Stuck With You

twenty-one

Later that night, Sana was left inside the classroom with Mingyu, Taehyung, and Mark. They were finishing a task their professor had assigned.

“Congrats,” Mingyu suddenly said as they packed their things.

“You’re the only one who managed to capture the great Chou Tzuyu’s heart,” Taehyung added, noticing Sana’s confused expression.

“Ah… y-yeah,” Sana muttered, her face heating up in the comments.

“Tzuyu’s really lucky to have you,” Mark muttered, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Trying to change the subject, Sana then asked, “By the way, where’s Nancy? I didn’t see her all day.”

“She’s not feeling well,” Mingyu replied.

A few moments later, Sana excused herself, telling them she’d head out first since Tzuyu was waiting outside.

The moment Sana spotted Tzuyu, her lips curved into a smile and she hurried toward her. Unlike before, she didn’t hug or cling to the taller girl. She wanted to, but she was suddenly too shy even to reach for Tzuyu’s hand. As they walked toward the senior dorm, Sana kept stealing glances at her.

“Are you okay?” Tzuyu asked, breaking the silence. “You seem bothered.”

“It’s just…” Sana hesitated. “I can’t believe that my long-leg. I mean, you and I are actually in a relationship. A few days ago, we barely knew each other, and now… here we are. Dating. It feels unreal.” She clasped her hands behind her back as she spoke.

Tzuyu then stopped walking and let out a soft sigh before facing her. They were already in front of the senior dorm.
Sana’s heart raced under Tzuyu’s gaze. She couldn’t bring herself to look up.

“You’re so cute,” Tzuyu chuckled before pulling Sana into her arms. “I told you we don’t need to act like a real couple if it pressures you. But does this help make it feel real?” She gently ran her fingers through Sana’s hair.

Sana didn’t answer. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Tzuyu and leaned her head against the younger girl’s chest.

'Tzuyu’s heart is beating so fast,' Sana thought as they stayed like that, sharing warmth in silence.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Tzuyu said as they pulled away.

“Yeah… see you tomorrow,” Sana replied, finally meeting her eyes.

“Thanks for walking me here,” Sana added softly. “Good night.”

“Good night, Sana,” Tzuyu replied yet she didn’t move, simply watching her.

“Uhm… it’s getting late. We should probably go,” Tzuyu said.

“You should head back,” Sana replied. “My dorm’s just a few steps away.”

“I insist,” Tzuyu said stubbornly. “I won’t leave until you’re inside.”

Knowing she wouldn’t win, Sana sighed.
“Okay. Take care. Text me when you get back,” she said before heading toward the Japanese dorm. She couldn’t stop smiling, replaying the way Tzuyu had hugged her earlier. It was the first time Tzuyu initiated skinship, and the thought made her heart flutter. She was only a few doors away when Momo suddenly collided with her.

“There you are!” Momo exclaimed. “You’re caught, so stop denying it. I saw you hugging Tzuyu right in front of this dorm.”

Sana froze.

“So,” Momo continued teasingly as they walked, “how long have you been dating?”

“Uhm… long enough to think about meeting the parents?” Sana joked.

“How come I didn’t know?” Momo whined.

“I’m kidding. I’ll tell you once we’re inside.”

The moment they entered the room, several pairs of eyes turned toward them.

Sana gulped. “Why are you all here?” she asked, setting her bag down.

“Why do you think?” Nayeon shot back, practically vibrating with excitement.
“I can’t believe my baby squirrel is all grown up and dating our Tzu,” Nayeon said, pulling Sana into a tight hug.

“I thought you came just to annoy me again,” Sana muttered before plopping down onto Mina’s lap. The girls exchanged knowing looks.

“Now that everyone’s here,” Momo said, “explain everything."

Sana sighed. “Okay. So I kept saying I wasn’t dating Tzuyu and I was annoyed because I genuinely didn’t know who she was. And I thought long-leg was Somi because I didn't know her name either. It turns out long-leg was actually Chou Tzuyu.”

“Tzuyu is long-leg?!” everyone shouted in unison. Sana just nodded.

“Oh my God,” Nayeon gasped. “I told you she liked Sana!”

“I can’t believe my best friend’s a lesbian,” Momo said dramatically. “Sana, you’ve seen all of me!”

“Yah! I am not interested in your,” Sana snapped, throwing a pillow at her.

“Karma really works,” Nayeon laughed. “You kept pairing us with girls, and now you’re dating one.”

“It’s not karma,” Jeongyeon said. “It’s a blessing.”

The teasing didn’t stop, and Sana’s face burned red. She escaped Mina’s lap and hugged Jihyo. “They’re bullying me, Jihyo-ah”

“Alright, cut it out,” Jihyo said, wrapping an arm around her. “So,” Jihyo added mischievously, “when was your first kiss with Tzuyu?”

This made Sana squeaked as everyone burst into laughter.

“You’re all insane,” Sana groaned. “I need air.” She rushed out, fanning her face.

“Teasing Sana is way too fun,” Momo laughed.

Meanwhile, at the junior dorm, Chaeyoung and Dahyun greeted Tzuyu with wide grins.

“I’m not telling you anything,” Tzuyu said immediately.

“Just one detail?” Dahyun pleaded.

“How did she react?” Chaeyoung asked, blocking her path.

Tzuyu sighed. “We’re dating. Happy?”

“Extremely,” they said in unison.

“So how about you, cub?” Dahyun asked. “Any love life?”

“Nope,” Chaeyoung replied lazily. “Too young. Too innocent.”

“Too young, too innocent my ass,” Tzuyu laughed. “Stop pretending. Your sister looks more innocent than you.”