someone // jiyoo

xxii

'You know what, these are officially the best cookies I've ever had in my entire life,' Minji announced, her eyes sparkling with happiness and satisfaction as she did a little happy dance on the spot. 'I really enjoyed baking them with you, Yoohyeon.'

Yoohyeon looked up, a sweet smile gracing her lips as she spoke softly, 'I really enjoyed it too.'

What Minji wouldn't give to see that smile again.

'So... you got any plans for tomorrow?' She asked, reaching for another cookie. The younger girl shook her head, earning a small 'Ah!' from Minji. 'Have you ever gone roller skating before?'

Yoohyeon tilted her head. 'A few times, I guess? Me and Bora used to race each other across the rink as kids,' she chuckled as the memory of her sister falling face first on the track replayed in her head. 'Why?'

'Well, I was doing some tidying last night and accidentally dug up my old skates,' Minji replied with a casual shrug - as if she hadn't spent the whole night searching for them - but Yoohyeon didn't need to know that. 'And so I was thinking, maybe we could go skating together!'

The younger girl hesitated. 'But I'm not that good at it,' she admitted.

'That's fine! I haven't skated ever since I started helping out in the cafe, but I reckon I still remember a thing or two. I'll teach you!' Minji clapped her hands enthusiastically. 'I mean, if you're coming.'

'I'd love to,' Yoohyeon smiled genuinely.

'Hey Minji, whatcha making?... Oh.' Their conversation was promptly interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs, and Yoohyeon's insides turned cold when she spotted Minsoo standing in the doorway. The girl's arms were crossed and she had one intrigued eyebrow raised, her eyes locked on Yoohyeon. 'Good to know that you're finally making some new friends, Minji. Now I no longer have to carry the responsibility of being your only friend.'

Minji gave her a tight smile. 'Minsoo, this is Yoohyeon,' she introduced, gesturing back and forth between them. 'Yoohyeon, meet Minsoo.'

If Minsoo was surprised to see her, she most certainly didn't show it. 'Nice to meet you, Yoohyeon,' She said in an artificially sweet tone that made her feel sick. What is she playing at?  There was a flash of something dark and unintelligible in Minsoo's eyes before she plastered on an innocent smile and draped her arm over Minji's shoulders. 'Now, me and Minji have been friends for years, haven't we? We've practically seen each other in diapers. Right, JiJi?' She looked at the older girl expectantly, who appeared slightly taken aback but still nodded nonetheless.

Yoohyeon's heart sank. She subconsciously clenched her fists, not even realising she was doing so until the cookie she was holding crumbled into pieces in her palm. She silently stuffed its remains into her mouth as she listened to Minsoo rattle on about her life story as Minji's friend. 'Well, I'll be on my way now,' Minsoo slung her bag over her shoulder and gave Minji a small wave. 'You guys have fun.'

Minji wordlessly waved back, then faced the younger girl with a smile. 'Are you up for a movie? I can make us some hot chocolate and we can-'

'Actually, I should get going as well,' Yoohyeon mumbled, reaching back to untie her apron. 'It's late.'

'Late? But it's still two in the afternoon!' Minji hovered around the younger girl while she retrieved her coat, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice. Her question hung in the air as Yoohyeon walked towards the cafe entrance, only glancing back momentarily to shoot her an apologetic smile. 'Thank you for today, Minji. I had fun.'

'I'll see you tomorrow, right?' Minji called out helplessly, but Yoohyeon was already out of earshot. The bells jingled cheerfully as the front door slammed shut.

Minji watched her go.

a/n
genuinely asking
if i published another jiyoo ff would you read it?
idk just curious since i have 3 collecting dust in my drafts rn