"Why does it have to be that day of all days?"

"Look," Kwan approached his saddened girlfriend and held her hands, "I know it's supposed to be a day for us to be together... and of course, I hate it too, but I'll be back the next day and we'll make it even better, I'll bring you cranberry juice."

Jihyo couldn't resist Kwan's puppy eyes, as much as she would try to hide it. He always knew what to say even when he would mess up. And she really wanted some of that juice. "I'll be the only one alone."

"I'll force Mina to take care of you."

"Oh, please, you ain't going to bother my Chaeyoungie," Jihyo frowned. "I can," she sighed, "I'll be okay on my own and I won't miss you and-"

"Don't say that!" Kwan pouted.

Jihyo smiled and let go of his hands. "Stop whining."

"You were the one—" Kwan felt betrayed. "You—"

"Okay, I'll probably spend the day sleeping, thanks a lot."

"Don't be mad," Kwan whined again and surrounded Jihyo in a tight embrace. He was annoying like that. Jihyo loved it.

Valentine's day. As unfortunate as it was, this year they were not going to be together for it. It was okay. For Jihyo it was just another day, really, only it wasn't any more given the last few Valentine's days, Kwan has made her adore the date. He was just so thoughtful and considerate, she was so surprised the first time.

Now, he was not going to be there for the first time since they started dating and it , but Jihyo wanted to ignore it and go back to not caring about just a silly date. She could spend it with her friends, right? She could.

'only all of them are spending it with their own partners.' Jihyo thought. Which was great, you know? She was happy for everyone. Jeongyeon and Nayeon were as stable as ever, Sana and Tzuyu had their super nice cute thing going strong, Chaeyoung and Mina had their own place now, and even Dahyun and Momo were still together, which let's be honest, kind of amazed everyone given Dahyun's past self, no one would have thought Momo was the one. And it made Jihyo happy, it really did. But now, she was going to be alone and it was not going to be nice with an odd number.

'come on, Jihyo, deal with your lame problem.' she felt bad. Complaining about this silly problem when out there, there might be people dealing with real-life or death issues. She was privileged.

Still, Valentine's day came and it was sad. Indeed she could've spent the day just sleeping but that would've been sad too. They had all agreed to meet at a small cabin near the countryside, with lots of trees, fresh air, and even a small lake. 'and it's free so'

Tzuyu and Sana were loaded. They had rented the place and invited everyone for the day. That was the only requirement, it was for the day only. The couple was spending a couple more days there but the invitation for everyone else lasted only for the fourteen.

Kwan had been excited about finally grilling for everyone, they never let him, but he had not prevented work could get in the way. Neither had Jihyo and now, she had to spend the day surrounded by couples in love.

She could guess how things would flow. They all would probably try to cheer her up even if she didn't need it and she knew how every couple acted. Sana and Tzuyu are going to be worried about hosting and making sure everyone is comfortable, Nayeon and Jeongyeon are going to be doing their own things separately but looking so as a married couple without even trying—a talent if you ask Jihyo—and not far from them, Mina and Chaeyoung are going to look as if they are trying to not give up they only have eyes for each other but failing miserably and always catching glimpses and dreamy looks as if they had just gotten together. And of course, Dahyun and Momo are going to be hyping everyone up and probably convincing them all to turn their lovely grilling under the sun day to a party.

It was so clear in Jihyo's mind how everything was going to be like, that she was completely surprised when upon arriving, she noticed immediately how the atmosphere was odd.

She arrived a bit late, purposely to avoid all the fuss of organizing and greetings and looks of pity. She guessed by the time she got there, everything would be ready or about to, but not a single fire was lit, the table was not set, and everything was quiet.

'I must have gotten the wrong direction' but she didn't and she could see Jeongyeon's car parked. It was when she approached the cabin that finally she saw people.

"You're here!" Nayeon gave her a big smile as she approached her. "Hi."

"Hey, why is... why is everything so quiet?"

"Oh, we were just about to start the fire, come on," Nayeon talked a bit too fast, "leave what you brought over there," she pointed somewhere so fast Jihyo didn't see, "and we can—"

"Calm down, would you?" Jihyo held her shoulders. "What is it?"

Nayeon sighed. "Well, I'm trying to make this day better for everyone, I—"

"Why is nothing ready yet? I even took the long way here."

"Oh, so you didn't want to help, huh, I see, what a—"

"Nayeon."

"Okay," she sighed heavily again and pushed Jihyo a bit away from the cabin. "We got here earlier, you know Jeong and all, whatever, we brought Mina and Chaeyoung and the thing is," she used a hand mimicking for Jihyo to get closer and lowered her voice, "when we got here, we got to overhear Sana and..." she hesitated.

"Oh, come on, you love gossiping," Jihyo loved it too, to be fair, she was mad Nayeon was making such a big deal, "spit it out already."

"They were arguing," Nayeon said now more seriously. "Sana and Tzuyu. It was awkward, we tried to make everything normal and all, Chaeyoung distracted Tzuyu too but then, when we were about to start getting ready for real, Momo and Dahyun arrived and, oh boy, they for sure were fighting too, I swear I don't understand, is it the date?"

"What were they arguing about?" Now Jihyo wanted to know the details, but she was worried too, don't misunderstand her.

"Who?"

"Any of them."

"Right, well, Sana didn't say much and she's been trying to smile way to hard, it's creepy. I can only guess, from what little we heard, it has to do with family stuff." Nayeon smiled sadly and kept talking, "And I have no idea what's with Momo and Dahyun, but the difficult part is Dahyun, she has not said a word, as if that ever happens." Nayeon emphasized with big eyes. It's true, Dahyun not talking or making jokes, strange.

"Damn, okay, so, we have no couples for Valentine's day, wow."

"What do you mean? I'm still having a wonderful time in love." Nayeon smiled proudly and then frowned. "We have Mina and Chaeyoung, too. But I wouldn't be surprised if they fight anytime now, the negativity can be felt in this place, maybe Kwan not being here is best for you."

"I miss him." Jihyo frowned and pouted hearing Nayeon say his name.

"Oww," Nayeon rubbed Jihyo's shoulder. "I'm sorry, boo, I'll be with you today, alright? We'll keep you company."

"Thank you, I know it's just a date, you know, but I—" Jihyo stopped seeing Nayeon had raised her hand.

One by one she lowered her fingers until she formed a fist. "Five seconds was all you got to be sad about a man, I gave you a lot, come on, help me fix this mess."

'of course' Jihyo thought and shook her head with a tiny smile. Silly of her to think Nayeon was actually going to waste time talking about him. It was not personal, everyone knew Nayeon's unintentional misandrists ways. They all loved her like that.

Now, Jihyo had something to distract herself with. Fixing other couples. Or at least, you know, she could get all the gossip firsthand.

Finally, Nayeon allowed her to get inside. From the outside, the cabin looked quite small, but once she passed through the door it seemed so spacious and equipped. It had that rustic vibe expected proper of a place like that but it all also looked so... 'expensive, wow' Jihyo thought. The place had furniture everywhere but it looked right at the same time among many plants that reminded her of Chaeyoung and Minas's new apartment. An American-style kitchen by the corner, comfy sofas near a fireplace that was not working given the day was not as cold as January days, there was also a big tv on the wall resembling a panting, not altering with the whole vibe of browns and greens in the place. There was a set of tiny stairs, Jihyo didn't realize that from the outside but apparently, a master bedroom was on the second floor.

"Jihyo!" A tight embrace and a big smile suffocated her as she was astonished by her surroundings. "You're here," Sana pouted. "I thought you were going to ditch us without Kwan here—"

"Oh, she wouldn't dare," Nayeon interrupted slightly glaring at them. Jihyo just smiled and answered to Sana. It was true. The whole atmosphere was odd. Sana was indeed being way too cheerful, obviously faking it, and she had not even seen Tzuyu yet. Apparently, Chaeyoung was still distracting her or something.

"Hey," Mina's soft voice got to her ears when she approached her and Jeongyeon by the kitchen. They seemed fine, unlike Sana. Jihyo greeted them and caught up with what they were doing in order to prepare for lunch.

By the corner of her eye as she helped with everything she could see Sana bouncing up and down everywhere, cleaning things and giving her smiles if they made eye contact. It was not a nice view, she had to take her mind off whatever had happened.

"Hey, Sana," Jihyo started without taking her eyes off the vegetables she was cutting. A grin formed on her face. "Did you bring me chocolates? I'm lonely! You are the one I'd pick as a valentine." Jihyo had no partner, she could choose one of the girls, right? It was only fair.

Sana rushed to Jihyo's back, holding her shoulders and giggling close to her cheek, "Of course I did!" She said, while also leaving two affectionate kisses. Actually, Sana had bought something for everyone, but it worked to play along with Jihyo. "I'd pick you too."

"Ah— Excuse me?" Nayeon scoffed. "I mean, I know Jihyo has bad taste but— like, you would totally pick me."

Nayeon seemed serious about it, in her head, she was clearly everyone's options. Jihyo rolled her eyes, Sana gave her reasons, and Nayeon insisted.

Jeongyeon couldn't say she was surprised by her girlfriend fighting over such an important title such as being your friend's backup valentine. "Of course," she mumbled from her position in the kitchen, not participating in the debate. Mina caught her words and smiled softly glimpsing at her. Back in the apartment they shared, it was only a daily event to have Nayeon complaining about something with Chaeyoung and they would be the quiet ones expectorants, she learned Jeongyeon only interfered when needed.

The competition ended shortly after. It helped to entertain Sana a bit but it was only briefly. As they were laughing about it, the girls outside came back, among them, Tzuyu. Sana stopped laughing immediately and looked directly at her mad girlfriend who ignored her eyes completely and walked to great Jihyo.

Along with all the bad things in the world, Sana not smiling was easily in the top ten. Jihyo did not know what happened, no one did besides the rumor of having to do with family issues, but she purposely held Tzuyu a bit tighter.

After everyone remaining also greeted Jihyo, a tap on her shoulder let her know she had to go outside to help Jeongyeon.

"Grill time," Jeongyeon said. And Jihyo remembered her real valentine was not there. Smiling weakly for a second she shook her head and went outside.

It was simply beautiful. Fresh air, pine trees, all green, everything Jihyo had expected. The terrace had a wooden floor and roof. It was round-shaped and at the same time seats surrounded the place, in the center, there was a space for a fire, and the grill, where Jihyo was helping Jeongyeon, was in a space apart from the seats. A few meters from the terrace, a path led to a couple of hot tubs.

A few clouds surrounded the sky it was still warm and they were expecting colder weather for the afternoon so they settled everything to eat outside without problems except the big problem that was trying to eat all together with half the couples fighting.

They usually took seats beside their significant other, this time both Dahyun and Tzuyu used Chaeyoung and sat on each side, forbidding her to sit next to Mina, and just like that they were all in odd positions but still, they managed to make it less awkward by focusing on the food and their plans for later.

At least, the ones who weren't in a bad mood participated in the conversation. There was a lake, according to Sana's information. They were going to try and take a swim after lunch before the sun gets covered by clouds once again.

As much as Jihyo wanted to know the reason why half friends were arguing, she helped distract them and not ask the obvious questions or bring the topic out. She lamented there was no cranberry juice for lunch, though.

"Why cranberry?" Momo, who was not as silent as Dahyun or Tzuyu, asked after seeing Jihyo pout about the missing item.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "It is tasty, isn't it?" And Momo nodded finding it a reasonable answer.

It is what it is. That's what seemed to be on everyone's minds for the afternoon, there was nothing much to do to help if it was not their issue and the ones fighting didn't want to talk about it.

***

A splash and gasp for air were heard before an inviting, "Come here." Chaeyoung was having the time of her life swimming in the lake, the most she could until sunset. Her hands kept her floating by grabbing the deck on each side of Mina who was just sitting there, only wanting her feet wet.

"No, thank you," she patted Chaeyoung's head once almost afraid of the cold water but being affectionate.

"Pretty please," Chaeyoung insisted getting closer, keeping afloat by Mina's legs now.

Feeling the water drops and Chaeyoung cold hands on her, Mina recoiled a bit and complained, "It's cold! Stop."

"Let's warm it up, then," Chaeyoung suggested grinning, somehow managing to make Mina open her legs and lift her body above the water, pulling her and bringing them both back into the lake. Mina gave a little shriek, she should've seen that coming.

After having realized what had happened and recovered from the scare, she started complaining, hitting Chaeyoung's shoulders and throwing water at her.

"You little— How—? I will—" Mina couldn't finish any sentence as she kept complaining hearing Chaeyoung's laughter. "It's not funny!"

"Come on, is not that cold is it?" Chaeyoung moved her hands to Mina's waist and lowered them caressing her sides reaching her thighs and lifting her up so she could wrap her legs around her body. It was all seamlessly done given they were in the water. Chaeyoung buried her head in Mina's neck. "Much better," she mumbled.

Mina liked it. Of course, she liked being close to her girlfriend, even more, for the position they were in feeling Chaeyoung's cold lips lingering on her neck. Still, "Put me down."

"Why?" Chaeyoung asked letting go of Mina's thighs perceiving the serious tone of her voice.

Glancing to the side for a second, Mina made eye contact again. "You know why."

Following where Mina had looked, Chaeyoung blew raspberries and moved away from Mina's personal space. "Oh, please!" Even if everyone had tried to help the situation, Chaeyoung was tired. "If they are having a rough time it doesn't mean everyone should be too, like, why come here, then? I guess Sana and Tzuyu had no choice, they were not going to cancel the whole thing and Sana at least has the decency to try and be with us," Chaeyoung turned to them and added, "unlike Tzuyu who just disappeared and she— well, now, Dahyun seems... just fine, right?" Both Mina and Chaeyoung turned to the girl who had been taking laps ever since they got to the lake a few meters from the cabin. She was not fine. "You're probably doing it for Momo, right?"

In a way, Mina had glanced at her only. it worried her that half their friends were fighting but hey, Sana looked like she was handling it better and she knew Momo, the girl was probably hating everything about this day. Mina wondered how they even got there together.

"She's difficult, you know that."

"I do. I still want to hug my girlfriend on valentine's day, though," Chaeyoung remarked and got closer. "Don't worry, I talked to them, it's just— they'll be fine, come here." Lifting Mina's chin she stole a quick kiss and then dipped them both underwater. Mina quickly forgot about not being in love in front of them, distracted by how hot she found Chaeyoung whenever she would say things seriously and how she got close again.

***

"I hate love."

Drawing a card and rolling her eyes, Nayeon answered, "Yeah, awful." She was pissed. Not about the couples fighting but about not knowing why, she deserved to know if they were going to act like that, didn't she?

Momo, Sana, and her were playing cards by the shore. They didn't fancy swimming. Momo had been just staring at Mina and Chaeyoung, attracted by the little scream Mina let out at being dragged into the water. There was a time years ago when the way Momo looked at them was not okay, filled with envy and anger. Now, she was just being sulky.

"Cheer up, it's a day for love." Sana tried to help. She had been staring at the couple too, just didn't complain about it.

"So much love around here," Nayeon kept her sarcastic tone. "Just fix things, please or at least tell me—"

"Nothing's wrong," Sana interrupted. "Your turn."

Sighing, Nayeon kept playing and Momo stopped staring. Her attention was caught by Jeongyeon who was getting out of the water, lips blue. At that, Nayeon got up and trotted to wrapped a towel around her, drying her in her embrace. Hearing them exchange words of gratitude and affection, seeing the cute loving scene, Momo could only groan and threw her cards aside, giving up the game. As the couple walked away, she was about to go too, but Dahyun got out of the water too and Momo hesitated. Maybe she could do the same, maybe Dahyun was not as mad.

Maybe... she could try. Getting up more quickly than intended, she caught Dahyun's eyes awkwardly and coughed. "Uh, here," she said. She didn't have the courage to dry her tenderly as Nayeon had done, but she had enough to offer her a towel.

Dahyun broke eye contact but took the long cloth and mumbled thanks before disappearing for the cabin. Nothing had changed.

***

What was supposed to be a great day of sharing and laughing was turning out to be just a day of being bored and uncomfortable, which was not something they felt much around each other at all. Without Dahyun to make them laugh or Sana for that matter, Jeongyeon felt it was her mission to make everything go smoother before anyone would explode. The sun was already setting and all the girls were gathered by her around the fire she lit seamlessly.

"Okay, everyone, we'll be making smores, here's everything." Jeongyeon got to her own seat with a bowl full of all the supplies and a big smile. "Pass them out."

It was by far the most at ease they had been. Maybe because the day was coming to an end and they would leave soon, that way it was easier to be in a mood. Moonlight, the sound of the fire, crickets, fresh cold air, blankets, and food. It was perfect if you forgot about how half of them couldn't speak to each other.

They talked about a bit of everything, work, family, their plans for tomorrow... it was decent enough until it wasn't. What triggered everything was the plot of a drama. Trying to look for common grounds and all, Jihyo remembered the last episode of the drama she had been commenting about with Sana, it turns out Nayeon was seeing it too and they were telling the other girls about it, that until Dahyun felt more like she was living the drama.

"And so after the accident," Jihyo continued, "everyone was doing okay, you know, she took care of him, he recovered but then there was this audio going around and it got out that he had been cheating on her for months."

"Hey, that's a spoiler!" Nayeon complained.

But Jeongyeon patted her shoulder. "It's not, bunny, we saw that last time, you fell asleep." Nayeon made a face of realization and kept burning her marshmallow.

"With their own friend? That ," Momo frowned. She, like everyone, was quite into Jihyo's narration.

What no one expected were Dahyun's first words of the day. "Wouldn't you know that?"

Everyone went silent. Nayeon's marshmallow caught fire. Momo got red immediately and even Dahyun seemed taken aback by her own words.

"I— Dahyunnie," Momo tried softly. "Let's talk about it somewhere else."

"Cheating? Momo?" Nayeon whispered awfully as if only Jeongyeon could hear her. "I was beating on Dahyun."

"Bunny!" Jeongyeon whispered loudly too with a reproaching tone.

"It's a joke!" Nayeon dumped her marshmallow into the fire, too burned to be safe.

As if she had not heard anything, and still with a feeling of embarrassment and surprise to be feeling this mad, Dahyun kept talking, "Why should we? Is it something you're ashamed of now?"

To say everyone was shocked was an understatement. Nayeon had played in her head with many possibilities but cheating? That's low.

Sana, who was next to Dahyun, tried to hold her arm reassuringly and added, "Hey now, why don't we just take it easy?"

Everyone seemed to nod silently at Sana's words but just like Jeongyeon had expected, everything had been building up along the day. "'Cause that's just what you always do, isn't it?" Tzuyu scoffed at Sana's words and got up all of a sudden, making Sana get up too. "Nothing's serious for you."

"That's— Tzuyu, please," Sana's voice broke and for some reason, no one was doing anything. It seemed so surreal but real, so real it hurt. "It's not fair."

"Why the hell not? Why are we even here? I'll just go," Tzuyu talked firmly, but her hands were shaking. "It doesn't matter anyway."

"Tzuyu, no, wait—" Sana walked trying to stop her, but Dahyun held her steady, getting up too. "Let go."

"No," Dahyun said coldly, which was not nice to hear from her, even less to Sana. "She's mad, she has the right to—"

"That's not really how it works, being mad is not an excuse to act however you like." Momo weirdly enough stopped Tzuyu from leaving and directed her words at Dahyun, who had her cheeks burning red. "I didn't cheat on you!"

"You keep saying that yet I still don't have an explanation for those texts!"

"Oh for 's sake," Chaeyoung exclaimed and got up too, tired of this whole drama ever since she got to the cabin. "You're all making me mad, for real, I've had it!" Chaeyoung was never the one to scream or complain much, but she sure hated seeing her friends arguing over stupid things because she knew how stupid it was. "Tzuyu, I'm so sorry for breaking your trust but this is ridiculous— I— Sana," Chaeyoung turned to her and she seemed almost afraid of whatever Chaeyoung had to say, "I know you guys argued, the issue is that Tzuyu thinks and feels she is the reason you don't want her to meet your parents."

The moment the words clicked in Sana's head, she seemed terrified. "Oh, honey, is that really what you think?" Sana stopped looking at Chaeyoung and walked to Tzuyu immediately. Tzuyu gulped and nodded slowly. "Of course not, it's not— It's never you— I— I'm sorry that I might seem everything look like it's not a big deal... I— it's not you, it's never you, you could never be the issue, ever," Sana reassured Tzuyu with fear in her voice.

"But it's been years," Tzuyu whispered looking down.

"No, honey," Sana cried and held Tzuyu in a tight embrace. Tzuyu didn't stop her, instead, hid in her neck, feeling so lost and tiny but glad that Sana was there to put her mind at ease. She knew they both needed to talk again, this time without yelling.

"Great!" Chaeyoung interrupted their moment and said, "That makes one, now, Dahyun." Chaeyoung moved closer to her and grabbed her shoulders looking for her eyes. "Do you really think she could cheat on you?"

For a second, Dahyun really thought about it. "It's not about what I think, its—"

"About what you saw, okay," Chaeyoung nodded and turned to Momo. "Please, it's getting ridiculous, you need to tell her."

"Oh my god," Nayeon who had been in silence jumped in. "Was it with Chaeyoung? Again!?"

"What'd you mean again?! I— damn it, Nayeonnie, I'm being serious, the only one trying to fix the mess, don't help."

"Well, it's not the first time you get into a misunderstanding involving Momo and another cute girl." Seeing Chaeyoung get worked up about it all, was fun. Even if for a moment the tension had been high and all, Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Mina giggled too at Nayeon's joke and at Chaeyoung's red cheeks.

"It wasn't me!"

"Oh, so there's is someone?" Jihyo frowned at Momo.

"No, god, no," Momo shook her hands desperately. "There's no one," she said and looked directly at Dahyun. "It couldn't be, not ever, no one but you."

"It clearly said," Dahyun bit her lip almost in pain for remembering, "and I quote, it will break her heart if she knows soon."

"Dahyunnie—"

"And you misspelled heart," Dahyun blinked a tear away. No one was joking anymore. But Chaeyoung rolled her eyes.

"It's a party!" Chaeyoung announced.

"Baby," Mina whispered, worried about her girlfriend's sanity. "It's not anymore."

"No, I mean— The texts, Dahyun, come on, she is not cheating on you, she is planning your birthday party at that place."

Momo opened to talk, almost wanting to stop Chaeyoung but it was too late, she lowered her gaze looking defeated.

"Didn't recall Dahyun as one to read your texts," Jeongyeon commented still hanging out on the other part.

"I'm not," Dahyun defended herself. "But it had been weeks since—"

"The exclusive one," Momo said slowly. "The paintball you talked to me about."

"With the—"

"Yeah," Momo nodded completely sad about having lost everything she had been keeping up for days.

"And you were—"

"Booking a date, yes, I have a friend that knows a friend who works there and the agenda it's pretty full and—"

"Oh god, oh no, it did break my heart!" Dahyun whined using her usual voice that everyone had missed today.

"You love surprises," Momo got the issue, and seemed as she perfectly knew what would be Dahyun's reaction upon knowing.

"I love surprises!" Dahyun pouted and wiped her tears away.

"Okay, good," Chaeyoung sighed and plopped next to Mina who started rubbing her back.

"That was intense," Nayeon said.

"Thank you, Chaeyoungie," Jihyo smiled at her.

"What? for not keeping private conversations to herself? Come on, why didn't you tell me?" Nayeon sulked to both Momo and Tzuyu who just looked away.

It was getting late and everyone knew it was better to leave Sana and Tzuyu alone to talk about it, besides, everyone needed some alone time now. They were relieved the bigger problem had been solved but it had been a stressful day either way. They said goodbye and got on their respective cars parked in the driveway.

"Please don't fight again," Nayeon said through the window at Sana and Tzuyu. "Unless, you know, you're into some stu—"

"Okay bye! Drive safely!" Tzuyu waved goodbye and pressured Jeongyeon to start the car. Nayeon frowned and used two fingers to point at her eyes and then at Tzuyu as she disappeared through the gate.

Tzuyu sighed. It was difficult to be alone with Sana right now. Even if they had sort of stopped the fighting, she was hurt. So she walked back inside alone. Sana let her, there was no use in pressuring things.

The stars looked pretty that night, from where they were, without the city lights, the sky looked way better. Tzuyu had been admiring them for a while, sitting in the hot tube, letting the bubbles take away her sadness. In a way, she was expecting Sana to join her, it took her a while, but she did.

"Can I get in?"

"Okay," Tzuyu said softly, for some reason getting nervous.

Sana folded her towel before getting in front of Tzuyu carefully not to slip. She kept her distance on purpose but she looked for her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said.

Tzuyu looked down at her hands under water blurred by bubbles and sighed. "I guess I— I guess it's my fault to think so little of me."

"It's not," Sana said tenderly. "You were right, I know how... I know how I try to make everything seem okay and sometimes I'm not okay or... "

Tzuyu looked up when Sana didn't keep going. She moved across the tiny space separating them and hugged her wrapping her arms around her shoulders. Sana was crying silently. Tzuyu didn't say anything, only started leaving kisses on Sana's temple reassuringly. Sana calmed like that little by little.

"You're not the problem, Tzuyu," Sana said when she stopped crying. "I just really don't like my parents... I ignore it most of the time, they give me money and stuff you know that. We talk on the phone regularly but— They... they don't know anything about me."

"Babe, It's okay, you don't have to talk about it now."

"No, it's okay, I should've told you sooner." Sana turned to Tzuyu and supported her head in the crook of Tzuyu's neck. "I don't like to talk about them because I'm fine like this, with you here, our friends, and them away. Maybe I'm being ungrateful, I really don't know, it's just— They uh, they are fine with me, I'm sure they love me... as long as I have abandoned my loving girls phase, which uh, I haven't," Sana chuckled bitterly. It broke Tzuyu's heart. "But they think I have and I feel that's better, Tzuyu," Sana turned to her again. "If they wouldn't disown me, I would totally introduce you to them as the most beautiful, loving, kind, sweet girlfriend ever."

And it broke Tzuyu's heart more. She didn't think about that before and only felt it was her fault. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I guess I— Have this confidence issues, the only reason I saw was me being not enough, I shouldn't have."

Sana smiled and held Tzuyu tighter. "It's okay, now, we talked about it, it's—"

"What you and I do," Tzuyu smiled and brushed her nose with her own. That's what they do. "How about we go inside and have a proper Valentine's without fighting?"

"Mhh," Sana considered. "I don't know, are you into any —"

"Oh, please." Tzuyu let go of Sana and got up to leave. "You hang out too much with Nayeon, really."

Sana giggled and got up too, cold air against her skin making her shake. "Hurry."

And Tzuyu did, they were fine now. They got inside to properly enjoy the date and exchange the gifts they had not had the chance to do earlier.

***

Maybe it was the date that brought so much trouble, maybe it was the pressure or who knows, really, but at least, they got through it. Momo and Dahyun talked about it in the car. It was not that hard once the truth was out thanks to Chaeyoung's outburst.

Dahyun felt awful about having spoiled her surprise, but she had been so insecure and worried. Momo would get out of the room to receive phone calls and she had seen her delete messages, she should've trusted her but it got to her. She felt so sorry and silly.

Momo felt a bit betrayed that everything got to that. But she was better now that Dahyun was not ignoring her. And since she felt defeated, Dahyun decided to cheer her up. They didn't live together... yet. But Dahyun was staying at her parents' house while looking for apartments and Momo was welcome anytime.

So she invited her tonight to have a better time than the one they had spent with the other girls. Once in Dahyun's room, already in their pajamas, they put together all the different chocolate boxes they had received from Sana and the ones they got for each other, they played to guess the flavors and put on some silly rom coms to laugh at straight couples. It was just what they needed, to laugh together.

When it was really late, with their bellies full of chocolate, they turned off the tv and got comfortable. "Hey," Dahyun whispered getting closer to Momo, laying on their sides. "I'm really sorry for having doubted you..."

Momo smiled weakly and felt grateful that Dahyun was apologizing, it did feel wrong to be doubted. "It's okay now."

"You sure?" Dahyun cuddled closer looking for Momo's eyes.

"Yeah," Momo breathed out a bit distracted by her closeness. Dahyun leaned to connect their lips softly. They had not kissed during the whole day, it felt like a big weight had been lifted from them.

Dahyun took her time nibbling on Momo's lips, softly and slowly. "You taste like chocolate," she said moving away a bit.

"Do you like it?" Momo's heartbeat was fast, she wanted more kisses.

"I love it," Dahyun answered using a hand to Momo's hair and fix a strand of it behind her ear before kissing her again, this time asking for permission with her tongue which Momo allowed immediately letting out a little moan. They made out for quite a while before falling asleep holding each other. Despite being mocked by the other girls as the weakest couple, they loved each other deeply.

***

Maybe it was contagious after all, Chaeyoung was in a mood the whole car ride back home provided by Jeongyeon. The couple left Mina and Chaeyoung at their new apartment and drove off. Chaeyoung felt they could've spent the day better off alone but Mina insisted it was okay, sharing with them despite the misunderstandings. Besides, Mina had planned something for the night only, if they had not gone to the cabin, she didn't have other options.

"Well, I just really miss my bed, it was not relaxing hanging out with them," Chaeyoung complained for the last time after getting through the door, she missed the way Mina was fidgeting with her fingers.

"Baby," Mina said as Chaeyoung sighed and supported her head on her shoulder, Mina rubbed her back. "I got something for you."

"Mhh you didn't have to," Chaeyoung mumbled and lifted her head. "We said no gifts, now I feel bad."

"No, no," Mina hurried. "It works as a gift for the both of us, you'll see, come here," Mina smiled and pulled from Chaeyoung's hand, making her sit in their recently bought armchair. Their new apartment didn't have much furniture yet. "It'll help you to relax."

Chaeyoung smiled and watched as Mina looked for a gift bag. "Love, you really didn't have to."

"Just relax, it's not a big deal," Mina sounded suspiciously happy but Chaeyoung didn't think much about it, only accepted the bag and opened it immediately. "Candles," Mina clapped. "You love them, light them here I want to see them."

"Thank you," Chaeyoung took them out to sniff them. "Do you really want me to—"

"Yes," Mina said walking away for their bedroom. "All of them!" She raised her voice as she disappeared to the other room. Chaeyoung shrugged and obeyed. She loved candles after all so.

What she didn't expect was that Mina's gift was not really candles, and as she was lighting up the last one, her eyes caught something else. Mina. Walking out of their bedroom in completely different clothes, covered in a brand new beige silk robe, hair in a messy bun.

"Hey, you look—"

"Sit," Mina cut her off.

"Why shoul—"

"I told you to sit," Mina warned seriously. Chaeyoung's heartbeat increased and her mind could only imagine what was happening.

Once Chaeyoung had sat down, Mina didn't have to do much but put on the playlist she had prepared given Chaeyoung had already set the room by lighting candles and turning off the lights.

"You like this song, don't you?"

"I..."

"It's okay," Mina walked closer slowly, "just relax." And Chaeyoung couldn't say more, just stared, which really was all Mina expected.

Chaeyoung watched as Mina turned around and untied her robe letting it slip to the floor slowly, barely allowing Chaeyoung to recover from that, she let loose her hair, falling beautifully past her shoulders, swaying her hips to the slow beat of the music. Chaeyoung took a deep breath and finally realized what was happening completely.

Without her robe, Mina revealed a black two-piece lingerie set that Chaeyoung had never seen and it was kind of blowing her mind, looking from her girlfriend's shoulders and back to her long legs and 'damn' Chaeyoung thought. She didn't like to consider herself as a highly ual person, of course, Mina and she had regularly, she enjoyed it, she was sure Mina did too and they fooled around sometimes but this feeling right now was different and she felt really grateful to have a girlfriend with such a blessed . 'okay, okay, breathe' Chaeyoung remembered herself, but she kept staring, her lips without even realizing. Just when Mina turned around again.

"You like what you see?" Mina walked closer, circling the armchair, Chaeyoung bit her lip. "Your cheeks are red." Mina passed a hand over Chaeyoung's arm and stood behind her massaging her shoulders, she left a tiny kiss against Chaeyoung's left cheek. "I owed you this since... forever," Mina purred dangerously closed to Chaeyoung's ear. Getting lower she traced her fingertips all over Chaeyoung's upper body while ping her jacket. "Take it off." And as if magic, Chaeyoung did, quite fast, getting her back against the armchair in an instant. Mina smiled feeling content about her effects.

Still, from behind, she caressed Chaeyoung's neck and moved to her button-down, removing every button so slowly and once she got that done, she stood out again, walking in front of the armchair, she lowered her body and opened the undone blouse to each side, perfectly seeing how Chaeyoung's chest raised and fell steadily.

For a moment, Chaeyoung tried to touch Mina, but this one moved back immediately and shook her head. "Not yet." She got down again, while slowly using her hands to brush all of Chaeyoung's body until she reached her knees, spreading her legs open making Chaeyoung feel like her black skinny jeans shouldn't be there right now. But she bit her lip and kept staring as Mina started dancing to the rhythm once again, this time using her hands to trace her own body and hair, letting it fall messily every time.

Heaven. Chaeyoung was in heaven, she was sure. She felt her pulse quickening with every movement and she desperately wanted Mina closer. And Mina got closer, just to get away again, never touching her, only grasping her legs sometimes. It was really maddening and she never had expected to feel like that.

So desperately wanting to touch, she tried again, this time reaching Mina's hip. But Mina grabbed her wrist at the contact. "I told you," she tried to sound serious but a smile slipped out finding Chaeyoung's desire cute, "to wait." Holding both wrists, she made Chaeyoung's wish a reality and got closer, on top of the armchair, straddling Chaeyoung but never releasing her wrists. "Better?" And Chaeyoung nodded eagerly. Mina positioned Chaeyoung's hands on each side of the armchair and trusted her to keep still as she let go of her wrists to hold the back of the chair and leaned down to blow hot air against Chaeyoung's neck.

"," Chaeyoung breathed out and made fists with her hands, she knew Mina was teasing her, she knew she needed to show control, which she could've sworn she had, really. Until now.

"Mhh," Mina brushed her nose against her neck and cheek. "Ready?"

"What?" Chaeyoung got lost for a second, not thinking properly by now, why would Mina ask her that? The answer came shortly when Mina started grinding her hips against her body along with the pace of the music but firmly, which was so so mind-blowing Chaeyoung moved her head up and held the armchair tightly.

That only gave Mina clear access to her neck. But she didn't kiss it, she used her tongue to trace from Chaeyoung's collarbone to her jawbone.

Chaeyoung tried to suppress a groan, that only encouraged Mina more, actually, making it harder for her to keep with the teasing. She took Chaeyoung's hands ad guided them to her hips. Chaeyoung gladly held them moving her head to catch Mina's eyes. She put pressure on it, helping Mina's steady movement. It made Mina feel so wanted to see Chaeyoung's eyes like that. It really was a gift for both of them.

Mina leaned closer to Chaeyoung's lips. They looked so kissable, but she needed to keep with the act. Chaeyoung as well knew she shouldn't act impulsively and try to kiss her, she knew Mina wouldn't allow it, so she resisted, only opening when Mina herself brushed her lips, but the kiss never came, only a bite to her lower lip that made her groan again holding Mina's hip tighter.

Smiling Mina grabbed Chaeyoung's hands again and guided her up, to the back of her bra, unclasping it so easily and leaving Chaeyoung's hands there, giving her permission to remove it. It took her a moment to realize she could, but she did, sliding it slowly to one side, both her hands cupped Mina's and they joined in a desperate kiss. The teasing was long forgotten.

The way Mina was humping Chaeyoung was taking all over her senses like never before. Breaking the kiss to catch their breaths, Chaeyoung asked, "Where did you learn this?"

"Google," Mina breathed out kissing her again. And Chaeyoung smiled against the kiss. 'of course' She thought. She loved her so much.

"I should've demanded this sooner," Chaeyoung talked again, leaving Mina's mouth to place kisses along her neck.

"Mhh," Mina said. "Happy Valentine's day."

"Love," Chaeyoung held Mina's tiny waist and talked close to her lips. "Let me take you to bed."

"Gladly," Mina nodded and got out of the armchair quite fast. Chaeyoung got up too letting her blouse fall while doing so. They got together to kiss again while walking backward. "Wait, wait," Mina stopped walking, catching her breath.

"What?"

"The candles, baby." Mina got out of Chaeyoung's hold and blew all the candles out quickly.

"God, what'd I do without you?"

Mina giggled and they resumed their eager steps. She had teased Chaeyoung so much, the moment Mina's head hit the pillow, she knew her girlfriend's name was going to leave the loudest that night.

***

She should've known better. Thinking the day would go as she had imagined, everyone acting the same, she should've known better. Of course, there was something new with her loved friends every time. She just had not expected that to be enduring couples with issues.

At least, as selfish as it sounds, she didn't get to see much love, making her task of not being with Kwan way easier. But she still missed him and driving back home alone was a bit depressing. The only thing that made it a bit better was that she stopped at a convenience store and among many other things she bought, she found cranberry juice.

Her surroundings felt gloomy. She got to her apartment and it felt gloomy. But she didn't want to feel that way, she was okay. But there was something bugging her and it was not the fact that she had been without her boyfriend for Valentine's day.

It was no the fact that she had bought too much food at the convenience store, or that she felt nervous with no apparent reason, or that she couldn't quite put a name to it until just when she felt the main door being unlocked and she knew it was him. She knew it was Kwan with a big smile, hoping to surprise her for getting back earlier than expected just when the clock was past midnight and it was another day and she knew just right what was bugging her.

"I missed you!" Kwan's arms wrapped her in a tight embrace and she could feel a lump forming in .

"I missed you too." That was true. She did. But now?

Kwan moved around as if it was his place leaving his things and groceries he bought. He had his own place but spent most of the time with Jihyo. They unofficially lived together. Jihyo couldn't hear what he was saying, she kept thinking about something else.

Then there was silence. "Sorry, what?"

"I said," Kwan caressed her cheek, "that I brought you cranberry juice." He handed her a bottle. It was just like the one she had got for herself and had barely drank.

And there was no point denying it as she felt her surroundings get blurry. "I got something for you too."

Kwan, oblivious to the way Jihyo was feeling but suspecting something was off, just followed her to their room, the juice forgotten. Kwan thought maybe he shouldn't have come sooner, maybe she had plans of being alone. Alone time was great, he thought, maybe he had done something wrong.

Maybe.

But Jihyo interrupted his thoughts handing him exactly the reason for her, minutes ago, unknown annoyance.

"This— this..."

Jihyo felt a ringing in her ears. She was ready for the worst outcome, that's what she wanted to believe. She is strong, she is a capable and independent woman. "Y— you know what that means right?"

"Uh," Kwan coughed and fixed his hair, visibly sweat going down his temple. "I— I mean, I always forget which one means—"

"It's positive," Jihyo said. "I'm pregnant."

And once she said it, for the first time said it since she had seen the two lines five minutes ago, it got all so much real. Uncomfortable. She was not sure how to react, how Kwan would react. What it meant.

Just as she felt tears down her cheeks, Kwan let out a dry laugh. "Ah— I mean, this— this, you, you, uh..." He nervously looked at it again and then at Jihyo. That's when he realized the tears. "Oh, no, no, no, babe, don't— don't cry, babe, we—" Kwan smiled wide and hugged her. "This is amazing!"

Jihyo couldn't hug him back, she felt so confused and lost. "You really think so?"

"Of course I think so!" Kwan made eye contact and then got on his knees. "Oh, god, I'm gonna be a daddy." He supported his head softly on Jihyo's belly and mumbled again, "I'm gonna be a daddy."

And the seconds passed and Jihyo kept crying but not afraid anymore. She had him. They were going to be fine. Everything was going to be fine. "Y— you're gonna be a daddy," she said between sobs.

"Hey, hey," he got up and cupped Jihyo's face, "I'm here, I won't go anywhere, I'm right here with you." He left a long kiss on her forehead, Jihyo loved those. "I'm right here with you." He took her shaking hands and smiled.

"Oh, god," Jihyo sobbed louder, not understanding how she got so lucky, "I love you so much," she let out again interrupted by her own sobs.

"I love you more," Kwan kissed her head bringing her closer to his chest and allowing her to cry there. Jihyo was convinced Kwan's embrace was the safest place on earth. Ans she was sure their baby would agree soon enough. "I need to tell Mina," Kwan suddenly said after she had calmed down. "I need to—"

As much as Jihyo loved his enthusiasm she had to stop him. "You can't tell anyone yet, I'll book an appointment with my doctor, I need to know for sure and make sure everything's alright, then you can tell whomever you want."

"Know for sure? Are you taking my baby away already?" Kwan stopped hugging her and frowned acting all dramatic.

"You're being—"

"We'll go."

"What?"

"You said you'll go to the doctor, that's not happening, we'll go together."

And for some reason, maybe the hormones, Jihyo started crying again. She just couldn't understand how he made her feel so assured all the time. That day was probably Jihyo's most random day. But she ended in Kwan's arms and as confusing as everything felt, they were going to figure it out.

***

"You're going the other way."

"I'm going the right way."

"You are going to miss the turn."

"I'm going the right way," Jeongyeon insisted.

"No, you see, there is the...and you missed it," Nayeon sighed frustrated as they passed right next to their turn.

"Just sleep."

"Alright." Nayeon was too annoyed to complain, she closed her eyes and let Jeongyeon drive them back however she felt adequate. They had had a long day.

But when she felt the car stop, opening her eyes slightly, she could tell it made no sense. "Babe!" Nayeon whined. "This is not home."

"I know," Jeongyeon said with an entertained voice that made Nayeon wake up. How come her girlfriend was so full of energy? "Let's go."

"Where? Why?" Nayeon, instead, was just full of questions, it was testing Jeongyeon's patience. Still, she opened the door for her a held her hand.

Nayeon knew they weren't home but she had not realized exactly where they were until she got out. Scrunching her nose, she was confused. "Why would we even be here for?"

"It's an adventure," Jeongyeon grinned and held Nayeon's hand tighter to start walking. They were on the campus of the university they had graduated from. Where they used to live in the dorms. It was late, so there weren't many students wandering outside, they shouldn't be anyway, it was a weekday.

It gave Nayeon flashbacks that made her smile. Just feeling the atmosphere of the place while holding Jeongyeon's hand, especially at night. So she just followed her girlfriend that seemed in the mood for adventures. "Were you feeling nostalgic?" Nayeon smiled now feeling her sleepiness gone, too focused on watching the path they were going, one they had made many times before, the same trees, same benches, same broken bulbs.

"Does it make you reflect?" Jeongyeon stopped and held Nayeon close to her chest. "How far we've come."

"Mhh, yes," Nayeon hummed. "It makes me reflect... reflect on how you wouldn't even look at me! When we would walk at night to your dorm or mine, all I wanted was for you to do something!"

Jeongyeon chuckled at her, Nayeon was always complaining about her lack of confidence back then. But she is like that, she needs time to really consider things. No matter how much she wanted Nayeon, she needed to be sure. "But I eventually did, didn't I?"

"Foolish," Nayeon mumbled, burying her head deeper in Jeongyeon's neck. She smelled just like home. They stayed like that for a good minute, until Nayeon moved back. "We have to go."

"Not yet."

"We'll get kicked out."

"You know..." Jeongyeon started walking again, "the guards here don't really do their work, or else, we would've got kicked out before graduating."

Nayeon chuckled and kept walking, attracted by Jeongyeon's sudden confidence and playfulness.

"That's right."

"You know what else?" She said and Nayeon raised her eyebrows expectantly. "They never lock anything."

"Babe, no," Nayeon panicked and followed Jeongyeon faster.

"Why? Didn't think you were such a rule keeper," Jeongyeon kept mocking her and went inside a building. Nayeon felt nervous but it was exciting, she couldn't deny the feeling in the pit of her stomach felt great. Jeongyeon never broke any rules. "You liked it here?"

Nayeon looked around. They had got in their faculty. She had many good memories there, as well as some not very memorable. The ones with Jeongyeon, though, were perfect. "With you I did."

They kept walking, going up a set of stairs. The building had the lights off but the lights from outside came through the big windows and allowed them to walk without difficulty. They got to a classroom and Nayeon got in without paying attention to the number or anything. "How about here?"

Letting go of Jeongyeon's hand, she looked around the four walls. Taking steps to the back of the classroom, she admired everything from there. Moonlight illuminated half of Jeongyeon's face, who stayed at the front. "Here's where I met you." It all clicked in Nayeon's head.

Jeongyeon smiled wide and took a step forward. "It is." She got to the seats in the front row. "You were sitting somewhere near here... and you would be such a pain for the teacher."

"He wouldn't hear my recommendations!"

"He was almost seventy years old, he was not going to change his teaching methods just because of you."

"Worth a shot."

"And here," Jeongyeon walked closer in Nayeon's direction. "I was sitting here when I first saw you. I got to stare down at you like a fool."

"Aw, my fool," Nayeon softened. "Where you lovestruck in an instance."

"Mh," Jeongyeon doubted, "more like disgusted by such a chattering classmate."

"Yet you kept staring."

"I did," Jeongyeon confessed. "Like I'm looking right now."

Nayeon didn't say anything, just smiled fondly at her silly girlfriend. Those four walls kept in them their first exchange of words and glimpses. The truth is Nayeon caught Jeongyeon looking many times, she was not clueless.

"We should go."

But no one moved.

"Not yet." Jeongyeon walked closer and for unknown reasons, Nayeon's heart beat faster. She started going steps up, leading to where Nayeon was resting her back at the end of the room. "I got this... uh," That was the first time Nayeon saw her hesitating while being there, which was nothing if you know how Jeongyeon was with following rules, which they weren't, "this thing," she reached for her pants' back pocket and left her hand there, she was merely three steps away now, "I loved staring at you in this room even when you were being annoyingly loud or sometimes you would fall asleep, before getting close to you, I would like to think it was because you had had the time of your life the previous night and it lamely made me happy to think that you were happy, although, I also wanted to be there to see it or even more, make you happy myself." Jeongyeon moved her hand in a fist leaving it in front of them. When she turned her arm around, in the center of her opened palm, there was a shiny delicate ring. 

Jeongyeon was sure her girlfriend was thinking ways of complaining at her about having carried around such an item in her back pocket like it was nothing, but it was easier that way. Nayeon did think that. But she couldn't manage to say it. Or anything at all so Jeongyeon kept going, this time going directly for it, her prepared speech, taking a step forward, "I want to keep making you happy my whole life—"

"No, you didn't," Nayeon reacted seeing Jeongyeon getting closer. 

Jeongyeon ignored her, she needed to say it. "I know many people don't like the way I see you, the way we see—"

"No, you aren't," Nayeon kept letting out in disbelief, if Jeongyeon didn't know her girlfriend better, she would be surprised of seeing her interrupting such a moment with her expressions. 

"But nothing would make me feel more complete than—"

"You, fool!"

"Bunny, please, come on, I'm trying here." Jeongyeon got her patience tested enough. Given she was close enough, she took the ring with her index finger and thumb as she kneeled with one leg in front of her. 

Although, Nayeon couldn't stop herself from her shock state, "No, you can't!" 

"Im Nayeon—"

"No, you—!"

Jeongyeon sighed, perfectly knowing Nayeon was just voicing her inner thoughts, not really wanting her to stop so she finally said, "Im Nayeon, will you marry me?"