Fixing the slight ruffles on her dress while making sure that everything is in order, Eunbi took her time standing in front of the mirror. It was not the time for her to miss anything, the day should go as perfectly as she planned. There was no space for any mistake that she kept on reminding herself not to let her clumsy nature fail her today. This day was not just about her, there is Yerin that she should think about. She can’t let the girl down after finally being able to confess to each other.

Eunbi didn’t know that her first date would be this nerve-wracking. She barely got any sleep the night before and even then she could feel the craziness going on inside her. The voice that’s saying that a single mistake will be her downfall, that it would be enough to send the message that Eunbi will not be good enough for Yerin. After all, if she couldn’t get the first date right, what does it say about her and how much she actually wants it?

(Everything’s going to be fine. You’re going to be fine.)

She tried convincing herself that things can’t go as bad as she’s afraid it would. Besides, it was with Yerin that she’ll be spending that day with and it’s not as if they haven’t done that before. In fact, most of her days were spent with Yerin. She wondered how much it would actually change. With this predicament, another wave of panic rushed inside her head. What if it was a mere confusion on her part when Yerin said that she felt the same way for Eunbi? It wasn’t impossible that Yerin had somehow mixed her feelings and confused her love for Eunbi as a friend for something more. Eunbi was scared that this could have been the case for she knew how easy it was to confuse love for other things that could’ve been a simple imitation of it.

Trying to shake off the negative thoughts that were slowly swallowing her confidence, Eunbi sighed deeply and reminded herself of how Yerin would never have said that she loves her if she wasn’t sure about it. It wasn’t like Yerin to make and commit into anything if she’s not at the least sure about it. With that in mind, Eunbi exhaled one big breath and gave herself an encouraging smile. Everything’s going to be perfect, she cheered herself.

(Nothing’s going to ruin this day.)

Yet it was as if the sky wanted to prove her wrong that when she was waiting for Yerin to be finished preparing herself for their date, she heard a huge rumble of thunder that made her run towards the window of her room and look over to see that the sky had turned dark and that it wouldn’t be long after before it starts raining. At the same time, Eunbi’s insides felt cold in a strange hopelessness. It’s as if this one thing was enough to ruin everything she’s worked for and think that it really was not meant to be. With a slightly teary eye, she regretfully retreated, thinking of ways of telling Yerin that they couldn’t continue their date for everything that Eunbi had planned was dependent on her fate that the day they would be going out was of good weather.

Taking her time, Eunbi was almost dragging her feet as she made her way to Yerin’s room. A thought kept on repeating inside her head as she did so, and she wanted to delay her impending heartbreak by taking every step cautiously and as slow as she could.

(She’s not going to give you another chance after ruining this one.)

“Why do you look so down?” Eunbi’s head snapped upward to see Yerin, standing a meter away from where she was looking worriedly at her but all that Eunbi could think of was how beautiful Yerin looked in her white dress. She remembered her best friend falling in love with the dress that one time they went out together yet refused to buy it having been under a tight budget after being given a lesson by her parents that Eunbi saved up some money from her own allowance so that she could buy it as a gift for her best friend. Yerin told her that she would only wear the dress on a special occasion and it made Eunbi feel guilty that her thought of wearing it today would only go to waste. “Eunbi?”

“Ah, it’s just that…” Eunbi hesitated, still clueless on what to say knowing that she’s about to disappoint her. Eunbi involuntarily took a step back, a split second away from running away but was able to keep herself together and once again stood still. “I don’t think we can still go out.” She said, taking a glance at the surprise look on Yerin’s face.

“Why?” Yerin asked, biting her lower lip, lowering her head. She had thought of the worst reason why Eunbi had decided to cancel their date that day. Yerin was afraid that Eunbi had realized that she was not in love with her after all. Thinking that her dream of finally being able to love Eunbi in the way she had always wanted to was going to be taken away in a blink of an eye, Yerin’s heart started beating irregularly, her knees felt weak and she knew that it was about to give up on her.

Seeing the reaction was enough to alarm Eunbi, it was almost impossible for her not to know whatever it was Yerin’s feeling. The years they’ve spent with each other was enough for her to learn everything she can about Yerin, to know with the tiniest expressions what she feels at certain moments. Whenever she’s scared, sad, angry, or happy. Eunbi knew without having Yerin to say it to her. This was one of the reasons why she had told herself countless times before, that no one else could ever love Yerin the same way as she loves her. Because no one will ever know her like Eunbi does. But perhaps it was only her ego trying to convince her, convincing herself with her own make-believe not having the heart to think of someone else that could be perfect for Yerin.

Yet, what was she doing? Eunbi silently thought to herself in frustration.

There Yerin was, standing in front of her full of vulnerability, showing how terrified she was, “Did you change your mind?” She asked Eunbi, looking down as to not show the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

“No, I didn’t.” It wasn’t the time to doubt herself then, Eunbi firmly reprimanded herself. It wasn’t the time to think of what could happen that had scared her about that day and ruin the present. She needed to continue moving forward and show Yerin that she meant every word she had said the day that the two of them confessed their love to each other. “Yerin,” She called, “there’s a tiny change of plans. Hundred percent the rain’s fault.” She grinned, wanting to reassure Yerin that the change wasn’t necessarily bad. “Would you still go on a date with me right here? You’ll have to give me another hour to prepare though. An hour and a half tops.”

“As long as you promise that you wouldn’t change your mind after, I don’t mind waiting.” Yerin pouted, a little more at ease now that Eunbi has reached to hold her hand.

“I promise.”

Eunbi had thought of something else now that they couldn’t go outside for their date. It might have been a real improvisation on her part but she hopes that it would work. The thought that she had had was that it wasn’t important now where they would go, the important thing was for her to show Yerin her sincerity and for her best friend to know exactly how she felt for her. Even after doing everything in a rush, Eunbi was still satisfied with what she did for their somehow impromptu date. Still having some time for her to spare, Eunbi made a last minute check before running outside the room to go to Yerin’s room to finally be with her.

The rain had started to grow stronger, but Eunbi’s heartbeat sounded louder against her ears and it only continued to ring louder every step she took closer to where Yerin was. Her knocks were eager, her lips stretching from ear to ear in her excitement, and somehow everything else came naturally for her. All her worries from the morning are gone, especially when Yerin opens the door with a smile that matches hers.

“Time’s still not up though?” Yerin said, not a bit surprised for Eunbi was not one to be late but still found it in her to best friend slightly.

“I don’t want to make you wait longer.” Eunbi replied, taking Yerin’s hand without any hesitation. It’s as if it was the most natural thing in the world for Eunbi to do and the way that Yerin held hers back told her that it was the same for her. “Ready?”

“I’ve been waiting for it for the longest time. I’m pretty sure I’m more than ready.” Yerin cheekily replied but the way Eunbi’s face lightened up made her blush before shyly looking away.

“Let’s go.” Eunbi said softly, giving Yerin another smile. “Let’s not make wonderland wait, Alice.” She jested, causing Yerin to laugh for it was not too long ago when she had told Eunbi about the book they had read for school, and how much she had best friend that she reminded her of the rabbit with a watch who Alice followed that took her in an entirely new world.

Yerin’s eyes widened as soon as they entered the piano room and saw what Eunbi did there in the time that she had asked for Yerin to give her. The curtains were drawn, hiding the view but Yerin could still hear the rain harshly pouring outside and could feel the coldness brought by it. But it was easily forgotten when she saw how Eunbi created a fort for the two of them and a smile easily went up to her lips when she saw two mugs and a thermos of what she knew would contain hot chocolate with snacks like biscuits and bread on the tin box right beside it. She let Eunbi pull her until they were sitting inside the fort, Yerin comfortably settling inside right beside a huge teddy bear that made her chuckle. It was her gift to Eunbi a long time ago.

“I see we have a companion.” Yerin grinned, pulling the bear closer to her and saw how Eunbi smiled while pouring the hot chocolate for each of them.

“I take all the help I can get.” Eunbi said, riding along her best friend’s humor, reaching out her arms to give Yerin her cup while the latter took it with a small thank you before taking a piece of biscuit and ate it. “You don’t mind this, do you? I did ask you to get dressed today for our date.” Eunbi asked, tilting her head as she waited for Yerin’s answer.

“What? This?” Yerin pointed at herself, feigning surprise before smugly shaking her head. “This is how pretty I look in my everyday life, Jung Eunbi.” Eunbi laughed, not helping it when she knew she should’ve expected that kind of answer from her best friend and Yerin watched her in adoration, feeling warmth inside for she had always loved hearing Eunbi’s laughter.

“I hope I didn’t offend you with my question then.”

“Hmm…” Yerin hummed before taking a sip from the hot chocolate, pretending to think before finally showing the tips of her thumb and forefinger nearly touching each other. “I’d say you did at least this much so you’ll have to make it up to me.”

Eunbi looked at her in amusement, mouth slightly open as if she would have another fit of laughter if she didn’t get hold of herself. “Alright, and how am I supposed to make it up to you?”

“Let’s see… how about complimenting me?”

“You just want to hear me call you pretty.”

“That’s exactly the point of what I’m asking you to do.” Yerin said, biting from the bread that Eunbi offered her to eat before the latter pulled to take a bite from it too.

“Would you even think of it as me being sincere if I said it only because you asked me to?” Eunbi asked, drinking from her own cup to hide her smile when she saw Yerin pouting because of her question. “Okay, fine. You’re really pretty.” Eunbi said, trying to pacify the situation only for Yerin to look at her with furrowed eyebrows. “You’re beautiful.”

“You’re just saying that because I asked you to.” Yerin complained and Eunbi laughed at the absurdity of their current conversation. “See!”

“This is exactly what I was talking about.” Eunbi reasoned out, taking her time to calm herself before leaning her back against the sofa. Eyes now focusing on the beverage inside her mug before speaking softly. “I mean it.”

“Huh?” Yerin moved the bear on her other side so that she could sit right beside Eunbi as she couldn’t hear her properly. “What did you say?” She asked, curious as to why Eunbi suddenly looked nervous.

Eunbi placed down the mug on the floor, shifting from where she was sitting so she would be facing Yerin. She didn’t know exactly what it was, and try as she did in pointing it out for herself, she still couldn’t find the reason why everytime she would look at Yerin, she finds herself admiring her longer than she meant to; she would always find herself never wanting to look away; and every second that she did, Eunbi couldn’t help but fall a little bit more for Yerin.

“I mean it.” Eunbi said, breathing out all the nervousness she had had inside her. Chuckling at herself for she thinks it was stupid of her to be so nervous to the point of feeling as if her heart would stop any second. But she didn’t let it be the reason for her to backout from saying what she wanted to say. Eunbi moved to kneel down so that she was slightly towering over Yerin, surprising the latter who could only stare and wait for whatever it was Eunbi’s planning to do. “You’re really pretty.” Eunbi said once again, the small smile on her face and the way she looked at Yerin made the latter blush. Extending her arm, Eunbi touched Yerin’s cheek with her fingers, doing it lightly as if Yerin was a fragile glass that would break if she’s not careful. Then Yerin further felt her cheeks burn when she felt Eunbi’s thumb gently brushing her skin. “You’re beautiful.”

Yerin noticed Eunbi staring at her and she couldn't help but to stare right back at her. Frozen right in that moment, Yerin couldn’t move no matter how much she wished to close the gap between them. Yet, trying to control herself, Yerin did her best to end the spell that made the time slow down and immediately looked away to hide her reddened face.

“I hope you’re not thinking that this is the end.” Eunbi said, confusing Yerin whose eyes were once again drawn back to look at her.

“What?”

“Our date.” Eunbi simply replied, taking Yerin by the hand before tugging it as a cue for her to follow.

As the two of them left the safety of the fort Eunbi built, Yerin found herself guided towards the piano where Eunbi led her until they’re sitting right beside each other. Yerin already knew what Eunbi’s about to do and excitement immediately filled her. She touched the keys and pressed one before pulling away once again.

Eunbi loves playing the piano. But she loves it all the more when Yerin’s there to listen to her play. It may be some kind of a self-fulfilling act, but Eunbi wanted to play for Yerin in hopes that she would listen well and understand what her words could never convey in its whole. When all the I love yous weren’t enough, Eunbi would play endless songs for Yerin if it would show how deep her love was for her.

Starting with a simple song, there weren’t any words needed for the two of them to say. Yerin silently listened, head turning to watch as Eunbi played a song for her. While watching, Yerin couldn’t help but think of how different Eunbi was now compared to when they were merely children and yet she’s still exactly the same person Yerin had known before.

“I love this song.” Yerin confessed, and Eunbi smiled but didn’t stop from playing after taking a glimpse of Yerin and saw how she has her eyes closed now to focus more on the song. “This is my parents’ song. The first one they danced to when mom told me stories about her and dad.” She shared as she did before, knowing fully well that it was the exact same reason why Eunbi chose to play the song for her.

“Isn't that the reason why you've fallen in love with this song?” Eunbi giggled as she was nearing the end of the song. A little more and she was humming along with Yerin, chuckling and opening her eyes before turning her head once again as Eunbi sang the last line of the song, eyes not straying away from each other until Eunbi pressed the last key of the song. “For I can't help falling in love with you.”

Eunbi hoped that Yerin understood her. The words that she couldn’t say because she knew it wouldn’t be enough, try as she may again and again, Eunbi hoped that she could convey everything through her actions. She had thought of everything Yerin did for her. Everything that made Eunbi thankful for meeting Yerin, how the feeling of gratitude and happiness mixed with all kinds of memories, good or bad, and all the time Eunbi had spent with her—everything. All of it turned into a feeling that she could call love but knowing at the same time that it was far more than that. If there was a word that could simply describe her feelings for Yerin, then she thought that love wouldn’t be enough.

“Eunbi, dance with me.” Yerin said out of nowhere, grinning at her best friend and causing Eunbi to be surprised when Yerin reached for her hand to pull her to stand even before she could say anything.

The two of them stood right in front of each other, Yerin standing a little taller than Eunbi who had to tilt her head upward so that she could meet Yerin’s eyes. “My music player’s in my room.” Eunbi reasoned, her feet stiff and frozen as she’s not really someone who dances. Thus, the request surprised her, stomach lurching in anxiousness, not wanting for Yerin to be seriously wanting to dance with her.

“That’s okay.” Yerin whispered, both of her hands taking Eunbi by the waist as she came closer. Eunbi gulped, feeling as if she was enchanted as her body moved on its own, arms wrapping around Yerin’s neck. Yerin’s smile was so bright, she didn’t think she would want to look at anything else but Yerin. “It wouldn’t matter much, right?”

Eunbi silently laughed to herself as Yerin slowly swayed the two of them while the former tried her best to follow every step Yerin did. “This is silly.” Eunbi commented in good humor with Yerin agreeing with a lighthearted laugh.

It was silly.

It was perfect.

Eunbi then let go of