"Of course. I’m your girl, aren’t I?”

 

Jungeun says.

 

She looks up at her best friend, her cute canines flashing at her as her lips spread into a wide, cheeky grin.

 

She playfully rolls her eyes at the other, pursing her lips to make a very futile attempt in hiding her smile.

 

“So what’s the plan? Do you think you can sneak in a snack break in this great big plan of yours?” Jungeun lets out a fake scoff, smacking the other’s arm with the rolled up sheet of papers in her hand.

“Ya, Kim Hyunjin! Do you ever NOT think about your stomach?” Hyunjin feigns a gasp, rubbing her arm while adjusting her position beside Jungeun who was still sitting in front of her laptop.

“Excuse me if my athletic body and skills need constant sustenance and nutrients. Besides, who else would open jars and chip packets for you if it weren’t for my amazing strength, huh?” She teases, poking Jungeun’s cheek lightly with her finger.

 

“Oh yes, I absolutely cannot survive living if you weren’t around, Hyun.” Jungeun tries to say in a sarcastic manner while swatting the finger with the rolled up papers in fake annoyance. 

 

However, she’s quite sure that she meant what she said.

 

They’ve been best friends for years.

 

When Jungeun’s family moved into their town six years ago, Hyunjin was the first person to ever talk to her and they – strangely – immediately clicked, despite the blatant differences in their interests and personalities. They’ve been inseparable ever since.

 

Kim Hyunjin is smart, athletic, kind, funny, loyal and not to mention, beautiful. Jungeun found it difficult for her to not fall for the other. Not when Hyunjin makes it so easy for anyone to love her. 

 

Kim Jungeun, on the other hand, considers herself as a shut-in; a total introvert and ball of anxiety. And she’s lucky to even be the famous Kim Hyunjin’s best friend. And she doesn’t ever want to risk losing that.

And so, she tries to sneak in a deep breath – recomposing herself from the butterflies swirling inside her stomach right now, attempting her best to focus at the task at hand.

That being the task of helping Hyunjin ask out their classmate, Jeon Heejin for the Senior Prom.

 

Kim Hyunjin is great in many aspects, but feelings and expressing them was never her greatest suit. And so she asks Jungeun for help.

Jungeun who has always loved romance books and movies; who cries for happy endings and knows the cheesiest lines and the most romantic gestures known in the history of cinema.

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

“I think I’m gonna ask Heejin out and to be my prom date.”

 

Jungeun wasn’t sure if she was just hearing things or if Hyunjin really just said what she said. She turns to look at Hyunjin who was now dribbling a basketball behind her, obviously trying to avoid looking at her best friend.

 

It was a Saturday afternoon, and the sun was almost setting. Hyunjin texted Jungeun, asking her to meet up at the basketball court near their homes with no other reason stated. The latter rushed to the place, worry littering her chest. 

 

Hyunjin had been visibly quiet for the entire week and Jungeun was simply waiting for Hyunjin to tell her herself what was up. Just like how they always do.

 

“Wait, what? Jeon Heejin? The cute art girl from Math class?” Hyunjin finally stops, looks at Jungeun and nods; her cheeks becoming visibly pinker than a while ago.

 

It stung. It definitely stung for Jungeun.

 

“Oh.” was all she could say, her body moving on its own and charging forward to grab the basketball from Hyunjin’s hands.

 

“Is that all you can say?” Hyunjin asks, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.

 

Jungeun just shrugs before attempting to shoot the basketball into the ring from the free-throw line. This was the first time Hyunjin expressed being interested in anyone since they met, and it really came as a surprise (and not a good one) for Jungeun, of course.

However, this was Hyunjin, her best friend.

All she’d ever want for her, is her happiness; even if it meant not with her.

So she takes a deep breath, and exhales loudly before turning around to face Hyunjin again – the latter twiddling her thumbs and staring back at the now smiling Jungeun.

 

“You got a plan to do that?”

“Actually…” Hyunjin finally breaks out in a shy smile. “I was hoping you could help me out with that.”

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

And now here they are, a week later in Jungeun’s room.

 

Jungeun has diligently re-visited her favorite romantic moments from her all-time favorite romance movies and books, and listed them down as possible promposal themes for them to choose from.

Hyunjin arrived at her house a few minutes earlier and asked for the nth time if it was okay with Jungeun to help her out in doing a public promposal. She knew how shy Jungeun could get when it comes to being in front of a crowd, and couldn’t help but worry.

 

Jungeun tuts, as if scolding a child (well, technically Hyunjin is younger than her by a few months so perhaps that counts). “I told you, it’s okay. This is definitely my lane and you asked an expert.”

 

Hyunjin chuckles. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. I’m your girl, aren’t I?”

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

It was already half past 10 in the evening when they finished going through Jungeun’s extensive “Promposal Theme List”, complete with a powerpoint presentation that she also worked on the entire week.

If she was gonna help out Hyunjin, she better do her best at it.

She loves Hyunjin that much.

 

In the end, they decided to use the half-time performance (yes, the schools in their district are extra like that) of the women’s basketball championship game for Hyunjin to sing and perform. They’ve discussed the pros and cons, such as Hyunjin being tired from the first half to even perform and her learning a whole song in such a short time frame.

“I think I’d be so pumped with adrenaline just knowing that I am going to sing in front of other people for the first time ever AND ask the girl I really like to prom, to even be that tired.” Hyunjin says.

“Well, I have no doubts with your physical stamina and skills. You’re Kim Hyunjin, after all.” Jungeun says confidently.

 

What a lucky girl. Jungeun thinks.

 

Jeon Heejin was like a mirror image of Hyunjin – talented, kind, smart, friendly, and not to mention, pretty as heck. She really couldn’t question why Hyunjin fell for her.

 

She was virtually perfect.

 

And Jungeun felt for certain that she was no match for one Jeon Heejin.

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

If there was one other thing that Jungeun was proud of aside from her romance genre expertise, it was her musical prowess.

 

She’s currently sat in the music room after class, fiddling with the instrumental music that Hyunjin is going to use two weeks from now. Given that it was primarily her idea to do that kind of performance, it was a default for her to help out with the music and Hyunjin took care of all the props and other people-related tasks for them.

 

Jungeun presses the play button on her laptop, the beat of the music reverberating throughout the music room. She sings along with the music, the song (which she suggested) hits her hard.

 

She doesn’t want to acknowledge it, but she knows it’s a clear cut reflection of how she felt towards Hyunjin. So she sings her heart out, feeling every single word as the song went on.

 

The door of the music room swings open and Jungeun doesn’t even bother turning around. She simply assumed that it was Hyunjin finally arriving to practice the song (Have no doubts, Hyunjin has an amazing singing voice. Can she get any more perfect?). 

 

“You’re a few minutes late but given that I’m feeling generous today, I will settle the forgiveness in exchange for a tall iced coffee on our way home.” 

 

When she doesn’t hear a response, she turns around and sees Jeon Heejin at the door and looking slightly like a deer caught in headlights.

 

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snoop but I heard music and…” Jungeun pales, turning off the music. “You have a beautiful voice, Jungeun. I didn’t know you sing.” Heejin softly says.

 

“Thanks.” It was all she could say. What is she supposed to do now? Heejin already heard the song.

 

Well, she doesn’t know it’s for her, right? So they’re still safe. She just needs to play it cool.

 

Not her strongest suit, but she might as well try.

 

“Do you know this song?” Jungeun asks, shifting in her seat. Heejin takes this as an unspoken invitation and walks toward the area Jungeun sat in.

 

“No, I don’t. But the lyrics sound really nice and heartfelt.” She smiles, and Jungeun couldn’t help but stare at her. Jeon Heejin definitely looks like someone’s first love.

She just radiates that vibe.

 

“It’s uhm, I’m Your Girl by Khan. It’s about three years since it was released.” Jungeun explains, her eyes returning to her laptop and Heejin sat beside her now, humming in acknowledgement.

 

“Do you..” Jungeun starts. “..like it?” She asks cautiously.

“I do! Like I said, the lyrics are so good. The melody is really catchy too. I think if anyone sang this to me, I’d melt.” The girl smiles again.

 

Jungeun couldn’t help but let out a relieved sigh. “You’re right. I think I would too.” Her heart swells from the thought of it and her mind immediately goes to Hyunjin – imagining the girl in the middle of that basketball court and singing her heart out.

 

To the girl sitting right beside her.

 

Her smile falters for a quick second before the doors of the music room swing open once more, this time revealing a heaving Hyunjin, obviously running all the way to the music room.

“I’m sorry I’m late, got caught up in prac- Heejin?” Hyunjin freezes.

Jungeun looks on as the two stare at each other, eye-to-eye, a cute smile creeping up on Heejin’s face as Hyunjin slowly walks up to the two of them, her hands still clutching her gym bag and small drips of sweat gliding down the sides of her beautiful face.

“Ah, hello Hyunjin.” Heejin greets with a small, shy wave.

 

“Hey, Heejin.” Hyunjin responds timidly.

Jungeun feels like she was intruding a private moment, not to mention the sudden constricting feeling she has in her chest, and she wishes she can just disappear right then and there. 

 

But she couldn’t. So she excuses herself, and rambles something about getting some drinks from the vending machine outside, but really just wanting to leave the two to talk in private.

 

Because that’s what best friends do, right? They support each other no matter what.

 

“Of course, Hyunjin.” She mutters under her breath, pushing down the button for the Pocari Sweat can option on the vending machine.

 

“I’m your girl.”

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

D-Day.

It was finally the women’s basketball finals and Hyunjin was playing with her team for the District Cup.

 

Everything was set. 

 

Hyunjin and Jungeun had been practicing most afternoons for the past two weeks. Hyunjin was also busy talking to all the people that would be helping her for the props and stage design of the half-time show. 

 

“If Jeon Heejin doesn’t say yes to you, I will strangle her myself.” Jungeun declares, stuffing her laptop inside her bag. Hyunjin laughs, still lying down on Jungeun’s bed.

They agreed to go to the school gym together that day and do a final check before Hyunjin’s performance.

 

“Oh, I mean it. You worked so hard to prepare all this, I can’t see any reason why she would say no.”

 

“Well if she doesn’t like me, then she’d say no.” Hyunjin says plainly.

“Who in the world wouldn’t like you, Hyunjin? You’re amazing.” It slips. Thank god she has her back on Hyunjin or else she’ll be having a rather difficult time explaining why she’s as red as a tomato right now.

“Oh yeah?” The girl sits up on the bed. “I am pretty amazing, right?”

 

There she is. Jungeun pretends to be annoyed again and turns around.

“Not when you’re being a cocky like that, you aren’t.” The two end up in a fit of laughter, and Jungeun trying to ignore the fact that after today, things were not going to be the same anymore.

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

The half-time just ended and it was time for Hyunjin’s performance.

 

Her friends from the AV Club, Jiwoo, Chaewon and Yeojin were all running around the court and setting up the mini stage they prepared for the half-time show.

 

Jungeun sat just above the court-side row to be able to see and record the whole thing, as Hyunjin requested.

 

Ten minutes pass…

 

Fifteen…

 

They were nearing the 20th minute and people have started whispering with each other about the empty stage in front of them.

“What the heck is taking so long?” A boy sitting behind Jungeun complains, followed by a few more voices from other people asking the same thing.

Jungeun looks around and sees Jeon Heejin sitting with her friends not too far away from her, she too, looking confused about the situation.

Worried, Jungeun decides to get up from her seat and hurriedly goes to the locker rooms where Hyunjin was supposed to be preparing for the performance.

 

As soon as she arrives at the hallway leading to the locker rooms, she finds Hyunjin wearing her varsity tracksuit instead of her performance outfit and sitting on the floor and hugging her knees.

 

She rarely sees Hyunjin like this; visibly lacking confidence and worry spread all over her face.

 

“Hey… Hyun, are you okay?” Jungeun says, quietly taking a seat beside Hyunjin. The latter looks up at Jungeun, her eyes on the verge of tears. This catches Jungeun off-guard, making her body move on its own and her arms immediately wrapping around Hyunjin’s shoulders.

 

“What if I get rejected, Jungeun-ah? What if she doesn’t like me that way? I don’t think I can lose her like that, maybe- maybe this was a bad idea.” Hyunjin rambles, tears finally flowing down her cheeks.

 

This hurts Jungeun more than she can express. If only Hyunjin loved her and not Jeon Heejin, then she wouldn’t worry like this. She wouldn’t have to doubt herself, to be scared of losing her.

But she wasn’t Heejin. She was Jungeun – Hyunjin’s best friend.

And as her best friend, this is what she can do.

“We’ll sing together, yes? Let’s go out there and you sing that song. You tell her how you feel and if she rejects you, then you have me with you to share that rejection. Okay?” Jungeun firmly says, finally releasing Hyunjin from the hug.

 

“Jung, you don’t have to. There’s a lot of people out there and-“ Jungeun tuts, stopping Hyunjin from going further.

 

“I don’t even care about those people right now. What I care about is my amazing, wonderful, talented and beautiful best friend who has worked so damn hard on this promposal and her getting the girl, okay?” Jungeun smirks confidently, internally shoving down the anxiety attempting to spill out from her guts.

 

Because that’s what love is. It’s about being brave for the people you care for.

And she cares about Kim Hyunjin more than anything; she was worth being brave for.

“I can do this. I got you, Kim Hyunjin. If you go down, we’ll go down together. Besides-“ Jungeun stands up, offering her hand to Hyunjin.

“Heejin said she’ll melt if anyone sang this song to her.”

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

The two walk up the stage, and as soon as people recognized the team captain – everyone cheered in a deafening uproar.

 

Jungeun could feel butterflies inside her stomach again, but this time it’s from actual stage fright. She has never sang in a place like this, let alone in front of this many people. Hyunjin looks back at her, handing her a wireless microphone – sending her a look as if asking ‘are you sure you wanna do this?’.

 

Jungeun nods, there was no going back now. Hyunjin needed her, and she’ll be damned if she didn’t pull through.

 

The things you make me do, Kim Hyunjin.

 

“Good afternoon, everyone.” Hyunjin’s cool and (surprisingly) calm voice echoes throughout the entire gym. The cheering finally lulls down and everyone, from her teammates, the other school’s team and the rest of the student body looks at the two with so much anticipation.

 

“Some of you might not know me. My name is Kim Hyunjin and I’m the team captain of the women’s basketball team here.” Another round of applause and cheers emanate from the crown, quickly subsiding as Hyunjin raises her hand to signal for them to quiet down.

“You guys might be wondering why I am standing in front of you right now when we’re supposed to be having the half-time show.” She continues, a slight tinge of nervousness evident on her voice.

“Today I wanted to take this opportunity to perform something in front of everyone, and I am joined by my amazing best friend – Kim Jungeun. Let’s give her a round of applause!” Jungeun frantically bows, not knowing what to do with herself as soon as another spotlight hovers over her.

 

She looks at Hyunjin and the latter looks at her with so much pride that only makes Jungeun feel like she can do anything.

“This performance – this song is dedicated to someone very special to me.” Hyunjin announces, turning to look at the audience once more, Jungeun immediately spots Jeon Heejin in front of the in the crowd, Hyunjin’s eyes focusing on her.

Jungeun just wanted Hyunjin happy, and this was how she can help her be that.

“I hope you listen to every single word I sing today, because this is how I feel for you.” Hyunjin ends, and the whole gymnasium once again is enveloped in cheers and giddy squeals at the romantic gesture.

Hyunjin signals the AV Club to start the backing music that Jungeun slightly tweaked herself for the performance. The first beats of the song begins, and Hyunjin raises her mic in front of her lips to sing the opening notes.

 

(play “I’m Your Girl” by Khan)

 

Hyunjin:

굳이 말 안 해도 다 알잖아
어지럽게 너 계속 이럴래
아주 달콤하게 굴었잖아
Sweet time with you, and me

 

(You don’t even know what to say

I’ll just continue to blink

You were so sweet

Sweet time with you, and me)

 

It was no secret that Hyunjin had a great voice, but hearing her now singing with such emotion – Jungeun couldn’t help but fall for her even more.

 

Jungeun:

어색해 애매해 right now
우리 취한 것도 아니었잖아요
Baby baby baby baby 오예

 

(It’s awkward right now

We weren’t drunk

Baby baby baby baby, oh yeah)

 

After today, Hyunjin will surely get her girl. And Jungeun will settle into being her best friend, happy for her and her happiness, no matter what.

 

Hyunjin:

니곁에 stay 이 마음이

(You stay in my mind)

 

Jungeun:
온종일 묘해 헷갈리게 해

(for the whole day)

 

Hyunjin:
Baby 혼자인 밤 you

(Baby, the night alone)

 

Jungeun:

널 baby

(You, baby)

 

Hyunjin:
기다리잖아 오해는 말아줘요

(Wait, do not get me wrong)

 

Jungeun:
아직 널 사랑한다는 건 아니야
I want your love, love

(It’s not that I love you

I want your love, love)

 

Does she really not love you Hyunjin? Jungeun definitely does, and she wants her love more than anything else.

 

They were nearing the first chorus and Hyunjin finally turns to her, motioning for them to do the original choreography like they practiced together for fun.

 

Jungeun is just glad she remembers every step of it.

 

Both:

And you woo woo woo woo I’m your girl
You woo woo I don’t understand

 

Hyunjin:
애매하게 굴지 마요 넌 매일 빙빙빙빙빙 no

(Don’t be always ambiguous

Bing bing bing bing bing,no)

 

Both:
You woo woo woo woo I’m your girl
You woo woo I don’t understand

 

Hyunjin smiles through every word she’s singing, and for a few moments, Jungeun just wants to pretend that she’s singing them to her.

 

Jungeun:
No no no 애타게 마요

(No no no, don’t tease me)

 

No, she shouldn’t. Hyunjin liked Heejin, not her.

 

Hyunjin:

진짜 몰라서 물어보는데
이 의미 없는 문자는 뭔데
하지만 나는 진짜를 원해
혹시라도 다른 맘이라면 비켜줄래

(I don’t really know

What is this meaningless thing?

I want the real thing

If you change your mind)

 

Jungeun:
매일 매일 매일 매일 매일
어디로 튈지 몰라 매일 난 불안해요
매일 매일 매일 매일 매일
너를 맡겨요 baby

(Every day, every day, every day, every day

I do not know where to go, every day I’m nervous

Every day, every day, every day, every day

I leave it to you, baby)

 

They enter the second pre-chorus and chorus and Jungeun just lets go.

She feels the song and pours out her feelings into it as much as she can, thinking this was the last she was ever going to deal with her stupid feelings.

 

Hyunjin:

니곁에 stay 이 마음이

(You stay in my mind)

 

Jungeun:
온종일 묘해 헷갈리게 해

(for the whole day)

 

Hyunjin:
Baby 혼자인 밤 you

(Baby, the night alone)

 

Jungeun:

널 baby

(You, baby)

 

Hyunjin:
기다리잖아 오해는 말아줘요

(Wait, do not get me wrong)

 

Jungeun:
아직 널 사랑한다는 건 아니야
I want your love, love

(It’s not that I love you

I want your love, love)

Both:

And you woo woo woo woo I’m your girl
You woo woo I don’t understand

 

Hyunjin:
애매하게 굴지 마요 넌 매일 빙빙빙빙빙 no

(Don’t be always ambiguous

Bing bing bing bing bing,no)

 

Both:
You woo woo woo woo I’m your girl
You woo woo I don’t understand

Jungeun:
No no no 애타게 마요

(No no no, don’t tease me)

 

They were nearing the moment where Hyunjin is going to ask Heejin to prom, and also to go out with her. This was it, no more turning back now.

Hyunjin looks at her one last time, a knowing look and smile sent her way before the former walks down from the mini stage to get the bouquet of baby’s breath – something they also discussed before.

 

It symbolized long-lasting love, and that just speaks so much about Hyunjin; whoever she loved, was to be loved unconditionally.

 

Jungeun just looks on, steadying herself as Hyunjin finally grabs on to the bouquet and walking towards the front of the stage, in front of Jeon Heejin herself.

 

Hyunjin:

I do I do 널 위해 노랠 불러줄께 woo woo woo

(I do, I do, I will sing for you, woo woo woo)

 

Jungeun:
사실 너를 안고 싶은 맘은 everyday

(Actually, I want to hold you every day)

 

Both:
I’m your girl? Your girl
I’m your girl? Your girl
I’m your girl? Your girl
Oh

 

The music comes to a halt, this was it; Kim Hyunjin’s moment.

 

The lights dim, a single spotlight trained on Hyunjin, her heart worn on her sleeve at that very moment and ready for the taking.

 

“A few weeks ago, I came into this sudden realization.” Hyunjin starts. “And when I did, I wanted to kind of hit myself so many times for taking this long to understand what it was.”

 

Jungeun stands in the background, like the side character that she is, waiting for the main characters to finally have their happily ever after.

 

“The first time I saw you, I knew I felt something. I looked at you and I just knew – I knew I was meant to be yours.” An uproar of giddy cheers erupted, as Hyunjin shifted on the very spot she stood on.

 

“Every moment with you has always been one of the happiest that I’ve ever been. You understood me no matter what and you’ve always been the only one to genuinely laugh no matter how crappy my jokes are.”

 

Wait.

 

“And when you would always tell me that you’re my girl-“

 

Jungeun froze.

 

Hyunjin turned around, her eyes focused on Kim Jungeun herself.

 

“I always, ALWAYS wished you meant it the way I wanted it to.”

 

WHAT THE IS HAPPENING?

 

“And so, after much thought and one hell of a realization – courtesy of a good friend,” Hyunjin turns around slightly, looking at the audience; at Jeon Heejin who gives her two thumbs up.

 

“I want to ask…” Hyunjin walks towards and up the stage, the spotlight following her. Her every step, full of certainty and confidence.

 

She stops just a couple of feet away from Jungeun, the bouquet held in front of her and she says it.

 

“Will you be my girl?”

 

The room got so quiet, the anticipation for her answer is palpable.

 

All Jungeun could hear was her heart beating loudly against her ribcage and in her ears.
Was she dreaming? Was Hyunjin playing a prank on her?

 

Hyunjin lowers the microphone, her eyes full of sincerity as she stares into Jungeun’s dark brown orbs, trying her very best to convey that she was telling the truth – that she is indeed in love with Kim Jungeun.

 

“Jungeun-ah, if you don’t feel the same way as I do, I will understand. But I at least wanted to let you know how incredibly, stupidly and immensely in love I am with you.” Hyunjin says between just the two of them. 

 

“You are the most amazing girl I’ve ever met, and I really cannot imagine a life without you.”

 

And at that moment, it was like no one else was in the room but them.

 

It was just Kim Hyunjin and Kim Jungeun.

 

“Do you remember what I said?” Jungeun starts, her voice shaky as she slowly inhales back the air that was knocked out from her.

 

Hyunjin only looks at her questioningly, making Jungeun roll her eyes playfully again at her.

 

The latter reaches forward, taking the bouquet into her own hands and feeling her heart swell from the all the good feelings she has right now.

 

“Who in the world wouldn’t love you, Kim Hyunjin? You’re amazing, and I’d be hella stupid if I didn’t.” Jungeun purses her lips, trying to hide the shy smile that is now forcing itself onto her.

“Does that mean, you’re saying yes?” The other asks once more, disbelief still obvious on her face.

“Of course. I’m your girl, right?” Jungeun nods, placing her hands behind Hyunjin’s neck and pulling her in.

 

Their lips crash and the whole gymnasium erupts into a pandemonium of cheers and hollers, the music continuing once more.

 

All Jungeun could register is Hyunjin’s soft lips on hers and the latter’s hands firmly holding on to her waist for dear life, as if she’d disappear if she even flinches.

 

She never expected things to turn out this way, but she was right.

Kim Hyunjin did get her girl in the end, and Jungeun did as well.

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

It has been a while since I've written anything, and I think this work is the first step in returning to the world of fanfiction.
Please feel free to leave comments and upvotes (if you feel like it), I will greatly appreciate all feedback.

Thank you so much!

And I'm also on Twitter @AJMinatozaki