what’s gotten into myoui?
On weekdays, when Jeongyeon is back at her own dorm, Mina enjoys Tzuyu’s company. She missed their quiet nights and their bond that seemed to happen only on rare occasions, now that Jeongyeon is always with her. She’s never had time to think since the Korean is always whining and being annoying.
Tzuyu was browsing movies through the sea of it on Netflix, while Mina’s just leaning her head on her roommate’s shoulder, mulling things that happened over the weekend.
Yesterday didn’t really felt well for Mina. Jeongyeon is acting like nothing happened, like her attempt was just some kind of a fever dream, and for that, she’s glad. Glad that Jeongyeon is being her usual clueless self, drowned on her own oblivion.
She wouldn’t know what to tell her, anyway, if Jeongyeon was to ask. She doesn’t know what got into her and why she tried to kiss her. Maybe it’s just a spur of the moment? There’s nothing to it. It doesn’t mean anything.
“I think you owe me a few gossips, unnie.” Tzuyu mumbles as she clicked on a drama’s first episode.
And here I thought I’ll have a break from anything Jeongyeon.
Mina looks up and smiles a little, “You’re never gonna let me go without knowing how me and Jeongyeon got together, will you?”
The brunette only chuckled, eyes fixed at the screen in front of them.
“Well...” Mina trails, her mind replaying what she and Jeongyeon agreed to be their first meeting and date, how they came to be. She leaned back down and snuggled at Tzuyu, “Not long after you left me on the bleachers to watch your training, when I was ‘scouting for competition’,” Tzuyu giggled at the term, Mina remembered how she called Jeongyeon that day.
“We met at the shelter she was volunteering at. I was looking at the animals there since I miss Ray. You remember him, right?”
“Yes, unnie. Your dog back in Japan.” Tzuyu wasn’t even trying to watch now, she’s more interested with Mina’s next words.
“Of course, I was really annoyed that she was there, and I thought my visit was something I’d regret, but I found out she was nice and that she loves animals, too,” Mina made it her mission to not look up to Tzuyu, she’s afraid she might see through her and know that she’s lying.
“We went out after she finished her schedule and everything just went so fast, I didn’t even remember how she got me to say yes to drink coffee with her when I don’t even drink it myself.” Mina giggled, there’s some truth in that; she still doesn’t know how Jeongyeon made her agree to this whole fake dating thing, how she made her drink pure caffeine and made her like it. Maybe I should slow down on that Iced Espresso, though.
“A few more dates and we kind of just clicked. Talking to her feels nice... after Nayeon, she’s just a breath of fresh air.” she lets out a soft chuckle. Fresh air, Mina, really?
“She wanted to make it official, but I told her I didn’t want to let people know that we’re dating yet, since Nayeon ghosted me and I really couldn’t get a hold of her to properly end things,” Lies. “I want to end things with Nayeon first, ideally, before going into a relationship with Jeong...”
Mina cringes at the next part to which Tzuyu sensed, so she leaned back to look at the Japanese with a little frown, “Then, the KISSCAM incident happened,” a grin broke out of Tzuyu’s face, she remembers the scene far too vividly. The shock on everyone’s face was hilarious if they’re to look back on that day. No one really expected Mina to be that bold.
The grin Tzuyu was wearing was instantly turned to a frown as soon as she remembered the next scene, “But why did you ran away? If you’re already dating Jeongyeon unnie that time, wouldn’t kissing be a normal thing for you, too?”
Mina pursed her lips, you sure have a lot of questions, Tzuyu-ah...
Thankfully, she and Jeongyeon have discussed everything, “It’s like being out’ed without you being ready. I wasn’t ready for the whole uni to know that I’m dating that dummy.”
Tzuyu smiled a little, “Jeongyeon unnie isn’t that bad to date. She’s a good person,” she paused for a second, thinking whether she should speak of a certain idea, “I thought your hatred towards her back then was stupid.”
Mina whipped her head at the statement, incredulity etched on her face. Stupid?! She’s literally the reason why Nayeon left me!
It seemed like Tzuyu caught what she was thinking because she went on, “Jeongyeon unnie didn’t do anything wrong to you that time. Nayeon unnie was the one to blame, if you’re going to ask me. She played you and you acted like unnie stole her from you or whatever.”
Tzuyu smiled a bit more at the memory, “Captain didn’t even want Nayeon unnie anywhere near her cause she’s always clinging onto her neck,”
Mina kept silent, her mind whirs as it worked. It’s... true. Jeongyeon didn’t even want Nayeon in the first place.
A few moments more and Mina let out a sigh, “I realized that after meeting Jeongyeon,” she started to weave another set of lies, I’m sorry, Tzuyu.
“She’s goofy and funny, but she’s kind, really kind. If there’s a list of people who’s likely to steal anybody’s girl, you wouldn’t even find her name there.” Mina chuckled at the thought, “Jeongyeon is literally a kid, she’s sweet but she hates it when I tease her about being a baby,”
The Japanese only shook her head, she wasn’t sure whether what she told Tzuyu were all lies, “She’d never be that kind of girl.”
Tzuyu only hummed in agreement, “She’s too kind and humble to be the person you were painting her back then, unnie. I couldn’t get myself to side with you because I know how nice Jeongyeon unnie is.”
Mina glued her eyes to the screen, I’ve read her wrong, then.
“She may look like she’s strong, but she’s a softie, unnie. Please take care of her,” the sudden plea made Mina meet Tzuyu’s eyes. Me? Take care of Jeongyeon?
“Of course, Tzuyu-ah, I will.” she forced a smile, she hoped Tzuyu didn’t notice that her mind is already drifting away.
There’s no one to blame, but Nayeon and me.
-
Fake dating Jeongyeon gets easier as weeks pass by. They’re well into October, the leaves have all turned to orange, and soon enough, the wind will blow them all away back to where their roots are; to the ground. They will all fall, they will all wither, and the once lush trees would all look empty. The thought of autumn would’ve been enough to sadden Mina, but this is Jeongyeon’s favorite season, and that’s enough reason for her to learn not to hate it.
“How come you like autumn? All the trees would soon look dead...” Mina mutters as they walk around the park.
Jeongyeon pouts, “The weather is perfect and it’s... Halloween season.” Mina noticed the hesitancy in Jeongyeon’s tone, so she looked up, but her expression changed so quick, she wasn’t able to read her through, “and don’t be too sad about the leaves, they’ll be back next year!” Jeongyeon continued.
She always talks in pout, that’s one thing you would get to always notice when you’re always with this dummy.
Mina puts a gentle hand on Jeongyeon’s cheek, making her stop from her tracks, she peered down and met Mina’s gaze, asking what seems to be the problem.
The concern on Jeongyeon’s eyes disappeared and was instantly replaced with her whines as soon as Mina pinched her cheeks hard, “Ah, Mina-ya!”
Mina’s eyes twinkled with mirth, her cheeks puffed at how hard she’s smiling, “Stop squishing or I’ll get drool on you!” Jeongyeon half-whined and half-threatened, to which the Japanese only laughed at.
“What’s new? You’re always drooling over me.” Mina lets go, a grin still plastered on her face as she walked backwards, still facing the now whiny Jeongyeon, “I don’t-“ the Korean lets out a scoff out of disbelief, “Ma’am, you are delusional. I will never drool over you.” she walked a bit faster to get closer to Mina, slightly concerned at how she walks.
Mina just continued to grin at her and turned to run towards the swings before exclaiming, “First one to the swing sleeps on the bed tonight!”
Jeongyeon’s eyes went wide with the prize so she ran after Mina. She tried to run as fast as she can but Mina announced the race far too late, she’s almost to the swing when she did, how can Jeongyeon possibly get there before her? Teleportation?
Undoubtedly, Mina got to the swing first, wearing a silly grin while watching Jeongyeon run to her, “Does it feel good to win because you cheated, huh?” Jeongyeon wore a frown on her face when she reached the swing and Mina couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her, “Stop giving me excuses, slowpoke.”
Jeongyeon only shook her head with a smile on her face. Playful Mina is light and fun to be with. She sat at the swing next to her and started to lean back and in, building a momentum.
On early Friday evenings like this, a lot of people gather around to buy from the food trucks and Jeongyeon suddenly thought of dinner. Still swinging as fast and as high as she can, she asks, “Where should we eat dinner?”
Mina scowled at her and stopped swaying her almost stagnant swing, “Why do you always make me choose? You never suggest anything!”
Jeongyeon, on the other hand, didn’t stop and still put force, “Because I’m fine with whatever!”
“You always say that but you always complain whenever I take you to sushi bars!” Mina’s brows knitted closer this time, Jeongyeon isn’t picky, she eats just about everything, but sometimes Mina gets frustrated at how she goes out of a restaurant with either a dissatisfied look or a pout on her face.
Jeongyeon saw Mina’s face being grumpy again, so she put her feet down to skid, stopped swinging and faced her to get her argument across, “They always have little servings! I don’t even get full eating there!”
“Then why don’t you pick the place for tonight if you’re so eager to feed the worms in your stomach?” Mina is full-on being grumbly now, she stomped her foot to the ground and pursed her lips, already annoyed at Jeongyeon.
The Korean snickered at how cute Mina is being at this moment and shook her head. She got up and went in front of Mina, bending a little to level her head to hers, both her hands on her knees to support her weight, “How about we play for dinner rights?”
Mina cocks a brow at the suggestion but agrees, “Okay, loser treats the winner dinner?”
“Yup, and winner can choose wherever she wants to eat. Absolutely no complaints from the loser.” Jeongyeon finalized the deal with a small crooked smile. I’m going to win this, either way.
“You mean no complaints from you?” Mina poked her shoulder, teasing Jeongyeon with a smirk of her own.
“Oh, you’re on. If I win, which is what’s going to happen, you’re treating me to that new lasagna restau down the street.“
Jeongyeon knows Mina wants to try that place since it’s opened but just didn’t had the time until this weekend, so she’s going to make sure they’ll end up eating there.
Mina’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Italian restaurant and she quickly nods, Jeongyeon knew it’s going to be a win-win for Mina one way or another, and that’s more than okay to her, “Alright, but if I win, you’re treating me dinner for three nights on that place,”
Jeongyeon let out an exaggerated gasp, “Ya! Are you trying to bankrupt me?” You’ve got to be kidding me.
Mina just laughed at her and Jeongyeon knew she was just messing with her. She has to be, right?
“Yeah, laugh all you want but I’m winning this one, Myoui.” Jeongyeon acts annoyed to get Mina to stop.
“I doubt that, Yoo.” Mina only looked at her with a little smug etched on her face. Confident, aren’t we?
“You won’t be wearing that smug longer, because you’ll have to beat me to another race.” Jeongyeon smirks, she knows she’s got this one in the bag.
“You’ve probably ran half your life for baseball and you want a business major to race you? Seems unfair to me.”
Well... okay, that is unfair.
“What do you suggest we bet on, then?”
Mina stood up and pointed at a direction, “First one to reach the gate wins, but you’ll have to give me a head start.”
Jeongyeon nodded, I’m faster anyway.
“I’ll start from halfway since I know you run fast.”
Halfway?!
“I might as well declare you as winner if you’re starting halfway!” Jeongyeon grumbles at Mina’s proposal, that’s unfair!
“You’ve got long legs and you always run like you’re going to ram somebody or something! You know it’s fair!” Mina huffs at her, trying to convince Jeongyeon that she’s just trying to even the odds.
Jeongyeon rolled her eyes, Mina never lets her win on anything, be it in arguments or in games. Or maybe I always just let her...
“Alright, you win. Go start at the fountain,”
Mina was giddy as she jogged her way, not knowing Jeongyeon is grinning from ear to ear.
When Mina got to the fountain, she looked back at Jeongyeon who was already on her stance to run. Competitive number 1 looks serious.
Mina lost the smile, and got her game face on, she’s not losing to Jeongyeon today when she clearly has the advantage. But competitive number 2 is here to win.
At Jeongyeon’s cue, Mina ran her fastest. She knows Jeongyeon isn’t playing today, her pride is on the line. She’s the Ace of the baseball team, how disgraceful would it be if she lost to her girlfriend, a business major who’s barely played sports in all her life?
But Mina is determined to win, she wants to beat Jeongyeon today. She wants to beat her on something she’s really good at, just so she can see that frown and her whiny and pouty face.
“Mina!”
Mina grinned, is Jeongyeon calling her because she’s given up? She looked back with her tongue stuck out, just to spite the Korean, but all that was replaced with alarm. Jeongyeon is sitting down on the ground, both hands pressing on her ankle.
She got worried and ran back, “What happened? Are you okay?” Mina rushed to Jeongyeon’s side, resting a hand on her shoulder, so as to try to comfort her, the other hovers at her ankle, “Does it hurt? Let me see!” worry swarms her chest.
Jeongyeon whimpered when Mina made a move to lift the bottom hem of her pants, “Don’t– it’s okay,”
Mina looked at Jeongyeon’s eyes, assessing how hurt she might be feeling, “Okay, okay... can I at least just take a look at it?” She lightly touched Jeongyeon’s hands that covers her ankles from her, asking for permission.
Jeongyeon nodded, but tried to get up, “Let’s get off the dirt first,”
Mina looked around, “Let’s get you to that bench, lean on me.” Jeongyeon put an arm around her and Mina slipped hers around Jeongyeon’s waist to support her.
Jeongyeon limped as they walk, Mina couldn’t help but feel guilty. If she didn’t agree to this race, Jeongyeon wouldn’t have gotten hurt, “From 1-10, 10 being the worst, how much does it hurt?”
Mina sat Jeongyeon down gently, careful not to touch the injured foot, “I’m okay, Mina,” Jeongyeon stifles a smile, Mina looks like she’s really concerned about her.
Mina groaned at her stubbornness, “Can you stop lying? Let me see it.” she sat in front of Jeongyeon on bended knees.
When Mina lifted up the bottom hem to see how swollen her ankle is, she didn’t see any trace of it being hurt or anything. Confused, she looked up and saw Jeongyeon holding back a laugh. What the-
Jeongyeon bolted towards the direction of the park’s gate, leaving Mina still sitting near the ground, laughing at how good she got her this time.
Mina closed her eyes and inhaled sharply, lips twitching. She wasn’t sure whether she wants to smack Jeongyeon for pulling another prank at her or for cheating.
“Yoo Jeongyeon! Come back here!”
Jeongyeon laughs so hard as she watches Mina come stomping her feet at her, eyes broody, cheeks puffy, lips pouty. “Cheater,”
“That’s just payback, baby,” Jeongyeon kissed her cheek, her eyes sparkle with amusement. She pranked Mina pretty good this time.
Mina just rolled her eyes, “I hate you,” pushing Jeongyeon away from her and walked ahead.
Jeongyeon chuckled as she jogged to catch up. She held Mina’s hand and laced their fingers, swaying it lightly as they walk back to the university, “No, you don’t,”
“I’m pretty sure I do,” Mina didn’t look up but Jeongyeon knows they’re okay.
As they near the dorms, Jeongyeon tries her luck. She wants to go out for a change tonight since they always stay in on weekends, “Are you going to come with me to training or do you want to just wait for me to get back? We could just order in as usual, I have their number anyway,”
“No, let’s eat out. I’ll come and wait for you,” Mina answered.
Jeongyeon was a bit surprised, “Really?” her crooked smile is in display again, “Wow... look how the turned tables have,”
“Why are you smiling?” Mina giggled, “I’m charging you five marvel movies for making me wait,” she’s teasing Jeongyeon for revenge.
And revenge she got, because Jeongyeon reacted the way she wanted, “What? You’re the one who volunteered to come and wait for me?!”
Because now she can use her own line against her, “That’s just payback, baby.”
-
Jeongyeon didn’t want Mina to watch from the bleachers, but Mina insisted that she wants to watch her like how a normal audience would, since she’s only watched the game from the dugout.
“Okay, but stay near the dugout so I can still see you.” Jeongyeon demanded before running off to the field.
The team accumulated a number of home runs, foul balls and strikes as hours had passed. The mood is light, the team is in high spirits. The official season has started, and everybody’s excited to get into the diamond once again.
Mina stood to lean over the railings as she looked at her watch, 6:32 PM, the practice was almost over. She watched Jeongyeon ran towards the second base after Momo hit the pitch one of their teammates had thrown.
“She’s good right?” Mina was startled when somebody spoke, the voice is from someone unfamiliar to her, but she has a hunch on who this might be, “Yeah, she is.” she agreed, not even bothering to glance at the woman beside her.
Another hit, and with that, they both watched a laughing Jeongyeon as she passed by the last base. “She doesn’t love you.”
Mina looked at Sana with great bewilderment, of course she knew Jeongyeon doesn’t, they’re pretending to be so she would come right back at Jeongyeon’s arms, and yet she couldn’t believe how Sana would just say things like this to Jeongyeon’s ‘present girlfriend’.
“Excuse me?” Mina wanted to scoff, the audacity?!
“She’s just using you to get me back.” Oh my god, what a bitch. Jeongyeon might be her fake girlfriend but she won’t back down when it’s clear that her ex is bullying her.
Sana thinks Jeongyeon’s just using me?! Mina wanted to bare her teeth and fight back, her blood boils for this ginger head, how can she just say things like this in my face? No warnings, no holding back. She just spat what she thinks, not even giving any care.
Mina shook her head lightly, a little smile of disbelief traced her lips. She won’t let people think that way towards her. No one uses nor plays Myoui Mina, not anymore.
Just then, an idea popped on her mind, making her think, if Sana doesn’t buy our act, then its obvious that we’re not acting all lovey-dovey enough.
Jeongyeon looked to Mina’s direction to let her know that their training is almost done, but to her surprise, she saw two Japanese women staring down each other. She immediately jumped over the railings to get to them. What’s going on?
She wanted to swoop Sana right there and then and inhale the sweet scent from her hair and neck, but she put her arm on Mina. She has to remind herself that she and Sana are still not back together yet and she has to restrain herself from doing things she used to do with her.
“Hey, babe.” Jeongyeon greeted Mina with a peck on the lips, she knew this was the perfect time to use that one peck per day. But Mina seemed to have other things in her mind as she held Jeongyeon’s face and decided to kiss her more than a peck.
Jeongyeon’s heart raged when she felt Mina run her tongue on her lower lip, as if this level of making out isn’t enough of a show, she wants to take it up a notch. No way... She granted permission and immediately felt it entwine against hers. Everything’s blank and Jeongyeon is losing her senses with how Mina is leading her, it’s not everyday she has an opportunity to explore like this. She wrapped an arm around Mina and pulled her closer against her, as if afraid that she’ll let go anytime.
For a few long moments, all thoughts of Sana vanished from Jeongyeon’s mind and she kissed Mina back with the same intensity. Neither of them cared if there were people around, neither of them gave a shit if anybody’s enjoying the show. They didn’t even notice Sana going until they had to break the kiss apart to fill back their lungs with air.
“You’re evil, Myoui.” Jeongyeon chuckled lightly, staring into Mina’s equally dazed orbs, her arms still wrapped around the Japanese’.
“She just told me you’re using me to get her back.” Mina scowls at her, clearly displeased at how Sana managed to subtly bitch and brag to her that she thinks she still has a grip on Jeongyeon, that she’s still hers in some way.
“Oh, so you made out with my poor swollen lips because you were insulted? I’m hurt.” Jeongyeon jutted her lips, in hopes to lift Mina’s mood that has been soiled by her ex.
She lightly tapped and pushed against Jeongyeon’s chest, “Would you rather her continue to believe that you’re just faking it?”
“Mmm-mm,” the Korean shook her head in disagreement.
Mina looked pleased with her answer but still raised a brow, “Then you’re welcome.”
Jeongyeon just laughs at how sassy Mina is right now, she really wouldn’t back down.
She hugs Mina tighter, pressing her soaked with sweat body, “Here’s your thank you kissy, Minawi!” Jeongyeon puckers her lips and tries to land a kiss to a now giggly Mina. “Get away from me, you big stinky sweaty baby!” She playfully pushes Jeongyeon off of her while they’re laughing heartily.
Back at the field, the team is done with their last drill, they’re just waiting for their captain to dismiss them. Given the situation, they could just go and disperse, but instead of just heading to the showers, they found themselves smiling; watching how their senior and her girlfriend flirt and laugh with each other.
With a ghost of smile still on Momo’s face, she shook her head and clapped, “Okay team, your captain is busy flirting with her girl, so just head on to showers and see you all tomorrow. Dismissed!”
She walked over to Tzuyu, who was still standing on the pitchers mound, catching her breath but a smile on her face was evident, “Look at them, unnie,”
“Love-crazed idiots.” Momo snorted, both her hands on her hips.
Tzuyu just shook her head, “Can you believe Mina unnie hated Cap before they even met?”
“Yeah, I mean, I would be too if I were her. Jeongyeon just stole Nayeon from her without even doing anything.” Momo tries to emphatize with Mina. “But now look at them,”
Jeongyeon is still hugging Mina close, wiping the sweat on her forehead to Mina’s neck and shoulders.
“Jeongyeon!” Mina shouts as she struggles to get away from the Korean’s grasp on her, but still laughing nonetheless.
“Whipped.” Both of the players snickered at the comment Tzuyu made before they went to the lockers. In their minds they’re thankful, thankful that their friends are now happy despite the heartbreaks they both went through.
In the distance, a lone heart weeps at the sight of the two. Under her breath, she whispers a promise, speaking her plan into existence, “She won’t be yours for long.”