Third Person’s Point of View

It’s been days since Chaeyoung confronted Mina about the truth. It clearly wasn’t easy for both of them to deal with their own truths, but it was something that was meant to happen. It would’ve ended ten times worse if Mina hadn’t come clean with what she really felt. 

The problem is Chaeyoung never really heard Mina’s end. Well, Cheayoung didn't hear all of it anyway. 

The first few days after Momo’s birthday was difficult for both of them. It was an unending cycle of avoiding and locking themselves in their own room. Even when they know when they’re alone, no one would dare to reach out to each other. This went on for days, they didn’t speak or look at each other. It’s as if there wasn’t anything between them in the first place. 

Well, whatever that was in between them is gone anyway. 

Mina has always wanted to give herself the closure that she’s wanted. She knew she deserved it. What she went through wasn’t something easy but she knows that it doesn’t justify the actions that she’s done. It doesn’t justify hurting Chaeyoung, what she did was wrong and she knew that she had to fix it. In order to fix things, she must start with the person who made her want to get to know Chaeyoung. 

Im Nayeon

Mina knew it wasn’t Nayeon that’s the problem per se, she knew the problem was her feelings for the girl. Well, as of the moment the lack thereof. Mina wants to talk to Nayeon and have the closure that she's never had. She knows that she won’t be able to continue with whatever she wants if she’s not able to tell the older girl the truth. 

“I’ve liked you for the longest time. I’ve liked you for the past three years.” Says Myoui Mina as she sips from the cup of Coffee that Nayeon has brewed for the both of them. Im Nayeon was wide-eyed when she heard the younger girl’s confession, it was something that she hadn’t seen coming. 

It was night time and it was the perfect time for both of them to talk about what Mina wanted to discuss. It was only the both of them and to be honest, Mina has always wanted to talk about the situation but she hasn’t had the time to do so.

“I uh...Wow. That’s a lot.” Replies Nayeon as she sipped on her cup of coffee forcibly, she did it in order to not look at the younger girl directly. Nayeon was taken aback, it was too much indeed especially now with her current situation. 

“Please calm down.” Chuckles Mina as she tries to make Nayeon face her. Nayeon was looking away but caved in because of the younger girl’s insistence. 

“I’m sorry but this is too much to process.” Huffs the older girl. Nayeon was beyond stressed, she’s confused and is almost at her limit. 

“You don’t have to process anything.” Replies Mina, she sounded calm. It was as if she knew that the older girl would react this way.

“What do you mean?” Nayeon was now confused more than ever. 

“I already did all the processing.” replies Mina without skipping a beat, she sounded almost like a Robot which made Nayeon a little worried for her life. “And all my processing has led me to the conclusion that you and Jeongyeon unnie are more than friends.” Adds Mina, she sounded sure.

Im Nayeon stared at the girl for a few seconds for good measure. 

“Oh wow.” Huffs Im Nayeon, she knew that the girl was smart but never thought Jeongyeon and her were dumb enough to get caught. She stared at the girl, she knew explaining would do nothing at this point. “Well, that’s correct. Jeongyeon and I, we’re more than friends.” Nayeon finally lets the truth out. "I mean, I don't really have to explain anything to you since I know you're just like me." Says Nayeon. 

“I’m not telling you this because I want something to happen between us.” Clarifies Mina, she sounded sure and strong. It was as if she was already at peace with what’s happening. 

“Well, if I gave in, then that would be cheating.” Chuckles Nayeon, sipping on her cup of coffee. 

“I’m also not telling you this because I’m heads over heels for you.” Continues the younger girl, it seems like she’s practiced all her lines before. She seems very confident with every word. 

“Well, thank the gods above for that.” Chuckles Nayeon. 

“My feelings for you are long overdue if that’s what you’re thinking.” Laughs Mina, a hearty laugh. The type of laugh she hadn’t experienced in a while. “I just think I deserve closure, you know? Plus you deserve to know the truth, it’s a truth that lives in the past at least.” Mina makes everything clear.

“First of all, I am flattered. I am thankful.” Smiles Nayeon, she may seem immature most of the times but right now she radiates a sisterly vibe. 

“Well, you’re welcome. It was an experience that I would not recommend anyone to try.” Laughs Mina, she’s at peace and she feels resolved with her ordeal with Nayeon now. 

Both the girls stared at each other, the deafening silence between them is growing more and more. Is this where one throws the punchline and everybody laughs? I’m afraid this isn’t a sit-com. 

“For the record, I know we wouldn’t have worked out.” Says Mina out of nowhere. This catches the older girl’s attention. Nayeon stared at Mina, the younger girl’s statement was in a way controversial. 

“It’s because I’ll always have to compete with your first love. I don’t want to put myself through that awful situation.” Mina adds. 

“You’re right. It would have been unfair for you.” Replies Nayeon. 

This hits Mina, in a way that opened her eyes. In a way, Chaeyoung is just like her. It wasn’t Chaeyoung’s fault that she caught feelings for someone who couldn’t understand even herself. Nayeon was like this, she was battling with feelings for Jeongyeon. Mina was lucky enough to have dodged the awful situation. Son Chaeyoung however, wasn’t so lucky. Mina regrets hurting Chaeyoung that way, she knew what she did was awful. 

“It would have.” Mina replies softly, feeling this sharp digging pain inside her. The realization that she had unconsciously caused pain to Son Chaaeyoung is just hitting her. She always thought of herself as someone who won’t cause pain, well, maybe she's wrong.

“Good evening unnies.” Son Chaeyoung greets the older girls. She sounds weak, as if she hadn’t been eating and sleeping properly for days. 

It must have been the depth of the conversation that caused Mina and Nayeon to not notice Chaeyoung go in. Both of them were preoccupied with their own issues. Nayeon stared and smiled at the younger girl, offering her a cup of coffee. Son Chaeyoung was quick to decline the offer, she sounded nice and polite though. 

“Yeah, you’re right. It seems like you’ve had a tiring day.” Says Im Nayeon, Chaeyoung only nods. 

Mina couldn’t really say anything, she just stared. She was consumed with guilt, she felt responsible for hurting the poor girl. She can see it Chaeyoung’s eyes that the girl doesn’t want anything to do with her. It was as if Chaeyoung had cut their ties in her mind. 

“Yeah, well, I have to go now. Have a nice evening both of you.” Replies Son Chaeyoung as she marched towards her room, dragging her feet with her, the sound of distaste ringing inside the dorm. 

That night Mina and Nayeon had cleared the air between them. Mina has accepted that she and Nayeon can only be friends and she’s happy about it. Her feelings for the older girl are long overdue anyway, so what’s the point of tirelessly being stressed about it? 

One thing kept Myoui awake though. It’s the thought of Son Chaeyoung. She admits it, her bed felt empty. If only she was honest enough. 

Myoui Mina felt as if she needed to reach out to Son Chaeyoung. It wasn’t right how they ended. She struggled to sleep at night. Concentrating with work was possible only when she’s not in the dormitory. But whenever she’s in these four walls? She can’t help but think of Son Chaeyoung. She knew that she’s bothered, it’s just that she kept on pushing things and ignoring her feelings. 

“From now on let’s just be acquaintances.”

Those words rang inside her head. What’s worse is the volume was getting stronger each day she distanced herself from Chaeyoung. Was she going crazy? Is this her conscience trying to guilt trip her for being horrible to the younger girl? It was more than that though, when she said she was delighted to have Chaeyoung in her life, that was true. She knew she wasn’t kidding when she said that. 

“From now on let’s just be acquaintances.”

Why does it hurt so much? Every time she sees Chaeyoung in the dorms, she feels this urge to approach her and just talk. But there was something in the way how Chaeyoung said those words that made Mina realize that the younger girl was serious. Chaeyoung was hurt and Mina hoped that she would at least be able to fix her mistake. 

There have been multiple times when Mina had seen an opening to bug or ask Son Chaeyoung about things. But as usual, Mina would feel scared and would chicken out. Mina wasn’t used to reaching out to people, well, she hasn’t really done anything this severe her whole life that’s why she feels so lost with how to handle the situation. 

Mina felt stupid. She knew she was smart but she felt stupid for not being honest with the young girl. She knew she had to do something before it’s too late. But how? Mina is sharp and witty. That was out of the question, getting things done was something she’s really good at. Well, maybe. 

“Hey, can you help me with something?” It felt weird, Mina thought she sounded almost like a colleague. She never thought it would come out like that, it was the best that she could do after all. She’s listed ways of how to approach Chaeyoung, she couldn’t believe that she’s picked the worst one on the spot. 

The young girl was sitting inside her room, Mina was dumb enough to impulsively stand in the girl’s door frame. She knew it was risky but oh well, backing down would make her look dumb. Chaeyoung looked a little taken aback, it was obvious that she just woke up. 

“Yeah, sure.” Chaeyoung immediately answered, turning her back in the process. She sounded plain, very dutiful, and just nonchalant as a whole. “I’ll meet you in the kitchen in 45, I’ll be there.” She adds as she grabs her toiletries. 

It’s been almost two weeks already since Mina and Chaeyoung’s last conversation. Working on the research was the only way for both of them to interact and be in the same space together. Less than forty-five minutes later, Chaeyoung was in the Kitchen. She had recently come out of the shower. Chaeyoung made it clear that she wanted to get work done fast. 

The air between them was stiff.

Mina felt suffocated, the younger girl wasn’t really saying much. Instead, she worked silently, almost too silent for Mina to have the courage to strike up a conversation. It was weird, everything about them felt weird. They weren’t seated together, instead, they were seated across each other. They were silent, Mina wasn’t really doing much work. She can’t stop herself from taking a few glances every few minutes. 

The tension was high. 

“Hey, how’s it going over there?” Asked the older girl, she was hesitant to converse with Chaeyoung, very hesitant to the point that she heard her own voice quiver a little. Chaeyoung’s eyes were glued on the screen but the moment Mina opened , the younger girl immediately stared. 

“Well, nothing’s really coming up unnie.” Replies Chaeyoung, almost unenthusiastically too. Chaeyoung wanted to engage in conversation with the older girl, but she was afraid too. She was too afraid to get hurt once again. She has kept her guards up. 

“I guess we’ve arrived at another dead end.” Replies Mina, she was sad with how they’ve arrived at nothing once again. But she was more upset with the fact that Chaeyoung is calling her unnie again. 

Chaeyoung couldn’t help but stare at Mina, she hasn’t been in the same space with the girl for a long time. She admits it feels nice, it feels good to see a familiar face. But Chaeyoung can’t remove the image of Mina and Nayeon talking in the kitchen last night. 

What were they doing?

“We’ll figure it out, unnie.” Replies Chaeyoung, she was tired too. They’ve been facing they’re laptop for almost three hours now, her eyes hurt and she thinks she needs to rest. Mina was silent, for her it felt good that Chaeyoung reassured her. 

“Chaeng-ah.” Mina calls the younger girl’s attention. She was scared, it felt as if she was going to suffocate. Is this her conscience trying to suffocate her for being such an ? Well, Mina thinks she deserved it. However, Mina felt happy seeing Chaeyoung, she never thought she’d feel this happy again. She’s currently questioning why she’s feeling this way. 

Chaeyoung makes Mina happy. 

Chaeyoung’s gaze was soft, it wasn’t blank nor indifferent. Mina questions how she was able to hurt this person in front of her. Realizations flood her head, she wants to talk to the younger girl. Is that request too much?

“It’s way past lunchtime, do you maybe want to grab a bite with me?” Asks Mina. She was hopeful because Chaeyoung has always been kind after all. She stared at the younger girl, hoping she’d say yes. 

“My eyes hurt, unnie. I think I’ll rest in my room for now.” Replies Chaeyoung. She can see the hurt and disappointment in Mina’s eyes. Chaeyoung couldn’t bear to see it so she stood up and walked to her room, leaving Mina in her seat. Alone.

Kind but not soft.

“I deserve that.” Whispers Mina to herself, she knew this won’t be the last time she’ll bug the younger girl for a meal together. This is only the start of getting her back. 

Son Chaeyoung’s Point of View

“What are you guys doing here?” I was too taken aback to process everything. There they were, my family. They were standing right outside my dorm’s door, all smiles. 

“Yah, aren’t you going to let us in? That’s very rude of you, noona.” Jokes my younger brother as he takes the lead into entering my dorm. My parents followed, my mom stopped in her tracks to give me a big warm hug. It felt nice, I haven’t seen them in over a month and it’s nice to see them here, even though this visit is unannounced. 

“I missed you guys.” I huffed as I placed the pot of freshly brewed tea on the coffee table. Jeonghoon’s currently staring at the game console tastefully. “You guys could’ve informed me so I could’ve prepared or something.” I complained and I heard my father chuckle. 

“There’s no need to inform you.” Dad replies, his hair is different. Did he perm it? “We’re staying here for a few days, and we wanted to let you know. You’re still our daughter, you know?” Adds dad which  made me crack up a bit. 

“Also, we were wondering if you’d want to eat dinner with us.” Mom says this out of nowhere, knowing her, she won’t take no for an answer. I just stare at her, I then agree. I could use some time away from this dormitory. “Where are the others? I would like to meet them.” She adds, knowing my mom she meant more than what she said. 

“Oh wow.” Was all I could say. Sana unnie isn’t here, so is Tzuyu. Nayeon unnie is probably in the dorm next door. That leaves me with Mina. I sigh, what could my mom want this time. “I mean, you’re staying here for a short while, right? You can visit next time and meet them then.” I tell her, trying to stand up.

“They aren’t home?” Asks my brother, he was still eyeing the game console. “Can I please play? It’s getting boring here.” He adds, he sounds hopeful. 

“No, that’s not mi--” I was taken aback to see Mina walk out of her room. She looked cautious and a little curious about the people in the living room. My parents saw my reaction and immediately shifted their gaze to the direction where I am looking. 

“Good evening Mister and Missis Son.” She bows her head, she must’ve heard how I addressed everyone. My parents immediately stood up and they exchanged greetings. I see her smile for the first time in a while.

“Well, that settles it. Let’s all have dinner together. Would you like that, Mina-sshi?” Mom asked her, she sounds persuasive. Mina stared at me and I just looked away, I don’t want to influence her decision. 

“That’s a lovely idea, Missis Son.” She replied, I immediately stared at her. I see her smile at both my parents, a gummy smile. 

“So, Mina. You also have a brother. An older brother that plays American football?” Asks dad as he cuts through his steak. 

I am currently seated beside Mina. Well, who else should she sit with? She can't sit beside my nosy brother, God knows what he might ask her. We were dining at the Hotel where my parents are staying. Jeonghoon accompanied them here and he’s supposed to travel home tomorrow. They thought it was a nice idea to dine close to where they’re staying. 

“Yes, sir. He’s five years older and his name is Kai.” She smiles as she sips on her glass of wine. 

“How’s noona in the dorms, Mina noona?” My brother asked, I know he wasn’t interested in the answer. I know he just wanted to annoy me, what an . Mina stared at me and she smiled. 

I was completely taken aback. 

“She’s a very nice roommate. Also, we attend the same University. I've heard she’s a very active student.” Smiles Mina, I couldn't help but cough. I feel uncomfortable. 

“Anyway, it’s nice to finally meet one of her housemates.” Smiles Mom. She seemed genuinely happy to finally meet and interact with one of them which I think is lovely. My mom doesn't have to know what's going on between me and this girl. 

“Yeah, our daughter can be very stubborn sometimes but she’s a good girl.” Adds dad, I see him give my mother the look. Jeonghoon, as always, is clueless. He’s probably just here to eat steak. Brat.

“She’s absolutely perfect, sir.” She smiles.

I almost dropped my fork, hearing her say those words made my ears feel really hot. It felt as if the heat was traveling to my face. She just glanced at me, smiling, a shy smile. How the hell can she act like she's never done something wrong? Does she not take me seriously? 

“She’s never given us any type of problem.” She sounded sad when she said this. 

How can she play so innocent in front of my family? 

“You know what, I’m happy that you’re in the same dorm as my daughter. This makes me more comfortable and assured that she’s well taken care of.” Smiles mom, this made me a little uncomfortable. I don’t know what to feel so I just kept silent, picking at my food. 

“Take care of my bratty older sister, Mina noona. I think I like you.” He smiles as he digs in his mashed potatoes. Mina smiled. 

“Hoon-ah, eat your food.” I strictly remind my younger brother but the brat just gave me this spiteful look which immediately changed when his eyes landed on Mina. Mina returned the favor and smiled at him too.

Jeonghoon, Mom, and Dad have finally returned to their room. I never expected for the dinner to go that well, it wasn’t awkward at all. The only problem was me, I somehow felt cheated that my family likes her. See? I’m right, Myoui Mina is a very likeable person. Even though she’s an introvert, she can converse with people when the need is there.

“Hey, your parents are wonderful.” Mina says this out of nowhere, we just got out of the taxi and I just stared at her. I wasn’t sure what to reply, I had to admit it, it felt nice to see that she got along with my family. 

“Thank you. They loved your company, unnie.” I reply, I feel like this is the best response. Myoui Mina stared at me, and I just stared back. We were right outside the gate, fiddling with our feet, and just wasting our time. “I’m going to head inside now.” I tell her, I still felt bitter about what happened on Momo unnie’s birthday. All I can say is, it’s way too soon for us to be talking. I’ve already told her what I wanted, what else does she not understand about that?

“Don’t you want to hang out?” She sounded hesitant when she said this. 

“What? Out here? It’s too cold. I’m not crazy.” I replied almost too immediately, I may have sounded a little too harsh because she seemed a little taken aback with my response. I just stare at her, I wanted to tell her I was sorry but at the same time, I don’t want to apologize. 

“Chaeng-ah, I just want to talk.” She says this, her voice was strong but there was a hint of cautiousness in it. 

“We’ve already conversed enough.” Tell her, I feel as if I am being torn inside. It felt horrible being mean to her, but I couldn’t help it. It still hurts, whenever I look at Nayeon unnie I feel as if I am being cheated. I feel as if I'm just second best and I'm just her option. I feel like I'm not important enough and I want to change that. 

“Son Chaeyoung.” She seemed impatient, she was hurt, I knew. I’ve heard that voice before and of course, her eyes could never lie. 

“Thank you for granting my mom’s wish, but the show's over. You can stop pretending that you like me now.” I reply, immediately turning my back and walking inside the dormitory leaving her outside.