Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Monday 7pm, 2 days after that

It’s quite rare for the triplets to be able to gather at this hour. Usually, Sharon came home quite late since her schedule always packed on Monday. But now, they all here in the living room after having a take-out dinner.

Even though they’re at the same place, the triplets were kinda busy with their own thing. Mina was watching the TV, Sharon with her laptop—reading some documents, and Jeongnam sat a bit further from them while playing with Ray.

Until Mina decided to turn off the TV and gathered her sisters focus on her.

“Can I… have your attention for a moment? There’s something I want to tell to both of you.”

Hearing that, Sharon lowered her laptop’s screen and focus on Mina, while Jeongnam put Ray inside his play house and then came to sit at the vacant sofa to join her sisters.

“What’s wrong? Is there anything bothering you?” asked Jeongnam

“No. I’m fine. It just…”

Mina looked and sounded nervous. Very nervous.

Of course, she was about to tell Sharon and Jeongnam about her relationship with Momo. she planned to tell them last night, yet she had to postpone it after once again defeated by the nerves.

Well, yes. She had priorly told Sharon that she’s dating someone. But Mina never told her it was Momo.. So, Mina wasn’t sure what Sharon would think about it. On the other hand, Jeongnam… She’s Mina’s biggest worry.

But Mina had determined to tell them right now. No more postponing.

Mina took a deep breath, bracing herself for the consequences later on and said, “remember about the crush I’ve told you two about?” after she got a nod from Sharon and Jeongnam, Mina continued,

“She is Momo and we’re dating now.”

There was a few second of silence after Mina dropped that news. Mina nervously prepared herself to face whatever her sisters respond would be—bad or good…

Sharon became the first one who broke the silence, “oh my god! Congrats my baby!!” Sharon’s lively responds, immediately lifted up all Mina’s worries

“See, Jeongnam?? I was right all along! I’ve told you billion times that Momo is suspicious but you never listen! Myoui Sharon never wrong, indeed.” Added Sharon

“You… knew?” asked Mina

Sharon smug, “Mina, baby. You, might able to hide it well, but your girlfriend isn’t. She’s too easy to read!!” and that, made Mina blushed.

Sharon than moved to sit right beside Mina and said, “come on. Spill the tea. I wanna know the journey!”

“W-what journey?”

“The journey on how you fall for her and how you two start dating, of course!!”

“Eeeh?! No… I don’t wanna talk about it.” Mina said it while covering her face, felt shy upon it.

“Oh, come on~”

Despite the two sisters were having a lively conversation, one wasn’t. or more like couldn’t. She’s completely blank out. In fact, her focus started to fade away soon after Mina dropped the news.

Jeongnam’s head was filled with tons of questions, disbelief with what she just heard. And also… fear.

“H-hold on,” Jeongnam finally spoke and broke the lively conversation “did you just say that you’re.. dating??”

“yes.”

“and your girlfriend is.. who, Momo?? As in Hirai Momo?”

Again, Mina gave the same answered, “yes.”

Jeongnam stared at Mina for a few seconds. She looked rather… uneasy. Her face looked tense and her breathing was a bit faster than normal. With that, Mina knew that her other sister wasn’t really happy with the news.

“Amongst all people, why you choose to date one of my friends?”

Frown immediately formed on Mina’s face, definitely shown that she didn’t like the way Jeongnam said that. And the usual timid girl, snapped.

“Why you’re making it sounds so wrong to date one of your—wait. As far as I remember, Momo is MY friend too. Matter of fact, I’M the one who became her friend FIRST before YOU did. How come you have such audacity to—”

“Whoaa! Okaaay! Stop right there.” Sharon immediately cut in, “we don’t want any fight over th—”

“Shut up. No one ask you to meddle in.” Said Jeongnam, who cut in Sharon’s soft attempt to ease down the atmosphere.

“Well at least Sharon is mature enough to try to control the situation. Not like you who can’t even process your emotion well and lashing out to other people instead.”

That was a sharp truth coming from Mina and Jeongnam couldn’t fire back. She wanted to… But talking back at angry Mina wasn’t really something that Jeongnam have the heart to. Plus, what Mina just said made Jeongnam realized that she once again had let her emotion taken control of herself.

Didn’t want to say anything that might hurt her younger sister, Jeongnam chose to leave the scene, “you know what. I’ll just go back to my room. Whoever you’re dating with, isn’t my business anyways.”

“Do you have any issue with Momo? If she’s your friend, you knew what kind of person she is. Because to me, she’s the most amazing person that ever came to my life.”

“Welp. Glad to hear it then.” Said Jeongnam as she stood up and ready to leave

 Sharon tried to stop her, “wait Jeo—"

“Fine!  Go run and hide your feelings from everyone like usual. Let us completely clueless about you and never able to understand you.” Said Mina who’s completely in rage when Jeongnam chose to flee away like that.

Jeongnam didn’t retaliate and just walked off.

Still fuming, Mina stood from her seat and said, “don’t you think it’s unfair how I’m so supportive for your relationship with Sana, but you’re acting this cold towards me just because I date Momo?”

Once again, Jeongnam being hit by Mina’s sharp truth. Classic Jeongnam, being bitter is always her getaway ticket for everything,

“never ask you to do that, didn’t I?” said Jeongnam, not even facing her sisters.

Angry and frustrated sigh was heard soon after Jeongnam said that in such nonchalant way. Of course, it came from Mina.

“Be grumpy and cold as long as you want, I don’t care. But if you dare to do or say anything bad to Momo… I won’t forgive you.”

Hearing Mina’s warning, Jeongnam frowned and displeased. The accusation of her might do something villainous, totally broke Jeongnam’s patience.

 “Do anything bad?? Why is ever—”

Jeongnam held back her anger soon after she turned around and saw Mina’s face. Jeongnam wasn’t just greeted by Mina’s angry stare… but Jeongnam could also see the tears that formed inside Mina’s eyes, ready to fall any second.

Yes, despite Mina’s words sounded intimidating and harsh, she said it in shaky tone as she tried to hold back her tears. Tears that built from frustration.

That view stabbed Jeongnam’s heart deeply and once again made her realized that her respond was out of the line.

She then let out a deep sigh—controlling herself.

“Look. I’m sorry for my cold respond. I was just… shock, that’s all. Momo is part of Sixteen and every member are precious to me. So, chill. I don’t have any problem with her, and I promise I won’t do anything.”

“Can I hold that promise?”

“Of course. I will never break any promise, especially the one I made with my own sister.”

Although it was a quick motion, Jeongnam managed to give a glance to Sharon—indicating that the words were about her. Sharon noticed it. But she didn’t want to spark anymore fight.

“Anyways, I’m going back to my room. Good night..” Jeongnam gave a small smile before she went upstairs.

And once Jeongnam was completely out of sight, Mina plumped herself down onto the sofa and immediately cry out her frustration.

Even though Jeongnam said that she’s fine with Momo, it didn’t convince Mina at all. Jeongnam still sounded like she couldn’t accept Mina and Momo’s relationship. and that, made Mina cried in frustration

Sharon who’s been sitting right next to her, then help to wipe away the tears and tried to calm her

“There, there...” said Sharon, as she hugged her sister and gently pat her back to give comfort.

“I really don’t understand her. at all.” Mina complained.

“Just give her time, Mina. It’s not easy to accept that kind of news out of the sudden.”

Mina sulkily disagreed with what Sharon just said, “you didn’t act like a constraining overprotective sister like she did...”

“Hey, I joined force with Jeongnam to figure out who’s your crush, remember?”

“True… but you accepted the news with so much support. Why Jeongnam couldn’t?”

“Well, I’m not sure whether this is what Jeongnam feels, but I’ll enlighten you from the perspective of a big sister…”

Sharon broke the hug so they could talk face to face and then continued,

“It’s kinda hard to witness our younger sister dating someone. It feels like you’re not our little baby anymore. Like you’ve grown up and started to wither beyond our reach. We’re happy about it, for sure. But also… worried? I don’t know how to explain it but yeah. maybe Jeongnam felt like that. Plus, Jeongnam spend time with you more than I did, right? Probably that’s why our responds were different.”

Hearing that, Mina let out a pout and said, “that can’t be applied in my case. I’m not even younger than you two.”

Sharon scuffed and then hugged Mina, “But you’re still our baby~~” said Sharon while she nuzzled herself on to Mina.

“I know it takes a lot of courage to tell us about your relationship with Momo, and I’m thankful for that. and I assured you, that I’m genuinely happy for you and Momo. So does Jeongnam—eventually. Just.. give her time, okay?”

Mina nod and said, “thank you..” then gave Sharon a tight hug.

.

.

It was around an hour and half after the whole commotion, and Sharon was the only one left in the living room. This time, she’s busy with her market research assignment.

Not long, Ray who was resting on his play house suddenly bark excitedly while facing the stairs. This kind of behavior only mean one thing… which is Jeongnam arrival. And yes… It is indeed her who came from upstairs.

Ray’s bark brought Sharon’s attention towards Jeongnam’s too. But seeing her sister was wearing an oversized dark gray hoodie and ripped baggy jeans like she’s ready to go out, automatically made Sharon’s brows to frown.

“Wait. Are you going somewhere?” Jeongnam didn’t even say a thing. She just came to Ray’s play house and greeted him back with few smooches.

“Hey you can’t just ignore me like that. Where are you going at this hour?”

“None of your business.” Said Jeongnam coldly while she still nuzzled into Ray.

“I’m your sister. It’s my responsibility to take care of you.”

“ugh… Enough with that already.” Annoyed, Jeongnam decided to put Ray back to his play house and ready to leave.

“That because I AM your older sister. Now, you better tel—Myoui Jeongnam!”

Jeongnam who was about to walk towards the front door, stopped. It’s not that she’s scared or intimidated... It just, there’s a certain power that forced her to listen whenever her full name being mentioned.

“Don’t turn your back on me while I’m still talking to you.”

Jeongnam clicked her tongue—Annoyed with Sharon’s tone, then faced her sister to say “my apology, Onee-san,” with the most forceful and fabricated polite tone that sounded more like a mockery instead of being respectful.

Of course, Sharon wasn’t happy with how Jeongnam acted. Sharon inhaled a deep breath then sigh in the most frustrated way and finally spoke,

“I’m so done with your attitude. You made Mina cried earlier, and now you’re acting like this even though I’m just worried about you?? Your issue was with Mina but why I’m the one who receive all the blow here??”

“Hmm… I don’t know. Let’s see… Maybe because you don’t know when to shut up and kept meddling in? If you know how to do that and leave me alone, you won’t get this attitude from me. simple, right?”

“Again, I’m the oldest and I—”

Sharon’s words were cut by Jeongnam’s annoyed groans, “God! Oldest sister this oldest sister that. Enough with that bullshit. You’ve lost that title since the moment you left us.”

“Oh great! You once again brought up that issue. Why don’t we talk about that, instead.”

Jeongnam rolled her eyes, “sorry, got no ti—”

“Either that, where you’re heading to, or your thoughts on Mina’s relationship. Choose, because you clearly can’t bottle everything inside your own head. I’m so tired being your punching bag and kept hearing those cynical words coming from my own sister.”

“Just shut the fuck up and leave me alone. Isn’t that what you’re good at, though? leaving people, I mean.”

Sharon sigh at that, “I didn’t leave for my own sake like you thought I was, Jeongnam. I left for—”

By just hearing half of the sentence, already managed to trigger Jeongnam’s suppressed rage that she’s been trying so hard to hold by being nonchalant and cynical towards her sister.

“Oh! So, I have to be thankful to you then?? Because what? You’ve sacrificed yourself? You’re willing to ditch everyone you care here, just to be the next CEO EXACTLY like how dad did?? That’s what you want me to be thankful of?? Then FUCK YOU! Stop acting all noble for something as egoistic as that.”

“Egoistic?? See! This is why you should never cut someone when they’re talking. I was going to say that I left for—"

“I DON’T FUCKING CARE, SHARON.” That was the loudest Jeongnam had ever speak and it made Sharon stunned.

“You told us about your plan just one day before your departure. That alone shown, that you didn’t care about your sisters’ opinions or even our feelings. Your mind is completely filled with that CEO shit, nothing else matter.”

“Like I said before. It’s hard for me to say goodbye.”

“What about me and Mina, then? do you think it wasn’t hard for us to say goodbye too? do you think it’s easy for us to just accept the sudden news that our big sister had to go abroad and live away from us? No. It’s not. Suddenly losing the person that always right by our side and we always rely on, wasn’t easy. Neither me or Mina were ready for that.”

And that, silenced Sharon. Clearly, she didn’t think that far. Back then she was too focused with the urgency; if she didn’t go, her sisters will be forced to do so. and she didn’t want it.

Seeing Sharon just went silence, made Jeongnam let out a frustrated deep sigh

“You’ve really grown to be exactly like dad. You know that?”

That statement made Sharon confused, “what does that even mean?”

With a disdain glare, Jeongnam explained, “you’ve been blinded by your own ambition, you’re also willing to sacrifice your life and your family just for work, got nothing in your head except KoTech KoTech and KoTech. And you know the worst part is? You’ve broken your promises and abandoned me EXACTLY the same way like he did.”

“What? I neve—”

“Remember anything about my first performance back in elementary school day?”

“Yes. But that is so out of topic?”

“No it’s not. I brought it up to help you realize the similarity you have with dad.”

Jeongnam could see that Sharon’s at lost. She couldn’t grasp what Jeongnam actually meant.

“Since you seem lost, I’ll help your granny brain to recall the moment then,

on the night after that performance, I hid myself at my studio. All because dad who promised to come and watch my performance, broke his promise and didn’t even say a word about it. Like he didn’t even care in the first place. Then you caught me and tried your best to console me.”

Memories started to come back and Sharon remembered the moment when she saw Jeongnam curled up in the corner of the studio, crying silently.

“Then being the reliable big sister you are… you gave me tons of assurance and guess what? Promises.”

Jeongnam paused. At this point, her breathing started to get heavy and her jaw slightly tense. Like she’s trying to hold her anger or… tears.  

“I bet you don’t remember any of it, huh?” Jeongnam let out a sarcastic laugh after that and then spilled it,

“That night, while you’re hugging me and tried to stop my tears. You said that… You promised that you’ll watch and support me every time I perform, you also promise that you won’t ever leave me and lastly, to never be like dad who prioritize work over his family.” with every promise that Jeongnam said, she got closer and closer towards Sharon

Once she stood right in front of her, Jeongnam asked, “tell me, which from these promises that you managed to keep?”

“I—"

“NONE. You broke them all. As soon as dad & grandpa offered you the chance to be the next ceo, you grabbed it and left. You broke all those promises as easy as that.”

The realization of breaking and forgetting all those promises, somehow made Sharon couldn’t say a word. Seeing her sister froze like that, Jeongnam let out a cynical laugh at the sight and said,

 “Now that you know, you need to stop acting like you’re my older sister. Because the moment you left…” Jeongnam once again took a short pause—controlling herself, then she leaned closer to say,

“I lost my Sharon-nee too.”

As soon after Jeongnam whispered that in the shakiest tone, she immediately fled away and left Sharon all alone in the living room. Sharon who was too stunned, didn’t have the heart to stop Jeongnam from leaving.

Jeongnam’s teary yet angry stare, her painful whisper, her words… everything stabbed Sharon’s heart

Feeling devastated, Sharon laid down on the sofa. Things that Jeongnam said to her, hit her hard.

All this time, Sharon thought that she was doing a great job for protecting her sisters. But her decision ended up giving a huge scar instead. Especially to Jeongnam. Of course, she never wanted any of this to happened.

But on the other hand, she also felt a bit conflicted. Because in her defense, she couldn’t do anything much back then. Leaving was the only option to protect her sisters.

“The moment you left. I lost my Sharon-nee too”

The picture of Jeongnam saying that with so much pain, once again stabbed Sharon’s heart. With her arm covering her eyes, she let out a heavy sigh

“so much for being an older sister.”

.

.

Meanwhile at the same time, Mina who was in her room, heard the commotion. Although, it wasn’t clear enough for her to entirely hear what her sisters were arguing about. In fact, she could only hear Jeongnam’s loud yell.

Of course it took her by surprised. She never heard Jeongnam rising her voice as loud as that, moreover… she was cursing.

Since they had a conversation earlier that didn’t end well, Mina couldn’t help but think that she was the reason why her sisters were fighting downstairs. Her best guess, maybe Sharon was scolding Jeongnam due to her respond or something in that line and Jeongnam wasn’t happy with it.

Mina wanted to go out and mediate her sisters, since she thought that they were fighting because of her.

But she’s too clouded by guilt and didn’t dare to go out. She just curled up on her bed instead, crying her sadness. Even until there’s no more commotion coming from downstairs, Mina’s tears still flowing.

In the midst of her crying, Mina’s phone suddenly rang and by the ringtone, it sounded like a video call.

Although Mina knew it was Momo the one who called her—since this is their regular night routine, Mina chose to reject the call. She’s been crying hard and didn’t want Momo to see that.

But since she still wanted to hear Momo’s voice, Mina made a regular phone call instead.

“Mitan you meanieeeee. Why you rejected my video call?? I want to see your faaaaaace.. We couldn’t see each other today...”

Mina wanted to say something. but as soon as she heard Momo’s voice, her tears flowed again

“umm…Moshi moshi? Mitan? are you there?” Asked Momo who’s concern and worried over the sudden silence. Meanwhile, Mina still couldn’t say a thing. She was trying her best to control her overflowing tears

Yet on the other hand, the lack of respond made Momo panic, worried that what she said earlier made Mina mad.

“H-hey Mitan? Baby?? I-I was joking! It’s okay if you don’t want a video call. A normal call will be just fine. No! it’s more than fine. Yes. So um… Talk to me… Please?”

Of course, no matter how hard Mina tried to hold her sob from being heard, she couldn’t hold it forever… eventually, her sob managed to escape and caught Momo’s attention

“Wait. Are you… crying?” asked Momo

Mina answered Momo’s question with a sad hummed that followed with a sniff.

“Oh my god. I’m so sorry… is it because of me?”

“No…”

“Then… something made you sad? What happened? I’m all ears, baby...”

Mina tried to control her tears first, then said with hoarse and shaky voice “I…. told my sisters about us…”

“Oh… I see…” that, was the only thing Momo could say

“Sharon took it well, but Jeongnam didn’t. and I think…” Mina paused a bit because her tears about to burst out harder, “they’re having a huge fight because of me.” and Mina said it while sobbing once again.

“No baby, please… don’t blame yourself…”

“Because it is my fault, Momo. If only I didn’t tell them about it. They won’t be fighting. If they became more distance, it’s all because of me...”

“You did the right thing to tell your sisters the truth and you’ve done so well. But their responds, isn’t something you can control. Please don’t blame yourself for that, baby.”

Hearing Momo’s assurance and praises, made Mina burst out crying again. The fact that right now Momo couldn’t see Mina, nor even right by her side to sweep the sadness away, made Momo felt uneasy.

“Is there anything I could do to make you feel better? Or to help you with this issue? Want me to come to your house and tal—”

“Please don’t!” panic was evident in her tone as she cut Momo’s words

“I-I’m sorry, Momo. I appreciate your concern but I don’t think it’s a good idea..”

“But you’re sad…”

Mina tried to sniff-out her tears and said, “I am. But I don’t know what might happen if you come to visit now… I don’t want to spark anymore fight...”

“Ah… Right… sorry for being impulsive…”

Silence once again filled the conversation. Mina used it to ease down her tears, while Momo trying to give her girlfriend time to calm down. Phone still running and filled with Mina’s sniffs.

But the more she listened, the more painful Momo felt. Thus, she chose to break the silence

“Baby, can we change to video call?” asked Momo

“Why?”

“Maybe seeing my face can help stop your tears?” said her in a playful tone. Of course, it’s her attempt to brighten up the mood.

Which it worked. It made Mina chuckled, “since when you became so full of yourself like this?”

“Eeh?? Won’t it work though? because for me, seeing your beautiful smile always blew all negative feelings away from me.”

Again, this made Mina let out a small laugh, “well just because my smile could, doesn’t mean yours would.”

That made Momo let out an overly dramatized gasp, “I can’t believe my own girlfriend just said that to me! Ouch. I feel BETRAYED.”

“Silly Momorin…”

“Now I’m sad. Let’s change to video call.” Said Momo.

“Nooo,” whined Mina, “I look terrible after all these tears…”

“What do you meaaan?? You will never look terrible. You are the prettiest crier on earth—no! on the UNIVERSE. Nothing ever looks as good as you after crying. your tears are like pearls and diamonds, glistering on your magnificent face like a jewelry.”

All those Momo’s exaggerated yet nonsense praises, made Mina giggled.

Even so, Mina still firmed with her decision. “Thank you for all those praises. But still no, Momorin.”

“Okay then… I get it. But maybe… We could meet tomorrow after class?”

“Sure.”

“Yippie! secured a date with my girlfriend~ wohooo!” and once again, Momo managed to make Mina laugh. Even though it wasn’t really that funny to begin with.

After those goofy moments, both of them didn’t say a thing… Yet the silence was cozier than before.

Sensing the tense starting to fade, Momo decided to bring up the topic again. But this time, she’s trying to assure Mina and ease down her worries.

“Mitan…”

Mina answered Momo’s soft call with a light hum. This time, no more sadness sounded from it.

“Thank you for being brave by telling your sisters about us. Even though the respond wasn’t like what we hoped, but we will go through this together, okay? I will never let you go through this alone. I’ll always be here when you need me.”

Wide smitten smile was painted on Mina’s face that once filled with traces of her tears. In responds, Mina then said, “thank you Momorin…. I really need that.”

Moonlight Bar

After that intense fight she had with Sharon, Jeongnam arrived at a fancy looking bar located in Gangnam, one of the most expensive districts around Seoul. This isn’t her regular go-to bar. But she heard about this bar from Jeongyeon.

Well…. Not because Jeongyeon recommend her about it. more like because she’s working there as a part-time bartender.

“good eve—oh I’ll be damn.”

Jeongnam ignored Jeongyeon’s rather unwelcoming greetings, and just went to sit on one of the bar stools, right in front of the latter.

“You know, your stingy ass makes me forgot that you’re actually born from an insanely rich family. Literally, I told everyone about my job here because I know that most of the girls won’t even bother to visit. Too expensive for bunch of broke university students…yet here you are.”

Like what she said, Jeongyeon told the entire gang about her part-time job as a bartender here. She wouldn’t say a thing about it if she worked at a rather common bar since she didn’t want any her friends to come and see her in working mode. More like she’s afraid that she might feel awkward or got teased when they visited.

But Jeongyeon totally forgot that Jeongnam never belong to the ‘broke university student’ category to begin with. She just acted like one.

Even now, she’s just wearing the most casual outfit. Like someone who’s going to buy a can of beer from nearby convenient store rather than going into a rather lavish bar like this one. Totally different with other fellow customers who mostly wore a rather semi to formal attire, fitting more to the bar’s aesthetic.

“I only come for the drink. You can ignore me and just do your job.”

It might sound like Jeongnam didn’t need company. But as her best buddy, Jeongyeon didn’t buy that. She knew that Jeongnam has her favorite humble bar around her neighborhood and there’s no way that Jeongnam is willing to go this far just for a drink.

So yeah, Jeongyeon kinda sensed it that her best friend purposely came here to have a talk.

“Hmmm?? Are you sure about that? if that’s so… why bother co—”

“You want me to file a complaint to your manager or something?”

“Sheesh… what’s with this aggression?? Chill out...”

Jeongnam just rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed yet later on, managed to slide down her card to Jeongyeon

“tab?” Jeongnam gave a nod

“What do you want to drink? Usual liquors or try some of our mixing?”

“Neat whiskey. Make it double.”

“Oof girl… You good??”

Jeongnam once again gave Jeongyeon a stare and that made the latter backed down, “okay, okay. I’ll grab your drink.”

While waiting for Jeongyeon to prepare her drink, Jeongnam once again drown into her own thought. She did a lot of thinking on her way here. sitting on the bus for a quite long ride, gave her plenty of time to think what just happened earlier with her sisters.

But through all that, the only thing she got from it was self-loathing.

She hated herself for not be able to control her emotion well and she also cursed at her own self for every single thing she said to her sisters. Including to Sharon.

Her mind was too messy. She felt too many emotions at once, and didn’t know which one she should dissect first. So here she’s, sitting in a bar hoping that few glass of liquors could ease her mind.

Not long, Jeongyeon came with Jeongnam’s order. “Here’s your drink.”

Just when Jeongnam wanted to grab the glass, Jeongyeon pulled it again and said, “drink slowly.”

Jeongnam snatched the glass, “who do you think I am? someone who just learnt how to drink?” then she took a sipped.

“Gosh you’re so feisty… something happened?”

Jeongnam played with her glass—slowly swirling it, while she stared at it… Didn’t give Jeongyeon any answer. Instead, she chose to ask different topic.

“Are you dating someone without I’m knowing? Or you have a crush on someone but you didn’t tell me about it?”

“Possessive much?” asked Jeongyeon in playful tone

“Tsk. Just answer it..”

“Well…. no and yes.” That made Jeongnam frowned

“Are you for real?? I told you everything about Sana.”

“Hear me out, okay. It’s not that I want to hide it from you. I was planning to tell you about it.”

“Oh really?? when then? Once you two end up together?”

“Once everything is heading to the right direction, miss snarky. I don’t want to jinx it…”

“then who? I need answer. Now.”

“But why out of the sudden you ask—okay okay gee… are you on a period or something. stop with the deathly stare please.”

Jeongyeon was reluctant to spill it because she was afraid to jinx it. like maybe her crush didn’t like her the same way, or it’s going to be impossible to date her despite all the effort Jeongyeon did. But Jeongnam is persistence and stubborn.. So, Jeongyeon couldn’t help but revealed her crush’ identity.

“it’s… Nayeon eonni.”

“like.. Nayeon as if Im Nayeon?”

“Yeah… I had a crush on her when we were high school, remember?”

“Thought you gave up?”

“I did. Back then, she felt insanely out of my reach and she’s also closer with Mina rather than with you so I didn’t have much ‘opening’ to get to know her.. That’s why I never bother to try make a move on her. Until I saw her again at your birthday party.”

“You made your move after that?”

“Yeah. I drove her back home and we kept in touch after that. went to hangout few times too.. But it’s still not really clear where this situation is heading to. She’s too busy and I feel like we’re just walking in circles. I don’t know.”

“If you two ended up dating, will you prioritize her more and left your friends behind?”

“Uh… no? Well actually, depends on the situation of course. But having girlfriend, doesn’t mean I have to completely ditch my friends. I knew you guys first.. why would I even do that? You probably would act the same if you date sana later, right?”

“I guess so.”

Jeongnam suddenly went silent. she swirled her glass again, like she drowned again into her deep thought.

“Now enough about me. It’s your time to tell what’s been bothering you,” Jeongyeon demanded.

“Don’t you have costumer to serve?” asked Jeongnam, obviously trying to run away from sharing her issues.

“Yes. and I’m doing it right now.”

“By sticking your nose on their problem?”

“Well, our customer’s smile is our greatest pleasure. So why not?”

Jeongnam didn’t say a word. She just took another sip of her whiskey. The way she didn’t even make eye contact to Jeongyeon, kinda gave the latter a hint that her best friend isn’t ready yet to talk.

“I’ll give you space then. Just call me when you need something. I’ll be around.” After that, Jeongyeon left to serve other customer and gave Jeongnam the space she needed.

.

.

Minutes passed and Jeongnam still didn’t say a word. She just sat there, enjoyed her drink, and drown in her own thought. From a glass of whiskey, to two, then a shot of tequila, and a draft beer.

Although the seat currently empty since Jeongnam was away to the restroom, the aftermath of excessive amounts of liquids that she just consumed.

As much as she wanted to let Jeongnam had her own space, Jeongyeon couldn’t help but felt concerned. So, soon after Jeongnam came back from the restroom, Jeongyeon made another attempt to break the former’s wall.

“Drink this.” Jeongyeon served a glass filled with clear liquid to Jeongnam soon after the latter came back from her toilet break.

“Vodka?”

“It’s just water. Drink. Give your liver a break.” Somehow, Jeongnam didn’t complain and immediately drank the water all at once.

“Here, another one.” Said Jeongyeon as she refilled Jeongnam’s glass with water. Which again, the girl gladly drank. But this time, just a chug.

If you think Jeongnam was drunk, no she’s not. She hadn’t fully drunk yet. Jeongnam has a high alcohol tolerance and these amounts of strong drinks only made her felt slightly drowsy. She’s still fully conscious and able to form proper words.

Even so, Jeongyeon didn’t want her best friend to fully intoxicate herself and buried away all her emotions. So once again, Jeongyeon made an attempt.

“Still don’t want to talk about your issues? I know you came to see me to vent it out. So go on. I’ll listen to everything that bother you.”

Jeongnam didn’t immediately give any respond. She just sat there, staring at the empty whiskey glass that she’s been playing with.

“The store is nearly empty now. It’s just you and me.”

Jeongnam then gave Jeongyeon the glass she’s been holding, “bring me another whiskey first.”

“Yaah.. I told you to let your—”

“Please..”

Hearing how mellow Jeongnam’s voice was, Jeongyeon gave in and went away to serve a glass of Whiskey. Same like Jeongnam’s first order.

Once she got her drink, Jeongnam took a sip of it before finally spilling her thoughts.

 “I fucking hate myself.”

“Wow, okay. that’s a strong opening.”

Jeongnam sigh, “You’d hate me too if you were me. I made my sister cried, and rage dump while saying terrible things to the other one..”

“Uh…Wait. Which one is… which?”

 “Rage dump at Sharon, and… Made Mina cried.”

That took Jeongyeon by surprised. “Fighting with Sharon isn’t really a news. But, you?! the most protective sister who always babying and willing to do everything for Mina, dare to make her cry???” Jeongnam just took another sip of her whiskey, refused to comment about that.

“What lead to that, though? did you guys fight or something?”

“Mina is dating someone.”

“Ah…” Somehow, Jeongyeon abled to connect the dots with the previous conversation they had earlier, “bet your possessive ass can’t accept it, huh?”

Jeongnam sigh, “it’s not like that..”

“Then why? You should’ve been happy if your sister finally date someone, no?”

Anger suddenly built up inside Jeongnam’s mind. Her jaw began to tense up and she also tighten her grip on the glass. No, it’s not that she’s mad at Jeongyeon’s words. In fact, she agreed with her. Jeongnam’s anger was more towards herself. Because she couldn’t be happy for her sister.

“Is it because her partner didn’t fit your standard?”

“Of course not. we’re talking about Momo here”

“WOW HOLD UP. Momo is Mina’s girlfriend?? Like Hirai Momo??”

Maybe because of the alcohol, Jeongnam accidently blurted out Mina’s girlfriend identity

“Shit… keep it for yourself, will ya? I didn’t mean to say a thing about it.”

“Chill… I won’t tell anyone about it… But Momo, huh? Surprise but not that surprised actually. Kinda see it coming.”

“Ugh… not you too. Sharon said the same thing.”

“If we really think about it, they’re really close especially after first year of uni? More than usual and also gave different vibe. Especially Momo. She always ready and enthusiast to do the Princess Mina Protection Program you told us to do. So… yeah. Not really that surprising.”

“But that girl lied straight on my face. I asked whether she knew about Mina’s crush and yet she said no.”

That made Jeongyeon scoffed, “who won’t, though? Your tone was intimidating as hell and to someone as timid as Momo, of course she would lie.”

“But let’s set that a side and go back to the topic. Now that you knew it’s Momo and you think she fits your standards… Then, why?”

Jeongnam took her time and once again drawn in silence as she’s trying to figure it out what exactly that disturbed her mind.

“You know… Originally since our parents are busy, protecting Mina was a two-person job—me and Sharon together. Both of us always tried our best to make Mina felt happy, secured, and loved. Even so, Mina relied on Sharon’s more. Well… me and her both relied to Sharon... Hate to admit it, but she’s indeed our oldest sister and way more mature than any of us… But then Sharon left us. So, it became my job to make sure nothing bad ever occur to Mina.”

Jeongyeon didn’t know where this conversation is heading to or why Jeongnam suddenly brought up this topic, but she remained silence and chose to listen.

“I always tried my hardest to be available for her, protect her, help her, support her… I tried to fulfill everything so I could be the sister that Mina could always rely on.… and well… eventually it works. Mina slowly relied more on me. Since Sharon left us, it always been just me and Mina. But now that Mina is dating someone as great as Momo… I guess… I’m scared…”

“Scared? Of what?”

“God! I feel so stupid for having this kind of feeling!” said Jeongnam as she frustratedly ruffled her hair.

“Hey, come on. Don’t think like that…” Jeongyeon said it as she stopped Jeongnam’s hands, “there’s no such thing as stupid feelings..”

“Of course it’s stupid.” Jeongnam then lifted up her head to face Jeongyeon and began her rant

“Imagine. Me, Mina’s older sister, at this age… Felt scared that my younger sister would leave me behind… Like, she’ll rather spend more time with Momo than with me. Or she’ll rather have a date with Momo than hanging out or playing games with me. And worst… What if Mina would tell her struggles and ask for Momo’s help rather than with me??”

Jeongnam plopped herself onto the table and let out a grunt, “ugh! Why I have to be this immature and can’t be a good sister.. Such an awful person.”

“Come on… You just need time, Jeongnam-ah. It’s okay if you can’t accept your sister’s relationship yet. That won’t make you an awful person. Besides… Mina is your sister and will always be. She won’t go anywhere.”

“I know that…But”

“There something else that bother you, isn’t it?”

Jeongnam sigh, “I might lose a friend too, Jeongyeon.” Even though it was a bit muffled because Jeongnam was basically planted her face onto the table, Jeongyeon still could hear it.

“Okay, wait. That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”

“Nooo,” while wailing, Jeongnam lifted her head up and then continued, “Situation one; Momo dates Mina then they’ll go on a date more often, made Momo ditch practice session. That will irritate me, we had a fight and then Momo chose to leave the band. Situation two; if something bad happened with their relationship… it’s either I’m gonna hate Momo for hurting Mina, or she’s going to hate me because I’m Mina’s sister. either way… I’ll lose a friend, Jeongyeon... I don’t want anyone to leave me.”

Jeongyeon didn’t give any respond after that. She was just staring at her best friend while trying to digest every single concern. But there’s one thing that Jeongyeon couldn’t really understand with how Jeongnam react.

“Quick question… I heard you tease Jihyo about Sharon quite a lot. So why you’re fine with them, but not with Mina and Momo? I mean.. Sharon is your sister and Jihyo is your friend too, right?”

“Because it’s Jihyo we’re talking about.”

Jeongyeon frown in confusion once she heard it, “how’s so?”

“Jihyo knew me through Sharon. Basically, she’s Sharon friend and she’s also closer with her. But once Sharon left, Jihyo stayed. She still came to hang out with me and Mina even though her friend—Sharon, wasn’t around anymore.”

“I see.. so you’re sure that no matter what happened with Jihyo and Sharon, Jihyo will still be your friend? Meanwhile.. You’re not so sure about Momo, huh?”

“Yea. Something like that.”

This is probably the very first time for Jeongyeon to hear Jeongnam’s insecurities. Yes, they’ve been friends for a quite long time and they shared each other struggles often. But Jeongnam rarely showed or told this part of her.

Seeing how her buddy looked so down, Jeongyeon couldn’t help but reach out her hand to pat Jeongnam’s head and said, “there there..” which of course the latter immediately brush it off

“Are you teasing me?”

Jeongyeon took that lash out as an offense and immediately complaint. “I was trying to console you! gee grumpy...”

“Oh.. sorry.”

Well… these two rarely show affection towards each other. Make sense if Jeongnam acted that way.

“Anyways. I don’t want to give you any type of assurance because I’m afraid that it’ll just sound like an empty word. But people come and go, that’s true. Yet, there’s also people who choose to come and stay. Have a little bit more faith on people around you, okay?”

“Easy for you to say that.”

“I know.. But you can mark my word. If something ever happened to either of them, I’ll be right by your side and help you to make sure our friendship and our band remains intact. I’m sixteen’s leader, remember?”

Even though Jeongnam always look cold and fierce, what Jeongyeon just said soften her heart and with a soft stare—nearly like a puppy eyes, Jeongnam said, “promise?”

“Promise.”

Wednesday, Myoui Household

2 days had passed, but Jeongnam’s mood remained the same. Every night, Jeongnam went out to drink at Jeongyeon’s bar. Although, last night she didn’t drink as crazy as the first night.

Since she always came home late with slight hangover, Jeongnam didn’t have much energy to go for her classes. That, made her skipped all classes two days in a row.

Even now, she’s cozily laid down on sofa while playing Zelda from her mounted Switch instead of attending one of her class.

Jeongnam wasn’t alone though. Little ray was laying right on top of her stomach. His tiny sausage body didn’t feel heavy at all. in fact, it sent comfort to Jeongnam.

*Ding dong*

And with that, both Jeongnam and Ray’s peace just got interrupted.

Jeongnam chose to ignore it. she didn’t have much energy to socialize and pretending like no one’s at home, was the best solution she could think of.

But the guest was persistence. They pressed the bell again and again. That noise perked Ray’s playfulness and made him barked loudly at it. The entire chaos forced Jeongnam to pause her game and walk towards the front door while holding Ray on her arm.

Once she arrived at the front door, she immediately opened it

“Ah! Fin—OH hi there little guy!” Ray was beyond happy when the guest greeted him.

The guest was Momo. But instead of greeting Jeongnam, she got distracted by Ray’s appearance and enthusiastically patted him. Of course, Ray’s enthusiasm caused disturbance to Jeongnam. His tiny tail swoon so fast and his body kept wanting to go closer to Momo’s.

“Ekhm.” Jeongnam faked a cough to gain Momo’s attention and also stopped whatever the latter was doing.

“AH! Right, I’m sorry… I got distracted by Ray. A-anyways, hi there!”

“If you’re looking for Mina, she’s not here.”

“Um... I’m not here for her… I’m here to talk to you, Jeongnam.”

Jeongnam knew where this talk is heading to. Yet again, she didn’t have much energy to socialize moreover about that matter. So, she chose to flee away.

Jeongnam changed her expression and speaking tone to, “Oh I’m sorry Momo-ssi… I’m Sharon, by the way. Jeongnam isn’t home and probably will be back at night.”

“Eh? You’re not Jeongnam??” Jeongnam shook her head while trying her best to give a business women-esque smile, something that Sharon might do.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you or anything. I genuinely thought you’re Jeongnam. Sana also said that Jeongnam didn’t come to cla—HEY SANA COME OUT FROM THERE YOU LIAR”

Just then, a figure came out from Momo’s car while holding two vinyl bags. And upon seeing that person, Jeongnam cursed internally,

“shit.”

“Hi there, my sweet Jeongnam~”

“Stop being rude. She’s Sharon! Not Jeongnam.” Said Momo who fell for Jeongnam’s lie.

“Calm down Momo. I told you that she might do this kind of stunt, didn’t I? She’s Jeongnam.”

“Eh? Are you… sure?”

Sana closed the door of Momo’s car and walked closer to them and once she arrived right in front of Jeongnam, she just stared at her. Scanned every single detail on her face while seeing it from a very close proximity.

Uneasiness was visibly shown on Jeongnam’s face. She even slightly retracted her face a little and refused to stare at Sana. But there was short moment when Jeongnam unconsciously drifted her sight onto Sana’s lips and with that.. gave more than enough evidence for Sana.

Well… she was just teasing her in the first place. Sana didn’t need to do all of those, she knew it was Jeongnam even from distance.

“Yup she’s 100% Myoui Jeongnam.” Said Sana as she stood back, widening their distance.

On the other hand, Momo still not convinced. She stared at Jeongnam, trying to see whether Sana was right or not. Even though the girl was wearing something that Jeongnam usually wears, her face still looks similar to Sharon. And that, made Momo grunt in frustration

“Wait. I’m confused!!!”

“Those lips, I know it so well that it’s Jeongnam’s.” and with the way Sana said it in a very flirty tone, made Jeongnam rolled her eyes

 “ugh… You’re so annoying.”

“Eh? So you are…”

“Yea yea I was messing around with you. I’m Jeongnam.”

“Hahaha! You can deceive her but not me, Jeongnam-ah. Anyways. I came here not just to prevent you to deceive Momo with that stunt. Look!” Sana slightly shook the vinyl bags that she’s been holding on, “I thought you might haven’t eaten anything so here, I brought you some kimchi stew and other things. Let’s eat together once you finished the talk with Momo~”

“Wait don’t just barg—hey! Sana!” Sana ignored Jeongnam and just forced her way into the Myoui Household.

Now that Sana went in, it just the two bandmates there. Stood awkwardly while facing each other. These weird vibes got worsen due to Jeongnam’s failed attempt to deceive Momo.

“Whatever. Come on in.”

“Ah no need, Jeongnam. I just came here to talk to you.”

“Sana forced you, didn’t she? Or Mina told you to?”

“Nope. No one force me or told me to do this. I personally want to talk to you.”

Jeongnam let out a sigh, “look. I know what you want to talk about. But I really don’t wa—”

“I’ll be quick, I promise… Please?”

Seeing Momo pleaded in such soft tone, Jeongnam couldn’t help but complied. She then put Ray down and ushered him to go inside, after that she closed the door and let Momo speak.

“Go on.” Said Jeongnam, arms crossed right on her front

“Okay. um… first, I’m so sorry for lying to you. y-you know.. when you asked me whether I knew about Mina’s crush or not? at that time, I had to lie since I’ve promised to Mina… and I’m sorry too for not telling you about our relationship.”

“Yea, whatever. It already happened anyways.”

“S-sure.. and um… I heard from Mina that you don’t accept our relationship?  I know that I’m way under your standard for being Mina’s girlfriend or maybe you have other reasons. But I won’t force you to accept me. I understand that.”

“Then if I told you to break up with her, you’ll do it, right?”

That question made Momo’s nervousness flew up to the roof. Even though It’s not the first time she got this question since Sharon did ask this before and Momo managed to go through it. But still.. Jeongnam’s tone, her expression, and probably the fact that they are bandmates, made Momo felt a little bit more at risk. Like she had to be more careful with her words.

Although she struggled, Momo tried her best to control her nerves and answered,

“W-well… about that. I respect and adore you as a friend, I really do. But I’m sorry, I have to refuse it. The only thing that would make me break up with Mina, is when she no longer loves me and she didn’t want to be with me anymore. Either than that, I won’t leave her.”

“So, you choose to prioritize your relationship with Mina, then your friendship with me?”

“I-it’s not like that… Um.. how should I put it.. I uh.. I treasured our friendship but also my relationship with Mina. I genuinely do, please believe me… I don’t want my friendship with you ends just because I date Mina and on the other hand, I don’t want my relationship with Mina ends, just because you and me are friends...”

“Sounds a bit too selfish, no?”

“Yes. I-I know… But.. no matter what, I want to keep both my relationship with Mina, and my friendship with you. I don’t know how, but I’ll do everything to make it work… A-anything but break up with her.”

Jeongnam just stared at Momo, she didn’t give any respond and that silence…. Killed Momo. But once again, Momo mustered all her braveness and tried to convince Jeongnam.

“Jeongnam-ah… I love Mina so much, with all my heart. I promise you that I’ll do my best to make her the happiest and most loved person ever. I’ll support her, I’ll protect her, I’ll treasured her, and  I’ll give all my time for her if she needed. You can have my word.”

“I can do all of those things too, you know. And I’ve been doing it way before you two end up together.”

“Y-yes. it’s true… I know how precious Mina is to you. I also know how deep your love for your sister and that’s something that I won’t and can’t compared to.  She’s your sister, your family. I definitely won’t even try to beat that. And… Mina is your sister and will forever be your sister.. But please...”

Momo took a breather. Then suddenly, the nervousness and warry expression changed. She stared at Jeongnam with confidence oozing from her and said, “please, allow me to love Myoui Mina.”

Jeongnam didn’t know why, but that gave weird tingle to her heart. And with that, Jeongnam chose to change the mood and conclude the conversation.

“Gosh... Didn’t know you can be such a sappy...”

Hearing Jeongnam’s tone changed to be a little bit playful, brought hope to Momo, “s-so… y-you’re fine with me dating Mina??” asked momo with bright and wide grin spread on her face

“Now hold your horses. Just because I joked around, doesn’t mean I’m cool with it.”

“Oh… Right.. S-sure.. My bad.”

Momo was visibly disappointed by that respond. She hung her head low and even nervously played with her fingers.  

Jeongnam sigh seeing that, “look. It’s not that I can’t accept you as Mina’s girlfriend. I just can’t accept your relationship. Yet.”

“But earlier you want me to bre—”

“Of course I didn’t mean it… Heck, I’ll kill you if you dare to break up with her…”

“So.. you’re saying that you’re fine with me as Mina’s girlfriend, but not the relationship?”

“Yet, okay. Let’s just say that I need more time to be convinced. I don’t know how long, though.”

“Is there anything I can do, then?”

“No. There’s nothing much you can do. It’s more of a me problem.”

“Aah… I see… then.. I’ll wait until you can accept us.”

Momo suddenly made a step closer to Jeongnam and then with an awkward gesture, she asked, “c-can we… h-hug?”

Jeongnam answered it with spreading her arm and Momo immediately scooted in and engulfed her bandmate in a warm hug.

“We’re still friends, right?”

“sure..”

Momo then break the hug. “Glad to hear that. hehe.” She said that with biggest grin on her face.

“You should be.”

Even though the words sound sharp, Jeongnam said it with playful tone. Made Momo knew that she didn’t mean anything ill from it.

“Well then. I’ll take my leave. I got class to catch.”

“Eh? But Sana?”

“She forced herself to tag along… I didn’t plan to stay after I talk to you.”

“god… Can you do something about that friend of yours??”

“Why don’t YOU do it?” Momo asked that while wiggling her brows. Of course, trying to tease Jeongnam

“You do remember I still haven’t accepted your relationship with Mina, right?

“OH MY GOD. I’m sorry! please don’t be mad! I uh.. I uh.. I’ll take my leave now. Bye!!”

And just like that, Momo left the scene.

Even though Jeongnam been throwing playful and teas here and there while talking with Momo, the pain on her chest got worsen.

Hearing every words that Momo said about her feelings towards mina, sounded so precious and genuine. Jeongnam knew what kind of person Momo is. She knew that once Momo fell for someone, she’ll give her all to that person and will love them hard.

Jeongnam should’ve been glad. She should’ve been happy. But she couldn’t.

That conversation, made her felt way more terrible about herself and the self-loathing… got worsen.

“You’re the worst, Myoui Jeongnam.”

.

.

Jeongnam then came inside her house. With heavy steps, she walked towards the living room and there she saw Sana preparing all the take outs while making sure Ray didn’t try to have a taste on any of the foods.

“Oh? there you are. Come, come! Let’s eat.” Sana then picked ray up, “I’m sorry ray, you have to stay at your house while we eat..” Said Sana who brought Ray to his play house, prevented him to disturb their lunch.

Meanwhile, Jeongnam didn’t move. She still stood there while staring at Sana.

All her kindness, made Jeongnam confused. Surely, Mina had told her about their issues. If Jeongnam was on Sana’s shoes, she wouldn’t act all this warm and kind.

“Hey, don’t just stand there. Co—”

“Why you’re not mad at me?” Asked Jeongnam.

“hm..? why should i?”

“Don’t play dumb. I knew Mina told you about my respond to her and Momo’s relationship.”

“Well… Honestly, I’m quite disappointed with how you react. But that doesn’t mean I’m mad or going to hate you for that.”

“Why? Let me guess. Because you have feelings for me?”

“that’s one of the reasons, yes.” Sana then walked closer to Jeongnam,

“And I don’t think it’s wise enough for me to be mad at you. because one, it got nothing to do with me. And also..” then when she arrived right in front of Jeongnam, Sana held both the latter’s hands and said,

“You’ve already gotten plenty of scolding and punishment from yourself, right?”

Sana could see that Jeongnam’s jaw tensed up and her eyes started sparkled with tears.

“I’m not here to interrogate you or even try to change your mind. In fact, we don’t have to talk about that matter.”

Sana then gently held Jeongnam’s face and with her warm voice, she said,

“I’m here to stop you from hating yourself. I’m here for you, Nami-chan.”

And just with that, Jeongnam went to hug Sana tightly. With tears flowing down hard.

Jeongnam didn’t say a word. She’s just sobbing hard while tighten her hug on Sana. As if she’s afraid that Sana might flew away if she loosens her grip.

“I'm scared... But I don’t want to feel like this, Sana… I hate it..”

Sana’s heart scattered in pain after hearing the person she loves the most, said something like that in the most vulnerable voice.

Sana didn’t expect Jeongnam would react like this. Conterary, Sana thought that she’d have to deal with Jeongnam’s usual lash out or maybe aggressive refusal.

But here she was… wailing and sobbing hard under Sana’s hug.. This alone showed how much pain Jeongnam had been endure. And surely, it more than just her being a protective sister.

Since she wanted Jeongnam to let out all her suppressed feelings, Sana could only give a gentle stroke on her back while saying, “it’s okay… Jeongnam.. It’s okay...”