It was another school year at PD University. The faculty and the student council assembled in the gymnasium for the freshmen orientation to welcome new faces that will soon become part of the institutional family. As part of the student council, Chaewon was in attendance, lining up with the rest of the officers.

“You nervous?” Eunbi asked as she was on her right.

“Why would I, Pres?” Chaewon asked back. “Even if it’s my first time attending the freshmen orientation, I have to be calm.”

“Ey~ we have a proud moment here.” Hyewon was on her left, patting her back. “Our child has grown up, Eun. No wonder she was elected as secretary despite being a freshman last year.”

“Make that joke again and I’ll tell Kkura to break up with you.” Eunbi hissed.

Hyewon whistled but they went serious when the university president finished her speech and they were called to be introduced. The three got to the stage together with the other officers and bowed. They also spared short words in their names and positions so freshmen will know who to approach and what to address. Chaewon got her turn and did the introductions, just how the previous officers would do…

…until a loud familiar cheer surrounded the gym.

“Woo! Go, Kim Chaewon!”

Chaewon looked and her eyes went wide. In the Communication Arts department were two familiar freshmen. It was Wonyoung hissing her embarrassment and Yujin who cheered like watching a game.

For the first time in her services in the student council, Chaewon lost her cool.

“It seems our secretary gained new fans…and it’s from the department I’m in.” Hyewon saved her by speaking out, earning laughter from the people. “For that freshman who cheered, save that at the end of the orientation.”

“Yes.” Chaewon regained her composure. “It’s nice meeting the freshmen today. I might see other faces in the student council office soon. If you have any concerns, you can address them to us at the office.”

Chaewon returned to her spot as Hyewon got her turn. Eunbi was shocked by the little impromptu, especially of Chaewon. 

“You never lose your cool. Do you know those freshmen?” She whispered.

Chaewon nodded. She returned her gaze to Wonyoung and Yujin, shocked to find out that they planned to study in PDU.

She shouldn’t be shocked. One of them happened to be her girlfriend and the other was a close friend. But with her secret, she had to be.

+++

“Heol…what was that about?” Yuri asked, hearing the commotion about the orientation.

She, Minju, and Yena were in the lobby. The auditorium was at the top yet the resonation was audible from their area. They happened to hear the commotion about Chaewon and they had their share of reactions.

But between the three, Minju had the most reactions.

“I never thought Chaewon had fans on the first day, let alone freshmen.” Yena chuckled. “But it is expected from her. She’s famous in PDU.”

“What I was impressed about was that cheer,” Yuri added. “That freshman sure has a strong pair of lungs.”

Yena and Yuri shared laughs and talked a lot. Minju became the silent third wheel as her mind rang about the voice. It was utterly familiar.

“Earth to Minju.” Yena waved.

“Oh? Sorry…” Minju returned to reality. “What were you guys talking about?”

“You should come to watch our rehearsals. Both of us and Chaewon will do a practice run for our performance.” Yuri spoke. “We also want you to critic us.”

“Eh? Is that allowed?” Minju reacted.

“Of course, Min. I’m the president of the Glee Club and I have given some of my classmates and their close friends the privilege to check us out. And as Yuri’s best friend, you should join them too.”

“Okay. When’s the practice?”

“8:00 PM. It’s the only time since the last classes end at 7:30 PM.” Yuri added. “Be sure to come, Min.”

Minju nodded and the class bell rung. She excused herself from the couple and bided them goodbye before heading to her next class.

+++

The orientations have ended. The freshmen were free to go yet Wonyoung and Yujin stayed to tour themselves around the campus. Wonyoung slapped Yujin’s back for her little stunt earlier and Yujin winced.

“I can’t believe you did that. Not only you humiliated us but you made Ssamu lose her cool.” Wonyoung crossed her arms. “I can’t believe we’re best friends.”

“Come on. I wanted you to boost that confidence so you can cheer your girlfriend on.” Yujin laughed and rubbed her own back. “You love me too much.”

“Psh. I love Ssamu more.” Wonyoung batted and reacted by standing up.

Yujin followed her. Wonyoung reacted since the student council was exiting and she wanted to see Chaewon. Wonyoung called for her, leaving Chaewon to excuse herself and getting a tight hug.

“Ssamu…” Wonyoung mumbled. “I missed you...”

“Hi. I missed you too.” Chaewon spoke back and hugged Wonyoung back.

A cough had to disrupt their moment. Chaewon broke first and pricked the culprit’s forehead. “What am I going to do with you, AhnYu?”

“Hehe…sorry, unnie.” Yujin did a peace sign. “Wonyoung wanted to surprise you that the both of us will be studying here but I can’t seem to shut up.”

“I’m sorry about earlier.” Wonyoung pouted then hissed at Yujin. “It’s her fault.”

“Eh? I only wanted to support you. You wanted to cheer for Chaewon-unnie so bad.”

“Okay, okay…” Chaewon stops their bickering. “To tell you the truth, I was surprised so consider it as a success.”

Yujin cheered for herself and Wonyoung face-palmed. Chaewon thought the sight was wholesome.

“Are you free today?” Wonyoung asked. 

“I have a class. I’ll see you guys at lunch.” Chaewon spoke. “I’ll tour you two around and offer you to see one of the clubs I’m in this evening.”

“Sounds great, unnie.” Yujin raised a thumb. “Can we look around the campus?”

“Of course, you can. Just remember to wear your IDs at all times.”

Chaewon kissed Wonyoung on the cheek and gave Yujin a hi-five before running. Wonyoung waved back then sighed. 

For some weird reason, Chaewon felt distant.

“Hey. Why the sudden long face?” Yujin noticed it. 

“Sorry. I shouldn’t feel like this.” Wonyoung patted her cheeks gently. “Ssamu’s part of the student council. I should understand that she’s busy.”

“Hey. That’s no biggie. You love her so much.” Yujin patted her back. “She loves you too. She just got busy, that’s all. You can always talk it out.”

“For an idiotic mutt, you’re smart in giving advice,” Wonyoung spoke then laughed.

“Hey! I try!” Yujin nudged her. “We should look around now.”

“I’m going to rest at their library and wait for Ssamu. You can do that yourself.”

Yujin pouted as Wonyoung walked ahead. 

“Just call me when Chaewon-unnie finishes her class!”

Wonyoung raised a thumb as she went. Yujin followed suit but took a different path, starting her tour.

+++

Chaewon panted as she got to the classroom. She was greeted by her classmates but was surprised to see that there was no professor.

“There’s no class?” Chaewon asked.

“It’s fine, Ssamu. Professor Bae only gave us the assignment to be passed next meeting,” said class president Lee Chaeyeon. “It’s done with a partner. Don’t worry. Minju backed you up and volunteered to be your partner…as per usual.”

“Thanks.” Chaewon patted her back then whispered. “Eunbi-nim’s free. You can see her at the office.”

Chaeyeon hi-fived with her and left. Chaewon got to her seat, plopped her on her chair, and tried to cool her sweating body from all the running. She froze, however, as a piece of cloth was dabbed her forehead, face, and neck. 

“You thought you were late, weren’t you?”

“Yeah.” Chaewon nodded and checked around, relieved that the others were busy to witness them.

“You’d still be excused. The professors understand your role plus I’d back you up in a heartbeat.”

“Min…”

Minju stopped dabbing as soon as Chaewon was cooled down. She also stopped because Chaewon was giving the worried look and was speaking her nickname with a worried tone.

“Sorry. I’ll be careful next time.” Minju spoke. “Let’s just start the assignment.”

“Min, it’s not like that.”

“I know. We can talk about it when we get home, okay?”

Chaewon continued to insist but Minju ignored it through doing the activity. Chaewon gave up and joined her.

It was a free class. Chaewon would’ve had the free time to go to the office or go to Wonyoung. But she chose to stay and do the assignment with Minju not just out of cooperation but her guts wanted to. As a result, they finished the assignment in their classroom. They were so focused on doing it together that they didn’t realize that they were alone.

“Hey…” Chaewon called. “Thanks for saving my today.”

“No sweat,” Minju spoke and arranged her things.

“Umm…are you going to the practice tonight?”

Minju stopped and looked at Chaewon. “Was that an invitation?”

“Am I not allowed to invite you?”

“You don’t usually do stuff like that because you don’t want others to suspect. Besides, my presence might distress you…so I won’t be coming.” Minju reasoned. “Anyway, I heard the orientation from the second lobby. It gives me the idea that she’s here.”

Minju excused herself to leave first when Chaewon blocked her. Minju gulped of her distance, her heart pounding off her chest. Chaewon drew forward as Minju moved backward until Minju was pinned back to her seat. 

“Are you certain of that?” Chaewon asked. “What if she isn’t?”

“I just know. She loves you so much that she would go to the same university as her beloved.” Minju spoke then got out of Chaewon’s hold. “I’ll go ahead. I’ll see you later.”

Chaewon stayed at her spot as Minju walked away, leaving herself to sigh and rub her temples. For Minju, she got to her locker and had to hide her dreadful face inside. 

The arranged marriage was getting on their nerves. Chaewon was not swallowing her pride to follow her principles. Minju was not swallowing her pride to not cause any backlash. But sometimes, Minju couldn’t help but feel hurt. They may have been arranged by their families out of family matters but Minju was making herself room to hurdle that obstacle, thus giving her feelings for Chaewon a chance. However, her opportunities were slim because Chaewon has someone else.

Yes. Minju knew Chaewon had a girlfriend. She knew her name was Wonyoung and was a year younger than both of them. However, she didn’t know what she looked like. Those thoughts alone made Minju feel stupid to adjust to Chaewon’s love for the latter and to make herself look like the unworthy one.

She regained composure and closed her locker room when she gasped at seeing another student. The latter was also shocked but as she saw Minju, she pointed out. “You!”

“You’re that girl from that tteokbokki stall!” Both of them pointed.

“You owe me 10 dollars,” Minju spoke. “I only paid for our food because you looked pitiful.”

“So much for a second time meeting each other…” The latter mumbled. “Don’t worry. I’ll pay you now.”

She handed a 10-dollar bill and Minju accepted it yet the latter pulled away and lent her hand instead. “Come on. Let’s introduce ourselves first.”

“Okay. Kim Minju.” Minju shook back.

“I’m Ahn Yujin. Nice to meet you, senior.”

“I reckoned you were a freshman,” Minju spoke. “You’re the one who cheered for Chaewon, didn’t you?”

Yujin laughed her actions out and Minju couldn’t help her own. The pitiful puppy who couldn’t pay for her food was quite the charmer and comedian.

“Well, she’s an important person to my best friend.” Yujin shrugged then handed the bill. “Here. Thank you for your kindness, senior.”

“Just Minju.”

“Alright, Just Minju,” Yujin spoke and Minju laughed again. “What? You said so.”

“Anyway…I’ll see you around, Yujin,” Minju spoke yet she looked back. “You know what? You’re wholesome.”

Minju chuckled her thanks for the money and went ahead. Yujin waved farewell and she couldn’t help a smile on her face together with her blush and beating heart. She was just as pretty as she saw her. She looked prettier up close.

“Oh, …” Yujin giggled and walked slowly. “She thinks I’m wholesome…”

Yujin walked on with a smile on her face. She was even skipping like a prancing debutant. But all of that had to distract her when she got a call from Wonyoung. “Hello~?”

What the heck is that, AhnYu? Why does your voice sound different?

“I’ve met my angel on campus, Won~” Yujin squealed. “She’s so pretty!”

Ew. Squealing doesn’t suit you. Where are you?

“Heading to the library. Are you still waiting for Chaewon-unnie there?”

I’m at the student council office now. Ssamu just arrived. 

“I guess I’ve been left out again…so why did you call me?” Yujin lost the whipped voice and replaced it with her usual voice. 

Ssamu invited us to watch her rehearsals later. You better come to accompany me.

“Alright, princess. I’ll go and play basketball in the arcade to pass the time.” 

Yujin hangs up. She couldn’t understand her current feelings now. One time she was ogling about Minju and in the next, she feels down when Wonyoung called her just to say something about Chaewon. Wonyoung was her best friend through and through that sometimes, she felt left out whenever Chaewon came in the picture.

Yujin shrugged it off and decided to tour herself around the campus again and play basketball later.

+++

In a restaurant, Chaewon was having lunch with Wonyoung. Wonyoung talked about a lot of things and Chaewon was silently listening to her. Despite her attention towards her girlfriend, Chaewon’s left hand was busy underneath the table, texting.

“Baby? Who are you texting?” Wonyoung had keener senses as she looked.

“My groupmate for the Glee Club.” Chaewon reasoned. “I’m texting her to remind her about our practice later.”

“Can you put your phone down for today?” Wonyoung pouted as she asked. “I want you to spend the day with me.”

“Alright. My apologies.” Chaewon spoke as she turned her phone off and placed it in her pocket.

Wonyoung reached to hold Chaewon’s hand, intertwining their fingers with one and feeling it with the other. Chaewon held them back when Wonyoung broke and moved to sit next to her.

“Won…what are you doing?”

Wonyoung didn’t answer as she sat next to her. Then she inched closer to Chaewon, almost flirting with her in a sultry manner. What made Chaewon freeze was that Wonyoung cupped both of her cheeks and drew closer and closer.

“Won…” Chaewon shuts her eyes. “Not here…”

“This is the VIP section. It’s only us…” Wonyoung guided Chaewon’s hands to her waist. “Can we, Ssamu? Because I missed you so much…”

Chaewon maintained her authority by stopping Wonyoung. She held her wrists up, freezing the taller girl on her spot. She scooted away and said, “Wonyoung, please…”

Wonyoung nodded and Chaewon lowered her wrists. She held Wonyoung’s hands gently, caressing them gently. Chaewon saw the dismay in her girlfriend’s eyes that she wanted to make it up for her rejection. “Won…”

“I’m sorry if I forced myself all of a sudden,” Wonyoung spoke. 

“It’s alright, Won,” Chaewon spoke and pulled her closer for a hug. “How about I make it up to you by watching the latest Demon Slayer movie? I’ll purchase tickets for us and we’ll watch it together.”

Wonyoung nodded and hugged back. Chaewon added a kiss on her forehead and Wonyoung wasn’t bitter anymore. She was too smitten for Chaewon that anything she did will always favor her emotions and senses. They let go and resumed and lunch since they’ll have their classes later.

As Wonyoung watched Chaewon eat, she hoped that the future days will be better. Now that she was in the same university as her beloved, she was going to make every vacant day count for their relationship to prosper.

+++

“You’re alone, Min?” Yena asked as she and Yuri passed by her.

Minju nodded as she continued to eat her sandwich. The two were finished with their meals and insisted to stay with Minju yet the latter insisted that they should go as wanting not to disturb their time.

“If you say so, Min,” Yuri spoke. “Remember! 8:00 PM!”

Minju raised a thumb and continued to eat. As the two left and the air went silent and cold, Minju couldn’t deny that she was indeed lonely. Yena and Yuri were the people she had been close with around the school yet they weren’t classmates. Chaeyeon approached her from time to time but the class president had a lot of load in her hands. And there was Chaewon yet…

…is she even included in Minju’s circle of people? Did Minju have the right to classify her as such?

The thought made her teary. Despite living in the same home, Minju couldn’t acclaim her relationship with Chaewon because she wasn’t in Chaewon’s picture.

Her field of thought was disrupted when a familiar giant puppy sat across her. She also ate the same sandwich Minju ate and plastered a smile. However, she gave a questioning look as she saw Minju’s sad face.

“Hey…are you okay?” Yujin asked. “Did I disturb you?”

“Oh? Yes.” Minju nodded. “And you didn’t disturb me…”

Yujin was relieved. She continued to eat and Minju followed. Yujin made faces when she munched and somehow, Minju couldn’t hold her laughter. Seeing Minju laugh made Yujin smile as she gulped her food down. 

“Now that’s a face you should always plaster,” Yujin spoke as she wiped with her hand. “An angel like you deserves to smile.”

Minju was shocked but as she saw Yujin’s hand with a streak of mustard, she got her tissue and wiped her hand. Yujin wondered but the contact felt nice and warm. Her heartbeat went rapid even when Minju lets herself go.

“You charmer…” Minju chuckled. “Well, I was feeling down lately. Your words are fully appreciated.”

“Did your friends leave you?” Yujin asked and she stretched her neck to look at the distance. “I saw them walk.”

“One of them had classes. The other wanted to come with her,” Minju added. “Technically, someone did leave me here.”

“Ouch. I feel you, Angel.” Yujin hissed. “I was with a friend but she’s with her beloved.”

Minju nodded and resumed eating. Yujin joined her and for some reason, they caught themselves looking at each other. They had shocked faces at first but they ended up smiling through their eyes. 

For the first time in a while, Minju felt less lonely thanks to Yujin.

+++

The afternoon at PD University was busy throughout the last hour. Everyone was having their classes, activities, quizzes, and homework that was done during some vacant hours. Eunbi and Hyewon were in the student council office doing work. Chaeyeon, Chaewon, Minju, and Yuri were taking their quizzes. Wonyoung and Yujin were going on with their usual classes, with Wonyoung participating in class and Yujin sleeping on her desk. For Yena, she was with the Glee Club to prepare for their practices. The last hour finally came and most students were going home. For some selected students, they went to the theater to watch the Glee Club’s recital.

There were only nine students in attendance as the audience. They were seated in their respective seats at the center of the theater. Seniors Kwon Eunbi, Miyawaki Sakura, and Kang Hyewon sat in the middle. Class president Lee Chaeyeon sat on the right side with her dance club members Yabuki Nako and Honda Hitomi. On the left side were the famous freshmen Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin.

“We still have one person to wait for. I hope you can wait for a moment before we start rehearsals.” Yena spoke through the microphone.

“Hmm…who could the last person be?” Eunbi asked then nudged Chaeyeon. “Do you know who it is?”

“Ah!” Chaeyeon’s inner lightbulb lit. “It’s – “

“Sorry, I’m late!” The doors burst open and a panting angel was seen.

“Kim Minju~ finally!” Yena spoke again as Yuri clapped beside her. “You can sit next to Miss Ahn.”

“Just Yujin, Yena-nim!” Yujin yelled.

“Okay, Just Yujin.”

Everyone laughed, with Chaeyeon’s laugh being the loudest. Yujin chuckled and was happier since someone was as dorky as her. Nonetheless, she looked behind and her happiness grew when Minju was going in their direction. 

“Hi, Angel~” Yujin waved. 

Minju greeted back but seeing her seatmate made her put her hand down. She quickly sat down and Yujin felt giddy that she was sitting next to her but she noticed Minju feeling uneasy.

“You okay?” Yujin asked as she hesitated to pat Minju’s back.

“Hush, AhnYu.” She got a nudge from Wonyoung. “The recital is about to start!”

Yujin was distracted as the theater went dark and a spotlight shone on the Glee Club members. The little audience cheered for their favorites. The two freshmen cheered on one of them as she was at the center. Minju distracted herself from a while ago and cheered with them.

In the center was none other than Kim Chaewon.

The Glee Club’s recital was going to be an ensemble of performances. Every member will perform solo, in units, in larger groups, and together as a whole club. The starting performance was all of them singing a happy song and Chaewon was the center, with Yena and Yuri beside her.

“All of them are good but nothing beats the Trinity.” Eunbi spoke lightly, especially for the freshmen. “Kim Chaewon, Jo Yuri, and Choi Yena are the most powerful vocalists in the club. That in itself is honorable…but between the three, Chaewon shines the most.”

Yujin wowed while Wonyoung felt proud, knowing that her girlfriend was the star of the club. The rest knew their talents but Minju knew them the most. She knew their skills by heart, especially Chaewon’s.

The performances went on. Many members performed and everyone had their reactions. They loved every performance and of course, the famous trinity’s performances were the most favorite. Now it was Chaewon’s time to shine. She spoke a little speech for the audience and told them that she will be singing a song dedicated to someone. 

“I’ll bet she’ll sing Dreamlike.” Wonyoung nudged Yujin.

“That’s a poppy song, Won. But maybe Ssamu-unnie can rendition that song.” Yujin added.

Chaewon started singing but it was a different song to what Wonyoung guessed. The rest also wondered about the song. Minju was silent at that performance as her emotions build up like a boiling pot of water.

The title of the song was Really Like You. In fact, it was one of Minju’s favorite songs.

Nonetheless, the delivery was up to par and everyone loved the performance. Chaewon bowed and thanked the audience before going backstage to rest and prep for her next performance with Yena and Yuri. The duo were finished with their solos and Chaewon joins them to prepare.

“That was wonderful, Ssamu. You never fail to impress,” said Yena.

“I felt the emotion on that one. That was the best performance so far.” Yuri added.

Chaewon thanked them for the comments. If she were to be completely honest, that performance was something she truly practiced hard on. She loved the song and knew one of the audience loved it despite her shocked face. Chaewon felt sad as she remembered it but she was relieved that she watched.

“You okay?” Yena called for her. “You were out in the zone.”

“Sorry…” Chaewon spoke then relaxed. “I just want our performance to be excellent.”

“It will be, Ssamu.” Yuri spoke and patted her back. “We can do this.”

It was their cue after the units were finished. As the best of the Glee Club, their unit performance was saved for last before their final performance as a club. They delivered an emotional performance, leaving the audience to cry, especially Minju.

“Here.” Yujin noticed her and gave her a tissue.

Minju thanked her and wiped her tears. Chaewon saw the little situation, looking fine on the outside but jealous on the inside. The audience thought it was a normal show but Yuri and Yena felt Chaewon’s emotional shift. Nonetheless, they continued to perform until the last second.

As the Glee Club bowed, the little audience did a standing ovation. They rose to up to thank and wave at them. Chaewon had most waves as her eyes glued on her right side. Wonyoung blew a flying kiss, Yujin cheered like she was in the orientation before, and Minju…

Minju clapped lightly. Chaewon saw the genuine feelings she portrayed through her eyes, making her happy and guilty at the same time. As a result, she went backstage ahead of the group, shocking them. Yena and Yuri followed her and they saw Chaewon wiping her tears away.

“Ssamu…” Yena went to comfort her. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

“I messed up our performance.” She lied. “I portrayed the wrong emotions. You two felt that, right?”

“We did but it doesn’t matter.” Yuri added. “You did well. All of us did.”

Chaewon nodded and thanked them before changing. As she back in wearing her uniform, she excused herself on a little hangout and decided to head home. Upon exiting, she was greeted by the mini-audience and a big hug from Wonyoung.

“You did great out there, love.” She whispered.

“Thank you.” Chaewon hugged back and whispered back.

Yujin greeted her view and they shared a hi-five. The others shook hands with her, even Chaewon gained a new fan: Hitomi. The sight made Wonyoung pull Chaewon hard towards her, shocking Chaewon and triggering someone behind her.

“Angel~” Yujin saw her.

Chaewon had the same look as Wonyoung but grew soft as she saw Minju. Minju was frozen after witnessing the little situation that she would’ve approached since she saw Chaewon in pain.

What the hell, Kim Minju? You have no right to do that.

“Classmate?” Wonyoung broke from the hug, seeing Minju. “Who is she, love?”

“She’s Kim Minju, my – “

“You guessed it right. She’s my classmate.” Minju interfered, lending a hand. “Nice to meet you – “

“Wonyoung. Jang Wonyoung.” She interfered back, shocking Minju’s inner being.

Minju knew the name but not the face a long time ago. As she validates her guess and saw the much attractive freshman hold Chaewon’s arm, Minju knew she was at a loss. 

She has the title but she’ll never have the prize.

“What a small world~” Yujin cooed and patted Minju’s back. “Who knew you’re friends with Chaewon-unnie too?”

Minju regained composure and nodded. Chaewon always had that composure she couldn’t help but feel hurt, especially when Minju was hurting more. 

“Love, the four of us should have dinner.” Wonyoung spoke. “That’s a good idea, right AhnYu?”

“Yes. Are you up for it, Angel?” Yujin asked then added. “You don’t mind me calling you that, right?”

“I’m sorry, love. Can I pass this one?” Chaewon spoke, facing Wonyoung. “I’m tired from the rehearsals. I want to rest early.”

“Okay…” Wonyoung pouted. “So that leaves the three of us, then?”

“Angel hasn’t decided yet – “

“I’ll come if you won’t mind.” Minju added, shocking Chaewon.

Yujin felt giddier. Chaewon felt different and decided to go ahead. She kissed Wonyoung’s cheek, hi-fived Yujin, and patted Minju’s back.

Was it just Minju or Chaewon held her shoulder longer?

Nonetheless, Chaewon went ahead, following the audience and the members. The three remained until Yujin got in between them, pulling them to finally walk forward. Unbeknownst to the giant puppy, both were chill outside but having conflicts inside.

Minju felt down because the said Wonyoung was taller and prettier; an excellent choice to which Chaewon would want. Wonyoung felt casted out of the circle in this night because one, Chaewon felt distant and two, Yujin was drawing attention for Minju rather than her.

Both may not have fully known each other but their consciences fueled up in competition for Chaewon.

+++

Minju was relieved as her tired walk got her home. As she got to the door, she expected a dark room since Chaewon would be resting early. But as she did, the place was still bright and Chaewon was still awake.

“Ssamu…”

“Hi.” Chaewon delivered a tired smile. “How’s the dinner with Wonyoung and Yujin?”

“Fine. Yujin’s quite the talker and the opposite of your girlfriend.”

Chaewon felt like she was hit twice when Minju called the freshmen out. Minju felt the same thing as she discovered the truth herself.

“I never thought it was her, Ssamu. You picked a wonderful woman.”

“Min…” Chaewon spoke as she drew closer. “Can we not talk about that, please?”

“Sorry.” Minju spoke and went ahead. 

Chaewon followed her after turning off the lights in the living room. Minju got to the room first and took a shower after putting her things down. Chaewon arranged her stuff, got to bed, and laid down. Despite tossing and turning for a good night sleep, she couldn’t because Minju wasn’t beside her. She heard the bathroom door open as Minju came out already changed in her pajamas.

Despite being in an arranged married, neither of them didn’t mind sleeping in one bed. There was no disrespect in boundaries and for some reason, both felt accustomed and relaxed sleeping together. Tonight was a different night as Minju went to the other bed.

“You’re not sleeping beside me?” Chaewon asked. “That bed’s dusty.”

“I feel that tonight isn’t the right night to sleep together.” Minju answered. “And the bed’s not dusty, Ssamu. I clean it everyday.”

“Why won’t you sleep with me, Min?”

Minju didn’t answer and said goodnight instead, rolling to the other side so her back faced Chaewon. Chaewon sighed and rolled to her other side so she can sleep.

As they shut their eyes, their tears went down because of what happened. Minju was guilty for being in the circle despite no right. Chaewon was guilty because she was indirectly forcing things to go on her favor, not realizing that someone got hurt in the process. For whatever it’s worth, Chaewon had the most burden as her mind flooded one thing.

She hoped to settle her inner conflict and to assure Minju that she was important to her.