ᵍᵒᵈᵈᵉˢˢ | ᵈᵘᵇᶜʰᵃᵉⁿᵍ

018

"You look amazing, now come on." Tzuyu whined, trying to pull me towards the pool.

Tzuyu, Nayeon, and I went to the shop and bought me a bikini set.

Actually, they decided on the set and bought it for me, and I had no choice.

"Guys, I don't know." My arms covered my stomach as both girls pouted.

They both look stunning in their bikinis, so I get why they don't understand how I feel.

"Dahyun, look at me." Tzuyu started, holding my shoulders as she gazed into my eyes.

"You are absolutely gorgeous in that set. White is definitely your color. You're stunning, and nobody else is going to think otherwise."

Biting my lip, I decided to trust her. I mumbled an okay before the two were pulling me out towards the park, where the rest of the ONCE gang were hanging out.

I've never met half of these girls, but they all seem so nice and kind.

A few girls were in the pool just hanging out while a couple were having fun on the water slide.

Tzuyu and Nayeon ran off to find Sana while I stood there, trying to scope out a shady spot for me to hide for the evening.

As I was looking around, my eyes landed on Chaeyoung's.

She was standing across the pool, dressed in a blue bikini, her hair lazily strung up in a high ponytail.

How is she so beautiful no matter what she's wearing?

I could see her scanning my figure, which only made me more self conscious.

I don't want her to think badly of me now.

Turning around, I tried my damnedest to run back into the building before anyone could see me leave.

But Chae was just a little bit faster than me, halting me in my tracks by taking hold of my wrist.

As I turned around, Chae let go of my wrist, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Dahyun, you're..." She trailed off, her eyes glistening with adoration.

"I know I don't look good in this, you can say it." I spoke softly, wrapping my arms around my torso once more as I hung my head in shame.

Chae stepped forward, lifting my chin up so that I was forced to look into her eyes.

"Please don't say that. You're beautiful."

I started to open my mouth to protest, but she cut me off before I could insult myself further.

"You're beautiful, Dahyun. A goddess. There's no need to feel anything other than absolutely alluring."

Her words echoed in my mind as she smiled gently. "Would you want to go sunbathe? We don't have to be near the others if you don't want, but I'd really like to spend time with you."

I could only nod as I was still processing the words she spoke moments earlier.

Chae took my hand in hers, guiding me to an area away from everyone else but still close enough to where we could be called if needed.

Our hands were still intertwined as we lay in the grass, soaking up the sun.

My heart was pounding in my chest from anxiety and nervousness.

"Dahyun?" Chae called out, not opening her eyes or moving from her position.

"I really enjoy spending time with you. More than anything in the world."

"Really?" I questioned softly, barely above a whisper. Does she really?

Chae finally turned her head to the side, a smile tugging at her lips. "Really."

I gulped, wondering if she shared the same feelings I'd been experiencing. Or maybe I'm looking too deeply into her words.

"I enjoy spending time with you, too, Chae."

The blonde's smile erupted onto her face, her eyes shining brightly with joy. "I'm glad."

We lay there, gazing into each other's eyes, hands still laced with one another, for who knows how long.

It wasn't until Chae whispered turn over that we finally moved.

Our hands finally broke apart, which saddened me, because I was really enjoying the comfort of her hand in mine.

But as we got situated and comfortable on our stomachs, her hand once again found mine, lacing our fingers together.

I smiled gently, and as cheesy as it sounds, I swore butterflies were flying around my stomach.

Is this what love feels like?