❝ you're my spouse on paper, however you're not my responsibility.❞
synopsis — the distance with mina seems to disappear when her walls starts to crumble, a switch from her old personality?
word count ! — 3.1k
— myoui mina x reader !
notice — heavily inspired by @neoplatinum and a bit of queen of tears.
disclaimer ! — this story is a work of fiction. the portrayal of characters, events, and relationships does not reflect the real lives or personalities of any individuals mentioned. themes of infidelity and emotional conflict are explored, but the intention is not to glamorize toxic behavior.
series masterlist !
part two !
the apartment was unusually quiet when i stepped through the door. no faint hum of the television, no rustling of papers in the living room—just silence, save for the soft click of my shoes against the hardwood floor.
mina was in the kitchen, her back to me as she arranged something on the counter. the sight of her, wrapped in a simple sweater with her hair loosely tied, was a stark contrast to the usual composed elegance she carried like armor.
“you’re home late,” she said without turning around. her tone was soft, almost hesitant, and that alone set off a small alarm in the back of my mind.
“cases piled up,” i replied, dropping my briefcase by the couch. “long day.”
mina turned then, her gaze falling on the bouquet in my hands. the flowers weren’t anything extravagant—a modest mix of daisies and lilies i’d grabbed on a whim during the walk back. her lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her face before she quickly schooled her expression.
“those are for me?” she asked, though the answer was obvious.
i nodded, holding them out. “figured it’s been a while since i brought something home for you.”
her fingers brushed mine as she took the bouquet, and for a moment, she just stared at them. then, without warning, she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against my chest.
“you didn’t have to,” she murmured, her voice muffled against the fabric of my shirt.
“i wanted to,” i said, unsure of what else to offer. the weight of her leaning into me was unfamiliar but not unwelcome. “mina, are you okay?”
she pulled back slightly, her hands still clutching the bouquet. “i’m fine,” she said, though her smile was tight around the edges. “just... missed you, that’s all.”
mina’s sudden clinginess didn’t stop there. after setting the flowers in a vase on the counter, she guided me to the bedroom with an almost frantic determination, her hands tugging at my coat and loosening my tie before i could protest.
“you’re exhausted,” she said, her fingers brushing against the crease in my shirt as she unbuttoned the top few buttons. “you need to rest.”
“mina, i can handle myself,” i said, though my protests lacked any real conviction. the warmth of her touch, the softness in her gaze—it all felt too rare to push away.
“i know you can,” she replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. “but let me take care of you for once.”
and she did.
she pulled me down onto the edge of the bed, her hands steady as she slipped off my shoes and set them neatly by the door. when i leaned back against the pillows, she draped a blanket over me, tucking it around my shoulders like i was something fragile.
“stay here,” she said, her tone firm yet gentle. “i’ll bring you some tea.”
watching her move around the room, the usual precision in her steps replaced with a kind of nervous energy, i couldn’t help but feel like something was off. mina wasn’t like this—at least, not normally.
but when she returned with a steaming mug of tea and sat beside me, her fingers idly smoothing out the wrinkles in my sleeve, i chose not to press her. instead, i let myself sink into the quiet, the weight of her presence grounding me in a way i didn’t realize i needed.
“thank you,” i said softly, my voice breaking the silence.
mina’s gaze met mine, her eyes darker than usual but filled with something i couldn’t quite place. “you don’t have to thank me,” she said, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from my forehead. “you just need to let me be here for you.”
and for once, i did.
-----
the bedroom was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustle of fabric as i shifted in my sleep. the lamp on mina’s side of the bed cast a faint, warm glow over the room.
mina sat upright, her back resting against the headboard. her gaze flickered to the bouquet on the nightstand for a moment, then back to me. i was turned away, my breathing slow and steady, lost in the depths of sleep.
her fingers toyed with the hem of her silk robe, the movement idle but unsteady. her lips parted slightly, as though she wanted to speak, but the words caught in her throat.
after a moment, she leaned forward, carefully pulling the blanket up over my shoulder. her hand lingered, her fingertips barely brushing the fabric before she withdrew.
“i’m sorry,” she whispered, almost to herself, her voice barely audible over the quiet.
she glanced at me one last time, her expression unreadable but heavy with emotions she couldn’t name. leaning down, she pressed a feather-light kiss to my temple, her lips lingering there for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
“goodnight,” she whispered, her voice barely audible
-----
the knock on the door was sharp and impatient. before i could even call out, the door swung open, and there she was. mina.
i barely looked up from the case file in my hands, but the tension in the air was hard to miss. the assistant slipped out past her with a hurried goodbye, mina’s sharp gaze not even sparing them a glance as they disappeared down the hall.
"this is what keeps you so busy?" she said, her tone clipped as she stepped inside.
i leaned back in my chair, taking her in. "mina. i wasn’t expecting you."
"clearly," she replied, her eyes scanning the room with a critical edge. her gaze landed on the assistant’s desk through the glass partition, and her lips curved into a faint scowl. "your assistant seems... overly familiar."
i blinked. "she's just doing her job."
"too familiar," she muttered, crossing her arms.
a laugh escaped me before i could stop it. "are you seriously jealous right now?"
mina’s eyes narrowed, and she ignored the question. instead, she turned on her heel and glanced at the space in front of my desk. her frown deepened.
"no wedding photo," she said sharply, her voice loud enough to carry.
"what?" i asked, caught off guard.
she waved a hand dismissively toward the empty spot. "you don’t have a wedding picture here. what kind of message does that send to your clients?"
"that i don’t mix personal life with work?" i offered, half-laughing.
mina didn’t laugh. instead, she marched to the door, opened it, and gestured for the assistant to come back in.
the assistant hesitated at the threshold, glancing between us. "yes, ma’am?"
"i need you to get a framed wedding photo for the desk. something elegant. nothing cheap," mina ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.
the assistant blinked, clearly startled, but nodded. "right away."
"thank you," mina said curtly before turning back to me.
i sighed, leaning back into my chair. "was that really necessary?"
"absolutely," she said, stepping toward the desk and scanning my decorations with a critical eye. without hesitation, she picked up a small figurine and placed it to the side. "this doesn’t belong here."
"are you redecorating my office now?"
"just making it presentable," she replied, straightening a stack of papers as though she owned the place.
i couldn’t help but smile a little, glancing back at my file. "you’re acting like a proud partner, you know."
mina paused for a fraction of a second, then tilted her head slightly. "someone has to make sure you remember you’re married."
"uh-huh," i murmured, flipping a page in the file.
"by the way," she added, her tone casual but pointed, "we have dinner with my family tomorrow night. minatozaki and hirai will be there too."
my pen stilled on the paper.
mina’s eyes flicked to me, her lips curling into something that resembled a smirk. "hirai’s been asking about you. she’s too friendly, don’t you think? always smiling like that."
the jab was subtle but unmistakable.
"i think hirai’s just being polite," i replied evenly, keeping my focus on the case notes.
mina let out a soft, humorless laugh, stepping closer to the desk. "polite, sure. just make sure she remembers you’re married, too."
before i could respond, she leaned down, one hand bracing against the desk.
"mina, she's your frie—" i started, but her lips were already on mine.
the kiss was unexpected, deliberate, and charged. her perfume and the soft press of her lips were all i could focus on, and for a moment, everything else fell away.
when she pulled back, her gaze met mine, cool and unreadable. "don’t stay too late," she said, straightening up and smoothing her coat.
as she walked toward the door, she glanced back at the desk one last time. "oh, and get rid of that ugly figurine," she added before leaving.
i stared after her, still processing the whirlwind of her presence. the assistant returned with the framed photo moments later, looking just as bewildered as i felt.
"she’s something," they muttered under their breath, setting the photo down on my desk.
i couldn’t disagree
-----
the dining room was bathed in warm golden light, every detail exuding sophistication. the table stretched out before us, laden with an array of delicately prepared dishes. mina’s father sat at the head, his sharp eyes observing everyone with the kind of authority that only came with decades of commanding respect.
mina sat to my right, poised and elegant as ever, her hand resting lightly on my arm. she’d been unusually attentive all evening, her touches lingering, her voice softer than usual when she spoke to me. it was enough to make me glance at her more than once, wondering what had prompted this shift.
“do try the salmon,” she said, her voice low enough to reach only me. “i think you’ll like it.” before i could respond, she took my fork and delicately cut a piece, holding it up to my lips.
heat rose to my face as i leaned in, biting into the offered piece. her eyes never left mine, her lips curving slightly in satisfaction when i nodded in approval. across the table, sana’s bright gaze flickered toward us, her expression unreadable as she continued chatting politely with mina’s father.
“mina, you’re being awfully doting tonight,” momo teased, her voice carrying just enough amusement to draw the attention of the table.
mina’s lips twitched. “is that a problem?” she replied smoothly, not missing a beat. she turned her attention back to me, her hands reaching up to adjust my tie. “there. perfect.”
momo laughed, leaning back in her chair. “you two make such a lovely pair. don’t you think so, sir?” she addressed mina’s father directly, her playful tone earning a chuckle from him.
“a fine pair indeed,” mina’s father agreed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “and now that you’re settled, it’s time to start thinking about an heir, isn’t it?”
the question hung in the air, and i felt my heart sink slightly. i opened my mouth to deflect, to explain that it was far too soon for such discussions, but mina’s voice cut through before i could speak.
“we’re thinking about it,” she said, her tone as calm and composed as ever. her hand slid over mine under the table, squeezing it gently as she spoke.
my head snapped toward her, and i nearly choked on the sip of wine i’d just taken. coughing lightly, i set the glass down, earning a laugh from momo, who patted me on the back. “you’re handling this wonderfully,” she said, her grin wide. “you’ll fit right in with the family in no time.”
“if you say so,” i murmured, still recovering from mina’s unexpected declaration.
sana’s polite conversation with mina’s father didn’t waver, though her eyes occasionally darted toward us. there was a sharpness to her gaze, though her tone remained sweet, each word perfectly measured.
mina’s father seemed pleased, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied nod. “good, good. this family has always valued its legacy, and i’m glad to see the two of you taking it seriously.”
mina smiled politely, her expression betraying nothing, though her grip on my hand didn’t loosen. “we understand the importance, father,” she said smoothly.
i stayed quiet, unsure of what to say. the evening passed in a blur of polite conversation and subtle power plays. mina never let go of my hand, her attentiveness bordering on possessiveness as she continued to feed me small bites of food and brush imaginary crumbs from my sleeve.
as we finally stepped out into the cool night air, i turned to her, my voice low. “what was that all about?”
mina’s lips curved into a small smile, her eyes meeting mine. “simply playing my part,” she said. “you’ll get used to it.”
but as we walked toward the waiting car, her fingers intertwined with mine, i couldn’t help but wonder just how much of tonight had been an act—and how much had been real.
-----
your office had become a space where work and personal life blurred, though it leaned heavily toward the latter, thanks to mina. it wasn’t just the framed photos of her from galas or your wedding portrait—it was the little touches she added whenever she visited. today, she was busying herself with rearranging a vase of fresh flowers she’d brought and straightening the already perfectly aligned frames on the wall.
“you work too much,” she mused, glancing over her shoulder at you as you poured over a stack of files.
“comes with the territory,” you replied, not looking up as you jotted down notes.
she hummed in response, stepping back to admire the newest addition she’d hung—a small framed photo of the two of you at a recent charity event. “there. now it’s perfect.”
you finally glanced up, catching the satisfied smile on her lips as she admired her handiwork. “you’re turning my office into a shrine,” you teased lightly, setting your pen down.
“oh, please. i’m just adding some warmth,” she countered, walking toward your desk.
before you could respond, she leaned against the desk, her gaze dropping to the files scattered across its surface. “what case is keeping you so busy?”
“just a pro-bono,” you admitted. “nothing I can’t handle, though.”
she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “you always say that. but you look exhausted.”
“comes with the job,” you said again, shrugging.
she shook her head, brushing off your nonchalance. her fingers reached out, adjusting your tie with the same care she’d given the frames. “you really need to take better care of yourself.”
“i try,” you murmured, distracted by how close she was.
her touch light but deliberate. she worked slowly, smoothing the fabric and adjusting it with precision. it wasn’t just the tie she was straightening—it felt like she was searching for something in the small, intimate act.
“there,” she said softly, though her hands lingered on your chest.
“thanks,” you muttered, clearing your throat.
mina tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips as her fingers toyed with the fabric. “can i ask you something?”
“sure,” you said, though the sudden tension in the air made your response feel heavier.
“were you... experienced before we got married?” she asked, her tone light but her gaze intent.
you blinked at her, caught off guard. “experienced?”
she arched an elegant brow, her expression amused. “did you ever have a ex before? someone you were close to?”
you hesitated for a moment before answering. “yeah, i did.”
mina stilled, her posture shifting subtly. there was something sharper in her gaze now, a quiet intensity that made your breath hitch. “what was their name?”
her voice was calm, almost too calm, and the air between you felt suddenly charged.
“it’s not important,” you said quickly, trying to downplay it.
“humor me,” she pressed, her tone sweet but her expression anything but.
you swallowed hard, stumbling over your words. “uh... their name was—look, it doesn’t matter. i haven’t thought about them in years.”
her fingers, still resting on your tie, tightened slightly—not enough to hurt, but enough to make you acutely aware of her presence. “good,” she said, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “because I don’t like sharing.”
“mina…” you started, but the words died in your throat as she tugged lightly on your tie, pulling you just a fraction closer.
“don’t worry,” she said, her lips curving into a faint smile that was anything but reassuring. “you don’t have to think about them anymore. they’re irrelevant now, aren’t they?”
you nodded quickly, your pulse quickening. “yes, completely irrelevant. i don’t even think about them, mina. i swear.”
she studied you for a moment longer, her expression unreadable. then, as if satisfied with your response, she let go of your tie and smoothed it down against your chest.
she turned to leave, but not before glancing back over her shoulder. “oh, and darling?”
“y-yeah?” you stammered.
her eyes glinted with something dangerously playful. “if they ever do come back, i hope they know how to run. fast.”
she straightened, smoothing the front of her dress as if the conversation had never happened. but as she walked toward the door, she glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes glinting with something both possessive and tender.
“and maybe tell your secretary to stop bringing you coffee,” she added with a faint smirk. “that’s my job now.”
-----
the bedroom was quiet, save for the faint tapping of your fingers on the laptop keyboard. the dim light cast a warm glow over the space, highlighting the framed photos on the dresser—wedding moments, galas, and memories that mina insisted deserved a place here.
the sound of the bathroom door creaking open made you glance up. mina stepped out, her damp hair sticking to her neck, her silk robe tied loosely around her waist. the scent of lavender and something distinctly her wafted over as she moved to your side.
“still working?” she asked, her voice smooth but with a teasing edge.
“just finishing up,” you replied, your focus faltering as she leaned closer.
mina’s eyes flicked to the screen, then back to you, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. “you know, for someone who’s supposed to be mine, you spend an awful lot of time with that thing.”
you chuckled nervously, closing the laptop. “it’s not like that.”
“hmm,” she hummed, sliding onto the bed beside you. her hand reached out, brushing lightly against your silk pajama—the one she’d insisted you wear earlier.
she tilted her head, her gaze sharp yet playful. “you’re always so composed,” she said, her voice dropping lower. “it makes me wonder… just how experienced are you, really?”
you blinked, caught off guard. “experienced? mina—”
“oh, don’t get shy now,” she interrupted, leaning in. her lips grazed the shell of your ear as she whispered, “tell me… have you ever had anyone who could handle you? who could keep up?”
heat rose to your face, and you cleared your throat. “mina, I don’t think—”
she pulled back just enough to lock eyes with you, a mischievous glint in her gaze. “you don’t think what? that I can?”
before you could respond, her fingers trailed down the buttons of your silk satin shirt, undoing one, then another, her touch deliberate and slow. “you know,” she said, her tone shifting, her words coming out a little sharper, “I’ve been patient. so damn patient. but tonight…”
her hand splayed over your chest as she pushed you back against the headboard, her robe slipping slightly to reveal more of her smooth, bare skin.
“tonight, you’re not working,” she said firmly, her lips brushing against yours before she bit down lightly, teasingly. “you’re mine.”
“mina…” you managed to whisper, your voice shaky.
“no,” she said, her eyes narrowing slightly, her lips curling into something darker, more daring. “call me baby.”
“baby,” you breathed out, and the satisfaction in her gaze was instant.
“good,” she purred, her hand trailing lower, nails grazing lightly against your skin. “because I’m done pretending I don’t fucking want you all the time. so stop acting like you have a choice.”
her words, low and coarse, sent a shiver down your spine. she straddled you, her robe falling open just enough to leave little to the imagination.
“you’ll think about that heir now, won’t you?” she asked, her lips ghosting over your jaw before moving to your neck.
“mina…”
“baby,” she corrected, her voice husky, her movements bold. “say it again.”
you obeyed, her name replaced by the word that rolled off your tongue so easily, and the way she claimed you in that moment left no room for doubt about who was in control tonight.
-----
end of part two.
a/n — BOOMSHAKALAKA FINALLY DONEEEEEE!! oh, mina. my dearest, mina. i love this girl so much y'all don't get it >:D
-TWICE'S 11TH MINI ALBUM "BETWEEN 1&2" ALONG WITH THE MV OF THEIR LEAD SINGLE "TALK THAT TALK" WILL BE RELEASED THIS COMING FRIDAY!! Let's give our whole support and love for our girls!!!
-The previous Mina x Reader one shot now has the most number of votes here in this book so far! Thank you so much for the reads, votes and comments for that story!
- Happy 9K reads to this book! I'm really surprised that this marks the third milestone this book has reached for this month of August. Thank you so much everyone!
- Lastly, I just wanna say also that the next part of this "Doughnut" series will be the final one.
Enjoy! 🤙❤
-----------------
Previously on "Doughnut" PART 5...
You awakened early in the morning and went already to your shop which is still closed so far. You are waiting along with your car beside you, waiting for Sana to meet you again.
More than 30 minutes passed and a black van arrived in front of you. You walked near to the door, and Sana opened the tinted window to see you clearly.
Sana: "Good morning, YN!", she greeted you. It was not that full of energy since she looks like she's somewhat still sleepy after waking up early too.
YN: "Good morning too."
Sana: "You can follow our van on the way to the airport so that it's just easy for you to go.", she said to you. You just nodded while listening to her. "Oh, uhh by the way... YN let me introduce you to my friend from work who's also joining as a model for the brand we're endorsing.", she said as she turned her head to the other side looking at another mysterious figure beside her that caught your attention who may that be since that person is being covered by Sana and the darkness inside the van.
Sana: "YN, meet Kim-",
YN: "DAHYUN?!", you exclaimed her name in shock as Sana moved away a bit to reveal Dahyun, who moved forward and looked at you with disbelief and shyness in her face.
Dahyun: "YN.", she also said your name embarassingly while Sana was just left speechless as she looked at both you and Dahyun, confused how did the two of you know each other.
----------------------
Sana: "You knew YN too?", Sana asked Dahyun beside her as she can't get over at how it was very surprising for her to see that her friend and colleague she's with right now is also close to you.
Dahyun: "Yup. I was surprised too that you two know each other.", she said, chuckling at her thought similar to Sana's.
Sana: "So as I. Well now this seems interesting.", she pursed her lower lips while nodding her head. "How long do you know YN?"
Dahyun: "4 years and counting.", she showed her hands where 4 out of 5 fingers of hers were raised, the thumb being hidden in her palm.
Sana lets out an "ooh" sound, mainly in fascination. Sana: "Pretty long. Well then, how did you two met?", she continued asking more.
Dahyun: "Back when we were in college at the time, he was my seatmate," she explained, as memories of your friendship with her from your high school days flashed through her mind. "I remember when he was the new addition to our class section, and lucky for him that he was sat with a social butterfly like myself, he got to get close and build a bond with his first new classmate, which was me... and only me," she continued.
You were feeling tension and uneasiness coursing through your nerves at the time since you were completely immersed in a new world around you, and you had no idea who these unfamiliar faces were.
Keeping your own self steady and still even though the atmosphere is suffocating you, thanks to this one woman who slowly approached beside you with a smile as bright as her looks; it was quickly prevented in a snap when she began to willingly talk with you, encouraging you to make a conversation with her.
All you can feel after was calmness and relaxation because of that, because being with her already made you can tell that you'll be very comfortable at her presence beside you at all times.
And that is where your story started with Dahyun.
"The rest was history. How was yours though?"
Sana: "Well, my step bro works for him.", Sana took the turn to answer a question this time.
Dahyun: "Oh, really?", she gasped and her eyebrows raised in awe. "What is he in YN's doughnut shop?"
Sana: "Manager position. Not to brag that much but he's YN's most trusted employee out there.", she smiled proudly as she thinks about her step-bro who might be preparing again to engage in another day of accomplishing his duty in your shop.
"Because of his great performance in YN's business, he developed some fond with him which is a great development too as I say.", she said. "So, going back to your question... yeah I do met YN because of my step bro."
"One time I visited the shop and while I was waiting there for Chan; my step bro's name, he talked with me as you know... another way for me to be entertained, which I didn't asked him to do by the way. But i'm not complaining.", she explained her own story on how you first met Sana at that night in the shop, where you tried to entertain her by coming up with a conversation with her while she waits for Bang Chan to be prepared on leaving the shop and going home with her.
Dahyun: "It simply goes to show that he's a truly great man," she added, impressed by the comment of how good your personality is, based on Dahyun's observation and experience.
Sana: "Yup! Add his attractive face as well!" she giggled, her cheeks turning a bright crimson from her big grin. "No wonder I fell in love with him," she said, making Dahyun to furrow her brows and staring at Sana in astonishment. She was doubting herself, had she heard correctly that Sana has affections for you?
Dahyun: "Wait, for real?", she asked Sana shockingly.
Sana: "Yeah, and I already confessed to him btw but... he didn't answer on what he would do to my feelings though.", her smiled slowly shrinked at the recall. "Well, I understand since it's hard for him knowing that he had a bad time in-", Dahyun instantly interrupted her when she heard those words, which gave her a sign that something wrong had happened to you that she was unaware of.
Dahyun: "W-what happened to him?", she asked Sana in panic, her panting breaths are slowly occuring.
Sana: "He and his ex girlfriend parted ways. Well, way worse... it's due to cheating from the girl's part.", and with that, Dahyun finally knew what exactly occurred to you that caused you to struggle accepting Sana's affections back. It all makes sense to her now.
But she's not happy about it. A combination of feelings is forming on her, with a portion of her upset and angry with herself for having the thought that she could've come to your help as an option, but she didn't. It was causing her to degrade her image and role as a friend to you, comparing her current self to her old self, where she was able to be there for you whenever she could.
Dahyun: "No way. I-I don't know what to say... I... I could've..." she began babbling as her overthinking filled her mind with numerous possibilities.
Sana: "I know, that's what I also felt and thought when I heard it from him," Sana remarked, attempting to show Dahyun that she understands what the younger is going through right now. "As a friend, you can't help but feel guilty for not being there for your fellow friend when you knew he needed someone to pour out the uneasy sensation that fills and makes his heart heavy, right?" Dahyun sadly nodded.
Dahyun: "So I supposed you already comforted him about it?"
Sana: "Yeah, well that's where I also accidentally spilled out my secret."
Dahyun: "Oh." She doesn't have a more explicit and comprehensive answer to that since she isn't sure how she will feel about it.
She had to feel relieved that at least you had a back to lean on during that trying time, but bitterness was also present.
She guessed that if Sana hadn't even needed to give the information where she told her that she was falling in love with her, it could've been better and more evident for her to feel.
Yes, she was kind of... jealous and hurt when she learned that somebody was also admiring the same guy she adores too... and it turned out to be her friend and colleague also.
"Poor YN doesn't deserve it at all. How can be that girl broke his trust and heart at the same time like that. I feel bad for him so much.", she sighed heavily.
Sana: "Same, Dahyun. Same."
"I do feel really guilty for myself and I have my reasons, you know?", she said while pointing at herself.
Sana: "Then do it, Dahyun. Don't hesitate about it, all you want for him to know is that you care about him anyways," Sana said as she held Dahyun's hands, sensing the uneasiness that is taking over her body and wishing it would go away as she tries to cool her down; not wanting to let it affect her too much that might distract her later.
After travelling in the same plane as them, you all arrived in Jeju a few hours later, where you were introduced to the workers, notably the managers.
After waiting with the audience that had assembled for this event, which was held today in beautiful weather, it eventually began. The hosts then invited the ambassadors of the product being promoted at this event to introduce themselves to us. You may have noticed Sana and Dahyun making their way to the stage, representing their outfits that made them look exceptionally fabulous to look at, as well as their speech to thank the brand for choosing them.
Sana wore a pink dress that complemented her beautiful womanly form, whereas Dahyun wore white, which complemented her flawless and silky pale complexion.
They made several poses in front of the cameras, and you can see that Sana was utilizing her slick moves to wow you even during her work. You may say she nailed it, given that she made you flush with some sneaky gestures pointing towards you.
Although Sana had your focus, you didn't let yourself be completely taken when you turned your sight to Dahyun, who was just doing her thing; balancing your treatment for the two. When you saw her staring at you, you smiled back and gave her and Sana both thumbs up, indicating that they are doing great right now and demonstrating how supportive a friend you are today for them.
After 2 hours and a half, you returned to each of your allotted spots to stay for the day here in Jeju.
Dahyun requested you to accompany her on a walk around the island. You asked if you might invite Sana as well, but she replied she was going away with her managers for a bit.
Having without anything to do for it, you just let myself to spend some time with her since you need this anyways. I haven't got to be in touch that much with Dahyun after your unexpected encounter back at the museum along with Chaeyoung.
Dahyun: "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Dahyun asked as you walked with her along the trail that leads to the lighthouse at the end along a cliff. "Having a moment where it's just you and I being in our own world.", she was adjusting her thick furry blanket while she said that.
YN: "Yeah, kinda feels nostalgic.", you sighed in longing. "I do missed this, thanks Dahyun.", you have her a side glance for you to give her your warm smile.
Dahyun: "You're welcome.", she returned the appreciation you gave. "I feel sad thinking about it still."
YN: "Why?"
Dahyun: "It's not the same as before. I already expected that a time like this would come but... I still hated it.", she pouted when she crossed her arms, sulking.
"That the words "I miss you" will be the words that only connects us anymore.", she said as she looked at you; showing her sadness that is plastered on her face at this thought of hers.
YN: "So what do you pertain by it, Dubu?", you called her by her nickname.
Dahyun: "That I wanted to spend more time with you again as much as I can, YN.", she said, entangling her fingers behind her back. "Not this type of meeting where we only having this moment just because of coincidence. Simply, just like the good times we had before."
YN: "Only that?" you inquired, raising your brow once more. "Sure, Dahyun. I'd like that idea of yours," you said, shrugging your shoulders and chuckling. That made Dahyun smile. "I'll do my best to join you if I'm available; you know I won't say no, right?" you teased her, which luckily caused Dahyun's lips curve upwards again.
Dahyun: "Promise?", she asked you and made a smirk.
YN: "Promise." You, too, did the same. You offered her your pinky finger, which she gratefully clasped with her own, finally ensuring her that you two will keep your promises.
Dahyun:"Aaaaaa I'm so pleased!" she exclaimed, raising both her fists in the air, making you giggle a little because of how adorable she is acting. "You never change, you always put a smile on my face no matter what..." she paused, only to revert her demeanor to serious. "...but I also want to apologize."
YN: "Huh,why? For what?", you gently asked her in your confusion.
Dahyun: "Sana told me what happened to you," she said, a simple remark that poured out of her mouth, full with sympathy for you; it was that simple for you to share her look.
YN: "Please, not now Dahyun. It's over now. I prefer that we don't talk about it...especially her anymore." you sighed as you swiped your hand away from the topic.
Dahyun: "I know, but I just feel bad about it." She paused in her steps, which you did as well, albeit little late than her. She's now standing in front of you after you turned around.
"I still care about you, okay? I could've spent my free time these past few days visiting you," she remarked, pouring out the amount of remorse she is absorbing. "But I'm delighted you're doing well now, YN; you deserved better."
You approached her and moved closer in front of her, delicately placing your hand on top of her shoulder and squeezing it softly to cheer her up. YN: "I appreciate that, Dahyun, but please don't blame yourself, okay?" you pleaded with her.
It's a relief that she nodded her head in answer to you. Dahyun:"I will, because Sana already consoled you while you were carrying that heavy heart of yours at the time."
YN: "She also mentioned that too?"
Dahyun: She made a hum. "She even mentioned how she just randomly spitted out her confession to you at that time," she added, the lack of amusement on her face is quite clear, but you're too preoccupied with what each other is talking about, so you just ignore it.
YN: "Yeah, that was unexpected, but I thanked her for doing that," you remarked to her, expressing your appreciation for Sana's bravery in exposing her actual feelings to you.
Dahyun: "I know what she did was very thoughtful and comforting so... I should... be feeling fine now.. right?", she said as her voice trembling. Being the blind and dumb you are, it was unbeknownst to you that Dahyun was getting a little bit confused at what she has to feel for that.
A part of her wants to be grateful for Sana's assistance... There's also a part of her that's distracting her by repeating the words "it should've been me" over and over, making her unhappy and envious.
YN: "You should be," you replied. She wanted to do so, but she recognized it wasn't going to be simple.
Dahyun: "Uhh... hey, we can get a good image at this position here. Cmon, let's try it," Dahyun said, pointing to a very wide space specialized for people to take pictures freely at any angle they wish to capture themselves with the excellent scenery around.
Dahyun dragged you along with her, and you surrendered your body to her as you followed her from behind. It didn't take long to get there because you two were already close to the end of the trail.
You both came to a halt in front of the lighthouse, which was perched on a rock overlooking the rest of Jeju and the surrounding body of water.
If you're afraid of heights, it was terrible to stare down, but if you're not, you'll be easily distracted by the wonderful beauty of it.
YN: "Hey, Dahyun! Mind if you step a little further away from it? Safety precautions," you asked as Dahyun moved closer to the lighthouse.
Dahyun: "You're worried I'll fall, aren't you?" Dahyun asked in a sing-song tone, acting like a child who doesn't take your warning as an adult seriously and instead takes it jokingly.
YN: "A big YES." Your voice became louder at that final phrase, indicating how uneasy you are right now.
Dahyun: I don't mind; you'd catch me if I fall, right? ", she smirked at you; which was the THIRD time you evaded her smooth moves to you; still unable to spot the indications she's showing you that there's something in there she's been hiding from you.
YN: "Aish, Dubu, stop it." you groaned. "The possibility of that is very low, so please be careful instead; I can't risk losing you here," you stated. Finally, Dahyun reddened at your statement. "Okay, and 1...2...3!" she said, striking a position; happily, the sun was still cooperating for her background, despite its low angle due to the fact that the present season is still winter. "Would you like more?" she just nodded, and you promptly obliged, capturing another shot of images for her.
Dahyun: "Woah daebak, these are all perfect!" exclaims Dahyun as she examines the photos you shot one by one, flicking the phone to the right.
"Your turn, go there! I can let myself be the only one who's going to have a fantastic photo here in Jeju, you know," she pulled you forward, and you simply followed her. You are now in the position she was in near the lighthouse. "1... 2... 3!", you performed a pose as well, but because you're not particularly photogenic, you did it awkwardly by placing your hands on your hoodie and making a peace sign at the following one.
Despite this, you are already content with doing it.
YN: "Thanks, Dahyun.", you said after checking your pictures.
Dahyun: "There you go, now it's a win win for the both of us.", she said proudly.
YN: "Oh look! the sunset!" you exclaimed as you looked up at the sky, where the little sun can be seen, about to vanish to welcome the moon and welcome in the darkness by shifting its position above.
Dahyun: "It's very beautiful.", Dahyun muttered as she joined you looking at it anticipatingly.
YN: "C'mon, let's take one more. Come closer beside me." You opened your phone's camera and immediately pulled Dahyun behind you, her body now sticking and leaning at your side.
Dahyun: "O-okay...", the only words she can say because she's too speechless at this intense blushing she's having as it began when you wrapped your arm behind her band and grasped her shoulder.
You two took a photo together, and Dahyun was left surprised and bewildered by your actions as you both continued to gaze at the sunset in front of each other's eyes.
It reminds her of when she first formed affections for you and you did the same thing for her. It was also afternoon at the time, and the sunset occurred after you had just completed playing with Dahyun to spend your weekend free time together.
YN: "Dahyun... Dahyun- ah! Hello, is someone there?", you keep calling her name. "Dubu!!!"
Dahyun: "Oh yes... hmm... oh Y-YN what is it," Dahyun hastily reacted after being awakened by your loud clap, sparing her from unconsciousness.
YN: "Looks like the one I'm talking to about how beautiful the sunset is here on Jeju Island doesn't comprehend it all since clearlyyyy she's drowning in her thoughts so... mind spilling what's going on in your mind?" you added, laying your hands on each side of your waist.
Dahyun: "A-uhm... I just remembered something... magical.", she reasoned out.
YN: "That's odd. Well, somewhat understandable, given how this moment feels like it's out of the world we're entering into." You agreed with her. "Just one glimpse at this breathtaking scenery makes you-"
Dahyun: "It reminded me of that one time in high school, YN," she stopped you off before ultimately responding with further detail. She did it because she wanted you to think about it as well, because you were also very happy at that time when you joined her.
Is there any other emotion you had to express than happiness when you discovered that your crush liked you back?
"Same as this, a deja vu definitely... and it was where I first fell in love with you, right?", she said, reminding you more.
YN: Oh... yeah.", you sheepishly smiled. "You told me about that when you confessed to me.", you looked at her. "And when I told you too that it was actually also part of sending signals to you.", you laughed at it. She joined you too but her was softer and also nodding her head up and down.
Dahyun: "Kinda hurts knowing that your feelings back then weren't a part of this déjà vu we're having... but mine," she continued, making you wonder what she meant by that, which prompted her to react like this.
YN: "Dahyun?"
Dahyun: "YN... when I learned what Sana did to you.. I don't know what to feel about it honestly.", she glanced again at the sun nearly about to leave the sky. "I know I should be just fine but it was too bittersweet for me."
YN: "Dahyun... are you telling me that-"
Dahyun: "YN... I'm still tied to our past, with you," Dahyun replied, her bitter smile encapsulated through her lips, voluntarily confirming your guess. "Yes, I still love you, YN... but don't get me wrong, I don't expect you to feel the same for me," she began to clarify. "I just wanted to let you know that after we ended our thing together... the more I realized how much it hurts not to be able to be in your arms again rather than being lost with you on our relationship," she continued.
"But right now, having you near me today just you and I... I wanted to just ask the question that makes me wonder if do you... still also wanted to try it out again too, wondering if... it could finally work?", she asked you shyly about it.
YN:"I do..." you said swiftly. It made her happy to hear about it, knowing that you are also disheartened that you had a relationship with Dahyun just because you were both too eager to love and did not first determine if both of you are ready to enter a new form of liking for each other.
... But it was years ago, Dahyun.", you connected the rest of the words with it, making Dahyun's heart clench hardly. She remembered Sana instantly, and the thought of what if Sana was getting successful now to attract you is what worried her.
But her negative ideas got vanished when you explained more to her, which is a relief. "It's not gonna be easy to recover that feeling I lost when I was also having it for you even in the aftermath of our break up like at the time for today... so that I could just tell you the same too that I want you back and let us start all over again."
Dahyun: "Like I was saying, I am not expecting, YN. I get it, you're still recovering and healing your heart... and I respect it that you need to take your time still.", she grabbed your wrist and gently patted it.
YN: "Are you gonna be fine with it?", you asked her perturbedly.
Dahyun: "I have to.", she nodded, giving you a smile that's telling you to trust her. " So don't worry, YN. I can wait for you, like I did just to have this moment where I could show you how I'm still into you after all this time even we haven't seen each other for a long time.", she assures you. " I just hope that I'll get the ending I need to have, which is to have you again."
You felt touched at Dahyun's words. YN: "Thank you for your understanding, Dahyun. Really, I didn't felt pressured at all.", you let out an appreciating grin to her; showing how Dahyun made you untroubled even though she just added herself to the list of women who will battle it out just to get your heart; mainly your friends.
Dahyun: "As what it should be, YN.", she said. After that, she pushed herself towards you; crashing her body onto yours to enwrap you into a tight hug. "I pray to the god's above in heaven that I could show you much I'm fully prepared for another shot of us again soon.", she whispered through your ear, sending you chills throughout your spine.
YN: "Good luck, Dub.", you encouraged; caressing her back. She lets go away from your body after a moment of silence during at each other's embrace.
Dahyun: "Did you also do the same too with Sana?", she curiously asked you.
YN: "Yup. I also gave her a chance too."
And the others too. You added in your mind.
Dahyun: "So I guess I got some competition.", Dahyun chuckled. You got a bit taken aback when she said that because it sounded like she's also referring fron what you just secretly said in your mind. "Sana is my friend but when it comes for you... but sorry, I must make my wait even more worth it.", she said, looking motivated as ever to do her best for you.
YN: "Wow, looks like someone's fighting spirit is showing right now HAHAHAHA", you said impressively. Dahyun just chuckled at it.
2 DAYS LATER
You returned from Jeju for Sana and Dahyun two days ago. Of course, you had a good time with them... Although it felt a little awkward knowing you were with two of the girls that were admiring you.
You can see some of their moves, and it was clear that Sana and Dahyun were switching turns unknown to them. The most memorable thing each of them did was when Sana retrieved some aegyos from her pocket and Dahyun kissed you on the cheek after your dumb self inadvertently bumped my head against the wall due to how sleepy you are.
Aside from that, you can't help but feel scared for them because your mind was telling you these what ifs about Sana and Dahyun both trading envy and anger building up as they chose to keep it to themselves instead; giving you reason to believe that they both know what they're doing to you.
Returning to the present, you are now in Gangdong-gu, a district of Seoul, where your friend Chaeyoung resides. You went to her house since you had bought more strawberries from her as an ingredient for your cake products in your shop.
Chaeyoung: "What did you do in Jeju?", she asked you while pulling out two strawberries and putting it in her basket. She moved next, still keeping her squatting posture.
YN: "Visited a fashion show there."
Chaeyoung: "And when did you had any interest with those?", she confusedly asked while looking at you with her signature crumpled expression.
YN: "Hey, I know and I still don't okay.", you said, denying her speculation. "The only reason I was there because my friend just invited me to watch.", you explained your side.
Chaeyoung: "You have a friend who's doing modeling?"
YN: "Yup, she's an actress too. Not to mention, her colleague was coincidentally my friend too who's also the same as hers.", you chuckled when you remembered how shocked you are when you discovered that Dahyun was the secret person Sana was talking about that she'll join along with her and you to Jeju.
Chaeyoung: "I envy them.", she pouted and returned back to pulling strawberries out of the plant.
YN: "Cmon, Chaeyoung don't go to that topic again.", you sighed while shaking your head.
Chaeyoung: "Yeah yeah I know, be satisfied with my artistic hands.", she presented you her pair of hands covered in gloves, wiggling it. "Yes I get it.", she rolled her eyes which made you just wheeze at her.
"Congrats to you and Tzuyu by the way.", she said, changing the topic. Her voice became quite lower compared to earlier.
YN: "Seems that she told you about it.", you said, continuing to watch her doing her job of managing her beloved fruits for business.
Chaeyoung: "Ofcourse, she will, i'm her friend and the supportive one for you two."
YN: "You're right about what you said about her story that was long untold to me." You lowered your head, the guilt returning as you recall your meeting with Tzuyu that changed your story with her for good after years of bad blood that ended up simply being caused by misunderstanding.
"I was just completely in total astonishment and disbelief that I actually wasn't the victim here all along," you added, recounting your serious talk with Tzuyu. "I had no idea she was going through the same thing as me, and worse, hers was doubled, and I feel like I had something to do with it, knowing she was still loving me the same after all this time, but she knew I hated her with all my heart for something she never did in the first place," you sighed heavily as you finished talking.
Chaeyoung: "See? Now you know why I keep urging you to let her talk, YN," Chaeyoung said as she stood up and pointed at you. "I knew Tzuyu, and you know it, is very vulnerable and too soft to be handled like this by her parents."
"She had no other people around her who could save and fix her again, but only us as her only remaining people she loved the most in her life who never turned back to her, so why am I telling you this as if I don't know what Tzuyu did to you was the opposite of what I said?" she paused for a second with a purpose, and she achieved it when your curiosity increased.
" Because when I learned from you that she's trying to reconnect with you for the first time in 2 years, I decided to choose this side of mine that's telling me there's something was wrong with her only being able to show a sign of her presence instead of choosing to be biased by just letting myself siding over you, even though you were only became the victim here because we never heard any side from her, not yet.", she explained.
You agreed and understood everything Chaeyoung was pointing out. "And I apologized terribly for that, I do," you replied, an apologetic smile on your lips.
"I deserved any consequences for it, but she spared and forgiven instead, choosing to show me this one thing I really liked the most out for her before," you remarked as a memory of how you first developed affections for Tzuyu began to play in your head.
You recalled how Tzuyu just stay all okay whenever she listens and see you make mistakes or cause a problem. Her positivity is too contagious where all you can do is just to be like her and believe her for that, and it helped very much. You learned how to became better and avoid anything like it to happen again.
Aside from her ethereal beauty, the more times she consoles, motivates, and advises you, the more you grew to like Tzuyu. Then one day you had the confidence to tell her about how he makes you feel in love with her, and happily she shared back with the same explanation as yours, verifying that both of you love each other more than a friend.
Chaeyoung: "I noticed the past tense, but hers wasn't right?", she forced out a smile to you. She wanted to be very happy about it but ofcourse knowing that she do also secretly loves you too just makes her heart ache.
YN: "She shared about it too?"
Chaeyoung: "Y-yeah.", she stuttered, uncontrollably showed a hint of her discomfort about this. "Makes me feel pity for her even more, but still glad that she was able to tell it finally too.", she faked a smile again.
"She said also that you gave her a c-chance?"
YN: "She deserves it, that's all I have to say Chae."
Chaeyoung: "O-okay," Chaeyoung said, nodding. She's literally wearing a mask right now, the truth buried beneath it, and that is her, grieving at the realization that she'll never be yours. What exactly is she fighting for? Tzuyu is plainly ten times better than her, thus she will lose regardless of what she thinks.
"Anyways, why don't you just wait there and make yourself comfortable for a while at the living room.", she tried to find an excuse just to end this discussion that she's having because she's heard enough already and she can't risk breaking down in front of you as her cries join the sounds of her heart shattering into pieces.
YN: "You sure you don't need any help?", you asked her; showing the thoughtful and caring side of yours.
Chaeyoung: Nope, I'm good, YN. I just have to check the rest of the farm once I harvest these strawberries," Chaeyoung said, declining your offer. She only wanted to be alone for a while before returning to normality after her mood had become wildly unsettling to her.
YN: "Okay.", You walked back to the house, leaving Chaeyoung alone as she sighed a long sigh to alleviate the worry filling her insides before returning from choosing out the remaining strawberries she has to ready for your order.
You were going to settle down in the couch as you entered the house again when you noticed a room on the left, under the staircase, with its door slightly open.
When you spotted some paintings from the gap, it piqued your interest to see what was within. You cautiously unlocked the door and entered, now able to look about within Chaeyoung's room, namely her art space.
You noticed some cloth-covered paintings. You chose one of them and removed it, observing the artwork that was now shown in front of your eyes.
And, to your surprise, the painting's subject was you and Chaeyoung being joyful together in the middle of the night, with stars in the sky replaced by hearts.
It was too late that when you turned around the door to check if Chaeyoung was still in the farm, you caught her instead standing at the door, staring at you with twice the amount of shock, nervousness, fear and sadness all in one in her face compared to yours.
YN: "C-chae... I-I'm sorry for entering your pri-," you began to explain, but she motioned for you to stop, lifting her index finger and showing it to you.
"I should be the one explaining, not you," Chaeyoung replied, her unlively voice clearly audible. "So you finally know about it," she replied quietly, returning her gaze to the painted she had created.
YN: "And it turned out that my thoughts were correct..." she frowned, bewildered by what you're saying. "... that there is really something more about what you did back then in the museum," her eyes gradually widened as she realized that even though she had failed her plan of confessing to you, an idea had already appeared in your mind that would make you react less surprised if Chaeyoung had just successfully shared her feelings with you, which was interrupted back them with a surprise phone call from Tzuyu.
She wasn't complaining about how you kinda knew about it already, it fact it just makes her happy and less nervous to finally do this in front of you that she'll open her heart out for you to discover.
Chaeyoung: "I could've confessed to you earlier, but... the world was simply too harsh to me at the time, from your friend Dahyun's unexpected presence to Tzuyu's unexpected call." She spoke precisely what was on her mind.
YN: "But now that we're here... you finally have the freedom to tell me everything Chae," YN said as you opened your arms a little before bringing it back down. "How did it all begin?" you asked, looking at her expectantly, patiently waiting for her response.
Chaeyoung gulped to avoid her throat being stuck and too hard for her to speak. She started to explain it all as her answer to you.
Chaeyoung: "All I could say that it was because of how intimate we are together and having only you as my male friend.", she looked away from you to lessen her stare from you that might make her melt and froze in her position.
"I- I'm slowly getting carried along with the way how you treat me like an ideal man you are and so it begins. Where one day I found out that I'm starting to grow a different kind of fond for you... a romantic one.", she whimpered in embarassment while playing with her fingernails.
YN: "And I suppose you decided to... keep this from me all along?", you guessed, she nodded in response. "Why?"
Chaeyoung: "I- I care for you and T-Tzuyu.", her voice became softer and lowered down even more, but you stepped forward for you hear it clearly.
" I didn't wanted at all for you to know about my love for you because... I think mostly about Tzuyu. It was very wrong for me to be in love with somebody that my friend was falling in love into at the same time."
"But I just couldn't hold this feeling I contain in my heart for too long, now that it affects me painfully again seeing you and Tzuyu reuniting and who knows? Maybe it will be the same as before, and it will end up with me being the one who will suffer again with the fact that I am seeing the man I adore the most out of everyone who's never gonna be mine anyways.", she started to sniff and a couple of teardrops started to flow out from her dizzying eyes which black orbs looks like it shows the entire galaxy and the universe within.
YN: "It's not the only reason wasn't it?", you gently sweep away the strands of her bangs that's distracting her. You bent your finger and used it to wipe away Chaeyoung's tears as she started to cry. "You were scared, Chae. That you think when Tzuyu finds out about this and me... it'll affect our friendship together.", you said the obvious reason why she's doing this.
Chaeyoung: "Y-yes...", she nodded her head. Her body starts to shiver in her cries. "I'm really sorry, YN. I shouldn't be having this at all but I can't control it... I'm too unable to deny that my heart was really choosing only you.", she continued to cry as she leaned her temple to the middle of your chest.
"So, now that you know I love you, do you think this is the end of us? You'll dist-" she raised her head, only to be met by her disheveled, wet face as a result of the tears she shed.
YN: "What? No. Don't think like that, Chae.", you interrupted her, wanting to make her quit saying such ridiculous things that you think will never happen ever. "I won't okay? I'll stay. It wasn't your fault. Falling in love was something you can't be apologized for... it's normal that it just grew naturally within our heart and thus all we can do is to be responsible for it."
"To know how could we do something about it. To see how it'll change our lives either for the better or for the worse. It doesn't mean that even if loving was a choice, it'll makes us become unworthy or weak for doing that. Love is also a helpful tool for exploration throughout our connection with someone who are close with, Chaeyoung and I won't gonna lie... I am touched that you can see my value as not only as a friend but more than that."
" It felt like my purpose really was something bigger in the eyes of others. So why should I avoid or leave you because of that? I should be grateful instead.", you explained to her how she was wrong of what she thinks you might do after the confessing she had done.
Chaeyoung: "But how about Tzuyu?", she asked you, frowning.
YN: "Well about that... I don't know, Chae.", you weakly smiled. If only you know what Tzuyu has to respond when she learns about this just so you can tell it Chaeyoung that can contribute more to the reasons why she has to calm down. "I'm getting worried that she'll act and think differently than mine. But I hope not."
Chaeyoung: "Then I guess she should not have knowledge about any of this. She must not know.", you nodded at her favor.
YN: "But how about you, what are you going to do?"
Chaeyoung: "If I tell you that I want you to give me a chance too, would you let me?", she asked you sadly. You slightly got taken aback at that question of your friend to you. You already heard this from the others, so all you can do was to repeat the same answer again but hoping that she'll be just like them who can understand what you're going also into these days.
YN: "I would really love to, Chae but if only our situation was that easy.", you apologetically smiled at her.
Chaeyoung: "Don't be bothered with it too much. I'll be fine, YN.", she reassured you, taking away your fear or worriedness that she might get impatient and be it unacceptable to her.
She doesn't want to be selfish and rude about it.
"Finally letting you know about what I actually feel for you and knowing that you'll be staying by my side was enough for me already," she smiled, indicating that her good mood is slowly returning. "I don't mind if I have this one-sided love with you forever; maybe I'll move on, but who knows when that will be."
"What matters to me is..." she said as she stroked your cheeks with her delicate little palm. You simply closed your eyes and felt the warmth of your admirer's touch on your cheek. Chaeyoung softly smiled at the sight of your comfortable face at her hold. "... you're doing fantastic every day... and seeing you happy, even if it's because of someone else rather than wanting to be me in that place, is the least I could hope for from you, YN."
"I don't regret having this moment with you, atleast it finally allowed me to breathe in relief.", you unknowingly realized that she used the chance to give you a quick peck of a kiss to your lips, making your eyes popped wide and look at her in astonishment.
Chaeyoung: "If I never get the chance to make it happen again in the future, at least I got the chance to know how amazing it feels to share a kiss with you."
YN: "Come here, Chae." You motioned for her to come forward, and she complied, allowing you to pull her in for a hug. Even if it didn't result in a happy or sad conclusion, at least both of you are happy about it and neither one was left distraught, which could have ruined your friendship.
"Thank you for opening up. Although your love for me wasn't returned in the same way, you have my word that I will do my best to fulfill what you expect me to be. Take it as my repay for your effort. I'm proud of you, always remember that," you said sweetly, and you could feel your body compressing more as Chaeyoung tightened her wrap around your body.
Chaeyoung: "Thank you so much for allowing me to express my love for you. I will always be here for you, YN. Anytime. Even as only a friend, don't forget that deep inside of me still chooses to continue loving you." she said as you continued to stroke her long wavy hair for a few more seconds before escaping at each other's embrace and laughing about that roller coaster of emotions you two just had.
She eventually prepared the strawberries you had ordered from her, safely enclosed in a plastic container. You gave her one more hug and waved your hands farewell before leaving her house.
As you got into your car to head back to your doughnut store, you got a notification from the woman you were hurriedly chatting with just a few minutes before as you and Chaeyoung had one more conversation.
She responded to you, thanking you for accepting her invitation to meet her tomorrow.
THE NEXT DAY
Jeongyeon: "Here we are, my favorite place to go when I do need a great rest... just like right now," Jeongyeon stated as the two of you exited her car, which is now parked alongside the location you agreed to visit with her today.
Jeongyeon was the one who texted you while you were at Chaeyoung's house yesterday. She encouraged you to accompany her to the spa, which you are both currently looking at.
YN: "So Wednesday is your dayoff?", you asked her.
Jeongyeon: "Yes.", she nodded.
YN: "I suppose your work was draining your body energy 24/7.", you said, sounding worried for your friend because you have an idea how hard accountancy is, since it's your cousin Seulgi's job too.
Jeongyeon: "Life of an accountant, YN," she said, smiling slightly. "Sitting there from day to night... your eyes going dry and burning whether through staring at the papers or sucking the radiation out of the monitor as you only focused on bunch of numbers your company is creating whatever time it is along with duty of managing, computing, and many more.", thinking about it made her sigh as if she just got out of her shift for today, making you understand her more at what she's been going through in her work.
YN: "Wow, that sounds extremely hectic and exhausting." The goosebumps you got after hearing that from her caused you to whistle. "Now I feel horrible for the two of you and Seulgi," you said, expressing sympathy not only for Jeongyeon but also for your cousin.
Jeongyeon: "But we don't have a choice, do we?" said Jeongyeon, shrugging. "We need this job to earn money for our daily requirements... and all we have to do is work hard and make sacrifices for it," she said with a determined smile.
"But, Jeong, health is still important," you told her. "I simply hope you people continue to take care; it's still just a job after all," you patted her on the shoulder, your caring eyes fluttering Jeongyeon's heart.
"Thanks for inviting me, Jeong, by the way; I'm actually looking forward to this," you chuckled, eager to learn about the pleasure of being inside a spa for a genuine and effective soothing massage.
Jeongyeon: "First time?", she said; perfectly guessing your reason of excitement.
YN: "Yup. I rely more onto self-treatment, particularly painkillers."
Jeongyeon: "Don't worry, it'll all change here. I could invite you again whenever I'll visit here.", she smirked.
YN: "That would be highly appreciated, Jeong," you said with a pleasant smile. "We can also convince Seulgi to join us," you suggested.
Jeongyeon: "Ooh yeah, you're correct!" she said, snapping her fingers. "That would be wonderful. Come on, let's get inside so we can start right away," she said, motioning you to follow her as the two of you walked through the spa's entrance.
You were brought to one of the free therapy rooms inside after checking in and filling out their logbook. Two of the experienced masseuses who will be serving you and Jeongyeon exchanged greetings before telling you to proceed to your individual massage tables.
Because you and Jeongyeon aren't a couple, the room has been divided in half by a curtain. After taking off your clothes, which Jeongyeon did as well, you lay down on the table and let the masseuse begin to conduct a professional massage, which seemed like you were floating in the clouds due to how refreshing and peaceful it was.
-------------
Jeongyeon: "How's it going?" she asked about your experience a while ago. You were both sitting on padded chairs arranged for the terrace at the back of the spa, taking use of the remaining time left to simply rest.
YN: "You have no idea how comfy I am right now, Jeong," you chuckled. Jeongyeon simply grinned at your reaction, and she knew it was all worth it. "Jeez, this place is great; my body feels so light," you say, glancing around as you tap the chair's handle three times before holding back at it.
Jeongyeon: "Yeah I can relate. My shoulders, neck and hips doesn't give me this killing pain I endure anymore.", she said; gently moving her body to prove it.
YN: "I guess we'll simply spend the rest of our time enjoying this refreshing moment we're having today," you murmured, returning your eyes to the magnificent scenery full of greens of the trees and some other houses not too far away.
Jeongyeon: "YN... are you having fun with me?", she asked.
YN: "I do. Even though you're still a no jam to me.", you teased her in the end.
Jeongyeon: "Aghhh I thought it would end good!", she whined, throwing you the small pillow she had on her back. "You're so mean.", she pouted at you.
You just chuckled at this poor defeated woman beside you.
You went closer to her and gently shaking her body as you begged for her forgiveness. YN: "Hey, sorry! I was kidding okay?"
Jeongyeon: "Hmph.", she looked away as she tried to avoid your pitiful state.
YN: "You're sulking? Oh cmon what should I do with it?", you desperately wanting to find out.
Jeongyeon: "I don't know, figure it out yourself.", she rolled her eyes, still keeping the act and going along wih it.
YN: "Okay, well, I hope this may make you forgive me." You sat next Jeongyeon, filling the spare remaining amount of space in her seat, and locked her on your arms, giving Jeongyeon a back embrace, causing her to heat up and feel her heartbeat on her chest speed up.
Jeongyeon: "A-alright fine, I can't s-stay angry at you any longer, you're impossible to resist," Jeongyeon murmured, not bothering to look at you because she's too embarrassed to display her intense brush that's enough to turn her entire face scarlet red.
YN: "See, hug works all the time!" You ruffled her hair, which elicited a groan of annoyance from her. You were going to remove your arms from around her body when Jeongyeon stopped you.
Jeongyeon: "D-don't," she commanded, still unwilling to look you in the eyes. "Can we please s-stay like this for a bit, YN?" she asked, turning her head slightly to catch a glimpse of you in her peripheral vision.
YYN: "Uhh sure, I won't mind." You just gave her a favor, so you shifted your body to be more comfortable sitting alongside her, changing the type of hug you're giving her as it changed to a side hug; but you still kept your arms wrapped around her waist.
Jeongyeon then shamelessly leaned her head on your shoulder, giving you goosebumps as the two of you now look like a genuine couple gazing out the window on a gorgeous Wednesday morning.
You just silently complimenting how great the scent of her face and also the beauty of the side features of her face.
Jeongyeon: "YN... will you be angry when I tell you this?", she asked you.
YN: "How should I? Let me what is it then."
Jeongyeon: "What if I told you that I'm falling in love with you, YN?", Jeongyeon said as you gazed down at her, catching her loving eyes looking up at you, leaving you astonished at her sudden revelation and making herself one of your admirers as well.
You're confusedly asking to yourself as to how the hell this world just blessed you this kind of life where you're able to make most of the women you're close with to fall in love with you and confess their feelings at you one by one as if it's more likely a coincidental for you.
Keeping your humble personality, you continue to feel that you are just a typical and average person for you to deserve this. However, thinking about it further after hearing several love confessions, particularly Jeongyeon's, makes you happy that simply being yourself is enough to make you feel special.
That's one of the reasons you don't want to reject their feelings just yet. Let's say that you're terrified of doing it. You don't want to shatter their heart after all these times of making you feel how much they adore you.
"I know this is a sneaky move on my part right now, but it's just that... I really want to know how it feels to be in your arms, and I was right, it sure does feel really good when that person is the one you love; I'm sorry if I took advantage of your unawareness.", Jeongyeon softly apologized to you even though it was inappropriate for her to do so.
YN: "It's okay, Jeong. Don't be sorry for it.", you started to rock your body, making her join your movement slowly back and forth. "I am glad and thankful of you for sharing this. Just to ask you one thing though, are you willing to wait? Because as of now, I'm sorry to say that I can't love you back yet. I still have some things to make clear. My heart is still unsure whether I should go for one more run.", you looked at her because you want to see her face while stating her answer.
Jeongyeon: "I'll do whatever it takes, YN. Even if I fail or succeed, atleast I tried you know; but of course, it would be much better if I'll get the same return back from you," she said; the words she mentioned at the end related back to your fear of causing huge pain in their hearts, whether you love one of them or not.
It will never change anyways, pain is also part of our lives and as long as it exists, you will never get the chance to avoid it; so might as well you thought you really need to try for you to found out.
YN: "I hope I wouldn't hurt you even more Jeong when my heart finally decided.", you said; unconsciously giving a hint about one of your thoughts.
Jeongyeon: "Let's just cut it here. I heard enough and I'm still satisfied with it even if it's not what I'm expecting but still, thank you, YN.", she said as she gently patted your thigh twice for you to be ordered to stop.
YN: "You're welcome, Jeongyeon.",
Jeongyeon: "The following times we'll have this kind of moment... I hope that one of it would be us finally sharing our love for each other as warm as our embrace.", she said one last comment to share for you to know, which little did she know that you were thinking the same too about her hopes for you both.
-LATER IN THE EVENING-
Your time with Jeongyeon prompted you to devise a plan to treat your cousin Seulgi outside later that evening.
You picked up Seulgi, who had just gotten out of her workplace and finished her shift for the day, giving her a reward for her hard work because you know she's doing it not just for herself but also for her family, which includes you.
You and Seulgi arrived in front of Moguri Peach, the restaurant owned by your friend Momo. You both entered and met and greeted your chef friend, who was speaking with her manager.Knowing exactly why you came to her restaurant, she quickly led you two to one of the available tables.
Because of your brief but embarrassing interaction with Momo because you know that your attractive Japanese friend is in love with you and you're chatting to her in front of your cousin, it made Momo and Seulgi became acquainted.
Momo then returned to the kitchen to prepare your ordered dishes, and after a few more minutes of waiting, you and Seulgi eventually enjoyed dinner together, during which you had to see your humorous cousin lavishly complimenting Momo's food. Momo just laughed with your cousin and winked at you while Seulgi returned her attention to her food, making you blush.
Momo then left you both again to continue her service for the other customers.
Seulgi: "I couldn't believe this, YN. You were hiding it from me that you know a restaurant where you could just enter whenever you want because you're friends with the goddamn owner!", Seulgi exclaimed after taking a sip of her tonkotsu ramen.
YN: "You never asked, so why should I know?", you chuckled.
Seulgi: "Aish, are you really my cousin? Do we really know each other?", she seriously glared at you, then leaned forward to flick your forehead thrice.
"Barging in your mind if you won't remember that I'm a big fan of Japanese food especially sushi and THIS AMAZING RAMEN YOUR FRIEND MADE FOR ME!", she aggressively pointed at her ramen very amusingly.
YN: "Fine, I'll invite you next time when I come here okay.", you sighed as you rubbed the spot in your forehead where your crackhead cousin flicked you.
Seulgi: "Hirai Momo huh, she's very pretty I must say.", she said after taking a bite of her udon noodles.
YN: "Control your gayness, couz."
Seulgi: "Shut up, I'm just complimenting her because it's true okay?", she scoffed. "Was it wrong? Jeez, if you are thinking another meaning about it then stop it, I have my Irene already."
"Or else... are you jealous?", her lips formed a playful smirk as she slowly looked at you teasingly.
YN: "What? No. I'm not... w-why would I be?", you defended yourself while furrowing your eyebrows.
Seulgi: "Ooh, wow. That's actually interesting.", she raised the chopstick she's holding. "At that level of beauty Momo is possessing, you really aren't get attracted to it even if you know... being a lucky bastard you are, had to get close easily with a woman like her.", she clicked her tongue.
YN: "Okay I admit Momo is very pretty but I can't tell so far if I do love her too.", you said, not wanting to lie about it because she's saying the truth you can't escape and dodge anyways. "My heart is still taking its time to recover, okay?", you sighed.
Seulgi: "Wait, let me repeat that words you said in the middle...", she swiped her hands quickly to cut you off at your possible additional words to say. "What do you mean "if you do love her TOO?" Wait, she likes you?"
YN: "Y-yeah...", you nodded shyly and showed a sheepish smile in front of her. Seulgi's eyes widened at that reveal.
Seulgi: "O-oh... wow you are damn lucky.", she chuckled.
YN: "Stop teasing me.", you groaned as you went back to your gyudon meal which is a Japanese beef in a rice with egg served in a bowl.
Seulgi: "Okay okay... but seriously, it's not that I'm rushing or giving you more pressure but you must not make her any longer.", she suggested.
YN: "That's what I've been planning too, noona.", you said. "Most likely because she's not the only one who confessed to me. There's more others too.", you tried to smile but the mixed emotions is clearly visible to it.
Seulgi: "Oh no, so she got some competition, huh.", she said after taking a drink from her water.
YN: "Yeah.", you responded. "Noona, can I ask you... how could I tell if I also like one of them?"
Seulgi: "Didn't you had past relationships with your exes before?", she said, raising her eyebrow at you, making you look at her curiously at the point she's trying to make. "That was four too, if I may add.", she referred to your past girlfriends: Nayeon, Dahyun, Tzuyu and Ryujin.
YN: "But noona this is different, in this one I had to choose a person too.", you said as you reminded her more about it, slightly thinking that she could give a change about her advice.
Seulgi: "Well, you're right.", she said; admitting the lack of effectiveness within her words of wisdom. "I don't know, it's quite simple. Just take note of the possible signs like you always do when you're trying to figure out whether you do love your exes back then when they confessed to you."
"If they make you happy to the point where its level makes you want to be with one of them all day long; in a hyperbole speaking... then there's your cue already.", she said, presenting her strategy to you proudly as she raised both her hands to point at you.
YN: "Then it means, Nayeon and Dahyun both had an advantage already.", you mumbled.
Seulgi: "Wait, what do you mean?"
YN: "Uhh... they belong to the ones I'm talking about.", you let out a POP! sound after strengthly releasing your clenched lips.
Seulgi: "Okay seriously how many confessed to you?", she confusedly asked you while shaking her head in confusion.
YN: "7 to be exact..."
Seulgi: "SEVEN?!", her voice raised to the point that some of the customers turned their attention to look weirdly at Seulgi after her loud exclaim.
YN: "SHHHH LOWER DOWN YOUR VOICE!", you warned her as you felt the second hand embarassment for you cousin. Seulgi quickly covered her mouth and gave everyone a peace sign, which made them chuckle.
Seulgi: "Sorry.", she whispered. "Wow, I didn't know that my cousin was really that completely attractive, irresistable and unforgettable isn't it where he is definitely living in a freaking world of harem right now.", she said in an amazed tone.
YN: "Oh god, you know it just makes me completely shy you know that?", you let out a irritated whine about what your cousin said. "Back to what I'm saying, yeah I said that it's gonna be a bit easier when it comes to them because I can apply again what my past self did for me to notice about them that made me became their boyfriend."
Seulgi: "So your situation isn't really that easy, but hey... still try what I adviced to you if you want okay?", she said. She took a last spoonful of her ramen soup to finish it before continuing her words. "Maybe that'll help."
YN: "Despite of the amount of teasing you did tonight, I thank you still, couz.", you said, letting out a satisfied smile.
Seulgi: "As always, anything for you little couz.", she clicked her tongue and gestured a gunshot at you.
YN: "Wait, I'll go order a take out for Jihyo.", you said as you excused yourself after taking out your wallet in your pocket.
Seulgi: "Go ahead, I'll just finish mine then.", she instructed you to go, allowing you to leave her alone for a second.
As you went to the counter to order, you were unaware that Seulgi mumbled something to herself after that tall she had with you during each other's dinner at Momo's restaurant.
"Jihyo, if you'll gonna do it tonight... you better be...", she said while shaking her head slowly.
-------------
You drove away from the restaurant with your cousin at 10 p.m. after saying goodbye to Momo and giving her a farewell hug that caused Seulgi to tease you once again.
You parked in front of Seulgi's house instead, because her garage was already taken by her own car. You both stepped out and went to the doorway, where you let Seulgi knock to draw the attention of someone who was already inside.
The door opened, revealing Jihyo in her comfortable home outfit; oversized white tshirt that covers her small tight orange shorts.
Jihyo: "Heyyy good evening Seulgi-unnie and... YN?", she said as she glanced at you standing beside Seulgi while holding the take out food you ordered for her.
YN: "Yup! I'm here.", you said as you hilariously presented yourself in front of her, like a magician who proudly showed to his audience that his trick worked.
Jihyo: "You really came.", and your presence was enough for her to make a gummy smile to give.
You hummed in response, agreeing to what she said. YN: "And I'll be staying here for tonight like what I said."
Jihyo: "That's great! Atleast you finally went true to your words.", she said, smiling smugly.
YN: "Hey, that sounded like I am more recognizable at being a liar huh?", you remarked at her sarcasm towards you.
Seulgi: "Isn't that true anyways?", your cousin playfully sided with Jihyo, making your situation a 2v1 and a very unfair to your part since you are being outnumbered.
YN: "I hate you, noona.", you glared at her.
Seulgi: "And I love you too, couz.", she smiled widely and pinched you in the cheek, making you groan in annoyance.
Jihyo: "That look definitely tells a lot of horrible story behind there.", she said as she pointed at your pair of eyes with her index and middle finger.
YN: ""You're correct, and don't worry... I'll get my revenge regardless," you smirked. "All right, here's your lunch I bought for you," you said, handing her the take-out chicken donburi from Momo's restaurant. She thanked you as you eventually made your way inside, removed your shoes, and shut the door to begin spending your night with them.
I wrote this letter not to cause any issue, commotion, or anything that may hurt someone. I just wanted to express myself, that’s all. Thank you and Sorry. September 10, 2021, Friday
Dear Minatozaki Sana,
Let me write this letter as if I am personally talking to you or as if you will be able to read and understand this. Unlike any other letter you might have received, this letter is not to show an admiration but to confess my sins and apologize for it. I do not know where to start nor how to start. There is just a lot of things going through my mind right now, that I know I have, and I want to say to you through this letter. In that case, let me start telling the story on how I knew you leading to what I am apologizing for and why I am writing this letter.
There is a girl I liked before; she was your fan thus whenever I visited her social media account it is sometime filled about you. I never really care about it back then until one day I did. I got curious about you, on who are you, your whereabouts. So, I searched you, that is where I knew more about you, your full name, occupation, birth and many more. Unlike any other of your fans who admired you for your talent, personality, and other admirable things you portray in front of the camera, eventually them being a fan of your group and what you do. My case is different from that, I built my “admiration” on you from lust, and I am not proud of it. What do I mean by that? Well, when I searched everything about you. I also got curious if is there any adult writing content about you. So, I did search for it and there are results that was shown on the screen, particularly the stories from writing and reading platforms such as Wattpad. I read those stories about you, sexualizing you. I got into it and read more, then I eventually cross upon stories about building genuine relationship with you, quite different from the first stories I have read. I again read those kinds of stories because I like the idea, stories about going through ups and downs with you, having relationship with you, getting married, having kids, handling a marriage and such. Some of them have happy ending, some do not. I also read, and a part of me believe the stories about your personality readings, your real attitude, your real behavior, your real intentions, and goals in life, and such. As the number of stories I read grew, I never realize it was already taking a toll at me. Until one day, all those stories I have read eventually become a part of my memories, creating fake memories on my mind to be exact, that made me feel that those things actually happened even though it did not. And occasionally I wanted to make what I read come true, so I would sometimes find myself spacing out thinking a way on how to make it come true. In addition, because of those stories I have read, I got into thinking that I have rights on you, I have a say on what you are doing. I could say that I got myself into thinking that I am in a relationship with you, like a boyfriend, a husband, or any other titles for that. Because of that I found myself feeling betrayed or mad if I saw you being shipped to other idols such as Mark, Jungkook, Taehyung, and others. I even got furious when I saw a video of you almost kissing a man, because I feel like I am for you and you are for me, it is just that it is not yet our time to be together. I would even search some things that is already too personal about you, like where you studied, what are you like when you were a kid, what kind of student were you, if you did not become an idol what would you be, even if are you still virgin or not. I could go on and write things I should have not done. I know, that is so disgusting of me, and me, myself is disgusted of mine.
I could not put into words how awfully sorry I am for all those imaginations and actions I did. I sincerely apologize for sexualizing you, for being presumptuous about you even I do not know you personally, for thinking the way I think about you, for creating those delusions of mine, for thinking I have rights on you, that I have control on you. I am extremely sorry for meddling with things I do not have the right to do so, and obviously none of my business.
I know there is something wrong with my mind, on how the way I think. Even I, myself, is afraid of what if I really tried to do what I am thinking of. I do not really know what is the feeling I have for you. I have an idea, but I think it is impossible because we never knew each other personally, we have not interacted, you do not even know I exist. That is why I convinced myself that I am already too attached to you, that my admiration for you is already turning into an obsession, that I might turned out to be a sasaeng one day, and I do not want that to happen. So, I become more determined to fix myself because I know I am not thinking normally anymore.
I kept drawing a line that will serve as a boundary distancing myself from you, but every time I tell myself to never cross that line. I failed over, and over again. That is why I also decided to write this letter, to maybe finally end up these delusions of mine or maybe even just reduce the baggage I am carrying that I initially made myself to carry. I am truly sorry for this, I never wanted to be this kind of man. I really made a mistake and messed myself up. I hope this is the start for me to regain myself, or even better if build a new one. A really new start where I would not relapse again and go back crying at night, pitying myself for imagining things that would not happen, or thinking how I could make things work out. I am sorry if I am becoming repetitive now, just making sure I write what I want to say because after this there is no going back.
As for what will happen to this letter, well I am thinking of maybe posting this somewhere. So at least in my mind I know someone will read this. As for whether I would try to send this to you or not. That is something I do not know, maybe, if I would given the chance to, but you will need a translator to understand this especially with how ugly my writing is, if you got the chance to read the actual letter. I will surely keep this with me for a while if I would not send you this, but do not worry I would definitely get rid of this. I just don’t know when, maybe after I am convinced that I am already okay and already threw my excess baggage in life.
What else could I say. Well just like any other of your fans I hope all the best for you, your career, your family, and your future one because I feel you will do have one and I know you deserve a happy one if it ever crosses your mind, everyone does. Thank you for reading this letter/story of mine, and again I sincerely apologize for what I have done whether you were affected by it or not, I know and feel I owe this apology to you.
This now marks the start of my new journey in life, a life without me trying to linger it on you. I ruined my own life, I think it is only right for me to fix it. Lastly, remember the feeling I feel for you that I cannot really distinguished, which I eventually convinced my self to be an obsession. Well, at least let me tell you what I think it was even though I am not sure, or because I am just being in denial. For the first and last time, let me tell you that I think I really … LOVED you, Minatozaki Sana.
omg is the hidden secret about the reader keeping the identity of their past love from mina?!?!
but like sana is also lowkey suspicious… is there or was there something going on between mina and her?!?!
AND WAS THAT WOMAN WHO WAS GETTING ROBBED BY THAT FLOWER STORE THAT THE READER SAVED MINA?!?!
SO MANY QUESTIONS AND THEORIES 😭😭😭
love that you remember the woman that got robbed and how you're paying attention to sana.. if you want a major spoiler pay attention to the tags ;) part 3 is on the way !
Btw, this is the chapter where I really did my best to explain everything what happened in the MV from my own created story even though I admit that I honestly suck at explaining. Some of these didn't "that" happened accurately but serves as it's symbolism instead. Honestly I wanted to add more pictures to show what part am I telling but I remember that Wattpad has its own picture limit in a chapter.
So yeah, I hope that this will still end up as a nice ending to give for you readers then.
Enjoy!
Previously on "Doughnut" PART 6...
You hummed in response, agreeing to what she said. YN: "And I'll be staying here for tonight like what I said."
Jihyo: "That's great! Atleast you finally went true to your words.", she said, smiling smugly.
YN: "Hey, that sounded like I am more recognizable at being a liar huh?", you remarked at her sarcasm towards you.
Seulgi: "Isn't that true anyways?", your cousin playfully sided with Jihyo, making your situation a 2v1 and a very unfair to your part since you are being outnumbered.
YN: "I hate you, noona.", you glared at her.
Seulgi: "And I love you too, couz.", she smiled widely and pinched you in the cheek, making you groan in annoyance.
Jihyo: "That look definitely tells a lot of horrible story behind there.", she said as she pointed at your pair of eyes with her index and middle finger.
YN: ""You're correct, and don't worry... I'll get my revenge regardless," you smirked. "All right, here's your lunch I bought for you," you said, handing her the take-out chicken donburi from Momo's restaurant. She thanked you as you eventually made your way inside, removed your shoes, and shut the door to begin spending your night with them.
The planned movie night you had with your cousin Seulgi and bestfriend Jihyo just finished when the end credits for the second film rolled.
Jihyo assisted Seulgi in cleaning the dishes as you went outside to get some fresh air and fix the area where you and Jihyo will spend the rest of your spare time together.
Seulgi was wiping the plates with a cloth when she called Jihyo, who was taken aback by the sudden call from her bestfriend and sister-figure.
"Jihyo," she called out, her gaze fixed on her task.
"Oh, unnie?", Jihyo side glanced at her.
"You're ready to do it?", Seulgi asked. Jihyo's face dropped a bit, knowing what her unnie is referring at.
"I am, unnie. I have to.", Jihyo said, stopping at washing the dishes to heave a sigh.
"Uhh, I heard something from YN a while ago back at the resto.", Seulgi said, she stopped too at what she's doing to focus more on their conversation.
"Oh, what is it?"
"Jihyo, you ain't the only one who'll confess to him. In fact, there were actually many women that are way ahead now of you. Seven, to be exact.", Seulgi said. Jihyo's eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise.
"How did he said that to you?"
"He was actually asking for my help about how he's going to pick one of these friends of his who share their true feelings for him.", she said, recalling what happened back then at the restaurant where she had dinner with you.
"I just told him that he has to do again what he did before on how to get a girlfriend. Be aware too that he also mentioned that her three exes before Ryujin were all after him now too.", she continued. Jihyo's lips were curving downwards the more her unnie speaks.
"You wanna know why I'm telling this to you now, I just wanna know if still despite after all this... would you still be able to continue what you're planning to do?", Seulgi asked Jihyo concernly, leaning her face a bit closer.
"Knowing that I have many contenders for YN's heart this time? I... I don't know noona.", Jihyo shook her head. "I'm actually thinking right now if he already decided and it makes me scared. I guess... I'm already too late again.", Jihyo sighed heavily.
"Maybe he is or maybe he isn't yet, why don't you still try?", Seulgi said, pinpointing her advice for the younger. "Jihyo, think about this. Unlike before, YN is free now. Setting aside all these women who are chasing for YN, you know you have an opportunity this time.", Seulgi said, stepping closer at Jihyo and joined her to lean their back at the edge of the sink while standing.
"So why don't you still try, hmm? Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky.", Seulgi shrugged. Her arms then went on to wrap around Jihyo's arm and grab her left arm, shaking her body lightly like as if she's rocking her.
"I just want to boost your confidence more, Jihyo. I didn't meant to scare you but I just want you to realize more that you must not let this one pass when the chance is now here. But I'm not forc-", Seulgi's words of advice were cut short when they heard your voice shouting from the outside, which they kinda both cringed because you weren't aware that it's midnight already and all the neighbors are probably comfortably sleeping right now for them to be disturbed by your loud voice.
"Jihyo, I'll get set up the blankets outside, just come here if you and noona are done there!"
"O-okay, YN!", Jihyo just decided to shout back instead since her words she'll about to say are just short. She looked back at Seulgi after. " I-I'll still do it, noona. You're right.", she nodded. "What I'm doing here is for him and only him anyways. I must not get bothered at anyone."
"Goodluck, Jihyo.", Seulgi said, patting her shoulder to support the younger.
"Thank you, noona.", Jihyo gave a flat smile in return for her unnie's help.
(AT THE BACKYARD)
"When was the last time we went stargazing together?" you asked Jihyo, your gaze fixed on the telescope you held in front of your eyes to examine the stars above.
You and Jihyo were both resting down on the blanket you had spread out on the lawn, with beverages and midnight snacks on your sides.
It was a relief when you spoke since Jihyo was plainly drowning out in her thoughts about what she and Seulgi had just talked about a while ago while staring up above like you, so your abrupt voice helped her snap out of it."I-I don't remember much, honestly. But I'm pretty sure it's when we were back at college days. 2nd year, I guess?", Jihyo responded, shrugging.
"Pretty long time, then.", you said. "Wow, well, it's great that we're doing this again, and the night is with us right now; so many stars tonight," you said as you withdrew the telescope from your eyes and handed it to Jihyo. You then took your bag of chips and picked a piece to eat.
"There's definitely a constellation formed along with those," you said, pointing to a spot of the sky where you noticed one. "It's a Cassiopeia one if i'm not mistaken", Jihyo then followed the direction of your finger you used to point out the spot.
"You know that whatever it may be, that won't still change the fact that they'll be all sparkly beautiful. They'll always be such a sight to see.", she said. You agreed with a hum.
"How are you doing these days, Ji?"
"Doing well, schedules keep piling up, but with the support of my lovely staffs, I can still finish it all off and call it a day," she replied, setting the telescope aside to fetch her own snacks. "You?"
"Same, but it's kind of a bit... confusing to me too at some point."
"Something bothering you?"
"Yeah"
"What is it then?"
"Love," you replied. Jihyo just stopped and glanced at your side profile after you chewed some potato chips. What she had heard from her Seulgi unnie earlier began to play back quicker in her thoughts.
"You know, I'm hoping that just staring at the stars will assist me with my problem," you said, your gaze fixed on the night sky. "That... I'm hoping it'll give me an answer about who can make my heart beat in an unexpected way again."
"You're suffering," Jihyo simply said what you were trying to say.
"Yeah.", you nodded.
"That you can't determine whether one of those women who poured their secrets of admiration for you would be the lucky one to get picked, doesn't it?" she rapidly replied, prompting you to turn your head to the side and face her with your puzzled expression.
"H-how did you know?" you asked, your eyebrows furrowed. You just stared at her for a few more seconds since Jihyo wasn't replying until you realized what gave her the idea. "Aish, Seulgi," you said with a shake of your head.
"But, yes... you're correct."
"That's what me and Seulgi unnie discussed while you're preparing here," Jihyo said. As she moved her head away from you, the volume of her voice decreased.
"Why did you guys talk about it? Why did Seulgi-noona say that to you?" you asked. You then reached for your can of soda and sipped it, but what made you finish taking a sip wasn't satisfaction; it was the sound of her sniffing.
You hurriedly dropped your Coke can and sat up, tugging her arm back up with you. Jihyo is still covering her face as her sniffs became stronger, now accompanied by her cries.
"Jihyo, why are you crying? What is it?", you asked Jihyo worriedly while you stroke her hair to ease her off.
"B-because...", Jihyo tried to speak between the heavy breaths she's takinh while sobbing.
"Because what?"
"I... I planned something for you today, and the right time for me to do it was you and I alone together in a sky full of sparkling stars scattered around us," Jihyo began slowly, but you patiently listened to her.
"But I didn't know that I was late. Again. I'm too late already.", her sob went back again from being loud. Your concern for her grew as you approached the moment where you were about to understand what she was attempting to tell you.
"Too late for what, Jihyo?"
"...to tell you how much I love you," she said. It caused you to pause in your soothing her for a moment as what you heard from her took you completely by surprise, leaving you staring at her in awe of what she said.
You're not even sure whether you're hearing things correctly since... Park Jihyo, whom you have called and treated as a bestfriend and similar to a little sister from childhood, is... in love with you?
As you're still in amazement over what you just learnt from her tonight, a flood of questions began to run through your thoughts.
You'd had this many times in the previous few weeks, but her personal confession literally stunned you to your core because... She's the one you didn't see coming.
She was completely out of your mind when it came to your love dilemma since you assumed she was far away from it. That she's like Seulgi in that you look up at her as if she's your own sibling.
But no.
Jihyo is looking at you in other way around.
"Are you serious, Ji? W-when... I don't know... How?" you asked, both perplexed and intrigued. You were just sitting alongside her, motionless, while you watched Jihyo sob beside you.
"It had been going on for a very long time now actually, I wasn't aware of it back in our childhood days but it helped me realize when you had Nayeon while we were in college at that time," she added, recalling memories she shared with you during your first and second years of college.
"I felt something different, something unique, something interesting inside me that instead of feeling good as a supportive friend, it went backwards," she continued, flashbacks continuing. "Perhaps I was born to be an idol, since I already knew how to act appropriately at that time, as if I wasn't hurting anytime you're with her, and it still won't stop until the present," she remarked as she gathered all the moments she observed where you and Nayeon are alone together... or even when she's standing right next to you.
She also included the one in which you and Nayeon hugged in the dancing studio. At the time, she felt like her heart was exploding in pain.
"But... you had a boyfriend, right? How can you still be in love with me?" you questioned, puzzled, remembering how she stayed in love with you over the years despite having a past relationship with someone. "How does it-," your quick questions were cut short when Jihyo spoke out.
"About me and Daniel before? We were separated because we both realized we were falling out of love with one other now," she stated further, eagerly elaborating on your concerns. "Like him, I just know I'm more interested in someone else again, and that's you," she said, her eyes reddened from the tears that streamed down her cheeks like a waterfall.
"After all this time, i'm still into you.", she said as she started to wipe away the stains of tears away from her face.
"I know that there's other woman like me who wants to steal your heart away these days but I don't care anymore.", she said, shaking her head. "I waited for so many years already but I kept on being held back by the world."
"Now that I figured out that I finally have my chance here I shouldn't waste, I'm going to take it no matter what. No one can stop in my way this time, even if I'm already late again... but it sure does better than never.", she said, her tone of voice suddenly changed into a competitive, motivated and confident one as you can feel the emotion of the words she's saying. All you can do was to just continously watch her in awe.
"So, YN... I hope it'll made you finally ease your mind on deciding after this, and I hope it's because of me.", she said and the next things just came over to you like a flash of a light.
Jihyo then pushed herself between you and her, raising her body to match your face with hers and match your lips in a heart-pounding kiss.
It didn't take a minute, but it felt like hours as you felt Jihyo's plump lips crashing and grinding against yours, as if she was enjoying the flavor of your own and combining it with the heat of her love for you.
She made a slight popping sound as she slowly freed her lips from locking onto yours. At that intense and rough moment, both of you breathed heavily.
When she realized what she's done as she got right back from consciousness, her eyes widened after she looked again at you.
"S-sorry... I-I should go to sleep now, YN.", she said as stood up quickly from her feet.
"W-wait, Jihyo.", you tried to stop her but she just ignored you when she stood back up from her feet.
"Bye, YN. Goodnight.", she said while taking away her eyes off you.
"Wait!", you tried to call her again but she didn't minded it still as she returned back from the house, running away from you who just got left out alone in the backyard, now became speechless after what you just had with her tonight.
(THE NEXT DAY / MORNING)
You just had breakfast with Seulgi and Jihyo, which was embarrassing and cringe-worthy because you were seated next to your bestfriend, but you just had a very deep passionate kiss after that mind-blowing confession you received from her the night before.
You were ready to assist Seulgi in cleaning the dishes when Seulgi stopped you from taking up the plates from the table one by one.
"I'll take care of the dishes. You go to her, now."
"W-what?"
"Do you really think I won't notice what's going on at the table?" Seulgi said bluntly, lifting an eyebrow and crossing her arms. "God, the awkwardness was awfully uncomfortable, YN!" she groaned, her jaw clenched.
"So you knew she'll confess too yesterday?" you asked, remembering Jihyo telling you about her chat with Seulgi before she went stargazing with you.
"Y-yeah, she told me. Way before we head to dinner at your friend Momo's resto.", she revealed. "What happened, by the way? Did something go wrong?" she asked. Seulgi has no idea what transpired after Jihyo's confession because she fell asleep in her own room afterward. She truly wanted to observe what was going on, but her exhaustion from the day before took over.
"I don't know actually. How it ends was either good or bad. But I'm going to hold the responsibility for it. I was the one who didn't say anything about what she told me.", you said, feeling guilty for what you did that might caused also Jihyo to run away in shame from you.
"And why is that?"
"Noona w-we... we kissed.", you said as you pointed your lips twice.
"WHAT?!", Seulgi exclaimed in shock.
"Shhhh!!!", you quickly covered her mouth to make her shut up immediately. You gestured one more to make her silent and thankfully she followed.
"Okay, okay," she murmured, pushing your hand away from her. "Oh, that's why... well, she's upstairs, you can take your turn to talk about it now," she remarked, looking up at the stairs leading to the next floor above.
"I'll do it," you said, nodding. Seulgi returned your nod, and you proceeded upstairs to her room. You stood in front of her door and knocked twice to get her attention from inside.
"Jihyo, it's YN, can you let me in?" you said cautiously. Jihyo answered the door after a brief delay, but her head was down and she avoided looking at you.
"Hey, YN. W-what is it?", she said, stuttering. You can her the nervousness and fear on her voice.
"I wanted to talk about yesterday, please.", you begged softly. Gladly, she accepts as she responded with the answer you wanted to have in return.
"O-oh... all right, come in," she said. Jihyo cleared the way for you to enter. She was going to close the doors when you stopped her.
"There's no need to lock the doors, noona knows," you said. Jihyo understands it with a faint gasp. "I'll exit right after this anyhow, so... I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for having you wait," you stated as you began to plan your meeting with her for today. Jihyo's face was still hidden from you.
"I'm sure you were sending me some clues about how much you actually care for me after all this time, but I just completely ignored it since I wasn't paying close enough attention to you," you said. "And I appreciate that you finally had the confidence to speak out about it, but the kiss you gave..."
"Are you upset about it?" she asked, interrupting you. You caught a sight of her shaking hands. Now that you know she's probably afraid about confronting you because of what she did yesterday, all you wanted to do was comfort her, so you took a step forward to get closer to her.
"No. I swear, I am not, Jihyo. If that's why you're avoiding me this morning then you're thinking wrong.", you said, correcting her. "It just went... really out of nowhere for me.", you shrugged.
"S-sorry if I took advantage of your unawareness," Jihyo replied as she slowly raised her head to meet your gaze. Her expression was unhappy, and your perspective had shifted because Jihyo was looking so adorable that you just wanted to cheer her up.
"It's alright, Jihyo," you assured her. You seized the initiative to bring her into yours, widening both of your arms and gently surrounding it on her body, sealing her into your comfortable embrace. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Ji, and I'm sorry for keeping you waiting for so long," you explained. Jihyo flushed hotly at your physical contact against hers, a bittersweet sense lurking behind her lovely grin.
She's happy that she gets to have such intimacy after she presented to you her love while also sad about that she knows she only has a less possibility that she will succeed on creating a romantic relationship with you in the future.
(3 DAYS LATER)
You were sitting quietly in one of the back seats of your doughnut shop when your manager approached you.
"You ain't usually like this, boss," Bang Chan said after setting his phone on the table and taking the seat in front of you.
"H-huh?" you said anxiously when he surprised you.
"Setting yourself apart from everyone, then stay silent with your gaze as deep as your thoughts to focus, this isn't the typical you, boss," he remarked, clasping both of his hands as he faced you.
"You noticed?"
"Not just me, but them," he replied, gesturing to the rest of your staff who were working around the shop behind him. "We couldn't even talk to you properly for the majority of the time earlier since you seemed like you were zoning out, so sure, I'm here to confirm our guesses."
"Yeah, you're right," you said, feeling awful about what he said. "I'm thinking about something-no-someone right now," you said, changing the phrase to something more specific.
"Is that so? Then who causes you to become so disconnected from reality?" he asked, shaking his hand as if tracing you up and down.
"So I spent some time with them over the last few days," you explained. Bang Chan already knew what you meant when you said "them," so he adjusted his seating posture and listened to you more intently since he knew this was going to get interesting.
You've already informed Bang Chan about your "harem" situation. Bang Chan, like Seulgi, was either impressed or found it hilarious to hear that your looks could actually make many ladies fall in love with you at the same moment.
But he is also concerned since he knows her stepsister is one of those women who is attached to you and is also his friend and boss.
"I already expected from some that they'll pull off some moves towards me to impress, and they did... they really did. It's just... it wasn't enough yet.", you said, wincing at your struggle with your chosen words a bit.
"Wasn't enough? Like how?", Bang Chan asked, eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.
"For my heart.", you simply said. "I mean what they're doing wasn't enough to reawaken this familiar feeling I used to get before to my past relationships.", you said, still showcasing the troubled self of yours. "But... there was an exception among them..."
"And who is this one?", Bang Chan asked as it piqued her interest.
"Her name's Jihyo. I- she... she is my bestfriend for more than a decade now.", you answered as you also starting to introduce Jihyo at him too. Although, Bang Chan's expression along with his heart dropped a little when he heard that but still he remained to try and become fine on front of you.
"Was that the short haired girl who came here in the shop and covered your eyes while she hides at your back?"
"Yeah, that's her.", you chuckled. "Since when we were kids we already built a friendship together. Turns out, throughout most of our time we spent together... I didn't realize that the way how she sees me as a friend became more than that. She's been stuck into a one-sided love for many years already.", you shared, releasing a sigh.
"What makes her differ from the rest though?"
"I don't know it's just... she wasn't even trying but she easily... gets me.", you said, gesturing your hand like you're grabbing in front of the middle of your chest. "I guess because I'm too connected with her. Ever since that night when we... uhh...kissed....", you removed your sight away from Chan in embarassment when you said that.
"YOU KISSED?"
"She did it first!"
"And you let her?"
"I didn't know she will do it okay?", you defensed again, stating your side. "It was too fast. It happened to some too but... I'm even more affected to hers.", you said, groaning as you feel confused and troubled again.
"I still can't get out of my head., along with my entire memories being with her.", you placed both your hands to hold each side of your head. "I started to act strange when I'm with her, I became even more excited, I got easily disappointed when our time was over and what's even worse is that I can keep on complimenting her mostly about how beautiful she is and all of it makes me go crazy up until now."
"She's... Jihyo is the only one occupying my mind right now, Chan," you completed your explanation by summarizing all you had just told him.
"You sound completely in love," Bang Chan joked, rolling his eyes. "Are you saying that-" he was going to say when you cut him off in the middle of his sentence because you know what he's about to say.
"I guess I am... because I know what will happen when I have this," you said, pointing to the top of the table. Bang Chan responded with a hum. "I can't deny it no matter how hard I try; I've gone through this before, and trust me, it's inevitable."
"I... my heart is betting for Jihyo right now as from what I could describe.", you shrugged.
"But YN... I don't want to burst your bubble but... are you really sure about what you feel for her?", he asked after waving his hands off to emphasize how he doesn't intentionally want to destroy your rainbow-ish story with Jihyo. "We all know love is complicated and you're experienced already about these things but.. about what you told me that you found out that she's grown affection towards you for so long, are you sure you love for her was true or it's just because you feel pity for her and you just wanted to end it?", he asked for clarification.
" I do feel sorry for but I'm sure with this, Chan.", you answered with all tough. "I experienced this before and my empathy for her was way behind my reasons how I do fell in love with Jihyo."
"I say... it was more than a help for me not just an excuse, and she was right.", you said, your voice going lower in volume as you end. "She did helped me find that someone who can love and stay with me, willing to suffer with me just to avoid losing each other in our lives... and who's she talking about is none other than her all along.", you said, feeling more confident at the decision you made; with the image of Jihyo remained present in your mind.
"How about the rest? When are you gonna tell them that..."
"Like my cousin told me, I must not make them longer... since it will only increase the pain," you remarked, repeating one of Seulgi's advice from the dinner. "So I guess I'll have to do it... but first I'll confess to Jihyo before I go to the rest, starting tonight."
"Good luck with that, boss; I sincerely hope and wish that Jihyo is the right person for you," Bang Chan said, proud of you. You answer the supporting grin he offered you with a grateful one. " As always, you have my full support."
"Thanks, Chan.", you bowed your head as you kept the huge smile plastered i your face. It did vanished for a moment as you took time to say this after realizing also one of the consequences of your choice today.
"Hey... about Sana... I know she's one of the "others" I'm talking about. I-I'm sorry.", you said, an apologetic frown replaces the grin you're having for a while.
"It's fine, YN.", he waved it off, chuckling nervously at your sudden worriedness. "I admit, I feel sad for my sister and I really do ship you two but what can I do? I can't be against on two people who I think they match each other when they aren't even destined to be together. I can't force you to love her just because I want to make her happy.
Love doesn't always end up that way.", he explained as he wanted to assure you.
"I hope she finds her own soon, Chan. Knowing Sana, a gorgeous woman like her certainly deserves nothing but happiness with the right person for her," you added as you praised Sana, making Bang Chan believe in you.
"Yeah, my sister is the best woman I've ever known; no offense to my mom, but Sana noona's always been there for me through everything," Bang Chan agreed. He then extended his one free hand to you. "So, what you can do instead is talk to her honestly about it; I'm ready to comfort her once she knows, don't worry."
"I will.", you accepted his favor and took his hand to seal the deal with a shake. Both of you smiled at each other in contentment.
You then heard your phone rang when it got a notification. Bang Chan excused himself as he went back to service to left you once again alone.
You opened your phone and looked at the message you received which was coming from Mina.
"YN, can we talk later? I'll go there tonight. I can't specify the time but I promise I'll be there, just wait for me will you?", she said through the message she sent.
"Noted, Mina. I won't go away not until you visit here. Have a nice day!", you replied back to her and pressed the sent button. After you closed the phone, you took a note in your mind on what you need to do later tonight:
Meet Mina at the shop and then confess to Jihyo after.
(LATER THAT NIGHT)
Your doughnut shop has just closed its doors after serving one more client. Bang Chan said goodbye to you and his coworkers as they all departed together.
It's just you alone in the shop now. You chose to clean your office while waiting for Mina because you had nothing else to do.
Meanwhile, Mina has just finished offering veterinary advise to a client who has a Shiba Inu pet dog that has become food poisoned.
She was about to leave her workplace when this client begged her to help him save his dog because there are no more pet clinics in his neighborhood available left open.
Despite having second thoughts, she just accepted it since she doesn't want to disappoint the client and let the dog die, especially because she is a pet lover. She simply chose to sacrifice her time in order to arrive early for YN.
Back to your situation: you had just completed minding your own business in the restroom after successfully cleaning your office when you heard the main door of your shop clang.
"Mina?", you loudly called her name after you dried your hands from washing it.
You walked out of the wash area and went to the front of the cashier, standing at the front door. You rotated around and you didn't even see any trace of Mina.
You furrowed your eyes in confusion as you opened the door and looked around outside the shop to find Mina, but Mina's car wasn't even around the parking lot too.
"Mina you there?", you asked.
You kept on looking around back and forth.
"Hey, it's not the right time to play hide and seek, you penguin!", you loudly said as you still think Mina is just messing around with you.
But after a minute of finding Mina, you gave up as you already know that Mina won't bother hiding around the place in such a dark area. You know that penguin, she easily gets scared of the darkness.
"Maybe it's the wind.", you reasoned out as you just believed yourself that it caused the door to clang.
You closed the door and walked back inside as you went towards the cashier and grabbed the doughnut to give it a bite before you go back to your office when something made you halt in your steps.
The door clanged again.
You got terrified as you face crumpled and your eyebrows met again in confusion on what made the doors clang again this time.
So you turned around slowly.
Your eyes widened as you saw the doors now swinging in and out of the shop after it just got opened by... someone.
But you only saw that through your peripheral vision, because your sight is mainly focused at this familiar figure standing in front of you...
... holding gun as it was pointed straight at you, its finger clutching the trigger.
After that, a loud sound of a gunshot was heard around the shop and its nearby places.
"Why isn't he replying?" Mina wondered as she nervously waited for any response from you on her phone. She just texted that she's on her way to your doughnut store and apologized for having to serve a client first due to an emergency.
She came at your shop a few minutes later and parked her car in one of the available spaces. She stepped outside and walked through the door.
But she hadn't been able to fully enter her place because what she had just seen in front of her eyes had caused her to come to a stop in her tracks.
Mina just noticed you laying down on the tiled floor, blood pouring from your body and forming a tiny pool.
Her eyes welled up with tears as she gently stepped back into the shop to get a better look at you, although she realized it was a terrible idea.
The closer her steps got to you, the more she felt like her heart was being crushed into little pieces and her body was losing its balance.
Mina's heavy sobbing resonated across the room as she repeatedly yelled your name, full of anger, devastation, sorrow, and rage.
The police and ambulance arrived at the doughnut shop. Other people who are close to you like Jihyo and Seulgi arrived at the crime scene first, followed by Chaeyoung after getting notified by Mina through your phone.
They all experienced the same reaction that Mina had when she saw your bloody lifeless body on the floor, as expected.
Even the others who learned of your untimely death in their own different ways. Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, and Tzuyu heard and saw the news on the radio, TV, and social media, while Sana learnt about the murder through her stepbrother Bang Chan after Chaeyoung informed him.
A week later, there was a funeral for your burial. All nine girls, along with their friends and some of your acquaintances, attended, including your former favorite professor back in your first year of college, Mrs. Song, your friend and manager Bang Chan, your cousin Seulgi with her girlfriend Irene, Chaeyoung's friend Somi, Tzuyu's friends Shuhua and Taehyung, along with his boyfriend Jungkook, and even your ex-girlfriend Ryujin with her girlfriend Yeji.
Days later, the nine girls who met during the investigation of your murder case and your burial began to get to know each other through their arranged meetup.
As their topic turned into their own revelations that they all love the same person who just tragically passed away and never to be seen again for the rest of their lives, it landed back on the question if you had decided already who could be one of them that you chose to love the same too.
Until someone revealed it for you...
"Jihyo."
" Yes?", she responded back at the girl who called her name. It was Chaeyoung.
"It's you. YN fell in love with you," Chaeyoung stated solemnly. After hearing that, everyone's gaze was drawn to Jihyo.
"M-me? Is that t-true?" she chuckled nervously, still perplexed by what Chaeyoung was on about. "H-how do you know-"
"Chan told me," she asked. She rewinded what she talked about with Bang Chan in the shop's kitchen when she visited, which was the last words Chan heard from you.
"He told me that YN and him discussed in his last moments, and their entire topic? You," she continued, piercing her eyes further at Jihyo, who is beginning to cry over Chaeyoung's story involving her. "He was telling how he felt after you confessed to him, and it helped him clarify things... about what he thinks of you too," she stated as the girls continued to listen even if their hearts were broken by the outcome they were anticipating to hear from you.
"Jihyo..., YN fell in love with you because he felt the strongest connection with you, therefore I think it's safe to say that... out of all of us here, you suffered the biggest loss. I'm very sorry, Jihyo," Chaeyoung expressed her condolences to the girl who had suffered more than she could bear.
Jihyo's love loop reminded Chaeyoung of the pink doughnut that stayed well baked among the eight burnt doughnuts in the oven. Jihyo's love loop was the sole well-baked doughnut, while the rest were the girls' love loops. You are the oven, and your heat was the love that enhances color to their love circle with you, which you maintained for Jihyo by giving her the same exact amount of that heat of love she needs.
"I didn't meant to hurt you more for this, I just want you to know about it because... that's what YN actually wanted to happen if he didn't died.", Chaeyoung said. The rest agreed, except for one of them who still side eyeing Jihyo with her secret burning glare.
"T-thank you... thank you for telling me...", Jihyo said before she went on sobbing heavily as one of the girls beside her, Jeongyeon conforted her by caressing her back.
Few days have passed again, the suspect for killing you was found and arrested, revealing to be Wonpil, your former employee which you fired due to his misbehavior towards a customer.
He stated that he killed you because he blames you for being the cause of getting his life ruined after you took away the job he only need to live normally. He was sentenced for many years in jail after and the girls felt that you finally received the justice you deserve.
The nine girls still remained grieving on your passing in their own respective ways for months.
Thanks to Tzuyu, the new owner of your doughnut store, Nayeon once ordered a doughnut for herself and Mrs. Song, whom she brought along with her at your newly renovated doughnut shop, as Tzuyu fulfilled her promise to you that she'll help your business improve and grow even if you're gone.
When she was ready to receive it back, she looked at the server and hallucinated that it was you at first, but was quickly reversed when Bang Chan, who was actually serving her, asked her if there was something wrong.
Nayeon's sole response was that she remembers you, causing Bang Chan to sigh and comfort her noona in return.
Jeongyeon also went to the shop once and thought it was weird that you weren't there anymore.
She also dyed her hair back to blonde because she believes her former baby blue colored one will be meaningless to maintain because you were the only one who asked her to keep it because you liked it, and now that you're gone, t
here will be no one to enjoy and appreciate Jeongyeon's haircolor.
Sana had the impression that you were still sitting in front of her, even though she was alone at her table, because she remembered her previous time with you, when she consoled you after your breakup with Ryujin while also confessing her feelings for you.
Sana then whispered "I love you" to the air as her indirect message for you as she smiled with love, longing and sadness in it before she continues to sip her hot coffee alone.
While thinking deeply about you, Dahyun unconsciously wrote an "I miss you" message in a spilled sugar at the shop. She was the most envious of the girls, and she was the one who gave Jihyo a venomous glance when Chaeyoung told to them all that Jihyo was the one you chose. When she heard that, her frustration and hurt about your death rose, prompting her to ponder more vigorously for the past few days.
She revealed once that she imagined about killing Jihyo everytime she sees her in order to make her feel what she felt after you died, including their encounter back at the gathering as one of the possibilities she could envision; but she has no plans of doing it for real because she knows she ain't that type of person.
Tzuyu, the new owner of your shop, just went by Dahyun's table after checking on the customers and observed her lost in her thoughts once more. She glanced at Dahyun worriedly, recognizing the "I miss u" she wrote on the sugar, and soothed her with a swift hug. Dahyun was astonished by Tzuyu's touch, and when she realized what Tzuyu's hug was for, she buried her face in the crook of her neck.
"This isn't right anymore...", Dahyun sobbed, shaking her head quickly as she realized her situation was getting worse all because of you and she wanted to stop it right away.
Tzuyu, who got what she's talking about since she's thought the same when she heard about Dahyun's story of imagining killing Jihyo once; just nodded back at Tzuyu and ease her tears out with her soft, gentle hums.
(8 MONTHS LATER)
Mina and Chaeyoung, who became friends, were discussing about you and even Jihyo while laying on the floor after taking a break from preparing the gifts and the decorations when Chaeyoung brought it up as a topic during their stay at one of the rooms they rented during their Christmas season holiday in Japan, together with Seulgi, who is now married to her girlfriend Irene.
"I'm more concerned about Jihyo.", Chaeyoung said, full of pity on her voice.
"She suffered the most. I mean, the pain you must take along with the fact that you won't be ever to see anymore the one who made you understand what love is? That must be unbearable.", Mina said.
"Agree. She really took YN's passing like a gunshot to her stomach that was once full of butterflies going crazy only because of him.", Chaeyoung said while nodding her head, making Mina hummed at her in agreement as she understands what Chaeyoung meant that she's putting in her head.
The two went outside along with the rest of the girls, except for Seulgi and Irene who explored Japan by theirselves. They let the couple enjoy their own time together instead so the nine of them just visited a park near the hotel they're staying at.
Jihyo remembered making a snow angel with YN while looking at the other one that had formed on the snowy surface. She then lay by it, remembering her time with you while she imagines making her own snow angel with you, pretending that you're the one making the one alongside her.
Tzuyu wanders throughout the park, rotating around the snow. She then remembers the time when you and her danced after you had a proper closure with her.
She was returned to reality with her final swing of her body, just as you were when you let go of her to conclude your dance with her song together in her mind.
Mina was standing along a wall in one section of the park, imagining herself running around while being followed by you, as she recalls doing the same with you when she teasingly snatched your house keys after seeing them fall from your pocket while both of you were talking.
It came to a halt when you successfully pursued her and uncontrollably fell on top of her while lying on the ground, signaling the beginning of her intense deep attraction through you the instant her eyes landed on your closed up face.
While she was savoring the beautiful memory she shared with you, she noticed snowflakes begin to fall in front of her, drawing her attention and, sadly, dragging her away back from reality.
Momo on the other hand, got called by the rest of the girls after she saw the snowman as she recalled the snowman she puts a scarf on along with her happiest memory of her life she had with you, which is when she first developed her romantic attraction to you while she's fixing your scarf during your time with her together.
She noticed the snow starting to fall again from above before she responded back to the girls.
"Wait for me!", Momo shouted after she stood up. She then joined the girls and gathered to form a circle as they decided to pray for you.
After ending their prayers, they admired the snow falling around them, along with their own message for you one more time.
They promised to you silently that they will now reach their acceptance stage by finally letting go and moving on from your love, freeing theirselves from their love loop that was being toxic already because of their too much attachment at you even at your death...
...except for one of them who thinks differently from them, still unable as she struggle to remove herself from her own what ifs and regrets.
(EXACTLY 1 YEAR LATER/ BACK TO THE PRESENT DAY)
NOVEMBER 2022
All of what happened suddenly played quickly right backfrom the beginning.
Returning back to the present, it was to a snowy nighttime under the dark sky with stars sparkling covering it , a street with many people are gathering around along with police cars and ambulance cars parked outside of a doughnut shop.
The policemen are trying to guard these civilians who are curiously watching what's happening from entering the crime scene.
Inside the shop has some evidences which has been marked, but there is one which if you look at it, you will think that is the most important one out of all the evidences that has been found by the policemen and detectives.
A bitten white doughnut with red syrup flowing from its inside is seen laying on a floor with police barrier tapes around its space.
From the dark corner of the shop, a woman slowly appears near to the bitten doughnut.
It was Mina who is dreaming of visiting back the crime scene during her sleep, she sat and looked closely at the bitten doughnut.
A frowning expression in her face can be seen as she remembers everything what happened before this unexpected tragic moment....
... and now, finally able to do the right thing just the same as what the other girls did; a drop of tear flowed out of Mina's face.
"I love you YN, but if I will remain my heart linked for you... I'll never recover.", she whispered while sniffing during her cry.
She knows that the love loop she created which is like a doughnut she used to love made from you, it was such a sweet and sensational feeling she experienced rotating around its hole in the shape of you; but now she realized that although it is a loop which has no beginning nor end, it doesn't mean it can't be changed, disrupted or replaced.
Just like what the other girls did, they all made it possible by breaking their own instead and prevented its negative effects. She can see it already from them, especially from Nayeon, Jeongyeon and Jihyo who are already recovered and currently living back with full of happiness. Since, that's what Mina wanted to have and she believes you also wanted it for them too, she decided to follow what the girls did.
Standing slowly, she looked one more time at the bitten doughnut you ate before you were shot dead as it laid right next to your dead body when she saw you before leaving away from the crime scene along with her love for you; simultaneously ending her own love loop too in the process before her alarm wakes her back from her dream with a stain of teardrop visible in her face while still unknown for her whether she'll wander to another new love loop to start again.
