Butterflies
Sana was nervous.
It was Friday morning, the sun hadn’t risen yet, and Sana lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to move.
In just a few hours, she would be at Jihyo’s house, cooking, alone with her. It was silly, really, because after the little outing they had last week, the distance between them seemed to have completely disappeared. They had shared lunches together, laughed when Jihyo called her into her office, and Jihyo had been driving her home every night. She hadn’t even let Sana return her jacket, which was… strange.
It made the butterflies in Sana's stomach flutter in an unpleasant way, and doubts began to creep in.
She hated to admit it, but she had thought about what Mina had said. It hadn’t left her mind for a moment, and it seemed to worsen every time she saw Jihyo laugh, or talk, or simply exist.
As Sana lay there, she mentally revisited the list she had made since last week.
One: Jihyo clearly wasn’t happy in her marriage. It showed; Sana could feel it and had witnessed it firsthand.
Two: Jihyo seemed comfortable with her, sharing more of herself, opening up little by little.
Three: She was kind to Sana, laughing with her, taking care of her in her own way.
Four: Sana was in love—deeply in love—with the girl, and there was no turning back now.
But then… there were the things working against her. For one, Jihyo was her boss, and if she made one wrong move, she could lose everything, including her job. Then there was the possibility that Jihyo just wanted a friend, someone to confide in, someone to lean on. Lastly, and what gnawed at her the most, was that Jihyo didn’t like women—or at least, she hadn’t given Sana any indication that she did. Besides, Jihyo was married to a man, which complicated matters even more.
Which brought her to another problem: if there was even the slightest chance that Jihyo reciprocated her feelings, what would the next step be? Live as the mistress for the rest of her life? Hide their relationship and sneak around forever? Would Jihyo have to divorce her husband? Sana couldn't bear the thought of living with that weight on her shoulders. Tzuyu came to mind as well; the child was innocent and had no part in any of this. What if Sana just barged into their lives and destroyed their family?
Sana sighed, realizing she was jumping to impossible scenarios, things that weren’t even likely to happen. She bit her lip, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. She tossed the blanket aside, sat up in bed, and slipped on her slippers. Walking over to the door, she opened it and made her way down to the kitchen.
She needed a moment to breathe, to gather her thoughts. Making herself a cup of tea felt like a small comfort in the midst of her whirlwind emotions. She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep, but she knew that would be impossible with everything weighing on her mind.
As she sat on a stool at the kitchen counter, she waited for the water to heat up. The sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting a soft light across the room, and everything felt eerily quiet.
The stillness allowed her to think, and she couldn’t help but replay moments with Jihyo in her mind—the laughter, the shared glances, the warmth of her presence.
Finally, the water began to boil, and Sana poured it into her cup, adding her tea bag and letting it steep. She sat back down, resting her head against the countertop, closing her eyes for just a moment of peace. It worked; before she realized it, her eyelids felt heavy, and her body remained still. Sana didn’t move, not even when she felt herself drifting off, standing there in the quiet kitchen.
Just as she was on the brink of unconsciousness, a sudden noise jolted her awake. She shot upright, glancing around in confusion. It wasn’t even 6 a.m., and that sound had come from the door. Sana bit her lip, searching for something to defend herself with, but found nothing nearby.
The small dog, Ray, shuffled sleepily beside her, looking up at her with curiosity. Sana grabbed what appeared to be a spoon and started to creep toward the front door, where the movement was coming from. She braced herself, preparing to confront whatever was on the other side.
“Ray, attack!” she whispered urgently, but the little dog merely wagged his tail, seemingly unfazed by the situation.
As the door swung open, Sana lunged forward, only to be halted by a familiar scream, a scream she recognized all too well. She stopped in her tracks, staring in disbelief at Mina, who stood there wide-eyed and clearly startled.
“Mina?!” Sana exclaimed, her heart racing from the unexpected encounter.
Before Sana had time to process, Mina quickly shut the door behind her, looking at Sana with surprise. “What are you doing out here? You almost gave me a heart attack!”
Sana huffed, her heart still pounding. “And you almost got yourself killed! I could have hurt you! What are you doing outside at this hour?”
Mina scoffed. “Ray has more bite than you do, Sana!”
Sana rolled her eyes. “What were you doing out there?”
Mina cleared her throat, a hint of embarrassment creeping onto her face. “I was… running.”
Sana looked at her incredulously. “You went running in jeans and a dress shirt?”
Mina nodded, “It’s very comfortable” She walked toward the living room, and Sana followed her, curiosity bubbling. “What are you doing awake, anyway?” Mina asked, plopping down on the couch.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Sana admitted, her voice dropping slightly.
Mina nodded understandingly as she sank into the couch, letting out a heavy sigh and closing her eyes for a moment. Sana felt the urge to comfort her friend, so she went to the kitchen to grab her tea and then settled beside Mina on the couch, placing her cup on the coffee table in front of them.
“Why do you look so nervous?” Mina asked, finally opening her eyes and turning to face Sana.
“It’s about Jihyo,” Sana confessed, her heart racing at the thought.
Mina nodded, her expression shifting to one of concern. “Have you thought about what I told you?”
Sana rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that crept onto her face. “Maybe…”
Mina remained silent for a moment, her eyes fluttering closed again. Sana leaned slightly against her, enjoying the quiet. But then, a sudden thought hit her, and she turned to Mina, calling her name.
“Mina?”
Mina made a soft noise of acknowledgment, still half-asleep.
“Why do you smell like cigarettes?” Sana asked, her curiosity piqued.
Mina froze, her eyes snapping open wide as she stared at Sana in shock. “I… uh…” She cleared her throat. “When I went for a run, I ran into a couple of people smoking, and I guess the smell stuck to my clothes.”
Sana looked at her, nodding slowly. “You look like a teenager caught by her mom.”
Mina rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything further.
Sana narrowed her eyes playfully. “It’s okay, I’ve ignored it long enough. What really happened?”
“Nothing,” Mina replied quickly.
“Clearly, you weren’t smoking because you hate it,” Sana pressed, tilting her head. “And you didn’t go running, either. So what’s going on?”
Mina sighed, looking a bit defeated. “Fine, I thought I could hide it, but obviously, I can’t,” she admitted, her voice lowering. “I went out to a club.”
Sana glanced at the clock on the wall, confusion washing over her. “A club? How is a club even open at this hour?” Suddenly, realization hit her. “Wait, have you been out all night?!”
Mina nodded, her cheeks flushing.
“Why didn’t I notice?” Sana murmured, her mind racing.
“I left after you fell asleep,” Mina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sana looked at her, feigning offense. “You’re such a—”
Mina interrupted her, raising her hands defensively. “It was almost a perfect plan!”
She playfully punched Mina on the shoulder. “It was a stupid plan! What if something happened to you?”
Mina rolled her eyes again but then softened her expression. “No, nothing happened, and I had someone looking out for me.”
Sana’s brows knitted in confusion. “Who?”
Mina’s face turned a deeper shade of red as she stammered, “I went with someone…”
Sana’s heart raced, curiosity and concern mingling within her. “With someone? Who? Is it someone I know?”
“Not really”
Sana’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But it was like a date?”
Mina shrugged, avoiding eye contact. “Maybe…”
Sana leaned closer, intrigued. “You have to tell me everything! Who is this person?”
Mina hesitated, biting her lip. “It’s not a big deal, Sana.”
“Not a big deal? You went to a club all night with someone without complaining and it’s not a big deal?” Sana pressed, her excitement bubbling over.
Mina sighed, her gaze still averted. “It’s all still very new, and I don’t want to ruin anything.”
Sana leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. “It won’t ruin anything! I just want to know who this mysterious girl is.”
Mina took a deep breath, glancing back at Sana. “You have to promise you won’t say anything and that you won’t freak out.”
Sana nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable. “I promise! Just tell me!”
Mina sighed again, clearly weighing her words. “I met her at work. We got along really well, and one thing led to another, and now we’re… dating or something like that.”
Sana's eyes sparkled. “That’s wonderful! Why would I freak out? This is amazing!”
Mina’s expression shifted, her voice quieter. “There’s something else. The girl’s name is Kim Dahyun…”
”And?”
”And she’s one of my students”
Silence fell over the room for a moment—one second, two seconds—before Sana exploded, jumping up from the couch. “Wait, what?! She’s your student? How did that happen? When did this happen? How old is the child?!”
Mina winced at the loudness of Sana’s voice, her hands raised defensively. “Sana, calm down! It’s not like that!”
Sana paced back and forth, trying to process the information. “How could you not tell me this? When did you start seeing her? How old is she?”
“First of all, she’s not a child!” Mina protested. “She’s 21!”
Sana paused, her breath catching for a moment as she processed this new detail. “Oh… okay. That’s not so bad.” She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. “But seriously, how did this happen? Why am I just hearing about this now?”
Mina rubbed the back of her neck, looking sheepish. “It’s complicated. We didn’t plan for it to happen. We just connected, and it felt right, you know? But I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure it was real.”
Sana shook her head, still in disbelief. “So you’ve been keeping this a secret? How long has this been going on?”
“Uh…”
“A few weeks?” Sana guessed, trying to piece it together.
Mina shook her head, her cheeks turning pink. “A few months?!”
“I didn’t want to make it a big deal until we figured things out!” Mina defended, a hint of frustration in her voice.
Sana’s eyes widened. “You really kept a secret girlfriend from me for months?”
“Okay, okay, it’s only been almost two months!” Mina admitted, her voice softer now. “I was scared…”
“Scared? You should have been scared! What happens if the school finds out?” Sana pressed, her concern evident.
Mina shrugged slightly. “They’re not going to find out. Besides, it’s not like we’re doing anything at school. We only see each other outside of it. Dahyun’s parents know, somehow, and they’re okay with it.”
Sana raised an eyebrow. “You’ve met her parents? Like, already?”
“Yeah,” Mina said, her expression turning thoughtful. “It was kind of weird, but it went okay.”
Sana crossed her arms, still feeling a mix of emotions. “I still don’t like being the last to find out about this entire situation.”
Mina sighed, “In reality, you’re the first to know, but—”
Sana interrupted her, “I knew you were acting strange! I bet Dahyun was the one who told you about Jihyo!”
“Maybe I mentioned that I had a desperate friend, and she gave me some advice,” Mina admitted with a small smile. “It was good advice, by the way.”
Sana stared at her, incredulous. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Mina sighed again. “I’m sorry! I should have told you sooner.”
Sana shook her head, a hint of a smile creeping onto her face. “It’s okay, I get it—kind of. What I can’t believe is that you’ve been working at that school for over three years, and this is the first time a student has made you fall for them!”
Mina blushed at the comment. “Dahyun is different,” she said softly.
Sana nodded, curiosity shining in her eyes. “Is she pretty?”
Mina’s face lit up with a smile. “She’s incredible! Super beautiful, funny, and… I talked a lot about you, actually. She’s dying to meet you.”
Sana's heart swelled at the thought. “I want to meet her too! If she has the courage to date you, she must be a great girl.”
Mina rolled her eyes playfully. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Without another word, Mina stood up from the couch. “Now that I’ve spilled all my secrets, I’m exhausted, sweaty, and I smell like cigarettes. I’m going to take a shower and then sleep all day.”
Sana opened her mouth, about to ask her about work, but Mina cut her off. “And please, don’t ask about my job. It’s not worth it.”
Mina walked towards the door, then turned to Sana one last time. “I hope you have good luck with Jihyo,” she said, a supportive smile on her face.
With that, Mina disappeared down the hallway, leaving Sana alone on the couch, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling in her mind.
No more than an hour later, Sana was stepping out of her apartment, dressed, groomed, and ready to head to work. Since Mina was still asleep, Sana had to take the subway, which was perfectly fine with her; she found a sense of tranquility in it.
She made her usual journey, walking to the train station, waiting for the train, boarding, and then disembarking before walking a little further until she finally arrived at the building. Taking a deep breath, she hurried inside, making a beeline for the elevator. She didn’t want to run into anyone, especially Donghae.
Just as she was feeling victorious and letting out a sigh of relief, someone slipped their hand between the elevator doors, stopping them from closing. Sana’s heart sank as the doors opened to reveal Donghae, wearing that trademark smile, his suit perfectly tailored, and holding a large bouquet of flowers in one hand.
Sana suppressed the urge to groan. The last thing she wanted to deal with today was him.
Donghae stepped into the elevator and greeted her cheerily. “What a surprise to see you, Sana. You’ve seemed to be hiding lately.”
Sana rolled her eyes slightly but managed to keep her composure. “No, not at all,” she replied dismissively.
Donghae smiled wider, stepping fully into the elevator as the doors closed behind them. “I’ve hardly seen you in the mornings or evenings. I was starting to wonder what was going on.”
“I’ve been really busy,” Sana said, trying to keep her tone neutral.
Donghae nodded, “Well I’ve been good”
Sana sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and annoyance. “Great”
After that, she fell silent, wishing the elevator ride would end quickly. Unfortunately, Donghae spoke again, “You still haven’t regretted working with Park?”
“No, I haven’t,” Sana replied firmly. “Jihyo is really good at what she does.”
Donghae scoffed slightly, “I think I’d be better.”
Sana simply nodded, counting the seconds until the elevator would stop and the doors would open to set her free. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open.
“Thank goodness,” she muttered under her breath, almost happy to escape the uncomfortable conversation and the flowers she clearly didn’t want.
“I have to go,” Sana said quickly, hoping to slip away.
“Wait! I’ll walk with you,” Donghae said, his tone insistent.
Sana tried to protest, “It’s really not necessary—”
But before she could finish, Donghae stepped out of the elevator and walked beside her, his presence making her feel even more annoyed. With a low grumble, she trudged down the hallway toward her desk, where Momo was already seated, focused on her work.
As Sana approached, she leaned closer to Momo’s desk, hoping for a distraction. Momo glanced up, ready to talk, but her expression shifted to one of irritation as she noticed Donghae trailing behind Sana.
Sana cleared her throat, casting a pleading glance at Momo for help. Momo sighed, then turned to Donghae. “What are you doing here Mr Choi?”
He flashed that irritating smile. “I came to accompany Sana.”
Momo forced a tight smile. “That’s really not necessary.”
Donghae merely shrugged, ignoring her. “I don’t mind.”
Sana stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do next, caught between her friend and Donghae’s unwavering presence.
After a moment, Donghae coughed lightly, drawing both their attention. He then handed the bouquet of flowers to Sana, saying, “Here, these are for you.”
Sana hesitated, looking at the flowers and then back at him, feeling a mix of annoyance and confusion. “Thank you ,” she said
Donghae smiled, clearly pleased. “I hope you like them. They’re some of the best flowers.”
Forcing a smile, Sana said, “Thanks again.”
Donghae nodded, “Oh, and my number is on the card. You still owe me a few drinks, remember?”
Sana opened her mouth to respond, but just then a voice interrupted her. Jihyo emerged from her office, striding toward them with purpose. Relief washed over Sana as Jihyo looked her way, ensuring she was alright, before turning her attention to Donghae.
“Choi, it’s a surprise to see you here,” Jihyo greeted, her tone annoyed
Donghae’s smile faltered slightly as he replied, “Yes, I just came to drop off my…”
Momo interjected quickly, “He walked Miss Minatozaki to her desk.”
Jihyo raised an eyebrow, glancing at Sana. “I didn’t know Miss Minatozaki needed help finding her way here.”
As Jihyo stepped closer, positioning herself next to Sana, Sana had to resist the urge to lean into Jihyo’s side or wrap her arm around her. Instead, Jihyo placed a reassuring hand on Sana’s shoulder.
Donghae cleared his throat, trying to maintain his charm. “I just wanted to be a gentleman, but I guess I should be heading out now. Sana, I hope to hear from you soon.”
With that, Donghae turned on his heel, his expression shifting to one of annoyance as he walked away toward the elevator.
Once the elevator doors closed behind him, Sana let out a frustrated groan, dropping the flowers onto her desk with a thud.
“I hate him,” Momo declared, crossing her arms with a scowl.
Sana grunted in frustration as she sank into her chair, taking the card from the flowers and tossing it into the trash bin.
“Are you okay?”
Sana nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I'm fine. I had managed to avoid seeing him for the last few days, but I guess my luck ran out.”
Jihyo nodded in understanding, while Momo huffed, crossing her arms. “You should really put an anti-flower policy in this company. Maybe that would keep him away from Sana.”
Jihyo rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. “Trust me, I’m working on something to get rid of him for good.”
Momo nodded, her expression serious. “Good, because he’s really annoying.”
Jihyo sighed, her demeanor shifting slightly as she looked at Sana. “Just be careful, okay?”
Sana nodded, appreciating the concern. Jihyo gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Let’s get to work then.”
With that, Jihyo turned and walked toward her office door, opening it before stepping inside. Once she was alone, she let out a frustrated groan. She couldn’t stand Donghae—his constant meddling and his irritating attempts to charm the women at the office, particularly Sana.
Jihyo sat down at her desk, her annoyance simmering. If it weren’t for her father’s influence, she would have fired him already. The way he bothered Sana was especially infuriating. Jihyo knew for a fact that Sana had no interest in him, yet Donghae continued to press.
With a sigh, she reached for her phone just as it buzzed. Annoyed, she pulled it out and answered, “Hello?”
“Jihyo” Immediately, Joohyun's voice came through the line. “I'm calling at a bad time?”
Jihyo let out a small sigh of relief. “No, it’s fine. I didn’t see who it was. I’m just… dealing with an idiot at the office.”
Joohyun chuckled from the other end. “That’s why you sound so annoyed?”
“Yes,” Jihyo admitted, pinching the bridge of her nose. “This one won’t stop bothering Sana. He even brought her flowers”
Joohyun made a sound of understanding. “Ah, the classic flower move. I’m guessing he’s not backing off?”
“No, he’s relentless,” Jihyo replied, her frustration evident. “I could fire him, but I need to get everything in order first.”
Joohyun hummed thoughtfully. “He sounds like a terrible person.”
“He is,” Jihyo agreed. “Donghae is a complete idiot.”
Joohyun nodded, her tone turning serious. “Yeah, but you sound particularly annoyed because he gave flowers to Sana.”
“Of course I am!” Jihyo huffed. “Sana is way too kind to just reject him outright, and even if she did, I don’t think Donghae would take no for an answer. He’s that much of a fool.”
Joohyun let out a soft, melodic hum. “Don’t worry too much. He sounds like an idiot, but that’s about it.”
Jihyo rolled her eyes. “I know!”
Joohyun pressed on, “So how are things going with Sana?”
Jihyo fell silent for a moment, caught off guard by the question. “What do you mean?”
“You sound really close to her,” Joohyun pointed out. “From what you told me.”
Jihyo sighed. “Yes, we’re coworkers. We have to be close.”
“Come on, you’re clearly more than just that,” Joohyun insisted. “Have you two gone out?”
“Yeah, a little,” Jihyo admitted, “She’s going to my place later to cook.”
“Ah” Joohyun made a teasing sound. “That sounds cozy”
“It’s not like that” Jihyo quickly defended, her heart racing.
“I know, I know,” Joohyun said, a playful tone in her voice. “You’re married and all that professional stuff. But Sana sounds really sweet, and you definitely sound a bit smitten.”
Jihyo felt her face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. “I’m going to hang up now.”
“No, you’re not!” Joohyun exclaimed, laughing. “I’m just joking! But seriously, she’s been to your house, she gets along with Tzuyu, and Sungbin hates her, which is just perfect. You two spend all day together. The opportunity is right there!”
Jihyo huffed, crossing her arms. “I’m not going after my apprentice. She’s too young, and besides, I don’t think Sana is interested.”
Joohyun let out an exaggerated sigh. “So you are interested, then?”
Jihyo rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smile. “That’s not what I said.”
Joohyun hummed thoughtfully. “You should give it a chance, then.”
“No, I won’t,” Jihyo said firmly. “It’s just not in me.”
“Really?” Joohyun pressed, her tone teasing. “All this time working with Sana, nothing has happened?”
“Nothing,” Jihyo replied, her voice steady.
Joohyun raised an eyebrow. “Would you like something to happen?”
Jihyo hesitated, a slight chill running down her spine. “No,” she said quickly, but her voice faltered just a bit.
Joohyun made a sound of disbelief. “Alright, if you really don’t want anything to happen, then good luck with your romantic ‘cooking date’ with Sana.”
Jihyo shouted back, “It’s not a date!” But Joohyun had already cut the call before she could finish.
Groaning, Jihyo threw her phone onto her desk in frustration. Joohyun had been calling her every day, which wasn’t bothersome at all. In fact, it felt nice to have someone to talk to, even if the conversations were often light-hearted banter. It was just refreshing to share her thoughts and experiences without feeling pressured to maintain the professional facade all the time.
But Joohyun had also gotten comfortable enough to push her buttons, and that was what made it complicated. Jihyo sighed, running a hand through her hair, feeling both irritated and a bit embarrassed.
If she were honest with herself, Sana had caught her attention from the very beginning. What started as mere professional curiosity had transformed into a genuine desire to know more about her. The more time they spent together, the more Jihyo wanted to be near her, to protect her, to support her.
And there was no denying that Sana was beautiful, funny, kind, and incredibly charming. Being around her made Jihyo feel… well, good. It was a feeling she hadn’t expected to develop, and it both thrilled and scared her.
But there were so many things stacked against her, and Jihyo hated it. She often thought that if only they had met under different circumstances, she wouldn’t have thought twice about pursuing something more. Maybe in an alternate universe, Jihyo had gotten divorced—or perhaps she had never married at all. But that 'maybe' didn’t exist in her reality. Jihyo had chosen her life, no matter how difficult it was, and she planned to live it out.
Yet, at the same time, she felt this undeniable impulse. She hated giving Sungbin any satisfaction, especially when she they were still somewhat in love and managed to be relatively happy. She had always been competitive, and even though everything Sungbin had accused her of until now had been false, a tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered that if he wanted to accuse her without reason, perhaps she should give him a real reason.
Maybe, just maybe, Jihyo was tired of always prioritizing Sungbin's well-being and maintaining peace over her own happiness. She was exhausted, fed up with the constant charade. Sungbin wasn’t making things easier either—he played the victim, acted scared, and it made Jihyo want to scream every time she laid eyes on him.
What did she really have to lose? Her marriage? That had died years ago. Her house? Sungbin had never contributed a single dollar since they moved in. Her family? Tzuyu was her only family. Tzuyu, Momo, Joohyun… Seungwan. Outside of that, she felt utterly alone. So what was really holding her back?
Fear, of course. For years, she hadn’t looked twice at anyone who wasn’t Sungbin, but now? Sana had come into her life like a magnet—a sexy magnet who talked too much and laughed sweetly. Jihyo groaned, her mind swirling with confusion. Joohyun was right; she always was. If Seungwan were awake, she’d say the same thing: don’t deny yourself happiness, take the opportunity, do something!
The city was vast, the company was huge. What if Sana didn’t accept Donghae’s advances, but instead went out with some other average-looking lawyer? What would Jihyo do then? The thought gnawed at her. Would she sit back and let someone else have the chance to know Sana the way she wants to know her?
Jihyo felt her heart race as she considered the implications. She was at a crossroads, and the stakes felt higher than ever.
“Why is this so complicated?” Jihyo muttered under her breath, running a hand through her hair again.
Jihyo let out a frustrated grunt, cursing under her breath as she picked up her phone and dialed a number. She pressed it to her ear and waited impatiently for someone to pick up.
“Hello?” Joohyun’s voice came through, and Jihyo rolled her eyes.
“Fuck you, Joohyun,” Jihyo said, exasperation evident in her tone.
Joohyun laughed lightly. “Well, I guess some things never change after all these years.”
“Enough with the games, enough with the jokes,” Jihyo said, her voice firm. “I need to ask you something.”
“Sure, shoot,” Joohyun replied, her tone turning serious.
Taking a deep breath, Jihyo continued, “In the hypothetical, very distant case that I decide to do something about… Sana, would that be wrong?”
There was a pause on the other end before Joohyun sighed. “No, Jihyo. Nobody would judge you if you did.”
Jihyo bit her lip, considering the weight of Joohyun's words. “Still, I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“‘This’?” Joohyun asked, curious.
“I’ve never thought about cheating on my husband,” Jihyo admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Can I be frank with you?” Joohyun offered.
“Please do,” Jihyo replied, her heart racing.
“Alright,” Joohyun said, her voice steady. “Sungbin is an idiot—he’s done nothing but mistreat you, live rent-free in your house, and be a terrible father. Even before you got married, he was like this. You deserve to find love, Jihyo. You deserve to be happy. If that means you have to cheat on the thing you call your husband, then so be it.”
Jihyo remained silent, absorbing Joohyun’s words.
“You’ve missed out on so much by trying to maintain the peace,” Joohyun continued. “You don’t realize that the years are passing by. By the time you wake up to it, it might be too late.” With a sigh, Joohyun asked, “What do you think Seungwan would say if she were here?”
Jihyo let out a small laugh. “She’d probably tell me I’m an idiot.”
“Exactly,” Joohyun replied. “Seungwan would specifically say it’s a waste of time trying to protect your husband’s feelings when he doesn’t care about yours.”
Jihyo nodded, feeling the weight of those words. “Yeah, I know.”
“And if Seungwan could, she would have made Sungbin pay for everything he’s done a long time ago. But she can’t, and I can’t let you make mistakes just because she isn’t here,” Joohyun said, her tone gentle yet firm.
Jihyo sighed heavily. “I know.”
“And look, you really don’t have to decide anything right now,” Joohyun reassured her. “But you will have to make a choice someday.”
“I know,” Jihyo admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But… I’m scared.”
And saying those words out loud felt so… relieving for Jihyo. It had been years—years since she had allowed herself to admit she was afraid, to acknowledge that she felt pain, that she felt anything at all. The exhaustion, the suffering, the unhappiness; she had convinced herself she couldn’t afford to be sad, that she couldn’t open up to anyone else.
But somehow, being able to say it, to express it for the first time in so long, felt liberating.
Joohyun hummed softly from the other end of the line. “I know, and it’s okay to be scared. It’s normal. As much as you may forget it, Jihyo, you’re human too. You can feel fear.”
“But letting fear stop you from seeking happiness is different,” Joohyun continued, her voice steady.
Jihyo nodded, even though Joohyun couldn’t see her. “You’re right.”
Joohyun sighed, her tone shifting to something more serious. “I know things are complicated, but if there’s anyone in this world who can handle it, it’s you. And if something were to happen with Sana, I know she would be there for you.”
Jihyo scoffed lightly. “You don’t even know Sana.”
“I know,” Joohyun replied. “And that’s exactly why I have faith in her. You’ll find a way.”
Jihyo sighed, running a hand through her temples, feeling the tension release just a little. “Okay, well… thanks.”
“Anytime,” Joohyun responded, her voice warm with understanding. “I’ll always be here for you.”
With a small smile creeping onto her face, Jihyo said, “I need to go for now.”
“Alright,” Joohyun accepted. “I’ll call you later.”
As Jihyo hung up the phone, she felt the silence envelop her once again. Alone in her thoughts, she leaned back in her chair, the weight of her emotions settling in. She began to analyze everything Joohyun had said, contemplating the possibilities that lay ahead.
But this moment of reflection didn’t last long. The door swung open quickly, and Jihyo looked up to see Momo entering her office.
“Hey, I need to talk to a couple of clients,” Momo said, her tone brisk. “I’m taking Hwang and Lee with me this time.”
Jihyo nodded, her mind still partially on the conversation with Joohyun. “That’s fine. Just let me know if you need anything.”
Momo gave a quick nod but then paused. “Actually, there’s something else.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small bag, handing it to Jihyo.
“What’s this?” Jihyo asked, raising an eyebrow as she accepted the bag.
“Mmm, Sana gave it to me to pass along to you,” Momo replied, her expression shifting to one of curiosity.
“Why didn’t she just give it to me herself?” Jihyo inquired.
“She went to talk to a couple of people on the floor below and figured she wouldn’t keep you waiting,” Momo explained. “Anyway, I should get going now.”
Jihyo nodded again, watching Momo turn and leave the office. Once she was alone, Jihyo carefully opened the small bag. Her eyes widened as she pulled out a delicate ring, adorned with intricate engravings of flowers around it. It was beautiful and seemed to shimmer in the light.
As she held the ring up to examine it, Jihyo noticed a small piece of paper at the bottom of the bag. She unfolded it and saw Sana's neat handwriting, simply saying, “Thank you.”
A small smile crept onto Jihyo's face. She felt a warmth radiate from the gesture, and without thinking too much, she slipped the ring onto her finger.
It felt right.
—
When the clock struck six, Sana was back at her desk, feeling bored and exhausted. She had spent the entire day running around, talking, and was completely worn out. Her throat hurt, her feet ached, and the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll.
Her eyes felt red and puffy, and Sana was certain that if anyone spoke to her again, she would lose her mind.
With a sigh, she rested her head in her hands. She had to hold out for at least one more hour until she could go to Jihyo's house, cook dinner, and try not to faint or embarrass herself. Of course, she could do it; she had to do it! She would rather die than cancel dinner with Jihyo.
Sana groaned, her head feeling like it might explode. The flowers from Donghae were triggering her allergies, and to top it all off, Jihyo hadn’t left her office all day, which wasn’t helping her anxiety. If she were honest, she had handed the ring to Momo out of fear. What if Jihyo thought it was too much? That she had crossed a line? Sure, they were friends now, but giving her a ring felt like taking things further. What if she wanted to return it? What if she didn’t like it?
Sana let her head drop onto her desk, groaning again. Who was she kidding? There was no way she could last another hour. She sighed, closing her eyes and trying to adjust herself in her chair, letting her breathing calm down.
When Sana opened her eyes again, she realized two things: one, she had fallen asleep, and two, Jihyo was standing in front of her, looking at her with a concerned expression.
Sana shot up quickly, brushing the piece of paper that had stuck to her cheek aside. She looked at Jihyo, trying to wipe the traces of sleep from her face.
“I didn’t think you were the type to fall asleep at work,” Jihyo teased gently, crossing her arms with a smirk.
Sana blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I—uh, must have dozed off for a second.”
Jihyo raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. “A second? It looked like you were having a full-on nap. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just... a long day,” Sana replied, pushing herself up straighter in her chair. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. I understand,” Jihyo reassured her.
Sana nodded, then asked, “Is it time to go?”
She confirmed with a nod. “Yeah, it is.”
Sana sighed and quickly got up from her chair, gathering her things under Jihyo’s watchful gaze. She also picked up the flowers Donghae had given her, letting out a small grunt of annoyance. “I’m ready,” she said, looking at Jihyo.
Jihyo nodded, and together they walked toward the elevator. They stepped inside, and as the doors closed, Sana made every effort to keep her eyelids from drooping. She stifled a yawn, gripping her belongings a bit tighter to avoid falling asleep. Her neck ached slightly; she must have slept awkwardly.
Jihyo, standing beside her, didn’t say much at first. She stole glances at Sana, biting her lip, clearly wanting to say something but holding back.
When the elevator arrived at the parking garage, they exited and walked toward Jihyo’s car. This had become a routine by now. Once they were inside, Jihyo started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot onto the street. Sana gazed out the window, focusing on the passing scenery in an attempt to stay awake.
After a few minutes of silence, Jihyo broke it. “Are you okay?” she asked, glancing over at Sana.
Sana turned to look at her, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired, sorry.”
Jihyo nodded, but she studied Sana closely. “Your eyes… they look a bit off.”
Sana raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
Jihyo chuckled lightly. “You look like a crazy old lady.”
Sana made an offended face, then laughed. “Hey! I hardly slept, and today was definitely exhausting.”
“Why didn’t you sleep?” Jihyo inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Sana hesitated, trying to play it cool. “I don’t know, it just happens sometimes.”
Jihyo nodded thoughtfully. “Well, if you want, I can take you home to sleep. We can postpone dinner for another day.”
Sana quickly shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“Still, making you cook for me doesn’t seem very fair right now,” Jihyo replied, a playful glint in her eyes.
Sana glanced over, arching an eyebrow. “Oh, were you going to make me?”
Jihyo bit her lip, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face. “Maybe.”
Sana chuckled, but her cheeks flushed slightly. This was the first time since everything had started that Jihyo had responded to her comments like that. Internally, Sana beamed with joy. She leaned against the window, looking outside, but Jihyo broke the silence again.
“Momo gave me your gift,” Jihyo said, glancing at Sana.
Sana’s heart raced, and she bit her lip, wondering if Jihyo had liked it. “Oh?”
Jihyo smiled and looked at her. “I loved it. You didn’t have to go through the trouble, though.”
Sana sighed in relief. “It’s nothing. It’s the least I could do for everything you’ve done for me.”
Jihyo’s smile widened. “Still, it’s beautiful.”
At that moment, a red light illuminated the inside of the car, and Jihyo stretched out her hand, showing Sana the ring.
Sana didn’t hesitate to take Jihyo’s hand, drawing it closer as she examined the ring. Jihyo’s hands were small, soft, and warm against her palm.
Clearing her throat, Sana finally managed to say, “It looks good on you.”
Jihyo beamed, her eyes sparkling. “Yeah, it does.”
Sana smiled and turned to look out the front window. She couldn’t bear to meet Jihyo’s gaze again; she knew that if she saw those eyes or that smile one more time, she might do something she would regret.
As they continued down the road, everything felt normal until suddenly, Sana realized something—the road was familiar, very familiar. She kept examining the surroundings until it clicked.
Sana turned to Jihyo, her voice filled with confusion. “Aren’t we going to your house?”
Jihyo took a moment to respond, her brow furrowing slightly. “Uh, no… we’re not.”
Sana was quick to protest. “I told you it’s fine, I can cook!”
Jihyo looked at her, concern evident in her eyes. “You look like you’re about to fall asleep at any moment.”
Sana opened her mouth to protest again, but Jihyo spoke up first. “And actually, I thought of something else.”
“What?” Sana asked, her curiosity piqued.
“I’m going to take you to your house, and we’ll have dinner there,” Jihyo stated, sounding completely serious.
Sana froze, staring at Jihyo in disbelief. “Wait, are you serious?”
“Yes!” Jihyo replied, nodding earnestly.
Sana shook her head in confusion. “But I thought we were going to your place…”
Jihyo shook her head gently. “No, we’re going to your house. Maybe this way, you can rest while I prepare something.”
Sana felt a rush of warmth at the thought. “You don’t have to do that…”
“I want to,” Jihyo insisted, her tone firm yet soft. “You’ve done so much for me too, and I want to repay you.”
Sana bit her lip, feeling a mix of emotions. “What about Tzuyu? I thought I was going to see her?”
Jihyo chuckled lightly. “You’ll see her another day. She’s at Chaengie’s house right now.”
Sana bit her lip, glancing at Jihyo. She seemed determined, and normally, Sana would be more impressed by that, but all she could think about was one thing: her apartment was a mess. She was sure Mina was a mess, and there was no way she could let Jihyo see that.
Discreetly, Sana pulled out her phone and quickly typed a message to Mina, urging her to clean up everything fast.
[Satang] Clean up the apartment ASAP. It’s an emergency
Mina replied almost instantly
[Minarin] Why ?
[Satang] JUST DO IT
Mina continued to send her more messages, but Sana didn’t bother to reply. Instead, she focused on the road ahead, her nerves kicking in as she thought about what Jihyo would think if she saw her living space in its current state.
“Are you okay?” Jihyo asked, glancing over at Sana with a hint of concern in her voice.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Sana replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Just... thinking”
Jihyo raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, but she let it go. “You sure? You seem a bit tense.”
Sana nodded, trying to shake off the nerves. “I’m good! Really.”
As they continued driving, Sana’s mind raced. She hoped Mina was moving quickly and that the apartment would be presentable by the time they arrived. The last thing she wanted was for Jihyo to see her in a less-than-perfect environment.
Jihyo turned the car onto a familiar street, and Sana’s heart raced with anticipation. “Just a little further,” Jihyo said, a smile spreading across her face.
Sana took a deep breath, doing her best to calm her racing heart. She could handle this, she told herself. They would have a nice dinner, and everything would be fine. She just had to keep everything together until they got inside.
Finally, Jihyo parked the car, and Sana sighed, gathering her things as she stepped out. She noticed Jihyo scanning their surroundings, then smiling at her. “Guide me” Jihyo said reassuringly.
Sana nodded, and they walked into the building together. They made their way to the elevator, and Sana pressed the button for her floor, glancing at Jihyo out of the corner of her eye, trying to calm her nerves.
Once they reached her floor, they stepped out, and Sana walked slowly toward her apartment door, taking her time to find her keys. She took a deep breath, unlocking the door and pushing it open. Turning to Jihyo, she offered a slightly awkward smile. “This is my home,” she said, gesturing for Jihyo to enter first.
Jihyo smiled back, stepping inside and looking around with interest. “It’s nice” she said, her eyes sparkling as she took in the space.
Sana felt a twinge of embarrassment, closing the door behind them. Just then, they heard tiny paws padding on the floor, and both turned to see Ray trotting toward them, excited and wagging his tail.
Jihyo made a delighted sound, crouching down to pet the puppy. “He’s just as I remember” she exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy.
Sana laughed, walking into the living room and setting her things down. “Yeah, he’s a little ball of energy.”
Jihyo followed her, glancing around. Fortunately, Mina had listened, and the place was immaculate—far more than Sana had anticipated. She watched as Jihyo analyzed the room, finally turning to her with a warm smile. “It looks cozy”
Sana shrugged, feeling slightly self-conscious. “It’s nothing compared to the mansion where you live,” she said, trying to downplay it.
Jihyo shook her head, her expression earnest. “No, it’s perfect. It feels homey, and I like it.”
She smiled at Jihyo's compliment. “Then make yourself at home” she said warmly.
Jihyo returned the smile. “Thank you”
Sana hesitated for a moment before asking, “Can I get you something to drink? Anything to make you more comfortable?”
Jihyo shook her head gently. “No, it’s fine. I’m good.”
Sana nodded, and they fell into a brief silence. She stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room, unsure of what to do next.
After a moment, Jihyo cleared her throat. “So... what do you want for dinner?”
Sana frowned, thinking. “I don’t really know. I’m not sure if I have anything that can be cooked.”
Jihyo waved it off. “It’s okay. We can look together.”
Sana nodded, relieved, and they walked to the kitchen. Once there, she began rummaging through the cabinets and fridge. After a bit of searching, she found a couple of ingredients. “I think I can make something with this,” she said, holding up a few items.
Jihyo shook her head. “No, I’ll handle it.”
Sana opened her mouth to protest. “You really don’t have to—”
“I will do it,” Jihyo interrupted firmly but kindly. “It can’t be that difficult.”
Sana sighed, knowing Jihyo was being persistent. “Alright, but I’ll help you!”
Jihyo nodded, a smile creeping back onto her face. Just then, a noise came from upstairs, making Sana's eyes widen in realization.
“That must be Mina,” she muttered, feeling a bit exasperated. “I’ll go check on her.”
“Say hi for me” Jihyo called after her as Sana turned and dashed out of the kitchen, heading up the stairs, nearly tripping in the process. She quickly walked to Mina's room and closed the door behind her. Mina was lying on her bed, her laptop resting on her lap.
Sana glanced at her and said, “We have an emergency.”
Mina looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, I figured from the message you sent. What’s going on?”
Sana glanced toward the door, then turned back to Mina. “Jihyo is here.”
Mina's eyes widened in disbelief. “Here?”
“Yeah! We were supposed to go to her place, but I said I was tired, and now she’s trying to cook here,” Sana explained, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Mina bolted upright, ready to head for the door. “I need to greet her”
Sana quickly grabbed her arm. “No, wait!”
Mina frowned. “Why not? I can’t just ignore her”
Sana shook her head. “Just… make something up. Please!”
Mina huffed, crossing her arms. “But what am I supposed to do for dinner? Jihyo’s going to think I’m rude”
“No, she won’t! I just don’t want you to see her right now,” Sana insisted.
Mina studied her for a moment, then smirked. “Oh, so you want to be alone with Jihyo, huh?”
Sana’s cheeks flushed. “No! I mean… maybe, but no! Just… shut up! It’s complicated!”
Mina raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “So what’s your plan then? Are you going to let me starve until Jihyo leaves?”
Sana shrugged, her expression sheepish. “I was thinking of just saying you were going out or that you weren’t feeling well.”
Mina’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Are you trying to kick me out?”
“No!” Sana blurted out. “But in my defense, I thought you were going to hang out with Dahyun!”
Mina shook her head, laughing. “No way! Going to the club drained my social battery. I need at least two weeks to recharge!”
Sana groaned in frustration. “Ugh, fine! Just go say hi and come back quickly, okay? Just tell her you’re not feeling well or something.”
Mina sighed, a playful glint in her eyes. “Alright, I don’t want to see you drooling over your boss for hours anyway.”
Before Sana could protest, Mina was quicker, opening the door and making her way down the stairs. “Wait Mina—” Sana said, rushing after her.
She quickly followed Mina, nearly colliding with her as they reached the bottom of the stairs and headed into the kitchen. Once there, Sana spotted Jihyo, who was trying to read something on the counter.
Sana cleared her throat, forcing a smile. “J-Jihyo, I want to introduce you to someone.”
Mina stepped forward with a bright smile. “Hi! I’m Mina, Sana’s friend”
Jihyo turned to face them, her eyes lighting up. “Nice to meet you. I’m Park Jihyo,” she said, extending her hand.
Mina shook her hand eagerly. “Oh I know, Sana talks about you all the time.”
Sana couldn’t help but force a smile, feeling a mix of embarrassment and shyness. She nudged Mina with her elbow. “Shut up,” she murmured before leaning closer to Jihyo innocently. “Do you need any help with anything?”
Jihyo shook her head, her expression kind. “No, I’ve got it. Thank you.”
Mina watched the interaction, her smile growing wider as she leaned back against the countertop. “It was a surprise when Sana told me you were here,” she said, her voice light and teasing.
Jihyo smiled back, a hint of concern in her eyes. “I hope it’s not a problem. I didn’t mean to impose.”
“Not at all! Don’t worry about it,” Mina replied, waving her hand dismissively. “Feel free to make yourself at home. I’m sure Sana will help you with that.”
Sana shot her a forced smile, feeling a little flustered. “Uh, right... But don’t you have somewhere to be?” she asked quickly, trying to redirect the conversation.
Mina shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Not really, no.”
Sana shot her an incredulous look. She knew Mina well enough to recognize the playful mischief brewing beneath that calm exterior. If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that Mina might be shy and quiet, but when it came to teasing Sana, all bets were off. It was almost impressive how dramatically Mina could switch from reserved to a playful troublemaker.
“I thought you were feeling unwell,” Sana said, trying to keep her frustration at bay.
Mina shrugged nonchalantly, her smile widening. “Just a little! I’m fine now. I’ll make myself a cup of tea ”
“Are you sure?” Jihyo interjected, a thoughtful look on her face. “If you don’t mind, I could make it for you, I’m already here.”
Mina’s eyes sparkled with delight. “You’re an angel Park Jihyo, yes please”
Jihyo smiled warmly and turned to Sana. “Could you pass me the tea, please?”
Sana nodded, returning the smile as she handed Jihyo the tea. “And the water is over there,” she pointed out.
“Got it” Jihyo replied, giving a nod of appreciation before turning back to Mina.
Sana shot Mina an exasperated glance, but Mina just smiled innocently back at her.
Just a few minutes later, Jihyo was handing a steaming cup of tea to Mina. “Here you go” she said.
Mina accepted the cup with glee. “Thank you so much”
Sana busied herself with searching for dishes, pots, and ingredients, trying to focus on anything but the dynamic between Jihyo and Mina. Jihyo turned to Mina, her expression curious. “You know, Sana talks a lot about you too.”
Mina looked at Sana and beamed. “I hope it’s all good things.”
“It is” Jihyo assured her.
Mina nodded, her smile growing wider. She noticed Sana watching her from the corner of her eye and sighed playfully, turning to Jihyo. “Well, thanks again for the tea! I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but I think I’ll head up to my room now.”
“Oh, okay” Jihyo nodded, her expression friendly. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mina”
“Likewise” Mina replied, then leaned in a bit closer to Jihyo, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “And with all due respect, you’re even more beautiful than Sana told me.”
Jihyo’s cheeks flushed, and she cleared her throat, smiling shyly. “Thank you”
Mina stepped back, a playful grin on her face. “I’ll be in my room!” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Sana and Jihyo in the kitchen.
Once Mina was gone, Jihyo approached Sana again, who was trying to sneak a glance at her. “What did Mina say to you?” Sana asked, her curiosity piqued.
Jihyo smiled. “It’s a secret.”
Sana nodded, mentally cursing Mina and making a note to kill her as soon as Jihyo left. The atmosphere shifted into a comfortable silence as they began cutting ingredients and moving around the kitchen.
Jihyo broke the silence by saying, “Mina is really cute, isn’t she?”
Sana couldn’t help but agree. “Yeah, she really is.”
Jihyo nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I imagined her differently, though.”
Sana looked at Jihyo, curious. “What do you mean?”
Jihyo continued, “When I found out she was a Myoui, I just pictured her being… I don’t know, more reserved or something?”
Sana smiled knowingly. “Yeah, that last name does carry some weight. And Mina is quite different from what you might expect, she’s also a dork but she just doesn’t show it.”
Jihyo nodded, and they both focused back on preparing dinner. However, after a while, Jihyo glanced over at Sana and said, “You know, it might be better if you sit down for a bit.”
Sana shook her head. “I’m going to help you”
Jihyo smiled gently. “Really, I can manage this on my own.”
Sana sighed, realizing Jihyo was being insistent. She finally relented and settled down on a stool near the counter, watching Jihyo move about the kitchen. It was oddly mesmerizing—the way her outfit hugged her figure, how her hair caught the light, and how her profile made her look a thousand times more beautiful.
Sana felt a flutter in her chest and couldn’t hold back any longer. She cleared her throat and stood up, feeling slightly flustered. “If you don’t mind, I think I'll change into something more comfortable.”
Jihyo smiled warmly. “That’s fine, It’s your house after all.”
Sana nodded, turning to head out, but she hesitated. Biting her lip, she paused and took a deep breath. Slowly, she turned back to Jihyo. “Um, if you want… I could lend you a couple of things to make you more comfortable too?”
She noticed how Jihyo tensed at her suggestion, a look of surprise crossing her features. She felt a wave of panic rise within her, ready to apologize for even bringing it up. But to her surprise, Jihyo slowly turned to her, a hesitant smile on her lips. “I really don’t want to impose, and I couldn’t accept it without feeling bad.”
Sana shook her head, her determination rising. “It’s really not a problem! I want to do it, just so you can be comfortable.”
Jihyo took a moment to think it over, her gaze drifting away as she considered Sana’s words. Finally, she nodded, her expression softening. “Okay. Thank you.”
Sana felt a rush of relief and excitement. “Great, I’ll find something then.”
“Thanks,” Jihyo replied, her smile genuine as Sana turned to leave the kitchen, hurrying out with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
Once Sana was outside the kitchen, Jihyo let out a heavy sigh, leaning against the counter for support. The emotions swirling in her mind were overwhelming. Joohyun’s words echoed in her thoughts, and she found herself unable to concentrate on anything else but Sana—Sana with her radiant smile, Sana with her beautiful hair, and Sana in clothes that weren’t her usual work attire.
Jihyo couldn’t quite recall what had happened when she drove to Sana’s place instead of her own. Panic had set in as she rode the elevator, wondering if she had crossed some invisible line. Had she forced Sana into something uncomfortable? No, Sana hadn’t said anything, and she hadn’t complained. But then again, it was Sana—she could never imagine her speaking up if something bothered her.
Jihyo glanced down at the ring on her finger and let out a deep sigh. What the hell was she doing? Was she really acting like a teenager with a crush? But honestly, when had been the last time she felt this way? So nervous, so happy, so… something. She took another breath, clearing her throat and standing up straighter as she heard footsteps approaching the kitchen.
As soon as she felt Sana’s presence, Jihyo turned around and froze. There stood Sana, dressed in loose sweatpants and a white top that hugged her figure just enough to reveal her arms and a hint of her abdomen. Jihyo felt her heart race, and she quickly cleared her throat, diverting her gaze.
Sana smiled brightly, breaking the tension. “I found something for you” she said, holding out a bundle of clothes. “I really wasn’t sure what to pick, so I tried to find something comfortable.”
Jihyo nodded, her heart fluttering as she walked closer to Sana, wiping her hands on a towel before reaching out to take the clothes from her. For a brief moment, their fingers brushed together, sending a jolt of electricity through Jihyo. She took a moment to compose herself before finally accepting the clothes.
“Thanks” Jihyo said, her smile genuine.
Sana nodded, her expression encouraging. “You can change in the bathroom, or In my room, or wherever you feel comfortable. Really, it’s up to you.”
Jihyo smiled at her warmth and said, “I’ll just go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back”
Sana pointed in the direction of the bathroom. “It’s just over there. Take your time”
Once Jihyo was out of sight, Sana flopped onto the couch, letting out a frustrated groan. What on earth was she doing? Giving clothes to Jihyo? Handing her a ring? What the hell? Could she be any more obvious? NO, she couldn’t! Sana buried her face in her hands, trying to will away the embarrassment.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Jihyo open the bathroom door until the girl was almost right in front of her. “Uh, it’s a little big, but I appreciate it!” Jihyo said, her voice bright.
Sana turned to look at her, and her mouth went dry. Honestly, Jihyo had no right to look that damn good in her clothes. “You look great!” Sana blurted out, standing up from the couch.
Jihyo smiled shyly, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Thanks! I put my other clothes on the couch.” She gestured toward the pile.
After that, Jihyo walked toward the kitchen, and Sana followed her. “Now it’s time to get cooking,” Jihyo declared with determination.
Sana couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. Not long after they started, a delicious aroma began to fill the apartment. Sana’s stomach growled at the enticing scent, and she chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through her.
Jihyo was busy, occasionally glancing over to share a laugh or a story. They exchanged jokes and light-hearted banter, creating an atmosphere that felt both cozy and natural. In those moments, Sana realized that everything felt effortless with Jihyo. It was like they had known each other for years, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was exactly where she was meant to be.
—
Finally, Sana helped Jihyo serve the food, and they both settled at the table, ready to enjoy their meal. Jihyo looked a bit nervous as she placed the dishes down, glancing at Sana. “I know it might not be as good as what you usually make, but I really tried.”
Sana smiled warmly, her heart feeling light. “I’m sure it’s amazing” They began to eat, and as soon as the first bite hit her palate, Sana’s eyes lit up. “This is really delicious”
Jihyo looked slightly skeptical. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”
“Absolutely not!” Sana exclaimed, shaking her head. “It’s really good. Thank you for making this.”
“It’s nothing, really,” Jihyo replied, but Sana could see the hint of pride in her expression.
Sana hesitated for a moment, then said, “If you don’t mind, I hope I can find a way to repay you for this.”
Jihyo nodded, her eyes twinkling. “Well, you do need to see Tzuyu and Chaeyoung soon. They won’t leave me alone until you do.”
Sana laughed, “Then I’ll arrange something.”
With that, they continued to eat, enjoying the meal and each other's company. After a moment, Sana asked, “So, does Tzuyu spend a lot of time with Chaeyoung?”
“Yeah, they’re best friends,” Jihyo confirmed. “Chaengie’s always over at our place too. It’s adorable, really.”
Sana smiled, picturing the two girls together. “That’s so cute”
“Yeah,” Jihyo said, her tone softening. “I try to spend time with both of them, especially since Tzuyu’s dad travels a lot.”
Sana nodded, understanding. “Is he away right now, then?”
Jihyo confirmed with a slight nod. “Yeah, he is. Sometimes he’s gone for weeks or even months.”
Sana began to hum softly as she continued eating, her mind drifting. Jihyo cleared her throat, breaking the comfortable silence. “Actually, Tzuyu’s dad is going to be away for a couple of weeks,” she mentioned.
Sana suddenly choked a bit on her juice, eyes widening. “That’s... that’s good”
Jihyo shrugged lightly, exhaling a sigh. “Yeah, but I’d feel a bit more relaxed if it weren’t for the trip coming up.”
Sana looked curious. “What do you mean?”
Jihyo explained, “Next week, I have to travel out of the city. It’s not too far—just four hours—but… I really don’t like traveling alone. It’s silly, I know”
Jihyo chuckled at the absurdity of her own feelings, but Sana nodded, understanding completely. “That’s not silly at all. I get it. I don’t like going out alone either.”
Jihyo smiled at her, appreciating the camaraderie. “You’re right. It’s... weird. I don’t know.”
Sana looked down, deep in thought. An idea bubbled up, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “If you don’t mind, and if you want, I could maybe accompany you?”
Jihyo looked up, surprised at the offer. “Really? You’d do that?”
“Yeah! I mean, it’s a long trip, and I wouldn’t want you to feel lonely,” Sana replied, her voice earnest.
Jihyo’s expression softened. “Well, it’s going to be a pretty boring trip…”
Sana waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it! I’m boring too, so it’ll be fine!”
Jihyo shook her head, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “You’re not boring”
“I mean, a little”
“Of course not,” Jihyo replied, her voice sincere. “And for the record, I’d love to have you along.”
“Thanks Jihyo”
—
No more than 45 minutes later, after a lively conversation filled with laughter, Sana was clearing the table, loading the dishes into the dishwasher with Jihyo’s help. They were playfully teasing each other, enjoying the simple task as they joked and laughed together.
Once they finished, they walked into the living room, still chuckling as they both plopped down onto the couch. Jihyo looked over at Sana, a hint of concern in her eyes. “I hope I’m not bothering you too much.”
“Not at all” Sana replied, her smile bright.
Jihyo sighed in relief but then noted, “Still, it’s getting late.”
Sana glanced at the clock. “It’s only 9:30. Don’t worry about it”
Jihyo nodded, but Sana continued, “I would offer you something more, but as you can see, the place isn’t too big, and there’s not much to do.”
“Don’t worry,” Jihyo said again, her voice light.
Sana smiled, her mind racing with ideas. “We could watch TV, or just talk… I don’t know.”
Jihyo’s face lit up. “You know…I haven’t seen a movie in years”
Sana laughed, “You’re lying!”
“No, I’m really not!” Jihyo insisted, shaking her head with a playful grin.
“Okay then. Let’s watch a movie!” Sana declared, her excitement bubbling over.
Jihyo nodded enthusiastically, settling into the couch as Sana grabbed the remote. She flicked on the TV and began scrolling through the channels, Jihyo sitting beside her, watching the screen intently.
It didn’t take more than ten minutes before Sana paused on a comedy movie that she didn’t quite recognize. “Let’s leave it here,” Jihyo said, and Sana nodded, leaving the remote behind as she adjusted herself comfortably against the couch.
As they settled in to watch the movie, Sana found herself struggling to concentrate. It was hard to focus on the screen; she wasn’t sure if it was the fatigue weighing her down, the sleepiness creeping in, or the warmth radiating from Jihyo beside her. The way their shoulders brushed against each other occasionally sent little jolts of electricity through her, and she couldn’t help but notice how Jihyo idly played with her hands in her lap.
Sana clenched her fists, trying to redirect her attention to the film, but it felt like an uphill battle. No matter how hard she fought to keep her eyes open, the heaviness of her eyelids began to win. She shifted her position, attempting to find a comfortable spot to lean against, but it didn’t help.
Suddenly, she felt herself nodding off, her head bobbing slightly as she struggled to stay awake.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Jihyo glancing at her. Panic surged through her, and she was ready to apologize, to explain that she hadn’t meant to fall asleep. But before she could utter a word, Jihyo shifted slightly, moving closer and draping her arm around Sana’s bare shoulders.
Sana froze, her breath hitching in her throat as Jihyo pulled her closer, allowing her to rest her head against Jihyo’s shoulder. It felt so natural, yet so terrifying all at once. Jihyo’s gaze remained fixed on the screen, seemingly unaware of the effect her gesture had on Sana.
For a few heart-stopping seconds, Sana didn’t move. She didn’t even dare to breathe, afraid that any sound would break the spell of this unexpected intimacy. But as the warmth of Jihyo enveloped her, she felt herself slowly relax. Her eyes began to flutter shut, and a soft sigh escaped her lips as she surrendered to the moment, allowing herself to drift.
—
When Sana opened her eyes again, the flickering light from the screen illuminated the room, but Jihyo was beside her, fast asleep. Jihyo's hand remained firmly against Sana's side, and Sana froze for a moment, taken aback by how close they were. She marveled at the details of Jihyo’s face—the small beauty mark at the tip of her nose, her soft lashes, and the gentle curve of her lips.
Sana felt her heart race, and she forced herself to look away, redirecting her gaze to the clock. It was almost 11 PM; she realized she hadn’t slept long, relatively speaking. Trying to adjust her position without disturbing Jihyo, Sana shifted slightly, but instead, she ended up jostling Jihyo awake.
“Wha—what time is it?” Jihyo mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes.
“Almost 11,” Sana answered, a twinge of guilt washing over her.
Jihyo nodded, a faint smile on her lips. “I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep.”
“It’s okay,” Sana assured her, trying to keep the mood light.
Slowly, Jihyo removed her hand from Sana’s side, stretching her arms above her head as she yawned. “I should probably get going now,” she said, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Sana felt a small pang of disappointment but nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that might be best.”
As Jihyo gathered her things, she walked toward the bathroom, but Sana called out to her, “You can keep the clothes! Just bring them back later.”
To Sana’s surprise, Jihyo didn’t argue and simply nodded. “Okay, thanks”
Sana stood up, walking over to grab a sweater from her pile of clothes. She slipped it on and turned to Jihyo, flashing her a smile. “Let’s go, then.”
Jihyo nodded, and Sana opened the door for them both. They stepped out into the dimly lit hallway, making their way towards the elevator. Sana could sense the exhaustion radiating from Jihyo, and she didn’t feel like making small talk; she didn’t want to break the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped them.
They reached the entrance and made their way down together, the elevator dinging softly as they stepped out into the quiet hallway. Once they exited the building, they walked side by side toward Jihyo's car, the night air cool against their skin.
As they approached the vehicle, Jihyo turned to Sana, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Thanks for today,” she said sincerely.
“Really, it was nothing,” Sana replied, her cheeks warming. “Thank you for today.”
Jihyo laughed lightly and added, “Tell Mina I’m sorry for not saying goodbye. I hope to see you both soon.”
Sana nodded, “I’ll make sure to tell her.”
They exchanged a lingering glance, the cool breeze flowing around them, the night sky dotted with stars above. Sana felt her heart flutter; there was something about the way Jihyo looked at her that made her feel both small and shy, and she wasn’t quite sure why.
Jihyo smiled softly, breaking the silence first. “I should head out now,” she said, and Sana’s heart sank a little.
“Be careful!” Sana urged, her smile brightening again despite the tinge of sadness.
Jihyo nodded, but instead of turning to leave, she stepped closer to Sana. With a gentle motion, she wrapped her arms around Sana’s back, pulling her into a warm embrace. Jihyo closed her eyes, hoping Sana wouldn’t notice the slight tremble in her hands, as if she didn’t want to let go.
Sana was taken aback for a moment but then slowly returned the hug, her heart racing as she wrapped her arms around Jihyo carefully. There was a mix of fear and warmth flooding through her, and they held each other for what felt like an eternity.
Finally, they separated, and Jihyo offered one last radiant smile before turning to get into her car. Sana stood there, watching as Jihyo drove away, her heart in her hands and a goofy smile plastered on her face.
With each passing second, the warmth of their shared moment lingered in the air, leaving Sana feeling both exhilarated and utterly confused, yet undeniably happy.