So, this is what a million bucks feels like. Chaeyoung's pills worked like a charm. It's as she advertised—you close your eyes, and the next thing you know is you're waking up to your alarm. I haven't slept past six hours since...the incident.
"Good morning, imo-ssi. I hope you have a good day today," I mouth as I text Mrs. Kim. Should I add a smiley? Sure, why not?
"Good morning. A smiley, huh? That's new," Mrs. Kim instantly shoots back.
"Yeah...credit it to finally getting a substantial amount of sleep."
"Lucky you," she replies. And keeps typing. "Would you like to have dinner with me later? I'll make jokbal later."
As much as I consider jokbal a cheat code for dragging me anywhere, I politely decline, citing catching up on work as the reason.
"Okay. Have a great day at work."
While it's only half-true, I do have to pick up the pace at the office. My immunity for a lackluster performance will only last me so far. Plus, I don't think I'm ready to go back to the Kim household yet—not with Dahyun's childhood pictures scattered across the living room, the meals, and memories we shared in that space. I'm sorry, imo-ssi. In time, I'll be able to visit again.
***
My two friends eye me suspiciously across the table, as if we're in an interrogation.
"I'm sorry. What?" Sana asks.
"What're you so surprised about? It's not like this is the first time I asked you to a Girls' Night Out," I reply, handing each of them a cup of iced lattes. Both of them scrutinize the caffeinated offerings, but partake in them nonetheless.
"It's just that we've been doing all the bugging lately, then suddenly..." Sana explains as she downs a third of the coffee.
"Look—it's either you're in or you're out," I demand.
Mina shrugs while sipping. "Whatever, I'm down." I shoot her a thumbs up, then turn my gaze towards Sana.
Her cheeks lift with her smile. "Come on. You always know I'm game...what did you have in mind?"
"I dunno, it could be as simple as a dinner and a movie. Let's just wing it," I answer. "By the way," I digress, looking at Mina. "...would you be okay if someone tags along tonight?"
Sana pouts. "Oh, so you're just going to ask Mi-tang? Okay..."
Mina nods, following with a serene smile. Perfect.
***
I look under the table, Chaeyoung sitting beside me with her fists clenched like she's in an important job interview.
"Excuse me," Mina says, patting her lips with the table napkin before getting up. Sana follows suit.
As soon as my friends are out of sight, Chaeyoung's figure drops with a sigh. "Ugh, be honest: I look like an idiot in front of her, don't I?"
I pinch the air in front of her and squint. "Eh, a little." She groans, rubbing her forehead.
"This is why I wanted to text her first."
"Chaengie, that's not how dating works," I say, planting my hand on her bare shoulders with two small strawberries inked on it. "If you'll give me another pack, I'll give you a huge hint to win Mi-tang over."
She shakes her head and chuckles. "God, I didn't realize our friendship has devolved into this, but...sure. Anything to mitigate this disaster." She hastily reaches in her canvas bag and slides me another blister pack of the pills.
"Thanks," I whisper, stealthily inserting them in the back of my purse.
"You seem to be liking it, huh?"
"Oh, you have no idea," I say, closing my eyes as I tilt my head up. Chaeyoung has no idea how this helps.
Chaeyoung scoffs, grabbing my wrist. "Don't get too attached to those. Dreaming's fun."
***
As soon as I dry my hair, I pop a pill and look at memes in bed. In less than five minutes, my head bobs as my eyelids droop. Fighting the urge by scrolling more proves to be fruitless as I keep dropping my phone on my face—a clear sign that I should just resort to slumber.
Somewhere in my sleep, I gain awareness of my thoughts. As in now. But all I'm seeing is nothing but a dark void—my body isn't even visible. Wait—am I in the third level? No, I already mastered it. So, where am I? Am I even dreaming? Did the pill work even? Maybe I need to up my intake.
Suddenly, a pulsating light appears on my left. It's a dim, breathing glow that appears to get bigger as I head towards it.
I know this has to be a dream; maybe my mind's just telling me it's warm. Slowly, the outline of my body forms in contrast with the infinite darkness.
"Hey," a familiar voice calls out.
YOU ARE READING
In Your Dreams (A DahMo Fanfic)
FanfictionMomo would rather dream than be in reality, for she's in total control there. No work. No droll reality. No problems. Only the snow-white girl who frequents her dreams.
