Chapter Text
It was easy.
Too easy for Tzuyu to fall back into the same pattern with Chaeyoung. It has been that way from the moment they met where everything feels so natural, like Chaeyoung has been there right from the very start. Like puzzle pieces making a perfect fit. Tzuyu understands how she fell in love with Chaeyoung, because everything feels easy.
It was hard.
Chaeyoung thinks it’s hard. After the disaster that was lunch and a very stressful first day back she didn’t expect that watching a movie sitting next to Tzuyu would be harder. (After pleading with Tzuyu because honestly it was tradition and it’s not because she missed Tzuyu, nope, not at all). Chaeyoung’s heart was beating wildly against her chest and it doesn’t help that they’re watching the worst movie for her situation, Love, Rosie ('mental note to never use random roulette generators again' Chaeyoung thought). So Chaeyoung wonders how fate could throw a curveball in her life when she's sitting next to her best friend watching arguably one of the best best friends to lovers movie of all time.
When the movie ended, Tzuyu was the first to speak.
"Do you think that really happens?" Tzuyu asked as the credits rolled.
Chaeyoung looked at Tzuyu urging her to continue.
"To do everything wrong over and over again and then suddenly the universe would decide to give you a break and everything just" a pause, "clicks." Tzuyu mused
"I don't think so" Chaeyoung answered simply
Tzuyu rolled her eyes
"Don't get me wrong and I know they had a hard time too but what happens after that? It's a lot of hard work after that too. Things in real life don't work that way." Chaeyoung answered but for once she hoped she's wrong. She wants it to be just as easy as it is in the movies.
"Why do I watch movies with you?" Tzuyu asked
"Because you love me" Chaeyoung said smugly.
‘ But not in that way’ Chaeyoung thought
Tzuyu threw a pillow at Chaeyoung who fell off the bed laughing
'You're right. I really do' Tzuyu thought to herself.
And it’s easy.
To pretend that she’s not in love with Chaeyoung. To act as if she’s okay.
It’s easy .
What’s hard is to not fall deeper.
It was easy because it is Chaeyoung.
Like it always has been.
What’s harder is that she would always want something more.
‘Tell me what to do, Chaeng. I don’t want to be friends anymore’ Tzuyu sighed
“Penny for your thoughts? It seems like you have the pressing weight of the world on your shoulders.” Chaeyoung asked worried
“Wanna watch another one? You get to pick” Tzuyu deflected
“Nahh, it’s fine. You pick.” Chaeng smiled
Chaeyoung realized that she’s been staring but with the way her eyes would make crescents and the way her dimple would show when she’s smiling. (a scene better than the movies, a scene she can replay over and over again ‘ Who wouldn't fall for that smile?’ Chaeyoung thought)
And Chaeyoung feels like Tzuyu is better than strawberry sundae on a hot day, and much more exciting than getting a new tattoo but she’s also serene like the way she feels when she’s making art and like that first sip of coffee and Tzuy—
And then it all finally made sense. All those cheesy romcom movies finally made sense. Love is cheesy and corny and doing all the things you never really expected to do but it’s fine because it’s her. That it’s okay to feel silly and absurd and embarrassed. Everything is okay because it’s Tzuyu and there’s no one else she would rather be with.
Tzuyu stared back at her and for a minute Chaeyoung felt like Tzuyu felt the same.
Dahyun enters the room and it drags Chaeyoung back to reality. Dahyun settled between them and hugged her pillow.
“Want to talk about it?” Chaeyoung asked
“I just didn’t expect I’ll see my ex after three years acting as if nothing happened.” Dahyun shrugged
“Sorry, I didn’t know Momo was your ex.” Chaeyoung apologized
“It’s fine. I was just caught off guard.” Dahyun smiled
“So what are we watching?” Tzuyu beamed at Dahyun, trying to cheer her up
Two large fries and three chocolate milkshakes later, Tzuyu and Dahyun were a bawling mess. Whoever decided that Toy Story 3 was a good film to watch (it was Dahyun) when they decided they wanted something fun and light was simply crazy in Chaeyoung’s eyes.
When it was finally time for Tzuyu to leave, Chaeyoung wanted nothing more than for Tzuyu to stay.
“Tzu? Will you stay here?” Chaeyoung asked
What do best friends do? Tzuyu wondered.
Do they stay the night sleeping in the same bed? Is it hands intertwined as they talk about the most mundane things? Do they act this way? Because it’s confusing and messy, sometimes they tether on the edge of friends and something more. Jihyo once asked if what they’re doing doesn’t tire her, Nayeon asked until when she would keep this up. She just shrugged and said she didn't know. Tzuyu knows what matters is that there’s them. What they are doesn’t matter, not really. As long as Chaeyoung is with her, right?
“Sure, Chaeng”
🍪🍪🍪
Tzuyu always wakes up early. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember and sometimes she hates it, sometimes she wishes she could be one of those people who can sleep for 12 hours a day but sometimes, like right now, she appreciates it. Where she would open her eyes and see Chaeyoung sleeping peacefully and she would wait for Chaeyoung’s eyes to flutter open. It’s times like these where Tzuyu could pretend. That Chaeyoung would look into her eyes and realize what she’s not brave enough to say.
“Good morning, Tzuyu.” Chaeyoung said, her voice raspy from just waking up
“You snore when you sleep.” Tzuyu teased
Chaeyoung was supposed to start teasing Tzuyu when their phones chimed at the same time, Chaeyoung reached for her phone and read the message.
theSorryprettiestbunNY: Lia’s got a gig later.
parkthetrain: Tzuyu wake up! Lia’s going to be singing
cubchaeng: Why Tzuyu?
balleMINA: Tzuyu’s got the fattest crush on Lia that’s why -NY
JeongYOO: She once timed her visits to Lia’s gigs. I’ll be on duty!
I’ll save you seats!!
dubuhyun: Count us in! I can see Tzuyu blushing from here.
shibSANA: What’s with you and short girls?
*theprettiestbunNY changed JeongYOO’s nickname to YOOugly*
Tzuyu felt relieved that Chaeyoung didn’t notice Sana’s comment as the messages were flooded with bickering.
“I didn’t know that” Chaeyoung said
“What? It’s just a crush. Besides you heard it too, she sings like an angel.” Tzuyu said shyly
“I agree” Dahyun nodded her head in agreement
All Chaeyoung could do was sigh as the two start to gush about Lia
🍓🍓🍓
Chaeyoung tried to bite down the feeling of jealousy. They were right about Lia, of course. Her voice was extraordinary but it seems like it’s all she could think about throughout the day. When it was finally time to go to the Bakery she felt restless. Chayeoung was the last one to arrive, her classes running a little bit late. They were seated at the back, their usual spot every time they attend events at the Bakery. She saw Mina holding hands with Nayeon and Jeongyeon and Jihyo was staring at each other from across the room. Dahyun was sitting with Sana and surprisingly, Momo was with them too. Chaeyoung took her usual seat right beside Tzuyu. Right where she belongs.
Chaeyoung was surprised to see that it hasn’t started yet and as if on cue Lia entered the back door with Shin Ryujin, the football team’s star player in tow. Nayeon and Tzuyu gave a wave to the small girl and the girl smiled and waved back.
Lia’s eyes formed a thin line and she looked absolutely adorable.
Chaeyoung hated every second of it.
“Lia, you’re late.” Tzuyu can hear Jeongyeon saying
“Sorry, I had to get something important. Can you find her a seat?” Lia asked Jeongyeon
Jeongyeon nodded and led someone to sit in front
“Hello, sorry I’m late.” Lia greeted while holding the mic
Tzuyu and Nayeon cheered, there were around 20 or so people but the whole room echoed.
It feels like Chaeyoung was the only one in a sour mood
Lia took her place on the piano and as soon as she did the crowd fell silent.
Lia tied her hair in a bun and started playing.
The soft melody of the piano
If I walk, would you run?
If I stop, would you come?
If I say you’re the one would you believe me?
Tzuyu looks at Lia, it feels like the song was made for her. Would Chaeyoung believe her? Would she still be there? Because telling her she loves her would change things and that scares Tzuyu.
If I ask you to stay,
Would you show me the way?
Tell me what to say
So you don't leave me.
Chaeyoung looked at Tzuyu and her best friend was looking at Lia as if she felt every word. The song hits her harder than she expected too. She’s scared to lose Tzuyu. She realized this long ago and she wants to say it but it’s a thousand times harder because they’re friends. Would Tzuyu choose to stay knowing she’s in love with her but she’s also afraid to see Tzuyu fall in love with somebody else and it sounds selfish and greedy but it’s scary, falling in love with a friend.
If I walk, would you run?
If I stop, would you come?
If I say you’re the one would you believe me?
And everytime Lia looks at Ryujin, Ryujin meets her gaze and Tzuyu wants that so bad. The undeniable certainty. She could see it, Lia was in love with Ryujin, each line was undoubtedly directed to Ryujin and with the way Ryujin was beaming, looking like the proudest person there, she knew Ryujin was falling too.
Chaeyoung felt jealous; she felt like she needed a drink.
"Hey, do you guys wants to go to Wonyoung's party after this?" Chaeyoung asked
"Nope, I'll wait for Jeong's shift to end." Jihyo said
"We're going to buy a gown after this." Nayeon shrugged
Chaeyoung wasn't sure if she was joking
"I'm going to tour Momo around." Dahyun said nonchalantly
Chaeyoung looked at Sana expectantly. Chaeyoung knew Sana IS the life of the party.
"Sorry Chaeng, I'm coming with Dahyun. Maybe next time, okay?" Sana said while looking at Dahyun and Momo
"I'll come with you, Chaeng." Tzuyu said softly
The way Tzuyu said it melts Chaeyoung.
Chaeyoung felt like she needed that drink faster.
🍓🍪🍓🍪
Tzuyu was a lightweight. She never really had the tolerance for it but Chaeyoung looked deflated when everyone refused and she can't really leave her best friend alone despite the rest of the group slowly shaking their heads.
Chaeyoung wanted to try doing some games and ran towards the beer pong table. The guys who were hoarding the table were there chanting how they were unbeatable.
"Wanna try? Ladies first." One guy said smugly
The other one snickered
"Sure." Tzuyu moved Chaeng aside and sunk the ping pong ball right at the cups.
Tzuyu was bad at drinking but she didn't say she was bad at playing drinking games. (Thanks to Nayeon, Jeongyeon and Jihyo)
After winning most games and ignoring the guy who was pestering her for her number after beating them in beer pong. Tzuyu and Chaeyoung decided to escape by playing truth or dare.
"Truth or Dare" the group asked the new girl, Winter
"Truth" Winter, clearly buzzed with alcohol, answered.
"Who's the prettiest here?" Ningning, a chinese transfer student asked
Winter simply pointed at Karina, a tall girl who was in the same team with Ryujin.
Karina turned red.
The group took turns spinning the bottle and then finally it landed on Chaeyoung.
“Truth or Dare” the group asked
“Dare” Chaeyoung shouted
“Confess to someone you like” Wonyoung shouted
Chaeyoung looked around the circle, as if there’s someone else. As if there was anyone else.
As if it wasn’t Tzuyu
“Tzuyu, I like you.” Chaeyoung said while staring at Tzuyu
“Kiss! Kiss!” The crowd repeatedly chanted
“She’s my best friend, of course I like her.” Chaeyoung said, trying to find a way out of the situation.
Tzuyu's heart shattered right there
"I can never get you two. Why don’t you just date? Tzuyu, you're okay with this?" Wonyoung asked, confused by the pair's dynamic.
"Of course, I'm happy with what we have." Tzuyu replied but saying it leaves a bitter taste in her mouth.
🍓🍪🍓🍪
When the party ended Chaeyoung insisted that they go back and drink the remaining bottles of alcohol she had stashed in her dorm room.
Chaeyoung rummaged through the fridge and brought out two bottles of soju.
Chaeyoung plopped down on the floor and Tzuyu followed suit. After taking shots alternately Chaeyoung finally spoke
"Truth or dare?" Chaeyoung asked, cheeks flushed red from the alcohol
"Truth" Tzuyu answered simply
"Have you ever lied to me?" Chaeyoung slurred the words
"Yes . Once." Tzuyu said simply
"I dare you to tell me about it" Chaeyoung asked again, grinning
"That's not how it works! It's my turn now" Tzuyu complained
"Come on, you're no fun" Chaeyoung whined
A pause.
Tzuyu took a long swig from the bottle. She needed the courage.
"I was lying when I said that I was content. That whatever we have is enough and that I'm okay with just being friends. I want something more than this. I want to be that person. I want to be the one you run to whenever things get hard, I want to be the person you hug and feel like you're in the safest place possible, I want to be there when you're crying. I want to hear about your day and what keeps you up at night. I want to be able to hold your hand and I want to kiss you and I want to be able to tell you I love you without having to be afraid of what happens next." Tzuyu confessed
"Sorry" Chaeyoung softly said, she felt like she was so dumb not to realize. The signs were there and she was too afraid to see the signs.
"No, it's okay." Another lie, ‘I guess that makes it the second time.’
"I can do those things as your friend too, right?" Tzuyu smiled
And Chaeyoung can hear the heartbreak in her words, see it with the way she smiles. Tzuyu completely misunderstood so Chaeyoung did something that she feels like it would clarify the situation.
Chaeyoung leaned in and kissed Tzuyu.
And it was everything she imagined, her lips were warm and soft. It tasted like strawberry lipgloss and alcohol. It was addictive.
Tzuyu kissed Chaeyoung back and it was absolutely perfect. The movies failed to give it justice. The world doesn't slow down it completely stops.
Then the fear settled in.
Chaeyoung suddenly stopped and realized what’s at stake. The fear from earlier rushing back in waves. What would she lose if she loses Tzuyu? There was a lot more at stake and losing a best friend would be infinitely worse. To lose her confidant, her soulmate, her safe space. She can’t lose Tzuyu no matter what happens.
"This is a mistake" Chaeyoung whispered.
Tzuyu's world came to a screeching halt
How can she feel like the happiest person in the world and have her heart broken in a span of 30 seconds?
Tzuyu's tears started to fall and Chaeyoung tried to reach for her only for Tzuyu to take a step backward.
"It’s my fault letting the way we act define what we are because we're friends. Just friends. But can you blame me? For expecting something more? It's just that I like you. It's not crazy, right?” Tzuyu said, tears streaming down her face.
"No, it's just that we're best friends and I—” Chaeyoung tried to explain
"Best friends don't kiss, Chaeng." Tzuyu said as she got up. Trying to run away as fast as possible. Tzuyu feels so stupid thinking Chaeyoung would feel the same way.
“I can’t lose you, Tzuyu” Chaeyoung pleaded
“You already did”