Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Nobody likes being alone that much. I don’t go out of my way to make friends, that’s all. It just leads to disappointment” - Haruki Murakami

Dahyun groaned as she stood from the small desk in her room, back aching from another long study session. She glanced over to where her phone sat, taking the few steps needed to cross her bedroom. Lifting her phone Dahyun found the default lock screen gazing back at her, no notifications just the time displayed at the top of the screen. 1:32am. Sighing softly she crept to the door of her bedroom, her footsteps muffled by a pair of slippers in an effort to not wake any of the other occupants of the apartment. Dahyun silently padded through the hallway to the bathroom, taking care to close the door as silently as she could. Looking in the mirror she found a tired pale girl staring back at her. Grunting softly at her reflection she tied her hair back, removing her contact lenses and washing her face before placing on the glasses she had laid carefully on the shelf that morning. Her teeth brushed soon after she listened out for any sound in the apartment that would indicate somebody else had been stirred by her activity. The resounding silence that came back at her assured that she was the only one still awake. Tiptoeing back to her room she carefully shut the door once again. Changing into a long pair of pyjama pants and a baggy shirt Dahyun settled into her single bed, glasses placed on the bedside table, her phone face down again. Despite knowing the effort to be pointless, Dahyun couldn’t help but check the phone once more. Again greeted by an empty screen devoid of notifications. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she unlocked the phone, setting an alarm for the morning so she could wake in good time for her first class of the day.

Today marked the beginning of Dahyun’s second month at university. Whilst the first month had been largely uneventful academically, beginning of the semester and all that, Dahyun’s personal life had taken a sharp nose dive.

She had never been popular per say, not unpopular either just. There. And that was enough for Dahyun arguably. She didn’t want the spotlight nor had she wanted to be so far in the background that nobody cared for her. She had had her small group of friends. Even had a girlfriend. Lee Gahyun. That’s where the nose dive began for Dahyun. Gahyun had been Dahyun’s friend from childhood, her friends became Dahyun’s. Over their teenage years feelings had developed. Gahyun had been the one to ask Dahyun out. Dahyun had been so nervous to accept, fearful of her parent’s reaction to a gay daughter, fearful of being shunned by classmates. Fearful of losing her social life. That was the one thing she had never admitted to Gahyun when she had confessed to the feelings between them being mutual. Dahyun had felt so pathetic in that moment when she realised that fear she never felt like it was something she could admit to her then girlfriend. Unfortunately it had also been the only one of Dahyun’s fears to come true. As Summer had crawled to an end, university looming on the horizon Dahyun was faced with heartbreak. Gahyun admitted to Dahyun she wasn’t going to be joining her in Seoul, that she was instead going to take time out to travel before she went to university. Whilst Dahyun was surprised she understood and was willing to take the risk on the distance whilst her girlfriend travelled. Gahyun wasn’t though. She admitted to having lost feelings over time for Dahyun, that although they were great as friends, being girlfriends hadn’t felt all that much more different. the knowledge of this and the decision Gahyun had made for the both of them impacting Dahyun more than she cared to admit. So they broke up, or more accurately Gahyun left Dahyun alone, to travel to a new city on her own, their friends taking Gahyun’s ‘side’ of things. Whether this was due to some travelling with her, or whether they just hadn’t ever really cared that much for Dahyun she was unsure. Dahyun hadn't heard from any of them in about 6 weeks now.

It’s a strange thing to lose a friendship. So much more so to lose a relationship. Our hearts are interwoven with the memories of the people we love after all. Even after they leave us. Even though they may no longer be physically present, they still reside within us. From memories to emotions to those little moments that have no tangible connection to that person but still make us think of them because well. What would they think of at that moment? It’s hard to explain but when all of that just vanishes. The friends. The girlfriend. It makes those fleeting moments ache rather than burst with joy. Because instead of the excitement of sharing you have the abject despair of nobody to share it with.

So Dahyun left for Seoul. Her bags packed, her heart closed and her desire to connect with new people gone. What was the point after all? People were disappointing.

The dorm Dahyun had been assigned was fine, close to the university, the other occupants respectful enough, one a quiet girl from Taiwan named Tzuyu, the language difference between them meaning that although Tzuyu could communicate well enough she largely didn’t bother Dahyun. The other occupant was another quiet girl, this time from Japan named Mina. Dahyun had gathered that Mina was perfectly adept at Korean but simply chose not to speak much. Keeping to herself in her room, the only sounds from the room being the noise of whatever video game she was playing at that moment at time. The three had exchanged numbers prior to moving, setting up a group chat for anything related to the apartment, the only messages ever being posted being in relation to groceries.

Dahyun didn’t mind that her roommates were homebodies, Dahyun had always been one herself, it meant that she could study in peace. But she missed having some kind of human contact. Not that she made any attempts to put herself out there anyways. The hurt of losing Gahyun and her friends was still far too fresh to even attempt to forge new friendships. That didn’t stop her from longing though. From missing the messages in the now dead group chat they had shared. From seeing Gahyun’s name light up on her phone and from feeling the flutter in her chest knowing she would get to spend time speaking with somebody she loved. It was at this time when Dahyun knew she had to try to sleep that it all hit far closer to home. How lonely she was. How hard doing this all with no support was. Her parents were far from her now, not that she could admit how hard she was finding. Well everything. It had been a month and Dahyun still found herself crying herself to sleep more often than not. It was silly she told herself, it had been a high school relationship. High school friends too. They never usually lasted. But for it to break off that hard was not something she had expected, nor wanted.

Sniffing back the tears Dahyun turned on her side. Grateful that her room only bordered onto Tzuyu’s, her bed being against the wall that joined onto the hallway rather than her neighbour. Sure the walls were thin here but not so thin that her soft sobs would be heard. Dahyun never heard anything from Tzuyu’s room anyways, not that she was a particularly noisy girl herself but Dahyun decided to take this as proof that the rooms were soundproofed enough for her to have her cries. Carefully cuddling into one of her pillows Dahyun let the now all too familiar shaking of her body lull her to another night of restless sleep.

The morning arrived all too quickly for Dahyun. Her alarm beeping readily from her phone as she rolled from the far side of her bed to silence it. Laying in bed she felt the salt from her tears sticking to her cheeks, making them feel tight as she re-adjusted to the waking world once more. Not wanting to face any potential questions, she slid out of bed, making her way again towards the bathroom. Softly humming under her breath a piece she had been learning recently she hadn’t noticed the figure ahead of her, bumping into the taller girl’s shoulder, Dahyun grimaced slightly but quickly regained her composure, looking down to avoid Tzuyu seeing her puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks.

“Sorry Tzuyu I didn’t see you, still half asleep.” Dahyun chuckled in what she believed sounded a genuine laugh before standing to the side to let the other girl pass her by.

“It’s okay Dahyun” She heard Tzuyu’s voice from above her head before the other girl passed her by walking back in the direction of her room. Waiting for the soft click from Tzuyu’s room Dahyun sighed softly before proceeding into the bathroom and locking it. Taking a look in the mirror she observed how the circles around her eyes seemed darker, groaning slightly as she bent over the sink to scrub her face free of the salt stains and try to cool her eyes. When she stood back up, her cheeks cleared of salt, her eyes a little less puffy and even the circles under her eyes seemingly reduced slightly she found a small smile creep onto her lips. A few small dabs of concealer and she found herself looking presentable enough for a day of classes.

Stepping out from the bathroom, Dahyun could hear movement from Mina’s room. Easier to just get out of the way of everyone else and get on with her day, Dahyun decided. She slipped by the other two girl’s rooms and quickly changed for the day, sliding her laptop and a notebook into her backpack before heading out the door. Her first class wasn’t for a couple hours but she needed to be away from that space. Away from where despite living with two others she felt the loneliest she ever had in her life. She could work from a cafe or something, put her earbuds in and let the rest of the world fade away. That would settle her before she had to face lectures. Taking one last breath before she left the apartment Dahyun pushed the door open, letting it close softly behind her. A quiet fell across the apartment before a soft knock was heard on a door.

“She cried herself to sleep again.”

“I think we need to do something.”

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The day had passed by in a whirlwind for Dahyun. The hour and a half at the cafe had been pointless, no work had been accomplished and she had instead worked herself into a frantic mess over the coursework she had due in the coming weeks. One lit essay, one music comp piece and a gen studies essay. So far Dahyun had only worked on the comp piece but even that was barely begun. None of it came out in the way she had wanted to. It was as if the part of her that made music was blocked off, everything that she wrote felt. Empty. Devoid of soul. Sure it was technically fine but she couldn’t hear herself in the music. Not that she even really knew who she was now. This in turn led to Dahyun spending part of the time in the cafe mentally berating herself. It was just a stupid relationship. It was just friendship. Why was she so broken over them? She’d have others wouldn't she? She’d been loved before. Or at least liked? It could happen again right? It had to happen again. This kind of life Dahyun had right now. Was it worth living? Hiding herself away from the people around her, barely speaking to her family. Just a face in the background. Maybe that was the role she had to have. Not everyone was a main character right? She could be content with that, just floating by a face in the crowd. Eventually she’d find somebody like her, they’d settle for one another. They’d lead plain lives and it'd be just fine being that way.

The only thing that had broken this line of thought was Dahyun’s alarm for her class. Silencing it she had risen from her chair in the cafe, backpack in hand as she left for the class. Arriving she had taken a seat off to the side, not wanting to be noticed if she could help it. The lecture that followed all felt like a blur itself. Sure Dahyun had taken notes and she had sort of understood what the topic of their essay was, but if you had asked her to explain it in her own words then she’d have just froze on the spot.
As the class flowed out of the room, Dahyun waited, not wanting to get caught in the rush, as the last few from the back made their way down the aisle, she slid out of her seat, walking towards the music rooms. With 3 hours between classes she may as well bash her head against the brick wall that was her comp piece. Finding a room with a keyboard empty Dahyun closed the door behind her, leaving it open a crack to allow some fresh air in, these rooms far too stuffy whilst closed which she had learnt in her first week when she exited with a thin film of sweat all across her body. Settling down at the keyboard Dahyun sat with her hands poised over the keys. Slowly she began to play, her hands moving skillfully from key to key, letting the morning frustrations pour out in the only way she still knew how. She hadn’t decided on a piece to play but she found herself playing anyway. Almost as quickly as she had begun she found the end of the piece approaching. As the final key echoed through the room and silence settled Dahyun released the breath she had been unconsciously holding throughout. She could play well sure, she’d taken to piano like a fish to water. It’d been the only thing she’d ever found truly natural. Like playing was an extension of herself.

She’d written countless songs before; happy songs, sad songs. Love songs. Songs she’d performed for grade assessments, for her parents, for Gahyun. Dahyun shuddered at the last thought. Remembering that although her ex had praised her playing and told her how beautiful the music was she had been able to tell her heart wasn’t in it. Dahyun understood that. Music wasn’t the same for everyone. For some it was simply a way for them to pass time, something they barely listened to and never minded paying attention to. Then there were people like Dahyun. Who lived and breathed music. Who felt every note and movement whatever the song, analysed it and tried to understand what the feeling behind it all was. But that curiosity was dulled now. The bright curiosity and wonder to create she had had now faded, like a bulb on the brink of burning out. Still the bulb burns though, reaching into her backpack when Dahyun hears a creak from the door. Turning she catches a glimpse of auburn hair through the window before it's gone. Frowning to the door at the would be intruder Dahyun considers calling out to them but instead just grunts under her breath, pulling out the sheet notes for her piece. The notes feel foreign despite being in her penmanship. She knows she wrote them but they don’t feel like her work. Settling the piece in front of her Dahyun begins to play, the calm from the piece before gone, instead replaced with a melancholic melody. It feels robotic to her. The notes meld into one another but the void of substance abundantly clear to her as the creator. Finishing what she had written Dahyun jotted down a couple more notes that seemed to be the natural continuation for the piece before beginning again. She continued like this for the next 2 hours before she could no longer ignore the growing sensation in her stomach. Opting to get lunch before her next class she packed away her notes and left the room. As she turned to pull the door shut a note stuck to the door stood out to her. One that most definitely hadn’t been there when she arrived. Pulling it off the door she read it;

I like your playing.
The song you played is beautiful.
-S

Looking up and down the hallway Dahyun saw nobody in sight. Pocketing the note with a slight smile she set off for lunch, a small familiar warmth tugging at her heart.

Following on from lunch Dahyun’s afternoon class flew by, general studies was simple enough but it was an absolute bore. Grateful to be free from classes for the day she set off back to her apartment. Feeling the note in her pocket still Dahyun couldn’t help but wonder who had been listening to her play. And why they felt so compelled to leave the note behind. Either way, as much as she was struggling to find her rhythm with music, she was glad her playing could still move people. Trudging up the stairs to her apartment and opening the door Dahyun was met by a very unfamiliar sight. Both Tzuyu and Mina were sat in the living room, the two turned to her as she entered the dorm, seemingly waiting for Dahyun.

“Oh hey guys, is everything okay?” Dahyun slid off her shoes and placed her backpack by the door to her room, walking carefully over to the empty armchair that sat nearby the couch. Stopping at the armrest of it feeling the unease in the room.

“Dahyun..” Mina began before abruptly being cut off by Tzuyu.

“Why do you cry every night?” There was no malice or judgement in Tzuyu’s voice. It was stated as intended. A simple question asking for only honesty.

Dahyun’s breath caught in her throat as she looked between the two. She could feel the tears tugging at her eyes but couldn’t bear the idea of breaking down so openly in front of two basically strangers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about” Dahyun managed to choke out unconvincingly.

“So the reason you’re struggling to speak right now is..?” Tzuyu’s voice was laced with sarcasm, although Dahyun could see the concern in the girl’s eyes.

“I-I just have a cold” Dahyun tried to get out as her eyes flicked to her door frame. Could she just walk away? Or would that just further their beliefs? No Dahyun had to stay and shut this down. Her eyes then flicked down to the armchair beside her which she moved to sit down in.

“You know it’s okay if you are crying every night..” It was Mina this time, her words apprehensive as she looked across at Dahyun then to Tzuyu. “You know me and Tzuyu aren’t from here. We both have gotten really homesick at times and cried. Is that what it is for you? I know you said your family isn't far away but you haven’t seen them since you came here?” Dahyun could hardly look at either girl, afraid that the dam might break if she made eye contact with either one.

“No it’s not that. Not that it is anything at all I mean” Dahyun quickly corrected as she winced to herself. “I’m honestly fine, I don’t know what you heard I’m okay though.” She tried her best to put on a smile as she glanced quickly between the two girls, careful not to make eye contact with either.

“Look Dahyun” Tzuyu’s voice had an authority to it this time. “We didn’t know exactly how to approach this because well. We don’t really know you. Me and Mina have gotten to know one another because we’ve actually talked to each other.” She was staring Dahyun down now. Eyes full of a conviction Dahyun hadn’t really seen before.

“But you! You just lock yourself away in your room and don’t even attempt to talk to us! Beyond the most basic things in the group chat like asking for groceries or letting us know you’ll be home later because you’re at the library or something. I’m not expecting you to spill your guts to us because right now we are strangers to you. But as far as I can tell you don’t have anyone here.” Tzuyu’s voice had lost its edge and it was softer now. “And it doesn’t have to be us but. We.” Tzuyu gestured to Mina and herself. “Will get loneliness.”

A silence fell over the room then. Tzuyu’s words hung in the air as Dahyun willed herself not to break apart right then and there. She had been feeling better right before this right? That note had been something she’d genuinely smiled apart. But Tzuyu was right. Who had Dahyun actually talked to beyond her sparse messages in the groupchat? She fumbled for her phone taking in the generic lock screen sparse of any kind of notification. Her mind tugging at her hand not to do what it was trying to at that very moment as her thumb pressed down on the screen, bringing up the other lock screen options she had. Every nerve in her body screamed at her as she slid along to one of herself and Gahyun, their smiles radiant with their cheeks pressed together. The sea and setting sun in the background lighting up the two of them even further. Dahyun’s breathing grew more ragged as she directed her gaze into her lap and held the phone up for the two girls to see.

“People are disappointing.” The words escaped her lips before she’d even had the time to process them. “I don’t want to be alone but I can’t put myself through this. Not again.” Her tears had begun falling from the second she had started speaking. The whole thing feeling like an out of body experience. She couldn’t hear what was being said but she could tell somebody was asking something. This was what Dahyun had been trying to avoid. Being seen. Seen for who she was.

Pathetic. Alone. The girl who fell apart over a relationship.

She could feel her hands being pulled on by somebody, the tears in her eyes blurring her vision too much to see anything

Worthless. Stupid. A disappointment.

She was being led somewhere now. Voices still speaking although not directly at her anymore.

How could you let it get this bad? Don’t you have a spine?

Dahyun was being laid down now. She could feel her body automatically shutting down as her head was laid on her already tear stained pillow.

Unlovable.

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“What do we do about her?” Tzuyu and Mina were back in the living room now. Dahyun asleep in her room. “She clearly has something going on that she’s not talking about? You don’t shut down like that for no reason.” Tzuyu laid back in the couch, the tension held in her shoulders from the earlier encounter finally dissipating.

“We can only be there for her so much as she allows us to.” Mina sat with her elbows on her knees propping up her head as she looked forward from the couch. “Pushing her isn't going to do anything other than make her shut down more.” She looked down at Dahyun’s phone on the coffee table, the picture she had shown them still lit up on the screen. “Who do you think that girl is? They seem really close?”

“She said people are disappointing right?” Tzuyu lifted the phone to inspect the picture further. “Maybe this is a friend that let her down? That’s why she’s so closed off?” She laid the phone back down on the table, locking it this time.

“But a friend letting you down doesn't cause. That. Right?” Mina sounded unsure of herself as she spoke. “Like it’d have to be something massive for that kind of reaction.”

“We really don’t know anything about her Mina. We know she’s Korean and her family is close-ish but they’ve never visited and she’s never gone to visit them. She doesn't seem to have any friends based on how often she’s in her room and the fact that she’s always alone when I’ve seen her about school.” Tzuyu let out a sigh and leaned forward to be level with Mina. “There’s no point trying to speculate, either she tells us or she doesn’t. The one thing we can do is try and make her feel less alone.”

Mina hummed in agreement before pulling out her own phone. “We should get some food. She must be exhausted after that. Maybe if she eats with us she’ll talk of her own accord?” Tapping away at her phone Mina ordered miscellaneous bits of food, not really knowing what Dahyun would eat but. They were students after all, anything uneaten could be used as leftovers.

The two moved silently from there, setting up three places around the coffee table, Mina would wake up Dahyun when the food arrived. The weight of everything that had happened in the room that afternoon hanging over the pair. Before long there was a knock at the door, Tzuyu moving to answer it whilst Mina moved to Dahyun’s room. The small girl was still fast asleep, her chest rising gently. Mina couldn’t help but take in the sight for a second. “How can somebody so small be carrying so much?” she whispered to herself.

Shaking herself from her thoughts Mina moved to the bedside sitting gently on the edge of the bed. “Dahyun. Dahyun. We ordered some food for us all. Go and wash up and we can all eat.” Mina tried to gently shake the girl’s leg, not wanting to wake up too suddenly.

“Mhm, just five more minutes Gahyun” the still asleep girl replied to Mina’s movements, a smile creeping across her face.

“It’s Mina, Dahyun, come on, you don’t want the food growing cold” Mina replied, mentally storing away the name for later. Watching as Dahyun’s eyes blinked open slowly at the mention of Mina’s name.

“Food?” Dahyun’s voice was scratchy, a combination of sleeping and the tears she had shed earlier. Her eyes searching Mina’s face as the other girl smiled at her softly.

“We didn’t know what you liked so we kinda got a bit of everything” Mina blushed. “First roommate meal together you know? Kinda a big deal. Go and wash up and we’ll get everything laid out okay?” She rose from the bed and headed out Dahyun’s door deliberately leaving it open behind her.

Dahyun sat up in bed, feeling once again the salt stains across her cheeks and the puffiness of her eyes. Wanting nothing more than for the earth to swallow her whole than face her two roommates she rose from her bed. She should be grateful really, they had taken care of her when she had broken but. Could she really face this? Especially with strangers? Walking out of her door she found Mina and Tzuyu setting up the table with what looked to easily be nine people's worth of food. She blushed and nodded her thanks to the two before heading to the bathroom.

Repeating the ritual of this morning, instead swapping her contacts for her glasses this time, Dahyun once again looked in the mirror. The sight before her didn’t give her the same satisfaction as before. She looked like she felt. Hollow. The Bags under her eyes more prominent now with the make up washed away. Groaning at the sight she turned to face the music. The concern etched in Mina’s face from earlier. The stern tone of Tzuyu’s voice as she described Dahyun’s apparent apathy to the two of them. It had never been about not wanting to get to know the two of them. It was just easier not to. If she did then that meant letting people in again.

Taking a breath as she stared out into the hallway where she could hear the two girls quietly chatting she walked forward. She would just push through it. Keep it casual, she didn’t have to let them in if she didn’t want to. But she could be civil at least. No need to make things awkward.

“You’re at the end Dahyun” Mina smiled as Dahyun took her place on the same armchair from earlier. Dahyun nodded her thanks reaching across to grab some noodles for her plate. The three ate in silence for a while, none of them brave enough to break the silence.

“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to” Tzuyu finally breaks the silence after some more time of eating. “But please try and stop shutting yourself away? It’s not doing you any good and honestly I’d like to be friends with you. You seem nice and interesting and I enjoy hearing you play music.” Her cheeks and ears were tinged red as she spoke, trying to overcome the awkwardness of the situation.

“Me too” Mina chimed in. “I love dancing, I do ballet and I sometimes hear classical pieces from your room. It reminds me of when I was younger and I’d be at practice every waking moment” Mina smiled tiredly over at Dahyun. “I don’t take it seriously as I used to but I have fond memories of a lot of classical music”

“You might feel alone but I promise you’re not. We just want to help you if we can.” Tzuyu added on. Letting the final words die out as Dahyun looked on at the two girls.

“Okay, we can be friends.” Dahyun mumbled, feeling the same little glow from earlier when she had found the note. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant and it’s not to do with you guys. But I also don’t know how to talk about it myself. Not just yet anyways.”

“That’s okay! We really didn’t want to intrude and we’re both so sorry if you felt pressured earlier!” Mina practically fell out of her seat as she moved forward. “But Tzuyu said she was worried and I was worried too once she told me about what had been going on. It’s just hard to approach when you don’t really know somebody…” Mina trailed off as she saw an unfamiliar sight on Dahyun’s face. A small smile painted against the picture of exhaustion. It was fleeting but there nonetheless.

“Well. we can get to know one another then.” Dahyun said slowly, drawing her legs up to her chest, already full from the small amount she had ate. “It’s a little later than most people would do I guess but. Better late than never?” Again that small smile appeared on her face before flickering back to the composure of before.

Tzuyu and Mina looked on in shock. Neither had expected this from the other girl. That she’d be willing to try so readily. But they weren’t about to let the opportunity pass. Tzuyu shared with them both about her life in Taiwan, how she’d come to Korea because her course to become a veterinary nurse was highly regarded. About her dogs back home and how she missed them so much. Dahyun shared she had a dog at home too, but she was mostly scared of dogs, it had taken her a while to warm up to Ahri when he had come home. Mina talked about her own dog, how she had moved to Korea due to her parent’s desire for her to see more than just Japan whilst she was young. She was studying applied economics for her future in her parent’s business, although she really did want to pursue dancing more. Dahyun spoke about her degree, her passion for music, conveniently leaving out any mention of her history with Gahyun, or her friends. Choosing to instead speak about her family in bits and pieces.

As the hour grew late the three agreed to go to bed, both Mina and Tzuyu thanking Dahyun for spending time with them. As Dahyun retreated to her room she let the mask fall. She was exhausted, she had barely interacted socially in over a month. Listening and trying to speak herself had drained her. And although she still felt the warmth from both Tzuyu and Mina’s interest in her combined with the note she couldn't help feel the dark tide override it.

Pathetic. They just feel sorry for you.

No, they're nice. They wanted to know or they wouldn't have asked me. Why would they make that effort if they didn't mean it?

You’re pitiful that’s why. They’ll toss you aside like everyone else has.

Why would they? What do they have to gain from this? Spending money on me and taking care of me like they did.

You’re a weakling. Nothing more. Depending on strangers who couldn’t give a damn about you if they weren’t forced into proximity with you. They just want to make things easier for themselves. They onl-

Dahyun’s train of thought was interrupted by a knock at her door. She opened it to find Tzuyu standing there sheepishly.

“I know it’s not gonna be an overnight thing with. Whatever is going on but here.” The girl held out a small white dog plush. “It might not be Ahri but maybe it’ll help with sleeping? I tend to overthink at night time but if I cuddle into one of these I can will it all away.” Tzuyu was blushing deeply as she held out the dog. “You don’t have to take it if you don’t want to but-”

“No! It’s lovely Tzuyu. Really thank you.” Dahyun reached out and took the plush from Tzu- no her friend’s hands and smiled. “I’ll be sure to take care of him for you.” Dahyun tried to offer a small smile as she brought the plush in close to her.

Tzuyu looked relieved and smiled widely. “Okay! Great well. I’ll let you get ready for bed” She walked back to her own room, Dahyun hearing the click from her door as she shut her own. She stared down at the plush in her hands and smiled genuinely. The small light inside her growing once more. Maybe just for tonight even, things would be alright.

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The next couple of weeks passed by in a blur for Dahyun. True to their word both Tzuyu and Mina had been encouraging her to spend more time with them. They equally stayed true to their word of not intruding on Dahyun’s issues without her being ready for them to. Whilst this did mean the three had become closer, Dahyun finding herself with a companion during lunch, going to meet one of the two for a coffee in between classes and eating dinner together most nights. Neither girl felt they were any closer to finding out about Dahyun’s past. It was as if there was a glaring hole between the period where Dahyun had started school and started University. She never mentioned any friends or things she had done in school. If they didn’t know better than they’d think Dahyun had simply not gone but there was that name that she had said to Mina whilst half asleep the night of her breakdown. They still didn’t know who she was but given the smile Dahyun had on her face as she said they could only guess she was the girl in the photo they had seen.

Both Tzuyu and Mina had discussed whether it was a good idea to bring it up. One one hand Tzuyu said Dahyun had been sleeping more without crying lately. She heard the soft sobs rarely and never pressed when she heard Dahyun’s door open before anyone else the following morning. But on the other there were times when one of them would talk about something from childhood and the other would notice that Dahyun would almost draw herself back into her shell. Retreating from the conversation until the topic turned elsewhere. There were times like Dahyun herself almost seemed willing to bring up what had gone on herself but would bottle it at the last second, simply switching to discussing her musical project or how it was stupid they had to take gen studies classes whilst in university.

Neither of Dahyun’s roommates could agree whether she was ready for a push to talk about her problems so they agreed to let sleeping dogs lie.

The problem with sleeping dogs is they do eventually wake up. Sometimes it's naturally of their own accord, and others it's violently without warning.

Unfortunately for Dahyun it would be the latter.

It happened one lunch hour, it was a rare occasion that Tzuyu, Mina and Dahyun all had free time between classes, Mina’s dance practice being cancelled that day. The three girls were eating lunch together when Dahyun heard a familiar voice call out her name. Naturally the other two turned to look whilst Dahyun froze on the spot. The girl standing in front of them had brown hair, an almost rabbit-like face and wide eyes like she’d seen a ghost.

“Dahyun! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! You came to this university too?” the girl asked.

“Uh, yeah I did, hi Nayeon.” Dahyun had barely managed to look up at the girl.

“That’s amazing! Oh my god please tell me you’ve considered joining the orchestra! You were always the strongest player for our high school musicals!!” The girl exclaimed.

“Uh. I haven't yet but maybe.” Dahyun seemed visibly nervous talking with this girl Nayeon and Mina and Tzuyu had immediately picked up on it.

“Hi, sorry we’re Dahyun’s friends and roommates” Tzuyu piped up catching Nayeon’s attention. “I’m Tzuyu and that’s Mina” Which prompted the Japanese girl to give a little wave. “You and Dahyun went to school together?” Tzuyu asked tentatively.

“Yeah! Well I was the year above her but we would talk every now and then at practices and stuff. It’s nice to see you again though Dahyun, hopefully we’ll bump into each other more often!” The other two girls were somewhat enamoured with the way Nayeon’s smile spread across her whole face, showcasing bunny teeth and gums. “Your friends too! You both be good to Dahyun, she's a sweetheart.” Nayeon made to turn away from the table before she spun back around. “Oh! That’s what I meant to ask Dahyun! How’s Gahyun? I’ve not heard or seen anything of her in so long! You guys were so cute together even back before you started dating”

Mina and Tzuyu both froze in that instant, turning their eyes to Dahyun whose chest was rising and falling rapidly. Her knuckles white against the table with her grip on it as she stared down at her food in front of her. “Uh. Maybe catch up more with Dahyun another time Nayeon, she said she wasn’t feeling well to us!” Mina blurted out at the confused looking older girl.

“Oh! I’m sorry Dahyun, I'll just see you around then!” Nayeon chirped back and headed off to another table. The two girls quickly turned to Dahyun who was still frozen in her seat, the only sound escaping her shallow breaths.

“Okay Dahyun, we’re gonna take you home just now and you’re gonna lie down and everything will be okay. Okay?” Tzuyu said in a whisper as she carefully pulled one of Dahyun’s hands from the table, Mina following suit with the other.

The three girls hurriedly went back to their dorm room struggling to hold Dahyun together, the smallest of the three still hyperventilating and unable to get a sentence out. Arriving at the dorm, Dahyun finally broke. Her legs giving way as Tzuyu held her up, Mina scrambling to get the key in the lock. Her friends pulling her through the doorway and into her room as she started sobbing.

Neither Mina or Tzuyu could make out a word of what Dahyun was saying to them. Both at a loss at the sudden breakdown. This had been far worse than that night in the living room. Then Dahyun might have broke but she had tired herself out quickly. This time everytime she seemed to reach the crest of a wave of sadness a new one would break through, sending her into deeper sobs than before. The two girls were at a loss, Dahyun’s head cradled in Tzuyu’s lap as she tried to soothe the girl running her fingers through her hair. Mina had made some tea which sat growing cold on Dahyun’s bedside, Mina herself knelt in front of Dahyun and Tzuyu holding the girl’s hand gently rubbing circles on the back of her hand.

After what felt like an eternity Dahyun seemed to be coming down from her hysteria. The body shaking sobs had subsided into sniffles and her eyes drooped with exhaustion till they finally closed. Both Tzuyu and Mina sighed with relief, carefully lifting her up to place her head on a pillow to allow the two to give her time to rest, gingerly closing the door behind them as they moved to the couch to take in what they had just experienced.

“So an ex then. Gahyun’s her ex.” Mina stated it simply. “They were friends before based off what Nayeon said and then started dating. It sounded like they were close.” She flopped down onto the couch pulling a pillow onto her lap to hold tight. “I don’t know what she did to Dahyun but it obviously messed her up something awful.”

Tzuyu hummed in agreement, folding her legs underneath her as she sat down on the other end of the couch. “She did well though. Holding it together till she got back to the dorm. I know that can’t have been easy for her.” She looked down at her tear dotted jeans, evidence of Dahyun’s breakdown still fresh. “She looked just. So broken. Whatever happened between them must have really hurt her. More than that even. She could hardly take a breath.”

The two girls sat in silence after that. Exhausted from supporting Dahyun both emotionally and physically they soon found themselves both drifting off to sleep. The whole dorm room stilled in the silence aside from the soft breaths of those asleep there.

The soft creak of a door broke the silence, a puffy eyed and still half asleep Dahyun in the doorframe. The sight of her two friends asleep on the couch catching her eye, Dahyun gave a small smile before going on her usual routine, wash, groan at her reflection and leave the bathroom. Despite her best attempts to be quiet when she turned to the doorway to find Mina standing there, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. “I’m sorry Mina I didn’t mean to-” Dahyun’s words were cut off as Mina pulled her into a hug, her head resting on Dahyun’s shoulder as she laced her arms around her waist pulling Dahyun close.

“I’m glad you’re alright” Mina said, her voice husky having just woken up. She stepped back and pulled Dahyun by the wrist through to the living room where she found Tzuyu stirring from her nap as well. Mina led Dahyun to the couch sitting her between the two of them instead of her usual spot on the armchair. “We’re not going to ask questions. We just want to listen if you want to talk.” Mina gave her a small smile as she pushed Dahyun back into the couch gently to make her relax.

“What do you guys know already?” The words escaped Dahyun before she had a chance to register that she was even speaking.

“That first night you broke down. You said her name to Mina whilst still asleep. We didn’t know anything beyond that she was probably the girl in the picture you showed us.” Tzuyu was fully alert now, legs crossed as she sat to face Dahyun. “We honestly thought she was just a friend or something that had betrayed you. In retrospect we probably should have considered the other option” The blush on Tzuyu’s cheeks noticeable as Dahyun listened to her. “When your friend from school said that though it all kinda made sense. We don’t know what happened or why its affected you like this but.” She paused, seemingly chewing over the words she wanted to say “Whatever she did must’ve really hurt you. And from what we’ve got to learn about you over the past couple weeks I think she really really fucked up doing so.”

Dahyun laughed. Not just a nervous laugh at what Tzuyu said but a proper belly laugh. Neither Mina or Tzuyu knew how to react, unsure if this was a further breakdown on the other end of the scale. After a few moments Dahyun’s laughter petered off and she smiled “I don’t think I’ve ever considered it that way.” A faint blush on her cheeks. “I don’t really know how to explain it but. Since the day she left it's like I’ve been hollow.” Holding a hand onto her chest Dahyun looked down at her lap. “I don’t think Gah- she. Is a bad person.. Not really anyways. I just didn’t and still don’t really understand how it all happened.”

Dahyun’s brief moment of elation had been replaced with the melancholy the other two were more familiar with. Both girls barely dared breathe, afraid of breaking the moment of genuine honesty Dahyun seemed to be experiencing. They watched as Dahyun leant forward and sighed her arms resting on her knees. “If we’re gonna do this I’m gonna need chocolate. And tea.” She turned to each girl giving them a half smile that seemed to twist into a grimace at what was to come. Tzuyu rose from the couch, fetching a large bar of chocolate and boiling the kettle for tea for each of them.
Once settled they allowed Dahyun to start in her own time, giving her a place safe from judgement and pressure. After a few minutes Dahyun broke off a piece of chocolate and placed it in her mouth, humming slightly as she let it melt on her tongue before swallowing. “You weren’t entirely wrong about the friends thing. She was the first friend I ever made. Our parents attended the same church and we met there.” Taking her mug into her hand she leant back into the couch humming slightly.

“I’ve always been pretty quiet, never really the one to go out of my way to make a scene or be the centre of attention. Sure there's my music but that’s different for me, mentally anyways.” Taking a sip of her tea Dahyun smiled at the way both Tzuyu and Mina seemed to be enraptured at her every word.

“When we met she walked up and introduced herself, told me we were gonna be friends and we were borderline inseparable from then on. She was my first sleepover, my first time going away on holiday without my family, the first person I told everything to. She was my best friend. When we started school we found more people, and I got more friends. She was always the one to take the lead. I just tried to keep up. The only way we differed even back then was music. It was the one thing I could pour my everything into and lead in a way that she wasn’t used to. To start off it impressed her, she’d cheer at every new piece I showed her, shower me with compliments and brag to our other friends about hearing it before them.” Dahyun smiled at the memory, the same smile Mina recalled seeing when she had mistook her for Gahyun whilst half asleep.

“But as we grew up, the novelty wore off for her but never did for me. We still were best of friends, I just had this world that she didn’t quite understand but was supportive of nonetheless. When we reached high school it was her who confessed to me first. I had an inkling of who I was before then. I’d never had a crush on a boy, always thought that girls were so pretty. Always thought she was the prettiest.” A sad smile was on Dahyun’s face now, her eyes watery as she gratefully accepted a tissue from Mina to dab away the tears.

“I was so scared at first. So happy too. But I’ve always been more of a flight than a fight person. I guess you guys have witnessed that first hand.” A soft blush hit Dahyun’s cheeks as she remembered Tzuyu’s stern voice chastising her for avoiding them so much. “I was scared of what my parents would think, what everyone else would think too.” Dahyun leant forward from her position again, placing her mug down and taking another piece of chocolate. “But more than anything I was scared of what could, well I guess what did happen, if it all went wrong” The sad look on Dahyun’s face had returned, her eyes staring down at the table still leant forward.

“I couldn’t tell her about my fears initially. In all honesty I couldn’t really tell her anything. I just said I’d think about it. Not exactly the response you want when you confess to your crush huh?” Dahyun snorted derisively. “It took two days of me avoiding her for my parents to notice something was up. They sat me down and asked what was going on. It just all spilled out and. Well they were great.” The fond smile on Dahyun’s face was back again. “They didn’t yell or judge me, they just listened. When I finally finished my dad told me they’d always love me regardless of who I loved and that anyone who judged me, or us I guess could and I quote “sit and spin on it”. She chuckled again.

“I found her the day after. I told her why I’d ran and that I did like her too. It was maybe the happiest I’d ever seen her. If we were bound at the hip before this made us practically surgically attached.” The mood had shifted back to somber again, Dahyun still leant forward, afraid if she made eye contact with either girl she wouldn’t be able to continue. She had to finish this. Had to get it out. “The only thing I didn’t tell her, which I admittedly never told my parents, was the thing I was most afraid of. That without her I’d be truly alone. It was through her I’d made any friends. Sure they liked me enough but they were her friends first and foremost. I guess when we got together I couldn’t imagine a world where we weren’t together. She was so many more firsts for me from that point on.”

The tension of the room was growing with every passing word, the conclusion so certain and in sight despite the lighthearted moments in between. Mina and Tzuyu, who had remained silent the entire time, looked at each other worriedly, afraid of what might come when the story reached its conclusion.

“We were fine, we were great really. We had the usual teenage relationship fights, never anything serious. Never had any real issues. Not that I knew of anyways. Then this summer came. She seemed more distant but I assumed it was university nerves. I was feeling them too. Then two weeks before we were due to start she told me.” Dahyun gulped. This was it. The moment she’d lost herself. “She told me she wasn’t going to go to university this year. She was going to travel for a year instead. She wanted to see the world. I couldn’t blame her for that. She’d always talked about wanting to travel. I was so supportive. Told her I thought it was an amazing plan, that we could still make things work. We could facetime, we could text. I even suggested she sent me postcards from the different places she visited. That I could come meet her on winter break wherever she was.” The tears were flowing freely down Dahyun’s face at this point. She was keeping it together but the heartache was still there.

“She didn’t want to. She told me she’d been falling out of love with me for a while. That she hadn’t known how to tell me about it. She was afraid of hurting me but she couldn’t pretend anymore. She said she wanted to break up. That she still thought of me as a friend but. Not as her girlfriend anymore.” As Dahyun sniffled and went to lift her hand to wipe her tears away she found an outstretched tissue once again. Nodding at it she wiped away the tears. “She told me she was sorry. Told me she really had loved me once, just not anymore. She left after that. Just left me alone in a coffee shop. Still processing everything that had happened.”

Sniffles from her left told Dahyun that Tzuyu was tearing up, the sound of another tissue being taken behind her telling her Mina was taking care of her too. “I was right to be afraid of being alone though. She took a part of me that day. The part of me that felt wanted and needed. I felt so hollow afterwards. Like everything was duller in the world. Like I permanently wasn’t wearing my glasses. I hardly even noticed it at first. I was so consumed over losing her I hadn’t realised I’d lost everyone else too” A grimace spread over Dahyun’s lips as she finally leant back into the couch again. “None of ‘our’ friends spoke to me again. I don’t know if she said something or what but. I just never heard from them again. And then I came here. And I was even lonelier without my family around to check in on me.Then you guys know the rest.”

Silence fell over the room once again, the only sound coming from a still sniffling Tzuyu. Dahyun herself had stopped crying, instead the empty look the girls had known her to have before they broke down some of her walls placed upon her face. Neither knew whether to speak or whether to let the silence sit longer.

“Thank you Dahyun. That can’t have been easy. And honestly. I agreed with Tzuyu. She fucked up” Mina said quietly, her eyes searching for any reaction in Dahyun’s. She smiled when she saw a smile flicker on her face again. The stoney facade falling away once more.

“I don’t know about that but. I owe you guys more thanks than I can ever possibly give. You’ve made such a difference in my life in such a short time period” Dahyun’s smile stayed on her face this time. “I really did mean what I said before. About people being disappointing. I think after everyone just. Left. I didn’t really have any hope in me that the same thing wouldn’t happen again and again. But then you guys came, you made me face myself. Face that what happened isn’t a universal truth. That people will care for me if I let th-”

Dahyun was silenced as from both sides she was tackled into a hug. Tzuyu has moved from sniffling to full on tears, whilst Mina looked proud. “We’ll always do our best to care about you Dahyun. Whether you want us to or not we’ll always try.”

“She really did fuck up though” Tzuyu managed to sniffle out earning a laugh from the other two.

The remainder of the day was spent together, any idea of studying out the window. Cheesy movies occupied the remainder of the day instead. The three of them on the couch together often in a comfortable silence, moving only to collect food from the door courtesy of Mina again. She had claimed to have ordered less this time but the volume of food across the table seemed to deny that. As the day drew to a close and they all chose to retire to their bedrooms, Dahyun entered hers with her heart a lot lighter, the glow inside her burning brighter than it had in sometime.

--------------------------------------------------

The following morning when Dahyun awoke she still felt that same lightness throughout her body. She had become more accustomed to feeling this way lately. To feeling less burdened by the weight of her own thoughts. Dahyun had decided to take advantage of this today. She was free from classes until the late afternoon. She felt like things would be okay eventually. Sure, yesterday had happened and she had broken down but she actually felt like something positive had come from her.

Her friends - it still felt strange to call them that - had supported her and listened to her as she explained why she was the way she was. And they had made her laugh. They had promised to take care of her. Dahyun could repay them by taking care of herself. Getting better. Being in a place where she can be there for them if they ever need her like she had needed them.

Smiling to herself, Dahyun took her phone from her pocket. The droll lock screen was replaced with a picture of the three of them on the couch they’d taken last night. Tzuyu had insisted she needed to change it to something less boring. Swiping up and tapping into their group chat Dahyun let them know that she was gonna spend time working on her song in the music rooms, they could drop by if they liked. The soft smile failing to vanish from her face Dahyun quickly got ready and sped off to the music rooms.

Arriving she found the same room where somebody had left a note for her unoccupied, again leaving the door slightly ajar to prevent it becoming too stuffy Dahyun settled into the seat in front of the keyboard. Not wanting to waste her current feelings Dahyun took the sheet music for her performance piece out and played what she had so far. The missing elements from before now so obvious she set about making the necessary changes, a note change here, a tempo change there. With her existing work corrected she smiled and replayed the revised melody. The music flowing out of her with the little golden light inside of her bubbling happily.

She might not be fully healed but this part of her. The one that loved music beyond anything else. That poured every fibre of her being good and bad into it. That was back in full force. The hours ticked away rapidly, Dahyun making steady progress on her piece. By the time a knock came on the door at midday she had practically finished the piece.

Turning with a smile on her face expecting to find either Tzuyu or Mina she instead saw Nayeon with a grin from ear to ear. “Still the musical prodigy huh Kim?” She giggled as she stepped into the room.

“Oh Nayeon!” Dahyun felt that familiar feeling from yesterday start to sink in around her again, the smile on her face feeling forced not wanting to be rude to the other girl.

Nayeon however picked up on this and sighed softly. “Don’t worry. When you weren’t yourself yesterday and your friends said about you being sick after. Well, you know. I kinda put two and two together.” She smiled gently at Dahyun. “I’m really sorry if I upset you Dahyun, I was genuinely really happy to see you again. I know we were never super close but you’re a brilliant musician and a lovely girl.”

Dahyun’s breath caught at Nayeon’s words unsure how to react but nodded and smiled back softly at Nayeon. “Thank you, and I’m sorry I just. Froze. I’m still adjusting, I guess.” Dahyun blushed, unsure how to talk about something so sensitive to her with somebody who had more familiarity with her.

Nayeon shook her head at Dahyun, one eyebrow raised in amusement. “I didn’t come here to interrogate you Dahyun. In all honesty I didn’t know it was you in here although the skill level of your playing should’ve been some indication as to who it was. I meant what I said about the theatre productions here, we could use a good pianist. Ours graduated last summer and. Well we’re up the proverbial creek without a paddle without a good one.” Dahyun giggled at Nayeon. “So when I heard you playing I came to see if I could. Persuade whoever it was to be our saviour.”

“You really need somebody that badly?” Dahyun’s voice was small, slightly overwhelmed at the kindness of Nayeon's words. Sure she knew she had talent but surely there were other players more suited than her.
“Less a case of needing somebody that badly and more a case of needing somebody as good as you are.” Nayeon laughed at the awkwardness of Dahyun. “I’m not gonna force you to do anything but genuinely I think you’d fit in well with our little group. You can even bring your friends along for moral support if you’d like?”

“Are you asking me to play for you guys or asking me to interview to play for you guys?” Dahyun was confused by the last question Nayeon had posed. What would she need moral support for?

“I’m asking you to play for us Dahyun, I just thought maybe you’d like to know the rest of the girls who help run things.” Nayeon smiled at Dahyun, her bunny teeth showing. “Besides, more friends is never a bad thing Dahyun.” Nayeon crossed the room and handed her phone to Dahyun. “Here put your number in and I’ll text you where we meet, feel free to bring along your friends seriously. They seem like they really care for you.” The gentle smile was back on Nayeon’s face now.

Dahyun took Nayeon’s phone inputting her number and as she handed it back Nayeon got a wicked smile on her face. “Can’t wait to tell my girlfriend I got a cutie’s number today. She’s gonna flip.” The scarlet hit Dahyun’s cheeks in an instant as she made to protest but Nayeon waved her away. “Don’t worry Kim, we annoy each other constantly. It’s kind of our love language.” Nayeon ruffled her hair before skipping away “I’ll text you!” Leaving behind a still crimson and somewhat confused Dahyun.

Dahyun sat in silence for a few minutes, smiling slightly although she was still embarrassed by Nayeon treating her like a kid. Suppose it made sense, Nayeon being Dahyun’s senior but still. She couldn’t help but appreciate the honesty from Nayeon, the apology too even though she had nothing to really apologise for. Looking down at her phone she saw the lock screen again and smiled. “More friends huh?” Dahyun said to herself. Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Another knock at the door made Dahyun look up once more, this time greeted by the sight of Mina who gave her a little wave and entered the room. “You taking a break Dahyun?” gesturing at the girl who was faced away from the keyboard entirely.

“Not intentionally. Nayeon stopped by” Dahyun said as she pocketed her phone. Seeing the worried look on Mina’s face, she smiled at the other girl to try and put her at ease. “I’m okay, she actually apologised for upsetting me yesterday. It wasn’t necessary but I appreciated it.”

Mina hummed in acknowledgement still hovering near Dahyun, looking over the progress she had made. “Looks like you got a lot done today. Did Nayeon say anything else?” Mina had noticed that Dahyun seemed to be thinking, her hand still in her pocket with her phone in it.

“Well. Yeah. She didn’t actually know it was me in here. She just heard me playing and was intent on persuading whoever it was to play for the theatre company. She said they really need somebody. Said she’d text me to come along and meet the other girls who are involved.” Dahyun bit her lip, as much as the idea of having another musical outlet was appealing she was still inherently nervous at the idea of meeting and being part of a bigger group. Especially when she didn’t know anything about them, how many there was or what they were like.

“How do you feel about that?” Mina’s question shook Dahyun out of her train of thought. The other girl looking down at her, a slight look of worry in her eyes but more curiosity than anything else.

“Well. I think it could be really good. Music is like, my favourite thing to do really. But I don’t know anything about these girls. It could be pretty intimidating.” Dahyun ran through the same thoughts she’d had just moments ago, Mina smiling gently at the girl, proud of her for actually talking things through instead of just bottling them up. “But Nayeon said I could bring you and Tzuyu along? If you guys would like to come along anyways, it might be cool to meet some seniors and they could become our friends too and.” Dahyun was cut off by Mina giggling at her rambling.

“Dahyun, would you like us to come with you?” Mina’s gummy smile on full display as Dahyun blushed.

“Yes please. If they’re friends with Nayeon I’m sure they’re nice but. They could also be a lot, you know?” Dahyun smiled shyly as Mina nodded.

“Well I’m in. Tzuyu is in class for another hour I think but text her and ask. I’m sure she’ll come along to support you if nothing else. In the meantime if you’re on a break anyways why don’t we grab some lunch?” Mina nodded her head towards the door, Dahyun nodding back as she packed up her stuff before shooting Tzuyu a message explaining what had happened and asking if she’d come along. It wasn’t long before Dahyun had a message back saying Tzuyu’d come along with her. This was followed by a chasitising message in return telling Tzuyu to get off her phone in class, Tzuyu aptly pointing out she would be if Dahyun would stop texting her. Mina again giggled at Dahyun getting flustered at Tzuyu’s response as the two headed off to get lunch.

During their lunch Dahyun’s phone buzzed again, an unknown number popping up on the screen. Glancing at the message preview she saw that it was Nayeon asking if she was free that evening. Her group was going to go out for dinner and Dahyun and her plus two were welcome to join them or they could meet another time if that seemed a bit much for a first encounter. Dahyun was touched at the thoughtfulness from Nayeon, showing the message to Mina and the recently arrived Tzuyu both indicated it was up to Dahyun.

Looking at the message in thought Dahyun decided that just like with her music in the morning it was a day for being brave. She replied saying they’d all love to come along and just to text her the address and time.

Dahyun, being the only one with a class left for the day, waved bye to Tzuyu and Mina, excitement bubbling away within her. She could barely focus on the class, the fact that it was gen studies again didn’t help the girl any. When the lecture ended Dahyun was uncharacteristically one of the first out of the room, keen to get home and changed for meeting Nayeon and her friends.

Arriving back at the dorm she found that Mina and Tzuyu were basically ready. Nayeon had texted during her class to let her know the place and time. Dahyun had forwarded the message to their group chat which of course earned her a sarcastic comment from Tzuyu about focusing on her class. Dahyun said hello to the two girls before diving into her room. Pulling out a lilac cardigan that paired nicely with the blue denim jeans she was already wearing. Doing a small touch up on the already light make up she had done this morning Dahyun exited her room properly greeting her roommates this time. Tzuyu had also gone for a more casual look, a plain white shirt with jeans and a leather jacket on the armrest of the sofa for when they left her hair up in a ponytail.. Mina on the other hand had dressed up slightly, a flowy white dress with her blonde hair down in curls. Both girls looked at Dahyun and smiled, the three exchanging compliments on each other’s outfits as Dahyun took a seat, the girls now counting down the time till it was appropriate to leave, not wanting to be there too early or late.

Upon their arrival at the restaurant, they seemed to have managed their goal. They could see Nayeon with a couple other girls seated inside, one girl with a bob who sat next to Nayeon, seemingly laughing at her expense, her tanned skin an unusual sight although she wore it exceptionally well. On the other side of the table was a girl whose back was to them, she had a short pixie cut and seemed to be pretty small. Dahyun was sure she could see her feet just scraping the ground from her seat. Not that she had any room to talk stood next to Tzuyu. The third girl sat inside on the other side of Nayeon was laughing alongside the tanned girl, short black hair that framed her face well. She seemed to be very athletic based off appearance alone, her arms toned although with soft facial features.

Turning to the two with her, Dahyun nodded at them and headed inside. Nayeon looked up at the sound of the door opening and excitedly waved them over. “Dahyun thank god you’re here. Please save me, I'm a victim of bullying.” Nayeon had sprung up from the table to give Dahyun a hug which surprised the younger girl.

“Hi Nayeon, good to see you again too” Dahyun chuckled as she noticed the rest of the table had gone quiet awaiting introductions. Nayeon turned to the table smiling broadly at the group.

“This is our saviour. Musical progeny Kim Dahyun.” Dahyun offered a small wave at the table her cheeks heating up at Dahyun’s compliment. “Here we have my friend and perpetual pain in my ass Park Jihyo” The tanned girl from earlier waved at Dahyun smiling kindly at her. “She’s a singer like me” Nayeon added.

“Only better” Jihyo snuck in quickly earning her a glare from Nayeon as Jihyo giggled.

“On my other side we have the woman I have decided to grace with my presence in her heart and in her bed Yoo Jeongyeon.” Jeongyeon rolled her eyes at Nayeon’s comment but smiled nonetheless. “She’s a singer too when I can drag her away from soccer practice.” Dahyun nodded at that, Jeongyeon definitely had an athlete’s build looking at her closer now.

“You knew what you were signing up for.” Jeongyeon grinned and nodded at Dahyun. “Nice to meet you Dahyun.” Dahyun smiled and nodded back.
“And last of the people who could show up on time. We have Son Chaeyoung. She’s a first year like you three. The rest of us are all Second years but she’s our most recent adoption before hopefully you. She’s a set artist. Seriously think this might be the longest I’ve seen her without a pencil or paintbrush in hand” Nayeon grinned over at Chaeyoung.

“Not my fault you have me working overtime Nay.” Chaeyoung shot back cheekily. “Nice to meet the three of you although I only know Dahyun’s name so far?” She raised an eyebrow at Mina and Tzuyu who were standing back awkwardly.

“Oh! Sorry.” Dahyun’s cheeks flushed realising her friends were probably feeling as, if not more, awkward than she was. “This is Myoui Mina and Chou Tzuyu, they’re my roommates. Nayeon told me to invite them along after meeting them yesterday.” Dahyun gestured for the two to come forward. “Minas a business major and Tzuyus a veterinary major.”

“I’m also a dancer.” Mina offered, which made Nayeon’s eyes light up.

“I’m just really, really pretty” Tzuyu stated bluntly which earned a chorus of laughs from the table.

“You’ll love Momo then Mina. Whenever she decides to show up with Sana that is.” Nayeon sighed as she took her seat back at the table gesturing for the three to do the same. “She’s a dancer too, she does all styles but traditionally she’s more hip-hop based I guess?” Dahyun, Mina and Tzuyu took a seat leaving one empty beside Dahyun, Mina on her right and Tzuyu sitting beside Chaeyoung.

Minas eyes lit up at the mention of a fellow dancer and nodded eagerly. The group fell into soft chatter, questions from Jihyo and Jeongyeon about Dahyun’s playing, how quickly she could learn pieces, what kind of skill level she had all whilst Nayeon shot apologetic looks across at Dahyun after promising it wouldn’t be an interview. Dahyun laughed it off, happy to talk about her passion. After about fifteen minutes had passed the sound of the door opening came again and Nayeon looked up her expression turning to a glare. “I’m gonna start giving you both a different arrival time so you can maybe show up on time for a change!” Dahyun turned to see two girls slightly out of breath with sheepish looks on their face.

One had her hair cut long with bangs that covered up her forehead wearing a simple black shirt and a pair of smart black joggers, she seemed to be in slightly better shape than her companion who was gasping for breath, long auburn hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Wearing a white cardigan strikingly similar to Dahyun’s and a pair of black jeans. Dahyun’s breath hitched as she vaguely recognised her. Was that the same person who had been spying on her the other week whilst playing? No. That’d be way too big a coincidence for it to be her. Dahyun watched as the girl looked over the group apologetically and when her eyes met Dahyun there was a flicker of recognition before the smile was back again. Dahyun just smiled back politely as the two took their seats, the girl in the white cardigan sitting next to Dahyun whilst the other took a seat beside Jihyo.

“Our two late arrivals here are Hirai Momo and Minatozaki Sana” Nayeon looked over to the three new girls. “This is Dahyun, Mina and Tzuyu. They’re all first years, Dahyun’s the pianist I told you about” Nayeon’s eye had a twinkle in it as she looked at Sana when she mentioned Dahyun but quickly moved on. “Minas a dancer like you Momo, although I think she said she specialised in Ballet, was it Mina?”

Mina smiled and nodded looking over at Momo. “That’s right, although I just love dancing all round it doesn't really matter what style it is.” Momo nodded appreciatively towards Mina and smiled at Dahyun.

“Sorry we’re both late, honestly it’s my fault I came in from dance practice and immediately went for a nap. I’m like the dead when I sleep. Sana can never wake me up.” Her cheeks were tinged red in embarrassment whilst the others laughed at her. “It’s nice to meet you all though, Nayeon has been going on and on about you since she bumped into you yesterday. Won’t shut up about how good you are at playing piano.”

“Momo! Don’t overwhelm the poor girl!” Nayeon reached over to smack the side of Momo’s head all the while looking embarrassed herself. The whole table descended into giggles as the two bickered with one another, even the three newcomers joining in.

Sana leaned over to Dahyun in the midst and smiled at her “It’s nice to meet you Dahyun, I’m sure you’re gonna be a great part of the group. Uh the theatre group I mean, I don’t mean to assu-” Sana was cut off as Dahyun giggled at her getting flustered.

“Thank you, not gonna lie I was a bit apprehensive to come but I figured if Nayeon vouched for you all then you have to be pretty nice. She was always kind to me in high school when I played for their productions.” Dahyun explained as Sana regained her composure. “I’ve had a kinda slow start to university for some personal reasons. Guess I should maybe try and catch up on everything I’ve missed out on right?” Sana grinned excitedly at Dahyun’s words.

“You came to the right person!! I happen to be the most fun out of everyone here!” Sana proclaimed excitedly. “Plus if I’m honest I’m excited that Nayeon brought new people into our little group. I love the girls but it kinda felt like something was missing you know?” Sana smiled eagerly at Dahyun.

She’s like a walking ball of energy. And she’s really really cute. Wait what.

“Dahyun! So have you decided? Will you play for us? Promise its not gonna get in the way of school work or anything” Nayeon called from across the table shaking Dahyun from her thoughts.

“Oh, well you guys need somebody and if you really think I’m good enough then I don’t see why not right? I can at least try? Maybe it’ll help with my classes to explore other kinds of playing compared to what I usually do?” Dahyun offered a smile to Nayeon and the others who seemed ecstatic about the new member of their group.

“You’re definitely good enough! If what I- I mean Nayeon said she heard was anything to go off of I’m sure you’ll do great.” Sana piped up from beside Dahyun giving the girl a big smile.

Dahyun gave her a small smile back, still struggling to accept the amount of praise from people about her playing. “Well I guess I’m at your disposal then, just let me know when you want me for practices or whatever.”

“Careful Dahyun, don’t give Nay or Jihyo that kind of power or you’ll never sleep nevermind have time for your own schoolwork” Jeongyeon grinned from across the table as the two accused parties glared at her.

“Neither of us are that bad!” Jihyo groaned. “Well maybe Nayeon is but not me.”

“One dinner without you two ganging up on me. That’s all I’m asking!” Nayeon lamented as Jihyo and Jeongyeon snickered at her. “EIther way, thank you so much Dahyun. We really appreciate you stepping up for this. And I promise not to be too demanding of you.” Nayeon smiled across at Dahyun who blushed and nodded in response.

Dinner passed mostly uneventfully, Nayeon, Jihyo and Jeongyeon continued their teasing of one another, Nayeon taking great pleasure when the target was anyone but her. Mina and Momo talked about their different styles of dancing and agreed to meet up one day to see what they could teach each other. Chaeyoung and Tzuyu seemed to be off in their own little world together for most of the time, something which was of great interest to Mina and Dahyun who quietly agreed to interrogate Tzuyu when they got home.

Then there was Dahyun and Sana. Somehow Sana was the most effortless person Dahyun had ever spoken to. She couldn’t help but keep talking with the girl. Before long she’d learned a lot about Sana, she was a teaching major, she’d become friends with Nayeon in first year when she had joined the theatre crew mostly as a joke but couldn’t help but stay when Nayeon stuck to her like glue persuading her that even if she didn’t want to sing there could be lots of different things Sana could do to help out. Sana only later found out Nayeon had made a bet with Jihyo on who could get more people to join the group. Nayeon had won with Sana staying there, only after Sana made Nayeon bribe her to stay.

Although it was Sana who mostly talked, Dahyun was enraptured the whole time, only tearing her eyes off of Sana when food arrived or if somebody called her name. Part of her (okay the gay part) was in disbelief that she had the prettiest girl ever talking to her. The other part of her was trying to take in the rapid changes that had happened lately. Hadn’t it barely been a couple weeks ago that she was still practically in mourning over Gahyun and her previous friendships? Here she was now with two people she considered friends and another six that she could see becoming friends.

Do you really deserve this?

The thought arrived and left before Dahyun even had a chance to process it. Did she? Gahyun had stopped loving her. Her friends had left her. What was stopping the same thing happening again? Why had she let her guard down so easily? Just because people were being nice? It was silly to think that. Stupid even th-

“Dahyun? You okay there? You look deep in thought.” Sana’s voice broke Dahyun’s train of thought. Turning towards the older girl Dahyun tried to offer a smile.
“Sorry just thinking about stuff. I’m okay” Dahyun lied, trying not to let the voice in her head ruin what had otherwise been a really good evening.

“You can share if you want to. A problem shared is a problem halved, right Dahyun?.” Sana offered, her smile genuine and soft as she looked at Dahyun.

Dahyun just smiled and went back to eating, trying to regain her composure. She could talk with Mina and Tzuyu that night when they got back. She didn’t feel like going through the whole ordeal again. Not exactly easy to bring up ‘Hey my ex-girlfriend dumped me and all my friends took her side so now I don’t really trust people’ over dinner. “Thanks Sana, but I’m okay for now. Promise.” Dahyun half smiled to which Sana simply nodded her head and returned to eating herself.

The remainder of the dinner Dahyun remained quiet, only answering when she was asking something, no longer offering her own input, Sana seemed worried but decided not to push the girl given they had literally just met. Officially anyways, not that she was ready to admit to spying on Dahyun in that music room, or telling Nayeon there was a really good piano player in the music dept when she was again complaining about them not having a decent player. That could come later once she knew the girl a little better. Before long they had all finished eating, each bidding goodbye to one another after Nayeon told Dahyun to send her Tzuyu and Mina’s numbers so they could make a group chat with all nine of them.

Sana and Momo walked with Nayeon and Jeongyeon, their dorms all in a similar direction. Once far enough away Nayeon turned to Sana with a mischievous look in her eye. “So Sana, what did you think of Dahyun?” Her voice teasing.

Sana rolled her eyes. “Should’ve known this was coming sooner or later right?” she couldn’t help but smile. “Fine. She was every bit as cute as I remember and yes I still have a crush on her okay?” Sana smiled, biting her lip gently. “But that wasn’t what tonight was about okay! I just wanted to get to know her a bit but she seems really closed off. I feel like I did all the talking and didn’t really learn much of anything about her.”

Nayeon’s eyes softened looking at Sana and smiled gently. “It’s not my place to say and even if it wasn’t I don’t really know all the details. I just know she’s been through something that’s really hard and she’s way more reserved than when I knew her in high school.” Nayeon detached herself from Jeongyeon to bring Sana into a half hug with her arm around her shoulders. “Like you said, just get to know her, she seemed to take a shine to you.

Sana sighed softly and leant into Nayeon. “I don’t know why I’m even so bothered about it. We literally just met, before that I just thought she was cute and was really really good at playing piano.” Sana couldn't help but feel her heart was pulling towards the younger girl. There was something about her that she just found irresistible. It was why she had suggested Nayeon try to find her, she knew her friend would be brave enough to approach her when she wasn’t. It was only an added bonus that Nayeon already actually knew Dahyun.

“Never thought I’d see the day Minatozaki Sana was so down bad over a girl” Nayeon grinned as she used her free hand to poke Sana’s side. “What happened to Ms Independent ‘I don’t need a girlfriend’?” Sana whined at the tickling on her side and wriggled out of Nayeon’s grasp clinging onto Momo.

“No more sharing information about my crush with you Nay” Sana stuck her tongue out at Nayeon as Nayeon giggled at her snaking her arm round Jeongyeon again.

“Does that mean you’ll come to me instead now?” Momo pouted feeling left out of her best friend’s love life.

“Yes, I only went to Nay first because I thought she could help but instead she’s just bullying me” Sana giggled at the offended look on Nayeon’s face.

“Is it pick on Nayeon night or something? Did I miss the memo” She grumbled to herself clinging onto Jeongyeon more.

“It’s always pick on Nayeon night babe, least when I’m around it is” Jeongyeon grinned, pinning Nayeon’s arm in against her side before she could escape and laughing at the pout her girlfriend gave her.

The four carried on that way till they went their separate ways, Momo and Sana heading back to the apartment they shared and Jeongyeon and Nayeon heading back to the apartment that Nayeon (and for all intents and purposes at this point Jeongyeon too) stayed.

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The door to the dorm shutting behind the three girls, Mina and Dahyun let out a sigh of relief.

“That was exhausting” Mina stated simply, slipping off her shoes before waddling off in the direction of her room to get changed out of her dress.

“Yeah, they’re all lovely but all of them at once is like” Dahyun gestured to either side of her head like her mind was being blown. “It’s gonna take some time getting used to their energy” She had flopped down into the armchair pulling out her phone to text Nayeon, Tzuyu and Mina’s numbers.

Mina re-emerged from her room, changed into some pyjamas and took her usual spot on the sofa. “You’re being awfully quiet though Tzuyu” Mina raised her eyebrow at Dahyun who tried to stifle a giggle. “You and Chaeyoung seemed to be getting on great.” Mina grinned wickedly at Tzuyu who seemed to remain unphased.

“We weren’t the ones who arranged a dance date in front of the table though” Tzuyu stated simply sliding into her spot on the couch whilst Mina’s grin had dropped from her face to be replaced by a look of shock. “And we weren’t the ones whispering to each other the entirety of dinner only being pulled out when one of our names was called” She turned to look at Dahyun whose giggles were quickly silenced as a blush hit her face.

“How the hell do you turn things around against us so quickly?” Dahyun grumbled whilst Mina still looked shocked.

“It wasn’t actually a date was it?” Her voice had gone up a full octave at the realisation.

“Oh no it’s just you two. Alone in a room. Getting sweaty and close with one another. Totally nothing romantic or sexually charged about that.” Tzuyu cocked an eyebrow at Mina whose face had gone somehow whiter than Dahyun’s.

“Tzuyu you’re gonna kill Mina, behave.” Dahyun scolded whilst trying to suppress her laughter at the pair. “Plus Sana was just being friendly with me and talking. Not like we were flirting or anything, nor were Mina and Momo.”

“So care to explain why you were looking at Sana like she hung the stars in the sky?” Tzuyu turned to Dahyun, her eyebrow now raised at her. “That is until you randomly froze up during dinner.” Tzuyu’s eyes softened looking at Dahyun now.

Dahyun sighed and leaned back in her seat looking at the ceiling. “I dunno what happened. I was just thinking about how much everything has changed and then I was thinking about what happened and then those thoughts were back.” Dahyun shut her eyes and just laid there in the silence for a moment before sitting up. “But it’s a process right? I’m not gonna be magically better overnight? And tonight I did something I couldn’t have done a few weeks ago. So that’s good. Plus Tzuyu you haven’t escaped talking about Chaeyoung because there was definitely something going on there.”

Mina giggled and smiled at Dahyun proudly. It was practically a night and day difference between the girl who had been so reserved she never left her room and the girl who had actively talked through her issues just now and then resolved them. “She’s right Tzuyu, tease us all you like but Chaeyoung seemed enamoured with you all night.” Mina neglected to point out the opposite was also true but thought mentioning it would just earn her more teasing.

“Okay, okay fine. Yes we were talking a lot and I think she’s cute and tiny but that’s not the point. Plus who wouldn’t be enamoured with me?” Tzuyu smiled smugly.

“Okay you’re never allowed to spend time with Nayeon on your own. You two together your egos might cause the earth to collapse.” Dahyun giggled at Tzuyu’s disgruntled look.

“Do you want me to go into more detail about how you were like a lovesick puppy with Sana? Or how you and Momo were borderline eye-fucking each other across the table” Tzuyu looked pointedly at the pair. Dahyun zipping her lip and Mina shaking her head vigorously whilst blushing. “Okay good then you leave me alone” Tzuyu grinned cheekily at the pair before standing. “You were right about one thing though. I’m exhausted, time for bed.” Waving at the pair, Tzuyu wandered off to the bathroom to wash up for bed.

“I give it a week.” Mina whispered.

“I say two, she’s stubborn and Chaeyoung seems like she’s too innocent” Dahyun whispered back.

“I CAN HEAR YOU BOTH” came from the bathroom sending Mina and Dahyun into fits of giggles.

After Tzuyu re-emerged from the bathroom flipping off both Mina and Dahyun before heading into her room Dahyun went and washed up herself and headed into her room. Just as she was about to get into bed she stopped for a second. What Tzuyu said about Sana and her. They had talked a lot, well Sana had. Dahyun grimaced at herself for how little she had said. But then there was that look Sana had given her when she arrived. It had only lasted a second sure but Dahyun had definitely noticed it. Looking over at the note on her desk Dahyun smiled.

I like your playing.
The song you played is beautiful.
-S

Maybe she’d end up finding out who S was after all. Maybe they (‘she’ Dahyun really hoped) would like the new version even more.

As Dahyun settled into bed the idea of what was happening began to really settle on her. She had met Sana, she had talked with Sana, she liked Sana. She was maybe crushing on Sana? But what did that mean for her? Was she ready for another relationship if she was? And if she was ready for another relationship was she ready for one that was once again so tightly embroiled in what could become her friend group? So much of this felt so familiar to what she had already been through and sworn to never go through again. If she did, would she still have Tzuyu and Mina? What if they ended up with Chaeyoung and Momo?

Too many questions ran through Dahyun’s mind as she laid in bed, the plush Tzuyu had given her weeks back, snuggled tightly to her chest. She didn’t honestly know enough about Sana. Nor did Sana equally know enough about Dahyun right now. Speculating would be pointless but it was what she was doing nonetheless. There was however one thing Dahyun did know. If. And for now it was an if things did go that way. She wouldn’t keep that fear secret this time. She’d talk about it. She’d learned talking about fears and problems doesn't make them go away. But it does make them easier.

After all, ‘A problem shared is a problem halved, right Dahyun?’. Turning onto her side Dahyun sighed softly, a small smile on her face as she drifted off to sleep, thoughts of an auburn haired girl swirling in her mind.

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True to her word Dahyun made herself readily available for practices for the theatre group. Over the next few weeks Dahyun learned more and more about the group she had found herself drawn into.

Nayeon was much the same as she was in high school, still the star of the show wherever she went. She somehow shook off the stigma that would normally come with being a theatre kid, instead turning it into the grand passion that would lead to her being the next big thing. And Dahyun genuinely believed she would be just that. Nayeon’s voice had only improved since she last heard it, her control and vocal range far expanded beyond that of her high school levels. Combined with the fact that she was far more comfortable at acting and dancing and she truly was a force to be reckoned with. However, there was the side of Nayeon that not many people genuinely saw, that Dahyun found herself lucky enough to be part of the sphere of trust.

The side of Nayeon that was genuinely caring and kind, that checked in on Dahyun during downtime between songs, made sure she was eating and keeping on top of school work. Despite the minimal difference in age between the two she always made sure to take care of Dahyun. Then there was the way she was with Jeongyeon, trying to annoy her one second then clinging to her begging for kisses and cuddles the next. They were a perfect match in all honesty Dahyun had thought. Jeongyeon kept Nayeon grounded and Nayeon made sure that Jeongyeon felt loved every second of every day.

It was a contrast to the Nayeon that the rest of the university got to see, where she was the cool lead full of talent. In reality Nayeon was as nervous and anxious as anyone else, apologising to Dahyun for asking for so many practices and seeking rest in Jeongyeon’s arms after a hard day.

Jeongyeon herself also had a different side of her, whilst outwardly she played the cool, relaxed and little bit goofy soccer player in reality she was just as happy in the world of music. She often spent time at Nayeon’s practices, taking in the sound of her girlfriend and Dahyun melding together to create heart moving melodies. She’d often comment that as much as she enjoyed singing she much rather listen to the music itself. Jeongyeon had also taken on a somewhat protective role over Dahyun, although her role was more protecting her from Nayeon and Jihyo. The ‘Ambitious Sisters’ as Jeongyeon called them. She’d told them off both plenty for overworking Dahyun despite Dahyun’s protests that she was in fact fine and happy to keep going.

Jihyo herself was like Nayeon turned up to eleven. She brought more passion and drive to her work than Dahyun had seen from anyone. Whatever she may have lacked in any area Jihyo made up for it with raw unbridled devotion. The way Jihyo explained it, she would rather run herself ragged into the ground than half-ass anything. Dahyun definitely believed her when she said it, often finding Jihyo flitting between different people gathering the things that made them great and utilising them to her advantage.

None of this is to say that Jihyo was selfish though. If anything she was constantly passing on what she had learned to everyone else around her. Whether it was a note about blocking she’d learned from Momo that Nayeon could use, a soccer analogy that Jeongyeon had told her that she thought would benefit Dahyun in some weird way. Jihyo gave back with all the same passion she absorbed. Dahyun found herself in awe of the other girl often for that reason. She had the ability to become the centre of attention easily, unlike Nayeon who fully needed and appreciated her time alone or with Jeongyeon. Jihyo revelled in it. It was like being on stage was what she had been waiting for all this time. Honestly Dahyun didn’t know how she kept it up all the time, she was involved with a million things at once and somehow gave the same level of attention to every single one, never letting grades, club activities or performances slip.
On the other end of the scale from Jihyo was Momo. Whilst Dahyun saw her less frequently than the trio she could always count on Momo to be the most relaxed person in the room when she was there. Jihyo joked that if Momo was any more laid-back the girl would be horizontal. Whilst there was some truth to that there was no doubting that Momo did have passion, she just applied it to the things that mattered to her. Dancing being the most obvious one, the first time Momo had ran through a set of steps for the group Dahyun had almost messed up the music. As much as hip-hop was her forte, the girl could dance to anything. It was no wonder she had such a reputation for being the best dancer the school had despite only being a second year.

Added onto that Momo’s skills as a dancer had seemingly only improved with the introduction of Mina into her life. Dahyun had noticed that the two had grown pretty close in a matter of weeks. Mina often returned late in the evening citing another practice with Momo, when asked about how it had gone Mina always responded with a simple ‘good’ and a smile. Dahyun never pried further, respecting that Mina would talk when she wanted to. It was natural I guess to enjoy a growing crush, or relationship whatever the two had going on.

Speaking of relationships Dahyun and Mina had both been proved completely wrong. Following their dinner with the girls the two had awoken to a message in the groupchat informing them she had gone to hangout with Chaeyoung who volunteered at a local animal shelter. Since that day the two had been practically inseparable. Chaeyoung had found herself sliding in nicely to the dynamic of the other first years, joining them for dinner and movie nights. Whilst she was also a bit of a homebody like the rest she definitely was the most energetic out of the three. Whether it was instigating a pillow fight or excitedly flipping through her sketchpad to show off something she’d doodled recently the other girls came to view her as an excitable little kitten. Sure she needed to recharge as much as they did but when she did she’d be bouncing off the walls soon after.

Most noticeable was the way that Tzuyu seemed glued to every word and everything Chaeyoung did. Mina and Dahyun often shared raised eyebrows at them but had made a silent agreement not to call them out on it. All three were going through various stages of romantic development but there was no reason to poke fun at one another. Not yet anyways. Especially because they knew in a war both would come out on bottom, Tzuyu was far too quick witted for either girl to even attempt poking fun. It was interesting to see that side melt away when it came to Chaeyoung however, when Tzuyu’s normally sharp tongue found itself sweetened and dulled as she eagerly praised Chaeyoung’s drawings, took interest in her interests and all round made herself utterly available for the small, slightly crazy girl’s whims.

All that was left from the group that Dahyun had been thrown into and integrated with so quickly was Sana. Whilst everyone else was relatively easy to get a bearing on Sana eluded her somewhat. Sana herself had taken on a more technical role in the theatre gang, orchestrating lighting and sound. Whilst this meant she wasn’t really required to be around as often as everyone else she still could be found inside the theatre more often than not.

One could argue that this was simply due to it being where her friends were mostly, those with a more discerning eye (read Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo and Jihyo) knew that the only time Sana made sure to be in the theatre was when one Kim Dahyun was also there.

Dahyun however was oblivious to this, she and Sana had grown somewhat closer over the few weeks that had passed, Dahyun finally talking a bit more about herself to Sana’s glee. But it was like there was still a wall up between them. Whilst she had watched Tzuyu and Mina make progress with their crushes Dahyun still felt like she was holding back to some extent. She definitely liked Sana. She liked the way her eyes were filled with interest when Dahyun talked about music, whether it was a piece that Nayeon or Jihyo had asked her to learn for them. Or whether it was talking about her own work. She liked the way that Sana always made sure to greet her when she arrived at the theatre. The way Sana took interest in Dahyun beyond her music too. Asking questions about her life and interests, never pressing if Dahyun gave a half answer or seemed uncomfortable, naturally switching the topic. It was as if she was in tune with Dahyun.

The one thing Sana had pressed Dahyun on was to show her some of Dahyun’s personal work but the younger girl had said she’d have to wait till it was complete.Naturally this lead Nayeon to tease Sana about having heard some of it already, something which of course agitated Sana to no end, not that she’d show Dahyun that. Sana had been trying her best with the younger girl and did feel that some progress was being made but what Nayeon had said to her the night they met hung in the back of her mind.

Dahyun had been hurt, or gone through something hard right? So it was on Sana to not do the same thing, or at least to make things easier for the girl. The weirdest thing was that it felt natural for Sana. Even when it was clear that something they were talking about might be touching a nerve for Dahyun, Sana found it easy to re-route the conversation to a more comfortable place. It was worth it for Sana, seeing the way Dahyun’s eyes would light up talking about music, how she seemed so full of life compared to the quiet reserved girl she was most of the time. It was like getting an insight into who Dahyun really was and it made Sana fall more for the girl.

Though the two had grown to become close their connection was stilted. Dahyun held back more than she wanted to and Sana so desperately wanted into the zone of comfort that she saw Tzuyu and Mina had with her. She reassured herself knowing that although she wasn't as close as the other two she hadn’t known Dahyun all that long. Just because Momo and Mina had taken off running and Tzuyu and Chaeyoung were five minutes away from being U-haul lesbians didn’t mean she and Dahyun had to move at the same pace. She was happy that they were making progress. That’s all they could do in any case.

Still. Sana found herself too often preoccupied with thoughts of Dahyun, she endured plenty of teasing from her friends over this, the four of them pointing out that Sana had never once expressed any interest in the countless suitors she had chasing after her in her first year. Sana wanted to point out that’s because none of them were the cutest girl she’d ever seen with the ability to pull on her heart strings with a few piano chords but she knew that would only further serve to fan the flames of the teasing. Instead she grinned and bore it. They were right though, it wasn’t like Sana had been lacking in choice in her first year. They’d all bored her though, guys and girls alike. Nobody had the spark that she’d been told would be present in whoever her person was. Nobody until Dahyun.

Now that Sana had found that spark though it seemed like that person was just outside of her reach, sure she could be friends with her but as anyone who's had a crush knows. That doesn't make the crush itself any easier.

“Why don’t you just ask her on a date?” Nayeon said from her spot on Sana and Momo’s couch. The three girls were enjoying a quiet Sunday at the Japanese pair’s apartment. Jeongyeon preoccupied with soccer practice and Jihyo enjoying a rare lie in. They’d agreed just to have a catch up the three of them as it’d been so rare to get time to themselves as school was picking up.

“Nay, you know its not that simple.” Sana slumped down into the seat. How come it was always her love life that got the attention. “What if she says no? Or even worse, what if she says yes because she doesn’t feel comfortable enough to say no! You know what Dahyun’s like. She's so eager to please everyone around her without thinking about herself.” Sana had caught Dahyun practically falling asleep at the piano too many times despite protests that she wasn’t tired.

“Wonder if being eager to please translates into the bed-” Momo was cut off by Sana slamming a pillow into the side of her face. “Okay OW. C’mon Sana you can’t say you’ve not thou- okay no I take it all back” Momo backed down as Sana wound up for another hit.

“Just because you and Mina are fucking like rabbits doesn’t mean everyone else’s brain is hard wired to be on sex 24/7.” Sana grumbled as she lowered the pillow before noticing Momo’s blush. “Wait. You guys haven’t?”

“No, not yet. Contrary to what everyone else seems to think, we've been taking it kinda slow.” Momo’s blush faded as she smiled. “She’s so sweet to me and she’s just. Perfect. Like she’s so smart and talented. Jeez I know I’m a good dancer but if you guys had seen her ballet? It’s like she was born to perform it.” Nayeon and Sana turned to each other and rolled their eyes at one another but the big grins on their faces betrayed their fake annoyance.

“Never knew you were such a sweetie Momo-ring. What happened to the player we all knew and loved?” Sana giggled as Momo shot her a glare.

“It's not my fault I’m so hot.” Momo shrugged and bit her lip looking down at her phone, a text from Mina on the screen. “Besides, let's not act like you two aren’t as bad as if not worse than me” She shot both Sana and Nayeon a look.

“Hey, come on I came here to catch up, not catch strays for no reason. If i wanted that I’d have bugged Jihyo or convinced Jeongyeon to ditch practice” Nayeon laughed as Momo stuck her tongue out at her.

“Then leave our dating lives alone” Sana retorted, budging up next to Momo to stare Nayeon down.

“Sana, you literally brought up Dahyun yourself.” Nayeon raised an eyebrow at the pair but held up her hands in defeat. “Fine, no more dating talk, as much as I’m sure you guys would loooove to hear about me and Jeongyeon” The twinkle in Nayeon’s eyes returned as she watched the two girls roll so far back in their heads that their pupils vanished.

“I swear to god Momo neither of us is allowed to become as lovesick as those two are” Sana giggled as Momo chuckled along.

“You’ll see. Based on how you are now Sana you’re gonna be the worst of us.” Nayeon’s voice was teasing but she could see the smile on Nayeon’s face was anything but. “Just, be good to Dahyun. Honestly I think she might be the best of all of us you know? She’s slowly getting back to being the girl I knew in high school and back then she was so selfless. If anyone asked her for anything she’d do it in a heartbeat.” Nayeon smiled fondly. “Point is, it’s not that I don’t trust you Sana, just be careful with her, you know.”

Sana just nodded softly. She knew Nayeon had a soft spot for Dahyun, but she didn’t quite realise how deep that ran. Guess that’s what happens when you meet somebody again after a year and they’re a shell of their former self, according to Nayeon that’s what Dahyun was anyways.

“I’ve been doing my best, and she has opened up to me a bit more but it’s like there’s this block. You know? Like some invisible wall I can’t seem to break down to let us really see one another.” Sana deflated into the couch, her hands crossed across her stomach as she let out a sigh. “I try not to get frustrated by the more time I spend with her the more I like her and the more I want to. Get there you know? Like I’m not imagining it right? She does like me back at least a little?” Sana looked at the other two girls who shared a look before breaking into laughter.

“Sana sweetie. Have you seen how Dahyun looks at you? She doesn’t look at anyone else like that.” Nayeon managed to gasp out between bouts of laughter. Sana looked at the pair of them confused.

“What do you mean?” Sana finally managed to say after the laughter calmed down. Although that alone almost sent Nayeon and Momo back into fits of giggles.

“Okay okay, you look like a kicked puppy when you pout like that.” Momo had calmed down before Nayeon and was smiling at Sana. “Sana. Dahyun looks at you like you’re the only person in the room when you’re talking with one another. I don’t know how you haven’t seen it but that girl is completely enraptured by you whenever you’re around. Sure maybe things are going slower than you’d like but she definitely likes you so please. Stop stressing over it. What’ll be will be.”

Sana had started blushing at Momo’s words and was trying her hardest to regain her composure. “Okay!” Sana shot up from her seat, startling the other two. “Lets go out n get some coffee or something, it’s a nice day let’s not waste it inside” Sana promptly dashed off to grab a jacket and shoes, Momo and Nayeon taking another look at one another before promptly losing it again.

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Dahyun herself was enjoying the sun whilst it was still here. The rapidly approaching winter months promised plenty of time to stay cooped up inside so what better way to spend a cool Sunday morning than going to get coffee and a walk. That was how Dahyun found herself sitting in the park that morning, sipping on an Iced latte watching the people going about their lives in the park whilst she listened to music. It was peaceful, a nice change from the constant practices and schoolwork. She had to admit that as much as she loved being able to help the other girls, and even more so getting the time to bond with them. Dahyun had been stretching herself a bit thin as of late. She was sleeping well when she did sleep but lately that had been getting later as she stayed up to finish school work, study or practice pieces. It was a good tired though, that’s what Dahyun told herself. She was actually living, which is more than she could have said a month ago. She had friends now, had things to look forward to when she woke up in the morning.

And most important of them, a fact she’d only been able to admit to herself really. She had Sana. The days she got to spend time with the older Japanese girl were her favourites, even if it was fleeting conversations between practices, or a half hour in the lunch hall between classes she always felt like the time with her was the highlight of the day. Her roommates were always quick to point out (when they were alone of course, they weren’t that cruel) that she became more alive speaking with Sana.

Dahyun didn’t want to admit it to them but she knew it was true. As much as she had things she’d still not told Sana, namely Gahyun. She knew that she was most comfortable talking with her out of everyone. Sana was just so safe to be around, she always asked Dahyun how she was, and even when Sana clearly didn’t believe Dahyun she wouldn’t press it. She’d instead find a way to take care of Dahyun, whether that was bringing her food, coffee, giving her a shoulder to literally lean on and rest. Sana never seemed to mind whatever it was in that moment that Dahyun needed and she always somehow got it right. Smiling softly to herself Dahyun felt herself drifting off, the exhaustion of the past week taking over her. A small nap couldn’t hurt right? She’d set an alarm so she didn’t sleep too long anyways.

What felt like mere moments later Dahyun felt a hand on her shoulder and a familiar voice calling her name. “Dahyun? Since when did you sleep in parks?” There was a hint of amusement to the voice, a tone reserved for somebody you know well.

The voice wasn’t familiar in the friendly sense though. Least it wasn’t anymore. It had been for so much of her youth and her adolescence but now it was a voice that Dahyun dreaded. One she hadn’t heard in months and had honestly hoped to never hear again.

Lee Gahyun.

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Sana waved goodbye to Momo and Nayeon after they’d finished their coffees, Nayeon away to meet Jeongyeon after her practice, Momo away to meet Mina for ‘dance practice’. Sana had hid her giggles when Momo had made her excuse to leave too, knowing full well the studio was closed at the weekends and Momo just wanted to see Mina. She couldn’t help but feel envious of the two however, both were able to go and see their respective partners and enjoy time just the two of them. Meanwhile Sana and Dahyun had never so much as been alone in the same room together, always a third party (or more often a third, fourth and so on party) present. They’d get there though, Nayeon was right. Things were just moving a little differently between her and Dahyun and that was perfectly okay by Sana. Just if they could accelerate a tiny bit please.

Not wanting to waste the sun, Sana had chosen to take the long route back to her apartment, taking a walk through the park nearby. Listening to the voices calling through the park, children screaming as they played, dogs barking, birds chirping. It could have been overwhelming to many but for Sana it was the perfect background noise, the sign of life and joy in the world. Walking along with the wind gently blowing through her hair Sana felt at ease. Until she saw them.

Dahyun on a bench, with a look Sana had never seen before, one of confusion mixed with. Sadness? And with her back to Sana was a girl she didn’t recognise, silver hair tied up in a bun, a similar height to Dahyun Sana thought. Who was this girl? She didn’t look like anyone Sana had seen about the university before. And why did Dahyun look so distressed at her presence? On one hand maybe Sana should give them space to talk? It was good that Dahyun had people outside their group to talk to, right? On the other hand, Dahyun did not look good. Sana had seen the girl anxious about performing, stressed over school, but this wasn’t anything familiar to her.

“Dahyun!” The words had left Sana’s lips before she even had the chance to make a decision of her own volition, her hand shooting up in the air to wave at the girl. Dahyun’s eyes lit up as her eyes landed on Sana, excusing herself from the other girl and speed walking over to Sana before colliding into her in a hug, knocking Sana back a step at the unexpected embrace.

“Please just go along with this. I promise I’ll explain later.” Dahyun whispered into the hug. Sana could feel just how tense the younger girl was, her shoulders taught with anxiety. She nodded discreetly into the hug, then felt her heart rate pick up as Dahyun slid her hand into Sana’s.

“Sorry Gahyun, I hadn’t expected to bump into my girlfriend here.” The words left Dahyun’s lips so naturally despite the vice-like grip she had on Sana’s hand. If Sana was confused before she was now utterly lost. The word girlfriend hung in Sana’s brain spinning round on a loop before the other girl’s voice broke her train of thought.

“Your girlfriend?” Gahyun had folded her arms with an eyebrow raised looking at the pair. “I’m gone for a couple months and you’ve already picked a new girlfriend?” Sana could tell that a nerve had been touched with the words leaving Gahyun’s mouth dripping with resentment.

Despite the hostility aimed at her Dahyun seemed to remain calm, although Sana was starting to lose some feeling in her fingers. “Yes. We met in the first week of classes and started dating about a month ago.” Her words were curt, simple and decisive, something Sana hadn’t heard from Dahyun before.

“Well far be it for me to intrude on your couple time Dahyun. You still have my number I’m sure. Let me know if you want to catch up sometime.” The venom was gone from Gahyun’s voice, replaced with something Sana disliked far more. A flirtatious tone. Sana saw red in that moment and without even thinking she leant down and placed a possessive kiss on Dahyun’s lips. Her hand squeezed back on Dahyun’s as their lips met.

In that instant Sana’s mind erupted. She was kissing Dahyun. Dahyun was kissing her back. Dahyun was kissing her back.

Their lips moved against one another as both squeezed tightly on the other’s hand. Under different circumstances Sana would be ecstatic about the situation but right now all she felt was white hot rage. How dare this girl try and flirt with her Dahyun. Right in front of her no less?

The kiss lasted only a couple of seconds but Sana still felt breathless breaking it. Dahyun’s words from earlier ringing in her mind as she turned to face a very disgruntled looking Gahyun.

Please just go along with this. I promise I’ll explain later.

Sana put on a smile that was both genuine and forced. Elated at having kissed Dahyun but forced because her smile was directed at this girl who Dahyun had A) been so uncomfortable talking to she had asked Sana to pretend to be her girlfriend and B) had suggested in front of her face that Dahyun meet up with her.

“We should get going Hyunnie, there’s that cafe I’ve been dying to show you not far from here.” Sana turned to smile at Dahyun, the younger girl’s facade starting to crumble following the sudden kiss.

“Uh yeah we should. Goodbye Gahyun.” Dahyun nodded at the other girl as Sana began to lead them away from Gahyun, the girl pursing her lips and walking the opposite direction to them. The pair walked in silence for a few minutes. Hands still interlocked although the grip on Sana’s hand had loosened slightly. Sana looked at Dahyun beside her, the brave face the younger girl had put on upon seeing Sana fully gone now, the nerves and anxiety becoming increasingly more obvious.

Not knowing entirely what to do, Sana squeezed Dahyun’s hand softly causing the other girl to look up at her. Sana smiled softly at her “It’s okay Dahyun. Take your time. There really is a nice cafe not far from here. We can sit there and you can talk when you’re ready.” Dahyun nodded back at Sana’s words softly and then to Sana’s surprise leant into Sana. Her head resting gently on Sana’s shoulder as they walked together.

Sana was really struggling to hold it together. In the past 10 minutes she’d had Dahyun hug her, hold her hand, kiss her back and now she was nestled against Sana like it was the most natural thing in the world. On one hand she was elated that things had happened. But equally she was concerned about why they had happened. Gahyun was clearly somebody from Dahyun’s past. An ex-girlfriend? Or maybe something else? Sana didn’t know.

Instead she focused on what she did know. Dahyun seemed more at ease. The worry on her face had disappeared, replaced by something akin to calm. Her hand seemed to fit Sana’s perfectly too. Their fingers still intertwined with one another, Dahyun’s thumb rubbing gently along the length under Sana’s knuckle. The way Sana could still faintly taste Dahyun’s lips against hers, feel the sensation of them kissing. Sana had to force away the blush creeping onto her face not wanting to make Dahyun uncomfortable. The minutes passed by in a comfortable silence as the two walked together, arriving at a small coffee shop.

They seemed to have missed the lunchtime rush, only a few customers at the tables inside. Dahyun directed Sana to have a seat in a booth, insisting it was her treat. Ordering a hot chocolate for herself and matcha tea for Sana. As Dahyun slid into the seat opposite Sana she smiled awkwardly at Sana, the depth of the conversation she was about to have with the older girl finally settling in on her. Sana reached a hand across the table. It was an invitation with no pressure. An offering of comfort for the conversation ahead. Dahyun placed her hand atop Sana's, her smile easing as the waitress placed their drinks on the table and left them be.

“So. Gahyun huh?” Sana broke the silence, her fingers gently drawing circles on Dahyun’s palm. “Anything your girlfriend should be worried about?” Sana raised an eyebrow playfully earning a relieved laugh from Dahyun.

“Definitely not. God what are the chances?” Dahyun pushed back her hair with her spare hand, her fingers running through her sleek black hair to push it out of her face. A gentle smile had settled on Dahyun’s face, a stark contrast to the look she had when Sana had spotted her earlier. “You know you’re only the third person I’ll have told this all to? Mina and Tzuyu know. But even they had to practically force it out of me. This time I actually want to talk about it. Partly because I do cope with it better now but. Mostly because it's you.” Dahyun looked into Sana’s eyes, the sincerity in her voice and in her eyes clear to Sana.

Dahyun broke their eye contact, leaning back slightly and sighing softly, her hand still on top of Sana’s. “I need to tell you this before I let you know who Gahyun is to me. Because I don’t want you getting the wrong idea about well. Us.” Sana’s breath hitched in her throat, her fingers stopping their movement on Dahyun’s palm.

The wrong idea about us? What did Dahyun mean? Was Sana simply a distraction to get away from Gahyun? Dahyun had clearly noticed Sana stop circling her palm and looked up, catching the look of fear in Sana’s eyes. “No! No Sana, whatever you’re thinking that’s not what I mean.” Dahyun bit her lip, her eyes darting back and forth between their hands on the table and Sana’s face before sharply standing and leaning across the table.

For the second time that day Dahyun and Sana kissed. This kiss was slower than before, less showy. Dahyun’s lips meeting Sana’s carefully and cautiously before Sana reciprocated the kiss, her lips moving into a smile as Dahyun’s hands cupped Sana’s face gently.

Again the kiss barely lasted a couple seconds before Dahyun broke it again, a soft whine escaping Sana’s lips as Dahyun moved away, a small grin on her face. “I really like you Sana. A lot more than maybe I’ve let on. And I’m sorry that I’ve not been as forthcoming as maybe you’d have liked.” Dahyun looked embarrassed now, her cheeks tinged with pink as her hand slid out on the table waiting for Sana’s. “I can’t promise that I’ll change overnight but I can promise I’ll try harder. I just needed you to know that before I go through everything. Know that you’re not just a diversion or something.”

“I like you too Dahyunnie, a lot.” The words Sana had felt for weeks left her mouth so easily, the most natural thing in the world to her as she placed her hand on Dahyun’s. “And you don’t need to apologise. We move at whatever pace is best for us” Sana smiled gently at Dahyun, the flush vanishing from her cheeks as she smiled broadly.

“So, about Gahyun.” Dahyun grimaced and began her story. From the beginning as friends, the way they had grown up together, fell for one another, Dahyun only omitting the fear she had of losing her friends. She felt it again here. But she wanted to address that with Sana more directly than as a passing detail. As she reached the end of her story Dahyun didn’t feel the heaviness on her heart that she had felt when telling Tzuyu and Mina. She instead felt relieved. As though a weight was lifted from her, like the pain that Gahyun and her ex friends had inflicted on her was finally gone.

“And that’s the long and short of it. From there Tzuyu and Mina kinda. Forced me to sort myself out.” Dahyun smiled, thinking of her two friends. How proud they’d be of her for facing this again, for facing Gahyun again. “There’s only one thing I didn’t tell you about my relationship. And I didn’t because I want to talk with you about it more directly.” Dahyun looked up at Sana, a seriousness in her eyes.

“I never told Gahyun how afraid I was of everyone leaving me if something were to happen to us. And that's exactly what happened. Everybody left me behind, choosing her over me. I refuse to do that again Sana. There is, as much as I hate to admit it, a part of me that’s still afraid of that happening again.” Dahyun’s voice quivered as she finished speaking, betraying the steely look she was giving Sana.

Sana for her part was absorbing all the information she had just been given. The rage from earlier returning as Dahyun explained what had happened to her, however it softened and dulled as Dahyun admitted her fear. Sana’s hand squeezed Dahyun’s gently as she looked back into the other girl’s eyes. “It won’t happen Dahyun. Mostly because I can’t see myself ever letting you go. But also because the girls all love you. If something does happen with us. And that is a BIG if. I won’t make them pick between us. And I know you won’t either.” Sana smiled gently at the other girl, reaching across with a tissue to dab at the tears forming in the corner of Dahyun’s eyes.

“Thank you. Thank you so much Sana.” Dahyun’s voice had gone quiet now, the resolve from earlier having vanished from her voice replaced with a vulnerability that Sana hadn’t heard before.

Sana smiled, standing up and moving round to the other side of the booth, letting Dahyun rest her head on Sana’s shoulder once more, Sana’s arm around Dahyun, drawing circles on her shoulder as Dahyun steadied her breath. “Well aren’t you going to ask me officially?” Sana said, a teasing tone in her voice.

“Ask you what?” Dahyun said, her voice tinged with confusion.
“Well right now, I’m only your pretend girlfriend..” Sana had a mischievous grin on her face. “Pretend girlfriends only get two kisses then their trial is u-” Sana was cut off by Dahyun kissing her once more, her hands cupping either side of Sana’s face as their lips moved against one another.

“Will you be my girlfriend Sana?” Dahyun said, breaking the kiss and leaning her forehead against Sana’s. A smile dancing on her lips.

“I thought you’d never ask” Sana replied softly before closing the distance between them again, her kiss trying to pour all her admiration, desire and respect for the younger girl into it. “Yes I will be your girlfriend Kim Dahyun”.

The two sat there for a while longer, their hands interlocked with one another under the table, Dahyun basking in the relaxing glow of having finally let her past go. Moving forward with somebody she knew she could talk to about anything after having bottled up so much. Sana was just happy that she had got her girl, happy that Dahyun had finally truly opened up to her. After finishing their drinks they walked back through the park, hands still together as they chatted idly about the performance the theatre had coming up, school and anything else that could come to mind.

Reaching the entrance to the park they turned to each other and smiled “So should I expect Mina and/or Tzuyu kicking my door down to warn me to treat you right?” Sana giggled as she looked down at Dahyun who blushed at her question.

“Should I expect Nayeon or Momo to tell me to do the same?” Dahyun responded, causing the pair to giggle together.

“Nayeon is more protective of you than me Dahyun” Sana pouted “And Momo wouldn’t want to upset Mina’s roommate so I think you’re safe.”

“Well I suppose I can keep Tzuyu in check” Dahyun leaned up to kiss Sana’s cheek. “Can’t have her scaring off my girlfriend right?” Dahyun whispered into Sana’s ear causing her to blush as she smiled cheekily at Sana.

“No, that wouldn’t be any good, especially as that’d leave you a fifth wheel to those two would be couples” Sana giggled as Dahyun rolled her eyes.

“Honestly it’s unreal they’re all tiptoeing around it so much” Dahyun said, although the hint of a smile at her lips betrayed her frustration.

“Well not everyone can run into their crush being confronted by their ex in the park, play pretend girlfriend, have a heartfelt confession and end up in a relationship all in one day” Sana grinned at Dahyun who blushed.

“We did kinda go from zero to a hundred pretty quick huh?” Dahyun scratched at the back of her neck awkwardly as she reconsidered the day's events.

“Maybe. But we get to move at our own pace and comfort levels from here right?” Sana took Dahyun’s hand gently in hers and smiled softly at the younger girl. “Just as long as we keep up being open. It suits you, you know? I feel like I’ve actually gotten to see the real you today.” Sana blushed at her words and squeezed Dahyun’s hand gently.

“I feel like me again. Like I did before all of what happened.” Dahyun smiled looking down. “It’s weird feeling lost in yourself. Like you know who you are but you can’t find that person. She’s just gone missing overnight. Thank you for being part of helping me find her again.” Dahyun looked up at Sana, her eyes grateful and relaxed.

Sana smiled and leaned forward planting a gentle kiss on Dahyun’s cheek. “Well here’s to her. May she never go missing again. Now come on, I’m sure you’re dying to tell Mina and Tzuyu just like I’m dying to tell Nayeon and Momo. They’ll probably thank you to be honest.” Sana giggled thinking about how the girls would react to the news, then at Dahyun’s confused expression. “You’ll understand soon enough I’m sure Hyunnie.”

Dahyun laughed softly and gave Sana’s hand a final squeeze before letting go, turning in the direction of her dorms, the weight of the day’s events finally catching up on her before turning back to Sana. “What do you say to an official first date this week? We can go out for dinner, have a walk like today and maybe watch a movie?” Her heart racing in her chest as she waited on Sana’s answer.

“I’d love that. We can sort out details during the week.” Sana’s heart racing in kind as she began to brainstorm a perfect first date outfit. “Text me that you got home safe?”

Dahyun nodded “You too Sana.” The two turned and headed off to their respective homes. For the first time in a long time, there was only light in Dahyun’s heart.

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Her text sent to Sana to say that she’d got home safe Dahyun opened the door to the dorm. The quiet click of the door behind Dahyun signaled to the living room’s occupants that the girl had returned home. Mina and Tzuyu were sat on the couch, some random TV show playing. Both girls signaled their acknowledgment of Dahyun’s arrival, Mina turning to wave at the girl then turning back to the TV, before abruptly turning round again. “Dahyun. Whose lipstick is on your cheek?” Tzuyu whiped round to look at Dahyun herself.

“Uh. Lipstick? On my cheek?” Dahyun blushed and stammered before dashing to the bathroom to inspect herself. Sure enough, there were two lipstick marks on her cheek. Dahyun’s cheeks shot straight crimson as a memory of Sana going to the bathroom before they left the cafe came to mind. “Not even a full day and you’re gonna be the death of me” Dahyun grumbled as she washed up her cheeks, although her voice was anything but annoyed.

Walking back into the living room she found the TV paused and both Mina and Tzuyu awaiting, both with their arms crossed and teasing looks on their faces. “Well Dahyun? Care to explain yourself young lady?” Tzuyu teased to which Dahyun rolled her eyes.

“First of all, still older than you Tzu. Second of all I fully planned on telling you just hoped I’d get to start before you guys could make any assumptions.” Dahyun joked as she took her usual spot in the armchair.

“Well can you blame us? You come home later than expected and with lipstick on you cheek? If you had a date Dahyun you could’ve just told us.” Mina stated raising an eyebrow at Dahyun.

“I didn’t have a date! Well not a planned one. I just wanted to go for a walk in the park. Then I had a seat just listening to music and I must’ve dozed off and then Gahyun woke me up an-”

“GAHYUN” shouted both Mina and Tzuyu in unison.

“Kim Dahyun. You have spent months getting over what that girl did to you and now you mean to tell us you’re just back together? That you, what? Went on a date the second you saw her again” Tzuyu looked beyond irate, her eyes narrowed at Dahyun.

“Dahyun you can’t seriously think this is a good idea right? Besides what is she even doing back here isn’t she supposed to be travelling? She stops by and has you round her finger again whilst she goes off galavanting around the world doing who knows what?” Mina chimed in looking less angry than Tzuyu but far more concerned.

Both girls' expressions were replaced by confusion when Dahyun burst into laughter, clutching at her sides as she kneeled over.

“She’s lost it. We should call an insane asylum to come get her.” Tzuyu said dryly, looking in confusion still at Dahyun whose laughter was tailing off now.

“Are you guys gonna let me finish this time or do you have more conclusions to jump to?” Dahyun finally managed to get out after her laughter stopped. Mina and Tzuyu shared a look but gestured for her to continue.

“So. Gahyun woke me up, told me she was back for a while. She hadn’t been enjoying travelling as much as she hoped. She started asking me all these questions about how university was, how I was, like she hadn’t just completely walked out of my life and left me alone. And I wanted so badly to be pissed off but I was just in shock and kind of scared.” Dahyun’s eyes dropped to the carpet, both Tzuyu and Mina staying silent waiting for her to continue.

“Then who should call my name but Sana.” A smile appeared on Dahyun’s face now as she looked up to see the faces of Mina and Tzuyu both look more confused than before. “I ran over to her, asked her to play along with my plan and. Sana was my girlfriend.” Dahyun giggled as the pair's jaws dropped open in surprise.

“You pretended Sana was your girlfriend!? The same Sana you’ve had a not so subtle crush on for weeks?” Tzuyu looked incredulously at Dahyun.

“I don’t know! It seemed like a good way to get Gahyun to leave me alone! I just needed her to hold my hand and pretend to be with me that was it! But then Gahyun made a comment about wanting to catch up and then Sana. Well she sort of kissed me?” Dahyun blushed as the other two shot out their seats.

“KISSED YOU? Sana. Minatozaki Sana. Your crush. Kissed you. And you’re acting nonchalant about it?” Mina’s eyes were wide and whilst there was still confusion, now she was the one who looked angry.

“Will you both stop interrupting and let me finish!” Dahyun snapped at the two, earning a sheepish look from them both as they took their seats again.

“So. That obviously showed Gahyun that was never going to happen. Which was just as well because I just about lost consciousness when Sana suddenly kissed me like that.” Dahyun was back to blushing again, her frustration at the two gone in an instant when Sana came back up as a topic. “We walked for a bit and I was still kind of processing everything and then Sana was just. So sweet and nice to me. She didn’t pressure me, she took us along to this nice cafe and we held hands the whole time and. Okay what’s going on with you two now?”

Mina and Tzuyu were both trying to hold in their giggles but broke when Dahyun called them out. “It's just funny how you went from being cross with us to smiling like an idiot when it comes to Sana” Tzuyu managed to get out before laughing at Dahyun again.

“Fine, I won’t tell you the rest of the story. Maybe I’ll go see if my grilfriend’s friends want to hear it” Dahyun stated, her voice dripping with sarcasm as the other two went silent at her words.

“Your what now?” Mina broke the silence first. Unsure if she had heard Dahyun right or not.

“You heard me.” Dahyun had gained a cocky grin that she made zero effort in hiding from the other two.

“You. Dahyun. Have a girlfriend. Sana?” Tzuyu looked bewildered at this revelation.

“You know if you just let me tell you what had happened then maybe we could have got there more naturally but yes. And we have our first official date this week.” The cockiness had vanished from Dahyun’s face, replaced with a goofy grin and a giddy edge to her voice. “We’re gonna have dinner and go for a walk and maybe watch a movie at one of ou-” Dahyun was cut off by Mina and Tzuyu diving on her to hug her. Although the hug quickly turned into a fight as both girls started tickling Dahyun.

“You should have led with the dating Sana part idiot!” Tzuyu teased as she jabbed at one of Dahyun’s sides.

“Way to bury the lede Kim.” Mina giggled as she tickled Dahyun’s other side.

“Okay okay! OFF please!” Dahyun gasped out between giggles with the two girls relenting.
“How did you end up having more game than either of us?” Tzuyu gasped out as the two collapsed on the ground.

“Speak for yourself Tzu.” Mina scoffed.

“Wait, you and Momo?” Tzuyu looked aghast as Mina simply nodded.

“How long have you guys been dating then?” Dahyun replied, looking down at Mina.

Mina blushed and knotted her fingers together. “I dunno about dating.We just. Kiss and stuff after dance practice.”

“Well hurry up and ask her to be official so we can make fun of Tzuyu for being the slowest huh” Dahyun giggled as Tzuyu shot her a dirty look.

“Not fair. You have experience in a relationship before Dahyun, and Momo is older so it's easier. Me and Chae are both a bit clueless.” Tzuyu grumbled.

“If you like her just ask her on a date Tzu. She’s clearly into you but is probably the same in that she doesn’t know how to make the first move.” Dahyun jostled her leg, nudging Tzuyu eliciting a sigh from the girl.

“Yeah you’re probably right. Just, scary.” Tzuyu leant her head on Dahyun’s leg.

“You guys helped me through something way scarier” Dahyun smiled softly. “I’m sure we can help you ask out five foot two of tiger too.” Tzuyu giggled at that and nodded.

The three spent some time after that, letting Dahyun tell the full story of her and Sana’s time in the cafe, their walk back. Both Mina and Tzuyu were beyond proud of Dahyun for being able to not only stand up to Gahyun in her own way but also finally confront her fears and actually speak to Sana about how she felt.

“Wait, does this mean we’re gonna see less of you now though?” Mina looked up at Dahyun who smiled gently at her.

“You guys are still my friends, maybe a little less of me but I’m not going anywhere. Besides I kinda have you both to thank for me even being able to be in this position.”

“Good. I’m used to having you around now and actually quite like it? Would rather we didn’t lose you” Mina flashed her gummy smile at Dahyun and the other two girls laughed.

“Well I’m glad you ‘actually quite like’ me being around Mina.” Dahyun rolled her eyes but laughed nonetheless.

“Come on then, room mate night. Before Ms Kim over here is whisked away by her beloved from us forever.” Tzuyu said dramatically, standing up and taking back her original seat on the couch.

“You guys are acting like I’m going to war or something!” Dahyun chuckled as Mina followed Tzuyu.

The girls settled in for the evening properly now, Dahyun smiling when she saw Sana’s text from earlier confirming she got home safe too. She replied apologising for the late reply but that she’d been telling Mina and Tzuyu about what happened. Sana said it was fine as she’d been doing the same with Nayeon, Momo and Jeongyeon. She was still recovering from the scream Nayeon had let out when she told them about their first kiss.

As the night dragged on and the two continued texting Dahyun couldn’t help but reflect on the past couple of months. She’d gone from a shell of a person to being herself again. And she only had the people around her to thank. From Mina and Tzuyu who’d made her face what was wrong. To the likes of Nayeon and her friends who’d welcomed her with open arms and brought her into a world she had dearly missed.

Then there was Sana who had from the very start shown her nothing but kindness and care. Who’d taken the time to truly get to know Dahyun, because she wanted to know her even when Dahyun hadn’t known herself. And now she was a deeper part of Dahyun, or at least at the beginning of a journey to a deeper part of her.

That night Dahyun slept soundly, a smile on her face as she drifted off. No more tear soaked pillows, no clinging to the plush Tzuyu had given her for dear life. She felt at peace.

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The following week passed by in a blur for Sana and Dahyun, whether fate or some other cosmic entity had it against them they barely had the opportunity to see each other. Not that that stopped them from texting near constantly. They had agreed that they’d go on their date on Friday, it’d allow them to spend as much time together as they wanted, no need for early bedtimes or limitations. Nayeon had threatened the prospect of a Friday evening practice and to her surprise it was Dahyun who had shot it down.

Dahyun had practically transformed over the course of the week, before she had been agreeable to whatever the girls needed from her, grateful that she was being included and so valued by them. Now however she was more firm in her own needs. If she was too tired she made it clear. If she needed a break to go and eat then she would simply do so. And if something threatened disrupting her first official date with Sana would she hell let it happen.

This wasn’t to say that Dahyun had become difficult to work with or anything. Just that she had finally found the balance she needed. Taking care of herself as well as being a helping hand to her friends. To say that her friends were impressed was an understatement.

“If I’d known dating Sana would get Dahyun to take care of herself more I’d have locked them in a room together week one” Jeongyeon chuckled. Her, Nayeon, Momo and Mina were enjoying a reprieve from classes, sprawled out on the grass in the park on campus.

“Okay yes it’s great she’s taking care of herself but I still need my pianist.” Nayeon was in split minds over the whole affair. “I miss when Dahyun was always available.” She pouted up at Jeongyeon from her spot in her girlfriend’s lap whilst Jeongyeon just laughed at her.

“What happened to the oh so protective Nayeon who told her off for staying up too late and not eating enough?” Jeongyeon raised her eyebrows at Nayeon as she pressed a finger onto her forehead.

“Okay yes. And I’m really glad she’s doing all that! I just.” Nayeon stopped not wanting to sound childish.

“Are you annoyed she’d rather spend a night on a date with her girlfriend than working with you?” Jeongyeon managed to pick up what Nayeon was getting at, causing Nayeon to groan and roll so her face was hidden in Jeongyeon’s lap.

“Please don’t voice it out loud. It sounds stupid out loud but I can justify it mentally” Nayeon murmured into Jeongyeon’s lap whilst Jeongyeon ran her hands through Nayeon’s hair.

“You feel however you want to feel bun, I know you’re just hard working. Although if you’re now free Friday then I guess we can have our own date night?” Jeongyeon almost fell back as Nayeon shot up from her lap with a wide smile on her face.

“Okay, not annoyed anymore. Where are you taking me?” Nayeon clambered over Jeongyeon as Jeongyeon tried her best to prevent the two collapsing backwards.

“We’re not allowed to become like that” Mina remarked to Momo from their spot opposite Nayeon and Jeongyeon, the other two too engrossed in discussions for their date.

“Definitely not. Although, Sana and Dahyun will probably give them a run for their money in being overly sappy.” Momo grinned at Mina who giggled.

“Absolutely they will, honestly Dahyun’s like an entirely different person now. I like it though. I feel like she’s actually being herself now. Like everything before was a front to stop anyone getting too close.” Mina hugged her knees close to her chest and smiled. “She’s so full of love, I could see that at least from the start but she really did get hurt bad.”

“Sana’s perfect for her in that way. I don’t know if I've ever met somebody more energetic than her. She’s always so interested in everyone around her and wants to listen to their interests. You should hear her talk about Dahyun playing” Momo giggled.

“I’m sure I’ll hear plenty of it in time to come.” Mina smiled “Although. I have been thinking of taking a leaf out of Dahyun’s book.”

“Oh? You want to start playing some kind of instrument too?” Momo looked confused as Mina giggled at her.

“No. I more meant emotionally.” Mina shuffled herself next to Momo and smiled at her softly. “I’ve really enjoyed spending all this time with you Mo. You’re funny and kind and you’ve taught me so so much. But I think there’s something that could make me enjoy it more?”

Momo’s ears burned as she blushed at Mina “W-what do you mean?” her voice tinged with worry.

Mina rolled her eyes and gently slapped Momo on the shoulder. “I’m trying to ask you to go out with me officially and you’re being a dork about it.” Mina grinned at Momo whose eyes appeared to have glazed over slightly.

“Wait like. Your girlfriend?” Momo’s lips moved into a smile as Mina nodded at her “Yes. Definitely 100% yes!” She leaned over and captured Mina’s lips in a kiss as the younger girl fell backwards, Momo’s hands instinctively moving to catch her head, although this just resulted in Momo being pulled down with her as the two giggled slightly breathlessly on the grass together.

“And you’ve had the audacity to make fun of me and Jeong for the past year Hirai.” Nayeon’s voice rang out over the sound of their giggles making Momo groan and roll to the side. Nayeon and Jeongyeon were both watching them with teasing smiles. “Guess it’s gonna be a three horse race for who's the most gross couple.” Nayeon raised her eyebrow at the pair on the grass before giggling at them.

“Nope. We just agreed we’d never be as gross as you” Mina’s voice spoke up over Nayeon’s giggles before giving the older girl a pointed look at how Nayeon was still cuddled up in Jeongyeon’s lap.

“Well. Okay shit I don’t really have a rebuttal for that.” Nayeon grumbled as both Mina and Momo laughed at her.

The two couples both went their separate ways shortly after, Momo and Mina heading off in the direction of the dance studio whilst Nayeon kept Jeongyeon company on the way to her soccer practice.

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It was finally Friday. For most this meant pure happiness at the idea of a weekend to do whatever they wanted. For Dahyun it meant it was her first date with Sana. For Dahyun this was a mixture of nerves and excitement. She knew Sana liked her and she really liked Sana. Their getting together hadn’t exactly been smooth so she wanted to try and make their first date amazing to ensure that Sana knew she was serious.

By the time Dahyun’s classes for the day finished she had barely any time to get ready for her date. Rushing home from class Dahyun quickly ran through the shower then found the outfit she had (thankfully) prepared earlier in her room. Dahyun had opted for a smart pair of black jeans, and a matching black button down. She left the top two buttons undone, her crucifix necklace clear to see and wore some simple but elegant earrings. Looking in the mirror she could see the girl she’d been missing for all those months.
Gone were the eyebags, the tear streaked cheeks and puffy eyes. Instead she was smiling, her eyes bright and clear. Tearing herself away from the mirror she grabbed the smart blazer she’d picked out and headed out to meet Sana, making sure to stop by at flower shop, getting a small bouquet of lilies for Sana. Dahyun stood at their agreed meeting spot, only a five minute walk from the restaurant she had picked out, eagerly awaiting Sana’s arrival.

Somehow, despite warnings from Nayeon and Jihyo that Sana would most likely be late, her girlfriend appeared not long after Dahyun arrived. Dahyun’s breath hitched when she caught sight of Sana walking towards her. Sana looked ethereal in a flowing white dress, her hair braided perfectly as she caught sight of Dahyun and smiled widely, quickening her walk to meet the girl. As she drew near Dahyun grew more in awe that somehow, this was her girlfriend. The smile grew on her face with zero effort as Sana approached.

“You look perfect.” Dahyun said exactly what was on her mind, offering the flowers to Sana who took them, her wide smile growing at the sight of them.

“You too Dahyunnie, didn’t realise you could clean up so smart.” Sana teased as she moved the flowers into one hand, interlacing her fingers with Dahyun’s effortlessly with her other. She beamed at the younger girl who was blushing slightly but still looking at Sana with a big smile. Sana admired how Dahyun’s eyes turned into half crescents the bigger she smiled. “Don’t think I could ever get tired of seeing this look on your face either.”

“Well guess you’ll just have to keep making me happy then huh?” Dahyun teased back, giving Sana’s hand a soft squeeze as they set off towards the restaurant Dahyun had picked out.

“I’m sure I can manage that.” Sana laughed as they walked along the street, following Dahyun’s lead. “Thank you for the flowers Dahyun, they’re beautiful.” Sana smiled softly looking at the lilies in her hand.

“Beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl right?” Dahyun quipped cheesily, Sana rolling her eyes at the younger girl as they arrived at the restaurant. Dahyun had chosen a small italian restaurant, nothing too flashy but somewhere they could dress up a little and not look out of place doing so.

The couple was shown to their table, seated in a quiet corner of the restaurant in a cozy booth. Dahyun held Sana’s hand helping her into her seat before sliding into the spot opposite her. “So did I pick good?” Dahyun smiled, moving her hand onto the table to take Sana’s.

“Very good, this place is adorable. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.” Sana smiled back at Dahyun, her thumb rubbing small circles on Dahyun’s hand. “Plus I love Italian food. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy.”

“I’ve always thought it’d be an amazing place to visit too. Food, music, wine, history, it has so much to explore and see. It’d be amazing.” Dahyun’s eyes lit up with excitement thinking about exploring a foreign country.

“I get the feeling you’re somebody who has to have an agenda when you go somewhere huh Dahyun?” Sana giggled.

“Well it’s the best way to see everything right?” Dahyun admitted sheepishly.

“Maybe, but don’t you think there’s something magical and romantic about just wandering the streets, seeing whatever your feet take you to. Sure tours are great for certain things but, just exploring off your own back can be amazing too.” Sana laughed at the expression on Dahyun’s face, the younger girl looking slightly awestruck.

“I never thought of it like that. Like there’s so much you could miss if you don’t explore on your own. Hidden spots, that kinda thing” Dahyun said slowly, watching as Sana’s eyes lit up.

“Yeah exactly! Like take this place.” Sana gestured to the restaurant around them. “I had no idea about it and now I do, and it's extra special because you took me here” Her cheeks blushed a little but she kept eye contact with Dahyun.

“Y’know I spent ages trying to find something just right.” Dahyun smiled gently as she looked at Sana. “You were nothing short of amazing the other day. And well every day since we met at that dinner. You’ve let me grow at my own pace and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

“Of course I have, you’re an amazing person Dahyunnie.” Sana smiled back at Dahyun.

“And I want to keep on growing, with you Sana. You always show so much interest in. Well everything I talk about, whether it's music, whatever tv show I’ve been watching with the girls or even when I’m ranting about how stupid is we have to take gen ed in University.” Dahyun chuckled. “You show so much passion for everything and everyone around you and I want to do the same in my own way.”

“Are you always this good with words or did you practice that?” Sana giggled although her cheeks were flush.

Before Dahyun had time to answer, a waiter appeared, taking their drinks and food order before leaving them in peace again.

“No practice by the way.” Dahyun grinned cheekily at Sana who laughed in return.

The two settled into a natural conversation, Dahyun opening up about her childhood, the parts that she had kept hidden away when asked about before. Talking about family trips and school life. Naturally there were parts that involved Gahyun that Dahyun tried to skirt around, Sana reassuringly rubbing her hand when she could tell Dahyun didn’t want to mention the girl.

“You don’t have to tip-toe around it, you know. I get it. She was your best friend for so many years and then your girlfriend throughout high school.” Sana smiled. She meant it too, surprisingly she hadn’t felt a pang of jealousy throughout any of the stories. “It’s okay to talk about her, Hyunnie, it’s me and you now right?”

Dahyun smiled gratefully at Sana, gently squeezing her hand and nodding as their food arrived. The pair swapped bites of their respective dinners and giggled as they chatted more, time passing by effortlessly.

By the time they had both finished eating, the night had arrived and Dahyun seemed anxious about something, Sana picking up on the way the younger girl kept checking her watch.

“Is everything okay Dahyun?” Sana took Dahyun’s hand and smiled gently at her, Dahyun sighing and smiling back at her.

“Yeah it’s fine. I just have something I want to show you.” Dahyun’s smile had a mischievous edge to it which Sana couldn’t help but be curious about.

“Well lead the way then.” Sana raised an eyebrow at Dahyun and allowed the younger girl to help her out of the seat. Dahyun stopping to pay the bill despite Sana’s protests.

“I’m the one who asked you out right?” Dahyun laughed as they stepped out into the street, the lampposts overhead lighting up the streetwalk as Sana interlocked her arms round one of Dahyun’s.

“Fine then I’m asking you on the next date.” Sana sighed exasperated but planted a kiss on Dahyun’s cheek, shivering against the cold evening air.

“Here” Dahyun slid her arm out from Sana’s grip and slipped her jacket off, placing it gently on her shoulders. “Think it might suit you more than me anyways” She smiled cheekily.

“If I hear one teeth chitter from you then you’re taking this back” Sana grumbled but slipped her arms through the sleeves, grateful for the extra layer as she latched onto Dahyun again, allowing the younger girl to again lead her on their way.

Before long the two arrived at the university, most notably the music building, giving Dahyun a quizzical look the two entered heading towards the practice rooms. Eventually Dahyun found her practice room and pushed open the door, making sure as usual to leave it open just slightly.

“Here, have a seat.” Dahyun had pulled over a spare stool to the side of the piano that sat in the centre of the room, taking her own seat at the piano itself.

“You know, back before I started getting better I was in here one day. I’d been struggling with my personal piece, you know. The one you keep annoying me to hear?” Dahyun flashed a grin at Sana who rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

“I must have spent hours in here trying to get it right but it felt so empty to me.” A sad smile was on Dahyun’s face, thinking back to how lost she’d felt back then. “But. Then thanks to Tzuyu and Mina, then you and the girls. I started to get better. I started to really like what I was creating again. I know you’ve wanted to hear it, so.” Dahyun nodded towards the piano as Sana’s eyes went wide with excitement.

“You mean you’re finished! Wait. Am I the first person you’re letting hear it?” Sana’s smile grew as she leaned forward towards Dahyun who had rolled up her sleeves.

“Of course you are, what kind of girlfriend would I be if you weren’t? Dahyun raised an eyebrow at Sana who blushed and leant back, waiting for Dahyun to start playing.

The song began in the same way that Sana remembered it from so many months ago, melancholic, harsh, she could feel the resentment and angst from the piece, could hear the difference in Dahyun’s playing.

Back then Sana had thought the original was beautiful but this was heart wrenching, she could feel the sorrow that Dahyun must have felt, the regrets and hurt that she carried for so long.

And then there was a change, a shift in tempo and tone that signaled something was different, the tone was still dark but it was lighter now, like the load had been lessened.

And then another tone change, a shift to a brighter sound, it felt hopeful, optimistic, like something was building. But there was something holding it all back, the emotion was there but it was tempered. Like it wasn’t ready to let it all out.

Then the two tones clashed, the darker music blended in and out the music, Dahyun’s hands jumping up and down the piano to meld the two together in what should have sounded like a complete tonal clash. The notes discoherent with one another, until they slowed, melding to meet each other in the middle to create a melody that Sana could feel spreading through her body. It wasn’t the sorrow of the beginning or the resistance of the middle, this was acceptance, it was bright and it was bold and she could see on Dahyun’s face this was how she felt now.

As the song drew to a close, the final notes echoing in the room Sana threw herself round Dahyun’s shoulders, peppering the top of her head and side of her face with kisses before finally finding her lips and bringing them together, her hands sliding over the top of Dahyun’s shoulders as she smiled against her girlfriend’s lips.

Breaking the kiss Dahyun smiled up at Sana, noticing the look of awe and appreciation in her eyes. “So you liked it then huh?” She blushed as Sana giggled and nodded.

“It was. I don’t want to say beautiful because I don’t think it does it justice. It was raw and honest and. I could feel everything you put into the music.” Sana beamed down at Dahyun then became confused as she saw the same mischievous grin from earlier on Dahyun’s face.

“So between this time and last time, which did you prefer S?” Dahyun raised her eyebrow at Sana, her grin growing as she reached into the inside of her jacket that Sana was still wearing and pulled out a note. The same note Sana had stuck on the door many months ago after almost being caught watching a cute girl play piano.

“You kept it..?” Sana looked down at the note in surprise, seeing her own handwriting and smiling at the memory.

“It was the first thing that had made me feel anything in a long time.” Dahyun smiled “Of course I did. But you didn’t answer my ques-” Dahyun was cut off by Sana leaning in and kissing her again. This time in a less frantic manner, her lips moving gently against Dahyun’s as Dahyun moved her hands to Sana’s waist, Sana’s arms still resting over Dahyun’s shoulders. The two melting away into their own world, their lips keeping them anchored to one another. The taste of Sana’s lips was fast moving up the list of things Dahyun would never grow tired of tasting. The sensation of Dahyun deepening the kiss a feeling that Sana could become addicted to overnight.

“This version. For sure” Sana breathlessly whispered into Dahyun’s ear, kissing down and along her jawline to capture her lips once more. “Does it have a name?”

“When the Rain Stopped Following Me” Dahyun replied, a soft smile on her lips as she and Sana sat on the piano stool, foreheads touched against one another. “It was the day I met you.”

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THREE AND A HALF YEARS LATER
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“And the last to graduate with a first class honours in musical theory. Lee JiHoon!”

Cheers erupted as JiHoon shook the Dean’s hand and gave a small wave to his family and large group of friends who were all stood clapping and cheering from him as he crossed the stage.

“Now to give the Valedictorian Farewell Speech for the Musical Theory course please welcome back Ms Kim Dahyun!”

Fresh cheers erupted from the crowd again, a particularly unruly group led by a ginger woman screaming at the top of her lungs drawing side eyes from some of the other attendees. Not that Sana gave a shit in the slightest. Today was her baby’s day. Kim Dahyun. Taking their seats once more as Dahyun approached the lectern Sana waved at her girlfriend blowing kisses through the air, which Dahyun rolled her eyes at. The smile and glint in her eyes gave away the fact she wasn’t annoyed in the slightest.

Dahyun began her speech, thanking professors and her fellow classmates for all their hard work during their time at the university. Stating how excited she was to see where they would all go in their careers, adding that although this was the end of one chapter she would always look back fondly on her time at the school. Drawing to the close Dahyun gave her personal thanks, highlighting her family and friends for how they had all pulled her through university when there were times she wasn’t sure she could carry on with it.
“And lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my biggest cheerleader. My girlfriend Sana. She’s been a rock on so many occasions. During late nights when I was cramming for exams, when I was banging my head against a wall trying to get a piece together that wouldn’t pull together for love nor money.” Dahyun laughed as she found Sana’s face in the crowd and smiled widely. “I can say for sure that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and care. And for that I’ll always be grateful. TO US, THE CLASS OF 2019” Dahyun removed her cap throwing it high in the air, her classmates following suit as cheers and claps resounded through the auditorium.

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Dahyun’s parents had found her quickly after the ceremony had completed, her dad wrapping her in a big hug as he held back tears telling her how proud he was. Her mom patting him on the back as she told Dahyun the same. As her dad released Dahyun heard her name being called and then was almost taken off her feet by a ginger blur in the form of her girlfriend tackling her into a hug.

“You did so good, Dahyun I’m so so proud of you!” Sana managed to gasp out recovering from running about to find Dahyun, her girlfriend laughing at the slightly dishevelled state Sana had gotten herself into. “The girls are all gonna meet us for dinner later. They didn’t want to crowd you too much when this place is as busy as it is.” Sana detached herself from Dahyun to greet her parents, although Dahyun missed the knowing look between the three.

“So what now? We have tons of time before dinner?” Dahyun asked, looking at the three people with her.

“We’ll give you girls some time together and meet you at the restaurant kid, enjoy your new-found freedom!” Dahyun’s dad chuckled as he pulled her into another hug, her mother joining in.

“C’mon hyunnie, let’s take a last walk about campus, your last time here after all.” Sana tugged at Dahyun’s arm, pulling her along through the crowd of people till they escaped the auditorium.

The two wandered for sometime, reminiscing on their time in university together, Sana already a year graduated and settled into her role as a primary teacher. They laughed about how dramatic things had been at times, from stressing about classes to fights between them over the smallest things.

Eventually they found themselves in a familiar park, Sana guiding them to a bench to take a moment off their feet. “It’s hard to believe it’s all over now. We’re proper adults, I’m teaching and you’re already lined up for several composing opportunities.” Sana smiled as she leaned her head on Dahyun’s shoulder, their hands intertwined as they watched the people in the park.

There were other graduates walking about with families, everyday workers and families all going about their daily lives.

“Guess moment’s like this will be a little rarer now with us having less free time huh?” Dahyun smiled as she rubbed Sana’s hand gently with her thumb.

“Maybe moment’s like this exactly but every moment I get to spend with you is a good one Dahyun” Sana smiled, planting a kiss on Dahyun’s cheek before moving her head from Dahyun’s shoulder.

“You know, before you I never had any interest in romance. I know Nayeon’s told you plenty about me being a heartthrob in first year but nobody ever caught my attention like you did.” Sana smiled gently, her hand sliding into the pocket of her trousers. “There was something about you even when you were at such a low point I found myself inexplicably drawn to. I mean I asked Nayeon for help. That's got to speak to how desperate I was.” The two giggled at that.

“But even after meeting you that never went away. Everyday we’ve spent together I’ve fallen more and more hopelessly in love with you. And I don’t ever want that to change.” Sana smoothly slid from the seat, moving into a kneeling position with a small box in one hand.

“Which is why I don’t plan on letting you go Kim Dahyun. Which is why I want to ask if you’ll give me the immense pleasure of becoming my wife?” Sana looked Dahyun in the eyes, her heart beating in her throat. She knew it was a big question, especially given they both were at the beginnings of their careers and th-

Sana’s line of thought was caught off by Dahyun diving into her to hug her. “Yes, yes a million times yes I will marry you.” Dahyun gasped out between tears and happy laughter. The two girls giggling on the ground as Sana took Dahyun’s hand and slid the ring gently onto her finger. Dahyun was in awe of how beautiful it was, a simple golden band with three small stones atop it. “It’s gorgeous Sana, I love it. I love you so much.”

The two girls kissed, Dahyun’s arms wrapped around Sana’s waist and Sana’s arms over Dahyun’s shoulders. In the same spot that so many years ago Sana had kissed Dahyun for the first time. They had each other and that was all they’d ever need.