Chapter Text
On a nearly empty street, two sports cars pull up next to each other their engines rumbling loudly, cutting through the brisk Friday evening air.
One car, bright yellow with black racing stripes down the front, rolls down the car window and a short-haired girl named Yoobin leans out and gives a salute with a wink, “You ready, kid?”
The opposing car, a sleek silver vehicle with it’s undercarriage lit by purple lights, rolls down their window in response, the young girl at the wheel just rolls eyes and huffs in annoyance.
“I’m not a kid…” Gahyeon mumbles in her seat.
The girl was barely out of high school but this wasn’t her first race. Beside her in the passenger seat busily fixing her blonde hair and checking the mirrors is Minji, who has been Gahyeon’s partner at every race acting as her spotter to keep an eye out for any cops.
She didn’t understand how a smart girl like Gahyeon could have such a dangerous and illegal hobby, but since she has basically acted as her older sister over the many years they’ve known each other, she was obligated to keep her out of trouble.
“Good to see you princess!” the spotter in Yoobin’s car was Bora and despite her small stature her voice boomed from passenger side, causing the driver to wince slightly.
“Eat me, Kim Bora.” Minji rolled her eyes with a laugh.
“Gladly!” Bora responded in her rather boisterous tone as she winked.
Minji scoffed incredulously.
A black motorcycle with bright blue detailing pulled up between the two cars, the rider parking it and promptly hopping off and coming up to Gahyeon’s window. The black motorcycle helmet was pulled off revealing a girl with piercing eyes but that held a glint of mirth,
“If you could not make passes at my girlfriend that would be great, or I make this race deadly.” Siyeon, who was acting as referee, said with smirk before she patted the windowsill.
“Hilarious, I think I would take the sweet embrace of death over being around you two.” Minji replied about the couple, but Siyeon just met her snark by sticking out her tongue playfully before walking away while shaking out her hair, the various chains decorating her pants clinking as she walked.
“Love you honey!” Bora yelled from the opposing car causing Yoobin to cover her affected ear.
Siyeon blew her a kiss in reply. Yoobin, who was stuck in the middle of the couple, playfully waved away the air kiss like a bad smell.
“That’s like, a conflict of interest.” Gahyeon whined as she was checking her console over.
“You’re the one that agreed to this, and Handong was busy tonight so Siyeon was the only one willing to play referee. We could really just go out and get something to eat instead—like normal people.”
Gahyeon rolled up her window shutting out the laughing from their friends outside. The group of girls present have known each other ever since they were in grade school and whatever they did or where ever they are, one could always expect them to be together.
“Come on, Jiu. Where’s the fun in that?” Gahyeon smiled adjusting her mirror so she could better apply her lipstick.
Minji smiled and laughed knowingly at this usual response, always affectionate towards the use of the nickname that had stuck since who-knows-when. As long as they’re all having fun and no one gets hurt that’s all that matters.
Siyeon steps up in front, her all black jumpsuit lit up in the bright headlights of the two vehicles. She pulls out a cloth from her waistband and raises up the red handkerchief.
“Ready!?” Siyeon yelled out.
Their engines responding in a deafening roars and rumbles.
Quickly the girl threw the cloth up into the air.
Gahyeon’s grip tightened on the gear shift and steering wheel.
Siyeon caught the handkerchief as it was mid-air before bringing it down swiftly.
“GO!”
The tires of both cars screeched slightly before, with a burst of speed, they jetted down the roadway.
The amber lights of the street lamps becoming a blur as they flew down the road.
Gahyeon glanced to the side seeing that the bright yellow car was slightly ahead of her.
Beside her Minji was checking her phone, making sure they were on route and that there were no sign of any cops heading their way. It was so late at night that the streets were basically dead but they were still took precautions.
They were coming to the end of the straightaway and needed to make a wide right turn. Minji looked up and braced herself as Gahyeon quickly shifted gears preparing to swing the vehicle.
Throwing the hand brake and a sharp turn of the wheel both drivers expertly drifted along the curve. Yoobin on the outside lane and Gahyeon making a tighter turn on the inside.
Minji was able to let go of the breath she was holding as they continued down another street.
The younger girl’s car was getting ahead as Gahyeon shifted gears again, the vehicle bursting forward with more speed. They were both slightly pushed back as Gahyeon gained distance, Minji glanced at the rearview to see the other car.
However, as she glanced back what she saw was like a large dark void trailing their car, right next to Yoobin’s vehicle. It was about the same size as the car. Doing a double take, Minji turned in her seat to look back but it was gone.
“I can’t believe that we’re so far ahead of them!” Gahyeon said gleefully as they flew down the road, oblivious to this ominous presence.
Minji blinking a few times, thinking she might have imagined the dark spot. She looked back at the rear view and she saw it again though it had moved to the edge of what she could see in the mirror. The older girl looked at the side mirror and could see the void fully, it was as if that spot was just empty hole in the very fabric of existence. Empty, infinitive and incredibly dark, even darker than the night sky. The amber colored lights passing were absorbed into this infinite dark spot.
But once again when Minji turned in her seat there was nothing.
“We good Jiu?” Gahyeon finally taking notice of her friends shifting.
“I...I think I just have a bad feeling about this.” Minji eyes shifting from the road to the side and rear mirrors, the void just escaping her vision each time.
“You always say that.” Gahyeon gritted our as her grip on the wheel tightened as she prepared to follow a curve in the road.
“You have to applaud my consistency at least.” Minji said as her body tensed, taking hold of the handlebar above her as she turned her attention back to the road ahead.
The feeling in Minji’s stomach however continued it’s sinking feeling, she couldn’t quite place what she saw, but she knew it wasn’t a good sign.
Gahyeon shifted gears again losing a little speed but gaining back some control. However, with this Yoobin was able to catch up and now they were beside each other again.
Glancing at the rearview, Minji saw the black void and it looked even closer than before.
As they approached the turn Yoobin burst forward this time getting ahead of Gahyeon, the younger girl keeping a tight grip the gear shift and accelerating.
“Gahyeon, wait-” Minji said, trying to keep her voice calm as the void seemed to get closer in the mirrors.
“If I have enough speed in the turn I can get there.” Gahyeon said quickly, going to shift gears again.
The curve was fast approaching, the younger girl’s car now pushing speed dangerously too severe for such a turn.
The gears were shifted again and both vehicles breaked as they swung along the curve. However, the distance of the cars was too close as Gahyeon turned, the backend of her vehicle was thrown far out nearly missing Yoobin’s car.
“GAHYEON!” Minji yelled out of sheer panic as the car nearly spun out.
Gahyeon held on as she tried to gain back control, eventually she was able to straighten out the vehicle. The car screeching to a halt. Both girls hearts were beating rapidly at the momentary pause.
Wordlessly Gahyeon eased off the break and they continued down the straightaway.
“That was close, I-I’m sorry.” Gahyeon said, her breaths quickening.
“It’s okay. We’re okay.” The older girl now seemingly trying to convince herself as much as she was comforting the young driver. Gahyeon was able to catch up to speed gaining ahead of Yoobin.
Minji looked around and there was no longer that large ominous void in the mirrors, it was now only Yoobin’s car that was trailing them.
The older girl looked back to the road and suddenly a figure darted out into their field of vision.
“GAH—!” Panic again reaching into Minji’s voice.
“I see it!” Gahyeon yelled back.
The younger girl swiftly making a turn to get out of the way of a small black dog that ran out into the middle of the street.
Yoobin’s car also followed them as they went off course.
Minji’s phone started buzzing, a call lighting up the screen.
“What are you doing?! You’re off the route!” The sound of the motorcycle could be heard in the background of Siyeon’s yelling.
“Th-there was a dog...I think?” Minji said with stunned hesitance.
“Are you alright!?” Siyeon asked hurriedly with panicked concern.
Minji looked to her driver, both of them had broken out in a sweat, Gahyeon was taking deep breaths and gave a slight nod to silently answer the older girl’s look.
“Yeah, we’re good.” Minji replied calmly into the phone.
“Okay, be careful you’re about to get into a mouse trap. You need to pull back.” Siyeon sighed.
“Roger that, thank you. I love you!” Minji responding masking her anxious feelings with a cheery tone.
“Love you too, princess.” Siyeon said before hanging up, inevitably to call the other car to check-in.
Gahyeon quickly shifted down gears, slowing down considerably and quieting down the engine a bit but still maintaining a speed well above the speed limit.
Noticing a gap in the median ahead Gahyeon signaled and quickly made the U-turn to get back to their original route. However, seemingly out of nowhere they heard the blare of a siren as the flashing blue and red lights lit up all their mirrors.
“Fuck!” Gahyeon gritted out.
“Language.” Minji said flatly as she swiped around the map on her phone trying to figure out an escape route.
“Sorry!” the younger girl went to shift gears again as Yoobin pulled alongside her.
Minji’s phone buzzed again this time a call from Bora.
“We’ve got company.” The other spotter said.
“No shit, Sherlock.” Minji responded sarcastically.
“Jiu!” Gahyeon whined.
“Not now, Gahyeon. So what’s the plan?” The blonde girl trying to shield her eyes against the blinding flashing lights.
“Pull over and get arrested, of course.” Bora said laughing.
Minji let out a slight laugh while Gahyeon only groaned.
“Obviously we need to split up at the road up ahead and we’ll try to lose ‘em, if they don’t get back up we should be okay.” Bora explained.
“Sounds good” The blonde girl replied.
“Whoever he ends up tailing buys dinner, right?” Minji quickly followed up.
“Ha!” The exclamation from the girl on the other end was so loud Minji had to hold the phone farther away.
“Or course!” Bora followed up again yelling into phone.
Minji laughed, “Alright, love you, stay safe!”
“Love you too~!” Bora playfully said before hanging up.
They were pretty calm at the moment, this wasn’t their first time getting caught racing like this. At the upcoming road Gahyeon turned left and Yoobin took right and the cop ended up following the younger girl’s vehicle.
Gahyeon whined.
“This is what you get for nearly hitting Yoobin’s car.” Minji said jokingly.
“You’re right…” Gahyeon sulked as she continued down the road looking for a better route.
“If it makes you feel any better, I’ll buy.” Minji said finally, trying to ease the younger one’s stress.
“No, I should, this is my fault.” The driver said, spotting a tall parking complex to drive into.
“Aww our Gahyeonie is taking responsibility, maybe you are all grown up after all. How about we split it.” Minji cooed.
Gahyeon let herself have a real laugh for the first time since the race started. She quickly gained a good distance between her and the police car before pulling into the parking complex. Making a series of turns and maneuvers they were able to lose the cop in the complex maze of the parking garage. They even parked in a spot and waited for the cop to give up, as they eventually do, and drove away. They drove as casually as they could to meet their friends at a diner near the edge of the city that was open 24/7.
--
At the diner parking lot the group of friends shared tight embraces as they made sure all of them were okay.
“Kid, don’t scare us like that ever again.” Yoobin said as she held the shorter girl while patting on the head.
“How many times do I have to tell you I’m not a kid!” Gahyeon whined insistently, fussing her way out of the hug.
“She’s right, she’s 18 now—” Siyeon starts.
“I’m 20!” Gahyeon interjects.
“Which means she could have be tried as an adult with vehicular homicide.” Siyeon continued as she held tightly onto her tiny girlfriend.
“Lay off, I think Gahyeon really conducted herself well. We shouldn’t treat her like a kid anymore.” Minji diplomatically said, causing the group to look to her slightly puzzled since she babies their youngest friend the most.
“You’re just saying that because I’m buying you food!” Gahyeon complained, causing the whole group to laugh.
In the diner, the group was gathered and scarfing down greasy burgers and drinking down various milkshakes. Sharing laughs and talking, easing the tension from the race. Though something was still bothering the oldest girl.
“Hey Yoobin…” Minji said finally clearing of plate of her last french fry.
“What up.” The younger girl cooly flipping her short lavender hair out of her face, causing the rest of the group to “ooh~” out of amusement and laugh.
Letting the laughter die down Minji seriously said, “Did...did you see something on the road, while we racing.”
Yoobin sipped on her chocolate milkshake and shook her head, “Other than that dog? No.”
Minji pressed her lips into a firm frown.
“What did you see Jiu?” Bora said as she sat comfortably with Siyeon’s arm around her in the booth.
“Yeah you were really shifty in the car, it was kind of distracting.” Gahyeon slightly laughed.
“I’m...not sure. It was dark.” Minji said hesitantly.
“It was night time.” Siyeon responded, earning a smack to the arm from Bora.
“I mean like a figure... it was like darker, like the darkest thing I’ve ever seen—like a void in reality…but it was like, moving.” Minji said quietly. The group remained silent.
“Maybe...maybe you should go get your eyes checked?” Yoobin said flatly, causing the group to laugh.
“Yeah maybe you’re age is getting to you!” Gahyeon piped up causing them all to laugh harder, Bora moving to try to smack the youngest one.
“Maybe you’re right.” Minji said laughing along but it still didn’t ease the discomfort whenever she thought about the moving dark form.
The night then started to turn into the early morning.
“I think it’s getting to that time.” Siyeon yawned as she held Bora tightly to her, the smaller girl had fallen asleep early but was not disturbed by their continuous conversations.
“Do you need a ride back?” Yoobin asked considering one sleepy girl riding a motorcycle with another equally as tired girl wasn’t entirely safe.
“No, we should be good.” Siyeon ordered a black coffee to-go, her movement waking Bora up a slightly.
Gahyeon had fallen asleep on Minji’s shoulder and the older girl patted her head.
“You can manage driving the little one back right?” Yoobin checked with the oldest girl.
“Yeah we should be okay, am I going to see you all at Handong’s tonight?” Minji looked around to all the tired nods, even Bora managing a slight confirmation.
They all said their goodbyes and headed back to their respective homes for the day.
--
The following evening, Minji arrived at the large apartment complex punching in the familiar code and riding the elevator up to nearly the top floor.
Handong was a friend Minji met in college, she had come from China to study business as she was set to inherit her family’s vast technology company. The wealthy girl had fit in quite quickly with Minji’s group of friends. Even though Handong was frequently busy with school or work she managed to come out with them on their adventures, whether it be races or parties. The circle of friends were quite close but they did socialize with others so Handong was definitely welcome, especially since she loved to throw parties.
Minji arrived at the neat black door and buzzed the little panel, after a moment Handong’s face lit up the tiny screen, her fiery orange hair drawn up in two little buns.
“Jiu!” Handong excitedly waved followed by another buzz and the door slid open.
Minji was hit with throbbing dance music, the familiar smells of various foods with with the slight scent of alcohols and incense underneath it. The room was lit up with various playful neon pink and blue signage in Chinese character that complimented the otherwise clean and minimal aesthetic of the large studio apartment.
Handong embraced Minji tightly and pulled her into the room.
“I’m so glad you’re finally here! You know where the food and drinks are, and all the other girls are in the living room, doing lord knows what.” They both laughed knowingly.
“I’ll see you all in a second.” Handong followed up quickly before making her way over to greet someone waving her over on the other side of the room.
There were many people crowded around various areas, but since the apartment was so spacious Minji easily navigated her way over to the kitchen, standing at the granite island grabbing various fancy hors d'oeuvres and desserts before pouring herself a drink, a cocktail of many things Minji doesn’t bother to measure or name.
Though before she makes her way over to the living room she notices a girl at the other end of the island seemingly watching her, she was wearing a black blazer with an embroidered black crop top underneath. But the most noticeable thing about this girl was that her hair was gray and plaited into a neat ponytail. Though, it was gray it was not from age, obviously since she looked about the same age as Minji, maybe younger. It was even more like steel in its shine and color, the best dye job Minji had ever seen. The gray-haired girl noticed Minji looking back her and just smiled widely and then shyly took a small sip from the beer in hand before walking away into the party. During this exchange Minji was pouring a large bottle of vodka into her cup and when she looked down the drink had overflowed and was starting to run off the counter. Minji felt the blush on her face deepen as she quickly stopped and tried to clean up the party foul she had made. She hastily poured out some of her drink to a more manageable portion and made her way to the living room.
“Jiu!” The whole group of girls said in unison, their voices almost harmonizing as their oldest friend arrived.
“You okay? You look a little-” Siyeon gestured her hand around her face to the very apparent blush of embarrassment that still painted the older girl’s cheeks.
“Oh! Yeah, just spilled some of my drink in the kitchen, but it’s okay.” Minji said before popping a date wrapped in prosciutto into her mouth, hoping her flushed cheeks would go away soon.
“Nice, did you pregame before you got here?”Bora said underneath the secure arm of Siyeon.
Minji rolled her eyes and finished her chewing, “No, I just got...distracted.”
All the girls perked up at this and gathered closer and the girls started talking at once:
“By who?”
“A lot of Handong’s cute friends are here!”
“Do we know her?”
Minji had to wave the drink in her hand to get them to stop, the assumption that Kim Minji’s weakness was cute girls. Which historically, it was.
“This one girl, very true, and maybe?” The older girl answering all of their questions.
“There are many women here Jiu.” Yoobin said bluntly.
Despite being one of the quieter ones of the group Yoobin was one of the most social and usually knew most of the people they met at parties, or at least would make the effort to get to know them.
“She has like, gray hair and she’s wearing a blazer, she left before I could say anything.” Minji explained, as the girls started looking around mulling over if the description sounded familiar.
“Oh, yeah! i saw her earlier, she’s cute and very tall.” Gahyeon said excitedly.
Yoobin gestured her to lower the volume, even though music was loud their youngest friend managed to be just as loud and they didn’t need the few other people around them to overhear their business.
“You think everyone is tall munchkin.” Siyeon says causing Gahyeon to stick her tongue out at her.
“Anyways, she’s new, we’ve never met her before.” Yoobin said finally.
They all nodded in agreement.
“Cute, tall, makes you embarrass yourself, I like her already. You should talk to her.” Bora said laughing.
“You don’t like her more than me do you?” Siyeon pouted.
“No, of course not.” Bora gave a playful touch to Siyeon’s nose and all their friends groaned in disgust at the couple.
“We’re in public!” Gahyeon yelled incredulously, the alcohol getting into her system a bit. Again, Yoobin gestured for her to quiet down.
Meanwhile Minji was finishing off her plate of snacks and laughing at the whole display from her friends. Handong was greeting people as she made a way over to the group.
“Handong!” The group once again greeting the arrival of their friend loudly in unison.
“I’ve fulfilled most of my hostly duties, what’s going on?” Handong laughed.
“Jiu’s got her eye on some girl.” Siyeon said playfully
“Oh really” Handong eyed her taller friend slyly.
“Well, hold on-” Minji tried to cut in.
“Yeah! Who’s your granny friend?” Gahyeon piped up.
“Granny friend?” The Chinese girl was confused.
“Gahyeon-” Minji trying to scold the younger one before getting cut off.
“She’s not a granny Gahyeon.” Yoobin said flatly.
“Yeah, but you know the one with gray hair,” Siyeon was started listing the description.
“Black blazer.” Yoobin continued.
“Apparently tall.” Bora finished.
Handong thought a moment, while Minji was downing her drink, the eldest having given up on trying to get a word in.
“Oh!” Handong brightened up suddenly, Minji slightly choking on her drink as she stopped abruptly.
“I honestly don’t really know her well, she came in with a group of people from school, and I didn’t get the chance to talk with her much...sorry.” Handong pouted.
The parties she threw weren’t exactly exclusive so it was common for people to bring others Handong didn’t even know, as long as they didn’t make a mess and didn’t steal anything the business heiress didn’t really mind.
“Well,” Minji gestured to her empty plate and cup.
“Gives me the opportunity to get to know her, I’ll report back in a second.” Minji winked before retreating back to the kitchen to refill.
Minji once again stood at the island grabbing desserts and clearing some of the empty serving trays from the counter. She was pouring herself a drink once again but stopped once she saw the gray-haired girl leaning against the opposite end of the counter. The girl was indeed tall and cute.
“Trying to see if I’ll spill it again?” Minji laughed.
“Maybe.” The other girl said playfully before she sipped the beer she had in hand.
Minji walked over to her, putting out her hand formally.
“Kim Minji, I’m one of Handong’s friends from college.”
The other girl took it and they shook, Minji noticed her grip was somewhat cold, the blonde assumed it was from the beer bottle.
“Kim Yoohyeon.” The tall girl once again smiled widely and seeing it up close Minji felt her heart flutter a bit. There was also a feeling Minji couldn’t quite place where this girl seemed familiar.
“Have we...Have we met before?” Minji said, squinting a little trying to place this girl’s face.
“No, I think I would’ve remembered.” Yoohyeon said, and Minji felt her cheeks heat up, she would have scoffed at anyone else that said something cheesy like that but she just laughed genuinely.
“You mean my hair right? It’s quite bright.” Minji said joking and running her hand through her blonde ponytail smoothly.
“It is, it’s very pretty and it suits you well!” Yoohyeon responding immediately.
“Thank you.” Minji could really feel the blush set in on her cheeks as she looked down shyly.
“Your hair is really pretty too, must have taken a lot of work to get that kind of color.” Minji said slightly laughing.
The slightly taller girl just hummed and nodded enthusiastically, she took another drink from her beer.
Minji let her finish taking her sip, “So, how do you know Handong?”
“I don’t.” Yoohyeon responded.
“Do you know her friends or classmates?” Minji questioned curiously.
“No, not really. Everyone here seems nice though.” Yoohyeon said plainly, placing her bottle on the table and just wearing the friendliest and brightest smile on her face.
Minji was very confused on how this girl managed to just show up at this party. She didn’t seem dangerous or have any weird intentions. Though she mentally noted to tell Handong to be more careful about who she let’s in her apartment, even if they’re cute.
“Just looking to have a good time huh?” Minji lightly laughing.
“Isn’t everyone?” Yoohyeon responded back playfully.
Minji looked at her and couldn’t help the wide grin on her face just looking at this girl, “You’re right.”
They stood there holding each other’s gaze for a moment. Minji noticing how the taller girl’s eyes were pale gray, like her hair, though startling they seemed almost natural also.
Suddenly, a song come on in the other room its familiar and energetic beats caused Minji to perk up and she saw her group of friends hurriedly rush towards the source.
“Jiu, it’s our song!” Gahyeon yelled as she ran past the kitchen with Yoobin in tow.
Yoohyeon looked over at Minji and they both laughed.
“Those are...my friends.” Minji sighed as she put her drink on the counter before holding her hand out to Yoohyeon once again.
“Want to go dance?” Minji asked, shimmying her shoulder for effect.
“Yes! Of course!” Yoohyeon gleefully took her hand and the blonde lead them into the other room, still noticing this mysterious girl’s grip was cold but she didn’t mind.
On the dance floor the pulsing rhythms and the exciting beats had the group of girls’ letting loose, throwing themselves wildly into the song, everyone else made space as Minji and her friends yelled the lyrics and were bouncing around. Yoohyeon laughed along and joined in their antics.
Eventually the song ended but the energy of the moment carried on as they continued to dance and sing to the next few songs. Though the group of friends were having fun together they made sure to give room for Minji and Yoohyeon to dance together, it was like they were high school kids again, gesturing and cheering Minji on whenever Yoohyeon couldn’t see them. Though the two could almost never take their eyes off at each other as they danced anyways.
The way Yoohyeon laughed and danced amazed Minji because the tall girl was so loud and could effortlessly go from wild and goofy to smooth and precise in an instant. They were also holding each others hands, the hold migrating down to the hips as the songs slowed down and got more intimate.
Eventually one song came on with slow, hard-hitting bass, which caused Gahyeon, Handong to excuse themselves from the floor and fill up their drinks, leaving it to couples like Siyeon and Sua so closely they might as well have melded into each other. Yoobin was also dancing with a girl she had been talking to earlier that evening. Minji pulled Yoohyeon closely rolling their hips to the rhythm. Even though they were sweating, their hair clinging to their faces, and the heat between them was so intense, however Minji could still feel Yoohyeon’s cold hands in hers but she couldn’t concentrate on that when her eyes were more focused in on Yoohyeon’s full lips.
Yoohyeon leaned in close to Minji’s ear, “Want to get out of here for a second?”
Minji swallowed and nodded furiously, taking a hold of Yoohyeon’s hand as she lead her to the balcony. Sua and Siyeon saw this and smiled knowingly at each other before they went back to getting lost in music together.
The balcony was clear of people as it was a little chilly out, but the view of the glittering lights of the city was Minji’s favorite, so it was the perfect place for them to be alone and catch their breath. The blonde girl walked over and clicked a panel beside the door and it slid closed the tinted glass obscuring the view and blocking out the thumping music of the party inside.
“Your friends are so awesome!” Yoohyeon yelled with excitement, still trying to gain back her hearing from the loud music, as she leaned against the railing of the balcony.
“Yes, though they can be a handful sometimes, I really love them a lot.” Minji said as she went and held Yoohyeon’s hand playing with their fingers slightly.
“I can tell, you really care for each other.” Yoohyeon said her voice quieting down suddenly mindful of their much quieter surroundings. They smiled as they stood there playing around with their hands, almost as if their fingers were continuing their dancing.
“Are you from around here?” Minji asked, realizing she still didn’t know a whole lot about this Kim Yoohyeon, despite the fact she felt so comfortable with her.
“Nope.” Yoohyeon said grinning.
But the taller girl’s face took on a pout and she sighed, “Just going to be here for a little while, don’t know how long though.”
Minji once again found herself confused by this girl.
“Like you’re on a holiday?” The blonde girl asked
“Yeah, you could say that.” Yoohyeon said.
This girl was one of the most friendly and bright people Minji has ever met, but somehow she managed to be one of the most mysterious and confusing people too.
Minji didn’t press further considering she only just met this girl, but she wanted to know everything about her. They fell into silence as they turned and looked out at the city that was being watched over by the full moon.
“I never get tired of this.” Yoohyeon said suddenly.
“A view like this common where you’re from?” Minji asked.
“No, just moments like this. Where it feels like you understand how vast the world is.” The taller girl letting go of their grip as she threw her arms out wide as if embracing the world, Minji narrowly dodging the reckless limbs but then taking the opportunity to hug Yoohyeon from behind.
“Yeah, but it’s almost scary how small it can make you feel though.” Minji said putting her head to Yoohyeon’s shoulder, the taller girl bending slightly so she can get comfortable.
“True, but at least you’re not alone in it.” Yoohyeon said softly.
The silence fell over the girls again, a comfortable and thoughtful silence, and then they turned to looked at each other and Minji felt it was her chance and leaned closer.
Suddenly a knock at the door interrupted the two and after a moment of hesitation they separated, Minji impatiently going to press the panel and slide open the door. A young man with pack of cigarettes in hand, jump back slightly.
“Oh! Sorry didn’t mean to interrupt, was hoping I could—” The man glancing between the two while holding up a cigarette in hand.
“Yep, no, go right ahead.” Minji gesturing to the balcony and beckoning Yoohyeon forward to take her hand. She was biting back the annoyance in her tone.
“Also be careful, those will kill you.” Minji threw the stern statement over her shoulder as she lead Yoohyeon back inside to join her friends. Yoohyeon just laughed awkwardly.
--
Back inside, the pair found their group of friends lounging in the living room drinking and laughing, the music now on a more upbeat rhythm again.
As the pair approached Siyeon and Bora were wiggling their eyebrows and casting looks at Minji, the blonde trying to respond with a slight shake of her head in response to their silent ask of what they were up to. Yoohyeon noticed this silent conversation and giggled. The pair were given drinks and room to sit on the couch. The group spent the rest of the evening laughing and joking sharing stories, mostly at Minji’s expense. As the night wore on the crowd started to thin and the music turned low, until it was just the group of girls left.
“SoooooYoohyeonwhatyoudo?” Bora slurred having fully reached her limit of drinks.
“Hmmm?” Yoohyeon hummed nonchalantly sipping from her red cup, having lost count of the number of drinks she’s had but the alcohol having seemingly little effect on the girl.
“Like what do you study or do for work, you know what do you do?” Siyeon clarified tiredly, she had sobered up for the inevitably long drive home.
“Other than Jiu of course—,” Bora burst out, Siyeon moving swiftly to block a really red Minji from smacking the smaller girl.
“Or at least wanting to—” she continued, causing Siyeon to cover her mouth.
They all laughed, Minji glaring at all of them as they tried to settle down.
Yoohyeon just shyly leaned into Minji’s shoulder trying to comfort the targeted girl.
“I do a lot of things...mostly...travel.” Yoohyeon replied bringing the attention on herself as she carefully spoke.
“You’re on vacation right now though?” Minji recalled from their earlier conversation.
“Yep!” Yoohyeon said brightly.
“Must be nice...Which reminds me I got work in the morning. And so do all of you!” Yoobin said suddenly aware of the early hours they were in.
They all groaned.
Minji pouted as she looked down at Yoohyeon who was wearing a similar look.
“Guess we’re calling it then?” Handong sighed as she moved to get up, signaling the rest to stand as well, stretching and steadying themselves the best they could.
“We’ll help you clean up.” Minji offered, the rest of the group nodding as they started gathering various trash and leftovers, Minji and Yoobin even discovered, and promptly escorted, out a young man who had drunkenly fallen asleep in the bathroom.
The girls all exchanged hugs as they went to leave, Handong sleepily thanking them for staying and helping, like always. The group then migrated into the hallway, talking in low voices as they made their way to the elevator since it was the early hours of the morning and they didn’t want to disturb of any of Handong’s neighbors.
“Are you good to drive home?” Minji asked the group, aware that her friends that were driving had always taken care to sober up before leaving.
Siyeon and Yoobin gave her a thumbs up.
“I drove Bora and Yoobin is going to take the baby.” Siyeon said.
Even Gahyeon tiredly nodded, too sleepy and a little drunk to fight them like usual.
Minji turned to Yoohyeon.
“We’ll head downstairs, cars need to be warmed up and all that.” Siyeon said quickly leading the other girls’ on their cue to leave the pair to alone. Minji smiled gratefully at her friends as they got in the elevator that arrived perfectly on time.
“Do you need me to drive you home? You said you weren’t from around here.” Minji said looking down at their hands that were fully entwined, Minji now getting use to the coldness of Yoohyeon’s hands.
“No, I’m staying down the hall actually.” Yoohyeon said, scrunching up her nose teasingly.
“Are you serious?!” Minji’s voice raising causing Yoohyeon to put a free finger to her own lips to remind the blonde to hush her tone.
“Why didn’t you say so earlier.” Minji said in a harsh whisper.
Yoohyeon shrugged, “It’s temporary and I only moved in the other day, so I feel like I don’t really stay there yet.”
Minji rolled her eyes, “Here I thought you were some—”
“Creepy, stalker, weirdo?” Yoohyeon cut in with a smirk.
“Well no…” Minji grumbled shyly.
“I’m glad,” They both laughed quietly
“I’ll walk you to your car though.” Yoohyeon offered causing the other girl to blush.
“No, you don’t have to, besides—” Minji moved her hands up to the taller girl’s blazer buttoning it up to shield the exposed midriff of defined abs. The blonde getting distracted by said abs for a moment before she snapped her attention back up to Yoohyeon’s wide grin.
“It’s cold out, you should stay in. Yoobin and the rest of the girls can walk me to my car.” Minji said hurriedly.
“Alright, though you could also stay at my place.” Yoohyeon wiggling her eyebrows while wearing a smirk causing Minji to smack her in the arm lightly while stifling a laugh.
“Oh my God!?” The other girl raising her voice slightly, trying to stay within the limits of volume.
“I’m sorry, but I just want you to be safe.” Yoohyeon then said in sudden earnest that made Minji’s heart leap.
“...thank you.” Minji’s voice getting small with shyness. After a beat, Yoohyeon started to move them towards the elevator.
“We probably shouldn’t keep them waiting…” Yoohyeon said quietly.
“Yeah…” Minji sighed, wanting to continue spending time with the taller girl. Yoohyeon pressed the button on the elevator, causing Minji to perk up.
“Hold on, I need your number.” The blonde girl fumbling for her phone in her bag before handing the device over.
Yoohyeon slowly and carefully pressed her number in, “It’s not a fake number right?” Minji asked teasingly
“No, it’s just new… I don’t know it that well yet.” Yoohyeon finished and gave the phone back.
Minji shrugged.
“Besides, you know where I’ll be.” Yoohyeon said with a laugh, dodging out of the way of another smack.
“You think I’m the creepy stalker now.” Minji said incredulously.
They were laughing as the empty elevator arrived.
They both deflated at the sight.
“Well…” Yoohyeon held the elevator doors for Minji to step inside.
“I had a good night, and I hope you did too.” Minji said quietly smiling.
“I did…” Yoohyeon replied.
They stood there for a moment holding each other's gaze before the elevator beeped in annoyance of obstruction, she let the door go and after a moment they started to close.
“Wait!” Minji put her hand out causing the doors to shrink back.
“Would you like to go out again, like another night?” Minji as she held the doors open this time.
“Of course! I was waiting for you to finally ask.” Yoohyeon smiled widely causing the other girl to roll her eyes and blush even deeper.
“Good, well…” Minji surged forward and landed a kiss square on Yoohyeon’s cheek before retreating back quickly into the elevator.
“I’ll call you!” Minji yelled out, volume be damned.
The doors closed.