Work Text:
Since that morning, the time has passed both slowly and quickly. Nayeon could not help but recap what has just happened. She was announced as the new CEO of 8 Seconds then she reunited with met Mina. She interviewed the Japanese, and after deliberating, though she did not need a new secretary, she hired her. After which, she subtly asked her out for dinner. Nayeon could not believe how that happened so fast when work happened so slow.
Time has gotten back to its original pace as the sky has turned pitch black. Nayeon observes her surroundings outside the window, but the silence was cut short after a series of multiple messages from their group chat.
Dubu (6:24PM)
Good luck, Nayeon-unnie!🍀
Chae (6:24PM)
Ah~ I can't believe it! I had a hunch since sophomore year, but our school's rumor page always seem to deny it.
Jeong (6:24PM)
Yeah right! And they'll always ship us together, Hahaha. I never get them. My standards aren't that low jk.
But hey, Nayeon-ah, I hope you notice that you left your wallet just when you're about to pay.
Hyo (6:25PM)
God, you never know when to say the right things!🙄
Tzu (6:25PM)
Good luck, unnie!
Momo (6:25PM)
We got your back if you get turned down, jk!🤣
Hyo (6:25PM)
You'll do great, Nayeon-ah. Just don't get ahead of yourself. Like you said, she has the answer to this, not anyone else. Today, free yourself from what could stop you from being happy.
Sha (6:26PM)
If Mitang rejects the idea of you two trying again, ISTG. I'll bring her back to Japan at that instant!
The group chat was a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some messages made her laugh, while some kept her calm. It was a great mix. Nayeon touches her pocket to make sure she has her wallet on her, and yet again, Jeongyeon manages to get through her head. However, she feels a bit better. She's now confident that there's no way she would embarrass herself tonight because she left her wallet. The CEO left her friends on read and decided to just let them know how it went after.
It's a long drive to Mina's, so Nayeon took her time. She took her time to take herself back to that night. She remembers every detail; the dust that settled on the interiors of their living room that only had a couch. Their home wasn't perfect but was completed by the love the two fresh graduates shared. But, she also remembers when it was nothing but a four structured wall to them. It has become dark, cold, and more empty than it already is.
Nayeon breaks the silence that night. Mina has just gotten off home from looking for a job. She placed her handbag and keys on the countertop because the older girl stopped her from further coming in as she had something to say. Something urgent.
"Honey, we're losing touch of reality." With just that, Mina knew what Nayeon had in mind. She noticed it when there was barely anything edible in the fridge, when the lights started to flicker, when the other did not even use their electric fan to keep her cool for the night. Mina knew Nayeon would want to talk about this. The two are incredibly smart, but when it comes to their relationship, it was always Nayeon who was mature and kept their feet on the ground.
"I feel like if one of us merely sees our landlord outside, we'd be out of here in no time." The Korean pinched the bridge of her nose and slowly sat on the kitchen stool. She was trying to find another solution, but she couldn't think of anything but this.
Mina calms her girlfriend, uttering, "Maybe we ca—" She didn't get to finish her sentence as Nayeon cuts her off. "I think we should break up."
"What?!" The Japanese blurted out (which she wasn't supposed to). This. Mina did not expect this. She thought that just like every other fight, every other problem, they'd get through it with a few kisses and cuddles.
"Hun, I don't like this any more than you do. I know you want a better life than this, and, with how things are going, it's not going to happen anytime soon." The older woman explains.
Any life with you is always better than one without you. This time, Mina was able to keep it to herself. The younger one clears her throat and tilts her head up. She doesn't want to cry. She doesn't like letting her feelings get the best of her because it could cloud her judgment. She prepares herself to send a decision by tilting her head back down, eyes to her lover. "You really think we can't do this?"
If their house had more furniture to look at, Nayeon could've looked at anything that instant. She could not watch Mina breaking like that... and what's worse is that she didn't even sound mad at her. Nayeon composes herself, repeating to herself that this is the right thing to do. Besides, she already said it. What is the point of going back now?
"You? I know you'll be able to get through this. You can do this." Nayeon knew it was dangerous territory, but she held the younger woman's hands. "Hun, you're the most ambitious person I have ever met." The Korean let out a few chuckles after the Japanese gave her small looks, knowing that the adjective could either have a good or bad meaning behind it. "In all seriousness, you really are, and you know what? You're also determined yourself. You'll get by just fine." Nayeon could not believe she was saying this, and so, she smiled. Bittersweetly. "You'll be fine."
Mina hummed, letting Nayeon continue because she hadn't told her about herself yet. "And, me? I wouldn't worry too much about it." The older one shakes her hands— letting a few sadness out of her lover's system. But Mina knows very well it doesn't change what is happening right now. "I'll be fine too, I guess." The younger one smiles at that. The other wasn't sure, but the fact that Nayeon said that means that she will make it true. If not for her, at least for Mina, well, the next time she'll meet Mina.
You see, Mina admires Nayeon. Nayeon is pessimistic and assertive. They weren't the best in school, but they sure were above average. They were the power couple, and everyone envied the two who had beauty, brains, and brawn. More into the present, the Korean and Japanese both had their fair share of compromises because of their uniting love. Mina became the relationship's dreamer, and Nayeon became the realist. They both worked it out, believed it would work out until one of them decided differently.
That's why Mina trusted her decision. Mina might have been too idealistic that they would be together from college until the end, and here is Nayeon again, telling her that they both need this.
The Japanese placed a soft kiss on her Korean love; Nayeon was hugging Mina's waist for the comfort she'd be needing as she faced the world head on a one-on-one. Mina then levels with Nayeon— their foreheads touching, noses brushing, and eyes falling deeper into the other's.
"Hun, thank you for your trust." Mina begins while Nayeon slowly closes her eyes. She has done her part; now it's the Japanese's turn to let her go. "But, I can't leave you without this." Nayeon opened her eyes to that, curious as to what it could be, but was faced with nothing but just Mina. Her Mina, still, at that moment. "I promise you that in five years, I'll come back here in Seoul, in our apartment. I'll face you with a more stable life and a better Mina." She said with a pinky held out.
Nayeon instead seals Mina's promise with a kiss. "I'll look forward to that." She chuckles bring a light atmosphere in. "But hey, honey, don't change too much." The Japanese cups her face for the last time and lets her go. "I'll go shoot a message to my parents."
A snap back to reality, she was not her Mina anymore. Nayeon woke up the next day with just her and her broken heart in the apartment— already contemplating if she had made the right decision.
Back into the present, Nayeon asks herself, what is her place to ask about that night? Who is she to hold on to that promise? It should be clear to her that she was the one who broke up with Mina.
"I hurt Mina." She repeats to herself.
She decided that the silence wasn't great company. Her thoughts were starting to get the best of her, and just when she was about to check her phone, her driver informed her that they had arrived at their destination. Nayeon takes a deep breath and walks outside towards the door.
She rings the doorbell, and who opens the door mesmerizes her. It was Mina, in a sleeveless white dress. Besides looking more mature, she did not change a bit. She smiles, greeting the CEO with a "Nayeon-ssi." It was so soft that Nayeon could just melt into her arms, but no. They had a reservation, and she needed something more than that. "Oh, please. It's beyond office hours. Call me Nayeon." The older woman extended her arm, waiting for the other to intertwine hers in the hole it made. Nayeon then caressed Mina's arm while accompanying her to the SUV.
Soon enough, they arrived at the restaurant and at their reserved table. Nayeon, like a gentlewoman, leads her secretary comfortably. They took a seat and ordered their meals for the night. The Korean did not know what to do, and she did not have her pen to fidget with, so instead, she looked everywhere except at Mina's eyes. This scene sounds familiar, doesn't it?
"You look beautiful." Mina utters. It made Nayeon look at her, shocked and flustered. She then clears her throat while fixing the table napkin, which did not need any fixing to begin with. "You don't look so bad yourself." The CEO returns the smile.
As their appetizers get served, the secretary tries to start another conversation. "So, did you invite me just to eat?" She lets out small chuckles at that thought. Nayeon could not help but feel embarrassed. She has been a bad hostess for... 15 minutes. Wow. "I'm sorry. It's been a while." The Korean apologizes while the other just reassures her with a smile. "Well, you have to get used to it. After all, you are the CEO now." Nayeon doesn't know what's with the way that Mina said it that made her feel all the butterflies. She's the new CEO of 8 Seconds, one of the fashion industry's biggest companies, and it only has registered to her now. It looked like it would just be an evening of exchanging smiles.
Halfway through their main course, the Korean has decided it was her turn to converse. "Mina, I know I have been on edge, and I have not been great at hiding it, and it's just that there's this something and—" Her rambling was cut off once she felt something warm on her left hand. Mina held her hand, caressing it so that the other would calm down. "It's okay. We can talk about it." Every bone on Nayeon swore it felt Mina's sincerity in every word she let out. It wasn't much, but it comforted her. The Korean stole a glance and followed with a deep breath.
This is it. After five years, she'll know the answer. Yesterday, tomorrow was just i'm-going-to-be-announced-as-a-ceo-so-i-have-to-work-harder but now, tomorrow could either be i-have-a-chance-with-the-myoui-mina-again or at-least-my-friend-is-the-myoui-mina. She would usually be nervous, but Mina really kept all the voices behind her shut. "Five years ago, I broke up with you."
Mina hums, a sign for her to continue. Nayeon gulped because that wasn't exactly easy for her to say. She has acknowledged it, but she doesn't know if her ex-lover should forgive her for it. "And you, you made a promise."
Mina nodded with a small smile. She remembers, Nayeon is, at least, grateful for this. "You said that you'll come back five years, with a stable life. You'll come back for me." The Japanese's eyebrows suddenly were not at the same level, and the other understood it. "Oh, I mean, you said you'll come back to the apartment." The Korean left out small awkward chuckles and used her right hand to scratch her nape, which did not itch at all. "Not for me, exactly." She whispers to herself.
The secretary responded after a while. "Well, it has been five years." The CEO lifted her head to meet Mina's eyes. "And I am facing you with a much more stable life. You have seen my application." Nayeon agrees. That's what Mina said, after all. "I guess I have fulfilled my promise... that is, if you'll bring me to the apartment later." The receiving end did not know how to respond and had just decided to give the younger woman a nod. The waiter did god's work by cutting them off, serving them their dessert. Nayeon made a mental note to tip him after.
Nayeon knew that Mina's promise meant other unsaid words besides that. Mina, too, knows that Nayeon understood it more than that.
The two are now outside, waiting for the CEO's SUV that she ask to valet park. Mina's impressed by how Nayeon's BMW seem to shine brighter at night. The CEO then opened the door for her in the front seat, to which she obliged but with a question in mind. As Nayeon takes the wheel, Mina asks her. "Where's your driver?" The CEO starts to drive. "I asked him to go home. It's getting late, and I could handle myself anyway." She says, smiling while turning on the calming tune on the radio. Once they arrived at the parking, the Japanese could not help but feel familiar with the territory. Ah, home, she whispers to herself.
As the two walked out of the elevator, the Korean fished for her keys. Mina could not believe it. The promise wasn't only hers to keep, but thoughtlessly Nayeon's too. It was her decision if she would keep the apartment, and she did, which made the Japanese display a small smile for herself.
Simultaneously as they went in, Nayeon went straight to her room while Mina was left to stare at every detail. Their living room had all sorts now: a phonograph with vinyl, books, picture frames, a television, coffee table, rug, and their couch. The kitchen had a warmer color tone with shades of yellow, orange, and brown. It felt more whole and more like home. She turns around, and she finds Nayeon, who's in a comfortable outfit now— sporting a tee and pajama pants. "Here. These are my clothes fresh out from the closet. Feel at home." She hands it to her secretary. "The bathroom's down the hall, to your right." The CEO pointed out to help Mina better. She comes out, all changed with a Nayeon looking at the view. She was looking at the view from their couch.
"You'll get a stiff neck if you continue looking at the view from here." Mina was on her way to the couch with Nayeon. The sofa was facing the TV, so the older girl needed to look to her left to glance at the cityscape. "It's okay. This is comfortable." The soft tune of the record Nayeon chose, the cool from the AC, the city ambiance, everything right here, right now, wants you to sway along with it. Mina inhales and exhales, preparing herself to face her old lover.
"Nayeon..." It was like an alarm that woke Nayeon up from her thoughts. They're now facing each other that did not have the nervousness they had at dinner. "That night..." The older woman is unsure if this conversation is going where she wants it to be, but this is Mina talking. She'll just have to hold on to what she hopes it to be.
"I know you still loved me. I know you made that decision out of the love you had for me." Correction, she still loves her until now, and Nayeon will continue doing everything out of her love for the younger woman. "I did. I still do now, and ever since, not a day has passed by without thinking if I made the right decision." Nayeon did not know what made her confess that easily. So, she crosses her fingers, hoping the other's mind is elsewhere to hear it. "I mean, Mina, I'm sorry."
Mina heard it. All of it. "Sorry for what?" She responded in a mellow tone. "Sorry for breaking up with you. I know you did not expect it, and it was me out of all people you least expect would give up just like that. I hope you can forgive me." The secretary smiles bittersweetly at her CEO. Nayeon hates how it looked and felt familiar. "Nayeon, you didn't even let me finish." The younger woman smiles a bit more sincerely now. It has always been like this. Nayeon talks and Mina listens. That doesn't mean they didn't communicate; they did. They just had their ways of doing so, and they understood each other.
"You don't have to be forgiven for something that isn't a mistake." The Korean was confused about what the other meant. "You were right, Nayeon, and I'm glad I trusted you. I was hurt when you broke up with me, but I knew that you always had my best interests in mind. A few weeks later, I started having bigger goals. I started working harder to get the stable life I promised to bring with me as I face you." Mina's hand searches for Nayeon's, and it intertwined like it was made for each other. She then lays her head on the Korean's shoulder— this right here is the rest she's been looking for in her office leaves.
The CEO could not help but let a teardrop go and a smile show. She could not be any more thankful for Mina. She rests her head on top of her ex-lover and savors every bit of the moment she is in right now. "How did you know?" Nayeon asks Mina, who has her eyes closed. She hums as a half answer. "How did you know that I still loved you then?"
The younger girl pulls herself away. She looks at Nayeon for a moment, trying to search for the love she once has seen in those eyes, and there it was again. For as long as I'm looking at you, Nayeon's words a few years back echoed in Mina's head. It gave her the butterflies. "You were breaking up with me, yet you still called me with our endearment." Mina went back into the other's arms as she completely answered the question. The older woman was startled at that realization. She must love Mina so much that she forgot to drop it. Nayeon just laughed to herself at that thought. "And to make it clear, I won't be making a silly promise, fulfilling it within five years, and boarding on a three-hour flight just to lie to you by saying I haven't loved you all these years. I did, and I still do too." The Japanese smiled, but she was too late to hide her blushed cheeks as the Korean held her face in her hand. Nayeon looked at Mina's eyes, then to her lips, then to her eyes again, asking for a question she's been meaning to ask. She has finally got the answer, and so, she slowly pulls her Japanese love into a soft and slow kiss. It was nostalgic, warm, and yearning. It was the best way to end this exhausting week and to welcome what's to come for the both of them.
This night changes the previous memorable night for them because Nayeon decided to stay with, by, and for Mina from this day forward 'till death do them part. It's her turn to make a vow she'll be keeping for her whole lifetime.