Chapter Text
Dahyun hates the smell of smoke.
Always has. From when she was a kid, pressed next to the old men in church or the edgy kids in the girls bathroom trying it out for the first time. It always seemed to make her stomach turn in an unsatisfying way.
And it was just her luck that her neighbor was a smoker.
Her very hot neighbor.
Dahyun had moved in just a week ago and from their short interactions when she'd come to introduce herself— baring with her a small cactus of greeting— she'd been left breathless by the girls beauty.
She hadn't smelled it on her the first day they met, as Dahyun enthusiastically thrusted the cactus to her— her moist hair had gave away her recent shower. But a few hours later when Dahyun had peaked outside the joint balcony, she'd watched as she placed the tiny cactus on the garden bed attached to their building and to Dahyuns horror, produced the stick of death and a lighter.
And then after that Dahyun swore she could smell her from down the street.
x
Her name was Sana and she was older then Dahyun by two years.
She was Japanese and listened to a lot jrock (though Dahyun did hear her singing along to SNSDs Mr. Taxi from time to time).
Information about the older raven haired girl came from their mutual neighbor, Park Jihyo, whom lived across from them and Dahyun had taken a liking too after they'd spent at least an hour talking the first day they'd met. Curious about her mysterious attractive neighbor, Dahyun had asked if they were close.
"Sana's friendly, but she tends to keep to herself. Sometimes she'll bring left overs from the restaurant she works at." Jihyo replies with thoughtful wisp to her voice, "Never any problems. Sometimes though..." her eyes flickered to the closed balcony door, "Her girlfriends can be loud."
Dahyun perked up at her words, her brain bouncing around the word "girlfriends". "Oh?" She responded, nonchalantly as she could.
Jihyo nodded, her eyes sparkling with the gossip she was about spill, "She's got a lot of them, not at the same time," she hastily adds as Dahyuns eye widen, "But I've seen a lot of girls come and go from that apartment."
"They could just be friends." Dahyun doesn't know why she's trying to excuse her neighbors apparent active sex life.
Jihyo shakes her head, "Like I said, her girlfriends can be loud. And I'm not talking about in the midst of making love, no, I'm referring to when the relationship is clearly over and they're crying outside the door, or pounding on it like madwoman. She seems to have a taste for the dramatic ones."
Dahyun gets to experience what she means just a few weeks later when she's coming home from work and there's a small girl waiting outside of Sana's door. Dahyun believes she's seen this same short girl coming in and out of Sana's apartment a few times.
"Hello." Dahyun greets, she's never been able to not greet people once they meet eyes.
"Hello." The girl greets, a small elf like smile on her face.
"Are you waiting for Sana?" Dahyun looks pointedly at the door, she knows by now that Sana works early Sunday's and would be home shortly.
The girl nods, "I forgot that she works on Sunday mornings." She says sheepishly, "Do you happen to have water? I'm kinda thirsty..."
Being the friendly girl that she is, Dahyun invites her into her apartment, "You can wait in here until Sana comes home. I know she usually comes home around four."
"Would you mind if I go out into the balcony?" Eunha, as the girl introduced herself, asks after Dahyun hands her a water bottle.
Dahyun figures she wants fresh air so she opens the door for her and leaves it open for her to come back in case she gets cold.
Two hours later, when Dahyun is done cooking herself dinner and half way through her book, she realized Eunha has yet to come back in.
She hears the yelling just before she can get to the balcony door.
Peeking outside, she sees that Eunha is not outside, however; Sana's sliding door is open.
And by the sound of Sana's yelling, she is not happy about it.
Dahyun slowly slides her door closed.
x
It takes almost an hour for Eunha to leave with the slam of a door and Dahyun sits anxiously, wanting to go over and apologize and explain herself but also fearing facing a probably angry neighbor.
Getting on Sana's bad side was the opposite of what Dahyun desired.
She was pacing in front of her door, wondering if it would be better or worse to offer her dinner in apology. Three sharp rasps on the door scare her out of her deep contemplating and her stomach drops.
She knew who was on the other side of the door without having to look.
Taking a steady breath, she opened the door slowly, her sheepish smile dropping at the glare that greeted her.
"May I come in." Sana commands more then asks and Dahyun quickly swings the door open for her to enter. Her palms are sweating as she closes the door behind her and follows Sana over to her small living room. She's facing her, with arms crossed and an arched expectant brow. "Mind sharing with me why my ex-girlfriend was in my apartment?"
Dahyun laughs nervously, "I'm sorry about that. She asked for some water and I let her in my apartment and then she asked to wait on the balcony and I honestly forgot about her until I heard you guys yelling. I have no idea how she got into your apartment, I'm really really sorry though." She manages to squeak out, guilt heavy on her shoulders.
Sana rolls her eyes, "Eunha, that clever fox. I tend to keep my slider door opened to let air into my apartment while I'm gone." She explains, huffing in frustration. Her glare has softened though, much to Dahyuns relief.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She feebly responds, still feeling guilty.
"Look, don't go letting girls into your apartment anymore. If they're outside waiting, it's for a reason. All my friends have keys to get inside so you don't have to worry about it." She says it so firmly that Dahyun can't help but nod her head.
"I'm sorry, again..."
Dahyun apologizes once more as Sana is walking out her door, a container of food Dahyun shoved at her in her hands.
"Don't worry about it kid," This time Sana smiles more gently at her, it's beautiful, Dahyun thinks. "I'll return this to you later." She says, shaking the container of spaghetti.
Dahyun grinned, "Stop by any time."
x
Dahyun got her container back a few days later, when Sana knocked on the door with a small smile, handing it over packed with brownies.
Just as Dahyun had been about to place one in her mouth, she'd gotten the wild thought that they were perhaps not normal brownies. She may have grown up sheltered and in a religious family but she wasn't oblivious to things like drugs. She knew that brownies were a common treat to infuse the illegal greenery and it made her eye the container suspiciously.
Would Sana really do that, was the real question.
Perhaps Sana hadn't actually forgiven her for letting her ex-girlfriend into her apartment. Maybe she'd infused marijuana into the brownies as some kinda payback, somehow having sensed Dahyuns innocence to such vices.
Sana didn't seem like the evil type, even if she wore mostly black, her hair dyed the darkest shade of raven, and small thin chokers decorating her neck. That was all just appearance.
She thought of her beautiful smile and the way she'd gently accepted Dahyuns odd cactus gift.
Sana may have looked tough but Dahyun knew deep down that the girl was not bad.
Taking a deep breath, Dahyun brought the brownie up for a bit.
Her mouth instantly watered as the chocolate sweetness melted on her tongue.
It was the best brownie she'd ever had.
If they were filled with some kinda weed, Dahyun no longer cared, as she shoved one after the other into her mouth.
x
They weren't weed brownies like she had feared.
But they did leave her with a bad craving for more.
In the hallways - the odd few times they managed to run into each other - Dahyun had to bite her tongue from asking for more.
Dahyun wasn't shy or introverted by any means, she could start a conversation with just about anyone; but something about the older girl had her pausing and blushing.
Dahyun blamed it on her bad timing.
One evening when Dahyun had come home from work, she'd decided to go out and water her plants outside.
She's been welcomed by the site of Sana out on her side of the balcony smoking topless.
Pink was suddenly Dahyuns favorite color.
x
Dahyun didn't actually get to taste the brownies again until about two months later.
Jihyo had invited them over, her neighbor friends she had introduced them as to her fiancée.
Dahyun had gifted them a moon cactus. Sana had brought a container of brownies.
Dahyun had learned by then that Sana was a baker, working for a family friend and in line to take over their bakery. Which explained her mouth watering brownies Dahyun sometimes dreamed about.
(Of course she'd learned that from Jihyo, she still got tongue tied around the older girl.)
Sana and Dahyun seemed to be the only strangers in the small gathering so they naturally stuck together, sitting on the couch, picking at the platter of fruit in front of them.
Dahyuns nervs were on end as Sana sat beside her snickering.
"What?" Dahyun finally managed to stutter out.
"You dress like a church kid."
Dahyun blanched, looking down at her pastel knee length skirt and white button up. She'd also worn a headband and put her hair up in a bun.
Sana wasn't all wrong, they were her church clothes, however; Dahyun felt defensive.
"What's wrong with church clothes?"
"Oh god, you are a church kid." Sana's eyes widened with amusement, "What a pity."
Before Dahyun can question what she means by pity, Jihyo bounces over, forcing them to join her group of friends and work buddies in a game.
x
A dark thought creeps into Dahyuns mind one night.
Had Sana assumed she was straight?
For weeks her comment had plagued her as she watered plants mindlessly at work. It ate away at her when she waved hello to her in the hallway and met her outside on the balcony.
She knew Sana was gay, her run in with Eunha and Jihyos gossip had told her that much. A tiny flutter of hope sparked into Dahyuns thoughts as her mind wondered if her crush could be reciprocated. Before she knew it things were starting to click and Dahyuns thought bunny was running marathons.
Why else would it be a pity?
Dahyun shakes her head at the ridiculousness of it all.
She must be an atheist, Dahyun repeated to herself.
x
The next time they saw each other was back outside on the balcony.
Sana was thankfully - and unfortunately - more clothed.
And by more clothed, she meant she wore black long stockings and a large grey sweater.
Dahyun also assumed small black booty shorts but she didn't let her eyes wonder that far.
"You come water those plants everyday, you really dig them huh?" Sana asked after a drag from her cigarette.
Dahyun was getting used to the smell by then.
"I'm a florist." She responded with a hum, gently touching the petals to her aconite.
"Woah, really?" Dahyun turned to see Sana staring up at her, a small smirk on her pouty lips. "A fitting career for a church girl."
Dahyun cringed, small sweat forming on her neck as she turned back to her plants, "I don't see how they're related. And there's nothing wrong with being religious."
"'Course there's nothing wrong with it, I do have a knack for turning girls religious on Sunday's."
Dahyuns face must have been cherry red as her mind raced, imagining what kinda worshipping was done in Sana sheets.
She could hear her snickering behind her so she kept her head ducked, willing her blush to go away before she was forced to face her again. She wanted to sprint back into her apartment but she figured Sana would enjoy that way too much so she stayed put, humming.
"Your cute," Sana continued, "bet all the church boys love you."
Had Dahyun not already been blushing, Sana's words would have gotten her.
Cute? Me?
Dahyun paused, this could be her chance to make things clear, let her know that she didn't care for boys.
Clearing her throat, Dahyun turned to look at her straight in the eye, "Too bad for them, it's not boys that I like."
Dahyun left Sana choking out on the balcony as she rushed into her apartment and straight into her room to hide under her covers forever.
x
Dahyuns little crush on Sana led to be useful as she successfully avoided her at all costs. Sana's schedule was memorized just a short few weeks into living in the complex. Dahyun may have ran a little late to work on some occasions but she never ran into her on the way out.
She wasn't sure where her confidence from that moment went but her knees couldn't help but shake at the sound of Sana's door rattling open before Dahyun jumped through hers and slammed the door behind her.
It was a bit childish, she knew, but she couldn't help it. She was open to only a small select amount of people and Sana may have been her neighbor whom she's seen in a bra but they were still practically strangers.
But she hated the thought that Sana assumed she was straight.
A week after their encounter out in the balcony Dahyun came home to find Sana leaning on her door.
She caught her eye before Dahyun could turn away and run, her wicked grin sending a shiver down her spine.
"H-hello." Dahyun greeted, forcing a tight smile for her.
"Hello Dahyun." Sana practically purred.
Dahyun gulped as she unlocked her door, "Um, did you need something?"
"Oh, I just wanted to chat with my favorite church lesbian." Sana's eyes twinkled as she smirked at a shell shocked Dahyun. "What, did you think your little game of avoidance would make me forget our little chat on the balcony?"
"I was kinda hoping..."
Sana tsk'd as Dahyun led her inside the apartment with heavy feet.
"You know you really shocked me that day out on the balcony but y'know it's not that big of deal right? Everyone's a little gay, right? Man I bet my church girl comments really bothered you." Sana giggled, adorably and evilly, if that were possible.
Dahyun watched as Sana plopped down on her tiny sofa, stretching her arms across the back and leaving Dahyun to take a seat on the tiny seat adjacent. Sana's eyes flashed with disappointment before a small smirk fell on her lips.
"Um, do you want some water or cookies..."
Sana shook her head, "Nah I'm good, just wanted to hang out."
Hanging out meant Dahyun awkwardly putting on some baking show— she figured Sana liked those type of shows. They watched about five episodes before Dahyun felt her eyelids grow heavy and begin to flutter, threatening to shut.
"Hey, I should head out." She hears Sana whisper. She's right above Dahyun, leaning over with her hair falling across one shoulder as she looks down to gently shake Dahyuns shoulder, she must have fallen asleep. It's dark now since the sun set and the only light comes from Dahyuns small tv screen. Somehow it seems to brighten Sana's eyes and Dahyun is trapped in her gaze, sleep now long forgotten.
Dahyun wants to cup her cheek and kiss her.
Instead she whispers, "I'll walk you out."
x
Jihyo invites them to lunch with her fiancé, a chic looking girl named Jeongyeon they'd met the night of their engagement party.
She turns out to be a big dork and Dahyun finds her humor funny if not a bit cringy.
It's just the four of them so naturally, Sana and Dahyun end up sitting next to each other and occasionally their elbows will butt (a little painfully sometimes).
Dahyun finds it easier to talk to Sana now that they're not alone in her tiny living room. Jihyo and Jeongyeon also help for the most part, as both of them seem to be big talkers and never let the conversation dull.
It's a pleasant lunch and Dahyuns a bit disappointed when the waiter comes with the check.
"Oh, have you guys tried that homemade ice cream from that place down the street?" Jihyos eyes light up as she speaks, "Jeongyeon took me a week ago and it was some of the best ice cream I've ever had."
Dahyun shakes her head, excitement taking over as she begins to think about her favorite food.
"If you guys have the time, we should totally go." Jeongyeon suggests.
Dahyun looks over to Sana, praying that she says yes.
"Sure, why not." Sana shrugs and Dahyun has to contain herself from fist bumping the air.
x
Sana and Dahyun head back home after some of the best ice cream Dahyuns had in her entire life. Jihyo and Jeongyeon having bid them goodbye after. Probably off to do something couple-y or what not.
"Do you want to come in and watch Cake Wars?" Sana suggests as she approaches her door.
It seemed Dahyun had been correct in assuming Sana's tv enjoyment.
"Oh, um, sure." Dahyuns nervs return as she follows her into the apartment.
It's her first time inside and she's surprised as she looks around the surprisingly organized place— despite almost every inch being covered. There's a wall shelf filled with records and books, and each wall is decorated with some kinda poster or painting and Sana's sofas are large and take up a lot of space. There's a lot of small things decorating the room but it all seems like it belongs. Giving the room an allusion of neatness.
Sana's tv is large in comparison to Dahyuns and she seems to have every kinda game console imaginable.
"Make yourself at home, I'm gonna slip into something more comfortable." Sana says, as she walks towards the small hallway leading to her bedroom.
Dahyun is left to chose a place to sit.
Sana's sofas are connected and large, giving Dahyun no option of choosing a seat with solitude. With no other choice but to sit somewhere, she chooses the far left side of the sofa. The spot will give her a comfortable spot to watch tv but more importantly give Sana enough room to sit any where else. She just hopes it's not Sana's favorite spot.
Sana returns in a large sweater and boy shorts. She's still wearing the knee socks she'd worn out to lunch, however; and Dahyuns throat is dry suddenly.
"Popcorn? I need something salty after the sweetness from the ice cream." Sana says as she turns the tv on.
Dahyun nods, trying not to stare at Sana's ass as she bends over to get the remote near the tv. She quickly diverts her eyes as Sana looks back at her, a knowing smirk on her lips, "S-sure." Dahyun replies.
Sana hums in response as she sashays to the kitchenette and Dahyun begins to go over ten different excuses to leave.
Sana returns shortly after, a bowl of hot popcorn in her hands and a wide smile.
Dahyun is taken aback by the smile as Sana bounces over to her, dropping to sit right beside her. When they'd met, Sana was cool and mysterious, a little terrifying. But now with her jet black hair coming out of a messy braid and comfortable clothes and big smile, Dahyuns thinking she's beginning to really know her mysterious neighbor.
"Bon appetite!" Sana nudges the bowl towards her and Dahyun gladly takes a small handful.
Dahyuns nervs are gone as they argue over who should win each battle. Sana's extremely talkative as she critiques all the cakes and throws popcorn towards the screen when the person she doesn't like wins. Dahyun watches with amusement as Sana's lips turn to pout— Dahyuns favorite Sana look so far, it's extremely adorable.
"That cake was a mess!" She whines, "I could have made a better looking cake."
"I bet you'd make a beautiful cake." Before she can stop herself, she's patting Sana's back comfortingly.
"Think so?" Sana tilts her head with a soft smile.
Dahyun nods, throat dry again but she'll blame the popcorn.
"Ah, you're so sweet."
Dahyun gasps as Sana wraps her arms around her and squeezes her tight. Dahyuns had many hugs in her life but none so warm its overwhelming. She's stunned to the point she can't seem to move her arms to hug back. And she's not just affected physically, she's also suddenly attacked with Sana's scent. The faint smell of smoke in Sana's hair from the cigarette she had with Jeongyeon earlier is mixed with the strawberry scent of her shampoo and its intoxicatingly delicious.
Before she can do anything Sana is pulling back. And Dahyun realizes that she'll no longer be close to that intoxicating scent.
She wraps her arms quickly around her and holds her closer. Her heart is beating a mile a minute and she can tell Sana is shocked by the way she freezes against her body.
"I-I'm glad I met you." Dahyun confesses suddenly, brave, probably from Sana's fumes.
Sana hugs her back, "Me too." Its soft and Dahyun could only faintly hear it over the tv still playing but it makes her heart skip.
Dahyuns small crush just leveled up.