One more time

Chapter 11

Just a week before school year ended, Jihyo’s parents decided to remove the punishment. Summer break was coming and they decided it was too much already. She wasn’t a bad kid and she had learnt her lesson after being lectured on school too. They were sure Jihyo would never cause another trouble like this again (or at least they hoped so). Chaeyoung was the most excited one about the new so, to celebrate, the youngest girl suggested on having a sleep over at her place. The older girls had a stranded relationship but couldn’t say no after seeing the puppy eyes the girl used when explaining how cool would be to play around once again.

They decided to do it on Friday night as they could enjoy weekend too.
Momo and Jihyo rarely saw each other at school by this point as they were in different class. Their school life was also an opposite: meanwhile Momo was busy handling her peers, Jihyo stayed studying calmly at the library. Jihyo walked home with Mina and Momo hanged out with her classmates after finishing club activities so they never crossed paths.

Momo was bitterly jealous of Mina. Jihyo had ditch Momo with the excuse of protecting her from malicious comments but she went and hanged out with Mina instead. That girl probably carried tons of people doing gossip behind her back, making the Korean a target for them too. Jihyo told Momo she didn’t want her involved in her problems but Momo was sure there was something else. Momo knew her friend was grounded so they didn’t have the chance to clear things beforehand. She wanted to use this chance to make Jihyo sure she would be for her in the good and the bad times.

Friday came real fast and students were excited to finish class and enjoy the summer. The bell rang and all students yelled with glee while heading home. Jihyo was still gathering her belongings when Mina came to her place.

-Are you ready? - Mina asked with her soft spoken voice
-Just, give me a minute.

Jihyo took her time placing her supplies inside her backpack. The rest of their classmates were already out, making the classroom just for them two. Mina keep on glancing the Korean girl in front of her; she was really pretty, Jihyo was a bit taller than her and also more athletic. The Korean had long and wavy hair tied in a messy ponytail, some baby hair escaping the ribbon on her head. Jihyo had big brown eyes, some adorable cheeks and cute lips. Mina was getting nervous while looking at her. Jihyo ended her duty and saw around them before asking her directly:

-You want to tell me something, don’t you?

Mina’s heart almost leaves her chest at the sudden question. Was she that obvious? Maybe waiting until last day of school wasn’t the best idea after all. Crimson cheeks were painted on her face as she cutely nodded in agreement.

-I knew it! –Jihyo pointed out- You were acting kind of weird for a while
-Well, you see…there is something important I need to tell you

Mina was hesitant and Jihyo caught up easily. A worried face was shown in the Korean girl who was expectant on the words coming. Jihyo let her stuff behind and got close Mina, who stepped back for the sudden movement. Mina inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. Jihyo tilted her head curious and waited for her friend to be ready. Mina huffed and finally said:

-Wouldyouliketogooutwithmetomorrow?
-What? - Jihyo chuckled, not understanding anything Mina told
-I said, would you, like… uh… going out tomorrow?
-Of course, Mina. –Jihyo smiled relieved- Where are we going?

Mina opened her eyes, still embarrassed for taking this too seriously. It was a simple question and Jihyo accepted quiet easily. It wasn’t rare for them to hang out on weekends so… Jihyo held her hand and Mina gasped at the contact. Jihyo laughed happily at the reaction before saying:

-I don’t know why it was so hard for you to ask me out –Jihyo said quietly- but don’t you ever hesitate to share how you feel with me, ok?
-Ok-Mina replied still holding her hand

They left school, Mina acting all touchy for no reason, Jihyo thought. They weren’t the type of friends that held hands or hug each other so, Mina being all affectionate was very weird, Jihyo said nothing as the Japanese girl keep on getting real close while walking. They chat through their way home and made the appointment for their date next day. The girls departed and Mina look one last time at Jihyo’s direction before continuing her path.

Jihyo had agreed on going to the Son’s house after school but before heading she decided to buy some stuff to eat at the sleep over. She stopped at the convenience store near her house and bought strawberry ice-cream for Chaeyoung and some chocopies for Dahyun as she knew the youngest ones had a sweet tooth. She passed by the candy corridor and saw peach flavored candies that Momo used to eat. Maybe this was a small step but it would help them break the ice. She was going to pay for it when recognized the girls on the pay line.