Room 2129 (A 2yeon Fanfic)

Chapter 23: Nayeon

"Why are we going here? I thought you didn't wanna go back here."

Jeongyeon smiles, holding my hand. "Don't worry, I memorized her shift, so I know she's not coming in today," she assures, glancing behind at the counter. She's pertaining to a barista, Tzuyu, who often left sweet messages on my cup; sometimes adding a little flourish on the designs of my latte. "Besides, their coffee is still my favorite," Jeongyeon adds.

It feels like being reacquainted with the place—its wood-laden, rustic interiors and the incandescent bulbs that are made to look like they're floating throughout the café, is like a breath of fresh air.

Soon as our cups arrive, Jeongyeon gets to studying. It's a miracle that we're together now despite her preparing for her exams. Maybe this is her way of meeting in the middle.

Seeing as there's no one else to talk to, I just observe her—how her eyes shift between her book and the laptop, the way the lighting makes her now-brown hair seem like it's orange, and the little beads of light bouncing off the tip of her nose and glasses.

She glances at me. "Why? Is there something on my face?"

I shake my head and answer, "No, I'm just reminded of how beautiful you are." She scoffs at me and fiddles her thumb against the back of my hand.

"Are you flirting with me...while I'm studying?" Jeongyeon flashes her playful smile—something that I haven't seen a while. I shrug my shoulders, and she gets back to reviewing.

A loud slap comes from the far left of the café. Everyone suddenly directs their gazes to a couple—the girl glaring at a guy, the former with tears on her face, and the latter rubbing his cheek. The girl quickly gets up and storms off; the guy follows suit.

"Jagiya," I call Jeongyeon's attention. "Remember that spot?" I wave to the now-vacant table.

Jeongyeon quickly turns to where I'm pointing. "What about it?"

"That's where you told me you love me for the first time."

"Wow, you still remember that, huh?" she mutters, her eyes still glued to the page.

Of course. I remember a lof things about you. About us. But, why does it feel like I'm the only one who does? My insides are screaming these, in hopes of Jeongyeon realizing how she makes me feel lately, but I can't say them out loud—not when she's finally working towards something for herself. So instead I say, "Yeah, including our monthsaries and birthdays." I shoot her a knowing grin.

Finally, she stops reading and sighs; a wry expression on her face. "I promise I'll make it up to you next year, okay?" She huffs before picking up where she left off.

I want to believe her words, but Yeri's ring back to me: "A few more years." Can I wait that long? Will it be better? Worse? Jeongyeon, will you let me know?

"Aren't you supposed to meet Yeri?" Jeongyeon asks, now looking at me. "This is gonna take a while, and I don't want to bore you with this," she adds, waving her hand across her "diligent med student" setup.

"Ah, right. She said she's nearby." I get off my seat. "I'll just see you later. I love you."

The corner of her lips curl into a subtle smile as she writes down notes. "Yeah, you too."

As I walk away from our table, I can't help but ask: Why does it feel like we're back at the beginning? And why does it feel worse?