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Despite video calling almost daily since Sakura left for her hometown, Yunjin found herself missing the older girl incredibly; it was as if she was experiencing withdrawal. No amount of goodnight texts or short, sweet video messages would make up for the lack of late-night cuddles while watching a movie in the shared living room with their fellow bandmates. She missed Sakura’s touch dreadfully.
Sakura had retreated to Japan over the winter holiday to spend some time with her family before the busy end-of-year schedule period. She’d been very excited to see her younger brother, and of course, her orange Scottish fold cat, Maru-chan, too. Yunjin shared that happiness seeing the way Sakura eagerly packed her suitcase, but she couldn’t help feeling selfish of the fact she didn’t want to be separated from her. It’ll be a long three weeks, Yunjin thought at the time. She was right; the longest three weeks of her life.
Yunjin heard the click of the lock on the front door of their apartment, assuming this to be Chaewon back from the store with some snacks - it was movie night for the pair, happening each week. Chaewon is Yunjin’s best friend, her go-to, her ride-or-die. But most importantly, the only one who truly knew how far the younger of the two had fallen for their Sakura-unnie. Yunjin felt a little unsettled; she hadn’t been able to call Sakura that night as she’d been out with family late into the night. She missed her dearly. It wasn’t long before Chaewon picked up on that either.
“You ok? You seem a little out of it…” she said, placing a reassuring hand on Yunjin’s thigh while setting the snacks down infront of them. Chaewon’s words didn’t quite register in her brain. “Yunjinnie?”
“Hm… yeah? Sorry…” Yunjin replied. “What movie did you want to watch tonight?”
“What was the one you mentioned last week? Coyote… coyote… hmm I don’t remember the title exactly.”
“COYOTE UGLY?? Oh my god, Chae!! You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to watch this with you! Let me find it right now.” Yunjin eagerly picked up her laptop; hearing that title immediately perked her up, but only temporarily.
Chaewon stole a glance at the recent tabs in the browser while watching the younger girl search up the movie in her local files. Expedia, SkyScanner, KAYAK… Was Yunjin planning a trip somewhere? Chaewon thought, raising an eyebrow. For now, she pushed those thoughts aside and instead resorted to snuggling into a blanket next to her best friend, grabbed some popcorn and enjoyed the opening credits.
The two shared several laughs throughout the film, but it was clear that Yunjin was feeling uneasy. Though unsure if it’d be a good idea, Chaewon bit her lip and finally decided to question it. “I know there’s something bothering you, Yunjin. It’s thicker than the air between us right now…”
Yunjin averted her eyes from those of her best friend without muttering a word. “Is it Sakura-unnie?” Chaewon asked. Immediately, Yunjin’s heart began to pick up the pace and a panic started from within. The older girl noticed such things in her best friend and picked up Yunjin’s hand with her own, offering reassurance with a small shake.
“I saw the tabs on your computer - are you thinking of heading over to her? She’ll be back here in just a few days…” She heard Yunjin’s breath hitch. “Hey…”
“I can’t stop thinking about her; she’s always on my mind.” she began. “All I want at night is to cuddle with her like we always do, and feed her that damn popcorn that she’d run to the end of the Earth and back for. I’ve been seeing her almost every day but through the phone… It just isn’t enough - we’ve never spent this long apart before and it’s harder than I thought it’d be… I don’t know why. Does she even like me like that? Would she ever feel that way? What do I do, Chae? It’s like I can’t breathe without her here…” Yunjin rattled out her feelings in one breath. “Isn’t this crazy? I’ve never confessed my feelings to her but… but, the way we act feels so natural.” Yunjin often felt like Sakura’s hand was perfectly sculpted to fit her own.
“Would you like a ride to the airport? I think you need to go and tell her how you feel. I don’t think it can wait when you’re in this much distress…” Chaewon said softly, wiping the tears rolling down her friend’s cheek. She pulled her into an embrace, giving a sign to Yunjin that she was there. “I’ll help you book the flight and pack your bag. Come on.” She ran her hand over Yunjin’s hair before rubbing her shoulder gently, encouraging her to get moving.
It was late, and Yunjin’s flight was scheduled to leave at 5:46am. She knew the journey would only be a couple of hours so she made sure to schedule a pick-up at the airport to bring her to Sakura’s grandmother’s home - early enough to sneak in before her muse awoke. The older girl’s family was familiar with Yunjin as they’d met at their concerts and schedules in the past, offering up congratulatory gifts of food and clothing items. Upon her arrival at the family home, she set down her only bag and shoes in the genkan before being directed to Sakura’s room. There she is… Always so beautiful, even when sleeping, Yunjin thought. She sat down on the bed beside her, quickly noticing the movement in the mattress caused Sakura to stir awake.
In her sleepy state, Sakura was confused. Was she hallucinating? “Ehh? Yunjin?” she questioned with so much drowsiness in her voice. She could barely keep her eyes open. Yunjin offered a soft smile while crawling into the sheets beside her, snaking her arms around the smaller girl’s waist. “Let’s sleep. I’ll explain later.” In a matter of minutes, they were both sleeping peacefully amongst eachother.
Sakura was the first to wake up out of the two girls, rolling onto her side. She caressed the taller girl’s hair, calling out to her quietly. “Yunjin-ah? Are you awake?” A small groan escaped Yunjin while her eyes were still pinned shut. “Do you want some breakfast? I can make sundubu-jjigae, how does that sound?” Yunjin nodded her head slightly, Sakura smiled. “Ok, I’ll come get you when it’s ready.” She planted a light kiss on Yunjin’s forehead.
I think I’ll fall in love with you, Yunjin thought before drifting back into a light sleep.
As Sakura’s family had left for the day, it was just the two of them in the home. Over breakfast, Yunjin thought this would be the best opportunity to explain why she was there, in Japan, without notice. She was petrified, but knew there was no other way; she knew she’d be filled with regret if nothing was said after travelling all this way with only one intention.
“So? To what do I owe the pleasure?” Sakura asked with a light giggle. She soon noticed the seriousness on Yunjin’s face and decided to take a seat at the table infront of her.
Taking a few deep breaths, Yunjin expressed her feelings to the girl opposite. Sure, she stumbled on a few words here and there, but overall, the message was conveyed loud and clear. “I’ve been going a little bit crazy without you at the dorm, I admit…”, her voice trailed with a tone of embarrassment, her cheeks painted a shade of red, while her eyes remained staring at the wood-stained table.
Sakura took her hands in her own. “Would it help if I told you I’ve been feeling the same way?”
Yunjin’s ears perked and her eyes lit up. She’s been feeling the same way? All this time? I’m not crazy?
“I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell you, too. I thought when I got back to Korea I could do it, but I suppose we’ve both been in the same predicament all this time, huh?” Sakura smiled slightly. “I’m glad you came here. I thought I might have to take an early flight back, if I’m honest.”
“As much as I want to see you every day, I’d be upset if you left your family earlier than you originally intended… Good thing I came to you instead.” Despite the mutual confession, it was hard for the two to meet eyes. Until, “can I be your girlfriend?” Yunjin asked, shyly.
Sakura leant across the table and picked up Yunjin’s chin with her thumb and forefinger. “Can I be yours?” she questioned back. “Please…” Yunjin replied. She got up and walked around toward the taller girl, who simultaneously arose from her chair. Yunjin placed her hands at Sakura’s waist, while the latter reached up and around neck, pulling eachother into a warm embrace. Their difference in height made the event all that more cosy and comfortable. Sakura looked up at Yunjin, as if to send a message telepathically. “Can I kiss you?” Yunjin asked. Without hesitation, Sakura acknowledged her question by leaning into her, stepping up on the tips of her toes to reach the younger girl's lips. They were soft and sweet, tasting like vanilla balm with a hint of the tofu stew they had shared prior; Sakura’s two favourite things. She felt like she was on cloud nine.
The pair were inseparable for the remaining duration of the trip - Yunjin decided to return to Seoul on the same flight as Sakura, allowing them to spend more time together in the older girl’s hometown. This was something special for the two of them as a new couple. They shared plenty of laughs, ate their favourite meals and took night-time walks, while also making time to revel in the comfort of the safe blankets and Sakura’s beloved Nintendo console.
Before they knew it, the time had come to return to their home-from-home in Korea. The two girls snapped a few selfies at the airport, sending them to their bandmates who congratulated them greatly, with a few “we knew before you knew yourself” comments here and there. They smiled together, clutching eachother's hand tightly in excitement.
Though it was just a short trip back, Yunjin has curated a playlist for the two to listen to together. Carefully, she selected the first song to play - “OTT” by IVE. Yunjin rested her head on the back of the chair, a warm smile forming on her lips, knowing the lyrics to come.
What's wrong with me? You smile at me again
You colour me in an instant
What should I do? Tell me I like you, too?
Even if it's overflowing even if it seems too much
I think I'll fall in love with you, O-T-T