“Mina, what happened? You are spacing out the whole class, you’re lucky the professor didn’t call you earlier” Sana said, feeling worried for her best friend. It was unusual for Mina to be distracted in class, until she met Momo, the girl had been preoccupied with thoughts of the singer. And it was way more evident because of last night. It was just yesterday when Momo lashed out on her and she did the unthinkable of slapping the older girl, offended by her words. After that incident, Mina went to her home alone. She spent the entire night burying her face in her bed crying. If she could, she would not appear in class today but she’s a Myoui, and her father would not be amused if she didn’t attend her classes. Her eyes were puffy and red, and it wasn’t left unnoticed by the brunette. 

“It’s nothing, Sana, I-I’m just tired” she excused, not wanting to spill anymore details as it will just stir her emotions again, and she might cry again. 

“You can tell me anything Mina, I’m all ears” Sana assured, giving her an emphatic smile. Those words softened Mina, and she relied on Sana throwing her arms around the girl, her tears threatening to fall. 

“I can’t face Momo, I-I just couldn’t bring myself to talk to her, I think I made the situation worse Sana..” Mina said in between sobs. Sana couldn’t understand the situation but tried to comfort the girl with her palms rubbing the younger girl’s back. 

“If it’s Momo, she will understand” Sana stated as if stating facts. She’s been observing the two ever since they started hanging out, worried about her friend getting hurt by Momo. But when she saw Momo’s eyes looking at her best friend, she saw tenderness and warmth. Her eyes don’t lie, she gave in to the fact that Mina loves Momo and Momo loves Mina. And this situation is just a misunderstanding, she believes. 

Mina tightened the grip to Sana’s shirt, hearing those words gave her a sense of serenity at that moment. 

“Thank you Sana” her weak voice echoed and Sana pats Mina’s head in response. 

++

Momo’s mind is a mess. All she could think about is Mina. She almost forgot the sorrow she felt yesterday when she almost drowned herself in the sea. Thanks to Mina, she’s still alive. And that slap awakened her from the sea of negative thoughts. It tasted sadness, the slap, and the image of crying Mina has been replaying in her mind. She wanted to see the girl, but she feels she doesn’t have the right to even stand beside her. She’s so ashamed of all the words she said and it’s running through her head all night and day. After long hours of procrastinating, she stands up and wears her jacket while walking outside her apartment in a hurry.

++

Her feet brought her to where she thought Mina is, she’s standing across the street where the university is located. Her heart started to beat erratically fast when she saw two familiar figures walking towards the gate. She felt her heart was about to burst when she saw Mina. She wanted to run to her and tell her she’s sorry but her fears took over her and she couldn’t even take a step towards the girl. When Mina was near the exit, she saw a familiar man in a suit approach the girl and it didn't help at all to get closer to Mina. She was standing still observing the two, feeling her heart dropped when Mina gave the man a weak smile and a nod. Momo suddenly felt small. 

Distracted by her own thoughts, the two disappeared from her sight when Mina took the offered ride by the man and now Momo is tucking her knees while sitting at the edge of the street platform. I’m such a loser. She feels insecure, she always compares herself to the people surrounding the girl. Momo was about to give up until her mobile phone beeped. Her heart skipped a beat, she shouldn't be this jumpy if she wasn’t expecting a certain someone to message her. And she almost cried when she saw who messaged her, and what the content was. 

MN: Where are you? Are you okay?

Momo’s worries and insecurities are gone with one message from the younger girl. She couldn’t be this miserable when Mina is bravely doing her best to initiate talking to her. In an instant, she stood up, hurriedly wore her helmet and rode her motorbike. 

++

Mina took Jin-young’s offer to send her home since he’s persistent. The ride was silent, she couldn’t even focus on what Jin-young was saying. Her mind is wandering, her eyes are blankly staring into the semi-tinted car window, worried about the older girl that she hasn’t spoken to since last night. Is she okay? There was a tinge of guilt. She was afraid that after last night, she could no longer see her. That Momo might drift away. She shouldn't have done that, she thought.

When Mina safely arrived at her house, she was staring at her mobile phone’s screen. She wanted to call Momo, she wanted to hear her voice but was too afraid to make any move. She wanted to know where the singer is and if she’s okay. Her uneasiness and concern got the best of her and she finds herself sending her message. 

MN: Where are you? Are you okay?

Mina panicked when her message was delivered. Her heart was in a nervous wreck when she saw Momo had seen the message. But then all of a sudden she feels dejected realizing that Momo might not respond or ignore her message, it’s been 5 minutes since Momo read it and there was no reply. 

Buzz. 

Mina almost dropped her phone when Momo’s name appeared on screen calling her. Still nervous, she answered the call.

“Mina, I’m outside your house, can I see you?”

Mina is sure that her insides flipped upside down when she heard Momo’s voice. Without wasting any more seconds, she ran outside her room and hurriedly walked outside their gate.

Exiting, she spotted Momo standing outside, panting hard. Momo instantly pulled the younger girl's arm and threw her arms around her wrapping her in a very tight embrace.

Mina melted in Momo’s arms. Returning the warmth by hugging her back. 

“I’m sorry Mina, I was out of my mind, I was a fool for saying those things. If only I could take my words back… I’m really sorry, please forgive me—”

Those words pulled Mina’s heartstrings. It was sincere, and it breaks her heart to see her beloved breaking down in tears. She pulled softly from the hug, her tears already flowing in her tear-stained cheeks. Without words, Mina leaned closer, planting a gentle kiss on the older girl’s cheeks. 

“You don’t have to—, I already forgiven you even before you apologized. I-I am sorry too, I was too occupied with my own thoughts t-that I—”

Momo finds herself so absorbed in Mina that she couldn't control the urge to kiss her lips. She crashes her lips against the younger’s. They were soft and plump. It tasted like tears. Mina’s mind went blank at the contact, she closed her eyes slowly, yearning for the older girl's warmth. It was emotional, when Momo delved deeper, she parted her lips relishing every second. She can hear the beating of their hearts perfectly in sync. It was unimaginable, that with the touching of their lips, everything just feels right, all the fears, the worries, they are all gone. 

Breaking from the kiss, their noses still touching each other, they found themselves both breathing hard. 

“I love you, Mina..” Momo said, under her breath. And Mina teared up by the singer’s confession. It was surreal. 

“I’m sorry for loving you, and for depending on you. I just couldn’t help myself” the singer continued, and Mina cupped Momo’s cheeks, wiping her tears. 

“I love you more than you could ever imagine. I want you to depend on me more, Momo. But please promise me that you won’t ever disappear from me again.” Mina confessed and Momo melted onto the younger girl’s shoulder, gently propping her head at the nook of Mina’s neck. “I will” Momo hummed in response, still in her comfortable position, her hands tracing Mina’s hips. 

There was a cozy silence. It felt right and Mina’s emotions were all around the place, there were butterflies and at the same time she felt safe. Everything still feels like a dream, still in awe that Momo just bravely confessed to her and she also did the same, laying bare all her feelings towards the girl. 

Momo, on the other hand, feels warm all over. Mina fits perfectly onto her embrace like a missing puzzle that found its place. She’d die without this girl, she’s sure of that. But she still has these worries at the back of her mind. Is it really okay to be with you? Won’t you ever change your mind if things get tougher? With a whiff of Mina’s scent, she finds her heart at peace. She knew that there were rough roads ahead of them, but knowing that Mina will always be beside her, everything is possible. 

I love you. Don’t ever leave me, Mina.

++

It was not to Nayeon’s liking to go to this rundown bar with people smelling like liquor embraced by the shadows to which only the blinding colorful lights stood out. The atmosphere is heavy, she feels her lungs will be filled with smog the more she is staying at that place. But her stubbornness led her to this place. Due to her constant stalking, she found out where Momo’s performing every night. And now, she’s sitting at the farthest seat, wearing a hat, not wanting to be noticed by Momo or to be spotted by anyone with prying eyes that would bring about rumors about her. 

With the mic’s feedback, everyone’s attention was caught, including her’s. She saw three silhouettes at the small stage, but she knew whom one belonged. As the spotlight , her heart almost jumped out of her ribcage when she saw the one who’s been occupying her mind, the one whom she yearned to touch, to kiss. It was Momo. 

“Good evening everyone, before we start, I just want to congratulate our dear Momoring for finally getting into a relationship, let’s wish them happiness by giving them a bottoms up!” The blonde band member energetically announced and everyone in the room hyped up by raising their beer bottles or shot glasses and screaming. Nayeon felt her hands shaking at the announcement. She felt her insides churning when she saw the timid smile from Momo, that’s the same smile the girl used to give her. What a funny coincidence. The moment she knew where Momo worked is also the time when Momo finally gets her girl. She can barely sit comfortably as she suddenly feels her resolve crumbling down along with her heart breaking into pieces. It was a hard pill to swallow knowing that the only person she wanted, whom she took for granted, had been taken away from her. She knew it was greedy of her to expect Momo to be willing to come back to her, but it never crossed her mind that the girl who used to be so in love with her is now fond of another woman. Who the hell is this woman? 

She couldn’t even focus on the song, she’s more absorbed in Momo's newfound love. Is she here? Her eyes keep roaming around trying to identify where Momo’s eyes are glimpsing while singing. And she’s not wrong, she’s sure that is here as Momo’s keep looking in a specific direction. When she trailed where that area is, she finds it hard to see clearly as the people in front of her are all covered with shadows. 

The performance lasted more than Nayeon wished for. The place, the news, everything is suffocating enough and it didn’t help her when she saw Momo scoot closer to this girl right after the gig. And it irritated her more when the girl leaned her head into the singer’s shoulder and Momo was quick to put her arms around the girl’s shoulder. When the girl turned her head to face Momo and showed her gummy smile, Nayeon finally saw her face and she felt dejected. The girl is strikingly beautiful that even her side profile is stunning, not only that, she looks so elegant with how she carries herself. She couldn’t help but to compare herself, staying longer will only crush her spirit. She turned her back, not wanting to wait for her heart to break more. 

Balling her fist, she hurriedly went outside the bar. It’s not over until it’s over. I’ll take her back. 

++

“Hey Momo, don’t you dare make Mina cry or else I’ll take her away from you!” Sana teasingly said, half meant. And Mina just giggled timidly when Momo answered “Like I would let that happen”. Momo squeezed Mina into a tight hug like a kid who doesn’t want to share her precious toy. And Sana just heaved a defeated sigh when she saw how happy her best friend is with Momo’s presence. 

Sana pinched Mina’s cheeks as the younger was released from the hug.

“Look at that love struck ice princess. I never knew you had that cute side to you Mina-ya” the brunette said with gritted teeth adoring her best friend’s newfound softness. “Stop it, Sana.” Mina uttered trying to compose herself but her flushing face is very evident that everyone in the room can really tell that she’s so deeply in love with the band singer beside her. 

Momo took Mina’s hands, intertwining her fingers against her’s. She leaned forward, her lips aligning to the younger girl’s ears. “Let’s go somewhere” Momo whispered under her breath and Mina felt the hair at the back of her neck were all rising at the action. She’s still not used to Momo being suddenly close to her, it’s not good for her heart that it’s more often now that Momo would suddenly hold her, or would sometimes hug her, and lean closer. But she loves this newfound side of Momo. She loves that it always makes her feel all these butterflies and at the same time it feels like home. 

++

The singer took Mina to this beautiful spot. Even under the nightlight, she could see the ground covered with this healthy grass, the wind breeze is chilly but Momo’s touch is warmer. Momo released her hand from Mina’s grasp, and the younger immediately missed her warmth. Suddenly the singer sat on her knees facing her back on Mina, gesturing to position herself for a piggy back. 

“Hop in” Momo said. And Mina doesn’t know what to do, still frozen on her feet. Momo turned her head a bit and pointed at Mina's shoes. “I won’t let your precious feet get bruised because we’re going up the hill, my ballerina.” Momo said with a nod after the statement, reassuring her that she can carry the girl. 

Mina snapped out of her thoughts and positioned herself on the older girl’s back. Feeling their bodies pressed against each other, Mina felt the safest, but her heart was beating erratically fast. She nestled her head at the nook of Momo’s neck and Momo felt shivers down her spine when she felt Mina’s breath against her nape. 

They reached the top of the hill, the path is steep and Mina is worried that Momo might be tired with all her weight on the singer's back. Momo gently dropped Mina on the ground. Mina held her breath at the breathtaking view of the city and the surreal perfection of the night sky. Momo removed her jacket placing it on the ground, Mina gulped at the exposed arms of the singer, wearing her tank top underneath. She was snapped out of her imagination when Momo tapped the spot next to her, signaling for her to sit beside her and she willfully complied. 

“This is breathtaking. I haven’t seen Seoul from such a perspective.” Mina said. Momo turned her head towards Mina. She sees perfection, and everything about Mina is breathtaking. 

“It is…” Momo agreed but referring to the girl in front of her who has been all over her heart and mind for these past few days. “I wanted you to see what I love to see” the singer continued, not sure if she’s referring to the view or the girl. 

Momo found this place at her lowest, when the girl she used to love left her. This place serves as light to the darkness in her world and in this place she found hope to keep on moving forward. 

There was a comfortable silence. How Mina wished for the time to stop. She wanted to cherish every moment with Momo. She took a glance at her and seeing the fog that formed in front of Momo’s lips, she unwrapped her thick scarf from her neck and wrapped it around the singer’s bare arms to keep her warm. Momo was startled with the gesture. Realizing that the girl might be cold as well, she extends her arm tucking Mina under her warmth inside the thick scarf. 

“Better” Momo uttered which earned Mina’s soft giggles. 

Now, they are lying against their back facing the expanse of the dark blue sky painted with glitters. Being with Momo like this feels like heaven. She didn't know she needed these until she experienced it herself. It fills her cold heart with the warmth that was Momo. 

“I wish this will last forever” Mina wished under her breath and wasn’t left unnoticed by Momo.

“It will” Momo sincerely believed. She perked her head towards Mina and was flustered when the younger girl was already looking at her. Their faces are only an inch apart, feeling their breath against each other’s lips. Like a reflex, Mina leaned closer to feel their closeness more. Lips partially parted, Mina delved deeper into the kiss, it was intoxicating. Momo’s presence is addicting and Mina is sure, the singer invaded every bit of her. 

++

“Okay! Cut!” The director wasn't pleased with the outcome as he pulled his hair in irritation. 

“Nayeon, can you please focus on the scene? You are wasting everyone’s time. You are spacing out on almost all of your appearance. That one success has gotten into your head huh?” He continued.

“I’m so sorry PD-nim, I’m just not feeling well today” she excused, but the director didn’t buy her alibi. 

“If you want to stay longer in the industry, you better get a hold of yourself”

The director was right. She’s been losing her grip from the reality she chose. I want this right? She recalled the moment where she was genuinely happy. It was far beyond the Nayeon now who’s supposed to be living her biggest dream. She isn’t happy. She wanted to go back. With the harsh wiping of her own tears, she swallowed the inexistent lump on , regaining her determination. 

Endure.

++

“Mina, are you okay?” Jin-young worriedly asked. They are now left alone by Mr. Myoui in the expensive-looking resto. Mina was just scolded by her father for not being at the top of her class this semester. Mina used to be the smartest student and she always made sure that she’s been the number one of her classes. May it be a major or a minor subject. But this time, it wasn’t the case and it aggravated her strict father that she’s not meeting his expectations. Her dad hired the best tutor to give her private lessons after class and it suffocated Mina that her time with Momo will be limited after this meeting. 

With a defeated sigh, Mina launched from her seat. “As if I have a choice” her voice is evidently disappointed with the sudden turn of events.

“Well, I can convince your father to reconsider giving you extra lessons, if you want” he suggested while following Mina towards the restaurant’s exit.

“You don’t have to. I can handle this Jin-young, thanks for the concern though” she retorted. Entering the car, Mina was lost in her own thoughts, thinking on how she could manage this expectation on her studies and her sweet little rendezvous with Momo. 

Jin-young isn’t innocent to the fact that Mina has taken a liking to the girl she saw waiting at the university. He’s sure that is the reason why Mina is acting this strange. 

You really changed a lot, Mina.

++

Mina didn’t mention the situation to Momo, thinking that it was her own fault that these extra lessons happened. Afraid that Momo would find it difficult to understand her father’s expectations and all, she just sent the singer a message that she had to take extra classes and she’ll be going home late so Momo can go straight home after her gig. 

The special mentoring was very exhausting, she’s smart but she admits that she’s not been her usual self during classes. The ‘Mina’ before isn’t distracted and only focused on her studies and her ballet classes. She did not regret meeting Momo, or loving her. Having encountered the singer has woken her emotions she never knew existed. It was exciting. The feelings are just too strong. 

Exiting the school grounds, she was flustered when a pair of hands covered her eyes. Her heart was about to explode in surprise, she was startled by the gesture but she’s sure to whom those hands belong when she caught a whiff of Momo’s scent. 

“Guess who?” Momo chuckled and Mina found it endearing. 

“Momoring?” Mina acted surprised to ride along to the singer’s feat. 

“Dang, you got me.” Momo said, releasing her hands from Mina’s eyes. 

Mina threw her arms around Momo’s waist the moment she saw the girl. She felt her worries gone seeing the older. “I missed you” Mina whispered but Momo heard them clearly. She planted a kiss on the younger girl’s forehead and Mina melted to the contact.

“What brought you here? I thought you went home after your performance” Mina curiously said, looking at Momo’s face like finding the answers in her eyes. 

“How can I go home knowing you’re still in your school doing your best studying” the singer stated earning a warm smile from Mina. 

“You should have told me you’re coming so I didn’t take so much time in—”

“It’s okay, I don’t want you to feel pressured that someone’s waiting for you. You should take your time” Momo cut her off and Mina finds it sweet that Momo is really thinking about her like that. Knowing the singer more is like making her love her more. Momo is so warm. 

Mina was hesitant but she felt Momo needs to know what’s in store for them in the coming days. They are now sitting leisurely at the front of the convenience store eating the ice cream that Momo insistently bought for the two of them. 

“Momo, the thing is…” Mina fidgets in her seat, finding the right words to say. Momo looked at her girlfriend with the sudden seriousness of her tone.

“I have to take these extra classes from now on until the final exams, so as much as I want to watch you perform and spend more time with you, I hate to say this but I couldn’t” Mina finds it hard to say the last statements. Momo knew it was harder for Mina, with a reassuring nod, Momo clasped her hands against Mina’s. 

“Can I watch you study after my gig?” Momo suggested and Mina’s face brightened at the proposal.

“I would love to” she said feeling suddenly motivated to study and thankful to Momo for being understanding of the situation. 

++

“Mina, as usual, after answering all of these problems, you are free to leave. We’ll discuss tomorrow the answers” the mentor said as she piled her books, fixing the table.

“Yes, Ms. Park” Mina smiled at the kind mentor. Fortunately, the mentor her father hired is so kind and very patient with her. 

When Ms. Park opened the sliding door of the room, she was startled by the presence of an unknown girl standing in front about to knock at the door. 

“That scared me” the mentor murmured, earning Mina’s attention. 

“Is Myoui Mina here?” The girl asked and Mina was sure who the voice belonged to. She felt her heart jump out of her ribcage. Momo is always appearing at the moment she least expects. 

Ms. Park turned her head towards her student. She saw Mina’s expectant look and she knew instantly that the girl in front of her is someone special to her student.

“Come in, I think she’ll be happy to see you” Ms. Park teasingly said and Momo complied with the courteous nod. 

“I’ll leave you two alone here, Mina. Be sure to finish your task” the mentor reminded and waved her hand to bid goodbye.

Momo scoots closer in front of Mina’s desk. They are now facing each other, only a wide table separating them. The study room is quite smaller than the usual classroom. And it feels smaller now that Momo is in front of her taking her seat across her sight. 

“Don’t mind me, just do your task there” Momo said while removing the guitar from her back, placing it beside the chair. 

“I didn’t know that this is what you meant by ‘watching me study’” Mina giggled at the realization of Momo’s words. “You really are something” she smiled and Momo felt relieved hearing Mina’s laugh. Patting herself proud for making Mina smile. 

Momo isn’t a distraction, she’s a motivation. Mina firmly believes and she’s sure of it. Having Momo around makes her want to give her all in everything she does.

++

It became a habit. Momo would occasionally go to Mina’s study sessions after her gig, the singer would wait patiently for Mina inside her study room and Ms. Park was very kind enough to let the older girl find a comfortable seat around the room. 

Mina finds it admiring how Momo would really find time to be with her, even stepping inside her university grounds, which is really not allowed, but Momo has her ways to sneak inside. Momo is just that person. She could even move mountains just to be with the person she loved. 

The mentoring sessions should serve as a punishment by her father but it doesn’t feel like one most especially when she could witness Momo’s funny antics and adorable face like scrunching her nose while waiting for her. Seeing her this often while doing her best in her studies is very fun and productive. She wanted to do better so Momo’s little sacrifices won’t go to waste. I must top the exams for the coming departmentals.

++

“Your father is sick, it would be helpful if you could come back here in Japan until he’s recovered” Momo’s mother disclosed, earning a disheartened sigh from the singer. She knew that her father has a weak body as he’s already getting older. Momo needed to be there to help her family, both physically and emotionally. She was her father’s favorite and being with him personally is the least she could do to fasten his recovery. 

“I will book the flight as soon as I can.” Momo answered.

When the call dropped, Momo pulled her hair in worry and distress. Mina’s final exam is just around the corner and as much as she could, she wanted to be by her side during those times. She’s also worried about her father but she’s frustrated that she couldn’t be with her girlfriend for weeks. 

With a deep breath, she gathers herself and takes her guitar to go to the girl she’s always dying to see. A bit nervous about the news she will tell her later. 

++

Mina finished a bit earlier than usual today. There are topics that she finds easy, well, she’s smart after all, and because she wanted to spend more time with Momo, she earnestly did her best.

They are now at their favorite spot, comfortably sitting at the uphill where Momo brought her before where the singer has to piggy back her to see the stunning view of Seoul. 

“It’s becoming colder these days, I guess the first snow will happen very soon…” Mina broke the comfortable silence. “I wish we could witness that, the first snow” she wished as she looked at the serious features of the older. 

Momo felt her heart shrank at the statement, she knew she won’t be around when that happens since she’ll be leaving soon. Momo pulled herself together and faced Mina.

She held Mina’s hands, caressing the top of the girl’s hands with her thumb, while finding the right words to say.

“Mina… I am going back to Japan tomorrow.” There was a pause and she felt closing up, her voice hardly come out 

Hearing the words, Mina felt her heart sink, disheartened by the sudden decision. 

“My father is sick, my family needs me there but I promise I will come back as soon as he recovers” Momo continued trying to be optimistic so Mina would feel a bit relieved. 

Mina reciprocated the touch when she’s now the one caressing Momo’s trembling hands. She knew the singer didn’t want to leave as well and she understands how important her family is to Momo. She doesn’t want to be greedy. She’s sure she will be sad when Momo departs. But she’s hopeful that Momo will be back soon. 

“Don’t worry, I understand.” Mina managed to give her a weak smile.  

“Let’s keep in touch” Momo asked as she enveloped the girl under her warm hug. Mina hummed in response burying her face in the older girl’s chest hearing the singer’s beating heart that is perfectly in sync with her’s. I will miss you big time. 

++

She wanted to blame Momo for always being around her before she left for Japan. She’s missing the girl so much. She is no longer used to the empty room after her classes, she missed the little detour to their favorite spot, the convenience store ice cream that Momo loves that she hated before but now has become one of her favorites. She heaved a sigh as days without her girl friend feels like forever. Momo rarely drops her a message. Maybe once or twice a day but she couldn’t demand as Momo’s been busy with her family affairs. She has to do her best as well. She focused again on her studies regaining her determination. 

++

Today is the day of the exam result. She is now standing at the front of the notice board situated in the school lobby, her batch mates are gradually gathering in front looking for their names. Mina was a bit nervous, she knew she did well but unsure if there are other students who did better than her, her goal is to be the first. 

Before even looking at the board, a voice congratulated her from behind. 

“Congratulations Mina, you regained being the first!” 

It was Sana, and the brunette tapped her shoulder giving her a proud remark. She felt proud of herself for the first time. Though it wasn’t her first to be at the top, making it to the top now is a bit different. But her mood suddenly shifted when she instantly missed the person who always cheered her up during her extra studies. I wish you were here. 

She didn’t go straight to her home after school. It is still early, the afternoon breeze is very chilly and the sky has a pinkish hue. Without thinking, her feet led her to Momo’s favorite spot, which became her favorite as well. She crossed her arms embracing herself to keep her warm. Her thoughts keep her busy as she stares at the empty sky. There will be no more classes after this day and Mina will find it harder to keep herself busy in the coming days to divert her deep yearning to the singer. 

Suddenly, she felt a snowflake touch her skin. She looked up and many of its kind were starting to fall. It’s the first snow. 

“Did you miss me?” A low voice whispered  at the back of her ears. And her heart almost jumped out of her chest realizing whom the voice belonged to. She didn’t waste any second as she immediately turned around throwing her body towards Momo. She squeezed her tightly not wanting to be separated from her again. She couldn’t help but to tear up as she missed her so bad. 

“I miss you big time. Don’t ever leave again” she confessed, still not detaching herself from the hug. 

“I missed you too… By the way, Congratulations” the singer said and Mina slowly pulled from the embrace as she missed seeing her lover’s face. 

“You made it in time for our first snow together” Mina happily said. Momo always appears at the most unexpected moment. And Momo’s actions made her deeply moved, and deeply in love. The first snow means a lot to Mina, as she believed that when you are with someone you love at the first snowfall, that person will stay longer in your life, or forever. 

“I will always come to you on the first snow, I promise” Momo pledged as she cupped Mina’s cheeks giving the girl warmth. She missed Mina so much, her pretty features, her star-like moles, her pointy nose, and her plump and soft lips. In a heartbeat, she leans in gently, guiding Mina’s head towards her. She kissed her, missing the soft and almost silken lips. She could feel the soft tickle of Mina’s breath beneath her nose, her fingers carding through her hair. 

I love everything about you. 

++

Mina graduated with the highest honor. People expected her to be at the top, most especially her father who has already laid down the future for her which she didn’t sign up for. But even after getting her college degree, she still has to undergo extra lessons and management training as her father wished under Jin-young’s supervision. 

Today would be her first day to train in her father’s own company. She’s now being welcomed by the employees as she enters the lobby, bowing their heads as she walks towards the elevator. Jin-young is beside her, orienting her about the basic things she should know.

Her eyes wandered at the huge office. Her father really took it to the next level when he said that their offices are the best among the rest of the top companies in Seoul. Everything is sparkling, the environment is very employee friendly. Now she understands why people love to work in their company. That’s also why her father wanted to protect this company he worked hard for, answering also why he’s too strict with her.

“For starters, you should read this. This is our company’s profile, it also includes some information about our affiliates. I know you will be overwhelmed, but you can approach me if you have any questions.” Jin-young said while handing her the booklets. Mina nods as she flipped through the pages. 

“Thank you Jin-young, I’m glad you’re the one teaching me these things” she honestly commented as she’s more comfortable with him than anyone from the company. Also she knew that the man has already earned his father’s trust since he’s really smart and dependable. He’s already like a family.

Jin-young was surprised by the younger girl’s praise. It wasn’t like Mina at all to be this appreciative. Yet, he couldn’t ignore the sudden stir of his emotions with Mina’s budding softness. Maybe he’s liking it more, the new side of Mina. He cleared his throat, dumping the unwanted thoughts at the back of his mind. 

“That should be easy for you, you’re smart after all, not to mention, the top student of Yonsei University” he smirked, commending the girl’s exemplar attitude. 

Mina giggles at the statement, humbly shaking her head. And Jin-young’s resolve began crumbling again at the sight of the girl’s gummy smile. He immediately turned his back, not wanting the girl to notice his momentary change of behavior. What the hell, Jin-young. He curses at himself for being weak. 

Man up.

++

Momo is now at the front of this huge office building of the Myoui family. She gulped, amazed at how intimidating and high-class the structure is. She couldn’t even step a foot inside the lobby, discouraged by the people inside the glass wall looking sophisticated with their strong professional looks while she, on the other hand, looks nothing like them. I really don’t belong here. She almost retreated, but when images of Mina ran through her head, she eagerly mustered up her courage and took the step inside. I want to make her happy. 

She knew the way to the younger’s heart, she believes. Her determination overcomes her anxiety and she’s now sitting at the bouncy looking-expensive sofa at the guest waiting area just inside the building’s lobby. So this is Myoui’s property. Wow. The singer gulped at the realization at how rich her girlfriend really is. 

With the sound of the elevator bell, she was snapped out of her thoughts and her head was caught stiff when a group of people wearing black suits and formal dress went outside, gradually dispersing in random directions. One of them stood out, it was the expensive looking Myoui Mina. Momo was overwhelmed with her girlfriend's beauty. The younger girl is very stunning with her black formal coat and skirt, along with her floral top with ribbon and high heels, catching attention. She didn’t even realize that opened in astonishment, feeling lucky to be Mina’s lover. 

Mina immediately saw Momo when her eyes landed on the waiting area. She is walking in front of Jin-young and she sped up her phase to approach the singer. She’s the happiest whenever she sees Momo, her day becoming better with a glimpse of the older girl. While Mina brisk walked towards the girl, Jin-Young followed her at a leisurely phase, her eyes focused on the two. 

Mina clasped her hands against Momo’s, she wanted to hug the girl but because she’s in her father’s company, she controlled her hormones and now they are both facing Jin-young.

“Uhm, Jin-young, this is Momo, Momo, this is Jin-young, a family friend.” Mina uttered, trying to hide her flustered face, still happy that Momo visited her. Momo extends her arms for a polite handshake.

“Hirai Momo.” she reiterated. Jin-young accepted the gesture and shook the girl’s hands.

“Jin-young, Nice to meet you” he responded. There was an awkward silence, not until Jin-young suggested to have dinner, the three of them.

++

Momo felt awkward being around the man. She’s been always comparing herself to him since she saw him at Mina’s university on multiple occasions and also during the ballet performance. She hates to admit it, but this man is bringing out the worst feeling she doesn’t want to entertain. Jealousy. And it doesn’t help when Mina is comfortable around this man. 

They are now situated at the fancy restaurant. Mina is seated beside her and Jin-young is seated across, facing them. Again, Momo feels small with her surroundings. Mina and Jin-young looked expensive, same with the other people dining around them. They looked like managers and CEOs, she thought. She’s uncomfortable in her seat, her hands a bit shaky, she wanted to just disappear. Her nervousness was replaced with warmth when Mina suddenly held her hands rubbing her thumb. When she looked at the girl, Mina gave her an affectionate smile and her worries and panic were gone all at once. She finally settled comfortably in her seat.

“I’ll order their best dish for us” Jin-young offered and Mina just nodded. “Sure.” she said.

Jin-young’s been observing this girl. He knew there was something between the two with how Mina behaves differently around this girl. Without hesitation, she asked what’s been bugging his mind.

“Are you friends? How do you know each other?” The words came out spontaneously and Jin-young didn’t regret it as he's dying to know the answer.

Mina almost choked with the question. She knew it would come to this interrogation the moment she introduced Momo to him. She’s sure he’s surprised that she has gotten close to someone other than Sana. But Momo is not only a friend. And she knew if she lied, Momo would misunderstand the situation. Gathering her courage, she spoke.

“She’s more than a friend. She’s my girlfriend.” Mina bravely professed. And she squeezed the older girl’s hands signaling that everything will be okay.

Jin-young was dumbfounded at how Mina bravely claimed her relationship with the girl. Though he knew the answer, it didn’t sit well with him that this low profile person is dating the richest daughter in South Korea. But he hides his displeasure with a nod and a fake smile. 

“That’s surprising to know, but I’m sure your father will be unamused if she came to know about that” he explained.

“Please don’t tell my father Jin-young, I beg you” Mina pleaded with concerned eyes. 

He sighed defeatedly. He knew Mina would want him to keep this a secret. Keeping their affair hidden has nothing to do with his plans. Actually, it will be an advantage. After a minute of thinking, he came into a decision. 

“Okay… but be careful, don’t be too obvious when he’s around. I’ll do my best to cover up your relationship” he said. 

Mina felt relieved with his words. “I owe you one” she said and she feels their secret is safe with Jin-young, he’s like a family after all. 

Momo, on the other hand, feels something is up with this man. But she couldn’t help but to rely and believe in his words. Also, she couldn’t ignore the fact that Mina is trusting this man. 

Maybe, she’s wrong, she wanted to believe.

++

A/N: So this is the update that no one asks for. Enjoy!

The next chapter would be released maybe in the middle of the week. :)