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21

"Seriously, stop following me," Tzuyu said, whirling around, irritation lacing her voice.

Sana just stared, her expression unreadable. Tzuyu scoffed, continuing her walk until she reached the end of the block.  She turned back, her voice sharper. "Give it up, will you?"

"I should be asking you that, Tzuyu.  You're impossible," Sana retorted, her tone cold, the usual playfulness gone.

Tzuyu rolled her eyes. "Whatever."  She started walking again.

But Sana was like a shadow, relentlessly following.

"I swear—" Tzuyu spun around, her patience finally snapping.  She huffed, her gaze locking with Sana's.

"Let me love you, Tzuyu," Sana said, her voice surprisingly serious, the usual teasing gone.  Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotion.

Before Tzuyu could reply, Sana continued, her tone urgent. "I can treat you better.  I can be a better girlfriend."  The unspoken challenge hung between them, thick with tension.

Tzuyu was speechless.  This intense, serious Sana was completely unexpected.

"Unnie… Dahyun likes you, just—" Tzuyu tried to reason, but Sana cut her off.

"Why do you keep pushing me towards her when it's you I want?!" Sana's voice cracked, the carefully constructed façade crumbling. Tears welled up. "You know I like you, and I'm not exactly hiding it!" She clenched her fists, avoiding Tzuyu's gaze.

Tzuyu watched, a mix of pity and something else… maybe understanding… swirling within her.

"Unnie… just leave me alone tonight," Tzuyu pleaded softly.

"Fine," Sana said, her voice tight.  Tzuyu thought it was over.  But before she could breathe, Sana added, "Tonight. But I'm not giving up. I'll keep going until you forget about Chaeyoung and see me."  Her words were a declaration of war, fierce and unwavering.

Tzuyu closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.  Just as she was about to exhale, she felt Sana's lips on hers.

The kiss was brief, unexpected, over before Tzuyu could react.

"Goodnight. See you tomorrow," Sana whispered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Sana vanished, hailing a cab. Tzuyu stood frozen, touching her lips.  After a long moment, the shock hit.

"What… the heck?" she mumbled, covering her face. "My first kiss…" she mumbled, feeling both bewildered and strangely… not entirely displeased.

Someone watched from afar.

 

Nayeon and Jihyo were rehearsing when the door flew open, echoing through the music room.  They jumped, turning to see Dahyun, her face red with anger.

"Dah—" Nayeon started, but Dahyun stormed into her songwriting corner, slamming the door.

Nayeon and Jihyo exchanged worried looks. They'd never seen Dahyun this angry.

Peeking through the small window, they saw Dahyun's furious destruction.  She ripped up every piece of paper, her rage palpable.  Tears streamed down her face, her silent sobs barely audible over the sound of tearing paper.  She collapsed onto the floor, surrounded by the remnants of her work.  She punched the floor, biting her lip to stifle her sobs.

Nayeon tried the doorknob, but it was locked. Jihyo shook her head, stopping her.  There was nothing they could do right now.  They'd give Dahyun some space.

Dahyun kneeling down the floor where the papers were scattered. She cried punching the floor. Dahyun could only bite her lower lip refraining to let out a sound. 

____________

Mina woke up in the middle of the night, she was feeling the need of going to the bathroom. 

She stood up and went down to her business. 

After she went out she heard a sound of music in the kitchen. 

Tiptoeing her way to the kitchen she saw Chaeyoung who was drinking water. 

"I thought you'll be in the hospital" Mina suddenly uttered making Chaeyoung flinch. 

"Oh my God, Mina Unnie I almost died" Chaeyoung put her cup down as she held her chest. 

Mina let out a laugh "Sorry, I was just curious who was playing music in the kitchen in the middle of the night." 

"Oh sorry, did I wake you up?" Chaeyoung hurriedly went to her phone that was sitting on the table. 

"Oh no, don't turn it off, I want to listen too, and No you didn't woke me up, I woke up because I feel like needing to pee." 

 "oh okay" Chaeyoung smiled. 

Mina walk towards the cupboard to get a cup and water. 

"So you didn't stayed at the hospital?" Mina asked as she drink her cup. 

"Nah, Mom's there so..." 

"Oh okay, so why weren't you sleeping yet?" 

"I... Nothing, I just can't sleep" Half true half not, Chaeyoung really can't sleep, she was worried of Tzuyu, she's afraid she might lose her friend.

Mina nodded, as she was about to step out of the kitchen, the music on Chaeyoung's phone changed. 

Mina's ears automatically perks up from the familiar tune. 

"Oh my God, It's really this song, Wahh so nostalgic" She uttered in an excited manner, flapping her arms like a penguin she is. 

"What? Why?" 

"I used to dance with this song on our prom when I was in high school" Mina stood in her form as she listened to the song, dancing and swaying her body. 

Chaeyoung suddenly opened her phone, Mina thought she'd turn it off to tease her, but instead, Chaeyoung replayed the song. 

Chaeyoung placed her phone down again and stepped close to Mina. 

"Can I have this dance?" Chaeyoung offered her hand to Mina who was eyeing on her. 

Mina clearly wasn't expecting it. 
She was feeling a burst of butterflies inside her stomach. 

"Can I? Ms. Myoui Mina?" Chaeyoung playfully ask for Mina's hand. 

Mina also laughed at this as she placed her hand to Chaeyoung's hand. 

"With pleasure, Ms. Son" 

And by that, Chaeyoung placed Mina's other hand to her shoulder as she swiftly placed her other hand to Mina's waist. 

Wise men says~
Only fools rush in~

Chaeyoung continued to sway Mina in her arms. 
The both of them were dancing in a dim-lighted kitchen with only the refrigerator light used as their spot light. 

But I can't help, falling inlove with you. 
Shall I stay? 
Would it be a sin? 
If I can't help, falling inlove with you. ~

Chaeyoung tip-toed as she made Mina turn, the both of them giggled as they continued to dance inside Chaeyoung's small kitchen. 

Like a river flows, surely to the sea
Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be~

No conversations, just giggles, smiles, as they sway around dancing in the refrigerator light. 

They locked eyes, as they smile into each others gaze. 

Chaeyoung suddenly let go of Mina as she stepped back a little. 

Chaeyoung giggled as she sees Mina's confused face. 

Chaeyoung surprised Mina by singing along with the song as she gave her hand again to Mina. 

"Take my hand~ Take my whole life too" 

Mina stepped closer to Chaeyoung holding Chaeyoung's hand. 

Mina placed both of Chaeyoung's hands around her waist, as she wrapped hers to Chaeyoung's Shoulders. This time it was Mina who continued with the song. 
"For I can't help falling in love with you~" 

"I can't help falling in love with you~" Chaeyoung sang the last line as she continued to stare into Mina's eyes.