Chapter Text
The bass inside the club practically shook the floor beneath Wonyoung’s heels.
Lights flashed across the crowded dance floor, red and blue and purple spilling over sweaty bodies moving to the beat. The air smelled like alcohol, perfume, and smoke machines, loud laughter mixing with the music that pounded through the walls.
Wonyoung sat in the VIP booth with one leg crossed over the other, already halfway through her second drink.
“Okay,” Jiwon said dramatically as she leaned back against the booth, “this officially beats the last club.”
Gaeul nodded while sipping her cocktail. “Way better. Less creepy businessmen.”
“Debatable,” Wonyoung muttered.
Almost immediately, another guy approached their table holding a tray of drinks with his friends behind him.
“Here’s another admirer,” Jiwon whispered under her breath.
The guy smiled at Wonyoung first, obviously. They always did.
“Ladies,” he greeted smoothly. “Mind if we join you?”
Before Wonyoung could answer, Gaeul grinned politely. “Depends. Are those drinks free?”
The guys laughed.
“Yes, absolutely.”
“Then sit,” Jiwon answered instantly.
Wonyoung rolled her eyes, though she accepted the fresh drink handed to her. “You two are unbelievable.”
“You’re the one heartbroken,” Jiwon said. “You need alcohol.”
“I’m not heartbroken.”
“Right,” Gaeul snorted. “You just broke up with Sunghoon again for fun.”
Wonyoung groaned loudly and dropped her head onto the table.
“Can we not talk about him tonight?”
“Fine,” Jiwon said. “No more ex-boyfriend discussion.”
Not even thirty seconds later, Gaeul asked, “So if he calls tomorrow…”
“I’m blocking both of you.”
The girls burst into laughter.
Honestly, Wonyoung was trying not to think about it. About Sunghoon. About their exhausting cycle of breaking up, making up, fighting again, then acting like nothing happened.
It was tiring. And humiliating sometimes.
Especially because every single one of their friends knew she’d probably take him back eventually.
Again.
The alcohol burned warmly down her throat as she stood from the booth.
“I’m dancing,” she announced.
Jiwon immediately grabbed her hand. “That’s my girl.”
Hours passed in a blur after that.
Dancing.
Drinking.
Laughing.
Ignoring men.
A lot of ignoring men.
One guy tried holding Wonyoung’s waist while dancing and she immediately removed his hand without hesitation.
“Don’t touch me,” she said flatly.
The guy awkwardly backed off after that.
Another tried buying her a ridiculously expensive bottle.
Another asked for her Instagram.
Another asked if she had a boyfriend.
“Unfortunately,” she answered dryly.
But eventually, the constant attention became exhausting.
Especially one particular guy who clearly couldn’t take a hint.
“You’re seriously the prettiest girl here,” he kept saying while following her around near the dance floor.
Wonyoung gave him a tight smile. “Thanks.”
“So dance with me.”
“I already am dancing.”
“With me.”
“I’m good.”
“You came to a club just to reject people?”
Jiwon mouthed “save yourself” from nearby while trying not to laugh.
Wonyoung shot her a betrayed look before slipping away from the crowd.
“I need another drink,” she muttered to herself.
The bar area was slightly quieter compared to the rest of the club. Still loud, but at least she could breathe.
She sat down on one of the stools and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“That bad, huh?”
The voice made her look up.
And for a second, Wonyoung genuinely forgot what she was about to say.
The bartender standing across from her was…
Pretty wasn’t even the right word.
Handsome, maybe.
Sharp jawline.
Short dark hair pushed back casually.
Black button-up with the sleeves rolled to her elbows.
Tattoo peeking slightly from underneath.
And then there were the dimples.
God, the dimples.
The bartender smirked slightly like she already noticed Wonyoung staring.
“See something you like?”
Wonyoung blinked, immediately flustered.
“Oh. Uh…”
Cute, the bartender thought instantly.
“What can I get you?” she asked.
Wonyoung looked at the menu without really reading it. “Anything strong.”
“That sounds like you’re going through something.”
“I’m going through a breakup.”
“Ah,” the bartender nodded knowingly. “Now it makes sense.”
Wonyoung pointed at her. “Exactly.”
The bartender chuckled softly before turning around to make the drink.
Wonyoung watched her work.
Smooth movements.
Confident.
Comfortable.
Like she belonged here.
“What’s your name?” the bartender asked while mixing the drink.
“Shouldn’t you tell me yours first?”
The bartender glanced back with a grin. “Fair enough.”
She slid the finished drink toward Wonyoung.
“Yujin.”
Wonyoung repeated it quietly in her head.
Yujin.
It suited her.
“Wonyoung,” she replied.
Yujin leaned against the counter slightly. “Pretty name.”
“You say that to everyone?”
“No,” Yujin answered immediately.
The directness caught Wonyoung off guard.
For some reason, it made heat creep up her neck.
“So,” Yujin continued casually, “what’s a pretty girl like you doing alone at the bar?”
Wonyoung laughed softly. “Escaping.”
“From?”
“A man that doesn’t understand rejection.”
“Unfortunately common.”
“You would know?”
“I work at a club.”
“Right.”
Yujin laughed again.
The sound was warm. Easy, and strangely comforting.
Wonyoung took a sip of the drink and nearly groaned.
“Oh wow.”
“Good?”
“That’s really strong…but good.”
“I told you.”
Maybe it was the alcohol.
Maybe it was the breakup frustration.
Maybe it was the way Yujin looked at her like she was genuinely interesting.
But suddenly Wonyoung found herself talking.
A lot.
“He keeps saying he’ll change,” Wonyoung rambled dramatically. “And then two months later we fight again because apparently basic communication is impossible for men.”
Yujin tried not to smile too hard.
“You sound very passionate about this.”
“I am passionate,” Wonyoung insisted. “Do you know what he said last week?”
“What did he say?”
“He said I was too hard to understand.”
Yujin winced jokingly. “Oooff, rookie mistake.”
“RIGHT?”
“Never tell a woman that.”
“Exactly!”
Yujin laughed fully now, dimples appearing again.
And Wonyoung noticed herself staring.
Again.
Dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Yujin noticed too.
“So,” Yujin said carefully, “why keep going back to him?”
Wonyoung sighed dramatically onto the counter. “I don’t know.”
“You love him?”
There was a pause.
“…Maybe I’m just used to him.”
Yujin hummed softly like she understood that answer more than Wonyoung expected.
Then she tilted her head slightly.
“You know,” Yujin started, “maybe you should try something different.”
“Like what?”
Yujin shrugged casually while wiping down the counter.
“Maybe try swinging the other way.”
Wonyoung deadpanned, then laughed.
“You know anyone?”
Yujin looked her dead in the eye.
“Me.”
The laughter slowly faded from Wonyoung’s face.
Because Yujin wasn’t joking.
At all.
The look in her eyes was confident. Calm. Certain.
And for some reason, Wonyoung’s stomach flipped.
Hard.
“Oh,” Wonyoung said quietly.
Yujin smirked slightly at her reaction.
“What?” she teased. “I’m serious.”
Wonyoung felt weirdly warm all over.
Nobody had ever looked at her like that before.
Not even Sunghoon.
It wasn’t just attraction.
It felt intentional.
Like Yujin had been studying her this entire conversation.
Then Yujin grabbed a small piece of paper from nearby and wrote something down quickly.
She slid it across the counter.
Wonyoung looked down.
A phone number.
“If you’re not too drunk by the end of the night and still remember this conversation,” Yujin said smoothly, “call me.”
Then she winked. “Again, the name’s Yujin.”
Wonyoung laughed softly despite herself and pointed at her own chest.
“Wonyoung...again.”
Yujin’s smile widened immediately.
“Well,” she said, “I really hope to hear from you later, Wonyoung.”
Before Wonyoung could answer, suddenly two familiar hands grabbed her arms.
“There you are!” Jiwon yelled over the music.
“We thought you got kidnapped,” Gaeul added dramatically.
Wonyoung nearly dropped the paper in surprise.
“I was talking!”
“You can talk later,” Jiwon said while pulling her away.
As Wonyoung got dragged backward into the crowd again, she looked over her shoulder toward the bar.
Yujin was still standing there watching her.
Still smiling.
“THANK YOU FOR THE FREE DRINK, YUJIN!” Wonyoung shouted loudly.
Yujin laughed and nodded once.
And then Wonyoung disappeared back into the sea of flashing lights and dancing strangers.
Meanwhile, Yujin stood there for a few seconds longer than necessary.
One of the other bartenders walked past her and smirked knowingly.
“You’re staring.”
Yujin immediately looked away. “I’m working.”
“Mhm.”
Yujin grabbed another glass.
But secretly…Quietly…
She hoped the pretty girl with sad eyes and a beautiful laugh would actually remember her by the end of the night.
— — —
By the time the clock neared two in the morning, the club had somehow gotten even louder.
The music still blasted through the speakers, people still packed tightly on the dance floor, but the energy had shifted. Everyone was either completely wasted, making reckless decisions, or desperately trying to extend the night.
Wonyoung sat back in the booth, slightly breathless from dancing while Jiwon struggled to keep Gaeul upright beside her.
“I’m not drunk,” Gaeul insisted for the fifth time before nearly falling sideways.
Jiwon caught her immediately. “You literally just lost a fight with gravity.”
“She’s bullying me,” Gaeul complained to Wonyoung.
Wonyoung laughed tiredly while fixing her hair. “You tried dancing on the platform.”
“And I looked hot.”
“You looked concussed.”
Gaeul gasped dramatically.
Jiwon snorted. “Okay, we’re leaving before she starts another argument with the DJ.”
The three girls eventually stumbled outside into the cool night air.
The contrast from the club made Wonyoung blink.
Everything suddenly felt quieter.
Still noisy from distant traffic and people lingering outside clubs nearby, but quieter enough for her buzzing thoughts to slowly return.
Jiwon already had one arm around Gaeul while checking her phone for their cab.
“You good?” she asked Wonyoung.
Wonyoung nodded. “Yeah.”
“You sure?”
“I’m tipsy, not dying.”
“Fair.”
A taxi pulled up shortly after.
Jiwon opened the back door carefully while Gaeul pointed randomly at the sky.
“I think I’m in love with that streetlight.”
“Get in the car,” Jiwon sighed.
Wonyoung laughed softly as she waved them goodbye.
“Text me when you get home,” Jiwon told her.
“You too.”
“And don’t take Sunghoon back tonight.”
Wonyoung rolled her eyes immediately. “Goodnight, Jiwon.”
The cab drove away, leaving Wonyoung alone outside the club.
For a moment, she just stood there quietly.
Her own taxi should be arriving soon.
She opened her purse to grab her lipstick and small mirror, fixing her makeup absentmindedly under the glow of nearby streetlights.
Then her fingers brushed against paper.
Wonyoung paused.
Slowly, she pulled out the folded piece of paper Yujin had given her earlier.
The number.
Just seeing it again made her stomach flutter strangely which was ridiculous.
She barely knew the bartender.
And yet…
Yujin’s smile immediately replayed in her head.
The dimples.
The confidence.
The way she looked at Wonyoung like she genuinely wanted to know her instead of just sleep with her.
Wonyoung sighed softly. “What are you doing…” she muttered to herself.
She wasn’t someone who did one night stands.
She wasn’t reckless.
Usually.
And she definitely never imagined herself seriously considering following a stranger home.
A female stranger at that.
The thought alone made her face warm.
Then again…
Yujin didn’t feel dangerous.
Confident? Yes.
Flirty? Definitely.
But not dangerous.
Before Wonyoung could think too deeply about it, her taxi arrived and honked lightly.
The driver leaned over slightly. “Miss?”
Wonyoung looked between the cab and the paper in her hand.
Then she closed her eyes briefly and inhaled.
“What could go wrong?” she whispered.
Another pause.
“…And I’m single now anyway.”
Decision made.
She walked over to the taxi and apologized quickly.
“I’m sorry, something came up.”
The driver looked confused but accepted the bills Wonyoung handed him for the inconvenience.
Once the taxi drove away, Wonyoung stared at the number again.
Then before she could lose courage, she called.
The phone barely rang once.
“Hello?”
The sound of Yujin’s voice immediately made Wonyoung nervous for some reason.
“Hey, uhm…” she started awkwardly. “Is this Yujin? The uh… bartender?”
There was a tiny pause. Then amusement filled Yujin’s voice.
“Wonyoung?”
Wonyoung blinked slightly.
“Yeah, it’s me.” She smiled unconsciously. “You remember my name.”
“How could I forget such a pretty name that matches a pretty face?”
Wonyoung laughed softly despite herself.
“Sweet talker.”
“Only when I mean it.”
That made her cheeks warm even more.
There was silence for a few seconds after that.
Not awkward exactly, just… careful.
Then Wonyoung spoke again quietly.
“Uhm, I don’t even know why I called.”
“You were curious.”
“…I guess so.”
Yujin leaned against the employee exit wall inside the club, smiling to herself while listening to Wonyoung’s voice.
“I’m just…” Wonyoung continued. “I don’t know. You’re not secretly a serial killer who preys on pretty girls, right?”
Yujin burst out laughing immediately.
“No,” she answered between laughs. “No, I’m not.”
“Okay good.”
“I’m just someone who shoots her shot when she comes across someone she’s interested in.”
There was a brief pause before Yujin added honestly,
“And I feel very interested in you, Wonyoung.”
The sincerity in her voice caught Wonyoung off guard.
No games. No hesitation. Just honest attraction.
Wonyoung bit her lip softly.
“Okay…” she murmured. “Well, my friends already left and I’m standing outside the club.”
“Okay,” Yujin answered instantly. “My shift just ended anyway. I’ll meet you out there in a few.”
“You’re still inside?”
“Employee area.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll be quick.”
“…Okay,” Wonyoung said softly. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon.”
The call ended.
And suddenly Wonyoung felt very aware of her heartbeat.
“This is insane,” she whispered to herself.
But she stayed.
Not even five minutes later, the side door of the club opened.
Yujin walked out casually while running a hand through her hair.
And somehow, somehow she looked even better outside the club lights.
The black button-up sleeves still rolled up.
Slightly messy hair.
Relaxed smile.
The moment Yujin spotted her, her entire face brightened.
“There she is.”
Wonyoung hated how much that simple sentence affected her.
“Hi,” she greeted softly.
Yujin stopped in front of her, dimples appearing immediately.
“Hi.”
For a second they just looked at each other.
Then Yujin tilted her head slightly.
“You stayed.”
Wonyoung shrugged casually even though her stomach was flipping. “Like I said, I got curious.”
“Good.”
God.
The confidence.
Wonyoung looked away briefly before speaking again.
“So…” she started boldly thanks to the alcohol still in her system. “Is your place close by?”
Yujin’s eyebrow lifted slightly. Then a smirk slowly appeared.
“Yeah actually,” she answered calmly. “A few blocks away. My car’s parked at the back.”
She gestured behind the building.
“Shall we?”
Wonyoung nodded before she could overthink it.
And just like that, she followed a stranger toward her car.
Well…Not entirely a stranger anymore.
Yujin unlocked the passenger door for her first, which weirdly made Wonyoung’s chest feel warm.
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
The inside of the car smelled faintly like clean laundry and subtle cologne.
Wonyoung settled into the seat while trying to ignore how fast her heart was beating.
A few seconds later, Yujin got into the driver’s seat and looked over at her seriously.
“Last chance.”
Wonyoung blinked. “Hm?”
“You can still change your mind,” Yujin said gently. “If you suddenly decide this was a mistake, I’ll take you home. No pressure.”
Wonyoung stared at her quietly.
Yujin continued carefully.
“I don’t want you feeling forced into anything because you’re tipsy or emotional tonight.”
That…
That honestly surprised her. Most people would’ve taken advantage of the situation.
But Yujin sounded sincere.
Considerate.
Which somehow made her even more attractive.
“Are you having second thoughts, Yujin?” Wonyoung challenged softly.
Yujin smiled immediately. “Absolutely not.” Then she laughed quietly.
“I’m just making sure you’re comfortable.”
Wonyoung stared at her for another second.
Then something impulsive took over. Definitely the alcohol, she thought.
Before even fully thinking about it, she reached forward, grabbed Yujin lightly by the collar of her shirt, and pulled her in.
Their lips met.
Soft at first.
Then firmer.
The kiss lasted only several seconds but somehow still managed to make Wonyoung’s entire body feel warm.
Yujin froze briefly in surprise before kissing her back carefully.
One hand instinctively moved toward Wonyoung’s waist but stopped there respectfully.
When Wonyoung pulled away, she lightly bit Yujin’s bottom lip first.
Yujin inhaled sharply.
Wonyoung pushed her back against the seat playfully.
“Just drive me to your place,” she murmured teasingly. “I’d like to be comfortable when you take me.”
For the first time that entire night, Yujin genuinely looked affected.
Speechless for half a second.
Then she swallowed hard and nodded once.
“Okay.”
But before starting the car, Yujin gently placed a hand behind Wonyoung’s neck and pulled her in for one more kiss.
Softer this time.
Slower.
Like she was savoring it.
Then finally, reluctantly, Yujin pulled away and started the engine.
And as the car disappeared into the quiet city streets, Wonyoung realized something terrifying.
She hadn’t thought about Sunghoon once ever since she called Yujin.
The drive to Yujin’s apartment somehow felt both too short and too long at the same time.
Too short because every glance Yujin sent her way made Wonyoung’s stomach flip.
Too long because the tension inside the car kept building with every passing second.
Yujin kept one hand on the steering wheel while the other rested casually near the gear shift, but every now and then, her fingers would brush against Wonyoung’s thigh lightly.
Just enough to make Wonyoung shiver.
“You’re nervous,” Yujin pointed out softly while stopping at a red light.
Wonyoung immediately looked out the window. “No I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I’m literally not.”
Yujin chuckled quietly. “Cute.”
Wonyoung groaned dramatically. “You flirt too much.”
“And yet you’re still coming home with me.”
Wonyoung turned to look at her then.
Yujin looked unfairly attractive under the city lights passing through the windshield.
“How many girls do you bring home?” Wonyoung asked before she could stop herself.
Yujin glanced at her briefly.
Then surprisingly, she answered honestly.
“Not many.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
“I flirt a lot,” Yujin admitted easily. “But I don’t actually bring people home often.”
“Why not?”
Yujin shrugged slightly. “Most people don’t hold my attention very long.”
The answer did something strange to Wonyoung’s chest.
Before she could ask anything else, Yujin pulled into the apartment parking garage.
“We’re here.”
The moment they stepped out of the elevator and reached Yujin’s apartment door, Wonyoung suddenly became very aware of what she was doing.
She was about to walk into a stranger’s apartment at two in the morning.
A very attractive stranger.
Yujin unlocked the door and pushed it open.
“After you.”
Wonyoung stepped inside first.
The apartment honestly surprised her.
It was clean.
Minimalistic but cozy.
Dark furniture mixed with warm lighting.
A few vinyl records near the shelf.
Books scattered around.
A guitar leaning in one corner.
It felt… lived in.
Comfortable.
Wonyoung slowly walked further inside, heels clicking softly against the floor.
Behind her, Yujin quietly closed the door.
And paused.
Because seeing Wonyoung standing there inside her apartment in that black dress nearly knocked the breath out of her lungs.
The dress hugged every curve perfectly.
Her hair slightly messy from the night out.
Lipstick still a little smudged from their kisses in the car.
Yujin stared without even trying to hide it.
Wonyoung turned slightly and caught her.
“Are you just going to stand there and stare at me or…?” she teased softly.
Yujin laughed under her breath before slowly walking toward her.
“Impatient, are we?”
The closer Yujin got, the more Wonyoung felt her heartbeat speeding up again.
Then Yujin’s hands settled carefully on her waist.
Warm.
Firm.
She pulled Wonyoung closer until barely any space remained between them.
And then she kissed her. This kiss felt different from the earlier ones.
Less teasing.
More certain.
Yujin took control naturally, and Wonyoung quickly realized she liked that more than she expected.
A lot more.
Yujin kissed her slowly at first before deepening it, one hand sliding carefully up Wonyoung’s back while the other stayed securely at her waist.
Wonyoung instinctively grabbed the front of Yujin’s shirt.
The small sound she made into the kiss seemed to affect Yujin immediately.
“That’s hot,” Yujin murmured against her lips.
Wonyoung blinked slightly. “What is?”
“That sound.”
Her cheeks instantly warmed.
“I didn’t make a sound.”
Yujin smiled knowingly before kissing her again.
This time more intensely.
More confident.
Wonyoung quickly noticed something about Yujin.
She paid attention.
Every reaction.
Every breath.
Every little movement.
Whenever Yujin’s hands tightened slightly around her waist, Wonyoung reacted.
Whenever Yujin kissed near her jaw slowly, she reacted.
And Yujin noticed all of it.
“You like being handled a little,” Yujin whispered teasingly near her ear.
Wonyoung immediately hid her face against Yujin’s shoulder. “Shut up.”
Yujin laughed softly.
“Cute and shy. Dangerous combination.”
“I’m not shy.”
“Mhm.”
Wonyoung lightly pushed her shoulder. “You talk too much.”
“And you keep kissing me anyway.”
Which was true.
Very true.
The kisses slowly turned more heated after that.
Not rushed.
Not messy.
Just intense enough that neither of them really noticed how they ended up stumbling toward Yujin’s bedroom together.
At one point Wonyoung accidentally bumped into the wall and burst into laughter.
“Oh my God.”
“Sorry,” Yujin laughed too while steadying her. “You okay?”
“Yes.”
“You sure?”
“Just fuck me already and I’ll survive.”
Yujin looked genuinely affected by that answer.
“Jesus, Wonyoung.”
“What?”
“You say things so casually.”
Wonyoung grinned proudly this time.
Inside the bedroom, the tension somehow grew even stronger.
The city lights outside spilled faintly through the curtains while Yujin stood close to her again, brushing Wonyoung’s hair away from her face carefully this time.
“You still okay?” Yujin asked quietly.
The softer tone surprised her.
Wonyoung nodded.
“I’m okay.”
Yujin studied her face for another second before kissing her forehead gently.
That small gesture unexpectedly made Wonyoung’s chest tighten.
The rest of the night blurred together after that.
Soft laughter between kisses.
Playful teasing.
Hands learning carefully where the other liked to be touched.
Wonyoung had told Yujin earlier that she’d never been with a woman before, but somehow Yujin never made her feel nervous and bad about it.
There was no pressure.
No rushing.
Just patience mixed with undeniable attraction.
And to be honest? Wonyoung surprised herself too.
Because despite her inexperience, she found herself matching Yujin’s energy more and more as the night went on.
Every time Yujin praised her softly or smiled against her skin, Wonyoung grew bolder.
More comfortable.
More curious.
Until eventually both of them ended up completely exhausted, tangled together beneath the blankets sometime close to sunrise.
The room was quiet now except for their breathing slowly calming down.
Wonyoung rested against Yujin’s chest while Yujin lazily traced circles against her arm.
Neither spoke for a while.
Then quietly… “You okay?” Yujin asked again.
Wonyoung looked up at her.
Even tired, Yujin still looked unfairly beautiful.
The softest smile appeared on Wonyoung’s face.
“Yeah.”
Yujin brushed a strand of hair behind her ear gently.
“No regrets?”
Wonyoung thought about it honestly.
About the breakup.
The club.
The impulsive phone call.
The stranger who somehow didn’t feel like a stranger anymore.
Then she shook her head softly.
“No regrets.”
Yujin smiled at that.
A real one.
Warm enough that Wonyoung felt it somewhere deep in her chest.
Then Yujin pulled her closer carefully, wrapping an arm around her waist while pressing one final sleepy kiss against her forehead.
“You can stay the night if you want.”
“Okay.”
And sometime not long after that, with the city lights still glowing faintly outside the apartment windows, they both fell asleep tangled in each other’s arms.
— — —
Sunlight slowly filtered through the curtains, soft and warm against the room.
Wonyoung stirred quietly beneath the blankets, face scrunching slightly before she slowly opened her eyes.
Almost immediately…
“Ow…”
Her head pounded.
The alcohol from last night finally catching up to her.
Wonyoung groaned softly and shifted a little, only to suddenly freeze.
This wasn’t her room.
Her eyes widened slightly as she looked around quickly.
Dark walls.
Minimalist furniture.
Then memories from last night came rushing back all at once.
The club.
The bar.
Yujin.
The kisses.
The apartment.
“Oh my God,” Wonyoung whispered to herself.
She looked down and realized very quickly that she was very naked underneath the blankets.
Instant panic hit her for half a second as she immediately pulled the comforter tighter around herself.
Then another realization hit.
Her phone.
Wonyoung reached around the bed until she finally found it on the nightstand beside her.
The screen lit up immediately.
And her headache somehow got worse.
18 missed calls.
Most from Sunghoon.
Several texts from Jiwon and Gaeul too.
Sunghoon:
Where are you?
Sunghoon:
Please answer.
Sunghoon:
Can we talk?
Sunghoon:
Wonyoung stop ignoring me.
Wonyoung sighed heavily and dropped her head back against the pillow.
“God…”
Right as she was mentally preparing herself to deal with that mess, the bedroom door opened softly.
Wonyoung looked up immediately.
And there Yujin was.
Wearing a plain white shirt and grey sweatpants, hair slightly messy like she had just woken up not long ago herself.
One hand held a glass of water.
The other held hangover medicine.
And somehow, she still looked ridiculously attractive.
Wonyoung genuinely had to stop herself from staring.
Yujin smiled the moment their eyes met.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
The nickname made heat rise to Wonyoung’s face immediately.
Yujin walked over calmly and sat near her on the bed, handing her the water first.
“Here. Drink before your headache gets worse.”
Wonyoung accepted it quietly.
“Good morning,” she murmured before taking a sip.
The cold water honestly felt life-saving.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” she asked groggily while running a hand through her messy hair.
Yujin leaned back slightly against the headboard.
“You were sleeping peacefully,” she answered simply. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Then a teasing smile slowly appeared.
“And maybe I just liked seeing you in my bed a little longer.”
Wonyoung scoffed playfully despite smiling.
“You already got me to sleep with you. No need to keep flirting.”
Yujin raised an eyebrow immediately.
“You think that was my only goal?”
The teasing in her expression softened slightly.
“Just to sleep with you?”
Wonyoung opened her mouth to answer…
But her phone suddenly started ringing again.
Both girls glanced down at the screen.
Sunghoon.
Again.
Wonyoung groaned loudly and immediately declined the call.
“My head hurts even more now.”
Yujin tried keeping her expression neutral, but Wonyoung still noticed the slight annoyance in her face.
“Yeah,” Yujin said casually. “Your phone’s been ringing nonstop.”
She paused briefly.
“Your boyfriend kept calling.”
Wonyoung corrected instantly.
“Ex-boyfriend.” Then after a second, she added more firmly, “I’m single now.”
Something about hearing that clearly pleased Yujin.
She tried hiding it, but the little smile gave her away.
“That’s good to know.”
Wonyoung rolled her eyes softly. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I’m honest.”
Yujin handed her the aspirin next.
“Take this too.”
Wonyoung obeyed quietly.
Then Yujin stood from the bed.
“I made hangover soup,” she said while stretching slightly. “So whenever you’re ready, come out to the kitchen.”
Wonyoung blinked up at her.
“…You made me soup?”
Yujin looked confused for a second. “Yeah?”
The genuine simplicity of her answer somehow caught Wonyoung off guard more than anything else.
This girl…
This stranger she met literally last night, was taking care of her like this already.
Water.
Medicine.
Food.
Checking if she was okay every five minutes.
It made something warm settle inside Wonyoung’s chest.
Before Yujin could fully walk away, Wonyoung reached forward and grabbed her wrist gently.
Yujin looked back at her immediately.
Then Wonyoung pulled her closer and kissed her softly.
It was slower compared to last night.
Sleepy.
Warm.
Sincere.
“Thank you, Yujin,” Wonyoung whispered against her lips.
Yujin smiled into the kiss instantly.
One of her hands moved gently to Wonyoung’s cheek while she kissed her back for another few seconds longer than necessary.
When they finally pulled apart, Yujin looked at her with that same look from last night.
Like she couldn’t believe Wonyoung was actually here.
Then Yujin grabbed something from nearby and handed it to her.
An oversized shirt. Yujin’s shirt.
“Here,” she said softly. “Put this on while I can still control myself.”
Wonyoung laughed tiredly.
Yujin leaned closer slightly.
“Seeing you like this,” she admitted honestly, “in my bed… I might not keep my hands to myself again.”
Wonyoung bit back a smile.
“And I’m pretty sure you have somewhere to be today.”
“I actually do,” Wonyoung sighed dramatically. “My friends are probably panicking because I never texted them last night.”
Yujin nodded knowingly.
“Then I should probably let you recover first.”
Before leaving again, Yujin leaned down and placed one more gentle kiss against her lips.
Then another quick one against her forehead.
And just like that, she walked out of the room quietly.
The bedroom door clicked shut behind her.
Wonyoung stayed sitting there for several seconds afterward.
Still wrapped in blankets.
Still holding Yujin’s shirt.
Slowly, she lifted it slightly closer.
It smelled like her.
Clean laundry mixed with faint cologne and something distinctly Yujin.
And for some reason, it calmed her completely.
Wonyoung looked down at the shirt in her hands and smiled to herself softly before finally pulling it over her head.
Breakfast with Yujin somehow felt strangely domestic for two people who had only met less than twelve hours ago.
Wonyoung sat at the kitchen counter wearing Yujin’s oversized shirt while slowly eating the hangover soup Yujin made for her.
It was really good.
“You cook too?” Wonyoung asked while holding the spoon carefully. “Is there anything you can’t do?”
Yujin smirked while washing dishes nearby. “I’m bad at folding fitted sheets.”
“That’s very specific.”
“Because it traumatizes me every time.”
Wonyoung laughed softly for the first time that morning.
Yujin glanced back at her immediately like she liked hearing that sound.
“You feeling better?”
“A little,” Wonyoung admitted. “Still feel like I got hit by a truck though.”
“That’s because you mixed drinks.”
“That’s something a pro at bartending would say.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
After breakfast, they somehow managed to shower separately.
Barely.
Mostly because the moment Yujin walked past Wonyoung in the hallway and casually touched her waist, they nearly ended up making out against the wall again.
“Absolutely not,” Yujin laughed breathlessly while stepping backward. “You need to go home eventually.”
“You started it,” Wonyoung accused.
“I touched your waist.”
“You touched it very flirtatiously.”
Yujin burst out laughing again.
Eventually, after getting ready, Wonyoung walked out of the bathroom to find her dress neatly folded inside a paper bag near the couch.
Yujin looked up from her phone immediately.
“I folded your dress,” she said proudly.
Wonyoung peeked inside the bag.
“…You folded it terribly.”
Yujin looked offended. “Wow.”
“It’s literally wrinkled.”
“You’re hurting my feelings before noon.”
Wonyoung laughed again while looking down at herself.
She was now wearing Yujin’s hoodie and sweatpants instead, both slightly oversized on her.
Yujin stared a little too long.
“What?” Wonyoung asked suspiciously.
“You look really good in my clothes.”
Wonyoung rolled her eyes to hide her smile. “You flirt too naturally. It’s concerning.”
“I can stop.”
“Don’t.”
The answer slipped out too fast.
Yujin’s smile widened immediately. “Okay.”
Not long after, Yujin insisted on driving her home.
“At least let me call a taxi,” Wonyoung argued while putting on her shoes.
“No.”
“Yujin…”
“I promised not to stalk you,” Yujin joked while grabbing her keys, “I just want to make sure you get home safely.”
Then more quietly, she added, “And maybe I want to spend more time with you.”
That made Wonyoung’s chest feel warm again.
So eventually, she agreed.
The drive back felt quieter compared to earlier.
Comfortable quiet.
The kind that didn’t feel awkward.
Yujin played soft music while one hand rested lazily on the steering wheel.
At one point, Wonyoung caught herself staring at Yujin’s side profile again.
The sharp jawline.
Messy hair.
Relaxed expression.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Yujin suddenly asked without looking away from the road.
Wonyoung immediately looked out the window. “I wasn’t.”
“You were.”
“…Focus on driving.”
Yujin just laughed quietly.
But the moment they arrived outside Wonyoung’s apartment building, her mood shifted immediately.
Because parked near the entrance, was Sunghoon’s car.
Wonyoung instantly recognized it.
“Oh God,” she muttered under her breath.
Yujin glanced over briefly. “Everything okay?”
Wonyoung forced a quick smile. “Yeah. Just tired.”
She didn’t want their goodbye ruined. Didn’t want to suddenly explain complicated ex-boyfriend drama so she ignored the anxiety twisting in her stomach.
“Thanks for the ride, Yujin,” she said softly while unbuckling her seatbelt. “You really didn’t have to.”
“I know,” Yujin answered honestly. Then she hesitated slightly. “But I wanted to.”
Wonyoung noticed the unfinished expression on her face.
“Just in case…” Yujin started before stopping herself.
“Just in case what?” Wonyoung pressed gently.
Yujin shrugged casually, though Wonyoung could tell she suddenly felt nervous.
“Just in case…” she sighed softly. “I don’t know. Just in case you realize later that what happened between us was only a one-time thing.”
Wonyoung softened her voice. “Yujin…”
“Hey,” Yujin quickly interrupted. “No, don’t feel bad. I didn’t say it for that reason.”
She laughed awkwardly. “Just ignore me.”
But instead of answering immediately, Wonyoung leaned forward and kissed her.
Longer this time.
Slow.
Intentional.
When she pulled away, Yujin looked slightly stunned again.
“I’ll call you later, okay?” Wonyoung promised softly.
That immediately brought Yujin’s smile back.
Big enough for her dimples to appear again.
“Okay.”
Wonyoung smiled softly before finally stepping out of the car.
She waved goodbye one last time.
Yujin waited until she entered the building before finally driving away.
The second the car disappeared from view, Wonyoung sighed heavily.
Reality again.
By the time she reached her floor, she already knew what waited for her.
And sure enough, Sunghoon stood outside her apartment door the moment the elevator opened.
The second he saw her, he straightened immediately.
“Wonyoung!” he called out. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you.”
Wonyoung already felt her headache returning.
“Sunghoon,” she sighed tiredly. “Please. I have a massive headache right now. Not today.”
He followed her as she walked toward her door.
“You’re still mad at me?”
Wonyoung stopped and looked at him incredulously.
“You called me eighteen times.”
“Because you disappeared!”
“I went out with my friends.”
“You didn’t answer anybody,” he argued. “I even called Jiwon and she said you girls went clubbing then she never heard from you after.”
Wonyoung stared at him in disbelief.
“You called my friends?”
“I was worried!”
“We’re broken up,” she reminded him sharply. “I don’t owe you updates about where I am or what I’m doing.”
Sunghoon scoffed softly. “Come on, Won. This isn’t anything new.”
Wonyoung’s expression hardened immediately.
“We break up then get back together all the time,” he continued. “You know we don’t actually break up. We just cool off for a while.”
Wonyoung let out a humorless laugh.
“That’s exactly the problem.”
Sunghoon frowned slightly.
“You always want a ‘break’ whenever things get difficult,” she continued tiredly. “Whenever I’m suddenly ‘too much’ for you.”
“Wonyoung…”
“So you know what? I’m still too much right now. So please leave.”
Sunghoon looked frustrated now.
Then his eyes suddenly narrowed slightly as he finally noticed her clothes properly.
Oversized hoodie.
Grey sweatpants.
Definitely not hers.
“…Whose clothes are you wearing?”
Wonyoung’s jaw tightened instantly. “None of your business.”
His expression changed immediately. “Did you sleep with someone?”
Wonyoung rubbed her forehead tiredly.
“Sunghoon…”
“Did you seriously sleep with another guy already?” he demanded. “Who is it? Do I know him?”
The headache pounding behind her eyes became unbearable now.
Not just from the alcohol.
From him. From this constant exhausting cycle.
“We are not together anymore,” she said firmly. “So stop questioning me like you own me.”
Sunghoon laughed bitterly. “Wow. So you did.”
Wonyoung crossed her arms.
“My God, Wonyoung,” he scoffed. “You really stooped that low just to get even with me. Unbelievable.”
That immediately snapped something inside her.
“I’m unbelievable?” she repeated sharply.
Sunghoon looked startled by her tone.
“I knew about you hitting on my coworker,” Wonyoung continued. “And I’m stupid for even taking you back after that.”
“I told you nothing happened.”
“And I don’t care anymore if it did or didn’t,” she interrupted tiredly. “I’m exhausted, Sunghoon.”
For the first time since she got there, her voice sounded genuinely done.
“No more breaks. No more getting back together. Just stop.”
Sunghoon stared at her silently.
Then quietly, she unlocked her apartment door.
“And don’t bother me again.”
Before he could answer, Wonyoung stepped inside and shut the door firmly behind her.
A second later she heard Sunghoon curse loudly outside before his footsteps finally disappeared down the hallway.
Silence.
Finally.
Wonyoung leaned against the door for a few seconds, eyes closed.
Her head still pounded.
Her emotions felt messy.
But strangely, the only thing calming her down right now was remembering Yujin’s smile earlier that morning.
Slowly, she walked toward her bedroom without even changing clothes.
Still wearing Yujin’s hoodie.
Still smelling faintly like her.
Then she collapsed face-first onto the bed and buried herself into the blankets, shutting the rest of the world out completely.
— — —
When Wonyoung finally woke up again, sunlight was no longer pouring through her curtains.
The room had turned orange from the late afternoon sky.
She blinked slowly and groaned as she reached for her phone beside the bed.
3:29 PM.
“So much for a quick nap,” she muttered.
Her body still felt heavy from the alcohol and emotional exhaustion, though thankfully the headache had dulled down compared to earlier.
Wonyoung stayed sprawled across the bed for another minute before finally sitting up.
Yujin’s hoodie slid slightly off one shoulder.
And annoyingly enough, that immediately made her think about the bartender again.
The warm smile.
The sleepy kisses that morning.
The way Yujin kept checking if she was okay.
Wonyoung pressed a pillow against her face dramatically.
“Get it together,” she groaned into the fabric.
After forcing herself out of bed, she decided to work from home for the day.
There was no way she had enough energy to deal with clients face-to-face.
Soon enough, she was seated in front of her laptop with coffee beside her, reviewing interior layouts and replying to emails.
Normally work helped distract her.
Today though? Not really. Every now and then her mind wandered.
To Yujin.
To last night.
To the fact that she actually went home with a woman.
And liked it.
A lot.
By dinner time, her apartment doorbell rang.
Wonyoung already knew who it was before opening the door.
Jiwon immediately walked in holding takeout bags while Gaeul followed behind carrying drinks.
“There she is,” Jiwon announced dramatically. “The missing woman.”
Gaeul pointed at her accusingly.
“You stressed us out.”
“I said I was sorry,” Wonyoung laughed tiredly while helping them set the food down.
The girls settled comfortably in the living room while unpacking dinner.
Jiwon looked at Wonyoung suspiciously almost immediately.
“So…”
Wonyoung sighed.
“So?”
“I thought you got back together with Sunghoon,” Jiwon admitted. “But then he called me asking where you were and I knew something weird happened.”
Gaeul nodded quickly. “Yeah, we got worried. I thought you got kidnapped or something.”
Wonyoung snorted softly.
“I didn’t mean to worry you guys. It just…” she hesitated awkwardly. “Kinda happened.”
Both girls immediately leaned forward.
“Oh my God,” Jiwon gasped dramatically. “You actually went home with a stranger.”
Wonyoung buried her face into her hands instantly.
“When you say it like that, I sound insane.”
“You are insane,” Gaeul answered honestly.
Wonyoung laughed despite herself before finally explaining everything.
Calling Yujin.
Going to her apartment to sleep with her.
Staying the night.
The breakfast.
The ride home.
Jiwon listened with wide eyes the entire time.
“Wow,” she finally said. “So like…” She pointed at Wonyoung carefully “Are you gay now?”
Wonyoung nearly choked on her drink.
“Oh my God.”
“What? I’m asking respectfully.”
Gaeul burst into laughter beside them.
“I don’t know,” Wonyoung admitted while rubbing her forehead. “I’ve never been attracted to girls before.”
Then quieter, she added,
“Besides Yujin.”
The room immediately became louder.
“Ohhhh,” Jiwon yelled.
Wonyoung threw a pillow at her immediately.
“Shut up.”
Gaeul laughed while opening another drink.
“I mean,” she started thoughtfully, “you were drunk, emotional, freshly broken up… maybe you were just curious?”
“Maybe,” Wonyoung admitted.
Honestly, she didn’t know.
Everything about Yujin just felt different somehow.
Different from men.
Different from anyone she’d met before.
“She’s just…” Wonyoung struggled to explain it properly. “Really nice.”
Jiwon raised an eyebrow. “You sound gone already.”
“I am not gone.”
“You are literally smiling.”
Wonyoung immediately stopped smiling.
Gaeul giggled quietly. “But seriously,” she continued gently, “do you regret it?”
Wonyoung thought about it honestly for a second.
Then shook her head.
“No.”
That answer surprised even herself a little.
“I didn’t feel used,” she admitted quietly. “That’s the weird part.”
Both her friends softened slightly at that.
Because unfortunately, all three of them knew what it felt like to be treated casually by men who only wanted one thing.
“But she’s also very charming,” Wonyoung added with a groan. “Like annoyingly charming.”
Jiwon pointed dramatically.
“She’s a bartender. That’s literally her job.”
“I know.”
“And she’s probably very experienced.”
Wonyoung threw another pillow at her.
“Can you stop ruining this for me?”
“I’m being realistic!”
Gaeul laughed while eating quietly beside them.
Then Jiwon suddenly remembered something.
“Oh wait,” she said quickly. “How did Sunghoon react?”
Wonyoung groaned instantly. “Terribly.”
She explained the confrontation outside her apartment earlier.
The accusations.
The arguing.
Sunghoon assuming she slept with another man.
“You didn’t tell him it was a girl?” Gaeul asked.
Wonyoung shook her head.
“I was too annoyed and tired to deal with him.”
Jiwon rolled her eyes. “He’s acting like you cheated when you literally broke up.”
“Exactly.”
“And him calling your friends looking for you is weird,” Gaeul added.
Wonyoung sighed heavily. “He’s been calling nonstop.”
Right on cue, her phone buzzed again on the table.
Sunghoon.
All three girls stared at it.
Then collectively ignored it.
“Anyway,” Jiwon announced while reaching for more food, “I support hot bartender Yujin.”
“You haven’t even met her.”
“I support her based on vibes alone.”
The girls stayed for dinner, talking and laughing until the mood finally felt lighter again.
By the time they left later that evening, Wonyoung felt more relaxed than she had all day.
But after cleaning up and finally getting ready for bed, she suddenly froze.
“…Oh no.”
She promised to call Yujin.
Wonyoung grabbed her phone quickly and checked the time.
11:48 PM.
She stared at Yujin’s contact for several long seconds.
Should she call?
But Yujin was probably working right now.
It was Friday night after all and the bar was likely packed.
Maybe calling would bother her.
Wonyoung sighed softly and placed the phone back down.
“I’ll call tomorrow,” she decided quietly.
Then she crawled into bed, still wearing Yujin’s oversized hoodie again without even realizing it.
Meanwhile…
Across town, Yujin stood behind the crowded bar mixing drinks almost mechanically.
Friday nights were always chaos.
Music blasting.
People shouting orders.
Drunk customers flirting constantly.
Normally Yujin thrived in this environment.
Tonight though?
She kept checking her phone every few minutes.
Nothing.
No text.
No missed call.
Nothing from Wonyoung.
“You’re distracted.”
Yujin looked over to see Rei smirking knowingly while drying glasses nearby.
“I’m working.”
“Mhm.” Rei leaned against the counter. “Still waiting for your hookup from last night to call?”
Yujin sighed immediately. “Shut up.”
Rei laughed.
“I’m serious though. Why are you expecting anything more from a straight girl?”
Yujin stayed quiet.
Rei continued more gently this time.
“You know how this goes.”
Yujin did know.
Too well.
“She broke up with her boyfriend,” Rei said carefully. “Got emotional, curious, adventurous…”
Then she shrugged.
“And eventually she’ll probably go back to men.”
Yujin hated how realistic that sounded.
Because logically? Rei was right.
Yujin flirted with women constantly because of work.
Especially curious straight girls.
It wasn’t exactly rare.
But Wonyoung…
Wonyoung felt different.
At least she thought so.
The way she looked at Yujin.
The way she stayed.
The softness from that morning.
But now?
Silence.
And maybe silence was answer enough.
“Yeah,” Yujin finally muttered quietly. “You’re probably right.”
Rei immediately softened seeing the disappointment on her friend’s face.
“There are plenty of girls here tonight,” she pointed out while nudging Yujin lightly.
Then she gestured toward the end of the bar. “That one’s been staring at you for ten minutes already.”
Yujin glanced over. A pretty girl smiled instantly when their eyes met.
Normally, Yujin would’ve smiled back without thinking.
Tonight though, all she could think about was another girl with long dark hair and sleepy eyes wearing her hoodie this morning.
“Go,” Rei encouraged. “Work your bartender magic and get over your straight girl.”
Yujin forced a small smile. Then finally tucked her phone away into her pocket.
“Yeah,” she muttered quietly before grabbing another glass.
“Guess I should.”
— — —
The constant knocking on Wonyoung’s apartment door dragged her out of sleep far earlier than she wanted.
She groaned into her pillow and buried her face deeper into the blankets.
The knocking continued.
Persistent.
Annoyingly familiar.
“Who the hell…” she muttered sleepily.
Still half asleep, Wonyoung shuffled toward the front door wearing an oversized shirt and shorts, hair messy from sleep.
She peeked through the peephole and immediately regretted getting out of bed.
“Unbelievable,” she groaned.
Sunghoon stood outside holding a large bouquet of flowers while knocking again.
“Wonyoung, I know you’re home.”
Her peaceful Saturday morning instantly vanished.
She debated pretending not to be there.
Unfortunately, Sunghoon had always been stubborn.
The knocking continued again.
Finally, with an irritated sigh, Wonyoung unlocked the door and opened it halfway.
“What are you doing here?” she asked immediately. “I told you to leave me alone.”
Sunghoon looked relieved just seeing her. “Won, please don’t be like that.”
Wonyoung already felt a headache forming.
“I came to apologize,” he continued while holding the flowers out toward her. “I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday.”
Wonyoung stared at him blankly.
“You didn’t deserve that,” he added quickly. “I was just worried about you, okay? That’s why I reacted like that.”
She crossed her arms.
“Please,” he sighed softly. “Can we just talk?”
Wonyoung already knew he wouldn’t stop unless she let him say whatever dramatic speech he prepared.
Reluctantly, she stepped aside.
“Five minutes.”
Sunghoon immediately walked in and handed her the bouquet.
“They’re pretty,” he said hopefully.
“Mm.”
Wonyoung placed the flowers down on the kitchen counter without much reaction.
Then she leaned against the opposite side of the kitchen island, keeping distance between them.
Arms crossed.
Waiting.
Sunghoon rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
“I’m sorry,” he started again. “I know you’re tired of hearing that, but I really mean it this time.”
Wonyoung let out a dry laugh immediately.
“Here we go again.”
“No, seriously,” he insisted. “I mean it for real this time.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“I’ll do better,” he continued. “No more taking breaks whenever we fight.”
Wonyoung looked unconvinced.
Sunghoon sighed dramatically.
“I admit it, okay? I was out with the boys the other night, I was just blowing off steam.”
“Blowing off steam,” Wonyoung repeated flatly. “Instead of actually talking to me.”
“I know,” he admitted quickly. “That’s my bad.”
Then somehow, unbelievably, he made it worse.
“Won, please. I’m willing to look past you hooking up with some random guy.”
Wonyoung blinked slowly.
“I understand you were mad at me,” he continued. “But can we please just move on from this and get back together?”
For a second Wonyoung genuinely couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I didn’t hook up with a guy,” she answered sharply.
Which technically wasn’t a lie.
Sunghoon immediately brightened.
“Even better,” he said quickly. “See? I knew you wouldn’t actually do that to me.”
Wonyoung stared at him in disbelief.
“You still care about me,” he continued confidently. “I know you do. And I still care about you too, Won.”
That finally snapped her patience.
“Are you even hearing yourself right now?”
Sunghoon frowned slightly.
“You came here to apologize,” Wonyoung continued frustratedly, “but somehow you still made this entirely about yourself.”
“That’s not what I’m doing.”
“It literally is.”
Sunghoon sighed loudly. “I don’t know what else you want me to say.”
Maybe that was exactly the problem.
“You don’t even know what you’re apologizing for,” Wonyoung said quietly.
The room fell silent for a second then she shook her head tiredly.
“You know what? Thanks for the flowers. Thanks for the effort.”
She pointed toward the front door.
“But please leave.”
“Won…”
“No.”
“I’m trying here.”
“And I’m tired,” she answered honestly.
Sunghoon looked frustrated now. “Can’t we just forget everything?” he pleaded. “Please?”
Wonyoung didn’t even answer this time.
Instead, she walked toward the front door and opened it.
“Goodbye, Sunghoon.”
He stared at her for several long seconds.
Then finally shook his head.
“You’ll come around.”
Wonyoung’s expression stayed blank.
Without another word, Sunghoon finally left.
The second the door shut behind him, she leaned against it and closed her eyes.
Her Saturday had barely started and she already felt emotionally exhausted.
“Ugh…”
The rest of the day became an attempt to distract herself.
Cleaning.
Laundry.
Groceries.
Anything to avoid thinking about Sunghoon’s constant cycle of apologies and empty promises.
By late afternoon, she was tossing clothes into the washer when she suddenly paused.
Yujin’s hoodie and sweatpants.
Still folded neatly inside the laundry basket.
Wonyoung picked up the hoodie unconsciously.
It still smelled faintly like her.
And annoyingly, instantly calmed her down.
Wonyoung sighed softly while staring at it.
Then before she could overthink herself out of it again, she grabbed her phone and called Yujin.
The call barely rang once.
“Hey, stranger.”
Yujin’s voice sounded warm immediately.
“Thought you forgot about me.”
Wonyoung smiled without realizing it.
“Hey,” she answered softly. “No, of course not.”
She sat down on the edge of her couch while tucking her legs underneath herself.
“I was just busy yesterday,” she explained. “I really meant to call, but it got late and I figured you were busy working.”
Yujin laughed quietly through the phone.
“I’m never too busy for a pretty girl like you.”
Wonyoung rolled her eyes fondly despite smiling.
“Sweet talking me again?”
“Can’t help it since it’s you.”
That answer made her heart do something stupid again.
“So,” Yujin continued gently, “what’s up?”
Wonyoung hesitated.
Honestly? She just wanted to hear Yujin’s voice.
Wanted something comforting after the exhausting morning she had.
“I just…” she paused awkwardly. “Wanted to say hi.”
There was a small amused silence from Yujin’s side.
“Are you sure that’s all?”
Wonyoung looked down at the hoodie still in her lap.
“…Yeah.”
“You don’t sound very sure.”
Wonyoung laughed softly under her breath.
Then Yujin asked casually,
“Want to come over?”
The straightforwardness caught her off guard again.
And somehow, before she could stop herself from overthinking…
She finally admitted what she actually wanted.
“Actually…” She hesitated briefly. “Can you come to my place instead?”
On the other end of the call, Yujin smiled immediately.
Though Wonyoung couldn’t see it.
“I’ll be there in half an hour,” Yujin answered without hesitation.
Something warm settled in Wonyoung’s chest instantly.
“…Okay.”
“See you soon, pretty.”
And somehow, just hearing that again completely erased the terrible mood Sunghoon left behind earlier that morning.
True to her word, Yujin arrived fast.
Honestly, suspiciously fast.
Wonyoung had barely finished fixing the pillows on the couch when a knock echoed through her apartment.
And unlike that morning with Sunghoon, this time she immediately smiled.
She practically rushed to the door.
The second she opened it, there Yujin was standing casually in the hallway with her hands tucked in her denim jacket pockets.
“Hey,” Yujin greeted warmly, dimples appearing instantly.
And God…She looked unfairly good.
White shirt tucked into matching denim jeans, sleeves slightly rolled up, white sneakers, messy hair like she didn’t try too hard but still somehow looked perfect.
Wonyoung genuinely stared for a second too long.
Yujin noticed immediately.
“What?” she teased softly. “You gonna let me in or just stare?”
Wonyoung blinked out of it and laughed awkwardly.
“Sorry. Hey.”
She stepped aside quickly.
Yujin walked inside slowly, glancing around the apartment with curiosity while Wonyoung shut the door behind her.
For a second, Wonyoung started walking toward the living room thinking Yujin would simply follow, but suddenly, fingers wrapped gently around her wrist.
Wonyoung stopped and turned around.
Yujin stood close behind her now.
“That’s it?” Yujin asked teasingly while still holding her wrist lightly. “Just a ‘hey’?”
Wonyoung looked confused for half a second before realizing what Yujin meant.
“Oh.”
Yujin raised an eyebrow expectantly.
Wonyoung smiled despite herself before stepping closer.
Close enough to smell that same familiar cologne again.
Close enough to notice Yujin watching her lips already.
Without another word, Wonyoung cupped Yujin’s face gently and kissed her.
Not a quick greeting kiss.
Not shy either.
Slow.
Deep.
Intentional.
Yujin immediately melted into it, one hand sliding naturally to Wonyoung’s waist while the other settled against her lower back.
The kiss lasted long enough that both of them slightly forgot where they were for a second.
When Wonyoung finally pulled away, Yujin still looked a little dazed.
“There,” Wonyoung smiled softly. “Proper enough for you?”
Yujin grinned immediately. “Much better.”
The satisfied look on her face made Wonyoung laugh quietly.
She grabbed Yujin’s hand this time and led her toward the living room.
“Sit.”
“Yes ma’am,” Yujin answered dramatically.
Wonyoung rolled her eyes while Yujin sat comfortably on the couch.
“Want something to drink?” Wonyoung asked while heading toward the kitchen area. “I have beer, soju, wine… or water.”
“Beer with soju sounds perfect,” Yujin answered while taking off her denim jacket.
Wonyoung glanced back briefly.
Big mistake.
The white shirt stretched slightly against Yujin’s arms when she moved and suddenly Wonyoung forgot what she was doing again.
“You okay over there?” Yujin teased without looking up.
“…Fine.”
Yujin smirked knowingly.
As Wonyoung prepared their drinks, Yujin looked around the apartment properly this time.
The place felt very Wonyoung somehow.
Elegant but cozy.
Warm lighting.
Tasteful decor.
Small details everywhere.
When Wonyoung returned carrying drinks and snacks, Yujin smiled.
“Nice place.”
“Thank you,” Wonyoung answered while sitting beside her. “I did the decorating myself.”
Yujin nodded approvingly. “Of course you did.”
Wonyoung handed her the drink.
“So what exactly do you do?” Yujin asked curiously.
“I’m an interior designer.”
“That makes so much sense.”
“What does that mean?”
Yujin gestured around the apartment.
“This place looks expensive but comforting at the same time.”
Wonyoung laughed softly.
The conversation flowed surprisingly easily after that.
Wonyoung learned that bartending wasn’t actually Yujin’s main job.
“You co-own the club?” she repeated in surprise.
“With my older brother,” Yujin explained casually before taking a sip of her drink. “I mostly help run things and bartend when we’re busy.”
“That’s actually impressive.”
Yujin shrugged. “It pays the bills.”
Wonyoung quickly noticed something else too.
Yujin was very touchy.
Not in an uncomfortable way.
Just naturally affectionate.
A hand on her knee while talking.
Thumb brushing lightly against her wrist.
Arm resting behind her on the couch.
Wonyoung secretly loved every second of it.
At one point during their conversation, Yujin’s eyes briefly landed on the bouquet of flowers tossed carelessly near the trash bin.
She didn’t say anything. But Wonyoung noticed the glance immediately.
“My ex brought those earlier,” Wonyoung explained with a tired sigh. “He showed up here this morning and annoyed the hell out of me begging to get back together.”
Yujin nodded quietly.
“I’m assuming you didn’t take him back,” she said calmly, “otherwise I probably wouldn’t be sitting on your couch right now.”
Wonyoung looked down at her drink for a second.
Then softly…
“Yujin…”
“Hm?”
“I hope you don’t think I only asked you over because I was annoyed with him.”
Yujin immediately interrupted gently. “Hey. It’s okay.”
Wonyoung looked up at her.
“I don’t mind,” Yujin continued honestly. “If having me around helps you forget about him for a while, I’m cool with that.”
Then she smiled softly.
“Regardless of the reason, I’m just glad to be here with you.”
The sincerity in her voice made Wonyoung’s chest tighten again.
So instead of getting emotional about it, she teased instead.
“Even if I just called you over for a booty call?”
Yujin burst out laughing immediately.
“Yes,” she answered confidently. “Even if it’s a booty call.”
Then she pointed at herself proudly. “I still win because I get to be with you.”
Wonyoung shook her head while laughing.
“You’re something else.”
“Something like…charming?”
“Debatable.”
Yujin moved slightly closer.
“What if I only wanted to sit here, drink, and talk all night?” Wonyoung challenged teasingly.
“That’s fine too,” Yujin answered easily.
Then her eyes slowly traveled over Wonyoung’s face.
“But I know it won’t just be that.”
Wonyoung raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? Confident now, are we?”
“Very.”
Yujin leaned back comfortably against the couch.
“We had fun the other night, didn’t we?”
Wonyoung immediately looked away to hide her face.
“And I know you had fun,” Yujin continued smugly. “Based on the sounds you were making when I was between…”
“Yujin, please,” Wonyoung groaned in embarrassment.
Yujin laughed loudly.
“Oh, you’re shy now?”
Wonyoung covered her face with one hand.
“I need more alcohol to deal with you.”
“I don’t think alcohol’s the issue.”
Wonyoung looked at her suspiciously.
Yujin tilted her head slightly.
“Maybe,” she said slowly, “you should put your drink down and show me why you actually asked me to come over.”
The teasing tone disappeared slightly near the end.
And suddenly the air between them changed again.
Wonyoung froze for a second while looking at her.
Yujin was giving her that look again.
Not aggressive.
Not forceful.
Just full of attention.
Want.
Like Yujin genuinely desired her specifically.
And somehow, Wonyoung realized she liked when Yujin talked to her like that.
Confident.
Certain.
Like she already knew Wonyoung wanted her there.
Slowly, Wonyoung placed her drink down onto the table.
Yujin watched every movement carefully.
Then Wonyoung turned fully toward her, heartbeat slowly speeding up again as she moved a little closer on the couch.
And Yujin smiled softly, already knowing exactly what that meant.
Wonyoung leaned closer first.
This time there was no teasing hesitation between them anymore.
Her fingers slipped into Yujin’s already messy short hair while her other hand cupped Yujin’s jaw gently, pulling her into another kiss.
Yujin immediately kissed her back with the same intensity.
Slow at first, then deeper.
The kind of kiss that made Wonyoung completely forget whatever stress she’d been carrying earlier that day.
Sunghoon.
The arguments.
The headache.
Everything disappeared the second Yujin’s hands settled against her waist again.
Wonyoung shifted closer until she was practically half sitting on Yujin already, and Yujin’s hands wandered from Wonyoung’s hips, sliding up and down until she was grabbing her ass, squeezing them gently which prompted Wonyoung to completely straddle Yujin’s lap and moved her lower body in circular motion.
She liked how naturally confident Yujin was. Liked being guided by her.
Wonyoung pulled back momentarily to catch her breath, Yujin doing the same. She traced her fingers under her jaw, running her thumb across Yujin’s bottom lip and just surveyed the bartender’s face for a second.
Wonyoung bit her lower lip, feeling more turned on when Yujin slowly lick her thumb and sucked it gently. She liked that very much and Yujin could definitely tell.
Without breaking eye contact, Wonyoung’s hands slowly found Yujin’s and reached over to guide them both towards her chest, making Yujin cupped her breasts over the thin fabric of her shirt.
“You know what to do them.” Wonyoung said softly and Yujin didn’t need to be told twice. She removed Wonyoung’s shirt and admired the mounds in front of her that fit perfectly in her hands to cup.
“God you’re so fucking hot.” Yujin whispered, fingers rolling on the already hardened nipples and then attaching her mouth on them to lick and suck, giving them equal attention.
Wonyoung let out a breath from the sensation she was feeling and eventually sweet noises were coming out again from her mouth, sound that was music to Yujin’s ears so she kept her ministrations.
“Oh,” she teased softly. “You like that.”
Wonyoung hid her face briefly against Yujin’s shoulder in embarrassment.
“You pay too much attention.”
“It’s hard not to when you react so prettily.”
The compliment alone made Wonyoung’s face warm.
A few minutes later, Yujin maneuvered them around and Wonyoung’s back was leaning on the couch, sitting, soft shorts and underwear were removed in one swift motion, legs spread while Yujin was kneeling in front of her, face buried and mouth working in Wonyoung’s already soaking center.
Yujin pulled back for a second to look at Wonyoung who was currently biting her lip, trying to keep her moans into minimal volume.
“Stop fighting it, I want to hear you.” Yujin commanded, and hearing that did something within Wonyoung so she let go again, moans and stuttered breaths.
Yujin smirked in satisfaction and continued on again. Next thing they knew, they were both naked on the couch, Yujin on top with Wonyoung beneath her, and Yujin’s hand was in between her legs, pleasuring her while she herself was grinding her center on Wonyoung’s thigh.
Their movements were in sync, it was like a connection they had, knowing when each other will finally let go and feel the rush warm of pleasure.
Wonyoung came first with Yujin following seconds after. They kissed again and again and again, Yujin eventually settling on the couch behind Wonyoung to cuddle her as they both catch their breaths from the rounds of sex they just had.
A few moments later, Wonyoung turned around, fingers tracing along Yujin’s jaw while quietly studying her face.
The dimples.
The slightly swollen lips from kissing.
The way Yujin kept looking at her like she was something precious.
Then Yujin did something small that somehow affected her even more.
She kissed the inside of Wonyoung’s wrist softly while still holding her hand.
It made Wonyoung’s chest tighten unexpectedly.
Neither one spoke for a little while.
The only sounds were their breathing slowly calming and the faint noise of the city outside Wonyoung’s apartment windows.
Then quietly…
“You okay?” Yujin asked softly.
Wonyoung smiled a little at the familiar question.
“You always ask me that.”
“Because I care.”
That answer came so naturally that Wonyoung looked up at her immediately.
Yujin looked slightly surprised herself after saying it out loud.
But she didn’t take it back.
Instead she brushed a strand of hair behind Wonyoung’s ear gently.
And for the first time in a very long while,
Wonyoung felt calm being this close to someone.
For a while, neither of them moved.
The apartment stayed quiet except for the soft sound of their breathing and the TV still playing some random show neither of them had paid attention to in the last hour.
Wonyoung rested comfortably against Yujin’s chest on the couch, one of Yujin’s arms still wrapped securely around her waist.
Honestly, neither of them wanted to separate yet.
Wonyoung especially.
She felt warm, relaxed, and annoyingly comfortable in Yujin’s arms already.
Eventually though, Yujin sighed softly.
“As much as I’d love to stay like this forever…”
Wonyoung groaned quietly. “Don’t ruin the moment.”
Yujin laughed softly against her hair before carefully untangling herself.
“Unfortunately, some of us have jobs that requires to be there in person.”
Wonyoung watched quietly as Yujin stood up from the couch and started gathering their discarded clothes from around the living room floor.
That wasn’t helping Wonyoung’s situation at all.
Because now Yujin was walking around half-dressed, toned back and arms on full display while casually picking clothes up like she wasn’t distracting at all.
Wonyoung openly stared.
Completely shamelessly.
Yujin noticed almost immediately.
Especially when Wonyoung’s eyes lingered a little too long on her arms.
Then lower.
Then back up again.
Yujin smirked while pulling her shirt back on.
“See something you like?”
Wonyoung didn’t even deny it. “You’re very aware of yourself.”
“I’m aware of you staring.”
Wonyoung scoffed but still accepted the clothes Yujin handed her.
“It’s your fault for looking like that.”
Yujin grinned proudly at the compliment.
“I’ll take that.”
Wonyoung slowly got dressed while still stealing glances toward Yujin every few seconds.
It was honestly unfair how attractive the bartender looked doing something as simple as fixing her hair and putting her watch back on.
Then Yujin checked her wrist; 8:01 PM.
Her expression shifted slightly.
“I’m guessing you have to go now?” Wonyoung asked quietly.
Yujin nodded with a small sigh.
“Sadly, yeah. My shift usually starts around nine.”
“Oh.”
Wonyoung tried sounding casual.
Tried not to let the disappointment show too much.
Because what exactly was she supposed to say?
Stay?
They weren’t girlfriends.
They barely even knew what this was.
And technically, this started as just physical attraction.
At least that’s what Wonyoung kept telling herself.
So instead, she just nodded quietly while fixing the sleeves of her shirt.
Yujin noticed the silence immediately. But she stayed quiet too.
Because honestly?
If Wonyoung asked her to stay, Yujin probably would.
Without hesitation.
And that scared her a little.
She already liked Wonyoung more than she should but Yujin also knew this situation too well.
Straight girl breaks up with boyfriend.
Gets curious.
Finds comfort with another woman temporarily.
Then eventually goes back to her normal life.
Yujin had seen it happen before.
So despite how much she enjoyed being around Wonyoung, she kept reminding herself not to get attached.
Don’t overthink it.
Don’t expect too much.
Keep it simple.
Physical.
Easy.
Even if her chest tightened slightly at the thought of leaving.
Finally, Wonyoung broke the silence first.
“Call me later?”
The second the words left her mouth, she immediately regretted how needy it sounded.
Yujin looked at her for a second before smiling softly.
“I get off around 2 AM,” she said. “Would you even still be awake?”
Wonyoung laughed awkwardly.
“Oh. Uh… probably not.” Then she shrugged lightly. “I guess just whenever then?”
Yujin nodded. “Whenever sounds good.”
There was another small pause after that.
Neither really moving toward the door yet.
Eventually, Yujin stepped closer first.
She leaned down intending to give Wonyoung a quick goodbye kiss.
Just something short. Simple.
But the second their lips touched, Yujin felt Wonyoung lightly grab the front of her shirt.
And when she pulled back slightly, Wonyoung looked up at her with that same expression again.
Soft.
Wanting.
Like she already missed her a little.
Yujin quietly cursed herself internally.
Then kissed her again.
Longer this time.
Slower.
One hand gently cupping Wonyoung’s cheek while the other settled against her waist.
Wonyoung melted into it immediately.
And for a few seconds, Yujin genuinely considered calling off work entirely.
Which was dangerous. Very dangerous.
When they finally pulled apart again, both looked a little breathless.
Yujin rested her forehead briefly against Wonyoung’s.
“Goodnight, Wonyoung,” she murmured softly. “See you whenever.”
Wonyoung blinked a few times, still slightly dazed from the kiss before smiling faintly.
“Goodnight, Yujin.” Then quieter… “See you whenever.”
Yujin gave her one last lingering look before finally forcing herself to leave.
The apartment door clicked shut behind her moments later.
And suddenly the place felt much quieter than before.
Wonyoung stayed standing there in the middle of the living room for several long seconds.
Still warm from Yujin’s touch.
Still tasting her kiss.
Her mind wandered unwillingly.
About the way Yujin looked at her.
The way she listened to her.
Took care of her.
Wanted her.
And somehow made Wonyoung feel calm all at once.
Wonyoung slowly sat back down on the couch and pulled her knees closer to herself.
“What am I actually doing…” she whispered quietly.
But despite the confusion spinning in her head, one thing felt very clear.
She didn’t want to stop seeing Yujin.