Work Text:
Yoona stared down at her black phone screen. She clicked it on to check the time, then clicked it off again. No unread messages, no missed calls. The last message in their chat from her at two.
“Are you coming home for dinner?”
The other person had replied with a single, short “Mmmm.” followed by a rabbit sticker giving a thumbs-up. It looked a little goofy. She had drawn it to cheer Jinsol up, and Jinsol later made it her usual reply sticker.
Yoona watched that rabbit for a few seconds before tossing the phone face down on the sofa.
Jinsol had been buried in work lately.
A new project had just kicked off, and as a core team member, Jinsol had been pulled into a first in, last out routine for two straight weeks. It wasn’t a big deal overall. Work is work, everyone gets busy. Yoona was just as overwhelmed. Her team was trying to finish a bid, so she worked late every night, too.
The real issue was that their schedules didn’t match at all.
When Yoona worked late, Jinsol stayed even later. When Yoona finally had a night off, Jinsol was still at the office. The only time they were both awake and in the same place that week was at two in the morning on Wednesday. Yoona was heading to the bathroom when she ran into Jinsol right as she came through the door. They locked eyes. Jinsol gave a tired “hi” with a weak smile, then dropped onto the sofa and passed out.
Jinsol was a messy sleeper. She lay all twisted up, her hair like a bird’s nest, her wrinkled blazer trapped beneath her. Yoona had thought about waking her up for a shower, but Jinsol looked too exhausted so she changed her mind. She carefully eased the blazer off Jinsol, covered her with a blanket and quietly turned off the lights before returning to bed.
Yoona woke up to find Jinsol had already left, but a warm cup of soy milk and a little note waited for her on the coffee table. “I’m heading out. Drink the soy milk while it’s hot.” the note read.
She finished the milk, crushed the note in her hand, and threw it into the trash. She couldn’t even explain why she felt so irritable. She understood how important the project was. It marked a turning point in Jinsol’s career. Yoona supported her. When Jinsol excitedly talked about the project details, she listened with focus and even helped go over potential risks.
But she still felt unhappy.
There was no clear reason for it. Or maybe the reasons were too trivial, the kind that would make her feel childish if she said them out loud. Was it because Jinsol hadn’t really talked to her for days? Because she came home and went straight to sleep without even a hug? Or because of that short reply and the silly sticker?
Yoona stood by the window and unconsciously twisted the ends of her hair that fell over her shoulders. She was 26 with a stable job, a decent income, her own place and car. Why did she still feel like she was 16 and get anxious just because someone took too long to reply to her message?
She remembered their college days. Jinsol had pursued her intensely and wanted to stay close to her all the time. She sat beside Yoona in class, walked her back to the dorm, and talked on the phone with her at night until their ears felt like they were burning. Once, when Yoona called in sick, Jinsol was so worried that she skipped class to run to Yoona’s place and wait outside her door until she woke up.
Back then, Yoona even found her a little annoying.
Now that Jinsol was busy and no longer had time to bother her, she felt miserable.
Yoona let out a soft sigh and headed to the kitchen. There were still groceries in the fridge from yesterday. She had planned to cook a proper meal for Jinsol tonight. Now, everything remained untouched in the crisper drawer.
She took a bottle of water, had a sip, and put it back. When she closed the fridge, she noticed a polaroid held by a magnet. It was from their beach trip last month. Jinsol was hugging her, smiling so widely her eyes were shut, while Yoona rested her head on Jinsol’s shoulder.
She looked at it for a long time, then took it down and fixed it back under the magnet. That way, she would not have to look at Jinsol’s silly smile.
Yoona went back to the living room and picked up her phone. After hesitating for a moment, she opened the chat anyway.
She typed: “What time are you coming home?” — Delete.
Typed again: “Still working late?” — Delete.
Again: “Have you eaten dinner yet?” — Still delete.
Finally, she threw the phone back on the sofa and headed for the shower. As the hot water hit her, she closed her eyes and thought Whatever. I’ll deal with her when she gets back.
By the time the bathroom filled with steam, by the time she dried her hair and stepped out, by the time she stood there and watched the city sink into darkness, Jinsol still hadn’t shown up.
Her phone screen suddenly lit up.
Yoona grabbed it right away.
She hoped it was Jinsol. Any message would have been enough. But it was only Jiwoo sending documents for next week’s meeting.
Yoona sighed and put the phone down. What the hell was she even hoping for?
When the sound of the lock turning finally came, Yoona lay on the sofa and pretended to be asleep.
She didn't know the reason. She had waited all night. There were too many things she wanted to say. She had wanted to get up at once and confront Jinsol the moment she walked in. But when the key turned, she closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing.
The footsteps were soft. Jinsol must have changed her shoes at the entrance. A quiet thud followed as she set something on the shoe cabinet. Then came the faint rustle of her jacket as she took it off.
The steps drew closer. Yoona felt someone stop beside the sofa. Then she heard the fabric of Jinsol’s pants rustle as she knelt down. She could feel the gaze resting on her face. She tried to keep her breathing even, but her eyelashes fluttered slightly and gave her away.
“You’re faking it, aren’t you?” Jinsol’s voice was soft, sounding a bit drained after the long day, but there was a hint of a smile in it.
Yoona didn’t move.
A few seconds later, a hand brushed the hair away from her forehead. A fingertip rested at her temple before it traced the curve of her face and moved slowly down to her chin. The hand felt a little cold, but fingers were soft and careful, as if Jinsol was afraid to wake her, or perhaps she didn't want to let go.
Yoona opened her eyes.
Jinsol was crouching right in front of her, close enough for Yoona to see the dark circles under her eyes and the tired light dancing in them.
“Did I wake you?” Jinsol asked with a smile, even though she knew Yoona had been faking it.
Seeing Yoona just stare at her without a word, Jinsol felt a pang of guilt and started to move back. As soon as she shifted, Yoona caught her collar and stopped her.
“What time is it?” Yoona asked and pulled her closer.
Jinsol glanced at her phone. “Almost one.”
“So you do know what time it is.” Yoona said, unable to keep the saltiness out of her voice.
“Sorry.” Jinsol lowered her head.
“Did you eat?” Yoona let go of her collar. She sat up and fixed her hair.
“Yeah, the company ordered takeout.”
“Was it good?”
“It was okay.”
“What time did you eat?”
“Around six. Why?”
Yoona didn’t answer. She stood up and walked into the kitchen. Jinsol followed her and watched as Yoona opened the fridge and took the ingredients out, placing them on the counter.
“I bought them today.” Yoona said without turning around. “I was going to cook for you.”
Jinsol looked at the ingredients. There were chicken wings, pork ribs, fresh vegetables, and a small jar of kimchi Yoona had made herself. All of them were her favorites. Everything was neatly prepared, yet nothing had been touched.
“Yoona...” Jinsol began, but guilt rose in her chest and left her unable to continue.
Yoona turned to face her and leaned against the counter. The light behind her softened her features and blurred her face. Only her eyes were clear. They were dark and filled with thoughts Jinsol couldn’t read, no matter how long they had been together.
“Bae Jinsol, have you even talked to me this week?”
Jinsol paused for a moment. She lowered her head and pressed her lips together as regret crept in. “Yesterday we…”
“What time did you get home yesterday?”
“After two in the morning...”
“And the day before?”
“Also... pretty late.”
“And the day before that?”
Jinsol fell silent as she realized how pathetic their communication had been all week. It was a disaster for a couple who lived under the same roof.
The corner of Yoona’s mouth lifted into a smile, but Jinsol knew there was no joy in it. It was the kind of smile that made her chest ache.
“Did you text me today?”
Jinsol quickly took out her phone and scrolled through their chat history. The last message was her reply, a single “Mmmm” and that sticker. She scrolled up. Yoona had sent so many messages and she hadn’t replied to a single one.
Wait, no, she had replied. It was that short message that didn't even match the context. It showed a complete lack of effort. It felt almost worse than not replying at all.
Jinsol clutched her phone and stood there dumbfounded, unable to say anything but a feeble “I’m sorry.”
Yoona didn't react. She put the ingredients away one by one and closed the fridge. Then she went back to the living room to sit on the sofa and picked up the book she had been staring at for two hours. She treated Jinsol just like she didn't exist.
Jinsol crept over and sat down beside her.
Total cold shoulder.
Jinsol scooted a little closer.
Yoona turned a page without even looking at her.
Jinsol moved in again until their shoulders nearly touched.
Yoona slid over, widening the gap as if Jinsol were contagious.
Jinsol stopped and studied Yoona’s profile. Her lashes slanted downward, her mouth set in a hard line, and her fingers held the edge of the page too tightly.
“Yoona.” She called softly.
No response.
“Seol Yoona.”
Still nothing.
Jinsol took a deep breath then gently pressed down on the page.
Only then did Yoona look up.
Jinsol’s eyes were full of apology. “I’m really sorry.” Her voice dropping into a pathetic whine. “I’ve been so busy lately. It’s my fault. I haven’t been paying enough attention to you.”
Yoona stared at her. Of course it’s your fault. Who else’s would it be?
“But I didn’t mean to.” Jinsol said as her hand slipped from the book and came to rest on the back of Yoona’s hand. “You know how much this project means to me. I want to do well. I want the promotion. I want…” She paused. “I want to give you a better life.”
Yoona’s eyes flickered.
“I know that’s not an excuse.” Jinsol held Yoona’s hand tighter and rubbed her knuckles. “I should have made more time for you. No matter how busy I am. I should have paid more attention to your messages. I handled this badly.”
Her palm was a little sweaty, probably from stress and exhaustion. But it was warm, warmer than Yoona’s hand. When Jinsol held her like that, that heat made it hard for Yoona to pull away.
“Did you eat anything else today?” Yoona asked suddenly.
Jinsol blinked. “I told you, I had takeout.”
“What about after that?”
“I’ve just been working until now, so...”
“So nothing else?”
Jinsol thought for a moment. “I had a cup of coffee.”
Yoona let go of her hand and stood up, heading back to the kitchen. Jinsol followed her, looking confused, as she took out a carton of milk, poured some into a mug, and put it in the microwave. The machine began to hum. A warm yellow light fell across Yoona’s face and made her look a little softer, though she had always been gentle at heart.
“Do you even sleep at night?” Yoona asked again.
“I do... a few hours.”
“How many is a few?”
“Maybe three or four.”
The microwave beeped. Yoona took out the mug and pushed it towards Jinsol.
“Drink it.”
The mug was still hot, steam rising from it. Jinsol looked up at Yoona, hoping for a smile or a teasing glance, but Yoona avoided her gaze. She leaned against the counter with her head down and seemed lost in thought.
She knew Yoona was still upset.
Yoona always looked after people even when she was in a bad mood, and the fact that she was the reason for that mood made Jinsol feel even worse.
Jinsol drank it quickly despite the heat. Then she set it down and stepped closer until they were barely an inch apart. After a brief pause, she wrapped her arms around Yoona and gently stroked her back.
Yoona went stiff for a moment but she didn’t push Jinsol away.
“Yoona, I’m so sorry.” Jinsol rested her chin on Yoona’s shoulder. Her hand continued to move in slow, soothing circles on her back.
Yoona said nothing, but she slowly relaxed, leaning into Jinsol’s embrace. She buried her face in Jinsol’s shoulder, her voice muffled. “I’m mad at myself. For getting upset over such small things. It’s so childish.”
Jinsol chuckled softly and tightened her arms. “It’s not childish.”
“It totally is.” Yoona mumbled. “You’re busy with work. It’s not like you’re out having fun. I have no reason to be upset.”
“But you are upset.”
Yoona was silent.
“I made you feel that way so it’s on me. It doesn’t matter how busy I was.” Jinsol said as her lips brushed the top of Yoona’s head.
Yoona stirred in her arms and looked up. Their eyes met again. This time, the emptiness in Yoona’s gaze was gone. It was replaced with hurt, resentment, longing, and a hint of embarrassment.
“You didn’t hug me once this week. Not even once.” She said.
The sudden change in tone caught Jinsol off guard. She chuckled before pulling her into an even tighter hug and kissing the curve of her neck. “I know. I won’t let it happen again.”
“You always say that.” Yoona said with a pout as she finally hugged her back.
“This time I really mean it.”
The corner of Yoona’s mouth twitched as if she wanted to say something. She lowered her eyes and leaned back against Jinsol, gripping her shirt.
“I stayed up late waiting for you.” She whispered. “I thought when you got home, we could... hug and talk for a bit. But you just fell over and went to sleep.”
Jinsol remembered that night she got home at nearly two and saw a silhouette by the bedroom door. She had been so sleep-deprived her brain was fogged over; all she wanted was to lie down. Jinsol felt like a total asshole. She took a deep breath and pulled Yoona back just enough to look her in the face.
Yoona kept her eyes down and her lips slightly pursed. She looked stubborn and pitiful. Jinsol’s heart melted at that look, the side Yoona only ever showed to her.
“Don’t wait up for me.” Jinsol placed a kiss on her cheek. “If I’m late, just go to sleep. You can get even with me tomorrow.”
“Get even how?” Yoona smiled at the kiss. The color on her cheeks showed how much she enjoyed it.
“The no-hug debt.” Jinsol answered in a serious tone. “If I miss one night, I owe you two the next day. Two nights make four. If I owe you a whole week… I guess I’ll have to hold you until you fall asleep for a whole month to make up for it.”
Yoona laughed despite herself, but quickly pressed her lips together to hide her smile. She turned her face away, but her ears were already red.
Jinsol’s heart itched. She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against Yoona’s earlobe.
“So, how much do you owe me now?” Yoona’s voice wavered, her neck shrinking back slightly.
Jinsol did the math. “Let’s count from Monday, that’s five nights. One hug per night makes five. According to my payment plan, the first night’s debt doubles the next day to two. The second night’s hug goes on top of the third day, but the third day already owed two, so that makes…”
“Bae Jinsol.” Yoona giggled, putting a hand over her mouth. “Stop.”
“Why?” Jinsol’s voice was muffled behind her palm.
“I don’t think you can calculate it.”
Jinsol blinked and smiled. “Fair point. I’ve lost track anyway. So what’s the plan?”
Yoona didn’t answer with words. Her eyes curved slightly as she smiled, then she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Jinsol’s lips.
“Let me collect them.” She heard Yoona whisper against her lips, and before she could react, the other girl kissed her again.
Her lips were cool at first, then quickly turned warm. Yoona always kissed without hesitation. Every time they kissed, she tried to tell Jinsol how much she loved her. Jinsol could always feel it through that touch. Just like now, Yoona poured everything into it. Every unspoken feeling, every moment they missed, every bit of warmth that had been out of reach for days.
Jinsol wrapped an arm around Yoona’s waist and held the back of her head with the other. The kiss deepened as Jinsol poured herself into it. God, she missed this. She had been craving it like crazy. It made her want to just devour Yoona whole.
Yoona clung tightly to Jinsol’s shoulders, kissing her until she forgot everything else. Time seemed to stop until they finally pulled back, gasping for air. One of Yoona’s hands threaded through Jinsol’s hair, gently stroking the back of her head. Jinsol knew Yoona was feeling better, or at least, that she was finally letting Jinsol comfort her. She shut her eyes and enjoyed the warmth, resting her head against Yoona’s shoulder.
“Have you been eating properly these past few days?” Yoona asked.
“Not really. I didn’t feel like eating.” Jinsol shook her head as she thought about quick meals and the heavy workload that ruined her appetite.
“Too much coffee?”
“Probably.”
She couldn’t see Yoona’s expression, but she heard the soft sigh. Yoona let go of her, turned back, and opened the fridge. She watched Yoona take food out of the fridge, wash the vegetables, and slice the meat.
“What are you doing?” she asked, surprised.
“Cooking.”
“Now?”
“Yeah.”
“You don’t have to, it’s so late.”
“That takeout doesn’t count.” Yoona said without looking back.
Looking at Yoona’s busy back, the pale skin of her nape, and the focused way she chopped vegetables, Jinsol felt incredibly lucky. Her nose stung with a sudden rush of emotion. She sniffled and hugged Yoona from behind.
Yoona paused for a moment. “What now?”
Jinsol rested her chin on Yoona’s shoulder and watched her slice. “I just want to hold you.”
“Stop sucking up.” Yoona muttered. She tried to push Jinsol away with her hip, but the taller girl stayed pressed against her. “Bae Jinsol, don’t you have any other tricks?”
Jinsol laughed and tightened her arms. “I know you love this one. I don’t think I need to change it. Or tell me what you like. I’ll do that instead.”
Yoona snorted. She let Jinsol stay close while she cooked and occasionally told her to hand things over.
Jinsol did exactly as told but refused to let go, sticking to Yoona like an oversized accessory. She was definitely in the way, but Yoona didn’t really protest, only giving her a light poke with her elbow now and then to show her not-really-annoyance.
The oil was hot. Yoona dropped the chicken wings in. The sizzle and the smell filled the kitchen at once. Jinsol caught the scent and realized she was truly hungry. Her stomach growled.
“So good.” She breathed in deeply.
Yoona flipped the wings. “So you are hungry.”
“I’m starving.”
“Serves you right.”
Jinsol laughed softly and rubbed her cheek against Yoona’s shoulder. “I deserve it. Please fatten me up, baby.”
The touch tickled a little. Yoona tried to pull away, but she could not. She glanced back at Jinsol with mock annoyance, though there was more fondness than anything else. “Go sit and wait. Stop getting in the way.”
Jinsol refused, her arm around Yoona’s waist tightening like a belt. “I want to watch you cook.”
“There’s nothing to watch.”
“It’s a beautiful view.” Jinsol said with a straight face. “You’re the most beautiful thing I know.”
Words like that always made Yoona pause. She acted as if she was focused on the chicken, but her smile gave her away.
When the chicken was done, Jinsol finally let go and helped set the table. Two dishes and a soup sat on the small dining table. They were simple but incredibly appetizing.
Yoona scooped a bowl of rice and placed it in front of her.
Jinsol picked up a wing and took a big bite. The skin was nicely charred, the meat was juicy, and the sauce tasted just the way she liked. When they first moved in, she handled most of the cooking. As she became busier, Yoona started to cook more because she didn't want to depend on her. She was actually quite good. This fried chicken was one of Jinsol’s favorites, though she would honestly enjoy anything Yoona made.
She was halfway through her bowl when she looked up at Yoona, who was sitting across from her, watching her eat with a very gentle expression.
“Aren’t you eating?” Jinsol asked.
“Not hungry.”
“Eat a little with me. I can’t finish all this.” Jinsol got up to get another bowl and chopsticks, scooped some rice for Yoona, and picked the biggest chicken wing for her.
They sat and ate like that. Neither of them spoke, but there was no awkwardness or embarrassment.
“I really missed you these past few days.” Jinsol suddenly put down her bowl and chopsticks, looking seriously at Yoona. Seeing Yoona’s confusion, she quickly added, “I kept wanting to finish early so I could come home to you, but...” She sighed. “The work just kept coming. And then...” Jinsol nodded, a little guiltily.
A few seconds passed in silence before Yoona sighed quietly. “You know, Sol, I don’t really know how to tell you what I feel.”
Jinsol was surprised. Yoona set her chopsticks aside and clasped her hands on the table. She looked down at the plate of chicken wings, seeming to ponder something before speaking again.
“I kept thinking about how to say it. ‘Bae Jinsol, you ignored me all week and I’m upset’? It sounded so childish. But keeping it in felt worse. So I stayed silent and thought you might notice, but you were busy. In the end, I only made myself feel worse.”
Jinsol remembered the early days of their relationship. Yoona had always been like that. She struggled to put things into words, so she showed her feelings through actions. Even when she was angry, she still cared. She used to keep everything inside and wait for Jinsol to figure it out and comfort her. At first, Jinsol thought Yoona was difficult to understand, but she couldn’t leave her and slowly became used to it. Later, she understood that Yoona wasn’t difficult. She just didn’t know how to voice her feelings.
Yoona was used to carrying everything on her own. If she was unhappy, she endured it. If she was hurt, she swallowed it. She believed that was part of being an adult. But love didn’t work like that. Love needed to be spoken, and it needed to be known.
“Yoona, if you’re upset, just tell me. Don’t hold back. Don’t worry about how it sounds. I know you and I’ll understand even if you’re being clumsy about it.” Jinsol reached out and rubbed her palm. “Tell me everything, even the smallest things. It’s okay to be childish. I’m worse than you.”
Yoona’s lips twitched. “Bae Jinsol, you’re going to spoil me.”
Jinsol grinned and pressed Yoona’s hand to her lips. “Then I’ll take responsibility for it.”
Yoona looked at her for a long moment before pulling her hand away. She stood, walked around the table, and stopped right in front of Jinsol. Before Jinsol could react, Yoona bent down and kissed her. Jinsol was a little startled, but she lifted a hand and gently cupped Yoona’s cheek.
When they finally pulled apart, Yoona said. “I’m collecting that debt tonight.”
Chicken wings and soup were left on the table. They had already disappeared into the bedroom.
Jinsol knelt in front of Yoona, who sat against the headboard. She leaned closer and kissed her slowly. She started at her lips, then skurried to her chin, and mapped the line of her throat.
“Sol.” Yoona leaned her head back, exposing her neck as her breath hitched.
“Yes?” Jinsol mumbled in reply, her lips still pressed against Yoona’s collarbone.
“You haven’t showered yet.”
“What, am I gross?” Jinsol looked up with a teasing grin. “You started this, remember?”
Yoona shot her a look, but she had no comeback. She put her hands on Jinsol’s shoulders and pulled her back down. Jinsol laughed, her warm breath brushing against Yoona’s skin. When she finished laughing, she went back to kissing her, adding a light bite to her collarbone.
Yoona jerked her shoulder back and held onto Jinsol more tightly. She wanted to continue, but the smell of sweat, the outside air, and fried chicken made it hard to stay focused.
“No, I’m serious. Shower first. I can’t focus like this.” Yoona finally pushed Jinsol back with some real effort.
Jinsol’s lips turned down in a small pout, but she still got off the bed and grabbed her clothes from the dresser. Before going into the bathroom, she glanced back at Yoona leaning against the headboard, her hair slightly mussed, her collar askew, revealing the faint teeth mark on her collarbone. She wished she could shower in one second and get back to it.
Yoona rolled over and buried her face in the pillow, her ears burning as she waited.
The water shut off after fifteen minutes. The door opened, and a wave of warm steam rolled out. Yoona heard Jinsol’s steps and felt the mattress dip beside her. Before she could turn, Jinsol drew her into an embrace from behind.
“All clean.” Jinsol’s voice was right by her ear, the warm breath ghosting over her neck. “Still awake?”
Yoona didn’t move or say a word, but her body betrayed her, scooting back to press firmly against Jinsol’s chest.
Jinsol gave a low laugh and held her tighter. Her skin stayed warm from the shower, with a faint scent of soap that felt both gentle and intoxicating.
“Turn around.” She whispered.
Yoona hesitated for a heartbeat before rolling over to face her. It was dark, but they could see each other clearly. Yoona slid her fingers into Jinsol’s wet hair to stroke gently.
“Should we continue? I still owe you a lot.” Jinsol leaned in and brushed her lips against Yoona’s.
Yoona gave no reply. She only raised her hand and circled it around Jinsol’s neck.
At some point, Jinsol’s hand slipped beneath Yoona’s shirt and came to rest at her waist. Yoona gave a small shiver and her breath caught. Jinsol placed her lips again on the same spots as before. The kisses were soft but they burned against Yoona’s skin and left her unable to stay still under Jinsol.
“Don’t leave any marks.” Yoona warned breathlessly.
“I won’t.” Jinsol answered with a soft laugh. She unbuttoned Yoona’s shirt one piece at a time then pressed a kiss over her bare heart. “Only where no one can see.”