Archive of Our Own ^beta

It started on that fair summer afternoon in the park, when a cute pale face hovered above her head as the pain in her bum slipped in for her to feel.

“ daijōbu desu ka? ” asked the kid with worried eyes and a crooked japanese accent .

Sana blinks at that, this kid is not so familiar. She’s sure she knows every single kid in this small town, but this one, is she a new neighbor? Sana nods at the girl, subtly wincing as she tries to stand up.

The little girl beamed at her and reached her hand, “let me help you.” Sana tried not to laugh at the cute (and crooked) japanese.

Sana held onto that small hand and helped herself to stand up. She was about to pull her hand back but the kid tightened her grip a little and her smile was blinding.

“My name is Kim Dahyun.” she grins and her eyes are turning like little crescents, like those half moon cookies that she loves.

She never knew she’ll eventually love these smiles too.

—

For that whole day, they bonded. Sana then knew Dahyun was Korean, 6 years old, 2 years younger than her. They are here to have a vacation with her family. Apparently, their dads are best friends, more reasons to always see her new friend inside their house.

For the times the Kims visit their house, Sana and Dahyun would always spend their whole afternoon talking or playing, sometimes watching the anime Dahyun would request just because. Their laughter would fill Sana’s room, spilling out of the ajar door of her room, their fathers could hear their sweet voices.

“Where did you learn Japanese?” asked Sana, whose head resting on the pale kid’s lap, eyes trained on the anime that they are watching. Doraemon .

Dahyun’s little hands are mindlessly playing on the ends of Sana’s hair, “Anime.” she answered shortly, her eyes also glued on the TV screen.

Sana only responded with a hum as she made herself more comfortable on her friend’s lap.

“Sana-chan,” Dahyun calls, it sounded like a soft whisper to the air, only for Sana to hear.

Sana looks up and is met with those half moon cookie looking eyes again and those grins that she takes a liking to every single time she sees.

“Would you teach me how to speak Japanese properly?” she asks, eyes hopeful as they stare back at Sana’s, “I would love to learn your language so that I could always talk to you.”

—

Summer ended in no time. Time really is fast when you're enjoying it. A teary eyed Sana waved goodbye to an equally teary Dahyun as they entered the departure area, going back to Korea, but before mr. Kim can turn his heel to the opposite direction, Dahyun sweeps away his hand that's resting on her shoulder to run back to Sana's direction, surprising him. "Dahyun!"

Sana's eyes widened at that but when she realized what her friend was doing, she ran as fast as she could to meet Dahyun halfway, not minding mr. Minatozaki called her name too, and they collided in a very tight hug. Sana sobbed on Dahyun's shoulder, "I'm going to miss you, Dahyun-chan." She confesses, tightening her grip if it's even possible to.

"I'll miss you too, Sana-chan," Dahyun replies while trying to comfort her friend, whilst crying as well. "But I'll be back, I promise you, we'll meet again, okay?" Dahyun assures as she loosens her hug from Sana to take something from her pocket, her little hand curling at the item she got there. "This is my promise, I'll meet you again, Sana-chan." She hands her a small keychain of a blue robot-looking cat, it's smile is big, it almost resembles Dahyun's. Doraemon .

Sana takes the keychain to her small hands and nods to Dahyun before giving her another tight hug. "I'll wait for you."

Their fathers only chuckled at that and soon after, they are waving goodbye at each other for real this time.

Sana clutches at the little keychain on her hand, and hopes of seeing Dahyun again in the future.

—

"I met a new friend today. Her name is Son Chaeyoung. She's smaller than me, but she always argues that we're the same height hahaha! I met her when she helped me grab my books after the bad kids in our school tripped me in the hallway. How are you, Sana-chan? I hope you are happy in school ^^ make sure to make new friends too! I asked appa of when can we go there again, he said we’ll try again this summer. I just hope he gets to have a vacation from work. I’ll write again next time. I’ll see you again soon, Sana-chan. yakusoku shimasu ."

Sana reads through Dahyun’s new letter as she settles on their couch. It has been a year since she last saw Dahyun personally. They were able to just talk and see each other through their fathers’ video calls where sometimes Sana would whine to his dad to call Mr. Kim so that she could see Dahyun.

For some reasons, Dahyun preferred writing letters for Sana and will be sent to her with the help of his dad. “Isn’t this better because I can practice my Japanese writing?” Dahyun reasoned with a grin, once during their call. Since then, Dahyun writes her letters, sometimes every week, sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for new letters to come in, but nonetheless, she’s still excited for each and every letter.

Just like that they kept their friendship strong. Sana can’t wait for summer to come again. Hoping that this summer, she can see Dahyun again.

Yakusoku shimasu.

She holds onto that promise as she clutches on the small keychain dangling on her small bag.

—

Few summers later, Sana breathes in the light feeling of the breeze as she steps out of the Incheon International Airport. Pulling on her luggage. Finally, she’s here, in Korea, to surprise Dahyun. Putting it in her hand to finally meet her again.

“Are you ready to see her again, Sana?” her dad asks, looking at his daughter with a smile.

Sana nodded excitedly, pulling on her dad’s arm with a very big grin plastered on her face.

.

She plops herself comfortably on the soft couch as she waits patiently for her best friend. Dahyun is still at school as per her parents. Sana's eyes wander around the living room, spotting a few family pictures, but her eyes landed on the small frame on the far left of the wide tv screen. She stands up to grab to take a look at it. It's a picture of Dahyun and her in Japan, in that playground they loved playing at, the playground where they met. An endearing smile danced on her lips as her thumbs swiped lightly on the glass of the frame. Feeling a weird feeling on her stomach.

"Sana-chan?" There she is, the person she's been waiting for.

Sana turns around with the brightest smile on her face, if possible it could literally light up the whole room, "Dahyunnie!!" She squeals as she runs across the room to hug her best friend.

She had missed this, she had missed them, even if it's just a couple years. Dahyun draped her short arms over Sana as she enjoyed the hug of a best friend she had missed.

.

They ate lunch together with the Kims. Sana finally meets Dahyun's brother that she only heard from Dahyun's stories. It was a nice feeling, she and her father never felt like a visitor only, they felt like a family member already with how warm the Kims are.

Dahyun pokes Sana’s arm playfully to get her attention, "I want to show you something later." she whispers as if it’s a secret. Sana only giggles at that and nods.

.

The afternoon breeze brings lightness to their lungs, their hair tumbles to the wind gracefully as they walk hand in hand to the place Dahyun promised Sana will love. It’s a few minutes walk from Dahyun’s house but Sana doesn’t mind, as long as she’s with her best friend.

“We’re here!” Dahyun announces as she pulls lightly on Sana’s arm to drag her to the swing.

It was a playground. A simple one, and looks a little like the playground in Sana’s mind. There were swings and a tall slide. This reminds her of her favorite place in Japan.

She sees Dahyun sitting on one of the swings, grinning at Sana, “I go here whenever I miss our playground there.” she confesses, “the difference is, no one uses this as often as the playground you have in your neighborhood. I feel sad about it, but it’s okay, if it means I can have this place for myself.” she giggles, her japanese is improving.

Sana walks to the swing beside Dahyun’s and seats herself, giving full attention to her.

“I write your letters there,” Dahyun points at the top of the slide that’s behind them, “it’s always so quiet here, and I can hide there.” she grins remembering her antics.

Sana smiles at how animated her best friend tells a story, she can’t keep still and has to move from time to time, but she doesn’t mind because she enjoys this.

“Dahyun-chan,” Sana calls to fill their comfortable silence. Dahyun looks at her expectantly. This was the first time she noticed how brown Dahyun’s eyes are, very much darker than hers, and how sharp they are. “I convinced Chichi if I can study highschool here, and he said yes,” Sana beamed. She saw how Dahyun's monolid eyes grew as she was not expecting it.

The smile on Dahyun's lips that day was engraved into Sana's mind. That soft smile after the information sank into her brain, and her eyes gradually formed Sana's favorite crescent, like it was only for her and only her.

—

Throughout the time she needed adjustment in the new environment, Dahyun never left her side. Just like the past year, this time, Dahyun was the one who taught her how to speak Korean. Giving her little 'quizzes' whenever they walk home together from school.

"What is your name?" Dahyun asks in Korean as she quizzes Sana. An expectant smile dancing on her lips.

Sana thinks for a moment there, finding accurate words to say, "my name is Sana. Minatozaki Sana." She answers carefully.

Dahyun hums, satisfied. "See, you're getting better. Actually you learned very fast." She approves, sounding like an authority which makes Sana chuckle. "But I think calling you ' Kim Sana ' sounds so much better." She beams at her.

" Kim Sana? " Sana frowns.

Dahyun shrugs her little shoulders, "yeah. You learn Korean really fast and really well," she nods, "besides, your name sounded even better with my last name on it."

Kim Sana .

It doesn't really sound bad at all.

—

Few years later, and Sana was in her Junior year in highschool, Dahyun in her sophomore year, when she felt it— or more like realized it.

They were out with Dahyun's friends, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu for lunch, and some group study, as the three of them said. Sana volunteered to review them for their exams.

Their table was supposed to be quiet, right? Except it’s not. The trio were laughing out loud at some joke Chaeyoung had just said, Sana would laugh out loud with them too, if it weren’t for those crescent eyes that would look at her whenever she’s laughing. When their eyes met for a brief second, Sana swore that everything around her suddenly slowed to a stop, as Dahyun smiles at her warmly, like placing reassurance that it’s okay to laugh out loud with them and there is no one that will judge her, that she’s there to love her laughs no matter what.

That’s when her literature teacher’s words, earlier that day in their class, hit her like a bulldozer straight to her wavering heart, “ When people start laughing, the first people they look at are not those that they are closest to but simply those that they wish to please or admire. ”

—

“Dahyunnie,” Sana calls and clicks her tongue, “you eat so messily,” she wraps Dahyun’s wrist with her fingers and pulls her gently so she’s facing her. She then taps lightly on the younger’s chin and corner of the mouth with a napkin, “there you go, clean again.” She smiles scrunching her nose when Dahyun just blinks at her actions, “such a baby.” she whispers to herself and chuckles.

And if she paid a little attention to where her fingers are still wrapped around now, she’ll notice the faint flutter of Dahyun’s pulse under her touch.

But how will she pay attention to such when her heart races madly inside her chest, after her actions awhile ago, threatening to burst any minute now.

.

Ice creams were long gone when they fell into silence, walking their way home. Sana clutches on the strap of her bag, trying to come up with anything to start a conversation with Dahyun, anything that’ll probably take off the awkward air that’s obviously floating subtly between them. If she could just come up with anything—

Dahyun halts, stopping in front of Sana with a smug face, it’s her turn to click her tongue this time before falling onto one knee. Sana was so confused before it clicked to her. Dahyun crouches to reach for Sana’s shoelaces and ties it, double knotting. She also reaches for the other one and ties it in a double knot to prevent from loosing.

“You should make sure to double tie your shoelaces, Sana-chan,” Dahyun clicks her tongue again, faux disappointment displayed on her face, “what if I’m not here to tie your laces and you step on it?" She stood up straight, dusting her knees, "Who’ll catch you when you fall?” she shakes her head with a playful smile on her lips.

I hope it’s you. Her heart whispers and wishes on the softly traveling wind.

—

From: jyojyo [2:15 PM]

Hey, wanna watch a movie with us tonight?

Nabongs said there's a new movie out tonight.

To: jyojyo [2:17 PM]

Who are we with?

Sana places down her phone and continues reading her book before her phone buzzes again.

From: jyojyo [2:20 PM]

The couple

Sana chuckles and shakes her head, typing away.

To: jyojyo [2:20 PM]

Alright. Just text me the time. I need to finish my review first then I'll meet you guys there.

From: jyojyo [2:21 PM]

Ok.

Sana reads from her notifications.

Another buzz.

From: jyojyo [2:24 PM]

I'll bring someone with me later.

From: jyojyo [2:25 PM]

I don't want to third wheel with you :P

To: jyojyo [2:25 PM]

I am offended.

From: jyojyo [2:26]

HAHAHA

You can bring that cute "best friend" of yours if you want.

Sana's cheeks heat up at the subtle mention of Dahyun. These feelings are getting out of hand.

To: jyojyo [2:26 PM]

She has a name, Jih 🙄

Anyway, I'll ask her if she's free later.

From: jyojyo [2:27 PM]

Alright 😏

I'll see you later, Sana

Sana shakes her head again. Jihyo.

"You smile so big, what's the tea?" A very much familiar voice breaks into her trance. Her most favorite voice in the world.

Sana looks up at Dahyun, whose face is hovering above her, trying her might to see what's on Sana's phone but then she hides it. The pout on Dahyun's face was undeniably cute, Sana just wants to give in, but no. "You're so nosy." She comments with a chuckle.

Dahyun walks over to the front of the couch, still wearing that pout. She let herself fall on the soft cushion.

"Say," Sana starts, "do you want to go with us to the cinema later?" She asks with hopeful eyes.

Dahyun thinks for a moment, her pout melting away. "What will I get in return?"

"You'll get to be with me." The answer left Sana's mouth a little faster than what she intended it to be. "I mean, it's been awhile since we watched new movies, I just thought you'd like to see one." She tries to play it cool but the light blush that adorned her cheeks betrayed her.

Dahyun chuckles at the sight of her best friend, "who are we with?" She asks, petting Sana on the head.

"The couple." She blurted out, trying to shake her head, "I mean my friends who just got official yesterday, Jihyo and her plus one, which I don't know who." She explains.

Dahyun just nods at that, "so you don't want to be the third or fourth wheel, hmm?" She teases, poking on her best friend's side until the other elicits a whine and pushes her. “Alright alright, I’ll go.” she smiles, “i’ll… i don’t know,” she shrugs, “I’ll fifth…? Wheel with you.”

.

The movie they were watching was some horror movie Nayeon suggested, but now she's hiding her face on her girlfriend's shoulder whilst screaming and throwing slaps on it. Sana can already imagine the bruises on that later.

"Hey! You Wanted this! Stop slapping me!" Jeongyeon protested, trying to stop her girlfriend from assaulting her arm. Yes, they are " The Couple ".

On Sana's left, she finds Jihyo watching the movie with full attention and an amazed smile. Beside her is the girl she said she'll plus one, ducked on her side, hiding her head to not be able to see the scary movie showing on the big screen.

Sana's thoughts were interrupted by an eerie sound from the speakers. The surroundings fall into silence, even Nayeon who's already whimpering quietly.

Dun. Dun. Dun. Dun.

"AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!"

Everyone in the cinema screamed in unison, including Sana who's hiding behind Dahyun. Jumpscares really are something. And something Sana never liked. Why did she even agree to this? She hates horror movies for Pete's sake!

Her shivering calmed down when a small hand glided up and down her back, soothing there. Sana looks up at Dahyun and she sees an assuring smile plastered on her best friend's lips. "It's okay, it's gone now, Sana-chan." she chuckles, “look it’s morning there already.” She points at the screen and beams as if she didn't scream in fear earlier too.

All the fright she felt from a while ago melted with how soft Dahyun’s voice reassuring her, even if it's just a stupid movie, she can feel that Dahyun is sincere.

Sana has never eaten butterflies before, she’s sure of that, but why is her stomach full of somersaulting butterflies kicking and screaming for her feelings for this certain best friend of hers.

.

"We'll never do this again." Nayeon grumbles behind them, "this will be the last time we'll watch a horror movie, oh my god."

"Now who's idea is this?" Jeongyeon asks her girlfriend, eyebrows furrowed.

"Nayeon Unnie's!" Sana and Jihyo answer in unison and then laughs it off when Nayeon rolls her eyes at them.

Sana hears Dahyun chuckling beside her. She whips her head to where her best friend is and she is met with her most favorite crescents and a smile she'll never get tired of. Like having a mind of its own, her free arm hooks onto Dahyun’s, just like before and snuggles closer to her. The evening breeze maintains the cold winter night. It hasn’t snowed yet but it was freezing. Sana thanks this mindless act of her because now she can enjoy the warmth the other can offer her.

“Okay, lovebirds!” Jihyo calls from the front of them, “where do you guys want to eat?” she asks when the two pairs halt in front of her.

Nayeon raises her hand, “how about chinese?” She wiggles her eyebrows at them but Jihyo dismisses her.

“Nope. You already suggested the movie, let them have their picks this time.” She's pertaining to Sana and Dahyun who've been very quiet.

Dahyun waves a hand, “I’m good with whatever Sana-chan will eat.” She smiles shyly.

“Alright. Sana?” Jihyo asks.

Sana feels every eyes on her, she feels pressured for some reason, but before a cloud of thought eats her, she feels a nudge on her arm, it was Dahyun, with an anticipating but patient eyes. She suggested the safest thing she knew, “hmm how about Japanese?”

.

That leads them to this secluded Japanese restaurant a few blocks from the cinema. Jihyo promised it was her treat for a little celebration of her successful new gig last night.

Their table was so noisy it was full of bickering from “The Couple” Nayeon and Jeongyeon, from time to time Jihyo interjects to tease them both. Sana observes how Mina— Jihyo’s plus one, looks at her friend with such adoration and her smiles are shy but still elegant, her heart aches. Then her eyes pans to Dahyun beside her, she laughs with them to the point that she has to cover her mouth for laughing too hard.

Sana feels warmth at the sight of her favorite people at one table. She may have only met Mina just today, but she can feel that the girl is a nice person and is head over heels for her friend.

Her thoughts were cut off by a soft tap on her shoulder by Dahyun, she excuses herself to go to the bathroom, Sana nods at her and she exits the table, Sana looking at her retreating back, as if Dahyun would be gone. A strong nudge to her shoulder whips her head to the side with a frown, it was Jihyo.

“She’ll just be in the bathroom, Sana.” Jihyo teases with a smirk.

Sana just rolls her eyes at her and down her remaining smoothie.

Jihyo leans beside her to whisper, “why don’t you tell her?”

Sana chokes on her drink which causes a loud laugh from Jihyo and a few pairs of eyes from around them, including their friends. She reaches for a napkin while glaring at the other and dabs it on her lips then reaches for water to help her soothe her throat. “Tell her what?” she whisper-shouts.

Jihyo calms down from her fit of laughter, taking a breath, “Tell her what you feel?” Sana frowns at her and was about to say something but Jihyo cuts her, “Don’t even try to deny it, you shiba,” she smirks, “you look at her as if she’s the one who put up the stars in the sky and draw the clouds and fluff it for your evening walks.”

Is she that obvious? Sana wants to bang her head on the wall for not being discreet.

“Yup, it’s so obvious. I can actually hear your thoughts.” There goes Park Jihyo. She pats Sana’s shoulder, “You can’t just keep it there for a long time, Sana-ssi, and you can never deny it any longer.”

Fear dawns onto her, this is something that she really can’t hide forever. Sana is not scared of confessing and admitting to her feelings right here right now, she’s afraid of being rejected by the person she has taken a liking to ever since they were kids.

“And I don’t think she doesn’t like you the same way, Sana-ssi.” Jihyo smiles at her warmly, no signs of teasing and anything, it was very genuine, “I mean, have you seen the way she looks at you?.”

“How does she look at me?”

Jihyo smiles, “like she doesn't want to look away.”

—

It took her a couple of weeks to think and debate with herself but she promised that the next time Sana sees Dahyun, she preps herself that she’ll finally tell her about these feelings. No matter what happens after, this should never be a hindrance to their friendship. It won’t break them right? She hopes so.

She waits for Dahyun on the bench just outside their gate. She busies herself with the book she just borrowed from the library earlier that day. Few minutes later, she can hear Dahyun’s distinct laughter from inside the gate. Sana places her book back inside her bag and stands up to greet her.

Dahyun steps out of the gate with her classmates, they look like they were laughing at something. Dahyun’s back facing Sana from a short distance.

Sana saw how her other classmate place a hand on her best friend's arm, and how it grips there while she was laughing at what Dahyun said, her other hand covering her mouth. Sana feels a very strange feeling towards what she was witnessing right now. Her eyebrows knitting together and her stomach twists while she feels like there is something that’s pulling in her heart in a very unpleasant way. Is this—

“Sana-chan!” She was pulled out of her reverie when Dahyun called at her, jogging her way to Sana. “Are you okay?” she asks when she reached her.

Sana shakes off the feeling, this isn’t right , she smiles at Dahyun, “yeah.” she nods and scoops up her bag from the bench, the doraemon keychain dangles from it, turning her heel around and starts to walk. She didn’t miss the small frown on Dahyun’s forehead.

.

Their walk home was silent and Sana was a little uncomfortable. She can feel that Dahyun is uneasy behind her too. What has she done? She shouldn’t act like that to Dahyun. They were close to their houses already, just a few blocks away and they are already in front of the playground where Dahyun first brought her a few years ago. It has been awhile since they visited this.

Sana sighs and is about to turn around but soft fingers curl on her wrist, they are unusually cold. It tugs to her softly for her to look back at least. She’s met with Dahyun’s soft sad eyes. Her head jerks to the direction of the playground, her lips grazing a tightlipped smile.

They walked to the swings and sat by themselves. Sana found herself just looking down her shoes, trying to find anything interesting on it. She can see from her peripheral vision that Dahyun's swing is moving but she was not there. She looked up only to see Dahyun crouching in front of her, searching for her eyes.

"Sana, are we okay?" She asks, her voice ever so softest Sana's heart hurts.

Sana sighed and looked down again. She feels ashamed for acting like that in front of Dahyun, of all people.

Dahyun grazed her finger down her jaw to her chin, urging her to look up, "look at me, please?"

Sana's eyes start to well. Dahyun is so patient with her. "I'm sorry…" she whispers.

"What's wrong?" Dahyun asks patiently.

Sana sighs and closes her eyes. Finding the right words to say. "I… what I did earlier was wrong, I know," She fidgets on the hem of her shirt, "and I'm really sorry if I acted like that. I just felt like…"

"Hmm?" Dahyun urges her.

"I just felt a little sad… and worried…" she looks down again and whispers, " that someone might make you happier, that's not me . More so that I think I disappointed you."

Dahyun crouches further to search for her eyes, with a reassuring smile, " nothing that you do that can disappoint me, Sana-chan. "

Tears are brimming in her eyes when she looks up at Dahyun. The words are heavy on her tongue, threatening to spill anytime.

"That's why I like you." Dahyun beats her to it.

Sana was stunned. She feels like everything around her just stops and the confession rings in her ear ' that's why I like you ', "You like me?" She breathes.

"How can I not? When you're so easy to fall for?"

—

After that fateful day, Dahyun showed Sana how serious she was with that confession, of how serious she is of Sana.

Their small dates are very spontaneous, courtesy of one and only Kim Dahyun.

She would sometimes bring her to the closest beach to their school before going home. Taking the longest route home with the reason ‘ even if we’re literally next door neighbors and best friends since like forever, I’d still miss you when I can’t see you ’

Dahyun would walk her home and would wait for her to be inside before disappearing to her own house.

It was their routine, everyday. Dahyun’s consistency never faltered, and Sana always admired it. She’s very determined to prove that she deserves Sana.

And Sana knows that her heart has already crossed the line, very far from the point of returning.

—

“Your face is about to be glued to that book, Sana-chan.” Dahyun commented and sat down in front of Sana. They are in the Minatozakis’ front yard, ‘hanging out’. “Didn’t know this was your idea of hanging out.” She teases, trying to get Sana’s attention.

Sana looked up at her and saw the cheeky smile plastered on her best friend’s face. “I’m sorry, I’m just worried about that exit exam we need to pass.” She's already in her last year in highschool, while Dahyun is in junior year. This exit exam determines their legibility to pass and graduate highschool eventually, so this is really important to her.

Dahyun scrunched up her face in a funny way, trying to crack a smile on Sana, “it’s okay, I was just kidding,” she chuckles and leans on the seat, she pushed the mug of hot chocolate drink to Sana, “you need this more than I do, you can have it.”

There she is again, very chivalrous, always thinking of Sana first. She placed down her book with her finger blocking the pages so she won’t lose where she is and took a swig of the hot chocolate. The sweetness kicks in on her, their different preferences when it comes to the levels of sweetness in these kinds of drinks. After drinking, she places it back on the table and pushes it to Dahyun, “We can always share, Dahyunnie.” She smiles and goes back to reading.

.

Dahyun waited for her the entire time she was studying. She would catch Dahyun looking at her and the other would just smile, as if delighted to be caught looking.

“You know you can go if you want, right?” Sana says not looking up.

Dahyun cracked her back and groaned satisfyingly, “nope,” she answered, popping the ‘P’, “I’ll wait for you to finish.”

Sana just looks at her with loving eyes, if it’s possible to fall more for someone’s consistency like this. Dahyun is so patient with her, she couldn’t ask for more. She placed down the book she was holding, their chocolate drink was long gone now.

“You done?” Dahyun asks her.

Sana shakes her head with a pout, “but I’m tired.”

Dahyun grins at her adorably, “stretch a bit, it feels good you know?” she wiggles her eyebrows and does a stretch again to her arms.

Sana aches to hug Dahyun with how adorable she is. “No,” she chuckles, dismissing the idea, “I’m tired of just reading here.”

“Wanna go somewhere?” Dahyun was quick to suggest, standing up.

Sana perks up at that, “where?” she asks, fixing her things to be ready to leave.

Dahyun lends her a hand to help her stand up, “it’s a secret,” she grins and there goes her favorite crescent, “let’s go?”

Sana gently grabs her hand and laces their fingers, “let’s go.”

.

Cold autumn air brushes their skin as they walk side by side, passing by the bridge above the river. It was relaxing and comfortable.

Sana shivers subtly as another soft wind passes by. She knows that Dahyun noticed it by the way she briefly looked at her and placed their intertwined hands on the pocket of her hoodie, all while looking in front with a smile on her lips. Sana's heart does its routinal backflips  as her cheeks are painted with faded pink carnations.

In the distance, they can already hear the loud music and the lights are very much bright as the sky fights in an afterglow.

Dahyun's grip on her hand tightens a little and Sana bets it's because of her excitement, she squeals like a kid and pulls out their intertwined hands out of the pocket of her hoodie, "now this is what hanging out is," Dahyun winks at her to tease, "let's go!" She pulled her and they ran to the direction of the carnival.

If her heart just backflips earlier, now she's sure as hell it does somersaults and other stunts.

She's in love with this crackhead.

Yes, she's certainly in love with her best friend.

.

They played with different games inside. Hopping from one stall to the other. Dahyun was even challenged by a couple beside them. The winner will win the biggest plush on that stall, since the two parties were eyeing the same prize. That's the story as to why Sana's now cradling a big shiba inu plush, just above the half of her height.

"Didn't know you were that competitive." Sana comments while munching on her hotdogs.

They are sitting on one of the benches to rest and eat up. The plush seating in the middle of them.

Dahyun shrugs, biting on her burger, "the guy's too arrogant, my pride can't take it."

Sana chuckles with Dahyun's honesty. They fell into a comfortable silence while they finished their snacks.

Dahyun stood up from the bench and looked up from the towering ride behind them, “let’s ride that one.” she points at the large circular ride.

Sana turned around to look at what Dahyun was pointing at, the Ferris Wheel, “are you sure you can? It's so high.”

She shrugged and crumpled the paper bag, “Of course, I can, I have your hand to hold.”

.

The queue on the line for the ride. There are other couples with them and groups of friends who want to experience the ride too. If anything, this basically is the highlight of everyone’s night, perfect way to cap it off.

When it was their turn to get inside the cart, Dahyun let Sana in first, and took the seat in front of her. As the vehicle takes its most precious time to elevate, the surroundings become smaller and smaller, and the air is getting much colder compared to earlier. The wind is gradually getting stronger too.

“You okay, Dahyunnie?” Sana checks up on her best friend who fell silent suddenly.

Dahyun just nodded with a smile, still clutching on Sana’s hand.

When the vehicle rose to its top most part, it served the whole view of the city with the lights like fireflies from a distance. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

She looks at Dahyun in front of her who was already looking at her with so much admiration in her eyes. Like they were speaking to her, she just had to listen very carefully.

Sana squeezes gently on Dahyun’s hand, “still good?” she graces the skin of her thumb on her knuckles.

Dahyun just nods at her with a reassuring smile. But she does not look good in any way that it seems. Her pale skin became even paler than what it normally looks, setting an alarm on Sana.

Her eyebrow knitted at her observation, frowning as she steadied her leg, being ready to stand, “You don’t look good there, Dahyunnie, are you sure you’re still okay?” she asks worriedly.

“I’m okay, Sana-chan.” she grins but Sana can still see the subtle quiver of her lips and the tremble in her eyes.

That was all it took for Sana to stand up, “hey, calm down, it’s ok—” but the wind blew a little harder, rocking the cart, causing Sana to lose her balance and stumble to her front. She shrieks and tries to grab anything that is near to her. She grabs on to Dahyun’s arms a little firmer, who’s already ready to catch her. “Oh my… thank god, I love you.” she mumbles, more to herself. She only realized her words when it’s already out of her mouth. Her eyes widened at the realization.

“What was it?” Dahyun asked, a little puzzled.

Their space inside the cart was just enough for more than two people, but why does Sana feel like it suffocates her and the place became a little smaller than it should. Was it the place that suffocated her and this small distance that they have, with Dahyun looking at her with nothing but adoration in the eyes, or was it the weight of the words that she has to say again to make this thing clear between them, and that if she finally says it with all honesty, it becomes reality.

She breathes in, bracing herself, “I love you, Dahyun.” she releases in one breath, eyes locked on those sharp mono lidded ones. She swore her heart skipped a beat when Dahyun’s eyes fell on her lips, and as if they were magnets, Dahyun inched closer to her slowly, slowly until she can feel her breath against her lips—

Boom!

They were pulled out of their reverie by the loud explosion of the fireworks. The beautiful and colorful lights of green, blue, red,and other bright colors covered up the skies more brightly than all the lights of the carnival combined. Different sizes and shapes flew and shot up, their wide eyes admired the light show in front of them.

“It’s so beautiful.” Sana breathed out, her eyes reflected the beautiful colors.

“It is…” Dahyun answered beside her with a whisper as if only Sana is allowed to hear. She looks back at her and sees that Dahyun was already looking. Her eyes were devoid of tremble from earlier and was replaced with so much sincerity, her smile graced with honesty, “It’s so beautiful.”

Sana can feel her heart swell and feel warm and peaceful all at the same time, with everything that’s happening. If she could only freeze this moment or photograph this, then she will do it in a heartbeat. The only thing she can do is to engrave this memory in her mind, burning it behind her lashes to never forget it.

“I have waited for this my whole life,” Dahyun places her now warm hands on Sana’s cheek, “Sana-chan, will you be my girlfriend?”

And Sana closes the gap between them in lieu of an answer, under the fireworks, in the most beautiful night of their lives.

.

College represents a new chapter for someone's life. New challenges, new people to meet while keeping the old ones, new set of things to learn and most importantly, new environment to adapt to.

But for Sana, the biggest challenge was to be away from her family, and most especially to her girlfriend. 

Girlfriend . This label with Dahyun still feels new to her even if a few months has already passed since they made it official. She feels like falling in love everyday with her best friend—and now girlfriend all over again. She misses Dahyun with this kind of setup, but she has to endure for their own good in the future.

Since the university is hours away from their town and it would be excruciating to travel for hours a day, her parents arranged things for her and got her an apartment to stay in throughout college.

As she placed down the last box of her things under the bed, she stretched her body and decided to call it a day. Her phone rang from the bedside table. The phone lit up a smile on her face as it showed the caller ID ' my hyun 🤍 '. She sat on her bed and answered the call.

“ Hey .” Dahyun smiled at her, looking directly at the camera before lifting her eyes to her front.

Sana smiled at her, “hey,” she answered back, observing Dahyun from her phone. Video calls are the only way they could fill each other’s days. “What is my Dahyunnie doing?”

Dahyun’s end was full of rustling sounds before she answers, “ we just got home from school, I’m with Chaeng and Tzu. ” she pans the camera and Sana can see the other two, “ hi, Sana unnie! ” they shouted in unison from the other line and Dahyun immediately pulled away the phone, “ you don't have to shout! ” she scolds and the two just laughed from the background.

Sana chuckles, scrunching up her nose. Dahyun copies her, scrunching up her nose too to mimic Sana’s expression, eliciting a loud laugh from Sana, “God, you’re so cute!” she squealed.

Dahyun laughed, “ you’re cuter. ” she counters, wiggling her eyebrows.

Sana chuckled again before stretching her arms and letting herself fall onto her pillows, she sighs, “I miss you so much, Dahyunnie.” she says with a pout.

She hears a chair creaking, like being pulled before Dahyun’s full face appeared in front again, she was smiling sincerely at Sana, “ I miss you too, ” she sighs, “ we just have to wait a little longer, okay? ”

“Okay.”

Sana’s pout was evidently too adorable for Dahyun’s heart when she beams at the older, crescents forming on her eyes, “ stop pouting! I’m not there to kiss it away! ” she complains, flailing her arms like a whiny kid.

Sana gasped when she heard a thud on the other line, the screen turning black instantaneously. “Dahyunnie?”

Another thud was heard a few seconds later before the phone was picked up, showing Dahyun who’s sticking out her tongue in a mocking way to someone, “ you’re so bitter chaeng chaeng. ” when satisfied with her bickering with Chaeyoung, she turns to Sana, her eyes changes to a sincere one and she smiles warmly, “ and you, you’re too adorable for my heart, ” she places a palm on her chest, just above her heart, “ and I love you so much, Sana-chan. ”

Dahyun really has a way around her words, and she also knows her way into Sana’s heart, she feels like falling in love all over again, “you’re so cheesy,” she smiles cheekily, “I love you more, Dahyunnie.”

And Sana witnessed another pillow hit Dahyun, square to her face.

——

On weekends, Sana would go home to their town. Spending it with her family and most of the time, of course, with Dahyun. They would sometimes do sleepovers on either of their houses, or would visit places they would want to go to. And this night is one of those nights.

“Where are we going?” Sana asked, hooking her arm on Dahyun's. They are walking side by side, to a trail Sana doesn't remember if she knows.

Dahyun just shrugged, “you’ll see later.” she winks at Sana with a playful grin.

“Hmm okay.” Sana just shrugged too, snuggling closer to Dahyun while they walk, like it's a natural instinct for her to just be drawn close to the person she loves the most.

They reached a place full of trees and bushes. It looks nothing but a normal place at first. There were few people here and there, just scattered around. It was around afternoon, when the golden hours of burning rays of sun that will surely break them into sweats, have already passed. They found themselves getting closer to the handrails. When they reached an empty bench under a huge tree, that’s when Sana realized that Dahyun brought her to a cliff, an overview of the city.

Dahyun dusted off the seat and sat there, looking satisfied with the fascinated expression on her girlfriend’s face. She patted the seat next to her, inviting Sana to sit with her, and so the latter obliged. “Remember the time I facetimed you?” Sana nods, leaning onto Dahyun’s shoulder while her eyes train on the beautiful view before her, “that day we went here too, Chaeng said she discovered this from one of her night escapades with one of her flings.” Dahyun chuckles at the memory of how Chaeyoung explained it.

Sana perks up at that, “oh? Chaeng has flings now?”

“Yeah, that was the thing,” Dahyun’s brows knitted into one simultaneously as she scratches her chin in what seems like thinking, getting the click on Sana's tone, “I swear, when those words left Chaeyoung’s mouth, I saw the judgemental look on Tzuyu's eyes.”

Sana sits straight up to look at Dahyun, her hands landing on her hips, “and here I thought they had something...”

Dahyun chuckles at her girlfriend, shaking her head after. She opened her arms, ready to engulf the older girl, and the latter just dove straight, chuckling as well.

In these kinds of moments, where they are just like the kids that they were before, laughing and giggling thinking they are the only ones in this world, Sana is very thankful that the foundation of their relationship is first being best friends.

A few stolen kisses later — might be on the forehead, on the cheeks, or on the corners of their lips, we'll never know – the sky changed its hues to orange and pink spews as the sun fights its last breaths to shine for the day, before it rests. They watched it with content, wrapped around each other's love because it's the only thing that matters right now. Hands tangled with each other, Sana thinks that her hands fit perfectly on Dahyun’s, like it was made just for her, and she thanks the man above for giving her a love like this. She looks up from Dahyun’s shoulder and witnesses the reflection of the beautiful sunset on her lover's eyes. She was incredibly glowing  under the soft touch of the afterglow, and when Dahyun looks back at her with an adorable anticipating look, her lips twitching upwards and her eyebrows raising subtly, Sana feels like falling in love all over again, like it was the first time again. She shakes her head and closes the gap between them, soft lips meeting another soft pair, and when Dahyun smiles on the kiss, that was the final enough push for her feelings to spill on her paramour’s mouth. I love you and I’ll always choose you, even for the several lifetimes ahead, I’ve only got forever to offer .

.

Cold evening breeze brushes against them as they walk back home. It was a comfortable silence and Sana enjoys it, she feels safe and peaceful with Dahyun. Their hands are intertwined, Dahyun's thumb caressing the skin there.

"I have made up my mind." Dahyun breaks the silence.

Sana hums in question, urging Dahyun to continue.

The younger one looks at her, searching for her eyes first, "remember the time we talked about your dad's farm before?" She inquires, Sana nods at her, "we joked about buying it someday," she smiles, "I want to fulfill that. I have always dreamed of us having a simple life on that farm, ever since dad told me your family owns it."

Sana's eyebrows furrowed. She remembers exactly how they throw jokes about the farm being owned by Dahyun someday because she'll buy it and they'll grow numbers of animals there just because Sana loves animals so much. "Dahyunnie, are you sure about this? I mean, no one will own that farm in the future except for me anyway. You don't have to buy it."

"I know." Dahyun says, shrugging, "but I want to prove to him, and to your family, that I can provide for you, for us."

"But you don't have to prove anything to them, jagiya, they love you already as you are." Sana gently says to her, caressing her cheek with her free hand.

Dahyun leans on the touch, “I know that too,” she gives out a genuine smile, “but I still want to do it, please?”

There was a clear hesitation in Sana’s eyes, she was about to protest even more, but then Dahyun leaned her forehead to her, prompting her to hold on to her tongue. There it was, the look on her love’s eyes, there was sincerity and determination.

“Please?” Dahyun whispers to her.

Sana sighs, giving it up, because she knows she’ll never win this one on Dahyun (she’ll lose any argument just so she knows Dahyun will stay), “okay.”

Dahyun smiles and kisses her forehead, “thank you.”

—

The year was drawing near, as well as the school year for them. Sana focused on her classes more than ever. After that conversation about their dream and future, this only fuels them to work harder in their studies.

When the phone rings from her table, Sana picks it up immediately, smiling from ear to ear. “Hey, jagiya!”

Dahyun looked excited from her end, she was smiling too and her eyes were disappearing into crescents again, “ I have something to tell you, jagiya. ”

“You seem excited, calm down first,” Sana chuckles, “what was it?” She made herself comfortable on her seat.

Dahyun squeals in excitement as she pulls up a paper for Sana to see through the screen, “ I was able to pass a scholarship in your university, ” she smiles.

“Oh my god…”

“ We don’t have to be away from each other anymore, jagiya. ” Dahyun beams and it was all that took for Sana to burst into tears. “ Hey, hey, please don’t cry! ” Dahyun panics, “ we should be celebrating, Sana-chan, please don’t cry! ”

Sana sniffles and wipes her tears, “I… I’m just so proud of you, Dahyunnie,” tears are continuing to roll on her cheeks as she calms herself down, “I’m always so proud of you.”

Her eyes become glassy as she wipes a threatening tear from her eyes, “ it’s for you, Sana-chan, ” she smiles proudly, “ you inspire me to be a better person everyday, you inspire me to work hard too. You are the sole reason for me to be able to achieve this. ”

And Sana bursts into tears again. Her feelings wanted to burst in the seams because it was too much for her heart. She loves Dahyun, Dahyun loves her as much. A love that is equally given and received.

—

It was safe to say that college is a lot more tolerable with them having each other almost 24/7. They worked their way to convince their parents that it’s a lot more practical if they live under the same apartment, Dahyun can help in paying the rent (which is not really a problem but it was the last nail to the coffin to “seal the deal” Dahyun had said). So now they spend a couple of extra minutes in their mornings for early cuddles, just there, basking in the presence of each other and the warmth that they share before they can go on with their days.

Sana stirs on her sleeping position and stretches, her arm reaching the side where there should be a warm body that'll cuddle her on regular days, but there is none. She wakes up with Dahyun's side now cold and empty. She pouts but she understands. It's one of those days that Dahyun has an earlier class than Sana.

She rose up from the comforts of the soft bed and waddled her way to the kitchen. The remains of sleep are ebbing away as she reaches the table. A plastic container sitting alone on the table with a note on top of it was what she only saw.

"Cooked you breakfast, princess, eat up before leaving. I love you always 🤍

-Hyun"

Sana smiles at the note and tucks it her short pockets before opening the lid of the container and starts eating. Imagine having your stomach and your heart full all at the same time.

.

On her way to her class, she passed by their favorite cafe and decided to take a visit. The chime rang as the front door was pushed lightly. Sana smiles as the barista catches her sight. She orders her usual and waits. A light tap on her shoulder caught her attention from her phone.

“Hey, Sana,” the soft voice started. Looked up and already knew who it was, “Hi!”

“Oh! Hey Mina!” Sana greeted back, smiling at the girl.

Mina smiled down on her before pulling the chair beside Sana's.

“It's been a long time, how are you?” Sana asks as a conversation starter, feeling that Mina might be too shy to prompt.

Mina's eyes were as soft as the first time they met before, and it seems like nothing has changed. “all good. How are you and Dahyun?”

Sana's brows scrunched up, “We're good… how did you—”

Mina chuckled at the puzzled look on Sana, “Jihyo,” she beams, like the mention of the name is a shot of happy hormones through her body, “she told me about you guys.”

“That girl,” she clicks her tongue and shakes her head, a small smile on her lips.

Mina nods at her, taking a sip from her coffee, “yeah, that girl.” she says dreamily.

Sana chuckles this time, “you sound inlove there.”

Mina shyly tucks her hair behind her ear like a schoolgirl who just remembered her crush, “Who wouldn’t be in love with the Park Jihyo from our High School?” she asks, “I mean, she’s good at taking care of everyone, but it is an extra nice feeling to be taken care of by her personally , and I like it when I can return the favor.”

Sana nods at that. She totally understood what Mina felt at this point. Putting two and two together, she figured that Mina and her friend, Jihyo, is already official, “how long was it already?”

“Few years.” Mina answered simply.

Sana nods at that again.

“Kim Sana!” the barista calls from the counter.

Sana swore she saw a glimpse of a knowing smile on Mina’s lips before she stood up and got her coffee.

“I’ll walk with you to the university, Kim Sana .” Mina teases before hopping off her chair to headout.

Sana clicks her tongue, “Jihyo’s really rubbing off on you.”

“Sorry.” Mina beams at her as they walk out the coffee shop.

—

Sana scoops up her bag from the side of her chair and stretches her back a little. This day was a little bit excruciating with a lot of deadlines nearing and new projects that were given. She's excited to go home and just lay down with her Dahyun. She walks out of the room with her hand on the strap of her bag, her back slumped from tiredness. When she finally was able to step out of the room, she was met with the owner of the eyes she had missed the most all day, the person she only thinks about when her mind is not occupied with her major subjects and the projects she has to complete to pass the semester, she was there standing with her hands on the pocket of her favorite white hoodie Sana gave her on their first anniversary. All her tiredness was washed away by those beautiful smiles.

She takes out her hand from the pockets of her hoodie, “let's go home, Sana-chan?”

Sana reaches for her hand and twists their fingers together, she nods at her with a content smile.

And that was enough answer for Dahyun as they walked hand in hand out of the building, on their way to their apartment.

Home was never a place , Sana had thought, it was always a person , and if this is her home, she would never dare to stray far from it, never in a million years.

—

Few years later, all their hard work paid off as they graduated from college. Everyone around them was so proud, but most especially themselves. They celebrated with their friends and family.

They celebrated alone together too.

The night of Dahyun's graduation was also the first night they made love to each other. Sana lay beside Dahyun heaving with a thin sheet of sweat on her forehead as Dahyun pulls the duvet to cover their bare bodies. She intertwines their fingers together and rubs a reassuring thumb on the skin there. There were no words exchanged after a few moments, just the comfortable silence around them, Sana likes it.

Dahyun decides to inject more affection in the air by repeating the words she said earlier on the peak of her high, “I love you, Sana, with all my heart and soul,” she states, her eyes are full of sincerity and love for the girl beside her, “I don't think I could ever love somebody as much as I love you.”

Sana looks at her over her shoulders, her eyes glassy from unshed tears. Her love for Dahyun grows everyday and she feels that Dahyun's love for her is constantly growing as well that she sometimes thinks she doesn't deserve this. How can someone be this selfless and be loving and gentle around her? Did she save a country in her past life to ever deserve this angel who's holding her hand right now?

“Hey, please don't cry?” Dahyun cuts through the pool of her thoughts by caressing her cheek, wiping the tear that escaped unnoticed. She pulled up and used her elbow as a support and placed a lingering kiss on Sana's forehead.

Sana snuggles closer to her lover and wraps her arm around her waist, and her head resting just above Dahyun's heart, her heartbeat calms the wave off of Sana's body. “Dahyunnie?” she calls.

“Hmm?”

“Please know that I love you too, more than words can say.” Words will never be enough for me to express my feelings for you. She looks up at her and searches for her eyes, silently confessing her love before she reaches for a kiss, pouring it down to the bottom until the very last drop.

—

Dahyun has always been a very diligent worker, always placing her best foot forward. That's why Sana has always been so proud of her. She immediately landed a job after their graduation, just like Sana. They might be very busy but if it was for the future, then it'll be worth it. As long as they come home to each other every night.

When Sana got out of her office, the sky had already turned its dark hues of blue and violet, like an impending rain will occur later. She sat on the bench just outside the building waiting for Dahyun to pick her up. She scrolls through her phone to check on her messages and updates from her friends and parents, if there's any.

She feels a person towered over her before it sat itself down beside her, by the built and aura of this person, Sana already knows who it is. She wills herself not to roll her eyes.

“A beautiful girl like you doesn't deserve to just wait around here.” the man arrogantly said to her, “I mean, if you'd like I'll just take you home.”

Sana sighs and places her phone back in her bag, “I'm waiting for my girlfriend, Junmyeon sunbae.” she sternly states, hoping that the message gets across. Mark is that annoying colleague of hers. He pesters her every single day, trying his might to get into her, using his advantage of having a higher rank.

“I know.” the man—Junmyeon, replied. He adjusts the sleeve of his suit and looks at his watch, “it's getting late and I'm just being kind,” he grabs on her arm and squeezes it impolitely, “let's get you home.” he pushes.

Sana looks at him with an annoyed expression, trying to shake the hand that's gripping her arm, with all the politeness that's left of her, she says, “thank you for your offer, but please let go of me, I'm already waiting for my girlfriend to pick me up.”

The man kept on forcing her to stand up to the point where they already made a scene and a few people were looking over them. “people are already looking, Minatozaki, let's go—”

“Let go of  girlfriend, sir.” a stern voice halts the man from his actions.

He scoffs and faces Dahyun, “ah, so you're the girlfriend?”

Dahyun walks to them with a deadly aura and an equally cold stare, she swiftly removes the man's grip from her girlfriend and pulls her behind her back, “I am, I don't think we have a problem with that.”

Junmyeon scoffs again, scowl written all over his face, “you won't be able to protect her like you think you can.” he says.

“If protecting her means removing you out here, then I'll do it in a heartbeat.” Dahyun shoots back, never retreating from the stare down, “don't ever get close to my girlfriend ever again.” she says before turning her heel to the opposite direction and pulls Sana gently to follow.

“you need a man in your life! Not another girl?!” the man shouts from the distance and they don't spare him a glance back.

When they're far enough, Dahyun turns to Sana and hugs her very tight, “Are you okay? I'm sorry I was late,” she apologizes, “if I was just on time, that won't happen to you.”

“no, Dahyunnie, I'm okay, you don't have to worry.” Sana answers, hugging her tighter.

Dahyun sways them gently, “I didn't know homophobia is still a thing.” she says, kissing Sana's forehead, “that guy should lose his job for trying to assault you.”

Sana looks at her, “Dahyun, I'm fine now, don't mind him anymore.”

“Okay.”

.

The next day when Sana reported back to her office, everybody were talking about a sexual assault that happened the night before. She frowns at the empty cubicle next to their director.

“Sana Minatozaki, please come to my office.” her director says when she spotted her.

Sana walks to the office, anxiety slowly eating its way up at her. “You called for me, director?”

The director, a woman in her middle age, sat down on her swivel chair, a pen trapped between her fingers, “yes.” she gestures on the seat in front of her desk, “please sit down.”

Sana sat herself, waiting for what's to happen.

“He's been removed from his office and relieved of his position.” Director starts, looking directly at Sana but her facial features are relaxed.

Sana was confused, why is the woman telling her this...

Director smiles at her reassuringly, “we don't support homophobia here,” she places down the pen and tangles her hands together, “and your other workmates saw how he treats you here. What happened last night was the breaking point. I'm sorry it had to reach that point before we took action.”

Her eyes were already welling, but she held back her tears as she smiled, “thank you so much, director. I...” she trails, thinking of her words, “I don't know how to thank you.”

The director smiles, “you don't have to thank me, it's my job to protect my people, Sana,” she states, reaching for the younger's hand, “and you are already a part of it even if you just started not long ago.”

And that was the time Sana knew she was right in choosing this company.

—

” Toi et moi .” Sana reads the letters on the heart shaped pendant of the necklace Dahyun gave her.

Dahyun smiles, “ You and Me . Happy Anniversary.”

Sana smiles at her and kisses her on the lips, “Happy Anniversary, jagiya.”

Dahyun just came home from her business trip from France after being promoted in her work. When Sana said that Dahyun always places her best foot forward, she really meant it. Being the youngest person in her company to be promoted was a very big achievement, and Sana has always been so proud of her. She came home just in time for their anniversary.

Sana had spent her days alone preparing for this day. She learned to cook specific recipes, thanks to Mina and Jihyo’s guidance, or else their kitchen will be burnt to ashes in no time. She served the food on the table and a glass of wine each for them. Their table was lit with candles.

“Wow,” Dahyun mused, “I feel like I’m in a fancy restaurant.” she chuckles.

Sana sits in front of her, “and that’s because I fancy you .”

"Oh oh ohhhh~" Dahyun singsongs a famous girl group song, causing Sana to laugh.

They share a comfortable silence as Dahyun tries the steak Sana cooked, her eyes glued to every possible reaction from Dahyun. The latter took a forkful of the main course and hums. Sana feels like the air suspends suddenly while she waits for Dahyun's verdict.

Dahyun chews and swallows, still silent. She took the napkin beside her plate, and Sana hates it that she's taking her time before speaking.

“Dahyun—”

“Can I just marry you right here? Right now?” Dahyun cuts her off with a playful smile.

Sana slaps her arm for making her worry about the steak she cooked, “did you know that you just made me worry? I thought you didn't like it.” she pouts.

Dahyun just laughed at her and reached for her hand across the table, “I would always love whatever it is that you cooked for me, you don't have to worry, okay?” she assures.

The older one just rolls her eyes and smiles on her and starts eating from her plate.

“Oh, and I'll make sure to have your eyes rolling again later.” Dahyun states with a chuckle before a crumpled tissue lands square to her face.

.

“What made you busy while I was gone?” Dahyun asks, wiping the plate clean and placing it on the rack as Sana washes them.

She turns off the faucet before soaping another plate, “Work. We were able to finish several projects before their own deadlines, and bosses were happy.” she muses, “I also hung out with Nayeon and Jeongyeon two days ago, they just broke the news to me that they're getting married in the next two weeks.”

“Impulsiveness really is their forte, I must say.” Dahyun comments and shakes her head. Her hands are now empty again while she waits for Sana to finish washing the dishes, so she walks behind the girl and wraps her arms around her waist, placing her chin on Sana's shoulder.

Sana hums a familiar song under her breath while she enjoys Dahyun's warmth behind her. “ Do you remember when we first met? I sure do,

It was some time in early September, ”

Dahyun kisses the blade of her shoulder and smiles, “ You were lazy about it, you made me wait around,

I was so crazy about you, I didn't mind. ”

Sana chuckles, finishing up the dishes for Dahyun to dry. “I'm so lucky I made you crazy about me then.” she kids and twirls her hair playfully between her fingers.

Dahyun just shakes her head at her girlfriend's antics. “Well, you don't have to make too much effort, I already have my eyes on you. Only you,” she kisses her cheek, “ever since we were kids.”

When Dahyun finishes drying the plates, Sana pulls her to the balcony of their apartment. They passed by their framed photos, some with their friends, some with their families, but most of them are their photos in the most precious places they went to, and their graduation photo. One where Dahyun's hand was on Sana's hip for a gentle pull but screams this is my girl .

Their balcony was not that big, but it was enough to fit more than two people and a small coffee table with two chairs. Sana opted to just stand to lean on the railings. The view was far from the beautiful scenery a luxurious flat would offer, but this is enough for them, as long as they have a home to come to, and they have each other at the end of the day.

Dahyun wraps her arm around Sana’s waist, peppering kisses on her lover’s shoulders and nape, sending tickles to Sana, making her giggle. “Penny for your thoughts?” Dahyun asks.

Sana leans back, looking at the shining stars, “We’ve come so far, Dahyunnie,” she starts, “I just don’t want to forget this moment, ever. If it's just possible, I want this engraved in my brain.”

Dahyun snuggles to her neck, sniffing her scent, “I will always remind you about this times when your memories fail to serve you,” she swiftly turns Sana around to face her, “and when we’re old and wrinkly, I will always tell stories to our children, of how a beautiful woman,” she kisses Sana’s nose, “made me believe that being in love and being able to be loved back is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

There were no tears that threatened Sana’s eyes right now, just pure content and adoration, overflowing in every chamber of her heart. Her eyes searched for any uncertainties in Dahyun’s eyes, but there is none, just love and affection, sincerity in every corner there is. She leans forward and captures her lover’s lips in a slow and steady kiss, every ounce of love she can pour are there. When words fail to get the meanings across, actions do.

The kiss turned longer when Dahyun nibbled on Sana’s bottom lip for access to explore her mouth, and so she obliged. Exchange of tongues and deeper kisses. Dahyun secured Sana’s waist and lifted her, walking them carefully to the bedroom. Dahyun holds Sana as if she’s made out of glass, and would shatter anytime if she let’s go. She’s so gentle that Sana’s heart melts. She places the older one on the bed and towers over her. Their lips swollen and eyes blown from arousal. Dahyun looks at her as she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “has anyone already told you how beautiful you are?”

Sana nods, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth from containing to break a wide smile, “Yeah, her name’s Kim Dahyun.” she proudly says.

The younger one kisses her again, “she must be so lucky then.”

“Well, I’m the lucky one to have her.” Sana counters with a giggle, booping her nose.

Dahyun laughs, “Sana,” she sighs, the corners of her mouth forming an affectionate smile, “you can thank all the stars you want, but I,” she points at herself, “Kim Dahyun, will always be the lucky one.” and she kisses her fervently.

.

She stirred from her sleep and felt that no one was beside her. It was still past midnight, she checks on her phone, and Sana pulls the duvet over her body to warm herself. When she's about to stand up to find Dahyun, her eyes landed on the corner of their room, only to find the person she was about to look for, looking at her with so much love and patience. “Dahyunnie, what are you doing?” she asks, propping her elbow and securing the duvet on her chest.

Dahyun smiles at her, “I'm just writing in my journal,” she pulls up her pen, “and sleep's not yet coming in, so this should help.” she explains in the gentlest tone.

The remains of sleep ebbs away as Sana stands up and waddles her way to Dahyun, sitting on her lap. She observes as Dahyun closes the journal with her other hand, while the other supports her by the hips. Sana kisses Dahyun's temple, a silent way of telling her it's okay and she respects her privacy.

“Thank you.” Dahyun whispers.

Sana just nods at her, snuggling closer, “since when did you start journaling?” she asks.

Dahyun rocks them, “hmm… since I was in France. One of our bosses there gave out journals as a souvenir, each and everyone has it, and he told us we were free to design it our way.” She flips the journal upside down to show the letters printed there.

“ Sana's Dahyun . ” Sana reads out as she feels the curve of every letter in her fingertips.

Dahyun nods, “So that they'll know who owns this journal and who I belong to.” she whispers into the small gap between their frames, as if she doesn’t want the universe to know her biggest secret, because if it did know, the universe has its own way of ruining beautiful things .

The older smiles and cups Dahyun’s cheeks with both her hands, squishing it gently, she pecks on her lips, still as sweet as the first time they kissed. “Fill me in with what you were writing?”

Dahyun playfully shakes off her hands away, “it’s a secret though?” She acts.

“No clues? Nada?” Sana tries again.

She considers it. Dahyun pouts, as if thinking of better words to say to not spill everything out in the open. She gives out a smile before answering, like one of those smiles where Sana feels like she would melt into puddles anytime, “I wrote down the things I don’t want to forget, so that when time comes that our memories will fail, this journal will hold our memories. I can read it for you, or you can read it for me,” Dahyun boops her nose, “or we can read it to our kids.”

Sana laughs beautifully, it echoes inside the room and ricochets straight to Dahyun’s heart. She pulls Dahyun up and drags her to their bed, the younger one hovering on top of her, “You’d like to have kids in the future?” she asks, untangling the other’s robe, “do you want to adopt or?”

“Anyway you want it,” Dahyun tucks a loose strand of hair behind Sana’s ear, “I’ll go with whatever decision you’ll have, as long as I can have you.”

Sana hums a response. The decision making should be done with a long thought process and should not be rushed, they can talk about it some other time, for now it’s just them, under the shine of the moonlight that’s piercing through their curtains. “You’re extra cheesy today,” she squints her eyes, “Do you have something to tell me?”

Dahyun shakes her head with a chuckle, “nothing.” she caresses Sana’s cheek in her palm, the latter leaning to the touch.

“Will you have other travels soon?” Sana asks.

Dahyun thinks first, remembering if there is any, “In, I think, three weeks from now? We’ll go back to France to finish some stuff there, and go back here.” she draws circles on Sana’s skin while explaining, “and then by the end of the year, we’ll have this trip to Japan,”

This got Sana perked up even more. It has been awhile since she visited Japan.

“A new investor to please there. They need someone that speaks Japanese fluently, luckily I have the best teacher in the world!” Dahyun finishes enthusiastically, tackling Sana into a hug.

Sana hums, enjoying the warmth, “No wonder your company really likes you. You are like their own fortune charm.”

“Well,” Dahyun scoots closer to Sana, “they don’t know I have my own lucky charm.”

Sana laughs out loud and slaps Dahyun by the arm, “You’re so…”

“What? I’m just stating facts?” Dahyun hugs Sana tighter, resting her head on her chest. The silence that engulfed them after the words left her mouth was flat and as if there were words that should be said to have the wavelengths curve.

The sleep came back creeping in, the steady heartbeats of Dahyun lulls her to shut her eyes and just listen closely as if it was singing for her.

“We’re so close to reaching our dream, Sana, just hang on a little bit, okay?” Dahyun whispers on the crown of her head, her voice heavy with the sleep she has been waiting to visit.

Sana hums as they walk in each of their dreamlands. Their hands intertwined and their bodies as close as possible, afraid to let go.

—

The next time Sana sees her friends are on Jeongyeon and Nayeon's wedding.

The place was so beautiful and elegant, as if it was not planned just last week. Beautiful white roses were scattered around the area. Accents of green and brown to match the theme. The couple wanted it to be just a small gathering of people that are dear to them, just their family and close friends.

“So Dahyun, when are you going to ask Sana?”

Her ears are trained to anything that involves Dahyun, and so Sana looks over her shoulders and saw Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Jihyo, and Tzuyu and Chaeyoung (which Dahyun pulled last minute because Jeongyeon said “I am outnumbered by Nayeon in terms of my bridesmaids, I need backups.”). She was standing there, hearing Sana’s name and that implied question placing a wide smile on Dahyun’s face, her eyes hiding by how wide it is, “we’re taking our time, unnie,” she places a hand over Jeongyeon’s arm, “we’ll get there, don’t worry, I’ll make sure of it.”

The answer she heard from her girlfriend’s mouth made her heart melt in more ways than one. By the sound of it, Dahyun is too good to be true for her, after all those years she still can’t believe that Dahyun, her best friend, is hers.

“I bet if your eyes have lasers Dahyun will be a puddle now.” Nayeon comments beside her, making everyone around their table laugh, Jennie laughing the loudest.

Sana’s cheeks heat up from embarrassment, “shut up, unnie.”

“I’ll side with Nayeon this time,” Lisa interjects, “I mean, she’s already your girlfriend, but you’re still so whipped!” she laughs.

Sana clears her throat and shifts on her seat, “yeah, she’s already my girlfriend, but my growing love for her won’t stop there, you know.” she replies with a shy smile.

A series of aws and cheers of chaos hound their table from Sana’s answer.

They heard a slap from the other side of the table, it was from Jennie and Lisa, “See! Maybe you don’t love me anymore huh?!” Jennie asks Lisa, who was dumbfounded at the question.

Lisa was rubbing on her sore arm, “What?!” oh how the tables have turned.

“I see you ladies are enjoying.” Jeongyeon said as they near their table. She stood behind Nayeon, wrapping her in a half hug.

Everyone was smiling at the newly-wedded couple in front of them. Their eyes are all saying the same message, ‘ finally these two already tied the knots .’

Sana feels Dahyun standing behind her, placing a soft kiss on the crown of her head. “Hey princess.” she greets.

She looks up at her and smiles, “Hey.”

The night continues with the newly-weds gracing the dance floor for the first time as a married couple. Followed by some other people dancing with their own partners to feel the night.

Jeongyeon taps the mic to get everyone’s attention, “The next song, is the song that I wrote for my wife,” she looks at her wife as a blush creeps in her cheeks, “and I would just like to thank my best bridesmaid, Kim Dahyun, for helping me with this song, with the lyrics and the chords,” she points at Dahyun’s direction, “man, thank you so much, I owe you one next time.”

Dahyun just smiles at Jeongyeon and raises a thumbs up.

Jeongyeon sits on the grand piano on the side of the stage, placing her hand above the keys. The air inside the venue still as she presses on the first key.

“This is my love song to you,

Let every woman know I'm yours,” Jeongyeon sings, looking straight at her wife.

“So you can fall asleep each night, babe,

And know I'm dreaming of you more,” the music and Jeongyeon's angelic voice filled the venue.

“Hey,” Sana calls Dahyun. The latter looks at her questioningly, “did you really help her writing this?” she asks.

Dahyun squeezes her hand, “yup.”

“You're always hoping that we make it,

You always want to keep my gaze,

Well you're the only one I see,

And that's the one thing that won't change,”

From everyone's point of view, they can already see that Nayeon is on the verge of crying.

“It's so beautiful.” Sana breathes, listening to the song.

Dahyun places their intertwined hands on her lap, “it is.” she replies, looking at Sana with one of those warm gazes only Sana could be the reason why.

“I'll never stop trying,

I'll never stop watching as you leave,

I'll never stop losing my breath,

Every time I see you looking back at me,” the music stops as Jeongyeon suddenly stands up, microphone in hand.

She made her way to her wife and wiped a tear from her cheek, “I'll never stop holding your hand,

I'll never stop opening your door,

I'll never stop choosing you babe,

I'll never get used to you.”

.

They stayed at the hotel the couple also rented for the guests, since the party ended already deep in the night.

Sana wakes up to the sound of someone ripping off pages of papers. She squinted her eyes to adjust from the darkness of the room and she saw Dahyun slouched on the sofa adjacent to the bed, writing on her journal, before ripping it to start yet another one.

“Everything okay, jagiya?” she asks, her voice hoarse because of sleep.

Dahyun peeked from her journal, “yes, princess.” she answered rather fast.

Sana wrinkled her eyebrows, “are you sure?”

The younger smiled at her, “yes, I'm sure. You know I'm having a hard time sleeping in other places right?” 

Sana nods, she's too tired to get up and drag Dahyun to the bed, so she just agrees, ready to go back to sleep. “Just don't stay up too late, you're tired too, Dahyunnie.”

“Yes, Sana-chan.”

——

Sana loads off the last suitcase Dahyun will bring for this trip. Taking note of the wearing white and purple heart stickers on the top most corner, she'll remind Dahyun to replace it once she gets back.

“Thank you, Sana-chan.” Dahyun says, taking the suitcase from Sana's hold. She was a little quiet the whole drive to the airport and it didn't go unnoticed as Dahyun curls up a hand to cup her jaw, encouraging her to look up, “are you okay?”

Sana leans on the touch, closing her eyes as she breathes in, “I'm okay,” she replies, more like to herself than to the one who asked, “I will be okay.” she smiles at Dahyun.

The latter's eyes softened, “hey Princess, I'll be back, wait for me, okay?” she reassures, “don't count the days that I'm gone.” she holds Sana's hands into her own, “I'll come home to you, like I always do.” she smiles and kisses Sana's forehead, lingering a little.

She savored the moment until Dahyun pulled away to kiss her on the lips. It was a gentle and patient kiss, they took their time until oxygen was obviously needed before the pull away. “I love you.” Sana whispers onto Dahyun’s lips.

“I love you too, forever and always.”

—

Sana lounges in the living room while she waits for Dahyun’s message if she has already landed in Japan. Her attention was caught by a brown notebook sitting quietly above the countertop. She pinches her eyebrows at the sight, the notebook looks familiar…

Oh?

It was Dahyun’s journal.

Sana stood up to get the notebook and inspect if it really is Dahyun’s journal. She flipped it on the backside and saw the name. It is indeed hers. Sana rushed back to the living room to pick up her phone and send Dahyun a message about the journal.

To: my hyun 🤍

Jagi, you forgot your journal here

Obviously, Dahyun is still traveling, she won’t be able to reply for the meantime, so Sana busied herself in cooking for her dinner tonight. She’s planning to finish the drama they have been watching since last week, in hopes to annoy Dahyun with the spoilers she'll spill once the latter is already home.

Few hours later, when her plates were as empty as the tissue boxes she finished while watching the drama, her phone buzzed and lit up from the coffee table. She blew her nose for the last time before throwing the crumpled tissue paper in the empty box. Snatching the phone to check if it was Dahyun who messaged her.

From: my hyun 🤍

We just landed, princess 💜

Oh my journal :<

Anyway just keep it for me, please? Thank you so muchhh

Sana can't help the smile forming on her lips as she reads the messages Dahyun just sent her, but as soon as the smile reaches her eyes, she can already feel the swell protruding from crying for the past hour (she doesn't know if it's because of the drama or because she misses Dahyun).

From: my hyun 🤍

We'll go to the hotel now, Sana-chan

I'll call when we get there, okay?

I love you, Sana

Sana can't help but grin widely at how cute and loving her girlfriend is. Always there to remind Sana that she loves her.

To: my hyun 🤍

Okay. Take care, jagiya 🤍

I'll wait for your call 😊

She fixes the table and washed all her dishes before going to bed, to wait for Dahyun's call. Few beats later and her phone rings impatiently. She picks it up and slides the answer button.

“ Hi, prin— why are your eyes swollen? Have you been crying?! ” Dahyun asked, panicstricken.

She can see Dahyun immediately sitting up from her view, making Sana laugh out loud, “No, Dahyunnie!” fanning herself from laughing too much, “I mean, I cried—”

“ Why?! ”

Sana bursted out laughing again, “No, listen to me first,” she bites her lower lip to contain the laughter while seeing the panic in Dahyun’s eyes, “I watch our drama earlier and I cried so much my eyes got puffy,” she pouted but immediately grinned at the change in Dahyun’s eyes, the look of betrayal shining.

“ You watched it without me?! ” She can see Dahyun placing her hand on her hips, displaying faux annoyance with her eyebrows raised.

Sana was still laughing, covering her mouth with her hand. Oh the amount of money she’ll pay just to have Dahyun beside her physically and hear her voice not from the phone. “If I tell you, the drama is so—”

“ Shh!! ” Dahyun cuts her off with a click of a tongue, pretending to be annoyed by Sana, but immediately breaking from her character as she chuckles, “ but really, Sana-chan, why did you watch it without me? ” she pouts cutely, like a kid.

“Well, maybe you left me here alone and I don’t know what to do?” Sana kids, “And I was missing the only person that made me watch dramas, so…”

Dahyun’s eyes soften as she smiles at her girlfriend, “ I miss you too, Sana, you have no idea .” she replies, resting her face above her fist, “ just hang on a little okay? I’ll come home to you .”

Sana nods at her profusely, “I’ll always wait for you, my Dahyun.”

This made Dahyun smile from the end of the call, “ thank you for being so patient with me, Sana. My promise to you stands still. We’ll get there. ”

They talked for a few more minutes before sleep creeps in. As if they were physically together, they whispered sweet nothings to each other until they both fell asleep. Their phone surely will die in the morning because they left it on call.

—

“Sana, what are you doing?”

Sana ignores Nayeon's question as she crouches in front of the lowest part of the shelf, looking for something.

Nayeon puffs her cheeks, sounding literally bored, “Sana—”

“Wait! I'm… just finding something— there you are!” Sana said, finally standing up, showing a small chain with a round metal on its end. “perfect.”

“What's that for?” Nayeon asked confusedly.

Sana grins and pulls out a brown rectangular thing, a notebook. “This is for Dahyun's journal. I'll put a keychain here, like a charm. Dahyun would be so happy.” she claps, placing the notebook back in her bag.

They walked to the counter to pay for what they bought. Sana observes Nayeon's cart. It was full of the things necessary in a household, and she smiled. “It must be so nice to be finally married to the person you love, yeah?” she asks rather quite dreamily.

Nayeon looked at her with a flash of confusion at first, and was immediately replaced by a proud smile, “of course.” she answers, “I mean, even before we got married, Jeongyeon and I were already living together, this marriage thing just adds a little more spice to it,” she air quotes, “by spice I mean, it's a hundred times more reassuring that she'll stay with me forever.”

Sana nods at that. Nayeon was right , Sana thought, if you're already sure with the person, marriage is just another bind that strengthens your relationship with the person you love .

.

When Sana got home that day, she found herself fixing the keychain on the journal. She lifts it to have a better view, and she smiles as the most special keychain, the Doraemon keychain, shines under the dim light of the room. She's excited to show this to Dahyun when she calls tomorrow.

—

The following days were a bit harder for Sana when Dahyun became a little bit busier. Their calls were cut short due to Dahyun's new boss being so demanding of her. She had mentioned that since she's the only person that's very fluent in Japanese, Dahyun's almost always around her to the point that sometimes she's the one driving for her when needed. Sana won't lie, she felt worried. Aside from the fact that Dahyun is getting overworked, she can't help but get jealous. She trusts Dahyun but not the people around her, especially…

“ Kim Dahyun! Ms. Hirai is looking for you! ” Sana hears from the end of the call. Dahyun looked at her apologetically and was about to open her mouth to speak, but Sana beat her to it.

Sana smiles at her understandingly, “go ahead, It's okay.”

Dahyun pouts and clicks her tongue, “ I'm sorry, princess .”

Sana nods, understanding the situation, “it's okay, Dahyunnie, get it over with,” she smiles, hopeful one, “you'll come home to me after, okay?”

Dahyun returns the smile, a more reassuring one, “ I'll always come home to you. You'll have me all to your self when I get home. I love you, Sana .”

“I love you too, Dahyunnie.”

.

Sana tossed and turns in their bed that night. She feels weird that she can't seem to fall asleep despite being busy at work. She did some breathing exercises to calm her heart but nothing happened. Why is she feeling nervous and anxious all at the same time? Dahyun hasn't called since this morning and she must be so busy again. She had returned short messages of reminders for Sana to eat or rest, but calling is still farfetched for now.

Her surroundings are very quiet and still, like if anything makes a noise, something would break. It feels like a calm before the storm.

She tries again, calming her heart again to finally fall asleep. She inhales gradually for fives seconds and eventually exhaling for seven seconds. Her hearts and nerves calmed down, Sana feels like sleeping. She was about to walk to her dreamland when her phone rang demandingly from the night stand. Sana grumbles and grab the device, her eyebrows scrunching together, why is Dahyun calling in the middle of the night?

She slides the answer button, “Hello, Dahyunnie?”

There were scratches and weird noises from the other end before heavy breathing overpowered everything, “Hello? Is this Sana…? Dahyun's…” a man spoke, his voice deep and laced with fear and nervousness.

Sana's heart pound and her mind raced to different scenarios as to why this man has Dahyun's phone and is acting like this. She bit her lip to contain her equally nervous state, “girlfriend. Y-yes, this is Sana. Why do you have Dahyun's phone?”

The other end turned quiet for what felt like eternity for Sana, before a click of a tongue, “Dahyun, she… uhh… they got into a car accident…” another paused and Sana's heart felt like constricting, “it doesn't look good.”

Sana felt like her heart dropped cold to the floor when sirens invaded the noisy background and a couple of people shouting from the other end.

Dahyun, please… no…

.

Sana booked the earliest flight to Japan the following day after informing everyone, especially their family, about what happened to Dahyun. She frantically packed her things, not even wasting a second and immediately went to the airport. Nothing else matters, for now, she has to see Dahyun.

She clutches to her chest and feels the necklace Dahyun gave her, Dahyun, please wait for me, my love, I'm on my way to you .

—

With no rest and a little amount she ate from her breakfast (she doesn't have the appetite to eat), Sana was already on her way to the hospital's address that the same man gave her through Dahyun's number. She hailed a cab from the airport, asking the driver to speed up the driving. As they get closer to the hospital, Sana feels her knees getting weaker and weaker.

The cab pulled over in front of the hospital in no time. Sana rushed to the help desk of the hospital, pulling herself together to be able to talk properly. When she's able to get Dahyun's room, she quickly walks to the stated room number, not minding the weird looks she was receiving from other people around, they don't matter, she just needs to see Dahyun.

She stands in front of Dahyun's room, clutching the pendant of her necklace to at least calm her down a little bit more. She grips the doorknob and takes a deep breath before twisting it and pushing the door.

There she lies, the love of her life, unconscious. There are bandages on her left arm and legs, and on her head. Bruises were scattered all over her body. It was as if her whole world flipped upside down at the sight of Dahyun lying there on the hospital bed.

“Dahyun…” she sobbed. Her hand travels onto Dahyun's bandaged ones. She holds back a louder sob with her free hand, covering her mouth.

The door swung open, revealing the doctors and some nurses trailing behind.

Sana wipes away her tears and breathes in to calm herself before talking to the doctors.

The doctor, who looks like their leader, approaches with a clipboard, his hand on his waist, sighing, “Good day, ma'am, I'm doctor Akihiko, patient's doctor, and you are…?”

“I'm Minatozaki Sana, Kim Dahyun's girlfriend.” She answers in Japanese.

Dr. Akihiko nods and looks at his clipboard, “may I talk to you in my office?” he asks as the nurses observe Dahyun's body in the bed to check.

Sna looks back at her for a moment before nodding at the doctor.

.

“She suffered a severe head injury, that's why she's still unconscious until now. There are bruises all over her body and she broke her left arm due to the impact of the collision.” the doctor explains.

Sana was trying her best to listen carefully to every word that the doctor was saying, but she couldn't help but to zone out due to too many things in her head.

“Ms. Minatozaki, we have to wait for Ms. Kim to wake up to see if there are any other complications.” dr. Akihiko finishes, closing his folder and leaning on his swivel chair, “for now, all we can do is to wait.” he smiled sadly.

.

After the conversation she had with the doctor and looking now at the sleeping figure of Dahyun on the bed, the incident is slowly sinking into her now.

Dahyun, please , she wishes as she kisses Dahyun's bandaged hand, please wake up now .

——

In a span of a week, their family and friends flew to Japan to visit Dahyun and help Sana around to be with her. Chaeyoung and Tzuyu offered to have shifts with her so that she can rest in their house, in which Sana declined, saying that she will surely not have a wink of sleep if she's away from Dahyun.

Sana leans her head on her palm, placing it on the side of the couch to rest a little. Having to juggle between her work from home (she requested it from her company) and her talking to doctors and nurses for updates, it was draining but she can't just let Dahyun here.

She closes her eyes and is about to sleep, but the bed creaks. She shot her eyes open to see as Dahyun stirs in her slumber. She swore as if it was in slow motion, Dahyun’s eyes fluttered open, she’s finally awake.

Sana rushed to her side and pressed the button to call the nurses, she cradle her hand gently so as to not inflict any pain. “D-dahyun?”

Dahyun’s eyebrows knitted in one as she tries to sit up, clutching on her bandaged head, hissing in pain.

“No, just lay down, please—”

Dahyun looks up at her, “Sana?” she blinks her eyes, “You’re Sana right? I’m not hallucinating?” she chuckled a bit but hissed again when her head throbbed.

Sana chuckles through her tears, “y-yes, it's me Dahyun  It's Sana.”

“Where am I? Why are you crying?” she asks dumbfoundedly while looking at Sana.

Sana wipes away her tears, “You're in a hospital, you got in an accident last week,” She explains, “and you were comatosed for almost two weeks, but you're awake now, you're okay now, Jagiya.” she smiles reassuringly.

Dahyun's expression changed into a more confused look, her hand still on her head as she looked up at Sana, “what do you mean 'jagiya'? You're just my best friend, right?”

Sana felt like being punched to the gut and her soul leaving her body. Dahyun doesn't remember her being her girlfriend.

Even before Sana could recover from what she heard, the doctors and nurses rushed inside the room rounding up on Dahyun to check on her.

Her thoughts were cut off as one of the nurses ushered her to the door, “Ms. Minatozaki, please wait outside for a while.”

.

“Retrograde amnesia,” dr. Akihiko sighs, “it is a rare type of memory loss that involves an inability to access memories formed before the onset of amnesia. It is caused by damage to the regions of the brain associated with memory storage.” He removes his glasses and looks at Sana, “that’s why she can’t remember some parts of her life for now.”

Sana felt like her head wanted to burst at how painful it is. She remembers how Dahyun's looked at her earlier, something's definitely missing from the way she stared at Sana. “I told her I'm her girlfriend.” she blurts out of nowhere.

She hears the swivel chair creaks as the doctor leans on the table to take notes.

“and she looked at me, dead in the eyes, confused and asked me what do I mean by it.” she chuckled bitterly. “Yeah, Dahyun remembers me, but she forgot that I'm her girlfriend.” she sobbed in her hand loudly as the doctor looked at her sympathetically.

.

That night, when Dahyun finally fell back asleep, Sana walked back to her room, and stared at the sleeping figure of the love of her life.

What happened to the promise of never forgetting, Dahyunnie?