The Best Thing I Ever Did

Everything in between

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting warm stripes across the room floor. Outside, the city of Seoul was waking up, but inside Lisa’s apartment, the world felt smaller, safer, and entirely their own. Mina shifted slightly, finding the warmth that envelope her all night.

A slender arm crawl on her side and pull her closer until her back touch her front.

Mina smiled.

Slowly, she turn around only to be welcome by Lisa's face inches away from hers. Lisa has her eyes closed, mouth slightly open. Mina can't help, and touch Lisa's faces.

"How are you so beautiful?" She whispered. And then all came rushing, all the memories of last night.

"I love you" She finally said. Planting a soft kiss on Lisa's lip.

Mina's eyes open wide when Lisa suddenly open her eyes and instantly smile seeing Mina up close.

"Good morning" Lisa's morning voice, was low and raspy. And Mina wouldn't admit it, but it made her feel different.

And as if nothing happen, the two of them continue their half of the day on the bed. Cuddling, hugging, kissing and just laying there holding each other close as if making effort for those time that they missed.

If not because of Lisa's stomach grumbling, they wouldn't get up. Of course they ordered food from Lisa's Father restaurant.

"Hmm, I miss this" Mina said looking at the food in front of her. Lisa just smiled and continue serving her food on her plate.

“I… I think I owe you the full story,” Mina said quietly, voice still hoarse from last night. “No skipping anything.”

Lisa tilted her head, brushing a loose strand of hair from Mina’s face. “Then tell me.”

They are now sitting close on the couch, Lisa's arm drape over Mina's shoulder.

Mina swallowed and began, carefully, hesitantly at first, then more freely as the words started to flow. She spoke of the pressure, the blackmail, the sudden decisions forced upon her, the constant fear of losing the group. She told Lisa about the president, about Mingyu, about the choice she had to make between love and what she thought was responsibility. Lisa listened silently, every so often squeezing her gently, letting her know she was safe. She didn’t interrupt, didn’t ask questions, didn’t judge. She just let Mina speak, until every bottled-up confession had spilled out.

"And then…” Mina’s voice faltered slightly, a shiver running through her, “Jihyo confronted the president. She… well, I think she threatened everyone in the company? I don't know. Well, she kind of did,” Mina added with a small, almost guilty laugh. “She told him to leave me alone. And that… she would protect me. And the group.”

Lisa smiled softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Mina’s head. “I knew Jihyo would.”

“I know you didn’t know anything,” Mina continued, her voice trembling. “And I didn’t tell you before because… I was scared. I didn’t want you to hate me. I didn’t want to hurt you. But it all… it all became too much, and I just…” She exhaled, letting the words trail off, curling a little closer into Lisa’s warmth.

"You don’t need to explain yourself anymore,” Lisa whispered. “Not a single thing. I understand. I’ve always understood more than you think.”

Mina let out a shaky laugh, tears brimming in her eyes again. “I just… I wanted to come back to you. I didn’t know how. And I was terrified you wouldn’t want me.”

Lisa tightened her embrace, brushing her fingers gently through Mina’s hair. “Mina… look at me.”

Mina lifted her face, meeting Lisa’s eyes. There's so much in there, patience, trust and love.