Work Text:
Focus, Youngeun. Just ignore her. She had papers upon papers stacked around her. Her main priority should be organizing the paperwork for the student council, but her attention was currently stuck on the brown-hair girl sitting a few seats across from her. Youngeun let out a quiet groan, making sure it couldn't be heard by the other students in the library. Focus... that's much easier said than done. She got up from her seat and walked towards the girl. "What are you planning, Kim?" She asked in a agitated voice.
Dayeon grinned. "Does my prescence bother you that much?"
"I can feel your stare on me, and It's suffocating. If you're trying to annoy me then do it some other time. I have papers to organize."
"You would've finished your duty awhile ago if you weren't busy gawking at Yeseo, Seo." Dayeon rebutted.
Youngeun's face dropped. "You saw?" Of course she did, idiot. She was staring at you the whole time.
"I can see your giant heart eyes for her from a mile away."
Out of everyone, why does she have to find out about my crush on Yeseo? "Is that all you have to say?" Youngeun gritted the words through her teeth. "If so, I'm going back to work-"
"Date me."
Youngeun's eyes widened in an almost comical way. Emphasis on almost. Youngeun doesn't think there's anything comical about this situation. "What?"
Dayeon crossed her arms. "I knew your eyesight was bad, but I didn't expect your hearing to be too."
"Shut up and tell me what you mean."
"You know those two things are contradictory-"
"Kim Dayeon."
Dayeon innocently smiled. "Date me."
Maybe this was all a dream, a very bad dream. Even so, in what universe would Kim Dayeon ask Seo Youngeun to date her? Youngeun wants to flat out reject the girl but the words somehow get stuck in her throat. This is the first time she's been asked. She settles with a "You're not serious."
Dayeon leaned back in her chair with her smile turning mischievous. "To an extent. I don't want to seriously date you, but let's just fake it for awhile."
Youngeun thinks she's left with more questions than before. "You're making no sense."
Dayeon begins explaining. "My theater club is producing a play."
"You're in the theater club? With Yeseo?"
Dayeon scoffs. "Of course you only notice Yeseo. We're both child actresses, but that's not the point. The main character I'm auditioning for is a hopeless romantic."
"You're screwed then. I can hardly imagine you acting all lovesick."
"Harsh, but accurate. That's why I need you to be my fake girlfriend. Surely I'll learn how to be more romantic."
"I don't see why you had to ask me out of all people to fake date you."
"Because it would be impossible for me to fall for you."
Ouch.
Dayeon falling for Youngeun was the last thing she wanted but she couldn't help but feel offended by the statement. "Forget it, Kim. Why the hell would I help you?"
"Thought you would've figured it out already, Seo. Date me and you'll make Yeseo jealous, perhaps make her realize her feelings for you."
Shit.
"You've thought this out." Youngeun mumbled, annoyed that the girl was able to figure out her so well.
"I'm quite the genius, aren't I?"
"Be quiet."
Dayeon did a zipping motion on her mouth. Youngeun rolled her eyes in response.
"So you're in, Seo?"
"Could I ever win against you?"
"The 1st place trophies in my room says no."
"You're annoying. I can't believe I'm dating you."
"Did you seriously have to insult me and confirm you're my girlfriend at the same time?" Dayeon asked, getting out of her seat.
Youngeun shrugged. "Hey, where are you going?"
"Your papers won't organize themselves. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I don't help out?" Dayeon sat down where Youngeun was originally seated and begun looking through the stacks of papers.
Youngeun ignored the weird feeling stemming from her chest. "Hold on, make sure you do it correctly." She said as she was peering over Dayeon's shoulder to make sure she wasn't actually trying to ruin her hard work.
"I can feel your breaths on my neck. It's distracting."
"Now you know how I felt when you were staring."
Dayeon slightly pouted, and Youngeun notices the way Dayeon's cheek gets a little puffier. For someone so aggravating, she has her cute moments. Youngeun spots the time on Dayeon's watch. "Shit, it's almost past curfew. I'll take half of these papers. Give the rest to me at school tomorrow." Youngeun swooped up a couple stacks and before she could dash out the door, she felt a hand on her wrist.
Dayeon used her other hand to grab a marker, and her teeth to take off the cap.
"What are you doing?" Youngeun asked when Dayeon begun writing on her. "That better not be permanent marker."
"Relax. I'm giving you my number, Seo."
Youngeun raised a eyebrow. "There's paper all around you and you decided to write on my arm- quite logical of you, Kim."
"People are going to see your arm and know that someone already confessed to you. That way, they won't try to hit on my girl."
Youngeun nearly let out a laugh. "No guys are going to hit on me, but if this will ease your heart then continue writing."
"Why wouldn't they?" Dayeon finished inking Youngeun's skin. She looked up to make eye contact. "You're pretty, Youngeun."
Thump.
Youngeun couldn't tell if the pounding of her heart was because of the fact Dayeon complimented her or from the girl using her name for the first time. Calm down, Youngeun. She doesn't mean it. She's just practicing being romantic for her role.
"T-thanks." Youngeun decided it would be best to end this conversation as soon as possible. "I'll get going now. Have a good night, Kim."
Dayeon watched Youngeun dash out the door. "I didn't know she gets flustered this easily. I wonder how she reacts around Yeseo. Surely her face would get redder." Dayeon thought about it, a small smile forming on her lips. "She'd get cuter too." She glanced at the stack of papers infront of her. "Time to focus, Dayeon."
"You look like a mess." Contrary to the harsh words, Hikaru had on a bright smile.
Don't kill her, Youngeun. It's too early in the morning for that. "I barely slept last night." Youngeun spoke, taking out textbooks from her locker.
"Because of student council duties?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah..." Truthfully, it didn't take long for Youngeun to finish organizing the papers. The real issue was Dayeon. Youngeun stayed up all night debating whether or not she should text her that she got home safely.
"Should I text her?
Well we're not actually dating, so there's no point in doing so.
...
But it's decency to let someone know that you've arrived home safely.
On the other hand- I doubt she'd care. She's Kim Dayeon after all, cold and heartless.
Whatever, I'll text her anyways. She needs to save my number after all.
She might leave me on read... or respond with 'idc.' How embarrassing would that be.
That doesn't matter! I don't care what she does. I'm texting her.
Huh? It's already 3am?"
In the end, Youngeun did nothing. She'd seem like a manic if she texted Dayeon at 3 in the morning.
"I could've helped, you know."
"I doubt that. The last time you tried helping was with Yujin unnie, organizing the trash. You ended up making a mess." The last thing Youngeun wanted is to get scolded by the student council president.
"You're so cruel." Hikaru whined. "You won't be able to make Yeseo your girlfriend if you keep this up."
"HEY-"
"Someone's getting a girlfriend?" A voice chimed in.
Youngeun turned to find the voice. and suddenly her face resembles a tomato. "Y-yeseo?"
"Hi Youngeun unnie, Hikaru unnie. What were you two talking about?"
"Erm, w-we uh." Youngeun stuttered out. She notices Hikaru trying her best to hold in a laugh. It takes everything in Youngeun not to smack her. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Dayeon walking through the hallway, talking to a pink hair girl much taller than her. "Kim! You got my papers, right? Sorry Yeseo, I got to go deliver something." Youngeun walked towards Dayeon, grabbing her arm and hurrying away from her friends.
"What are you doing? I was in the middle of a conversation!" Dayeon whisper-shouted.
"It couldn't have been that important." Youngeun responded, still tightly gripping Dayeon's arm.
"I was teaching Hiyyih how to take aerial selcas." Dayeon mumbled.
"Sometimes I wonder how you're top of the class." Youngeun opened up a storage closet and pulled Dayeon inside. "Look, I needed to get away from Yeseo."
"You could've chosen to go anywhere else but you chose a closet- geez it's cramped in here." Dayeon complained.
Youngeun couldn't exactly blame her. "I know, I know. I just panicked."
"Why are you even avoiding her?"
"Two reasons. The first, she came up to us when Hikaru and I were talking about her-"
"Embarrassing."
"The second, I look like a mess right now."
Dayeon scanned Youngeun up and down. "What do you mean? You look pretty to me, Youngeun."
Thump. Thump.
She says it so casually. Youngeun covered her reddening cheeks with the back of her hand. "Can you quit saying that?"
"Saying what?"
"I get that you're acting, but I don't appreciate you lying whenever you call me pretty."
Dayeon flicked Youngeun's forehead. "Idiot."
"OW. What the hell?"
Dayeon cupped Youngeun's cheeks. "Hiyyih told me I'm a bad liar. It's in my eyes apparently, so look closely. You're pretty, Youngeun. Very pretty." Dayeon made sure Youngeun was keeping eye contact. "I'm not lying, am I?"
This is just acting. Obviously... So why is my heart beating so much?
"This isn't like you. It's hard to trust you when you're acting like an entirely different person."
"I kinda need to be a different person if I'm being romantic, but that doesn't mean I'm lying."
Youngeun feels her cheeks burning up more and more by the second. If Dayeon's hands weren't naturally cold, they would've been on fire by now. Youngeun took a deep breath and settled with a "Okay." Dayeon was about to remove her hands, but without thinking, Youngeun gripped onto them. "Let's stay like this for a little while longer... Please?" She didn't know what came over her, but luckily Dayeon obliged with no questions.
"Damn it, I couldn't focus during class at all." Youngeun complained.
"Math class is always confusing, don't stress about it. It's lunch time now so no time for worries!"
Youngeun smiled at Hikaru's cheerfulness. That's not the reason I couldn't concentrate, but she doesn't need to know that.
"Yeseo would let you borrow her notes anyways."
Youngeun's smile stretched further when the name was mentioned. "Isn't she a genius?! She's a year younger but she's in the same grade as us."
Hikaru rolled her eyes. "Here you go again, constantly gushing about her. People are going to catch on about your feelings if you keep it up."
"It's fine as long as Yeseo doesn't know." I already lost all of my dignity when Dayeon found out about my crush.
"Don't forget Dayeon unnie, your life-long enemy."
"...totally!"
Hikaru halted her walking. She carefully stared at Youngeun with a suspecting look. "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"You paused before speaking. You do that whenever you're hiding something from me."
"...that's not true."
"You did it again! Did something happen between you and Dayeon unnie?"
"...we're on bad terms as we usually are, Hikaru."
Hikaru sighed. "I guess if you don't want to tell me, there's nothing I can do about it."
She's giving up this quickly? That's not like her-
"DAYEON UNNIEEE." Hikaru jumped on Dayeon's back when she saw her coming out of her classroom.
Youngeun stood there stunned. I forgot they were close... they're both on the dance team.
"H-hikaru? What are you-"
"We need to talk, let's go outside! I'll buy you boba!"
Dayeon couldn't deny free boba. "Are you going to stay on my back?"
"You gave Yeseo a piggy back ride at the sports event. Do it for me too!" Hikaru said as she clinged tighter to Dayeon. Youngeun bit her lip in annoyance at the sight.
Dayeon sighed and began walking. Hikaru turned her head towards Youngeun and mouthed "Go to lunch without me."
Youngeun was fully prepared to chase after them, but paused when she felt a hand on her arm. "Yeseo?"
"Unnie, they're serving malatang today! Let's get to the lunchroom before it runs out." Yeseo said as she pulled Youngeun along. Youngeun's mind was going slightly haywire from the fact that Yeseo was touching her. Hikaru, you're lucky Yeseo was here to stop me before I kill you.
Youngeun waited by the school gates, ready to attack her best friend. She planned on doing so earlier when Hikaru walked into class wearing that stupid smirk of hers, but held herself back in fear of disorderly conduct. It's past school hours now, which gives her the perfect opportunity to interrogate Hikaru without facing the consequences.
She heard the found of familiar laughter and listened carefully to the footsteps that were getting closer. 3... 2... 1... Youngeun jumped at her, both of them tumbling to the ground as a result. "Got you, Hika- Dayeon unnie?"
She stared down at the girl she was on top of, her face beet red.
Click
"This would make a cute photo." Hikaru squealed. "I'll text it to you later, Dayeon unnie. I have to go now, bye!"
Youngeun wanted to chase after Hikaru but the voice in her head was yelling at her to apologize to the girl underneath her. "Sorry, I thought you were Hikaru."
"I-it's fine." Dayeon stuttered out. Youngeun took notice and decided it would be the perfect moment for some teasing.
"Your face is as red as a tomato. Didn't know all it takes to get you flustered is for someone to get on top of you."
Dayeon shoved Youngeun off of her. "You were so respectful earlier calling me unnie, and now you're mocking me."
"I've been told I have duality." Youngeun grinned.
"Your only duality is that pretty face of yours being so annoying."
"It's the 3rd time you've called me pretty."
"You've been keeping track?"
"It's not like I want to. You've been invading my mind all day." Youngeun crossed her arms.
"Oh? Have I?" Dayeon leaned in. "I'm no psychologist, but it seems like you like me."
Youngeun nearly tackles her again but settles with a glare. "Maybe if you were a short blonde named Kang Yeseo."
"What a shame, I was blonde earlier this year. All I needed was a name change and you could've fallen for me."
"In your dreams."
"More like a nightmare." There was a playful smile on her face which confuses Youngeun on whether she wants to wipe it off or smile back at her.
"Your smile is irritating."
"Then stop looking at my lips." She rebutted, her smile furthering.
Youngeun opened her mouth to give her a comeback but closed it when she realized she had nothing. Shit, I can't believe I paid this much attention to her lips. "Just get rid of that dumb smile."
"Make me."
Youngeun raised an eyebrow. Whatever. Challenge accepted, Kim. Youngeun reached out her hands and grabbed Dayeon's face, pulling it closer to her own. Youngeun studied the way the girl's smile slowly deflated and how her mouth fell slightly open. It was almost cute. Almost. Should I scare her even more? Youngeun leaned in closer, not breaking eye contact. Dayeon immediately backed up and out of her grasp.
"Y-you didn't have to take that literally, Seo." Dayeon's voice was muffled from the hand that was covering her face. Youngeun could tell by her red ears poking out that she was just trying to hide the blush on her cheeks.
"You get what you ask for." Youngeun sneered. She got up and wiped the dirt off of her. "If you don't mind, I'm going to find Hikaru now."
"You won't be able to talk to her. She's at dance practice right now."
"So I'm stuck with you?"
"You're free to go home, you know."
Youngeun sat down next to Dayeon. "I need to know what you and Hikaru talked about first."
"So that's what caused this whole mess. It's nothing, really."
Youngeun eyed Dayeon, waiting for her to reveal more.
"She just asked about our relationship, and I told her that we're dating."
"Why would you do that?!" Youngeun panicked.
"What's the big deal? The reason why you agreed to fake date is so you can make Yeseo jealous. Your best friend is surely going to know if your crush does."
"But she knew about my giant crush on Yeseo... and the fact that we hate each other! Wouldn't it be weird to her that we're suddenly dating?"
"She seemed happy to me. Maybe she secretly shipped us."
"Gross."
"Ouch." Dayeon placed her hand over her heart and dramatically fell back. "We do make a good couple though."
"In what universe?"
Dayeon ignored her. "We're both pretty, good at dancing, all rounders. . ." She began listing the shared attributes with her fingers.
Youngeun rolled her eyes as Dayeon went on. This is going to take awhile. She leaned back on the grass and listened as the girl rambled on. She didn't have the heart to leave, or maybe she just wanted to stay and hear her out. Dayeon has a nice voice after all. Youngeun's eyes slowly started drooping and before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
"Youngeun-ah, wake up. Youngeun-ah~"
Youngeun buried her head deeper in whatever the soft material was. "Five more minutes." she hoarsely spoke.
"I'm sure your bed is more comfortable than my shoulder."
Youngeun jolted awake when she realized who's voice it is. She removed her arms from Dayeon's neck and hoped down. "W-why were you carrying me?"
"I didn't want to disturb your sleep back there, and I couldn't just leave you. I called Hikaru, asked where you lived, and here we are."
"You carried me all the way here..." Youngeun wanted to hide in embarrassment. Was I heavy? Did I snore? I didn't do any sleep-talking, right?
Dayeon somehow seemed to read the girl's mind. "You're very light, or maybe I'm just strong." She jokingly flexed her arm muscles. "If you snored, I must've missed it. And no, you didn't sleep talk."
How did she do that..? Youngeun shook off her curiosity. She thanked the universe for not making the situation any more embarrassing than it already was. "Well good. I'll head inside now.. thanks, Kim- Dayeon unnie."
Dayeon rushed infront of Youngeun before she could unlock the door. "Did you just address me as Dayeon unnie? On purpose?"
Youngeun shyed away from eye contact. "Don't be too surprised, you're the one who started calling me Youngeun first. Besides, if we're dating we should be on a first name basis." Youngeun wasn't looking straight at Dayeon but she could easily tell how the girl brightened.
"Okay. Cool." Dayeon tried to hide her excitement. "I suppose I should let you inside your house now. Good night, Youngeun."
Youngeun waited until Dayeon walked away before whispering, "Good night, Dayeon unnie."
"It's getting colder lately." Youngeun dug her hands deeper into her hoodie. She spots the people around her wearing their short sleeve shirts with shorts. "Maybe it's just me. Ugh I get cold too easily." She quickened her walking. How unnecessary of unnie to ask me to go out to the store. She could've done it herself. Youngeun silently curses her older sister all the way to the grocery store.
"Good morning." Chimed the staff behind the register.
Youngeun bowed at him as she grabbed a cart. What did unnie need again? She took out her phone and checked the text her sister sent. Eggs, milk, stra-
Crash
"Sorry! I didn't see yo- Dayeon unnie?" Youngeun raised her eyebrows in surprise. "What are you doing here? Did you follow me?"
"I'm here to buy groceries, obviously. And why would I follow you? I was here first, idiot." Dayeon sounded playful. Youngeun wondered how she could have the energy this early in the morning. "I would've dressed better if I knew I'd see you anyways."
Youngeun took notice of the sweatpants and hoddie that Dayeon was wearing. You look cute though.
"Since we're both here, let's shop together!" Dayeon spoke, already pushing her cart and standing by Youngeun's side.
"I don't see the need for that."
"C'mon, it'll be like a date."
"Grocery shopping as our first date... that screams anti-romantic."
"You're so grumpy this morning. You didn't drink your coffee or something?" Dayeon giggled when Youngeun shoved her. "Let's go, you won't get any shopping done if you stand here arguing with me."
"Fine, but don't waste my time. I wanna go home and into my bed as soon as possible." Youngeun pushed her cart. She could sense Dayeon doing a small cheer behind her.
"What are you shopping for?"
"Not much, just a couple ingredients for my older sister. You?"
"Some stuff for my parents' sushi restaurant. I should take you there sometime, I'll give you a discount." Dayeon winked.
Youngeun would have normally rejected Dayeon, but sushi isn't cheap nowadays. "I guess that would be a better date than grocery shopping." She mumbled. She noticed Dayeon eyeing something on the shelf and turned her attention towards it. "Do you want it? The chips."
Dayeon shook her head. "I have to save money. My parents love me but they sure don't pay that much for working at the restaurant."
"That's not the question." Youngeun grabbed the bag of chips off the shelf and placed them in her cart. "I asked you if you wanted it, and It's obvious you do. I'm buying."
There was a moment of silence before Dayeon spoke up. "Hah... you must be rich or something." Youngeun was about to turn to glare at her before she saw her grateful expression and a small smile. "Thank you, Youngeunie."
"It's- uh, no problem." She's thankful over a bag of chips? I wonder how she'd react if her girlfriend ever bought her flowers.
"I thought you said you weren't gonna buy much." Dayeon said as she grabbed the bags out of Youngeun's cart. "Isn't it too heavy?"
"It's fine." Youngeun responded, slightly curious why Dayeon isn't giving the bags to her.
"I'll carry these."
"I'm not weak, you know. Give me the bags." Youngeun said, reaching out her hand.
Dayeon removed the bags from her left hand and switched it over to her right. She used her free hand to intertwine her fingers with Youngeun's. "Your sister won't like it if you took too long, let's head to your house now."
Youngeun was stunned. By the time her brain managed to registered what Dayeon had done, they were already at the front of her house.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?"
Youngeun narrowed her eyes towards her hand.
"Am I not allowed to hold my girlfriend's hand?"
"You-"
The door opened and out came a older version of Youngeun. "Geez, what took you so long, Youngeun?! I nearly- oh? Who's this?"
"No one." Youngeun mumbled. She noticed how her sister's eyes dropped to the interlocked fingers and she quickly removed her hand from Dayeon's.
"Doesn't seen like no one." She smiled. "Would you like to come in for breakfast?" She turned, asking Dayeon.
"It's okay. I wouldn't want to be intruding on family breakfast."
Youngeun felt a odd feeling in her chest. Why do I feel a little disappointed?
"Don't be silly, it'd nice to have a guest!" She grabbed Dayeon's arm and started dragging her to the kitchen. "You can help me out with the cooking since Youngeun never does."
Youngeun scrowled her face. "She took my girlfriend- fuck, fake girlfriend. Ugh, whatever. It's not like I care about her." She walked upstairs to her room and faceplanted on her bed. I'm not even benefitting from this fake relationship if Yeseo isn't here to see it. Is it too late to back out? She imagined a sad-faced Dayeon. Her heart slightly ached. I''m the one who agreed to this... I'll just work through it.
Youngeun sat up. "Breakfast shouldn't take this long to cook. What's taking them so long?" She asked herself, completely ignoring the fact it hasn't even been five minutes since she saw the two.
She got herself off the bed and down the stairs. "Are you guys done yet?" She whined.
"Why? Miss me?" Dayeon whispered in Youngeun's ear as she got closer. It sent small shivers to her spine.
"N-no! I'm just hungry."
Dayeon patted her head. "Aw, the baby of the house is hungry. Don't worry, it'll be done soon."
"S-shut up. Y-you're so annoying." Her heart rate wasn't going to slow down anytime soon, atleast not when Kim Dayeon is in the same room as her.
Dayeon smiled her usual mischievous smile and returned to the cutting the strawberries.
Youngeun watched her. She's not even wearing a hairtie, how could unnie let her in the kitchen like this? The fennec fox representative went behind Dayeon and started running her fingers through her hair, pulling it back.
"What are you doing?" Dayeon asked, seemingly caught off guard.
"Focus on your cutting. You have a knife in your hand." Youngeun casually says as she ties Dayeon's hair. "That's my favorite scrunchie. Don't forget to give it back when you're done."
"Hah... you're something."
"I could say the same to you." Youngeun eyed the strawberries. "Hey, can I have one?"
"No way, they're for the waffles." Dayeon spoke as she continued cutting them.
Youngeun took a step closer to Dayeon and placed her chin on her shoulder. "Unnie~ please? The baby of the house wants a strawberry~"
Youngeun smiled at the older's reddening ears. Payback. Dayeon placed down the knife and flicked her head towards the girl behind her. "A-are you seriously doing aegyo for a strawb-?" Her breath hitched. Their faces were only a couple centimeters a part.
"Waffles are ready!" Youngeun's sister shouted from the other side of the kitchen, her back turned and oblivious to the situation happening behind them.
Youngeun quickly backed away. Her face looks as red as the strawberries. Dayeon's was no better. "G-guess it's time to eat."
"Tell me why you're in my room again?"
"Your sister said I could stay." Dayeon yawned, flipping the pages of one of Youngeun's books.
Youngeun rolled her eyes. "That's it? Just because my sister said so? Stay in her room then!"
Dayeon placed the book back on Youngeun's bookshelf. She walked towards the girl and took a seat next to her on the bed. "You'd be jealous if I did that, like earlier." She smiled a unusual soft smile at Youngeun. "I like hanging out with you better anyways."
All of the curse words she wanted to use suddenly disappeared from her vocabulary. "... just don't make a mess."
"Okay." She giggled. "Give me your phone for a second."
Youngeun mindlessly followed the instructions. "Wait why?" She asked right before she handed it.
"You have my number but I don't have yours. I expected you to text me."
"Ah sorry, I forgot... here."
"You don't have a passcode? That's dangerous." Dayeon said as she got to the messaging app.
"Quit pestering me. What would I even make my passcode?"
"My birthday." She answered without skipping a beat. "Isn't that what couples do?"
"We're a couple?"
Dayeon scrunched her nose. "Think whatever you want." She sent a text and the sound of her phone buzzing came immediately after. "Try changing my contact from something more romantic than just 'Kim' by the way."
Youngeun snatched back her phone. "I told you to stop pestering me." She took a moment to stare at the name of contact on her phone. "Fine. It wouldn't hurt to add a heart or something." She glanced over to Dayeon typing on her phone. "What's your contact name for me?"
"Yoeun <3"
Youngeun nearly laughed. "What's up with the nickname?"
"Makes us seem closer."
"Okay then, I'll use a nickname for you."
Dayeon brightened, she hovered close to Youngeun to see her screen. Youngeun stiffened when she felt Dayeon's breaths on her. "Eh? 'My squirrel?'"
"Why do you sound confuse? These things make you identical to a squirrel." Youngeun said as she poked Dayeon's cheek. Soft. She ignored the rational part of her brain and started using both of her hands to pull Dayeon's cheeks. "So you're my squirrel."
Dayeon didn't seem to mind the younger playing with her face. "As long as you like it then I do too."
A song started playing from Dayeon's phone.
"Looks like someone's calling you." Youngeun removed her hands from Dayeon's face and for a split second, the squirrel look-a-like looked disappointed.
Dayeon looked at the caller ID and showed it to Youngeun. "Seems like a scammer." She says as she hung up the phone.
"Hm? Who's that on your wallpaper."
Dayeon's eyes widened. "You don't know the cast of Extraordinary Woo?!"
"I don't want many kdramas."
Dayeon's mouth fell agape and Youngeun would have lied if she said she didn't crack a smile. "We need to watch it. Like, now."
Youngeun tilted her head. "We?" She teased.
Dayeon pouted. "I have to make sure you're paying attention."
Youngeun thinks she melted at the sight of her pout. She stood up and took Dayeon's hand, leading her to the living room. "Let's watch it on the TV. It'll be like we're at the movies."
"Like a date."
Youngeun chuckled. "Sure, like a date."
Youngeun opened the cupboards and grabbed some chips. May not be popcorn but I hope she doesn't mind... not that I care. She sat herself down on the couch only to be immediately smothered by blankets. "What's all of this for?"
Dayeon adjusted the blanket for Youngeun, making sure she was wrapped comfortably. "Movies are best when the air conditioning is on low and you're wrapped in a blanket."
Youngeun inspected Dayeon. Why am I the only one with a blanket then? She scooted closer and wrapped the other end of her purple blanket around Dayeon. "If you won't take care of yourself then I'll just do it for you." Youngeun mumbled.
Dayeon whispered a 'thank you' and pressed play on the remote.
Youngeun notices the way Dayeon's eyes immediately glisten. She must really like the show. I wonder if she looks at someone she likes like that too... I should pay attention. She'd scold me if I'm not watching. Although her mind told her otherwise, she continued to stared. She felt comfortable watching the older girl enjoying herself.
Youngeun eventually started to pay attention to the kdrama playing infront of her. It's good, Dayeon unnie has good taste. Youngeun reached for the bag of chips but stopped when she felt extra weight on her shoulder. She looked over to see the older girl softly asleep. "Hah, you're the one who wanted to watch this and now you're sleeping."
Dayeon unconsciously buried her head deeper into Youngeun's shoulder, making the latter's heart skip a beat. Why does my heart always do that when it's with you? Is it because I... no way. Impossible. Youngeun thought about I for a moment. I guess it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. She wrapped her arms around Dayeon and lifted her into a princess-carry position. "You're lucky I'm nice." She whispered. "Let's get you to bed, princess."
"I'm bored." Youngeun whined as she throws a ball into the air and catches it.
"How could you say that when I'm here?" Hikaru looked offended. "Just call your girlfriend then. She knows the way. Dayeon unnie has been to my house more times than I can count."
"She has?" Youngeun asked as her eyebrows furrow.
"Aw, you're jealous your girlfriend hangs out with other girls?"
"I'm not jealous!"
"Whatever you say~ Just don't ruin your relationship with her over petty things like that. I've been shipping you two since forever."
"You have? Why? We couldn't stand each other."
"It was cute seeing you two bicker. Besides, it wasn't like you two actually hated each other. It was just some dumb rivalry that started over some girl in kindergarten."
"Don't call Chaehyun unnie some girl."
Hikaru giggled. "Don't speak so highly of other girls. You might make Dayeon unnie jealous."
It's not like she actually likes me though, Hikaru. She'd probably dump the act as soon as she's done with her play.
"I'll call up Hiyyih too so I won't be third-wheeling you two."
Youngeun stuck out her tongue at Hikaru as she calls up Dayeon. I can't believe I'm voluntarily doing this. It's as if i'm fond of her... am I?
Ring ring ring.
"That's weird. She didn't answer. She usually responds quickly."
"Did your girlfriend reject you, Youngeun? Deserved."
Youngeun was close to strangling Hikaru but stopped herself since the older was on the phone with Hiyyih. "Shut up" she mouths.
"Eh? Really?" Hikaru sounded concerned. "Okay, see you in a bit."
"What was that?"
"She heard me earlier when I was talking about Dayeon unnie. Apparently she's mopping at home. She hates thunderstorms. Hiyyih was on the phone with her earlier."
Dayeon unnie is upset right now? Should I go check on her? It was no use asking herself that. She was already up and collecting her things. "I have to go, Hikaru."
"Checking up on unnie? Need me to come with?"
Youngeun shook her head. "I should be the one comforting her. Have fun with Hiyyih."
"Fine fine, have some alone time with Dayeon unnie."
"You're so-"
Bzz
Youngeun quickly checked the notification. Is it Dayeon unnie?
Yeseo: youngeun unnie hello ^-^ do you wanna come over and play animal crossing? my brother bought me a nintendo!
"Who is it?"
"Y-yeseo."
"Ah, your former crush."
Youngeun bit her lip. Former. Was it really? This is the first time she asked me to hang out. This could lead to something... but what about Dayeon unnie?
"She wants to hang out and play animal crossing." Youngeun's heart raced at the thought of spending time with the girl who she had been crushing on for years.
"So you're changing plans."
"I have to go before it starts raining harder. Bye Karu."
Youngeun took in a breath and asked herself if this wad the right choice. She rang the doorbell.
The door opened and behind it was the person she wanted to see so desperately. "Youngeun?"
"Hi Dayeon unnie."
"Don't there when it's raining, idiot!" She pulled Youngeun in.
"Does it matter? I'm wearing a raincoat."
"It matters to me. I don't want you catching a cold." Dayeon brushed Youngeun's bangs. It was slightly wet and messy.
Youngeun slipped her fingers under Dayeon's shirt. She grinned when she heard a yelp from Dayeon. "My fingers are already cold."
"D-dummy, I'm ticklish."
That only provoked Youngeun to be even more playful. "Oh yeah?" She had a mischievous glint in her eye. Dayeon caught on and started running. "Come back! Unnie!" She chased her around and finally caught her after making two or three rounds around the livingroom. She pinned Dayeon to the wall. "I won't try to tickle you." Youngeun giggled. "I promise, so stop running."
"Deal." Dayeon huffed. She's terrible at running. "Are you warm yet?"
"Not really."
"Good." Dayeon removed her wrists from Youngeun's grasp and wrapped her arms around her. "That means I can hug you until you're warm."
Thump thump thump.
"I came here so I could comfort you... here you are being the one to take care of me."
"You're comforting me right now though."
"How? I'm not doing anything."
"You're here. Your presence is nice to be around."
"Then I should be here all the time."
"That would be hard if you're dating Yeseo."
"Why would I date her?"
"You like her." Her voice was small and quiet. Youngeun wasn't used to hearing it like that. She backed out of Dayeon's embrace and cupped her cheek so they were making eye contact. She looked teary. "Please don't be inlove with someone else. Please don't have somebody waiting on you."
Youngeun stared in awe of her unnie. Suddenly the crush she had on yeseo was so insignificant, so meaningless and small. "How could I ever fall for someone other than you?"
Dayeon teared up even more. "I've liked you since first grade. Yeseo suggested this fake dating thing for the play and I wanted it to be you... I didn't think you'd agree."
Youngeun pulled Dayeon and kissed her forehead "I'm sorry." then her nose "I've had so many meaningless crushes." then her cheekbone "but none of them compares to you." then her lips. Youngeun made sure to take her time with this one. "I like you, Dayeon. Be my girlfriend, for real this time."
She's been studying this whole time. Youngeun crossed her arms in annoyance. I want her to focus on me... An idea popped in her head. "If I were to be reborn again, I'd choose to be you."
Dayeon finally looked up from her book. "What?"
"You're good at dancing."
Dayeon's confused expression softened. She patted Youngeun's head. "So are you. That compliment caught me off guard though..."
"I wanted you to pay attention to me." Youngeun honestly said. "You've had your nose stuck in that book the whole time we've been here."
"That's what libraries are for: reading and studying." Dayeon chuckled. "This stupid english assignment is asking me what is love and I'm supposed to find out from this book." Dayeon stated, holding up a copy of Romeo and Juliet.
"I don't see how a hundred year old love story that ends in tragedy will help you figure it out." Youngeun said, taking the book out of Dayeon's hand and flipping through the pages.
"Then what will?"
Youngeun smirked and pointed to herself. "Me."
She spots Dayeon's ears reddening. "Huh?"
Youngeun kissed Dayeon's cheek. "Didn't I help you more with love than that stupid book, Kim?"
Dayeon leaned in and pecked Youngeun's lips. "You're such a distraction, Seo."
"But you like it." Youngeun pulled her chair closer to Dayeon. It looked as if she was patiently waiting for another kiss.
"I do." Dayeon whispered before giving in and kissing her. Perhaps studying can wait.