Minjeong had barely stepped into the library when she spotted the reason for her ever-growing headache.
Jimin.
Lounging in her usual seat like she owned the place, twirling a pen between her fingers with that ever-present smirk.
Minjeong already felt the irritation crawling up her spine. She had spent the entire day dealing with group projects, a surprise quiz, and an exhausting student council meeting—she did not have the energy to deal with Jimin.
But, of course, Jimin wouldn’t care about that.
"Hey, princess," Jimin greeted smoothly, her deep voice laced with amusement. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think you forgot about me."
Minjeong exhaled sharply, dropping her heavy books onto the table with a thud. "In your dreams, Jimin." She pulled out a chair, ignoring the way Jimin watched her with that infuriating grin.
Jimin leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm as she studied Minjeong. "So grumpy today. Long day?"
Minjeong didn’t even look up from her notes. "Not that it’s any of your business, but yes."
Jimin chuckled, shifting slightly so that their arms nearly brushed. "You know, stress isn’t good for your pretty face, Minjeongie."
Minjeong scoffed, finally turning to glare at her. "Do you have to be everywhere I go?"
Jimin placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "What can I say? Fate keeps bringing us together."
"Or maybe you’re just a walking disaster following me around," Minjeong shot back.
Jimin gasped in mock offense. "You wound me, princess."
Minjeong rolled her eyes, returning her focus to her book. She tried to ignore Jimin’s presence, tried to pretend that the way her voice lilted every time she said princess didn’t send a strange flutter through her stomach. It was annoying.
Jimin, of course, wasn’t done. "You know, you should really consider taking a break. Maybe go on a little coffee date with me."
Minjeong’s grip on her pen tightened. "First of all, it’s not a date. And second, I’d rather jump into a pool of sharks than go anywhere with you."
Jimin smirked, unbothered. "Oh? So you have thought about going somewhere with me?"
Minjeong groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Why are you like this?"
Jimin laughed, nudging Minjeong’s elbow lightly. "Because it’s fun teasing you. You’re cute when you’re mad."
Minjeong clenched her jaw. "Jimin."
"Yes, my dear Minjeong?"
Minjeong inhaled deeply, willing herself to remain calm. "Can you please just shut up for once?"
Jimin hummed, pretending to think. "Mmm… nah."
Minjeong shot her a withering glare, but Jimin only grinned wider.
The truth was, Jimin didn’t really need to be at the library today. She could’ve studied anywhere else, hung out with her friends, or even gone home early. But the thought of seeing Minjeong—watching her scrunch her nose in frustration, listening to the way she sighed dramatically whenever Jimin teased her—was too tempting.
Jimin had liked Minjeong for a while now. Maybe too much.
But Minjeong?
She only saw Jimin as a nuisance.
A problem in her life.
And no matter how much Jimin wished otherwise, that wasn’t going to change.
Thirty minutes passed in relative silence, with Minjeong focused on her work while Jimin quietly scribbled on her notebook.
Minjeong was starting to believe—miraculously—that Jimin had finally given up on bothering her.
Until she felt something tap her arm.
She turned, already glaring. "What—"
Jimin slid a piece of paper toward her, looking way too pleased with herself. "For you."
Minjeong narrowed her eyes. Hesitantly, she unfolded the note.
It was a terrible doodle of a stick figure wearing glasses, sitting at a desk labeled GRUMPY MINJEONG, with a frowning face and steam drawn above her head.
Minjeong blinked.
Then she looked at Jimin, who was barely holding back her laughter. "What. Is. This."
Jimin grinned. "A masterpiece, obviously."
Minjeong slowly crumpled the paper into a ball.
Jimin gasped. "Hey! That’s art!"
Minjeong stood, grabbing her books. "I am done with you today."
Jimin pouted. "But Minjeongieee—"
"Goodbye, Jimin," Minjeong said, walking away without another glance.
Jimin watched her go, lips curling into a smirk.
She’d see her again tomorrow.
And the next day.
And the next.
Because annoying Minjeong was Jimin’s favorite part of the day.
---
Jimin had always been a stubborn person.
She wasn’t the type to back down easily, especially not when it came to teasing Minjeong.
She had spent months—years—annoying her, always lingering around, throwing in playful remarks, stealing her pens just to see her pout in frustration. Jimin knew it was ridiculous, but it was the only way she knew how to get Minjeong’s attention.
Because if she wasn’t teasing Minjeong, what other excuse did she have to be close to her?
Jimin had accepted a long time ago that Minjeong didn’t like her.
But she hadn’t realized just how much Minjeong hated her.
Not until she overheard it.
It was late afternoon, and Jimin had been walking down the hall, heading toward the student council office. Not to bother Minjeong this time—just to drop off some forms.
But before she reached the door, she heard her name.
She stopped.
And then she heard Minjeong’s voice.
"I just want to live a life where Jimin isn’t constantly bothering me."
Jimin blinked.
She didn’t move, didn’t breathe.
Her hands clenched at her sides.
Inside the office, Minjeong sighed loudly. "She’s the biggest problem in my life. Every time I turn around, she’s there. Always teasing me, always finding ways to make my day worse. I can’t even go to the library without her being there, breathing down my neck. It’s exhausting."
Jimin felt something tighten in her chest.
Minjeong continued, "I swear, I’d be so much happier if Jimin just disappeared from my life."
Jimin had heard enough.
She turned on her heel and walked away, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Each word replayed in her mind.
Biggest problem in my life.
Exhausting.
I’d be so much happier if Jimin disappeared.
She exhaled sharply, shoving her hands into her pockets, trying to pretend that it didn’t sting.
That it didn’t feel like someone had reached inside her chest and squeezed her heart until it cracked.
Jimin had always known that Minjeong didn’t like her.
But she never knew that Minjeong loathed her.
It wasn’t just irritation.
It wasn’t just playful banter.
Minjeong truly, truly wanted nothing to do with her.
Jimin had never felt so pathetic in her entire life.
The next day, for the first time in years—
Jimin left Minjeong alone.
No teasing.
No annoying remarks.
No stolen pens, no playful nudges, no dramatic sighs of "Minjeongie, why are you so mean to me?"
She was just... gone.
At first, Minjeong didn’t notice.
She had been too preoccupied with her own tasks, dealing with deadlines and council duties.
But by lunchtime, something felt off.
Minjeong sat at her usual table in the cafeteria, flipping through a report, when she realized something strange.
It was quiet.
Too quiet.
No annoying voice calling her princess.
No snarky comments.
No presence hovering near her.
Jimin wasn’t there.
She frowned, glancing around. She spotted Jimin sitting at a different table, talking casually with her friends. Laughing.
Not once did she look in Minjeong’s direction.
For some reason, Minjeong felt… uneasy.
The next day was the same.
And the next.
And the next.
Jimin didn’t tease her.
Didn’t greet her.
Didn’t acknowledge her.
Minjeong should have been relieved.
This was what she had always wanted, right?
For Jimin to stop bothering her?
For Jimin to disappear from her life?
Then why did it feel so... wrong?
Why did the silence feel heavier than Jimin’s presence ever had?
Why did she find herself looking around, expecting Jimin to suddenly pop up and steal her pen or slide a ridiculous doodle onto her desk?
Why did her chest feel uncomfortably tight when she realized Jimin wasn’t going to?
Minjeong didn’t understand it.
And she hated that she cared.
A week passed.
Minjeong refused to admit that something was missing.
But she couldn’t ignore the way her stomach twisted whenever she caught a glimpse of Jimin—laughing with her friends, completely unbothered, like Minjeong had never been a part of her life at all.
It was ridiculous.
Jimin had been nothing but a nuisance, and now that she was gone, things should be better.
Minjeong should be happier.
But instead, she just felt... hollow.
She tried to push the feeling away, but it followed her everywhere—through the halls, in the library, in every little moment where she caught herself waiting for something that wasn’t coming anymore.
It wasn’t until she saw Jimin laughing with some girl near the lockers that Minjeong felt the sharp sting of something she couldn’t quite name.
Jimin looked happy.
Like she didn’t care at all.
And maybe—just maybe—Minjeong had made a mistake.
---
Silence was something Minjeong had always craved.
She had spent so much of her time wishing for peace, for a moment without Jimin hovering around her, without her endless teasing, without her frustratingly smug grin that made Minjeong want to scream.
Now, she finally had it.
And it was suffocating.
Minjeong sat in the library, staring at the open book in front of her. The words blurred together, unreadable, her mind somewhere else entirely. It had been nearly two weeks since Jimin had stopped talking to her, and in that time, Minjeong had learned something she wasn’t ready to admit.
She had gotten used to Jimin.
Used to her presence.
Used to the way Jimin always greeted her with an annoying nickname, how she always had something stupid to say just to get a reaction.
Used to the way Jimin’s eyes crinkled when she laughed.
Used to the warmth she unknowingly brought into Minjeong’s otherwise dull days.
And now, without her, everything felt... cold.
Minjeong clenched her jaw, flipping a page in her book despite not reading a single sentence.
She shouldn’t care.
She shouldn’t.
This was what she wanted.
Wasn’t it?
Days passed, and the distance between them remained.
Minjeong saw Jimin, of course—how could she not? Jimin was still popular, still surrounded by friends, still effortlessly charming to anyone and everyone except Minjeong.
But now, Minjeong was no longer on the receiving end of her attention.
And it drove her insane.
Jimin was... different.
Or maybe Minjeong was just seeing her clearly for the first time.
She wasn’t just the troublemaker Minjeong had always dismissed her as.
Jimin was smart, her academic results were actually impressive. She was well-liked by both students and teachers, charismatic in a way that seemed effortless.
But more than that—Jimin was kind.
Minjeong noticed it in the way she helped a struggling junior carry their books, in the way she casually lent her notes to a classmate who had been sick, in the way she always seemed to be looking out for people.
Everyone except Minjeong.
Because Minjeong had made it clear that she wanted Jimin out of her life.
And Jimin had listened.
Minjeong should be happy about that.
So why did it feel like something was tearing her apart from the inside?
It wasn’t until a particularly bad day that everything came crashing down.
Minjeong had been running on little sleep, drowning in council work, exhausted to the point of frustration.
She had barely eaten, barely spoken to anyone, her patience running dangerously thin.
And then, as she walked down the hallway, she saw Jimin.
Standing by her locker.
Leaning slightly against the wall, laughing softly at something another girl had said.
Minjeong’s stomach twisted.
She didn’t know why she stopped walking.
Didn’t know why she stood there, frozen, unable to tear her eyes away.
Jimin looked... happy.
Like nothing had changed.
Like she hadn’t spent years teasing Minjeong, annoying her, inserting herself into her life at every possible opportunity.
Like Minjeong’s words hadn’t hurt her at all.
Minjeong swallowed hard, her chest tightening.
She had wanted Jimin to stop.
She had wanted her to leave her alone.
So why did it feel like she was the one who had been left behind?
Why did it feel like Jimin had taken something important with her when she walked away?
Before she could stop herself, Minjeong turned and walked in the opposite direction, ignoring the strange, stinging sensation in her chest.
Ignoring the way her vision blurred just slightly.
Ignoring the ache that she refused to name.
---
Minjeong had never been one to let emotions get the better of her.
She was always composed, always rational, always in control.
But Jimin had a way of unraveling her—always had, always would.
And now, after weeks of unbearable silence, Minjeong finally snapped.
She had spent too many nights tossing and turning, too many days distracted by the emptiness Jimin had left behind. She hated how much she noticed her absence, how much she missed her.
She hated that she had been the one to push Jimin away.
And she hated how easy it seemed for Jimin to move on without her.
So Minjeong did something reckless.
She marched across campus, searching for Jimin with a single-minded determination that surprised even herself.
She found her near the basketball court, casually leaning against a bench, chatting with some of her friends.
Minjeong barely stopped to think before she stormed up to her.
"Jimin."
Jimin’s head lifted at the sound of her name.
Minjeong expected to see that usual teasing smirk, expected some kind of smug remark about how much she missed her.
But Jimin only looked at her with polite indifference.
And for some reason, that hurt more than any smirk ever could.
"Minjeong," Jimin greeted, voice even.
She didn’t say anything else.
Didn’t tease.
Didn’t acknowledge the fact that Minjeong had all but hunted her down in the middle of the day.
It threw her off completely.
Minjeong swallowed, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "Can we talk?"
Jimin tilted her head slightly, as if debating whether she wanted to entertain this conversation.
Then, with a small shrug, she pushed off the bench. "Sure."
She followed Minjeong without question, without hesitation, without anything.
And Minjeong hated that too.
They ended up in an empty classroom.
The second the door shut behind them, Minjeong turned to face Jimin, her heart pounding.
"So, this is how it’s going to be?" she blurted out, her voice sharper than she intended. "You’re just going to pretend like I don’t exist?"
Jimin raised a brow. "Isn’t that what you wanted?"
Minjeong flinched.
Jimin let out a humorless chuckle, crossing her arms. "I mean, I’m just following orders. You said you wanted me out of your life. You said I was the biggest problem in it." She tilted her head. "So I fixed the problem."
Minjeong’s throat tightened. "Jimin—"
"I don’t get it, Minjeong." Jimin’s voice was quiet, but there was something raw underneath. "You hated me bothering you. You hated me teasing you. So I stopped."
Minjeong clenched her jaw. "I never wanted—"
"You never wanted what?" Jimin cut in, frustration creeping into her tone. "You never wanted me to listen to you? You never wanted me to actually leave you alone?"
Minjeong opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Because, deep down, she didn’t know what she wanted anymore.
All she knew was that this silence between them hurt far more than any teasing ever did.
Jimin let out a breath, rubbing a hand over her face. "You don’t get to be mad at me for doing what you asked, Minjeong."
Minjeong’s chest ached.
Her nails dug into her palms.
She was so bad at this—so bad at talking about feelings, at being vulnerable, at admitting that she had made a mistake.
But if she didn’t say something now, she might lose Jimin forever.
And the thought of that was unbearable.
So she took a deep breath and forced herself to speak.
"I was wrong."
Jimin blinked.
Minjeong swallowed hard, looking anywhere but at her. "I—What I said that day… I didn’t mean it like that."
Jimin’s expression didn’t change. "Then how did you mean it?"
Minjeong exhaled sharply, frustrated at herself. "I was overwhelmed. I was tired. And yes, you do annoy me, Jimin, but—" She hesitated, her voice dropping. "But not in the way I made it sound."
Jimin frowned slightly. "Then in what way?"
Minjeong hesitated.
She hated this—hated feeling exposed, hated putting her feelings into words.
But she had no other choice.
"You get under my skin," she admitted quietly. "You always have. I got so used to you always being there, always teasing me, always making my life just a little bit more chaotic." She swallowed hard. "And when you stopped… it felt worse."
Jimin’s gaze softened, but she didn’t say anything.
Minjeong bit her lip, frustrated. "I just—" She sighed. "I didn’t realize how much I’d miss you until you were gone."
Silence stretched between them.
Minjeong shifted uncomfortably.
Then, after what felt like forever, Jimin let out a small chuckle.
Minjeong frowned. "What’s so funny?"
Jimin shook her head, a real smile tugging at her lips. "I just spent weeks thinking you hated me, and now you’re here saying you missed me?"
Minjeong’s face burned. "Shut up."
Jimin grinned. "See? This is why I tease you. You’re cute when you’re flustered."
Minjeong groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I hate you."
Jimin chuckled. "You just said you missed me."
Minjeong huffed. "I take it back."
Jimin only smiled wider, her eyes twinkling.
And for the first time in weeks, Minjeong felt like she could breathe again.
It wasn’t long before they fell back into their usual rhythm—except now, there was something different.
The teasing was still there, but it was softer.
The silence was gone, replaced with something warm, something comforting.
Jimin still stole Minjeong’s pens.
Still called her annoying nicknames.
Still lingered around her like she was the most interesting thing in the world.
But now, Minjeong let her.
Because now, she understood.
Jimin never teased her to be mean.
She did it because she cared.
Because she liked being around her.
And maybe—just maybe—Minjeong liked it too.
Which was how, a week later, she found herself standing in front of Jimin, awkwardly holding out a piece of paper.
Jimin raised a brow. "What’s this?"
Minjeong averted her gaze. "A date."
Jimin blinked.
Minjeong groaned, shoving the paper into her hands. "It’s a place. For dinner. With me."
Jimin’s eyes widened slightly. "You’re… asking me out?"
Minjeong crossed her arms, glaring. "Don’t make it weird."
Jimin stared at her for a moment. Then, slowly, a grin spread across her face.
"You like me," she said smugly.
Minjeong’s face turned red. "Shut up."
Jimin laughed.
And just like that, things fell into place.
---
Jimin stood outside the café, her heart racing with excitement. It had been three days since Minjeong had given her that slip of paper, and every second since then had felt like an eternity. She couldn’t help but wonder what this would be like, what their first official date would feel like.
Her hands were slightly clammy as she adjusted her jacket, pulling it tighter around herself. The autumn air was crisp, and the golden glow of the sunset made everything feel like it was bathed in warmth despite the coolness. She glanced down at her watch—7:05 p.m. Minjeong was late.
Jimin sighed and leaned back against the café window, shifting on her feet. It was just dinner, right? She didn’t need to be nervous. But the truth was, she was.
Not because of the food, or the setting, or anything typical of a first date. But because it was Minjeong.
The thought of spending an evening with her, without the usual teasing, without the tension that had always existed between them, was a little terrifying. But also... incredibly exciting.
She rubbed the back of her neck and turned her head to look down the street, her thoughts wandering.
Jimin had always been the confident one, the one who teased and flirted without second thoughts, the one who had all the right words. But now? Now, she felt a little out of her element. Minjeong was the one person who had always had the power to make her lose her words, to make her feel vulnerable and exposed in ways no one else could.
"Jimin!"
Jimin snapped out of her thoughts, her gaze immediately snapping to the voice calling her name. She straightened up, a smile tugging at her lips.
There she was.
Minjeong.
She was walking toward her, dressed in a beautiful, simple black dress, her hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders. Jimin’s heart skipped a beat. She looked stunning.
"Hey," Minjeong greeted, stopping just in front of Jimin. She gave a soft smile but still looked slightly nervous. "Sorry I’m late."
Jimin chuckled, trying to hide how badly her heart was racing. "It’s okay. I was getting worried you weren’t going to show."
Minjeong rolled her eyes but smiled. "Of course I’m going to show up. I’m not going to ditch you on our first date."
Jimin’s grin widened. "I’m just glad you’re here."
There was a brief pause as they stood there, taking each other in. Jimin couldn’t help but notice how everything around them seemed to fade away. It was just them—just the two of them, standing on the sidewalk together.
"You look beautiful," Jimin said softly, her voice sincere.
Minjeong’s cheeks flushed slightly. She looked away quickly, her smile turning shy. "Thanks. You look good too."
Jimin felt a surge of warmth at her words, and her smile softened as she reached out to take Minjeong’s hand.
The touch was light, but it sent an undeniable spark through her.
"Shall we?" Jimin asked, gesturing to the door of the café.
Minjeong nodded. "Let’s go."
They walked inside together, the low murmur of conversation and the soft clinking of glasses filling the air. The place was cozy, with dim lighting that gave it an intimate feel. There was a quiet hum of soft jazz playing in the background, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafted through the air.
The waiter led them to a table by the window, the perfect spot with a clear view of the city’s lights outside. Jimin pulled out Minjeong’s chair for her, and she smiled up at Jimin, her gaze soft and appreciative.
"Thank you," she said as she sat down.
Jimin sat across from her, her hands resting on the table. The silence between them was comfortable—nothing awkward, just the two of them sitting there, their eyes occasionally meeting, both of them still unsure of what to say.
"I’m glad we’re doing this," Minjeong said, breaking the silence. "It feels... different."
Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
Minjeong hesitated, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "I don’t know. Just... being with you like this. It’s nice."
Jimin smiled warmly, leaning back in her chair. "Yeah, it feels nice."
Minjeong’s gaze flickered down to the menu in front of her. "I’m starving. What’s good here?"
Jimin quickly scanned the menu before grinning. "Everything looks good, but I’m going with the lasagna. Can’t go wrong with it."
Minjeong laughed softly. "I think I’ll try that too. You’re probably right."
They both placed their orders, and the waiter left them to their own devices.
Now that the initial awkwardness had worn off, Jimin felt a little lighter. It was so easy to be with Minjeong like this, and yet, at the same time, it was like their entire relationship had shifted. She wanted to say something, something that would break the ice, but she found herself unsure of how to start.
Minjeong was the one to speak up again, her voice quieter this time. "I was thinking about that night... when I asked you out. I wasn’t sure if you’d say yes, honestly."
Jimin’s heart fluttered at the mention of the night Minjeong had given her the piece of paper with the restaurant’s name on it. It had caught her completely off guard.
"Why? You think I’d say no?" Jimin teased, her usual playful tone slipping back into her voice.
Minjeong rolled her eyes but smiled. "You’re annoying."
Jimin laughed softly, watching Minjeong’s face soften. There was something so natural about their interaction, something that felt real, like it had always been meant to happen.
"I guess I wasn’t sure if I was doing it for the right reasons," Minjeong continued, her tone thoughtful. "I was scared that I was just doing it to fix things between us, but I... I wanted to do it for us."
Jimin’s smile faded slightly, her eyes softening as she listened. She reached across the table, gently placing her hand over Minjeong’s. "You don’t need to explain, Minjeong. We’re here now. And I’m glad you asked me out."
Minjeong looked up at her, her expression tender. "I’m glad you said yes."
The waiter returned with their food, placing the steaming plates of lasagna in front of them. They both muttered a quick "thank you" before diving into their meals. The conversation flowed easily after that, with both of them sharing little anecdotes from their day-to-day lives, stories about college, about friends, about things that made them laugh.
But there was something else, something deeper in the air between them.
Every once in a while, their hands would brush, and Jimin would catch Minjeong’s gaze for a second too long. And in those moments, her heart would race, and the world outside the café would fade away, until there was just the two of them.
And for the first time, Jimin didn’t feel the need to tease. She didn’t feel the need to say anything to get a reaction out of Minjeong. All she wanted to do was be present.
"Are you always this serious on dates?" Minjeong asked, her voice teasing, breaking the moment.
Jimin blinked, a grin pulling at the corners of her mouth. "Excuse me? I’m never serious."
Minjeong raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a playful smile. "Right. You’re just too much fun."
Jimin laughed, reaching for her glass of water. "You’re one to talk."
The two of them fell into easy banter, but this time, there was no pretense. There was nothing forced about it. It was real.
As they finished their meal and the waiter cleared their plates, Jimin leaned back in her chair and looked across the table at Minjeong, her gaze warm.
"You know," she began, her voice a little softer, "this is nice. I like this."
Minjeong met her gaze, her expression almost unreadable for a second, before she smiled. "Me too."
Jimin’s heart fluttered. It was so simple, so small, but it meant everything.
Minjeong reached for her bag, but Jimin stopped her.
"Let me pay," she said, her voice confident but gentle.
Minjeong raised her eyebrows. "I invited you out."
Jimin smirked. "Well, I’m still paying. It’s part of the deal."
Minjeong chuckled, clearly amused. "You’re impossible."
But she didn’t protest, and Jimin was happy to pick up the check.
As they walked out of the café and into the crisp evening air, Minjeong turned to Jimin, her smile shy but genuine. "I’m glad we did this."
Jimin grinned, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. "Me too."
---
As they walked out of the café, the cool evening air kissed their faces, and Jimin couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. The city had a calming energy, a rhythm that felt in sync with her heartbeat. Minjeong was walking beside her, a gentle smile still playing on her lips as she glanced over at Jimin from time to time.
The streets were quieter now, with only a few pedestrians walking here and there, the dim streetlights casting a golden glow over everything. The rustling of the leaves from the trees above added a natural melody to the calmness of the night. For a brief moment, Jimin felt like she could stand there forever, beside Minjeong, in this peaceful bubble they had created together.
The silence was comfortable between them, no longer strained like it used to be. There was no tension in the air, no awkwardness. It was just them, both of them finally free to enjoy each other's company without the weight of past misunderstandings.
Minjeong suddenly spoke, her voice quiet but steady. “Jimin, I’ve been thinking about something all night.”
Jimin tilted her head, her gaze landing on Minjeong as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “What’s that?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Minjeong hesitated for a moment before continuing, her eyes meeting Jimin’s with an intensity that made Jimin’s stomach flip. “I know we’ve been through a lot. And I’m not the easiest person to understand… but I want to make this work. I want to make us work.”
Jimin’s heart skipped a beat at the words. She had always known that Minjeong was the type to keep things close to her chest, never fully revealing her thoughts unless she felt certain about something. Hearing Minjeong speak like this, so openly, made Jimin feel a warmth flood her chest. It was more than just a declaration—it was a promise, an unspoken understanding between them.
“I know,” Jimin said softly, her voice sincere. “I’ve been thinking about that too. We’ve been… complicated for so long, and I don’t want to be complicated anymore. I just want to be with you, Minjeong. No more games, no more teasing. Just us.”
Minjeong’s expression softened, and she took a deep breath, almost as though she were holding back her emotions. “You’re really serious about this, huh?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jimin nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she reached out and gently took Minjeong’s hand. “More serious than I’ve ever been about anything. I don’t want to miss out on this chance. On you.”
Minjeong’s hand tightened around hers in response, her fingers interlacing with Jimin’s. The touch was small, simple, yet it carried more meaning than anything they had ever shared.
The two of them walked in comfortable silence for a few more moments, both lost in their thoughts but content to be in each other's presence. They passed through the park near the café, and the soft sounds of the city began to fade as the quiet of the park enveloped them.
Minjeong stopped walking and turned to face Jimin. “You know, this is the first time I’ve actually felt... normal. Like I’m not just going through the motions.” Her gaze was steady, her expression honest. “I don’t want to go back to how things were. I don’t want to keep pretending that everything’s fine when it’s not.”
Jimin’s heart ached at her words, knowing how much effort Minjeong had put into keeping her emotions guarded. She stepped closer, her voice low and comforting. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Minjeong. You never have to pretend. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Minjeong’s lips curved into a small, grateful smile as she looked down at their intertwined hands. “Thank you, Jimin. That means more to me than you know.”
Jimin squeezed her hand gently. “I meant it.”
They continued walking through the park, their steps light and unhurried. The air felt warmer now, as if the connection between them was a shield against the cool breeze. Jimin noticed how Minjeong’s shoulders seemed to relax with every step, the tension that had always surrounded her beginning to melt away.
Eventually, they reached a small bench overlooking a fountain, the soft splash of water filling the air with tranquility. Minjeong sat down first, and Jimin followed, sitting beside her.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke. They simply watched the water, listening to the soothing sound as it danced over the rocks. It was peaceful, almost like a dream. Jimin’s mind wandered back to their earlier conversation, to the promise Minjeong had made, and her own unspoken vow to make this work—no matter what it took.
“I never really understood how much you meant to me,” Jimin said suddenly, her voice so quiet that Minjeong almost didn’t hear her.
Minjeong turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting Jimin’s with curiosity. “What do you mean?”
Jimin smiled softly, her gaze drifting down to their hands once more. “Before, I used to tease you, push your buttons, and act like I didn’t care. But the truth is, I was just afraid. Afraid that if I let you in completely, I’d lose myself. But now… now I realize that I’ve never felt more myself than when I’m with you.”
Minjeong’s eyes softened, and she leaned her head against Jimin’s shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve always been so strong, Jimin. It’s one of the things I admire about you.”
Jimin chuckled softly, leaning her head against Minjeong’s in return. “I’m not always strong, you know.”
“You are to me,” Minjeong replied simply.
Jimin’s heart swelled at her words, and she couldn’t help but wrap her arm around Minjeong’s shoulders, pulling her closer. “I never want to be anything but that to you.”
Minjeong didn’t answer, but her silence spoke volumes. She shifted slightly, leaning into Jimin more comfortably, and Jimin felt a surge of warmth flood her chest. In this moment, everything felt right.
The night seemed to stretch out before them, full of promise, full of potential. For the first time in a long time, Jimin felt like she had everything she needed right here beside her.
“I’m glad we’re doing this,” Minjeong said after a long silence. “I’ve always wanted to go on a date like this with you. Not with all the games and teasing, but just us. No walls.”
Jimin’s fingers traced the side of Minjeong’s arm gently. “Same here. Just us. No more pretending.”
Minjeong’s lips curved into a smile, and for the first time, Jimin felt like the walls between them had completely dissolved. There were no more barriers. No more misunderstandings. Just two people, finally being honest with each other.
Jimin leaned in closer, her voice low but sincere. “You’ve got all of me, Minjeong. Always have.”
Minjeong turned her head to look at her, her eyes shining with something soft and tender. “And you have me.”
The moment seemed to stretch on forever, filled with the quiet understanding between them. It was like nothing else mattered—just the two of them, in this beautiful, imperfect world they had created together.
For the first time, Jimin truly felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be. And for the first time, Minjeong felt like she had found a place where she didn’t have to hide.
They didn’t need words to say it, because everything they felt was right there, in the silence between them, in the way their hearts beat in sync.
---
Three years had passed since that pivotal night. The journey that Jimin and Minjeong had started together—one filled with uncertainties, misunderstandings, and untold feelings—had evolved into something more beautiful than either of them had ever expected. Looking back, the teasing, the distance, and the emotional walls they had once built around themselves seemed so far removed from the couple they had become.
They had moved on from the awkwardness and pain, transforming their love into something solid, dependable, and real. They were no longer two people running away from their feelings but two souls who had embraced what had always been there, just waiting to be discovered.
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when Jimin sat at their favorite café, tracing the rim of her coffee cup absentmindedly. The world around her was alive, bustling with people chatting and laughing, but Jimin's focus was entirely on the thought of Minjeong.
She checked her phone, and there it was—another text from Minjeong.
“Where are you, baby? I'm done with my shift and can't wait to see you.”
Jimin smiled softly, the warmth in her chest growing. Even after everything, those words still made her feel special, like the world stopped for just a second when Minjeong spoke to her.
“I’m at our spot. Come on over when you’re free.”
Moments later, Jimin saw Minjeong walking toward her from across the street. The way she walked—graceful, confident, her dark hair flowing in the soft breeze—was enough to stop time for Jimin. The soft sway of her hips was a melody Jimin never grew tired of watching.
Minjeong’s gaze locked with hers, and in that instant, all Jimin could see was Minjeong’s bright smile. It had been a long time since the first day Minjeong had smiled at her, but that smile still had the same effect on her as it always had.
“You’ve been waiting long?” Minjeong asked with a playful smirk as she approached, her voice light and teasing.
Jimin shook her head, standing up to greet her, pulling Minjeong into a warm, tight embrace. “Not long enough. You always make everything better when you’re here.”
Minjeong’s arms wrapped around Jimin’s waist, holding her close. “I swear, you get more charming every day. And now I see why you insist on hanging out here all the time.”
Jimin chuckled, breathing in Minjeong’s scent—the perfume she always wore that was soft yet striking, just like her. The air around them felt safe, like no matter what happened in the world outside, they had this moment, this place, and this love.
“I guess I just like having you close,” Jimin said, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.
Minjeong grinned, pulling back just enough to look into Jimin’s eyes. “You know, you say that, but I think you’re a little obsessed with me.”
Jimin leaned in, her lips brushing against Minjeong’s ear. “If being obsessed with you means getting to hold you like this, then yeah, I’m totally guilty.”
Minjeong’s laugh was a soft melody, and Jimin couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the sound. But before Minjeong could say anything else, Jimin pulled back and took her hand, leading her toward a nearby bench under a tree. They’d spent hours here, talking about everything and nothing, and Jimin was eager for another round of conversation with her.
As they sat down, Jimin glanced over at Minjeong, who was already looking at her with that quiet affection that always made Jimin’s heart race.
Minjeong reached out, taking Jimin’s hand in hers, intertwining their fingers. “You know, I was thinking about us today,” she said, her tone more serious now.
Jimin turned to her, her thumb gently brushing the back of Minjeong’s hand. “What about us?”
Minjeong smiled faintly, her gaze never leaving Jimin’s face. “How far we’ve come. I never thought we’d be here. I mean, I never thought I’d be here with you.”
Jimin raised an eyebrow, amused by the shift in conversation. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean,” Minjeong started, her fingers still toying with Jimin’s, “you were always so annoying, teasing me all the time. I hated it. I thought you were a huge problem in my life.”
Jimin’s heart skipped a beat. It stung to hear Minjeong’s words, but she knew they were the truth. She’d been reckless with Minjeong’s feelings. But she was different now. They were different now.
“And I,” Minjeong continued, “I didn’t know what to do with myself. I never thought I could let anyone in. But somehow, you made me let go of that fear.”
Jimin’s lips curled into a smile, her chest swelling with pride and warmth. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like a problem. I just... didn’t know how to tell you how I felt. I didn’t think someone like you could ever feel the same way.”
Minjeong’s eyes softened as she leaned closer to Jimin, her breath soft against her ear. “I feel the same way about you now, though. I know I was hard on you, but it was never about hating you. It was about not knowing how to love you.”
Jimin’s heart fluttered at her words. “I’m just glad we’ve figured it out.”
As the afternoon passed, they continued to chat, laugh, and share stories. Time seemed to stretch, but neither of them minded. Being with each other was all that mattered.
---
Later that week, Jimin found herself waiting outside Minjeong’s class. She had promised to meet her after her lecture, and Jimin didn’t want to keep her waiting. So she stood there, hands in her pockets, eyes scanning the campus around her, but her mind was focused on one thing: Minjeong.
The class bell finally rang, and students began pouring out of the building. Jimin’s gaze immediately locked onto Minjeong, who was walking toward her, her eyes scanning the crowd. As soon as Minjeong spotted her, her expression lit up. It was like the world shifted in that moment, and Jimin couldn’t look away.
Without hesitation, Minjeong broke into a run, her legs moving faster as she rushed to Jimin. When she reached her, Minjeong launched herself into Jimin’s arms, wrapping her arms around her neck and burying her face against Jimin’s shoulder.
Jimin stumbled back slightly from the sudden force but quickly steadied herself, wrapping her arms around Minjeong, holding her close. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
Minjeong chuckled softly, her voice muffled against Jimin’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered. “Sorry, I know I’m being clingy, but I can’t help it. You’re always so busy, and I just... I just want you.”
Jimin’s heart melted at her words. She squeezed Minjeong tighter. “I’ve missed you too. More than I can say.”
Minjeong pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting Jimin’s, her fingers brushing a lock of hair from Jimin’s face. “I love you, Jimin.”
Jimin’s heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t the first time Minjeong had said those words, but every time she did, it felt like the first. “I love you too, more than anything.”
They stood there for a while, just holding each other. There was no rush, no pressure, just the quiet contentment of two people who had found something special in each other.
---
Time continued to pass, and with it, their love only grew stronger. Jimin and Minjeong continued to build a life together, supporting each other through every challenge and celebrating every triumph. Their days were filled with laughter, gentle teasing, and the quiet intimacy that comes from knowing someone better than anyone else in the world.
On another quiet evening, as they sat together on the couch, Jimin leaned over and kissed Minjeong’s forehead, her heart swelling with affection. “I’m so glad we’re here.”
Minjeong snuggled closer, resting her head against Jimin’s chest. “Me too. You’ve made me the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Jimin’s hand ran through Minjeong’s hair, a soft smile on her face. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll keep making each other happy.”
And they did, day by day, as the years passed, their love only growing deeper, stronger, and more unwavering than ever.
---
The End