What are we?

33

The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the football field.

Mina watched Jeongyeon's lithe form, her ponytail whipping back and forth as she dodged and weaved through the opposing team. A gentle breeze carried the sounds of laughter and cheering from the bleachers, but Mina's focus was solely on Jeongyeon.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and the faint aroma of sweat. Mina shivered, not from the cold, but from the thrill of watching Jeongyeon in action. She knew that the football player was pushing herself to the limit, and a part of her was terrified that she might get hurt. But she also knew that Jeongyeon wouldn't have it any other way.

The final whistle blew, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Jeongyeon walked off the field, her face flushed and her breath coming in ragged gasps. She spotted Mina in the stands and waved, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

Mina's heart pounded like a drum as Jeongyeon approached her, the football player's aura radiating with an intoxicating blend of confidence and vulnerability. The sight of her, her hair in a messy bun, her cheeks flushed with exertion, sent a thrill through Mina.

"You were incredible," Mina whispered, her voice barely audible over the cheers of the crowd. She took Jeongyeon's hand, her fingers intertwining with the athlete's.

Jeongyeon ducked her head, a shy blush creeping across her cheeks. "Thanks. It was a tough practice game."

Mina smiled, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You're amazing."

The football player returned the smile, her eyes lingering on Mina's face. "Thanks."

"Is the game over, or do you still have to sort some things out with the coach?" Mina asked, her gaze catching the coach's, who seemed to be watching Jeongyeon with a mix of pride and expectation.

Jeongyeon glanced at the field, following Mina's line of sight. She raised her arms as if asking for a few more seconds, then turned back to Mina. "Uh... coach and I are meeting a prospect from Taiwan at a hotel downtown. Coach is expecting her to handle the team once I graduate."

Mina's eyes widened. "Really? She must be really good."

"Oh, she is, and I'm excited to meet her," Jeongyeon replied, her voice filled with anticipation.

Mina nodded. "Well, okay then. I'll see you at home."

"Do you want me to call Appa?" Jeongyeon asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Mina chuckled. "I'm fine, it's not like this is my first time walking back home alone." She paused, a wistful look crossing her face. "You know, at times like this, I miss Jihyo." Jihyo was currently in Busan celebrating her parents' anniversary.

"Jihyo's been away for just a day, Mina. They'll be back before the week ends," Jeongyeon said, trying to lighten the mood.

Mina shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know."

Then she pulled Jeongyeon in for a tight hug, her arms wrapping around the football player's waist. Jeongyeon's body tensed slightly, but she didn't resist. The warmth of Mina's embrace was comforting, and a surge of emotion ran through her.

"Wait, I'm sweating," Jeongyeon protested, but Mina ignored her.

They stayed like that for a few more seconds, the world around them fading away. When Mina finally pulled away, Jeongyeon's heart was pounding in her chest. She couldn't even bring herself to ask what the hug had meant. All she knew was that it felt right, and she wanted to do it again.

As Mina turned to leave, Jeongyeon's eyes followed her. A wave of regret washed over her. She had the perfect opportunity to kiss Mina, to show her how she felt. But she couldn't do it, not while Nayeon's image haunted her.