Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mina pushed the door open to her apartment, dropping the keys on the bowl beside the door and taking her shoes off.

She immediately made her way towards her kitchen area that was also connected to her living area. Mina propped the paper bags, that was full groceries, on top of the kitchen island. Mina then calmly placed her brought groceries in their respective places. 

The brunette leaned against the counter and sigh after she was finished with organizing the groceries. Her eyes tiredly gaze over her apartment, dismayed at how messy it was but also satisfied that it was less messier than a few days ago atleast. She didn't really wanted to get out of her apartment, but she just found out that she was out of her favorite ketchup. So, Mina had to buy it, along with other groceries.

Mina went over her couch and flopped down on it with a light thud. She draws in a breath and turned on the television. Mina looks at the love drama displaying on her television. The characters were so in love, it made Mina's lonely soul clench. She settled on watching a comedy movie instead. 

Purely for background noise as her eyelids were getting heavy. She needed to rest her mind. Clamping her eyes shut, Mina carefully adjusted herself into a lying position, her head on the armrest of her couch. When unexpectedly, there was a knock on her door. It was short and quick, almost like someone was 'ding-dong ditching' her.

Mina sat up, confused. She wasn't expecting anyone. There wasn't an after knock, so Mina decided to check who it might be. The brunette appeared in front of her door and peeped through the peephole, but no one was there.

"Eh?" she says under her breath. 

The brunette opens the door and looked around, no one was there. Then her eyes lowered down at the floor to see a basket full of fruits, with a note attached on the basket's handle. Lowering herself close to the basket, Mina took the note, looking at it intently with curiosity.

Hello! I just moved in next door. I hope you'll like this small gift. I would have given this personally, but I'm in a hurry. Hoping we'll get a chance to know each other soon!

Sincerly yours,

J .Y 

That explains why I found no one around. Mina furrows her eyebrows. She picks up the basket and closes her door gently. Mina sets the basket on the table next to the couch, settling herself back on the couch. Mina shuts her eyes once again, trying to clear her mind and just go to sleep quickly. 

Few minutes passed by, and Mina's mind was still wide awake. All because of a particular person that doesn't seem to get off her mind. 

The brunette groans in frustration. She opens her eyes and sat up. The white object caught the corner of Mina's eye, reaching out with her hand, Mina took the note and gaze over the writing, eyes were almost tracing her new neighbor's penmanship. It was amusing to Mina. She never would have thought elegance could complement messy so well. 

Mina couldn't believe what she was thinking. She was literally thinking so deeply about someone's handwriting.

"Wow, that is just— embarrassing." the brunette says to herself, placing the note on her coffee table. Picking up her phone, Mina started to play games instead.

Hours went by and Mina woke up with her phone on the floor and some movie playing on the television. Mina glanced towards her window and saw that it was already night time. 

She got off the couch and went over her kitchen, grabbing a small snack and popping a chip in her mouth. Whilst sucking the insides of her left cheek, she ponders on the thought of going out for a walk. It was pretty late, Mina wasn't surprise at how long her nap was. Since it is late out, there wouldn't be that much people walking, and that sounded like absolute heaven to Mina.

Mina took some candy jelly to bring with on her walk. She steps out and locks the door, and then turns to the side. She notes the shoes by her neighbor's door. Mina walks hurriedly, not really wanting to meet her neighbor — just yet. 

The brunette made it to her usual walk path, and luckily there wasn't a single soul on sight. Lots may think she's crazy for wanting to walk alone at night, with no one around, but Mina loves it. 

At night it was quiet, not too quiet that her ears might burst. Quiet enough to calm her mind and nerves. It was always refreshing. Mina took a turn towards a familiar road, a puff of air releasing from her lips as she breathed deeply. 

Mina pulls out a piece of candy out of her pocket, unwrapping it and popping it into her mouth. Farther into her walking, something interrupted Mina's mind—more particularly—someone.

It was Mina's first time receiving a gift in such a long time. People around her already knows what she is like, she tends to not even bat an eye at people unless completely necessary. 

Mina shook her head to clear her thoughts. I shouldn't be thinking about my neighbor, that's just plain... weird.

Not really paying attention to where she was walking, Mina's foot hit a small bump causing her to lose balance and stumble. Mina yelps, trying to grab on something to stop her fall, but someone suddenly halts in front of her and managed to stop her from tripping completely. 

"Are you okay, miss?" a soft voice reached Mina's ears. 

"I'm fine," Mina says in a grudgey tone, she immediately stood upright, and retained her composure. 

"Thank yo-" the brunette stopped mid-sentence when she was face to face with the person that helped her.

Chapter Text

Mina was intentionally trying to avoid the person's gaze, she notices the person's hands still close to her waist. 

"Thank yo-" the brunette stopped mid-sentence when she was face to face with the person that helped her.

The person before her was tall, had black hair that was cut right above the shoulders. She was wearing round glasses that suits her face. And the woman's jawline was sharp, her whole face was small, Mina notices this- after briefly analyzing the other woman's face. 

"Um, hello?" the stranger waved a hand in front of Mina's face, Mina blinked and fully turned around. 

"Hey! What's your name?" the woman call out to her. But it didn't made Mina stop in her tracks she kept walking— more like run-walk back to her apartment.

The brunette arrives at her apartment and realizes that her neighbor's shoes was not by the door anymore. Must've gone out. Mina fishes out her keys from her pocket. She heard footsteps slowly making it's way to her.

Just as Mina was able to push her keys into her keyhole, a voice startled her from behind. 

"Oh hey, you must be my neighbor!" 

An awfully chirpy yet familiar voice finished speaking. Mina sighs, not in the mood to meet her neighbor. The brunette turns in her heel to face the stranger, but her eyes was merely looking some place else rather than her neighbor's face.

"Well.. hello, you." the stranger smiled widely, Mina felt something strange going on in her body. Like a spike of adrenaline when she caught the smile of the stranger. 

"I'll appreciate it if you don't bother me." Mina says nonchalantly, standing idly next to her own door. 

"Wh-" 

Then the door to Mina's apartment was loudly shut. The stranger that was left outside let out a huff. 

"That is the second time she blew me off," the stranger clicks her tongue. "..rude." 

All of a sudden Mina opens her door once again, but only so that her voice can be heard. "And thank you for the gift." 

The door closed once again. The stranger stood there dumbfounded, pondering on the thought whether the brunette heard what she said earlier or not.

The woman shrugs her shoulder and went inside her own apartment.

"Jeongyeon?" 

The woman perked her head up as she heard her name being called. A smile crept up her face. "Unnie?" 

Nayeon gave her a stink eye. "I told you to drop that." her index finger giving Jeongyeon a jab on her chest. 

In spite of it, Nayeon still brought Jeongyeon in for a tight hug. The taller woman immediately melting into the later's embrace. It's been way too long since the two had seen each other. 

"Didn't expect you to show up in this part of town, or show up in any town really." Nayeon says, breaking their embrace by pulling away from the noirette. 

"Just figured to take a break from city life, you know?" 

"I thought the city's doing you good? What happened, babe?" 

Nayeon sat across from Jeongyeon, stealing a fry from the other woman's plate, earning a deadpan look from Jeongyeon. Nayeon smiles playfully. 

"I just got fed up with douche guys saying how I should do things and dissing on my artworks," Jeongyeon scoffs. "As if they could do any better." she continued. 

Nayeon lets out a chuckle. "No way you just fled away from the 'big lights' for that," 

"I didn't." Jeongyeon replies, biting on her burger. "I taught them a lesson before fleeing here." 

"It was pretty easy, knowing that the lack of evidence is the only thing stopping their fiancee to kick their asses out in the curb." Jeongyeon explained.

"And that is way you are named the justice leauge." 

Jeongyeon groans at the nickname. "That nickname is so stupid, I'm just one person." 

"You know how Dahyun is." Jeongyeon gave a piece of her burger to Nayeon, noticing that Nayeon was practically drooling at the sight of the burger. 

"How are you guys?" Jeongyeon asked.

"We're doing fine. Dahyun is helping me out with the store, and Tzuyu.. she's actually seeing someone." 

"Really? Tzuyu?" 

"Yeah, she met this musician when she took a trip on the other side of town. She seriously wouldn't stop gushing on how cute the musician was." 

Jeongyeon smiles. "Does this musician have a name?"

"Tzuyu hasn't introduce her to us yet soo, at the mean time, we call her the small musician." Nayeon shrugs her shoulders. "Tzuyu said that she was shorter than her." 

"By the way, where are you staying? We have extra space at the house." 

Jeongyeon waved her hand, declining the brunette's offer. "I just moved into my new apartment yesterday. It's a few blocks from here." 

Nayeon tilts her head. A thought passed by her mind. "And where is that?" 

"The one near a park, and it had a bus stop near it."

"You met your neighbor already?" 

Jeongyeon lets out a sigh, thinking back at her interaction with her new neighbor. 

"She blew me off.. twice." 

"In one day? You must be good with the ladies." Nayeon says in sarcasm whilst smirking. 

"But.." 

"But..?" Nayeon leaned her face in a little closer, encouraging Jeongyeon to finish her sentence. 

Jeongyeon just laughs and shook her head. "Nothing."

Nayeon's smile immediately dropped and scoffs. She then leaned her back on the chair and crossed her arms. 

"I just hope it isn't the grudgey neighbor everyone knows about." 

Jeongyeon's attention perked up to Nayeon's words. Intrigued in knowing if Nayeon knows her neighbor. Or if she was talking about the same neighbor Jeongyeon had in mind.

"Wait, what?"

"Nothing." Nayeon smiles cheekily at Jeongyeon's reaction. An annoyed expression plastered onto her face. 

"You suck." Jeongyeon replies, rolling her eyes.

"You started it." Nayeon clapped back. 

"I was just going to say that she was pretty," 

Nayeon smiles, happy with Jeongyeon's sudden confession. Knowing full well that she just said that to get Nayeon to elaborate more about the 'grudgey' neighbor she was talking about. 

"Not happening." 

"Ugh, I said what my 'nothing' was." Jeongyeon exclaims. 

"Jeongyeon, you should know that you can't always get everything you want in life." Nayeon says teasingly. 

"I hate you," 

"You love me." Nayeon replies.

Chapter Text

A knock startled Mina, causing her to knock down the cards she's been stacking for an hour. With an irritated huff, she went towards her door and looked through the peephole.

"Go away." 

"Oh come on-" the door opened, revealing a cheerful Jeongyeon. 

"What part of don't bother me did you not understand?" Mina says while wearing a scowl. 

"I think we got off the wrong foot, or you're just a really grudgey person.." Jeongyeon says, mumbling the two last words.

"Excuse me?" Mina eyed the other woman that was across from her.

Jeongyeon widen her eyes and grinned again. "I said that I made cookies! Well, I made too many so I figured.. why not share some with my pretty neighbor?" 

Mina's scowl still hadn't dropped from her face. And they stayed there for few moments. Just Jeongyeon staring at Mina while Mina stared at the food on the taller woman's hands. Mina reached out and took the cookies from Jeongyeon's grasp. Jeongyeon watches in with hopeful eyes. 

"Thanks." is all what Mina says before shutting her door. But something stopped the door from closing full way. Mina looked back and saw Jeongyeon's hand placed on the door. 

"Wait-" Jeongyeon starts. "I never really got to properly introduce myself," 

Mina raises an eyebrow, giving Jeongyeon an expression, as if saying  'and?'. Jeongyeon coughs to clear her throat, flattening her shirt to look more presentable as Mina watches her, clearly uninterested. But Jeongyeon doesn't know that. 

"The name's Yoo Jeongyeon." the noirette states, extending her hand in expectations of a handshake from the brunette. 

Mina pulled her lips into a thin line, not responding to the woman's introduction verbally. Jeongyeon chuckles dryly and scratches her nape, feeling awkward. "And you are?" retracting her hand, Jeongyeon speaks again, in hopes to atleast get her neighbor's name. 

"You don't need to know my name and I don't need your benevolence." 

Door once again closed, but this time in Jeongyeon's sheepishly face. Jeongyeon pulled out her phone from her pocket. 

"What the heck is bena-benevolence?" 

‎ 

‎ 

Mina eyed the cookies that was sitting on top of her kitchen counter. She thought about it but then walked away. Only to come back to it and get one of the cookies from the tupperware. Mina took a small bite on the cookie. As much as Mina hates to admit about liking something from her neighbor, Jeongyeon makes surprisingly good cookies. 

"I can do better." Mina mumbles underneath her breath, but with Mina's way of saying it, she doesn't even know herself if what she said was true. 

Mina squints at the cookies. She decided to take it with her on the couch. 

Now that Mina thought about it, her neighbor is the only person she has had a long conversation with in a long time. And a really annoying, chirpy person she met in a long time. Honestly, Mina really did appreciate Jeongyeon's efforts in getting to know the brunette. But Mina learned from the last time she was kind to others, it didn't end well, and her neighbor won't be an exception at all. Jeongyeon being nice to her and willing to get to know her doesn't faze Mina. Nothing has changed, people will always be people. People around town probably haven't told the noirette woman about Mina's image. 

Mina didn't really want to do it because it might just show that she cares for her neighbor (which she does not), but if writing a note is what Mina needed to do in stopping the noirette's attempts, then Mina will for sure take that chance. Mina drew in a breath and exhaled slowly. Taking a piece of paper and pen, she started writing. 

‎ 

Jeongyeon was heading out, as she bends to get her shoes, Jeongyeon saw small piece of paper in her shoes. Confused on to why there was a note on her shoes, she chose to read it. There Jeongyeon was, sitting on her apartment floor, with one shoe on and a piece of paper in her hand. 

‎Stay away from me, you'll end up getting hurt.

-neighbor

‎

‎Jeongyeon blinked, not knowing if she should be worried about the content that was written on the paper, or happy that her cold neighbor actually wrote something for her. Jeongyeon smiled nevertheless, mentally taking a note to share it with Nayeon when she gets a chance. 

"Too bad you can't get rid of me that quick." Jeongyeon mutters. She stood up and walked over her refrigerator, sticking the note on it with a heart magnet. 

Jeongyeon knows it's probably stupid to still annoy her grudgey neighbor, but she also knows that there's always good in someone. All Jeongyeon has to do is find it. And the determination to know more about the brunette made Jeongyeon feel more alive than ever. Also, Jeongyeon never quits. 

Jeongyeon steps out of her apartment and looks at her neighbor's door. 

Who are you? she thought to herself. 

Chapter Text

Dahyun gets up from her seat and immediately brings the older woman into a bone-crushing hug. Jeongyeon chuckles, patting Dahyun on the back. 

"I've missed you too, Dahyunie." 

"It's been forever!"  

The pair sat on the table that was already occupied by Nayeon, Tzuyu and two other women. Dahyun sat by a black haired woman, who had the same length of hair as Jeongyeon's but just a tad longer. Jeongyeon smiles at the two women who she was unfamiliar with.

"Jeongyeon, this is Momo.. my girlfriend," 

Momo gave Jeongyeon a smile and extends her hand. The latter happily accepted it, bowing her head slightly at the other woman. "Nice to meet you, Momo." 

"You too, Jeongyeon." Momo calmly replies. 

Dahyun turns her attention to the redhead sitting beside Momo. "And this is Sana, another friend of ours!" 

"Hi! It's nice to meet you." Jeongyeon says, this time offering her hand for the redhead to shake. Sana did took her hand, but suddenly pulled it up to her lips, placing a soft chaste kiss on the back of Jeongyeon's hand. The noirette chuckles at the unexpected gesture. 

"At your service." the redhead winks. Jeongyeon shyly retracts her hand from Sana. 

"Is she..?" Jeongyeon trailed off, looking at Tzuyu. But the younger woman gave her a confused look. Nayeon picked up on it and immediately declines. 

"Oh, no. She isn't Tzuyu's girlfriend," 

"If she were to be my girlfriend, I wouldn't have allowed that." Tzuyu utters, gesturing about the redhead's 'curtsy'. 

"Yep, I'm single and ready for you to mingle." Sana says, her eyes glued at Jeongyeon. 

Momo snickers at her friends antics. Getting an elbow to her side by her girlfriend. "Be supportive." Dahyun whispers. 

"I'm flattered, but a lot might say I'm not that easy to get." Jeongyeon flirts back, grinning widely. 

"Nope, you guys aren't going to be six-wheeling me today." Nayeon jokingly says, and  stands up from her seat. 

"Six? Is someone else coming?" 

"Yeah, Tzuyu's little girlfriend is arriving shortly," 

Tzuyu stood up, her eyes glued on her screen. "Matter of fact, she's pulling up right now. Be right back." Tzuyu says and leaves the table abruptly. 

Jeongyeon looks at the three women across from her. "How'd you guys meet?" 

"Momo and Sana were friends for a long time in elementary school, and well.." Dahyun looks at Momo with a warm smile. Momo laces their hands together. 

"I met Dahyun at the restaurant she was working on with Nayeon. And I thought she was cute so I.. asked her out."

Sana raises her hand slightly. "I was the one that actually asked for Dahyun's number, she was too chicken to do it." the redhead added. Momo's face turn a light shade of pink in embarrassment. 

"I'm back," Tzuyu chimes in from behind Jeongyeon and Nayeon. "And I brought someone along with me." 

A figure walk alongside with Tzuyu, hands interlocked with one and other. Both came to view, in front of the table. Nayeon stifles a laugh at the sight. 

"She is small." 

"Nayeon unnie!" Tzuyu gasps. The shorter woman beside her just laughs it off, waving her hand. 

"Hey guys, I'm Chaeyoung. Tzuyu's girlfriend." 

‎ ‎ 

‎"You look so familiar, have we met before?" Nayeon questions the younger woman. Chaeyoung furrows her eyebrows, looking at Nayeon and then shaking her head. 

"Nope, I don't remember knowing you." 

"Huh.. I must confuse you with someone else." 

Chaeyoung chuckles. "I actually get that a lot, it's no worries." 

Nayeon leans back on her seat. Letting the other women introduce themselves to one and other, but Nayeon couldn't stop thinking about how familiar Chaeyoung's face was. And Nayeon was sure she's a person that doesn't get people's face mixed up often. It was odd for her. 

A warm hand on top of her own took the older woman away from her thoughts. Nayeon turns her head to look at Jeongyeon's concerned face. "You okay?" utters the noirette. Nayeon gave her an assuring smile, squeezing Jeongyeon's hand with her owns. 

"Of course." 

‎ 

‎

‎ 

"I hope we hangout sometime soon! It was fun meeting you guys!" Jeongyeon exclaims in excitement, walking side by side with her newly made friends out of the cafe shop. 

"Totes! I hope I can get to see you again, Jeongyeonie." Sana says in a lovingly tone, with a huge smile plastered on her face. 

Nayeon purses her lips into a thin line and claps her hands, grabbing everyone's attention. Breaking whatever was going on between Sana and Jeongyeon. 

"Anywho, you guys take care on your way back home, hmm? Chaeyoung, I'll like to remind you that Tzuyu has five big sisters, so if you ever much make our Tzuyu cry-" Nayeon trails off, Chaeyoung smiles sheepishly at the older woman. 

"I know unnie, I'll take good care of her. You have my word." the shorter woman replies. Nayeon nodded.

Sana eyes linger at how Nayeon's hand crept their way around Jeongyeon's waist, pulling the taller woman closer next to her. This caused the redhead to let out a puff of air, not amused by the sight displayed right infront of her. 

Dahyun in other hand is getting smothered with kisses all over her face by her lover. Sounds of shy complaints leaving her lips every now and then. 

"Get a room you two." 

"You sure you don't need a ride, Jeongyeon unnie?" Tzuyu asked. 

"I'll be fine, Tzuyu-ah." 

The ladies bid their goodbyes, with Dahyun, Momo, and Sana driving off first. Jeongyeon waves her hand goodbye as Tzuyu and Chaeyoung followed the trio minutes later.  A car pulled up next to Jeongyeon. 

"You sure you'll be okay with walking home?" 

Jeongyeon places her arms on Nayeon's pulled down windows, leaning slightly. "Yes, I'm sure Nayeon." 

"Alright, I'm just one call away." 

The taller woman giggles. "Take care, my knight and shining armor." Jeongyeon replies, quickly placing a kiss on Nayeon's cheek. The sudden action made Nayeon gasp in surprise, holding the cheek Jeongyeon had recently place a kiss on. 

"Who are you? And what have you done to Jeongyeon?" Nayeon jokingly said. Jeongyeon didn't reply and just gave her a playful smile, walking away from the other woman. 

Chapter Text

"Hi." 

Mina wore a frown at the sight of the person in front of her. 

"You again?" 

"Well yeah, I live just next door so.." 

"What do you want?" 

Jeongyeon snorts. "Chill, I just brought some food." 

Mina stared at the noirette. "Why?" 

"Because.." Jeongyeon trails off, trying to find an excuse to tell the brunette. She avoided Mina's gaze for a while.  

"Because... I just wanted to have someone taste my recipe before suggesting it to my friend who owns a restaurant." the taller woman says, and gave Mina a warm smile. "I wanna ace the recipe before suggesting, you know?" Jeongyeon mutters, leaning slightly and winked. 

Mina was displeased. She clicks her tongue, not believing one bit of what the noirette had said. But then Mina just remembered she hasn't eaten yet, and she's not in the mood in cooking either or waiting for food to arrive by ordering. Mina reaches her hands out to the glass baking dish, but Jeongyeon quickly pulled it away from the brunette with a scoff. Mina raises an eyebrow at her. 

"It's hot, you might burn yourself!"  

Mina blinked, her heart feeling tingly "Right," she turns but then pauses. "How do I know you're not trying to poison me?" 

Jeongyeon breaks out into laughter, but still balanced the food in her hands well. "You're funny." her happy look dropping into a deadpan look.

"I'm not trying to- hey!" Mina called out as Jeongyeon pushes her way through and into Mina's apartment. 

Jeongyeon sets the hot dish on top of the counter, wiggling her arms right after. "Sorry, my arms started to ache." she grinned sheepishly. 

Now that Jeongyeon had a moment, she took that opportunity to look around the apartment. Noting at how she'd actually love to clean the apartment because of how messy she thinks it is. 

"Are you just gonna stand there all day?" 

Mina's voice broke Jeongyeon from her thoughts. "Hmm?" 

"I said are you- ugh, could you leave now?" Mina groaned out, her hands placed on each side of her hips. 

"Right! Sorry, I'll see myself out." Jeongyeon replies. 

Ah the infamous displeased look on that pretty face. The noirette thought while staring at Mina's face for several seconds before heading towards the door, she turns from outside of Mina's apartment and had gotten the brunette's attention. 

"Could I possibly get your name now?" Jeongyeon chirps.

"No." 

Is all what Mina's says before slamming the door shut in Jeongyeon's face.. again. 

"You really gotta stop doing that!!"  Jeongyeon yells, annoyed at the stunt her neighbor pulled. 

The noirette scoffed. "Bitch didn't even say thank you."

‎

‎ 

‎ 

‎A ringing broke the comfortable silence in the brunette's apartment. She raised her cellular phone and checked the id caller. A groan coming out of her lips. Nevertheless, she swiped across her screen toward the answer button. Putting it on speaker and laying it on top of her kitchen counter. 

"Mina-yah, finally!" 

Mina winces at the loud voice coming from her phone. 

"Why can't you stop calling?" 

"Wow, not even a hello. Gee," 

"Hello." an audibly snort came from the speaker of Mina's phone. 

"Well, you haven't been receiving any of my calls. Thank God, you answered this one." 

"I was purposely ignoring you." 

"You're a bitch, you know that?" 

"Yeah, I get that a lot. You don't need to pretend being friends with me just because our fathers are friends.." 

"Pfft, you know you love me, Mina-ssi." 

"That's absurd, I don't love anyone." 

"I must be dead then." 

Mina rolls her eyes, poking the food in front of her with her fork and taking a bite.

"Anywho, I called because I'm in town!" 

This made Mina groan loudly. I don't want another overly positive and annoying person when I still haven't delt with Jeongyeon just yet.

"Why?" 

"Because saying that you still haven't hung up on me, I say you miss me and my delicious cooking of course." 

Mina lets out a dry laugh. "Actually," 

"I think you've got some competition." she finishes.

"What?!" 

"My neighbor just brought me another plate of her home-made food, and I'm afraid it beats your scallops recipe." 

A loud and high-pitched gasp was heard through the screen. Mina rubbed her ears. 

"My scallops dish?! My beloved scallops dish? Oh, it's on. Give me her name and I'll challenge her on a cook off to win your taste buds." 

Mina shook her head at her old friend's antics. "You're ridiculous." 

The brunette pauses for a moment, and then started speaking. "My neighbor.. she's like you," 

"Oohh, she's pretty." 

"Pretty annoying." Mina added. Yet another scoff was heard through the phone's speaker. "She always shows up and offers food, like I'm homeless or something." an amused laugh was heard from the caller.

"She must like you." 

"No. She's a girl with no survival instinct, who just trust their neighbor that quick?" 

"I don't know you tell me, you're the one eating one of her dish." 

"That doesn't count." 

"And food poisoning is a myth." 

"I now remember why I don't pick up your calls." Mina grunts. 

"She caught your attention, huh?"

"Of course she caught my attention, how can she not? She keeps barging into my personal space. She scratches the back of her neck when she's nervous, she's weird, and don't even start with that stupid little smile of hers." Mina rolls her eyes, picturing her neighbor's irritating grin.

"Huh, sounds like someone has a crush." 

The brunette furrows her eyebrows at what her friend was trying to implement. 

"What are you even saying?" Mina defended herself.

"You sound exactly like a person describing their crush, well, more like describing her enemy that she ends up falling in love with."  the caller snickers.

"Have you lost your mind?" Mina says in horror.

"Pfft, wait until you start loving it, Mina-ssi." 

"No. I'm not going to date anyone. Especially her, God, not her." 

"Right, your hatred towards people and her home-made foods against the world." 

"You being gay as fuck doesn't mean I'm gay too, you know?" 

"Girl shut up with your straight phase, we both know that's bullshit." 

Mina scoffs at her friend's statement. "It isn't a phase." 

"And I can shit out money. All I'm saying is,"

"..maybe she likes you." Mina's friend finishes off.

Mina hesitates at what her friend had just said. Not knowing why her heart skipped a beat. Mina shakes her head quickly. No, no no. "What?" 

"Ooh, we got a slight hesitation." her friend replies, loving to tease Mina. 

"Look-" Mina stops mid-sentence when she heard faint giggles and indistinctive chattering coming from the walls. 

"Mina-"

Mina hushed her friend, carefully listening to her neighbor's conversation. Which she knows it's horrible to do so as a person, but as an also nosy person, Mina can't help it. 

"Jeongyeonie, you're so funny." 

Mina's eyebrows scrunched at the sound of another female voice, mixing with Jeongyeon's laughter. Music started to blast loudly from the other side of the wall. Or maybe it was loud earlier, Mina has no interest in paying attention to it. Yet Mina could still hear their conversation, probably because they were practically screaming to hear one and other.

"And you're already starting to get tipsy!" 

"Am nooot, I'm just a really touchy person." 

The brunette's eyes widen in horror. She briskly knocks on the wall soundly without a second thought. 

"Who's that?" 

"My neighbor- uh sorry, we'll keep it down!" 

The music started to decrease in volume. Mina took a step back from the wall and just stared at it. She still felt strange. Mina did just wanted to stop the loud music from hurting her ears, right? 

Right? 

‎ 

‎"Jeongyeon.. can I kiss you?" 

‎ 

‎ 

‎Reality suddenly felt like it was going in slow motion. Everything became soundless, everything started to blur out. The sound of her beating heart was the only thing that Mina hears. Not the music anymore, not her friend calling out her name, not even the voices on the other side of the wall she clearly heard several moments earlier. 

Mina now knows she's in trouble. 

‎ 

‎ 

"Fucking hell." 

Chapter Text

"You've got such a cute apartment, Jeongyeonie." 

Jeongyeon chuckles, tidying up the table in the middle of the room. "Sorry for the mess, I wasn't expecting visitors." the taller woman eyed Dahyun who was standing idly at the door with a sly smile. 

Jeongyeon guided two of the women to her living area, but Dahyun followed Jeongyeon towards the kitchen to prep their food. 

"Where's Momo?" the noirette questions. 

"At work, she wanted to come by too but she got an important meeting to attend to." 

Dahyun pulls out three glasses and sets it on the table. Her face grimacing as she opens Jeongyeon's refrigerator. 

"Do you have other beverages that is not beer?" Dahyun says in disbelief, closing the refrigerator door. 

"I love beer, dude." 

Dahyun snickers. "Well, I guess I need to do a quick stop at seven eleven." 

"I have juice!" 

"Ehh, I'm not feeling like drinking juice today. I'll be back," 

Dahyun heads for the living area but pauses and turns around to face Jeongyeon. "Don't be shy to get started without me." with that, Dahyun winked and disappeared from Jeongyeon's sight before Jeongyeon could even flip the younger woman off. 

Jeongyeon shakes her head, and picked up the plates filled with food. She went over the living area where Sana was sitting on the couch, patiently waiting, and then beaming as Jeongyeon came to view. The noirette smiled back shyly. 

"Do you drink beer?" Jeongyeon asks the redhead. 

"Yes, as a matter of fact I love beer." 

Jeongyeon grins widely. "Coming right up then."

Jeongyeon walks back to the kitchen to get the last plate of food. And carefully picking up two beer bottles with her free hand. 

"You guys picked some real good foods," Jeongyeon says, entering the living room with another set of foods, and beers, on her hands. She sets them down the coffee table and took a seat next to Sana. 

"I have more if you want another one." Jeongyeon said. 

Sana took one of the beer and popped the cap off with the bottle opener and gave it to Jeongyeon. The noirette thanked her and waited for her to open up another bottle. The moment Sana was done, the redhead turns and looks at Jeongyeon sweetly, raising her glass bottle. 

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

Sana stares at Jeongyeon as the noirette took a drink whilst Sana was drinking her own beer. Jeongyeon laughs softly when she notices the redhead's stare on her. "Have I got something on my face?" she asked.

"Yeah," Sana mutters, slowly leaning in and letting her fingertips gently touch Jeongyeon's cheeks, making the latter shudder at the feeling of the coldness of her fingers. But the noirette didn't pull away. "Surreal beauty." 

"You've got charm." Jeongyeon replies, taking another sip of her beer. 

"And you've got my heart." 

Sana playfully taps on Jeongyeon's chest. Then leaning her lower back against the sofa's armrest. Jeongyeon bits her lips, looking like she was pondering on her thoughts about something. Sana stared intently, swirling her beer liquid around with the use of the bottle. Jeongyeon increases the volume of the music with the use of her remote. The taller woman looks back at Sana with a playful grin.

"Are you from Korea?" 

"No." Sana answered and smiled. 

Jeongyeon sucks her lips into a thin line and then lets out a loud laugh. The other woman tilted her head at the noirette. Wondering what was going on inside the latter's head. 

"Sorry," Jeongyeon wave her hand. "I was thinking on doing a corny joke." she finishes off. 

"Let me hear it." Sana inches closer to Jeongyeon with a big smile. 

"No, it's really corny." 

"Pleaseee?" 

Jeongyeon turns her head and looked at Sana. Only then is when she noticed how close they were. And how cute Sana's cheeks were, not to mention they were already flushed due to the beverage they were drinking. "So.. where are you from?" 

"Oh come on, don't stall now." 

Sana plays with a strand of Jeongyeon's hair, twirling it in between her fingers with such delight. Her glance returned back to Jeongyeon's face, gazing at the noirette's lips for brief second before looking back into the brown orbs. 

"Uh, well.. okay, let's start again." 

"Are you from Korea?" Jeongyeon continues. 

"Why?" Sana replied. 

"Because you might be my Seoul-mate." 

There was a pause. 

And then Sana burst out laughing. 

"Jeongyeonie, you're so funny." 

Sana's hand made contact with Jeongyeon's thigh, the redhead started to caress Jeongyeon's thigh lovingly while still laughing. The noirette lets out a nervous laugh, but drowned by Sana's loud and rather contagious laugh.

"And you're already starting to get tipsy!" Jeongyeon exclaims in shock as Sana's hand started getting higher and higher each second. 

"Am nooot, I'm just a really touchy person." 

Sana explains. Taking a hold of both Jeongyeon's hands and squeezing it with a grin stuck on her face. 

All of a sudden they heard knocking. And it came behind the tv, from the walls. 

"What was that?" 

"My neighbor- uh sorry, we'll keep it down!" 

Jeongyeon quickly took her remote and lowered the volume down. She smiles sheepishly at Sana. The redhead slowly moved closer to the noirette. 

Jeongyeon's breath got caught on her throat as Sana gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind Jeongyeon's ear. The taller woman could feel her face heating up at their closeness, and also at the intense stare she had caught herself in. "You're absolutely stunning," Sana mutters out. 

The older woman lets out a nervous laugh. "I'm flattered, you look great too." Jeongyeon says as she inches away from the redhead, turning her head away to cover her flushed cheeks. She doesn't know whether it was from the beer or from their little moment. 

"Jeongyeon.." Sana calls out to her.

The latter tilts her head slightly towards the redhead, letting out a hum in response. Encouraging Sana to continue on to what she was saying. 

"Can I kiss you?" 

Jeongyeon's heart suddenly skipped a beat, her mouth went dry, and everything around her practically went to silent mode. 

Shit. 

Chapter Text

Mina doesn't know why she felt that way, and why at that moment, she was getting out of her apartment and walking over Jeongyeon's. But she stopped on her tracks when she saw another woman with paper bags, cradled in her arms. The woman looked up at Mina and gave her a bright smile. 

Okay, someone else is there. I don't need to interfere anymore. Is what Mina thought before she started backing up and pushing her own door open. Only to pause mid-way as she heard a voice call out to her. 

"Oh, you're Jeongyeon unnie's next door neighbor. Why don't you join us?" 

"Uh, no.." 

"Come on, the more the merrier." 

Dahyun moved the paper bag to her other arm, taking Mina's hand and encouraging her to join the 'party' Mina furrows her eybrows, noticing that the woman had a key to her neighbor's apartment. Must be someone close to her. And also, this woman has no survival instinct whatsoever, just like Jeongyeon. By that time, Dahyun had successfully opened the door. "I'm Dahyun, by the way-" 

Dahyun lets her mouth fall agape at the sight in front of them. Mina pursed her lips into a thin line, eyeing at how close the two women were in the couch. Sana was leaning over, both her hands clasping over Jeongyeon's. Her face just inches away from the taller woman. Dahyun broke out into a chuckle. 

"Sorry about that, my friend is really frisky when tipsy." 

"Dahyun!!" Jeongyeon exclaims, wiggling out of Sana's grasp and quickly making her way toward the shorter woman. "What took you so long?" Jeongyeon's eyes were pleading for help, her grin so fake.

"There was so many options." Dahyun smiles cheekily. "Plus, I brought someone else into the party." 

Jeongyeon's attention now went to Mina. The brunette felt.. nervous? That was a first. Being caught in Jeongyeon's stare made her feel small and as if she was exposed. Mina awkwardly fidgets in place, trying to avoid the noirette's gaze. 

"Sorry, I didn't get your name?" Dahyun ask.

"You don't need to know my name." 

Dahyun looked at her dumbfounded. But then lets out a gasp. "She's the pretty wo-" 

Jeongyeon lets out a nervous yelp and laughed awkwardly, covering Dahyun's mouth with her hand. "Please have a seat. Dahyun and I will just be at the kitchen.. unloading." Jeongyeon says, quickly pulling Dahyun away from Mina. 

Mina stood in place for a while. Pondering the thought if she should sit next to the redhead or would it just be better if she go back to her own apartment, to sleep off the weird feeling she's been experiencing ever since she heard the women's little chat. Sana's eyes gaze over the brunette. Her face breaks into a smile, she patted the space next to her as she made room for Mina. 

Mina slowly made her way towards the couch and sat properly. They heard hushed whispers coming from the kitchen. Mina took in the sight of Jeongyeon's place. It was neat, way far from hers, it has little decorations here and there, and various of pictures clipped on a long thread that was placed on the wall in the far corner of the room. 

"I'm Sana Minatozaki," 

"And you are?" Sana asked after a moment of silence between the two individuals. Just faint music playing in the background. 

"It's not important." 

Sana furrows her eyebrows. "I just want to know your name." 

"Well, you should drop it. Not even Jeongyeon knows my name." 

"Ohh you're Jeongyeonie's next door neighbor! I didn't expect you too be this pretty." Sana mutters, her hand reaching out for Mina. But the brunette grimace at the incoming hand, she detracts from the redhead's touch. Sana raises an eyebrow at her but decides to shrug it off. Taking another whip of her beer. Jeongyeon's been talking alot about me, I guess. Mina thinks.

There was another comfortable silence between the two, well awkward for Mina, but talking to new people was dreadful enough. Mina wonders what the other two women were up to because they were taking a while. And Mina wanted to get away from the redhead as fast as possible. 

Mina lets out a heavy sigh. "What are you to Jeongyeon?" surprised herself that she strikes up a conversation.

"Does it matter?" a smirk forming at the side of the redhead's lips as she answered back at the brunette. 

"Look," Sana started, turning to face Mina. And ever so slightly leaning closer to the brunette woman. 

"I may not know anything about you but," Sana twirls her fingers with Mina's necklace. "I do know that.."

"Jeongyeonie is mine." 

Sana tilted her head, patting Mina's cheek gently. "Got it?" she continued. 

From that moment on, all Mina thought about was ripping that smirk off of the redhead. Who does she think she is? How dare she say- touch me?! 

"So.. did you make a move yet?" Dahyun ask while in the kicthen with Jeongyeon. 

"What? No." Jeongyeon immediately declines. "Sana however.. is a really affectionate woman." 

"Yeah, she's like that. But she's different with you, I think Sana likes you." Dahyun winks. 

"That's not gonna happen." 

"Why? You guys could make such a cute coup-" 

Dahyun pauses. Jeongyeon looks at her to see a smug look plastered on the other noirette's face, her eyes squinting at the taller woman. "It's about pretty next door neighbor, isn't it?" 

"W-what? No," Jeongyeon lets out a puff of air. "No, of course not. I'm just saying that Sana is out of my league." 

"Don't be silly, unnie. You're everyone's type." 

Jeongyeon's face turned a light shade of red. "Shut up." 

"Bye guys!" Jeongyeon waved, far too cheerful for someone who downed plenty of beer bottles. 

"Bye, Jeongyeon unnie and neighbor! We had so much fun." Dahyun says, struggling to keep Sana upright by her side. 

"Let me hel-" Jeongyeon starts, but a small tug on her shirt stopped her from going further. She turned to see Mina looking right back at her with serious eyes. 

"Your friend is fine, Dahyun is more than capable in returning your friend home in one piece." 

Dahyun clicked her tongue while winking. "That's true." 

"Waaaaittt!" Sana whines out, wiggling away from the younger woman's grasp. She inches towards Jeongyeon and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. Mina rolls her eyes at the sight infront of her. Of course she was bitter. And no, not because she's jealous or something. It's because love is a lie. It'll die out eventually. Obviously... 

"Okaaay," Dahyun draws out. "We better get going, thanks again guys!" 

Once again, Dahyun was back on dragging Sana towards her car. 

"Is your friends always that loving?" Mina rolls her eyes at her own words. 

"You're probably just jealous." Jeongyeon states, her voice slurring. She grins at Mina. If only Mina could leave the noirette outside to freeze to death, while she lies comfortably in her own warm bed. But no, she knows the 'basic human decency'. Ironic, right? She hates people, but follows the basic human decency. Or maybe she just has exceptions..? 

Mina shrieks in surprise as Jeongyeon slumps her body against the brunette's. Jeongyeon's hot breath tickling Mina's neck. "Get-" Mina starts but was cut off by the noirette mumbling something, but Mina couldn't quite catch it. 

"Ugh, what?" trying her best to keep the intoxicated noirette upright on her feet. 

"Jeongyeo-!" 

Mina landed on the carpet with a heavy thud, with Jeongyeon toppling on top of her. Mina felt her breath getting caught in her throat as she stares at the noirette's face. Jeongyeon barely has her eyes fully open, just gazing lazily at Mina's facial features. The brunette could feel her heartbeat beating against the two bodies. 

"You know.." Jeongyeon slurs. 

"I would date.. you, if you weren't..." Jeongyeon drunkly trails off and then pauses, she started to gag. Mina looks up at her in horror. 

"Don't you dare." Mina says in a stern tone, pushing the noirette off of her. 

But it was too late. 

"DAMN YOU YOO JEONGYEON!!"

Chapter Text

Mina wipes the remaining bile off of her blouse. Looking at the mirror in disgust, and grimacing at how foul the smell was. The brunette hears groaning coming from the living room. Sighing, she stepped out of the bathroom and looked down at the noirette who was almost sleeping on the floor, face down. 

Mina grunts as she pulls Jeongyeon up by her under arms, whilst stopping her breathing at the awful smell. She began dragging the noirette towards the couch. And then letting Jeongyeon fall against the couch, the noirette's eyes were shut close but she wore a lazy smile. 

I can't believe I'm doing this.

The brunette takes extra napkins and began cleaning Jeongyeon's mouth. Earning a tired giggle in response from the noirette. Mina shakes Jeongyeon shoulders gently to wake her up. 

"Drink." 

A blurry glass of water came to Jeongyeon's view, she squints her eyes at the person holding the glass. Jeongyeon giggles once again. Mina rolls her eyes in annoyance. She kept bringing the cup of water towards Jeongyeon's lips, but everytime she does it, the intoxicated woman giggles. As if she was being tickled. 

"What's wrong with you?" Mina asked, clearly fed up by the woman acting like a three-year-old.

"You're such a pretty blob.." Jeongyeon says, her vision was blurry. All she could see is an angelic looking.. blob.

"You're making no sense." 

"I think I have a crush on you."

Mina bites the inside of her cheeks at the noirette's sudden confession. But of course, it isn't real.. duh. She thought. She sighs, setting the glass down on the coffee table. 

Mina looks at her, Jeongyeon's shirt was dirty. But she does NOT want to change her neighbor's clothes. Mina got hold of Jeongyeon's legs that were dangling from the side of the couch, she then place it comfortably on the couch, realizing her feet dangles from the armrest. 

"You need a bigger couch," Mina states, she walks over to a room and realizes that it was Jeongyeon's bedroom. Gazing over the colored walls, but it was more dark than bright, black and purple were the colors. She took the blanket and yanked it off of the mattress, bringing it over to the noirette who had already been passed out.

Mina flings the blanket over Jeongyeon. The taller woman immediately snuggles at the warm comfort, wiggling slightly underneath the covers. Mina shooks her head. The brunette stares down at the intoxicated woman, moments later she crouched down to the noirette's level. She pushes loose strands from Jeongyeon's face. "You're pretty annoying, Jeongyeon," Mina whispers. "..but you're also pretty." she finishes, eyeing Jeongyeon sleeping face. 

The brunette shrieks in surprise as she felt a hand holding her wrist down. 

"Snuggle with me.."

Abort!!

Abort!!

Abort!! 

Mina just kept quiet. And slowly the hand on her wrist loosen, Jeongyeon's hand dropping on the ground. Mina slowly and quietly took a step away from the noirette. 

Jeongyeon groans as she wakes up. Her head was throbbing and her eyes hurt from the sunlight that beamed through her blinds. She sits up slowly, the blanket sliding down from her body as she does so. 

"Jesus, what happened.."

The noirette took in the sight of her apartment. It was surprisingly clean. She didn't remember tidying up the night before. All she remember was...

"Oh God.." with eyes widen in realization, the woman hurriedly makes her way towards the door and out of her apartment in a blink of an eye. 

Jeongyeon heavily knocks on the door. Waiting anxiously for the brunette to answer. 

"Oh, I thought you died." 

A familiar disappointed voice was heard from behind. Jeongyeon turns to see the brunette standing there, holding a plastic bag. This made the noirette smile. The brunette extends the bag, handing it to Jeongyeon. 

"Take it." Mina simply says, and the taller woman took it with no hesitation. The brunette moves past Jeongyeon, making her way to her own apartment. 

"Wait, I-I'm sorry about last night." 

Mina pauses. "You remembered last night?" her voice wavered.

"Yes.. I'm sorry I threw up on you." 

"Oh," Mina says, letting out a breath of relief. "You better be." she quickly says.

"I.. I am, let me make it up to you," Jeongyeon replies. "I'd do anything." 

"There is nothing you can do. Just continue on with your day." Mina shrugs Jeongyeon's gesture. 

"I insist! Let me treat you out with a coffee." 

Mina looks at Jeongyeon and raises her eyebrow at the noirette. "Are you asking me out on a date?" 

"No...?" 

"Um, it's not like that.. I'm not asking you out on a date. Just a little get-to-know-you-better-hangout." Jeongyeon spoke. "You're also not my type." the noirette continues. 

"Really?" the brunette questions. 

"Totaaaally." Jeongyeon answered, dragging out the word. 

"Well, it seems like we are on the same page. I wouldn't want to date you either." 

Jeongyeon wore a tight smile. But deep inside she wanted to frown, because of the brunette's statement. It hurt her to think she wasn't Mina's type. If I were a guy, would she date me?

"No, I still wouldn't date you if you were a guy." Mina suddenly answers, scaring the noirette. 

Jeongyeon chuckles in embarrassment. "I forgot to use my head voice," she grins sheepishly. 

Why are you so weird? Mina thought to herself. She sighs, crossing her arms. "Anyways, I decline your offer."

As the brunette disappears behind the door, Jeongyeon looks down at the plastic bag in her hand. The moment Jeongyeon knew what it was, a smile crept from her face. The plastic bag contains a bottle of tylenol. 

"Why act so cold when you're really just a big softie?" Jeongyeon mutters underneath her breath. 

Jeongyeon took a look of the shirt she was wearing, noticing the stains on it. She took a whiff of the smell and gagged. "I should change." she says, also entering her apartment.

Chapter Text

"You're not even paying attention to the movie." says Nayeon, she rolls her eyes at the younger woman seated beside her on the couch. 

Jeongyeon's head perk up with confusion. "I am," 

"No, you're not," Nayeon pauses the movie. "How did they get there? Did they use a plane or a boat?" 

"The plane." Jeongyeon replies almost immediately. 

"Ha!" Nayeon's voice hiked. "The answer was neither, they used a helicopter." 

Nayeon sighs and turns to face Jeongyeon. "What's on your mind, Jeongyeonie?" concern lacing through the tone of her voice. Jeongyeon's eyes were downcast, avoiding Nayeon's gaze. 

"It's nothing.." 

"Hey," Nayeon coos, placing her hand underneath Jeongyeon's chin to make the noirette look at her in the eyes. "You can tell me anything, remember?" 

The noirette puffs out an air, slumping her back against the couch. She licks her dry lips.  "I'm just worried, I guess." 

"About what, dear?" 

"About my neighboor," Jeongyeon looks back at Nayeon's face to see a smug look starting to form. Jeongyeon immediately brought her eyebrows together, an annoyed look on her face. "You know what-" 

"No, no. Please continue, I won't say anything stupid." 

Jeongyeon gave Nayeon a look. The latter holds up her hand, promising to zip her mouth. It barely works.

"Is it weird that I'm somewhat worried? It's been days since I last saw her, she hadn't stepped out of her apartment in ages!" 

"You're probably overreacting at the ages part. But it's not weird at all, you're just being a good neighbor," Nayeon says and then smiles widely. "Or maybe it's because you have a crush on her, that's why you're worried." 

Jeongyeon scoffs. "How can I ever make a move? She's impossible to read, she always brushses me off, and I don't even know her name for God's sake!" 

This caught Nayeon's attention. She sits straight and looked at Jeongyeon with a disbelief look on her face. "Are you serious?" 

"Deadass." replied Jeongyeon. 

"Didn't you guys hang out days ago? She must've slipped something while she was drunk." 

"She didn't drink that night." 

Nayeon grimaces. "Ooh, so she witnessed all of the shenanigans that you three had been doing in her presence." 

"I might've puked on her.." 

The older woman's eyes widen in shock, trying to stitle a laugh. She takes a deep breath. "You're fucked." 

"I know that! I even tried asking her out for a cup of coffee, but she doesn't want to receive any of my efforts to make up for it." 

"She's interesting, when can I get to see her?" Nayeon questions.

"When she comes out of her cave," Jeongyeon mutters. 

Nayeon playfully slaps Jeongyeon's arm. "Don't be too harsh on the girl. Maybe she just needs someone who listens, you know.. someone who could get to bring her walls down." she shrugs. 

"But hoooooow?" the noirette whines, feeling defeated.

"Well, how did I managed to get your  walls down?" 

"You wouldn't shut up." 

Jeongyeon yelps as Nayeon abruptly punches her arm, still recovering from the slap she received earlier. She squints her eyes at Nayeon, rubbing her arm in displeasure. 

Nayeon tilts her head and raises an eyebrow at the other woman. "You wouldn't take no for an answer. It's practically the same thing." Jeongyeon continues. 

"That sounds harsh. But yes, just try to win her over with your food and charms. She'll come around in no time." 

Jeongyeon groans audibly. Nayeon throws a popcorn in her mouth, watching as Jeongyeon gestures her arms around in annoyance. "What food should I cook?" 

Nayeon pats Jeongyeon's back. "You came to the right place." she says, smirking at the noirette. 

Mina huffs as she finally gives up in fixing her clogged sink. Accepting defeat, she plummets down onto her couch with a heavy sigh. Looking up at her ceiling, she begans to think. 

What's the point? she thinks.

I have nothing to lose.. 

The thing is, Mina would do it. She would've done it a long time ago. But the brunette was scared, she believed in so long she's got nothing to lose.. but what if she actually does but can't see it? Can't put a value on it. She's scared to die with regrets. So, even at her lowest, Mina kept on pushing. For what though? For her to achieve the feeling of fulfilment? Or does she just want a slow life, only waiting for when her time comes? 

Then Jeongyeon strolls along in her life. Mina doesn't like her, after all, all the noirette had done was cause her headache and the stench on her blouse. Well, as much as Mina says she "doesn't" like Jeongyeon, Mina knows deep down that she is slowly warming up to the noirette. She's been independent for so long. But with Jeongyeon's presence around, the brunette felt a sense of security that she didn't know she needed. Oh how Mina hates Jeongyeon for making her feel this way. Mina wasn't suppose to feel this warmth. No one's ever been that friendly towards her,  at least not until she lost trust in other people. 

What's the point?

Jeongyeon's the one I might lose..

Chapter Text

Jeongyeon taps her index finger onto the counter, waiting for customers to arrive. She turns her head at her coworker. "Is it really this quiet during these hours?" 

"Yes, now please stop pacing. I'm the one getting dizzy." her coworker grumbles, closing his eyes while massaging his temples slowly. Jeongyeon squints her eyes at the man and rolls her eyes. But she obliged and sat down for a bit, while her coworker stands behind the cash register.

"So much for a mentor.." 

"I heard that." a voice replies all of a sudden. 

Jeongyeon perks her head up at the sound of the bell ringing on top of the opened door. The figure was looking down and is covered up with a long deep brown coat, jeans and boots. Even with the sunglasses and cap on, Jeongyeon recognizes who it was and instantly smiled. 

"Hel-" Jeongyeon's coworker couldn't even get a single word out before the noirette pushes the man away from the cash register with the use of her hips. Jeongyeon's face lit up as she was face to face with the person on the other side of the counter. Not caring a bit at her coworkers grumbles. 

An annoyed sigh leaves the other woman's lips. 

"Heey, it's been a while," Jeongyeon starts, Mina just nods timidly. The noirette continues. "Uh, welcome to Lycia's Cafe. What can I get ya?" 

"Just an iced latte with extra caramel, large." 

Jeongyeon's fingers began tapping on the screen of the cash register. The noirette took the large cup and a sharpie. About to start writing, but pauses. "Right.. and what will the name be?" she asks, grinning at the brunette. 

"M." 

Jeongyeon smile drop, she deadpans at Mina. "You can't be serious." 

"Why wouldn't I be?" Mina snarks back, taking out a black card and handing it to the taller woman. 

The noirette looks down at the card and her jaw dropped on the floor. She's rich rich?!! Jeongyeon thought to herself. Mina shakes her hand, trying to grab Jeongyeon's attention to come back to reality. 

"Aren't you going to take it?" 

"Yeah. Sorry, just zoned out there." Jeongyeon chuckles, taking the card and swiping it across the card scanner. Returning it to Mina with a smile. Jeongyeon went on making the brunette's order while Mina is seated at a table, tapping on her phone screen. 

Jeongyeon did the regular process on making iced latte. And maybe adding few more extra sweetness just because she felt generous, without her supervisor's knowledge. She stole glances every once and a while at the brunette, who kept looking out the window and door. The noirette took the bottle that was filled with caramel and started to drizzle it on top of the latte. She purposely drizzled on a heart shape on top of the foam, giggling like a little kid. 

"You look stupid being all giddy there." her mentor says. Jeongyeon just decided to ignore it.

"Iced latte with extra caramel for M!" Jeongyeon called out, grabbing the attention of the seated brunette. Mina stands and walks her way over toward the woman. 

"Thanks." 

"Enjoy." the noirette says. 

Mina went back to her table, looking down at her coffee. Noticing the drizzled caramel heart on top of the foam. Mina turns her head to see Jeongyeon suddenly disappearing behind the counter. Mina sets her attention back at her coffee and took a sip. The brunette could see Jeongyeon taking a peek, with her peripheral vision. 

Jeongyeon was glad to see the brunette again. She hadn't get to see Mina so often, or at all for the past weeks. Jeongyeon did send her some food, tried knocking, but to her avail.. no one answered. So, the noirette decided to make a basket for her neighbor. Setting it between the two doors. She'd put some food in it and close the lid, the next day Jeongyeon would check on it to see that the food she kept was gone. Either her neighbor took it or some stray cat manage to get in. 

Since Jeongyeon didn't really have anything else to do because there wasn't any customers yet, she took out her small notebook and a pen. Sitting in her little corner, she glances at the brunette every once and awhile. Sketching the brunette's facial features. The noirette began smiling softly without realizing. 

The bell rang once again and Jeongyeon looks up at the new person that arrived. The customer immediately beams as they set their eyes on the quiet brunette. 

"Minaaari!!" 

Jeongyeon blinks. Minari? Is that really her name? Just the thought of it made Jeongyeon happy, she finally knows the name of her stubborn neighbor. 

"Hey," Mina greeted the dark haired woman, also giving her friend a hug. 

"Finally, you decided to get out of your little cave and meet me." the shorter woman jokingly says, earning a slap on her arm. 

"It's nice to see you too, what do you want? I'll pay." 

The customer waved her hand, and smiles. "Always so chivalrous, Minari. It's okay, I'll pay for mine." she says and stood up from her seat, making her way toward the counter.

Jeongyeon stands and follows the customer, standing behind the counter. "Hi! Welcome to Lycia's Cafe, my name is Jeongyeon, what can I get for you today?"

The shorter woman raised her eyebrow the moment Jeongyeon mentions her name. "So, you're Jeongyeon.." 

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" 

The shorter woman just grins widely. "Erm, I'll be having the iced americano. Annd, oooh.. I'll be getting two of these." she says, pointing her index finger at the lava cake displayed across the glass. 

"Alrighty," Jeongyeon said the amount, and Jihyo took out her wallet. "The name, please?" 

"Jihyo." 

Jeongyeon smiles, noting the name and went ahead in making the beverage. Jeongyeon couldn't believe that she finally knows her neighbor's name, or maybe nickname, but it still counts as an achievement to her list. Not to mention Minari has a friend. Knowing how distant and grudgey her neighbor was, Jeongyeon didn't really think Minari had a friend. Maybe Jeongyeon is just too judgemental.. 

As the noirette was finishing up in setting the lava cakes onto a bigger plate. She tears a page on her small notebook, swiftly placing it underneath one of the lava cake. 

"Iced americano with two lava cakes for Jihyo!" 

Jihyo smiles, getting the tray from Jeongyeon. "Thank you!" Jihyo looks down and saw a piece of paper sticking out from the bottom of one of the lava cake's plate. She looked at Jeongyeon, who blushes in return.

"It's for.." Jeongyeon tilts her head toward Mina who was busy on her phone. Jihyo nods with a sly smirk on her face. 

"Got it." the shorter woman replies, going back to her seat across of Mina. She lays her coffee and then her own lava cake. Jihyo carefully picked up the other lava cake with the paper still underneath. She gave it to Mina, the brunette raises an eyebrow at her. 

"What for?" she ask, still not noticing the paper.

"Let's just try it. It probably tastes like heaven." Jihyo replies, sitting down. 

That's when Mina realized that there was a piece of paper underneath the plate, now Jihyo is just acting suspicious. Grinning widely as Mina picks up the paper and scans it. 

It was a really well-detailed sketch of her. Mina was impressed at the details, even her beauty mark was added. The brunette looked down, noticing writing on the bottom of the paper. 

It's nice to finally know you name, Minari.

-Jeongyeon

Behind the counter, Jeongyeon was watching. Not in a creepy way, just wanting to see the brunette's reaction to her sketch of the brunette. Jeongyeon didn't think she'd see it, but the moment Mina wore a small smile, Jeongyeon felt a tug at her heart. The noirette didn't even move as they locked eyes, and Mina gave her an amused look. The noirette was too stunned by the brunette's beauty. Just staring at Mina with admiration in her eyes.

How did she get even more beautiful? 

Chapter Text

Jeongyeon sits on the bench underneath the lamppost, staring up at the night sky before her. Pondering on a thought that's been bugging her for quite awhile now. The thought of having crush on her neighbor, is it infatuated or is she slowly falling for the brunette. But then again, why would she fall for her neighbor, all Minari ever did was push her away. Is Minari even her name? Jeongyeon knows so little of her neighbor, and everytime she tries to get closer, the brunette just shuts the door on the noirette's face. Literally. 

"Get the fuck off me." 

The noirette's ears picked up voices, she turns her head to the side, her eyes following the sound. She saw a woman struggling from getting out of a man's grasp on her wrist. Jeongyeon immediately went into action, standing up and making her way over the pair. 

"She's my girlfriend." 

Jeongyeon was a bit startled as the hooded woman pulled her by the arm, closer to the woman's side. The man gave Jeongyeon a look and chuckles. The noirette could smell the liquor coming off of the intoxicated man. 

"So? Let her join in our fun—" the man couldn't finish his sentence as Jeongyeon had her hand grasping the guy's shirt by his collar. The man was suprised at Jeongyeon's strength, Jeongyeon glared down at the short man. So short yet so bold, tch. 

"You're disgusting. Scram before I cut your dick off." 

The man's eyes widen at the pocket knife Jeongyeon held out. The man struggles, getting out of Jeongyeon's grasp. "Jesus, fuck you, you crazy lesbo!" he spat and ran away from the pair. Jeongyeon rolls her eyes. 

The noirette turns to the woman she just rescued. "You okay?" 

"Yeah, thank you." the hooded woman looked up at Jeongyeon. And the noirette furrows her eyebrows, squinting her eyes at the woman.

"Minari?" 

"Of course, it's you." Mina sighs. 

"Wow, okay, could you let go of your hatred for me? Like what did I even do to you?" 

Mina simply shooks her head and pushes past Jeongyeon. The noirette lets out an annoyed breath. "Wait," 

"Why should I?" Mina says, not stopping her tracks. 

"Because more assholes might come."

Jeongyeon saw how it made Mina stop in her tracks. Smiling at herself, she jogged her way next to the brunette. The moment Mina feels Jeongyeon by her side, she continued walking. 

"So," the noirette starts after several minutes of silence, just sounds of their shoes making contact with the ground with each step. "What are you doing out so late?" 

"None of your business." 

"Come on... I'm just trying to start a conversation," Jeongyeon persistence made Mina's patience grew thinner and thinner by the second. 

"And I'm not in the mood to talk to you." Mina shoves her hands further into her hoodie pockets. 

"You know, if you were a bit more amicable, people might actually want to approach you." Jeongyeon speaks. 

"What makes you think I want people approaching me?" Mina simply replies. 

"Well, I'm sure there are others you want to get close with... perhaps me." Mina bits the insides of her cheeks upon seeing the noirette smiling so widely. That stupid smile of hers.

"I had zero interest the moment I bumped into you. Even less the moment you started talking to me." Mina says coldy. 

Jeongyeon deadpans, giving her a death glare, and is annoyed. "Yeah right." she grumbles, earning a small smirk from the brunette, which Jeongyeon failed to notice. 

"Do you have any girlfriend, Minari?" Jeongyeon was surprised with herself at the direct question that came out of her mouth. 

"What made you think I'm gay?" 

Jeongyeon's eyes widen in shock, she even felt a stung of pain in her chest. She tilts her head, staring at the brunette intently. 

"You're... not?" 

"You got a problem with that?" 

"What? No! No, it's just..." Jeongyeon wore a small pout. "fuck." she trails off. 

Jeongyeon will now have to rethink her whole falling for her neighbor thing. She's the one that kept on teasing her friends for falling for someone who is straight. She does not want to have the same faith. What do you see in guys? Honestly. Jeongyeon thoughts. 

"What about you, Jeongyeon? You talking to someone?"

Jeongyeon instantly smiles. "And here I thought you weren't in the mood to talk to me." Jeongyeon gently nudges Mina with her elbow, Mina looks at her, grimacing. Jeongyeon quickly lets out a small 'sorry' and sets a small space in between them. 

"Um, no. I'm not talking to someone, as of now.." 

"What about Sana? Your overly-affectionate friend." 

This made Jeongyeon giggly inside, thinking that the brunette was plainly jealous to remember someone she met once. Might had an impact on her. "I sense someone's jealous." Jeongyeon says. 

Mina turns her head in disgust. "Excuse me?" 

"I already said I don't swing that way." Mina continues. 

"Yeah, your actions says otherwise." Jeongyeon mumbles. 

Mina simply rolled her eyes in annoyance. 

"Oh!" Jeongyeon stops, her hand touching Mina's hand, stopping Mina too. "Ice cream!" 

"Do you really think ice cream is the best food option? It's practically freezing right now."

"Anytime is a good time for some ice cream." Jeongyeon pulls Mina by her hand. And Mina thought her hoodie's pockets were the ones that kept her hands warm the most. It really was Jeongyeon's hand instead. Mina shook her head, burying the unwanted thoughts to the back of her mind.

"What do you want?" 

Mina was about to say no, but she just knows Jeongyeon doesn't take no for an answer. "Surprise me." the brunette says. 

Seeing the once again wide smile from the noirette made Mina's stomach tingle. Jeongyeon cheerfully talks to the worker, ordering two ice cream cones. Mina watches the noirette, her mind replaying to the time Jeongyeon rescued her. Mina didn't see Jeongyeon's face, but damn, her voice was so different compared to now. She doesn't want to admit it, but she didn't expect to Jeongyeon to be scary when she's serious. It was a lot deeper than her normal voice. 

"Here ya go." Jeongyeon says, handing Mina an ice cream cone. Mina took the cone and realizes what flavor it was just by looking at it. She hesitates tasting it, but she notices Jeongyeon watching her anxiously. Releasing a deep breath, Mina takes a lick, softly smiling at the familiar flavor. This made Jeongyeon smile in return. "It's good, right?" the noirette spoke. "It's cream cheese flavor, with bits of cream cheese, because it's even more better with the bits." Jeongyeon continued. 

"You're favorite?" Mina questions. 

"Yeah, loved it since I was a kid." Jeongyeon says, taking a bite of her ice cream, and instantly regretting it.

Mina lets out a small chuckle. "It used to be my top favorite too." she said. 

"Why used to be? What can possibly be more scrumptious than the cream cheese flavor." 

"Nothing. Just a really good ice cream flavor with memories I should forget by now." 

"Oh," Jeongyeon quietly says. "I'm sorry.." 

"It's okay." Mina softly says, looking at the noirette. 

"Well erm, just think of this as the day you do forget about those memories, and the day you get to eat this delicious flavor once again!" Jeongyeon states, bringing her cone up for a toast. Mina gives Jeongyeon a confused look, but nevertheless, she brought her ice cream up to make contact with Jeongyeon's. 

"Cheers." 

Mina thinks Jeongyeon is weird. And Mina hates weird. 

But, maybe she's slowly starting to love weird.

Chapter Text

"Why are you so giggly?" Nayeon ask, staring at the overly hyped Jeongyeon who was sweeping the floors of the cafe shop.

"Nothing~" Jeongyeon says in a chirpy voice. 

"Did your neighbor do something small that made you delusional again?" 

Jeongyeon gasps, placing her hand over her heart, acting offended by her bestfriend's words. "I am not delusional! Also no," Jeongyeon continues sweeping. "It wasn't small." 

"Oh my god, did you guys..?" 

"What? No! Jeez, Nayeonie.." Jeongyeon places the broom on the side and takes a sit across Nayeon. 

"We kinda.. had a small date, last night." the noirette says, wearing her stupidly wide grin.

"Kinda? Small? What did you guys even do?" Nayeon questions, puzzled at Jeongyeon's words. 

"Okay so, some douche was bothering her last night at the park. So being a noble citizen, I rescued her from the dude. And then I insisted we walk together, you know, to protect her. And then we talked, and had some ice cream! Just found out that cream cheese used to be her favorite flavor." 

"Well damn, for a distant, reserve person, you really made an impact to get her to open a conversation with you." 

"I know right? And.." a shy smile crept from Jeongyeon's lips just by remembering the moment and replaying it in her mind. "her smile and laugh is so.. beautiful." 

"Fuck, you're in love in love." Nayeon says, chuckling in disbelief. 

A frown formed in Jeongyeon's lips. "She's straight." she confesses. 

Nayeon stitles a laugh, but another managed to escape from her throat. She laughs uncontrollably. Jeongyeon wore a small glare at her bestfriend, crossing her arms over her chest. 

"You got a problem with that?" Jeongyeon asks.

Nayeon continues to laugh, waving her hand. "Not at all! Just so ironic when you keep teasing and bullying us with our crushes who are straight, then it happens to you too! Saying, 'thats the number one lesbian rule!', HA!" Nayeon points at Jeongyeon's displeased face while laughing. Jeongyeon flicked the index finger with the use of her middle finger and thumb.

"So what if she's straight?" Nayeon continued after regaining her breath.

"So? So, I don't stand a chance!" Jeongyeon fesses up.

Nayeon rolls her eyes. "Not true, you can so turn her the other way."

Jeongyeon shooks her head furiously. "Nah uh, I don't have that type of charm."

"Jeong," Nayeon says, placing her hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "You're one of my friends, and my friends don't back down from a challenge."

"I do not have that type of determination like you, Nayeonie." 

"Just fake it 'till you make it." Nayeon smirks.

‎ 

‎ 

‎Jeongyeon bits her tongue, her eyes squinting at the screen infront of her. "Come on, come on, come on..." she mutters, her fingers working its magic on the game she was focused on for the past hour. A knock interrupted her gameplay, without looking up from her screen, she stood up from her bed and went over to her door. Her phone still on hand. Peeping through the peephole for the slightest second, her attention went back to the screen, but then she took a double take when she realize who was behind the door. 

Knock knock

Jeongyeon quickly discarded her phone and brushed her hair with her hand, looking at the mirror that was hanging from the side wall. Once she's okay with how her hair looked, she quickly swung the door open. Jeongyeon greeted Mina with a bright smile. "Hey, what's up?" Jeongyeon says, leaning against her doorframe.. coolly. Mina crooked an eyebrow at her, which in return made Jeongyeon straighten her posture and clear her throat. Acting like a teenage boy with his highschool crush.

"Please accept this, as a token of my gratitude." Mina says which such elegance, handing Jeongyeon a bottle of champagne.

Jeongyeon carefully took the bottle that had a red ribbon tied around it, and her jaw dropped to the floor upon reading the name of the champagne.

"Dom- isn't this like super expensive?!" Jeongyeon asks in shock. 

"Well, it is one of the best. Saying that you saved my life last night, you deserve to drink well." 

I almost forgot she's rich rich holy.. Jeongyeon thought to herself.

"Please come in," Jeongyeon quickly says, moving aside to invite the brunette inside her aparment. Mina waved her hand.

"That won't be necessary,"

"I insist." Jeongyeon pushes, taking the brunette's hand to guide her into her apartment. "I obviously can't finish this all by myself." Jeongyeon actually thinks she could but for the sake of wanting to spend time with her neighbor; she made up the excuse.

And there it was again, the warmth Mina felt yesterday. Jeongyeon's hand was soft, and warm. It made the brunette feel.. weirdly nice? Mina shook her thoughts. I have to stop. 

But she didn't. Mina allows the noirette to guide her into the noirette's apartment. Still hand in hand, Mina had to look away to hide her shy-getting red-face from embarrassment. 

"I thought you were still working." Mina says.

"Finished my shift an hour ago." Jeongyeon replied, pouring themselves a glass of champagne Mina had gifted her. Setting it on the coffee table infront of Mina who was seated on the couch.

"Oh, I don't drink." Mina declines a glass.

"Oh.. I guess more for me then! Really, thank you for this. It's alot," 

Jeongyeon took a sip of the beverage and hums in content, nodding her head at the taste. "damn, that's good." she continued.

"So, Minari, what have you been up to lately?" 

The brunette does her infamous eyebrow raise. "I'm not good with small talk." 

"Just think of this as a Q and A. It's not everyday you get to talk to a cutie like me." 

Mina scoffs in disbelief at the woman's words. Jeongyeon furrows her eyebrows. "You don't think I'm cute?" the noirette questions.

"I didn't say anything." 

"But you sure made it sound like I ain't." Jeongyeon huffs, taking another sip of her champagne.

"To get back to your question, what makes you think I'll answer that? Or any of your questions, rather?" 

"Because you'll warm up to me and eventually love our little talks." Jeongyeon says with optimism. Literally what has gotten into me? The noirette thoughts to herself.

"I haven't been 'up' to something recently." 

"Really? But I've notice you like walking at night, real late at night I might add." 

Mina shrugs. "I wouldn't call that a hobby. I just like the night, it's peaceful, quiet, not filled with loud and annoying people like the day." 

Jeongyeon sucks her lips into a thin line, wearing a sheepish look. Minari thinks I'm annoying, nice. Jeongyeon thinks. Mina reaches into her jean pocket, revealing a cigarette snug in between her fingers. 

"Is it okay if I smoke a joint?" 

Jeongyeon's eyes widen a bit. "You don't drink, but you do smoke." she says.

Mina tilts her head. "Is there a problem?" the brunette says in different tone that made Jeongyeon's stomach tingle.

"None at all, go ahead." the noirette says, getting up from the couch and walking over her window to open it and let the fresh air in the tiny apartment. Jeongyeon sat next to the brunette, sliding the ashtray across the table and towards the brunette. Mina crooks an eyebrow.

Jeongyeon immediately picked it up. "Oh, I don't smoke. Well, never tried one yet. It came with the apartment." 

"Ah, right." Mina mutters, remembering the familiar ashtray. The brunette draws in the smoke in her mouth and slowly exhales seconds after, all while being aware at how Jeongyeon was watching her intently. Mina gestures her joint at Jeongyeon. "Wanna try?" 

"I might die." Jeongyeon bluntly says.

"You're overreacting," Mina extended her arm, handing the joint to the noirette. "one puff won't hurt." Mina says with a sly smirk. 

Jeongyeon bit the insides of her cheek and gave in. Taking the cigarette from Mina. "The other way." Mina says, and Jeongyeon follows as told. With the joint briefly touching her lips, she swallowed harshly.

"So.. I just inhale it?" 

"Just imagine it's a straw, you're sipping from a drink. Don't inhale it too much, it should only take a few seconds in your mouth and then just blow the smoke out." Mina explains carefully. 

"Okay, that sounds easy.." 

Jeongyeon drews in smoke from the joint Mina lit earlier and immediately she started coughing. "I think I inhaled.." cough "too much." Jeongyeon fans her hand around to get rid of the smoke. Mina chuckles lightly, taking the cigarette from the other woman.

"You'll get used to it." she says, taking another puff.

Jeongyeon shakes her head. "Nah uh, what do you guys even do with that other than destroying your lungs?" Jeongyeon finishes her glass of champagne, taking the bottle once again and pouring some more. She was already feeling tipsy. Some good champagne.

"You're the one to speak, look at you, already on your second glass it hasn't even been ten minutes." Mina teased.

Jeongyeon look at the time on her phone. "Well shit, didn't realize that." she lets out a slightly loud laugh. There goes those stupid butterflies in Mina's stomach yet again. 

"Other than, destroying our lungs, we like to do something fun with cigarettes." Mina says. Jeongyeon wore a puzzled look. 

"What and how could you possibly do something fun with that?" 

"We have this thing called shotgunning," Mina starts, pushing her joint into the ashtray and getting another from her box of cigarettes.

"It's where the first person inhales the smoke, and then passes it to another person's mouth. Almost like a kiss but with effects." 

Jeongyeon giggles at Mina's last phrase. But she was also amazed and also a bit weirded out at the information she had just obtained. It was cool but then is it hygienic? Which is stupid to ask since it's just smoke-

"That's something.." Jeongyeon decided to play music, plainly for some background noise. The intro of 'Just a Dream' by Nelly started to play from the speakers. Mina paused. 

"Wanna give it a go?" the brunette suddenly offered.

Gitchi gitchi ya ya da da. Is literally the first thing that pops up in Jeongyeon's mind, causing her to let out a snort. 

"Sorry, just thought of something funny." the noirette replies after noticing the confused look on the brunette. "But um, sure why not?" 

Jeongyeon is doing this mainly because she wanted to impress Mina that she's no chicken in trying something new, also Mina did say it was like a kiss, who was she to pass on that big opportunity?

"Okay, just exhale it right after so you wouldn't cough much. And also don't inhale too much." Mina reminded her. Jeongyeon hummed in response. 

Mina leans in slowly, and Jeongyeon hopes that she wasn't too close to hear her heart banging like drums. She smells good. Why does she smell good? Her eyes are so pretty up close, so is her beauty mark. God, her lips.. All those thoughts went racing through Jeongyeon's mind. 

I was thinking 'bout her, 

thinking 'bout me,

thinking 'bout us. 

what we gon' be?

"Part your lips," Mina mutters, placing her fingers underneath Jeongyeon's chin, holding her still. Mina's fingertips tickled Jeongyeon's skin, but Jeongyeon was too focused at the brown eyed beauty she didn't budge. Jeongyeon could feel Mina's breath at how close they were. Drewing in the smoke from her new joint, Mina lets it stay for a few seconds in her mouth. They locked eyes and Mina takes notice how dilated Jeongyeon's pupils are. 

Open my eyes, 

it was only just a dream.

Mina slowly parts her lips, exhaling the smoke into Jeongyeon's mouth. They still held eye contact, almost as if Mina was guiding Jeongyeon through her eyes. And Jeongyeon understood her. The noirette quickly turns her head away and exhales the smoke. Realizing how different it was then just regular puffing, it was weirdly stronger. 

So, I travelled back down that road.

Will she come back? No one knows.

I realized, yeah, it was only just a dream.

"I'm impressed at how fast you learned." Mina smirks, leaning back against the armrest of the couch. Jeongyeon is secret starting to love the way Mina's lips curled into a sly smirk.

Jeongyeon almost misses how close they were just seconds ago. She lets out a shuddering breath. "That was different than the first." 

"Yeah, it's usually a bit stronger as many says." 

"May I ask," Jeongyeon starts, drinking her champagne. She honestly felt like she was in cloud nine as of the moment, but she was handling it quite well. "Why don't you drink?" 

"I have low alcohol tolerance, and I lose control." 

Jeongyeon had her chin propped up with her hand, with her elbow on top of the couch, staring at the brunette and admiring the way Mina talks and how she looked. She look a bit different, more care free–looking. Jeongyeon was fond of it.

"I like being in control. That's why I smoke, but occasionally." 

Mina put an emphasis on the last word, afraid that it'll make the noirette think she smokes a lot, and is an addict. Which I am not! Mina thoughts. Mina looks at Jeongyeon to find the noirette staring at her, wearing a lazy smile, her eyes starting to drop. Her vision might be hazy already. Mina wants to wipe that stupid smile to keep her own heart from melting at such a cute sight.

"I um, better get going." Mina states, standing up from the couch but a hand quickly encircles her wrist. Mina turns her head slightly away to cover her pink cheeks.

"Don't go, I still want to talk to you." Jeongyeon says softly, her voice so low Mina thought it intended to be a whisper.

Mina wets her dry lips. "You're practically asleep with those eyes, Jeongyeon." mentioning how Jeongyeon's eyelids were giving up on her to stay awake.

Instead, Jeongyeon giggles, her hand still around Mina's wrist. "I like it when you say my name." she confesses. Mina probably thinks its from the alcohol. 

"Stay, please, it's late. And it gets pretty lonely in here." Mina watches as Jeongyeon sticks out her bottom lip into a small pout. 

"No, I don't think—" 

"Pretty pleaseeee?" 

"Fine."

Chapter Text

Mina yawns, stretching her arms and then cuddling even more with the soft blanket. She pauses when she realizes what was happening. Mina quickly sat up in a panic, and overall confusion. "Eh?" she mutters.

She did NOT remember sleeping in Jeongyeon's bed. She remembers Jeongyeon passing out on her own bed, and Mina making herself comfortable in Jeongyeon's couch. Which wasn't comfy at all. So, she was immediately confused as to why her back wasn't hurting.

Mina approaches the couch after getting off of the bed. She saw Jeongyeon sleeping soundly on the couch with her limbs hanging out of the couch  because of her height. Mina furrows an eyebrow. Did we both just randomly sleep walked at the same time? 

"Ugh," Jeongyeon groans, her hand on her head. "hangover sucks." she mumbles. Jeongyeon heard footsteps and peeked an eye open. 

"You're awake." Jeongyeon says in raspy voice. 

"Yeah, uh.. what was I doing in your bed and how did you get here?" Mina  asked. 

"Ah," Jeongyeon sits up, rubbing her eye with the back of her hand. And then regretting sitting up. "I woke up in the middle of the night, and saw you sleeping.. rather uncomfortably. So, I decided to let you sleep on my bed." 

Mina's face started to flush. "Oh, um.. thank you." she quietly says. 

Jeongyeon stood up from the couch, holding onto it for support. "Let me make you something." the noirette says, her voice still laced with sleep.

Mina started to panic and scream internally. "No, no. Let me, please. You have done way too much," Mina disagrees. "and I taught you how to smoke, nice Mina." Mina grumbles to herself.

Jeongyeon was about to open her mouth to speak once again, Mina waved her hands in Jeongyeon's face. Pushing her shoulders down for Jeongyeon to sit back down on the couch. "Let me.. please."  

The noirette gulps as she was once again in an intense eye contact with the beautiful brunette. She was so intrigued by Mina's sudden change of demeanor. Looking down the brunette's lips, she saw that Mina was giving her a soft and small smile.

"Uh, s-sure.." the noirette stammered, earning a wider smile than earlier.

Jeongyeon simply watches as Mina walks toward her small kitchen area. Sounds of rustling was heard through out the apartment. The taller woman slumps into the couch, her eyelids dropping. Mina walked around, deciding on making just a simple avocado with egg toast accompanied with hot green tea. 

Walking back to the living area, Mina notice Jeongyeon fell back to sleep. She gently sets the food and beverage down on the coffee table. Straightening her posture, the brunette contemplates whether she should stay or leave the noirette. 

With a huff, she slowly takes a sit on the carpet floor, crossing her legs underneath her. Eye level with the sleeping noirette. Mina observes the facial features of the noirette, realizing that Jeongyeon has really nice eyebrows. 

Mina pushes a strand of hair away, causing Jeongyeon to stir. The brunette immediately pulled back and stood up, clearing her throat. Jeongyeon wakes up.

"Shit, did I fell asleep?" 

"Just for a couple of minutes. Um, anyways, this might help with the headache." Mina gestures towards the meal on the coffee table. Jeongyeon offered her a soft smile, her eyes practically disappearing. 

"Thank you, Minari." 

Abort! Abort! Mina thoughts.

"No problem, I better get going." Mina points her thumb behind her, towards the door. As much as Jeongyeon wants the brunette to stay, she couldn't push her not after just doing that the night before. She felt like a clingy partner wanting to spend every time of day with her snobber partner.

Just as Mina opened the door, she was greeted with two other women. Mina had to stop herself from rolling her eyes after realizing who it was. 

"Oh. What are you doing here?" Sana asks, a hint of bitterness on her tone. Dahyun realizes this and widen her eyes, gently patting her friend's arm. 

"What Sana means to say is it's nice seeing you again-" 

"Oh my Gosh, Jeongyeoniee, are you okay?" Sana says all of a sudden, pushing past the brunette and going to the woman who was still clearly sleepy. Sana cupped Jeongyeon's right cheek. Mina watched in dismay.  "I had a gut feeling in bringing hot choco, thank God I did! We are truly made for each other, Jeongyeon." Sana squeals, gazing over Mina just as she said the last sentence. Wearing a playful smirk, Mina scoffed. 

"Excuse me." Mina says to Dahyun, the short woman stood aside as the brunette went to her apartment. 

She collapsed down her couch, closing her eyes and massaging her temple. She should be glad Sana cares deeply for Jeongyeon. Mina should be glad that Sana is seriously into the noirette. But why does it bother her so much? She isn't falling for the noirette.. right? 

"Damn you, Yoo Jeongyeon." 

She can't fall for the noirette. She can't fall in love. She just can't. Memories started to play in her mind, the times she was actually happy, the time she was in love. A tear managed to escape from Mina's eye. She wanted to forget. Forget all about her. But Mina sees her in Jeongyeon. And it was scaring her. She didn't want to give her all for nothing again. 

Her mind played back to the coffee shop Jeongyeon worked in. The sketch of Mina herself by the noirette. She couldn't hold back a smile when she realizes the noirette peaking every once and a while behind the counter. And her little note about finally knowing Mina's name—nickname—made the brunette chuckle lightly. 

But could she fully trust Jeongyeon? Besides, people will always be people. But being with Jeongyeon made Mina forget all about her principles. 

Chapter Text

Jeongyeon smiles softly as she stepped out of her apartment, seeing her neighbor doing the exact same thing at the same time. She lets out a soft chuckle, the cold air leaving her lips. 

"Hey, Minari. Going out for a walk?" 

"Yeah." Mina replies quietly.

"Do you mind me joining you?" 

Mina pauses to think. Should I really? She notices Jeongyeon waiting patiently off to the side, a small smile plastered on her face. 

"Okay." Mina simply says. Jeongyeon had to stifle her cheer in excitement, thinking that it will probably help in changing the brunette's mind. This might be my lucky night! Jeongyeon really did waited 'till the time struck at midnight, just so that she could see her neighbor once more. 

The pair walked down the small flight of stairs and began walking side by side. Jeongyeon had to stop herself from being too giggly and act like a sane person that doesn't have a crush on their neighbor. Because she does like Minari. Not that she's insane. 

"You know what I love about the dark?" Jeongyeon says after several minutes of walking, breaking the silence between the two.

Mina perked her head up from looking down, she looked at Jeongyeon. The noirette wore the smile Mina was starting to grow into. Realizing Mina wasn't going to respond, Jeongyeon continued. 

"Without the dark, you wouldn't be able to see the stars," Jeongyeon mutters, looking up at the sky. Mina following in suit, gazing at the night sky. It was beautiful, more sparkling stars than the previous nights. "It says that admist darkness, you still have the chance to shine. It'll just take time when the sun is up. Most people are awake and lively when the sun is up, they're happy. At night, people tend to cry, nighttime is quiet; it makes you think." 

Mina took her eyes off the sky and looked at the noirette who was still looking up. A small smile crept up on the brunette's lips, watching the taller woman gush out about night and day, sun and moon. 

"Only few could appreciate and see how special the stars and moon are admist the darkness." Jeongyeon finishes. 

Jeongyeon looks back at the woman by her side and was surprised to see Mina already looking back at her. The noirette suddenly felt her heart tingle, her face flushed in embarrassment. "Too much?" the taller woman asked nervously. 

"It's just right." Mina mutters, giving Jeongyeon a smile. 

Okay!! She smiled at me! She SMILED AT MEEE!! Jeongyeon was internally screaming and also felt like flying over the moon at seeing the smile Mina had on her face. "So you do smilee.." Jeongyeon draws out, wearing a teasing grin. Mina shook her head, continue walking in a moderate pace.

"Don't get used to it, Jeong." Mina pauses briefly after realizing what she had just said. I gave her a nickname? Oh my God. 

"Awww, looks like someone is warming up on me!" 

The brunette lets our a scoff, walking fast causing the noirette to try to catch up to her. 

"..that's how I end up in this town." Jeongyeon finishes. It had been close to an hour since they last left their apartments, and Jeongyeon had been talking nonstop, with Mina nodding along and humming every once in awhile. Sometimes even adding side comments, mainly on Jeongyeon's stupid decisions. Jeongyeon shoved her hands in her pockets, feeling chilly. 

"I once lived in the city too." Mina suddenly spoke, this made Jeongyeon perk up. Feeing happy in the inside that the brunette was starting to open up a bit to the noirette. Jeongyeon smiles.

"Why'd you move?" 

Mina sucks a breath in through her teeth, she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I guess it was more quiet than city life. No one really knows you if you kept a low profile and you don't bump into someone that you used to know." 

"Well, I applaud you for that. You chose your peace. You had your reasons." 

"Yeah," Mina smiled to that. It felt nice that someone understands. "It's Mina, by the way." 

"Hmm?" 

"My real name is Myoui Mina." Jeongyeon looked at Mina, she wore a wide grin. 

"A beautiful name with a beautiful face, I like it." Jeongyeon winked. Mina blushed, quickly looking away from the noirette.

"So, why do you like walking this late at night other than it doesn't have annoying people as the day?" Jeongyeon questions, remembering their conversation from days ago. 

"I like the dark, it's quiet too, it gives me peace." Mina explains. This made Jeongyeon warm inside. Jeongyeon was starting to think she could get a chance with her neighbor after all. "It helps me think too." Mina added.

"Think about what?" 

"About the past." 

Jeongyeon snickers. "Why not the present?" she questions.

"There's nothing really intriguing to think about in the present." Mina lied. 

"That's not true. Anything can happen right now, the past is already done. A moment we can't relive in anymore." 

That stunned the brunette. She never who have thought Jeongyeon is the type of person that thinks a lot. Not that she was judging. She was lowkey judging. Mina nodded but tries rebutting.

"That doesn't mean we shouldn't think about the past anymore." 

"Yeah but.. why? It's not like you can change it." 

"It's not that. Maybe I just miss the days I was genuinely happy." Mina said.

Jeongyeon purses her lips. "What's stopping you from being genuinely happy right now?" 

At this moment, the pair stopped walking.  The noirette stopped in front of the brunette, a lamppost being the only source of light for them besides the stars and moon. Jeongyeon was in front of Mina, she looked down at the brunette's face, admiring how her skin glows underneath the lamppost. Mina's eyes fluttering slowly as she stared into Jeongyeon's, feeling somewhat captivated. 

Jeongyeon eyes downcast to Mina's lips, it looked alluring. Almost as if it was calling for her. Jeongyeon didn't know what came over her, the noirette started to lean in ever so slightly. Her eyes briefly meeting the brunette's until Mina had her eyes slowly close. The space between them becoming smaller and smaller as the noirette moves forward. Their breath almost mixing at their close proximity.

"Babe, you're so cute!" a voice suddenly interrupted the two. A cold breath leaving Mina's lips as the two came back to their senses. Jeongyeon looks over to see a couple flirting with each other nearby. Who even stays up this late?! She thoughts and puffs an annoyed breath. 

Jeongyeon clears her throat awkwardly, scratching her nape. "Um, sorry. I don't know what came over me." she nervously states. 

"Yeah," Mina sucks in a sharp breath between her teeth. "We better get going." said the brunette.

"Right." Jeongyeon nodded. 

The pair made it to their apartment building. Jeongyeon was about to enter hers, and same goes with the brunette, but she stopped in her heal and turned to face Mina. "Hey," she called out.

Mina turned almost immediately, as if she was waiting for the noirette to call her. She hums in acknowledgement.

"Do you.. do you wanna chill at my place tomorrow? I uh, could cook us dinner." 

Mina hints the nervousness in the noirette's voice, she raises an eyebrow in amusement. "You trying to get in my pants?" 

Jeongyeon widen her eyes and shakes her head rapidly. "No- no!" she stummers. "I just thought um, we could continue our conversation? I really had a good time with you earlier."

Mina ponders on the thought, pursing her lips into a thin line. She also did enjoy the noirette's company. Even after their close call, not that Mina was still thinking about it—she was.

"I guess I too, enjoyed our time earlier," Mina says, shrugging her shoulders. Jeongyeon smiles softly at this. "Okay, hopefully you won't poison me this time." Mina joked, mentally kicking herself. I'm so corny, God, why do I think about what she thinks of me? Damn you. Mina thinks.

"Not my intention." the noirette responded back.

Jeongyeon entered her apartment and stood behind the door, the brunette just outside her door. 

"Goodnight, Mina." Jeongyeon says. 

"Goodnight." Mina replied, she watches the noirette close the door softly. Mina stood there for a while. So, this is how it feels like on the other side of the door. Mina thought to herself and lets out a small chuckle. Jeongyeon peeks through the peephole to see if the brunette had entered her own apartment. After confirming, she lets out a shaky breath. A grin appeared on the noirette's face. 

Mina enters her apartment and closes the door. She turns around and slumps her body on the door, releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"You trying to get in my pants?" the brunette groans out, still in disbelief that she had said such thing.

Damn you, Yoo Jeongyeon. You got my attention. What's your true intention? Mina thought.

Chapter Text

Jeongyeon had been cleaning her apartment since eleven in the morning, she was nervous. It wasn't like the brunette hadn't come to her house before, but it still gets the noirette all giddy and anxious. Not to mention that she'll be cooking for them, she also thought about watching movies with the brunette on her couch, maybe chat a bit— 

The noirette immediately got stuck on thought of their moment last night. Literally, what was going on with her? Why'd she think 'winging it' might actually work? Honestly, she's lucky Mina still accepted her offer in hanging out after that. It made Jeongyeon smile, Mina had actually liked her company. Sooner or later, Jeongyeon will finally get to bring Mina's walls down. 

From time to time Jeongyeon eyes the oven, it's been close to two hours since she last put the ribs inside the oven. Looking at the timer, it says she's got several minutes left until it's done. Jeongyeon decided to get her cookie recipe ready, 'cause who would want to pass on a delicious cookie? 

Just as Jeongyeon reaches for the flour in her cupboard, a petite knock was heard from the door. The noirette furrows her brows in confusion, setting the flour down on the counter and heading for the door. 

She doesn't know why, but she wishes she did checked the peephole before opening her door. Like she usually does, but of course not this time—how cool of you Jeongyeon. 

Mina stood from the other side, blue jeans and a simple long sleeved shirt, her hair was up into a messy yet cute ponytail that Jeongyeon thinks suits the brunette. Mina arched an eyebrow at what Jeongyeon was wearing. "Sorry, was I too early?" she asks. 

Jeongyeon looks down at what she was wearing, her apron had sauces on them and few evidences of the apron being wiped on. Jeongyeon flushes, letting out a nervous laugh. 

"No, it's okay, come in. Sorry, I remembered I never told you what time to come over. But don't worry, the food is almost ready," Jeongyeon states, stepping aside to let the brunette in. 

Mina took in the ambience, soft music playing in the background with lights that are dimmed but still lit the room well. Jeongyeon guides her towards the living area and offered her a seat on the couch. 

"I'm just gonna prepare the dishes. I still haven't finish the cookie recipe, heh." Jeongyeon half-laughed. 

"Let me help you," Mina find herself saying. 

"That won't be necessary, you're my guest!" Jeongyeon waved her hands. 

Mina stood up nevertheless. "It's the least I could do since you did all this and even cooked our dinner." she softly says. Jeongyeon blushes, averting the brunette's intense stare. 

"S-Sure." she stammers and paced to the kitchen, with Mina trailing right behind the noirette. 

Jeongyeon finds an extra apron for the brunette and hands it to her. But then pauses. "Actually let me." Jeongyeon says, walking over Mina's direction and positioned herself behind the brunette. 

"I ca-" Mina's voice trails off, her breath hitching as she felt Jeongyeon's fingers touch her waist as she began to make a knot behind her. Mina swallows, feeling how close they were. But eventually, it was done in a matter of seconds. 

"Just so your clothes wouldn't get ruined." Jeongyeon says cheekily. Mina nodded, slightly blushing at the noirette's thoughtfulness. Mina took the upper patt of the apron and wore the strap around her neck, adjusting the apron a bit. 

"Thanks," Mina mutters. "So, just tell me what to do." she continued. 

"We're just going to mix the ingredients first 'cause after that's done we'll pop it in the fridge for thirty minutes." Jeongyeon says as she readies a cooking pan for the butter. 

"Oh? Why do you need to refrigerate the batter?" Mina asks genuinely. 

"It enhance the flavor of the cookie and its texture. Just mix all the ingredients, I've already measured it. Except the flour, add in two cups of flour." Jeongyeon instructed. 

"Okay," Mina simply says, doing as she was told. 

Several minutes in Mina looked at the mess she made while mixing the ingredients, which was embarrassing to say the least. Jeongyeon just smiles and pours the already cooled melted butter onto the mixture. The timer suddenly goes off, causing the two to jump in surprise.

"I'll get it, could you stir this for me?" Mina nods at the noirette and took the spatula to mix the ingredients together, while Jeongyeon takes out the main dish to their dinner. 

"Hot hot hot." Jeongyeon chirps, holding the tray with two oven-mitted hands. She gently places it on the counter. As she opens up the foil, the smell immediately took over the area. Mina perks her head up and leans over, arching an eyebrow in amusement.

"Wow, that looks amazing, Jeongyeon." she commented.

Jeongyeon hums and wore a smug look. I really did that, didn't I? she thought to herself, gazing at the ribs on the tray. Internally, she was giggling like a little kid. Mina complimented her dish without even tasting it yet and Jeongyeon felt like she fulfilled her goals in life. 

"I'll take care from here, why don't you make yourself at home on the couch? I'll be right in a minute." said the taller woman, taking the spatula from Mina. Their hands touched briefly, causing Jeongyeon to blush. I'm loosing my coolness.

Mina agrees and went to the couch while Jeongyeon cleans up the kitchen and moved on prepping their dinner. 

"I'm really sorry I didn't tell you what time to come by," Jeongyeon says in guilt, making the brunette help her in the kitchen all of a sudden. She sets down the plate on the coffee table in front of Mina, along with her own. 

"Also, I know this kinda looks weird? I don't own a dinning table 'cause it wouldn't even fit in this tiny apartment. Just think of it as a netflix and chill with really fine dining food." Jeongyeon rambles on. 

Mina waved her off. "It's okay, Jeongyeon. I don't mind." she offered the noirette a soft smile, the pressure on Jeongyeon's shoulders finally releases. She returned the smile. 

"So, what'd you want to watch? What's your favorite genre?" 

"Oh," Mina starts, taking a sip of her drink. "I don't really like watching movies." 

Jeongyeon furrows her eyebrows in confusion. "What..?" 

Mina simply smiles sheepishly, shrugging her shoulders. Jeongyeon's jaw drop after realizing that the brunette was serious. 

"Not liking movies is like not liking puppies, you know." 

"It's just.. the plots are always obvious, the guy gets the girl.. the hero wins at the end, and most are repetitive." Mina defended. 

Jeongyeon turns to look at Mina in offense. "Have you watched Attack on Titan?" 

"What's that?" 

"Might as well start watching it soon 'cause," Jeongyeon blows her lips. "it's not a movie but that will get you in a rollercoaster ride for sure." 

Jeongyeon turns her attention back to the television and clicked on a movie. Mina squints her eyes as she reads the title. "All the bright places?" 

"Have you seen it, Mina?" 

"No, I haven't. Have you?" 

"Nope, but I heard that it's good." Jeongyeon smiles. She took her glass and raised it toward Mina. "Cheers." 

Mina took her own glass and clicked it with the noirette's glass. "Cheers." 

They were nearing the end of the movie. Halfway through it, Jeongyeon had managed to bake the cookies, handing them to the brunette as soon as it was ready. Mina was starting to grow on Jeongyeon's cookies, it had gotten to her top favorite food. The pair had already finished their meal and began to talk few times whilst the movie was playing. Mina doesn't like movies, but the one Jeongyeon picked turned out to be watchable. 

Mina slightly turns her head, eyeing the noirette who had her eyes glued to the tv screen. Jeongyeon was clutching onto the blanket that magically appeared one moment, Mina couldn't remember when. The brunette saw how Jeongyeon's bottom lip started to quiver and small tears started to escape the noirette's eyes, her gaze still focused on the screen. Mina ponders on her thought, she somewhat relate to the movie Jeongyeon had picked and it wasn't all that bad. It reflected to their relationship, and it amused the brunette. 

Jeongyeon has been an annoying neighbor to MIna for the past few months, but it terrifies the brunette that she was slowly warming up to her. It's been years since she last talked to someone genuinely besides her only friend, Jihyo. 

"Jeongyeon?" Mina called out to the noirette, Jeongyeon turns and quickly wiped her tears and cleared her throat.

"Yeah?" she replies.

Mina hesitates in her words. She lets out a shaky breath. Why am I so nervous? "Why me?"

Jeongyeon knits her eyebrows in confusion, upon noticing this Mina continued. "Why do you want to be friends with me? After all I.. I kept on trying to push you away." the brunette clarifies.

The other woman lets out a half-chuckle. "I just really want to know you, I like you." she replies, Mina's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. "I like you as a person, duh." Jeongyeon quickly recovered, laughing nervously.

"Right.." Mina starts. "I just want to thank you. Not many people try to approach me."

"Why is that?" Jeongyeon turns her body so that she was facing Mina fully. All she knows Mina was cold, but there must be a reason to it. Mina bits her lip, contemplating if she should tell Jeongyeon or stay quiet.

She decided the former rather than the latter. "Well, I haven't really been nice to others. And I definitely don't just hang out with others more than once or ever. You were the first in a while besides my other friend, Jihyo. I don't trust people easily after what had happened in my past. Thank you for being annoyingly persistent with getting to know me, I.. I actually like you being around. It feels easy talking to you." Mina finishes, looking down at her hands on her lap. Why does it feel right to let you in, Jeongyeon? 

All of sudden Jeongyeon felt giddy again, her body that was recently filled with anxiety was washed over with pure happiness. "I told you you'll warm up to me." she smiles, Mina looks up and caught the smile, offering the noirette a small one. But Jeongyeon's smile drops. "What happened in the past? If you're comfortable in sharing it with me of course. I promise I won't share it with others, scout's honor." the noirette reassures, raising her right hand, electing a laugh from the brunette. Jeongyeon once again felt the butterflies in her stomach. 

"Well, um.. I wasn't always this cold believe it or not. I used to be so happy. I had alot of love and care to give to the world, but life just had to turn it's back on me. It started with a old friend of mine in highschool, she helped me survive highschool really. She was a year older, she treated me as her little sister and I looked up to her. It changed when she left for college, she promised to attend my graduation but.. I never saw her. And I never heard from her since. Then years after, I met someone and we were happy. We were going on this trip to celebrate, I was going to propose too, but all of a sudden I got a call from them saying that we were over, that they couldn't do it anymore. All of them left me, and I thought maybe I just wasn't worth it. People around me and those that I know personally weren't helping either. That's when I realize that people will always be people."

Jeongyeon heart ache for the brunette. No wonder she got her walls up. The noirette thought. Jeongyeon reluctantly places a hand on the brunette's shoulder, causing Mina to flinch. Jeongyeon mumbles an apology but doesn't remove her hand. "I think you're worth it." she mutters.

"People are jerks, but not all of them. You just gotta find that right person. And I believe you will. There's so much more to life, Mina. Who knows, your person might be close to you all this time and you just don't know it. It's okay to be afraid, that just means you really care for it. Do it scared, you'll come out even braver than before." Jeongyeon says. Giving Mina a soft smile. Mina looked into the noirette's eyes, filled with concern, hope, and love-?

"Think of me as Theodore Finch to your Violet Markey." Jeongyeon continued. Mina looked at the tv screen, realizing it was coming to an end. A movie where the girl loses the boy at the end. "Besides the dying part." Jeongyeon added as if hearing Mina's thoughts.

Mina looked back at Jeongyeon and offered her a small smile.

I'm scared that I'm falling for you, Jeongyeon. 

I'm scared that you'll leave me too.

"I uh, it's been a great night. Thank you, Jeongyeon. I better get going." 

"What? We were practically just getting started! I was thinking in doing a movie marathon. There are alot of good movies I want to show you-" 

Mina stands up from the couch, the blanket falling off of her lap. "Maybe some other time." she says, heading towards the door.

Jeongyeon felt somewhat heartbroken. Maybe I was too pushy? She frowns to herself as she heard the door click close. She sighs, feeling disappointed at herself.

Chapter Text

"There you are! We've been waiting for so long!" Dahyun states.

Jeongyeon smiles sheepishly. "Hey guys, sorry I'm late-" 

"Hello!" a voice was heard behind the noirette. Jeongyeon turns and her eyes immediately lits up in hopefulness. Jihyo was approaching them with Mina by her side. 

Mina sucks in a breath as her eyes land on Jeongyeon. It's been weeks since their last interaction with each other. Ever since their 'date night', Mina has been avoiding the noirette. Jeongyeon couldn't seem to figure out what had happened with the brunette. Why the change of behavior all of a sudden. Jeongyeon has been overthinking and also trying to get in contact with the brunette, but to no avail. She was either outside whenever Jeongyeon knocks or she just doesn't want to see the noirette. 

Mina narrows her eyes at the redhead across of her, noticing Sana arching her eyebrow. Jihyo poked the brunette's side, Mina jumps and glares at her friend. "Be nice." Jihyo whispers. Mina just rolls her eyes.

"I'm glad you guys could make it." Jeongyeon says, eyeing Mina and offering her a smile. Mina looked down, avoiding the noirette's gaze. Jeongyeon felt a pang of pain in her her heart.

"By the way, this is Jihyo and Mina. Jihyo, Mina.. this is Dahyun, Momo, and Sana. The rest couldn't make it though." Jeongyeon introduces the group.

The noirette was happy deep down and glad that Mina finally chose to show up, well of course with the help of Jihyo. Jeongyeon wanted her friends to meet Mina too, the noirette wanted to show Mina that there are good people with true intentions out there. Out there being her friends. It sucked that Nayeon couldn't go, she's been busy for several weeks. Jeongyeon thought that Nayeon would've loved to meet Mina and talk to her endlessly like the person she is. The noirette doesn't get how she's that annoying, if there is someone that is way annoying, it'll totally be Nayeon. Sometimes, Jeongyeon doesn't understand what goes on the older woman's mind.

"Okay, let's go and have some fun!" 

"Come on, Jeongyeonnie!" Sana chirps, linking her arms with the noirette. Jeongyeon was surprised, she turned her head over her shoulder to glance at Mina and Jihyo, mouthing a 'sorry' for leaving her all of a sudden. In her defense—she was dragged.

Mina rolls her eyes at the redhead's actions. "Someone's jelly." a voice came from her side. 

"Shut up, Jihyo." 

"Woah, look at that globe!" Jeongyeon says in fascination, pointing at the prizes that were on display. 

Sana peered over by the noirette's shoulder. "You want that, Jeongyeonnie?" she mutters. Jeongyeon's face was flustered, she nodded with a shy smile.

Mina narrows her eyes and clicks her tongue at the redhead's gesture. "I'll win that for you." Sana says.

The brunette arches an eyebrow, pacing towards the pair.

"Let me, Jeongyeon. I'm pretty good at throwing things. I don't want your money to go to waste, Sana-ssi." Mina says in a mocking tone. Sana tilted her head on the side, letting out a scoff in disbelief. Jeongyeon furrows her brows. What's with the sudden change of behavior again? 

"Might as well see who gets the globe for Jeongyeon." Sana challenges, facing the brunette.

Jeongyeon tries to push her way in between the two. "Uh, guys.. it's oka-" 

"Challenge accepted." Mina interrupted the noirette, her eyes never leaving the redhead's intense glare. 

The pair gave their money to the worker and began trying to knock down the cans. The rest of the group watches in amusement. Jeongyeon couldn't help but feel a tingle in her stomach. A hand touched her shoulder, causing her to look. "I'm sorry on behalf of Minari. She does that alot, pushing people away." Jihyo mutters. Jeongyeon lets out a chuckle. 

"No kidding." she replies. 

"But I could see how happy she's becoming. Even if she hates admiting it. She's warming up to you." Jeongyeon wore a blush on her face upon hearing Jihyo's statement. 

"Well, I just try my best to let her loosen up a bit." the noirette replies. 

"Continue doing it and you might get her to fall in love with you." Jihyo winked. Jeongyeon's face turned into a deeper shade of red. Jihyo arched an eyebrow. "You like her.." she breathed out, almost as if she had made an amazing discovery. 

"What? No..." Jeongyeon nervously says, looking at Jihyo. The other woman gave her a knowing look. "Fine yes, I do like her." 

"Did you make a move yet?" Jihyo says, taking a drink of her water.

Jeongyeon shooks her head. "It's hard, she has these big walls up. Like you said, she pushes people away, she pushes me away. And she's straight." 

Jihyo almost spits out the water she was drinking. "She told you that?" 

"Yeah," Jeongyeon says reluctantly. "is she not?" 

"She just said it to protect herself," 

Both women looked towards the two other women who were still trying to win the stuffed globe. While Momo and Dahyun were taking pictures and videos of them, laughing at how miserable they are actuallu doing. Jeongyeon noticed Mina's cheeks turning a light shade of pink, probably due to embarrassment. But Jeongyeon also notices how focus Mina was, her furrowed eyebrows and her tongue sticking out a bit. The noirette found it absolutely adorable. Taking out her phone, Jeongyeon snaps a quick picture of the brunette, smiling to herself.

"You're a good person, Jeongyeon." Jihyo starts. "So, please, take care of Mina. She's a little rough on the outside, but once you get to know her, she's really a big softie. Just be patient with her." 

Jeongyeon smiles, feeling her stomach getting warm. She place her own hand on top of Jihyo's which was still on her shoulder. "Thank you, Jihyo." 

"HA! I told you!" Mina suddenly half-yelled, feeling pleased with herself. The others looked at her, and suddenly she felt so exposed. Mentally kicking herself. "I, um.. the globe please." she says, turning to the worker. 

Upon retrieving the prize, Mina walked up to Jeongyeon. She extended her arm towards the noirette, putting a safe distance between them. "Please accept this as my apology from... you know."

Jeongyeon grins widely and instead pulled the brunette into a hug. Mina froze, her heart was beating so loudy she was afraid Jeongyeon might hear it. This wasn't the first time they were in a situation where there were little distance between them, but this was definitely the first time their bodies were flushed into one another. The embrace felt warm, Mina blinked, she actually likes it. 

"Thank you, Mina." Jeongyeon softly says when she pulled away. Mina cleared her throat, her mouth suddenly dry. 

"Yeah, no problem." she says nonchalantly, while playing with the hem of her own shirt. Sana crosses her arms and sighed. 

Several hours in, the group was exhausted. They had tried almost every ride and booth they have found. Mina doesn't even have a bedtime, but she feels like she's way passed it already. Who would've thought feuds with Sana would tire her out more than the rides themselves? Well, also the endless banter between the two whenever they were about to ride because of the seating arrangements. Mina groans, pushing her body for a few more steps into a diner that they found near the fair. She immediately slumps her body on the booth the moment her ass hits the chair.

"Looks like someone is past their bedtime." Sana teasingly says, smirking down at the brunette. Mina glares daggers at the redhead. 

"I got tired winning every challenge you declared, Minatozaki." Mina snaps back, wearing a smug look. 

"You know, you're so full of yourself." said the redhead, crossing her arms over her chest. 

Mina stood up from the chair, leveling with the redhead. Sana was just a tad taller than the brunette, causing Sana to raise an eyebrow, not fazed. Jeongyeon notices the two from where she was standing at the counter. Dahyun's eyes follows Jeongyeon and widens, she quickly tugs on her girlfriend's long sleeve. "What's wrong?" Momo asks.

"They look like they're gonna rip each other's head off." 

Jihyo also switches her gaze from the cashier to the three women across the diner. Jeongyeon paced towards the bickering pair.

"I'm so full of myself? What about you? Making everything a challenge just to get into Jeongyeon's pants!" 

Sana gasps, narrowing her eyes. "Wow, just so you know, I'm not that kind of person. And what's it with you if I like Jeongyeon?! It's not like you were hers to begin with." 

"Neither is she yours." Mina says. Both of their voices were raising, causing for the other customers to glance over their direction. 

"But we do make one heck of a couple." 

"Guys, could you please just drop it?" Jeongyeon hissed, fully aware that the whole diner was looking at them now. It made her feel so exposed. "Everyone is seriously looking!" 

"Not until Mina here apologizes." Sana says defensively. 

A audible scoff was heard from the brunette. "Me? You started this shit!" 

"Only because you threatened me." 

"Wow," Mina scowls. "you're just full of shit." 

"Mina, that's enough." Jihyo says sternly, wrapping an arm across Mina's chest when she notices the brunette's advacements. "Come on, ladies. Stop fighting like children for God's sake." 

Mina looks around, Dahyun and Momo was by Sana's side, also restraining her. But the noirette wasn't on sight upon scanning the diner, Mina furrows her eyebrows. "Where's Jeongyeon?" 

"You guys wouldn't listen to her, so she walked out. She's heading back to her apartment." Dahyun explains, a small frown on her face. Both guilty looks can be seen on Mina's and Sana's faces.

Mina looks at the windows, seeing the noirette not far away. She squirms her way out from her friend's grasp and head towards the door of the diner. Not turning back despite Jihyo's protest. 

Sana was about to head out too but a hand stop her. She looked over her shoulder to see Momo shaking her head at her. The redhead sighs and slumps her shoulders, knowing she had lost. I guess you won, Mina. Sana thought.

"Jeongyeon!" Mina yells but the noirette doesn't turn, she just kept walking.

"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have picked a fight with Sa-" just as Mina was about to finish her sentence, it started raining. "that's just great." Mina mumbles. But luckily she has an umbrella prepared. Quickly opening it, she rushes to Jeongyeon's side. 

The noirette dodges the umbrella, pacing faster causing the rain to pelt down her shoulders rapidly, Jeongyeon draws in the chill air. Mina's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Jeongyeon, you'll catch a cold." she calls out for the noirette, rushing once again towards her. But yet again, Jeongyeon dodges the gesture of the brunette.

"My God, Jeongyeon. Why are you so frustrating!?" 

"I'm frustrating?" Jeongyeon suddenly turns, Mina halts in place. She was stuck under the noirette's intense stare. 

"Jeong-" 

"Really, Mina? I'm the one that's frustrating? I'm not the one ghosting people all of a sudden. I don't disregard people's efforts, especially when they show pure intentions." the noirette's voice raising. 

Mina really didn't want to talk about it, not when it was raining and not when she could hear the venom that was laced in the noirette's voice. She pains her seeing Jeongyeon upset, it hurts her even more knowing it was mainly her fault that got the taller woman so upset. Placing a hesitant hand on Jeongyeon's shoulder, Mina started talking softly. "Jeongyeon, let's talk about this later, you're gonna get sick."

Jeongyeon pulls away from Mina, causing the latter to flinch. Jeongyeon stares at the brunette with a pain and disbelief expression, Mina couldn't tell if her eyes were just wet from the rain or she's actually crying. "Jesus, Mina. 'Talk about it later' just so you could escape again? I've done nothing but be kind to you. And I try and try to get to know you, but you keep pushing me away! I like you, Mina! I-" Jeongyeon blurted out and immediately stops herself. Mina widens her eyes. 

"What?" the brunette manages to get out, baffled at the taller woman's sudden confession. She never thought Jeongyeon would like her back. 

Jeongyeon shakes her head. "I don't know why I said that. Just forget about it." she says, defeated. Jeongyeon turns away from the brunette and kept walking, further and further away from the brunette. Mina was left there, with an umbrella in her hand, and a dozen of thoughts swimming in her mind. She didn't bother going after Jeongyeon, thinking that the noirette would need the space. She sighs and goes back to the diner to bid farewell to the group, that she was just now aware that they were full on watching them. Jihyo gave the brunette a sympathetic look, opening up her arms for the brunette to just dwell in. 

"I messed up, Jihyo."

Chapter Text

A soft knock was heard on Jeongyeon's door. She grumpily got up from her couch, her grip on her blanket tightening so it wouldn't slide off of her. Jeongyeon squints her eyes at the peephole and sighs. 

The noirette pulls her door open, revealing a shy Mina on the other side of the door. "I brought you some soup and medicine for your cold." her tone softer than last night.

"Thank you." Jeongyeon was about to grab the bowl but Mina retracts her arms. 

"It's hot. Let me help you." she says, pushing her way in Jeongyeon's apartment. 

"Mina, it's fine, really. I can take care of myself. I don't want to bother you." Jeongyeon says, letting out a dry cough.

"You're not bothering me, Jeong. Let me do this, please?" Mina says, staring at Jeongyeon with hopeful eyes. Jeongyeon has never seen Mina's eyes lit up before, it made her heart warm. She pursed her lips, licking her dry lips. She was hungry. 

"Okay." Jeongyeon says in a small voice. Retreating to her previous spot on the couch, pulling the blankets more against her body when she felt chilly. Damn rain. Why do I catch cold so easily? This is so embarrassing..

Jeongyeon watches as Mina got a smaller bowl and transferred some of the soup in it, grabbing a spoon and approaching the sick woman on the couch. 

The noirette arches her eyebrow at Mina as the brunette scoops the soup and had the spoon infront of her mouth. "Just open up, Jeongyeon." Mina says. And so Jeongyeon obliges. She doesn't want to make this any harder that it is. And hopefully, Mina wouldn't bring up her sudden bluntness last night. Jeongyeon was upset at Mina but she could never get mad at her. She sighs, thinking that Mina's change of demeanor from their dinner date could be her defense mechanism.

Several minutes in, Jeongyeon shook her head as Mina tried to feed her once more. "I'm full, thanks." she quietly says. The brunette nodded taking the bowl in the kitchen. "Jeongyeon," Mina calls out from the kitchen. 

"Yeah?" the noirette responds, not turning her head to look at the brunette. 

"About last night.." 

"Just drop it, Mina. It was a mistake." Jeongyeon sighs. It wasn't mistake, Mina. It wasn't a mistake that I've fallen for you.

Mina bits her lip, shutting her eyes close for a moment before letting out a shaky breath. "I just wanted to say sorry about ignoring you for the past few weeks." Mina continued nevertheless. She walks towards the couch, Jeongyeon sensing it, her shoulders tensing. 

"It's fine. You had your reasons." Jeongyeon plainly says, shrugging her shoulders. Mina frowns, she made her way around the couch and infront of Jeongyeon. She sits carefully on the coffee table, tilting her head to follow Jeongyeon's gaze. Not noticing the tears that began to swell in the corner of the noirette's eyes.

"No, it was rude of me. And I.. I must've hurt you while doing it. I just got scared. I was scared that it will happen all over again." 

"Scared of what happening again?" Jeongyeon asks, finally looking at the brunette. Mina saw the tears in the noirette's eyes and felt her heart cracking at the sight. I'm scared of loving you and you realizing that I'm not enough just like she did. Mina thought but didn't open her mouth. "Mina.. you should know that I'm not like your past. You have to accept that it's over. I'm trying my best to show you that you can trust others again, trust me. I'll never do anything that'll hurt you. I- I care for you. You got broken by those who mistreated you, but I'm here to say that even the broken things can be mended, Mina." Jeongyeon coughs, almost forgetting she was sick honestly. The noirette looks away. Jeongyeon was about to wipe her tears but she slightly flinches at the hand that managed to make its way on her cheek, wiping the escaping tears with a single stroke of the thumb.

The taller woman turns her head, staring deeply into Mina's brown eyes. Mina did the same, offering her a small but genuine smile. Both her hands cupping Jeongyeon's face, wiping away the tears. 

"Everything with you feels easy, Jeong. I'm scared how much damage you'll see in me when you get close. I've never had someone be as gentle and as persistent as you. You're the only other friend that could get through me.." 

Jeongyeon lets out a sob, she looked down. Of course she thinks of me as a friend. Mina bits her lip. She couldn't just confess right here and now. She wasn't sure she'll be good enough for the noirette. She couldn't bare losing the taller woman. She's still afraid and stuck in her past. 

"Could you just.." Jeongyeon trails off. Mina steadied her hands on the woman's face. Jeongyeon slowly looks up at Mina. "could you just hold me this once, Mina?" her voice barely above a whisper. Mina hesitates, she stares into Jeongyeon's eyes. She moves from her place on the coffee table to the couch, next to the noirette.

The moment their bodies flush against each other, Mina once again felt the warmth of the noirette. Maybe because she was sick but Mina felt warm inside too. The brunette could feel her heart picking up pace as Jeongyeon buries her head in the crook of Mina's neck, softly inhaling the brunette's fragrance, and immediately relaxing onto the shorter woman's embrance. Mina reluctantly places her hand on Jeongyeon's hair. She gently started stroking and playing with the noirette's hair, this made her smile. She wanted this to happen often. Then why am I stopping myself? Mina thought. 

Jeongyeon lets her tears run free and onto Mina's shoulders, she lets out a shaky breath, immediately replacing it with a cough. She flutters her eyes close and smile tiredly at how Mina was playing with her black locks. 

Moments had gone by and Jeongyeon had passed out. Mina shifted their position so that she was laying on the couch with Jeongyeon on top of her, the noirette's head on her chest. Mina doesn't stop caressing Jeongyeon's hair, her fingers got tangled with Jeongyeon's locks, her other arm wrapped protectively around Jeongyeon's waist. Mina pushes a loose hair behind Jeongyeon's ear. She lowers her head ever so slowly, afraid she'll wake the sleeping beauty. Her lips softly pressing on Jeongyeon's forehead, she sighs and retracts.

"Please don't give up on me, Jeongyeon."

Chapter Text

Jeongyeon was the first to wake up. She groggily yawns, about to rub her eyes but felt heat radiating underneath her. She raises her head and was face to face with the sleeping brunette. Jeongyeon was dazed, Mina looked beautiful sleeping. Mina's arms was wrapped around her, causing Jeongyeon to blush furiously. The noirette sets her head back down on Mina's chest, her ear pressed on the brunette's chest. Listening at the calming beat of Mina's heart, Jeongyeon smiled to herself. She felt relaxed at the brunette's heartbeat. It secretly became Jeongyeon's favorite sound. The noirette finds herself drifting off to sleep once more.

A knock interrupted the pair's sleep. Jeongyeon slowly get off of the brunette, causing Mina to wake up. Fluttering her eyes open, immediately regretting as the light shone right at her eyes. She lets out a groan, sitting up and turning her head towards Jeongyeon's direction. Jeongyeon opens her door, Nayeon was standing on the other side, she looked like she anxious about something. This worried the noirette. "What're you doing here? What's wrong, unnie?" 

"You didn't tell me Mina was your neighbor!" 

Mina furrows her eyebrows at the familiar voice. She stood up from the couch, slowly making her way towards Jeongyeon's direction. The moment Jeongyeon moved aside, Mina was face to face with Nayeon. The brunette's breath was caught in her throat. "Nayeon?" 

Nayeon immediately went in and brought Mina in a tight embrance. "Oh my God, Mina! I've missed you so much. I tried contacting you for so long!" Mina was just frozen in the hug. 

The older woman pulls back, her hands on either side of Mina's shoulderblades. "How are you?" she asks, scanning the brunette's face. 

"How are you? That's all you could say to me?" Mina says, her voice shaky. Jeongyeon watches the pair's exchange, perplexed. "I can't do this. I'm sorry, Jeongyeon." Mina continues, pushing past Nayeon and Jeongyeon and entered her apartment.

Nayeon just watched and lets out a heavy breath. Jeongyeon notices Nayeon wearing her 'I fucked up' face. The older woman slumps down on the couch. Jeongyeon cautiously approaches the woman sitting on her couch.

"What the fuck just happened? Care to explain yourself, Nayeonnie?" 

Nayeon lets out a sigh. "I saw her picture at the groupchat," 

Jeongyeon gave her a look, almost saying 'and?'. "So? What th-" 

"I left her.." 

The noirette widens her eyes. "Are you the unnie at high school she was talking about? The one that is a year older? The one that went to college and ghosted her?" Nayeon winces at Jeongyeon's description of her. But it was true.

"Oh my God, it was you." Jeongyeon said. "Why didn't tell me anything about it?" she crosses her arms over her chest.

"Obviously it's not something I'm proud of, Jeongyeon. It was a dick move leaving her. I just caught up with college life." 

"So caught up you couldn't even attend her graduation?" 

Nayeon pauses. "It was your birthday that day.." 

Jeongyeon furrows her eyebrows. "What?" 

"And I just thought that she wouldn't want to see me after the stunt I pulled. So, I chose you over her." Nayeon grimaced at her words, her face obviously filled with guilt. Jeongyeon's face turned pale.

"You could've told me. Birthdays come every year. A special event like graduation does not. Not to mention that you promised her. Promised, Nayeon." 

"I know, I was such an idiot. That's why I tried contacting her, but she might've changed her number. I even went to the house I knew she lived in. But they moved out. The only time I did saw her again, she was with this girl, she looked happy. I was afraid to approach her because she might just push me away, and also I felt ashamed only appearing all of a sudden. Just thought she was already happy without me." suddenly it clicked Nayeon.

"Shit." Nayeon breathed out.

"What? What's wrong?" Jeongyeon asks.

"Chaeyoung was Mina's ex." 

"WHAT THE FU—" 

Meanwhile at the other apartment. Mina kept pacing back and forth. This can't be real. She nibbles her nails, trying to distract herself. Why now? Why when she was starting to accept that her past is over? How does she even know Jeongyeon? Why the fuck is the world so small?

Suddenly, her phone chimed in her pocket. She fishes it out and unlocked it. Her brows furrowing at the unknown number that had called and texted her. She opened it and her heart dropped.

*missed call from unknown id* 

unknown id: Mina? Is this really you?

unknown id: It's me Chaeyoung. Please call me back when you get this.

Mina felt her knees grew weak. Her back hits the wall and she slowly slides down, she immediately curls into a ball. Her head on her knees with her arms wrapped protectively around herself. This can't be happening. This isn't real. Mina tries reassuring herself, rocking herself back and forth. Her chest heaving and her hands starting to shake. She began crying, her shoulders shaking at each sharp and shaky intake of her breath. Until she couldn't breath properly, all she could think of is her trauma haunting her. This can't be happening. Both of them? At the same time? This is just a dream. This isn't happening. I'm really sleeping on Jeongyeon's couch with Jeongyeon sleeping soundly on top me. Wake up, Mina. WAKE UP! 

She opens her eyes to find herself in the same position she got herself into. On the floor. With her tears drenching her shirt. She cried even harder, feeling vulnerable. 

I can't do this. Jeongyeon. I need Jeongyeon.

Chapter Text

"Mina?" Jeongyeon softly calls out from the brunette's door, her ear pressed firmly on the door. She heard soft rustling, footsteps padding its way towards the door. The door swings open, a tired-looking Mina with bloodshot eyes. "Oh, Minari." Jeongyeon whispers, bringing the brunette in a hug. 

Jeongyeon felt like winning the lottery when she got to hug the brunette once again. She rubs the lower back of the brunette in small circles, whispering sweet nothings into Mina's ear as tears managed to escape her eyes. 

"They came back.." Mina chokes. "my past came back." also, 'past-Mina' wouldn't believe that she was crying and showing her vulnerability to someone, especially her loud and cheery next door neighbor. Actually, she still can't believe how close she's gotten with the noirette these past months.

"Shhh. They're not going to hurt you anymore. It's alright, I'm here. Jeongyeon's got you." Jeongyeon guided Mina towards the brunette's bedroom, they both sat down on the soft mattress. 

"What did she tell you?" Mina mutters in a small voice. 

"Everything that I needed to know." Jeongyeon replies, taking Mina's hand and intertwining them. Mina perks at the warmth, her eyes stares at their intertwined hands. Jeongyeon strokes the back of Mina's hand. A smile crept up on the brunette's lips, she liked the feeling of Jeongyeon's hand touching hers. 

"I can't face them. Not after everything that had happen. I thought I was a bit okay with it, but after seeing Nayeonnie, I felt like the little girl she left at highschool. Receiving a text from Chaeyoung made me felt the same way, it's a memory I try so hard to erase. Why is life so unfair to me, Jeongyeon?"

Jeongyeon pauses, unsure of what to say to cheer the brunette up. "Well, life is really unfair. We can't change things to go our way sometimes," gosh, it feels like I set the mood down. Jeongyeon thinks. "But.. think of it as a sign,"

"A sign?" Mina perked up, looking at Jeongyeon. The noirette swallowed harshly, she nodded. 

"A sign for you to let go? To let go of your past, maybe the universe brought them back to you to settle unresolved feelings. You know, closure. For you to finally accept that it's done and you should focus on your present..?" Jeongyeon did not sound convincing but it worked on the brunette nevertheless. 

Mina bits her lip. "What if Chaeyoung and I work things out again?" Jeongyeon grimaces.

"Chaeyoung's already taken. She's taken by a friend of mine." 

Mina thought to herself. Why would she want to reach out, why now? What is Chaeyoung's intention? Is she engaged with Jeongyeon's friend? I must really be the problem. No one seems to stay-

"Hey," Jeongyeon spoke up softly, Mina was brought back to reality. "you got stuck in your head again. A penny for your thoughts?"

Mina shook her head. "It's nothing."

Jeongyeon licks her lips. "What do you really want, Mina? What brings happiness in that defensive heart of yours?" the noirette says in a teasing tone.

You. 

Mina wants to say. She opens her mouth but different words fall out of her mouth. "Ice cream." she blurted out.

Jeongyeon laughs heartily, amused at the brunette's answer. Mina felt warm at the laughter that filled the room. It was nice. A nice touch to her quiet apartment. She wanted to hear it more. "Okay, here's the deal. You wash that pretty face of yours and we got out to get ice cream, how does the sound?" 

The taller woman saw how a shy smile crept in Mina's lips, Mina nodded slowly. "I'd like that."

"Cool, I'm just gonna go change real quick and come back." Jeongyeon says, pulling away from the brunette and stood up from the bed. This immediately saddened the brunette, she already misses the warmth of the taller woman's body and the security she felt with it.

Outside of the ice cream shop, Mina and Jeongyeon found themselves a table. They were quiet for a while, glancing every once a while at the view in front of them and licking their ice creams. "So," Jeongyeon starts. Mina switches her gaze to the noirette. "I know you don't really want to talk about it, but I must warn you that Nayeon will try to reach you again. If anyone is annoyingly persistent and loud, it's really her." 

Mina snickers, she lets out a sigh. "Yeah, I know. But I don't really wish to see her just yet. Could you please tell her that? I'll be the one to reach her out when I'm ready."

"Yeah, no problem." she smiles. 

"As for Chaeyoung.. I'm sill not sure. But I want to talk to Nayeonnie before her." Jeongyeon nods, supporting and respecting the brunette's decision.

"Finally, you get to focus on your present." Jeongyeon mumbles.

"Sorry?" Mina says not catching what the noirette said.

"I uh, I just mean that your past wouldn't haunt you anymore.. hopefully. You can finally live and take in your present."

Mina lets out a small chuckle. "Yeah, hopefully. You really like being in the moment, don't you?"

"Yeah, for sure!" also because I'm here, Mina! I am your present. Just give me a chance to treat you better. Why look for it in someone else? I'm literally right here! 

"Jeongyeon," Mina says in a serious tone almost making Jeongyeon drop her icecream at the sudden change of tone. "about the night at the carnival, did you really mean it?"

"Mean what?" Jeongyeon questions nervously, focusing her gaze on her almost finished cream cheese flavored ice cream. 

Mina hesitates to speak. "When you said you liked me," she breathed out. "was it true?"

Yes. "No.." Jeongyeon responded back. "I mean I like you.. as a friend," she lets out a dry laugh. "it's the only thing I saw of you. Nothing more." she lied. Jeongyeon doesn't even understand herself, she wasn't indenial about her feelings for the brunette, but she still couldn't come clean. I need to find the right time, and right now is not the time. Mina sucks in a breath through her teeth, nodding stiffly. 

"Thank you for clarifying, Jeongyeon." 

Both women didn't know how long they'll manage to keep it up. How long they'll keep on beating around the bush. Who knows? Mina's feelings might fade since she now knew that the noirette just thinks of her as a friend. Jeongyeon thought about the same thing, but she wanted to fight for her feelings towards her neighbor. She really wanted them to work.

"Friends?" Jeongyeon ask, holding her pinky up towards the brunette. MIna arches her eyebrow.

"We literally just established that." but despite the brunette's weak protest, Mina wrapped her own pinky finger around Jeongyeon's.

"Friends."

Chapter Text

The cool air breezes through Mina's body as she strolls towards a bench. The seat was aleardy occupied, a figure wearing a jacket and hood over their head. Mina sucks in a breath, is this really the right choice? Of course it is! I'm already here aren't I? Cautiously, she stops in front of the figure. The other person looked up at the brunette, their eyes suddenly beamed in hopefulness. 

"Mina," the woman spoke, standing up to give the brunette a hug. Mina accepts it but does not reciprocate it, her arms just stood idle on either of her side.

Nayeon pulls back, offering her a sad smile. "I'm so glad you agreed to talk."

"I'm not that cold, Nayeon." Mina says, taking a seat next to the older woman. Nayeon chews her lip nervously, waiting for Mina to begin talking. There is a possibility that the brunette will just lash out on her, Nayeon doesn't know for sure, but there is always a posibility in everything. "Where were you all these years?" Mina asks, not turning her attention away from the body of water displayed a few feet from them. 

"Well, um, here? I'm really sorry, Mina. I really just caught up with college and I know I made a promise to you, I'm really sorry I didn't keep my word then. B-but I'm here now, and I'm willing to make up most of it if you let me."

Mina lets out a dry laugh. "We're adults, Nayeon. You don't need to do all that for me anymore." Nayeon visibly frowns.

"But you're still like my little sister, Mina-chan." Mina winces at the nickname. She used to love it, but it faded through time; the same way Nayeon's presence did. 

"Funny you say such thing, 'cause big sisters don't just disappear into thin air. I mean, I understand how busy you got, it's college. But after college, still no sign of big sister Nayeon? I just gave up waiting for you. If you ever did try to contact me, I must've changed my number by then."

Nayeon lets out a heavy breath. She was guilty and Mina knows this. "I saw you one time," Mina perked up to this, turning her gaze to the older woman. Just now noticing the corner of her eyes swelling up with tears. "I didn't reach out because.. I saw that you were happy. You were happy with that girl, Chaeyoung. I just thought that you didn't need me anymore, I was too ashamed to face you too." 

Mina shoulders tense a bit at the name of her ex-lover. She couldn't believe that Nayeon didn't have the guts to approach her. "That was the time I needed you most, unnie.."  Mina bits her tongue, trying her best to not let her voice waver one bit. "you were my first heartbreak, unnie." Mina faltered, before she knew it, tears managed to escape her eyes. Nayeon's heart ache at the sight, she leans and pulls the younger woman into her arms. Stroking the brunette locks gently as Mina sobs in Nayeon's embrace.

"I know you've always been the strong quiet one," Nayeon mutters, her other hand caressing the brunette's back in an up and down motion. "but you don't have to be when you're with me, Minari. I'm here now, let unnie fix this." Nayeon finishes, placing a soft kiss on the brunette's hair. Mina hated how she instantly relaxes in the older woman's arms. As much as she hated to admit, she misses the older woman. This was the second time Mina had cried in front of someone, it still pains the brunette how much both of them affected her so much.

Several minutes have gone by, and the brunette had already calmed down. She sniffs and wipes her tears with the back of her hands. "I missed you." Nayeon softly says. Mina shrugs her shoulder.

"Sure, I guess I missed you too." Mina tries to say nonchalantly. 

Nayeon lets out a chuckle. "You nonchalant wannabe." Mina bits her lower lip from breaking out into a smile. "You know, I wouldn't have thought you were the infamous aloof person people talk about."

"Yeah, well, people change." Mina replies. 

"I don't think they'll ever change." 

"You don't know that, Chaeyoungie." Mina coos, wearing a wide smile. "There's so much good in the world! I'm sure your parents will come around in no time!" the brunette exclaims, making her way towards her girlfriend, dropping her head on the shorter woman's shoulder and wrapping her hands around Chaeyoung's waist.

"People will always be people, Mina." the shorter woman mutters.

"Besides.. people will always be people." Mina repeats the statement from her memory, breaking eye contact with Nayeon. The older woman wore a puzzled look.

"May I ask," Nayeon starts, Mina looks at her and ushers her to continue. "you didn't tell Chaeyoung about me? It's just, we've met months before and she doesn't know me at all."

Mina lets out a puff of air. "I just thought it wasn't important. We were happy, I didn't want to ruin it by telling her I'm still very much affected by the stunt you pulled. And back then I wanted to forget you. So, I never brought it up." Nayeon sense the bitterness laced in the brunette's voice, she places a gentle hand on Mina's shoulder. 

"What happened to you two?"

Mina was practically vibrating in her seat, she couldn't help it—she was excited. Her girlfriend has no idea of her plan, Chaeyoung just thought that they'll be going on a vacation. But really, she was going to propose to the shorter woman. The brunette sticks her head out from her seat, looking for the noirette. Still no sign of her. Mina stood from her seat as the aircraft was being filled with passengers, she stares at the door.

"Ma'am," a voice came from behind her. Mina whips her head to see a flight attendant with a bright smile. "please be seated. We will be taking off shortly." she states, the brunette nods and obliges.

Taking out her phone, she send another quick text to her girlfriend. 

minari: Chae, don't be lateeee~ 

minari: Wouldn't want to spend my vacay alone;)

minari: Come quickk

*chaenggie missed 3 calls from minari*

minari: Chae, where are you?

minari: We're about to take off. Please call me back.

minari: Are you okay?

Mina was about to send another text but suddenly her phone rang, she quickly notices the caller id. "Babe, where are you? The plane is about to take off." she says a bit frantically. Her brows furrows as she heard Chaeyoung sighing. 

"Mina.." she starts, Mina's stomach started giving her the jitters at the noirette's tone. 

"What's wrong, Chae?"

"I'm sorry. I can't do this.. Goodbye, Mina." 

Before Mina could utter a word, the call was dropped. Mina just stares at her phone, she lets out a sharp breath in disbelief. The brunette shakes her head, dialing the number again. But it went straight to voicemail. Mina's heart was shattered to a million pieces. "This can't be happening." she says to herself, tears already falling from her eyes. She places a hand over her chest, feeling it tighten where she had to catch up with her breath. She started to panic when her breath turned rigid. 

"Hey, hey.." Mina couldn't really see who slid next to her seat, her vision was hazy. She immediately felt a pair of hands holding her own, caressing it gently. "You're okay, take deep breaths, honey. Just follow my voice." Mina did, well she tried. She tried focusing on the hands warming her own. "My name's Jihyo, and you are?" Mina thought it was stupid asking for her name at a moment like this. 

"Mina.." Mina suprisingly finds herself mumbling out. Her breaths were still uneven but not much unlike moments ago. 

"You have a pretty name, Mina. Deep breaths, you're safe, Mina. Tell me three things you can hear."

"The second time my heart got broken... also, that's how I met my bestfriend, Jihyo." knowing Jihyo, she would've been gushing and teasing the brunette about loving her just because Mina calls Jihyo her bestfriend. That's why she strictly kept it to 'friend' when around the shorter woman. "I was supposed to propose to Chaeyoung that day, I uh, still have the ring."

Nayeon widens her eyes. "Huh, you kept it." she repeated. "Why?"

"Deep down I thought I'd see her again, and we would work things out. But that's definitely not the case anymore." 

Nayeon nodded, understanding the brunette's choice. "I remembered something. Something Jeongyeon said to me about you," Mina looks at her with curiosity, also her lips tug into a small smile knowing the noirette was talking about her. But then it turned into a frown, because Jeongyeon could say anything about her. Nayeon notices the frown and waved her hand. "It's not what you think. She just told me that you were straight," Nayeon says with a light laugh.

"Oh," Mina utters, sharing a laugh with the older woman. "Yeah, I must've said something like that."

"Why though? I mean, since highschool I knew you liked girls and girls only. Why did it suddenly change?"

"Maybe 'cause I keep getting my heart broken by women?" Mina snarks back, Nayeon was take aback. "Sorry, it was suppose to be a joke." Mina chuckles dryly. "But um, it never changed. I still and will always like girls. I just told her that so she would back off. Your friend is very persistent though." 

"Heh, got it from me I suppose." Nayeon wore a sly smirk. "But Jeongyeon is a nice gal, Mina. She truly has a heart of gold much like yours." Mina scoffs at the last two words that had fallen from the other woman's lips. "I'm serious, Mina. You may be all cold in the outside, but I know a good person when I see one. Just give her a chance, she really cares for you, you know?" 

A warm blush appears from the brunette's cheeks, she bits her bottom lip. Mina lets out a sigh. "Is just.. I see her in Jeongyeon sometimes. I see Chaeyoung, and it scares me."

"Jeongyeon is not the type of person who'll leave you, I'm telling you that." replied Nayeon.

"You don't know that. People will always be people."

Nayeon groans in frustration. "You gotta drop that phrase, whoever told you that can eat shit. I'm seriously telling you, Jeongyeon isn't like that. She's much better of a person than I am. Just give the girl a chance." Nayeon softly says.

Mina sighs. "Alright." 

Chapter Text

"Where are you going?" 

Chaeyoung stopped on her tracks, turning to face her girlfriend who was laying on the bed with her head tilted to the side. 

"I'm meeting up with an old friend, you know, catching up." the shorter woman replies. She slowly padded her way towards the edge of the bed, facing the taller woman.

"Beong?" the taller woman asks, assuming that it was a guy.

Chaeyoung licks her lips, she runs a hand through her black locks. "No... you don't know her," she carefully says. The shorter woman braces herself as she utters the last word, but eyeing her girlfriend's weirdly composed look made her shoulders less tense.

"And why is that?" Tzuyu lets her hand slide from the shorter woman's arm to Chaeyoung's neck, loving the way it made the shorter woman shudder. Tzuyu's eyes flicker up, catching Chaeyoung's gaze. She briefly notice the way Chaeyoung's bottom lip quiver, probably the way Tzuyu cupped her jaw and began caressing it—or something else, perhaps. 

"Just really an old friend and we had a fall out.. I, uh, didn't really wanted to talk about her." Chaeyoung weakly answers. Tzuyu narrows her eyes at her girlfriend. 

Chaeyoung lets the taller woman bring her down towards her face, sealing their lips together. Chaeyoung immediately sighs at the warm feeling. They kissed for a few seconds before Tzuyu pulled away slowly. "Okay, take care, Chae." she says, Chaeyoung notices Tzuyu's eyes glinting with slight jealously. She doesn't know how she knows, but she just did. 

Placing a soft chaste kiss on the taller woman's forehead, Chaeyoung strokes Tzuyu's cheek lovingly. 

"I'm going to marry you someday, Tzuyu." she mutters.

The short walk to the cafe left the shorter woman in a nervous-wreck. The cold air wasn't helping either, brushing pass her exposed arms. Chaeyoung neglected wearing a coat, thinking that it wouldn't get that much cold. She pushes the door to the cafe open, hearing the bells ring above her head. Chaeyoung's eyes scan all over the room, landing on a particular brunette. She felt her heart skipping a beat, it's been years since she last saw the brunette personally. The scene even felt like when they first met, it was in a cafe too.

"Mina," Chaeyoung calls out, the brunette perked her head up from her phone. Inhaling a sharp breath through her nostrils, she stood up from her seat, immediately towering over the shorter noirette. "it's been a while."

Mina doesn't say anything. she gestures the shorter woman to take a seat across of her. Chaeyoung obliges, her eyes quickly locked eyes with another familiar face. Jeongyeon? What is she doing here? Just as Chaeyoung thought of it, the taller noirette went behind the counter. Ah, she works here. What are the odds. 

Jeongyeon watches the two exchange greetings while she does her work. 

"You do know that eavesdropping is a bad thing, right?"

Jeongyeon glares at her co-worker, hushing her quickly and turning her attention back to the two women. Chaeyoung notices the taller noirette glancing over them every once and a while. 

"How have you been?" Chaeyoung starts. Mina couldn't help but let out a scoff. 

"Why do you guys always say that after reappearing into my life one Tuesday afternoon?"

Chaeyoung purses her lips together. "Sorry.." she mumbles. She doesn't really know what the brunette meant by 'guys'. 

Mina sighs. "Why did you leave?" 

Chaeyoung blinks, she was not expecting the brunette to be that straightforward. "Uh," she licked her suddenly dry lips, trying to form the right words. There was nothing right to what she was about to say really. "I just got scared, Mina.."

Mina scoffed at the shorter woman's response. "Got scared? of what? What is possibly terrify-"

"You were going to propose.." 

Mina freezes. How does she know? She thought. The brunette shook her head. "W-What?" her voice wavering a bit. From where Jeongyeon was watching, her mouth was agape at what the shorter woman had just said. 

"Damn." her co-worker said beside her, Jeongyeon flinches.

"Dude, get!" the noirette says, shooing her away. Her co-worker scoffs but did what she was told.

Chaeyoung exhales a breath, clasping her hands together on top of the table. "I saw you packing the box in your luggage." she explains. 

Mina couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You knew, yet you still left me... was that it? You weren't ready for marriage, so you left me hanging at the plane?!" the shorter woman winces at the brunette raising her voice. 

"Yes, Mina. I felt.. rushed! I had dreams-"

"Dreams?! So, you're saying that if you married me, you wouldn't get to follow your dreams? That'll keep you grounded? What kind of person do you think I am, Chaeyoung?" Mina interrupted her. Chaeyoung tried to get the brunette's voice down, noticing the looks they were getting from the other customers. She didn't liked the way her name came out of the brunette's lips, it was bitter.

"No, Chaeyoung!" Mina snapped, she stood up abruptly. "Did you even loved me?" hurt flashed through the brunette's eyes, Chaeyoung could tell she was about to break. The shorter woman stood up, reaching her hand out for the brunette, but Mina shifts away. 

"I did loved you, Mina. I should've told you sooner, and I shouldn't have left you at the plane, it was stupid of me. But I really couldn't do it, Minari."

"Don't call me that." Mina spat. "Only people that I love can call me that." 

Jeongyeon felt a rush of adrenaline after hearing what the brunette said. A smile was plastered on the noirette's face. HA! In your face! Jeongyeon thought to herself. 

"Mina, I'm sorry. I truly am. What can I do to make it up to you? I'll do anything for you to forgive me." Chaeyoung starts. "I've missed you.."

Chaeyoung was messing with her head, she's messing with Mina good. She was furious with the shorter woman. But looking in her eyes made Mina see the woman she once loved. Mina looks away and shuts her eyes, her hands turned into a fist in either of her sides. 

Maybe I just wasn't worth it. The brunette thought. She did wanted to fix things with the shorter woman, but after finding out about the shorter noirette's intentions made the special space on her heart that Chaeyoung holds.. close slowly. The ounce of love she had left for the noirette began to fade away. 

"I need you to leave." Mina mutters, her eyes glued to the floor of the cafe. She had almost forget that they were out in the public.

"Mina, please just give me a chance." the shorter woman pleaded.

Mina shook her head. "I don't want to see you anymore.. ever. Just go." the brunette said in defeat.

"Mina-" Chaeyoung once more reaches her hand out to the brunette. Jeongyeon was about to interfere but paused. 

"Child, if you don't get your hands off of her," a voice suddenly spoke.

Both Mina and Chaeyoung turned their attention to a woman in her late-fifties staring right back at the shorter woman with an raised eyebrow. "Excuse me?" Chaeyoung asks.

"The kind lady ask you to leave. She don't want you no more." the elder woman spoke again.

Just as Chaeyoung was about to utter another word, the elder woman interrupted her. "Go." she said sternly, her thumb  pointing at the door behind her.

Chaeyoung clicks her tongue and sighs. She looked at Mina one last time and headed out for the door. 

Mina couldn't even register what had happen. She helped me? Mina thought. 

The elder woman looked up from her book she was reading as she saw a muffin being pushed forward on her table. She raises an eyebrow at Mina. "What for?"

"I just wanted to thank you, for earlier." 

The elder woman waved her off. "It was nothing. Sorry for interfering, just couldn't help but listen to what y'all was saying. I dealt with way worse, dear." 

Mina's heart pulled at the endearment. She smiles softly as the elder woman gratefully accepted the muffin. "Um, could I have your name?"

"It's Susan, but you can call me aunty Su." the elder woman says with a smile. 

"Thank you, aunty Su." 

Susan nodded. "You deserve a good person, Mina. Maybe try that cute cashier that kept looking at you." Susan whispers. Mina furrows her eyebrows and follows the elder woman's gaze.

She saw Jeongyeon getting surprised when they caught her looking but then the noirette grins cheekily at her, raising both her thumbs up for the brunette. Mina's cheeks turned warm. She looked away.

Maybe people aren't so bad after all, Jeongyeon.