CH. V

 

‘Unnie?’ 

 

‘Hmmmm?’ 

 

‘I have two questions.’ 

 

It was a few days after Ryujin’s failed date with Heejin and the whole fiasco with Chaeryeong and the three Jins were browsing around the mall together. They wanted to spend some time together before sending Hyunjin off to Japan for her school trip later that night. The trip was only for a few nights, but they were dramatic about their friendship like that. You would think that the three of them were parting ways with Hyunjin for an entire month.

 

‘Hit me with your questions, Princess Jasmine.’ Ryujin said.

 

Hyunjin looked up from her phone where she was watching an interesting jazz rendition of a simple pop song. 

 

‘How do you know she wasn’t referring to me?’ Hyunjin said. 

 

‘Cause you’re Mommy, Hyunjin.’ Ryujin poked Hyunjin’s shoulder. ‘You’re not Yujin’s unnie.’ 

 

‘You’re sick in the head.’ Hyunjin said. She called out to Yujin who was in the change rooms, ‘Yujin, don’t you dare call me that.’ 

 

‘Awwww, but now I kinda want to.’ Yujin’s voice rang out from the change rooms. 

 

‘Both of you,’ Hyunjin said, pointing a finger at Ryujin and then towards the change room door, ‘you’re sick.’ 

 

‘I know.’ Ryujin said. ‘So, what’s your questions, Yujin?’ 

 

Yujin came out of the change rooms, striking a pose in the bright neon green crop top she had found.

 

‘One, what do you think of this?’

 

Ryujin and Hyunjin shielded their eyes when Yujin came out.

 

‘That’s so ing bright! What the actual HELL?’ Hyunjin said.

 

‘Yeah, you look like a damn highlighter, oh my God.’ Ryujin added. ‘Burn it, never buy that.’ 

 

Yujin nodded satisfactorily to herself. ‘That’s what I like to hear. Have to keep the people on the street on their toes when they see me.’ 

 

‘They’re going to get hit by a car.’ Hyunjin said. ‘And so will you because I’d hit you if I saw you in public with that monstrosity on. I agree with Ryujin. Get rid of it.’ 

 

‘Damn.’ Yujin said. Then she smiled brightly. ‘But, okay!’ 

 

Hyunjin and Ryujin exchanged an amused look at how easily Yujin agreed to it.

 

‘Now, two, tell me, why did you cancel on your date, unnie?’ 

 

Ryujin thought back to Chaeryeong. Her heart ached just thinking about her foot in that cast. She thought back to the desperation in her stomach as she ran around Seoul like a maniac trying to find Chaeryeong. And then that night in her house, laying on her balcony and staring at the stars, the feelings Ryujin had were so strong she felt like she was floating.

 

She didn’t like it. The fact that she felt that way. 

 

‘Had to help a friend.’ Ryujin said. ‘I kinda owed her.’ 

 

‘Is the friend cute?’ Yujin said, raising an eyebrow.

 

Everything inside Ryujin screamed yes. And yet, outside all she said was, ‘not really.’ 

 

‘So, why would you ditch her then?’ Yujin exclaimed. ‘You wouldn’t even ditch if I was having a crisis.’

 

‘That’s because your crisis’ includes things like tying your shoelaces.’ Ryujin said as to which Yujin nodded, she had a point. ‘Seriously, you’re 17 you should learn how to tie your shoelaces.’ 

 

Yujin scratched her head sheepishly. Not being able to tie her shoelaces was something she was very embarrassed about and only Ryujin and Hyunjin knew about her situation. 

 

‘Also, she knows I’m around to take care of you.’ Hyunjin said. 

 

‘That’s true.’ Ryujin said. 

 

‘Tell me, bro.’ Hyunjin said, looking Ryujin in the eyes. ‘Would you ditch a date with a pretty girl for me?’ 

 

Ryujin put a hand on her shoulder. ‘Of course, bro. I’d never let you down.’ 

 

‘So, you’d ditch for her but not for me?’ Yujin said. ‘Great. You know what? I’m buying this top no matter what you guys say.’ 

 

‘Or you can use the money to treat me to an iced americano?’ Hyunjin said. ‘Since, I’m going away to Japan.’

 

Yujin lit up. ‘Wait, yes! Let’s eat!’ 

 

‘To the bakery!’ 

 

………………….

 

Apparently, somebody didn’t want them eating at the bakery that day. 

 

It was a pretty hot spot for High School students, but the three would always be able to get a seat if they turned up the charm. The wait staff pretty much all went to their school or knew of them because they frequented regularly (or they’ve crushed them during sports games). 

 

That day, there was a grumpy old lady manning the line and for some reason it seemed like the entirety of Seoul was waiting to go inside. Turns out, there was some kind of special sale going on.

 

‘Maybe this is a good opportunity to try something new?’ Yujin shrugged when Hyunjin and Ryujin seemed to be getting restless waiting. ‘Maybe there’s a good coffee shop on the top floor of the mall, we never go up there.’ 

 

‘Race you up there?’ Ryujin jumped up. 

 

‘You’re on.’ Hyunjin fist pumped her with a laugh. 

 

‘Oh, God.’ Yujin said, thinking about how they were on the 2nd floor. They’d have to go up three flights of stairs. In a mall.

 

She joined in anyways.

 

Hyunjin took off first, being good at sprinting because it was involved in her sport. But Yujin knew that Ryujin would be able to catch up eventually because she had better stamina. 

 

And Yujin? Well, she was kinda smart. 

 

‘What floor, sweetheart?’ 

 

‘The fifth floor, please.’ Yujin flashed her a charming smile. 

 

Safe to say, Yujin made it to the fourth floor much quicker than the other two. After letting the nice old lady off of the elevator first, Yujin decided to take a little stroll around the fifth floor. It mostly had beauty salons like nail salons, hair salons etc, but there were still a couple restaurants and cafes around. 

 

Yujin saw a few cafes that looked way too fancy and expensive for three high school students and she quickly skipped past those. 

 

She was leisurely walking around until her clapped eyesight came across a quaint and inviting cafe. It seemed relatively cheaper than the others but it was definitely quite cosy and looked very comfortable. And the pastries in the front window had Yujin’s mouth watering not just because she was incredibly hungry. 

 

But it was the name of the cafe that really sold Yujin to go in. 

 

The Coffee Rabbit. 

 

So, maybe one of the reasons why Yujin was drawn to this cafe was because its name reminded her of her favorite bunny that made her heart race. 

 

Yujin has never felt this way towards someone before. She was intrigued by Wonyoung’s fiery personality. She wasn’t a masochist, she just thought Wonyoung looked incredibly adorable when she was mad. She didn’t look threatening at all. 

 

Yujin snapped a pic of her in front of the cafe and sent it to Hyunjin and Ryujin because she knew that by the time they made it to the top floor, that’s when they will realise that Yujin was indeed not with them. They tended to get so caught up in their own little dramas sometimes they won’t see or think about anything else around them. Yujin just enjoyed watching from the outside. She knew she was the glue that held them together, anyways. 

 

The smell of coffee and fresh bread greeted her as she made her way into the cafe, some chill english pop songs playing in the background. There seemed to be nobody at the counter, so Yujin went to browse the menu. 

 

After a few moments, a barista in probably her early twenties came out from the back room.

 

‘Hello!’ she looked shocked to see Yujin. ‘Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.’ 

 

‘That’s okay, I’m just waiting for my friends, anyways.’ Yujin said. ‘I’ve never been here before, what do you recommend?’ 

 

‘What do you like?’ the barista said, a motherly smile on her face. 

 

‘Chocolate!’ Yujin smiled giddily, almost like a child. 

 

The barista couldn’t help but giggle along with Yujin. 

 

‘We have a famous hot chocolate here, it’s like a French hot chocolate where it’s really thick. Would you like to try that?’ 

 

Yujin’s stomach growled happily at the thought. 

 

‘I’ll take that as a yes.’ The barista said as she sent an amused smile towards Yujin’s tummy. ‘Our other barista makes the best hot chocolate, I’ll just call her out.’ 

 

‘Thank you.’ Yujin said. ‘How much is it?’ 

 

The barista shook her head. ‘It’s on the house for first time visitors. As long as you promise to come back.’ 

 

‘Only if I find something I like.’ Yujin sent her a teasing smile as the barista made her way into the backroom, or the staffroom, or whatever it was called. 

 

Yujin leaned against the counter, drumming on the desk absentmindedly. Suddenly she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. It was Ryujin. 

 

‘Yujin!’ Ryujin was gasping for breath. ‘H-how were you so q-quick?’ 

 

‘I took the elevator.’ Yujin said. 

 

‘You what?!’ 

 

Yujin had to bring her phone away from her ear. Hyunjin can be pretty loud when she wanted to be. Yujin swore she could hear her from the cafe. 

 

‘You never said we couldn’t.’ Yujin said. 

 

‘Yujin, stop being so smart, you’re a jock, be dumb, like Ryujin.’ 

 

‘You shut the hell up Miss: is H2O the first element on the periodic table?’ 

 

‘!’

 

‘At least I’m not a stupid .’ 

 

‘Unnies.’ Yujin pinched the bridge of her nose. ‘Can you continue that after you hang up on me?’ 

 

‘You’re a part of this family you’re going to hear our arguments.’ Ryujin said. 

 

‘Well, argue quickly, all this fresh bread is waiting for you.’ 

 

‘Oh my God. Yujin don’t say b-’ 

 

‘BREAD?!’ 

 

‘And… too late.’ 

 

‘Yujin!’ Hyunjin had taken the phone to scream in Yujin’s ear but Yujin was prepared this time and had the phone far away from her ear. ‘There’s fresh bread?’ 

 

‘Give me that.’ Yujin heard Ryujin complain. There was some shuffling while Ryujin turned off speakerphone and put the phone to her ear. 

 

‘Want me to get you something?’ Yujin said. 

 

‘I don’t know.’ Ryujin said, ‘anything there look good?’ 

 

‘Yeah.’ Yujin said turning back around when she heard the door of the backroom open, ‘I think-’ 

 

The barista walked out of the staffroom and Yujin froze up. 

 

She blinked a little bit to make sure she was seeing things right. Was that?

 

‘Wonyoung?’ 

 

The new barista, who was definitely Wonyoung, had her hands frozen halfway through tying her apron. Yujin was also still frozen but now she was over the initial surprise of seeing Wonyoung and was now frozen because she was malfunctioning over seeing her crush in a ponytail. 

 

‘I know you think Wonyoung looks good, Yujin, but I’m talking about the food.’ Ryujin said through the phone, shaking Yujin out of her thoughts. 

 

‘I gotta go, just meet me here.’ Yujin said and she hung up the phone before Ryujin could say anything else. 

 

Wonyoung and Yujin just stared at each other in shock. 

 

‘Yujin?’ 

 

‘Oh, you two know each other?’ The first barista said, an excited smile on her face. 

 

‘We go to school together.’ Yujin said. She stuck out her hand for the first barista to shake. ‘Hi, I’m Ahn Yujin, I’m a junior just like Wonyoung.’

 

‘I’m Eunbi!’ The barista, who Yujin now knew as Eunbi, smiled happily. ‘I’m her cousin but I’m always stuck here in my cafe so I’ve never met one of Wonyoung’s friends before! It’s so nice to meet you.’ 

 

Yujin couldn’t help but smile happily at her. She was so welcoming just like her coffee shop. 

 

‘She’s not my friend.’ Wonyoung butted in harshly from the side, sending a glare at Yujin. A contrast to her extremely friendly cousin. 

 

‘Wonyoung!’ Eunbi slapped her arm. ‘Don’t be rude.’ 

 

‘No, she’s right.’ Yujin shook her head. ‘We’re not really friends.’ 

 

Then she flashed her charming smile. The one that she knew irked Wonyoung to no end. Her smile grew wider when she saw Wonyoung’s eye twitch slightly. 

 

‘Because, I’m trying to court her. I like her.’ 

 

‘Well, I don’t like you!’ Wonyoung said. ‘Stop stalking me!’ 

 

Yujin put her hands up in defense at the accusation, her cheeky smile turning into one of fear. 

 

‘I’m not! I promise I’m not stalking you I don’t think I’m even smart enough to know how to do that!’ Yujin’s mouth was running a hundred miles per minute. 

 

Wonyoung’s eyes seemed to burn a hole onto Yujin’s face. 

 

‘I really don’t mean to show up everywhere I’m just as shocked as you are to see you everywhere but don’t blame me! Blame the universe.’ Yujin pointed up to the ceiling. She shook her finger at the ceiling, or the universe, and exclaimed. ‘Yes! I’m looking at you! This is your fault!’ 

 

Eunbi tried to keep a straight face but inside she was trying really hard not to laugh at the poor flustered girl. She seemed like such a sweetheart. 

 

Yujin turned her attention back to Wonyoung still spitting out words at a fast pace. ‘I like you but I’m not sick in the head enough to start stalking you, if that’s what you’re thinking. I really didn’t know you worked here I just like how the name had a rabbit because-’ 

 

Rabbits remind me of you. 

 

Yujin composed herself. ‘... because I like rabbits.’ 

 

‘Wonyoung isn’t accusing you of stalking her.’ Eunbi finally decided to in. She put a hand on Wonyoung’s arm as the girl looked like she was about to protest. ‘Right, Wonyoung?’ 

 

‘Actually-’ 

 

‘Wonyoung.’ Eunbi gave her a stern look that would have also had Yujin obeying what she had to say. 

 

‘No.’ Wonyoung said through gritted teeth, forcing a smile at Yujin. ‘So, the hot chocolate?’ 

 

Yujin nodded and watched as Wonyoung got to work, making her drink. It was really intriguing watching her be so focused on what she was doing, the way the skin between her eyes would crease a little and the tip of her tongue was sticking out of the corner of . 

 

Yujin couldn’t help the small smile that came onto her face. And Eunbi couldn’t help but notice it from behind the counter. 

 

‘Ahn Yujin!’ 

 

Yujin groaned from her seat. ‘Oh no. I forgot they’re coming.’ 

 

‘You little brat.’ Ryujin exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger in her face. Yujin could tell she was joking by the amused glint in her eyes. ‘You think you’re so smart, don’t you?’ 

 

‘You never said I couldn’t take the elevator.’ Yujin said. 

 

‘Come here.’ Ryujin rolled her eyes and threw an arm around Yujin’s neck, bending her into a headlock. She ruffled at Yujin’s hair. 

 

Hyunjin just watched from the side, giggling to herself while she filmed the two. It was extra funny to her because Yujin wasn’t struggling against Ryujin’s grip, knowing that if she did she’d be able to fling Ryujin off into oblivion. 

 

Ryujin finally realised Yujin from her grip and stood back in front of her to lecture her again. 

 

‘We’ll have a rematch when Hyunjin gets back from Japan.’ Ryujin said. ‘You better do it  right, or else-’ 

 

‘Or else what?’ 

 

Yujin stood up from her chair so that she was towering over Ryujin. When she was seated, it looked like Ryujin had all of the authority because of the significant height difference. But as soon as Yujin stood up, Ryujin looked so funny glaring up at Yujin’s smirk. 

 

‘Hey now, don’t bring your height into this.’ Ryujin said. ‘And Hyunjin, why are you laughing, you’re the same height as me.’ 

 

Hyunjin just rolled her eyes playfully and turned off her phone. That’s when she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned to see the two baristas watching the scene from behind the counter. One of them was thoroughly entertained, while the other was clutching a hot chocolate in her hand with a blank look on her face. The latter, Hyunjin instantly recognised. 

 

‘Wonyoung? You work here?’ Hyunjin laughed. She glanced amusedly at Yujin, ‘no wonder you chose this cafe.’ 

 

‘Why does everyone keep thinking I did this on purpose?’ Yujin groaned. She turned to Wonyoung. ‘I promise you, I didn’t do this on purpose.’ 

 

‘Whatever, just take your hot chocolate.’ Wonyoung said.  

 

Yujin took the hot chocolate in her hands, Wonyoung taking her hand off the cup before Yujin’s could come close to hers. 

 

‘Can I order another thing?’ Yujin said. 

 

‘Sure.’ Wonyoung sighed. ‘What would you like?’

 

Yujin leaned in a little closer, a smirk on her face. 

 

‘You, Wonyoung.’ 

 

Ryujin and Hyunjin exchanged impressed looks. Who knew their kiddo was so smooth? Even Eunbi’s eyes widened in, the smile not leaving her face. 

 

Wonyoung leaned in closer in the same way Yujin did, mirroring her smirk. 

 

‘No.’ 

 

An overdramatic hiss came out of Ryujin and Hyunjin’s mouths. Surprisingly, Yujin’s smirk didn’t leave her face at Wonyoung’s answer. 

 

‘Why not?’ Yujin said, still not backing away. Wonyoung hadn’t backed away either yet, both of them were staring them down. 

 

‘Because I don’t like you, Yujin.’ 

 

‘You don’t know me, yet.’ Yujin said. 

 

Which was true, Wonyoung and Yujin have barely had conversations outside of Wonyoung trying to k-word Yujin for being infuriating. Wonyoung only knew of Yujin through other people, and so did Yujin. 

 

‘How can you not like me when you don’t even know me?’ Yujin said. 

 

‘I can say the same for you.’ Wonyoung raised an eyebrow. ‘How do I know you actually like me when you don’t even know me?’ 

 

Yujin shrugged and smiled cheekily. ‘Go on a date with me?’ 

 

Wonyoung’s face morphed into a scowl. 

 

‘Get it into that damn brain of yours.’ Wonyoung’s voice was low and intimidating. It was the first time Yujin actually felt scared by her anger. ‘I don’t like you. I don’t want to go on a date with you.’ 

 

‘Then, what do you want, then?’ Yujin said. 

 

‘For you to stay away from me.’ Wonyoung said. 

 

She untied her apron and took off to the backroom. But not before turning again to glare at Yujin. 

 

‘Stop talking to me. Please, just stay away from me.’ 

 

The sound of the door slamming echoed around the cafe. 

 

Yujin could only watch the door in shock. She had never seen Wonyoung react like that before. Every other time she was like an angry kitten throwing a tantrum, but this anger was much more scary, much more real. When she looked over at Eunbi, even the barista looked puzzled by Wonyoung’s reaction. 

 

Yujin stared gloomily into her hot chocolate, a milk art of a rabbit staring straight back at her. 

 

……………………..

 

‘So, put in a good word with Jeon Heejin for me, will you?’ Ryujin nudged Hyunjin’s shoulder, her eyes trained on the girl who was the topic of her sentence. 

 

‘If we even talk.’ Hyunjin said. ‘She’ll probably be zooming around like the weeb she is and I’m gonna sit at the park and play some guitar.’ 

 

Hyunjin pat the guitar on her back. It was her smaller guitar, the one she would take whenever she would travel. She was away in Japan for 4 days, she would die if she didn’t bring her guitar. 

 

‘Just try,’ Ryujin said. ‘Hey, you might sit next to her on the plane. Your last names are close together.’ 

 

Hyunjin shook her head. ‘I’m most likely going to be sandwiched between Kim Chaewon and Kim Minju.’

 

‘Damn.’ Ryujin’s eyes travelled first to Kim Minju who was excitedly talking to a group of people, including Heejin, and then to Kim Chaewon who was off to the side reading a book with a small yawn. 

 

Hyunjin poked at Yujin’s arm. ‘You okay?’ 

 

Yujin had been awfully quiet the whole time they were at the airport. Actually, she had been quiet on the car ride there and even when they had left the mall. 

 

Truthfully, Yujin couldn’t stop thinking about Wonyoung. Her reaction was so strange to her. Wonyoung would get annoyed by Yujin, but it was always a harmless annoyance. This was different. Wonyoung looked dead serious when she told Yujin that she didn’t want her talking to her. Maybe Yujin took it too far this time? 

 

She hadn’t done anything different to what she usually did. The only difference was that Yujin actually asked Wonyoung out.

 

‘She has a point, though.’ Hyunjin said, as if she could read Yujin’s thoughts. 

 

‘Who?’ Yujin said. 

 

‘Wonyoung.’ Hyunjin said. ‘When she said that you guys barely know each other. I’ve never seen you talk to her before this year.’ 

 

‘I guess.’ Yujin said. ‘Maybe I should give her some space.’ 

 

‘That’s a good idea.’ Ryujin said.

 

‘But don’t just start avoiding her out of the blue.’ Hyunjin said. ‘You have to let her know what you’re doing. She’ll probably like to hear that you’re respecting her decision.’ 

 

‘That’s also a good idea.’ Ryujin said. ‘You should give her your number so that she can make the decision herself to get to know you. You’d made yourself clear, now it’s time for her to decide.’ 

 

‘Damn.’ Yujin said, nodding impressed. ‘You two are good.’ 

 

Ryujin and Hyunjin high fived proudly. 

 

‘Hyun.’ Hyunjin put out her arm.

 

‘Ryu.’ Ryujin put her arm over Hyunjin’s. 

 

‘Cross!’ 

 

Yujin just shook her head amusedly. 

 

‘Sleep on it.’ Hyunjin said to Yujin. ‘Plan what you’re going to say, too, so that you don’t word vomit.’ 

 

Yujin groaned, thinking back to her word vomit episode earlier that day. 

 

‘Enozi high Japanese class, gather around, we’re going to start checking in, now.’ Hyunjin’s teacher clapped his hands to grab his students’ attention. 

 

Hyunjin turned to Yujin and Ryujin. 

 

‘That’s my cue.’ Hyunjin said. 

 

Yujin opened up her arms to engulf her smaller unnie in her huge golden retriever-type embrace. 

 

‘Bye, unnie!’ Yujin said. ‘Have a good time, away! Stay safe. We’ll miss you.’ 

 

Ryujin and Hyunjin first bumped each other, Ryujin patting Hyunjin playfully on the . 

 

‘Try to hook up with someone while you’re there.’ Ryujin winked. ‘You’re in Japan, have some fun.’ 

 

Hyunjin rolled her eyes. There was no way she was going to do that. 

 

………………….

 

A couple days later on a Saturday afternoon, Ryujin and Yujin were sitting in the bus, the latter nervously playing with her fingers. 

 

‘Will you calm down?’ Ryujin said. ‘You’re making the seats shake.’ 

 

‘Sorry.’ Yujin said. ‘I’m just nervous to see her.’ 

 

Ryujin pat her back. ‘You’ll be fine.’

 

Ryujin had a lot of faith in Yujin. When it counted that girl always knew how to deliver. Yujin was probably the person Ryujin trusted the most, even more than Hyunjin. Nothing against Hyunjin, Yujin was just that kind of person. Even Hyunjin had to agree. Ryujin always found that she didn’t have to worry about anything she said with Yujin, she was the most non-judgemental and supportive person ever, and if Ryujin was being an absolute crackhead, Yujin didn’t think twice before joining in. 

 

The bus drove by some prom dresses, reminding Ryujin of what was coming up at the end of the school year. She still had ages to go, they were only a couple months into the first semester. The sports season hasn’t even begun yet. 

 

‘I’ve always had this idea for a promposal.’ Ryujin said. ‘But it seems like it would be really hard to orchestrate.’ 

 

‘Hit me.’ Yujin said. 

 

Ryujin playfully smacked her arm and Yujin just sent her a non threatening warning glare while rubbing the part that she had hit. 

 

‘Something big. At a soccer game and I’ll get the cheerleaders and the whole crowd involved. When you turn and look at the crowd they’ll all come together to spell ‘blank, prom?’ or something like that.’ 

 

Yujin nodded. ‘That sounds cute. But make sure the girl is okay with it though. You don’t want her to feel pressured to say yes.’ 

 

‘Oh, of course!’ Ryujin said. ‘I would never do that to someone unless I knew they liked me, too.’ 

 

‘I think my promposal would want to be more lowkey.’ Yujin said. ‘Actually, I kind of want to be asked.’ 

 

Ryujin laughed. ‘By Wonyoung?’ 

 

‘If she’s into me by senior year, I’d love for it to be her.’ 

 

‘Also, if you’re still into her.’ 

 

‘We’ll see.’ Yujin’s ears turned red. She had a feeling she would. 

 

She cleared , directing her attention to Ryujin. 

 

‘Is there anyone you’re thinking of asking to prom? Heejin sunbaenim?’ 

 

Ryujin shook her head. ‘Nobody at our school really sticks out yet, I guess. Heejin’s cute but we’ll see how it goes on the date. Prom’s awhile away so, I want to see if I actually like her first.’ 

 

‘Fair enough.’ Yujin said. ‘It makes sense, knowing you, I always thought you’d be the first one of us three to get a girlfriend, but then I remembered that no one at our school really interests you. Have you ever even had a crush on anyone at our school?’ 

 

The flashback of kissing Chaeryeong popped up in Ryujin’s mind and she tried not to blush at the thought. 

 

‘Nope.’ Ryujin said. 

 

‘Nobody is at good as Ariana Grande, I guess.’ Yujin teased. 

 

‘Shut up and go talk to your girl.’ Ryujin said. ‘We’re here.’ 

 

Ryujin stood up and grabbed the back of Yujin’s shirt to pull her up. She hit her encouragingly on the back. 

 

The walk to The Rabbit Cafe was quiet between the two, and by quiet, it meant it was not as chaotic as it could have been. Ryujin was respectful enough not to make Yujin any more nervous than she could have been. 

 

When they made it outside of the coffee stop, Yujin stopped and stood right in front of the entrance. 

 

‘What if she refuses to talk to me?’ Yujin said. ‘What if she gets even more mad at me because she told me not to talk to her?’ 

 

‘Then she’s a and she’s not worth your time.’ 

 

Yujin pouted. ‘Don’t call her that.’ 

 

Ryujin shrugged. ‘You asked. I answered.’ 

 

She opened the door of the coffee shop and lightly pushed Yujin in. 

 

Yujin cursed inside when she saw the cafe seemed to have a few more people than there was the last time they were there. Probably because it was a weekend. But having more people there meant there’s a chance that those people will witness first hand Yujin being humiliated by Wonyoung. Not that Yujin believed Wonyoung would purposefully humiliate her, she had faith the girl would have a bit of a soft spot. 

 

Besides, Yujin was there to apologise and tell her that she’s giving her her wishes. 

 

‘Hi, Eunbi unnie.’ Yujin said when the person in front of her was done ordering. She saw the way Eunbi’s eyes widened. 

 

‘Yujin!’ Eunbi said. ‘Want me to call Wonyoung?’ 

 

Yujin scratched her head sheepishly. ‘Is it that obvious that I’m here for her? Maybe I just really like the food here.’ 

 

Yujin thought for a moment. 

 

‘Actually, I genuinely do like the food here.’ Yujin said. ‘I’d probably come here regardless of Wonyoung or not.’ 

 

‘Same here.’ Ryujin winked at Eunbi.

 

‘Forget it.’ Eunbi said when she saw the look she was giving her. ‘I’m old enough to be your mom.’ 

 

Ryujin and Yujin exchanged a shocked look while Eunbi seemed to be thinking about her words. 

 

‘Wait, you’re Wonyoung’s age.’ Eunbi said. ‘I guess I’m old enough to date your mom.’ 

 

Yujin scrunched her nose a little at that while Ryujin just nodded satisfactorily to herself. 

 

‘So, Wonyoung?’ Eunbi nodded her head towards the back room. 

 

‘I’m just here to apologise.’ Yujin said. 

 

Eunbi smiled appreciatively at Yujin. She has been not so subtly rooting for Yujin, she liked her a lot, she seemed like a very nice girl. And she and Wonyoung looked very cute together. She’s been purposefully not talking about Yujin in front of Wonyoung, because she knew that if Wonyoung were to be informed of Eunbi’s liking towards that particular junior, it would make Wonyoung hate Yujin more. That was Wonyoung logic that Eunbi had grown very much accustomed to. 

 

‘I’ll go get her.’ Eunbi said. She pointed to where people receive their drinks. ‘Wait over there and I’ll get her to make hot chocolate for both of you.’ 

 

Yujin gave Eunbi a thumbs up and Ryujin’s mouth started watering just thinking about the drink. She had tasted a bit of it the last time they came but Yujin refused to give her any more, she wanted the rest for herself. Usually, Yujin was very generous with sharing but the hot chocolate was just too good. 

 

Ryujin pat Yujin on the back, giving her one last bits of encouragement before taking a seat on a table nearby. She was far enough to give them privacy but close enough that she could eavesdrop on the two. She had to be able to give Hyunjin a run down of everything when she came back. 

 

Yujin waited patiently, seeing Wonyoung come out of the back room and tie up her apron the same way she did before. She also saw her put her ponytail up into a bun and Yujin almost fell over on the spot. 

 

She took a deep breath, formulating her thoughts. She stood up straighter, stretching out her shoulders and standing with her chest puffed out slightly as if she was wearing a blazer. She was mirroring her routine before playing a match or before a big test at school. This was how she was able to calm herself down and get ready. 

 

‘Two hot chocolates?’ Wonyoung’s voice called out and couldn’t help but smile at how cute Wonyoung sounded trying to speak with a loud voice. 

 

‘I think that’s mine.’ Yujin said, resisting the urge to flash her smile as to not provoke Wonyoung anymore. 

 

Wonyoung’s neutral face dropped the minute she landed her eyes on Yujin, the volleyball player stepping up to retrieve her drinks. 

 

‘Enjoy.’ Wonyoung said, getting ready to leave. 

 

‘Wait.’ Yujin said. ‘Can I talk to you for a minute?’ 

 

Wonyoung sighed, ‘I have to make more drinks.’ 

 

Suddenly, Eunbi shouted from the register. ‘I can handle them, Wonyoung.’ 

 

Wonyoung pursed her lips. 

 

‘What do you want? I thought I made it clear that I want you to stay away from me.’ 

 

‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.’ Yujin said, one hand fiddling with the handle of the hot chocolate mug. 

 

Wonyoung scoffed. ‘You want me to take it back or something? The answer’s no.’ 

 

‘Wonyoung, that’s not what I’m trying to say.’ Yujin said. ‘Please, just listen to me for a second?’ 

 

That got Wonyoung’s eyebrows raising. Yujin didn’t really sound angry, but she did sound sort of…. Sassy. Wonyoung’s never heard that from her before. 

 

She nodded, letting Yujin continue. 

 

‘I’m here to say that I’m sorry.’ Yujin said. ‘I’m sorry that I’ve been bugging you a lot, the truth is, I sort of… maybe… find you kinda… cute when you’re mad? That’s why I keep trying to push your buttons.’ 

 

Wonyoung rolled her eyes. 

 

‘You were right when you said that we barely know each other,’ Yujin said, ‘but this is me wanting to be able to get to know you, Wonyoung, because I really do like you and I’m sorry if I come across as rude.’ 

 

Yujin put her hand in her pocket, fishing for something. 

 

‘I’ve done my part, letting you know that I like you and now I’m leaving it up to you. The choice is yours. I’ll stop smothering you if you promise to think about it. About me.’ She handed Wonyoung a sheet of paper with a series of numbers on it, but Wonyoung only stared at it instead of taking it. ‘Let me know if you want to give me a chance or not. Like I said, it’s all up to you and whatever you choose I promise to respect it. I don’t even mind getting to know you only as a friend. But while you think, I promise to give you some space.’

 

Wonyoung bit her lip, thinking over Yujin’s words. 

 

‘Deal?’ Yujin once again tried to hand Wonyoung the piece of paper with her number. 

 

She watched as Wonyoung stared inquisitively at it. Then her eyes went up to meet Yujin’s gaze, searching for something, perhaps validation that Yujin was being genuine. 

 

She must have found that validation because then Wonyoung was reaching for the note with two fingers, her head nodding at Yujin. 

 

For a second Wonyoung wondered if she was making the right choice. 

 

But then she saw a small smile light up Yujin’s face. It was her real smile, the smile that Wonyoung liked way more than the other because of how genuine and how pure and how wholesome it was (but she couldn’t deny that the other one was still insanely charming). 

 

‘Deal.’ Wonyoung said, and for the first time, she couldn’t but smile back at Yujin. 

 

………………….

 

‘It’s been three days.’ Ryujin lay sprawled on the counter of the convenience store. ‘I miss Hyunjin, it’s so quiet without her.’ 

 

‘She’s coming back tomorrow night. But why don’t you text her?’ Chaeryeong said from the aisle of instant noodles. She was checking the expiry dates on all of them, putting the ones closer to expiring in the front and the others in the back. 

 

‘When Hyunjin is in another country she at checking her phone. She might as well not bring it.’ 

 

‘That’s so weird.’ Chaeryeong said. ‘When I’m in another country I want to take pictures of everything and send them and post them to everyone.’ 

 

‘Right?’ Ryujin exclaimed. ‘Hyunjin’s some weird nature weirdo, she apparently just wants to immerse herself into the country and paint memories of it in her head. Goddamn Hippie.’ 

 

Chaeryeong giggled. ‘If you and I ever go overseas together, if you promise you’ll take as many photos of me as you can, I promise to do the same for you.’ 

 

‘I like that deal.’ Ryujin said. ‘I’m thinking Paris. I like the sound of Paris. Or America would be nice. LA baby!’ 

 

‘Speaking of America.’ Chaeryeong said, popping her head out of the ramen aisle. ‘I was wondering if you want to attend our soccer practice next week.’ 

 

‘Why?’ Ryujin said. 

 

‘The scout’s coming.’ Chaeryeong said, making her way around the counter so she was standing next to Ryujin. 

 

‘And watch everyone else get play in front of the scout? Thank you, but I’m going to have to pass.’ 

 

Chaeryeong shook her head. ‘Ryujin, I was thinking, if I can’t play for them, maybe you should get the chance.’ 

 

Ryujin had to blink a few times to make sure she heard Chaeryeong correctly. 

 

‘Please, come? This is a once in a lifetime chance ‘Jin, I really want you to have it.’ 

 

Chaeryeong was looking at Ryujin with so much conviction and Ryujin almost melted on the spot. Because by conviction? It meant puppy dog eyes. 

 

Ryujin shrugged trying not to get her hopes up, ‘is that even allowed?’

 

‘Apparently so, because Coach already said yes.’ Chaeryeong smiled. ‘You know, you’re not just popular with the students.’ 

 

‘Wait, seriously?’ Ryujin exclaimed, all hopes of acting cool thrown out the window. A huge smile graced her face, her nose scrunching up and her eyes crinkling. 

 

‘When have I ever lied to you?’ Chaeryeong said. 

 

Ryujin let out an excited scream, pumping her fist in the air. ‘I might be going to America! To UCLA!’ 

 

Chaeryeong laughed with Ryujin. Seeing her so excited always brought a smile to Chaeryeong’s face. She wasn’t even jealous that Ryujin was getting this opportunity, in fact, she’d be sad if she didn’t. Chaeryeong and Ryujin never had much a competitive relationship, they were always complimentary of each other and as a midfielder, Chaeryeong didn’t mind supporting Ryujin to be the star. From time to time though, Chaeryeong did like a little bit of attention. But definitely not all the time. 

 

Ryujin laughed gleefully, wrapping her arms around Chaeryeong’s small frame and spinning her around, being careful not to knock her injured foot anywhere. For a second, Chaeryeong and Ryujin’s giggles were the only things to be heard in the shop. 

 

When Ryujin finally put Chaeryeong down, she pulled her into a huge hug, trying to convey just how happy she was in that one hug. She held her tight, burying her face into Chaeryeong’s shoulder, her palms outstretched onto Chaeryeong’s shoulder blades. It was nice feeling Chaeryeong instantly melt into her hug. They fit together so perfectly. 

 

After awhile, they pulled away from the hug, Ryujin’s smile still on her face. 

 

She didn’t miss the way Chaeryeong stared at her. The pure love and adoration in her eyes. 

 

Slowly, Ryujin’s smile started to evaporate as she realised that something inside her had the urge to just lean in and kiss Chaeryeong. It could be so easy, Chaeryeong was right there, looking at her like Ryujin put the stars in the sky. 

 

Ryujin liked it when Chaeryeong looked at her like that. 

 

And that was exactly why she was scared. 

 

.............

 

A/N: Me, listening to Bloom*iz: Now I'm crazy for you, crazy falling, eyes on meeeeeeeeeee FIESTA NAE MAM-- wait... it's not Fiesta? Oh it's an actual song???? sjsjjs so what did y'all think of Fiesta? and this chapter, ig, but more importantly what did you think of Fiesta and Bloom*iz???? 

2jin stans, this next chapter I'm going to split into two parts cause it's getting too long, but this next update is going to be for you! 

What's y'all's opinions on Annyeongz and Ryuryeong so far? Who's your favourite character? Who's your favourite ship? 

Personally, my favourite character to write is Yujin's character and I would definitely want to be her best friend.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! (Any 2kim stans? I posted sumn too uwu)