Chapter Text
Nayeon yawned, looking out at the view of their balcony. She could see the entire city from their apartment, and after a long day she couldn’t deny that coming home to this view was really nice.
It didn’t take longer than five minutes before she felt arms circling her middle, Mina’s head landing on her shoulder right after. “You’re home early.” She kissed her neck. Nayeon immediately turned to face her, a smile on her face.
“Someone told me I should stop staying until late.” She leaned in, placing a kiss on her mouth. “Apparently there’s a reason why we have such a good manager, and I should enjoy the fact that we actually can delegate things now.” Nayeon shrugged. “Or something like that.”
“That person sounds very wise.” Mina nodded. “You should listen to her more often.” She closed the gap between them, quickly deepening their kiss.
It has now been three years since they decided to take the leap. Three years since they decided to chase their dream and take the chance, see if they could make it. Three years since their lives completely changed.
But things didn’t happen overnight, not even close. The day after their first talk, Nayeon sat Mina down to talk again. She wanted to make sure that they were actually doing this, that they were putting all their time and effort into trying to make it work. She wanted to make sure Mina wouldn’t change her mind halfway.
She was still all in, of course. At the time, Mina felt like she couldn’t stand still, she felt like she needed to do something with her time. And she hadn’t even talked to her parents about her decision yet, technically she still had a job.
After that everything felt like a blur. Nayeon decided not to quit her job just yet, knowing that Mina was taking care of preparations and they could use her work money for the basics, like groceries and bills.
Mina talked to her parents the day after that. To be fair, it wasn’t much of a talk. She emailed them, formally, just like a regular employee. She sent them a resignation letter, and when her parents demanded to talk, she simply sent them a text.
It was a simple text too, explaining that she wouldn’t be accepting their demands, and if that cost her job, so be it. She was choosing Nayeon. They threatened her a lot after that, claiming they were cutting her off their will, that she would never have a single dime of their money ever again. Honestly, the entire thing was just very dramatic.
They were expecting it, it didn’t come as a surprise. Mina blocked them after excessive calls and texts. Then she sold her apartment, the final connection she still felt she had to them. After that came freedom, and it was exactly what Mina had pictured.
Nayeon had never seen Mina so happy, Sana had never seen her so happy. Mina never felt so good. It almost made her regret not having done this before, though she understood that everything that came before this was part of her journey.
With the money from her apartment being sold plus the money she had saved. It was enough for them to buy a smaller apartment in a middle class neighbourhood, and the leftovers went straight to build their business. That’s when they officially moved in together as well.
Building their bakery wasn’t easy. The entire process not only took a while, but it went through a lot of hardships. Finding a good place, plus building everything, dealing with deadlines being pushed by the builders, more money than planned being spent. It wasn’t easy at all.
Nayeon has no idea if she would have been able to do this without Mina, just on her own. But at the end of the day it didn’t matter, she did have Mina by her side, helping her, and without her, things wouldn’t have worked out so well.
Mina carefully thought about everything, the place the bakery was going to be built, where the money was going, who was working on what. Nayeon did her best to be as involved as possible, while still keeping her job. It wasn’t easy, there were a lot of catching up during late nights and middle of the day phone calls.
But it was all worth it. Once Nayeon felt confident enough to do so, she quit her job. For the first time in her life she was choosing, and it was scary. It was probably even scarier than agreeing to do this in the first place, chasing her dream was easy, but completely giving into it, that was hard.
Thankfully, things worked out. With Mina’s view, they were able to pick the best place to build their bakery, a strategic spot in a fancy neighbourhood. And after being in this world for all her life, she knew exactly what rich people liked, how she should do the bakery’s marketing, where she should talk about it.
Within a month from opening, their bakery was already thriving. People came from all over the city just to try their pastries. Nayeon had hoped this would work out, but she never imagined it would be so fast, and that with so little time from it being opened, they were already making a profit.
The first year was probably the busiest year of both their lives. They were both working at the bakery 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If it wasn’t at the actual location, it was behind the scenes. Always doing something to improve it, working on new ideas, anything. They were always working.
It took a year for their lives to become stable again. A year for Nayeon to accept that she made it, and she shouldn’t be scared anymore. That year felt like an emotional rollercoaster. While they had enough money to survive, they barely had any to spare. After a year, things started to get even better.
With the bakery doing well, Nayeon’s siblings started to work there as well. At first she was against it, though her brother was old enough to work, she didn’t think her sister was. But they were both eager to help, to make money.
And after Mina convincing her that it would be a good opportunity for their future, eventually Nayeon agreed to it. What also helped was the fact that it seems like her parents got out of the slump they used to be in.
Nayeon knows that financially taking care of three kids isn’t easy, and now that they’re all grown enough they do spend a lot less. Even more so since Nayeon moved out but kept sending a little money to help. Mostly to her siblings, but whenever her mother would say something about money she would send some to help as well.
Now they’re paying for their own apartment. Her brother moved out as well, it’s just them and her sister. And after so long, they’re finally settled financially. Her father is already retired, money isn’t tight anymore.
Around two years after the bakery opened, they decided to move from their small apartment into the one they live in now. At first they were both a little hesitant with the idea, it first came up when they realized that the apartment was getting too cramped, even if it was just the two of them.
They shared an office, but it only fit one desk. So if someone was working there, the other couldn’t. The kitchen was small, so whenever Nayeon wanted to try something new for the bakery, she had to go over there to use the kitchen, even if it was late at night. Overall, it wasn’t the fit for them anymore.
They had the money to move now, but it was hard to admit that they could spare that, always afraid that the amount they spend might be money they need later on, in the case of an emergency. It wasn’t until they calculated everything and realized they could pay for their new apartment upfront that they decided they should do it.
As a contingency plan, and also the fact that they were attached to it, they decided to keep their first apartment as well. Renting it, of course, that way they had another source of money, not just the bakery.
Although, by then the bakery wasn’t their only source of money. After things at the bakery stabilized, Mina decided she wanted to get back into business, not just the bakery. That’s when Sana offered her a job.
Mina was hesitant to accept, not wanting to leave the bakery on the side or end up neglecting it because she’s working somewhere else. But Nayeon reassured her it was okay, things were stable enough for her to do that.
Sana also reassured her that the hours would be completely flexible. If there was an emergency or just a day Mina would like to be at the bakery instead, it was completely fine with her, as long as she gave her a heads up. Sana was a better boss than her parents ever were.
Their engagement came soon after that.
They sat on the floor of their empty balcony, looking out the view of the city, just like they often do now, but back then it wasn’t a habit at all.
The apartment was completely empty, they had just started furniture shopping, but since it was the day they got the key for the new place, they wanted to spend the night there. All they had was a mattress, two backpacks with clothes, and a bottle of wine.
Maybe they should have planned it a little better, since sitting on the cold floor wasn’t exactly comfortable, and neither of them felt like dragging the mattress from the bedroom to the balcony. Still, they were happy.
Things were so peaceful up there, so calm. The cold breeze, the amazing view. The box of pizza in front of them. It was a reminder that each other’s company was the most valuable thing in their lives. While there wasn’t much around them, they didn’t need anything else at that moment.
That’s when Mina pulled out a small ring box from her pants. Nayeon looked at her, smiling as soon as she saw the box. Mina has been dropping a few hints here and there, mostly to try figuring out what Nayeon liked, and how she wanted this moment to be.
Nayeon always imagined something simple. She didn’t need anything too elaborate, a helicopter ride, or a house full of roses. She wanted something personal, something casual. For her what mattered was the request, and not how it went down. This felt perfect.
“You see,” Mina laughed. “I prepared all this speech in my head, and I wanted to say a lot. But I was so nervous that I forgot most of it.” Nayeon laughed with her. “We’ve been together for a while now, Nay. So many hardships and so many things we went through together. I couldn’t have done it without you. You make me a better person, I’m so grateful that I get to share a life with you and I hope to do so for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”
Nayeon wasn’t the type to get emotional easily, but this was just one of those moments she felt the tears on the back of her eyes. “Yes.” She nodded, grabbing the box Mina handed her. “Of course I’ll marry you.” She kissed her. “I can’t imagine a future without you, Mina. All that we’ve achieved, and everything we have ahead of us. I look forward to it all.”
Things continued to improve after that. Being engaged to Mina felt like a dream, every day she was reminded of just how much she loves her, and how good they are together. With the bakery thriving, continuously growing, and things being so good. They were the happiest.
“What are you still doing awake?” Nayeon stood next to Mina, yawning. “It’s two in the morning, come to bed.” She frowned.
Mina turned her chair around, pulling Nayeon to sit on her lap. “I’m almost done, just finishing up some stuff for Sana.” She kissed her cheek, turning the chair around and going back to typing.
Nayeon took a deep breath, leaning against her chest, watching her working for a second. She doesn’t understand how it’s possible for her to love someone so much. Not only that, but each day, she loves Mina a little more than the last.
She nuzzled herself deeper into Mina’s neck. “You should go back to bed.” Mina ran her hand up and down her back for a second before clicking some things on her laptop before shutting it down. “Come on, I’m done here.”
Mina tried getting up, but Nayeon pushed her back down. “It’s comfortable, don’t move.” She laughed, standing still. It was hard to deny anything Nayeon asked from her. There was a beat of silence before she spoke up again, “Actually I’m not sleepy anymore.” Mina laughed.
She moved down to place a kiss on her lips. What was supposed to be just an innocent kiss, turned into something more when Nayeon held her face in place, placing more kisses than planned on her mouth, deepening it. “What do you think you’re doing?” Mina stopped her for a second, smiling while looking at her.
“Kissing my future wife,” She smirked. “Why? Can I not anymore?”
Mina laughed. “I’m not complaining, just thought you were ready to go to bed again.”
“Ready to go to bed, but maybe not to sleep.”
They tripped their way back to the bedroom, clothes being left all over the apartment floor, marking their way to the bed. Mina kissed her neck, alternating between nibbling, sucking, kissing. Nayeon moaned into her head, desperately holding her close.
Their naked bodies flushed against each other, enjoying their closeness. Mina slowly guided her to the bed, climbing on top of her. Her tongue explored the inside of her mouth like it was the first time. And even though they’ve been together for a little while now, she would never get enough of Nayeon’s body against hers.
She knew exactly where to touch her, how to get her going. All the tiredness that they felt went away the minute their bodies heated up. Nayeon whimpering under her turned Mina on even further, her cock growing harder and harder by each touch.
Nayeon turned them around, while she enjoyed the way they were, she took a nap before and felt a little more energetic. She wanted Mina to enjoy while she did most of the work, she did seem a little tired before they started this.
She leaned down, deepening their kiss again. Grinding down on Mina, making her moan into her mouth. Her hands had a tight grip of her waist, following the movements she was making.
Nayeon could feel her slick sliding down, almost reaching Mina. She felt a little too desperate, not wanting any more foreplay. Mina leaned up, placing her mouth around a nipple, playing with it.
She smiled into her, enjoying the sounds Nayeon was making on top of her. Mina moved her hips slightly up, aligning her dick with her entrance, and letting Nayeon take care of the rest. She slowly moved down, getting used to the length, enjoying the feeling of it filling her up.
Mina bit her lip, the warmth that engulfed her making her moan. Nayeon leaned in again, kissing her, their tongues fighting as she started moving up and down, hands gripping anything she could touch.
Nayeon doesn’t think she could ever get tired of Mina fucking her, soon enough she started stroking her as well, meeting her movements. Her cock moved further up inside her, each time harder, faster.
She circled her arms around Nayeon’s waist, holding onto her. Their kisses were sloppy, dirty. Full of passion. Nayeon’s nails dragged across her back, silently asking her to move deeper. Mina knew her too well to know what she was asking for, doing exactly what she wanted.
Nayeon’s moans grew louder, her walls tightened around her cock. She knew she was close, and each stroke got her closer. Mina wasn’t far off behind either. The deeper she reached the closer she got.
She tried her best to last longer, not wanting this moment to end, but after one specific stroke she was gone for. She reached her spot over and over, and after she tipped over the edge, Mina followed right before her, coming with her.
Nayeon immediately laid down on top of her, tired. Mina ran her hand through her hair, soothing her. Both of them were tired, Mina was the one to get up and clean them. Covering Nayeon before heading to the shower, almost giving up on it when she saw her already peacefully asleep.
Her heart almost exploded inside her chest. She used to have a hard time grasping how much she loved Nayeon, now she realizes how natural it came. How unavoidable it was, and how happy she made her.
It’s hard to believe something good actually came from Mina’s parents actions. Back then she thought it would be the end of her and Mina, she didn’t think they would be able to move past that.
It was something that at the time felt like the end of everything, and now they realized that it happened for the best. Rebuilding their lives, starting their own business, getting engaged. Things were hard, and maybe it wasn’t the best way it could have happened. But Nayeon is now glad it did happen, it was the push they needed.
Mina’s parents took a year to come to terms with everything. At first they completely cut her off, and she was more than glad to do the same. It gave her time, and peacefulness to work on their own things, figure out their lives.
They went without contact for a year, before they decided to try to reach her. At first Mina was hesitant, thinking that the reason they were doing that was to try convincing her to come back, to work with them again.
But that wasn’t the case. They mostly wanted to talk, check up on Mina, and while she knew that they had some ulterior reasons for it, they didn’t try persuading her or convincing her to come back. Mina told her how business was going and how they were thriving, and they didn’t react much to it. She realized then that they had accepted that she wouldn’t come back.
Mina knows they mostly care about their business, and this was mostly a matter of looks, so they were able to tell people that they were on speaking terms, but that Mina owned her own business now.
She didn’t really care, to be completely honest. They aren't fighting anymore, they are somewhat on speaking terms, but they’re not close at all. That was a good halfway point in their relationship, and while Mina didn’t completely forgive them for everything they did, it wasn’t something that kept her up at night.
Nayeon never knew she could be this excited about her future. She’s thankful of everything they achieved so far and she knows things can get even better than what they already are. She never knew she would be able to get to a point in her life in which she didn’t have to worry about money, and that it would just work for her, not the other way around.
Not struggling to survive means she can focus on other things, she can do anything she dreamt of doing before, but couldn’t. Even more so now that she doesn’t need to be at the bakery all the time. Most of her day she just does whatever she wants, and while she likes spending time at the bakery, she doesn’t need to worry about being there.
Nayeon knows she wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for Mina. She’s incredibly grateful for everything that she has done, not only for her, but for them. She never imagined their lives would turn out so well, even more so at times when she was hesitant that their different backgrounds would create distance between them.
She realizes now that it only brought them together. Nayeon was afraid that they might not understand each other or that things wouldn’t work out in the long run. She was never more glad to be wrong. No one understands her better than Mina does, no one treats her better than Mina does.
Their future is beside each other, and each day is only a proof of that. Their business thriving, their relationship. Every day it improves, every day she is more sure that they belong together.
Nayeon is the happiest she’s ever been, and she knows Mina is as well. She’s thankful for everything that happened, because at the end of the day, it led them here. And there is no one else in the world they would rather be.