switch to night
“Minarin, ready to go?” Jeongyeon asks as she checks the contents of her gym bag, making sure that everything she needs for the game with Yonsei is already inside.
Her brows furrowed slightly when she didn’t hear a response from the girl across the living room. Last she checked, Mina was sitting on the couch, seemingly too immersed in whatever she’s doing on her phone. When she lifted her head to confirm, Mina was still focused on the device. Maybe she’s on a Ranked Game.
Jeongyeon looked at her Apple Watch and saw that there were a few chats in their group, asking others their whereabouts as their bus will leave at 12NN.
It’s only 11:20 AM, we still have time.
She zipped her bag up and stood, leaving it for a while on the floor in favor of teasing, or maybe flirt with Mina a little, but a soft sound made her stop from her tracks.
Mina giggled, and Jeongyeon couldn’t help the smile that spread on her lips. Maybe she’s watching Ray-chan’s videos her Mum sent. She continued to make her way towards her, but sneakily this time. She wants to startle Mina, so she crawled to the side and to the back of the couch. Jeongyeon slowly stood, hands all up and ready to scare any time, just as she was about to pounce, her eyes caught that she’s on Kakao, texting someone an “I miss you” message or something that went along those lines.
Jeongyeon couldn’t stop herself from blurting out the first thing that came to her mind, “Who is that?” abandoning her previous intent to cater to a new one.
Mina sucked in a sharp breath as she got startled, her phone being held close to her chest— as if she’s hiding something, as if she doesn’t want anyone to know who it is, and Jeongyeon isn’t liking it.
“No one!” Mina recovered and scowled at her in return. She stood up and made her way to get her makeup bag and Jeongyeon only watched her, already brooding.
She could’ve said it was her mom and I would’ve believed her.
Jeongyeon squints her eyes a little as she study Mina who was busy applying her lipstick in front of the mirror. But she didn’t.
“Jeongyeon,” Mina calls her, and their gazes met through the mirror’s, “You’re staring,”
“Who was it?” Jeongyeon asks again, more insistently this time while leaning her hands on the headrest of the couch.
Mina rolled her eyes as she leans up after finishing her final touches on her face. She turned to look at Jeongyeon and gave her an irritated look, “No. One.”
Jeongyeon scoffed and averted her gaze, an unamused smile spread on her lips, “Okay, fine,” she decided not to pick a fight over it, it’s game day and she shouldn’t even be mad about Mina texting other people. She’s your ‘fake’ girlfriend, Jeongyeon, stop this.
She let out a frustrated sigh as she went around the couch and onto where her bag lies. She slung it across her chest, her face donning a grimace as she sulk and think, still not letting go of the topic despite convincing herself that she should stop this. Her mum doesn’t even use Kakao. She calls her on FaceTime.
She walked to the door without even throwing a glance at Mina and held it open, expecting the girl to come out first, but after a few seconds of waiting, no one went past the threshold.
Annoyance growing further, she turned to look at Mina who was busy smiling and flirting at her phone. Jeongyeon wants to get mad, but couldn’t for numerous reasons, so she tries to contain it, “Are you coming or not?”
Mina looked up and was even surprised when she saw that Jeongyeon is already at the door. She only shrugged as she put on her jacket and slung her bag to her shoulder— unable to wipe the smile on her eyes and her excitement over text notification tones.
She walked ahead, not knowing that the Korean behind her is already clenching her jaw at the tightness on her chest, already radiating exasperation over a feeling that she’s still in denial with.
-
“Heard Yonsei got their Ace Pitcher back this year,” Momo informs Tzuyu who’s drinking Gatorade beside her.
Tzuyu only looked on to the field, she already knew this. She watched their opponent’s tapes and with that Ace back, Yonsei’s chances of being as good as SNU is high. “I’m nervous, unnie,” she looks to their Vice with worried eyes.
“It’s okay, Tzu,” Momo gave her a reassuring smile before bringing a hand up to squeeze Tzuyu’s cheek, “Me, Jeongyeon, and the team, we always have your back. You’re going to strike out a whole lot of 'em and we’re all scoring a lot today,”
Tzuyu nodded with a little wince and a dimpled smile, thankful that Momo always understood what she needed to keep her level-headed, thankful that she always gives the best pep talks, even though all of it were short.
Both of them sat in silence, minding their own business when they saw Jeongyeon and Mina walk past them and towards the bus.
One is walking like she’s a sunflower that’s finally seen and felt the sun, while the other looked like she’s ready to kill the sun. The two teammates instinctively looked at each other, sensing that this isn’t Jeongyeon’s focused aura, that this is something else.
They ran up to catch the two contrasting energies and tried to make light of the situation, even though they don’t know what’s happened yet, “Ya, Jeongyeon! You’re late!” Momo tries to jest.
Jeongyeon only glanced at her but Momo felt that this isn’t really a good time to mess with her. She’s already throwing daggers and it’s only been one attempt to annoy her.
She looked to Tzuyu and shook her head lightly. Bad day.
They let the two walk ahead of them so they could talk, “It’s game day,” Momo massages her temples, head already aching at the thought that it could be just her and Tzuyu who would play at their best today, “We couldn’t afford Jeongyeon to lose focus,”
Tzuyu sighed, looking at the backs of the couple that just yesterday was inseparable, a sharp contrast of the space between them now, “I think it has something to do with Mina unnie,”
Momo closed her eyes, groaning, “Jeongyeon and her Japanese problems,”
-
Jeongyeon was brooding when she got on the bus, even more so when she sat by the window and Mina had the audacity to sit beside her. Why would you even sit here if you’re going to be on your phone the whole time?!
She never cast another glimpse in Mina’s direction, if she wants to act like I'm not here, fine. But when she heard her giggle, she couldn’t for the life of her not take notice of what was causing it; her curiosity always gets the better part of her. Jeongyeon tried to peek at who she was talking to, but when she did, as if on excellent timing, Mina locked her phone.
Jeongyeon’s annoyance grows by the minute, she wanted to know who it was. Maybe Nayeon?
She mulls, taking the thought further. Nayeon has seemed to given up her pursuit with me, but she still hangs out with us every chance she’s got.
The Korean recalls how their lunch always goes whenever the brunette is with them. She almost always flirts with Mina, but Jeongyeon reckons it’s just Nayeon being Nayeon. But how come she doesn’t even bat an eye my way lately?
Jeongyeon decided that she’ll just sleep this off; whatever she’s feeling now is nothing but irritation, it’s nowhere near jealousy or anything like that, that’s crazy, she tries to tell herself as she closed her eyes.
Twenty minutes into the ride, Mina finally looks up from her phone, “Jeong,” she mumbles softly, careful not to wake Jeongyeon if she’s sleeping— which she didn’t because Jeongyeon never fell asleep.
Jeongyeon tried to ignore Mina. She managed to, at least for a few seconds, just until Mina decided to use her shoulder as a pillow. Goddamn it, Mina.
She shifted on her seat and lowered the side where Mina was trying to lean on, obviously not wanting for Mina’s neck to hurt later, “Comfy?” she murmurs.
Mina only gave her an adorable eye smile as an answer before slipping an arm around Jeongyeon’s, leaning on her shoulder before the latter could mouth a protest— and protest was something Jeongyeon wasn’t able to do as Mina tightened her hold.
Jeongyeon wanted to roll her eyes, but even that intention vanished along with the annoyance she felt earlier with just the mere affection Mina showed her. One whiff of that jasmine scent, and Jeongyeon knew it’s game over. She succumbed to the pleasant distinctive smell and allowed sleep to creep into her eyes and closed them, nuzzling at Mina before falling into its trap.
-
Jeongyeon woke to the sound of Mina chuckling. She didn’t move a muscle nor opened her eyes yet, wanting to get a feel of her surroundings first. The soft laugh may have been elicited because of Momo and Tzuyu just talking to her from the adjacent seat, she thought, so she buries her nose further onto Mina’s hair.
Mina noticed that Jeongyeon shifted, she adjusted her grip on her phone while the other hand reached up and touched Jeongyeon’s face without even looking, “You don’t know how much I missed you, Saku-chan!” she smiled as she caressed Jeongyeon’s cheek gently.
The girl on the other line only cackled at the nickname Mina seemed to grow fond of, “Then how about we go out for dinner later?”
Mina was excited to hear from her friend, their connection got cut off when the other went back to Japan to train; there’s no way she’d decline. She was about to say yes when the girl followed up with another query, “No one’s going to get mad if I take you out on a date, right?”
A date?
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mina carefully peeked up to Jeongyeon, would you be? She continued to stroke the smooth of her face, smiling bitterly as she dismissed any hope that the other might be, of course not. With what little concern Jeongyeon may have for her when it comes to these kinds of things, she’s not getting her hopes high. She doesn’t even ask about me and Nayeon. She wishes that the girl is still sleeping, just so she can save herself from a few explanations and endless teasing. You wouldn’t even care.
“No one’s going to get mad, don’t worry about that,” Mina says, a little dejected at the thought that Jeongyeon would even push her to go on this ‘date’. Because all she really cares about is Sana.
Mina heard a few whistles and shouting, as if they’re assembling for a quick practice, “Let’s talk more about it later. Can’t wait to see you, Mitang!” the other line beamed, obviously pleased at the answer she got.
“Me, too. Bye,” Mina ends the call with a little grin, but all that faded when Jeongyeon moved away from her touch. She leaned back to the windows and propped her chin on the palm of her right hand, gaze looking at the streets.
Mina’s brows knitted close, not understanding why Jeongyeon had to lean on the other side when she’s already here, but she shrugs it off. Maybe she just wants space so she could condition her mind to focus on the game.
A few more turns and they’ve already arrived at Yonsei University. As they enter the school grounds, her eyes roamed at its beauty. She realized when they got off the bus that it’s even more beautiful up close, “Wow,”
“Had the same reaction when I first set foot here,” Momo joined her at appreciating their environment, “Almost made me wanna transfer,” Mina smiled at her as an answer to her jest before noticing that Jeongyeon is already walking away along with a few others and a staff from Yonsei, so she jogged to catch up.
When she did, she held Jeongyeon’s hand and laced their fingers together, “Hey,” gazing up at her, expecting to see her favorite warm brown orbs to look back with a twinkle, but Jeongyeon didn’t even take a side glance, only walked straight as if Mina wasn’t there.
Again, Mina shrugged it off, even if she has a feeling as to why Jeongyeon is acting this way. Not everything has to be about me. She convinced herself that Jeongyeon is just trying to keep her game face on for today, not because she’s sulking or whatever.
As they near the locker room, Mina pulled them to the side, letting Yonsei’s coordinator and the team go ahead. With a blank expression, Jeongyeon asked, “What?”
Mina searched her eyes, it’s her go-to when she wanted to know whatever the other is feeling because these browns can’t lie, but right now, it’s clouded; Jeongyeon is giving nothing away.
She cupped Jeongyeon’s face, “Are you okay?” and asked softly.
“Sure,” but Jeongyeon only replied with a clipped tone, like she wanted to get this over with and be on her way.
Mina knows something is wrong, she’s not sure what, but kisses always cheer this girl up. So she tries to lean and peck her lips, but Jeongyeon swerved her head and moved away from her reach, “Let’s get inside,”
Jeongyeon turned to walk into the room, not bothering to look whether the Japanese followed suit. The latter couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her, is she mad at me or did she just want to keep her focus?
She decided that she shouldn’t keep on pestering Jeongyeon about it and just let the girl be for now. She walked back and wandered around until she found the Athletes’ Lounge.
The place was well-lit, it showed the beauty of its Royal Blue and Gold theme, the school’s official colors. There were rows of couches and bean bags, a pool and foosball table, and a few TV monitors that show different sports games. A corner boasted a full display of their trophies and the walls were painted with the university’s sports achievements along with its history that caught Mina’s eye.
As she scan through the list of awards, a figure stood beside her. Her peripheral told her that it is a woman who seemed to also admire the art and design of the mural; but when the said woman spoke, Mina knew who it was right away, “Welcome to Yonsei, Mitang,”
-
Jeongyeon’s bad mood is making everyone nervous.
Momo and Tzuyu knew the team was exchanging a few tensed looks, and honestly, they couldn’t blame them.
Their Captain isn’t exactly friendly when she’s like this; so no one dared to talk nor sit beside her aside from her closest friends, and even the both of them are having a hard time getting through to her.
To Jeongyeon’s defense, she’s never neglected her responsibilities as Captain, but still, the team feels a bit uneasy with it. Sure, Jeongyeon does everything as their leader, they’re just not used to seeing their Ace all broody and pensive, a complete contrast of her usual happy and smiley.
Momo waited for Tzuyu to finish tying her shoelaces up and motioned for the girl to come with her. When they were out of Jeongyeon’s earshot, Momo began to spill her mind, “She’s going to be trouble, I’m telling you, Tzu. Either to us or to our opponents.”
“I’d rather her be the angry Jeongyeon who hits home runs than the angry idiot who swings and misses every single throw.” the Vice-Captain huffs, clearly worried for Jeongyeon’s performance.
Tzuyu kept mum, recalling the times when their Captain has acted this way. If I find the reason behind it, I can then find a solution.
She’s only done this on two occasions: One, when she and Sana had a pretty big fight that Jeongyeon never shared with them. Two, and possibly the worst one yet, was when they broke up. Jeongyeon didn’t talk to anyone for a whole week, barely on the second. Only speaking and doing her part as a student and their leader, but other than that, nada.
Now, it seems like they’re getting the third, courtesy of course of her new girlfriend. Mina unnie.
“We need Mina unnie,” Tzuyu states clearly as if she’s found the answer. “Cap is mad even before we got here, but Mina unnie seems like she doesn’t even know,”
Momo stared at her for a while before her face lit up, “Chewypoo, yes!” Tzuyu grimaced at the nickname but the Vice-Captain ignored it, “Mina needs to fix Jeongyeon, we gotta tell her,”
“Tell her what?”
Momo’s grin already got bigger as she unlocks her phone, “That Jeongyeon is jealous and she needs to un-jelly her,”
Un-jelly?
Tzuyu snickers at the word her unnie used, she isn’t sure whether that was on any dictionary but she definitely got what she meant, “But unnie, how do we even know Jeongyeon unnie is jealous? What if we’re wrong?”
Momo looks up from her phone and gave a knowing gaze, “I heard Mina talking about how she missed someone named ‘Saku-chan’ and how no one is going to get mad,”
“Cap was already mad even before that call. That’s not exa—“ the taller of the two tried to butt in a disagreement but was shushed, “What do you do when someone says they missed you?”
Tzuyu furrowed her brows, saying the first thing that came to mind, “Ask them to hang out?”
Momo nodded, “Why do you think Mina said ‘no one’s getting mad if they hang out?’”
Then it hit her, “Because someone was subtly asking her out!”
Momo hummed in response and sent a quick text to Mina, asking for her to talk to Jeongyeon, “Now, we wait.”
-
One text, two missed calls.
Jeongyeon has been trying to contact Mina for a few minutes now. She wanted to ask where she was so they could walk together to the dugout, but she wasn’t answering.
She clenched her jaw. This isn’t exactly their home turf and she might get lost with the crowd. Jeongyeon knew Mina didn’t like to mingle with that many people, especially when she’s alone. Now she’s worried and pissed at the same time, worried for Mina and pissed at herself because she let that feeling get the best of her.
She decided to get up and look around for her as she dials for the third time, she’ll reach her faster if she’s doing twice the effort.
Jeongyeon held her phone by her ear as she took hurried glances at each room she passed by. When she reached the Athletes’ Lounge, the worry she felt disappeared and was replaced with relief.
Mina was there laughing at some girl she probably just met and Jeongyeon would probably have thanked the stranger for keeping Mina company.
She was making her way when she saw the stranger pinch Mina’s cheeks and Mina didn’t swat her hand away. Instead, she gave her a gummy smile, spurring the other to lean her head closer.
She held her phone tight, clenched her jaw to the point of gritting her teeth. Jeongyeon couldn’t deny it any longer. It’s a feeling she despises the most. It’s a feeling that makes her blind. She is mad. She is mad because she’s jealous.
First, you ignore me, then you’re going on a date, and now this?!
Blind from logic and reason, Jeongyeon stormed up to Mina and snaked a hand around her waist to pull her close to her. She laid hold of her chin and tilted her head up to meet her kiss.
Mina was surprised that Jeongyeon was here, she was even more surprised that she’s here, kissing her in front of her friend.
She was only expecting a lingering peck but Jeongyeon didn’t let go, instead, she slipped her tongue and deepened the kiss that sent a tremble all over her body. She didn’t know why Jeongyeon is getting overboard but she fought her back with the same passion.
This kiss can only mean one thing. My Yeonie is back.
Jeongyeon let Mina’s lips go but she hovers over, their noses still touching, “Hi,”
“Hi,” Mina breathes, her eyes still closed. She caressed Jeongyeon’s cheeks, smiling at how this woman had the most exciting way to say ‘Hi’.
Jeongyeon leaned more and kissed her again, but it was a brief one, more of a prolonged peck, “I’ve been looking for you,”
The girl Mina was talking to coughed, just in case her presence was forgotten. Maybe Mina really needed that reminder cause Jeongyeon’s sudden attack made her mind go blank for a while, leaving nothing but her lips to respond to.
Mina hesitantly let go of Jeongyeon’s gaze, silently asking ‘what the hell was up with that?’ and turned to face the stranger before slipping an arm around Jeongyeon’s torso, “Sakura, this is Yoo Jeongyeon. Jeongyeon, Miyawaki Sakura.”
Sakura... she’s Saku-chan?!
The girl put up a somewhat friendly smile and offered a hand for Jeongyeon to shake, “So you’re the ace everyone on the team has been talking about. Nice to meet you, Mina’s my friend,”
So you’re the one asking Mina to dinner. The Korean felt her face twitch, the audacity to ask my girl out on a date?!
Jeongyeon sized her up. She’s definitely Japanese with just the sound of her name, a brunette that’s almost the same height as Mina and has a very charming smile; all of which irked Jeongyeon to no end because Mina would probably say yes to a million dates with this girl.
Without ever letting go of her hold on Mina’s hips, she takes her hand as she put force on her handshake, making the other girl wince a little.
“Mina’s my girlfriend,” Jeongyeon states in a matter-of-factly manner as she enunciated word for word, as if stating a claim, as if to say back off.
Mina scrunched her nose when she looked to her side. She didn’t have to say that, Sakura doesn’t even go to our uni!
“Yeah, I got that when you made out in front me,” she smiled at Jeongyeon without reaching her eyes, before turning to Mina with a full-on grin, paired with a hopeful glimmer on her orbs, “Dinner later, Mitang?”
Jeongyeon ran her thumb anxiously at Mina’s hip, which the latter caught on. She looked at Jeongyeon’s eyes and knew just from its glaze that she’s pleading.
How can I say no to those puppy eyes?
She pressed lightly at Jeongyeon’s waist, reassuring her, “Rain check on that dinner? I forgot that I have a date with this big baby tonight,” Mina lies, or maybe we can make that happen.
Jeongyeon pouts on cue when she heard Mina call her a big baby, but that’s a small price to pay if she can eat dinner with her later instead of this Saku-chan girl.
Sakura chuckled, “I guess I have to wait for you guys to break up before I get that date with you, huh, Mitang?”
Mina’s eyes went a little wide, her heartbeat a little faster; not because of the date but at how Jeongyeon would react. Unintentionally, she will know the answer to her question earlier. Will she get mad?
Jeongyeon only set a straight face, “Good luck then, cause you’re never going to get a date with Mina,” and Mina knew just from the look on her eyes, she was pissed.
Jeongyeon held her tighter, staring down at Sakura to get the message across, “I’m never letting her go.”
At those words, Mina’s heart felt full. A smile broke out of her lips, her mind on haywire. Jeongyeon said it. She’s never letting her go. But do you mean it? a question popped out, but Mina was quick to dismiss it. Can’t a girl be happy just for a day?
Jeongyeon turned them around and was leading them out of the lounge when Mina faintly landed a hit on her chest; her gummy smile apparent, her eyes shining with mirth before whispering, “What was that about?”
Jeongyeon only had a frown on her face and it seemed like she’s not going to answer, ”Are you mad at me?” Mina brought a hand up to hold Jeongyeon’s face and gently tipped it so she can scan her expressions, “Hey,”
She chuckled when the girl’s scowl grew a little more and moved her face away from her fingertips. Is she jealous? Mina tried to ward away the ridiculous, close to impossible thought, why would she be jealous...
“Yeonie, no angy please?” Mina pouted and used Jeongyeon’s own tactics, the puppy eyes, in an attempt to lighten their mood up.
Jeongyeon sighed before she shook her head, a smile threatening to break the thin of her lips. Of course, she used aegyo. Mina knew exactly how to get her back and it frustrates the Korean endlessly; hates that Mina knew that she’s weak for her kisses, hates that all it takes for her to give in is one pleading look and a pout. Jeongyeon hates, but she knew it’s all what she wants at the end of the day.
Still trying to put on a facade, Jeongyeon locked gazes with Mina, “She wanted what was mine,”
With that claim, Mina’s heart felt like it would explode any second with all that fluttering feeling. It’s swelling so much, so much that if Jeongyeon continues to spew things like this, she wouldn’t know what her heart will become of.
Not bothering to hide her eyes that danced with endearment, she asked, “I’m yours?”
Jeongyeon held it, her confidence unwavering. “Are you not?” she asked, as if there aren’t any doubts, that Mina is hers.
Jeongyeon is getting bolder, and Mina likes it too much.
But a lady never gives too much of herself away, so she teases her for a bit, “You wish.”
-
The couple made an entrance to the dugout hand in hand; traces of their previous frowns, gone. They’re being their usual selves again and that didn’t go unnoticed by the team who breathed a sigh of relief. Their Captain is back.
Momo and Tzuyu smirked at each other, our plan worked.
Jeongyeon led Mina to a bench after they greeted the coach and a few of their members, “Stay here, hmm? We’ll talk later,”
Mina nodded and Jeongyeon already turned her heels, ready to give her pep talk to her team but the Japanese tugged her hand back.
Her gaze went back to Mina and instantly smiled when she felt a hand on her cheek. It turned into a grin when Mina leaned up to peck her lips, “Good luck,”
“I’m already lucky, I have you.” Jeongyeon cheeses as she stole one last kiss that left Mina blushing.
Jeongyeon then went to focus, mind clear of anything but her drive to beat every team, especially this team, to advance to the semifinals and eventually, the championship.
“Royals! Huddle!” the team scrambled to get to where their Captain is to hear what she has to say.
Jeongyeon went inside the circle her teammates formed and looked at them in their eyes, “Now, I know you’re all probably nervous about the game today, not just because our opponent has gotten their Ace Pitcher back, but also because of how I acted earlier,”
The girls didn’t think their Captain will notice but they’re thankful that she did, “I’m sorry if I worried you and if you thought that I’ll be sulking again, missing throws and basically throwing the game away. But no, that’s not gonna happen today or ever again,”
“We’re going to crush them, we’re going to strike the hell out of 'em and shower them with home runs!” Jeongyeon is already growling and the team can see the passion that sparked in her eyes, and it’s enough for the fire in their baseball pitching, baseball hitting hearts to set alight and release the roaring flames to spread all throughout; destroying every doubt and replacing it with their fiery determination as they shout with hype.
“I know you all have it in you. I have faith in your skills. I’m not saying this because I’m your Captain, but because I genuinely do. Trust, team. In yourselves and in your teammates. We all have each other’s backs.” Jeongyeon says firmly, earning nods, “We’ll give our best, so do your best to be the best!”
The team did get the message but couldn’t help the sniggers, all they heard was the word ‘best’. Momo was the first one to chuckle and shouted a few words of her own, “Y’all heard her! Give your best, best, best! Let’s get out there and win this thing! Fighting!”
The team let out a chortle as they run to the field, the tension and nervousness all vanished into thin air. Thanks to their Captain and Vice who knew how to turn things around, even going so far to being comedic, just to lift everyone’s mood up.
“Even on your speeches you’re dramatic and unfunny, Yoo,” Momo snickers.
Jeongyeon only smiled, “I had to let them know that I’m never letting personal stuff mess up my game like back then,” and took a shift before things get really ‘dramatic’, “And I’m funny! You all laughed!”
“Only because it’s not funny!” Momo laughed but was subsided when the umpire called for the players to take their places on the diamond.
Tzuyu took this as an opportunity to talk to Mina about earlier, “I’m glad you read Momo unnie’s text and made up with Cap,”
Mina showed a puzzled expression, “What text?”
“You didn’t get it?” the brunette was also perplexed, she thought they helped them through this one.
Mina took out her phone, and true to her words, Momo really did send a text.
Momo: Mina-jjang! Jeong is in a bad mood bc she’s jealous! Un-jelly her for the team pls! xo
“Jeongyeon is...” she eyed Tzuyu with a surprised reaction, “Jealous?”
Tzuyu hummed despite being uncertain, “Yes? Momo unnie and I figured it out,”
Disbelieving, Mina pouts a little, “How are you even sure?”
Tzuyu shook her head with a dimpled smile, “Just trust us, unnie. Cap was mad because of that, no other explanation.”
Mina only let out a light chuckle, trying not to think of it too much, but failed. Jeongyeon is jealous.
She doesn’t know why she’s happy to know this kind of information but somehow, her hope is trying to build itself again. Maybe she really does mean everything she says.
-
SNU is the first to bat, Jeongyeon being their first-hitter and Sakura being Yonsei’s Opener.
Jeongyeon went to pick up her bat from the side of the dugout and looked in Mina’s direction. When they locked gazes, Jeongyeon mouthed, “Watch me, baby,” and paired it with a wink and a smirk.
Another shy blush from Mina was exactly what Jeongyeon needed to head on to the batter’s box with a little bit of smug on her face and a little swelling on her heart. Game on.
Everybody’s eyes are on the field. Everybody’s waiting for Sakura to throw that first pitch of the game. Everybody’s waiting whether Jeongyeon will be able to hit the ball.
Jeongyeon anticipates it, eyes looking directly to the person who was trying to steal Mina away from her for a dinner date tonight, her irises focusing at the ball on her hand.
Sakura didn’t have an expression as she lifted her leg up. She leaned her arm back and threw a fastball. Jeongyeon timed it and swung her bat, but it didn’t produce the sound she was expecting.
She swung before the ball even got to her. Fuck.
“STRIKE ONE!” the crowd cheered as expected, their home team was off to a great start with a swing and miss batting from the away team’s Ace.
Jeongyeon blinked, confused at what just happened. That was a fastball, I know it was, but why did it come late?
Sakura remained expressionless as she gets ready for the second pitch. Jeongyeon was determined to hit the ball this time around, no time for dramatics or crowd-pleasing antics.
The pitcher made the throw, Jeongyeon was extra sure she would do the same slow fastball again, so she delayed her swing.
She missed.
“STRIKE TWO!” the crowd jumped to their seats. Their Ace is close to beating up the opponent’s and it’s sweet revenge, for all the years SNU has beaten their university to dust. They finally have a chance now that their very own is home.
Jeongyeon’s mind is blank and racing altogether. What the fuck is happening, those are fastballs. It’s heading right to my face, why can’t I hit any of it?!
Back at the dugout, everyone is on their feet, including their coach. This is the time Mina realized that something is wrong. Jeongyeon is not doing this on purpose anymore... she’s actually struggling.
She began to worry, one more and Jeongyeon is out.
One more and I’m out. That can’t happen. Jeongyeon wills for her body to catch up with her mind. Is there something wrong with my hand and eye coordination? Why are they doing and anticipating two different things?
The third pitch is about to be thrown, and Jeongyeon could see the smirk that’s grown on Sakura’s face before she pitched.
Jeongyeon doesn’t know what throw that was but she just trusted her instinct and let her body do what it usually does, hit baseballs.
Sakura threw a curveball and Jeongyeon was able to hit it hard, the baseball flying out in the air. Jeongyeon was startled when she heard the familiar sound of the bat and the ball colliding with each other.
The ball is falling inside the field. Not a home run. She realized she had to make a run for the first base before the outfielders throw it to the first baseman, otherwise, she’s really out for the game.
Jeongyeon slid on the dirt to touch the plate even before she got tagged by the baseman, “SAFE!”
She breathed out a sigh of relief, now she has to watch Sakura closely to figure out whether she has a tell, a weak spot, or whatever that could show her vulnerabilities.
Momo was the second batter. Jeongyeon signed for her to be careful and Momo understood what she was trying to say. Jeongyeon barely made it out alive, she has to be sure when to swing.
Sakura pitched the same slow fastball but Momo didn’t swing, “BALL!” the throw missed the strike zone and Momo smirked at Sakura’s fault.
Second pitch and Sakura threw a high-speed fastball. Momo swung and was able to hit it up and over the field.
Home run!
Jeongyeon grinned at Momo as they jogged through all of the bases. Only a portion of the crowd cheered, clearly not loving the fact that SNU took two points, without anyone getting struck out as of yet.
Jeongyeon got into the dugout and immediately went to their Star Pitcher, “Tzu, did yo—“
Tzuyu already knew the answer, “Miyawaki threw you change-ups, Cap,”
Momo entered the scene as another one of their members went to the field. “Tzuyu has shown me tapes earlier of Miyawaki’s throws.”
So that explains why Momo was able to hit a home run and I couldn’t.
Before Jeongyeon could even ask, their coach gathered them and showed a video compilation of Sakura’s throws that Tzuyu sent.
“Miyawaki is the only pitcher on the team who could do this, and as long as she’s on that mound, I suggest all of you watch out for her change-up.” their coach informs them, “She never does it twice in a row, maybe it’s to prevent an injury, but you’ll know when she throws it.”
Jeongyeon nods and shares further, “It looks a lot like a fastball, I wish I could tell y’all how to tell the difference, but I can’t.” Jeongyeon looks frustrated, she definitely hates her situation right now, but she has to admit, it just fuels her fire even more. Sakura is making the game even more challenging and Jeongyeon is loving the competition.
“Tzu and I can, though,” Momo butts in, proud that they searched about Miyawaki Sakura beforehand and told the team of what they know and how they can counter her killer change-up pitch.
Of course, the team got struck out after three outs. It would take them a while to get it, but Jeongyeon itches to bat again, just so she could shove a lot of home runs on Sakura’s face.
The score is 2-0, SNU is up and it’s now Yonsei’s turn to score.
They didn’t score, Tzuyu made sure of that. Not a ball collided on any of the batter’s bat. Yonsei may have an Ace in the form of Miyawaki Sakura as a pitcher, but they don’t have any gifted hitters.
Tzuyu made a short work of striking out all three of Yonsei’s finest, going into the second inning so her team could widen the gap more.
The team is still struggling to differentiate Miyawaki’s fastball and her change-up but they’re learning slowly while Jeongyeon is up and ready for her turn.
Another bout between them is starting, with Jeongyeon going through what Momo shared with them about Sakura’s weak spot, she’s all hot and ready to hit.
“Bring it on,” she mumbles to herself as the pitcher throws her pitch. Change-up.
Jeongyeon knew how to adjust now to its speed. She didn’t swing, not until it falls down a little bit more, but when she did, the victorious sound she’s accustomed to rang to her ears.
It’s a Yoo Jeongyeon home run.
The whole team, along with Mina, jumped excitedly. They’re now up 6-0. Yes, she’s friends with someone from the opposing team, but SNU is her school, and Jeongyeon is playing for this side.
Jeongyeon did her signature shrug that’s now accompanied with a smirk, a smug grin especially for Miyawaki Sakura of Yonsei University, as she threw her bat to the side and ran on all the bases.
She received many high-fives from her teammates, and from Mina who was waiting for her on the bench with Gatorade, and a towel already in her hand- ready to offer it to Jeongyeon anytime.
“You’re doing great, Cap,” Mina presses the towel on her forehead to wipe her sweat as Jeongyeon took the drink from her, “Thanks. The team, too.” the purple-haired woman smiles in appreciation.
“Gotta watch out for them,” Jeongyeon hands back the bottle, “We’re taking this W home,” before going back to oversee the team’s performance.
Mina is left to spectate again for a few more innings, but she doesn’t complain. How can I when I get to watch a hot, snappy, and bossy Yoo Jeongyeon when she’s barking plays at her teammates?
Mina watched her do everything attractively, from her eyes that are in deep concentration, her body language as their leader, hell, even when she drinks water she’s making it hot.
Jeongyeon is a completely different person when she’s focused. Her fans are right, the Captain is really something else, especially when she’s on the field.
Jeongyeon was satisfied with how the team is batting and defending, so after a few innings of brooding and commanding, she went to sit beside Mina and let Momo handle them.
Out of nowhere, Mina re-enacts the first time she kissed Jeongyeon, which surprised the latter, but as what happened before, she did not back down and kissed her as fervently, or maybe more.
Jolts were sent throughout their bodies, either from the adrenaline or just from the taste of each other’s lips.
When they part, Mina still held Jeongyeon’s face, their temples pressed together, eyes on either’s mouth, “How come I always get a whiny you when we’re outside this field and an arrogant you whenever we’re here?” Mina breathes.
She worded that a little better than what her brain was goading her to say: that was hot. Why would she give Jeongyeon the satisfaction of hearing those words from her? No, Mina’s gonna keep it to herself and just continue to pretend and play with her more.
Jeongyeon smirked, inching her lips forward as she spoke, “Why? Do you want me to top you?” she stopped when her lips are centimetres away from closing the gap, their noses already poking their faces.
Mina felt like Jeongyeon is challenging her, so she responds with action instead. Clasping both her cheeks, she forcefully pulled Jeongyeon down to devour her lips.
She didn’t let Jeongyeon get the dominance that she’s been trying to get— she won’t be topped.
Mina leads and Jeongyeon didn’t put up a fight anymore and just lets her do whatever as she smirks into the kiss. Mina is kissing her, this is still a win-win.
She can’t lose when Mina’s tongue is invading her mouth, because aside from winning, this is one of the highlights of her day. A kiss is a kiss. “You could try, but I wouldn’t let you,” Mina finally answers, her breathing shallower as she pulled away, her hand still on the other’s cheeks, an intense gaze between them.
It wouldn’t have broken up if it weren’t Jeongyeon’s turn to bat. Both women had hazy looks on their eyes, they know amongst themselves what they want, but this isn’t the right time nor place.
Eight innings later, SNU is up 17-7, thanks to their Big Three, especially Jeongyeon’s will to beat the other team’s Ace because clearly, she was flirting with her girl. Jeongyeon would never accept anything less than a W whenever it comes to her rivals, and Sakura made it a little personal when she tried to ask Mina on a date in front of her.
The team has already started to celebrate their win even with one inning left. Their Captain did so much for them, both offensively and defensively, that they’re up 10, and the opponent doesn’t look like they could still catch up.
Seul, along with Jiyeon and the other juniors and rookies splashed the whole cooler of Gatorade over Jeongyeon’s head as a celebration while Momo and Tzuyu only laughed on the sidelines, not wanting to get a taste of Jeongyeon’s wrath if she ever get mad for this kind of antics done by their teammates.
Thankfully, Jeongyeon laughed it off and celebrated along, screaming how great the team is and its staff that takes care of the girls very well; from texting them important information to dealing with injuries, the SNU staff got their backs.
“Jeongyeon, go ahead to the showers. Take your friend with you,” the coach gave her the signal to head on inside upon seeing the state she’s in.
“What about the game, ma’am?” Jeongyeon asked, basically dripping wet with Gatorade Blue.
“Hirai’s got it, go on,” she assured the Captain that there’s nothing to worry about anymore. Jeongyeon nodded and did as she was told, “Mina?” she called.
Mina stood and bowed a little before she got past the coach and followed Jeongyeon to the lockers.
Once inside, Jeongyeon went to her bag to get some change of clothing and her towel, “I won’t take long,” she informs the girl she’s with who just sat on the bench— loading a game on her phone, eager to use this time to beat level 2678 on Homescapes.
The Japanese was already on level 2689 when Jeongyeon emerged from the showers, wearing nothing but her sports bra and a towel wrapped around her waist.
Mina couldn’t help but check out, and maybe drool over the curves on Jeongyeon’s toned body. The slight tan that she probably got from their weekend getaway didn’t help Mina at all, in fact, it only worsened the attraction she felt. She was busy ogling that she didn’t notice that Jeongyeon is already looking at her with the biggest smirk, “Like what you see?”
Mina scoffed and rolled her eyes before she peeled her gaze, gulping down the nervousness she didn’t know for what, “Can you put on clothes now? You’re disgusting.” she tried deflecting and added a little bit of insult, just so she can get away with the staring she did.
Jeongyeon quirked an eyebrow up, amused, disgusting huh?
“I’m disgusting?” Jeongyeon’s smug grin never left her face and walked up to where Mina is sitting.
Jeongyeon stood and held Mina’s face to look at her. “Funny, your eyes told the opposite.”
Mina didn’t say anything, she just stared back. Deciding that she shouldn’t back down. Two can play this game.
She pulled her face off of Jeongyeon’s grasp and brought a finger up to trace the lines on Jeongyeon’s abdomen, “Maybe,” eliciting a sharp inhale. The reaction alone is enough for Mina to put up a smirk of her own.
She stood as close as she can— her touch mercilessly went up, her gaze following the trail it's making.
Mina looked up as slowly as she can, as sultry as she can. She held Jeongyeon’s frozen gaze to her bewitching ones, inwardly enjoying how flustered the other might be with what’s happening.
The fingertips that rested on Jeongyeon’s chest pushed her backwards as Mina took a step forward.
Her expressions slowly changed— the nervousness that plagued her got lost within as Mina pushed further.
With every step, Jeongyeon’s eyes turned darker. Mina would be lying if she says she didn’t find the shift very attractive.
Mina pressed Jeongyeon’s back against the lockers; she watched the other hiss slightly at the sudden contact on the cold of the steel. She couldn’t help but bite her lower lip, trying so hard to contain the sudden urge to taste Jeongyeon’s, her eyes fixed on it.
When Jeongyeon recovered her wits, she knew Mina was challenging her. Let’s play.
It’s now Jeongyeon’s turn to tease Mina. She snaked a hand on her lower back while the other dragged a finger up to Mina’s shoulder unhurriedly, sending a shiver.
The Japanese reluctantly looked up to meet the familiar intense gaze; the palpable electricity is back, ready to send them into another uncontrollable madness, should they let it consume them once more.
Their ragged breathings mingled whilst Jeongyeon’s hand settle between Mina’s jaw and her neck. Leaning down, she could smell the faint Jasmine scent that always lingered whenever she’s close to her.
Her lips hover over Mina’s, their eyes hooded, their breaths jagged. One more move and the distance between them will close, “You know it’s not a maybe,” Jeongyeon whispers, taunting Mina more when she brushed her lips lightly with her thumb.
Mina ran her fingernails up in the most excruciating way on Jeongyeon’s bareback, “Then help me decide,”
Jeongyeon could only answer with a breathy groan, she’s growing more and more frustrated the longer she has to wait. Mina ran her hand through the back of Jeongyeon’s hair before tugging on it.
It’s taking almost all of Jeongyeon’s self-control to not let out another sound as Mina hovers her lips near her pulse point. You’re good at this. Too good.
“Mina...” Jeongyeon let out a strained breath, she wants to hold for another moment, but her mess of a mind thinks she couldn’t anymore, she has to take Mina’s lips now. It’s a thirst she’s been trying to put off, but now that it’s literally an inch within her grasp, what’s there to stop her? Fuck this.
Jeongyeon dove to capture the other’s lips, both her hands automatically pulled her closer. She pressed Mina’s waist against her, while the other moved to grasp her nape, putting in a little force, wanting to take all of her.
It seemed like Mina won this battle but she really wasn’t doing better either. She was about to give up and take Jeongyeon’s lips to her own, but the Korean just gave in a few seconds earlier than her.
But Jeongyeon doesn’t have to know that, does she?
-
The Seoul National University vs. Yonsei University game ended with a blowout. The final score was 21-12 and no one was prouder than the SNU Royals who happily chatted while they strut towards the showers.
Tzuyu was a few steps ahead, probably because of her long limbs and stride. She’s the first one to go into the lockers, she’s also the first one to walk out just a few seconds later. Her hands were trying to shield her eyes from something which made Momo suspicious. She rushed to the door and there stood what made Tzuyu blush.
“Oh my God, Mina! Fuck Jeongyeon somewhere else!” Momo exclaimed which startled the both of them, pulling away from each other’s lips and hold in the speed of light. Mina was red from embarrassment and excused herself to get out of the locker room while Jeongyeon scrambled to put on a shirt.
“Jesus, Jeongyeon, you couldn’t hold it in your pants for another hour? Just until we get home?!” horror was in her voice but it was laced with amusement, trying to hold back laughter.
Jeongyeon dressed up quickly, neck red from mortification. Momo just caught them eating each other’s faces. Better Momo than anyone else, I guess.
Jeongyeon slung her gym bag to her chest when she was sure all of her things were already accounted for. “Do rabbit things at the dorm, not here, there are kids!” Momo still teased her even if their members are already filing inside, but she channels it out.
She also roamed her eyes to catch whether Mina left anything, good thing the Japanese didn’t. Just as she was about to make her exit, Tzuyu stood at the doorway, blush still apparent on her face. Momo shouted one more tease, “Tzuyu saw you!” and that was the last straw.
Jeongyeon closed her eyes in defeat and utter humiliation. Now she’ll never hear the end of it. Tzuyu will tell Chaeyoung, and Momo will tell everyone. Great.
The last thing Jeongyeon heard before she went to find Mina was Momo’s laugh and Tzuyu’s gentle chuckle, which made her shook her head, questioning her choices in life. Why do I keep these idiots as my friends?
-
The bus ride home was a bit awkward, everyone around them was happy that they bagged that win, but Jeongyeon and Mina sat there without even talking to each other.
It was about dinner time when they’ve arrived back at the campus. Mina got off the bus first, Jeongyeon didn’t think she’ll be waiting for her, but there she was, standing shyly under the moonlight, just a few steps aways.
She knows Mina is feeling a little uncomfortable. She really couldn’t blame her. Momo or Tzuyu, walked in on them basically devouring each other, which is prohibited on their contract, by the way. Maybe that’s why Mina disconnected and distanced herself for a while? Because she realized that?
Jeongyeon made her way towards her. To be fair, we’ve broken every rule on that list countless times already.
“Waiting for Tzuyu?” Jeongyeon didn’t touch Mina in any way but the other looked up. Shy Mina is back. “No,”
“Then, can I walk you home?” Mina nodded and they began to walk.
Jeongyeon steals glances every now and then, trying to muster up the courage to even just tell Mina that she thinks she’s beautiful tonight.
The walk was silent as Jeongyeon never found her voice again. When they got to the door, Jeongyeon knew it’s now or never.
“Mina,”
On cue, Mina looked back from unlocking her door, face expectant of what Jeongyeon will say, “I’m sorry,”
Jeongyeon doesn’t know why she’s apologizing, but she did anyway. What’s one apology if it’s to get her Minarin back to her usual self, right?
Mina stared at her for a moment, she doesn’t know why Jeongyeon is apologizing. It’s not like they didn’t let it happen. It’s not like I didn’t like what happened... wait, what?
“It’s okay. It’s not like all of it was your fault,” Mina implies before letting out an awkward chuckle.
Jeongyeon just shook her head and let her lips form a smile, “Yeah, you seduced me,”
Mina furrowed her brows and pouted, disagreement written all over her face, “You started it!”
Jeongyeon laughed, “Oh, so you admit that you were seduced? I won that scene, then!”
“What?!” defensive, knowing that she almost lost, she struck Jeongyeon’s shoulders, “No!”
“You still kissed me,” Jeongyeon chuckled, enjoying the annoyance in Mina’s face.
But Mina was quick to think of a way to escape, “I’m not the first one to lean, though,”
“Touché.” both just smiled stupidly, but as time went by, something has changed. The goofy smiles they wore slowly faded until it vanished altogether. It changed into something heated, something that resembles the intense gaze they had back at the locker rooms.
Before she could change her mind, Mina asked, “Do you want to stay for the night?”
Jeongyeon just stared at her, the familiar clouded look was present, and Mina would give anything to know what’s going on behind those eyes.
Jeongyeon whipped her phone out to dial someone’s number, eyes never leaving Mina’s.
She spoke, not letting her gaze falter under Mina’s equally fervent ones, “Tzu, let’s switch tonight.”