Archive of Our Own ^beta

Picture the bright and sunny field of the campus; with the fluffy clouds springing on the bluish blemish of the sky. The grass is green, the water fountains were(miraculously) working, and most of all, the ambience of the four-in-the-afternoon shenanigans fill the place.

"Aeri Uchinaga of the track varsity team, please accept my undying love!"

An enthusiastic shout was heard from almost halfway of the field as there knelt Lee Donghyuck with all his glory, arms wide open, and the freckles on his face accentuating his wide smile. The rest of the soccer team was behind him, holding banners that spelled out Aeri's name.

It seemed like everyone, even the awkward breeze, was witnessing this very moment right now, and Aeri could only facepalm mentally. She has her eyes closed and her lips pursed in embarrassment, the sweat on the side of her forehead trickling down her cheekbones.

Haechan has been doing this for days. Weeks even. Aeri could no longer count the amount of times she had to encounter letters, gifts, even the admirer himself! Out of all the boys who're probably still in line to make their way into Aeri's heart, he's the most eager among them all. 

She heaves a sigh. "look, Haechan... I appreciate—well.. this—" she makes circular hand gestures to describe the whole thing going on. "... but isn't it too early to call it love?" 

"Well, my dear," Haechan stands up, dabs his knees to push some dirt away, and proceeds to look back at her. "Time doesn't measure love. you see, i can say that I have loved you even during the first time we met!" 

He's so insufferable. 

And aeri is in a really tight spot here. Sure, she could keep running away from all the other shit Haechan was pulling but this... where almost everyone even the gods could see this stupid proposal or whatever it is—

"There you are, Aeri! here's the decaf you wanted, extra creamy, and—" 

Aeri feels all the relief coursing through her veins as she turns to the voice of Minjeong, who was frozen in place as she realized this was probably not the perfect time to butt in and ruin what's going on. 

With that, she continued to back away from Haechan's view as they watched Aeri walk her way towards the woman who was holding her coffee. 

Minjeong was confused but nonetheless, she handed the cold plastic cup to Aeri and the next thing that happened changed the trajectory of her life forever.

"Neat! just like the way I wanted my coffee to be. Thank you so much, babe!" 

Minjeong felt the contact of Aeri's lips on her cheek, and suddenly, the air went dramatic. Crowds were whispering. The soccer team slowly shunned the banners down, and Aeri's admirer, who was still standing in the middle of the field, has his mouth agape.

"What are you—" 

Aeri cuts Minjeong off with a stern stare as she mumbles. "Just follow along, I'll get us out of here."

She snakes her hand inside of Minjeong's arm, gently leaning her head onto her shoulder. They casually strut away like nothing happened.

Surely, this will be a big headline. Nothing new to Aeri, of course. She's always been the talk of the campus. Minjeong, however..

"Are you out of your mind?! Suddenly calling me some term of endearment and even more diabolical--kissing me!" Minjeong croaks out in a panic-stricken voice. 

They were back at Aeri's dorm, which is even worse, because apparently, someone whom Aeri Uchinaga just called babe and kissed her on the cheek was seen entering the place, and most people know about it. Heck, even the juniors know where Aeri lives. Creepy, but that's what the popular girl has to endure, right?

"It was on the cheek, dumbo. Don't act like you didn't want it!" Aeri snickered, causing Minjeong to make an attempt to throw a pillow at her. Instead of throwing the said cushion, she falls down with it, casually screaming in silence as her voice becomes muffled. 

"Relax, hotshot, you'll be fine. I just needed to set something up because god, I can't stand him anymore." Aeri rolled her eyes. Minjeong rises up, resting both her palms on the mattress. 

"Haechan? He's literally only head over heels for you. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

"He's being so incredibly obsessed with me, do you not see the problem?!"

Minjeong shrugs. "Well... obsession is a part of infatuation...? Which then turns to love—"

"Oh cut me with that love bullshit, Minjeong. I need your help." 

Minjeong doesn't realize how Aeri was already leaning close beside her. She looks so alluring like this, with her curled lashes and the light tint of her make-up succeedingly starting to fade because of all the frustration she had gone through with all this admirer fiasco.

"Be my girlfriend."

And that had to be processed twice—no, thrice, by Minjeong's brain. She nearly fails to catch her breath as soon as the words register in her head. 

"Wh-what?" Minjeong wanted to smack herself for turning out like a fool, stuttering like that.

"I don't have to ask you twice. You heard me. Let's fake this relationship thing until Haechan's out of my hair."

Minjeong blinks. "I'm sorry, you want me to fake date you just to drive him away?" 

Aeri only nods. Minjeong feels hopeless. 

"Well would you look at that. You bagged the wrong person. Aeri, I've only ever experienced this dating shit on like—the simulator apps I downloaded on my phone as a kid. Don't blame me, I was next level delusional. But the point is," 

She stands up and gestures to her whole body. "You don't want this."

"Minjeong, everyone literally thinks we're together like, by now."

"Maybe just tell them you suddenly 'broke up' with me and then all's good?" Minjeong shrugs sheepishly, urging out a groan from the other woman. 

Aeri stood up as well, pacing back and forth the room as she places both her hands on her waist. Minjeong could sense the tension in the air as she chewed her lip out of worry. 

"Look, Aeri, I really want to help you. Honest. It's just, I don't know how this works. I can't even make a move on the person I like!"

Light fucking bulb baby. Aeri suddenly pauses with her back facing Minjeong, and then she turns around with a serious look on her face. 

"If i told you I could set you up with Jimin once you seal the deal with me, would that change your mind?"

And minjeong never furrowed her brows as fast as ever now. "What does J-Jimin have to do with this?" 

Bingo. A cunning smirk crept up on Aeri's mouth, watching the gingerhead blush like a disaster at the slight mention of her best friend's name.

"Duh, i could help you with your shit about dating stuff and grab you a date with Jimin by the time we're done with the setup. Win-win, don't you think?"

Minjeong couldn't stress how preposterous Aeri was being at the moment. To think her crush was at the stake of this puerile little game, it was just hard to chime in all at once.

She sighs and gazes at Aeri with her most apologetic eyes. 

"I'm really sorry, Aeri. I don't think I can do this." 

The last thing Aeri sees is Minjeong's figure fading out of the door.

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The end of the weekend fastly approached by, which means today marks another week of uni. Aeri stays at her home during weekends because she always gets homesick whenever she spends her days at her dorm. Luckily, she wasn't that far from the university, so she gets to spend time with her family as soon as the weekday finishes. 

Aeri hears the subtle barking of Cooper around the garage as she gets ready. 

"Something bothering you, sweetie?" she loses her trance as soon as her mother speaks from the driver's seat. 

"None, mum. Everything's fine." She only responds with a smile.

Eventually, she arrives on time. The hallway was busy with chatter as usual, not to mention the scene she caused last Friday was still fresh on people's minds. She reaches out for the knob, pulling her locker open. There goes a small envelope with Haechan's initials on it. Of course. Aeri barely checked her locker last week, so this was probably from long ago. Ignoring the scented set of papers, she grabs her make-up kit and Jimin appears in her view as soon as the metal door closes. 

"Jesus, you fucking scared me!" Aeri shrieks, earning a laugh from her. 

"You seem worked up today. Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?" Jimin asks.

"Are you going to at least say something good if I answered yes?" Aeri heaved a weary sigh.

Jimin chuckles, handing out a folded piece of paper. Aeri raised a brow, wondering what it was and so she took a peek. The gloom on her face promptly transformed into a rush of joy.

"No. Fucking. Way." Aeri whispers, containing the excitement inside her. She bites her lower lip, grinning widely as Jimin shrugs and imposes a cheer. "Well, what can you say? Not only you're miss popular, but you're also miss revolutionist." 

"Correction: We're miss revolutionists. I can't believe they actually let us do this..." Aeri kept examining the admin letter by her hands as the words kept ringing inside her head.

It was her pride and joy to build the representative track and field team for the university. Since it was mostly overshadowed by more prominent (as per the admins) sports such as volleyball, soccer and basketball, it was a tough trek to break into their walls and finally have their thoughts heard.

So, having the initial approval from the admin of Aeri and Jimin's proposal about upholding track and field as one of the preliminary lectures in physical education classes, this is just the beginning. Surely, the notion was good—but the admin requires some sort of petition from the students in order to fully bring their proposal to life.

"I guess we'll have to start soon enough on grabbing those signatures, eh?" Jimin nudges Aeri with her elbow and she nods.

"This'll be easy. we can even start today, if you'd like?"

"I'd be more than willing." Jimin replies.

Aeri was more than thankful to share her first class with Jimin since they have separate ones for the rest of the day, which is also why Aeri hates Mondays. Surprisingly, the professor was quite late today, and the room eventually filled up with noise. 

At lunch, Aeri hangs out with their established friend group from the varsity team, though it was just mostly her, Jimin, Mark, Renjun, and Chaeryeong.

Aeri didn't feel like eating at the moment, and now she's stuck on her notebook scribbling. She's always resorted to doodling whenever there's nothing else to do. It's some sort of aeri's comfort hobby.

It was long until her fourth doodle on the notebook before she notices Jimin's head leaning close in her space. 

"So, you and Minjeong, huh?"

The tip of the pen freezes, and so is Aeri's hand. She stares at her scribbles for a while.

Right. It's been two days since her and Minjeong talked. Aeri hasn't even seen her all morning. It's as if she literally didn't exist within the same universe as her all of a sudden. Perhaps Aeri was too pushy? She contemplates it thoroughly. 

"Yeah, girl, we literally weren't expecting it! I thought you'd be more into, I don't know, Somi or maybe Yeji from the cheerleading squad." Renjun blurts out from across her. 

"There he goes again with the cheerleading squad tattling. We know you want to imply something about it, Jun!" Mark regarded, the mischief in his tone settling a good time for the group to tease Renjun again.

"What, no? I was just saying!"

"Oh, really? Are you sure there's no hidden agenda of your enticement for Ning Yizhuo—Ow! Hey!" Mark rubs the back of his head from Renjun's powerful smack, shutting him up. The whole group laughs at their antics.

"Since when though? You and Kim, I meant," and just when Aeri thought she was free from the topic, Chaeryeong drops her query. 

What is she even supposed to say? She couldn't just make shit up considering she had not heard from Minjeong since, also, why hasn't she seen her yet?! 

"Er.. um.. it just happened?" Aeri tried her best to sound as believable as she could. The four look at each other and then back at Aeri, nodding in unison.

"What happened to Haechan, then?" Renjun asks.

"Are you prehistoric? She's told us many times that she's not interested in him! Right?" 

"Not even a slight tinge," Aeri emphasizes her words. "Plus, i don't think the guy likes me. He's just.. obsessed."

"I second the motion. Atleast Minjeong's a different kind of pace. I'm pretty sure you two are sailing things just pretty fine, hm?" Jimin adds, and Aeri's shoulders slump from the remark. They really have to stop bringing Minjeong up because she's honestly running out of excuses to say.

"Of course! We're.. we're doing really great at the moment. Yeah, good things," Aeri swallowed the lump inside her throat because she was so almost going to crack her voice.

"Well, we're happy for you!" Mark asserted, and the rest went on to finish their meals. Aeri quietly sighs in relief, just really glad it was over.

After a few minutes of silence, Jimin casually brought up the admin letter they received this morning, and how they would need a required number of signatures for the petition, to which the group instantly agreed on signing with, also offering to help. Eventually, the day ends at Aeri's last class dumping tons of submissions for this week. She gets a text from Jimin saying she's with some of the dance club members, implying that she couldn't be able to meet with her by dismissal. Aeri assures her that it was alright, and now she's walking by the corridor as she exits the campus building. 

With a few more taps on her phone, the suggested contacts appeared from her screen as the name Kim Minjeong illuminates within her sight. Aeri shakes her head before swiping it off, now deciding to walk her way back to the dorm.

"Aeri, hey, wait up!" 

Oh hell no. 

Aeri quickens her pace, blatantly ignoring the voice calling out for her but unfortunately, Haechan was able to catch up. 

Just be cool, Aeri. She thinks to herself.

"Hi! what's up, dude?" Okay, maybe too cool.

"I heard you led a petition to have track and field in the Phys Ed curriculum. Great move, by the way."  Haechan raises his thumb up, followed by the sheepish smile on his lips. 

"Thanks, i guess?" Aeri grins. 

"Are you going somewhere? Maybe i could hang around with. Not that you'd mind, right?" Haechan has this smug look on his face and it only irked Aeri more. He just has the nerve.

"Actually, I'm going back to my dorm. I need some beauty rest. Maybe another time?" 

Which is never, Aeri thinks, but she's more concerned about how she's going to get out of this situation. 

"Then let me walk you back. Who knows, we might learn new things about each other on the way." Haechan chuckles and Aeri just wants to slam her sling bag at him. 

"No, not really, I'm good by myself. I have to go, Haech. See you around!" 

And just as she was about to turn her back, Aeri yelped upon Haechan's sudden grip on her wrist. 

Obviously, the exchange caused a scene, as always. Aeri sensed the notorious gazes from the people around her, making everything all the more uncomfortable.

"Please, I really can walk you back, if you let me—"

"I said I'm good, Haechan. Now can you let go? I'm kind of in a hurry." 

"I swear it'll only take—"

They both halt their banter as a loud blare of what seemed like a car horn comes from a distance. The vehicle abruptly stopped in front of Aeri, and lo behold Minjeong who came out of the driver's seat. 

Aeri felt Haechan's grip loosening as her eyes followed Minjeong who was already facing her in the flesh. She took Aeri's bag, leaning forward to plant a peck on the side of her head. The contact has her jolting up.

"Hey, baby, sorry I'm late. How long have you been waiting?" 

Oh. 

Aeri couldn't help but flaunt the cheekiest grin ever as she looked back at Minjeong with adoring eyes. 

"Not that long. You're just in time."

Minjeong chuckles, heading straight to the front door, pulling the handle to open the passenger seat. Aeri struts inside as Minjeong gently closes it. She shoots Haechan a nod before leaving the dumbfounded brunette, heading back to her seat, changing the gear to drive.

With minjeong's eyes still on the road, she knows how wide Aeri's smirk is from the corner of her vision. She playfully rolls her eyes at the thought.

"So, what pushed you to do it?" Aeri asks, fiddling the hem of her vest. Minjeong shrugs.

"Let's just say, one, I'm going to get that date with Jimin. And two, you will teach me how this shit actually works."

Aeri beams at her with an assuring grin. 

"Oh you are going to learn a lot from me, Kim."

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Aeri drops her notebook and a set of pens by the table as Minjeong shoves the used food tray aside, placing the cheeseburgers they ordered on the now cleaned surface.

"Okay, let's settle some ground rules!" Aeri exclaims.

"My god, you're so cliche." Minjeong mumbled.

"And I know you'll love me for it. Also, what's a fake relationship if there's no contract? Ultra mega cliche!" 

"Just get on with it!"

Aeri took her time to write on the empty page, and Minjeong just watches her as she chomps on her food. 

There aren't many rules to begin with, actually. Aeri only wants Minjeong to be her usual self with her, except that when there are times that their romantic facade should be presented, Minjeong has no choice but to dance along with Aeri's groove. Also, the most important thing: nobody should know.

"From now on, you're going to hang out with us. And by us, that means you're breathing on the same spots as Jimin does." 

Aeri snickered, anticipating a reaction from the gingerhead. However, her mind was boggling from the delightful taste of the cheeseburger in her mouth. Aeri frowns, tapping Minjeong to bring her back from her trance. She momentarily chokes, grabbing the closest drink from the distance, which turned out to be one of the old customers' iced tea that tasted so bland Minjeong had to cough after. Aeri busted out a laugh at all this, leaving the poor girl striking her chest to recover.

"Here, you dork." Aeri hands her passion fruit drink. 

"Wow, very helpful now that I've nearly died. Very helpful." Minjeong takes it anyway, and she asks Aeri to repeat what she said before.

"Maybe except during Wednesdays and Fridays? I have lunch with yizhuo during those times." She remarked.

"You're friends with Yizhuo from cheer squad?! Since when?!"

Minjeong's brows meet. "Why? disappointed that I'm not just some boring loser that hangs out at the library?" 

"Mo, no, it's perfect. Tag her along too. I'm sure we'll be delighted to have her around." Aeri smirks to herself, already amused about Renjun's reaction once all this commences. "And no, I'm not disappointed. haven't i told you I'm into losers? Let alone your kind?" 

Minjeong's lids squint, her mouth hanging slightly open as she looks at Aeri. "Flirting now, huh? Didn't know we're already starting the show."

From the corner of their position, two tables away, sat some familiar faces to which belonged to the soccer team. Which means, Aeri's light bulbs blink uncontrollably, these are Haechan's friends. It was no doubt that they were stealing glances from time to time, which is even better. Upon processing Minjeong's question just now, she closes her notebook, turning to face her up front. 

"Good riddance, because the first part's rolling. Now kiss me so we can seal this once and for all." Aeri whispers before Minjeong leans in, taking her lips befittingly.

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The door slams open to reveal SMU's latest headlines, hands intertwined, zero fucks given. 

The rowdy hallway began to pause for a moment to meticulously watch the two lovebirds walk their way through. 

To be frank, Minjeong isn't used to the—well, attention. If she remembered correctly, the last time she had received so much looks was when she beat up a second grader because he bullied her friend. And that was way, way back. Still a good memory though. Atleast she knew she was sticking up for something that is right.

This time, however, she wasn't so sure. If intertwining your hands with the hottest girl in school as you both walk towards your designated lockers, catching all stray stares and winces would be for the good of at least something, then who was Minjeong to judge?

"G'mornin, ladies!" 

Minjeong turns to Jimin's voice as she waves to them from afar. Aeri notices the panicky body language Minjeong was showing with how she was tapping her fingers on the side of her pockets and her tensed gaze. 

She does Minjeong a favor by pulling her locker open, hiding them both from Jimin's sight.

"Look, miss obvious, if you don't want to blow this up, at least act a little normal when Jimin's near."

"Geez, I'm sorry, I-I'll try?" Minjeong sheepishly smiles. She is, indeed, really hopeless.

"Good, now back on cue."  

And just in time, Jimin was already in their space, gleaming a smile. "Hey, Minjeong! Nice to see you. Felt like it's been awhile."

Minjeong laughs nervously. "Yeah m-me too! Since summer camp, right?" 

The two start to converse well, and behind them was Aeri momentarily keeping herself busy with her locker. In time, she trusts that Jimin and Minjeong would get along eventually. This is going to be too easy.

As soon as Jimin bid her see you later's, Minjeong accompanies Aeri to her first class. Today was a wednesday; which means Haechan was in the same class as hers. Minjeong realized this and she knew what she had to do. She grabs onto Aeri, planting a fluttery peck on the back of her hand. Minjeong leans closer as she whispers into Aeri's ear, secretly flashing a playful snicker.

"see you later, babe." 

Aeri smirks back, pursing her lips as their fingers slide off from contact. She lands her a wink before parting herself away. 

"As you are, gorgeous."

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Yizhuo blinks. 

"Sorry, you lost me at dating. And did you say Aeri? like Aeri Aeri from track and field? Shut up! What happened with Jimin?" 

She tosses to face Minjeong who was sitting on the corner side of the bed. Minjeong invited Yizhuo over to her place for a little chat, though this was not what Yizhuo had expected to hear at all.

Minjeong scratches her nape, eyeing Yizhuo awkwardly. "Uh.. let's just say my type changed?" 

As if she'd believe that. For all its worth growing up with Minjeong since they were seven, this was absolutely not very Minjeong of her. Yizhuo doesn't realize that she was staring at Minjeong in disbelief for so long.

"What? She's nice! She's really pretty and.. and she really makes me feel .. well.. appreciated." Minjeong conceals the gritting of her teeth out of cringe. She'd better be scoring that fucking date with Jimin. 

"Okay, whatever makes you happy. I'm glad you're exploring this whole dating shit. Not that it's good, though." Yizhuo whispers the last sentence. 

"Look, just support me on this one? Aeri said she'd love to have you around. Give it a shot!" Minjeong pleads, flashing Yizhuo with her usual puppy eyes. 

Yizhuo groans, shoving Minjeong's face out of her sight. "Fine! I'll go. Just so you know, I was very much rooting for Jimin. But I can't blame you. I'm happy as long as you're happy, Min." 

Minjeong just grins.

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Remind Aeri on why she's in a milkshake shack in the middle of the night with Minjeong when supposedly, she's at her room doing her evening skincare routine. 

"I've only known how i should always hold your hand when we're in public, accompany you whenever you invite me to something, sleepovers, sending texts.."

"Minjeong.."

"I don't know, I feel like I don't get the hang of this, maybe I can't really—"

"Minjeong!" Aeri yelps alarmingly, silencing Minjeong abruptly. She sighs, putting her palm against Minjeong's wrist. "You're doing fine. God, stop overthinking it."

"O-Okay.."

Minjeong slumps back on her seat, her sulky aura impeding the glowy mood of the shack. Aeri feels as much as bad because really, there isn't much to do when you two are just pretending to be together. 

"Except maybe..." Aeri mumbles, catching Minjeong's attention. "Screw my dating lessons. Let's start with you. what would you do? What's the Minjeong way?" 

Aeri hopes this would work. She watches the gingerhead think, contemplating upon Aeri's question. 

Light. Fucking. Bulb.

"You were almost gonna hit 'em!"

"Slow down, slow down!"

"Kim fucking Minjeong, I swear!"

Aeri sees her life flashing before her eyes. Who would've thought that her own idea could possibly bring her to her own death?

"Relax, I'm an expert. Just sit tight, we're almost there!" Minjeong remarks as she steps on the gas, the smile on her face never leaving.

"Yeah an expert on killing me, that's what you are!"

"You're such a drama queen. We're here, your excellency," 

Aeri failed to realize that the engine stopped because she was sure her heart was first to. Minjeong opens the door for her, and she takes a moment before she moves out of the seat. She spots the night sky painted with stars. 

"I guess stargazing works. It's very you," Aeri muttered.

"Who said we're stargazing? Barn's over there." 

"Huh?"

And just like that, Aeri tips her head up, looking at the reddish building. What on earth are they even going to do in a barn?

Wait, scratch that. "You own this?" 

Minjeong nods. "I mean, my great grandparents did. So technically yes?" 

This was totally not in Aeri's impression of her. She gawks in confusion, earning a big cackle from Minjeong. "Disappointed yet again that I'm not just some big loser who hangs out at the library, is best friends with one of the cheerleaders, and a longtime secret farm owner?" 

"Whatever."

Aeri rolls her eyes. Minjeong clasps her hand with hers, carefully making their way in. Aeri takes her first step inside, her foot occasionally meeting the soft hayed floor. She feels the edges of the hay poking her legs, causing her to shriek. Minjeong quickly puts her finger on Aeri's lips, signaling her to pipe down.

"Shhh. You're going to wake the snakes.."

"THE WHAT?" Aeri shout-whispers. 

She panics then and there, trying to find an exit. Minjeong pulls Aeri back, wrapping her arm around her quivering body as she giggled mischievously.  

"I'm just playing. There aren't any snakes in the barn, genius."

"I-I know that! Now quit goofing around or I'll shove you into one of those water boxes." 

"Yes Ma'am."

Minjeong lets go and rushes to a wooden door with a hole in the middle. She gestures to come closer as Aeri hesitantly followed. 

"Don't worry, you'll love him!" Minjeong assures.

"Who is him?" 

As soon as Aeri drops the question, a muzzle appears on the hole, startling her. Minjeong raised her hand to stop her from screaming. She retreats from her position, slowly stepping backwards. Minjeong opens the upper part of the door, revealing a black stallion. Aeri's steps faltered, the sight of the beautiful animal pinning her in place. 

"Dalbit, meet Aeri. Aeri, this is Dalbit, my horse!" Minjeong introduces.

She watches how Aeri's figure softened, delight stirring in her eyes. 

"C'mere," Minjeong insists, inviting Aeri in as she gently approaches Dalbit. He began to snort and shake his head on the recognition of a new face.

"It's okay, big guy. She's a friend." Minjeong whispers, hushing and puffing to calm him down. Thankfully, the horse stays put. Minjeong offers her other hand to Aeri, urging her to touch.

Somehow, Aeri feels Minjeong's delicate and soft hands brush with hers this time. She regarded how Minjeong guided her to press her palm on Dalbit's fur, gently telling her to make a circular motion. 

Aeri admits she hadn't seen Minjeong up close like this before. Sure that she's kissed her a couple of times, or when she falls asleep during chemistry classes—Aeri gets a glimpse of Minjeong's face. But now, she's certain that she noticed even the littlest of details. The thought leaves her petrified.

Dalbit submitted immediately, whinnying in excitement. Aeri loses her trance, quite astonished how she tamed him shortly.

"Someone's eager for a ride." Minjeong proceeds to grab on Dalbit's bridle and saddle pads from the racks, cautiously sliding the leather accessories along his head and back. 

They walked him out of the stable, the whip of the fresh breeze swaying as the grass danced along. Minjeong mounted on Dalbit flawlessly, shifting his position closer to Aeri.

"Grab onto the string and I'll pull you up." Minjeong orders.

"I-I really shouldn't, he's gonna be stressed."

"Oh please, he loves you! just take my hand, babe." Minjeong snickered. Aeri scoffs, giving up and doing as Minjeong says. Aeri grabs onto the saddle strings before lunging herself up, letting out a short squeal. 

"It's okay, i got you." Minjeong whispers behind her. She slid her arms along Aeri's waist, grabbing both her hands and placing them on the reins. With a slight tug, Dalbit starts cantering.

Minjeong was just too close that Aeri allowed herself to submerge in her warmth. She feigns ignorance on the sudden thumping occurring in her chest, though probably it was just the friction of the horse's movement, causing them to slightly bounce. Eventually, Aeri gets the hang of it. Minjeong lets go of her grasp, letting the pumped woman in front of her control. 

They went around the meadowy surface, with Dalbit taking lap after lap. Minjeong then teaches Aeri how to stop him from trotting and with a forceful jerk of the reins, he halts suit. 

"Alright, now it's just gonna be you and him. He needs four more laps, by the way." Minjeong leaps off, startling Aeri as she raises a questioning brow. 

"What, like, by myself?! God, no!"

"Oh come on, you were doing pretty great!"

"Obviously since i have his owner with?" 

"Okay, two laps."

"Minjeong, no! I'm going to fall."

"Then, i'll be here to catch you!" Minjeong eagerly dismisses, the glint in her eyes filled with something so--weird. Unspoken. 

Aeri wanted to speak further, yet there were no words. Her breath hitches, the empty air on her throat almost choking her in place. She nods in defeat, although it didn't feel very much like it. Minjeong grabs onto the horse's bridle, stirring him as they continue to finish his walk.

Once they were done, Minjeong led Dalbit back to his shed, providing him water and extra hay for the night. They bid him farewell as they head back to Minjeong's car. 

"So, how was it for a date? Did I pass?" Minjeong rests her elbow on the headrest of the seat, facing Aeri. 

The little wrenches and wheels inside of Aeri's mind just started to turn as she pondered into a realization; right, she made this happen in the first place. Does that mean she'd probably take Jimin here too?

Wait, why does she even care about that?

"Earth to my fake girlfriend? I need her thoughts on this?" Minjeong snaps her fingers. Aeri blinks rapidly, returning to reality.

"A-are you kidding? you took me horseriding. That was crazy unexpected. Even akinator would never guess that coming!" And Aeri says that with all honesty. She beams a bright smile at her, to which Minjeong mirrors back. 

"I'm glad you enjoyed. And uh, I guess you're right. It's fun to consider to do things my way. Thanks, Aeri." Minjeong reaches for Aeri's fingers, fiddling the rings wrapped around them as she intertwined theirs together. 

Believe her or not, Aeri completely tried her best to defy the gnawing jolt tingling in her veins at the moment. Call her paranoid, but she's sure that Minjeong swallowed a lump in her throat as she leans dangerously forward, her hooded eyes closing shut. 

The next thing aeri knew is that they're crashing their lips together into a sealed kiss. She indulged in the contact, losing her breath in the process. She backs away for a moment to catch air and yet Aeri yelps as Minjeong cups her nape, pulling her back in. She felt a gentle tug of Minjeong's teeth on her lower lip, affectionately nibbling it. Aeri whimpers weakly, and it was then until Minjeong stops. 

"Sh-shoot. Sorry, did I go too far?" Minjeong asks with nothing but concern on her tone, hand on her lips, the messy strands of her hair has her looking like a dream. 

"N-no! no, all good, yep!" Aeri nods and she had never averted her gaze so fast. 

"Um, okay. I'll drive us home, then..." Minjeong mutters, starting the engine. 

The whole ride was nothing but the screeching sound of the tires and a little bit of the loud beating of someone's heart. God knows whose it was. 

"Alright, bye! Thanks again." Aeri quickly shuts the door as she dashed her way in the dorm building, not even sparing Minjeong a second to respond. 

Okay...? Minjeong shrugs it off. She comes back to her room shortly, lying on the mattress, giving the ceiling a staredown. She trails her fingers along the tip of her lips, reminiscing the memory awhile ago. 

Aeri, on the other hand, plops down her bed, stuffing her face with her favorite pillow. She groans, muffled by the foam, and eventually falls into slumber. 

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The room was surprisingly quiet, even for a physical education subject. Minjeong busies herself on the tetris game in her phone, tapping the right spots for the blocks to combine. 

She's waiting for yizhuo since they're in the same class for this one. Perhaps she was too early, which explains the tranquil ambience.

Minjeong feels two taps on her head and she knew immediately. Yizhuo sits beside her, leaning close. She shows her Kakao Talk screen as Minjeong keeps in track of reading them despite the quick pace of Yizhuo's scrolling.

"Tell you what: Renjun has been texting me." 

Minjeong shoots her eyes wide. "Huh. He seems to be flirting with you."

"I know, right?"

"Well, what are your thoughts?" 

Yizhuo curves her lips to think. "I think he's alright. Not really my type, though!" 

Before Minjeong could respond, the instructor was already up front. Beside him were the track team, to which, Minjeong's gaze immediately lands upon Aeri. She beams a wink as Minjeong chuckles, scoffing silently as a response. Next to aeri was Jimin, who Minjeong happened to land her eyes on as well. Jimin scrunches her face, her eyelids creasing the same way her smile does. Minjeong gives a small wave, fighting the threatening blush smearing on her face. 

"Speak of the devil." Yizhuo mumbles behind her as she points her eyes to Renjun whom she almost forgot was in the team as well.

They were all in their varsity uniforms, because today's agenda was all about track and field. With the team varsity's help, They were assigned to assist in executing the track activity as soon as the professor was done with his little lesson. 

Minjeong's just so thankful that the heat wasn't as strong as the last few days, because she couldn't imagine herself doing laps at such a weather. They've resorted to lots of tasks already, and the last one was a sprint relay. Minjeong shouldn't care at all, but since the professor said the fastest record gets additional grades, and the fact that Jimin's here, Minjeong's more than ready to impress. 

As soon as the fake gun blows, Minjeong hunches forward, sprinting like a cheetah. She heard the howling spectators as she ran as fast as she could. 

"Get that new record, bestie!" Yizhuo cheers.

"Let's go, Minjeong!" next was Jimin,

"Yeah! go baby! That's my girl right there!" And finally, Aeri's voice struck the most. Minjeong smiled to herself as she went on. The finish line was just around the corner, and Minjeong already feels the extra grade.

Until unfortunately, upon taking the wrong step, Minjeong plummets down the field, earning gasps from the crowd. 

"Ouch!" She hisses in pain, rolling on her back and sitting up, pressing her ankle evenly. 

"Minjeong, are you okay?" "Minjeong, you okay?"

Minjeong couldn't quite look at both of them clearly as she feels the concussion of her fall still affecting her. Aeri and Jimin's hands were just there, waiting for her. 

Minjeong takes Jimin's as the ravenhead pulled her upwards, hooking her arm around her neck to support her. Aeri cups her face, the intense hint of worry glistening in her eyes as she checks Minjeong all over. 

"Oh my god, your ankle! Hold on, I'll just tell Chaeryeong to handle for me—"

"It's okay, Aeri, the team needs you. I'll bring Minjeong to the clinic." Jimin insists. Aeri sighs and nods. "Thanks, Jimin. Not a single drop of blood or I'll kill you!" 

Jimin laughs. "Copy that, madam!"

Minjeong, in courtesy of Jimin rests soundly on the clinic bed as she covers her face in frustration. 

"I was totally gonna get that fastest record..." She mumbles. 

"Yeah you are, if only you put your head into place." Minjeong was startled at the sight of Jimin sitting beside her. "You were going too fast, airhead. Your legs were almost going to twist!" 

Minjeong wanted to drown in embarrassment. Not only did she trip and become a laughingstock for the class, but she also got a little sermon from her ultimate crush. 

"Hey, but you're really good, actually. How come you've never went to tryouts?" Jimin asks. 

"It really wasn't my forte... and i think I'm good with bowling." Minjeong chuckles, Jimin following suit. Her brows meet in confusion as Jimin looks at her like she'd seen a ghost or something.

"Oh no... you have a scratch under your jaw," Jimin bends forward, and Minjeong almost forgets to breathe. She could see the perfect features of Jimin's. She had such sharp features, from her gorgeous eyebrows, pointed nose, and the distinct beauty mark under her lips. Her doe eyes are what gets her the most though, and Minjeong could spend another hour staring at them. 

"Atleast it's not blood, right?" Minjeong chokes out a nervous laugh. 

"Yeah, Aeri's scary when she's mad. You don't want to see it." Jimin grins and reminisces about the times where Aeri would literally fight the whole school just to protect her. 

"Well how about that, I fell in love with a fighter.." Minjeong muttered, taken aback by her words. 

What? 

Jimin nods. "You know, you're really special, Minjeong." 

"Huh?"

"It's just that... for all I've known Aeri, she's not the type to just, I don't know, step into a relationship just like that," 

Minjeong snorts in her head. Oh, if only Jimin knew.

"...And, she's only ever talked about you to the team. She admires you a lot. And a lot is an understatement. I'm just so glad she has you and vice versa. She even turned down the invitation to Yunjin's party just to hang out with you this Friday! Imagine that, Aeri, our party girl, ditching a, well, party?" Jimin gawks in awe. 

"Wait, what's the party for?" Minjeong shifts her position to feel more comfortable.

"Oh it's just one of those. You know, drinking, rave and stuff. And the soccer team's gonna be there so i guess that also explains why Aeri doesn't want anything to do with it, I guess."

Minjeong nods. The curtains swung open as Aeri walked in with a tupperware on her hand. Jimin rises up and excuses herself. 

"Hey, you can stay, Jiminie." Aeri insisted. Jimin shakes her head, smiling in response. She waves minjeong goodbye and tells her to get well soon as she walks out of the room. 

"I brought you some guo bao rou and tomato juice. Yizhuo said you like these, so, yeah." Aeri hands the tupperware and bottle as Minjeong receives them. 

She munches on the food shortly, feeling a tad bit full and satisfied. "Thanks. You didn't have to."

Aeri rolls her eyes. "Shut up, dork! You literally almost broke your foot. You're such a loser." Aeri giggles, reaching for Minjeong's forehead. She fixes her little ginger bangs as Minjeong watches her do so. The sight built a familiar feeling in Minjeong's gut. 

"Geez, maybe a 'get well soon, babe' would suffice, I don't know, since your girlfriend looked like a total idiot back there?" Minjeong scoffed. 

"Look who's the drama queen now. You got your food, that'll do, you big baby. Now, where to this Friday?" Aeri places both her hands under her chin, resting her elbows on the mattress. She looked like a little kid who's waiting for her grandma to share an amusing story. She's so looking forward to more dates adventures with Minjeong.

"Uh, about that... do you want to go on and show up at Yunjin's party? I think it'll be fun..." Aeri's face fell, but it was soon replaced by the usual smile before Minjeong could even notice.

"Why? Decided you're more into parties now?" Aeri smirks. 

"Uh, y-yeah! and, well, Jimin's there, Haechan too, so I guess it's a win-win! We'll show up, hang out with Jimin, and irk Haechan more! I mean, technically we're still pretending, right?" Minjeong liked the idea. she can totally talk to Jimin more, especially if they're in a party. Socializing, and all that, as much as it's the bane of her existence. Anything she will do for Jimin.

Minjeong was too giddy that she misses the way Aeri's smile drops, the frown on her face instantly transforming into a forced chuckle as soon as Minjeong's attention glides back to her. 

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It took Minjeong almost thirty minutes to decide on her outfit for tonight. 

It's not like she's dressing up to look cool or what, but that's actually the point. What's something that can make her look presentable? And by presentable she meant party-presentable? 

She's in too much dilemma that she groans and picks her phone up, dialing the person she needs the most right now.

However, yizhuo doesn't answer. She's probably at the venue already.

Another notification pops up as she types in a reply immediately.

gf🙄: are u done? i'm ready

babe🐢: just a sec, hard time finding clothes lol xd gotta look oh-so-presentable 

gf🙄: why bother? just wear what's comfortable :p

Minjeong ponders on it. Maybe she does need to listen to Aeri. So she opens her cabinet once more and the first thing she spots is the guns' n roses vintage oversized t-shirt Yizhuo gave her as a birthday present. She fits it on with some high-rise denim jeans and her favorite Nike shoes. 

She scurries to her car and heads straight to Aeri's. She texts her to come down and she's stunned to meet Aeri in her black tank top and trousers, with a Givenchy sling bag and wedged heels for the finishing touches. She was wearing her usual make-up, except that her eyeliner's a little stronger than before.  

"Cat got your tongue, Kim?"

Minjeong fails to respond. She short circuits, losing the words in her head. 

"Oh uh.. you .. ehm, you look like trash..,?"

Shit, what was the pick-up line again?

Aeri raised a brow in fury. "Excuse me?!"

Minjeong sweats. She taps the steering wheel endlessly, biting her lip to gain her confidence back. 

"I said you look like trash. Let me take you out?" minjeong grimaces. 

Aeri took awhile to absorb the pun before she snorted out probably the biggest laugh she's ever had her whole life. She throws her head back, palming her face to resist another round of cracking up. Minjeong watches her fondly, laughing along as well. Aeri hops in the seat, still not done with her cackling. 

"You're so horrible at flirting." Aeri finally speaks after recovering from her high.

"I try my best," Minjeong chuckled. "It made you laugh, though."

"Don't be too proud of yourself."

The party was already pumping up the moment they were inside. Minjeong holds onto Aeri's hands for dear life because she is not used to this. 

"Hey, you actually came!" Chaeryeong greets them from behind, and offers them drinks, to which they refused. Maybe they'll save the alcohol for later. Chaeryeong shrugs and asks the others. 

The music was so loud it was ringing inside Minjeong's brain. How people could endure this, she will never understand.

"Just hold me and don't let go, then you'll be fine." Aeri says and she's unsure if Minjeong heard it or not but she sees her nod in return. 

They manage their way upstairs and what great timing that the track and soccer team are in one room, playing party games. 

"Alright, everybody heads up, the SMU power couple is here!" One of the guys from the soccer team hyped up as the rest followed and howled, except for Haechan who was on the right part of the room. Minjeong tightened her grip, making their way in. 

"Guys, oh my gosh, you really came!" Minjeong sees Jimin approaching their way, her arms wide open for a hug. Minjeong immediately unclasps her fingers from Aeri, pushing herself into Jimin's arms. It was short, but really nice. Jimin smells like daisies. The fragrant ones. Jimin then embraces Aeri after, and she led them to her space. 

"What's with the commotion?" Aeri asks as soon as she finds her seat on the floor, just next to Jimin. 

"Oh, we're playing seven minutes in heaven. I kept praying I would get paired with anyone but a man and thankfully, I haven't been chosen by le ol' bottle yet." she chuckled. 

The bathroom door opens to Mark and Renjun coming out, their faces flushed. God knows whatever happened during those seven minutes of their life back there. 

"Okay, onto the next pair! Spin the damn bottle!" Yunjin shouts as the glass bottle starts to roll. It lands on Minjeong first, and it leaves her appalled. She's definitely not gonna survive seven minutes with anyone here except—

"Jimin! and.. Aeri?" Someone exclaimed, and they saw how the bottle was pointing in between the two women.

"It's leaning more on Jimin, though. But well, we could go with Aeri, since she's the girlfr—"

"It's Jimin. Play with the rules, Mark." Aeri blurts out in a monotonous voice. 

"Are you sure? It's fine with me, we can switch." Jimin shoots Aeri an apologetic look. 

"It's okay, Jimin. Like I said, play by the rules." Aeri smiles, turning to Minjeong as she raises both her brows and scrunches her face, telling her to go for it. Minjeong stands baffled, her eyes never leaving Aeri as Jimin leads her inside.

Jimin sits on the countertop, resting her palms along with. Minjeong just sat on the floor, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. 

"Why didn't you stop her?" 

"What?"

Minjeong clears her throat. "Why didn't you stop Aeri, i said." 

Jimin raised a brow. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?" 

Minjeong retreats any more questions out of shame. She hugs her knees this time, resting her chin on it. 

"Look, Minjeong, I don't want anything weird to happen after this." Minjeong looks up at her.

"What do you mean?"

"Aeri's my best friend. You're her girlfriend."

"But I'm—" not actually her girlfriend! it's you who i like! Minjeong almost tattles. 

"but you're what?"

This was the perfect chance. She could confess and all that, but there wasn't anything coming out of her mouth. She narrows her eyes, stricken by panic. Her shoulders quivered, blood rushing through her head. 

"Whoa, Minjeong! Hey, are you alright?" Jimin steps down from the counter, kneeling on Minjeong's level as she keeps finding the words she needed to tell Jimin.

why can't i say it?

why won't you say it?

it's what i feel.

it's not how you really feel.

"I..." Minjeong utters. Jimin placed her hands on hers, trying to comfort her. 

"Look at me, what's wrong?" 

i like you, yu jimin.

but i think i like someone else more.

The door slams open.

"That's seven minutes! Get your asses up, Yu and Kim!"  Minjeong snaps back, startled by the proximity of Jimin against her. From the corner of her eye, she knows Aeri is watching. they both come back to their seat, and minjeong settles quietly. 

"You okay?" Minjeong wants to laugh, hearing Aeri's voice full of concern as if she hadn't given her an icing stare just a while ago. 

"M'fine."

The game went on, and the bottle landed on Aeri. Minjeong watches the next spin come. She's pretty sure a player can go again as long as the bottle picks them. So she prays. Hard enough that it'll land on her. 

The room gasps as the bottle points at Haechan, and he scratches the back of his neck. He looks at Minjeong with hesitation as she glares at him. 

"Let her be. I'm coming with him." The room gasps yet again, but this time, louder. Aeri stands up and grabs Haechan's arm, pulling him inside the bathroom. 

Minjeong can feel the stares and whispers. Ever since, she's trying to get used to the attention. This one wasn't so pretty. She lets them be, as she waits out the most agonizing seven minutes of her entire life. 

She feels jimin nudging her, mouthing if she's alright. Minjeong fakes a smile, nodding reaassuringly. The time went by slowly until the time passed. 

As soon as the room opens, Minjeong watches the sore sight of Aeri leaning onto Haechan, their cackling harmonizing together and it leaves the room shocked. 

"Thanks again, Haech! that was a good one!" Aeri exclaims and Haechan nods, going back to his seat. She notices the brilliant glow plastered on Aeri's face, and it pisses her off. 

So she stands up, excusing herself out. Aeri struggles to follow her as she quickly shoves her way down and all the way to the dance floor, and finally, outside the house. 

Minjeong ignores aeri's voice, rampantly going forward until she reaches her car which was parked across the street. She shuffles her pockets to get her keys when suddenly Aeri grabs her wrist and pulls to face her. 

"Minjeong, are you even listening to me?!"

Minjeong's tongue felt so heavy she doesn't say anything. She examines aeri's distorted face, the red streaks on her cheeks revealing, her brows knitted together and Minjeong couldn't help but think that she's still pretty like this even when she's infuriated. 

"I am. I've always listened to you. now let go, I'm going home." Minjeong turns her back on Aeri, proceeding to get her keys. 

"Why are you acting so fucking insufferable?"

"And why should you care?"

"Because you're my goddamned girlfriend, that's what!" Aeri screams, her face even redder than before. 

"What does that have to do with me being your girlfriend? We're faking, right? This is all pretend!" Minjeong shoots back and god she wishes she didn't say it like that if not for the thought of Aeri with Haechan awhile ago. 

Because aeri came into senses. Her shoulders flopping down, her furious gaze fading into a gentler, miserable hue. "Of course, it totally flew over my head," 

"Aeri, no—"

"Of fucking course this is all pretend. Of fucking course I'm stupid for actually thinking that it felt real at least for once in awhile." Aeri began to wipe the tears falling from her eyes, and Minjeong could only look at her in remorse. 

Minjeong opens her mouth, then closes it again. What was she supposed to say at this point? She's fucked and it's all already messy. 

Aeri hands her a small card with the name of a famous five-star restaurant just a few drives away from town. Minjeong cranes her head at Aeri in haze, wondering what it is. She flips the card to see a scheduled date with the words table reservation on it. 

"Well, a deal's a deal. Haechan's out of my hair, you get the girl. Enjoy your date, Kim." Aeri scoffs, and she was the one turning her back this time. 

Minjeong is rooted to her stance, watching her walk away. She could reach out and stop her. She could shout her name so she stops and looks back once more. She could take back what she said. 

Either way, all those could's can't undo the damage she's done.

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The room gasps as the bottle points at Haechan, and he scratches the back of his neck. He looks at Minjeong with hesitation as she glares at him. 

"Let her be. I'm coming with him." The room gasps yet again, but this time, louder. Aeri stands up and grabs Haechan's arm, pulling him inside the bathroom. 

Haechan immediately distanced himself, standing on the corner of the room as he placed his hands inside his pockets. Maybe if he pretended Aeri didn't existed....

"Stop pretending like i don't exist, you dingo." Okay, nevermind.

"Well, uh, hi? I think it's been ahwile? How have you been?" Haechan facepalms. That's too many questions! 

"Hello to you too. Yes, it has been awhile indeed. I'm...doing alright, I guess." Aeri trails off. "Am I sounding a little too pushy at you right now?" 

Haechan blinked. "As a matter of fact, you are. And it's kinda weirding me out because if I remember correctly, I'm always the one all over on you. In a bad way, too." 

"Sorry..."

"Oh, you don't need to apologize. I should be the one doing that. I'm really sorry, Aeri. I know I've caused you a lot of trouble and I was too blinded by my admiration for you. But hey, I think I've woken up and made my realizations!" 

Aeri chuckles. "Silly, you don't have to apologize either. Don't apologize for having feelings."

Silence.

"I just really can't believe that Minjeong won you over me. Not that I'm bragging myself, technically I am, but yeah you get it." Haechan fixes his hair and clears his throat. God, he's still so insufferable.

"You wanna know a secret?"

"That you liked me back at some point?" 

"Ew, no! No offense," Aeri sheepishly smiled. 

"Well, I tried." Haechan shrugs. He waits for her to speak.

"Minjeong and I, aren't really a thing, you know. We made it up to scare you away. Heh." Aeri tells in a small voice. She anticipates the brunette's reaction, however, he was just looking at her. 

"What? no reaction?"

Haechan raises both his brows. "What's next? I mean, clearly that doesn't end there.."

"What do you mean?..."

Haechan scoffs. "Please. Minjeong literally wanted to kill me with her stare. Has she been possessive of you lately?" 

Aeri's the one to scoff this time. "What the hell are you saying?" Aeri forced out a laugh, her voice almost cracking. She's so terrified of what Haechan's going to say next because she knows.

"What i'm saying is, even if you guys—girls, started off pretending, don't you think it's getting a little too real?" Haechan remarked.

Aeri stares at him. Doesn't say anything just to deny it all the more. 

Yet he just seemed too eager. "D'ya wanna dumb it down more? What I'm saying is, you already like Minjeong and vice versa. I don't think there's any other alternative terms for that." 

And it throws Aeri into a fit of laughter. She looked delirious and Haechan was concerned, but he just laughed along for his sake. 

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Minjeong was blocked. She literally can't send even a dot to Aeri's iMessages. She sighs in defeat, opening her locker. It's been days since what happened. Minjeong dreams about the memory every night that it's already haunting her. She might've gone bananas at this point.

She closes the metal door and lo behold, Jimin appears in front of her. She jolts up very lightly. "Oh. Hi."

"Heya! So, i have this really small favor I'd like to ask. Aeri set me up on a blind date this Thursday. She said I can get your help by dropping me off at the location?" 

Minjeong wanted to laugh. Aeri's really toying with her from now on. I guess Minjeong had no choice, and she deserved it. 

"Sure thing, just text me your address."

After exchanging numbers, Minjeong heads to class. She decided to sit down on the cornermost chair in the room, since there weren't much people seated on that row. She was entirely occupied for the entire period, and a thought crossed her mind. 

Chemistry. She's going to see Aeri in chemistry! Minjeong rushed out of the room as soon as the time ended, making her way through the busy hallway. Imagine the relief when Minjeong finds her usual seat to be empty, and the one beside as well. She readied her things on the place, waiting for Aeri to show up at the door. 

As expected, Aeri enters the room just in time. Minjeong craned her head like a meerkat, trying to catch the girl's attention. She fails miserably as Aeri heads straight to the first row, finding an available seat. 

Minjeong's face fell into a frown, and yet she still manages to make a wistful stare at Aeri's figure who didn't even take her time to look behind. 

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If this is how a fake break-up feels, then it most definitely drives Minjeong crazy. Yizhuo came over to help her with art appreciation project that they paired up to do since it's due next week. 

"Okay, this is the fifth time you colored the wrong part of the mache. Drop the brush, take a deep breath, and tell me what the fuck is going on with you because I think I'm hanging out with a zombie, not my best friend." 

Minjeong does what she was told, staring aloofly at Yizhuo.

"Are you okay?"

"Of course, I might just be losing sleep."

"You wanna try that again?" Yizhuo raised a brow, the look on her face pinning Minjeong down because clearly, she could never lie like this knowing Yizhuo knows how to read her emotions well.

Minjeong sighs, hating the way her vision blurs, her cheeks warming up as it brings Yizhuo into a frantic mess seeing her best friend tear up so suddenly. 

"Hey, knucklehead, what's wrong?" Yizhuo pouts as she reaches out for the hand towel beside their paint tools, wiping Minjeong's face clean. 

It took a while for Minjeong to calm down and with another sigh, she tells Yizhuo everything. Down to every last detail. She feigned hearing and seeing Yizhuo's reactions as she kept rambling on.

"Wow. that was.. oh." Yizhuo trails off. She studies Minjeong's face for a short while, and she pulls her for a warm embrace. 

Minjeong thanks her as she blasts the AC up, carrying on with their project. It was quiet, but Minjeong was content since Yizhuo's presence was comforting. After a few contemplations in Yizhuo's head, she called Minjeong, staring her down intently.

"I don't have a say in this, but if I were you, I'd definitely listen to what both my mind and heart really wants."

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jimin: hi! i'm already by the porch. see you! :D

kim minjeong: i'm almost there. ^_^

Minjeong stops at Jimin's front porch, lunging out the driver's seat to open the car for her. Jimin uttered a little thank you before entering the vehicle.

They arrive shortly at the restaurant, and it was more than just an exquisite five star cuisine. The ambience from the outside alone was elite already, and Minjeong couldn't stress enough how much Aeri spent for this. Her  guilt only haywired. She parks the car on an available slot.

"Let's go? our date's waiting inside."

Minjeong turns to her, flabbergasted. "How did you—"

"Just get in with me, Minjeong." Jimin tittered, moving out of her seat. 

An entourage of waiters welcomed them by the entrance, escorting them to their table. Minjeong feels like drowning in embarrassment now.

They both forward their orders and as the waiter was out of sight, Minjeong could feel the tension in Jimin's stare. 

Minjeong found it hard to keep her gaze fixed on the ravenhead. Literally, this was what she always wanted. Now, she just looks like a total idiot, shifting and squirming in place.

Soon enough, the dessert came first, at the special request of Minjeong since she wanted to chomp on the cheesecake to at least ease her agitation. Jimin watches her relish the dish, chuckling at the view.

"You should try this, Jimin, itcho—" Minjeong chews, "—gewd!"

Jimin leans close, reaching out for something along Minjeong's face. Her fingers trailed along the side of Minjeong's lip, wiping the excess cream off. Minjeong froze on the contact.

"Sorry.."

"Oh, don't be. You're adorable. And since you said so," Jimin forks out a part of the cake, savoring it in her mouth for a few seconds. 

"Wow, you're right!" 

And they spent the next few minutes talking about desserts. Minjeong felt like a heavy weight was lifted off her chest, having her time with Jimin like this. Their food came soon enough, and the smell brought them at ease.

"You were going to tell me something?" Jimin asks, forking the tender steak and slicing it in half. 

Minjeong's grip on her utensils tightened. "Oh, it's um. It's nothing.." 

Yes, there is, genius. 

Minjeong blinks. "Okay, actually, there is."

She watches Jimin as she anticipates her words.

"Jimin, I really, really like you."

She speaks out of admiration, and yet, somewhere deep inside her chest, it says otherwise. 

"I know. Aeri told me everything last night." Jimin smiles. Minjeong fidgets on her fingers, avoiding her stare. She is gorgeous, yes, but it just didn't feel right. 

"Why do you like me, minjeong?"

The question catches Minjeong off guard. "Well I, uh, I've been crushing on you since high school. We were, um, seatmates and we got along well."

Was that even enough? Minjeong suddenly wants to press a little button with the word eject labeled on it. Jimin nods upon her answer, scratching her chin. 

"Why do you like Aeri?" 

Minjeong almost spits out the water in her mouth. "Why do i wha--huh?"

Jimin snorts out a laugh. "Don't make me repeat myself!"

"Like, as a friend, right?.." Minjeong clarifies, and she knows damn well Jimin didn't mean that. 

"Okay. i like Aeri because... she can get annoying and quirky at times but she's bearable. I like her because she sounds so cool when she's speaking and I hear a little bit of Korean and then suddenly English and then Japanese and it all gets jumbled up but it's still making sense. She's confident and vocal, emphasis on vocal because god, she's really vocal about everything. She rambles about a lot of things and I don't even know what the hell they mean sometimes but she makes me want to just listen because she's the most interesting person I've ever met in a while. I like Aeri because—she's.. Aeri." 

Minjeong's tiny speech faltered, a sudden flash of emotions crossing on her face. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and now she feels the blood coursing up her cheeks. 

"Took you a while to realize." Jimin says in between. She takes a mental note on definitely going back here for some steak. 

"Huh?" and minjeong just sounds like a full-blown idiot. 

"Look, i appreciate the confession. But it seems to me that it isn't the case anymore. You have to be honest with yourself, Minjeong."

Minjeong sucks in a breath, thinking about how Aeri's doe orbs meet hers at any given instance; reminisces the way her voice lingers in her ear, and most of all, she finally acknowledges the pummeling in her chest. 

"Fuck," Minjeong cusses out in a low, eccentric tone. "I think l—" 

Jimin cuts her off, shoving a spoonful of cake in her mouth. she wavers a gentle smile. "I know. You always have. Now don't come around telling me that. If anything, Aeri deserves to hear it from you." 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Aeri jumps out of her bed as soon as she hears a faint beep of the door operator system. That only means one of three things: Jimin brought pizza, the landlady receiving another complaint about a new annoying suitor wreaking havoc in the lobby, or, the last person she really wants to see right now—

"Hey, i got some americano here. Figured you need it for the long exam."

The gods must have hated her so much for this to be happening.

Minjeong lifts the paper holder, showing the tall cup of drink with a gleaming smile on her face. Aeri grumbled silently, turning her back and hiding herself in her duvet. Why did she ever forget to get her keycard back? 

"Leave me alone, Minjeong." Aeri mumbles against muffled sheets.

It seemed to work, since the next minutes followed silence. Aeri mentally celebrates, though it was too soon that the creak of her fridge door echoed within the walls, followed by the clinking of kitchenware. Her last straw was the handful of utensils falling down the floor, a quick irritation in her eardrums that led her to remove the cover from her body, sitting upright to face the culprit. She spots Minjeong with all her moronic glory, holding a carton of milk and the americano in her hands. Her other eye was narrowed, and a sheepish grin crept up on her lips.

"Sorry...i just wanted to get some straws."

"Put the milk back."

Minjeong places both the carton and the drink on the counter behind her, ignoring Aeri's command. She struggles to turn the cap of the small box, mentally sweating at the embarrassment she was being at the moment. Minjeong can feel Aeri's piercing stare, yet it doesn't stop her from moving.

Minjeong took off the lid of the plastic cup and carefully arranged its position. With the milk box in her hand, she pours. The dark liquid voluntarily mixed with the cream, revealing a short note that read I'm Sorry :((. Minjeong then proceeded to pick up a fork from the ground.

 "I forked up.." She eyes Aeri intensely, keeping herself from chortling. "Okay, but seriously, I mean it."

"Get out." Aeri deadpans. 

Minjeong doesn't budge. She crosses her arms like a stubborn toddler. 

"I'm not leaving until you talk to me, just so you know."

"We've been talking since your annoying ass got here. And now, I am asking you to get the hell out!"

"No. I won't let you push me away like this. You de-existed from my life for days, Aeri! Did you know how much that hurt me?"

Aeri rolls her eyes. "Oh, so now you're one to talk about pain. You just had the nerve to show up and tell me that you're the one hurting. Just great!"

Minjeong shrinks from her stance, taken aback by her words. I didn't mean it like that. I just felt like I didn't even get any chance to say something."

"You know, looking back, I think I should be the one apologizing." Aeri lets out a quiet sniffle. "Sorry for dragging you into this mess, yeah?"

"Aeri, that's not—"

"I knew that we've always been fooling around. I of all people should know. But you're just so goddamn good at making people fall in love with you! I'm sick of thinking that it's going to end either way and I'm sick of convincing myself that you're never going to feel the same w—"

Minjeong cuts her off with a careless kiss, trailing her hand towards the crook of Aeri's neck. Her body went rigid, pupils convulsing out of shock and all she could think of is Minjeong's familiar berry-flavored chapstick-silkened lips crashing onto hers.  

Minjeong pulled back upon sensing the lack of air and motion from them. She stares at Aeri who was still lost in a daze and her cheeks evidently wet from crying. 

"Well? How was that for fooling around? Very much doesn't feel like it, right?" Minjeong scoffed between ragged breaths. Aeri could only look at her in response. 

"I'm done pretending. I want this to be real, Aeri. That's if you let me." 

Aeri doesn't waste any second longer as she tugs the front of Minjeong's shirt, pressing her lips onto hers like they've done it a million times over. The only difference is that this time, there's no need for facades or silly games, just room for love to flourish.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Everyone at the lunch table, except for Jimin and Yizhuo, exchanged puzzled looks. 

"So! we're together, like, officially." Aeri leaned her head onto Minjeong's shoulder who nodded along, snaking her arms behind her waist. 

"Uh, i might've missed a few chapters, but, haven't you two always been?" Renjun asks with genuine innocence.

Minjeong chuckles, looking at Aeri with fondness. "Well what do you know, I kinda needed a reminder." 

Aeri rolls her eyes, her tone reverberating into a sing-song. "Guess you're stuck with me yet again, Kim~"

"Good fucking riddance," and Minjeong kisses her in the middle of the crowded cafeteria.