Stuck With You

thirty-one

As Sana slowly calmed down from crying, Tzuyu walked her to the library to meet Nancy. When they spotted the girl sitting at a corner table, quietly reading a book, Tzuyu excused herself and left them alone.

“Where’s Mingyu?” Sana asked as she approached her classmate.

“He can’t make it today. They have a family dinner,” Nancy replied weakly.

Sana sat beside her, and the two worked in silence. When they were almost done, Sana leaned her head on Nancy’s shoulder while writing. That was when she noticed something off. Nancy’s body felt warmer than usual. Sana stopped working and pressed her hand to Nancy’s forehead, her eyes widening.

“Oh my god, you have a fever. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Come on, let’s go to the clinic.”

She was about to stand when Nancy grabbed her arm, stopping her.

“I’m fine. Let’s just finish this so I can rest,” Nancy insisted.

“No, you’re not fine. I’ll finish this myself. I’ll take you back...what dorm are you staying in?” Sana asked, clearly worried.

“I don’t stay at the dorm. I go home after school,” Nancy explained. “I don’t like sleeping there.” Still, she insisted on finishing their project.

“I’ll drive you home after this. I’ll just borrow Chaeyoung’s car,” Sana said, resuming her work.

“No need. I have my own car,” Nancy said stubbornly, then sneezed.

“Why are you so stubborn?” Sana scolded. “I’m driving. I won’t let you drive like this.”

“I just don’t want people to misunderstand us if they see you taking me home,” Nancy admitted softly.

“Why worry about that?” Sana replied. “We’re not doing anything wrong. Your health matters more. Just ignore them, okay?”

“…Okay,” Nancy sighed. “You wouldn’t let me go alone anyway.”

After submitting their project to the instructor, they headed back to retrieve their library cards. On the way, they accidentally caught two students making out between the bookshelves.

Both of them burst into giggles as they walked toward the parking lot, Nancy still clearly unwell.

They didn’t notice Momo, who had just arrived on her way to the practice room.

'I was supposed to be the one Sana’s laughing with,' Momo thought bitterly. 'I’m her best friend… so why does it feel like I’m the one left behind?'

A single tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly and hurried toward the practice room.

Thirty-five minutes later, Sana pulled up in front of Nancy’s apartment, which happens to be only a few blocks away from Tzuyu’s place.

The moment they stepped out of the car, rain began pouring heavily. They rushed inside, soaked.

“Do you live alone?” Sana asked, noticing how quiet the place was.

“Yeah, but I called my cousin. He’s coming over,” Nancy replied before collapsing onto her bed and pulling the comforter over herself.

“Thanks for taking care of me, Sana,” she murmured as Sana gently wiped her forehead with a cool towel.

“Don’t mention it,” Sana said softly.

Meanwhile, Tzuyu was growing increasingly worried. Sana hadn’t brought an umbrella, the rain was relentless, and she wasn’t answering her phone. No calls. No replies.

As it grew later, Tzuyu decided to check the seniors’ dorm.

“Hey, kid! What brings you here?” Momo asked when she opened the door.

“I know things are awkward between you and Sana,” Tzuyu said carefully, “but have you seen her? She’s not at my place or at Nayeon-unnie’s.”

“She was with Nancy earlier,” Momo replied shortly.

After thanking her, Tzuyu left and returned to her apartment, waiting. She sat on the couch, dialing Sana’s number again and again—nothing.

What she didn’t know was that Sana’s phone had been on silent the entire time. Earlier, Sana had tried to text her that she’d be home late, but the message never sent, she was out of load without realizing it.

At past midnight, Nancy’s cousin finally arrived. The rain had eased, but it was still falling. Nancy asked Sana to stay the night, but she refused.

“I’ll go home,” she said firmly. 'To Tzuyu.'
She ran through the rain.

At the front door, Sana checked her phone to make sure it wasn’t soaked, and froze when she saw Tzuyu’s missed calls and messages.

'Oh no… she must be really mad.'

Before she could even think of what to say, the door swung open. Tzuyu stood there holding a dry towel. She pulled Sana inside without a word and shut the door behind them. She immediately started drying Sana’s hair.

“Sorry,” Sana whispered. Tzuyu didn’t look at her.

“Nancy had a fever, so I drove her home. I didn’t realize my message didn’t send, and my phone was on silent,” Sana explained quickly. “Please don’t be mad.”

“I knew you were with Nancy,” Tzuyu said coolly. “I was worried because you’re soaked. What if you get sick?”

'She’s mad,' Sana thought.

“Long-leg… look at me,” Sana said softly, cupping Tzuyu’s cheek. “I’m really sorry. Please don’t ignore me.”

No response.

“Tzuyu-ah,” Sana whined, leaning closer. “If you don’t stop ignoring me, I’ll do this.”
She pecked Tzuyu on the lips.

Tzuyu stayed still, her expression calm, but her heart was racing. When Sana pouted and tried again, kissing her once more, Tzuyu finally snapped. She grabbed Sana by the nape and pulled her in, kissing her deeply.

When they parted, Sana smiled. “Are we good now?”

“You know exactly how to get to me,” Tzuyu said with a smirk.

“You kiss like a pro. Are you sure that was your first kiss?” Sana teased.

“I didn’t lie,” Tzuyu replied softly. “I just can’t resist you.” She kissed Sana again, and this time, Sana melted into it, arms wrapping around Tzuyu as the towel slipped to the floor.