Chapter Text
The backstage area of the MBC Music Core Festival Year-End edition filled with the chaotic energy which typical of a live show, amplified by Yuqi’s nonstop chatter. Their managers, dancers and make-up artist were inside. In one corner, Soyeon sat down at the couch, doom-scrolling on her phone, while Shuhua half-listened to Yuqi’s endless commentary with a smirk.
Minnie sat on a couch next to Soyeon, her phone in her hand but untouched. Though the screen glowed faintly, she wasn’t scrolling or typing. Her gaze drifted, often landing on Miyeon, who was seated at the makeup station having the finishing touches applied to her look.
Minnie allowed herself a small smile. Miyeon had a way of looking effortlessly beautiful like a goddess, even when everything around her was hectic. Then came a voice, a playful one.
“Miyeon…..!”
Minnie’s head snapped up as Sana entered their backstage room, her smile drawing immediate attention. Even Soyeon glanced up from her phone, and Shuhua and Yuqi greeted her with cheerful hellos. Minnie, however, stayed silent.
Sana moved with an easy confidence, her aura almost magnetic. She was undeniably attractive, and her charisma seemed to fill the room, even Shuhua wouldn’t stop staring.
“Why are you so pretty today?,” Sana said, stopping right in front of Miyeon. Her tone was flirty.
Miyeon turned to face her, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Oh, come on, Sana. You’re being too nice.”
Sana’s smile widened as she stepped closer, “What? I’m just being honest. You’re always so gorgeous, it’s almost unfair.” She raised her hand, lightly brushing against Miyeon’s arm.
Minnie’s fingers tightened around her phone without her realizing. Her stomach twisted as an irritation bubbled up. She dropped her gaze to her phone, pretending to scroll through her instagram, but her ears stayed tuned to every word of the exchange between Miyeon and Sana.
It wasn’t the first time Minnie had seen Sana act this way. The TWICE member had a reputation for charming those around her, especially other beautiful people with harmless flirtation. Minnie had always thought it was entertaining. Sana wasn’t malicious, it was simply her nature to be bright, magnetic, and teasing.
But this time, something about it felt different. This time, it wasn’t just any idol Sana was talking to, it was Miyeon. Her Miyeon.
The thought hit Minnie like a lightning strike. Her Miyeon? She shook her head slightly, trying to push the idea away. Miyeon wasn’t hers. They were friends, colleagues who had grown close after years in the same group. It wasn’t her place to feel this… territorial .
So why couldn’t she stop looking?
“Miyeon, you’ve got to teach me your secrets,” Sana continued, leaning in slightly. “How do you always manage to look so perfect? Is it a skincare thing? A secret ritual? Come on, tell me.”
Miyeon laughed again, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I am just born this way.”
“Hmm, I don’t believe you,” Sana teased, her grin turning sly.
Minnie’s nails dug into her palm, her grip on her phone tightening. She wanted to look away, to ignore the scene in front of her, but she couldn’t. It wasn’t Sana’s fault…Minnie knew that. Sana was just being herself as always. And Miyeon wasn’t doing anything wrong either. She was polite, friendly, and naturally warm, just as she always was.
But still, Minnie couldn’t shake the discomfort. She thought back to how Miyeon interacted with Girls’ Day’s Hyeri, Lee Jung and many others. Miyeon had been just as friendly, but the difference was that Hyeri and others hadn’t flirted the way Sana did.
It wasn’t fair to be annoyed by something so small, but the knot in Minnie’s chest was tightened.
“Minnie eonnie, are you okay?” Soyeon’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
Minnie blinked, startled. For a moment, the irritation that had been building was replaced by worry. Did Soyeon notice the entire scene? Was she just checking in, or had she caught on to Minnie’s spiraling thoughts?
“Yeah,” Minnie said quickly, her voice sharper than intended. She forced a smile, “I’m fine.”
Soyeon didn’t look entirely convinced but didn’t push the issue. “Would you like iced green tea? We’ve got an hour before our second stage.”
Minnie shook her head, but Shuhua lit up at the mention of drinks. “Soyeon eonnie, I’ll come with you! I’m hungry, too,” she said, bouncing to her feet.
Minnie watched them leave, her gaze lingering on the door as it closed behind them. She sighed, her eyes drifting back to her phone. Why does this feel so different with Sana?
She forced herself to stare at her phone. She wasn’t mad at Miyeon or Sana…not really. It wasn’t Sana’s harmless flirtation or Miyeon’s easy laughter that bothered her most. It was the sinking realization that she cared. Cared far more than she should.
When they returned to the dorm around 8 p.m. after wrapping up their music show. Shoes were lazily kicked off as soon as they got in, bags were abandoned near the entryway, and Yuqi immediately threw herself onto the couch with a dramatic sigh of relief.
Soyeon wasted no time. She sighed heavily, brushing her hair back with one hand. “I’m heading to the studio,” she announced flatly, already turning toward her room that she called studio.
Yuqi cracked open one eye, barely lifting her head. “Already? We just got back!”
“Hit songs don’t make themselves,” Soyeon replied with her signature no-nonsense tone. She stopped midway to her room and pointed a commanding finger at Yuqi. “Oh, and you’re cooking dinner tonight. Don’t think I forgot about the bet.”
Yuqi shot up from the couch, her jaw dropping. “What?! That was a week ago!”
“I didn’t forget,” Soyeon said. She disappeared into her room and locked the door before Yuqi could launch into a proper protest. Soyeon had mastered the art of tuning out the other members’ dramatics.
Yuqi groaned loudly, dragging her feet like a sulking child. “This is so unfair,” she grumbled, turning to glare at Shuhua, who was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone like she didn’t have a care in the world. “Ya, Ye Shuhua. You’re helping.”
“Me?” Shuhua asked, blinking innocently but not even pretending to care. “Why me?”
“Because you exist, that’s why,” Yuqi retorted, marching over and grabbing Shuhua by the arm.
Shuhua was dragged by Yuqi toward the kitchen. “I’m bad at cooking! You know that!”
“You could help me with something else,” Yuqi replied, determined.
Miyeon followed them into the kitchen after she dropped her bag, laughing at the younger members’ antics. Minnie trailed behind and clearly her mind elsewhere. She was still caught up in the tangled with what just happened.
Yuqi threw open the fridge door and peered inside, sighing dramatically. “Alright, what do we have? Let’s see… we’ve got some kimchi, half a carton of eggs, one sad-looking carrot, wilted greens, and leftover rice. That’s it.” She held up the rice container like it was treasure.
“That’s depressing,” Shuhua said, leaning over her shoulder. “We’re doomed. Let’s just order takeout. We worked hard today, and we deserve it.”
Yuqi shot her a sharp look. “No way. I’m not risking Soyeon’s wrath. If I don’t cook, I might not have any lines in the next comeback.”
“That’s because you’re a sore loser,” Shuhua quipped, earning a laugh from Miyeon.
“Do you wanna die?” Yuqi threatened, waving a carrot like a sword.
Miyeon grinned, finding the whole exchange endlessly amusing. She opened the cupboard beside the fridge, searching for ramen. “Yuqi, how about ramen instead? That’s easy.” She searched for a moment before coming up empty. “Oh, we’re out of ramen. Who ate it all?”
“That would be me,” Shuhua admitted shamelessly.
Yuqi rolled her eyes. “Ye Shuhua, what did I say about replacing stuff you finish?”
“I told the manager oppa to get groceries already. He hasn’t done it yet,” Shuhua replied like a boss baby she was.
As the playful bickering carried on, Miyeon walked back to stood close to Minnie. Without thinking, Miyeon’s hand gently rested against Minnie’s waist, a natural, familiar gesture, one she’d done so many times before that it felt like second nature. But this time, it didn’t feel natural to Minnie.
The moment Miyeon’s hand touched her, Minnie froze. Her heart skipped, then started pounding, hard and fast, as if her body were trying to tell her something her mind didn’t want to admit.
It wasn’t the touch itself, it was Miyeon, Miyeon. This wasn’t new. Miyeon had always been affectionate in little ways, and Minnie had always been comfortable with it. But now, for some reason, everything about this simple, familiar touch felt amplified.
Her thoughts spiraled, a mix of confusion and panic. Why am I reacting like this? What’s wrong with me? She stepped away before she could stop herself, the movement too quick, too awkward. Miyeon’s hand dropped back to her side, and her laughter faded.
“Minnie?” Miyeon turned toward her, her brows drawing together in soft concern. “Are you okay?”
Minnie cursed at herself. Miyeon’s voice was so warm, so full of care, and it only made everything worse. Her thoughts were screaming at her to say something and not to make it a thing.
“I’m fine,” Minnie said quickly as she walked toward the cupboard. Her hands shook slightly as she reached for a mug, and she could felt Miyeon’s eyes linger on her for a moment longer before the older girl turned back to Yuqi and Shuhua.
As Minnie filled the kettle and waited for it to boil, her mind raced and all she could focus on was the feeling of Miyeon’s hand on her waist. She’d always thought of Miyeon as her safe place, her closest friend, the person who made everything feel a little easier. But now, that safety felt complicated. And the worst part? Minnie didn’t know if she wanted it to stay the same or if she wanted something more.
“What about you, Cho Miyeon? What do you want to eat?” asked Yuqi in the middle of Minnie’s battlefield.
“I’m fine with anything,” Miyeon answered with a smile. “Stir-fried vegetables and rice sounds good to me.”
“Of course, Miyeon eonnie picks the boring option,” Shuhua groaned. “Live a little. Don’t you want something better? Like pork belly?”
Miyeon chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m not picky.” She glanced at Minnie who had been just quiet. “Minnie, what about you? What do you want?”
Before Minnie could answer, Miyeon continued, “Minnie likes kimchi pancakes. Yuqi, make her some.”
Minnie’s grip on her tea mug tightened. Her chest felt strange—warm and heavy all at once. Miyeon had answered without hesitation, as though she instinctively knew exactly what Minnie would want.
Yuqi nodded, grabbing a chopping board. “Okay, let’s do stir-fried vegetables, kimchi pancakes, and fried eggs. Simple and satisfying.”
Shuhua perked up immediately. “I want pork belly too!”
Miyeon’s face lit up. “Pork belly sounds good! Minnie and I can go to the supermarket to grab some. It’s just a block away.”
Minnie froze, her heart racing. The thought of being alone with Miyeon right now was overwhelming. Her thoughts were already spiraling out of control, and this would make it worse. “I’m… I’m tired,” she said quickly, her voice panicked. “I’ll stay in.”
Miyeon frowned, turning to Minnie with concern. “Are you sure okay? Is your migraine coming back?”
“I’ll go!” Shuhua interrupted loudly, raising her hand. “I’ll go to the supermarket with Miyeon eonnie. I can pick out the pork belly myself.”
Yuqi glared at her. “Ya Ye Shuhua, You’re just trying to get out of helping me.”
“Obviously,” Shuhua said without a hint of shame, already grabbing Miyeon’s arm and pulling her toward the door. “Let’s go, Miyeon eonnie!”
Miyeon blinked and laughed. “Alright, alright. Let’s go.”
As the door clicked shut behind them, Minnie let out a shaky breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The kettle had been boiling for some time now.
Miyeon had offered to go with her without hesitation. And worse, Minnie’s first instinct had been to run, not because she didn’t want to go, but because she wanted to too much.
“Ya, Kim Minnie,” Yuqi called out suddenly, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Minnie turned slightly, “What?”
Yuqi had started mixing the batter for the kimchi pancakes. “Did something happen today?”
“No,” Minnie replied quickly.
Yuqi turned her head, studying her. “You know, you don’t have to keep everything to yourself. If something’s wrong, you can talk to me. I know I’m loud, but I’m also a very good listener,” she said, her tone surprisingly soft.
Minnie hesitated, she barely seen Yuqi like this. Yuqi’s words were kind, and for a moment, she wanted to say something. But how could she explain what she didn’t fully understand herself?
“I’m just tired,” she finally said, forcing a small smile. “It’s been a long day. I’ll eat later.”
As she slipped away to her room, Yuqi muttered to herself, “Definitely something wrong.”
Behind the closed door, Minnie leaned against it, her heart still racing. Miyeon wasn’t just someone who thought about her occasionally. She thought about her always. And deep down, Minnie knew she did the same. But what did that even mean? Did she like Miyeon that way?
A few moment later, Shuhua and MIyeon got back. As the front door swung open, Miyeon and Shuhua stepped inside with two grocery bags. loaded with grocery bags. Shuhua kicked the door shut behind her while watching Miyeon walked towards Yuqi.
Yuqi who was mincing garlic and onion turned to look at them, “What took you guys so long? It’s one block away! Did you get lost?”
The oldest naturally grabbed another chopping board to cut the meat because she knew the youngest wouldnt even lift a finger. “We stopped by the pharmacy on the way back.”
“The pharmacy?” Yuqi asked, her brow furrowing. “Why?”
“I picked up some medicine for Minnie,” Miyeon answered, her eyes fixed at the pork belly she cut. “I think her migraines might be coming back. Winter is always hard for her.” she explained and her head glanced toward the hallway where Minnie’s room is.
Soon enough, Yuqi finally done with her cooking. She placed all the dishes in the dining table while Miyeon prepared all the utensil and rice. The four of them crowded around the dining table.
Shuhua sat down last and peeked at the dishes Yuqi made as she placed few bottles of Soju although she didnt drink but she knew her eonnies would love to. “Not bad,” admitted Shuhua, already reaching for a piece of pork belly.
“Not bad?” Yuqi glared at her. “It’s amazing. Say it.”
“Okay, fine,” Shuhua said with a smirk. “It’s amazing.”
Soyeon didnt say anything except thank you for the dinner. She grabbed the kimchi pancake and savour it. A few moments later, she glanced around the table, her eyes scanning the group. “Where’s Minnie eonnie?”
Miyeon, who had been eating quietly, looked up. “She’s in her room. She said she wasn’t feeling well. I think her migraine might be coming back.”
Soyeon frowned, her expression immediately serious. “Why didn’t anyone tell me earlier?”
“She’ll be fine,” Miyeon reassured the leader. “I stopped by the pharmacy to get her some herbal remedies and medicine. I’ll wake her up later to make sure she eats something and takes it.”
Soyeon nodded, though her frown didn’t fade. “Shall i cancel tomorrow’s schedule then?”
“We should!” answered Shuhua indeed. She had been dying to have a break.
The conversation shifted back to teasing Yuqi about her cooking skills and about their upcoming schedules but Miyeon’s thoughts stayed with Minnie. After dinner, as Shuhua and Yuqi cleaned up, Miyeon quietly prepared some pieces of kimchi pancake, glass of water, and the medicine she’d brought earlier.
Miyeon stepped quietly into Minnie’s room, closing the door softly behind her. Minnie lay on her side, her back to the door, her blanket pulled tightly around her shoulders.
Miyeon placed the tray she was carrying on the bedside table, a glass of water, some vitamins, and the herbal medicine she picked up earlier. She sat down on the edge of the bed, her hand gently brushing against Minnie’s shoulder.
“Minnie?” Miyeon called softly.
There was no response. She shook Minnie’s shoulder lightly. “Minnie, I brought you something for your migraine.”
Minnie stirred, a faint groan escaping her lips as she moved onto her back. Slowly, she sat up against the headboard as she blinked at Miyeon, “I never said I had a migraine,” she muttered.
Miyeon’s lips curved into a small, tentative smile as she ignored the remark. “I brought you some water and medicine anyway. It might help,” she said gently, brushing a strand of hair from Minnie’s face.
Minnie didn’t respond. Instead, she lowered her gaze, her hands twisting the edge of the blanket.
Miyeon’s smile faded, replaced by a worried face. She tilted her head slightly, “You’ve been so quiet all day,” she said gently. “If it is not Migraine, something else might happened. You tend to bottle things up, why can’t you talk to me?”
Minnie hesitated, her lips pressed together. Her hands tightened around the blanket, and for a moment, Miyeon thought she wasn’t going to answer. But then Minnie’s voice broke the silence. “I don’t think you’d understand anyway,”
Miyeon’s brows furrowed slightly, she thought they were the best friend who shared everything,. “Try me,”
“It’s… Sana,”
Miyeon blinked, “Sana?” she repeated, leaning slightly closer. “What about her?”
Minnie’s fingers twisted the blanket even tighter. She kept her gaze firmly on her lap, not daring to look up. “I’ve seen you with other girls before even with Shuhua,” she began hesitantly,. “They tease you, joke with you, and you always laugh. And it’s never bothered me. But today… every time I saw you with Sana, it felt different.”
Miyeon frowned slightly, she still doesn’t know where this conversation going, “Different how?”
Minnie battled herself and her breathing uneven as she tried to summon the courage to explain. The words were bubbling up and she still questioned whether she should say them aloud.
“I hated it,” Minnie admitted finally. “I hated how close she was to you, how she touched you, how easily she made you laugh. I wanted to pull you away from her, and I didn’t know why. I couldn’t stand it.”
Miyeon stayed quiet and still trying to pick the puzzles, what were Minnie trying to say. “You were jealous of Sana? Why?” she asked gently.
Minnie opened her mouth to agree but stopped herself, her throat tightening. If she said yes, it would confirm everything she was terrified to admit. Then, the words came out naturally, “Yes and it is not..not in a friendly way.”
Miyeon’s breath hitched. Her heart began to race as she got the hints. “Minnie-ya…”
“I think… I think I like you, Miyeon,” Minnie confessed, her voice trembling as she looked down, avoiding Miyeon’s gaze. “Not just as a friend but… more. And it’s terrifying.”
Miyeon sat frozen and she was so confused, how did it get here?
“I didn’t think I could like women. But i guess you happened.”
Miyeon’s heart was beating so fast, her mind replayed the memories from their trainee days till now, the way Minnie always stayed close. She had never considered that Minnie might feel this way.She thought about all the little moments they’d shared, the way her heart always felt lighter when Minnie was near.
“I’m sorry if this is weird, Miyeon. I know you’ve always thought of me as a friend, and I know this probably doesn’t make sense to you…”
“Minnie,” Miyeon called. “You’re one of the most important people in my life. I don’t know if I’ve thought about us this way before.”
Minnie kept her head low, “I know,” she said immediatelly, she had expected it anyway. “I just… I feel so stupid for being jealous of Sana. I know you don’t like women that way.”
Minnie was right, MIyeon never had romantic feelings towards women, all she talk about was men, strangely Minnie never felt jealous as much with all the men Miyeon dated. That confused the hell out of Minnie.
“You don’t have to apologize about what you are feeling.”
Deep down Minnie appreciate Miyeon for being cool about this after the confession and then she looked into Miyeon’s eyes. “Can I… can I try something?”
“What?”
Minnie’s hand trembled as she reached up, her palm brushing against Miyeon’s cheek. She leaned in slowly, giving Miyeon the chance to pull away. But Miyeon didn’t move. Instead, she stayed still, her eyes closed as Minnie’s lips softly touched hers.
The kiss was soft, barely more than a light brush of lips, and it lasted only three seconds. Minnie’s hand lingered on Miyeon’s cheek as she pulled back. Her heart raced and she liked it, “What… does that make you feel?”
Miyeon didn’t answer immediately. Her mind was too messy to make sense of. But she realized she hadn’t pulled away. She hadn’t stopped Minnie. And the kiss… it had felt right. It had felt good.
“I’m sorry, Miyeon,” Minnie said suddenly. She dropped her hand from Miyeon’s cheek, “I shouldn’t have done that.
“No,” Miyeon said quickly. She reached out, her hand brushing against Minnie’s. “Don’t apologize.”
Minnie’s gaze snapped to Miyeon’s. Miyeon met her eyes. “I didn’t pull away, did I?” she said gently. “That has to mean something.”
Minnie’s lips parted, but no words came. She could only stare at Miyeon, what does that even mean? Then came the silence until Miyeon hesitated and spoke again. “Can we… try again?”
Minnie’s breath hitched, her eyes widening, did she hear Miyeon right? “Are you sure?” she asked.
This time, Miyeon answered her by moving closer, her hands rising gently to cradle Minnie’s face. Her fingers trembled slightly as they brushed against Minnie’s skin, she can’t believe she was doing this. Slowly, their lips met again.
The kiss began much like before but this time, Miyeon tilted her head slightly, her lips parting just enough, inviting Minnie to follow.
Minnie responded instinctively, her hand slipping to rest lightly on Miyeon’s waist. Her lips parted naturally, leaning into the kiss.
Miyeon’s touch became surer, her hands steady on Minnie’s face as the kiss grew deeper. It was slow and filled with passion. Minnie’s hand tightened slightly at Miyeon’s waist, anchoring herself in the moment, while Miyeon leaned closer, almost no gap between them.
Then the sound of the door swinging open interrupted them. They broke apart instantly, their heads snapping toward the doorway. Miyeon’s hands lingered on Minnie’s cheeks, and Minnie’s hand remained at Miyeon’s waist as they froze, caught in the moment.
Soyeon stood in the doorway, her hand still on the doorknob, her expression frozen in shock. Her eyes widened as she processed what she’d walked in on. “I… I…” she was speechless. She quickly bowing slightly. “I didn’t see anything. I just thought… to check on Minnie eonnie, but I guess you’re fine.” She cleared her throat and quickly backed out, shutting the door as fast as she’d opened it.
The silence that followed was awkward for Miyeon and Minnie. Their leader just walked on them kissing. And then Miyeon shot to her feet, her face pale and her breathing uneven, looks like she was panicking and fear on her face. What does this mean? What happens now? What if people find out?
Miyeon had always dated guys and she knew being gay in South Korea was hard. She had friends who were gay, but for her to potentially be one of them? For her parents to know? It was overwhelming, a battle she hadn’t even known she’d have to fight.
Minnie saw the panic on Miyeon’s face and instinctively reached out, grabbing her hand. “Miyeon-ah…” she called softly. “It’s okay.”
“I… I can’t,” Miyeon said immediatelly. She shook her head, her gaze darting toward the door. “I need to go.”
“Miyeon, wait,” Minnie pleaded, standing as if to stop her. But Miyeon was already moving, slipping her hand from Minnie’s grasp and heading toward the door.
“I just… I need some air,” Miyeon muttered as she stepped out and closed the door behind her.
Minnie stood there for a moment, frozen, before sitting back down on the bed. She touched her lips and then she replayed their kiss in her mind. Miyeon hadn’t pushed her away. She hadn’t stopped her. If anything, Miyeon had kissed back without hesitation. Whatever this was between them, it wasn’t one-sided. That much was clear.