HEARTBEATS [2KIM AU]

six

"Why are you crying? I haven't said a word yet." Minju chuckled but even though she should feel festive about what Chaewon had just confess, she can't do it. She had other worries, not only if the older didn't like her back which is impossible as the feelings are mutual. She don't know how she should respond because she didn't want to hurt her. Either way, if she accepts Chaewon's confession or not, she knows that she'll still end up hurting her. She had to choose between letting her get hurt now so she could move on afterwards or she should make her happy before she could even hurt her. She hated both options, the last thing she'd want is to hurt the person she loves.

"You gave a lot of thoughts about this, right? Because you also have concerns about the outcome. Then, would you mind if I'll have a night to give a thought about what I'll respond to that?" Minju said softly as she pats Chaewon's back comforting her. It's hurting her that she doesn't have an option that only have good things in it. Were the times they had on the past since young were too perfect that they'll have to face painful results of every decision they make now. Once when they were young innocent kids, they do things impulsively but they have to give every word a thought now. Is growing really a scary process? Then when they're adults, would it be more terrifying?

Without letting go of the younger's embrace, Chaewon shook her and said, "I didn't mind at all. Take all the time you need, you can choose to not respond at all, just please don't leave me." She mumbled the last part but was still heard clearly by Minju as it is close to her ear. Her heart aches hearing those words from her. She smiled sadly, letting go of the hug. Chaewon is still looking down so Minju held her cheeks and made her look up. She wiped Chaewon's tears using her thumbs as she softly looked at her in the eyes and smiled. "Why would I ever leave you? I can't do that, you're very dear to me."

A curve was formed on the corner of Chaewon's lips then she leaned forward to rest her head on latter's shoulder. Minju held her comfortably, no thoughts in her head as she stared at fountain that is in the middle of the park. She remembered her wish on the fountain few years ago. "I hope we'll stay together forever." Wishes are meant to be granted when they remained untold, right? She only needs that wish to come true. She have nothing more to wish. That's the same wish she thinks of before she blows her birthday candles every year. Her willingness and persistence would make the wish come true, she hopes. That would be the same wish she'll recite in her head on her future birthdays after all.

It's nearly dark when they decided to stand up and walk their way home. As they walk, it was quiet. No bickering or debates between the two, only the cars that pass by the road can be heard. Nonetheless they didn't feel awkward about it, there's no heavy air surrounding them. Minju reached for Chaewon's hand and they held hands as they walk. They rode the bus and again walked when it reached their neighborhood. Minju's chuckle broke the silence between them, Chaewon looked at her. "I remember that one time when you fell down while running during the relay in school. You fell hard that time and even got your knees bruised and had scratch but not a single tear formed in your eyes."

Chaewon's ears went red as she knew exactly where it is going. She let go of Minju's hand and crossed her arms, furrowing her eyebrows as she glared at Minju. "Yah! Don't even use this as something to tease me about!" Like the usual furious cub she is, she is whining with her lips pouted like a duck as Minju teased her about how she cried a while ago after confessing. Minju was laughing, feeling the success on getting the usual Chaewon before they reach each other's houses. "How about you? You cry even on small things ever since we are young until now." Chaewon retorted, not giving up on the younger's tease. Minju was laughing even though she knows that she's embarrassed inside as well.

"You're there to buy me ice cream anyway when I'm crying."

"So you only want the ice cream when you cry? Okay, I won't buy you one next time."

"Unnie~!"

They laughed feeling the much better mood, they're both happy just being with each other's side and they know it. Spending all the years since their existence together until now that in a few years they will reach their 20's, seems to be not enough. All those years didn't tire them or got enough of each other's presence, rather they felt that they want to spend more time together, even a lifetime wouldn't be enough for them. One thing they're certain is that they're happy even if it's only the two of them.

"My heart beats only for you."
"My heart beats only for you."

They both said in their head as they met each other's eyes while laughing. They won't know how the world can be cruel in the middle of the perfect time. Soon, they reached Chaewon's house, Minju's is still few blocks away so Chaewon had to go first. Like their usual routine, they hugged each other. Today was a little different though, the hug was a bit longer and they didn't realize, thoughts are again ruling their head. They can't seem to escape the concerns they have. They usually don't have this much thoughts bothering them before. They only smile, they tease each other, they take a good care of one another. Why they didn't foresee that growing up can be this hard and scary? Was it because their life was all rainbow? Now they have to face the rain they didn't see before.

Minju pulled back first and smiled to the older. "Don't give so much thought about it. You don't have to worry, nothing will change, I'll always be here. We don't have school works so just relax, okay? Have a lovely night, unnie."

"You too, don't feel too pressured about your response. Just say how you feel without any burden. I would accept it no matter what. You'll always be there anyway, that's what matters to me. Good night!" Chaewon waved at her as she waved back and nod to the older. After Minju passed by a block away from her house, Chaewon went in. Minju looked back and once again smiled.

'I'll always choose to stay with you. Until the final beat of my heart, it will call for your name.'

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Author's Note:
I was supposed to post chapter five last night but internet connection isn't going well here. Thankfully it got fixed today. Thank you for reading! Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Happy Chaewon Day!