s napping on the bar counter.”

Hyojin sighed deeply through her nose, for once not out of irritation but relief.

“I”m on my way,” she said before hanging up. Solji stared at her expectantly.

“I have to go,” Hyojin said, still not being able to meet her eyes. “Hyelin took advantage of the free bar now I have to go peel her off the counter,” she laughed airily. Solji simply nodded, though Hyojin could sense the disappointment in her response. 

“It’s okay,” she said and began walking back with her. “We should talk about this another time.”

“Hyelin’s drinking habits?”

“No,” Solji laughed. “The soulmate thing.”

Hyojin tensed her jaw and simply hummed, “Yeah, another time.”

They continued the rest of the walk in tense silence.

Hyojin tried her hardest to avoid Solji for the next week. Hyelin told her she was being ridiculous but was she really? She couldn’t face her after that night. Hyojin almost poured her heart out to her but didn’t because Solji admitted she might have met her soulmate. What else was she supposed to do? Act like that didn’t tear her heart in half?

Instead of moping around about it, she threw herself into her work. After Solji came back into her life, she had to admit she had written an embarrassing amount of love songs since. None of them felt appropriate now though, so she simply scrapped them and started on a new one. Locking herself in the studio and tinkering around in the dark was probably the worst way to cope with her feelings but she didn’t care. It distracted her from soulmates. It distracted her from the miserable timer wrapped around her wrist.

It distracted her from her .

Solji: More days got added to my timer. I wish I knew what was making it change.

Solji: Hyojin?

Solji: ...why won’t you answer my calls?

Solji: Did I do something wrong? Please talk to me.

Solji: I miss you.

“Wow, this is good,” Hyelin grinned. Hyojin leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smile.

“Thanks. It’s just a demo so it needs some tweaking, but I’m really happy with how it’s coming along.”

“Cool. What are you gonna title it?”

“I was thinking ‘Every night’ but I’m still deciding,” Hyojin said as she closed her laptop. Hyelin tossed a chip at her from her spot on the couch and cheered when it landed directly in Hyojin’s mouth.

“It’s a good song. I was wondering what had you holed up in the studio for the past few weeks,” Hyelin mused. Hyojin hummed and joined Hyelin on the couch, sprawling across it with a tired sigh.

“I needed the distraction,” Hyojin shrugged. Hyelin grimaced as she popped another chip into . 

“I still feel bad about the wedding,” Hyelin sighed. “I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard.” Hyojin quickly shook her head and waved a dismissive hand.

“It’s nothing, Hyelin. If anything, I’m thankful. Now I know I really don’t have a chance and I can move on,” she laughed dryly. Hyelin frowned and nudged her with her foot.

“Don’t be like that. At least now you can look at your timer without worrying.”

Hyojin stilled and glanced down at it in sudden realization. “You’re right, wow,” she blinked. “I still don’t think I’ll be able to anytime soon.” Hyelin hummed in understanding. As she was about to speak the soft chime of the doorbell interrupted them. Hyojin furrowed her brows and glanced at Hyelin.

“Were you expecting anyone else?” Hyelin asked. Hyojin shook her head and got up with a groan. When she peered through the peephole in her door, she felt her heart skip. She cursed under her breath and caught Hyelin’s attention.

“What is it?”

More like who is it.

“It’s Solji,” she whispered. Hyelin’s eyes widened slightly and she quickly stood up. “Don’t leave,” Hyojin clasped her hands together and pleaded. Hyelin shook her head and grabbed her bag.

“You two need to work things out properly. You can’t avoid her forever,” she gave her a pointed look. Hyojin buried her face into her hands before running one through her hair. “Good luck.” Hyelin squeezed her shoulder before opening the door. Solji blinked in confusion when Hyelin appeared and quickly skirted past her. Hyojin stood there awkwardly, her gaze locking with Solji’s.

“Hey,” Hyojin spoke softly. Solji stood there silently, her brows pinched together and a deep frown settled into her expression. 

“Is that all you have to say? ‘Hey?’” she scoffed. Hyojin blinked in surprise as Solji walked past her and entered the apartment. Now Hyojin was confused.

“Are you okay?” Hyojin asked, though as soon as the words left she regretted it. Solji tossed her purse on the couch before turning towards her.

“Why have you been ignoring me?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly. Hyojin felt her heart squeeze in her chest when she noticed the tears b her eyes. “Is it because of what I said that night?” her eyes bored into her. Hyojin fell silent, unsure of what to say and the quiet of the apartment only added to the tension.

“No, of course not,” Hyojin said but even she didn’t believe it. “It’s complicated, Solji.”

“Please, explain to me then,” Solji pleaded. “I’m really worried that I pushed you away.”

“Why would you think that?” Hyojin asked, her eyes finally meeting hers. She hadn’t expected her to react like this. She knew she would have been hurt, but not to the point of tears. Hyojin only felt worse realizing that she was the reason behind them.

This time, Solji fell mute. It was silent to the point where Hyojin swore she could feel her heart beating to the tick of her timer. Solji let out a shaky sigh and ran a hand through her hair before closing her eyes.

“I don’t know if I can find the words to say it,” Solji whispered as she sat down. A single tear rolled down her and cheek and Hyojin balled her hands to keep from wiping it away. “I’m guessing you still haven’t looked at your timer?” she turned her head towards her.

Hyojin shook her. Solji let out a dry laugh before pulling down her sleeve and looking at her. “Mine keeps jumping around, but now it’s stuck at 10 seconds.”

Hyojin felt her heart skip.

“10 seconds?” she gasped. Solji looked up at her with tears spilling down her cheeks and this time Hyojin couldn’t hold back from touching her. “Solji, why are you crying so much?” she whispered as her thumb brushed across her cheek. Solji gently nuzzled into her hand with a sigh.

“Hyojin,” she breathed, looking into her eyes. “Please look at your timer.”

Quickly, Hyojin retracted her hand. “What? Why?” she leaned back.

“Please, I need to know,” Solji said.

“Need to know what?”

“I need to know if you’re my soulmate.”

In that moment, she felt the world stop spinning. Their eyes stayed locked as the words processed over and over again in Hyojin’s brain before something clicked. “Are you being serious right now?” her voice shook. Solji nodded wordlessly and it was enough for her. With trembling hands, Hyojin reached for her sleeve. Her eyes stayed on Solji as she rolled it up and turned her wrist over to where the numbers were. Solji’s gaze left hers and flitted to her wrist, then to hers, and back to Hyojin’s.

Anxiety swelled in her chest the longer Solji stayed silent but Hyojin refused to look. She couldn’t.

“Hyojin,” Solji finally spoke. She swallowed the knot in and nodded.

“Yeah?”

“Look at it.”

“I can’t,” she shook her head with a sniffle. Tears now threatened to spill from her eyes. Solji’s hand covered hers and squeezed lightly.

“What are you so afraid of?”

What am I afraid of?

“I’m afraid I’m not your soulmate,” she confessed, the words leaving her winded as they finally left . Solji’s mouth curved into a small smile.

“I don’t think you’ll have to be afraid anymore, sweetheart,” she said as she pulled her timer up. Hyojin felt her heart drop into her stomach when it came into view.

3…

2…

1…

00:00:00

The timer beeped quietly, followed by a soft click. Hyojin could hardly believe her eyes as Solji unwrapped it from her wrist and did the same to her own. She felt Solji’s hand cup her cheek, turning her gaze towards her. “When I said I think I found my soulmate, I meant you.” she smiled.

In a blink, it felt like an entire weight was lifted off of her. She stared at her bare wrists with a shaky sigh and then turned back to Solji.

“You’re… you’re my soulmate,” she stammered, still in shock.

“I think my timer was waiting for you to realize that,” Solji smiled. “It started counting down again as soon as you looked.”

Hyojin couldn’t hold back the tears that spilled down her face. Whether it was out of relief or happiness or shock, she didn’t know. Startled, Solji wrapped her arms around her and soothed the back of her head. “Hey, it’s okay.” she smiled.

“I’m so sorry for making you wait so long,” Hyojin whispered, “This could’ve been so much simpler if I had just looked from the start.” Solji shook her head and pulled back, her hands resting on Hyojin’s face.

“It doesn’t matter, Hyojin. I would’ve waited forever for you.”

Without thought, Hyojin leaned forward.

Her lips were soft, gentle, and fit perfectly against hers. A sigh left Solji’s mouth as Hyojin threaded her fingers through her hair and brought her closer, deepening the kiss. It was desperate and Hyojin didn’t hold back from pouring every emotion she had felt for her after all these years. Solji gasped slightly and pulled back, breathless and overwhelmed. They parted and leaned their foreheads together, eager to catch their breath.

“That… was definitely worth the wait,” Hyojin smiled and pressed a kiss to her nose. Solji giggled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“You were worth the wait.”

Hyojin rubbed her eyes as she stirred awake and frowned when she noticed the empty spot next to her. She sat up, squinting when the faint scent of breakfast met her nose. As if on autopilot, Hyojin stepped out of bed and trudged into the kitchen, a sleepy smile forming on her face when she entered.

“Good morning,” she said, as she walked up behind Solji and wrapped her arms around her. Solji crinkled her nose as she smiled while Hyojin tried to pepper her in kisses.

“Stop, I’ll burn your eggs,” she laughed. Hyojin pulled back and peered over at the stove.

“I could get used to waking up to breakfast every day,” Hyojin grinned as she reached for a piece of toast. Solji smacked her hand away with a spatula.

“Well don’t, this is only a one time thing,” she smiled.

“Why’s that?” Hyojin frowned. Solji looked at her in surprise.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know what today is.”

Hyojin paused in thought, feigning ignorance. "Wow," Solji huffed through her nose and turned back to the stove with a tight lipped expression. 

Hyojin smiled and hugged her from behind again, giggling as Solji tied to pry out of her grasp.

“I’m kidding, sweetheart,” she smiled as she pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Happy 1 year anniversary.”

Solji’s frown quickly faded. “You test me sometimes,” she bit down her smile. 

“But you love it.”

“I don’t love it,” Solji protested, “but, I do love you.”

Flustered, Hyojin rolled her eyes. “You can be really cheesy sometimes.”

“But you love it.”

“I don’t, but I do love you.”