Chapter Text
“The patient has only three months to live, I’m sorry.”
Glad Nayeon was sleeping, Mina thought.
I hate it… noooo, don’t please it’s not true, Mina bowed her head to hide her crying face.
Im Nayeon, the main reason, why she kept hoping.
Im Nayeon, the love of her life.
Im Nayeon, her life.
As the others settled down, started to pack their things to go home, Mina wanted to be alone.
So she went to the hospital’s rooftop and there she cried her heart out.
“What should I do for her?” She whispered.
“If she couldn’t really make it… Could you please help me to… at least make her smile?”
“I will do anything… anything for her…” Mina barely whispered.
Mina heard footsteps were coming to her direction, so she stood up fast and hid behind the big plants.
“WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Nayeon shouted as soon as she reached the rooftop.
Mina stopped herself from coming out, Nayeon needs this, she thought.
“WHYYYYYYYYYYY!!! I WANTED TO LIVE!!! I WANTED TO DIE OLD! I WANTED TO GROW OLD WITH MY FAMILY! WITH MY FRIENDS! WITH JEONG! MOMO! SANA! JIHYO! DAHYUN! CHAEYOUNG! AND TZUYU! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!” Nayeon helplessly cried out on top of her lungs.
Only the wind blowing is the answer that she received.
Nayeon fell on her knees, looking up at the sky nearing dusk.
“I wanted to live with Mina…” she whispered.
“I WANTED TO LIVE WITH MINA! I PROMISED MYSELF THAT I WILL CONFESS TO HER ONCE I RECOVER! I WANT TO COURT HER! I WANT TO MAKE HER HAPPY! SO WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!” Nayeon shouted again, clutching her chest, feeling pain all over.
Mina cupped her mouth to muffle her sobs. She wants to be with Nayeon right now, but she knows it would only hurt her more.
The sky started to get dark.
Nayeon looked up and saw the sun setting.
Minutes of silence has passed.
She sighed and whispered, wiping her tears away.
“I see I’m not the one for her, huh?”
But you’re always the one for me, Nayeonnie, Mina sobs.
“Then let her be happy, please? Anyone, just anyone I could trust her with. Please…” Nayeon bit her lip, stopping herself from crying again.
She composed herself first and prayed again, “Let Mina be happy with someone else before I go, please.”
As you wish, my Nayeonnie. Mina thought as she held the railing to support herself.
“What? You like Mina?” Nayeon almost whacked Jeongyeon’s head, if not only because of the catheters attached to her arms.
No, I don’t. It’s Hirai Momo I love, Jeongyeon thought.
“Whoa, whoa! Calm down, rabid bunny! Are you really sick? I could have died if that hit me!” Jeongyeon whined.
You can do this, Jeong. It’s for Nayeon, it’s to make her happy.
“So dramatic, Jeong! But since when? I thought Mina’s bestfriend, Momo— is the love of your life? You’ve been courting Momo for two years!” Nayeon sounds angry.
I can do this, Jeongyeon looked at Jihyo, help me!
Jihyo sighed. I’m sorry, Nayeon-unnie.
“See? Jeong, I told you, Nayeon would go overprotective! You should explain it slowly.” Jihyo said looking stern. This is like role-playing, we’re good actors… we can do it, Jeong.
“Look, I know I’ve been courting Momo these past two years, but when I started to get to know Mina more I realized, it’s her I like,” Jeongyeon looked serious more than ever, far from her goofy face. “Remember, when Momo and I stopped talking, that’s when the time when I decided to stop.”
That was a lie, that time Momo and Jeongyeon had a fight over Jina, a girl from other department, who has a crush on Jeongyeon— whom Momo felt jealous of which made her busted Jeongyeon out of nowhere. Jeongyeon was hurt by that time that she thought of giving up.
Nayeon was stunned for a moment.
I don’t really know what to pray, is it I hope you believe, or please see through us that we’re lying, Nayeon-unnie. Jeongyeon begged in her thoughts
Nayeon smiled.
Jeongyeon and Jihyo both knew that smile was both pain and happiness.
“Did you tell Momo about this? I swear if I found out that you’re two-timing my bestfriends, I’ll haunt you, Yoo Jeongyeon!” Nayeon glared, throwing a bottle of alcohol towards Jeongyeon’s direction which the latter evaded easily.
“Momo and Jeong already talked about it, four months ago, and Momo was happy since it was Dahyun she likes,” Jihyo smiled.
What? Jihyo-yah! So we all really need to switch partners then? You’re dead, Park Jihyo!
“Oh I’m glad, I heard Dahyun likes Momo, too, before right? But wait, I thought she likes Tzuyu now?” Nayeon remembers, looking puzzled.
“Huh, it’s just a crush Nabongs, don’t make a big deal about it.” Jihyo laughed, “Tzuyu likes Sana by the way so---“
Jeongyeon glared at JIhyo, will you just shut up!?
“What, wait? I thought you and Sana are --?” Nayeon asked, looking more puzzled.
“Love really does happen in a mysterious way, isn’t it?” Jeongyeon smirked, please this time just be naïve, Nayeon-unnie, I know you’re smart and all but please…
“Don’t tell me you and Chaeng--?” Nayeon started but Jihyo didn’t let her finish.
“What? No! Somi and Chaeyoung are staying strong okay? Don’t include me with those lovebirds,” Jihyo said, acting disgusted.
“What if you two are really meant to be?” Jeongyeon laughed as Jihyo and Nayeon acted as if they’re going to throw up.
But Nayeon eyed them carefully.
Jeongyeon went back to her serious face, “Hey, Nayeonie, if you don’t believe me, it’s okay. Just let me prove myself.”
Don’t you see we’re lying?
“What? I’ve known you since forever, Jeong, I trust you but why asking me this?” Nayeon asked.
RIGHT. WE’VE BEEN TOGETHER SINCE FOREVER AND YET YOU CAN’T SEE RIGHT THROUGH ME!? Jeongyeon thought stopping herself from shouting.
“Oh, I thought… you know, you like Minari,” Jeongyeon said, still trying to act.
“WHAT? Since when!?” Nayeon dramatically asked. “Didn’t I tell you I’m still not over Jieun?”
Jieun again, aren’t we? Jeongyeon thought.
But we already know the truth, Nayeon-unnie.
“Sorry, you and Mina were always together on highschool, so I thought—“ Jeongyeon started, oh come on! Get a hint there! Just confess now! Please I don’t want to do this anymore!
“Nahh,” Nayeon giggled, “Mina was just caring towards me unlike you, two!” Nayeon teased.
Jeongyeon’s face fell, how can she still act like that?
Jihyo looked at her, signalling her to go along with Nayeon’s mood.
“And what do you mean by that!? I already bought you the stuff toy you like that worth almost a month of my allowance!” Jeongyeon started to tackle towards Nayeon, which Jihyo blocked, but Nayeon started to tackle towards Jeongyeon, too.
ARGGHHHH YOU’RE SO GOOD AT ACTING, UNNIE! I KNOW YOU’RE THE BEST WHEN IT COMES TO MAFIA GAME, BUT WE’RE STILL YOUR BESTFRIENDS!!! I KNOW YOU’RE LYING! SO WHY CAN’T YOU SEE RIGHT THROUGH US!? MINA, SORRY, I’M JUST GONNA STRANGLE THIS QUEEN OF DENIAL SO THAT WE ALL DON’T HAVE TO SUFFER ANYMORE! Jeongyeon shouted in her mind.
***
"So, any changes in the plan?" Sana asked as Chaeyoung leaned on closer to the door to listen carefully of what the 3mix are talking about.
Momo, Sana, Dahyun and Tzuyu silently waiting for Chaeyoung as they nervously preparing themselves for Mina's plan.
"Yes." Chaeyoung murmured.
They all felt relieved, for a second, Mina can't believe it.
"REALLY? We can drop the act now? Did Nayeon-unnie confessed?" Sana asked excitedly as the others looked at Chaeyoung thinking the same thing.
Chaeyoung sighed, "no, Sana-unnie, currently, Jihyo-unnie tried to cover up the fact that Jeongyeon-unnie is in love with Momo-unnie but the problem is she, i guess, unintentionally, switch your partners."
"WHAT?" They all asked looking scandalized, "what they discussed then?"
"If I'm not mistaken, Momo-unnie and Jeongyeon-unnie decided to stop since Jeongyeon-unnie likes Mina-unnie now and that Momo-unnie likes Dahyun-unnie ever since 4 months ago, you know that Jina girl issue, yeah, Jihyo-unnie and Jeongyeon-unnie reasoned that as the turning point how and when Jeongyeon-unnie started to like Mina-unnie. So it's Dahyun-unnie goes with Momo-unnie, then, Sana-unnie goes with Tzuyu," Chaeyoung explained in one breath.
"Yah! Chaeyoung-ah, how about you?" Dahyun complained.
"She's still with Somi, ofcourse!" Sana retorted, "I'm gonna make Jihyo-yah pay for this! She'll be sleeping on the couch!"
Mina sighed, "I think they just did what's need to be done."
"I just really wanna smack Nayeon!" Momo said as she tried stopping herself from crying.
Dahyun turned to Sana, "uhm, Sana-unnie, don't act too much please?"
Sana patted Dahyun's head, and nodded knowingly. After all, Dahyun is too soft-hearted and easily gets hurt.
Tzuyu went to Dahyun and hugged the older. She melts as the latter hugged her back, Dahyun really loves her that much.
Momo, as the unnie of this six girls, cleared her throat, "It's time to act, then, let me have atleast a corndog, so I can act cool.
They all looked at each other and nodded to themselves, "We can do this."
The seven girls picked up each their props for the show, (well technically for the little party), and entered inside as they heard "fighting" noises.
It's not that they don't trust each other that they might cheat or something. It's just that they don't trust themselves if they can keep up with this show.
This is for you, Nayeon-unnie, they all thought.
***
The three stopped when the door swung open, and there it goes… an ethereal beauty entered the room, followed by their friends.
Just imagine that she’s Momo, your Momo, act like you’re in love, this is for your bestfriend, please.
Jeongyeon felt relieved when Momo stood behind Mina while she was busy eating her corndog. Her heart lifted.
“Yah! Jeongyeon-ah, Jihyo-yah! Why are you wrestling with Nayeon-unnie?” Mina said, pouting.
Nayeon, Jeongyeon and Jihyo started pointing each other, which made the younger ones, laugh.
“And that’s what will happen when we always let 3mix on their own,” Momo said as she shook her head, acting disapproved, and bites the corndog in her hand.
“Oh, really?” Jeongyeon smirked and proceed to bite on Momo’s corndog.
Momo glared at Jeongyeon, and whispered, “Yah! Jeongyeon, you should control yourself!”
Momo was glad Dahyun didn’t forget that she should be looking like in love with her, but Jeongyeon was apparently struggling, especially when Dahyun wiped Momo’s mouth with tissue cooing her like her baby. Jihyo glared at them and started preparing the plates, while Chaeng makes a video call to Somi to at least distract her Nayeon-unnie from this mess.
Sana acted like she’s flirting with Tzuyu as they designed the cupcakes on the left side of the table (careful not to make Dahyun jealous, since the introvert easily gets hurts). She then looked at the other side of the table where Jeongyeon decorates some balloon, looking like she’s too pissed to act, so Sana shot a glance at Jihyo, which Jihyo noticed and signalled Jeongyeon by kicking at her feet which made Jeongyeon hissed with pain then noticed Mina acts that she’s laughing at her so, Jeongyeon acted that she’s making Mina laugh by showing goofy faces, which Nayeon glared at, as she notice on peripheral view.
I’m sorry, this is for you, unnie.
“Hey! Act like you are going to prank me!” Jihyo whispered loud enough for Jeongyeon to hear.
Jeongyeon tried to slam a plate of icing towards Jihyo when Jihyo counter it and made the plate to land it on Jeongyeon’s face instead. As a result a foam of icing are now all over Jeongyeon’s face who stumps her foot, trying to take the icing from Sana to get revenge at Jihyo. Unfortunately, Tzuyu snatched the icing from Sana’s hand saving her from Jeongyeon’s antics which eventually stop Jeongyeon from getting revenge.
“Jeongyeon’s really soft when it comes to Tzuyu, isn’t she?” Mina tried to giggle as she saw Jihyo laughed her lungs out since Jeongyeon can’t get back at her, while the latter, grumpily wiping the icing off her face.
“I think, she’s more soft, when it comes to you,” Nayeon said suddenly, surprising Mina.
“Uhm, about that… she’s really serious; I wonder if it’s okay to try?” Mina asked softly (trying not to break her voice), with a smile on her lips (a fake one).
Nayeon went silent.
I’m sorry I just want to make you happy.
Nayeon asked, “of course, it’s fine, why ask that?”
You’re really good at acting, aren’t you, Nayeonnie?
“I don’t know… maybe because…” Mina said looking shy (I have to look shy.)
Please confess. Please. It’s hurting me, lying to you like this. Mina prayed over and over.
“… uhm, you know because of Momoring?” Mina finished.
Please, don’t worry about me. I’ll still be happy, I’ll try to. So just please…
I don’t care if this is our last day together, just trust me on this. Please don’t carry this alone.
“Oh that? Nah, it’s okay. Look, Momo likes Dahyun, don’t you see?” Nayeon whispered trying to laugh.
See? You’re hurting. Please, I will be strong. So please confess now.
“Don’t worry; I’ll haunt Yoo Jeongyeon if she hurts you!” Nayeon joked.
I don’t care if you haunt me instead, so please… Mina begged Nayeon in her mind.
But Nayeon joined the bickering between Jihyo and Jeongyeon instead; making Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu debate if they would stick a corndog each on the 3mix’s mouths or just leave them alone while they take all the foods along— making Momo and Sana agree with the younger ones.
Right then and there, Mina accepted Nayeon’s decision.
The show must go on, I guess.
It was just been a month, but Nayeon’s health is already deteriorating— at this rate, she won’t be able to reach the three months’ limit.
The first week was; Mina and Jeongyeon endured being with Nayeon, acting and letting her tease them as if they were the couple of the year.
The second week was painful; Nayeon barely wakes up and she could not even eat properly. They couldn’t believe that Nayeon’s health failing this fast. She wants to retract from her plan. She wants to confess but she would only hurt Nayeon if she did that.
The third week; Nayeon’s mom and dad had a feeling so they let Mina take Nayeon for a walk.
“It’s been five months, Nayeon-unnie.” Mina said softly, trying not to break her voice from sobbing.
“R-Really?” Nayeon said, too weak to speak.
“Yes, sorry we’re so busy that we weren’t able to come and see you,” Mina said more softly.
“It’s… okay… I think… you need to… get used to… Since, I’m going sooner or later…” Nayeon said slowly, her voice becoming hoarser than ever.
You don’t really want us to get hurt, Nayeonnie?
Silence took over the room, but Nayeon kept speaking.
“How… are you… and Jeong…?” Nayeon barely whispered, bunny teeth showing.
That’s a fake smile, my Nayeonnie.
“Oh, we’re actually engaged!” Mina (tried so hard to) giggled. “Look this is the ring she proposed to me!”
But there was no ring at all; Mina was told by the doctor that Nayeon cannot see any more due to her tumor.
Mina saw Nayeon smiled, a tear escaping her eyes.
Mina cupped her mouth harshly, careful not to let any sobs from her be heard.
Nayeon’s mom and dad, silently cries on the outside as they watched their Nayeon smiled to a lie.
You don’t have to wait anymore, my Nayeonnie, Mina thought.
“I’m glad you look happy.” Mina felt Nayeon mustered her little strength to say those five words a little bit lively.
“How can you say I’m happy, when you can’t even see me?” Mina giggled softly (she tried so hard not cried out loud).
“I… can still… remember… how happy you were with Jeong… that’s why… I know,” Nayeon said slowly, hoarse voice shaking.
“Do you want to go outside, Nayeonnie?” Mina asked.
I hope you know, it’s all lie, but no, let me carry all this.
Let me have your burden, my Nayeonnie.
Nayeon smiled at the familiar nickname.
“Sure…”
It’s already past five in the afternoon, where the shadows of the building covers Mina and Nayeon as Mina pushed Nayeon’s wheelchair around the hospital grounds.
The wind was cool and breezy, a perfect sunny day.
But only Mina can see it since Nayeon is too weak to open her eyes.
Mina sit on the grass in front of Nayeon, levelling a little to Nayeon.
“I like you, Nayeon, before…” Mina said, trying to compose herself.
Nayeon just smiled.
Won’t you just admit it? Mina begged in her mind.
Then Nayeon held Mina’s hands, “Where’s… your… engagement… ring…? Jeong… might… get… angry… if… she… saw… you… not… wearing… it.”
Mina won’t still admit anything, as long as Nayeon says she’s happy, Mina is happy.
Mina smiled, trying to stop herself from crying, “oh I just put it inside my bag since accessories are not allowed.”
“What…? They’re… that… strict…? We’re… outside… the… hospital…”
Mina asked her, trying to shift her mood, “Oh come on, did you just waved away my confession?”
Nayeon weakly laughed, “What…? What… do… you… want… me… to… react…?”
“Is there a time you even had a crush on me? God, I’m glad I’ve already moved on!”
Mina almost bit her tongue, what a lie.
Nayeon weakly laughed again, “What… do… you… think…?”
Mina whined, “Still as hard as ever, was it hard to admit that you’re once whipped to me?”
Nayeon weakly laughed again, “Oh… what… if… I… never… did?”
Mina pouted, “Rude!” I hate you, Nayeonie.
Nayeon smiled at Mina, “I’ll… leave… it… to… your… imagination… then.”
I’ll always imagine then, until we see each other again.
Silence took over them; Mina gently hugged Nayeon.
Mina felt Nayeon’s warmth engulfed her, making her heart melt faster.
As Mina hugged Nayeon, memories started to flash over the young girl’s mind.
Nayeon and Mina’s first meeting was on their school’s welcome party. Mina was alone in the corner when Nayeon noticed her and asked her to a dance. Good thing, Nayeon was the one who asked her, so many people tried, but she didn’t feel safe with those people. Mina didn’t want to ruin Momo and Sana’s enjoyment so she just stayed alone on the corner until Nayeon showed up— the only person she felt safe with.
Nayeon and Mina’s first pairing was on their first subject. Mina observed that Jihyo and Jeongyeon were always a pair and that Nayeon always do activities solo since she wants to get good grades. But today is different; their teacher is a bit of cranky about following instructions going solo would harm Nayeon so, Mina told Momo and Sana to pair themselves, then Mina sat on a safe distance from Momo and Sana, to make sure Nayeon sees that she has no partner. Good thing, Nayeon approached her, and ever since then, they were always partners.
Nayeon and Mina’s first overnight was on Mina’s birthday. Too bad for a birthday, they needed to pass a certain research paper, so after a short celebration, the birthday decorations transformed to laptop and papers. But Nayeon doesn’t know Mina didn’t really invite anyone except her. Even Momo and Sana were upset upon knowing this.
Mina remembered the moment she realized that she fell for Nayeon.
Mina sees Nayeon with Jeongyeon and Jihyo unpacking their lunch; Mina sits beside Nayeon and gives her a pack of yummy-looking jellies— Nayeon’s favourite.
Nayeon looked at her with adoring eyes, showing her bunny teeth as she smiled and said, “Thank you so much, Mina-yah!”
Mina felt happy more than ever. She wants more of those smiles.
When Nayeon was about to finish her lunch, she suddenly had seizure attack, Mina who grew with her father who is a doctor, knew what to do. As Mina rolled Nayeon onto her side, to avoid the food from clogging her airways—
A promise to stay beside Nayeon forever started to build within her heart.
I love you, Nayeon. Mina thought.
She felt Nayeon’s head felt heavier to her shoulder now.
The wind blows, caressing Mina’s face as she felt the cold started to wash over her.
As if it reached her heart, she feels numb inside— freezing as ever.
And there, Mina cried her eyes out— bawling like a little child, asking the God above to bring back Nayeon’s life.
The seven girls mourned as they watch the two from a distance.
Jeongyeon tried to smile, “I’m sorry for lying, Nayeon-unnie.”
Momo hugged Jeongyeon trying to hide her crying face, “See, Nayeon-unnie, Jeong’s with me, why did you believe that easily?”
Jihyo tried to laugh, while showing Nayeon’s diary and waving it to the sky, “Should I be sorry too? I stole your diary! We know everything, Nayeon-unnie!”
Sana bit her lip, hugged Jihyo and looked up, “I’m sorry, Nayeon-unnie, I lied too, as Mitan’s bestfriend, I understand her.”
Chaeyoung kneeled, covering her face, “Sorry, Nayeon-unnie, you’re the best unnie, but still, it’s Mina-unnie’s wish to lie to you. I couldn’t stop her.”
“I really hate you, two!” Dahyun cried, “Was it really hard to admit that you’re both in love with each other!? I hate you, Nayeon-unnie,” she shouted to the sky as she cries harder.
Seeing Tzuyu weeped on her own made Dahyun stop crying— the older went to the younger’s side and hugged her.
-fin-