One more time

Chapter 12

Jihyo was already waiting near the bus stop when Mina came in sight. The Japanese was particularly girly this day: she was using a long floral dress, sandals and a hay hat. Mina was always feminine in Jihyo’s eyes but today she looked extra adorable wearing twin tails instead of her regular straight hair. In contrast, Jihyo was wearing some boyish clothes: a plain t-shirt, a denim overall and a cap. She was wearing tennis shoes and her backpack on the shoulder. Jihyo was coolly laying against a billboard while listening to music. The Japanese girl was mesmerized at the view: Jihyo looked way too good.

Mina waved at her shyly and Jihyo returned the gesture, coming close to the Japanese and storing her headphones on her backpack.

-Good to see you, Mina
- I’m glad you came
-Why wouldn’t I? Come on, let’s go!

The bus was just in time and both girls board it right away. They chat all the way until they arrived downtown. Mina was in charge so she took the chance to lead the way through the city holding Jihyo’s hand. Mina was pointing each store she has interest to visit and Jihyo only agreed on each of her choices, after all this was the first time Mina decided what to do on her own. This kind of confidence make Jihyo glad as Mina had overcome her initial awkwardness towards her, showing how much the Japanese trusted her.

Their first stop was a dog café. Mina explained she really loved dogs and that she always wanted to have one but her parents didn’t allow it. Jihyo also liked animals but she couldn’t have them either as Dahyun was scared of dogs and Momo was allergic to them. It was out of the question Jihyo explained. The girls took a sit while waiting their orders be ready when the Japanese squealed at the sight of a cute little poodle coming their way. Jihyo thought how cute Mina was as the younger girl started to play with him. The dog was energetic and loved to jump from one place to another. Mina was delighted with the puppy in her arms and she keep on cuddling him until their lunch was served. After eating, the girls went to play around with the dog but he was already tired and the poodle decided to stay in Jihyo’s lap. Jihyo argued with the dog when he tried to lick her face but gave up after the puppy found his way and snuggled against her before falling sleep. Mina took tons of pictures of both, especially of Jihyo being teased.

The girls walked around the city before arriving the craft store. Jihyo wasn’t good at it but was curious what Mina had planned for them. They got inside the building and were received by a very nice lady. Mina seemed at ease, explaining what she wanted to do. They followed the lady through it and Jihyo saw, as she passed some rooms, people doing different kinds of activities such as painting, sculpting or knitting. The girls took a sit in the last room and Mina explained that she really wanted to try this out. Jihyo smiled and pat her shoulder, reassuring her that it would be great to try something new together. The lady came back with some wool and explained them how to do a basic scarf. After some tries, the girls got it and started to knit.  They worked comfortably in silence, each doing a part of the scarf. Jihyo imagined it would be boring after a while but ended up relaxed while knitting her part. She wasn’t as good as Mina, who seemed like a pro, but she was doing her best. Jihyo decided that this could be a great activity to try on her own and if she got better at it she could even knit for her loved ones. Mina finished her part first and look how focused Jihyo was while working on: she was very pretty. Mina keep glancing shyly at her, seeing her brows furrowed while doing the deed, also Jihyo’s tongue was out and she seemed silly.  Mina chuckled and keep on admiring her until she finished. Now they needed to put their parts together. The attendant helped them to knit the middle of it and when she finished they noticed the scarf was such a mess. Both laugh it off as this was a good experience. Neither of them were experts so the outcome was expected. Mina ended keeping it as Jihyo mentioned that she could fix it in the future. Summer has just started and Jihyo knew Mina would get it right on time.

The girls took their time after it, walking through the city window shopping. Mina was having a good time but wasn’t so sure about Jihyo. This kind of things were of her liking but maybe Jihyo wasn’t as fond of them. She seemed to be a kind of girl that enjoyed amusement parks or thrill stuff. This was way too peaceful and maybe Jihyo was feed up with it. Mina look at the Korean girl, who was as smiley as ever but Mina still wondered if she was only being nice. Jihyo stopped in her track and Mina bumped into her. Jihyo´s giggle was contagious and soon both were laughing of it. Jihyo pointed at a photo cabin and dragged Mina inside the booth. Jihyo put her arm around Mina´s shoulder and did a peace sign.

-Mina, don’t be so serious!
-Yah, Jihyo!
- Come on! Show me that pretty smile!

Mina was very nervous at the sudden proximity but Jihyo’s bright smile was very warm and soon she relaxed. They did funny faces and loving poses too: Jihyo back hugged her and Mina face got red at her embrace. They decorated the pictures using the stickers and animations on it. They passed most of the time playing around and doing scribbles on them. when they retrieved the pictures they keep on joking and Jihyo mimic Mina’s expression in one of them. Mina remembered she had their diary and put it out.

-Oh, you bring it! - Jihyo exclaimed
-Yeah, I think this is a good time to give it back to you- Mina said
-It’s perfect! Look, we can put the pictures on it.

Jihyo took the diary and went straight to the last page. Mina has written on it and she freaked out when Jihyo saw it. Jihyo promised not to read it until coming home so she turned the page and stick the pictures on it. She did a fast scribble with the date on it before putting the diary in her backpack.

-This is nice –Jihyo said- thank you Mina
-What for?
-For sharing this day with me. I’m having so much fun
-For real?
-Yeah! Being with you is great, I always discover something new

Jihyo did a killer smile and Mina’s heart beat real fast as the sincere words comforted her, clearing her previous doubts. She was bet red and decided to run away before Jihyo noticed. Mina hurriedly walked towards their next stop: an arcade. Jihyo was unsurprised as she knew Mina was a gamer and enjoyed playing games in her free time.
They got in and started to play the whack-a-mole game. Mina got the maximum score right away as her reflexes were quite impressive and hit every single one of the poor plastic animals.

The timid and insecure girl was long gone as the overconfident Mina appeared once more. They went dancing in the DDR game next. Jihyo choose the song and they both killed it; it looked like they had practiced beforehand but they were just exceptional dancers. After a few rounds Mina won the match being crowned as the top player. The girls continued the day trying some other games: shooter games, memory games, luck games… Mina won them all. Jihyo was tired of trying by this point, it wasn’t even fun at this rate, being always defeated by that innocent looking girl besides her. She wasn’t mad tough; it wasn’t like that. She just wanted to win for once.

Jihyo wanted to give up when she saw a game where she could win: basketball shoots. It was a simple game and Jihyo felt confident about it.  Jihyo’s competitive mode was on again; she had experience playing as she used to help Chaeyoung practice her throws all the time. They decided that the one that got the most points would win and the loser would have to pay for the dinner. Jihyo started as Mina said losers went first. She knew how to handle the ball and it went effortless into the ring. She felt great seeing the numbers in the display going up and for a moment she really wanted to win. Even if she wasn’t as passionate as Mina on gaming she still had some pride. Mina had won all the previous events and Jihyo wanted for once to have a victory.

Timer kept on running and time was coming to an end. Jihyo hurriedly throw her last pair of shots but failed them all. The Korean got frustrated as she almost scored over but she couldn’t as the led screen indicated. Mina was next, ready to give her all. Jihyo was sure she couldn’t win as Mina wasn’t athletic at all. Surprisingly, Mina did quite well but not enough to win. Mina was a good shooter but didn’t have any stamina, just as predicted. Jihyo clapped and jump excited, finally having her first win. Mina chuckled at the scene and couldn’t help but clap along.  

Sunset was set but this time the sky wasn’t orange but pink and the girls look at it in awe while eating their skewers. Mina had bought each a pair and were enjoying them seat on the grass. Looking at the sky, both girls find some peace. Jihyo finished her meal and laid on the grass looking the clouds that fade away. After a while she put her hands on her head and closed her eyes. Mina was sit beside Jihyo, looking how carefree the Korean was. Jihyo was splendid today. She followed each of Mina’s commands without hesitation and never said no to any of her requests. Mina was selfish, she knew but this could be the last time… She will miss her for sure.

-You know? –Mina said out of the blue- I’m very glad you accepted to come
-What are you saying? - Jihyo asked looking at her, still on the grass
-I was just thinking about today, that’s all –Mina said – I had so much fun
-Don’t be silly, Mina. –Jihyo laughed - I like to be with you, you are amazing
-Really? – Mina blushed
-Yeah. Why are you so surprised?
-We are very different, Jihyo. We like different things…
-That doesn’t matter, does it? - Jihyo said while pinching Mina’s cheek- Stop overthinking
- I can´t –Mina replied placing her hand over Jihyo’s
-Why?

Jihyo’s eyes were curious: her gaze was pure and loving. Mina’s heart ached at it. The green grass made Jihyo’s brown eyes sparkle a little more. Mina caressed Jihyo’s hand with her thumb trying to keep her heartbeat at ease but Jihyo’s scar was visible and her heart ached a little more. Mina keep on staring the girl in front of her. This was too much. She couldn’t help it, she really couldn’t. She let go of Jihyo’s hand and caressed her cheek instead. A rush of bravery let her do what she had desired since long ago: it was just a peck. Their lips barely touched but they did. Mina closed her eyes by instinct, she didn't wait Jihyo’s reaction before leaving.