Chapter Text
Momo stretched under her blanket, arms reaching above her head as her back arched slightly. A quiet yawn slipped out of her.
Her hand moved instinctively to the side, searching for her phone.
She grabbed it before her eyes were even fully open.
7:04 AM
Notifications: (3) TwiceConnect — 11 mins ago
Her thumb tapped the screen immediately, her vision still a little blurry.
WatermelonPrincess21
Good morning, Momo! 🍑☀️😊
Any plans for today?
🥺 Are you still asleep, cutie pie?
Momo smiled.
Cutie pie
Another one. Momo noticed that Jihyo had a habit of giving her nicknames, especially when she took a while to reply. It started with Cutie, then Peachy, then somehow Princess Barbie, and once—very confusingly—Little Mochi Mochi-chan.
Momo still didn’t know where she got the last one. But… she didn’t hate it.
Not a bit.
She rolled onto her back, the duvet slipping slightly down her shoulder as she started typing.
PeachBarbie64
Good morning to you too, Jihyo! Yes I just waked up. Lunch time? What?
The reply came almost instantly.
WatermelonPrincess21
YAY!! You're awake!! 😆
Momo could feel her excitement through the screen.
WatermelonPrincess21
Also you're very close! 😊 I can understand it can be a little confusing but the past tense of "wake" is "woke" not "waked.”
Saying "what" on its own can be a little confusing. You can add a little context on what you're asking about. Try: "What are you having for lunch?” You're doing really well though!
Momo’s lips pressed together in a small, pleased smile. She really appreciated Jihyo not just talking to her but also taking her time to explain things to her and help with her English.
PeachBarbie64
Ah. Thank you. Let me try again.
Yes, I just woke up. Lunch time? What are you having?
WatermelonPrincess21
Perfect, Momo! 💯
Yup, I’m on my lunch break right now.
I went out with my friends and we got fish tacos from this really popular place in town.
There was a super long line but it was totally worth it.
We ordered a bunch of things—quesadilla, burrito, tacos—and everything was SO good.
Like… literally the best Mexican food on the island. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Momo blinked, reading slowly. She recognized some of the words Jihyo used. But far from enough to understand what she was talking about.
WatermelonPrincess21
I wish this app could send pictures. They plated the food so prettily.
I really want to show you the beach right now too. It's unreal. It’s such a nice day to surf and enjoy the sea ☀️
Momo let out a soft sigh. Jihyo was like this sometimes—bright and a little overwhelming, messages coming one after another faster than Momo could read, let alone reply. Before, it would’ve stressed her out, left her scrambling to keep up. But somehow… it didn’t anymore. Instead, her chest felt warm, soft, and a little fuzzy.
Moments like this made Jihyo feel real—more than just a stranger behind a screen. Momo could almost picture her, the real Jihyo. She's like the sun—warm, constant, full of energy, with a smile too bright to look at directly. And for some reason, it felt like Jihyo was her real friend… or at least, they were getting there.
WatermelonPrincess21
Sorry, I got carried away again 😅 Take your time, okay? No rush. I can wait.
Momo blinked. The warmth spreading from her chest to her fingertips. She didn’t even say anything but Jihyo already knew. She sat up, pulling the blanket around her waist, then reached for her tablet. Opening the internet browser, she began translating every new word she encountered. Once she felt like she understood enough, she picked up her phone again.
PeachBarbie64
I searched the food. It looks very good. I have not tried Mexican food yet.
WatermelonPrincess21
Then you should come here! I’ll take you to all my favorite spots 😊
Momo froze. For a second, she could actually see it. Sitting beside Jihyo, a table crowded with food she couldn’t even pronounce. Jihyo talking non-stop, pointing at each dish, explaining, laughing over something small and silly. The sound of waves just a few steps away.
Momo blinked, suddenly aware of the smile creeping onto her face. She shook her head quickly, push the images to the back of her mind.
Jihyo was just being nice. She didn’t mean it like that.
PeachBarbie64
I should get up and make breakfast.
WatermelonPrincess21
Do you have class today?
PeachBarbie64
No class today. Saturday. I go to work later.
The conversation kept going. Momo climbed out of bed and padded toward the kitchen, phone still in hand. She opened the fridge, checking what they had inside. She glanced at the full egg tray on the fridge door.
Omurice, maybe?
Nope. Too much effort
Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
WatermelonPrincess21
Momo wait! I have to drive back now. I’ll text you when I get to the beach house, okay? Enjoy your breakfast! 🍳
Momo stared at the message. Then smiled. “Okay.” She placed her phone on the counter. “I have time.”
She pulled out the ingredients and a few minutes later, the kitchen was filled with the soft sounds of cooking—oil sizzling lightly in the pan, and eggs whisked in a bowl. Momo poured the mixture into the pan, watching it spread into a thin, golden layer. By the time she was working on the third omelet, a door creaked open behind her.
“Momoring…?”
Momo glanced over her shoulder. Mina stepped out of her room, hair slightly messy, wearing an oversized shirt that slipped off one shoulder and shorts so short they were barely visible. She rubbed one eye lazily.
“You’re… awake?” Mina mumbled, blinking at the brightness of the kitchen.
“It’s Saturday. Why are you up this early? Do you have somewhere to go?" she added,
voice still thick with sleep. “
“No.” She flipped the omelet. “I just woke up early.”
Mina stared at her, leaning against the wall and squinting at Momo. "You, up early?”
“Yes. It's not a big deal." Momo kept her eyes on the pan. "The plates on the table are yours and Sana. Eat up before it gets cold."
Mina narrowed her eyes slightly. Because Momo—Momo—who usually slept in until almost noon on Saturdays. Was awake at seven in the morning, cooking.
“Uh-huh.” Mina hummed, suspicious. "I'll wake up, Satang."
Momo placed the last omelet on her plate. Today was totally normal. Completely normal.
She was absolutely not waking up early just to catch Jihyo’s lunch break.
Not at all.
“Not all silk fabrics were made the same.” Professor Sato held up a set of fabric swatches in front of the class.
Momo sat up a little straighter, her pen hovering over her notebook.
“Many of you make this mistake. You choose fabric based on appearance alone,” Sato walked slowly between the rows, lifting one swatch. “This is habutai silk. Lightweight. Smooth. It falls softly.”
Then she gave the one on her right hand a small flick. It barely moved. “And this is organza—structured, crisp, and holding its shape. If you design the same garment using these two fabrics, you will not get the same result.”
Momo scribbled quickly, taking notes.
habutai – soft drape. organza – stiff, holds shape
Professor Toda continued, “Draping is not just design. It is negotiation with the fabric. You must understand what the fabric wants to do—”
bzzzt
Her phone vibrated softly against the desk. She glanced down, reading the notifications that popped up
WatermelonPrincess21
When we were visiting Nayeon in New York, we got so wasted I woke up with a tattoo.
Don’t worry, nothing crazy. I didn’t get anything embarrassing 😂 just waves on my right upper arm.
She leaned back, looking up at her professor to make sure she wasn't looking her way as she picked up her phone and typed underneath the desk.
PeachBarbie64
Wasted? What that mean?
WatermelonPrincess21
Wasted means being so drunk you black out 😅
Momo nodded slowly to herself.
PeachBarbie64
Oh. You party a lot in college?
WatermelonPrincess21
I still do. But not as much as I did in my 20s. I'm a lot tamer now, after I hit reached my 30s.
You'll understand in a few years.
She glanced up briefly. Professor Sato was now demonstrating how organza held a fold when pinned. Momo nodded like she understood. Then looked back down.
PeachBarbie64
Your friend Nayeon seems like a handful. She and my friend Sana would probably get along well.
A bad habit Momo had picked up over the past few days was spending her lunch breaks half-eating and half-texting her new friend. Today had been no different. They'd spent the entire break talking about their friends. Jihyo probably couldn't sleep again, and Momo found herself unable to resist her.
From everything Momo had gathered through Jihyo's messages, Jihyo had two close friends—Jeongyeon and Nayeon. Jeongyeon and Jihyo were practically attached at the hip. They went to university together in California, moved to New York after graduation, and stayed there for three years before deciding to return to Hawaii. Now, they lived closer to their families and ran a small guesthouse together.
Nayeon, the third member of their group, was a year older. The three of them had grown up on the same island. Nayeon had moved to New York for university and had apparently become an award-winning, best-selling writer in the United States. About a year ago, she traded the city's fast pace for home and moved back to Hawaii.
At this point, with how often Jihyo talked about them, Momo felt like she knew them too.
In return, Momo had told Jihyo about Mina and Sana—how they'd met in high school, become inseparable, and eventually moved to Tokyo together. How they'd been looking after one another ever since, becoming more like sisters than just friends.
WatermelonPrincess21
You have no idea how much trouble Nayeon got us into when we were kids.
Actually… thinking about it, we kind of dragged each other into trouble 😂
Momo smiled, thinking about how her own friends.
PeachBarbie64
They sound fun.
Sana is like that too. She is only extrovert in our group. She took me to all her college parties. Even if I didn't go to university.
She frowned slightly, thinking. Sometimes she wanted to tell Jihyo her own stories too, but it was hard to translate them in English. It had gotten a little easier after a week of texting each other, but it still gave Momo headaches.
PeachBarbie64
Without her, me and Mina maybe not talk much. We are both shy. Talking is Sana's job
Even older, she always drag us out of apartment to have fun. No Sana, Mina and I rot inside and play only videogames all day.
WatermelonPrincess21
That’s really cute.
I can imagine you being super shy as a kid.
If we met in high school, we’d probably be in different friend groups.
PeachBarbie64
Yes. You are popular kid. Like Mean Girl movie.
I am NPC.
WatermelonPrincess21
Lol 😂 Nope.
I'm what you would call a late bloomer. I was a nerd who played the clarinet in the school band. I was a little awkward as a kid.
We can both be NPCs. 😂
Momo thought about it—Jihyo, the cool surfer she had always imagined, transformed into a cute highschooler with thick glasses, nose buried deep in a book, diligently practicing the clarinet after school.
Momo bit back a laugh, her shoulders shaking slightly as she stared at her phone under the desk. But a small sound slipped out anyway. Her seatmate glared at her. Momo stiffened, lowering her phone and looking away. She glanced around the room, checking if anyone else noticed. Thankfully, the rest of the class was still focused on the lecture happening in front, except her. She let out a quiet breath, pressing her lips together to keep herself from laughing again.
PeachBarbie64
You said you have tattoos.
I want one but I am scared of needles.
WatermelonPrincess21
Fair
I was a little nervous when I got my first sober tattoo. But it got easier after the third or fourth.
I have a few. They're scattered in different parts of my body. Nothing big. Just small ones I've collected over the years.
PeachBarbie64
Any favorites?
WatermelonPrincess21
I have a sun tattoo on my shoulder, my grandma used to call me “Little Sunshine.” After I moved back to Hawaii, I got a small anklet tattoo with seashells on my left leg. The three turtles on my arm represent me and my best friends. When we first opened the beach house, I had the coordinates of the island tattooed on my rib. I have a few more, but those are my favorites.
Momo stared at the messages, piecing together an image in her mind. She didn’t know what Jihyo looked like, not really—but somehow she imagined someone beautiful, a little dreamy. Someone who smiled as brightly as the sun with small tattoos scattered across her sun-kissed skin.
Little by little, through the clues dropped in their conversations, the picture of this once-anonymous person was beginning to take shape in her mind. Realistically… she would probably never meet her. Still, sometimes—usually late at night, when the world felt quieter—Momo caught herself wondering what it would be like if she did.
bzzztttt
WatermelonPrincess21
Wait Momo.
Shouldn’t you be in class right now?
Momo looked up, Professor Sato had moved on from silks to satin fabrics.
PeachBarbie64
I am in class.
WatermelonPrincess21
STOP TEXTING ME.
Seriously! Stop texting! 😂
I’m bored but I don’t want to be responsible for you failing your class.
Momo frowned, lips pressed into a line.
PeachBarbie64
It is boring class. I can multitask.
WatermelonPrincess21
Multitask??
Wow. Your vocabulary is getting better.
Momo smiled a little, giddy that the effort she’d been putting into her English was showing.
WatermelonPrincess21
Don’t sweet talk me into staying, Peachie.
I’ll talk to you when you get home tonight, okay?
Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m going anywhere. Enjoy your class, honey!
Honey?
Wasn’t honey the English word for the natural sweetener made by bees? Did she mean she was sweet?
She opened an internet browser, typing.
honey meani—
An auto-correct suggestion popped up.
honey meaning in love
What??!!!
Momo hesitated but clicked the suggestion.
"Honey" is a classic term of endearment in love, symbolizing sweetness, warmth, and deep affection for a romantic partner, spouse, or close family member. It acts as a cherished pet name—often interchangeable with "sweetheart" or "darling"—to express intimacy, care, and adoration.
Momo felt the heat crawl up her neck as she read the words on her screen.
Romantic partner?
Her fingers tightened around her phone, knuckles turning white as her thoughts spiraled faster than she could keep up.
Why would Jihyo call her that?
Did she mean it like that?
No—no, maybe it was just an American thing.
Maybe everyone called each other honey.
Maybe it didn’t mean anything at all.
But… she also called her cute.
Momo immediately locked her phone and placed it face-down on her desk, not sending a reply. Her heart was beating way too fast inside her chest while Professor Sato's voice continued somewhere in front of the room, discussing the importance of fabric durability and care.
How was she supposed to focus on fabrics now?
Momo pushed the apartment door open with her shoulder, letting it shut behind her with a dull thud. A long, exhausted groan escaped her as she shuffled inside. Her bags slipped from her hands and landed on the couch without care. She stood there for a moment, staring blankly at nothing. Her entire body felt heavy. Her brain felt like mush.
Earlier that day, Momo went to her new part time work. It was only her second week working there, a small shop specializing in men's formal wear a few blocks away from her aunt’s store. Her aunt had personally recommended her, telling the owner she was a fashion student at Bunka University.
The first week had gone perfectly. The owner even praised her speed and neat needle work. So when the client stepped out of the fitting room wearing the suit she finished the day before, Momo felt a small spark of pride bloom in her chest. The jacket framed his shoulders. The trousers were adjusted to elongate his legs, removing excess bulk around the hips. She had designed the proportions to make him look taller and sharper. It was good work. She knew it was.
The client frowned at his reflection in the mirror, tugging at the fabric around his thighs. “These don’t feel right.”
“Ah—no, it’s intentional. If we taper here, your silhouette looks longer. Taller.”
“That’s not what I asked for,” the man snapped.
“Yes, but…” Momo kept her voice polite. “This improves the overall look. The fabric drapes better this way—”
“I don’t care about draping! I want what I ordered.” His voice rose, sharp enough to boom through the shop.
Before Momo could respond, the owner stepped forward with a practiced smile. “I’m the owner, sir. Can you tell me what seems to be the problem?”
The customer pointed at Momo. “Your employee decided she knew better than me and changed the design.”
“I’m very sorry about that. We’ll fix it for you free of charge.”
“But I need this today. My nephew’s wedding is tomorrow.”
“I understand. We’ll give you a ten percent discount, and it’ll be ready for pickup tomorrow morning when we open at eight.”
The man exhaled loudly. “I guess I don’t have a choice. Just redo the measurements. Make it longer—and looser in the thighs.”
“Of course, sir. We’ll retake your measurements.”
The owner turned to face her. “Momo. Take the measurements again.”
She nodded and obeyed quietly.
When the customer finally left, the doorbell chimed and the shop fell silent. The owner sighed. “Momo, didn't I tell you? The customer is always right.”
She stared down at her hands, trying her best to not talk back.
“When you become a famous designer, you can make whatever clothes you want. But here, we make clothes that make customers happy. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Momo avoided his eyes, fingers clasped together.
“I gave him a discount. That will come out of your pay.”
Her head lifted slightly in surprise. Me?
“And remake the trousers tonight. Finish your other orders too and I’m not paying you for the overtime. This happened because you ignored the customer’s request.”
Remaking the pants would take hours. But Momo nodded anyway. She needed the money for her English classes. She couldn’t say no. Which was why she was only getting home now. Hungry. Tired. Empty.
Momo dragged herself into the kitchen and placed a plastic convenience-store bag on the counter—instant ramen, onigiri, and a can of beer. All the comfort she could find on the way home. She filled the electric kettle with water and pressed the switch. While waiting for the water to boil, she opened the clock app on her phone.
Hawaii: 3:02 AM
Jihyo's probably asleep by now.
She poured hot water into the cup noodles and carried it to her bedroom table. Steam curled upward as she sat down, exhaustion finally catching up to her. She opened TwiceConnect. Her eyes widened at the amount of messages Jihyo left her.
WatermelonPrincess21
Hello 🙂
How’s your day, Momo-chan?
Momo?
Still busy?
I just finished teaching a group of surfers how to surf today 🌊
You would laugh. One guy fell off the board immediately and the wave stole his shorts 😂
Are you eating yet?
Don’t forget dinner!
Momo??
I’m starting to think you forgot me 🥺
Just kidding. You're probably in class or busy with work.
I had shaved ice today!! 🍧
Mixed berries flavor. You’d like it.
The sun is almost gone here. Is your day coming to a close too?
Hope your day went well.
Text me when you’re free, Peachie.
I’ll try to stay up a little longer.
…okay maybe I’m getting sleepy 😴
Goodnight, Momo.
If you’re still out, get home safe.
I hope you had a good day today ❤️
Momo’s lips jutted out into a small pout. She missed her. She was a few hours too late.
She cracked open her beer and took a long drink before starting her dinner. The apartment was quiet—Mina was in Hong Kong for a work trip and Sana was probably asleep, too tuckered out from chasing toddlers all-day. Normally, she would keep everything to herself. But tonight felt heavy like her chest was about to explode.
She opened the chat again and began typing—pouring her heart out to a stranger. She told Jihyo about the customer. About the scolding and unpaid overtime. About the fifty notes Professor Toda left on her portfolio. About the English post-test she failed again. She hit send—again and again—not expecting a reply. She finished eating, cleaned up, and took out her laptop. She was redoing the design on her portfolio when her phone chimed in her pocket.
WatermelonPrincess21
I’m sorry that happened to you, baby.
Are you okay?
Momo’s eyes widened. Her fingers flew over the keyboard.
PeachBarbie64
YOU’RE AWAKE??!! 😭
WatermelonPrincess21
Yes!! I’m here, honey!
Couldn’t sleep.
How are you holding up?
It’s late there… did you eat dinner?
PeachBarbie64
Yup. Cup noodles and onigiri.
WatermelonPrincess21
Good. I was worried you skipped again. You barely ate lunch today too.
Already in bed?
Also… that customer sounds like a jerk.
PeachBarbie64
He was
I only want make him look good. And good clothes. But he not like it.
WatermelonPrincess21
Then that’s his loss.
One day you’ll be famous and he’ll regret refusing an original Momo design.
Momo blinked. Her vision blurred slightly. Today had quietly shattered her confidence more than she wanted to admit.
PeachBarbie64
Do you think I can become famous?
WatermelonPrincess21
I haven’t even seen your designs yet, but you’re aiming for a scholarship at one of the biggest fashion schools in the world.
That already tells me you’re talented.
When you become famous, I’m going to brag to everyone that I used to be friends with you.
PeachBarbie64
Used to be?
You do not plan be my friend in future too?
The typing bubble appeared and disappeared a few times before a message went through.
WatermelonPrincess21
😳
Of course, I want to be your friend in the future, babe. Today. Tomorrow. For as long as you want me.
Momo laughed softly under her breath.
PeachBarbie64
Stay forever.
WatermelonPrincess21
Forever? 🙈
Careful… you’ll have to take responsibility if I get too attached 😂
Momo stared at the screen, cheeks warming. Before she could overthink it, another message arrived.
WatermelonPrincess21
Okay okay, teasing aside.
Do you want to talk about what happened today? I can listen. Or distract you. Or just keep you company. Whatever you need, babe 😊
Momo thought about it for a second. She's not the type that talks about her feelings a lot but there's something about talking to a stranger that makes it easier.
PeachBarbie64
Can I rant for a minute?
WatermelonPrincess21
Go ahead. I’m here.
Momo explained how she wasn’t usually this affected, but the pressure was becoming overwhelming—school revisions, money worries, work expectations, and the fear that maybe she wasn’t talented enough.
Jihyo listened. No interruptions. No lectures. She just made Momo felt seen and heard.
Momo sat on her bed, phone held close to her chest, feeling something slowly loosen inside her.
PeachBarbie64
Thank you for listening, Jihyo.
WatermelonPrincess21
Of course, Momo.
We’re friends.
That’s what friends do.
Momo looked at the screen before closing her eyes. Her day had started feeling small and heavy. But somehow, talking to Jihyo made the world feel softer and warmer again.
A loud crash echoed through the aisle as Momo’s shoulder knocked into the display rack. Cans scattered across the floor, rolling in different directions and clattering against each other.
Mina slowed the grocery cart to a stop, looking back over her shoulder. “Are you okay, Momoring?”
“Oh—no… sorry, sorry!” Flustered, Momo shoved her phone into her pocket and dropped down, gathering the cans in a hurry. Her movements were clumsy, fingers fumbling as she tried to line them back up, her face burning with embarrassment.
Sana jogged back to help her, apologizing to the staff that came running to help them.
A few minutes after the incident, Mina slowed down in front of the meat section, scanning the labels. “Momo, what cut should we get for the katsu curry?”
No answer.
“Momo?” Mina repeated, turning her head.
Sana glanced over and immediately sighed. “She’s texting again.”
Mina looked back at Momo. “Momo.”
Still nothing.
“Momo," she repeated, tapping her on the shoulder.
“What?” Momo finally looked up.
Mina raised a brow. “You said you're making katsu curry on Saturday. What cut do we get?”
Momo stared at her for a second, her brain slowly trying to catch up. “Ah—uh… pork loin?"
Mina nodded, turning to the butcher. “Can we have a pound of pork loin?"
After they picked it out and moved on, the three of them turned into the next aisle. Momo was already smiling down at her phone again when she collided lightly with a passing woman.
“Oh—sorry, sorry!” Momo immediately bowed her head, stepping back quickly, still holding her phone like it was glued to her hand. The woman gave a polite nod and walked on.
Sana watched the entire thing and exhaled dramatically. "We need to stage an intervention.”
"I'm grabbing beer and ice cream," Mina nodded in agreement.
After unpacking the groceries and refilling the pantry, Mina grabbed a six-pack from the freezer while Sana tore open a few bags of chips, pouring them into bowls on the coffee table. Momo emerged from the bathroom fresh from a shower, hair still damp, oversized shirt hanging loosely over her frame. She dropped onto the couch with a quiet sigh and reached for one of the beers Mina handed her. The TV flickered on as she searched for something to watch.
“So…” Sana started, trying—and failing—to sound casual. “How are your English classes going?”
Momo took a sip before answering. “I think I’m making progress. Jihyo’s been helping me a lot. I passed my exam yesterday.”
“Jihyo…” Sana repeated, freezing as she reached for a chip.
“Why are you saying her name like that?” Momo glared at her friend, sensing something wrong in the air.
“Nothing.” Sana shook her head, taking a long drink instead, eyes suddenly very interested on the selection of movies on the screen.
Momo narrowed her eyes. This wasn't nothing—she could basically hear the gears churning in Sana's head. She glanced over at Mina, knowing she's not one to beat around the bush. “Mina?”
“We’ve just noticed you’ve been talking to this Jihyo person a lot. And we’re getting a little concerned.” Mina leaned back against the couch, beer resting loosely in her hand.
“Concerned?" Momo blinked. "Why? We’re just talking. She’s just helping me with my English.”
Sana shifted closer, elbows on her knees. “Momo, we know you. You’ve been… different lately—more distracted. You keep smiling at your phone. You wake up early and sleep late just to talk to her. You're restless when she doesn't reply back" She hesitated before adding, softer, “We’re worried you might be catching feelings.”
Momo let out a short laugh, shaking her head immediately. “It’s nothing serious. And weren’t you the one who told me to date a foreigner to learn English faster?”
Sana grimaced. “Yes—but I meant someone you actually meet in real life. Not an online stranger. You shouldn't trust people too easily. Things like catfishing happen everywhere. People pretend to be someone else online. Sometimes they’re nice at first and then—”
“Stop,” Momo cut in, harsher and louder than she intended. “Jihyo’s not like that.”
“We’re not saying she is,” Mina cut in before Sana could answer. She paused, choosing her words carefully. “We just want you to be careful. Maybe slow down a bit… before things get complicated.”
"She's just my friend." Momo crossed her arms defensively across her chest.
“We know,” Mina nodded, placing a gentle hand on Momo’s knee. “But what if you start depending on her more than you planned to… and one day she just stops replying? Or what if she only sees you as a friend, and somewhere along the way you start wanting something more?”
Momo opened her mouth, then closed it again.
“We're you're friends Momo. We know you have a big heart and a lot of love to give. We just don’t want you to get hurt,” Mina finished.
Momo looked down at her beer. “I won’t,” she said quietly. Then, more defensive, “Besides, who said I even have feelings? You’re assuming things just because we text a lot. We’re just friends.”
Sana inhaled like she wanted to argue. Mina lightly nudged her knee under the table to stop her. That was enough. Momo was like a mountain—stuck in place and refused to budge.
“Okay. If you say so.” Mina leaned back, letting the conversation settle instead of pushing further. She reached for the remote and finally picked a movie. The opening credits filled the room.
No one spoke. The chips went mostly untouched. Sana drank faster than usual. Momo stared at the screen but her focus was elsewhere, waiting for the second she could hide away in her room and forget this conversation even happened.
Momo didn’t text Jihyo that night. Or the night after. Or the one after that. She sent a short message saying she needed to focus on an assignment. Jihyo accepted the explanation without question. Still, she sent a few messages to say hello or check on her.
Did you eat?
Don’t stay up too late.
Good luck today, Momo-chan.
Sleep well, honey.
Small things. Gentle reminders she was still there. Messages that somehow made the silence heavier.
Momo told herself Mina was wrong. She just needed to prove it. She could stop talking to Jihyo and be fine. But the longer she stayed away, the tighter something twisted in her chest. Nights felt longer. Mornings felt duller. Days quieter. Even victories—passing quizzes, finishing sketches—felt strangely empty without someone to share them to.
Tonight, she opened their chat. Her thumb hovered over the screen. No harm done yet. She wasn't going to text her anyway.
You don’t really know her.
Mina’s voice echoed in her mind. But she did know Jihyo or she thought she did.
She knew about the scar on Jihyo’s knee—the one she got when she was twelve after falling off her bike. She knew Jihyo only visited their childhood home when her father was away, still unable to hide his disappointment that she’d abandoned a promising accounting career in New York to open a business. She knew Jihyo drank alcohol without snacks on stressful days, claiming it masked the burn of alcohol and made it easier not to think.
Those weren’t things strangers knew.
Right?
What if she only sees you as a friend… and somewhere along the way you start wanting something more?
The feeling in her chest got tighter.
Did she want more?
Sometimes she imagined meeting Jihyo at an airport. Recognizing her instantly. Laughing about how unreal it felt. Going on the fake dates they joked about—trying food Jihyo recommended, walking unfamiliar streets together.
She never let those thoughts stay long. Because they weren’t real. Because asking what they meant might break whatever this was. And maybe that was the real problem. The not knowing.
Her thumb finally moved.
PeachBarbie64
Jihyo.
The typing bubble appeared almost instantly.
WatermelonPrincess21
Hi, honey! I missed you 😊
Did you finish your project?
Momo stared at the screen longer than usual—unable to find the words to express her thoughts. Her heart beat hard, uneven, like she was about to step somewhere she couldn’t return from. She inhaled and typed.
PeachBarbie64
My friends said something few days ago…
WatermelonPrincess21
Oh?
That sounds serious. Everything okay?
Her fingers hesitated. She typed and deleted her message a few times.
PeachBarbie64
Can I tell you something?
5 second rule. If it ruin everything I can pretend I never say it.
WatermelonPrincess21
I don’t fully understand the rule 😄
But okay. Five-second rule. I’m listening.
Momo’s pulse thudded in her ears.
PeachBarbie64
I was trying not to overthink…
but you give me many things to think about.
I’m really happy I met you.
You make studying less scary.
And you always talk to me even when I complain a lot.
You helped my English… but also other things.
WatermelonPrincess21:
Why does this feel like you're saying goodbye?
Did something happen?
Did I do something to upset you?
Momo’s throat tightened. She stared at the blinking cursor. Then forced herself to type the question that had been sitting in her chest for days.
PeachBarbie64
What are we, Jihyo?
The response didn’t come right away. The typing bubble appeared… disappeared… appeared again.
WatermelonPrincess21
What do you mean?
Momo pressed her lips together. She wasn’t brave enough for a confession. But she also couldn’t pretend anymore.
PeachBarbie64
I don’t know how to explain good…
I just…
You make me happy when we talk.
I wait for your messages.
And when you don’t text I feel strange.
My friends say maybe I start to like you.
I’m not saying I do.
I just scared maybe one day you stop texting me and I realize I care more than I should.
She stared at the words after sending them. Her heart felt exposed—too out in the open.
The reply took longer this time. When it came, it arrived in pieces.
WatermelonPrincess21
Hey… slow down, okay?
I’ll be honest with you for a minute.
I feel what you feel too.
I really like talking to you too.
You make me smile more than you probably realize.
Sometimes our conversations are the best part of my day.
A million thoughts ran through Momo's head.
Is Jihyo saying what she thinks she's saying?
WatermelonPrincess21
But we’ve only known each other two months.
You’re young. You have so much life ahead of you.
And we live on opposite sides of the world.
A bucket of cold water was thrown at her.
WatermelonPrincess21
I don’t want to pretend I'd give you something unrealistic.
But I care about you. Truly.
I enjoy what we have.
And I don't want you to go anywhere.
Cause I won't.
I can promise you that.
Momo stared at the screen. Her chest felt oddly hollow. Jihyo felt the same. Jihyo liked talking to her. Jihyo cared. But every sentence also felt like a careful line being drawn in the sand.
WatermelonPrincess21
I want to be your friend… or whatever you’re comfortable calling this… for as long as you want me around. I hope I didn't fuck this up.
Momo swallowed. She should feel relieved—validated. Instead it felt like hearing a door close softly. Not slammed at your face. Just… shut.
PeachBarbie64
Okay. I understand. You’re right.
WatermelonPrincess21
Hey, we don’t have to make this complicated.
I like talking to you. You like talking to me. Maybe that’s enough right now?
And maybe what you feel is just comfort. You feel safe talking to me. That’s not a bad thing.
Is this really just that? Comfort?
She wasn’t sure anymore.
PeachBarbie64
Maybe you’re right.
WatermelonPrincess21
It’s really late here, honey.
Will you still be here when I wake up?
The question made something ache in Momo’s chest.
Nothing changed. Nothing should change.
PeachBarbie64
I will. Goodnight.
WatermelonPrincess21
That doesn’t sound very convincing 😢
Is there anything I can do to fix this? I don’t want to lose you.
Momo's heart jumped at the affection her Jihyo's messages, realizing quickly she was already fucked. Her fingers typed before her mind could stop them.
PeachBarbie64
You won’t lose me, honey. Go sleep.
WatermelonPrincess21
😳
Wait…
Did you just call me honey?
For the first time that night, Momo smiled faintly.
PeachBarbie64
Is it bad?
WatermelonPrincess21
No.
Say it again please.
Momo hesitated… then let herself lean into the warmth one last time.
PeachBarbie64
Good night, honey. Dream of me.
WatermelonPrincess21
I will, baby. Talk to you in the morning ❤️
The chat went quiet. Momo stared at the screen long after the typing bubble disappeared. She told herself nothing had changed. And yet—something inside her felt rearranged.
She finally understood the shape of what they were. Not nothing. But not something either.
She placed her phone beside her pillow and turned off the light, sleep was slow to come as one thought lingered stubbornly in her chest. She hadn’t confessed and Jihyo hadn’t rejected her. But somehow… it still felt like the beginning of heartbreak.