Trying to catch her breath as she watches the older girl who was reaching for her phone. Both were unaware as to what time it was but they’re both sure that it was already past midnight.

“Yah isn't it your treat today?” She lightly nudged the older who glanced at her. “Oh right I forgot, what do you want?” She sat up while looking around the room to find her clothes that was probably thrown somewhere. Chaewon rolled her eyes as she rested her head further on the pillows, feeling the sleepiness hitting her but just as she was about to fall asleep, she felt Yena poking her .

“What do you want??” Yena asked again and without even glancing at her Chaewon mumbled,

“Mint choco.”

“Mint choco after that ?” Yena joked and even with her eyes closed Chaewon could tell that Yena had that eating grin that she always wanted to kiss.

“ off Yena.” Hearing Yena giggle made Chaewon's heart skip a beat, she felt giddy just by the sound of Yena’s laugh, but she soon frowned as soon as she realized that this feeling was not right. She had remembered that there was nothing special going on with them and that she shouldn’t except much. Finally allowing herself to fall asleep, she didn’t notice that Yena was still talking to her.

“You don’t mind if I’ll treat you later? I apparently have to meet Chaeyeon right now to practice another choreo and she’s telling me to hurry.” Expecting an answer, Yena was confused and glanced at Chaewon. That was when she had realized that the younger had already fallen asleep. She can’t help but smile fondly as she fixed the blankets and made sure that Chaewon wasn’t feeling cold.

Once that was settled, she stood up and hurriedly picked up her clothes and wore them before grabbing her bag that was near her shoes.

“Sleep well, Chaewon.” Yena bid her goodbyes while wearing her shoes and leaving the apartment and not forgetting to lock it.

What Chaewon doesn’t know is the fact that Yena wants something more than this, more than just being friends with benefits.

Their relationship is confusing. They seem like they're dating but the next thing you know they would act like strangers. They would be seen flirting, sometimes would be seen holding hands or go on dates but what confuses people is that the next day or the next few days there would be no greetings from each other. When they see each other at the university, they both would look away and proceed their day without any sort of interaction. Things between them would just grow silent even if one of them wants to approach the other.

The only time where they stop acting like strangers is when Yena messages Chaewon a simple:

I'm outside your place right now. Can I come in?

Or when Chaewon messages Yena a:

can you come over right now?

That message alone was enough for Chaewon to set aside the fact that she wanted something more with Yena. It seemed as though this was enough and Chaewon hates it. She hates how seeing the older on top of her was all it took for her to ignore her thoughts that are telling her to say no or to end whatever this is. She hates how she would find herself listening to what the older tells her to do. She hates what she has with Yena and yet she does not want it to stop.

When seeing the message Yena would often be quick to get up and rush to where Chaewon is right now, despite her thoughts telling her that no matter how many times they would both end up doing it, it’s not going to change their relationship. The time does not seem to matter, what she just wants is to see Chaewon, to feel Chaewon’s touches, to hear Chaewon’s voice. She hates how seeing Chaewon in that state was enough to make her feel weak.

Falling asleep without the older next to her was nothing new. By the time she would wake up the older is already gone. The place would be a mess, her clothes are on the ground and sometimes Chaewon is left with Yena’s clothes.

Waking up earlier than the younger was nothing new. She was always in a hurry to leave since she would be late for her classes or when she realizes that she still has to meet up with group mates to discuss about a project or just has plans with her friends.

Today was different though. Waking up Chaewon was confused when she had noticed that she was fully clothed and that all the things that were dropped when they were trying to head to bed were back to its original places. What makes things even more confusing was the fact that Yena was beside her.

Noticing the hard stare that was coming from the younger, Yena eventually opened her eyes to find the younger staring.

“Morning.” She smiled and that was enough to send shivers down Chaewon’s spine as she watches Yena who closed her eyes once again. “Come on, I wanna go back to sleep.” Patting the empty space of the bed and waiting for Chaewon to lay down again, but was confused when she noticed that Chaewon was not moving at all.

Opening her eyes once again, she locked eyes with the younger and instantly noticed the change in her eyes. There was something she wanted and Yena knew what it was.
Chuckling before she pulled Chaewon into a kiss.

“Are you sure you want this? Isn’t it like what, 6 am?” Yena glanced at Chaewon’s wall clock before feeling Chaewon holding her chin.

“Oh just shut up, I know you want this too.” She whispered, her lips barely touching Yena’s as she continues to stare at her. Feeling Yena’s arms on her shoulder she noticed her smirk before switching the positions.

“Now, where did that confidence come from?” Yena teased while her hands s around Chaewon’s body. Yena’s touch was warm and gentle as if she was afraid that Chaewon would break easily. Chaewon failed to notice the adoration that was shown in Yena’s eyes and same goes with Yena who was oblivious of the things that Chaewon’s eyes were trying to say.

The kisses were soft, too soft that both had melted really quickly. The touches however were the opposite, it seemed rushed as if they would eventually run out of time, it was rough that Chaewon could not understand which to feel.

Chaewon wishes they could do this again but with them being together, as a couple and not just friends with benefits.

Yena wishes for the same thing, but was too afraid of ruin what they have now.

===

“What the .” Chaewon, although was still sleepy, couldn’t help but curse as she quickly sat up, glancing at the wall clock it was already 2 pm which meant that she was late for her afternoon classes. Quickly standing up and grabbing Yena’s clothes since it was the closest to her and rushed to the bathroom. She didn’t have time to prepare herself so all she could do was hide the marks that Yena had placed all over her and although it took her more that 20 minutes, she still made time to wear light makeup before rushing outside the bathroom.

Chaewon kept walking around the room grabbing her laptop and notebook and pens and shoving them inside her tote bag. Yena who woke up because of how loud the younger was, sat up looking confused.

“What time is it?” She asked and didn’t bother to check the wall clock.

“It’s currently, wait I don’t have time to answer that. Just check the time when you feel less sleepy.” Chaewon quickly ran towards the door and struggled to wear her shoes. “Why can’t you just skip classes and spend time with me?” Yena suggested as she stood up and grabbing Chaewon’s oversized shirt and wearing it.

“As much as I want to, I don’t want to watch my grades drop. Also, you have classes later.” Chaewon stood up once she had properly tied the shoe laces.

“I’m skipping this one, I’m still too sleepy.” Yena yawned as she hugged Chaewon from behind.

“Can’t you just come here to bed babe?” Yena whispered and it almost convinced Chaewon to given and skip classes but the sound of her phone was what took her back to reality. “Don’t call me babe, we’re not dating.” Chaewon hissed at Yena before answering the call.

Why did I say that?

You didn’t have to remind me that Chae..

Both were suddenly quiet as Chaewon’s phone continued to ring. Shaking her head Chaewon finally answered the call before closing the door.

“Hey min? Yeah? Will you lend me your notes after classes? Really? Thank god, I genuinely don’t know what I’d do without you.” Chaewon’s voice was muffled but Yena somehow managed to understand what she was saying. Opening the door, she peered through the door, and for some reason it pissed Yena off as she watched Chaewon running towards the elevator while laughing at something Minjoo probably told her.

“I genuinely do not know what I’d do without you she said, what am I?” Yena grumbled while rolling her eyes before closing and locking the door and went to Chaewon’s bed.

A long sigh escapes her lip as she hugs the pillow that Chaewon had used before leaving.

“Will we really stay as friends with benefits?” She questions as she closes her eyes.

===

Even though it was already 6 pm Yena hasn’t messaged her but knowing the older, Chaewon decided to just shrug it off and thought that maybe they were once again back to being ‘strangers’ and just waited for Yena to message her first.

While Chaewon was in the café with Minjoo she was thankful that Minjoo was willing to help her as she hands her notebook. She was glad that Minjoo’s notes were completed and was well organized so she was quick to understand the lessons that she missed.

“It’s very strange of you to be late, did something happen?” Minjoo asked while watching the older quickly writing down notes.

“Yeah something happened, traffic was just… you know.” Chaewon lied when in reality she was having a hard time covering all the marks that Yena left, cursing mentally she can’t help but grip her pen.

‘God I already told her not leave marks when will she learn?’

“Are you okay? Your pen is about to break…” Minjoo pointed and that was when Chaewon had noticed the pen was slightly bent.

“Yes, don’t worry I’m fine. I just remembered something that-”

Her phone had started ringing which had cut her off as she apologetically looked at Minjoo who understood, before she watched Chaewon stand up and go outside the café.

 

Well this is unexpected, why’d you call?

Where are you right now?

I’m at the café with Minjoo, why?

My apartment. Now.

Yena, not right now.

‘Huh..?’

That was the first time Chaewon disagreed with Yena. 

what did you just say?

I said, not right now. Did you not hear me?

I heard you loud and clear but why? You never disagree

Consider this the first time I disagreed then. I’m gonna go now, Minjoo is waiting.

What am I to you, Chaewon?

My friend but with benefits. Now I really need to go.

Can’t we be something mor-

Before Yena could finish her own sentence Chaewon had already dropped the call. This pissed the older, she sighed in defeat. Who was she to get mad? She knows that she shouldn’t even be attached since they are nothing but friends with benefits.

===

It’s been a week since that phone call. There weren’t any messages from Yena and although Chaewon was worried she knows that this was nothing new. The older often ignore her and would only call or message her when she wants something. She just wonders if they could even talk normally.

Although it has already been a week Yena could never bring herself to go to the university since she was scared to see Chaewon, but why would she be scared? She practically begged Chaeyeon to pass her projects and even begged Chaeyeon to let her copy her notes. When she would have no other choice but to go to school, she would see Chaewon with Minjoo.

Every. Single. Time.

This bothered Yena but once again, who was she to get mad?

“Ever since you started hanging out with Minjoo since last week we’ve been hanging out less. I hate to admit it but I miss you.” Yena whispered as she stared at the ceiling sighing as she decided to sleep it off.

‘We’ll be fine by tomorrow… I’ll make sure of it…’

To Yena’s classmates it was a surprise to see her, Yena rarely comes to the university nowadays and if she went to the university she would just sleep. Yena today was the opposite. She paid attention, wrote down notes to Chaeyeon’s surprise and even answered the teacher’s questions. Even the teachers were worried at her sudden change of behavior.

Hearing the bell ring Yena quickly packed all her things and ran to where the younger’s classes was at.

She just hoped that Chaewon was not with Minjoo or else she knows Chaewon would end up spending time with Minjoo.

Luck seems to be with her since she saw that Chaewon was alone. Sighing in relief as she locked eyes with Chaewon.

Chaewon who was just about to text Minjoo and asking where she was, was surprised to see Yena at her room’s door. She seemed to be out of air but tried to seem cool and not make it obvious.

“Whoa, what’s with you? Why are you here?” Chaewon asked as she walked towards Yena who was still catching her breath.

“I’m still a student here, ssamu.” She nudged Chaewon and this made her giggle.

‘Just what are we?’

‘We’re nothing but friends with benefits.’

Sighing as she looked forward. “Say, you’ve been hanging out with Minjoo, is there something I should know?” Yena teased as they both went to where they usually hang out when given the chance, the rooftop.

“There’s nothing going on with me and Minjoo, she’s just tutoring me.” Chaewon answered while opening the door for Yena, who in response ruffled her hair.

“Just tutoring you?” Yena questioned her as she placed the brick that was beside the door that way they wouldn’t be locked out.

“God, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, just tutoring me. She’s too innocent for that.” Chaewon explained while settling herself down on Yena’s lap. It became a habit that every time they would come to the rooftop Chaewon would sit on Yena’s lap or sometimes it’s the other way around.

“Then will it be okay for me to do this?” Yena asked as she kissed Chaewon’s neck. Chaewon shivered when she felt Yena’s hands that were on her waist tighten.

“What’s up with you? First you surprisingly attended your classes, and even have complete notes, answered whatever questions your teacher had thrown and now you’re suddenly asking for me permission?” This time Chaewon faced Yena and waited for the older to answer her question.

Yena groaned since Chaewon had already found out about the things that she does not even do when she’s here at the university. “Just answer my question, is it okay if I do this?” Before Chaewon could ask as to what Yena was trying to say she suddenly bit down on Chaewon’s neck causing her to yelp.

“. You always do things without my permission because you know I’d agree.” Chaewon whispered but Yena couldn’t help but chuckle before resting her forehead against Chaewon. This was a new side of Yena that Chaewon could not help but fall for.

‘Stop confusing me, Yena.’

Was what Chaewon last thought before kissing Yena. “You better not do something more than this, we’re at school and at the rooftop too!” Chaewon warned, her lips hovering against Yena’s. Noticing the older nod, she smiled before crashing their lips again.

‘I missed this..’

‘I missed you..’

===

“Chaewon? Are you and Yena dating?” Choking on her ice cream as she looks at Minjoo. Disbelief written all over Chaewon’s features. “Where did you get that idea? Me and Yena? We’re just best friends.”

‘Just best friends… How tragic…’

Chaewon smiled but she fully knows that it was a bitter smile rather than a genuine smile. She felt bitter. She wanted more than whatever they have right now.

She wants to call Yena hers, be able to tell the older how much she likes her, be able to go on dates, be able to hold her hand and play with her hair. Frowning when realizing that they’ve already done those but it seemed like Chaewon was the only one thinking that it was something more than just two best friends hanging out.

“No, it’s just that, the other day, while I was looking for you to return your notebook, I saw you with Yena and I heard her call you babe?”

“Oh. She does that a lot but it doesn’t mean anything. It’s all platonic.” Chaewon felt her heart crack as she explained to Minjoo.

She wasn’t wrong though; they were just friends with benefits.

“If there’s nothing going on with you and Yena, then do you want to go on a date with me?”

“What.”

“You can say no if you want!” Minjoo looked away but it didn’t do much since Chaewon could still notice how flustered the younger was.

“Can you give me some time to think about it?” Was what Chaewon could only reply hiding the blush that crept up to her face.

Meanwhile while Yena and Chaeyeon were hanging out in the dance studio taking a break after a hard choreo, Yena could not stop checking her phone.

“I was wondering. Do you know Jo Yuri?” Chaeyeon asks as she hands Yena a bottle of water before sitting next to her.

“Jo Yuri? Like the music major?”

“Yeah her, she wanted your number but I disagreed.” Chaeyeon answered before setting aside her water bottle.

“Why though?” Yena asked before standing up and walking towards the speakers while thinking of what song to play next. “Beats me, she never told me the reason.” Chaeyeon was now behind her and looking at Yena’s phone and helping her pick the song. Once the song had started playing Chaeyeon went ahead and positioned her phone somewhere so she can record their dance but was confused when she realized Yuri had sent her a message.

“Oh? Speaking of Yuri, she just texted me and she said she’s outside the dance studio.” Chaeyeon glanced at the glass door and saw Yuri waving, Chaeyeon then pushed Yena and urging her to go talk to Yuri.

Sighing she left the dance studio and was now in front of Yuri who was holding onto something.

“Uhm, I’m sorry if I visited so suddenly.” She apologized while gripping the box that she was holding.

“Oh, don’t worry, we were taking a break anyways, so what brings you here?” Yena chuckled awkward and scratched her nape as well as fixing her cap.

“I was wondering if you would like to go out after your practice with Chaeyeon?” Yuri mumbled but because of how loud the studio was Yena failed to hear what the younger had said.

“Can you repeat that?” She asked.

“I made these for you, there are also some snacks there.” Yuri talked quickly that if Yena didn’t listen properly she would’ve missed it.

Before Yena could respond to what Yuri had just said she felt something on her hands and Yuri was now running away.

===

“So, someone asked me out-”

“Someone gave me a gift and snacks-”

They both spoke at the same time, Chaewon who did not bother to look behind as she continued to study and Yena who was laying down on Chaewon’s bed and was reading some book looked at her in confusion.

“And what did you say?” Yena asked forgetting that she was about to say something to the younger. She had placed down her book and was now focusing on Chaewon.

“I asked her if she could give me some time to think about it.”

“And will you go?” Yena who still hasn’t left the bed but instead just scooted closer.

“No..?”

“No..?” Yena repeated Chaewon’s answer, now she was even more confused. Although Yena had envied the person who somehow had the courage to ask Chaewon on a date, she knows that someday Chaewon would find someone and that person would be the reason as to why they both finally stopped this non-romantic relationship. It hurts but Yena has already prepared herself for that day.

Chaewon was worried. She wanted to tell Yena that the person she wanted to date was her and not Minjoo. Chaewon feels bad that she might have slightly used Minjoo to forget her feelings but it never seems to work since all she could think about was Yena.

“I don’t have any plans on accepting. Plus, there’s someone I like.” This time Chaewon had closed her notes and was now looking at Yena who sat at the edge of her bed.

Knowing that Chaewon likes someone Yena can’t help but smile bitterly. Seemed like someone had already won Chaewon’s heart and she knows it’s not her.

“Anyways you were going to say something, what was it?” Chaewon had opened her notebook once again but was still paying attention to what the older has to say.

“Oh right! Someone gave me these but I think it’s too much, do you want some?” Chaewon could feel Yena’s faint footsteps who was probably on her way to grab the gift that Yuri had given to her.

“What is it?” This time Chaewon’s notes were long forgotten as she walked towards where Yena was.

“Oh, just some chocolates.” Yena turned around and showed Chaewon the handful of chocolates while smiling brightly.

“Holy , that’s a lot of chocolate.” Chaewon mumbled and Yena chuckled before placing them inside the fridge.

“Yeah, but we’re not going to eat it right now. We still need to talk about this little crush of yours.” Yena teased before walking closer to Chaewon.

“What’s there to talk about?”

“Well, now that my little Chaewonnie has a crush what does she plan to do?” Yena asked while settling back to the bed.

“Help me practice my confession?” Chaewon suggested, it was a random suggestion but she knew she could not take back her words.

Expecting Yena to disagree she was surprised when the older giggled before nodding her head.

“Anything for you, ssamu.” Yena beamed while patting her lap, silently telling Chaewon to sit on her lap.

“I’ll help you practice.” Yena whispered once Chaewon had perched on her lap. Pulling Chaewon closer and holding onto her waist as Chaewon rested her arms on Yena’s shoulders.

‘I’ll help you practice, even though it’s not me who you will be confessing to.’

“Do I start now?” Chaewon’s lips hovered on Yena’s while staring deeply into her eyes. She could notice how the older’s eyes had sparkled but didn’t give much thought as she finally kissed the older.
It seemed as though this had been their first kiss; the kiss was soft as always but so were the touches it was subtle and Chaewon felt herself sinking deeper and deeper. Pulling away for a moment she watches as Yena’s eyes made her feel safe and that she could possibly just melt if she stared way too long.

“I like you, Choi Yena.” Chaewon mumbled before kissing Yena hungrily the pace was starting to escalate that Yena had a hard time catching up.

This is for practice… Don’t expect too much…

Both wanting to pull away just to catch their breaths but it’s like they equally did not want that.

“I like you too, Kim Chaewon.” Yena said between kisses, she could feel Chaewon smile into the kiss before pushing Yena down to the soft mattress.

The air was warm, soft but at the same time the tension between them was high. Both were hungry for more not taking any breaks as each clothing were thrown somewhere.

“I really do like you, Chae.” Yena mumbled as she nuzzled closer to Chaewon’s neck before letting out a gasp when she knew what Chaewon was about to do.

“You’re the person I like Yen. I do hope you realize that.”

This was basically them throwing all their unspoken feelings and wished the other would realize.

Luckily, they both did. Although one was still a bit clueless and skeptical.

===

It was already morning, both still fast asleep and pulling the other closer as if they were afraid that they would disappear someday.

This time it was Chaewon who woke up first.

Yena was the one to wake up late.

To Chaewon’s surprise Yena was still deep in sleep, Chaewon could not help but smile before playing with Yena’s hair. “You’re so cute, Choi Yena.” Chaewon murmured before getting up to wear Yena’s clothes.

Thankfully they had no morning classes so no one had to rush out of bed and grab the other’s clothes. Leaving her room as she went to the kitchen and looked for food. She just went with cooking scrambled eggs, although Chaewon skill in cooking is questionable, she still knew how to cook a basic breakfast.

Waking up to the smell of scrambled eggs and bacon, Yena sat up, her hair was disheveled and she was still feeling sleepy and wanted to sleep for the entire day, but it seemed as though her body decided to not listen as she found herself getting up to look for her clothes only to find out that Chaewon was wearing them.

Letting out a yawn as she decided to go through Chaewon’s closet before head to the kitchen.

Resting her forehead on Chaewon’s shoulder and holding her waist caused Chaewon to flinch “Morning, babe.” Yena’s morning voice will be the end of Chaewon as she shivered.

“Good morning to you too, go sit down I’m almost done.” Chaewon ushered her to the table and Yena shook her head.

“I like it here.” She admitted and Chaewon could not help but feel her cheeks flush as she tried focusing on the bacon that she was cooking. The sizzling sound of the bacon being cooked as well as Yena’s slow breathing was what Chaewon could hear and she wasn’t going to complain since Yena was warm, she feels at ease when the older holds her tightly.

“You surprisingly did not scold me for calling you babe, did something good happen this morning?” Yena spoke again just right after Chaewon turns off the stove.

“ did you forget?” Chaewon joked before putting the bacon and eggs on a plate and placing them down to the table.

“Forget what?” Yena’s hold on Chaewon loosened as she looked at Chaewon’s features. Not forgetting to admire the younger who locked eyes with her.

“That we both confessed last night, unless you really thought that, that was just practice.” That sentence alone had knocked out all of Yena’s sleepiness as she rubbed her eyes and pinched herself. Feeling the pain from that pinch she flinched and looked at Chaewon in disbelief.

“Wait wait wait hold on, I’m your crush?”

“I mean that’s what I said, correct?”

“But you said it was practice, I thought someone else was your-” A pair of lips was suddenly on hers as she staggered a bit before holding onto Chaewon’s waist. She was taken aback as to what happened as the younger pulled back before giggling at Yena.

“I like you, Choi Yena.” This time Yena’s eyes had widen and Chaewon was sure that she heard the older gasped.

“YOU CAN’T JUST SUDDENLY DO THAT!” Yena shook her head before playfully slapping Chaewon’s shoulders as the younger continued to laugh.

“You’re not going to say that you like me back?” Chaewon pouted and Yena couldn’t help but ruffle the younger’s hair.

“I like you too, Kim Chaewon.”

“Let’s eat breakfast and head to school early, yeah?”

“Yes ma’am!”