"Chou Tzuyu whoever you are thank you and I'm sorry for using you to get rid of him." - Sana
A story about Sana dragging an unsuspecting stranger into her mess on her very first day-only to find out later that the girl she casually nicknamed "Long...
The celebration goes on until dawn. When Mina finally wakes, Sana is already asleep, while Momo is still outside with the dance troupe on the veranda. She then reaches for her phone and notices an unread message.
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As she reads it, she doesn’t bother replying. A wave of guilt settles heavily in her chest. Feeling suffocated inside the dorm, Mina decides to step out for some fresh air.
The moment she exits the room, she freezes. Jihyo is standing across the hallway, leaning against the wall with a wine glass in hand. Her eyes are fixed on Mina, as if she has been waiting for her to wake.
“You’re finally awake,” Jihyo says.
Feeling awkward, Mina only nods.
“I saw that,” Jihyo mutters as Mina approaches.
“Saw what?” Mina asks cautiously.
“Don’t play dumb, Mina. I saw you—we saw you. Well, congratulations. You just took Sana’s first kiss.” The sarcasm in Jihyo’s voice is unmistakable.
Mina’s eyes widen. She hadn’t expected Jihyo to confront her like this, much less accuse her so bluntly.
“What do you mean?” Mina asks, forcing herself to stay composed as she looks away.
“Really? You don’t remember anything?” Jihyo scoffs. “Come on. I know you weren’t drunk last night. I have the storage key, and you know no one’s allowed to bring alcohol onto campus. So tell me, how did you get wasted without drinking? What were you thinking when you kissed Sana? Do you like her?”
“No,” Mina answers weakly.
“Then why did you kiss her?” Jihyo presses. “You know she’s in a relationship with your best friend. Have you even thought about the consequences if Tzuyu finds out?”
“I’m sorry,” Mina admits quietly. “I just… I love Chaeng. Someone told me Sana was taking all of her attention.”
“And you thought kissing Sana would somehow get Chaeyoung back?” Jihyo snaps. “Mina, this could destroy Sana and Tzuyu’s relationship, and ruin your friendship with both of them.”
Jihyo exhales sharply, trying to calm herself. “Sana is very special to Chaeyoung, not romantically though, but still. She’s also your roommate. I thought you’d know her better than the rumors you chose to believe.” Jihyo’s voice softens slightly. “That blonde sees you like a sister. And if you’re really sorry, say it to Sana, not to me.”
“What am I supposed to do, Jihyo?” Mina asks, tears finally spilling over. “I can’t force Chaeyoung to love me.”
Jihyo lets out a deep sigh before pulling Mina into a hug. “Aigo, Mina-ri. You’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Take some rest. I’ll cover for you...say you’re away for a week.”
Mina sniffles.
“And don’t think badly of Sana,” Jihyo adds as she pulls back and gently wipes Mina’s tears. “She’s too innocent to be part of something messy like this.”
“Do you think she’ll forgive me?” Mina asks softly.
“She will,” Jihyo says with certainty. “Sana loves you. I know she does.”
After a pause, Jihyo adds, “And if you really love that cub, then confess properly. Stop causing trouble for yourself. Who knows? She might feel the same way.”
“Thank you, Jihyo,” Mina murmurs. 'She’s right,' Mina thinks. 'What have I done?'
“I’ll talk to Sana tomorrow,” Mina says. “But can you do me one more favor?”
“Of course. What is it?” Jihyo asked.
“I want to leave without saying goodbye. I don’t have the courage to face them yet. Can you help me with that?”
Jihyo nods. “No problem. Just promise me one thing... Come back with a clean heart. No jealousy. No envy.”
“I will. I promise.” Mina manages a small smile. “I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”
After their conversation, both girls return to their rooms.
A few hours later, Sana wakes up and begins her morning routine. When she heads to the kitchen, she finds Mina stirring her coffee. Sana approaches her immediately and wraps her in a hug.
“Are you okay?” she asks, worry is evident in her voice.
“I’m okay,” Mina replies softly. “I’m sorry about last night. I acted inappropriately. I was too blind to-”
“Mina, it’s fine,” Sana interrupts gently. “You were just drunk. Now I understand why Chaeng never lets me drink.” She chuckles lightly.
Then she lowers her voice. “Just… don’t tell that cub, okay? I don’t want my sister to get hurt.”
“Did you say something, unnie?” Mina asks.
“Huh? Oh, uhm. Do you want to go jogging with me?” Sana changes the subject.
“Maybe next time,” Mina says. “I have something important to do.”
As soon as Sana leaves the room, Mina calls Jihyo about her sudden departure. Together, they come up with an excuse, telling the others that Mina has to attend a family reunion in Japan.
Later that night, Tzuyu is packing her things, preparing to pick up Sana, when Elkie's best friend approaches her. The two are on the same academic level and play on the same team.
“Hey, Tzu,” Xiao says. “You might want to keep an eye on your girlfriend. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I think she’s pulling some kind of miracle behind your back.”
“What do you mean?” Tzuyu asks, confused.
“Don’t trust your girl too blindly,” Xiao replies. “We’re not close, but as your teammate and as my best friend’s friend, I’m concerned.”
Tzuyu frowns, clearly displeased. “Why wouldn’t I trust her?”
Without another word, Xiao pulls an envelope from her bag and hands it to Tzuyu.
“Someone asked me to give you this during tryouts earlier. I almost threw it away, but you deserve to know the truth. I don’t know why he didn’t give it to you himself.” She then leaves immediately after.
With shaking hands, Tzuyu opens the envelope. Inside are photos of Sana, kissing another girl. The figure is painfully familiar.
'Sana… what is the meaning of this?' Tzuyu thought. She feels a sharp sense of betrayal, though she keeps her expression neutral. More than anything, she wants to hear the truth from Sana herself.
