I can't find the original tweet, but the OP is linked. go wild.

Thanks @scyplaylist for the idea.

 

Also special thanks to michaely, awesome, awesome peer review! "It's perfectly fine to drop the pieces of the puzzle before the reader and the audience can put it together."

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:07]: Hey Tzu.

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:07]:  I need help

Tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:07]:  Help where?

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:07]:  I’m planning to confess to Sana but idk how

Tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:08]: I would like to help!

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:08]: Oh?! Really?!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:08]: Sure!

 

@dahyun

This is it

20:08 15/07/2021

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:10]: Hyun? R u busy?

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:10]:  Not really, why?

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:10]: Help mee

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:11]: I think I have the courage to tell Tzuyu what I feel now

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:11]: But idk how

 

@dahyun

Oh. Nvm

20:11 15/07/2021

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:10]: Did you tell Tzuyu?!

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:10]: No??

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:10]: then what is this??

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:10]: hi. What’s your ideal date? Asking for a friend 😊

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:10] Tzuyu likes me too?!?!?!?!

 

Dahyun would hit her face if she could. Of course, Tzuyu would ask directly!

 

Tzuyu has been pretty new to Twitter and in social media in general. The girl has an Instagram but Dahyun is convinced she installed the app one time and forgot she even had it in the first place: with her just posting one pic, and then leaving it to collect dust right after.

 

So Dahyun could make an excuse for Tzuyu and say, she just doesn’t know how the lingo works.

 

“What does ISTG mean?”

“I swear to God”

“Don’t be mad… I just saw it…”

“No, that’s what ISTG means. I swear to God.”

“Oh.”

“Okay. Thanks!”

 

“Why is everyone calling me bestie?”

“Uhm…”

 

“What is moots?”

 

“What is—”

 

The list goes on, and usually, Dahyun would be there to explain every little thing. But since Chaeyoung didn’t even bother to create an account in the Bird App, Tzuyu rarely uses hers.

 

Dahyun rereads the current conversations and ponders on her next course of action.

 

As the old saying goes, “Better with the devil you know,” so she shoots Tzuyu another DM, knowing that Sana will have about 5-minutes breakdown on the thought.

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:12]: Hey Tzu.

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:12]:  How’s the help going?

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:12]:

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:10]: hi. What’s your ideal date? Asking for a friend 😊

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:12]: don’t worry I won’t say it’s you!!

 

Oh boy. Who’s gonna tell her?

 

Yes, typical of Tzuyu. No preamble, whatsoever, just outright ask. That’s the Tzuyu way.

 

Why didn’t Dahyun foresee this?

 

In Dahyun’s offense… after a week of staring at Sana from a far (more like a foot away from her) and internally panicking every time the said girl hugs her, or shows her tons of affections, she had finally got the courage to confess, and her first thought was to gush it with her friend.

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:13]:  I have no words…

Tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:13]: your welcome!! 😊

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:13]: I’m excited for you!!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:14]: She’s been typing and not sending anything.

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:14]: this is Sana so she probably couldn’t make up her mind

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:10] Tzuyu likes me too?!?!?!?!

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:16]: What should I tell her?!?!

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:16]: She’s asking me out, right?!

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:16]: I didn’t think she’d make the first move, ngl. But again, I felt like this is our year!

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:16]: I told you, we bonded a little bit after the retreat on New Year! She even waited for me so we could go home together…. ❤️❤️❤️

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:16]: Then we talked a lot on our way home

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:17]: So maybe… she felt it too?

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:17]: Should I play hard to get?!

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:17]: I think we should think this through

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:17] right right. I don’t want to seem too eager

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:18]: but

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:18]: if she likes me, and I like her, why prolong it?

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:18]: bec this is Tzuyu. Trust me on this

 

@mntzkisana

Girl, chill

20:18 15/07/2021

 

@mntzkisana

Dis why I should hold back on caffeine

20:18 15/07/2021

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:20]: help me please.

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:20]: she’s gonna think im so weird.

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:21]: what if she thinks im not interested?! Im taking too long to reply

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:22]: dahyun help me please

 

Dahyun’s phone pings every second, and every ping adds to her anxiety. She was gonna wait till Tzuyu comes back from dinner with Chaeyoung but she couldn’t wait any longer with the realization. If only she had told Tzuyu in person…

 

Before she can dwell in regret, her phone rings.

 

She looks at it, and realizes it’s Sana trying to FaceTime her.

 

Even worse than the spam on Twitter.

 

She waits ‘till after the second ring before she answers. Inhaling deeply, she accepts the call.

 

When the call connects, Sana’s pouting face meets her. Dahyun thinks she’s gonna have heart attack. Why does Sana have to be so cute?

 

Before she can greet her, Sana started squealing. “I’m sure she saw me typing. I couldn’t make up my mind! Like what do I say? Is she there? Is this weird?”

Trying her best, Dahyun says, “Don’t sweat it.” She her lips as she waves her hand, “No, she’s having dinner with Chaeyoung. And… besides… she just asked what your ideal date it is. Like, she could just be literally asking for a friend.”

 

Like me. I could be that friend. Who thought the right person to ask about confessing is Tzuyu of all people?? Who probably doesn’t have a single romantic cell in her body????

 

Well, she thought of Chaeyoung, but she knows Chaeyoung would skip the gushing and daydreaming and just tell her, “Nice. Go tell her about it.” Dahyun wanted romance and she thought Tzuyu would ride with whatever Dahyun brings up to her.

 

“Asking for a friend means she’s asking for herself, she just doesn’t want to be obvious.” Sana stated like it’s a fact. And she has a point. Only, Tzuyu doesn’t know that?

 

“And I think it’s very cute.”

 

Ouch.

 

“What should I say?”

 

Dahyun stares through the screen and thinks of her next play. This is going downhill so fast. The truth is at the tip of her tongue, but she just can’t say it. This is not how she thought she’d confess. She had visualized going to the bake shop and buying chocolates and then spelling out, ‘I like you, Minatozaki Sana,’ all personalized and cheesy. And then get Sana her favorite perfume and then write something like, ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’

 

Was that over the top? Chaeyoung and Tzuyu would think so but it’s the first time Dahyun is attracted to someone, they should really give her a pass.

 

The worst case scenario on her head was Sana friendzoning her. She’d cry herself to sleep but move on after a week or so.

 

This is just awful.

 

Not only will Sana reject her, she’d definitely feel bad for asking her help on her supposed date with Tzuyu.

 

Is it Mercury Retrogade today or something?

Did the planets align to give Dahyun some bad luck?

 

It’s fine, Dahyun tells herself. Tzuyu got her back.

It doesn’t matter if Sana likes Tzuyu, she doesn’t feel the same, right? This… this could work, Dahyun thinks.

 

It has too.

 

Decided, she nods to herself. her lips before speaking, she says, “What’s your ideal date?”

Without a beat, Sana answers. “A date with Tzuyu.”

And by gods, did it hurt.

 

Is it too late to have a crush on another person?!

 

“Right.”Dahyun bites her tongue hard, making sure not to scream. The hell?

 

Seems like Dahyun couldn’t have masked the displease and Sana saw it. Only she mistook it as Dahyun cringing on her cheesiness, “That’s so cheesy, oh my god. That’s the first thing that came to my mind. I almost sent it, Oh god. That’s so cheesy, what would she think?”

 

Dahyun could only make a face. She grabs Kaya, Tzuyu’s raven-furred dog, unsuspectingly lounging beside her to try to calm herself. Butter and Kaya are a dogification, if such terms exist, of their owner, Tzuyu. Calm and playful. And Dahyun hopes the small dog can lends her the help she needs.

 

“Oh, oohh! How about movies? But I have to check if the movies are any good.”

 

It went on for a few minutes, Sana just spitting fire whatever that comes to her mind

 

But it all boils down to: “What does Tzuyu like?”

 

As if on instinct, Dahyun says, “She’s not high maintenance. She just wants to walk together, eat on a quaint restaurant with tasty food and get to know each other.” Dahyun smiles at the memory. Tzuyu is not like any other girls who’d focus much on the romance at this age. Dahyun thinks maybe that aspect is not even at Tzuyu’s mind. But when the three of them were talking, just after Chaeyoung’s first date, the topic came up, and it’s what Tzuyu had said.

 

Through the screen, Dahyun can see Sana’s face not losing her smile. Although this one is a bit different, but still so smitten.

 

She’s so in love with her, it hurts.

 

“Oh?! Should I say that? That’s actually cozy and romantic.”

“I will. Give me a sec”

 

“Sana, wait—"

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:10]: hi. What’s your ideal date? Asking for a friend 😊

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:45] sorry! Was on the phone with a friend?!

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:45] nothing fancy

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:45]: Maybe having a walk together, having a nice meal on a cute café, enjoying each other’s company.

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:45] you ❤️

Mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:46] ?*

 

 

 

It didn’t take long before her phone pings again, this time getting a notification from Tzuyu. She sees the banner on top of her call with Sana and excused herself. Even though Sana can’t see, Dahyun still feels like she’s cheating. She switches her app, putting her call with Sana on the background.

 

“Give me a sec, someone’s texting me.” She lies.

 

It probably doesn’t matter because Sana is looking at her phone, probably too focused on her conversation with Tzuyu.

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:48]:

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:45] Maybe having a walk together, having a nice meal on a cute café, enjoying each other’s company.

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:48]: oh? We have the same ideal date?

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:48]: I know a good place!!

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:45] you ❤️

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:46] ?*

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:49]: same!!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:50]: have you been to Anseong?

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:50] no. have you?

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:51]: yes! Been there once! Highly recommend the place! Hehee

 

 

@mntzkisana

This is not a drill. Everyone calm down.

20:51 15/07/2021

 

@imnayeon

We’re calm and minding our own business, you on the other hand…

20:51 15/07/2021

 

@hiraiwowo

Stop squealing!! Boo & Dobby bark when u do!

20:51 15/07/2021

 

@mntzkisana

Stop ruining my moment 😭

20:51 15/07/2021

 

@jihyow

The three of u r roommates, y r u tweeting each other?!?!

20:51 15/07/2021

 

 

Dahyun almost drops her phone at Sana’s sudden outburst. She switches her app to the call and instead of Sana’s face, she sees the ceiling. From the muffled scream, she can only imagine Sana screaming to her pillow. And at the edge of the screen, she can see Sana’s legs up, wiggling.

 

A few more seconds passed, and Sana grabs the phone again, “Tzuyu is asking me out on a date,” she says, her smile meets her eyes.

 

What?

 

“Tzuyu is asking me out! Oh My God! What to do? What to wear?! Is this real?!”

 

Dahyun switches the app again, going back to Twitter. She opens her DM with Tzuyu and reads the current messages. Tzuyu had sent her a screenshot of her conversation with Sana. Dahyun understood how Sana could’ve read differently.

 

They’re reading the same book, but understanding opposite messages. What even.

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:50]: you should ask her out and go there. You can even rent a bike and have a picnic at the park nearby

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:50]: and make lunch!!

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:51]: oh? You have it all planned out?

 

And Dahyun would have been really be grateful. Maybe if Sana doesn’t think she’s having a date with Tzuyu then this would’ve been the perfect set up. Although, it piqued her interest.

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:51]: I didn’t know you’re a romantic 😉

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:51]: lol you asked for help?!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:52]: been there once. Tried skateboarding, it’s fun!!

 

From the other line, Sana goes and tells her the scenarios she had concocted in her pretty little head.

 

“It’s been a minute, Dahyun. Isn’t she supposed to ask when I’m free? Or me taking too long to answer turned her off?”

“Why is this so confusing?”

“Dahyun are you listening to me?”

“Should I invite her? Like turn it around and say, “Would you come again? This time with me?” Or was that cringey?”

A moment later, Sana continues, not without whining, “Are we even at the point of caring about what’s cringe and not? I mean we’re flirting, right? She has gotta be asking me out. Like, right now, I don’t really care about playing-hard-to-get if I can already get myself a girlfriend.”

 

“I had to give her a signal that this is mutual.”

 

“Don’t ask her!” Dahyun quickly takes a grip of the situation. Or at least tried to. This has been progressing a little too fast for Dahyun, and the only way it won’t blow up in her face is to take the lead.

 

“Why not?”

 

At the top of her head, she knows she could’ve ended this misunderstanding with the truth. Chaeyoung and Tzuyu should be on their way back to the dorm, and the ’s about to hit the fan if Tzuyu walks in on them while she’s on FaceTime with Sana.

 

But little lies won’t hurt anyone. It won’t hurt them as long as they don’t know. Dahyun can turn this around. She can and she will.

 

She has to.

 

“She made the first move. It has to come from her. Like don’t steal her thunder or something.”

 

“I don’t think Tzuyu thinks like that.” A pause, but Sana nods anyway, “But you’re right I guess.”

 

With shaky hands, her lower lip between her teeth, Dahyun curls her finger and weighs her chin onto it.

 

Dahyun types,

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:55]: Here’s an idea…

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:55]: come w me?!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:56]: to thirdwheel?!

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:56]: to show support to your bestfriend!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:57]: …didn’t I already ask what her ideal date is for you??

 

She can’t believe instead of brainstorming on how to confess to her crush, she’s now brainstorming on how to trick her bestfriend to go on a date with her and her crush, who apparently has a crush on said bestfriend.

 

Wow.

 

That’s too much for small gay bean Dahyun to handle, but this is what her life has come into.

 

She quickly searched the internet for what she was looking for and did a quick little jump when she found it. It had become a trend not too long ago, and it’s easy to trick Tzuyu into doing this in the guise of educating her.

 

But first, she made sure to calm Sana down before she goes and asks Tzuyu to marry her in a verge of panic. From the other line Sana had already looked up the place and is already planning their itinerary.

 

“Sana? You took 15 minutes to reply to her when she just asked what your ideal date is, I’m sure you can return the favor and wait ‘till she lands the question.”

 

“You’re right. You’re right. See this is why I came to you, you keep me grounded!”

 

Awww Sana, that’s so sweet. If only you didn’t bypass me into confessing, we could’ve been planning our own date, is what Dahyun is thinking.

 

Nevertheless, she goes on with her mission.

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:01] You sent an image.

 

Yoo Jeongyeon added Hirai Momo and Myoui Mina in the group.

Yoo Jeongyeon: Momo, Mina… I love you both but I can’t take the slowburn, mutual pining you have going on between you. Do everyone a favor and just kiss each other already!

Yoo Jeongyeon: Your welcome.

Yoo Jeongyeon left the group.

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:03]: what is slowburn?

 

Okay, maybe using another viral post is not the way to go.

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:04]: the point here is that Jeongyeon is their wing(wo)man who created a ‘group’ to bridge Mina and Momo and then she left the group so it became like a DM between them… you get what I’m saying?

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:04]: ask her out for me, and then on the date itself, I’ll take the lead

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:05]: why don’t u try and let me know

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:05]: no 💙

 

That’s the simplest way to explain the whole thing. A hard sell, but at this point, Dahyun would grab by a thread just to keep the illusion going.

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:07]: here’s another idea…

tzuyoda [15/05/2021, 21:07]: skip the unnecessary gimmicks, and then ask her out yourself.

 

She knows Tzuyu will be be difficult, so she cracks her brain faster than in any of her exams, and browses through all the mental receipts they had on their 2-year friendship. Desperate times calls for desperate measures.

 

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:08]: remember that time you ruined Chaeyoung’s favorite shirt that’s Dry-clean only, and I took the fall for you? She ignored me for 3 DAYS.

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:08]: you said you owe me big time.

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:08]: If theres a time you’d like to repay me. This is it

 

Dahyun holds her breath as she sees Tzuyu typing.

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:11]: you only get to use that once and you’ve used it now

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:12]: also, I thought we agreed that shirt was better off not seeing the light of day?

 

Dahyun pumps her fists to the air, even jumping on her bed like she had scored a date for herself.

 

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:12]: I will screenshot that one, just in case I need another favor in the future.

 

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:50] no. have you?

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:51]: yes! Been there once! Highly recommend the place! Hehee

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 20:51] really? What did you do and who were you with?

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:14]: this is so random, lol?!

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:14]: are you free this Saturday? Me and DubChaeng are going to feed the ducks. It’ll be nice to have more company. Maybe have lunch after?

 

Still having Sana on the call is like having a live reaction feed.

 

She hears another squeal, then Sana saying, “the landing DID NOT disappoint. You’ll be my maid of honor when I get married”

 

@mntzkisana

Bye mom, I’m getting married.

21:14 15/07/2021

 

mntzkisana [15/07/2021, 21:14]: yes 💗

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:14]:  make sure to bring bread.

dahyun [15/07/2021, 21:14] I love you, Tzuyu. You know that right?

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:15] lol

 

And Dahyun would find it amusing how Tzuyu responds like that in a verge of sentimentality.

 

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 21:17]: ack! Me thirdhweeling on my ideal date? Do me a favor and don’t kiss in front of me.

dahyun [15/07/2021, 20:18]: I doubt there’d be any kissing

tzuyoda [15/07/2021, 20:18]: she had tried to kiss you on a daily basis. You should be worried if she doesn’t do it on the ‘date’

 

From an onlookers point of view, anyone would say that day looked like it came from melodrama scene in a coming-of-age movie. The wind wasn’t very strong, just enough to blow the fallen leaves on the pavement around them, just enough to cool their faces under the sun.

 

Sana, with her soft black hair, flowing lightly passed her shoulders, dressed in a floral navy blue dress, and a cute beret on her head, sits by the bench, waiting for her supposed date. A few feet away from her is Dahyun, smiling candidly, walking slightly slower than usual, as nervousness grows inside her. She dresses appropriately as well: her hair tied up in a bun, a brown cotton sweater and a matching white pants.

 

Soon, she stops in front of Sana and gains her attention by calling her name, almost in a whisper, (almost like she can’t believe it). She stands with her feet close together, her hands gripping on the small basket she’s carrying, as she says, “Hi. Did you wait long?”

 

Sana slowly looks up from her phone, a small smile breaking its way on her face. “Hi…” She says. Recognizing the voice, her smile got bigger. “Not really.”

 

“You look really nice. I like your dress.”

 

“Thanks. I… I put so much thought into this.”

 

Just like in the movies.

 

Except, there’s Tzuyu behind her, on her yellow hoodie, jeans and tennis shoes – totally out of theme.

 

When Tzuyu catches up to them, Sana abruptly stands up, fixing her dress and her hair, even though Dahyun would think she already looks perfect. Sana turns her head towards the tall girl, overlooking Dahyun. Dahyun could only watch the change in expression on the girl’s face. On how different her smile is. On how this ‘scene’ was actually for Sana and Tzuyu and not herself.

 

She ignores the pinch she felt, and the drop in her stomach. She had thought of this. She had seen this coming. But feeling it, seeing it this close is another story.

 

“Tzuyu.” Her name sounded so tender and delicate from Sana’s lips. Like she’s cautious about it. Like she’s holding it so close to her heart.

 

And Dahyun had never heard anyone say Tzuyu’s name like that. Especially from Sana, who’s usually high-pitched and full of energy. She had heard her days prior gushing about this. She had witnessed Sana’s excitement for this day. But now that she’s here, few feet away from Tzuyu, all her bravado gone, suddenly feeling shy.

 

Dahyun grips the basket tighter, breathing in between her teeth, going through the pain silently.

 

Tzuyu nods to her and looks between them. Confused at the sudden silence, like it’s a queue for her to say something, she returns the greeting, albeit not as warmly, “Sana.”

 

The tone was different than Sana’s, but Dahyun supposes, with the idea that Tzuyu asked her out on a date, Sana thought hearing her name from Tzuyu was already something.

 

Sana puts her hair behind her ear, looking down briefly, like an elementary crush, “You look really beautiful.” If Nayeon and Momo can see her now, they’d endlessly for suddenly being shy. It’s so unbecoming of her.

 

Tzuyu just stares at her for a second. She saw them interact before, and she even walked slower to give them a moment of introduction. She doesn’t understand why the courtesy is being extended towards her. She even purposedly wore casual clothes to dress her part-- her part being Dahyun and Sana’s supposed thirdwheel. Also, there’s a bike rental here somewhere.

 

But thinking back, Sana had always been polite and nice. She would always greet everyone, and checks up on them every end of the day.

 

She looks between them: of both of them looking at her, waiting expectantly.

 

Is this a compliment relay? She thought to herself. Mentally nodding to herself, she turns to Dahyun, “Dahyun looks good too.” She eyes Dahyun’s basket and smiles cheekily, “She brought lots of bread. She likes ducks,” and taps Dahyun’s shoulder lightly.

 

Dahyun would almost groan.

 

“Chaeyoung can’t come,” Tzuyu adds, scrunching her nose a bit.

 

Because she doesn’t want to. And Chaeyoung is Tzuyu’s escape. Chaeyoung would call her after 5 minutes and tell her Kaya and Butter has an emergency and Tzuyu will bid them goodbye.

 

Or at least that’s what Tzuyu had planned.

 

Dahyun and Sana had something else at play.

 

Sana nods at her, “Right.” Then looks at Dahyun with mirth. Dahyun had told her the night before Chaeyoung can’t come, but Dahyun would because Tzuyu is nervous. Sana doesn’t mind. Sana chose Dahyun specifically for the sole reason that she’s the perfect bridge for her and Tzuyu. And that Dahyun calms her and doesn’t enable Sana’s crazy ideas unlike Nayeon and Momo. Dahyun would keep Sana’s feet on the ground.

 

,.,

If Tzuyu thought being a wingwoman is hard enough already, then Dahyun would say living a double life is harder. She’s trying to keep the illusion that the two is in the shadows of what really is going on.

 

Every time Tzuyu would slow her pace so Dahyun and Sana can walk side by side, Sana would notice and match hers.

 

It’s actually a relief that Tzuyu and Sana haven’t been holding hands already. Well, it’s not for the lack of trying. She had seen Sana ‘accidentally’ brush her left hand on Tzuyu’s right, and trying to make a move to lace their fingers but Tzuyu would retract it right away, pointing at the lake excitedly. Hoping it doesn’t happen again, Dahyun clears and asks Tzuyu’s help in carrying their basket. Tzuyu was happy to oblige, reaching for it with her dominant hand.

 

Every time Tzuyu would try to initiate a conversation, Sana would beat her to it, turning the question around to her. So instead of her, opening up a window for Dahyun to shine, she ended up talking more about herself than she intended to. It’s Sana’s effect, she supposes.

 

Tzuyu forgot what Sana was talking about, Dahyun might even say, Tzuyu is probably not listening, but Tzuyu has her eyes staring at Sana’s lips when she says, “You look like a duck.”

 

Sana abruptly stops her story,  her eyebrows meeting in the middle as she turns to Tzuyu, “Excuse me?”

 

From Sana’s other side, Dahyun looks at her glaring, shaking her head and waving her hand.

 

Tzuyu tilts her head, confused at Dahyun’s signal. She turns to Sana and continues, “Your lips go like this.” She mimicks her, puckering her lips, and then smiling after.

 

It’s not meant to be an insult or a jab,  just an observation. And on any other day, Dahyun would’ve laughed with her, thinking its actually witty. But Dahyun doesn’t think Sana and Tzuyu are on that level of friendship yet and she’s afraid Sana might misunderstood.

 

“Ducks are pretty cu—” Dahyun immediately says, trying to salvage it.

 

But then Sana stands up, and Dahyun thinks Tzuyu had single-handedly crashed and burnt this date, not even 10 minutes in. In panic, Dahyun had already simulated what would eventually happen, her mind opening up the plan B in her brain where she would be winning Sana’s heart by being her rebound. The plan is very ambitious and vague, but it’s the only plan Dahyun has right now, so she’ll stick her guns into it.

 

To her surprise, Sana puts her hands on her sides, palms down, and then started waddling, “You mean like this?” She giggles as she follows the ducks at the park, even quacking with them.

 

Tzuyu laughs at this, her eye smile makes its way onto her soft face.

 

And Dahyun would ease her mind, laughing with her. Maybe they can get through this after all.

 

From where Sana waddles, she’d mentally pat herself at the back for a job well done. Minatozaki scores, she cheers.

 

Dahyun didn’t expect Sana to squat in front of her, opening , looking directly to her eyes. She could swear she stops breathing, having Sana’s face just inches away from her.

 

“Bread please?” Sana says, pointing to her open mouth.

 

Dahyun realized Tzuyu and Sana are already empty-handed and Dahyun’s the only one left with bread on hand. She was frozen in place, her motors forgetting how to function. But from her peripheral vision, Tzuyu is smiling teasingly at her. She quickly pops the remaining bread on Sana’s mouth in panic, forgetting she’s supposed to crash it into pieces first.

 

Sana’s eyes widen, covering , surprised at the volume. She laughs, munching on it, her cheeks becomes full as she puts the bread on each side as she chews.

 

She’s gonna be the death of me, Dahyun thinks.

 

Here lies Kim Dahyun, a small, hopeless gay bean.

 

Tzuyu doubles in laughter, almost reading through Dahyun’s mental breakdown. Sana stands up and starts waddling again.

 

Quack, quack, Sana says.

 

Ba-dum, ba-dum, Dahyun’s heart says.

 

 

Tzuyu, looking forward to lunch, enters the old wooden gate ahead of them, looking around like a child in a candy store.. Sana stops and blocks Dahyun’s way unprecedented that Dahyun almost bumps into her. When she looks up, she sees Sana smiling at her. Her heart palpitates even more when Sana wrapped her arms around her neck and pulls her into a hug. “Thank you for coming with me. This is so nerve-wracking and having you by my side is actually helping me calm my nerves.”

 

Dahyun is at lost of words. More so when Sana kissed her cheek. “Really, thank you.” Sana whispers in her ear.

 

Dahyun would feel guilty.

 

Only she’s being overwhelmed.

 

That even when Sana pulled away and started walking towards Tzuyu, she would lift her hand to the skin Sana’s lips had touched. The kiss was soft and barely had pressure in it. But the sensation lingers, and the wa