“Now to start our program, let me present to you all our school’s pride, IZ*BUBZ cheerleading squad!”

Series of loud screams can be heard inside the wide gymnasium as the popular cheerleading squad walked across the area— greeting the crowd cheerfully, waving their hands up high and the crowd responds with screams. It was rowdy that Chaewon can’t helped but to wince when the piercing voices of her schoolmates resonated into her. She knew this was a bad idea. Coming to an event she don’t even know what for and if not for the fact that her best friends will be attending, she won’t too.

Chaewon sighed and yanked her friend’s arm softly who’s in her left screaming her lungs out. “Yah, Yena-ah, when this will end?” She asked.

“I don’t know. Let’s ask this giant here” Yena said, pulling the girl beside her left who are also screaming loudly with the crowd. “Yah! Yujin, what time will this program end?” Yena asked.

“Probably six in the afternoon or something. I’m not sure, why? Do you want to go home already?” Yujin asked without looking at the latter. Once she saw her crush already dancing at the center, Yujin yelled out, “GO MINJOO! AHHHH!”

Chaewon just released another sigh of frustration. I should be studying right now, but instead I have to wait 4 more hours of damnation. She thought. As much as she wanted to ditch her friends and go home, she wouldn’t be able to because her school required them to attend this event and she can’t go out the school premises until it finishes which is to her is a complete bull. So, of course, without anything to do anymore she turned her gaze at the people dancing in front the stage. And not even 5 minutes in the performance, she’s already bored. Enjoying this type of entertainment had never been her strong suit.

But what if I escape and go to the rooftop? That’s probable. Yeah. Maybe I should do it.

She was about to stand up and execute her plan, but then she halted. Because looking at the stage, she saw the cutest girl– if not, the most beautiful person she ever saw in her life. The girl is wearing her cheerleading uniform that have white and pink linings on it, with her hair tied into clean ponytail, perfectly coiffed except for her disheveled fringe that just added the adorableness of the latter. The cheerleader is also wearing her cute smile that Chaewon undeniably adores now, her fluffy cheeks are showing and if not for the fact that the girl is dancing at the front she might as well jog her way to her and squish it.

She never seen a girl quite like her. And the way she danced? Holy . It’s like she’s not asking for attention, per se, all she does was, well, dance. But you are still going to end up looking at her.

To say that Chaewon is not enticed by it, is a complete lie.

“Yena…” Chaewon called out. Yena turned to her side and saw Chaewon in utter trance.

“What’s up? Are you okay?” She worriedly asked.

“Who’s that?”

“Who?”

“The girl at the center, what’s her name?”

“Oh her? That’s Honda Hitomi, from class 2-1. Why’d you asked? Are you interested?” Yena flashes her friend a smirk.

Honda Hitomi.

Am I interested?

“Maybe…”

ꟷ

And that’s how Chaewon’s attraction for the ENOZI’s cheerleading sweetheart, Honda Hitomi, started. Chaewon hardly gets a crush to someone. To be honest, this might be the first time she felt attraction towards another person at all. She’s always been this type of kid who don’t dream about fairytale stories. All she cares about is going to school, finish her degree then probably changed the society. But love? No fun at all. So whenever someone will try to pursue her, if there’s any, like one in grade school, she just rejected him. Because aside from the fact that she is very gay, she’s just not interested at all.

But for this one.

God.

Honda Hitomi.

How would she even begin to describe her?

She’s so talented, intelligent and so beautiful that it almost floored Chaewon. And not just that, the girl is so kind that she might be a saint at this point. Hitomi is a warm-hearted person, hard-working, bright, thoughtful and everything in between. That’s why it’s no shocker when the girl have a lot of suitors in line to have her ‘yes’.

Hitomi is just way too out of her league.

Way up there that she decided to never attempt courting her because Chaewon is just not the type of person where that kind of girl usually end up with. So she stays hidden and admire Hitomi at the corner. But it’s not like she’s subtle about it, she’s just not vocal about her admiration. Actually, it leaves her friends wander what’s happening with her because after that event, they noticed that Chaewon changed. She stays in university after class just to watch cheerleading practices with Yujin more often which is weird because she usually goes home after class.

So when Chaewon finally admit her adoration to the ENOZI’s sweetheart, Honda Hitomi, they are not even surprised.

“Hey, Chaewon. Look it’s your crush!” Yena intoned as Hitomi and their friends passed by their table. The group are currently situated at the study area. It’s a wide covered place and tables with chairs are scattered around properly and it is the area where most students spend their time either studying, doing their activities or eating.

“Shut up, Yena.” She retaliated, her tone hardening. A warning sign that if Yena don’t stop, the book she’s reading right now will end up on Yena’s face. But of course, Yena is not scared by that– in fact, she’s even more determined to annoy the other. “What? She might finally notice you” She said.

Knowing that Yena’s not going to zip , Chaewon could only sighed in frustration. “When are you going to approach her, Chaewon?” Yujin softly asked. She glanced to her friend after making sure that Hitomi and her friends are already away from their table.

“Um, I don’t know. Maybe the day you are brave enough to approach Minjoo” Chaewon could feel the uneasiness rippling into Yujin, making her sighed in relief because that means she won. But then, Yujin really had to asked, “What if that day is today?”

“I would like to see you try”

Okay first of all, she underestimated Yujin’s bravery because the moment those words rolled out from , the chaotic gay that is Ahn Yujin suddenly stand up from her sit to approach Minjoo. Of course, everyone in the table, and by everyone means Hyewon, Chaeyeon and Yena including Chaewon herself, are witnessing the long-awaited interaction unfold.

“Holy ” Yena cursed. “Is she for real?!” Chaeyeon asked excitingly. 

Hyewon, for the first time in her life, put her food down just to witness this once in a lifetime moment. “She’s really doing it, what the !” She cry out. On the other hand, Chaewon is also panicking right now, if Yujin really do it, IF she really do it then Chaewon have to do it too.

Regrets. Regrets is all I have

They watched Yujin walked hastily to Minjoo’s direction. Her head is held up high, her gaze are fixated to her crush. The four people at the back are anticipating the interaction with their hands glued together. “Hyewon ready your camera, just in case” Yena whispered.

Hyewon smirked and put out her phone. “Aye, cap!”

“Uh, hi?” Minjoo asked curiously to the girl who suddenly show up at their table, looking at her albeit intensely. They are busy eating when the girl walked into their table and stand in front of her. She didn’t notice it at first because her back is facing the girl, she only realized it when her friends told her to turn around.

“…”

Minjoo looked at the girl worriedly. “Are you okay?” She asked in a calm tone.

Still no response. Yujin’s brain is a mess, her frontal lobe is probably off somewhere that she can’t think of anything to say. It’s like she was thrown into abyss and don’t know how to get back. She was literally just staring at Minjoo.

Meanwhile, at the back of the chaos, the other 4 are intensively looking out for their friend.

“Guys, I think Yujin malfunctioned,” Chaewon continued “She’s not moving!” She said.

“Somebody save her from embarrassment, come on!” Yena declared while aggressively shoving the other girls. “Yah! You do it!” Chaeyeon demanded, pushing Chaewon to stand up to get their friend.

Chaewon stood up, but stop herself first. “Why me?!” She asked.

“You are the one who provoke her! You should do it!” Hyewon said.

“No way in hell I’m going in there! I might end up in the same situation!” She exclaimed. She’s not going to risk her life and show herself in front of Hitomi. She might embarrass herself in front of her crush, so she remain seated again and watch the scene unfold.

On the other hand,

“Umm…” Minjoo looked far back and she can see Yujin’s friend looking at them with pure anticipation. When the es noticed that Minjoo is staring at their way, they immediately scattered around and looked at things except at their direction, pretending that they are not watching their friend gay panicking. “Yujin, right?” Minjoo asked, calmly.

Yujin remains frozen on her spot, “Y-yeah…” She uttered softly. Yujin almost faint right at that moment when Minjoo flashed her soft smile at her. Take me. She thought.

Minjoo chuckled because of Yujin’s cuteness. She always see Yujin in her practices at their gymnasium bench. At first, she thought the girl just like watching their practices until she realized that she’s cheering for Minjoo’s name every competition (not that she’s looking out for the girl’s presence). That’s when Minjoo knew she’s not just a bystander. However, these past few months, not only Yujin are there watching but also the short haired friend of hers, who is looking at their direction earlier.

Her train of thoughts got cut off when Yujin finally respond. “I-I, umm… I just want to say that– uh, w-well…” Due to the nervous breakdown, Yujin can’t help herself to stutter and smack her head, making Minjoo smiled. She’s cute. She thought.

“Y-you are great. At dancing. I-uh- I admire you,” Yujin paused and inhaled. “Yeah. I admire your talent. Keep it up. Hehe. Bye” After saying what she wanted (part of) to say, Yujin turned around to walk away but she got blocked before she even go.

“Well, that was a disaster” said by the person blocking her way.

“ off, Hyunjin” said by one of Hitomi’s friends, Yuri. They’ve been silent the whole time, just watching the cute scene in front of them until someone has to ruin it.

 “What?” Hyunjin walked and stand beside Yujin, who is hanging her head low and not joining the conversation. He placed his arms at her shoulder and said, “If I talk to my crush might as well prepare myself first ‘cause I’ll end up looking stupid. First impression is important, right Minjoo?” He concluded, while looking at the girl in front of them, even tightening the grip of his hold to Yujin’s shoulder.

“Stop it, Hyunjin” Hitomi immediately retorted when she noticed Yujin is getting uncomfortable.

“Hi Hitomi!” said by the other person with Hyunjin, Kim Jaehwan. He walked closer to the girl and sat beside her, which got a series of displeased expression from the other girls.

“Piss off, Jae” Nako said, also part of their squad.

“Anyway, I just wanted to give you this” Jaehwan offered and gave the lemon yoghurt drink to Hitomi “Heard you’ll have a practice later so…”

And Hitomi, being the kind hearted she is, accepted the drink.

“And also, I forgot, here Minjoo” Hyunjin gave her an iced coffee, Minjoo just looked at Hyunjin’s hand with a cup of iced coffee. “Uh– I do-”

“She don’t drink coffee” Yujin said while looking at Minjoo then glanced at the guy beside her, taking off the arms placed on her shoulders. “Just a tip” and walked away. She’s in the middle of walking back to their table until Hyunjin yanked her arms.

“Don’t walk away from me,” He continued “No one walks away from me until I say so” He said, weakly but with anger.

Hwang Hyunjin, along with Jaehwan, are part of the gang in their school. Most of times, they are avoiding fighting at their school to not get expelled, but sometimes there are just fights that cannot be avoided, like what’s about to come now.

Yujin can feel the anger in his voice so she chose to better off walk away again, but little did she know Hyunjin was about to push her until someone from her side spoke.

“Touch her again and I’ll feed your arms to my hyenas”

“C-Chaewon unnie…”

Pure silence enveloped their table. No one’s moving an inch, even Hyunjin who remain focused at the girl who spoke-out. The tension was so high that the sanest person in there decided to break it.

“Uh, let’s not break this out of proportion,” Hitomi said, calmly. Standing between Yujin, Chaewon and Hyunjin. “Jaehwan, please take Hyunjin now” She demanded.

“Alright,” Jaehwan stood up from his seat and tugged Hyunjin’s arms. “Let’s go, Hyun” And then they walked away.

“We’re sincerely apologized for that. Hyunjin, um, he’s just very aggressive when it comes to-“

“Don’t say sorry,” Yujin continued “It’s not your fault that his ego is more fragile than a glass” She said, looking at the girl passed Hitomi’s back. “Are you okay?” She asked.

“Y-Yeah,” Minjoo responded “I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay,” Yujin flashed Minjoo a smile “Anyway, we should go now. We’re sorry for bothering you” She said and bowed.

However, Chaewon remains at her position.

Standing in front of Hitomi, her crush.

As much as she would like to take her gaze off and walk away, Hitomi is looking at her too, intensively. And she just can’t take her eyes off her. Using all the courage she have, she finally spit the words building up in .

“A-Are you alright?” 

Chaewon is having a world war in her mind. She probably messed up because the girl in front of haven’t responded yet. It was good 30 seconds of eye contact until Hitomi decided to kill her right at that moment.

“Yes, I’m alright,” Hitomi smiled warmly. “Thank you for asking.”

Hitomi ing smiled at me.

She smiled at me.

Oh my god! Holy . I’m hyperventilating.

! 

I can’t breathe.

“Chaewon, are you okay?” Hitomi asked, looked at her worriedly and caress her arms. Chaewon is just looking at her with her eyes wide open. Hitomi also notice the continuous aggressive breathing of the girl. Is she hyperventilating? She concluded.

! She’s touching me and she knows my name! I’m dying! Chaewon thought.

Noticing that Chaewon is probably malfunctioning right now, Yujin nudged her friend. “Yah unnie! Get a grip.” She whispered, which got immediate response from the girl.

“Y-Yes. Yeah. I’m okay.” She said, breathless.

“Are you sure?” Hitomi asked.

“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I’m g-good. I’m fine”

As if the god’s is not entirely with her today, and it’s all because of the concerning amount of CO2 she inhaled right at this moment, Chaewon suddenly out.

Good thing? Hitomi catch her.

Literally and figuratively.

ꟷ

From the looks of the room, Chaewon thought that she’s probably in their university’s clinic. She just woke up from the embarrassing moment that just happened earlier in the morning.

“Oh, you’re awake” the nurse, Miss Eunbi, said to her. “How are you feeling?” She asked.

“I’m okay now. Little dizzy but I can manage” Chaewon stated.

Eunbi offered her a cup of water and a capsule “Oh, okay. Drink this medicine then you’ll be fine,” She continued “Are you going back to class?”

“Yeah. I can’t skip”

“Alright. You can go now. Just remember to drink the meds I’ve given to you, okay?” Eunbi asked which got a reply of a nod from Chaewon.

She walked her way to their classroom. The teacher let her in and the girls welcomed her, asking about her condition. They are about get noisy again if only their teacher didn’t almost throw the marker she’s holding. Knowing that they might get detention, they stayed focused on the class.

After 2 hours of lecture, they went back to the study area where they are positioned earlier.

“Just when we thought Yujin panicking couldn’t get any worse, but here we are. You ing fainted!” Hyewon exclaimed, pointing at Chaewon whilst laughing.

“I still can’t believe it. Like who faints in front of their crushes? Only you! The second hand embarrassment you have brought upon me” Yena snapped. Chaeyeon is just laughing her off at the corner with Yujin, who is doing her best effort to not laugh so much because technically, she’s part of the accident.

“Oh shut the up you all!” Chaewon said, aggressively. “I’m built different” She continued.

“Yeah because no does that!” Hyewon said and released a loud laugh. My head, oh my head. Chaewon watches her friends make fun of her, laughing at the most unfortunate that ever happened in her life. Out of all the moments I could have done it, it was really the moment where I’m finally talking to Hitomi. 

She was busy thinking about how is she going to retain her reputation back that she didn’t notice that the girls are not laughing anymore and looking at the girl standing at her back.

“Hey” the girl called.

When the voice penetrates her ear, Chaewon froze again. She glanced up at her friends and she can see them eyeing her with their brows going up and down. . Chaewon turned around and faced the girl. And just how fast she fell for the girl’s charms, that’s how fast her brain malfunctioned again.

“Hi, Chaewon” Hitomi greeted, all smiles. “Are you okay now?” She asked, softly.

Determined to change her impression to Hitomi, Chaewon pulled herself back to Earth and responded. “Yes, I’m okay now. Truthfully, this time.” She said. Her face is smiling but her brain is on full blown panicked mode.

“That’s good. You made me worried there” Hitomi said and pat Chaewon’s head, which the cause of Chaewon’s misery again.

I’ll be damned.

“Well, I just wanted to check up on you. I’ll go ahead now,” Hitomi grinned. “Be extra careful, okay?” She said, softly. Because of the closeness that Hitomi initiated, Chaewon was completely ruined so she just nodded at Hitomi.

Before leaving, Hitomi pat Chaewon’s head again and adorably smiled at her then she left.

I’m doomed.

The other girls looked at their friend, completely in trance. “Chae…” Yena called. “Earth to Chaewon” She said while waving her hands in front of the girl’s face.

“ it, I’ll do it.” Hyewon said, motioning to smack Chaewon with their architectural book.

“No! Yah!” Chaeyeon, of course, prevent it from happening.

“Guys…” Chaewon started.

“Yes?” They asked.

“I can’t breathe…” Chaewon stated, almost blacking out.

“No!” The girls immediately went closer to Chaewon and slap her lightly “You can’t faint again” But then she did it again. Chaewon fainted for the second time.

“Sweet lord” Yujin could only sighed while carrying Chaewon on the way to clinic.

ꟷ

Days had passed and they already moved on from all the things that happened week ago. Yena is still teasing her about it, but not that much anymore. Things are already back to its rightful places and just like before, Chaewon remains the achiever amongst them. Studying her off because their finals are already near and she can’t kid around now. So all she just did was to read and practice until she probably already memorized each content on her book. It was just like that for the past few days until Arts Design subject came in, where Chaewon have to communicate with different students she don’t know.

Apparently, she’s classmate with her friends to all subject except for this one and it’s because of the reason she honestly don’t know. Probably, they got confused and mixed her up. Amongst all the people there, she only know one and that is Kim Minjoo. So when their professor instructed them to partner with someone for an upcoming project, she didn’t hesitate to approach Minjoo.

Luckily, Minjoo agreed. No surprises because they’ve been talking and asking each other for the homework since they realized that they are classmates and Minjoo said she don’t know anyone in their room too. Right now, they are goin’ to meet up at the library to finally plan out their project.

She said to meet up at 3 PM, but it’s 3:10 already. Is she going to show up? Chaewon thought. Whilst organizing her things to get ready for their activity, her phone vibrated. She picked up her phone and read the message she received.

“Have fun. But not too much fun. Minjoo‘s mine” She read. Silly Yujin. She was about to type and respond to her friend when she noticed the girl she’s been waiting for, finally arrived.

“Sorry I’m late. We have to do another round before coach let us go.” Minjoo hastily prepared her stuff then took a seat opposite to her.

The latter glanced at her and said, “Oh, it’s alright, It’s only 10 minutes. So did you bring the book?”

“Ah, yeah. Here. Borrowed it from my friend,” Minjoo continued, “What are we going to do today again?” She asked.

“Well, since we are done with the concept, we’ll go ahead with the planning now.” Chaewon replied.

“Oh okay”

It’s been a good one hour before they able to come up with proper plan with their project. Chaewon is quite happy that she partnered with Minjoo though. She’s not used partnering with people doing projects that’s why she’s grateful to Minjoo for being laid back and making her feel comfortable but very helpful too. Nevertheless, she can’t say that in front of Yujin though, she don’t want to die early.

“Hey, Chae” Minjoo called.

“Hmm?”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Aren’t you already asking me?” Chaewon asked teasingly.

“Hah, you’re funny” The latter just rolled her eyes out and laughed sarcastically. Chaewon just released a chuckled, “I’m sorry. Sure, go ahead” She said.

“About Yujin, your friend,” Minjoo chuckled nervously, “I’m curious, is she seeing someone?” She asked.

Chaewon gave her a puzzled look before answering. “Ah. Yes, of course.” With that Minjoo deflated. “Oh...”

“Why wouldn’t she? Yujin have working eyes. Of course, she’s seeing me, seeing you. She’s seeing peop-“

“I swear to god, Kim Chaewon! Can you spare me from your sarcasm?” Minjoo demanded, making Chaewon laugh inside. She never knew it was this easy to tease the girl. “Well, Kim Minjoo, you have to be more specific.”

“Are you being serious right now?” Minjoo stressed. The exasperation in her voice is visible.

“Nah. I’m just messing with you. Anyway, my answer is no. I think. She’s not the kind that tells her romantic adventures though. But one thing I know is that she’s too caught up with someone to be in relationship with anyone” She stated. “So she likes someone, but they are not together?” The latter asked.

Chaewon nodded.

“Well, do you know who?” Chaewon can see the anticipation in Minjoo’s eyes, but of course she’s going to crushed that. As much as she wanted for Yujin to have her girl already, she can’t do that to her friend.

“There’s no way I’m gonna tell you that” She stressed.

“Worth a shot”

“You gotta have to ask her. Why’d you wanted to know, by the way? Do you like my friend?” Chaewon smirked. She thinks she knows the answer. She can sense it by the way how Minjoo behaving right now. Something she usually sees with her friends whenever they talked about their crushes.  She just wanted to make sure about that so she asked.

“N-Nothing,” Minjoo replied, startled. “I was just curious. That’s all…”

Chaewon sighed by that. “You know, I always have thought that you are good with everything, but turns out I’m wrong”

“What do you mean?” Minjoo throw her a confused look.

“You are good with everything except for lying. Now, try again.” Chaewon demanded.

For the nth time, Minjoo rolled her eyes again and said, “Okay, alright. You got me. Yes, I like Yujin and what about it?” She declared.

“Oh, ! Really? Because I’m just 95% sure. Never thought you actually does” Chaewon exclaimed. “I thought you and Hyunjin are together so I’m not actually confident with it.”

“You , Chaewon” Minjoo said, exasperatingly.

“I get that a lot”

“And what do you mean me and Hyunjin? Hell no. He’s just a suitor. I tried telling him I don’t swing that way but he insisted so I just let him be,” Minjoo continued “Most of times Hyunjin, including Jaehwan, are starting to be annoying so we’re trying our best to stop them, but they just won’t faze” She added.

“Oh, Jaehwan’s also your suitor?”

“No, Hitomi’s” Minjoo saw the changes in Chaewon’s face, she grinned because she’s right about her speculations.

With that, Chaewon cleared and said, “So what do you want me to do with that information?” 

“Well, can you help me with Yujin?” Minjoo asked with pure anticipation.

“Pft. You’re Kim Minjoo. You don’t need help from me for that” Chaewon uttered, making the hopeless Kim Minjoo light up from her statement.

“What do you mean? Does Yujin have a crush on me?” She asked, hopefully.

“I never said that. Wow. You’re pretty airhead, aren’t you?” Chaewon looked at her weirdly.

“You just boosted my ego earlier and now you’re insulting me,” Minjoo gazed at Chaewon with complete irritation, “What’s with you?” She asked.

“And I regretted that,” Chaewon stated, “Anyway, so what’s in it for me?” She asked.

“I’ll help you with Hitomi.” Minjoo professed. Chaewon’s mind short circuited the moment Minjoo said that without hesitation. How the did she found out? Chaewon could only asked herself.

“H-Hitomi? Who is H-Hitomi?”

“Cut the act, Chae. I know you like her”

“I never said I like her!"

“You don’t have to anyway”

“What the hell Minjoo! I don’t like Hitomi.”

“Don’t you think I didn’t notice your whipped look at my friend whenever you and Yujin watch our practices? And remember when Hyunjin almost had a fight with you and then you suddenly fainted out of the blue because of so much panicking. You thought I didn’t notice that? I was literally in front of you two. And lastly, I saw a sketch of Hitomi’s face on your History book when I borrowed it. Like seriously Chaewon? On History books? So deny it to me again and I will throw my shoes at you” She threatened.

“Okay! Okay. Maybe I do like her. Now, zip your mouth. God! You’re so annoying” Chaewon said, scratching her head with both hands because of annoyance.

“Now that I get a lot” Minjoo smirked.

“I don’t need your help for her”

“Really? ‘Cause it seems like you do. I think you’ve been pining for her for a long time and nothing happens.” Minjoo said.

She’s crazy observant. Chaewon thought.

“And I would like to keep it that way, thank you very much” she responded.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Hitomi. She’s...,” Chaewon sighed. “She’s way too out of my league, Minjoo. She’s the school sweetheart and I’m just a college student who are trying hard to survive school and lives in the shadow. She don’t deserve someone like me” She said, albeit sounded disappointed.

“My, my. You just not , you are extremely dumb too. Chaewon, that’s not for you to decide who deserves her, its Hitomi’s. And what do you take her for? Do you think Hitomi cares about social standing? That girl is one of the kindest human that I’ve ever met in my life.” Chaewon looked at the blabbering friend of hers. “In short, Hitomi cares beyond what you look like. Just give her the best you could offer and Hitomi will like you still”

“Wow. You really got some in there in your head huh?”

Minjoo raised her middle finger to her, making Chaewon laughed. This girl is weirdly amazing. “Thank you for coming to my TedTalk”

With that, Chaewon could only think about the possibilities. What if Hitomi avoided her because she confessed? That would only make things worse. She’s already happy the way they are, just her watching Hitomi from afar is enough for her. But then she’s also afraid for the future as well; where all she can have is regret because she let the only opportunity she have passed her. With that in mind, she made her decision. “Okay, alright. I help you”

“Really? Oh my g-“

“But in one condition”

“Spill it”

“You helping me should go in my way. Means you won’t tell Hitomi or any of your friends or my friends about it. All I just need is to talk to her again and let me do the rest”

“Oh that’s easy and I know a perfect plan for that to happen”

“And that is?”

“Come to Jackson’s party this Friday”

“No."

“Ey, what?” Minjoo gasped. “That would be a great opportunity to talk to her. Trust me on this one”

“I don’t want to talk to her intoxicated, Minjoo. And I don’t like crowded places that reeks with cigarettes and alcohol”

“Hitomi don’t drink so you’re fine and you don’t have to worry about the party because it’s kinda tame” Chaewon eyed her sceptically. “Tame, you mean hundreds of people coming right?”

“More or less”

“Ugh”

“Trust me on this one, Chaewon.”

“How do we even go inside?”

“I’ll give you the invitation.” Minjoo anticipated. For all Chaewon knows, Jackson Wang is one of the popular student in their university and he always have this monthly party where not people can go unless you’re invited. Kinda classist but that’s just it.

“Hays, alright.” Chaewon agreed. “There’s nothing I could do anyway”

“Yes!” Minjoo roared in a medium loudness because, well, they are in the library. “But wait, how can you be sure you are not going to faint again?”

“Oh god, not even you too!” Chaewon sighed “I’m over that. Stop it.” She said.

Minjoo giggled. “Just making sure”

After finishing their task, Chaewon went home. Along the way, she’s thinking what she gotten herself into. She realized that she made a deal with the devil and there’s no way she can go out anymore. Chaewon and party just doesn’t go in one sentence. She’s never been a social butterfly nor a drinker. She finds peace in quite places with her book and classical music. So when she told her friends that they are going to spend their Friday night partying at Jackson’s humble abode the next school day, she received couple of curses and wide eyes. The group are in the school’s cafeteria right now and of course everyone except Chaewon who is reading a book, are humbly eating.

Yujin, being the most excited one about the news. “Are you serious?!” She exclaimed. Out of all of them, she’s the one who wanted to party the most but can’t because they don’t want to come with her. It’s making the good young Yujin screams in excitement.

“Did Minjoo invited you?” Hyewon asked. Chaewon looked up from the book she’s reading and answered, “Of course. We wouldn’t be able to come if she didn’t invite us” She said.

“Why?” Chaeyeon asked.

“She said it’s a pay to me for being kind to her or something” And probably have myself a girlfriend. She said, but of course the latter words left unsaid out loud.

“Damn I can’t believe we’re finally going to enjoy ourselves to weekend parties and best part is I’ll see Minjoo! Oh my god!” Yujin sighed for relief. Yujin’s probably going to die if she knows what’s going to happen tonight. Chaewon thought. No matter the rowdiness surrounding her because of her friend’s excitement, she can’t help but to feel disquiet.

Am I ready to talk with her again? Chaewon thought. But nevertheless, like what she always do, she brushed those thoughts off. Come what may.

Chaewon was on her way to the school’s parking lot to get her car, however, she have to pass by at the gymnasium to go there. The architecture of their school is weird one, to be honest. It was already the end of her class so she’s planning to go home as early as possible so she could ready herself tomorrow and oh, what’s going to happen tomorrow? Well, of course, the party.

It’s not that she’s nervous, per se, she’s actually looking forward to it. Looking forward whether she’ll end up embarrassing herself again or finally fulfil her missions. She was too engrossed with her thoughts that she didn’t realized that there’s a girl dancing along with the cheerful music at the right corner of the gym.

“Chaewon-ah”

The architectural student looked up from the floor to the part where the voice came from. And just like their first proper meeting, Chaewon’s brain lagged. Nah, , she thought.

“Hi,” Hitomi greeted. “Going home?”

“Y-yeah. Y-you?” She stammered.

“Later. I still have to practice more”

“Alone?”

“Yup. We actually don’t have practice today. I just wanted to. That’s why I’m the only one in the gym right now,” Hitomi added. “There’s still more things that needs to be improved so yeah.”

See, this is why I like you.

“Quite a fighter, aren’t you?” Chaewon said, praying to the gods that she didn’t offend her crush. The thoughts of it happening is making her sick, but then that thoughts got brushed off when Hitomi laughed…

“I’ve been told,” Hitomi paused “You coming tomorrow, right?”

Chaewon flashed Hitomi a perplexed look. “Tomorrow?” She asked.

What’s going to happen tomorrow?

“Jackson’s party?” Hitomi added. “Minjoo told us that she invited you and you agreed so I thought you’ll come”

How could I forgot?

“Oh, oh yeah. My friends and I are going. Sorry, I forgot for a second there. I’m just not used spending my weekend not studying” She said and also the fact that you’re so near me that I momentarily forgot to even think at this point.

“Great!” Hitomi said, happily. “See you there then” she added.

“Yeah, hopefully I will see you too. Might get swarmed by lots of people or abducted by the aliens, we never know. It’s a dangerous world out there” Chaewon literally glitching right now. She don’t know what exactly she’s saying, making the girl in front of her laugh again.

“I don’t think aliens are real, but you do you” Hitomi chuckled.

“Anyway, I should go now. Don’t want to keep you from practicing.” Chaewon conveyed.

“Oh, no worries.” Hitomi continued. “I like talking to you” She said, softly.

Chaewon don’t have a plan to die early. She still have many dreams; to passed the architectural board exams, to spread the goodness of using eco-design for every houses, to become a pilot afterwards, or better, to become the President of South Korea. She wanted to live longer. But if Hitomi continue to say things like this, she might as well fly high and sang to the melodic music at the gates of Heaven.

With all the remaining sanity she have, she asked, “Y-You do?” She stammered again. Way to go with not looking stupid in front of her Chaewon.

“Minjoo said you’re funny and she’s not wrong,” Hitomi paused. “You’re funny. I like funny people” She said, lightly.

Chaewon, of course, lagged with that again. So without concrete thought, she blurted, “Should I apply for a clown then?”

How many times do you have to embarrass yourself today, Chaewon-ah?

But then again, she don’t mind looking stupid as long as she gets to see Hitomi’s smile at the end. The moment those words rolled out from , Hitomi threw her head back and let out loud, echoing laugh. Chaewon loves Hitomi’s laugh because it goes from up to her eyes, motioning a crescent form. And the sound of her laugh is just music to her ears. An unintentional therapeutic way to relieved Chaewon from her bad day. This is the first time she gets to see it face-to-face and she’s the reason for it. Definitely, something she would treasure for life.

“I’m sorry,” Hitomi paused to take a breather “So you really live up to your reputation.” She said, smiling.

This the 3^rd time she smiled at me.

Chaewon don’t know where it came from, but she’s sure she was possessed by the gods of Bravery for asking Hitomi something that she didn’t expect she would ask in her entire admiration phase with her.

“Can I accompany you on your way home?” She asked, little shaky but it’s alright.

“I thought you’re going home?” Hitomi asked, softly. “You’re going to wait for me?”

“Yeah. I figured that I still don’t want to go home yet and you know, walk for a little while”

“Okay” Hitomi smiled to her again. “I’ll be finish in 30 minutes”

“Yeah, you can go ahead and take your time. I can wait” Chaewon said. I’ve been waiting hours every day just to cheer silently in your practices. 30 minutes is nothing to me. She thought.

30 minutes had passed and the two girls finally went home. Along the way, all they did was talk. There’s no dead air or awkwardness surrounding them anymore. Just a pure conversation between them, knowing each other’s likes and dislikes and telling each other hilarious stories. It’s been a great 30 minutes too when they arrived at Hitomi’s house. Chaewon still want to talk to her but she realized Hitomi must be tired already and she have to go back at the school to fetch her car. She didn’t use it because, well, Hitomi told her to. Walking is healing, she said.

“Thank you for accompanying me to home, Chaewon” Hitomi said.

“No worries” Chaewon smiled at the latter. Her face was filled with little confusion when Hitomi went closer to her. Undeniably, she panicked when the latter patted her head yet again and smiled. “I had fun” She said, kindly.

Chaewon smiled back. “See you tomorrow?” She said.

“See you” Hitomi said, softly, and then walked back to their doorstep. She flashed Chaewon another gentle grin and waved, which Chaewon responded the same. When she noticed that Hitomi is already inside, Chaewon hopped her way to the school because of too much happiness.

She’s ecstatic. She’s frankly on cloud nine. She’s so happy that she didn’t even give a damn that a pigeon dropped its poo on her shoulder. She went home after fetching her car, took a short bath then sleep with a wide smile on her face.

I can’t wait to see you again, Hitoma.

ꟷ

After what seems to be forever, it’s already 9 in the evening when the gang finally went to Jackson’s party. They are quite anxious on what’s about to come this night, especially Chaewon. She’s been wrecking her brain since earlier whether what she’s pulling right now is rightfully rational. They’ve been to multiple parties, but not this extent. Mostly it’s a party for their club where it’s really tame, just few drinks and there. But this one, every cup of liquor you will see is pretty suspicious. So with that, Hyewon, the eldest in the group, warned, “Be careful guys. I know you all are excited, but be mindful. Alright?” She said, which got answered with chorus “Roger that”

Once they stepped their foot inside the house, almost everybody are looking at them. They wore a proper outfit. Hip style for Yena and Yujin while the other three, including Chaewon, wore something casual, like pair of shirt and jeans. The only difference is that Chaewon wore a red plaid flannel too. Nothing much compare to the people that are in the party. There are over 50 people in the said house, enjoying themselves with the blasting music. Some are holding cup of beer, while some are cigarettes, and most are both. See, Chaewon is right.

They were thankful that because of the attention they are gaining, Minjoo spotted them easily. She went closer to the gang, making Yujin panicked. “, here she comes.” She whispered.

“Hey! Finally you all came.” Minjoo greeted everyone although her eyes are fixated at someone (who’s hanging her head low to stop herself from panicking). Chaewon can see she’s a little bit intoxicated already. Before she went here, Chaewon did some thinking on how is she going to execute Minjoo’s favour. But then she realized too that Yujin already liked the girl so she don’t think she have to try so hard. All she have to do is to let them talk and be on their own world.

“Hi, Minjoo-ssi” Chaeyeon greeted “Quite a party huh?”

“Oh? Yup, it’s Jackson’s so, and you don’t have to be so formal with me. Chaewon is already a friend so I consider you all as friends too.”

“Really? All of us?” Chaewon smirked. Minjoo looked at her with wide eyes and mouthing some chant that they can’t understand except for Chaewon, making the pup at the side hang her head more low. Jealousy is ugly. Yujin thought.

“Anyway, come with me. I’ll find you a place.” Minjoo tugged Chaewon’s right arm and take them where they friend hang. “Girls, they are here” She said to her friends.

“Oh, hi” The other girls– Hitomi, Nako, and Yuri, greeted them, which Chaewon and others greeted back.  They are at wide backyard where there’s a big L-section type of couch you can sit on and hang. There’s also some tables and chairs scattered around beautifully. Jackson’s house are surprisingly large that Chaewon is possible it could cater 100 guest more. It’s like the kind of house where the owner of it is either a government official or the CEO of some kind of conglomerate. The design is a mixed of modern and contemporary, she noticed.

With the intention to get back to Chaewon, Minjoo pulled her to sit beside Hitomi, she gladly obliged because they are okay now. There are no reason for Chaewon to panic anymore. They all decided to sit and enjoy the party, Chaewon can see Yujin is still in trance and standing in front of them, not knowing where she could sit. She tugged the girl’s arms and let her sit beside Minjoo, who almost panic too.

“Yah unnie!” Yujin whispered. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Calm down and enjoy it. You look dumb standing there, you might as well savour this moment.” Chaewon slightly nudged Yujin, which got a worry eyes from the tall human.

“Hello, Yujin-ah” Minjoo greeted and looked at Yujin (dearly, if she may add).

“Um,” Yujin hesitates. “H-Hello. Having fun?”

“Not until you came.” Minjoo smiled at her that sent electricity to Yujin’s body. It was a little seconds later when she realized what Minjoo said, making her blushed.  

When Chaewon noticed that Minjoo are already handling the situation pretty well, she finally divert her attention to the girl beside her.

“Hi, Hitoma”

“Hitoma?” Hitomi gave her a perplexed look.

“My new nickname for you. Thought of it while driving home” Chaewon smiled.

“I like it” Hitomi smiled back.

“I’m glad” Chaewon glanced at Minjoo who is staring at them, looking surprised at the interaction that happened and even her friends too. Okay. She didn’t tell them what happened yesterday because she thought she’s going to receive lots of teasing.

“Never knew you two were close” Yuri said. “Yeah. We didn’t know too” Yena backed up.

“Chaewon accompany me on my way home yesterday,” Hitomi paused, stared at the girl beside her. “…and we kinda talked”

“Ah I see” They said, chorally. Chaewon and Hitomi just ignored the malicious stares and suggestive movement of eyebrows. They chose to just talked again and come back to where they left off from yesterday’s conversation.

And just like that, throughout the night, Chaewon never leave Hitomi’s side and it’s the same for the other. They watch their friends mingling happily. Just earlier, Yujin won’t even bat an eye to Minjoo because of nervousness, is now making Minjoo laugh probably by her hilarious encounters in life again. You also have Yuri and Yena who are just talking earlier, but now dancing weirdly together with the blasting music. On the other side is Nako and Hyewon competing to each other who can jug the whole large glass beer that Jackson offered earlier, Chaeyeon is the referee.

Undoubtedly, they are having fun.

So much fun that they don’t give a with everything anymore, that when Minjoo asked Yujin for a dance to Rihanna’s This is What You Came For, she doesn’t even consider the nervousness crippling inside her.

“Yujin-ah, let’s go” Minjoo offered her hand which Yujin gladly held and let herself get dragged by the school’s goddess and get drowned by the wonder of it.

Chaewon and Hitomi remain seated and just let the alcohol hits them. It’s not that they drank lots of it, just right amount but Chaewon can already feel something drilling on her head. She threw her head back and rest it on the inside back of the couch. She’s about to closed her eyes to sleep, but then she heard a voice from her right.

“Hey, that’s my seat”

She glanced up and stare at the person who talked.

When Chaewon saw the person, she raised her right side eyebrow. “Jaehwan” Hitomi called.

“Hello, Hii.” Jaehwan smiled at the girl then divert her gaze to the person beside her. “That’s my seat. I would appreciate it if you move away” He said, calmly.

She don’t know what’s gotten into her, but she remained seated and stare at Jaehwan’s face.

“Did you hear what I said?”

“Clearly”

“Then, why aren’t you moving?” He said, a little bit annoyed this time.

“Because I don’t want to” Chaewon responded with strong tone.

When Hitomi noticed that it’s getting heated, that’s when she chose to interfere. “Calm down, you two” She said.

“Hii, since when you were friends with this loser?” Jaehwan taunted, making Chaewon stood up from her seat. She’s always been the calm member in their group, but for some reasons, because of the alcohol circulating in her body and the irritation she felt for the guy, she’s itching to show the things she learned from krav maga training.

“She’s not a lo-”

“Call me that again and I will smash your head with my bottled beer” Chaewon threatened.

Of course, Jaehwan being part of a gang, threats doesn’t scare him anymore so without hesitation he chose taunt her more.

He moved closer to Chaewon, towering the girl. “If you are so brave, do it then”

Oh, I really would.

But she can’t. This anger that she felt inside is just building up because of the alcohol, but she will never initiate a fight, especially in front of Hitomi. With that in mind, Chaewon used her whole power to stop herself from pounding the arrogant guy and sighed.

“See? You can’t do it. And you know, what’s that makes you?” Jaehwan added “A ing loser. Now, move!” He demanded. Chaewon glanced at Hitomi and observe her. She can see the worry in the girl’s eyes so she flashed Hitomi a reassuring smile. She stood up from her seat and walked away from the scene. Chaewon found herself outside the house. Luckily, there’s a playground near them. Very unusual for a village like this, but she’s still grateful. She took a seat at the swing and let herself be consumed with night’s calmness.

Get it together, Chaewon-ah. You are being too ambitious again.

“I would love to invite you to dance, but I don’t think you’re in the mood for it anymore”

There was no one in that area except her. So when someone suddenly talked, Chaewon almost fall from the swing because of shock. But she felt grateful for it somehow, realizing the person behind that voice, she smiled. Chaewon turned her head and gaze to the girl standing few feet away from her.

“Hitoma…”

“Hello, Chae” Hitomi paused and moved closer to the latter “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m good”

“Um,” Hitomi hesitates. “I apologized to what happened earlier.”

“You don’t have to,” Chaewon added. “Why do you always apologized for those men?” She paused. “Please, don’t apologized for something you’re not accountable for, okay?” She said, motioning Hitomi to seat at the swing with her.

Realizing the gesture, Hitomi moved her feet and sat at the swing beside Chaewon. “Got it.”

“I should be the one apologizing…” Chaewon hesitates at first, but it. “I shouldn’t have done that, provoking Jaehwan and almost started a fight. That was uncalled for.” She hang hear head low because she realized how dumb she is. That was not so her. If she didn’t resist herself, she might be fighting with Jaehwan right now.

“Like you said, you don’t have to apologize for things you’re not accountable for. Jaehwan is just being an again,” Hitomi paused and turned her head to Chaewon. She reached for the girl’s cheeks and caress it gently. “It’s not your fault, Chaewon-ah.”

The moment Chaewon felt Hitomi’s warmth from her cheeks, it sends electricity to her body, almost made her froze on her spot. She continue to stare at the latter’s eyes, not breaking any contact.

“Your eyes…” She paused. “It’s so pretty…”

She saw how Hitomi’s face light up by that, but she’s not finish.

“I like it,” Chaewon paused. "I like you..." She confessed, without hesitation, bravely this time.

At first, it still hasn’t registered to Hitomi so she asked again. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I like you, Hitomi.”

Maybe it’s the effect of alcohol that’s why she finally have the courage of confessing to her crush, or maybe it’s the way how the night is just so perfect that all of her feelings that she’s been hiding away deep within her, bubbled up and finally exploded. Somehow, she still committed herself to it.

There’s no going back.

Chaewon stood up from the swing and softly invited Hitomi to do the same. Standing in front of each other, both hands slightly enclosed with one another, Chaewon gazed up to Hitomi’s deep brown eyes and let herself be drowned with all the emotions building-up inside her.

“I like you…,” She paused. “Since we were just sophomores, when I saw you dancing to Taylor Swift Shake it Off at the stage. You were so great that I just can’t help but to be captivated with your talent, so I took the leap.” She chuckled and pressed Hitomi’s hand softly. “I let myself be enamored with your intelligence, your personality and beauty. I didn’t hold myself even though I’ve got lots to risk. You are the university’s sweetheart, and I’m just one of the people who admired you from the corner. The chance of having you is almost like winning the lottery, hardly to happen…”

Without Chaewon’s knowledge, Hitomi is also panicking too. She didn’t expect this night to turn like this– Her crush (Yes, turns out like Minjoo, she always look out for Chaewon too), Chaewon is confessing to her. She wanted to slap herself but she have to let Chaewon finish her speech first.

“I know I’m not the kind of person you usually end up with…”

“Honestly, there might even a chance that this might even turn worse but…”

No. You’re doing well. Hitomi wordlessly said.

“Hitomi, if you give me a chance, I will do everything I can, the best that I can, to prove to you that even though I’m just the unpretentious, boring, nerd or whatever insults those -can-come-up-with kind of student…” Both of them chuckled.

Even in serious matter, your dorkiness still shows. What do I have to do with you, Chaewon-ah? Hitomi thought.

“Even though I’m just that kind of person, I’m willing to improve myself each day to be the better person just for you,” She added. “And be the one who deserved your love…”

For a second there, Chaewon wanted to dig a grave and throw herself there because Hitomi is not responding. She’s just looking at her with this kind of stare that she can’t decipher. Knew this would happen. Silly me for hoping for more.

Her face turned crestfallen, head hang low, and was about to retreat her hand when she felt a soft tugged from the other.

“If there’s a person who could say who deserve me, it’s myself Chaewon” She paused.

“And I choose you.” She said, softly.

Chaewon raised her head and looked to Hitomi’s eyes once again.

“Because I like you too…”

Despite being away from the party and being alone in the playground, Chaewon is not sure about what she heard. “Come again?”

Hitomi flashed a smile at her and almost rolled her eyes out. “I said, I like you too, you silly human being” She said and lightly booped Chaewon’s nose.

Holy mother of Mint Chocolate!

“For real?!”

“Yes” Hitomi chuckled.

“How the fuc– I mean, why?!”

“What do you mean?”

“Why do you like me?!” Chaewon asked, loudly.

Hitomi can’t help but to blushed with Chaewon’s question. Why does she even like this person?

“Well, you are undeniably smart. You are also hardworking, persevere and strong-willed. I can see it from the way you always seems to carry a book whenever you go, making sure to feed that beautiful brain of yours. You are also kind and considerate that even though your friend’s are already teasing you, you just let them be. You are so clever. Your humor is just my style,” She paused. “I love how complex you are. I like how your brain works that every time you answers our professor’s question, I can’t help but to be in trance by you. I like how you stand up for those arounds you. Like how you defend Chuu from getting bullied by Hyunjin’s gang and you did it again when they almost fought with Yujin” She stated.

Hitomi reached for Chaewon’s hands again and hold it tightly. “I probably like everything about you and I never regret anything of it because you were worth it, Chaewon” She confessed. “No matter what everyone says… I personally think you already deserve me”

Yet again, Chaewon can almost feel that she will faint any moment now but she get a hold of herself. That’s like the worse way to ruin this beautiful moment so with her whole will, she stayed grounded. With tears piling up from her tear ducts, Chaewon let it all flow across her cheeks.

The moment it happened, Hitomi immediately cradle Chaewon on her arms. “Don’t cry…” She added. “Because I might cry too and that’s just not cute” Chaewon chuckled at that. She embraced the latter back and embrace her closely. Minutes had passed, they both decided to unclasped from the hug.

Intimate and cozy, the moment they are having right now, the cheerleader felt the sudden closeness a little bit joyful. And the architectural student, with all the courage she have, lay a soft kissed at Hitomi’s forehead.

“Thank you…” She paused, taking a breather. “For giving me a chance.”

Hitomi could only smile widely and a huge amount of relief flow through her body. Finally. She succumb to Chaewon’s warmth again, which the latter delightedly gave.

Never knew someone’s warmth could ever feel this safe.

ꟷ

Weeks had passed after that fateful event when Chaewon and Hitomi professed their affection towards each other. Just like them, Yujin and Minjoo got together at that night too, making their squad a whole new group together.

Right now, the couple decided to have a date at the café nearby the Han River, where they can paint and draw. The canvasses, sketch pad and paints are provided by the café, making Chaewon smiled because this is her favorite hobby. Art. Being an architectural student, she have more knowledge to it than Hitomi, who is currently struggling right now just to draw a bicycle.

“Babe,” Chaewon called. “I’m curious. You never told me about what happened to you with Jaehwan the night I confessed to you” She added. “After that night, he never attempted to get close to you again.”

“Beside the fact that I told him that very night that I like you, our relationship status got spread to the whole school as fast as sonic that day. So I don’t think he still have the audacity to approach me again” She said, albeit super focused with the art she’s currently making.

“Really?” She gasped.

“Yes. Now, stop talking to me. It's distracting.” She said, threateningly.

“You know what, there’s no hope for you to bicycle,” She paused, and then laughed. “Let’s start with basic. How about an apple huh?”

“You rude- Ugh!” Hitomi sighed, without forgetting to glare at her girlfriend. “But okay.”

Chaewon picked up the iPad they are currently using as the guide. “How about this one?” She shows a simple normal red apple.

“Okay, let’s do that.”

After 30 minutes of sketching, Hitomi can feel that Chaewon is not drawing anymore. She’s just looking at her, with pure adoration in her eyes.

“You are done, already?”

“Uhuh”

“Let me see” She demanded and get the sketch pad from Chaewon’s hand. When she saw the drawing in Chaewon’s pad, confusion painted on her face.

“What’s this? Why my face is here?” She asked.

“Well, you are the apple of my eye…” Chaewon paused, then flashed a silly smile. “Aren’t you?” She asked with raised eyebrows, slightly giggling.

Because of her girlfriend’s greasiness, she unintentionally smacked her with sketch pad. “You little… Did you intentionally insult my last drawing so you could pull this trick?” She asked angrily although her face is really red because of kilig.

Chaewon reached for Hitomi’s hand and lay a butterfly kiss upon it. “Maybe…” She winked at her girlfriend, who rolled her eyes but end up smiling widely anyway…

God, I like you so much.

 

THE END