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It’s not often that someone approaches Mina’s desk in the middle of the day, let alone her friends from different departments. Even more so, the one friend she has the fattest crush on. Which is why when Sana comes up from the elevator, huffing and puffing as she runs all the way to her, Mina is taken by surprise.
“Mitang, I need your help. Are you busy?” Sana heaves, leaning against the table for support. Her spectacles are fogging up from her heavy breathing. It takes a few extra seconds for Mina to snap out of her daze.
“I was just trying to pick a font for our presentation.” Mina barely finishes her sentence when she’s pulled out of her seat towards the stairs.
Tzuyu, Mina’s teammate looks at them in confusion, clearly wondering where she’s going when it’s not even her break time. She shouts an apology which she hopes reaches her as she goes through the emergency exit. They’re climbing an endless number of stairs to a destination Mina has no clue about. Her lungs are burning from the strenuous exercise, and she has to work extremely hard to maintain her balance in the thin heels she’s wearing. Sana takes her up to the rooftop of their building, the biting cold air hitting full force as they step outside. It’s times like this Mina questions their friendship. Her spontaneity will be the death of her one day.
“Before you kill me, please hear me out, okay?” Sana raises her hands defensively. “You know how we’ve been working hard for the Yoo Beep Beep launch and the release party is on this weekend? Mom is trying to push my buttons to the extreme.”
Mina furrows her eyebrows as she tries to understand where Sana is going with this conversation. She’s met Sana’s parents countless times and they’ve always been wonderful to her and Momo. As if she’s aware of her thoughts, Sana rolls her eyes in exasperation.
“She said my time for dating is flying fast and I need to do something about it before she takes matters into her own hands.” Sana explains. She crosses her arms over her chest and Mina has to hold back a chuckle at how adorable she looks sulking like this. “Mom told me this a while ago, but it completely slipped my mind with how busy work has been. What I’m trying to say is that would you be willing to go as my date for the launch? If I try to ask Momo, she’ll laugh in my face.”
There were plenty of scenarios running through her mind, but Mina never thought that this would be what Sana brings her out here for. She takes a few moments to register the influx of words just spoken. She’s basically asking Mina to be her girlfriend for a night? There’s no way she’d be able to handle this and escape the evening with her heart unscathed.
“How will your mom know you’re dating if we go to the launch together if she won’t be there?” Mina is struggling to wrap her head around the entire idea.
“Maybe we can break the news to her earlier? Or you can pick me up at my place?” Sana wrings her hands as she avoids looking at Mina.
She squints. It’s almost as if Sana had this planned before she approached Mina. “It’ll make sense if you date me, but it won’t make sense if you date Momo? Even though we’re all friends?”
“I – well, technically Momo is unavailable. She had her plus one organised way earlier.” Sana sighs. “You know what, it’s okay. I’ll try to convince mom to let me be for a little while longer and by then hopefully I’ll find someone suitable to date.”
Mina opens her mouth to respond, but Sana isn’t finished speaking yet. She reaches over, cradling Mina’s hand.
“It’s fine to say no by the way. I realised it’s a bit silly of me to dump this on you all of a sudden. Please pretend this conversation never happened. Let me take you back to the office.” Sana’s shoulders are hunched as she begins to walk away.
“No!” Mina freezes at her own quick response. She’d spoken before she considered the repercussions. “It’s fine. As long as you’re okay with me being your choice. I haven’t been on a date in ages.”
“Now it feels like I’ve forced you to agree.” Sana shakes her head.
“If it really was such a big issue for me, I’d say so. I’m never enjoying this parties anyway. At least this way, I’ll have good company.” Mina reassures.
Sana looks at her warily for a few seconds before relaxing. “I’ll make it worth your time, I promise. You’re the best Mitang.”
“You did what?”
Mina has to pull the phone away from her ear as Jihyo scolds her.
“I’ve never met anyone who’s been a glutton for pain. This is peak insanity, and you know it. What if you both end up hurt at the end of this?” Jihyo asks.
“Do you really think I would’ve said no to Sana, of all people? It’s not like it’s going to be continuing for longer than necessary. It’s just us going as friends but with a fake label.” Mina defends herself.
“Right. A fake label but with real feelings.” Jihyo deadpans.
“This might be a terrible decision but maybe it’s what I need to get over the crush I have on her.” Mina suggests. “A chance for me to move on.”
Jihyo sighs. “Well, have you gotten your outfit for the party, then?”
Mina parks her car in the driveway of Sana’s house. She’s seven minutes early but she’s been anxious all day. She takes a deep breath and steps out, smoothing out her black dress before reaching for the pastel bouquet of flowers she’d bought last minute. They reminded her of Sana as soon as she saw them. Flowers are good for a date and a good impression, right?
She rings the doorbell, heart racing as she practices what she’s going to say. It’s futile, though. Sana’s mom is the one who opens the door.
“Mrs Minatozaki. It’s great to see you again.” Mina is greeted with a hug.
“How many times have I told you not to call me that Mina. It makes me sound older than I am.” She responds. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you’re taking Sana tonight. She’s honestly been talking our ears off about you for the past few months.”
Months?
“We were both a bit hesitant, you know. Our friendship is important.” Mina fiddles with the ribbon on the bouquet.
“Come inside. Sana should be coming down any minute now.” Mrs Minatozaki ushers her in. “I’ll get a vase for those lovely flowers.”
True to her word, Sana rushes down the stairs soon after. She almost stumbles when she notices Mina waiting by the edge of the landing, cheeks flushed. From the white lace dress to her wavy hair, slightly pulled back, Mina is in awe of how gorgeous Sana looks. She smiles sheepishly as she approaches Mina.
“Are those for me?” Sana points at the flowers.
It brings Mina out of her daze, and she pushes them into Sana’s awaiting hands. She giggles before leaning on her tiptoes to kiss Mina’s cheek and leaving her there. If it were possible, Mina’s sure she’d combust right then and there. She’s not sure how she’s going to last the whole night like this.
“Shall we go?” Sana returns barely a few minutes later.
The car ride to the venue is quiet; Mina’s thoughts are scattered. She forces herself to focus, clearing her throat as she looks at Sana.
“You look lovely.” Mina compliments. “I like that our colours complement each other. How did you figure it out?”
“I like that too.” Sana mumbles shyly. “Honestly, getting it out of Jihyo was extremely difficult. She’s a tough nut to crack.”
“You know you could’ve asked me directly, right?” Mina chuckles.
“But it’s not as fun. It was cute seeing the surprise on your face when you saw me.” Sana teases, glancing over at Mina.
“Hmm, you mean like when you noticed me standing near the stairs?” Mina questions.
“That’s different! I didn’t think you’d be inside.” Sana pouts, crossing her arms over her chest.
As promised, Sana stays by her side throughout the entire party. The launch goes exceptionally well and Tzuyu does a fantastic job of presenting their part of the project. Sana whispers a snide comment about the amazing font and Mina has to pinch her side to stop her from teasing further. That wasn’t her only input.
It’s late into the night when the dance floor is open and of course, Sana is already trying to rope her into dancing. The song is too fast paced, and Mina is adamant on staying where she is. She won’t be able to keep up with the rest of the attendees. She urges Sana to go, though, directing her towards Momo who’s on the other side. She’s about to refuse, Mina knows as soon as she opens her mouth, so she points to the refreshment table and heads there instead.
She takes the chance to observe Sana from afar, smiling at her dancing abilities. Mina is content being able to witness this. Sana’s existence overflows with radiance and copious amounts of contagious happiness.
“I think I get it now.” Jihyo follows her gaze as she joins Mina’s side.
“It’s a blessing and a curse combined. To have her so close, yet unable to do anything about it. It’s a different type of pain.” Mina shakes her head.
“Are you considering changing your career into lyricism? I’m sure I can speak up for you at our next meeting.” Jihyo jokes, nudging her shoulder.
Mina scoffs. “No thank you. But Congratulations! Looks like the Yoo Beep Beep’s debut will be one for the records.”
“When you look at it from afar, it’s all rainbows and sunshine but she can be a pain to handle with some of her requests.” Jihyo winces. “Keeps us on our toes, though.”
“That’s exactly what you need.” Mina laughs at the look of disgust on Jihyo’s face.
She’s about to reply to Mina, but there’s a weird shift in her stance. Mina wants to ask why, but the answer follows shortly. Hands encircle her waist, and a familiar floral scent gives it away. Sana hooks her chin over Mina’s shoulder, grip tightening slightly. The proximity is making Mina’s head spin, leaving her thoughts in disarray.
“Darling, can we at least dance to this?” Sana’s term of endearment makes Mina shiver. There’s a cheeky grin on her lips as she turns to look at her.
The song is a slow one, Mina realises. There are couples all over the dance floor. She interweaves her fingers with Sana’s, nodding. “Sure, honey.”
The party is slowly drawing to a close now with many tables emptied and guests heading out slowly. Most of the people remaining are from their company. Mina places her hands on Sana’s waist as they move on the floor. Sana’s head rests against Mina’s shoulder and they sway gently. She’s trying to find the words to say. Pieces of her conversations with both Sana and her mom earlier are coming together. Then, the little scene that just happened now. Mina can basically admit it out loud.
“Sana, did you actually want to ask me out on a date tonight? Without it being a ruse?” Mina asks. Sana freezes in her arms and for a heartbeat, she thinks she’s made a terrible mistake of overthinking everything.
“If I did?” Sana mumbles, refraining from looking at Mina.
“If you did,” Mina pauses, exhaling shakily, “I would love for you to tell me that it’s the truth.”
Moving off Mina’s shoulder, Sana looks up, almost as if she’s searching for something in Mina’s eyes. “You mean that?”
“Honestly? I’ve had a terrible crush on you for over a year, Sana. I never expected to even have a chance.” Mina looks to the side.
Sana tilts Mina’s face back towards her with the pad of her thumb and her forefinger. She brushes her nose against Mina’s. “I dislike the fact that I couldn’t see it all this time, but we can both agree that I’m blind, almost literally.”
Mina laughs, shaking her head at the statement.
“I promised you I would make sure you enjoyed today but I’m going to make this date null, and I will ask you again properly. Because Mitang, you deserve so much more than a weak excuse to go out on a date. You make me so nervous; I forgot my entire speech up on that rooftop.” Sana grumbles. “Will you let me take you on a proper date?”
“Okay.” Mina nods. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”
“When was I jealous?” Sana seems offended by the mere suggestion.
Mina raises her eyebrow at her. “Oh really? So, you didn’t come to me all of a sudden and wrap your arms around me when I was talking to Jihyo?”
“N-no! I just wanted to dance with you.” Sana scrunches up her nose.
“I’m going to go talk to her very quick–”
“I want to go home. Let’s go, please?”
“Admit it first.”
“That’s mean on your part.”
“Sure, darling.”
“Hey! That’s for me to use.”