365 Days of You

Chapter 22

One step forward two steps back.

This dance they are doing around each other is consistent. Mina knows it is only a matter of time before Nayeon relapses to her old self, after all old habits die hard, but she doesn't expect that to happen in front of Nayeon's dad.

Why would she give him ammunition like that? It is hard enough having one Im hurting her constantly.

"I'm going for a walk."

She schools her features into a fake smile. Nayeon almost moves like she wants to stop her.

But she doesn't. Normally, Nayeon won't let her go alone because the paps are always circling their house like vultures.

Despite that, she knows it's best to let Mina go now. She will definitely need space after what she's just told her.

It has started with something as simple as a breakfast request. Nayeon has wanted orange juice and Mina wanted apple.

When she returns from the store, she's completely forgotten the apple juice.

"It's just the one thing I asked." Nayeon knows Mina is saying it lightly. Her tone is amused. "And you forgot that."

What Nayeon doesn't know is what triggers her to say the next few words.

It is almost as if she goes out of her way to hurt Mina because she hates how comfortable she has gotten around her.

"It's my money and I'll buy what I want."

She gives Mina a slow once over.

She has bought her too. The words don't have to be said. Mina isn't stupid. She gets the message loud and clear.

She is only a purchase. A purchase doesn't have the right to demand anything. Even something as simple as orange juice.

Nayeon's father throws a smug grin Nayeon's way. Like he is proud of her daughter when she is like this.

"I'm going for a walk."

Mina manages a smile at Nayeon.

Her pride won't let her break in front of the person who's done it.

She hears the constant clicks of camera around her.

"Mina-ssi say hi."

"Mina-ssi how are you keeping Nayeon-ssi under your thumb?"

"Did you marry her because she's rich?"

She laughs mirthelessly.

She doesn't realise a car stopping by her side. She doesn't realise Dahyun pulling her into the limo until she feels dainty arms wrapping themselves around her, comforting her, holding her.

"Sshhh. It's okay love. I'm here. "

She doesn't know when she has started crying. Dahyun rocks her gently until she calms down.

When Mina apologizes to her for ruining her shirt, Dahyun jokes about how she is going to ruin Nayeon for doing this to her.

"She didn't do anything Dahyun-chan."

The last thing she wants is to drive a wedge between two friends.

"Please don't talk to her about this."

Dahyun looks at her like she can call her bluff. But she respects Mina too much to go against her wish.

Nayeon has this beautiful human around her, why does it seem like all she's capable of doing is destroying her?

Mina isn't any other girl. She cares. She gives love freely to anyone who wants. Why does Nayeon have to break her, hurt her like this? Like she is some toy. Like she's not made of flesh and blood.

Maybe Nayeon isn't human after all.

Dahyun immediately feels guilty for thinking that. She's seen glimpses of humanity in her, but the tears in the broken girl's eyes tells her otherwise.

"I won't. But you're staying the night at mine."

Mina is too weak to argue.

She hears Dahyun call Nayeon before she goes to the room to that's been given to her.

She lets Dahyun hold her in a hug and lull her to sleep like she is a child.

When she walks back to Nayeon's house from Dahyun's car the next day, she almost feels afraid.

She is glad to find her friends and all the members in the house. They don't have to protect her, they can't always be around, but bless them for trying.

"Let's have some breakfast."

She wants to refuse Jihyo.

But she feels Nayeon's eyes on her.

She can't let the older girl know how much power her words has over her.

She joins everyone at the table. When Momo goes to fetch some juice for them from the fridge, a dozen of bottles of apple juice falls on the floor.

"Nayeon-chan, did you stack them for an army?"

Mina's eyes flicker from the bottles that lay on the floor to Nayeon.

Dark eyes look at her apologetically.

"Do you want some?"

Mina politely refuses Momo's offer, turning her gaze away from Nayeon.

She isn't going to let Nayeon think that she can undo everything by buying her things.

"You better be grateful for the stuff my girl buys you."

Mina hears a gasp which isn't her own.

"Dad."

"You're living off her money. This kind of attitude won't do."

"Dad, that's enough."

A strong fist bangs loudly on the table creating a deafening silence.

"Don't you dare speak to me like that." Nayeon's father stands, staring at her furiously.

"Then don't you dare speak to my wife like that."

If Mina isn't still recovering from the damage Nayeon has done the previous day, she would have found the intense staring competition the two Ims amusing.

She sees Nayeon's father falter slightly at how the youngest Im stands her ground.

That is probably new to him.

"Whatever, sit your disrespectful arse down."

He grumbles in a low voice.

She sees Nayeon perching herself on her seat, face still flushed from anger.

Is this an act? Mina doesn't know what is real or pretend anymore.

"Enjoy your breakfast."

Momo shoves dumpling into her mouth, breaking the tension in the room, making everyone dissolve into fits of laughter.