Stuck With You

twenty-seven

While Tzuyu waited for Sana by the fountain, she stared at the photos Xiao had given her.

'How can you do this with someone else when you already have a girlfriend?' she thought bitterly. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. A video arrived, followed by a short message.

Without replying further, Tzuyu pressed play. Her chest tightened as the screen showed a girl approaching Sana— too close, then pulling her into a kiss. Sana didn’t push her away.

'She didn’t even try to stop it,' Tzuyu thought, her throat burning. 'If you’re in love with someone else, you could have just told me. Stop playing with my feelings. It hurts.'

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice someone approaching until a voice broke the silence.

“Hey, Auntie. Where’s your sexy cutie?” Jungkook teased, referring to Sana.

Startled, Tzuyu grabbed her notebook and threw it straight at him. It landed squarely on the bridge of his nose.

“Ouch! Auntie, that hurts!” Jungkook yelped.

She immediately grabbed another notebook and threw it again, same target.

“Ouch! Auntie—!”

“Call me auntie one more time,” Tzuyu warned coldly, “and your nose will bleed precisely this time.”

“But it’s true,” Jungkook said, sitting beside her. “You are my aunt–ow! Hey! Not my ear!” He groaned as Tzuyu twisted his ear mercilessly.

“For Pete’s sake, Jeon Jungkook,” she snapped. “You’re older than me. Stop calling me auntie.” She finally let go of his now-reddened ear.

“Savage. I’ll tell Mom you hurt me again,” Jungkook sulked, rubbing his ear.

“Go ahead,” Tzuyu replied flatly. “Let’s see what Yoona-unnie does.”

Jungkook fell silent, until his lips curled into a grin. “Oh?” he said, eyes lighting up. “Your sexy cutie’s here.”

Tzuyu looked up and saw Sana approaching with Taehyung.

“Taehyung, help!” Jungkook yelled, sprinting toward them and hiding behind his friend.

“This giant Yoda, tch,” Taehyung laughed. “Stop hurting the kid. Your girl’s watching.” He gestured toward Sana, then excused himself after assuring Tzuyu he’d delivered her safely.

“Bye, Auntie! Have fun with your sexy cutie!” Jungkook shouted as he ran after Taehyung.

Sana sat beside Tzuyu, who found herself stealing glances at her.

'I hope Mincy is telling the truth,' Tzuyu thought. 'I don’t want Sana to break up with me. But I can’t force her to stay.'

“Tzuyu… can we talk?” Sana asked, breaking the growing silence.

'She used my first name,' Tzuyu thought nervously. 'Is she going to end things?'

“Yeah, sure,” Tzuyu replied, forcing a calm smile. “I’m always ready to hear you out.”

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Sana said, eyes lowered.

'This is it,' Tzuyu thought, inhaling sharply. 'Prepare yourself, Chou.'

“Last night…” Sana hesitated. “Someone kissed me.”

'So it’s true.'

“Why are you telling me this?” Tzuyu asked softly, pain creeping into her voice.

“I don’t want you to think I cheated,” Sana said quickly. “I want to be honest with you, because the truth is-” She stopped, glanced at Tzuyu, then continued, voice trembling. “I like you. And I’m ready to be in a real relationship with you.”

Tzuyu froze. Her heartbeat soared.
“Did I hear that right?” she asked, unable to hide her smile. “You like me?”

Sana nodded.

“At first, I was confused,” she admitted. “I’ve never been romantically attached to anyone before. Everything is new to me, but… yes.” She met Tzuyu’s eyes.

“Aishiteru.”

Tzuyu gently took Sana’s hand and kissed it. “So… does this mean I’m allowed to do this now?”

Sana nodded shyly. Tzuyu slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

“And this?” Sana only chuckled.

“And what about this?” Tzuyu leaned in, their noses brushing, Sana’s breath warm against her lips. Just as Tzuyu was about to kiss her, Sana placed a finger against her lips and shook her head.

“You have to ask my sister’s permission first,” Sana teased.

“Wait– you let that girl kiss you without my permission, but you won’t let me?” Tzuyu pouted, arms tightening around Sana’s waist. “How unfair.”

“My girl is jealous,” Sana laughed, cupping Tzuyu’s face. “For your information, Miss Chou, it was a misunderstanding. She was drunk.”

“Still,” Tzuyu muttered, avoiding her gaze. “She kissed you. Who even was she? I envy her.”

Sana sighed and kissed Tzuyu’s cheek.
“I want it here,” Tzuyu demanded playfully, tapping her lips. Sana blushed.

“Don’t be shy. It’s just me,” Tzuyu said smugly.

When Sana fell speechless, Tzuyu pulled her into a hug, gently rubbing her back.
“I’m kidding,” she said softly. “I won’t force you into anything. I’m already satisfied just holding your hand, hugging you, and spending time with you.”

She then kissed Sana’s crown. “I don’t expect anything more. Your honesty is enough to prove you feel the same.”

Sana’s heart swelled. She wrapped her arms around Tzuyu, feeling cherished, loved through patience and respect.

From a distance, three figures watched silently.

“Your plan was a waste,” one of them muttered. “Leave it to me. From now on, I’ll be the one planning our next move.”