​​​​​                “What are you doing, come on,” Soyeon said abruptly pulling Tzuyu into the girl’s bathroom instead of the locker room where she was headed, “You can’t change in there… unless you want a repeat of our last class,”

 

                “Oh… yeah thanks,” Tzuyu mumbled.

 

                “Bro, what’s up… your head is really out of it today?” Soyeon asked, narrowing her eyes at Tzuyu.

 

                “Nothing, I’m fine… let’s just change and go,” Tzuyu answered brusquely before picking a stall and locking herself inside to change.

 

                Soyeon rolled her eyes at Tzuyu’s strange behavior before quickly changing outside the stalls and running out to the field, “… guess I’ll see you out there?”

 

                Tzuyu waited until she was gone to come out of the stall. She filled her water bottle up in the sink and decided to splash some water on her face as well. She groaned when the door opened again, “I told you I’m f—”

 

                “Don’t you dare lie to me,” Jeongyeon grumbled as she walked to the sink next to Tzuyu, “What’s going on? Soyeon said you’re acting weird,”

 

                “You wouldn’t understand,” Tzuyu grumbled, trying to grab her bag and exit, but Jeongyeon grabbed her arm.

 

                “I just might be the only one who would. Try me,” She said looking Tzuyu in the eyes concernedly.

 

                “You’re going to be late to practice again,” Tzuyu pointed out, observing that Jeongyeon hadn’t changed into her practice jersey yet.

 

                “I’m already benched for the opener… it can’t get much worse than that for the time being,” Jeongyeon answered.

 

                Tzuyu sighed, “I thought I was doing the right thing… but everything keeps blowing up in my face,”

 

                “I know the feeling,” Jeongyeon agreed, crossing her arms.

 

                “Have you ever just wanted to protect someone… but your good intentions seem to backfire?” Tzuyu asked.

 

                It was Jeongyeon’s turn to sigh, “I think I’ve been in a very similar situation before… go on,”

 

                “Someone trusted me with a secret… a very important one, and I thought I could—”

 

                Just then the door to the bathroom swung open and Jennie ran in to a stall to throw up. Jeongyeon motioned for Tzuyu to stop talking.

 

                “Oh my God, Jennie are you ok?” Jeongyeon worried, knocking on the stall.

 

                “I’m fine—I’m fine, this happens all the time. Don’t tell my girlfriend,” She barked.

 

                Jeongyeon and Tzuyu shared a look, “A—are you sure? Should we tell Jihyo?” Tzuyu asked.

 

                Jennie laughed bitterly, “I bet you two would love to run and tell Jihyo… maybe get me benched for the opener—” she vomited again. Tzuyu mumbled a string of curses and stormed out of the bathroom without looking back, only Jeongyeon stayed behind, “, I’m sorry I’m not in my right mind right now that was harsh,” Jennie apologized.

 

                “It’s not your fault—she’s going through something right now,” Jeongyeon answered, “But um… are you sure you don’t need anything?”

 

                “I n—need you to get your out to practice before Jihyo kicks you off, Jeong. I can’t carry the team by myself,” Jennie joked morbidly.

 

                Jeongyeon laughed uncomfortably, “Yeah… I’ll do that,” she hadn’t even changed yet… but she wasn’t about to stick around the bathroom anymore. She’d have to do that in the locker room.

 

                ~

 

                “Tzuyu, take a lap… you’re late,” Jihyo called.

 

                Tzuyu didn’t move, she shot Jihyo a look and Jihyo returned it just as firmly,

 

                “Coach Moon isn’t even here yet,” Tzuyu answered, “I’m not technically late,”

 

                “It’s past 4pm… you’re late. Now make it two laps, and get rid of the attitude,” Jihyo called as Tzuyu begrudgingly started running.

 

                ~

 

                “Jeongie, where have you been? I waited for you,” Nayeon’s voice smooth as honey, husked as soon as Jeongyeon entered the locker room. Instantly wrapping her arms around her neck.

 

                “Nayeon—we can’t—you know how Jihyo is,” Jeongyeon said avoiding Nayeon’s attempts to kiss her.

 

                “What? Hasn't she made us wait enough?” Nayeon accused, “I feel like I keep defending her, but when it comes time for us to actually be friends, she doesn’t want anything to do with me. I don’t know what I can do anymore Jeongyeon, she hates me,”

 

                "That's not fair..." Jeongyeon trailed off.

 

                "I know, I'm sorry," Nayeon answered, placing her forehead on Jeongyeon's shoulder in submission, "This just--this waiting ing ,"

 

                “I’m working on it Nay… but it starts with me being on time to practice,” Jeongyeon said taking off her shirt, and unbuckling her pants.

 

                “Jeongieeee,” Nayeon whined, “Just one…” she trailed off, letting the idea hang in the air as her eyes unabashedly raked Jeongyeon’s exposed body.

 

                “Trust me Nay… not now,” Jeongyeon said as she pulled up her practice skirt.

 

                Nayeon pouted at Jeongyeon, and Jeongyeon rolled her eyes before leaning in to kiss Nayeon on the cheek, “I’ll make it worth the wait after, ok?” that put a smile on Nayeon’s face as she skipped out to cheer practice.

 

                Jeongyeon groaned as she traded her backpack for her practice jersey in the locker and locked her MCAT materials in for the duration of practice. Now it’s time to put your game brain on Jeong, she thought before throwing on the shirt and running out to the field.

 

                Jihyo made her run three laps.

 

                ~

 

                Sana pouted and whined as soon as Nayeon arrived on the bleachers, the girls had all been messing around with each other in their captain’s absence. All except Sana who was poutier than usual, “Did you see her?”

 

                “Who? Jeongyeon? Yeah… she’s doing her whole Team Jihyo thing again,” Nayeon answered rolling her eyes.

 

                “No… Tzuyu,” Sana whined, “She wasn’t in the locker room the entire time I was there… I wanted to talk to her, but you told us to get our asses out here to sit around and do nothing while you did who knows what with your girlfriend,”

 

                Nayeon scoffed, “It’s wasn’t like that. We just talked… but you and Tzuyu. What’s that all about?”

 

                “It’s nothing… just the Instagram thing,” Sana answered quickly, “Did Jeongyeon tell you why she got benched?” she changed the subject.

 

                “Yah, shouldn’t you be happy she—wait, Jeongie got benched? How do you know that?” Nayeon asked. Sana’s distraction worked… but at what cost?

 

                “Uh… she uhh… Rosie told me,” Sana blurted out.

 

                Rosé turned to Sana and called her a choice name in English. Sana only understood enough to know she shouldn’t repeat it. Australians seemed to use that term so flippantly.

 

                Rosé reluctantly gave Nayeon a brief rundown of what she knew… leaving a few important details about Jihyo’s secret out whilst cutting glares at Sana to do the same.

 

                “I’m going to kill her,” Nayeon steamed.

 

                “D—don’t do that,” Rosé stammered, “They’re in the middle of practice,”

 

                “Yeah, getting checked is not a fun experience… one-time Sowon—” Eunha started.

 

                “—I’m not afraid of getting checked… besides it seems that Jihyo’s bodyguard is nowhere to be seen. Now is the perfect time,” Nayeon stated.

 

                “Wha—where’s Jennie?” Rosé asked, scanning the field, with concern in her eyes, “I—I gotta go. I’ll be right back,” and she ran to the locker room before Nayeon could disagree.

 

                ~

 

                “Alright, let’s scrimmage today. It’ll be good practice for the opener on Saturday,” Coach Moon said when she arrived. She took a quick headcount before announcing, “7v7 today, goalies are captains. Sowon pick first,”

 

                “Where’s Jennie?” Coach Moon asked quietly to Jihyo once picking had commenced.

 

                “I—I’m not sure, she didn’t say anything to me,” Jihyo answered, nodding in acknowledgment that she’d been picked, but staying where she was.

 

                “You really need to keep a better eye on your players,” Coach Moon answered calmly, “And I’m not saying that to be harsh. I know she’s your roommate and you think you know each other pretty well, but things can change in the blink of an eye. Jennie is typically pretty reliable, I’ll give you that, but this just goes to show we never can fully know what’s going on in someone’s life, so we have to be mindful of how we’re treating them. Did you text her?”

 

                Coach Moon’s words sunk in and Jihyo couldn’t help but think they might have carried a deeper meaning with them.

 

                “Hey, did you text her?” Coach Moon asked again when Jihyo didn’t answer.

 

                “Oh—I no—I’ll text her right now,” Jihyo said running to the bench to grab her phone.

 

                “Hey, hey I’m here, I’m fine!” Jennie called, waving her hands as she ran from the locker rooms, “No need to… panic,” she laughed awkwardly. She bowed in apology to Coach Moon and Jihyo.

 

                Coach Moon looked at Jihyo and Jihyo looked at Jeongyeon before shaking her head and telling Jennie to run four laps as punishment.

 

                ~

 

                “Awe you missed your chance Cap’n,” Sana teased through their drills as Jennie finally ran out on the field.

 

                “After practice,” Nayeon hissed in acknowledgment as Rosé seamlessly slid back into formation without Coach Bae noticing.

 

                Today they were running through their formations, but Sana just couldn’t seem to focus. Every single grunt or shout from the field caused her to look away from her task. It wasn’t entirely her fault though, Tzuyu seemed to be avoiding her, and now suddenly she was on a rampage at practice, checking everyone that came anywhere near her. It was the most Sana had seen of her since they woke up.

 

                Suddenly Coach Moon blew her whistle, Sana looked up and saw all 157cm of Jeon Soyeon grab Tzuyu’s practice Jersey and pull her down to her level to accost her. Most of the team seemed to be avoiding the confrontation, but Sana couldn’t look away.

 

                “What the hell T-Star, you need to lighten up!” She shouted, “It’s only a scrim, if you keep playing dirty like this, you’re going to hurt someone,”

 

                “Maybe I wanna hurt someone,” Sana couldn’t really hear that part, but she could read Tzuyu’s lips… that’s how invested in this she was. Tzuyu was eyeing another girl on the team who Sana knew to be Haseul.

 

                Don’t do it Tzuyu, Sana willed.

 

                Soyeon smacked Tzuyu upside the head, “Hey! I’m serious, don’t go there. Chill,”

 

                Tzuyu shook her head in acceptance and Soyeon finally let get go. Just then another figure caught Sana’s eye. Chaeyoung was late to take pictures of field hockey practice, running up the bleachers with her camera bag to her usual spot in the top corner.

 

                “SANA!” Coach Bae shouted, “Formation!”

 

                Sana instantly snapped back into action and joined the formation as if nothing had happened.

               

                ~

 

                “Ok, now one, and two… three and hit that kick on four. You should be arcing your foot across and then land down on that bass drop because then on five, six we’ll—”

 

                “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Heejin shouted apologies as she ran into the dance studio late. She tossed her bag in the corner, and Momo noticed a soiled cargo pant leg peek out. She narrowed her eyes.

 

                Chungha made a move, but Momo shot her a look to take over the eight count and stepped out of line to approach Heejin – who seemed to be out of breath – instead, “Where have you been?”

 

                “I—I’m sorry I was working on a project and I honestly got so into it that I lost track of like all space and time. I’m really really so sorry,” She smiled weakly, but her eyes were pleading.

 

                Momo scoffed, “Did Chaeyoung have something to do with this loss of space and time?”

 

                Heejin looked down and scratched the back of her neck guiltily, “… usually she keeps better track of time, but she was a bit distracted by a friend today,”

 

                Momo crossed her arms, just as she thought. She needed to get to the bottom of this, this could not go on any longer.

 

                “Where were you?” Momo asked again.

 

                “Wh—what? I was w—working on a—” She started.

 

                “Where. Were. You. I won’t ask again, Heejin,” Momo threatened.

 

                “A—at the subway, by the construction zone. Please, I’m not supposed to tell. It’s supposed to be a secret,” Heejin pleaded.

 

                “Fine… get in line. But don’t expect us to slow down for what you missed,” Momo said before getting back in her place.

 

                ~

 

[17:32] Sleepy Cub 🐅: hey dance practice is over, right?

[Unsent] Sleepy Cub 🐅: what are you doing now?

[Unsent] Sleepy Cub 🐅: i want to see you

[Unsent] Sleepy Cub 🐅: would you want to grab dinner?

[17:38] Sleepy Cub 🐅: i can uhh get your stuff tonight if you want to meet up

[Read 17:38 by Momo]

 

                ~

 

                “Jen, wait up,” Jihyo called as the older girl started to walk over to the locker room.

 

                “What’s up Hyo?” She said reluctantly turning around. Jihyo knew both of them wanted nothing more than a shower right now, they were covered in sweat and dirt after a long practice of scrimmaging.

 

                “What happened to you before practice? Are you ok?” She asked, concern in her eyes. Jennie was her closest friend at this point, and she didn’t like knowing that she could be hiding her struggle from her. Jihyo wasn’t that intimidating, was she?

 

                “It was nothing,” Jennie laughed uncomfortably, “I just—misplaced my cleats,”

 

                Jihyo narrowed her eyes. She knew that Jennie was about as OCD about her field hockey gear as they come. She made sure to pack everything the night before and it was always in the same place. Something was off.

 

                “Hey, Jennie… I know I haven’t been the most understanding captain… but you’re my friend. You can talk to me about these things. I’m here for you,” Jihyo coaxed.

 

                “About a lost shoe?” Jennie snorted, “Jihyo you say its fine, but I’ve seen you get mad at your so-called best friends for much less. So, I think I can handle a lost shoe on my own… even if it means running a couple laps. What’s up with you lately? Could it have anything to do with your b—”

 

                “T—that’s different,” Jihyo’s voice cracked in pain.

 

                “It really isn’t,” Jennie grumbled, “Listen, Jeongyeon is like the nicest most understanding person I know. Whatever she did to get on your bad side, I’m sure she didn’t deserve. I know you’ve had a rough time too Jihyo, but you’re not the only one with a struggle. Maybe stop cutting off the people who care about you, and try to figure out your own problems before you attempt to give anyone else advice about theirs,”

 

                Jihyo stopped walking, and Jennie didn’t wait for her. She could see Jeongyeon standing at the base of the bleachers, leaning up to give Nayeon a kiss over the railing. She shuddered. Maybe Jennie and Coach Moon were right. It’s time.

 

               ~

 

                Jeongyeon and Nayeon parted so the former could change as Nayeon had ended practice a bit earlier and the cheerleaders had already put their street clothes back on.

 

                Jihyo hurried to try and get a hold of Jeongyeon, but she wasn’t fast enough, “Jihyo, come here a sec,” she heard Nayeon call. Her voice was dry and devoid of emotion. It wasn’t the friendly best friend Nayeon that she used to know and love calling out to her. This was someone else entirely.

 

                Jihyo turned around and steeled her face for whatever lecture Nayeon was about to give her, but she was only met with a face full of sadness. Jihyo could feel her heart falling, but Nayeon’s expression quickly shifted to that of her usual tough demeanor instantly and Jihyo had to jump back into defense mode.

 

                “What the hell Jihyo? You benched Jeongyeon? What’s your deal?”

 

                “She deserved it,” Jihyo said not meeting Nayeon’s blazing eyes, “She’s been late to every single practice,”

 

                “Is that why you benched Tzuyu too then?” Nayeon asked, remembering Sana’s concern.

 

                “N—no I just think Tzuyu has been a little unnecessarily distracted lat—”

 

                “Bull,” Nayeon spat, “What’s really the problem here Jihyo?”

 

                “I’m tired Nayeon… I don’t want to do this,”

 

                “I’ve been tired Jihyo. I’m so past tired. I miss my best friend and you’re not listening to anything else… so we’re doing this,”

 

                “I’m just—You took her from me Nayeon. Do you know how much that hurt? We were the three musketeers… granted I was always the youngest, the shortest, and the weakest, but I never felt left out. Not until I found out you guys were dating. Had been dating and never told me. I went through months where I would wonder if you guys finally decided you didn’t want your pesky younger sister around anymore. And I know it’s not like that anymore. Hell, I’m only 1 cm shorter than you… and I’m definitely stronger now. But how was I supposed to feel? Knowing that my two best friends didn’t want to tell me this huge detail in their lives… and instead just left me out more than ever before,”

 

                “I’m so sorry Jihyo, but you have to know that wasn’t our intention. I mean damn Jihyo… I liked you too… I made Jeongyeon wait because I wanted to see if you’d come around… but you never showed any interest back to us, so we just thought—"

 

                “I don't love you Nayeon--I mean I do, but not like that. I never will because I’m straight, ok?” Jihyo let out a shaky exhale, “There I said it, I’m straight. I have a boyfriend, and things are not going well right now and I haven’t been able to tell the two most important people in my life about it because I’m honestly quite terrified of how you’ll react,” She said it super quickly and then looked up at Nayeon’s face to see her reaction.

 

                Her face softened from sadness to shock and realization to understanding super quickly, “That—that’s ok, Jihyo. Actually, it kind of all makes sense to me now,” Nayeon pulled Jihyo in for a hug. Jihyo didn’t reciprocate, but not because she didn’t want to… because she couldn’t.  The tears were falling now, and she was doing her best to keep snot from dripping onto Nayeon’s expensive looking top.

 

                Nayeon felt like a weight she didn't know she'd been carrying had been lifted from her shoulders. Jihyo loved Nayeon--not romantically like Nayeon had wished growing up, but now she had come to accept that. A part of Nayeon would always love Jihyo too, but now she could tell it was different. The love of an older sister, protective and loyal... rather than the love she had for Jeongyeon that caused her to want to hold her hand and kiss her face... among other things. Maybe if Nayeon had a time capsule she'd tell her younger self not to make the poor girl wait so long for something she knew could never happen... and for God's sake just tell Jihyo you're dating!!

 

                “What’s his name?” Nayeon asked softly after a while.

 

                “D—Daniel,” Jihyo sobbed.

 

                Nayeon let go of Jihyo instantly, “I’ll kick his ,” before storming out of the pitch.

 

                “Wait, Nay—” Jihyo called, but her feet wouldn’t move.

 

                “Where’s she storming off to?” Jeongyeon asked, snapping her bubblegum casually as she leaned on the tunnel connecting to the locker rooms.

 

                “I—I think I owe you an apology,” Jihyo sniffled, “B—but it needs to be quick because we have to stop whatever she’s about to do,”

 

                Jeongyeon chuckled lightheartedly, “Ji, you don’t have to—”

 

                “I do, Jeong, I need this,” Jihyo took a deep breath, “Coach Moon said I need to keep a better eye out for my team, and Jennie said I need to sort out my own issues before I try to solve anyone else’s… and well its about damn time I sorted out ours. So, let me kill two birds with one stone here Jeong,”

 

                “Alright… what’s up?”

 

                “I’m sorry I’ve been a total to you, and a terrible captain,” Jihyo started.

 

                “No—no it’s my fault for showing up late, I’ve just been really busy lately with all my paperworks and studying and working. I definitely understand why I should be benched. I’m still trying to get in a good schedule, balancing that, now school, a needy girlfriend, and the team,”

 

                “Paperwork, studying, and working?” Jihyo asked incredulously, “It’s like the third day of school what could you possibly be studying for?”

 

                “I—uh—well I’m trying to get into med school. I’ve been working on applications and studying for the MCAT, I also work part time at the hospital for hours, so I’ve had like no free time. And when I do I’m usually super grumpy, or so Nayeon is telling everyone,”

 

                “I—I thought—I’m so sorry I assumed that Nayeon was the reason you were always late,” Jihyo apologized.

 

                “Nah, she wishes… but I guess I should apologize now because I feel like that’s probably the reason, she’s been so obnoxious for attention during practice,” Jeongyeon chuckled.

 

                “Um yeah… Nayeon told me she sort of made you wait to date her for me? I think I need to apologize for never telling you guys that I’m straight. You remember that party where you told Sana everyone on the field hockey team was gay? Well after that I kind of felt self-conscious I'd never be accepted, much less make captain if I told anyone... which I now realize is silly,"

 

                “Ah… yeah she kind of had this silly crush on you when we were growing up, but she eventually got the message that you’d never return her feelings… and well look at us now. And besides Ji, its probably better that you're straight... someone has to keep this team focused during the games when both the dance team and cheer squad are performing,” Jeongyeon teased.

 

                “She’s still a bit… overprotective. That hasn’t changed,” Jihyo laughed.

 

                “Whose is she off to kick for you this time?” Jeongyeon sighed.

 

                “My boyfriend… undeservedly so. We’re going through a rough patch, but it’s totally my fault,”

 

                “You have a boyfriend? Congrats! Is he cute?”

 

                “Yes—well not for long if Nayeon gets to him… and sort of,” Jihyo chuckled.

 

                Jeongyeon laughed at Jihyo’s joke and felt content. Two best friends joking like how they used to, and Nayeon… well, Nayeon being the overprotective mom she’s always been, “Ok, let’s go save your boyfriend.