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The dorm door didn’t just open…it slammed.
The sound echoed through the living room, cutting through the quiet chatter of the members.
Everyone turned at once.
Wonyoung stood at the entrance, shoulders trembling, eyes already red. Her mask was half-pulled down, forgotten, and the moment she stepped inside, a shaky breath escaped her lips like she had been holding it in the entire ride home.
“Wonyoung-ah?” Gaeul was the first to stand, concern instantly written across her face.
But someone else got there first.
Yujin.
She didn’t hesitate, not even for a second. The moment she saw the tears welling up in Wonyoung’s eyes, something in her chest dropped hard. She crossed the room in quick strides and pulled Wonyoung into her arms before she could even say a word.
“What happened?” Yujin’s voice came out low, urgent, already laced with worry. Her arms wrapped tightly around Wonyoung, one hand cradling the back of her head, pressing her close like she was trying to shield her from everything.
That was all it took.
Wonyoung broke.
Her fingers clutched desperately at Yujin’s shirt, bunching the fabric as soft sobs started spilling out. She buried her face into Yujin’s shoulder, her whole body shaking.
“I…” she tried, but her voice cracked immediately.
Yujin tightened her hold. “Hey… hey, it’s okay. I’m here. Take your time.”
The rest of the members gathered closer, forming a quiet circle around them. Liz frowned deeply, Rei crossed her arms anxiously, and Leeseo looked like she was about to cry just from seeing Wonyoung like this.
Yujin didn’t rush her. She just stayed there, gently rubbing Wonyoung’s back, pressing soft kisses to her temple, whispering quiet reassurances only Wonyoung could hear.
After a few minutes, Wonyoung finally managed to speak.
“I had a meeting… with management today…” Her voice was small, uneven. “They… they offered me a role… in a music video…”
Yujin’s brows knit together, but she stayed silent, letting her continue.
“It’s… for a really popular male artist…” Wonyoung sniffled, pulling back just enough to look at Yujin. Her eyes were glossy, cheeks flushed from crying. “At first… it sounded okay. Just acting… a storyline…”
Yujin gently wiped a tear from her cheek with her thumb. “And then?”
Wonyoung’s lips trembled.
“They said there’s a… kissing scene.”
The room fell silent.
Yujin’s hand stilled.
“I said no,” Wonyoung continued quickly, her grip tightening on Yujin’s shirt again. “Right away, I told them I didn’t want to do it. I told them I wasn’t comfortable but…”
Her voice broke again.
“They said it’s already decided. That it would be good for my career… that it’ll help me transition into acting…”
Yujin’s expression changed.
Completely.
The softness in her eyes hardened into something sharp. Her jaw clenched, her arm around Wonyoung tightening protectively as something darker flickered beneath the surface.
“They’re forcing you?” she asked, her voice dangerously quiet.
Wonyoung nodded, tears slipping down again. “I don’t want to do it, Yujin… I really don’t…”
That was it.
Something in Yujin snapped.
Her hands curled into fists at her sides, her whole body going rigid as anger surged through her chest. The thought alone, Wonyoung being pushed into something she clearly didn’t want, made her blood boil.
And the image?
Someone else kissing her?
Her jaw tightened further.
If this were something Wonyoung chose, something she was comfortable with, Yujin would’ve swallowed her jealousy, supported her like she always did. She knew the difference between personal and professional.
But this?
This wasn’t a choice.
This was forcing.
And Wonyoung was crying because of it.
That alone was enough to set her off.
“I’m going to the company,” Yujin said suddenly, pulling away just enough to look at her properly.
The members froze.
Wonyoung blinked. “What?”
“I’m not letting this happen,” Yujin continued, already reaching for her jacket. Her movements were sharp, controlled, but the anger underneath was obvious. “They don’t get to decide something like that for you. Not when you’ve already said no.”
“Yujin…”
“I’m serious,” she cut in, her voice firm. “As the leader, I’m not letting one of my members be pushed into something she’s uncomfortable with. And as your…”
She stopped herself, but the meaning hung heavy in the air.
As your girlfriend.
Wonyoung’s eyes widened slightly.
Yujin looked like she was ready to march straight into the company building and tear the entire management team apart. Her expression was cold, her eyes blazing with restrained fury.
It was… intimidating.
Even the members noticed it, Rei subtly stepping closer to Liz, Leeseo whispering, “I’ve never seen unnie like this…”
Wonyoung grabbed Yujin’s hand before she could move any further.
“Wait.”
Yujin paused.
“Please…” Wonyoung’s voice softened, but there was urgency in it. She stepped closer, both hands now holding onto Yujin’s arm. “Don’t go like this.”
“I’m not just going to sit here,” Yujin replied, frustration slipping through. “They made you cry, Wony. They’re trying to force you into something you don’t want…”
“I know,” Wonyoung said gently, her thumbs brushing over Yujin’s hand. “I know… and I’m really, really grateful that you want to stand up for me.”
Her gaze softened, searching Yujin’s face.
“But not like this.”
Yujin exhaled sharply, still tense.
“You’re angry right now,” Wonyoung continued, stepping even closer. “And you have every right to be… but if you go there like this, it’s just going to make things worse.”
Yujin didn’t respond.
“I need you to be level-headed,” Wonyoung whispered. “Please… we can talk to them tomorrow. Together.”
There was a pause.
A long one.
Yujin looked at her, really looked at her. The tear-streaked cheeks, the way she was still holding onto her like she was afraid she might leave, the quiet pleading in her eyes.
And just like that…
Her anger cracked.
Not gone, but softened.
Because right now, Wonyoung didn’t need someone to fight.
She needed someone to stay.
Yujin’s shoulders slowly relaxed, her clenched fists loosening as she let out a breath.
“…Tomorrow,” she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.
Wonyoung nodded quickly. “Tomorrow.”
Another pause.
Then Yujin reached up, gently cupping Wonyoung’s face, wiping away the remaining tears with careful fingers.
“Okay,” she said quietly. “I’ll wait.”
Relief washed over Wonyoung’s expression.
Yujin pulled her back into a hug, this time slower, gentler, but just as tight.
“I’ve got you,” she murmured into her hair. “You’re not doing anything you don’t want to. I promise.”
Wonyoung melted into her, arms wrapping securely around Yujin’s waist.
Behind them, the members finally relaxed, exchanging glances of relief.
But Yujin?
Her eyes, though calmer, still held a lingering fire.
Tomorrow, she would talk.
And she would make sure they listened.
— — —
Morning came too fast.
The dorm, usually filled with slow chatter and the smell of breakfast, was instead a blur of movement; half-awake members rushing around, grabbing bags, tying their hair, pulling on jackets. No one had the luxury of sitting down today.
“Manager said we’ll grab something on the way!” Rei called out, already slipping her shoes on by the door.
“Again?” Liz groaned, though she was smiling, used to it by now.
Leeseo yawned as she followed, still trying to fix her hoodie. “I wanted toast…”
But despite the usual chaos, there was something… off.
Subtle, but there.
And everyone felt it.
Yujin stood near the hallway mirror, adjusting her cap and checking her reflection. From the outside, she looked completely normal, composed, focused, ready for the day.
But the silence around her said otherwise.
Gaeul glanced at Rei.
Rei glanced back.
No one said it out loud, but they all knew.
It was about last night.
And Wonyoung?
She noticed everything.
She lingered a little longer than usual, watching Yujin from across the room. The way her shoulders were just slightly more tense, the way her jaw set for a second longer than it should’ve, it was small, almost unnoticeable to anyone else.
But not to her.
Wonyoung stepped closer.
“Yujinnie…”
Yujin turned immediately, her expression softening the moment their eyes met. “Yeah?”
Wonyoung searched her face for a second. “Are you okay?”
There it was.
The question.
Yujin smiled.
Small. Gentle.
The kind of smile that was meant to reassure more than anything.
“I’m okay,” she said quietly.
But Wonyoung didn’t move.
She knew that smile.
Yujin stepped closer, closing the small gap between them before anyone else could pay too much attention. Her hand briefly brushed against Wonyoung’s waist, grounding, familiar.
Then she leaned in, quick, subtle, and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
It was fleeting.
But it said everything.
“I’m okay,” Yujin repeated, softer this time, her forehead resting against Wonyoung’s for just a second.
Wonyoung exhaled slowly.
“…Okay,” she whispered back.
She didn’t push further.
But she didn’t fully believe it either.
The van ride was quieter than usual.
Not silent, Rei still cracked a joke about how they were all surviving on convenience store food again, Liz laughed, and Leeseo complained about being hungry, but underneath it all, there was an unspoken awareness.
Yujin sat near the window, gaze fixed outside as the city passed by in a blur.
Her fingers tapped lightly against her knee.
Once.
Twice.
Then stilled.
Wonyoung, seated beside her, noticed.
She didn’t say anything.
Instead, she gently slid her hand over Yujin’s, fingers intertwining with hers under the cover of her jacket.
Yujin didn’t look at her.
But she squeezed back.
Tightly.
— — —
The company building came into view quicker than anyone wanted.
As soon as they arrived, it was back to routine.
“Straight to the studio,” their manager said, ushering them out. “We’re tight on time.”
Practice started immediately.
Music filled the room, loud and familiar, the beat vibrating through the floor as they moved in sync.
And just like that…
Yujin switched.
Completely.
Her movements were sharp, precise, her energy controlled and powerful. Every count hit perfectly, every formation clean. She corrected small details, guided transitions, kept the group grounded.
“Again from the chorus,” she called out, clapping her hands once. “Leeseo, watch your timing on the turn. Rei, sharper on the arm here.”
Her voice was steady.
Professional.
Leader.
And for that moment, nothing else existed.
Not the meeting.
Not the anger.
Not the lingering frustration from last night.
Just the music.
Just the performance.
Wonyoung watched her through the mirror.
And for a second, she almost believed everything was fine.
— — —
“Good job, everyone.”
The music cut. Practice ended.
And just as quickly as it started, reality slipped back in.
The members began to disperse one by one, grabbing their things, checking their phones, preparing for their individual schedules.
“Unnie, I have a photoshoot,” Liz said, waving as she headed out.
“I’ve got a radio thing,” Rei added.
Leeseo stretched. “I’m going with manager-nim.”
Gaeul gave Yujin a knowing look as she passed by, a silent check-in.
Yujin gave a small nod.
I’m okay.
Soon, the room emptied.
Until it was just the two of them.
The silence settled differently now.
Heavier.
Yujin walked over to where Wonyoung was standing, leaning lightly against the mirror. Her steps were slower this time, more deliberate.
She stopped in front of her.
For a second, she just looked at her.
Then,
“I’m about to go meet the higher-ups in a few minutes,” Yujin said.
Straight to the point.
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
“I can go in there myself, if you don’t…”
She didn’t finish the sentence.
Didn’t need to.
If you don’t want to.
If you’re not ready.
If it’s too much.
Wonyoung didn’t hesitate.
Her hand reached out, finding Yujin’s instantly, fingers wrapping around hers with quiet certainty.
“I want to.”
Yujin blinked, slightly caught off guard.
“This is about me,” Wonyoung continued, squeezing her hand gently. “I don’t want you getting in trouble for speaking up for me and I’m not even there.”
Yujin’s expression shifted, something protective flickering behind her eyes.
She shook her head immediately.
“No one is getting in trouble,” she said firmly.
Her grip tightened around Wonyoung’s hand.
“I just need them to understand.”
There it was again.
That edge.
That quiet determination that hadn’t gone away since last night.
Yujin took a small step closer, her voice lowering.
“I will make them understand.”
Wonyoung held her gaze.
There was no hesitation in Yujin’s eyes.
No doubt.
Just resolve.
“They can’t force you to do projects you’re not comfortable with,” Yujin continued, her jaw setting slightly. “I’ll make sure of that.”
Wonyoung’s heart tightened.
Not out of fear.
But because she could see it so clearly now,
Yujin hadn’t let it go.
Not even a little.
Her thumb brushed over Yujin’s knuckles, slow and grounding.
“Yujin…”
Yujin softened just a bit at the sound of her name.
“I’m with you,” Wonyoung said quietly. “But we talk to them, not fight them.”
A pause.
Yujin exhaled through her nose, her shoulders rising and falling once.
“…Talk,” she repeated.
Wonyoung nodded.
Another beat of silence passed between them.
Then Yujin lifted their joined hands slightly, pressing a soft kiss against Wonyoung’s knuckles.
“Stay close to me in there,” she murmured.
Wonyoung gave a small smile.
“I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.”
Yujin let out the faintest huff of a laugh.
But her eyes?
Still focused.
Still sharp.
Still ready.
She reached for Wonyoung’s hand again, this time not just holding it, but anchoring herself with it.
“Let’s go.”
And together, side by side, they walked out of the studio toward the meeting.
The walk down the hallway felt longer than it actually was.
Every step echoed.
Every passing staff member bowed politely, unaware of the tension building between the two idols walking side by side. Yujin’s grip on Wonyoung’s hand never loosened, not even for a second.
If anything, it tightened the closer they got.
Wonyoung could feel it.
Not painful.
Just… firm. Grounded. Protective.
They stopped in front of the office door.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
Wonyoung glanced at Yujin.
Yujin met her eyes.
No words.
Just a silent exchange.
I’m here.
I know.
Then Yujin knocked.
“Come in.”
Yujin pushed the door open.
— — —
The office was exactly how Wonyoung remembered it from the day before.
Clean. Cold. Controlled.
And behind the desk…
Him.
The man responsible.
He looked up from his papers, adjusting his glasses slightly before a slow, almost amused smile spread across his face.
“Ah,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “If it isn’t our company’s powerful duo.”
Wonyoung felt Yujin’s hand tighten instantly.
“Come, sit,” he continued casually, gesturing toward the chairs across from him. “I was surprised to hear Yujin wanted to meet. I didn’t know you’d be here too, Wonyoung.”
They walked in together.
Sat down together.
Close.
Closer than usual.
Yujin didn’t waste a second.
“We’re here about the project you discussed with Wonyoung yesterday.”
Straightforward.
Direct.
No pleasantries.
The man raised a brow slightly, but said nothing, waiting.
Yujin continued.
“The music video. The role. The kissing scene.”
Wonyoung could feel the shift beside her, the way Yujin’s posture straightened, the way her voice sharpened just enough to cut through the air.
“Wonyoung has already told you she’s not comfortable with it,” Yujin added. “She said no.”
A pause.
Then the man slowly turned his gaze to Wonyoung.
He scoffed.
Soft, but unmistakable.
“So you brought back up,” he said, a hint of mockery in his tone, “just because you decided to be picky about projects now?”
Wonyoung’s fingers curled slightly in her lap.
But she didn’t look away.
“I’m not being picky,” she said, her voice steady despite the lingering emotion from last night. “I told you I’m not comfortable with it.”
She inhaled softly, gathering herself.
“I don’t even know if I want to pursue acting yet… but I’m willing to try different concepts if that’s what management wants.”
Her voice softened, but her words didn’t lose their weight.
“But please… not like this.”
The man tilted his head slightly, unimpressed.
“Opportunities like this don’t come to just anyone,” he replied. “He’s popular. A huge artist in the industry.”
His fingers tapped lazily against the desk.
“You should be thankful you were picked. Other female artists would want this.”
Yujin’s patience snapped.
“Then let others have it.”
The words came out sharp.
Immediate.
Final.
The man blinked, just once, caught off guard by the interruption.
Yujin leaned forward slightly, her gaze locked onto his.
“Wonyoung has repeatedly said she’s not comfortable and she doesn’t want to do it,” she continued, her voice controlled but firm. “What part of that don’t you understand?”
The room went still.
The man’s expression shifted, annoyance creeping in now as he turned his attention fully to Yujin.
“And what part of this is your business, An Yujin?” he asked, his tone losing its earlier amusement. “This is about Wonyoung, not you.”
His eyes narrowed slightly.
“So why are you here?”
Wonyoung felt Yujin’s hand tense in hers.
For a split second, she worried.
Because she could feel it,
The anger.
Still there.
Still simmering.
She squeezed Yujin’s hand gently.
A silent reminder.
I’m here.
Yujin exhaled.
Slowly.
Then she spoke.
“It is my business.”
Her voice was calmer now.
But heavier.
“I’m IVE’s leader,” she continued, sitting up straighter. “It’s my responsibility to protect my members, especially when they’re being pushed into something they clearly don’t want to do.”
She paused just long enough for her words to settle.
“I understand the popularity of this artist,” Yujin added. “And what it could potentially bring to Wonyoung’s career.”
Her jaw tightened slightly.
“But do you understand the consequences?”
The man didn’t respond.
So Yujin kept going.
“The backlash. The hate. The comments she’s going to receive from his fandom.”
Her voice sharpened again.
“Being in a music video is one thing. But a kissing scene?”
She let out a short, humorless breath.
“Fan girls will rip her into shreds.”
Her grip on Wonyoung’s hand tightened.
“And I will not sit here and watch that happen.”
A beat.
“I refuse to let that happen.”
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
The man leaned back in his chair, studying Yujin carefully now, no longer amused, no longer dismissive.
“I understand your concern,” he said after a moment. “But we’ll take legal action if it comes down to that.”
Yujin laughed.
But there was no humor in it.
“Like that helps.”
Her voice dropped lower.
“Legal action doesn’t stop the damage once it’s done.”
She shook her head slightly.
“But it doesn’t even matter,” she continued, softer now, but somehow more intense. “Wonyoung doesn’t want to do it.”
Her eyes flickered to Wonyoung for a brief second.
Then back.
“She cried about it.”
The words hung in the air.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
“For God’s sake,” Yujin added quietly, her voice tightening just slightly, “that alone should be enough reason to not accept it.”
Wonyoung felt her chest tighten at that.
Yujin’s thumb brushed lightly against her hand.
Grounding.
Protective.
“Please,” Yujin finished, her voice steady again. “Do not force her, or any of us to do something we’re not comfortable with.”
A pause.
“That’s all we’re asking.”
Silence followed.
Longer this time.
The man leaned back further into his chair, exhaling slowly as he studied the two of them.
He looked at Yujin.
Really looked at her.
The determination.
The composure.
The way she didn’t back down, not even once.
A small chuckle escaped him.
Quiet.
Almost to himself.
Because in that moment, a thought crossed his mind,
He had a hand in choosing her as leader.
And watching her now?
He knew he made the right decision.
But he didn’t say that out loud.
Instead, he sighed.
“I have to make some decisions,” he said finally. “And a few phone calls.”
He tapped his pen against the desk.
“But this doesn’t mean anything yet.”
A pause.
“It’s on hold. For now.”
Wonyoung’s fingers tightened slightly around Yujin’s.
A small relief.
Not final.
But something.
“We’ll have a follow-up meeting,” he continued. “With Wonyoung again.”
His gaze flicked briefly to Yujin.
“Just her.”
Yujin opened her mouth,
Ready.
To argue again.
But before she could,
Wonyoung squeezed her hand.
Once.
Firm.
Enough.
Yujin stopped.
She exhaled quietly, her shoulders lowering just a fraction.
“…Okay,” she said, though her tone made it clear she wasn’t entirely satisfied.
The man nodded, already reaching for his papers again.
“You’re dismissed.”
Yujin and Wonyoung stood together.
They bowed politely.
Professional.
Respectful.
Even after everything.
Then they turned and walked out of the office together.
The moment the door closed behind them, the air shifted.
Yujin’s grip on Wonyoung’s hand tightened again, her jaw clenching slightly as she let out a quiet breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
Wonyoung turned to her.
“…Yujin.”
Yujin shook her head lightly, running a hand through her hair.
“It’s not over,” she muttered.
Wonyoung stepped closer.
“I know.”
A pause.
Then softer,
“But thank you.”
Yujin looked at her.
Really looked at her.
And just like that,
The anger eased.
Not gone.
But softer.
Always softer when it came to her.
Yujin reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind Wonyoung’s ear.
“I meant what I said,” she murmured. “You’re not doing anything you don’t want to.”
Wonyoung’s lips curved into a small, tired smile.
“I know.”
And this time, when Yujin took her hand again,
It wasn’t just protective.
It was certain.
— — —
Weeks passed.
At first, every notification, every call from management, every schedule update made Wonyoung’s stomach tighten just a little. The “on hold” never turned into a follow-up meeting. No one called her back in. No new scripts. No reminders.
Nothing.
It was almost… strange.
Yujin noticed it too.
She didn’t bring it up often, only small check-ins here and there. A quiet, “Did they say anything today?” after schedules. A glance at Wonyoung’s expression whenever her phone buzzed.
But mostly, she waited.
Watched.
Ready.
Wonyoung, on the other hand, tried not to think about it too much. If it came back, they would deal with it again, together. That thought alone made it easier to breathe.
Still… the uncertainty lingered.
Until one day,
It didn’t.
— — —
It was a rare kind of day.
The kind they almost forgot existed.
Their group schedule had been cut short, some last-minute technical issues that couldn’t be resolved in time. The staff apologized, told them they could head back early.
No reshoots.
No extensions.
Just… home.
The dorm felt different because of it.
Lighter.
Shoes were kicked off carelessly near the entrance, jackets tossed over chairs. The living room slowly filled with the familiar comfort of takeout containers, the smell of warm food spreading through the space.
Rei plopped down first, already opening her box. “Best day ever.”
“Unplanned rest days hit different,” Liz agreed, sliding in beside her.
Leeseo sat cross-legged on the floor, happily digging into her food. “I’m not complaining.”
Gaeul came in a moment later, balancing a tray of drinks. “At least something good came out of today,” she said, handing them out one by one.
In the middle of it all,
Yujin and Wonyoung.
Wonyoung sat comfortably between Yujin’s legs on the couch, her back resting against Yujin’s chest like it was the most natural place in the world. Yujin’s arms loosely wrapped around her waist, one hand holding chopsticks, the other resting protectively on Wonyoung’s side.
“Eat properly,” Yujin murmured, nudging a piece of food toward Wonyoung’s lips.
Wonyoung smiled slightly, leaning forward just enough to take the bite. “You too,” she replied, immediately picking something from her own box and holding it up for Yujin.
Yujin leaned in without hesitation.
They moved like that, effortless. Familiar. Quietly in sync.
Rei glanced over and smirked. “You two are actually unbearable sometimes.”
“Don’t be jealous,” Liz teased, bumping her shoulder.
“I’m not jealous,” Rei scoffed. “I just want someone to feed me like that too.”
“I literally offered you food five seconds ago.”
“That doesn’t count.”
Laughter filled the room.
The TV played in the background, some random channel flipping between shows until it landed on a music program.
None of them were really paying attention.
Until…
“Wait,” Leeseo said suddenly, pointing at the screen. “Isn’t that…”
Everyone’s attention shifted.
The opening scene of a music video played.
A familiar male artist.
The room went quiet.
Wonyoung stilled slightly in Yujin’s arms.
Yujin noticed immediately.
“…It is,” Gaeul said softly.
The music video continued.
The storyline unfolded, dramatic, cinematic, exactly the kind of concept Wonyoung had been told about.
Then,
The female lead appeared.
Not Wonyoung.
An actress.
Someone else entirely.
Rei glanced over. “Wonyoung-ah… is that the one?”
Wonyoung nodded slowly.
“…Yeah,” she said quietly.
The group watched.
No one said much after that.
They didn’t need to.
The scenes progressed, interactions, close moments, the kind of storytelling that led exactly where everyone knew it would.
And then,
The kissing scene.
Yujin’s jaw tightened instinctively.
Even knowing it wasn’t Wonyoung…
Even seeing someone else in that position…
Something twisted uncomfortably in her chest.
She looked down.
At Wonyoung.
Safe.
Right here.
Not there.
Not in that situation.
A breath she didn’t realize she was holding finally left her.
Silently,
She thanked God.
Because if that had been Wonyoung…
She wouldn’t have been able to sit here like this.
Wouldn’t have been able to stay calm.
Wouldn’t have been able to separate anything.
Her arm tightened around Wonyoung’s waist just a little more.
Wonyoung, meanwhile, let out a soft exhale.
Relief.
Clear.
Undeniable.
It was over.
No follow-up meeting. No pressure. No forcing.
Someone else had been chosen.
She didn’t have to fight anymore.
Didn’t have to worry.
And more than anything,
She didn’t have to go through it alone.
Her gaze softened.
Slowly, she placed her food down on the table.
Then she leaned back.
Fully this time.
Resting her weight against Yujin’s chest.
Yujin reacted instantly, arms wrapping around her without hesitation, pulling her closer, like she always did.
“Hey,” Yujin murmured softly, her chin brushing against Wonyoung’s shoulder. “You okay?”
Wonyoung nodded.
More than okay.
Her fingers reached up, lightly holding onto Yujin’s arm around her.
For a moment, everything else faded.
The TV.
The chatter.
The others in the room.
It all blurred into the background.
Wonyoung turned her head slightly, looking up at Yujin.
Yujin met her gaze.
There was something different in Wonyoung’s eyes now.
Not worry.
Not fear.
Something softer.
Full.
Grateful.
Wonyoung shifted, lifting herself just enough to face her properly.
Yujin’s brows furrowed slightly. “What…”
She didn’t get to finish.
Wonyoung leaned in.
And kissed her.
Soft.
Slow.
Intentional.
It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t hidden.
But it wasn’t loud either.
It was… meaningful.
A quiet way of saying everything she didn’t need to put into words.
Thank you.
For staying.
For fighting.
For choosing me.
Yujin froze for just half a second, then melted into it.
Her hand moved to Wonyoung’s waist, holding her closer as she kissed her back just as gently.
Behind them, Rei made a quiet, exaggerated gagging sound.
“Okay, we’re still here, you know.”
Liz laughed, nudging her. “Shut up.”
Leeseo grinned, pretending to shield her eyes. “I didn’t see anything.”
Gaeul just shook her head, smiling to herself.
But neither Yujin nor Wonyoung pulled away immediately.
When they finally did, their foreheads rested together.
Close.
Warm.
“You’re not doing anything you don’t want to, ever.” Yujin whispered again, like a promise she would keep repeating for as long as she needed to.
Wonyoung smiled softly.
“I know.”
And this time, there was no fear behind it.
Only certainty.
Because she knew,
She never had to face anything like that alone again.
— — —