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Kazuha found genuine joy in her life, feeling fulfillment from both her work and the deep bonds she shared with her fellow members. She considered herself fortunate in these aspects.
Her initial transition to life in Korea posed considerable challenges. Kazuha had to abruptly halt her studies mid-year and give away 10 years of ballet, relocating to Seoul to train for her debut alongside five unfamiliar faces. Perhaps the most challenging thing was learning a new language, one in which she possessed only a limited amount of knowledge.
Fortunately for her, Sakura, the eldest and only other Japanese member, proved to be a great companion, generously lending her old Korean books to Kazuha and helping her study.
She appeared as a studious introvert, dedicating most of her free time to grammar and vocabulary acquisition, but Kazuha's motivation came from not wanting to burden her members with her language limitations.
However, the five girls consistently provided reassurance and went out of their way to make her feel included in the group. Eunchae, with her friendly nature, would share jokes and then take the time to explain them to Kazuha, ensuring she wasn't left out. Chaewon, gathering all her Japanese knowledge, made dedicated efforts to create a more welcoming practice environment for Kazuha. Despite the fact that her accent was way off, Kazuha valued Chaewon's sincere attempts. Even their former member, Garam, adjusted her pace when conversing with Kazuha, reflecting the group's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
Yet, the one who left the most lasting impression on her was Huh Yunjin, their New York-raised member with a heart as gentle as one can be. From their very first meeting, Yunjin conversed with Kazuha as if they were long-time friends, and this genuine connection set her apart. Yunjin's approach, treating Kazuha no differently than others, proved to be remarkably comforting for the ballerina.
Yunjin possessed a knack for speaking faster than the average Korean, often letting a stream of thoughts spill out in a whirlwind of words. However, Kazuha understood, navigating through Yunjin's rapid speech with ease. It could be the expressiveness in Yunjin's eyes or the way her hands mirrored every word she says that made the communication seamless.
In their differences, Kazuha and Yunjin complemented each other. Kazuha, embracing a more extroverted nature, liked being surrounded by friends and, once more familiar with the language, let her lively personality shine. She spoke impulsively without dwelling on her words. On the other hand, Yunjin, with a calculated demeanor, appreciated moments of solitude. While she projected a louder persona for the camera, she reverted to a quieter self within the group of five. Yunjin's mastery of words, always precise and timely, formed a nice balance with Kazuha's more spontaneous approach. Together, they created a beautiful synergy.
A synergy that pulled Kazuha in by the throat.
She was a highly ambitious individual from a young age, raised with the belief that hard work would pave her way to success. Countless hours were dedicated to perfecting pirouettes and tendus, a commitment that extended to her decision to transition from ballet to become an idol. The practice room became her second home, where each day was devoted to perfecting dance routines and facial expressions, pushing her limits until the first beads of sweat ran down her face.
Her unyielding dedication didn't go unnoticed by her fellow members, who marveled at her ability to dance tirelessly without breaking a sweat. Their admiration only fueled Kazuha's determination, prompting her to push herself further with each practice session.
As an only child, Kazuha harbored a deep desire to make her parents proud, placing her career at the forefront of her priorities. Adapting to the demanding life of an idol became her focus, and she approached each challenge with her head up high and unwavering determination.
Which means that romance rarely ever crossed her path during her school days. Unlike her peers, she didn't succumb to the allure of a romanticized narrative of ballet, recognizing it as a facade. Relationships held little appeal to her, and she remained unfazed by societal expectations of having a boyfriend, preferring to concentrate on her career.
So it took time for Kazuha to decipher the unfamiliar sensation of sweaty palms around her American group member, since it was a foreign experience to her. Perhaps her slightly oblivious nature played a role in that, as she comprehended only about 75% of what happened around her.
In the numerous days they spent together, whether it was during work or just hanging out, Kazuha found herself wanting to spend even more time with Yunjin, despite being together 24/7. At first, it was subtle, a quiet warmth that settled in the corners of her heart when Yunjin was near. The way Yunjin’s laughter danced through the air, reaching Kazuha’s ears like a familiar melody, became an unexpected source of joy.
And as oblivious as Kazuha is, she noticed the subtle shifts in her own reactions. The mere sight of Yunjin’s smile, the casual brush of their hands, started to elicit a cascade of emotions that felt both unfamiliar and yet strangely right. It was as if her heart had embarked on a journey, guided by a compass it had just discovered.
The more Kazuha observed Yunjin, the more she discovered the intricate details that made her stumble into uncharted territory. It was the way Yunjin would reach for her hand, the shared laughter over a cup of coffee, and the moments of vulnerability that formed the stitches weaving their connection.
Love, it seemed, tiptoed into Kazuha’s heart, leaving traces that lingered long after Yunjin had said goodbye for the day. Kazuha started to crave the mere presence of Yunjin, realizing that the laughter, the shared glances, and the comfort of her company had become essential threads in the fabric of her happiness.
The realization didn't strike like lightning but, instead, unfolded like the turning pages of a book, each chapter revealing a deeper connection.
I should buy her coffee.
Was the first thought Kazuha had when Eunchae told them that they’re going to be late for practice due to traffic.
Aware of Yunjin’s profound love for coffee and knowing they wouldn’t have the time to stop at the coffee shop, Kazuha decided to step beyond the cocoon of her own hesitations.
Armed with a resolve that felt both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, she set out on a mission to bring a smile to Yunjin’s face.
Walking through the bustling streets, Kazuha entered the quaint coffee shop they frequented. A symphony of rich coffee aromas enveloped her as she approached the counter, her mind shifting through the various blends, recalling Yunjin’s favorite. It wasn't just any coffee; it was an iced Americano, a beverage that seemed to hold the key to unlocking the older girl’s joy.
“An Iced Americano please!” The Japanese girl says to the barista, her voice carrying a sense of purpose that transcended the simple act of buying coffee.
As she waited for the order, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. It was a cold day of December, holidays were quickly approaching. The girl couldn’t wait to visit her family for Christmas, however her heart shrunk at the thought of not seeing Yunjin for a couple of weeks.
Cradling the coffee cup in her hands, Kazuha quickly made her way back, her heart echoing the rhythmic steps of anticipation. As she entered the practice room, she spotted Yunjin engrossed in conversation with Eunchae, her face looking a lot gloomier than she expected.
Summoning the courage to approach, Kazuha quietly made her way towards Yunjin. The moment their eyes met, a subtle understanding passed between them. With a genuine smile, Kazuha extended the iced Americano towards the blonde haired girl, a silent offering that spoke volumes about the sentiments woven into this small, caffeinated gesture.
That night, Kazuha came home pretty late, throwing herself on her bed, trying to calm her fast beating heart down.
I could kiss you right now.
That’s what Yunjin said when she gave her the coffee. God knows how Kazuha’s cheeks started to resemble those of a sailor that spent the whole day in the sun. It was getting ridiculous.
Suddenly, three brisk knocks echoed within Kazuha's bedroom, announcing her roommate's entrance.
"Kazuha, is everything alright? You disappeared as soon as we got home." The girl said in Japanese, as they weren’t required to speak Korean without cameras around.
The ballerina responded with muffled words against her mattress, conveying a sense of distress.
Sakura approached, offering support. "Kazuha, you know I don't speak simlish. Turn around and talk to me. I'm here if something's bothering you." As Kazuha sighed, she complied, facing her oldest member.
"I think I might like someone, Kkura," Kazuha admitted, her hands covering her face. To her surprise, Sakura burst into laughter.
"Yah, why are you laughing? This is a serious matter," Kazuha deadpanned, her eyebrows furrowing.
"It's just amusing that you're the first among us to have a crush. I expected Eunchae or Yunjin to be the first. They’re the ones who daydream about falling in love and all that. But I guess you'd be upset if Yunjin had a crush, wouldn't you?" Sakura teased. Kazuha looked at her in astonishment, not anticipating Sakura's knowledge.
"Wha—how did you know?" Kazuha asked with a hushed voice, feeling unexpectedly exposed.
"Zuha, I've been in this industry for too long not to notice. And you're the type to be accidentally extremely obvious when you have a crush," Sakura remarked.
Protesting, Kazuha insisted, "That's not true, is it?"
"It really is. Chaewon and I noticed today; your cheeks were so red that we thought you might be getting sick," Sakura chuckled, shedding light on the undeniable charm of Kazuha's budding crush.
“Ah, what am I going to do?” Kazuha whined and flopped onto her bed, grappling with her feelings.
"Remember our talk after Garam left? Keeping secrets that could jeopardize the group isn't a good idea. You'll eventually have to tell Yunjin if this crush is more than just a passing fancy," Sakura reasoned, reminding her of the importance of transparency within the group.
Contemplating Sakura's words, Kazuha acknowledged the potential risks of harboring stronger feelings. "Can't I wait a bit longer? Make sure it's not just a passing phase or try to get over it," she proposed.
Sakura agreed, saying, "I suppose that's reasonable. You should take your time.” She says, briefly rubbing Kazuha’s shoulder. “Now, get ready for bed. And don't stress too much; it's not as complicated as you think," she reassured, rising from the bed.
"I'll try," Kazuha pouted.
Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at Kazuha's adorable expression. "Good night, Zuha," she bid, leaving the younger girl's room.
As the weeks passed, Kazuha found it increasingly challenging to conceal her growing feelings for Yunjin, the situation becoming worse after she went home for the holidays. Her usual bubbly demeanor began to waver as her interactions with Yunjin became more heartfelt and intentional.
During group activities, Kazuha's eyes lingered a fraction longer on Yunjin, and her smiles seemed to brighten even more when Yunjin was around. Small touches, like brushing against Yunjin's arm or adjusting her hair, became frequent occurrences, almost like involuntary expressions of her affection.
In group discussions, Kazuha often found herself glancing at Yunjin, her attention gravitating toward the older girl as if drawn by an invisible force. Her laughter, once carefree and shared with everyone, now had an undertone of warmth and a hint of nervousness when Yunjin joined in.
Kazuha started fearing that maybe this isn’t just a passing crush and that she was actually falling in love with her group member.
It wasn't long before the rest of the group picked up on the ballerina’s behavior around Yunjin. Eunchae teased Kazuha about her "extra affection," while Sakura exchanged knowing glances with Chaewon. The unspoken tension between Kazuha and Yunjin became a topic of quiet speculation among the group.
Chaewon especially noticed Kazuha's subtle shifts in behavior and decided it was time for a heart-to-heart conversation. One evening, after a practice session, she found an opportunity to talk to Kazuha privately.
“Kazuha, can we chat for a moment?” Chaewon asked.
Kazuha looked up from organizing her dance shoes, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
“Oh, sure, Unnie. What's up?” She answered.
Chaewon sat down beside Kazuha, her expression a mix of concern and understanding.
“I've noticed some changes lately—I was going to wait for you to come to me but then I reluctantly thought that it might be my role to come and ask you. Is there anything you want to talk about?” She gently asked.
Kazuha hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions.“Changes? What do you mean?” Kazuha nervously asked.
Chaewon smiled, trying to reassure her. “Don't play innocent with me, Zuha. It's clear that something is on your mind, especially when it involves Yunjin.”
Kazuha looked down, her fingers nervously tapping against her knees.
“I didn't think it was that obvious...” She softly admits.
Chaewon rubs her shoulder in comfort. “Kazuha, we're like family. If there's something bothering you, it's okay to share it. Is there something going on between you and Yunjin?”
Kazuha took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Chaewon's with a mixture of vulnerability and sincerity.
“I think … actually, I’m sure I have feelings for Yunjin. But it's really confusing, and I don't know what to do about it.” The younger girl admits.
Chaewon nods. “It's okay, Zuha-ssi. Feelings are complicated, but you don't have to figure them out alone. Have you thought about talking to Yunjin about this?”
Kazuha hesitates “I'm scared. What if it changes everything?”
“Opening up about your feelings doesn't have to change everything. It might bring you two even closer. You’re her favorite, you know?” Chaewon reassures her, bringing a small smile on Kazuha’s face
“But what if she doesn't feel the same way?” The girls voice getting smaller with each word.
“You won't know until you talk to her. Whether she does or not, you know she’ll never intentionally hurt you. And remember, we're all here for you, no matter what happens. We're a team, on and off the stage.” She reassures her once again.
Kazuha nodded, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in her eyes. The conversation lingered in the air, leaving an unspoken understanding between the leader and the concerned member of their close-knit group.
So Kazuha decided to give it a try … or several tries.
Initially, she attempted to express her feelings through acts of service, understanding that Yunjin appreciates such gestures. What fueled her persistence were Yunjin's responses. A simple act like offering her jacket led to unexpected embraces. Compliments triggered a charming blush on Yunjin's cheeks. That one moment in the fitting room caught Kazuha off guard, as Yunjin playfully gave her a cheeky wink after catching Kazuha staring at her almost naked body. Each reaction encouraged Kazuha to continue exploring different ways to convey her growing affection.
So she gave it a shot. One evening, during their assigned cleaning duty in the practice room, Kazuha found herself no longer calm and composed around Yunjin. Her heart raced, and she struggled to keep silent, fighting the urge to pour out her feelings to the older girl.
"Zuha, you've been unusually quiet tonight. Are you feeling sick or something?" Yunjin inquires, accustomed to Kazuha's lively presence when they're alone.
The ballerina lifts her head, facing Yunjin. "Ah, no, I'm just tired, I guess—today was intense," she half-lies.
Yunjin nods. "That's so true, oh my God. I was literally about to throw up the last time we did Unforgiven." She laughs humorlessly.
With preparations for their comeback underway, practice has become increasingly demanding.
The two finish cleaning the room, stowing away the supplies in the closet and locking up.
"Okay, that's finally done. I can't wait to get in bed, I’m so tired.” Yunjin admits, taking a sip from her water bottle. Her hair was all messy from dancing all day and her face was slightly red, and yet, Kazuha couldn’t take her eyes away from her.
"Yunjin-ah," Kazuha calls, making Yunjin jump, unaccustomed to being addressed by her name from the younger girl.
Yunjin looks at her expectantly. It takes Kazuha a total of five seconds to freeze and stumble over her words.
"Um… did you know that some jellyfish can glow in the dark?” She manages, mentally berating herself for changing her mind.
"Oh, really?” Yunjin asks, indulging in Kazuha’s awkwardness.
“Yeah, and they’re made of 98% water” the girl continued.
“Interesting. You know, I thought you were going to say something more serious with the way you called my name," Yunjin laughs.
"Nope, just that. I'm sorry, I'm just really tired and I tend to not have a lot of control over what comes out of my mouth,” Kazuha apologizes.
Approaching her, Yunjin rubs Kazuha's back reassuringly. However, instead of calming her, the gesture makes Kazuha's whole body vibrate.
“That’s okay. I find it rather cute.” Yunjin says, unknowingly making Kazuha’s heart rate rise. “Let's go then, it's getting really late," the girl suggests, gathering her belongings. The ballerina does the same, maintaining a somewhat quiet demeanor on their way home.
Maybe Kazuha was an extrovert, but that fact seemed to get thrown out the window whenever Yunjin was near. Sakura even mentioned that Kazuha's voice reached new, high, and annoying pitches whenever Yunjin was around, which was very out of character for her.
The second time she attempted to confess her feelings was on Valentine's Day – a rather cliché choice. Kazuha had never celebrated this day with anyone other than her friends before. She thought the whole idea around having a Valentine was a bit silly, but she couldn't shake the tingling feeling in her stomach when she imagined Yunjin being her Valentine.
In Korea, Valentine's Day was widely celebrated due to the predominant couple culture. Kazuha knew Yunjin would be at home today because they didn’t have anything scheduled and the older girl likes to spend her days off writing or reading.
So with a hasty goodbye to Sakura, who was deeply immersed in her third hour of playing Overwatch, Kazuha made her way to the convenience store next to their apartment complex.
She ensured no one caught sight of her as she swiftly bought bouquets of flowers and chocolates for three of her members (she'd order takeout for Sakura later) before heading back upstairs. This time, she paused in front of the apartment adjacent to hers and Sakura’s.
Pressing the doorbell, Kazuha patiently waited until a sleep-hazed Eunchae opened the door, likely having dozed off on the couch.
“Unnie, what brings you here?” the young girl asked, rubbing her eyes and stepping aside to let Kazuha in.
“I came by to give you flowers and chocolates, a Valentine's gift,” Kazuha explained, presenting Eunchae with her bouquet and a box of milk chocolates.
“Ah, I see now. You wanted to give Yunjin flowers and needed an excuse,” Eunchae remarked, teasingly smiling at her.
"Oh my God, I can’t even do a nice gesture for my members without being teased," Kazuha playfully complained.
“You even talk like her now,” Eunchae pointed out, laughing. “It’s cute though, and thank you for the gifts. Yunjin’s in her room. Chaewon Unnie left with a friend a while ago, so you can leave it here for when she comes back. I’m not responsible if the chocolate disappears though,” the girl teased.
“Thank you, Manchae. Happy Valentine’s Day,” the ballerina said, making her way down the hall of their apartment.
She hadn’t visited their apartment frequently, as their hangouts typically happened at hers and Sakura’s place, but she knew her way around. And she certainly couldn't miss the sound of a strumming guitar coming from the room on the far left.
Briefly knocking, Kazuha hears the guitar strumming stop. Not long after, the door opens, revealing the girl who's been causing her sleepless nights.
“Zuha? I didn’t expect you to come by. Come in!” Yunjin nervously invites her in, attempting to tame her already perfectly done hair.
Kazuha steps in and nervously hands Yunjin her bouquet, and unlike the rest, she has a small rectangular box for her that may or may not contain a necklace that costed her half a paycheck. “Here,” Kazuha says.
Yunjin smiles. “What’s this for?” She asks, furrowing her eyebrows.
Kazuha smiles. “I assumed you might not have received any flowers today, so I came by with a small gift for you. And the girls, of course. I’m pretty sure Eunchae’s eating Unnie’s chocolates though,” she explains.
Yunjin looks at her in amazement. “Zuha-ya, this is so nice of you. I don’t even know what to say,” she admits, looking in disbelief at her friend’s heartwarming gesture.
The ballerina shrugs. “You don’t need to say anything; I just wanted to make this day a little more special for you. All three of you, obviously,” she says, clearing her throat awkwardly.
The older girl lunges forward, enveloping Kazuha in a warm, tight embrace. Kazuha holds her breath until Yunjin releases her, her scent lingering and leaving Kazuha slightly dizzy.
Yunjin's smile works its magic, causing Kazuha's heart to race, and she settles onto the bed, her feet almost feeling weightless.
"Do you want to stay and watch a movie?" Yunjin suggests, placing the flowers and the box on her desk with a gentle touch.
Kazuha's eyes light up at the offer, interpreting it as a positive response to her gift. "Yeah, I'd like that," she admits, a genuine smile gracing her lips as she looks at the older girl.
"I'll go make some tea," Yunjin says, gracefully moving towards the kitchen.
As the soft glow of the movie illuminated the room, Yunjin and Kazuha found themselves comfortably settled on Yunjin's bed, surrounded by the warmth of shared laughter and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed tea.
Kazuha couldn't help but notice the tender way Yunjin’s eyes sparkled in the soft light, a sight she'd become increasingly captivated by. As the movie progressed, Kazuha felt a gentle courage welling up within her. She took a deep breath, ready to express the emotions that had been growing stronger each day.
"Unnie, there's something I've been wanting to tell you," Kazuha began, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of nervousness.
Yunjin jumps up at that. “Oh my God, me too. I’ve been brewing up thoughts as we were watching the movie. My head can’t keep quiet even if Ryan Gosling’s on the screen.” She jokes lightly.
Kazuha’s heart speeds up at the thought of what Yunjin might say. “Yeah, go ahead.”
“Well, I cherish our friendship so much, Zuha," the older girl began, her eyes reflecting sincerity. "You mean everything to me, and the bond we share is irreplaceable. Your presence literally brightens my days, and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I feel to have someone like you in my life, someone who would bring me coffee on a bad morning or flowers on Valentine’s Day. I really love you Zuha.” Yunjin finishes, her words hanging heavy in Kazuha’s heart, who was taken aback by the girl’s sudden confession.
"I- that's probably the nicest thing someone has ever said to me. I love you too, Yunjin," Kazuha admits, her three words carrying a deeper layer of emotion.
Yunjin looks at her expectantly. "And what did you want to say?" she asks.
Smiling, Kazuha sidesteps her original confession. "Oh, I just wanted to thank you for helping me adjust to living in Korea and for being such a close friend to me. I’m forever grateful," she says, offering a different sentiment.
"Ah, is today confession day? I'm gonna cry, Zuha. Stop!" Yunjin playfully pushes her shoulder, wiping away a tear that fell down her cheek. The air in the room seems to lighten with laughter, concealing the unspoken words lingering beneath their playful exchange.
Kazuha couldn't help but smile through a twinge of heartache. The precious connection they had formed with time, albeit not romantic, was something she really cherished.
Another time.
Then that fateful night happened. They decided to gather at the other three girls' place for once, courtesy of Chaewon wanting to cook. Sakura, of course, couldn't leave her alone, so they were both arguing around the kitchen.
Kazuha liked it, loved it even. It felt like a little family having a dinner night, like home. Since she was used to being away from her family, Kazuha didn't often feel homesick, but it was the first time she felt at home while being far away from it.
In the good atmosphere and laughter, Kazuha was also prompted by Chaewon to try her first alcoholic drink.
"Chaewon-ah, she might not like it," the oldest of the five unsuccessfully tried to intervene.
"Well, she won't know until she tries. It's peach-flavored, Zuha, you won't even taste the alcohol," her unnie tried to encourage her, handing her a small glass full of Soju, peach-flavored apparently.
"Isn't it worse if she doesn't feel the alcohol? She'll get drunk faster," Eunchae remarks.
Chaewon furrows her eyebrows at the pair of girls trying to sabotage her plan. "She'll be fine, guys. And if she isn't, we're all here with her; we'll take care of you, Zuha." The short-haired girl smiles reassuringly.
After a few seconds of thinking, Kazuha eventually takes the glass, downing it in one go.
"Oh, slow down, tiger. You don't need to drink it all at once," Sakura laughs, her eyes holding a warm glint while looking at the younger member.
Suddenly, the door opens, revealing Yunjin, her arms full of takeout bags. Sakura and Chaewon eventually came to the conclusion that takeout was a better choice after Chaewon spilled a can of tofu in the kitchen. And Yunjin volunteered to go.
"I come bearing food. What did I miss?" She asks while taking off her shoes and jacket. Sakura takes the takeout bags from her hands, bringing them over to the table in their living room.
"Kazuha became an adult," Eunchae teases.
Yunjin laughs. "Damn, was I gone that long?" She jokingly asks, looking at Kazuha, whose cheeks have turned redder than before. The older girl thought she looked extremely adorable.
"Chaewon practically forced a glass of Soju down her throat," Sakura says, smiling teasingly at Chaewon.
"Nah-ah, you saw how she drank it willingly. I was just encouraging her," Chaewon tries to defend herself. The room fills with laughter, creating a light attitude among the five girls.
The night continued with laughter and shared moments, fueled by the warmth of friendship and the peach-flavored Soju. As the evening progressed, Kazuha found herself laughing a bit louder and feeling a bit more carefree.
Eventually, the effects of the Soju caught up with her, and Kazuha's words became a bit slurred and her head felt heavier. Sensing her struggle, Yunjin instinctively moved closer, offering her shoulder for support. Kazuha gratefully leaned on her, the alcohol-induced haze making her feel light and giddy. In her drunken daze, Kazuha noticed something.
“You’re wearing the necklace I gave you.” She pointed out to the heart shaped, gold pendant she gave Yunjin on Valentine’s Day.
The older girl chuckled. “I’ve been wearing it everyday, Zuha. Is this the first time you see it?” Kazuha lights up at the comment, feeling proud about her choice of gift.
The room became a blur of voices and laughter, but in Kazuha's world, only Yunjin's voice resonated. Yunjin's laughter echoed, a comforting melody that drowned out the surrounding chatter.
“Sleepover. You two should stay the night,” Eunchae suddenly said, noticing that it was well past one in the morning.
“If I have to sleep on the couch I’m going back to our apartment,” Sakura laughed.
“No, Unnie. You can share with me. My bed is the biggest.” The younger girl said, encouraging them to prolong their stay.
Sakura eventually agreed with a nod. “Alright then. Zuha, what are you saying? Do you wanna crash here tonight?” She asked, casting a glance at the tipsy girl.
Kazuha, however, found it surprisingly challenging to focus on Sakura's offer. She felt a gentle, distracting sensation on her hand. Glancing down, she noticed Yunjin playing with her fingers, creating a quiet intimacy that seemed to drown out everything else.
In that moment, the room could have been spinning, but all Kazuha knew was the warmth of Yunjin's hand against her own and the sweet scent of her perfume.
“Zuha?” Sakura prompted once again, making the ballerina jump in surprise, taking her out of the trance she was in.
“Oh, um- I can sleep here too.” She answers, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she actually answered in Japanese.
“Someone enjoyed her first drink, I see,” Chaewon teased the younger Japanese girl, earning a playful slap on her shoulder from Yunjin.
“Unnie, leave her alone. Come on, Zuha, you can sleep with me,” Yunjin suggested, provoking some good-natured laughter from the other three members.
She scoffed. “I meant to actually sleep, you perverts.” Yunjin rolled her eyes, hiding her rosy cheeks behind her hair.
Yunjin gently draped Kazuha's arm around her shoulder, guiding them both down the hall after bidding their goodnights.
Getting inside her bedroom, Yunjin lets Kazuha sit down while she takes the time to look for something the girl could wear to bed.
The other girl found herself in a state of pleasant haze, her inhibitions blurred by the intoxicating effects of alcohol. She layed down on the bed, the bedsheets and everything around her smelling like a divine mix between vanilla and something uniquely Yunjin.
Opening her eyes, Kazuha observed Yunjin in thought, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she searched for her white pajama shirt.
The influence of alcohol played tricks on Kazuha's mind, painting scenarios where she’s biting that lip instead.
Suddenly, Yunjin lifted her shirt, revealing her lacy black bra. Kazuha turned crimson red, closing her eyes abruptly. She covered her face with her hands, attempting to banish the inappropriate thoughts fueled by the alcohol-induced haze.
Noticing this, concern crept into Yunjin's voice. "Zuha, are you feeling alright? Are you going to be sick?" Kazuha was indeed feeling ill, but not in the way Yunjin worried about.
Why do you have to be so perfect everywhere?
"I'm okay, unnie. Just got a bit dizzy," Kazuha explained, her hands still shielding her face.
As they continued preparing for bed, Kazuha eventually stepped away from the bed, accepting the shirt and pants Yunjin handed her.
Each moment intensified her internal struggle as rationality and impulses wrestled for control.
Amid the whirlwind of emotions, Kazuha found it increasingly challenging to restrain her desires, especially when enveloped in the scent of Yunjin's clothes, which sent her heart aflutter. The blonde girl's mere presence tempted Kazuha to abandon restraint and succumb to her impulses.
And when was Kazuha good at controlling her impulses?
"Yunjin-ah," she called out, a refrain that had become familiar over the past few weeks.
Yunjin, seemingly accustomed to her dropping honorifics, turned around with a sweet smile. "You okay, Zuha?" Her gentle inquiry nearly caused Kazuha's feet to lose their balance.
Words were never Kazuha’s forte. Not in her native language and most definitely not in her third language. So if Yunjin understood even a fraction of the scrambled Japanese/Korean that came out of her mouth then that was great.
“Yunjin,” she began, words slurred from the effects of alcohol. “I think I’m drunk right now, though I’m not sure because I’ve never been drunk before. But I’ve been meaning to tell you that I’ve been feeling weird lately….Like, really weird.” Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she struggled to find the right words to explain herself.
Yunjin, looking concerned, approached Kazuha. "Weird how, Zuha? Are you sure you're okay?" Her genuine worry added another layer to Kazuha's emotional turmoil.
“No, no, it's not bad weird. It's just... different. I've been feeling this way for a while now, and it's like my heart does this funny dance whenever you're around, like that feeling when you ate your last jelly and by chance you find one more jelly in the bag, you feel me?" Kazuha confessed, her words stumbling over each other as she tried to articulate the inexplicable sensations.
Yunjin's expression shifted from concern to a mixture of confusion and understanding at the same time. "Are you trying to say... that you might have feelings for me?" she asked, her eyes searching Kazuha's for confirmation.
Kazuha nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Yeah, but it's weird because we're friends and technically co-workers, and I never expected to feel this way, but I do, and it's confusing and-and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to ruin our friendship." She covered her face once again in embarrassment, feeling as if she might’ve completely ruined the bond between them.
“Yah, Zuha.” Two gentle hands covered her own, pulling them away from her face. Yunjin was staring directly at her and she was so close she could feel Yunjin’s minty breath against her lips. Kazuha’s never drinking again.
“It’s okay, don’t stress so much ov-“
Kazuha leaned forward, pressing her lips to Yunjin’s, interrupting her. She couldn’t spend another second looking at her without knowing what it would feel like to kiss her. Their lips met in a soft, uncertain kiss, a tender exploration of unspoken feelings. The room seemed to stand still as the gravity of the moment enveloped them.
Her lips were slightly parted and she could feel and taste Yunjin’s bottom lip, the way their lips pressed together exceeding any dream Kazuha ever had about this. It was warm and so soft, unlike anyone she’s ever kissed before.
Driven by newfound courage, Kazuha's hands left her sides and embraced Yunjin's waist, pulling her closer, making the girl slightly yelp in surprise. Kazuha slowly parted their lips only to lean in again for another. To her delight, Yunjin responded, her fists balling in Kazuha's borrowed shirt, showing a shared desire for the moment to last a little longer.
Breaking the kiss, Kazuha looked into Yunjin’s eyes, both of their breaths slightly ragged from the kiss they shared. Her eyes were wide open in surprise and cheeks were flushed with the intimacy of the kiss they shared.
She looked so pretty.
Yunjin, taking a moment to absorb what just happened, let out a soft chuckle. "Zuha-ya, you certainly have a unique way of confessing your feelings."
Kazuha, slightly relieved by Yunjin's light-hearted response, managed a small smile. "I’m sorry, I couldn’t really control myself. I probably made this really weird." She says, attempting to put some distance between them.
Yunjin however, was quick to grab her hands, keeping her close. "Hey, it's okay. Emotions can be messy, and friendships can evolve. I appreciate your honesty."
Encouraged by Yunjin's understanding, Kazuha continued, "I didn't want it to affect our friendship, but it's been consuming my thoughts, and I had to tell you."
Yunjin's eyes softened, and she gave Kazuha a reassuring smile. "Zuha, our friendship means the world to me, I told you that. You mean the world to me, and it’s not going to be weird because I … I actually liked the kiss,” the girl admits, her gaze nervously avoiding Kazuha’s.
This made the ballerina want to scream at the top of her lungs, never imagining that you could possibly feel so many emotions for just one person. Yet, she kept a composed expression while Yunjin continued.
“I’m not entirely sure what this means but maybe we can find out together? And, whatever happens, we’ll figure out, okay?” She suggested, only making Kazuha’s smile bigger.
Kazuha nodded, words completely failing her now.
“Okay, let’s try and get some sleep now.” She said, pulling Kazuha’s hand towards the bed and slipping under the covers.
As the room plunged into darkness, Kazuha lay wide awake, attuned to the rhythm of Yunjin's breath, which eventually slowed. Assuming Yunjin was asleep, Kazuha turned to face her.
The small puffs of air with each exhalation brushed against her face. Kazuha couldn't resist reaching out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Yunjin's ear, eliciting a slight twitch in her sleep—a moment that brought a smile to Kazuha's face as she sat there, quietly observing.
Eventually, sleep enveloped her in the early morning hours, pulling her gaze away from the peacefully sleeping Yunjin. Kazuha hoped this wouldn't be the last time they shared a moment of such closeness.