it’s always the Japanese
A quiet night in; just her and her business plans, and maybe a round of Mario Kart before she goes to bed. That’s what Mina initially thought her night was gonna be, until hurried knocks were heard outside her door.
Tzuyu would never knock. Maybe it’s...?
With a look of confusion, she stood up from her seat at the kitchen table and went to answer the impatient visitor.
“Nayeon? What are yo-”
The words died as soon as Nayeon took her lips forcibly, both her hands on either side of Mina’s face, holding her in place while pushing themselves further inside the room.
Their teeth clashed, but their lips meld as perfect as it did the first time, the feeling of Nayeon’s lips on hers was enough to make her head spin in ecstasy; even though it hurt, even though she felt like blood will trickle from her lips. For a second, Mina forgot everything about her push-pull scheme. For another second, she forgot everything about Jeongyeon and their fake relationship.
Under other circumstances, Mina would have paid no mind with the aggression, but Nayeon tastes of alcohol, and none of this is normal. Nayeon would never be this harsh, she’d never be this aggressive.
Gathering her wits about, Mina pushed Nayeon away, only to come face to face with the girl’s wrath.
“Three weeks, Mina. I leave you for three weeks and you already replaced me?!” her teeth gritted as the anger within her escape.
Unbelievable.
Mina took a step back, “Nayeon, you left me without anything! Not a word, not a goodbye, nothing!” she seethe, her whole body shaking with pent up frustrations.
Nayeon’s breaths were rapid and short, and loud, almost like it’s labored. She has never seen her this mad.
Mina let out a low whimper as Nayeon advanced and grabbed her face, greeting her lips once again in harsh punishment.
“Stop, I have a girlfriend!” Mina pushed her back stronger this time, she will not let Nayeon do whatever with her.
Nayeon merely chuckles, “Yeah, what a coincidence.” followed by a shake of her head and a scoff, “Suddenly you have a girlfriend, and it’s none other than Yoo Jeongyeon, the girl you claimed to not know just a month ago! How did you two even happen, huh?”
She and Jeongyeon already discussed an explanation about this one, but Mina feels like Nayeon wouldn’t even listen, given that she’s in a limbo between soberness and drunkenness.
“It’s none of your business!”
The moment the words came out of her mouth, she instantly knew that she gave out the wrong answer. Nayeon only got even madder.
“None of my business? Fuck, Mina, you know I'm making a move on her and you just swoop in and take her from me? No.” she’s not yelling, but a trace of spite is laced in her voice.
“I did not take her away from you, she’s the one who came to me!” she spat back, lips already quivering.
“Bullshit! I waited for Jeongyeon for a year, I'm not giving her up to someone she just met! She's probably not even serious about you!"
She flinched at a reason she doesn’t know. Is it because Nayeon thinks she’s not one to be taken seriously, or is it because Nayeon’s feelings for Jeongyeon seem unwavering?
Nothing prepared Mina for this onslaught of hatred. Her heart hurts for a number of reasons and she couldn’t stop her tears from falling. Nayeon is never this unkind, she’s always sweet and caring and all smiles. It’s all what Mina remembers of her, and she’d like for it to stay that way.
Nayeon’s face softened at the sight of the girl’s tears, but Mina was too wounded to take notice.
Meanwhile, Tzuyu was walking towards her dorm, a huge smile plastered on her face. Their anniversary is just right around the corner, and she just found the perfect gift for Chaeyoung.
A few meters away, she saw their door widely open, light flooding from their room to the black of the night.
Tzuyu’s heart started to beat rapidly. Mina would never leave their door open, not at this hour. Shit, unnie!
She came rushing to the door and saw a figure making a move to hug or grope or whatever at her Mina unnie. A figure that is far from Jeongyeon’s stature.
Tzuyu stomped towards the person and yanked them away from her roommate. She was shocked when she realized it was Nayeon.
“What are you doing to her?!”
She looked back at Mina who was sobbing and hiding her face before glaring at Nayeon.
She stood between them, ready to protect her unnie if she ever tried to get her hands on Mina again.
“Get out!”
Mina looked up from her hands that are now wet with tears to see what the sudden commotion is about.
Nayeon’s face contorted back into it’s angry form, the reason now being Tzuyu. Mina could sense more than see it as Tzuyu is blocking her view.
When Nayeon made no move to get out of their dorm, Tzuyu took it to her own hands to push her out the door, effectively igniting the fury back up on Nayeon’s chest that died a minute ago.
Fuelled by two bottles of alcohol, the wheels on Nayeon’s mind fluidly supplied her with the anger she’s momentarily lost, “Of all people, why would Jeongyeon choose you?!” Nayeon shouts as she gets shoved. She scoffed, “you’re just a rebound, Mina!” as Tzuyu slams the door to her face.
The words rung on her ears, is that what Nayeon only thinks of her?
“Unnie, are you okay? Did she hurt you?” Tzuyu assessed her for any marks, when she found none, she let out a sigh. “I’m gonna call Jeongyeon unnie.”
“No!” Tzuyu was startled at the sudden protest. “Don’t. I’m- don’t call her, Tzuyu-ah.”
“Unnie, she needs to sort this out. Her obsessed friend is harassing you, she needs to fix this or I will.”
“No...” Mina managed to croak out, she can’t let more people in on her problems, so she lies, “I’m gonna tell Jeongyeon.”
Tzuyu just looked at her with hazy eyes, probably thinking. She hopes Tzuyu doesn’t push her to do it now nor ask her for an explanation that she promised prior today.
“Okay,” Thank goodness. “but go to bed, unnie. I’ll clean up the table,”
Mina could only nod as she dragged her feet. Her mind raced with a lot of thoughts, but so did her heart.
Nayeon...
The night was still young, but Mina was sure she wouldn’t get a wink of sleep. Her eyes were shut but her brain keeps on replaying scenes from earlier, like a slideshow that’s bound to break her heart little by little every time it plays.
Her mind keeps on drifting, pondering whether it’s all even worth the tears and trouble.
Did she make a mistake?
Is fake dating Jeongyeon a mistake?
Did I only make it worse?
-
“Mo, how come you still don’t have a girlfriend?” Jeongyeon nonchalantly asks as she roam her eyes around, in search of a certain Japanese.
“Since when did you become so obsessed with my love life, Yoo?” Momo rolled her eyes, she’s not in the mood to talk about this, at least not when she’s starving.
What’s with the tone?
Jeongyeon turned to look at the girl beside her and furrowed her brows, “Wait, are you mad?”
“I’m not.” her stomach growled, and Jeongyeon instantly knew why her Vice was acting this way.
“Mina isn’t replying so maybe you could go ahead,”
Momo shook her head slightly, “No, let’s just wait for her.”
Silence had passed for a moment before Jeongyeon spoke.
“So, how come? I thought you like Dahyun?” Jeongyeon asks again, this time her attention is on her.
Momo sighed, “Yeah, we text each other a lot but I don’t know... I think she’s straight.”
“Oh. Too bad.” Jeongyeon grimaced, a particular ginger head came to her mind at the mention of Dahyun’s name.
“How’s Sana by the way?” she tried to sound as casual as she can, to avoid suspicion.
It didn’t work.
Momo looked at her with a brow raised, “I heard she’s fucking someone new.”
Jeongyeon’s mouth went dry and for a split second, hurt crossed her face. Three words played on loop in her mind. Sana. Fuck. New.
“Relax, it’s just a rumor.” she chuckled, “Sana’s fine based from the texts she’s sent me.”
Momo took note of the expression Jeongyeon showed.
Well, they were together for almost a year. Can’t blame her.
But decided to just disregard it, “Besides, she’s not your concern anymore. You got Mina now.”
Jeongyeon forced a smile, “Yeah... Mina.”
As if on cue, Mina walked in through the doors of the cafeteria, hugging her ever-present folder to her chest, and her handbag that’s slung to her shoulder. There’s no mistaking it’s her, even if she’s wearing eyeglasses.
Wow.
That’s all Jeongyeon could think of as she watches her girl walk towards them. Of course, she’s frowning. She wanted to roll her eyes, but didn’t. But she’s still beautiful, regardless.
“Hey, Momo-san.” Momo was slightly shocked, is Jeongyeon seeing this too? “Hi, Mina-jjang.” Mina’s eyes were rimmed with red, she’s been crying.
The nickname earned Momo a small smile from the new comer who just sat beside Jeongyeon in the most refined manner. “Jeong.” she merely acknowledged the girl as she didn’t even bother to throw a glance.
Jeongyeon and Momo shared a look. Jeongyeon being confused and Momo being almost mad.
They’ve known each other long enough to hold a telepathic conversation just with their eyes, and Jeongyeon has a feeling she’s not going to like what Momo will force her to do, mainly because she doesn’t even know why Mina was like this.
“WHY ARE HER EYES LIKE THAT?!” Momo raised a brow and looked at her judgingly.
“I don’t know!” Jeongyeon shook her head rigidly.
“You don’t know? She’s your girlfriend!”
Jeongyeon wanted to whine but Momo stood up, “I forgot my book at the locker, you guys go and eat without me. Bye!”
“You’re ditching me?!” Jeongyeon’s mouth was agape, she’s really leaving her with this Mina.
“Fix it!” Momo glared at her before going on her way.
Jeongyeon didn’t want to do girlfriend duties today, her mind is thoroughly occupied by Sana and the possibility of her being with someone new. Mina should be the least of her concerns right now but here she was, stuck with this eerily quiet version of her.
“Uhh, Mina? Are you okay?” she probes carefully, not wanting to trigger anything.
Mina scowled at her and Jeongyeon didn’t want to admit that she’s a bit scared, why is she so angry?
“Do I look okay to you?!” she snapped irately in hushed tones.
It’s only this time that she’s only taken a good look at the girl beside her. Behind her eyeglasses are eyes that looked like they cried all night, it’s red and puffy. Her nose was a bit red and so are her cheeks.
Jeongyeon didn’t know what to do. Usually with Sana, she’ll just give her her favorites and she’ll calm down but what about Mina?
She stood up and left Mina at the table to buy them some lunch. When she reached the counter, she only ordered two serving of tteokbokki’s. It’s her go-to food but what if Mina doesn’t like it? She contemplated ordering another dish but decided not to, she’ll just ask her what she wants if she refuses to eat this.
Mina looked up to her when she saw two bowls of food. Jeongyeon smiled a bit before placing one bowl in front of Mina and a bottled water. If only they sell lemonades.
She was almost done eating but Mina was only picking at her food, she maybe ate two or three pieces, but that’s it.
“Come on, out with it.” Jeongyeon stopped eating and put down her chopsticks. Still, Mina didn’t look at her, just continued to stare at the bowl in front of her.
Jeongyeon couldn’t help but sigh, she’s no stranger to wooing sulky women. After all, Sana did that a lot. Maybe Mina’s the same.
She lay hold of Mina’s chin with her fingers, gently and softly, so she can look into her eyes. In her softest voice, Jeongyeon asked,
“Mina, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes conveyed genuine worry, she hopes Mina would feel safe enough to confide in her.
There’s something in Mina’s eyes that Jeongyeon couldn’t quite understand. Was it sad? Was it confused?
Before she can even solve the mystery, Mina closed them and sighed. She moved her chin out of Jeongyeon’s grasp and shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
At least she’s not mad anymore...
Mina’s eyes no longer exude annoyance but Jeongyeon wasn’t sure if this change was any better.
She was about to ask her another question but Mina stood up and gathered her things. “I’ll see you later.”
Jeongyeon was left yet again with more questions rather than answers.
Why are Japanese girls so complicated?
-
“Tzuyu, do you think I’m arrogant?” Jeongyeon randomly blurts out while she’s drying her purple hair with a towel.
Tzuyu who emerges from the shower room let out a chuckle, “Is that what you were thinking the whole time your face is all scrunched up?”
Momo who was the first one to finish up showering was already on her way out, “I’m sure it’s not. Ask her about Mina, Chewypoo. Ciao.”
Tzuyu glared at their Vice at the nickname but was more worried about her roommate.
“Unnie, have you talked to Mina unnie yet?”
Jeongyeon whose back was facing Tzuyu wore her grey hoodie before answering, “I tried to but she’s not telling me anything.”
She turned to look at the Taiwanese and shared a bit more of their day, “I asked her at the cafeteria and she was mad. I tried to approach her sweetly but it didn’t win me anything.”
Jeongyeon sat down on the bench, wore her socks and continued to ramble on, her face is once again, per Tzuyu was all scrunched up, “When I fetched her on her last class today, I thought I’d try to woo her back by asking her again and again. I tried pouting, whining, none of it worked. She would either just glare or ignore me.”
She finished tying her shoelaces and buried her face on her hands. This is not how this fake relationship should work. I should be free from all this emotional stuff.
Her voice is muffled but she still continued, “She just slammed the door on me when we got to your dorm. I know she hates me but it’s not like Mina to be rude.” Jeongyeon’s eyes widened, she shouldn’t have said the part where Mina hates her. I’m her girlfriend, why would she hate me? Argh, I’m so stupid!
She looked up and Tzuyu wasn’t even looking at her suspiciously, instead, her face was etched with utter worry.
“I should’ve known she wouldn’t tell you.” Tzuyu sat at the bench, facing their captain. “Nayeon unnie was at the dorm last night.”
The fuck?
“Why was she there? What happened? Did she hurt Mina?” Jeongyeon asks in a rap-like manner. Worry surrounded her heart.
“No, but Mina unnie was crying when I got there. I thought Nayeon unnie smelled of alcohol.” Tzuyu revealed further. If Mina unnie wouldn’t tell her girlfriend, I will.
Jeongyeon inhaled sharply and clenched her jaw. Nayeon, I swear to god.
She stood up and was going for the door until Tzuyu spoke again, “Don’t do anything harsh, unnie.”
Jeongyeon only gave out a small smile, “I won’t.”
-
Jeongyeon glanced at her watch, 7:34PM
Good, I should make it in time.
She ran all the way from the field to the park, towards the rows of food trucks. She forgot to ask Tzuyu earlier what food Mina likes, so she whipped out her phone as she ordered two large lemonades on Jon Lemon.
Jeongyeon: what’s Mina’s favorite pizza?
Jeongyeon tapped her foot impatiently as she wait for Tzuyu’s reply. It’s already quarter to 8 and the trucks would close soon. Thankfully, Tzuyu replies a minute later.
-
Jeongyeon was careful not to mess up everything on both of her hands. She hates carrying things around, that’s why she’s always had a backpack and not a teensy handbag. The things I do for my fake girlfriend.
She reached Mina and Tzuyu’s dorm but her hands are full, so she knocks using her forehead. Ow.
After a few beats, the door opened slightly, Mina was poking her head, probably wary of who the visitor might be again. When she saw a goofily smiling Jeongyeon, she rolled her eyes and made a move to close the door.
But Jeongyeon was quick to her feet (or foot), and trapped her sneakers between the door and it’s jamb.
“Ow.” she winced at the force.
Mina sighed at this woman’s persistence and opened the door a bit wider this time. “What?”
Jeongyeon put on her goofiest eye smile, she made sure to add a little more “happy” in her grin, in hopes that it’s contagious enough for Mina to even smile, even for a bit.
She held up her arms to show her what is “what”,
“Dinner?”