May 6th, 2018. 12:23 PM

 

At Jihyo's house, the JYP trainee was outside, enjoying the breeze. Dahyun was inside the house though, sitting in the living room and munching on a pocky. She was in a call with Chaeyoung.

 

“mmmm.”

 

“Ugh, are you even listening to me?” Chaeyoung said. “Let me ask again then... would you like to go with me to the amusement park?”

 

The blonde swallowed the pocky. “Sure, are you going to bring anyone else?”

 

“...Well actually, Kyungmin.”

 

“Ohhh, your boooyyyfriieennnd?” Dahyun teased.

 

“Y-Yes.. my boyfriend.” The oranged-haired girl replied. “I don't think you've met him yet, actually.”

 

“Mm... I don't want to be all alone... I'll bring Jihyo.” The blonde said.

 

“That's good, so double date,” Chaeyoung replied.

 

“D-Don't say that.” The blonde said. “Please..”

 

“...fine. See you then? 4:21 PM.” The younger girl said, hanging up.

 

The girl stared at her phone. “Okay..” Dahyun sighed and went outside.

 

“Unnie, do you want to go to the amusement park with me?” The blonde asked.

 

Jihyo turned around to face her. “Unnie, huh?”

 

Dahyun blushed. “I-It's been a while since I called you that.”

 

“Amusement park.. hmm.. yeah, sounds good.”

 

“Yay!” Dahyun pulled her best friend into a hug.

 

“It's been so long since we've been there, though..” Jihyo replied. “Do you think anything's changed?”

 

“Mmmm... I hope not..” The blonde whined. “I really hope they didn't get rid of the candy apples.”

 

The JYP trainee giggled. “I'm pretty sure those are mainstays, Dubu.”

 

------------------------------

 

2:14 PM.

 

Jihyo and Dahyun had both arrived at JYP studios. The older girl had received a text from Wonpil, who had asked to meet with her. The girl mentioned she was going to bring her best friend, and the keyboardist didn't seem to mind.

 

“It's been so long since I've stepped foot in- wait, that's wrong,” Dahyun remarked. “Meehh..”

 

Jihyo chuckled. “Yeah, just a few weeks you were here, dubu.”

 

“Yeah, you were going through something... Oh! Right, the biual thing.”

 

“It was pretty overwhelming. Imagine thinking you knew something for a long time, but then suddenly, something completely new pops up, and like, totally shatters the norm.”

 

The blonde found this completely relatable, and definitely in terms of her feelings about Jihyo. For the longest time, she thought she only felt platonic feelings towards Jihyo, but then a few years ago the younger girl found herself slowly falling in love with Jihyo. At first, she tried to ignore it but ignoring it made things worse, so she eventually came to terms with it.

 

“Ah, Jihyo-noona!” A voice called out. The two girls faced the source of the voice and saw Chan from Stray Kids.

 

“Oh, Chan, I didn't expect to see you here,” Dahyun said. “Uh, Chris?”

 

Chan smiled. “Chan is fine, thank you.”

 

The blonde titled her head. “Should I say Bang Chan? Rolls off the tongue!”

 

The boy laughed. “Any name is fine, Dahyun.”

 

The older girl sighed. “You weren't expecting him to be here... even though he's.. in Stray Kids?”

 

The blonde fell silent. “U-Uh... yes? Their debut is over!”

 

“Um, nope?” Chan said. “We're still promoting “I am NOT!”, just with Mirror.”

 

Dahyun nodded. “Ooohh, I see!”

 

Jihyo looked over Chan. “Hey, have you seen Wonpil?”

 

“Oh, he just left,” Chan replied. “Some girl came over and started talking to him, and he left with her.” The two best friends looked at each other. They had an idea who the girl was.

 

“Can you explain how she looked like?” Dahyun asked.

 

“Um, brown hair,” Chan said. “She had a mole on her nose, I think she was Japanese... and she had like... a pretty sad aura surrounding her.” Jihyo sighed at Chan's comment, but let it slide. “That's Mina.”

 

“Oh, is she a friend of yours?” Chan asked.

 

The blonde nodded. “For a while now.”

 

The boy raised an eyebrow. “How come I haven't met her?”

 

“You haven't met most of our friends,” Jihyo replied. She put a hand on Dahyun's back. “Dubu, we should probably go.” The older girl looked at her phone, just now realizing that Wonpil had texted her just a few minutes earlier, and she had missed it.

 

“Sorry. Mina came. It's important. Another time?” Wonpil's texted read.

 

Jihyo texted back. “Sure, no problem.”

 

Two more Stray Kids members entered the main lobby, which was Minho and Jisung. Minho seemed to be talking to the other boy, but then Jisung got distracted by the girls.

 

“Oh hey!” Jisung ran, completely leaving Minho by himself. “Jihyo-noona! I wasn't expecting to see you here so soon!”

 

“You.. have a lot of friends, unnie,” Dahyun remarked.

 

Minho stared blankly, and the blonde could just make out the boy saying something to himself. Jisung finally got to the trio. “Um, hello there,” Dahyun said. “I.. don't think we've met.”

 

“W-Wait, what?” Jisung said. “Noona mentioned you liked Stray Kids..?”

 

The blonde laughed. “Pfft, ahaha! Just kidding!”

 

The girl pulled Jisung into a hug. “I've always been wanting to meet you Jisung!”

 

“W-Whoa, o-okay!” The boy said. The blonde eventually pulled away, and Jisung was a blushing mess.

 

“Well, Jisung, how rude,” Minho replied, just NOW walking over to the group. “Uh, hey there... Dahyun, right?”

 

The blonde was a bit surprised. “You.. must talk about me a lot, unnie.”

 

Jihyo's heart skipped a beat when Dahyun called her unnie again. Why did this one get a reaction out of her? She's been calling her unnie all day... “W-Well, yeah, Dubu, you're my best friend, after all!”

 

And Dahyun's heart broke at that sentence. Well, every day it breaks because she remembers that she and Jihyo might never get together. But Jihyo reminding her was just salt in the wound. “...y-yeah.”

 

“What's... with the tension?” Minho remarked. “You two are.. like, totally being weird.” Jihyo and Dahyun both looked at the rapper/singer.

 

“Huh?” They both said.

 

The boy just looked at another direction. “Mmm, it's nothing.”

 

Chan whispered something into Minho's ear, and the younger boy nodded. The leader looked to the two girls and Jisung. “Uh, Minho and I are going to talk over there. We'll be right back.”

 

The two boys walked over to another area of the lobby, leaving Jihyo, Dahyun, and Jisung to themselves.

 

“Oh, so.,” Jisung said. “N-Noona, do you have any plans?”

 

Jihyo shrugged. “Well, you mean, like, career or..?” The stars aligned and Jihyo realized what was going on. “O-Ohh..”

 

Jisung looked away. “Ah, it's nothing.”

 

The older girl fell silent, but the blonde spoke up. “You and Minho literally both said the same thing!”

 

The rapper looked at them. “Uh... well, when it's nothing, it's nothing..?”

 

The two boys returned. “So, what did we miss?” Minho asked.

 

Jisung awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Nothing, really.”

 

Jihyo looked at Dahyun. The two girls looked at each other knowingly. “Hey, uh, Jisung... actually, Dubu and I were going to the amusement park. Y-You could come if you want.” Jihyo invited.

 

The boy blushed and looked away. “Ah, is that okay? I-I wouldn't want to make things awkward..”

 

Suddenly, Minho swooped in and wrapped an arm around the back of Jisung's shoulders. “Gladly, girls!”

 

Chan just stared. “Huh?”

 

“Er... we didn't invite you..?” Dahyun replied. “I-I mean..”

 

“Well, I wouldn't want my Jisung to be third-wheeling all alone!” Minho replied. “Let me come so he isn't completely alone!”

 

Dahyun just NOW realized that Minho's readings on the gaydar were off the charts. “oohh... Jihyo?”

 

The older girl just shrugged. “Sure, why not. We just gotta tell Chae.”

 

The blonde pulled out her phone and texted Chae. “Hey, so uh, you don't mind if we bring +2's, right?”

 

“What? WHO are you bringing?” Chaeyoung texted back.

 

“Minho and Jisung from Stray Kids...” Was Dahyun's reply.

 

“wait WHAT? HOW!? Sure, go ahead!”

 

“Hey, wait,” Chan said. “What about fansites and paparazzi? Aren't you going to be completely surrounded?”

 

“Meh, I'm sure these people won't be that annoying,” Minho replied. Jisung looked like he was going to die of embarrassment.

 

“Well, Dahyun and I have to go, but we'll be back to get you two for the amusement park,” Jihyo said. “Be ready by 4:10.”

 

Minho nodded. “Yup~! We'll be ready!”

 

The two girls left while Minho started to talk loudly to Jisung.

 

------------------------------

 

Outside the building, Jihyo sighed. “I-I can't believe Jisung tried to ask me out on a date.”

 

The blonde giggled. “He's really cute, though. Maybe you should- ah, wait, he's underaged. How about Chan? You two seem fine..”

 

Jihyo was quiet. “I-I don't know... I.. kind of have my eyes set on someone else.”

 

The blonde raised an eyebrow, and her heart started to beat fast.

 

“O-Oh, you do? Who..?”

 

The JYP trainee looked away from Dahyun. “Ah, it's nothing. Don't worry about it, Dubu.”

 

And crash. Jihyo wanted to slap herself for being an idiot. Meanwhile, Dahyun's heart broke for the second time today. Jihyo was interested in someone..? Who..?

 

“Ah... h-hey..” A voice said. The two girls turned around and saw Mina, who looked pretty sad.

 

“Oh, hey Mina!” Jihyo greeted. “I thought you were with Wonpil?”

 

“I.. was.” The Japanese girl said. “I-I got to go. Bye..”

 

The girl just left as quickly as she appeared, leaving the two best friends alone. They just sighed and went on their way.

 

------------------------------

 

3:36 PM

 

Nayeon and Tzuyu were at the bunny girl's house, sitting on the couch. Well, more like the bunny girl was sitting on the couch, while the younger girl lied down and rested her head on her girlfriend's lap.

They were just there in silence, enjoying their time together. But then, the younger girl spoke up.

 

“Bunny...” Tzuyu said.

 

“Hmm...?” Nayeon responded.

 

“What's the first step towards an “I love you”?” The younger girl asked.

 

The bunny girl blushed. “H-Huh..?”

 

“I mean... is... that too much?”

 

“You.. love me?”

 

“I-I know it's a special thing to say at a later time... but... I-I dunno, we've been friends for so long, my feelings have been there all that time. I feel like we're at that point where an “I love you” is fine, you know?”

 

The older girl was silent, and the younger girl continued. “J-Just from what I know, usually you take it slow when you starting dating... but-”

 

Nayeon spoke up. “Hey, Tzuyu. I understand what you mean.”

 

“You do..?” Tzuyu replied. “Can... I say it? For real this time?”

 

“When you mean it, you mean it. It doesn't matter how long the time was.”

 

Tzuyu sat up and faced her girlfriend. “Nayeon... I love you.”

 

The bunny girl smiled and put a hand on Tzuyu's cheek. “I love you too.”

 

------------------------------

 

3:41 PM

 

Jihyo sighed as she entered the car, the blonde getting in at the same time. They were parked outside a cafe, having gotten some cake pops.

 

“So.,” Dahyun replied. “Who is it that you like?

 

“Oh my gosh,” Jihyo said. “L-Like I said, it's nothing...”

 

“But why is it nothing?” The younger girl pouted. “I'm your best friend, you should tell me who it is! Maybe I could match-make you two!”

 

“...I-I don't know. I... just don't know how you would feel.”

 

“Awwww... Jihyooo please!”

 

Jihyo sighed. She dug herself into this hole, and she needed to dig herself out. She wanted to save her confession for Dahyun's birthday, which feels like an eternity from now. So... how would she handle this situation without breaking Dahyun's heart?

 

“Uh... let's make a deal,” Jihyo replied. “I tell you who I like on your birthday!”

 

“That's so long from noowww!” The blonde whined childishly. “I want to know now!”

 

“If you don't agree to this, then I'll never tell you.”

 

This shut Dahyun up quick. She felt... a bit nervous. Why is it so important that Jihyo tells her on HER birthday? How... who is it?

 

“..I guess I can wait,” Dahyun replied.

 

The JYP trainee smiled. “Thank you Dubu!”

 

There was a sudden knock on the car window, and to both of the girl's surprise, Sana was the one there.

Jihyo exited the car, Dahyun quickly following.

 

“Sana, what's going on?” Jihyo asked.

 

“I need to talk to you,” Sana replied. “Just you, Jihyo.”

 

The JYP trainee looked to her childhood friend. “I'm sorry, Dubu, will you be okay?”

 

“Of course, go on ahead.” The blonde replied.

 

Dahyun found herself getting a bit frustrated. She's noticed that Jihyo has been getting closer to Sana lately. And while that is really no problem since they're all friends, something about Sana gives her... well, she doesn't quite know, but a different vibe from all the other friends. But maybe she's just being unreasonable.

 

Sana and Jihyo went away from Dahyun, and Minatozaki sighed.

 

“I want to tell Dahyun about my past,” Sana stated.

 

“Yeah?” The JYP trainee said.

 

“You're going to be helping me, and I'd rather Dahyun not be concerned, or suspicious, or something negative, you know?” Minatozaki replied. “So... yeah, I wanna tell her.”

 

“Okay.”

 

The two girls made their way back to Dahyun.

 

“Hey! What's up?” Dahyun asked.

 

“Hey, uh... I have something to tell you. I-I think you're two were already inside that cafe, but what I'm going to tell you... you'll need to sit down.” Sana stated.

 

------------------------------

 

After entering the cafe and sitting at one of the tables, with Dahyun and Jihyo sitting next to each other, and Sana sitting just in front of them, the Japanese girl sighed.

 

“Don't tell anyone else what I'm going to tell you, okay?” Sana said. “I need your 100% assurance.”

 

“I won't tell anyone, Sana,” Dahyun replied. “What is it?”

 

“My mother died when I was very young,” Sana replied. “A kid, actually. My father was never the same after her death... he, um, he started drinking. A lot. H-He never hit me, but... he never showed me love, and never acted like I was his daughter. It was.. so rough.. and when I turned 15... he abandoned me. That's how I ended up in Korea because my aunt lived here.”

 

There were a couple of moments of silence between the three girls before Dahyun spoke up.

 

“Sana... I'm so sorry that happened to you.” Was all Dahyun could reply. “You were so young, how did you even deal with that?”

 

“I managed, but... that's not the main reason I'm telling you this. I'm telling you this, because, well... I want to go find him.”

 

“You want to find... your father that abandoned you?” Dahyun questioned. “But why?”

 

“You wouldn't understand.” The Japanese girl replied. “All your life, you got to grow up with living parents. But for me? I never had that. None of it. I don't even REMEMBER how my mother was like. And my dad is the only parent I have left. Too much time has passed by, and I don't want to let any more pass too.”

 

“I understand. N-Not how you feel, but I understand your motive. How can I help you?” The blonde asked.

 

Minatozaki shrugged. “Just in any way you can. Seulgi, Momo, and I are going to leave for Japan by the end of the month.”

 

“I see...”

 

“Yeah...”

 

The Japanese girl looked down and just started thinking about another person who reminded her of herself: Mina. She didn't really know what was going on with Mina, but she knew the girl wasn't okay mentally. A part of her wished she knew, so she could help.

 

“Have you two seen Mina?” Sana asked.

 

“We did, but only for a second,” Jihyo replied.

 

“She.. didn't seem too well,” Dahyun added.

 

The Japanese girl sighed. “That's too bad... L-Look, I know Mina has been our friend for three years already, and it saddens me to know that we don't know much about her. I-I don't want to force her to open up but..”

 

The JYP trainee waved a hand. “I get what you mean, and Dahyun and I have been offering Mina... it's all up to her.”

 

Minatozaki sighed. “I have to go see Momo. Catch you two later?”

 

The childhood friends nodded.

 

“Okay, bye girls,” Sana said, departing the cafe.

 

------------------------------

3:51 PM

 

Sunshine. The nice breeze. Myoui Mina lied there on her favorite spot in the forest again. She didn't want to come here, but she needed to. Today hasn't been so good for her.

 

“...Mina?” A voice called out. Mina was a bit surprised since it wasn't who she was expecting.

 

Jeongyeon stood there, just outside Mina's circle. “Are you okay?” The Japanese girl sat up and didn't say a word. The Korean girl looked around. “Do you mind if I sit next to you?”

 

Mina just motioned for the girl to sit next to her, but she didn't say a word.

 

The older girl made herself comfortable on the blanket, sitting next to Mina. “I.. figured I would find you here.” The Japanese girl just nodded, and Jeongyeon continued. “I texted Wonpil earlier, and he told me that you told him you needed some space. What's going on?”

 

Mina was silent.

 

“Okay, maybe you don't have to tell me right now,” Jeongyeon replied. “We can sit here for a little bit, and then you can talk to me when you're ready.”

 

------------------------------

 

Some time had passed, and Mina spoke up. “I don't deserve him.” The Korean girl looked at her, and the Japanese girl continued. “Wonpil has so much to look forward to in life.. h-he's in DAY6, he has s-so many friends... and I'm just... me..” Mina sniffled. “H-He deserves better than s-s-some dis.. disappointment like me..”

 

Jeongyeon put a hand on Mina's shoulder. “Hey, don't say that. Wonpil doesn't think you're a disappointment. Wonpil cares so much about you. He thinks of you as so much more.”

 

The Japanese girl looked away. “I-I'm so stupid...” Jeongyeon pulled the girl into a hug. “No, you're not.”

 

------------------------------

 

4:04 PM

 

Jeongyeon had called the keyboardist, and he finally arrived. The two girls were now standing, and Wonpil immediately ran to Mina and pulled her into a hug.

 

“W-Wonpil... I-I'm so sorry..” Mina tearfully said. “It's okay,” Wonpil replied.

 

The keyboardist looked at Jeongyeon. “Thank you.”

 

------------------------------

 

4:10 PM

 

Jihyo and Dahyun had finally arrived back at JYP studios, and they could both see that Minho was ready to go, while Jisung... Jisung looked dead inside.

 

“Hey girls!” Minho replied. “Jisungie and I are ready!” The blonde giggled at this sight.

 

------------------------------

4:21 PM.

 

The car filled with 4 arrived at the amusement, and they could see that Chaeyoung was waiting with her boyfriend outside the front. They got off and approached the two.

 

“Whoa, who's the cutie?” Minho remarked, looking at... Chaeyoung, surprisingly.

 

“Ah, that's our friend,” Jihyo replied. “Son Chaeyoung.”

 

Jisung was dead quiet, and Dahyun had an arm wrapped around his back. “Welcome to the friendzone, I'll be your guide.” The boy was dead silent. Jihyo and Minho were both way in front of the two, so Dahyun looked at the rapper. “Hey, can you keep a secret?”

 

Jisung nodded.

 

“Okay. I... love Jihyo.” The blonde admitted.

 

The boy looked at her in surprise. “Y-You love your childhood friend?” He asked.

 

“Yuupp, and I'm not sure if she feels the same!”

 

“That , noona.”

 

“Sure does!”

 

“Hey there!” Jihyo said. “I'm Park Jihyo, you must be Kyungmin!”

 

“A-Ah, yes!” Kyungmin said. “I-I'm Choi Kyungmin, nice to meet you!”

 

He awkwardly bowed. Now Jihyo understood his charm.

 

“This is-”

 

“I'm Lee Minho, nice to meet you!” Minho greeted, then looked at Chaeyoung. “And you too, cutie!”

 

“I'm taken,” Chaeyoung remarked.

 

“And I'm gay!” Minho replied.

 

Kyungmin looked at him.

 

“My best friend's gay,” Kyungmin commented.

 

“Well, tell him congrats!” Minho responded.

 

“She's a girl..”

 

“Tell her congrats!”

 

Jihyo looked over to Jisung and Dahyun. “Hey, come here Dubu!” The blonde pushed Jisung ahead, and she ran to Jihyo.

 

“I'm Kim Dahyun, and that's Han Jisung.” The younger girl greeted. “I've heard a lot about you, Kyungmin! It's nice to finally meet you!”

 

“C-Chae talks about me a lot?” Kyungmin asked.

 

“Of course I do Kyungie,” Chaeyoung replied. “You ARE my boyfriend after all!”

 

The JYP trainee looked at Dahyun, who started to talk to Kyungmin. Jihyo felt stuck. She knew she was going to confess her feelings to the blonde on her birthday, but still... The anxieties haven't gone away. She's afraid she'll ruin their friendship, and she can't imagine a life without Dahyun.

 

The blonde noticed Jihyo was looking at her.

 

“Hey!” Dahyun replied, running over to her childhood friend. The older girl was a bit taken by surprise as the girl held her hand. “D-Dahyun..?”

 

The blonde smiled. “Let's go, unnie!”

 

Of course, once Dahyun came to her with her beautiful smile and her soothing voice... all of Jihyo's anxieties would go away.

 

------------------------------

 

“...and done!”

 

“Waaahhh! I blinked! That photo looks so bad Chae!”

 

“Well, too bad!”

 

Dahyun had noticed a rollercoaster that was cool in her eyes, so she posed in front of it and had asked the oranged-haired girl to take a picture of her. Unfortunately, the photo was not good.

 

“I think you look fine, Dubu,” Jihyo replied. The blonde blushed. “A-Ah.. thank you.”

 

Chaeyoung gave Jihyo a look but then walked away.

 

“Hey, uh, actually, I have a question for you, Dahyun,” Jihyo said. “What do you want for your birthday?”

 

The blonde shrugged. “I haven't really thought about it, honestly. Whatever you get me, you know I'll be okay with.”

 

“Okay... that's good to know.”

 

“Oooo! What are you going to get me, unnie?”

 

“Not telling you.”

 

The younger girl pouted. “You're so mean!”

 

The JYP trainee laughed. “Mmhmm!”

 

------------------------------

 

“Unnie, look!” Dahyun said, pointing at one of those booths.

 

Chaeyoung looked at where Dahyun was pointing. “Hm, that's a big teddy bear.”

 

Minho looked away. “Isn't that for carnivals..?”

 

“That's an amusement park thing too,” Jisung said bluntly.

 

“Ah, of course, Jisungie! You're so smart!”

 

“Do you want one, Dubu?” Jihyo asked.

 

The blonde looked at her. “I don't know... you're going to have to play for it!”

 

The older girl looked at the bear. “I'm sure I can just buy it off them if I offer enough money.”

 

The older girl walked towards the booth, and Kyungmin just looked. “Look, I don't think they care how much money she has, they won't- oh my gosh, did that just happen?” The JYP trainee returned with the big teddy in her arms, and she gave it to her childhood friend.

 

“Thank you unnie!” Dahyun replied, pulling her friend into a hug.

 

Chaeyoung looked at her boyfriend. “She's rich.”

 

The boy just nodded. “Ooooohhh...”

 

------------------------------

 

5:41 PM

 

Eventually, the group had split up, leaving Jihyo and Dahyun by themselves.

 

“This isn't the worst thing to have happened.” The blonde said. “You know I love spending time with you!”

 

Jihyo wished that Dahyun didn't say the words between “I love” and “you”.

 

“Me too, Dahyun,” Jihyo replied. The blonde held her childhood friend's hand, and they continued walking.

 

------------------------------

 

6:21 PM

 

Eventually, they all met back up at the front.

 

“Well, that was fun!” Minho said. “But Jisung and I gotta head back!”

 

“Oh, you need me to drive you back?” Jihyo asked.

 

Jisung shook his head. “No, we called Chan-hyung to come get us.”

 

The JYP trainee nodded. “Okay, see you later then!”

 

Minho and Jisung walked off, and the two childhood friends looked at the couple.

 

“See you tomorrow, Chae,” Dahyun replied. “And it was nice to meet you, Kyungmin.”

 

“Yeah, same here,” Kyungmin said.

 

Jihyo waved bye to the two and walked back to her car. The blonde followed her.

 

“Guess it's back home.” The older girl said.

 

------------------------------

 

May 11th, 2018. 5:25 PM.

 

Momo had closed her studio for the day, but this didn't take Sana and Seulgi from visiting. The Korean girl had brought her laptop.

 

“So, why did you two come?” Momo asked. “I don't mind, but why?”

 

Seulgi smirked. “We're going to do some research on Sana's dad.”

 

“..Right.” The dance teacher replied. “I thought you didn't know his name, Sana?”

 

Minatozaki sighed. “I don't.”

 

The dance teacher looked at Seulgi. “You're... just going to write in random names?”

 

The SM trainee shrugged. “I'll just write Minatozaki and see what pops up!”

 

“Oh my gosh,” Sana remarked. “S-Seulgi, I appreciate what you're doing... but we can just start when we get there. I still remember how my old house used to look like, that's our starting point.”

 

The Korean girl looked at her. “You're assuming he's still there, but what if he isn't?”

 

Minatozaki looked away. “E-Even if he isn't, I don't care. I'll search everywhere I remember him going to.”

 

The dance teacher looked at the girl. “Even bars?”

 

Sana looked at her. “Momo...”

 

The girl sighed. “Sana, look... you say you'll give him a chance IF he's changed. And that's IF. What if he hasn't changed?”

 

“H-He will be changed. I know it.”

 

“I just don't want your heart to break again.”

 

“I understand your concern, but I'm sure that he's changed. Just have some faith, okay?”

 

“Okay.”

 

“I think I got something!” Seulgi said. The two Japanese girls had not noticed that the Korean girl had already sat herself down, and was looking up names on her laptop.

 

“S-Seulgi!” Minatozaki said. “Are you serious?”

 

“Actually, Minatozaki is a pretty rare surname.” The Korean girl said. “A few names have come up. Let me list them... Atsuya, Daisuke, Hiroyuki, Jiichiro..”

 

“N-None of those names seem familiar,” Sana commented. “C-Can you please stop?”

 

The Korean girl continued scrolling. “Kenji, Masahi-”

 

“STOP!” Sana screamed, closing Seulgi's laptop. “S-Stop..”

 

The Korean girl just looked at her. “S-Sana..?”

 

The Japanese girl ran out of the room, leaving Momo and Seulgi.

 

“I-I was just trying to help,” Seulgi said.

 

The dance teacher sighed. “I know you are, and she knows you are. I think she just got overwhelmed.”

 

The SM trainee looked down. “I-I'll go talk to her.”

 

Seulgi left the room. She found Sana sitting down on the floor, against the wall.

 

“S-Sana..?” Seulgi called out. “I'm sorry. I was just trying to help. I-I guess I overstepped.”

 

The Japanese girl was silent but then spoke up. “I-I know... it's okay..”

 

The girl stood up. “It's just... L-Like I said, I don't know his name... and you saying all those names just made me feel worse.”

 

The SM trainee nodded. “I am sorry.” She pulled the girl into a hug.

 

------------------------------

 

6:35 PM

 

Nayeon and Tzuyu had texted all their friends to came over to Nayeon's house, stating that they have something important to tell them. The first to arrive were Jihyo, Dahyun, and Jeongyeon. After them, followed Chaeyoung, Sana, Seulgi, and Momo. While Mina was invited, the girl was going through something, so she wasn't able to attend.

 

The two girlfriends figured they would just tell Mina on their own time.

 

“So, what is it, Nayeon?” Jihyo asked. “It seemed important.”

 

Nayeon and Tzuyu both shared looks at each other, and then looked at their friends.

 

“Okay, so.,” Tzuyu replied. “I hope this isn't too sudden for you girls..”

 

Tzuyu held Nayeon's hand.

 

“Tzuyu and I are in a relationship,” Nayeon replied.

 

They were met with an overwhelming amount of supporting words from their friends.

 

------------------------------

 

7:15 PM

 

Eventually, all the other girls had left, leaving Nayeon and Tzuyu by themselves.

 

“That went great,” Nayeon replied. The younger girl went into the bedroom, and the bunny girl followed.

 

Tzuyu threw herself onto the bed. “I'm glad we told them, bunny, don't get me wrong... I-I'm just worried they'll be annoying about it.”

 

The bunny girl sat down on the bed next to Tzuyu. “Don't worry, honey, I'm sure they'll treat us the same.”

 

The younger girl looked up at her. “You're so beautiful, Nayeon. How did I get so lucky?”

 

The bunny girl smiled at her. “I feel the same about you every day.”

 

------------------------------

 

May 28th, 7:51 AM

 

The two childhood friends were still asleep in bed together, cuddling. The older girl slowly started to wake up and saw Dahyun in her sight.

 

Today was the day, she thought. She was finally going to confess her feelings to Dahyun. She knew that at the end of the day, things were going to be forever changed.

 

She just hopes it's for the best. The older girl smiled. “Hey, good morning.”

 

The blonde slowly stirred, waking up. “...ahh... right..” Jihyo sat up from her position, and the younger girl positioned herself to be lying on her back. The older girl kissed her on the cheek. “Happy birthday, Dahyun.”

 

The blonde smiled at her and sat up and stretched. “Thank you. I'm really looking forward to today.” The older girl nodded. “Me too.”

 

The younger girl took her phone from the bedstand. “I have a good feeling about today.”

 

You have no idea, Jihyo thought.

 

------------------------------

 

FRIENDIES!

 

~~Kim Dahyun has added Kang Seulgi to the chat!~~

 

Nayeon: Wow about time lmao

 

Tzuyu: aye

 

Seulgi: @MinatozakiSana I'm a cool kid now!

 

Sana: Don't @ me.

 

Dahyun: well, it's my birthday, and since it's such a special day, I've decided to give Seulgi a special gift!

 

Seulgi: Thank you. Happy birthday btw

 

Jihyo: Dahyun! Happy Birthday!

 

Chaeyoung: Happy birthday bestie!

 

Momo: Happy birthday Dahyun!

 

Sana: Happy birthday

 

Nayeon: Happy birthday from Tzuyu and I

 

Tzuyu: yeah, happy birthday girl!

 

Jeongyeon: happy birthday you lesbian

 

Dahyun: aw thanks <3

 

Jeongyeon: Mina isn't here right now, but I can already tell you she says happy birthday.

 

~~Myoui Mina is now online~~

 

Mina: Happy birthday.

 

Dahyun: Thank you, Mina, that means a lot coming from you.

 

Mina: <3

 

Nayeon: aw that's so wholesome!

 

~~Myoui Mina is now offline~~

 

Tzuyu: And she's gone

 

Chaeyoung: at least she texted! That's so good!

 

Jeongyeon: so when's the party?

 

Dahyun: more like friend get together

 

Jihyo: yeah lol

 

Jihyo: Dahyun and I decided to just keep it cool this year

 

Jeongyeon: thank god

 

Jeongyeon: If I had to do some stupid , I'd be out.

 

Nayeon: lol ok nice

 

------------------------------

 

8:05 AM

 

The two childhood friends had changed and were now in the living room.

 

“So, Dahyun...” Jihyo said. “Do you want to know what your gift is?”

 

The blonde faced her. “Mmm, what is it?”

 

“You'll see soon. I don't think it's the time JUST yet.”

 

The younger girl pouted. “Then why'd you tease me right now?”

 

The JYP trainee got up. “Mmm, just to know~~”

 

Dahyun looked at Jihyo. All month long she's been waiting to see WHO Jihyo liked, and why she waited until now to tell her. The blonde had prepared herself, of course. She knew that once Jihyo told her, her heart would be broken, but that's okay. As long as Jihyo was happy, then she'll be happy.

 

The older girl started to cook some food. While Dahyun turned the T.V. on. There was a lot to look forward, and yet Jihyo was all on her mind. The blonde didn't even pay attention to time passing by, so the next thing she knew, Jihyo had placed a plate of bulgogi in front of the younger girl.

 

“Heeyyy,” Jihyo said. “Earth to Dubu?”

 

The blonde girl snapped out of it. “A-Ah, thank you..”

 

------------------------------

 

9:31 AM

 

Since Tzuyu was at school, the bunny girl was home alone. Instead of just being alone, she decided to go out and do something.

 

------------------------------

 

9:52 AM

 

Eventually, Nayeon had found herself at the movie theaters. Not like she could do anything while her girlfriend was gone, so why not kill some time watching a movie.

 

Of course, it wasn't that easy. Her life never was. As she entered the lobby, she noticed someone very familiar. Lee Yeojin, her ex-girlfriend who has older than her. The bunny girl hoped the other girl wouldn't notice her, but to no luck.

 

“Heeyyy!” Yeojin said, waving at Nayeon. “You, come here!”

 

The bunny girl sighed and walked over to her.

 

“I wasn't expecting to see you here, Nayie,” Yeojin replied. “How are you doing?”

 

“Y-You're still saying that?” Nayeon asked.

 

Of course, their break up wasn't BAD, per se. They had split on mutual terms. Didn't save Nayeon from the heartbreak though.

 

“Well, of course. Like I asked, how are you doing?”

 

“...Fine.” Nayeon replied. “I was going to see a movie.”

 

The older girl's eyes lit up. “Which movie!?”

 

The bunny girl looked at her. “A-Ah... I don't know.”

 

Yeojin smiled at her. “Well, you could watch a movie with me! It could be like old times!”

 

“N-Not like old times,” Nayeon replied. She looked away, but then remembered something. “I have a girlfriend now.”

 

Yeojin nodded. “Okay, cool. Well, me too. Why is it important? We're just going to watch a movie like friends!”

 

The bunny girl sighed. “Before we started dating?”

 

The ex-girlfriend nodded. “Mmhmm!”

 

“I.. guess I can live with that,” Nayeon replied. “Then let's go... Let me just text my girlfriend.”

 

“Oh, where is she anyway?” Yeojin asked.

 

The bunny girl pulled out her phone. “At school.”

 

The older girl raised an eyebrow. “Ah, a younger girl, hm? I thought older girls were your type.”

 

“Um, long story short: I'm seeing a movie with my ex-girlfriend. And PLEASE don't worry about it. The moment she tries anything, I'm walking out of there.” Nayeon texted her girlfriend, then looked back at her ex.

 

“I never said I had a type, did I?”

 

“Mmm... You never said you did, but you really did like calling me mo-”

 

“DON'T mention that!” Nayeon snapped. “T-That was so long ago, Yeojin!”

 

The ex-girlfriend analyzed her. “Yeah, you definitely seem a bit tight. Have you not... you know?”

 

The younger girl looked away, a bit upset. “Last time was with you, six years ago..”

 

Yeojin smiled. “Aahhh! That's so interesting!”

 

The bunny girl was almost glaring at her now. “Can we stop talking about that? I don't want to remember those times.”

 

Yeojin's smile went away. “Ah, I see.”

 

And then Nayeon embarked on the most awkward 2 hours of her life.

 

------------------------------

 

5:50 PM

 

Nayeon and Tzuyu had finally found time to just settle down, and talk.

 

“What even is your ex's name?” Tzuyu asked. “Both of them, not just the girl.”

 

“Ah,” Nayeon replied. “I-I don't remember my boyfriend that much... I think his name was Haesung, but I don't remember his last name... oh wait, it was Seok Haesung. And my recent ex is Lee Yeojin.”

 

The younger girl sighed. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather you have seen your boyfriend than your girlfriend.”

 

The bunny girl sighed. “No, trust me, I'm not happy with this turn of events. I kept in contact with Yeojin for a few months after we broke up, but eventually, it sorta faded out. There were the occasional texts then and there, but I felt we stopped talking about a year ago.”

 

“And of course, right when you're happy with me, your ex just suddenly turns up,” Tzuyu remarked. “Ugh, it feels like one of those stories where the writers inserts the ex for no reason other than drama..”

 

“No, trust me, I won't let Yeojin do anything,” Nayeon replied. “I love you, Tzuyu. And only you, okay? You have my heart, and I won't let you go.”

 

The younger girl smiled. “Thank you, Nayeon... I feel better.”

 

------------------------------

 

6:01 PM

 

Back at Jihyo's house, they prepared the house for the get-together. The older girl cooked food, while the younger girl cleaned up the house. Right as they finished, they heard a knock. Jihyo opened the door, and saw Wonpil, with Mina right behind him.

 

“Hey, I hope I'm not intruding,” Wonpil replied.

 

The older girl smiled at him. “No, you're just fine. Come in.”

 

The two entered the house, while Jihyo shut the down behind them. Wonpil looked at Dahyun. “Happy birthday.”

 

The blonde smiled at him. “Thank you.”

 

The keyboardist pulled out a key from his pocket. “I got you a little something.”

 

The blonde took it out of his hands. “What is it?”

 

Wonpil looked at Jihyo, who nodded. “My father owns a little church, and inside it is this amazing piano. He hasn't done anything with it, and he's handed me the access to it.”

 

“Wait.,” Dahyun replied. “This..”

 

Wonpil nodded. “That's the key to the church. You can enter the church, and play the piano from there. You have legal access to.”

 

“Oh my gosh.” The blonde said, looking up at him. “T-Thank you so much!” She hugged him. Mina just smiled lightly at this.

 

------------------------------

 

6:28 PM

 

Eventually, all of their friends had arrived. While everyone was talking, Chaeyoung had asked Dahyun to meet her outside.

 

“What is it, Chae?” Dahyun asked.

 

The orange-haired girl looked at her. “Dahyun... you have to tell Jihyo.”

 

“C-Chaeyoung...”

 

“It's been too long, you know? You've hidden your feelings for FAR too long. You have to tell her.”

 

“I-I can't.”

 

“It's hurting me to see you hurt, Dahyun!”

 

The blonde was taken aback, and the orange-haired girl continued.

 

“I see you, how you've been acting recently. When Jihyo came out as biual, the pain in your eyes was as obvious as ever. I care for you, Dahyun, and to see you treat yourself like this... it hurts me.”

 

“C-Chaeyoung..” Dahyun replied.

 

The orange-haired girl looked at her. “I know you're in a better place now than you were so many years ago. But... seeing you now, it reminds me SO MUCH of past you, and... that scares me. If you don't tell Jihyo now, you're going to fall back into that hole. Please, Dahyun. You need to tell her, for you.”

 

The blonde was quiet. “Chaeyoung..”

 

Jihyo exited the house. “Oh! Sorry, was I interrupting something?”

 

The orange-haired girl looked at Dahyun, then at Jihyo. “No, I think I'm done with her anyways.”

 

Chaeyoung went back into the house, while Jihyo approached Dahyun. “Hey, Dahyun, you okay?” The blonde looked at her friend. Jihyo... finally saw it. How did she not notice it? She could see it in Dahyun's eyes.

 

The younger girl just hugged her best friend. “Jihyo..” The older girl hugged her back. “Hey, it's okay. You know I'm here for you. I was here for you back then, and I'll be here for you now.”

 

------------------------------

 

7:41 PM

 

After spending the next hour spending time with their friends, Dahyun's party was coming to a wrap.

Everyone else had left, besides Chaeyoung, Nayeon, and Tzuyu.

 

Chaeyoung approached Dahyun. “Dahyun-” The blonde hugged her. “You're right, Chae. You're right.”

Nayeon and Tzuyu were talking to Jihyo.

 

“How did you know?” Jihyo asked. “I-I mean when was the right time to confess?”

 

Tzuyu shrugged. “It just came naturally, honestly.”

 

Nayeon nodded. “She's right. When you know the time is right, you just gotta do it. Why do you ask?”

 

The older girl sighed. “I just wanted to know.”

 

And with that, the two girlfriends and the orange-haired girl left. Jihyo and Dahyun sat on the couch. The older girl looked at the sky outside and noticed the sun was setting.

 

“Dahyun, can you come with me outside?” Jihyo asked.

 

This was it. This was the moment of truth. Jihyo had been waiting patiently all day for this moment. The sun was setting, and now it was time for the older girl to tell Dahyun her feelings. Her heart pounded the loudest she's ever heard it, but she knew she needed to do this. Everything was going to change.

 

Jihyo walked outside, holding Dahyun's hand. She looked at the sunset.

 

“What's up, unnie?” Dahyun asked. Jihyo looked back at her friend and faced her.

 

“You know how I always mention the sunset?” Jihyo replied. “The sunset. It's so relaxing, and it just... makes me forget all my stresses. At the end of a hard day, I remember that the sunset is there to help me calm down.”

 

Dahyun nodded. “I know..”

 

The older girl sighed. “You've been wanting to know who I like for a long time now... I'm going to tell you.”

 

Jihyo pointed at the sunset. “The sunset. I like the sunset.” The blonde was a bit confused but waited to see if the girl would continue. “Sometimes when I get scared, and bad thoughts start coming to me... I remember the sunset. And then, I feel happy. All those bad thoughts go away.”

 

Jihyo looked at her best friend. “I love the sunset. And Dahyun... You're my sunset.” The blonde's heart skipped a beat. “Jihyo?”

 

“Like I said, when I have bad times..” Jihyo replied. “I remember the sunset. I remember you. When I see your smile and hear your laugh... I get reminded that everything will be okay. Because you're my sunset. You're the beautiful sight I look forward to at the end of the day.”

 

The blonde was still silent. “You..?” Jihyo smiled at her. “I love you, Dahyun. We've been together for so many years, and I feel like a fool for just now realizing it... but it's true. I love you, Kim Dahyun. I love you and only you.”

 

Dahyun didn't notice it until she felt Jihyo wipe her tears away, but she was crying.

 

“Y-You.. love me?” Dahyun replied. “Y-You really love me, Jihyo?”

 

“You're the love of my life,” Jihyo replied.

 

The blonde smiled at her. “I... I love you too, Jihyo. My god, I love you so much.”

 

So many emotions Dahyun felt all in one moment. But one thing that stuck with her: She felt like she could finally breathe again. Jihyo.. the love of her life, loves her back. All those years of bottling up her feelings were over. Every single night filled with tears were no more. Dahyun was no longer drowning because Jihyo had pulled her out. Jihyo loves Dahyun.

 

The younger girl pulled Jihyo into a tight hug. “I-I love you... I love you so much, Jihyo.” Jihyo hugged her back. “I love you too.”

 

“I-I've loved you since the moment I met you,” Dahyun said. Jihyo pulled away. “That's a long time. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long.”

 

The blonde wiped her tears away. “It's okay, because you're here with me now, and that's all that matters.”

 

The JYP trainee smiled at her now girlfriend. “Shall we go inside?”

 

“Yes, please,” Dahyun replied.

 

------------------------------

 

May 29th, 2018. 8:21 AM

 

Jihyo was awake, but Dahyun will still asleep. Instead of just leaving her alone, she stayed there in bed with her, just looking at the girl. This is her girlfriend. Kim Dahyun, her childhood friend, is the love of her life.

 

Jihyo knew things were going to be changed forever, and she's glad it ended up this way.

 

------------------------------

 

8:32 AM.

 

The blonde slowly woke up.

 

“Good morning, my love,” Jihyo said, kissing the girl on the cheek. The blonde smiled. “So.. it wasn't a dream?”

 

The older girl smiled. “Not a dream. Let me make it feel more real.. I love you, Dahyun.”

 

Dahyun pulled the girl into a hug. “I love you too.”

 

------------------------------

 

1:21 PM

 

Sana was inside her house, packing up important things into her suitcase. While they weren't going to leave until the 31st, she didn't want to waste any time when the day came. She wanted to make sure they left as soon as possible.

 

She heard a knock on her door, so she opened it.

 

“Oh, hey, Momo,” Sana said. “What brings you here?”

 

The dance teacher surveyed the room. “You're.. packing already?”

 

The younger girl nodded. “I want to leave as soon as possible.”

 

Momo entered the house. “I just wanted to tell you, Sana... I'm going to be there for you, every step of the way.”

 

“I know, Momo. Thank you.”

“Also, I think we need to tell everyone that we're leaving soon. You don't have to mention your dad, just that we're leaving.”

 

Sana sighed. “Yeah, I get it.”

 

------------------------------

 

3:41 PM

 

Jihyo was cooking, while Dahyun sat on the chair next to the kitchen island.

 

“Do you want to tell our friends?” Dahyun asked. “O-Or should we wait?”

 

“Let's take it slow, Dahyun,” Jihyo replied. “I kind of want to enjoy it being us two for a little, and then we can tell them.”

 

“I think Nayeon and Tzuyu did the same thing too.” The blonde thought out loud. “That's okay!”

 

The older girl looked at her girlfriend. “I love you. Dahyun, just stay being you, okay? I love that about you.”

 

The blonde blushed. “Thank you...” Jihyo set a bowl of rice in front of Dahyun, and the blonde looked at her. “When.. when did you realize you were in love with me?”

 

The older girl bit her lip, trying to remember all the details. “When I kissed you for the first time on the cheek.”

 

“T-That was a long time ago!” Dahyun replied. “You waited so long to tell me! You're so meeeeeaannn!”

 

The older girl giggled. “H-Hey! I was scared, okay? I... didn't think you'd feel the same way.”

 

The blonde fell silent. “No, I understand. I... thought you wouldn't feel the same way too.”

 

The older girl sighed. “Honestly, I found out I was biual because of you, Dahyun.”

 

The blonde looked at her. “A-Ah... that's... nice to know.”

 

Dahyun closed her eyes. For the first time, Dahyun could truly see the future: Her, with the love of her life, Jihyo.

 

------------------------------

 

May 31st, 2018. 4:21 PM

 

Sana, Momo, and Seulgi had told the group yesterday that they'd be leaving for Japan, and now today was the day. All 11 were at the airport.

 

“Hey, good luck, Sana,” Jihyo said, hugging the girl.

 

“Good luck? Ain't they just leaving for Japan?” Nayeon remarked, then she looked at her girlfriend. “Babe, what do you think?”

 

“Ugh, I can't believe you're THAT couple.” Jeongyeon groaned.

 

“Mmmm, how sad for you, Jeongyeon,” Nayeon replied, kissing Tzuyu on the cheek.

 

“I liked how you had to get on your tippy-toes,” Jeongyeon remarked. “It's hilarious.”

 

The bunny girl scoffed. “How rude! You're-!”

 

“Geez, stop arguing you two,” Tzuyu replied. “Bunny, I expect better out of you.”

 

“Why is Tzuyu sounding like a top right now,” Dahyun remarked. Jihyo, having pulled away from her hug, hit her lightly on the shoulder. “Don't be inappropriate, Dahyun.”

 

All three of the Japan travelers had their luggage ready to go.

 

“Well, we have to go now,” Sana said. “We don't want to miss our flight.”

 

Mina nodded. “H-Hey... I... have a request for you three.”

 

Minatozaki looked at the girl. “Anything, Mina.”

 

The girl was silent. “Can.. you check if Funakoshi's School of Ballet is open?” Wonpil looked at her, then back at the three girls.

 

“Uh, sure,” Sana replied. “I'll text you if I see it.”

 

Mina nodded. “Thank you.”

 

After all the friends said and hugged their goodbyes, the three girls then left into the airport.

 

------------------------------

 

5:45 PM

 

Sana, Momo, and Seulgi had bought seats for all of them to be sitting together. The plane started to take off, and Sana looked to the side.

 

Minatozaki just thought about the next couple of days. She had a feeling that everything was going to change.

 

She just hoped, truly, that it was going to be for the best.