It was another day in school. The usually calm Minju was very vibrant, greeting her classmates like a ray of sunshine, especially to Hyewon and Wonyoung.

“I think it’s because of what happened last night.” Hyewon cooed at the frog.

“What happened last night?” Wonyoung asked.

“Secret~” Hyewon chanted and resumed her game.

Minju was almost ed up at that moment. If it were the case that Hyewon slipped her tongue, Wonyoung might be pissed. Minju turned back to read the book when Wonyoung asked her about ‘last night’.

“I had dinner with my sister.” 

Wonyoung took that excuse and shared something. “How was my modelling last time?”

“You did great, Won.” Minju added. “I have hopes that you’ll be picked for Seoul Fashion Week.”

“Thanks. I was very happy. Chaewon was there.” 

Minju saw how Wonyoung’s smile widened at the mention of Chaewon, making herself feel guilty of her date with the latter yesterday. Not long ago, she swore to cut all feelings she had for Chaewon but as they bonded a lot, it became a harder task for do as it was a larger risk for her, Chaewon, and Wonyoung.

“Min, we should have dinner at my house.” Wonyoung spoke.

“That would be great!” Minju perked at the idea. “I missed your home and your maids’ cooking. Are the rest of the guys coming?”

“No. Just the two of us, Min.” Wonyoung spoke. “Come on. We haven’t hung out ever since the club meetings. I missed you.”

Minju thought it was a good idea. She agreed to it and Wonyoung hugged her thanks before the bell rung, starting their class.

+++

Chaewon was sitting by the lobby, head turning towards the main hallway as if she was waiting for someone. Despite the 99z waiting with her and insisting that they should go, Chaewon lets them go ahead and was persistent to wait. The said person came into view and Chaewon smiled to catch up to her…

…until another came in.

“Ssamu~” Wonyoung waved at her and ran closer.

Chaewon waved back but she didn’t smile. Wonyoung finally got to her whereas the person she wanted to see was walking slowly behind.

“How have you been?” Wonyoung asked, holding her hand.

Chaewon didn’t like the feeling of Wonyoung’s hold. She slowly lets go, saying. “Good. Nice modelling last time.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you got to watch.”

Chaewon looked back, smile returning to wave. The latter wave back lightly.

“You and Won will hang out tonight, Min?” Chaewon asked.

“Yes. We’ll have dinner at her place.”

Chaewon nodded, her inner self feeling a little down. Wonyoung noticed it that she held Chaewon’s hand again. “You can join us next time.”

Chaewon nodded again, bidding farewell to the best friends as they went on their way. Minju and Wonyoung decided to walk home, just like what they did when they were children.

The walk wasn’t just for going home. The two best friends relived their past and did shopping along the way. Wonyoung bought a lot of stuff and Minju just bought stuff she needed. That went on until they got to Wonyoung’s home.

“Large as ever,” said Minju. 

“And you always hesitate to ring the doorbell.” Wonyoung chuckled and did the honors.

They waited for the maids to answer but it was Wonyoung’s sister. Wonyoung just shrugged it off and they went inside. 

“Miss Wonyoung~ Minju-ya~” The senior maid greeted them.

“Imo, can you make us our favorites?” Wonyoung pouted. “Min will have dinner with me.”

“What about me, Won?” Wonyoung’s sister came in and cheered. “Minju-ya~”

Minjugot a hug from Wonyoung’s sister, leaving Wonyoung to scoff and remove her best friend from her hold. “What about you, my . You’re off to have dinner with your friends, remember?”

Wonyoung’s sister felt like a ding passed through her brain and thanked Wonyoung for the reminder. She excused herself to bid farewell to the younger girls as the senior maid called them for dinner. Minju and Wonyoung got to the dining table, said grace, and ate wholeheartedly.

“Delicious…” Minju commented, eyes squinted into satisfaction. “Imonie still got the recipe right.”

Her compliments rang around the kitchen as she excused herself to rest. Minju and Wonyoung had the dining room to themselves and they had their chance to talk anything and everything.

Later at that time, Minju noticed Wonyoung’s bright expression turn into a dark one. Those expressions were never a first for Minju. Ever since she came from the Philippines, Wonyoung’s dark expression became evident.

It was all because of one person.

“What brings you down this time, Won?”

Wonyoung was silent, dodging the question and the fact that she was down. Minju knew her best friend like an open book and said something that made her feel like she spat unholy words.

“It’s Chaewon, isn’t it?”

Wonyoung nodded lightly. She hastily emptied her plate before saying. “I don’t understand, Min. Ssamu went to see me in that selection yet she passed by like I don’t exist.”

“I still don’t understand, Won. Why did the two of you break up?”

“Ambition. I was so fired for the international modelling training that I…” Wonyoung sighed. “…I lost the most important person in my life.”

Minju scoffed internally as Wonyoung explained her reason. Surely Chaewon made the right choice. Nonetheless, she joined in the hurt brigade. Her best friend still had feelings for her ex; her own crush. That date became a scar in her heart that was making her guilt course through her whole system.

“And I’m sorry to say this…but…”

“What is it, Won?” Minju asked.

“…why does she smile when she’s with you?”

Minju’s fist clenched underneath the table. She wanted to dodge the question but Wonyoung’s expression didn’t want to buy excuses. 

“Maybe she is just a courteous person. Look, we knew each other when I came home.” Minju answered. “I happen to see her every time I went out. At the time, I didn’t know she was your ex until you emphasized it during the first day in school.”

“I see…” Wonyoung nodded. “Mind me for my reaction.”

“Love has spiraled you in an unusual manner, Won.” Minju commented what’s in her sarcasm. “What do you see in Chaewon, anyway?”

Wonyoung perked her happiness up just saying everything that made Chaewon the perfect girl. Minju just listened and chewed her food until her plate was empty. Even if it was, Wonyoung’s comments never stopped, making Minju misunderstand.

Why would Wonyoung break up with the most important person in her life because of her own selfish desire?

“That’s nice, Won.” Minju spoke once she was done. “You sure have an unusual taste in women.”

Wonyoung scoffed and for Minju, it made her flinch. “I guess we have the same taste.”

Minju puts her glass of water down. Wonyoung’s expression changed again and Minju was preparing for the worst.

“Listen, Min…can I ask you something?”

“What is it?” Minju asked back.

“I noticed Chaewon smiling when she sees you.”

“She smiles at anyone, Won – “

“But not the same when she smiles at you.” Wonyoung spoke, face as blank as Chaewon’s. “Why do you think she does that? Is there something going between you two?”

Minju sneezed loudly, causing Wonyoung’s eyes to widen. Minju wiped her nose, mumbling her apologies for being too rash with her actions. 

“Chaewon’s just courteous and friendly, Won. And no, there’s nothing going on between us.”

“I beg to differ.” Wonyoung spoke again, fists already clenching under the table.

“What are you saying, Won?”

“Do you like her?”

Minju would be cowering. She valued her friendship with Wonyoung; they were sisters from different parents. But with this attitude, Minju didn’t want to be meek or else everything will be obvious.

She’ll have to answer, even if there was a bigger chance that it was going to hurt her in the future.

“No.”

It was silence. The food and drinks were empty yet the two best friends did a staring contest. Minju maintained a serious face. Wonyoung was mellowing down with a sigh.

“I’m glad.”

, Minju thought. Those two words were the beginning.

“Why are you glad, Won?”

“Because I wanted to ask you a favor. I’ve been keeping it for a while. And knowing that you and Chaewon are in the same club and that we’re having dinner together, I wanted to say it now.” 

Minju could count how many times she said what. She had a guess of what Wonyoung would ask and she was mostly sure about it. 

Yet, she was hoping that it wasn’t.

“Will you help me get closer to Chaewon again?”

“Sure.” Minju said immediately. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Won.”

Wonyoung was happy again, holding Minju’s hands and thanking her for the chance. Minju thought it wad no sweat and insisted Wonyoung that they should have desserts.

“I’ll get ice cream.” Wonyoung chuckled and went. 

Minju watched her go and she face-palmed herself. A part of her wanted to be happy for Wonyoung but another wanted to be happy for herself; that the date she had with Chaewon yesterday was a start for them to get to know each other.

But no. Minju disregarded her future girlfriend for her best friend.

+++

It was another day in school and Wonyoung was still, looking at the bulletin board that had the results of the selection for Seoul Fashion Week. What made it bad was that only one member in the club wasn’t selected. What made it worse was that she was the said member.

Minju and Chaewon were having a laugh after a good game of Assassins’ Creed. As they walked together side by side, they stopped as they saw Wonyoung still frozen. Minju sensed something was wrong yet Chaewon wanted to avoid her.

“Where are you going?” Minju stopped her.

“What?” Chaewon asked with a pout. “Wonyoung’s beating me in this breakup thing.”

“You don’t mean that.” Minju crossed her arms. “Wonyoung looks weary and it can only be resolved by an act of kindness.”

“Min, you do it – “

“She will feel a lot better if you go and comfort her.” Minju spoke then pushed Chaewon off. “Go to her.”

Chaewon sighed and faced Wonyoung’s side profile. She chickened out but Minju insisted that she should do the comfort. Chaewon was at a loss and went to Wonyoung’s side.

“Ssamu.” And like magic, Wonyoung’s frown faded. 

Chaewon greeted back with a nod and checked the list. Like Minju, her heart clenched of Wonyoung’s weariness. “You didn’t get picked…”

“It wrecks my pride but it’s okay. They expected too much of me yet I failed.” Wonyoung answered. “Regardless of the results, I’m happier that I’m not picked.”

“Why?” Chaewon asked.

“I don’t want to leave you again, Ssamu.”

Chaewon coughed it out. She was exchanging looks towards Minju and Wonyoung, mostly signalling Minju to come and save her . Minju would threaten her to be by Wonyoung’s side in this time of jeopardy. Chaewon was concerned about Minju yet the latter was off with Hyewon and Yena.

Nonetheless, she had to return to Wonyoung’s attention. “Too cheesy.”

“But I meant it.” Wonyoung said.

“Whatever you say.” Chaewon sighed and went on.

Wonyoung felt hurt. Here was Chaewon, talking in seconds and leaving her in seconds. But when Chaewon turned back around, something in Wonyoung flourished.

“Are you coming with me or what?”

Wonyoung took this as a wonderful. Whatever she might do with Chaewon was going to be the best time she’ll have. She saw Chaewon walk again and went to catch up to her.

In a distance, Hyewon and Yena were shocked. Minju was behind them, smiling her hurt away.

“Weird. Ssamu isn’t like that.” Yena added. “She would go through the ends of Earth to cast Wonyoung out.”

“Sounds harsh but that’s usually the case,” said Hyewon.

“Come on, guys. We should be happy for Chaewon and Wonyoung.” Minju spoke and the two look at her. “Chaewon finally deals it maturely and Wonyoung is happy. It’s a win-win situation.”

“I beg to differ.” Hyewon squinted then changed. “Join us at the PC Bang.”

Minju thought it was a good idea. Hyewon and Yena welcome her with open arms and they went together.

Minju had to come. It was the only way for her to relieve herself from hurting.

+++

“Where were you off with Wonyoung yesterday, Ssamu?!”

Chaewon hissed at Hyewon’s voice through the chat as they played LOL inside a PC bang. Minju and Yena were there since they had to practice. The tournament was around the corner and Team I.O.I were pressuring them to practice so here they were after class.

“None of your business.” Chaewon spat. “Where are you, Min?”

“1 o’clock from your view.” Minju spoke as she played seriously.

Hyewon hissed at the tension yet Yena was the clueless duck and wowed at Minju’s seriousness. Chaewon followed the directions, meeting the rest of the team as they were face to face with the opponents. They were in the heat of bypassing the towers and defending each of their Nexus when Chaewon’s phone rung, causing her to stop playing and risking their gameplay altogether.

Hyewon cussed, Yena sighed in defeat, and Minju was silent, almost smashing the keyboard.

“What the , Ssamu?! You let them destroy our Nexus!” Hyewon hissed.

Chaewon answered the call and rushed out, leaving the rest speechless. 

“I can’t believe this…” Hyewon mumbled. “Let’s play Minecraft.”

Yena followed through as Minju decided to rest. 99z continued to play whereas Minju surfed the net. 
She had the keenest sight. It was Wonyoung who called and Chaewon stopped mid-game, running to her aid. 

Who knew the thought of it was very heart-wrenching?

+++

Wonyoung was slurping cartons worth of strawberry milk in a park. After getting criticism for not making it to Seoul Fashion Week by her mother, she had to let loose and get drunk without alcohol.

She got her last carton when another snatched it from her. Wonyoung’s smile faded again as she faced the concerned woman. “Ssamu…”

“Stop drinking. You know you’re lactose-intolerant, right?”

“You’re just the best, Ssamu.” Wonyoung reached for her hand. “You came all this way for your ex-girlfriend.”

“I was concerned because you were drinking too much milk.” Chaewon hissed. “Whatever. Come with me.”

Wonyoung was quick to get up as Chaewon walked, throwing the trash and drinking from the last carton of strawberry milk. They walked along the streets of Seoul until they got to a veranda; the same one where Chaewon took Wonyoung in the past and where she took Minju out days ago.

She sighed sadly. Minju had gone cold and she was worried.

“Is something wrong, Ssamu?” 

Chaewon cussed internally. She was with Wonyoung. “I’m fine. Did something happen to you?”

Wonyoung expressed her inner feelings – from being pressured because of her modelling career to the being guilty for being so selfish in leaving Chaewon behind. Chaewon was silent and listening through her words, although she hated the last parts.

“Stop it, Won. It’s all in the past. And so what about your mom’s desires?” Chaewon spoke. “It’s your life. Live it the way you want.”

Wonyoung looked back at Chaewon, chuckling for hearing the usual nags the latter gave. She knew Chaewon was very direct with her comforts.

“Try to loosen the reins and take charge at your own pace.” Chaewon added. “Let’s go. I need to practice for the tournament.”

Chaewon would’ve walked ahead when she saved Wonyoung from collapsing on the ground. Wonyoung felt her heart pump as Chaewon’s hand was holding hers. Nonetheless, Chaewon lets go when Wonyoung held her hand tighter.

“It as warm as ever…”

“Won…”

“Ssamu.” Wonyoung looked into her eyes. “Will there ever be a second chance for us?”

Chaewon turned back immediately, letting go of Wonyoung’s hand in one swoop. “We can’t dilly-dally for we have our own schedules to follow. Let’s go.”

Chaewon walked ahead again, leaving Wonyoung to follow her.

This time turned out to be tense but as Chaewon said, she had to loosen the reins and take charge at her own pace.

She was going to loosen the reins of her desperation and take charge of her feelings at the right pace, hoping that Chaewon will be her future girlfriend again.