Soyeon could not sleep without someone holding her. This was a known fact in the group. Obviously, no one else but the girl’s and Soyeon’s parents knew, and the only reason the members were told was because they had to help the girl sleep.

Every night the members would take turns making sure the girl slept. All the members but Yuqi. Yuqi could not understand it for the life of her. She slept with Soyeon once (after begging for three weeks) only to no longer take part of the routine.

Yuqi was convinced it was because the leader hated her, and she could not stand it anymore. On camera she would tease Yuqi and off camera she would avoid the girl as much as possible. Yuqi was heartbroken by this. She had a crush on the older, okay, crush is a bit of an understatement.

Yuqi was in love with Soyeon. She had been since before they debuted. She thought she had a chance but after ‘Senorita’ was released the only time Soyeon spent with her was when they were on camera. That was why she became so clingy and confessed her love on camera.

It was the only time Soyeon would listen to her or act normally with her. She hated it and she could only really talk to Shuhua about it. She was the only one she could speak to privately (in their mother tongue) and the girl was sworn to secrecy.

Yuqi wondered many times whether she should confess to Soyeon or talk to her about what happened between them, but every time she would try the older would either ignore her or talk about their schedule. Yuqi would not admit to it, but she had cried most nights because of it.

None of the members knew how the treatment from the older was affecting Yuqi. When it happened Yuqi would brush it off and continue being her sunshine self. Only Shuhua saw the way Yuqi’s face dropped when she would turn away from the others.

Shuhua wanted to get involved but Yuqi had made her promise she would not talk to their leader. But Shuhua knew there was more to why Soyeon would ignore Yuqi. She could tell something was going on with their leader. The two were so close before, practically joined at the hip.

Yuqi was also the only one who could actually handle Soyeon when she was in a mood because Yuqi was unafraid of the woman’s glare. These days though Shuhua could tell that glare was breaking Yuqi to pieces.

Tonight, was Shuhua’s turn to watch over Soyeon. She was running late and was still at the company. She had a lesson but needed more practice, so she messaged Yuqi to let her know she had time. Yuqi wanted to convince Soyeon to let her help her tonight. It was always a no, but the girl did not want to give up.

Every night it happened this way, the girls would run a bit late and Yuqi would seize the chance to talk to Soyeon or convince her that Yuqi could help. Soyeon always turned her back to her and told her no.

Yuqi had promised herself that this was the last time. If she could not convince Soyeon tonight, then she would leave the woman alone for good and forget her feelings. She would give up on getting the leader to fall in love with her.

Yuqi made her way to the room and took a deep breath outside the door. She knocked softly and entered when she heard a soft, “come in.”

Soyeon looked at Yuqi with her eyes wide when she saw who it was. Yuqi just smiled shyly and fiddled with her hands in front of her. All the courage she had before was lost when she laid eyes on the beautiful woman. Soyeon had just dyed her hair a platinum silver and got extensions.

Yuqi thought she looked adorable and breathtakingly beautiful at the same time.

Yuqi cleared before she spoke, “um, Shuhua’s running late tonight. She had some stuff she had to do at the company. I could stay with you though. I mean, I don’t mind.”

Soyeon looked at the girl who was fiddling with her hands still looking at her feet, “It’s fine. I don’t mind waiting. I can get some more stuff done.”

Soyeon’s tone was cold, she never spoke to the others like this. Yuqi needed to know if she did something. What could she do to fix this? She could feel herself getting emotional, she took a breath to calm herself. She did not want to cry in front of Soyeon.

“What did I do?” Yuqi asked, this time looking at the woman who had got up from her seated position on the bed, “Did I hurt you? Because if I did, I am so sorry.”

Soyeon just turned away to move towards her desk, “You did nothing. Can you close the door on your way out?”

Soyeon did not hear a reply from the girl, and she did not hear her leaving so she turned around. Only to be met with eyes filled with tears. Soyeon froze, Yuqi had tears rolling down her cheeks as she sniffled. She wiped her eyes before looking at the older woman who was frozen in place.

“I don’t know why you hate me, but it’s okay. I will just leave you alone from now on, so you won’t have to worry. I will never bother you again.” Yuqi turned to leave in a hurry completely missing Soyeon calling her name.

Yuqi ran to Minnie’s room needing comfort. When the older woman was not there, she knew she was with Miyeon. Yuqi forgot they went on a secret date tonight. There was one person she could talk to though.

Yuqi put her shoes on and made her way to the other dorm. Tears were still rolling down her cheeks no matter how hard she tried to calm herself. When she reached the apartment, she entered the keycode and headed straight to Soojin’s room.

She knocked and waited for the girl to open. As soon as Soojin had opened the door she looked extremely confused by the crying girl.

“Can I stay with you tonight? Please?” Yuqi asked unable to look Soojin in the eye. The older was not stupid she knew Yuqi was here because of Soyeon. There walls were not thick and although she could not understand Shuhua and Yuqi’s conversations she could hear the girl’s sobs and the name ‘Soyeon’ in between them.

Soojin smiled at Yuqi sympathetically before pulling her inside and grabbing a spare set of pajamas for her. And by pajamas Soojin means some shorts and a large hoodie. She knew Yuqi would be more comfortable in that, and the girl loved to steal Miyeon’s from time to time. Yuqi smiled gratefully at Soojin before she got dressed as the other turned away.

Just as the two climbed into bed and Soojin held Yuqi, Yuqi heard her phone ping. She turned a bit and grabbed her phone to see it was Shuhua. She was asking if she could go to her own dorm and how it went. Yuqi typed in her reply before she turned her phone off and went to sleep with Soojin.

Shushu
How did it go?
Can I go home to Jinjin?

Giraffe
I’m done. I can’t do it anymore.
I’m at yours with Soojin. I will see you tomorrow.

~~~

Soyeon had never felt worse than she was feeling right now. The image of the crying girl leaving the dorm was stuck in her head on repeat. And the way she thought Soyeon hated her. God. Soyeon was beyond stupid. Soojin had texted to let her know the girl was with her.

A feeling of jealousy settled in the pit of her stomach when she thought of Yuqi cuddled up with Soojin. Soyeon could not feel like this, she was not allowed to.

Not after she pushed the girl away for so long. She hated it how the girl kept trying and when she declared she would stop Soyeon felt her heart stop. She did not want Yuqi to stop.

It was unfair of her, she knew. All of it was her fault because she could not control her feelings. She didn’t know how to be brave enough to say she loved her.

So, she did what she thought was best, she ran away from it. Hoping those feelings would disappear if Yuqi was not around as much anymore.

Soyeon did not want Yuqi staying with her because of the thoughts that ran through her mind when the younger stayed with her that night. She felt horrible about it later. She hated that she could not control the way her mind wandered when she felt Yuqi pressed against her.

The fact that Yuqi was wearing summer pajamas did not help her sinful mind either. She could not sleep when her mind was just filled with Yuqi and nothing else.

All she could think was how disgusted the younger would feel when she found out Soyeon loved her as more than a friend. That Soyeon wanted Yuqi in her bed every night, no one else. She thought about the girl every time she wrote a song.

Even when she denied it. Yuqi was the inspiration behind her music, mainly her love songs. Soyeon knew if the girl found out she would hate her anyway, so why wait for the inevitable heartbreak that was to come?

Soojin had spoken to her about her feelings before and told her she was ridiculous. Yuqi was more accepting than that, but Soyeon could not risk the girl looking at her with hatred in her eyes.

Soyeon tried to lay down and sleep. Her room was dark, and her mind was filled by Yuqi and all the guilt she held. Shuhua had come to say she could not stay with her tonight. She made some excuse, but Soyeon knew Yuqi had told her what happened.

The maknae had been rather quiet and cold around her lately. She understood why, but know she was regretting letting it get this far.

She would not sleep tonight, that she knew. So, she got up and sat at her desk as she wrote what came to her mind. Thoughts of Yuqi still lingering there and what she was going to do.

She had to make this right. Yuqi could not think she hated her. Soyeon would have to bury her feelings and make sure the younger knew how much Soyeon loved her, as a sister of course.

~~~

The next morning when Yuqi woke she was surrounded by warmth. She turned to see Shuhua had joined the two in the night. Yuqi should have just told the younger that she had chickened out.

That way Shuhua would not have abandoned Soyeon and now she would be even more worried about Yuqi than normal. Yuqi tried to move but stopped when she felt Soojin and Shuhua both move closer to her.

With a sigh Yuqi shook Soojin softly knowing she was easier to wake up than Shuhua. Soojin stirred before she fluttered her eyes open. Seeing that Yuqi was awake Soojin sat up to move off the bed. Yuqi sighed as she turned to see Shuhua who was now groaning at the loss of warmth.

Yuqi whispered to Soojin, “Thank you, for last night I mean. I was a wreck.”

Soojin smiled at the girl that had grown embarrassed, “It’s okay. If you need to talk, I’m here. We all are.”

Yuqi just nodded her head in thanks before Soojin continued, “You can borrow some clothes from me for practice.”

Yuqi looked at Soojin, “Thank you, unnie! You’re the best!” Yuqi said loudly causing Shuhua to stir once again.

Soojin giggled softly, “Go get something to eat, I’ll wake the baby.” Soojin passed some spare clothes to Yuqi, who now made her way to the bathroom across the hall to change.

Yuqi thought back to last night. Soyeon had not come after her or texted her to see where she was. That was enough for her to know it was time.

Time to give up. If she continued like this her heart would be so broken no one could fix it. Not even the one who had caused the damage.

Yuqi shook her head to clear her mind. She decided that from now on she would leave the older alone. She promised her last night. Yuqi finished changing and made her way to the kitchen in the dorm.

She reached up into the cupboard and grabbed some cereal and a bowl. As she was making her cereal, Miyeon came out her room. She was confused to see Yuqi there.

“Morning! Did you stay here last night?” Miyeon asked as she moved to make herself some coffee.

“Yeah, I wasn’t feeling too great, so I stayed with Soojin unnie.”

“Aaah, I see.”

“Unnie, do you want to swap dorms with me?” Yuqi suddenly asked as the two sat at the table.

“What? All of a sudden?” Miyeon was surprised, until it clicked. Soyeon had been acting cold towards the second youngest and she did not really understand why. Still Yuqi tried to gain back the affection of their leader.

“No, it’s just. I though you would want to stay with Minnie unnie. I don’t mind.” Yuqi said quietly. She was really hoping Miyeon would agree.

“No, don’t worry about it. We have our own schedule on sleeping arrangements. But I appreciate the thought.” Miyeon said softly to the girl. She did not want to get in between whatever happened with Yuqi and Soyeon.

“Oh, okay.”

Yuqi looked up when she heard Soojin and Shuhua coming their way.

“Let’s go we have a dance practice.” Soojin said while grabbing her stuff and putting her shoes on.

The four made their way to the car outside and headed to the company.

~~~

When the woman entered the practice room, they could feel tension. Yuqi kept her head down as she ignored Soyeon’s greeting.

The girls could tell Soyeon did not sleep last night as she was incredibly grumpy. As soon as their practice started Soyeon was in a bit of a mood. They all ignored it.

After two hours Soyeon, finally, suggested a break to get some water and a snack. Usually, Soyeon would sit with Soojin and ignore Yuqi who would pass her a water bottle.

This did not happen this time. Yuqi was already seated on her own against the wall. Soyeon pouted but made her way towards the younger.

Yuqi had her eyes closed as she rested her head against the wall. She felt someone sit next to her and a head rest on her shoulder.

“I’m fine, Shu. You can go back to your Jinjin.” Yuqi replied sleepily.

“I don’t want to go to Jinjin. I want to stay here.” Soyeon’s voice replied.

Yuqi’s eyes opened wide in shock as she looked next to her to see it was the small frame of their leader. Yuqi stiffened.

She had not had this much contact with Soyeon off camera before. Yuqi looked around to see if they were shooting anything. When she saw there was nothing, she looked at Soyeon again.

Soyeon could practically hear the confusion running through Yuqi’s head. Soyeon just smiled before she wrapped her arms around the younger and nuzzled her face even more into Yuqi’s shoulder.

Yuqi took a moment to collect herself. She could feel the stares from the others who were clearly just as surprised as she was.

Yuqi scoffed, this was unbelievable. As soon as she had given up, Soyeon decided to stop being so cold to her. Yuqi was not going to do this. She knew the woman would just go back to her old ways when Yuqi had forgiven her.

She hated that she was enjoying Soyeon’s warmth. She stood up quickly surprising the sleepy leader who fell when Yuqi stood.

Yuqi left the practice room while shouting, “Please call me when our break is over. I have some stuff to finish in my studio.”

Soyeon released a long sigh and hid her head in her hands. This was a disaster. Yuqi loved physical affection, even when she was angry or incredibly upset with the others. A simple gesture of affection usually eased the other and all was forgiven.

Soyeon knew it was not going to be that easy though. She had been cold to Yuqi for the last year and a half. The woman was not going to be so easily forgiven.

Shuhua saw the interaction between the two and made her way over to Soyeon. Shuhua could see Soyeon knew she ed up. She was still angry with the leader.

But there were always two sides to a story. Soyeon must have had a reason, no matter how dumb it was, she would not cut Yuqi off if she didn’t.

Shuhua sat down next to the leader, “You know, you kind of did this to yourself. Right?”

Soyeon looked at the maknae who was looking at her with a knowing look, “I’m well aware of that.”

Shuhua scoffed, “I don’t get it. You tell her to leave you alone all the time and now. When she has finally given up on trying. You try and reconcile. Do you know how much pain she has been going through? What the hell made you think it was, okay?” Shuhua had grown loud enough for the others to hear what they were discussing.

Soojin stepped forward to interfere before Shuhua said something she would regret, “Shuhua, that’s enough.”

Shuhua ignored Soojin as she waited for Soyeon to respond.

“I can’t tell you.” Soyeon answered Shuhua.

Shuhua grew angrier by Soyeon’s response. She was sick of all of it, “You can’t say. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! Do you know how many nights I had to comfort her, BECAUSE OF YOU!” Soyeon flinched at Shuhua’s tone of voice.

All the girls were shocked they had never seen the maknae rise her voice like this, especially with Soyeon. Shuhua always respected their leader.

Soojin was just as in shock. She hadn’t realized how all this had affected Shuhua, who had seen the pain her best friend had been enduring.

When Soyeon did not reply, Shuhua her heels and stormed out the practice room. All the members were still shocked by the events.

Minnie and Miyeon were slightly lost by the situation. They knew of the tension between Soyeon and Yuqi, but no one realized the effect of Soyeon’s coldness on the younger.

Soyeon stood while trying to hold back a sob, “Practice is over today.”

She left to go to her studio. She knew Yuqi was in pain, but to actually hear the pain she caused. God, Soyeon hated herself for it. Soyeon sat on her couch and held her head in her hands.

She would have to seriously think of how she was going to fix this. In fact, she was starting to wonder if she even could. Soyeon had gone too far in distancing herself, I mean Yuqi thought she hated her.

Soyeon had to fix this before it separated the group as well.

~~~

The days continued like this. Soyeon had been trying to get closer to Yuqi, but the girl was completely avoiding her. She could not blame her.

Every time She would attempt to talk to the girl, Yuqi would turn the other way. And every time it happened Soyeon felt a pain in her chest. She was finally starting to see the consequences of her actions.

Soyeon had started to spend her nights alone. She did not want any of the other members to stay with her anymore. Every night she asked if Yuqi would stay with her and every night she was rejected. She expected it.

It had taken a huge strain her though. The leader was exhausted, and it showed in the practice room and the recording studio. Not to mention her temper. The only person who had not been at the other end of it was Yuqi.

Soojin had tried to talk to Soyeon. The girl needed to sleep, but still Soyeon refused to stay with anyone but Yuqi. The girls were growing tired of it.

They had begged Yuqi to give in to the leader, but the girl was adamant. It was frustrating for the members as they were caught in the mess. it had been weeks of this continuous fight.

Yuqi had grown incredibly frustrated, and her mood was no better than Soyeon’s. She hated that the older was only trying to make up for it now. She was not going to let her manipulate her like that. Yuqi was not that naïve.

Still the others begged her to stay with Soyeon so the woman could get a decent sleep. Yuqi felt horrible the others were also caught in the fight, which is why she was on her way to Soyeon’s studio.

She was going to set it straight that she was never staying with the older. Soyeon would have to go back to her original routine.

Yuqi did not even knock first like how the members normally had to. She keyed in the code and went straight in. Soyeon turned to look at her in shock.

Not only because Yuqi had entered without knocking first but, also the younger had ignored her so adamantly the past few weeks that she did not expect Yuqi to approach her first.

Yuqi looked Soyeon straight in the eyes with a glare before she said what she had planned, “You can’t do this to yourself or the others anymore. Which is why Shuhua will be staying with you tonight.” Yuqi said it loud enough so Soyeon would hear her and then quickly turned to leave the room.

Before she could, she heard Soyeon, “No.”

Yuqi turned to the older with a glare, “No? seriously? You’re exhausted Soyeon. Your body can only handle the fatigue for so long and with the comeback coming up,” Yuqi sighed, “Just, please get some sleep.”

“Only if you stay with me.”

Yuqi closed her eyes and shook her head, “I cannot believe you. I offered to stay with you every night for the past few years. EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT! And now, when I promise to leave you alone you, what? What is it? I don’t understand you!” Yuqi was on the verge of crying from frustration.

Soyeon stood from her chair and moved towards Yuqi. She tried to take the younger’s hands, but Yuqi pulled away quickly.

With a slight pang in her heart Soyeon answered Yuqi, “I’m sorry, I should never have pushed you away the way I did. it was stupid, I was stupid. Please, I did not mean to hurt you the way I did. It’s just…” Soyeon trailed off before she could say anymore.

Yuqi looked at her, “It’s just, what? Soyeon, you don’t even give me an answer when I ask. You ignored me for more than a year! And you can’t even give me an answer to why!”

“You would hate me even more if I did,” Soyeon spoke softly.

“You don’t know that for sure. Whatever. I’m done. I tried to help the others.” Yuqi turned to move away again when she felt Soyeon back hug her. Yuqi froze at the contact.

“I’m sorry. I really don’t have a reasonable explanation but know that I am sorry. Please stay with me tonight.”

“Soyeon-,” Yuqi was cut off.

“Please. Stay with me this week and if you really can’t find it in yourself to forgive me, we can go our separate ways and I will go back to staying with the others.”

Yuqi thought about it. This could be her chance to get the others as well as Soyeon off her back. Although the thought of spending the whole week, alone, in bed with Soyeon sounded like a disaster waiting to happen.

Even this hug now from the older was making Yuqi feel butterflies in her stomach. She wanted to get rid of her feelings. Not let them grow. Alas she did not want the others to suffer any longer.

“Fine,” Yuqi said glad her voice did not waver.

“Really?”

“Yes, I will see you tonight,” Yuqi broke from the hug and left the studio in a hurry so Soyeon could not see the blush on her cheeks.

Soyeon would never admit that she did a happy dance when the younger left to celebrate her victory. She was going to win the younger back.

~~~

Soyeon was in her room already ready for bed. She had gotten home before Yuqi so she could clean her room up a bit. She was slightly embarrassed by the mess it had been in over the past few weeks. Usually, it was quite messy but recently it had been almost uninhabitable.

Soyeon was sitting on her bed when she heard Yuqi knock, “Come in.”

Yuqi walked in with her incredibly adorable Giraffe printed pajama set. Soyeon smiled, Yuqi looked so young right now. it reminded her of their trainee days, Yuqi had grown so much the girl had become even more beautiful and mature.

Well, mature was a bit of a push. She still acted like the fake maknae sometimes, but Soyeon did not mind. She found it absolutely adorable, but she would never tell Yuqi that.

“Hey,” Yuqi responded softly.

Soyeon’s smile widened at the younger, “hey, you ready for bed?”

“Yeah.” Yuqi nodded her head and made her way to the other side of the bed.

Yuqi knew that helping Soyeon sleep generally also meant cuddling the leader. She was nervous, she was not ready to be so close to her just yet. She had barely gotten over her heartbreak never mind her feelings which she had harbored since she was a trainee.

Yuqi lay down before opening her arms to Soyeon, who moved forward and cuddled up with her facing Yuqi. Yuqi was confused. This did not happen the last time, usually Soyeon would face away from the person she was with as the girl was shy and slightly embarrassed by her condition.

Soyeon was playing a dangerous game, she knew. Soyeon knew that this would not help in losing her feelings for Yuqi.

God, she had spent more than a year ignoring the younger and even then, the feelings were still there. She needed to get closer to her though, she only had a week. Soyeon was going to make it count.

“Thank you, for staying with me,” Soyeon said softly avoiding eye contact with Yuqi.

“You didn’t give me much of a choice, Soyeon.”

Soyeon sighed, this was the second time Yuqi had called her without respect. She wanted to be angry, but she knew she deserved the puppy’s cold shoulder. So, she ignored it.

“Yuqi, I don’t have much else to say but that I apologize for the way I treated you,” Soyeon moved closer to Yuqi and closed her eyes.

She won’t deny how tired she was and being with Yuqi made her feel sleepy enough to get a decent rest tonight even if she only slept for four hours. It would be enough.

“It’s not something I can easily forgive you for,” Yuqi said drifting to sleep.

“I know.”

The two fell asleep shortly after that. And it was safe to say Soyeon had not slept that well in well, ever.

~~~

It had been three days and already the members could see the difference in Soyeon. Not just her lifted mood, but also, she had been softer. Not to them, no, but to Yuqi. Soyeon became much clingier and when Yuqi would make a mistake she would guide her through the steps gently.

The others were completely shocked. They could not believe this; they had never seen Soyeon so soft. Never! Not even the maknae who she adored.

Even Yuqi herself was surprised by the suddenly clingy leader. Soyeon was not just clingy though, she was also acting cuter than normal and even doing aegyo, which she hated.

Yuqi could not seem to get away from her either. Every time she would run away to her studio, Soyeon would come bearing food or the excuse of working on a new song together.

Yuqi was confused by the sudden behavior. Soyeon was always with her these days and when they slept Soyeon would glue herself to Yuqi. She would even let Yuqi sleep in some mornings.

Yes, something was definitely going on with the older. Yuqi was starting to grow tired of it. It was hard to get over her feelings when Soyeon was constantly there acting all cute.

Yuqi was currently in her studio working on a song for the new album. She was hoping that Soyeon would include it this time. She worked hard.

Yuqi heard a knock at the door, and she did not even have to guess who it was. Soyeon’s head peaked through the door. She was in sweats today.

“I wanted to see if you needed help with anything,” she said making her way over to Yuqi’s seat.

“Not really, just finishing this guide to send to you later.”

“Aaah, want me to listen now?”

Yuqi grew shy, she did not want to be in the room when Soyeon listened to it, “umm, it’s not really finished just yet and-”

“Yuqi.” Soyeon stopped the girl before she started rambling.

“Yeah, I mean, you could,” Yuqi lowered her head, she was slightly embarrassed.

The way Soyeon was looking at her did not help either.

Soyeon took a seat on the couch, “let’s hear it!”

Yuqi pressed play, extremely nervous. She was hoping that it would fit into the concept of the album, but she was not sure. As the song played and her voice streamed from the speakers, Yuqi looked at Soyeon.

Soyeon was in her producer mode. This was Yuqi’s favorite Soyeon, the woman would concentrate so deeply and lose herself in the music.

It was what made her so brilliant in Yuqi’s eyes. Soyeon’s ability to completely diverge into the music and create a masterpiece no matter what anyone said or who rejected it.

She kept moving and producing to share the music she wanted. Even when the company fought her on it.

Yuqi was so lost in staring at Soyeon that she did not notice when the music stopped and Soyeon had turned to her. When their eyes met, Yuqi blushed and looked down slightly ashamed she had been caught.

Soyeon froze when she saw Yuqi staring at her. A thought made its way into her head, but she shook it away quickly. She did not want to give herself false hope that the puppy might have feelings for her too.

Soyeon smiled at the blushing woman. It was nice to see Yuqi not ignoring her or treating her coldly. She had missed interacting with her the way they did in her trainee days.

Soyeon cleared , “It sounds good, I think it could really work for the concept.”

“Really?” Yuqi lifted her head so quickly Soyeon thought she might have whiplash.

“Yeah, what else were you thinking of adding?” Soyeon replied chuckling.

Yuqi acted before she could think. She was so excited that Soyeon even considered it for the new album.

That she did not fully register when she jumped out of her seat and practically tackled Soyeon on the couch. Soyeon laughed at the over-excited Beijing puppy as she held her on her lap so the woman would not fall.

“Thank you,” Yuqi said softly holding onto Soyeon even tighter.

Soyeon’s heart felt like it was going to break through her chest at this point. Yuqi was so close, and she could feel Yuqi’s breath on her ear. Soyeon closed her eyes as she held the girl closer to her, she was enjoying this.

She could not believe she let herself be starved of this affection for so long. She could not care about the repercussions at this point. Especially not when Yuqi moved back slightly showing Soyeon her smile that shone so bright the sun would be jealous.

Soyeon, definitely, did not think when she cupped Yuqi’s cheeks and kissed her. She was so lost in the moment, in Yuqi. She could have sworn Yuqi was kissing her back. It took a few moments before Soyeon woke up from her daze she was in.

She had kissed Yuqi.

She quickly moved back with a gasp and stood up taking Yuqi off her lap and setting her aside.

“I- I’m so sorry,” Soyeon choked out as she cried.

Yuqi was going to hate her now. If she had not ruined their friendship before she definitely did now. Soyeon quickly made her way out of the studio and ran. She did not know where she was going, but she kept running.

The employees and trainees in the company looked at her with confusion as she passed by. Soyeon made it outside before she realized she left her phone and jacket in Yuqi’s studio. She cursed at herself.

How could she be so stupid? She tried to hold back tears as she thought of what Yuqi would say. She would hate her. She would keep ignoring her.

Soyeon turned to make her way home trying to not make it too obvious she was crying. She did not want to get caught by any fans or dispatch.

She arrived sooner than she thought she would. Soyeon quickly went to her room and locked her door, she did not want Yuqi to come and see her. She could just imagine the cruel words that would leave .

It would be worse if she pitied Soyeon for her feelings. Soyeon lay in her bed still fully dressed as she cried into her pillow, ashamed of herself.

Meanwhile Yuqi was yet again confused. She did not know how to react to what just happened. She was lost. Yuqi touched her lips, it was almost a dream. When Soyeon kissed her, she did not know what to do at first.

She was shocked, did Soyeon feel the same? Yuqi kept asking herself. Soyeon had run out crying and when Yuqi called her name the woman did not seem to hear her.

Yuqi looked at her couch and saw Soyeon’s things. She quickly picked them up and grabbed her things before leaving her studio. The whole way home Yuqi could not help but feel a spark of hope settle in her.

Was Soyeon distant because she felt the same? Yuqi was not stupid she knew with the way Soyeon had apologized and left she was ashamed. Perhaps she was ashamed of her feelings? Or maybe she was just embarrassed because she did not actually like Yuqi that way?

No. Yuqi was not going to let those invasive thoughts crowd her mind. She was going to get answers out of the leader. Tonight. Whether Soyeon was ready or not.

Yuqi was done with the push and pull over the few weeks. The heartbreak she had endured for more than a year. She was done with it all.

Tonight, she was telling Soyeon her feelings and the woman would listen.

Yuqi went up to the apartment and made her way inside. Minnie and Miyeon were staying in Minnie’s room tonight but the two would only be back later. She walked to Soyeon’s room and tried to open the door.

Only to find she had locked it. Yuqi rolled her eyes at the stubborn woman’s actions. Quickly she went to the kitchen to grab a spare key to the room before she unlocked the door.

Yuqi walked inside the room to see Soyeon was fast asleep with tear tracks trailing down her cheeks. Yuqi sighed, she must have fallen asleep from crying, and made her way to Soyeon’s side of the bed.

Yuqi admired their beautiful leader. Soyeon was insanely beautiful and Yuqi did not know how anyone could call her ugly. They were liars. Soyeon was beautiful inside and out.

Yuqi ran her fingers through Soyeon’s hair. She missed Soyeon’s short hair that made her look so cute, but the extensions showed a more mature image she wanted for the comeback.

Soyeon leaned her head unknowingly into Yuqi’s hand that was now trying to wipe away the tear that had slipped from Soyeon’s eye.

At the feeling of someone’s presence Soyeon woke up. When she saw Yuqi she immediately sat up and tried to wipe at her cheeks. She did not want Yuqi to think she was weak. Yuqi just smiled at Soyeon.

Soyeon spoke first, “I’m sorry. About tonight. I will leave you alone, you don’t have to stay with me anymore. I’m sorry,” Soyeon kept her head down. She was embarrassed and ashamed of herself.

“Soyeon,” Yuqi started.

“You don’t have to pity me. Really, I’m sorry and I hope we can put this behind us.”

“Soyeon, that’s not-” Yuqi tried again.

“Seriously, you don’t have to say anything.” Soyeon interrupted her again.

Yuqi grew furious at the woman who kept interrupting her and assuming what Yuqi would say, “God damnit Soyeon!”

Yuqi grabbed Soyeon’s face with slight force as she moved forward and kissed the girl. Much more aggressively than earlier. Yuqi hated what Soyeon was saying, and she wanted to show her how she felt.

Soyeon had gone stiff in her arms and was not responding so she bit Soyeon’s lower lip gently causing the older woman to gasp.

Yuqi smirked as she let her tongue enter Soyeon’s mouth. The older woman moaned as she finally gave in to Yuqi and let her take over the kiss.

Soyeon’s hands wrapped around Yuqi’s neck as she pulled her closer, causing them to fall back onto the bed. Yuqi smiled as she let herself get lost in the woman beneath her, she moved between Soyeon’s legs hands still cupping her cheeks.

The two eventually pulled away trying to catch their breath. Yuqi lay her head in Soyeon’s neck dropping her body onto Soyeon who was completely lost in happiness.

Soyeon could not believe that just happened. She had been dreaming about a moment like this for years. She looked down to see Yuqi nuzzled into her neck leaving light kisses from time to time.

Yuqi looked up to see Soyeon looking at her. She leaned in to kiss her lightly on her lips and she chuckled when Soyeon tried to follow her as she moved back.

“You never gave me the chance to reply,” Yuqi said still nuzzling into Soyeon’s neck. The older was now running her fingers through Yuqi’s hair, “I love you, Soyeon.”

Soyeon’s fingers stilled in Yuqi’s hair. Yuqi looked up to see why Soyeon had gone quiet. Only to see Soyeon crying again. Yuqi was startled and sat up slightly to cup Soyeon’s cheeks and catch her tears.

“I’m sorry. I ignored you all this time. I was so stupid,” Soyeon said between hiccups.

“Is that why you did it? You thought I would not like you back?”

“I did not actually admit to liking you Yuqi,” Soyeon replied, teasing Yuqi to try and lighten the mood a bit.

Yuqi smirked, seeing what the older was doing, “The way you responded to the kiss was enough of an answer.”

Soyeon blushed and tried to cover her face with her hands, “Yuqi-yah!”

Yuqi laughed softly before moving the girls’ hands away looking at Soyeon seriously, “I do though. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Soyeon said looking at the younger with adoration, “I have for a long time.”

“Since when?” Yuqi asked with a mischievous smile.

Soyeon rolled her eyes at the younger, “In the last few weeks of us being trainees was the first time I realized.”

Yuqi was shocked, “That long?”

Soyeon nodded her head slightly embarrassed, “Yeah, when we debuted it felt like I was too obvious on camera and off. So, I ignored you. I thought it would make the feelings go away especially when fans started saying you and Lucas look good together. I hated it by the way when the others would tease you about him.”

“I never felt anything for him, he’s one of my closest friends.”

“I know that now, I didn’t then.” Soyeon replied.

“I wish you would have trusted me enough to talk to me about what was going on.”

“I know, it was stupid I was stuck in this mindset that you would be disgusted with me if you knew.” Soyeon was ashamed that she ever thought that way.

Yuqi kissed Soyeon’s forehead as a gentle gesture that she understood her, “I loved you the moment I saw you just so you know. In that evaluation where you ripped the manager to pieces. I knew I wouldn’t meet anyone else like you.”

Soyeon was shocked by the new information, “Really? Aaah that’s embarrassing!”

Yuqi smiled softly at the woman beneath her and kissed her. The two were giggling in between the soft kisses until they started kissing more passionately.

Showing each other just how much love, they held for the other. They were never going to let their ridiculous thoughts get in between them again.

Yuqi pulled at Soyeon’s shirt and looked into her glazed over eyes silently asking permission. Soyeon nodded at the younger, maybe it was too soon but they knew they were ready.

They were waiting to be together for so long and neither one wanted to wait much longer. Soon both were completely in each other’s arms under the sheets. And it was safe to say that Soyeon did not get much sleep that night.

~~~

The next few weeks the members noticed the sudden shift between the two. Soyeon was with Yuqi every night and most of the day. At practice, the two were much closer than usual and in the studio, they were a bit touchier.

Soyeon and Yuqi were not ready to tell the members just yet, they told their manager who agreed to keep it secret if the two were careful and aware of the eyes on them.

The two were not able to be together much over the last few days as they had just had their comeback and they were spent. So, when Yuqi made her way to the apartment she was slightly ecstatic because she could finally spend more time with her.

They had gotten off work earlier today and all she wanted to do was cuddle with Soyeon and watch a movie or play games.

Soyeon had arrived earlier and told Yuqi she was waiting for her. Also informed her they would be home alone thanks to Miyeon and Minnie using this time to go on a date. Yuqi made her way into the apartment quietly.

She beamed when she saw Soyeon in the kitchen playing on her phone. She walked up behind the girl and hugged her. Soyeon was so adorable like this, in her pajamas with her hair done in a low bun.

Yuqi nuzzled her face into Soyeon’s neck and kissed her shoulder lightly. She felt Soyeon lean back into her more. Soyeon shivered at the breath on her neck but sighed contentedly.

She loved this, she never thought she would ever be with Yuqi like this. Even now in these moments she still had to remind herself she was not dreaming. Yuqi really loved her.

Soyeon leaned more into the warmth enjoying being in this position. Lately the two had been so exhausted from the comeback that they would get home, shower, and immediately jump into bed to sleep. Not before sharing a few kisses though.

Soyeon turned around in Yuqi’s arms and rested her arms over her shoulder’s. She always felt so small standing next to Yuqi without her heels on.

“How was your day?” Soyeon asked as she leaned up to kiss Yuqi.

“Mm, it was good. Although I feel like I could have done better on stage,” Yuqi sighed.

Soyeon frowned, “You did amazing! And you looked adorable with your new hair.”

Yes, Yuqi had cut her hair and Soyeon was absolutely in love with this look. The younger was just so adorable. Soyeon picked up the hesitance in Yuqi’s eyes, she knew the younger was a bit hard on herself sometimes wanting to do her best for Neverland.

Yuqi nuzzled her face into the shorter girl’s neck and sighed. She was exhausted but she was happy she could spend some time with Soyeon.

Soyeon held Yuqi close and just stayed there quietly, knowing it was what the younger needed right now. Yuqi could feel her neck becoming slightly stiff from bending down the way she was.

She wrapped her hands around Soyeon’s thighs and lifted the woman onto the counter. Soyeon let out a squeak at the sudden movement.

“Wha- What? Yuqi?” Soyeon asked the girl who was grinning at her.

“You’re too short,” Yuqi laughed when Soyeon shot a glare that could easily put you six feet under.

Yuqi ignored the death-stare, “I’m glad we can spend some time together, we haven’t been alone in forever,” Yuqi groaned.

Soyeon laughed forgetting the earlier comment, “You knew it would be like this during the comeback.”

“I know, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I actually miss you annoying me for my attention.”

Soyeon scoffed, “As if, you did that for years!”

Yuqi went quiet and a sad smile appeared on her lips, “I know.”

Soyeon realized her mistake and moved to apologize, “Yuqi-ya, you know how much I regret it right?”

“I know.”

Soyeon could still see the pout the younger was sporting, “I mean it. I regret not just talking to you. I thought you would hate me and I-, I hate how much I hurt you. I love you,” Soyeon kissed the girl placed between her thighs softly, “I love you so much.”

Yuqi smiled into the kiss and when Soyeon moved back she chased after her lips, pulling her into a deeper kiss. Yuqi wanted to show Soyeon how much she loved her and appreciated her. Yuqi understood why Soyeon did what she did, she just wished the older had more faith in her then.

Yuqi pulled the girl on the counter even closer if that was possible. The room felt like it was getting hotter as the two moved away breathing heavily. Soyeon looked at Yuqi with her eyes darkened from want.

Yuqi almost groaned at the sight of the older like this. The Soyeon on stage was so different to the Soyeon at home. Yuqi loved both versions of her, but the sight of Soyeon slightly disheveled, her lips swollen and her eyes asking Yuqi for more made the younger want to keep her this way forever.

Yuqi kissed Soyeon again who let her cold hands travel under Yuqi’s shirt. Yuqi moved back for a moment to take off Soyeon’s pajama shirt completely taken away by the bare chest she was met with.

Soyeon was not even wearing a bra. Yuqi kissed Soyeon’s neck before she started and biting her way down to Soyeon’s s. Soyeon’s encouraging her.

The two were so lost in their need from not being able to be intimate for so long that they did not hear the four women making their way up to the apartment. Or the women entering the apartment who froze at the sight in the kitchen.

“OH MY GOD! MY EYES!!” Shuhua screamed while dramatically dropping to the floor. The other three were still frozen.

Yuqi and Soyeon moved apart at the sound of the scream. Yuqi realized what was happening and quickly moved to cover Soyeon.

Soyeon jumped off the counter completely mortified as she scrambled to get her shirt back on with Yuqi covering her. Once covered the two sheepishly looked at their friends.

“Um, we can explain?” Yuqi said in a questioning tone. Her ears had turned red from embarrassment.

“Well, that explains a lot,” Minnie said, “also, really? The kitchen? I mean we cook and eat here.”

Yuqi and Soyeon still had their heads down in embarrassment at getting caught like this, “We thought you went on a date?” Yuqi asked trying to move the conversation away from them being caught.

“Really? You are asking if they went on a date. We just saw you about to have IN THE KITCHEN!” Shuhua yelled again.

Soojin started laughing which shocked all the girls who were now facing her, “At least they made up. Also, it took these two fools’ years to finally confess, we should be happy. Anyway, we brought take out thinking you two wouldn’t want to be alone.”

Miyeon chuckled, “Obviously, we were wrong.”

Shuhua was still standing in shock. How were they being so relaxed about this. Soojin looked at the maknae and chuckled, “Come on, let’s talk over food.”

The six made their way to the kitchen table and all sat down. Taking out their food and dishing up.

“Wait! You guys didn’t… over here…” Minnie trailed off asking Soyeon and Yuqi.

 

Soyeon lowered her head and blushed before she cleared , “No, we haven’t.”

Yuqi looked at the older, an idea forming, before she smirked and continued, “Tonight at least.”

Everyone froze with mouthfuls of food halfway to their lips. While Yuqi just continued eating as if she had not said anything. Until Soyeon started hitting her, embarrassed by her girlfriend.

“YAH! Ok! OK! I’m sorry!” Yuqi shouted while trying to hold the leader’s tiny fists, “It’s not like I’m lying!”

Soyeon was mortified by what was happening. Yes, it was true, Yuqi was not lying. They may have been rather eager for one another for the first few weeks.

They still were but they were not as desperate. That doesn’t mean the members had to know.

Soyeon buried her face in her hands, “Oh my god.”

Yuqi just chuckled before she moved closer and removed Soyeon’s hands from her face. Yuqi kissed her wrists and held her hands in her lap. Soyeon calmed down at the way Yuqi was looking at her.

She forgot they weren’t alone when she leaned in to kiss her softly. That is, she forgot, until Shuhua started pretending to throw up.

“That was so cute and yet, so disturbing,” Minnie said shaking her head.

Soojin just shook her head at the chaotic girls, “So? How did it happen?”

Yuqi looked at the women who were staring at them curiously, “Unnie kissed me in my studio,” Yuqi was practically beaming at the memory, “She left crying thinking she had destroyed our friendship but then I followed her back home and confessed. We went out on a date the next afternoon and made it official!”

Soyeon smiled lovingly at the excitement in Yuqi when she told the others what happened. It was not detailed or anything, but the way Yuqi smiled telling it made Soyeon’s heart feel warm.

Soyeon lay her head on Yuqi’s shoulder. The other’s smiled seeing the two finally together without a tense atmosphere.

Shuhua broke the sweet silence that had settled around them, “So when did you two start… you know,” she said gesturing towards the counter the members previously found them on.

Soyeon hid her face in Yuqi’s neck, “Umm, it’s none of your business.”

Shuhua narrowed her eyes at Yuqi, “Why didn’t you tell me? I mean the others I understand-”

“Hey!” Miyeon shouted interrupting Shuhua.

“- But I’m your best friend?” Shuhua finished.

“I’m sorry, we were going to, but we wanted to figure stuff out for ourselves first before we told anyone. Can you forgive me?” Yuqi said looking at Shuhua with her puppy-dog eyes.

Shuhua just looked at her straight-faced, “Depends, does this mean you won’t be getting into my Jinjin’s bed anymore?”

“She’s not getting into anyone else’s bed!” Soyeon said coldly, tightening her arms around Yuqi possessively.

The others laughed by the suddenly possessive girl. While Yuqi looked shocked, she had not seen this side of Soyeon before. She had to admit she enjoyed it.

The older looked y like this. She shook her head when images of earlier flashed in her head. She was really starting to wish the others had not interrupted them.

Soyeon looked at Yuqi to see her already looking at her. Soyeon knew the look she was giving her and decided to mess with her a bit. The others had gone back to eating and making small talk.

Soyeon moved her chair closer to Yuqi’s and lay her head on her shoulder again. She waited until no one was looking in their direction before she leaned her head back a bit and nipped at Yuqi’s ear, knowing how sensitive the other was.

Yuqi let out a slight whimper and looked to make sure no one noticed. She saw the proud smile on Soyeon’s face, obviously she heard her. Yuqi smirked back, two can play this game. Yuqi moved her hand onto Soyeon’s thigh. Soyeon didn’t say anything, but Yuqi knows she was nervous.

Yuqi moved her hand slightly higher and squeezed Soyeon’s upper thigh. Soyeon’s breathing picked up slightly, she wanted to excuse herself and Yuqi and go to bed. The only problem was then the others would know what they were up to. They would just have to wait.

The six carried on with their dinner and even watched a movie after. By the time it hit one o’clock, the others decided to go back to their dorm. Yuqi, Minnie, Miyeon and Soyeon cleaned up before they headed to their rooms.

Yuqi was exhausted, Soyeon could tell so she slightly guided the big baby back to their room. When they entered the room Yuqi moved straight to the cupboard where she pulled out one of Soyeon’s large shirts and a pair of sleeping shorts.

Soyeon moved to do the same and went to brush her teeth. Yuqi came in after her and when the two finished they climbed into bed.

Soyeon lay with her head buried in Yuqi’s neck, earlier events completely forgotten by the exhaustion of the day.

“I love you,” Soyeon said watching as Yuqi who was dozing off.

Yuqi looked at Soyeon with a smile, “I love you too, so much.”

Soyeon smirked at the younger, “I know.”

“YAH! Jeon Soyeon!”

Soyeon pulled the whiny baby into a soft kiss before the two closed their eyes and fell asleep, completely at peace.