Hyejin texted her that she was on her way. The moment that her eyes laid upon the message, she shot up from the couch in such a furry that her art supplies exploded everywhere. She also startled her mother, who was on the next couch over.

“Is it time?” Her mother asked with a small smile. 

Wheein only stared at her mother with wide eyes. The nerves that vanished were coming back. And they were coming back with a vengeance.  

“I--”

Before Wheein could even vocalise her fear, her mom finally came down. A dragon descending onto the mortal plane and bestowing upon mankind the gifts of knowledge and enlightenment. In this case, it was just Yong coming down and wishing her daughter luck. Along with some mild teasing. 

“Now remember, forget about whatever you mother has told you about flirting.” Yong said while giving her daughter a massage on her shoulders. As if preparing Wheein for a fight in the ring. 

“H-Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” Her mother pouted in response. 

Yong only smiled, “I know how you are. This is my baby’s first date and I don’t want her to be mortified when she’s frozen and falls back onto the basics she learned as a child.”

Moonbyul only huffed while Wheein responded, “But what if I do? What if I become like mother?”

Wheein stared into space with horror. Not only is she nervous about the date in general, now she has to worry about falling into bad, greasy habits. Her face morphed from horror to more cringe as she thought about saying any of the lines her mother has taught her. A soft whine escaped her agape mouth.

“Hey! You can’t say my techniques don’t work. Afterall,” Moonbyul smirked proudly towards Yong, “I did get you.”

“Is that really an accomplishment?” Wheein said without paying attention. It was only after the fact, and the silence of the room, did she realise what she said.

Luckily, her knight pulled into the driveway and texted her that it’s time.

“Wheein--” Yong started with a smile. A smile on her face but her eyes exposed how she really felt.

Moonbyul’s eyebrow twitched. 

“Oh, look at that, Hyejin is here! Kay, love you, bye~” Wheein quickly made her escape and scampered over to Hyejin’s car. While she made her way, she signalled to Hyejin that they needed to make a fast escape.

Once inside the safety of the car, they began their adventure. Of course, Hyejin did have to know why Wheein left the house like a bat out of hell.

“Oh, you know, I may have pissed off a dragon and irked a hamster.” Wheein’s nonchalant reply. 

Hyejin hummed in understanding, “At least the only damage a hamster can do is, like, nibble you.”

Wheein sighed and almost melded into the seat, “Yea but annoying nibbles.”

“You got a point. I assume you accepted your fate with whatever the dragon has in store for you?” Hyejin asked while maintaining her focus on the road. Have to make sure that they get to their destination in one piece after all.

“I can only guess what the dragon has in store.” Wheein looked at  Hyejin. And for a brief moment she forgot what she was going to say. The way the sunlight hit Hyejin’s hair and how it revealed the reddish-gold undertones. How her side profile had the essence of a proud lion. She couldn’t help but feel like she was in the presence of a youthful goddess. 

Hyejin felt Wheein’s eyes and couldn’t help but smirk a little. She really did grab Wheein’s attention. Attention that Hyejin doesn’t plan on letting go soon. 

“Ah, see something you like?” Hyejin couldn’t help but let her smirk grow. 

“The sunlight truly is a powerful force.” Wheein stated bluntly. Of course, she didn’t mean to say that. She just didn’t know how to properly convey her feelings. And in her desperation, she said the first thing on her mind. 

Hyejin pursed her lips in thought. Mistaking such an expression, Wheein mentally kicked herself. But, Hyejin eased her troubled mind. As per usual.

“Are you saying the sunlight brings out my best features?” Hyejin briefly gave Wheein a big smile before returning her focus on the road.

“Yea, sure.” If there is one thing she learned from her parents is to go with the flow.

“Huh? Sure? Sure?? Wheein-ah, you hurt me.You hurt my feelings” Hyejin pouted and whined as she spoke in a baby voice.

Wheein could only laugh, “Aww, did I hurt the lion’s feelings?”

Finally reaching their destination, Hyejin parked the car. She parked the car before facing Wheein. She faced her with her most hurt expression. Along with a small whimper and whine. 

But to Wheein, Hyejin just looked like a dejected cub. A cute cub. So cute that Wheein couldn’t help herself. She had to do something or else she would explode from witnessing such cuteness. 

With a soft smile on her face, Wheein reached over and caressed Hyejin’s head in both hands. Effectively holding the other girl still. Though, it wasn’t like she was going anywhere. The moment Wheein’s hands came into contact with her face, Hyejin stiffened. Unsure of what Wheein was going to do or had planned for that matter. There was one thing Hyejin secretly hoped for, but that hope was soon squandered.

“Awww, who’s a cute wittle wion cub?” Wheein began to pinch, squish, and rub Hyejin’s cheeks as she talked in a baby voice. “It’s you! You’re a cute wittle wion cub!”

Hyejin could only whine in dismay. She thought for sure Wheein was planning something else, but alas, she was a fool. A fool in love. 

Wheein stopped her onslaught the moment both of their stomachs growled. Both stomachs growled with such intensity that it shocked them. They stared at each other for a brief moment before exploding into comfortable laughter. They took the hint and finally got down in order to go eat. And begin their date.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They ate at the same italian restaurant from last week but they had different plates. This time, it took them a bit longer to share their food. It felt more intimate than last time. Maybe because at the time they were friends on an outing. This time, however, this time there is no argument. This is a date. Thus, the intimacy. Now there was intention in what the other was doing. However, it was all unspoken. 

But despite that intention, both of them promptly forgot about it. It was so easy for them to feel at ease, the comfort, that the nerves that crept back up from before vanished. It was a date yes, but it didn’t feel like one. There was no awkwardness, no tension. The only thing in the air was how comfortable they were with each other. Even with the intimacy. 

It may not make sense. Especially with how well they can blur the lines between platonic and romantic, but this was the turning point. For it was after dinner, that they both made a similar goal in mind. 

The goal to tell the other how they really feel. Leave nothing unspoken between them. Clear communication.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dinner, they went to the fall festival that was on the square, which was just a few blocks from the restaurant. They walked to it, arm in arm. Looking like the pair of love birds that they are. 

While they walked, they easily talked. Talked about anything and everything that came to mind. They talked and laughed. Enjoying the presence of the other and wanting this to never end. But, all things come to an end. They were lucky that the only thing that ended for them now was their walk to the fall festival. 

“, when did they start chargin for this?” Hyejin grumbled as soon as she saw the ticket booth.

Wheein looked at Hyejin incredulously, “Th-They’ve always had??” 

Hyejin stopped and stared at Wheein.

“Hyejin, have you never paid??”

Hyejin looked away.

“Hyejin, look at me.” Wheein stood in front of Hyejin and once again grabbed the other girl’s head. Forcing her to look.

“Did you always break into the festival grounds, Hyejin-ah?”

Hyejin only mumbled as she looked everywhere but at Wheein.

“Y-yea…” A soft mumbled reply.

Wheein could only sigh. From her time with Hyejin, it seems like the bad girl reputation that Hyejin built for herself was solely done by accident. All of Hyejin’s fights were all justified. She only fought to protect the ones she cared about when the system wouldn’t do it. Failing classes were easily explained too. Hyejin was just bored. Aftering tutoring Hyejin for the week, Wheein found Hyejin was scarily smart. The only problem was that her classes weren’t engaging enough for her to actually put in effort. Her manner of speaking, that bluntness, while it may seem rude, it was just Hyejin’s honest truth. She isn’t one to bull anyone. Her attire was just the fashion she liked. That’s all. 

Wheein jumped a little at her revelation upon thinking about Hyejin’s qualities. The fact that Hyejin is just herself, no matter what image people place on her, is why Wheein likes her. She was the opposite of what Wheein was used to and it drew her in. Wheein had to admit, she was curious about Hyejin. Just curious. But after spending time with Hyejin, it was more than curiosity now. It evolved. It evolved to her genuinely liking Hyejin. And even hoping that maybe, just maybe, they can be more than friends.

While Wheein had her internal revelation with all the evidence that supported it, Hyejin had her own revelation. She had to admit, she was always fascinated with Wheein. Wherever Wheein was, she would always notice her. Whether that be passing each other in the hallways, being in the same homeroom, having the same lunch, it was always the same. Hyejin’s eye would naturally try to find Wheein. Though, for a while, she tried to stop herself. Always watching someone yet never interacting with them is creepy. 

But, after the puppy incident, Hyejin felt herself begin to fall for Wheein. They would barely miss each other so Hyejin could never actively try to get close to Wheein. During that time Wheein was still with her friend group, so everytime Hyejin would see her, she was always surrounded by other people. Which normally would not have been a problem, but she knew all of them disliked her. She knows what they say about her. Suspiciously, all their malicious comments were done when Wheein wasn’t there. Her approaching Wheein with them around would be in vain. 

So she waited.

And that time came a little over a month ago. A time Hyejin would never forget. The time their relationship shifted and they actually became friends. Hyejin all the while harbored hopes of their friendship evolving, but self-doubt kept them at bay. But after Ji Yeon's yelling, those once harbored hopes went full sail so there was nothing holding her back. She likes Wheein, more than just a friend. And tonight, she is going to make sure Wheein will know it.

Hyejin grabbed Wheein’s hands that were still holding her face. The sudden touch snapped Wheein out of her haze. She looked at Hyejin and found a mischievous glint in the other girl’s eyes. A mischievous glint to match the mischievous smile. 

Holding onto Wheein’s hands, Hyejin lowered them. An idea formed in her head and all she had to do was execute it. The idea of--

“We’re not gonna sneak in, Hyejin-ah.” Wheein stated in a flat tone. Once she saw the mischievous face on Hyejin, she could easily guess what was on the other girl’s mind. 

Hyejin’s face immediately fell into a pout. 

“But--”

“We need wristbands to even play the games and I’m not going to wear one that was dug up from the trash.” Wheein dragged Hyejin with her so they could stand in line. 

“How--”

“Ji Yeon told me what you guys do.” Wheein stated matter of factly as she hooked her arm around Hyejin’s and rested her head on Hyejin’s shoulder.

“Wait,” Now it was Hyejin’s turn to look at Wheein incredulously, “If she told you then why did you ask if I broke in?”

Wheein just shrugged, “I wanted to see what you would say. If you would admit it or not.”

Hyejin could only stare. She stared for a bit before finally chuckling and leaning her head against Wheein’s. Always full of surprises is just another aspect of Wheein that Hyejin adores. Eventually they made it to the booth and paid their way in. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They were an absolute menace to the festival. Every game stall they went to they won prizes. And they tried every food stall that was there. It was a joyous time. 

Once they reached the end of the festival, they would circle back around again. Each taking turns in being the lead. Hyejin would be the one playing in one walkthrough and Wheein would be the one playing in the walkthrough back. It got to the point where they even started a competition with each other. A competition on who could get the best prize. They also made up the rule system where whoever had the most losses by the time they got to a food booth, the loser got to pay. A fun game amongst games. 

Admittedly, this was the most fun they have ever had with another person. They couldn’t help but laugh and tease each other. And they couldn’t keep their hands off each other either. Every moment they could, they clung to each other. Or, at least touching each other. Some of their touches were familiar. By this point they weren’t surprised by how much they cling to each other. But it was the small things that they did that easily deepend the feelings that they have for each other. 

A stray lock on Wheein’s face, Hyejin tucked in behind Wheein’s ear with grace. She barely noticed the soft blush on Wheein’s face. A stray hair on Hyejin’s mouth, Wheein gently brushed it aside with ease. Her thumb barely brushed against Hyejin’s lip. She barely noticed the hitch in Hyejin’s breathing. How Hyejin would help Wheein with her stance by guiding her hips. Or how Wheein would envelop Hyejin in a sort of embrace as she helped Hyejin’s aim. It was the little things. 

Eventually all things come to an end. There was just one dilemma. How the hell were they going to carry all of the prizes they won?

“Do you think they have a winner’s bag?” Hyejin asked as she struggled with the one panda plush that did not want to stay on the pile. 

Wheein chuckled, “Given how some of those vendors were glaring at us at the end? I would say no.”

Hyejin groaned, “It’s not our fault that we are an amazing duo!”

Wheein only laughed. 

Hyejin continued to scan the area for any sort of volunteer. She found something better though. 

“Hey, stay here,  I’ll be right back. Lemme have these.” 

Before Wheein could even protest, Hyejin somehow managed to juggle all of the prizes together and scampered off. Wheein was left near the entrance and she saw how empty the grounds were becoming. She looked at her phone to check the time, and to her surprise, it was eleven o’clock. No wonder it was getting empty. 

She was going through her messages when a familiar voice called out to her.

“We really need to stop meeting like this.”

Damn Dimir.

Wheein could feel her body tense in aggravation. Her jaw clenched and unclenching. She had half a mind to just walk away, but she has no idea where Hyejin went.

“That Hyejin isn’t here either. So, why ya here?” Dimir walked closer, wagging his eyebrows. “To see me?”

“ off, Dimir.” Hyejin’s voice could stop even cold hearted criminals in their tracks.
As soon as Wheein heard Hyejin’s voice she felt Hyejin’s arms around her. A back hug. With Hyejin placing her head over Wheein’s shoulder as she continued to glare daggers at Dimir. Somehow, despite enveloping Wheein in a back hug, Hyejin felt imposing. 

“The fu--”

“Wheein’s mine.” With those words, Wheein took notice of Hyejin’s arms. They were wrapped around her, almost possessively. 

Dimir puffed out his chest and began to approach them, “Hey, yo--”

“Is everything alright here?” 

A security guard luckily interrupted and deescalated the mood with their mere presence.

Dimir sneered and walked away.

Wheein sighed in relief but Hyejin was still holding onto her.

“Hyejin-ah?” She asked once she turned her head to face Hyejin. 

The expression on Hyejin’s face frightened her. Hyejin’s gaze was piercing, cold and calculating. The rest of the expression was blank. The face of a ticked off lion that was about ready to strike. But as much as she appreciates this lion’s protectiveness, she misses her old lion.

“Hey, Hyejin-ah?” Wheein softly asked as she gently tugged on Hyejin’s sleeve.

“Hmm.” Came the guttural response. 

She was mad. Mad that that Dimir guy can’t take a damn hint and leave Wheein alone. Oh how she wishes she can just beat him up. He is the type of guy that won’t learn his lesson unless he gets his handed to him. Truly a lowlife. 

“Hyejin-ah.” Wheein tried again.

“Hmm?” A more familiar response.

Wheein nuzzled Hyejin, hoping that the contact would be enough to snap Hyejin out of whatever haze she was in. And it worked. Wheein felt Hyejin’s grip around her relax and she felt Hyejin letting out a deep sigh.

“Hyejin-ah, let’s go home.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ride back was quiet. But not because of what happened earlier. No, this quiet was a comfortable silence of two people who were tried but in a good way. They talked to each other all night and evening, spending a few minutes in silence wouldn’t kill them. But there is one thing that could kill them. Not being in physical contact with each other.

During the ride back, Hyejin had her left hand on the steering wheel and her right hand intertwined with Wheein’s left. The whole trip back they held hands like that. With Hyejin’s thumb absentmindedly the back of Wheein’s hand every now and then.

The trip lasted no more than ten minutes. As Hyejin pulled into the driveway, it dawned on the both of them that they have yet to tell each other verbally how they feel about each other. Even though logic says that they will have plenty of chances later, their hearts told them otherwise. Afterall, tomorrow is never a guarantee.

But, there was a gift to give.

As Wheein unbuckled her seat belt and turned to face Hyejin, she was surprised to see Hyejin rummaging through the various items in the backseat. They won so many prizes that the bags that were stuffed with them spread from the trunk to the backseat. 

“Hyejin??” Wheein asked with deep confusion. Was there a certain prize that Hyejin wanted Wheein to have specifically?

“Wait just one moment,” Hyejin said as she filtered through the mess. “I have something for you. Oh, there you are.”

Wheein couldn’t help but try to peer over Hyejin’s shoulder to try to get a glimpse of whatever this gift is. But it was in vain. The moment Hyejin realised what Wheein was trying to do, she took action.

“Nuh-uh. It’s called a surprise.” Hyejin stated as she covered Wheein’s eyes with her hand.

Wheein pouted and huffed but she went along with it nonetheless. 

Once the gift was secured in her grasp, Hyejin returned to her seat comfortably. Or, as comfortable as she could get. She still had her hand cover Wheein’s eyes and so she had to guide Wheein back as well. But, once they were both situated, Hyejin didn’t drop her hand. Seeing Wheein’s parted lips as she waited, Hyejin couldn’t resist. She had to. In case she can’t tell Wheein how she feels, she can at least show her. 

As Wheein waited, she enjoyed the warmth of Hyejin’s hand. She also enjoyed how soft Hyejin’s hand was as well. It was so soft and smooth that Wheein would never suspect that Hyejin got into fights. Sure, if she moves just right then she can feel the calluses on Hyejin’s palm but even those weren’t rough. Hyejin’s hand even radiated with Hyejin’s scent. Soft earthy tones with the hint of spices in the back. A scent that can calm Wheein’s nerves and make her feel at home. 

But despite enjoying this touch, she still couldn’t help but feel a little impatient. She eagerly wanted to know what surprise Hyejin was talking about. Maybe it was another flower. Oh, then what kind of flower? A rose? Another flower variant that Wheein doesn’t know the name of because she only knows the names of the most basic of flowers? Wait, if it was a flower, then where did Hyejin put it? There’s no way a flower would have--

Her racing mind went still. Time froze. Everything went silent. Her nerves were lit aflame but there was only one thing she felt. Something that she looked forward to even if she told herself that it probably wasn’t going to happen until college. Something that she would never forget. Something that she will always treasure.

Her first kiss.