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Minjeong was fed up. Her tolerance depleted from high to extremely low.
Since revealing their feelings about one another, they’ve been tiptoeing the line of friendship and more.
Jimin was less of an awkward bubbling mess, alot bolder and more forward with her words, and god did she tease Minjeong to her ends wits.
Jimin didn’t hold back from being chivalrous and charming but the nonchalance about it caused Minjeong to experience warm cheeks and pink hued ears because she still found it unbelievable that the Jimin who used to not be able to hold a steady conversation without stuttering or was shyly awkward when Minjeong was around was now flirtatious with ease.
Not that Minjeong was complaining with the sudden 180 because she liked this more confident Jimin. Way more. So much that Minjeong could explode.
Whoever said dreams don’t always come true can suck it elsewhere because Minjeong lived through the phenomenon of a dream come true.
(Minjeong had taken refuge in her room for a few minutes, social battery running a little low. She never minded when Yizhuo wanted to hold a mini party or gathering at their place because then Minjeong was able to seek solace in her room for a little before heading back out into the havoc that young adults caused with board games that always involved the losers drinking more than half their body weight.
She put her phone to charge, slipped out of her skirt and into some shorts, and took a moment to fix her hair.
There was a knock on the door. Behind it was Jimin, in all her true glory.
“I was heading back out,” Minjeong told her.
“Actually, mind if we chat in here for a bit?”
Minjeong would never miss the opportunity to be alone with Jimin. It was one of her favorite pastimes. It didn’t matter what they did or if they even did anything. She enjoyed Jimin's company.
“Yeah,” Minjeong sat on her bed, patting the spot next to her. “Something on your mind?”
But Jimin didn’t sit. She wrung her hands, paced in front of Minjeong. Her bottom lip between her teeth as worry lines etched into her forehead. Minjeong believed it best to not interfere, letting Jimin on her own decide when she was ready.
Jimin eventually plopped next to her, and to Minjeong’s surprise grabbed her hand.
“I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you and I’ve been worried that telling you would ruin our friendship but I also don’t want to not tell you because it’s been weighing on my mind a lot that if I don’t say anything and you happen to feel the same it’d be the biggest waste and regret. So here I am, deciding to tell you that I’m in love with you. Like, so much that I get sad when you’re not the first and last person I see, hear, and talk to when I wake up and before going to bed.”
Minjeong gaped at her as the unexpected but not unwanted confession processed and filtered through her mind.
“Minjeong?”
She broke her trance, cupped Jimin’s cheeks and pulled her into a deep kiss. Her lips were soft, warm, and tasted like watermelon. Minjeong whimpered when Jimin held her by the waist, pulling her body into her.
They pulled apart, breathless and their chests heaving.
Minjeong placed another kiss, tender and soundly, on the corner of Jimin’s lips. “I love you right back.” she whispered against her skin.
She didn’t care if anybody noticed when Minjeong and Jimin come out of her room holding hands or how Minjeong kept Jimin close to her by pulling the belt loop of her jeans or even when Minjeong bid Jimin goodnight with a long kiss at the door.)
Minjeong confided in Yizhuo about the budding progress between her and Jimin. Well, it was more like she had to because Yizhuo cornered her because ‘when did you and Jimin get so lovey’.
Minjeong was light as a feather. Really, the tiniest blow of air would send her flying. She could still feel Jimin’s lips on hers. The way Jimin had held her by the waist, kissed her back fervently but respectfully. She was like a popsicle on a hot summer day.
Minjeong thought one of her purposes in life was to love Jimin to the fullest, showing her they are literally made for each other because there was a Jimin shaped compartment in Minjeong’s heart since the day she she couldn’t envision her own happiness without a certain Yu Jimin being a consistent factor.
Realizing she wanted Jimin in more ways than just a friend was in the way she started looking at Jimin a little longer, started wanting to be around her more (like if possible every second of the day), started wondering how her skin felt (Jimin liked cropped shirts a lot and with her lean physique Minjeong only appreciated the beauty that Jimin was gifted), started having dreams of her more than once (most of them were innocent and sweet except for the occasional spicy one where Minjeong couldn’t look Jimin in the eye when it happened).
How Minjeong realized she wanted Jimin in every way possible happened within three moments.
1. (Minjeong craned her neck, arms outstretched as she exited the building. Having a night class was not for her but she needed these credits and it was the last slot available. At least the professor was cool and not a stick in the mud.
She passed on the energy drink she usually drank for class, needing to cut back on the caffeine. Which explained why her eyes were struggling to stay open halfway through the lecture. Good thing she sat in a good spot where she’s not that noticeable.
She bid some of her classmates goodbye, not looking forward to the walk home alone.
Or so she thought. Her eyes could have been deceiving her from how tired they were but if they weren’t then it was real that Yu Jimin was sitting on a bench under a post light, looking right at her.
Suddenly, Minjeong was wide awake and was skipping if not jogging to Jimin.
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to walk you home.”
“But it’s late?”
“I knew you got out of class this time so I asked if I could put in some extra hours at the library.”
Minjeong could kiss her. Wants to very badly. Like she might wither away if she doesn’t. So Minjeong leaned up on her tippy toes and planted a smooch right on her cheek, adoring the surprise that flashed on Jimin’s face and the wide grin that appeared after.
“What was that for?”
They started walking and Minjeong loved the way Jimin naturally grabbed her hand. They always held hands even as friends but now there was a deeper meaning, a sweeter intention behind the act.
“You’re cute.”
“Okay,” Jimin said, nonchalantly, as if there werent just heart eyes and a cheesy grin plastered on her face.
Minjeong thought it was funny that Jimin tried to play it cool, and not overreact but she saw right through her. Minjeong playfully rolled her eyes, used her whole body to bump her and knew she broke through cool girl facade when Jimin pressed a sweet kiss on the back of her hand. She really was cute though so Minjeong couldn’t blame her.)
2. (It was Aeris' idea for them to attend the soft launch of some bar that a classmate told her about. She texted in their group chat that everyone’s attendance was required because there would be free food and free booze. Even if Minjeong didn’t really drink, she would enjoy the free food.
That and Jimin said she’d be going so it was an obvious yes for her as well.
Minjeong was meticulous in picking her outfit. It’s more casual than anything. Loose ripped jeans, light yellow flannel with a gray tank. A classic look.
She’s not surprised at Yizhuo who glammed out, as usual because she says one never knows who you’re gonna meet. Minjeong already knew she was seeing Jimin and that’s the only person she cared about.
When they arrived, it’s a bit more populated than expected. Then again, what person wouldn’t like free food and free drinks. She followed Yizhuo’s lead into the area, eyes trying to find the only person they wanted to look at.
“Oh! There!” Yizhuo waved excitedly to Aeri who’s holding down the fort at a small table.
“Hey ladies, looking gorgeous as usual,” Aeri said, smiling.
Yizhuo did a little spin and Minjeong thanked her kindly.
“Jimin is at the bar trying to get you a non-alcoholic drink,” Aeri added, nodding towards the area.
Minjeong turned around and was welcomed with the sight of Jimin heading towards them with a red drink in her hand. When she reached them Yizhuo sent her a nimble finger wave before she resumed scouting the area and Minjeong, well, she’s sure the ditzy look on her face gave it away.
“Here,” Jimin handed her the drink. “It’s a Shirley temple.”
Minjeong took a quick sip, humming contently at the savory flavor. “You didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to. I know you’re not a big drinker. And the bar was already filled with drunkards, there’s no reason for you to deal with that when I’m here.” She said, like she’s some knight in shining armor.
Minjeong thinks she might very well be.
“How noble,” Minjeong simpered. “Catering to me.”
“I like doing things for you.”
“You can’t just say that.”
“Why not?”
Minjeong leaned in, putting her lips just centimeters from Jimin's ear, “Because it makes me want to kiss you.”
Jimin didn’t pull away but turned to face her, a slight smirk, “I’m not stopping you.”
The words whispered against her lips. Tempting her to follow through. Minjeong was well aware that Aeri and Yizhuo were watching them because they were way too quiet and those two never are. Instead, Minjeong pinched Jimin's side for being a tease and turned to their friends who tried to play it off like they weren’t just staring and waiting.
Minjeong has a premonition that Jimin is a lot bolder than she led to be.)
3. (Minjeong is upset. No, actually she’s annoyed.
There were a lot of things that didn’t make sense to her. Like what really came first, the chicken or the egg. Or how the ocean water looks blue but isn’t (she’s searched that one up but she still stood by it not making sense). Even women’s pants not coming with pockets or having fake pockets, like, what is the real end goal with that one.
But right now, what doesn’t make sense to her is how Jimin was not receiving any of Minjeong’s signals. None. Zilch. Nada.
Sure, Minjeong could be the one to ask Jimin out but she was the confesse not the confessor. It was dumb really because Minjeong really could easily ask Jimin if she wanted to go on a date but she believed Jimin should see it all the way through.
Jimin confessed to her so it was only right that Jimin asked her out first. It’s definitely not because Minjeong was nervous or shy about doing it herself, she totally could.
All Minjeong would do is hint at it, hoping Jimin caught on.
Minjeong has mentioned that her entire weekend was free and maybe they could do something. She was specific and stated cravings or activities that would be fun. All Jimin needed to do was say ‘Yeah, let’s make a date.’ but no she didn’t say that. She said ‘Oh, sounds cool, have fun with that.’.
Next, Minjeong said she needed a live model for her sketching assignment. Literally listed every single one of Jiimin's features but did Jimin get it, no, she did not. She said maybe Aeri would be up for it because she’s a bit of a self lover and being someone’s model would be right up her alley.
Lastly, whenever they were hanging out in public Minjeong playfully joked that she wondered if they looked like they were on a date. It was laid out for Jimin. It was a starter for her to finish. Yet Jimin never did, never thought much of it, brushed it off because ‘I don’t think people pay much attention to us.’.
She confided in Yizhuo again, along with Aeri this time. Her dilemma of Jimin's obliviousness. It was then, Aeri had jokingly said something that actually made everything make sense and possibly made Minjeong fall a little harder and deeper.
“She probably thinks you guys are already dating.”
Of course, her sweet and adoring Jimin would believe that.)
Minjeong still wanted clarity so she decided to confront Jimin.
She showed up to her place, no warning whatsoever because she knew Jimin was most likely lounging on the couch and watching a movie or finishing up an assignment.
It was the latter because she answered the door wearing her blue light glasses.
“What are we?” Minjeong asked instantly, not giving Jimin a second to invite her in.
“Uh…I don’t understand this question.”
“What are we to you?”
“Why don’t you come in first?”
“No, I need to know because it’s driving me crazy.”
“Minjeong,” Jimin said softly.
“Jimin,” Minjeong warned.
Maybe she was being foolish about making it such a big deal but Minjeong wanted to hear the words.
Jimin grabbed her fingers, tugging gently. “Come in, please.”
But Minjeong would not let the cute pout Jimin has on full display wear her down. She would become a boulder, unmoving. “Not until you answer.”
“Alright…”
“Jimin,” Minjeong said again.
“I’m thinking.”
“You have to think about it?!”
Jimin put her hands up in defense, wailing, “I don’t understand your question!”
“All I want to know is if this is more than a friendship now or not?”
“What…” Jimin stared at her, blinking. Then,”Is it not?” Her voice and face were full of complete confusion. Almost as if question marks were sprouting from the top of her head.
“Huh?”
“Are we not…dating already?”
“…huh?” she repeated because ‘wow, Aeri was right’.
Jimin let out a tiny chuckle, pulling her inside. “How long have you been thinking about this?”
“I haven’t been sleeping.” Minjeong muttered.
Jimin tutted at her, “Geez, Minjeong.”
“I didn’t know!”
“You could have asked?”
“And you could have told me?”
“I really thought we were dating since that day.”
“You never asked me out or anything.”
“I did,” Jimin started with a conviction that simmered immediately when realization hit her. “...not. You’re right. I guess I assumed.”
“I’ve been trying to get you to ask me but you’re so dense for a smart person.” she grumbled.
“Have we not been on dates?”
“Hanging out is not special enough to be considered a date.”
“But I consider everything I do with you as special.” Jimin said, genuinely and sweetly, looking at Minjeong with those big brown eyes that she could drown in.
Minjeong tightened her lips into a line, refusing to let them throw her under the bus, even if she wanted to grin cheesily like a clown. “I want my dates, Jimin.”
“Okay,” Jimin placed her hands on her waist, swaying them side to side. “Minjeong, will you please go on a very fun and special date with me?”
“Why should I?”
“You don’t want to?” Jimin let go of her, about to take a step back. “Okay, I guess I’ll retract it.”
Minjeong held her hostage, wrapping her own arms around Jimin’s waist, unwavering in her grip. “No! Yes! Ugh,” she whined. “Can I just kiss you instead?”
“Even better.”
Minjeong happily leaned in, kissing her girlfriend.
Wait! That was another dilemma. Were they even girlfriends yet?!