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1.
Jiwon wiped her hands on the hem of her oversized hoodie, sighing softly as she stirred the instant ramen in her pot. She grabbed a pair of chopsticks, carefully stirring, before transferring everything into a bowl.
As she stepped into the common area of their dorm, the faint sound of Wonyoung’s voice carried over. It wasn’t unusual for her roommate to be on the phone—Wonyoung always seemed to be talking to someone, either about class, campus events, or some drama Jiwon couldn’t keep track of.
Jiwon paused mid-step, her bowl of ramen balanced in her hands. From where she stood, she couldn’t see Wonyoung, but she could hear her clearly enough.
There was a certain lightness in her voice that made Jiwon’s brow furrow. It wasn’t the bubbly tone Wonyoung used when gossiping with Yuri or the formal politeness she used with professors.
“Yujinie, seriously. You don’t have to do that. I was just saying it, it’s not a big deal,” Wonyoung said, a quiet laugh escaping her.
Jiwon blinked, curiosity sparkling. Yujin? She is Wonyoung’s best friend. Well, best friend , if the way Wonyoung talked about her was anything to go by.
“...No, I don’t need it right now!” Wonyoung’s exasperated words were softened by her laugh, the kind of laugh that seemed to bubble out without control. “You’re so—ugh, never mind. Just don’t do anything crazy, okay?”
Jiwon rounded the corner slowly, trying to keep her presence unnoticed. She found Wonyoung curled up on the couch, her long legs tucked under her as she held her phone to her ear. There was a faint flush on her face, and the way she was smiling made Jiwon pause.
“Wait, are you outside right now?” Wonyoung asked, her expression shifting quickly to one of disbelief. She groaned, but the smile never left her face. “Yujin, it’s literally freezing. Go back inside.”
Jiwon felt her brows shoot up. What was Yujin doing outside?
“I’m serious! You’re going to get sick, and then what am I supposed to do?” Wonyoung’s voice dipped, quieter now, almost as if she forgot anyone else might overhear.
Jiwon frowned and finally walked into the room, pretending not to notice the way Wonyoung quickly glanced at her.
“Oh, Jiwon’s here. I’ll text you later, okay?” Wonyoung said into the phone, her voice still soft but more composed now. “Don’t do anything stupid. Bye!” She ended the call quickly, setting her phone down on the couch beside her.
“Yujin?” Jiwon asked casually, settling down at the dining table with her bowl of ramen.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. She’s…” Wonyoung hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sweater. “She’s just… Yujin.”
Jiwon raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. Sure.”
Wonyoung shot her a playful glare, but her cheeks were still faintly pink. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jiwon shrugged, her curiosity growing by the second. “Nothing. Just… you and Yujin. You guys are close, huh?”
The way Wonyoung’s lips curved into a small, almost shy smile made Jiwon pause. She wasn’t used to seeing her confident, polished roommate like this.
“Wait…” Jiwon said, narrowing her eyes as she set her chopsticks down. “Are you and Yujin… dating?”
Wonyoung’s head snapped up so quickly it was a wonder she didn’t get whiplash. Her face turned bright red, and she practically stumbled over her words. “W-What? No! We’re not—why would you even think that?”
Jiwon couldn’t help but grin. “You’re blushing, Wonyoung. I’ve never seen you blush. And you were just smiling at your phone like a lovesick character in a k-drama.”
“I was not!” Wonyoung shot back, her voice high-pitched and defensive. She crossed her arms, trying to compose herself, but the pink tint on her cheeks only deepened. “You’re imagining things.”
“Sure, I am,” Jiwon said, clearly unconvinced. She leaned back in her chair, raising an eyebrow. “You’re telling me you don’t see how this looks? You two are always texting, calling, hanging out… and now she’s freezing outside doing God-knows-what because of you?”
Wonyoung opened her mouth to respond but was saved by a series of knocks at the door.
Jiwon glanced at her, smirking. “Speak of the devil.”
“What? You don’t know if that’s her…” Wonyoung muttered, her eyes darting to the door as if willing it to stay closed.
Jiwon was already on her feet, bowl forgotten on the table. “Don’t worry, I’ll get it.”
“No, wait—” Wonyoung started, but Jiwon had already crossed the room.
She swung the door open, and there stood Yujin, bundled up in a puffy jacket, her hands stuffed into her pockets. Her nose was pink from the cold, and her hair was slightly tousled from the wind.
“Hey, Jiwon,” Yujin greeted, her usual bright grin in place. Her voice was warm despite the chill outside. “I’m here for Wonyoung.”
Jiwon raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Of course, you are. Do you want to come in, or are you planning on standing out here until you turn into a popsicle?”
Yujin laughed, stepping inside. “Thanks. It’s freezing out there.”
As Yujin shrugged off her jacket, Jiwon glanced over her shoulder at Wonyoung, who looked like she wanted to disappear into the couch cushions.
“Wonyoung,” Jiwon called out, dragging her name with an exaggerated lilt. “Your friend is here.”
Wonyoung groaned softly, sinking further into the cushions before forcing herself to stand. She smoothed out her sweater, though her flushed cheeks gave away her flustered state. “Jiwon, stop,” she muttered under her breath as she walked over.
Yujin, oblivious to the teasing or choosing to ignore it, beamed at Wonyoung the moment she appeared. “Hey,” she said, her voice soft and easy, like she hadn’t just trudged through the cold to get there.
“What are you doing here?” Wonyoung asked, her tone quieter now, almost scolding but not quite.
Yujin didn’t seem fazed, her usual easy smile tugging at her lips. “Didn’t you say you were craving steak earlier?”
Wonyoung blinked, caught off guard. “What?”
“Beef steak,” Yujin clarified, her grin widening. She held up a small takeout bag like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Your favorite. You wouldn’t stop talking about your craving for it on the phone, so I thought I’d stop by.”
Jiwon, still leaning against the counter, raised her eyebrows in amusement. “You… brought her steak? In this cold weather?”
“Yeah,” Yujin said simply, as if that weren’t an unusual thing to do at all. She handed the bag to Wonyoung, who hesitated before taking it.
“You didn’t have to do this,” Wonyoung said softly, her voice faltering. Her fingers brushed against Yujin’s as she took the bag, and she quickly looked down, pretending to inspect the contents to avoid meeting Yujin’s gaze.
“It’s not a big deal,” Yujin replied with a shrug. “I passed by the place on my way here anyway.”
Jiwon gave a low whistle, clearly enjoying the scene. “Now that’s dedication,” she teased, her eyes glinting. “You’re really spoiling her, huh?”
Wonyoung shot Jiwon a glare, her cheeks flushing. “She’s just being nice,” she muttered quickly, but her tone lacked conviction.
“Nice? Sure,” Jiwon said, smirking. “You know, Yujin, some might call this above and beyond.”
Yujin blinked, tilting her head slightly. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t listen to her,” Wonyoung interrupted, clearly flustered. “Jiwon’s just messing around. Thank you for the steak. Really.”
Yujin’s smile softened as she nodded. “No problem. I’ll get going now—I know it’s late.” She glanced at Wonyoung, her eyes warm. “Enjoy your food, okay?”
Wonyoung nodded, still clutching the bag tightly. “Yeah. Thanks again.”
Jiwon watched as Yujin turned to leave, her steps unhurried, her casual demeanor never wavering. When the door closed behind her, the room fell into silence for a moment.
Then Jiwon turned to Wonyoung with a sly grin. “So, not dating, huh?”
Wonyoung groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Jiwon, I swear—”
“What? I’m just saying,” Jiwon said, raising her hands innocently. “No one’s ever brought me steak at 10 p.m. just because I mentioned it in passing.”
“She’s just being thoughtful,” Wonyoung mumbled, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her embarrassment.
Jiwon leaned closer, her smirk widening. “Sure, believe what you want.”
Wonyoung groaned again, stomping over to the couch and sinking into it with the takeout bag still in hand. But even as she huffed in exasperation, the small, shy smile tugging at her lips was impossible to miss.
—
2.
Rei stood in the doorway of her apartment, a bowl of popcorn in hand, waiting for her friends to arrive for movie night.
She was looking forward to a relaxed evening with everyone—Wonyoung, Yujin, Hyunseo, Gaeul, and Jiwon. She was expecting a casual hangout, nothing too out of the ordinary.
The doorbell rang, and Rei made her way over, ready to greet whoever it was. She opened the door, only to pause, blinking in surprise when she saw both Wonyoung and Yujin standing side by side on the other side of the threshold.
“Hey, you two came together?” Rei asked, raising an eyebrow. Her voice was light, teasing, though her mind was already racing with thoughts.
Wonyoung was the first to speak, her face flushing slightly as she adjusted the bag in her hands. “Uh, yeah… We just—" She hesitated, glancing at Yujin, who was casually leaning against the doorframe, looking unfazed.
“We were both coming anyway,” Yujin chimed in smoothly, her tone easy. “No big deal. We live in the same area, so we just decided to come together.”
Rei narrowed her eyes slightly, still standing in the doorway, but she couldn’t stop the smirk forming on her lips. There was something in the way they spoke that didn’t quite match up with the casualness of their words. The way Yujin said it so smoothly, and the way Wonyoung was fidgeting just a little too much, all of it felt... off.
“You guys sure seem... cozy,” Rei teased, her eyes flickering to the subtle proximity between them—Wonyoung’s hand brushing against Yujin’s as they stood side by side.
Rei gave them a knowing glance but didn’t press further. “Alright, alright. Come on in, you two. You’re the last ones here,” she said, stepping aside to let them into the apartment.
The two of them walked past Rei and into the living room, where everyone else was already settled. Rei followed behind, watching them both as they took their seats on the couch. Yujin flopped down first, spreading out comfortably, while Wonyoung hesitated for a moment before sitting beside her, leaving just a bit of space between them.
Rei was still observing them, but she didn’t make any more comments. She busied herself with starting the movie, dimming the lights and making sure the snacks were in place.
As the opening credits began to roll, Rei sat down on the opposite side of the room, not too far from the couch. She couldn’t help but glance at Yujin and Wonyoung every now and then.
They weren’t saying much, but the way they shared the couch, the subtle closeness, it all felt a little... offbeat. It wasn’t the kind of easygoing, casual vibe Rei was used to seeing in friendships. There was something more there.
The movie played on, and Rei found herself sitting next to Jiwon, talking quietly about some of the scenes. They were both leaning forward a bit, trying to catch every detail. At some point, Rei’s eyes drifted back to the couch, where Yujin and Wonyoung were settled.
Wonyoung had been awake earlier, but now, she was asleep—her head gently resting on Yujin’s shoulder.
Yujin’s posture was relaxed, but her attention wasn’t solely on the screen anymore. Her eyes would flicker back to the movie, and then back to Wonyoung, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Rei watched them with a raised eyebrow. There was something undeniably gentle about the way Yujin alternated between watching the movie and looking at Wonyoung’s cute, peaceful sleeping face.
Rei blinked, trying to pull herself away from the moment, but she couldn’t quite ignore it. There was a tenderness there that didn’t seem to fit with the idea of just “friends.” She exchanged a quick glance with Jiwon, who had also noticed what was happening, and they both fell into a brief silence.
“Are they always like this?” Rei asked quietly, keeping her voice down so as not to disturb the scene in front of them.
Jiwon shrugged slightly, her gaze shifting back to the screen. “I don’t know,” she answered, her tone a little nonchalant but still curious. “I don’t think anyone really knows... But... yeah, they’re kind of like this a lot.”
Rei wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by that, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she settled back into the couch, trying to focus on the movie, though her mind kept drifting back to the soft smile on Yujin’s face, and how Wonyoung seemed so naturally comfortable with her.
There was something more than just friendship there—Rei was certain of it now. She just wasn’t sure what exactly it was, or if she was reading too much into it.
—
3.
Gaeul sat at one of the long tables in the library, the dull hum of conversations and turning pages around her. Her laptop was open in front of her, but her focus wasn’t exactly on her notes. She could see Wonyoung, Yujin, Jiwon, and Rei scattered around the table, each of them absorbed in their own study materials.
Wonyoung, always so composed in the classroom, had her notes neatly spread out in front of her. But today, she was a little more fidgety than usual. Gaeul noticed how she kept glancing toward Yujin, who was sitting just a few feet away, looking entirely focused on her textbook but still subtly aware of Wonyoung’s movements. Every so often, Yujin would glance up, offering Wonyoung a gentle smile or a reassuring word when she caught Wonyoung getting a little frustrated with a problem.
It wasn’t the first time Gaeul had seen them like this.
At one point, Gaeul caught a glimpse of Yujin subtly pushing a textbook over toward Wonyoung, who had clearly been struggling with a particular chapter. The movement was so natural, so casual. There was no overt gesture—no grand declaration—but Gaeul could see the little smile that touched Yujin’s lips as she watched Wonyoung glance over the pages.
She had seen this before.
Gaeul raised an eyebrow, momentarily distracted from her own work. Wonyoung was a pre-law major, always serious and confident, especially when it came to her studies. But the way she seemed to lean just a little closer to Yujin whenever she needed help—it didn’t feel entirely academic. It felt... personal.
Then, just as quickly, Wonyoung sat back, letting out a quiet sigh as she rubbed her eyes. Her hand brushed against Yujin’s in the process, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Yujin’s expression softened, but she didn’t say anything—she just let Wonyoung be.
Gaeul bit her lip, glancing back down at her notes, trying to refocus. It was strange. Wonyoung and Yujin had this unspoken rhythm, something that no one else seemed to catch unless they were paying close attention. And Gaeul, being the observant one, couldn’t help but notice every little thing.
It wasn’t so much what they said, but how they were around each other. The subtle glances, the quiet moments when neither of them needed to say anything.
Gaeul sighed softly, pulling her focus back to the material in front of her, but her mind kept drifting back to those small, fleeting moments. Was this just her reading too much into it, or was there something more between Yujin and Wonyoung?
She tried not to think too hard about it. It wasn’t her business.
As the study session continued, Wonyoung’s frustration grew. Her brow furrowed as she stared at her textbook, eyes scanning the page but not really absorbing anything. She kept rubbing the back of her neck, and every now and then, a sigh would escape her lips. It was clear that the pressure of the upcoming exams was starting to weigh on her.
Gaeul glanced over briefly, catching sight of Yujin’s subtle movements. Without a word, Yujin reached over and gently brushed Wonyoung’s hair behind her ear, her fingers lingering for a moment as she smoothed it out. It wasn’t a big gesture, but there was something so intimate about it—like it was second nature to Yujin, as though she was used to offering comfort in these small, unnoticed ways.
Wonyoung didn’t flinch or react, as if she were so accustomed to it that it didn’t even register as anything extraordinary. She simply stayed still, her attention still on the study materials, but there was a shift in the air. It was like the weight of the moment had softened for just a second, with Yujin’s quiet touch providing a sense of calm.
Yujin spoke in a voice so soft that only Wonyoung could hear. "You’re doing great, Wonyoung," she murmured, her tone reassuring and patient. "Just take it one step at a time."
Wonyoung blinked, her shoulders relaxing just a little at the sound of Yujin’s voice. She offered a small, almost unnoticable smile, the kind of smile that only Yujin would see. It was enough to ease the tension in her body for the moment.
Gaeul watched the exchange, trying not to stare, but it was hard to miss the way Wonyoung calmed down, the frustration fading into something softer, something more peaceful. Yujin’s words and touch were like a balm, easing the stress that had been building up.
Gaeul raised an eyebrow, ‘this feels oddly intimate,’ she thought to herself.
The two of them seemed to exist in their own little bubble, unaffected by everything around them. Wonyoung leaned into the comfort without even realizing it, her posture softening. Yujin, in turn, seemed perfectly content to sit back and watch her quietly, her own gaze gentle and warm.
Then, without saying anything, Yujin reached out with her right hand and gently grabbed Wonyoung’s left hand, her fingers curling around it in a soft, almost protective way. Yujin intertwined their fingers gently. Gaeul couldn’t help but blink, her gaze catching on the delicate way Yujin’s thumb traced over Wonyoung’s hand, the slow, tender movement like a silent reassurance.
The action in itself wasn’t anything dramatic, but it struck Gaeul in an unexpected way. The hand-holding felt... offputting, in a way, but not in the way Gaeul would have expected. It wasn’t just the intimacy of the gesture that caught her off guard. It was the fact that Yujin, who was very obviously right-handed, had chosen to hold Wonyoung’s hand with her right hand, leaving her dominant hand free to do something else.
Gaeul watched, a little perplexed, as Yujin switched the pencil into her left hand, struggling a bit with the awkward grip. Her movements became a little more deliberate, a little slower, as she tried to make her left hand write as naturally as her right hand would. The effort wasn’t obvious to Wonyoung, who was still focused on her own study materials, but it was clear to Gaeul, who could see how Yujin’s right hand, now clasped around Wonyoung’s, was preventing her from using her dominant hand the way she normally would.
Gaeul quickly turned her attention back to her own work, trying to focus, but her mind kept drifting back to the image of Yujin’s gentle thumb moving over Wonyoung’s hand, the way their fingers fit together so naturally, like pieces of a puzzle.
‘They definitely are more than friends,’ Gaeul thought.
—
4.
Chaewon had been looking forward to dinner with everyone all day.
It was rare that they all had the time to meet up, especially with everyone’s busy schedules. So, when Yena suggested going out for a casual meal, Chaewon eagerly agreed. It would be a nice break, a chance to catch up with her friends, especially after a long week.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the familiar hum of chatter and the smell of sizzling food filled the air. Chaewon took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the table for her friends. She spotted Yena already sitting with Minju at the corner, waving them over. Wonyoung and Yujin weren’t far behind, and Chaewon smiled as she approached, taking a seat next to Yujin.
"Hey, Chae," Yujin greeted, her voice warm, and Chaewon could tell from the way Yujin smiled that she was in a good mood. It was always nice to be around Yujin—her easygoing nature was a good balance to Chaewon’s more reserved demeanor. Wonyoung sat down beside her, and Chaewon noticed the way the two of them automatically gravitated toward each other, as if they were in their own little world.
“Did you guys order yet?” Chaewon asked, glancing at the menu. She hadn’t had the chance to check out the options yet.
“Not yet,” Yujin answered, “We were just waiting for you and Minju to arrive before deciding.”
Chaewon nodded, offering a small smile as she sat down next to Minju. Her heart fluttered just a little—Minju was so close, just a few inches away, and the lingering tension between them was unmistakable.
They had confessed to each other not long ago, and while it had felt like a weight lifted off their shoulders, it also made things... complicated. They weren’t together yet, but there was something there, a silent understanding that they both acknowledged but didn’t quite know how to act on.
Minju caught her eye briefly, her cheeks tinging pink before she quickly looked away, busying herself with the menu. Chaewon tried not to smile too widely; she knew she must have looked just as flustered.
“So, should we get some appetizers first?” Minju asked, her voice softer than usual.
Chaewon smiled at the question, nodding. "Sure," she said, then turned to the rest of the table. "What do you all want? Any suggestions?"
Wonyoung glanced at the menu, her finger tracing the options. “I’m in the mood for something light,” she said, her gaze flickering to Yujin, who was now casually leaning back in her chair, arms crossed. “Maybe some spring rolls or something?”
Yujin raised an eyebrow at Wonyoung’s suggestion, a teasing glint in her eye. “You always want light things, Wonyoung. Are you trying to save room for dessert or something?”
Wonyoung rolled her eyes but smiled. “You’re the one who’s always looking for dessert, Yujinie.”
Yujin chuckled, leaning forward. “Hey, I’m not judging.”
Chaewon chuckled softly at the exchange. “Okay, so spring rolls and...?”’
Yena, who had been eagerly eyeing the menu, spoke up first. “I’m definitely getting the crispy calamari,” she said, grinning widely. “Can’t go wrong with that.”
Minju smiled gently, her eyes flickering between her friends before landing on Chaewon. “I’ll take some dumplings. And maybe some fried tofu on the side?”
Chaewon nodded. “Sounds good to me.” She glanced over at Yujin and then back at the menu, feeling a slight warmth spread through her chest as her gaze lingered on Minju for a beat longer than necessary.
Yujin stretched her arms, clearly unfazed by the ongoing teasing. “Fine, then. I’ll go with some gyoza, and maybe some fried rice, too. Just to balance things out.”
They placed down their orders, and after a few moments, they settled into a comfortable silence, waiting for their food to arrive.
Chaewon, Yena, and Minju started chatting among themselves, the conversation flowing effortlessly. It was nice to be out like this, even if things with Minju felt a bit... unspoken. Chaewon tried to focus on the conversation, her eyes flickering between Yena and Minju as they discussed their upcoming schedules.
Every now and then, Chaewon couldn’t help but glance over at Wonyoung and Yujin. The two of them seemed lost in their own little world, their conversations light and easy, but there was something undeniably intimate about the way they interacted. Yujin would lean in just a little too close when she spoke to Wonyoung, her tone soft and teasing. Wonyoung, on the other hand, would smile and laugh in that way that only Yujin seemed to draw out of her—a smile that was a little too bright, a little too soft.
‘They act exactly like Minju and I… They have to be more than friends,” Chaewon thought.
She quickly refocused on Minju, who was talking about the upcoming school events, and nodded along, doing her best to keep her mind from wandering. Yet, when her gaze drifted back toward Yujin and Wonyoung. They felt like more than friends. Maybe it was how natural it seemed for them to be so close, or how Wonyoung’s eyes softened whenever Yujin spoke.
"Chaewon, you there?" Yena's voice broke through her thoughts.
Chaewon blinked and turned to look at her. “Huh?”
“I was asking if you’re still planning to go to that event next week with Minju. Are you two, like, a package deal now or what?” Yena raised an eyebrow, teasing.
Chaewon’s face flushed for a split second, the heat creeping up her neck. She didn’t know why the question made her nervous. Maybe it was the way Yena phrased it— package deal? She shot Minju a quick glance, and Minju, too, seemed slightly flustered, her eyes flickering away. It wasn’t as if they were hiding their feelings for each other, but…
“Yena, seriously?” Minju mumbled, her voice a little sheepish.
Yena only smirked and turned back to Chaewon, eyes glinting mischievously. “What? I’m just saying, it’s cute.”
Chaewon cleared her throat, trying to regain composure. “We’re still figuring things out. It’s not that simple.”
Minju nodded in agreement, but her face had the faintest hint of a smile as she looked at Chaewon, who felt herself melting a little.
The food arrived shortly after, and the table filled with the delicious smells of gyoza, fried rice, and other dishes. They all dug in, the clinking of chopsticks and casual chatter filling the air. Chaewon took a bite of her spring roll, trying to focus on the conversation, but she couldn’t help but keep an eye on Yujin and Wonyoung.
As they ate, Chaewon noticed something that made her pause. Yujin, in her usual laid-back way, kept reaching over to Wonyoung’s plate, taking a bite of something Wonyoung hadn’t touched yet, something that Yujin clearly didn’t seem to mind as much—like the vegetables Wonyoung pushed to the side. Yujin would then grab a piece of gyoza or some fried rice from her own plate, gently offering it to Wonyoung.
“Here, you’d probably like this more.” Yujin’s voice was soft, something that made Chaewon pause mid-bite.
Wonyoung smiled and took the food without protest, a little grateful, but not surprised. “Thanks, I’ll trade you for this,” she said, reaching for one of the dumplings from Yujin’s plate in return.
Chaewon watched as they exchanged bites like it was completely normal, like it was just another quiet routine between them. Yujin didn’t seem to mind that she was giving up food she clearly enjoyed—she just smiled as Wonyoung happily took the things she didn’t want, and Wonyoung did the same without hesitation.
For a brief moment, Chaewon wondered if they even noticed how everyone else was looking. The intimacy between them was so subtle, yet so noticeable. The small gestures, the gentle smiles.
“Are you gonna keep doing that all night?” Yena teased, glancing at them.
Yujin only chuckled and shrugged, unfazed. “What? She doesn't like half the stuff on her plate anyway. Just helping her out.”
Wonyoung’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she was clearly amused. “I’m just picky, okay?”
It was... oddly sweet, watching them like this.
How easily they understood each other, how every small gesture seemed to flow so naturally. She couldn’t help but wonder if she and Minju would ever get to that point, where everything just... clicked.
Chaewon smiled a little, but her thoughts lingered on Yujin and Wonyoung. The way they moved around each other so effortlessly, the way their small, caring gestures made everything seem easy.
—
5.
Eunbi sat back, watching the group with a small smile, as the familiar chaos of their hangout buzzed around her. Everyone was chatting, laughing, teasing one another—just the usual comfort of being together.
As she observed, her attention caught attention of the subtle dynamic between Yujin and Wonyoung.
It was almost... predictable . Every time Yujin moved, Wonyoung was right behind her. She didn't hesitate. It didn't matter if they were in the middle of a conversation or in the middle of a group activity, if Yujin stood up, Wonyoung was the first to follow. No one else even seemed to think about it.
“Wonyoung, can you grab the drinks while I get the food?” Yujin asked, her voice casual but with that light authority that she somehow always carried.
Without a beat, Wonyoung stood up, nodding. “Got it,” she said, her tone light and easy. She followed Yujin’s lead like it was the most normal thing in the world, without a hint of hesitation.
Eunbi watched as Wonyoung, despite having been just sitting down moments ago, was already moving alongside Yujin, following her wherever she went. It wasn’t just about following orders—it was the way Wonyoung stayed within Yujin’s space, walking beside her as if they had an invisible tether connecting them.
It was interesting to watch, how effortlessly it happened. Wonyoung was always the first to react, always the first to move when Yujin did. She was almost like a shadow, only one that seemed completely at ease, even without being asked. Eunbi couldn’t help but wonder if the rest of the group had picked up on it too.
She glanced around at the others. Sakura and Chaeyeon were in deep conversation about the latest drama in their favorite show, Hyewon was cracking jokes with Chaewon and Yena, and Minju was engaged in a low conversation with Nako. No one seemed to pay much attention to Yujin and Wonyoung, though, as they moved through the space. It was as if they had long since stopped noticing the way they fit together so naturally.
“We need a few more snacks from the kitchen,” Yujin called out again, this time walking toward the kitchen area, and sure enough, Wonyoung was the first to follow. The others didn’t even pause their conversations; it was just another quiet moment in the background.
Eunbi chuckled softly to herself. She couldn't help it. The whole thing was almost comical in its predictability, and yet... there was something undeniably sweet about it.
She glanced at the others again, but this time, she noticed that Minju’s eyes were following Wonyoung and Yujin. She wasn’t staring outright, but there was a certain awareness in her gaze, a curiosity that seemed almost like it belonged to someone who had seen this too many times before.
Yuri, who had been listening intently to the others, noticed Eunbi’s glance and raised an eyebrow, as if to ask what she was thinking. Eunbi just shook her head and offered a quiet, amused smile.
“Nothing,” she said, her voice light, as she returned her attention to the group. But inside, she was still thinking about it—the quiet way Wonyoung was always by Yujin’s side, the way they shared the space, almost seamlessly. It was subtle, but it was there, and there was something about it that made Eunbi smile to herself.
Something told her that Yujin and Wonyoung weren’t just comfortable with each other—they were softer around each other, in ways the others might not even realize yet. But Eunbi noticed.
—
+1.
Hyunseo was lounging on the couch, watching the usual dynamics of their small hangout with half-amused detachment. It was just her, Jiwon, Rei, Gaeul, Wonyoung, and Yujin this time, a mix of quiet conversation and casual jokes floating through the air. The topic had drifted between random things—school, random fun facts, and the occasional tease here and there. But it was the quiet between Wonyoung and Yujin that caught Hyunseo’s attention more than anything else.
Wonyoung had been absentmindedly fiddling with her phone, her body half-turned towards Yujin, as if there was an invisible pull drawing her toward the older girl. Hyunseo watched, noticing how their shoulders brushed just a little more often than necessary, how Wonyoung's smile softened whenever Yujin spoke.
And then, just as casually as breathing, Wonyoung muttered it.
“Okay, babe, I’ll get it,” Wonyoung said, standing up to grab something from the table.
Hyunseo’s ears perked up at the nickname. She wasn’t the only one who noticed either. There was a brief moment of silence that followed, before Gaeul let out a small, surprised laugh.
“Did you just... call her babe?” Gaeul raised an eyebrow, her tone light and teasing.
Wonyoung froze mid-step, her face going pink almost immediately. She glanced at Yujin, clearly flustered. Yujin, too, looked a little caught off guard, but her expression softened into a small grin.
The others, of course, weren’t going to let it slide that easily.
“Babe?” Rei echoed, her voice dripping with amusement. “Wonyoung, are you and Yujin—”
“No,” Wonyoung interjected quickly, her hands flapping a little nervously. “I mean, I didn’t mean it like that. I just—” She stammered, her face redder by the second.
But the teasing was already escalating. Jiwon leaned back, grinning knowingly.
“So... what’s going on here?” she asked, eyes flickering between Wonyoung and Yujin. “Are we all just going to pretend that babe doesn’t mean something?”
Yujin, who had been quietly watching the exchange with an almost fond amusement, finally shrugged in a way that made it clear she wasn’t hiding anything anymore.
“Okay, fine,” Yujin said, chuckling softly. Her voice was playful but somehow steady, like she had made a decision. “Yeah. We’re dating.” She met Wonyoung’s eyes for a moment before continuing, “I mean, why hide it now?”
Hyunseo froze, her mouth slightly open as the words hit her. Dating? She blinked, trying to process what she’d just heard. She hadn’t picked up on anything between Yujin and Wonyoung. Sure, they hung out a lot, but hadn’t it just been that—hanging out? She'd never suspected anything beyond that.
But as she looked around the room, it became abundantly clear that she wasn’t the only one in the dark. Gaeul, Rei, and Jiwon were all reacting with varying degrees of amusement—none of them looking the least bit surprised.
Rei, ever the dramatic one, stretched her arms with a loud sigh and grinned. “Finally,” she said with a teasing tone. “We’ve all been watching you two for ages.”
Jiwon let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. “Honestly, I thought you two were already together. The way you act, it was obvious.” Her voice was light, but there was a hint of affection in the way she said it, like she was proud of them for finally coming clean.
Gaeul laughed too, crossing her arms. “I think everyone knew except for Hyunseo.” She shot Hyunseo a playful glance, which made the latter flush. “You really didn’t notice, huh?”
Hyunseo felt her cheeks heat up. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She had honestly been so oblivious, she couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed.
“Well, you know,” Hyunseo finally managed, still in a bit of shock, “I thought you two were just really close friends.” She glanced at Yujin and Wonyoung, who were now exchanging a shy but contented smile. The way they were looking at each other now, there was no mistaking it.
“I guess we were,” Yujin said, her smile softening. “But, uh, yeah. We’re dating now. For a little while, actually.”
Hyunseo couldn't help but smile at how easy Yujin made it sound, like it was just another fact that everyone had to deal with. There was something so unbothered and confident about her, even as everyone’s eyes lingered on the two of them.
Wonyoung, who was still blushing, looked at the floor for a moment before meeting Hyunseo’s eyes. “It’s kind of funny how we never really told anyone... I guess it just felt right.” She shrugged sheepishly. “I thought everyone already knew, honestly.”
“Honestly,” Rei teased, “we all could’ve guessed.” She was still smiling widely, but her tone was light and playful. “You two are practically glued to each other.”
Yujin laughed, leaning back in her chair, clearly unbothered by the teasing. Wonyoung, on the other hand, was practically sinking into her seat, her face a deep shade of red. She fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, avoiding eye contact with the group.
“We're not that obvious,” Wonyoung mumbled, though there was a smile tugging at her lips.
“Oh, please,” Gaeul chimed in with a teasing grin. “The way you two look at each other? It’s pretty clear. You guys have been basically attached at the hip for months.”
Yujin’s grin widened at that, and she glanced over at Wonyoung, who was still blushing but now looked like she was trying not to laugh at the teasing. The warmth between them was undeniable, even when they were both trying to downplay it.
Hyunseo, who had been mostly quiet up until this point, blinked in surprise. She had been so caught up in the moment that it hadn't fully sunk in until now. Yujin and Wonyoung really were dating. It made sense in hindsight, but seeing it laid out so casually left her a bit shocked.
“I seriously didn’t know,” Hyunseo admitted, scratching the back of her neck, her face flushed with the realization that everyone else had seen it coming. “You guys hid it well.”
Rei deadpanned, not missing a beat. “Girl, they did not hide it at all.” She gave a dramatic eye-roll, her voice flat. “They were being so obvious.”
Yujin chuckled, leaning back in her seat, clearly enjoying the teasing. Wonyoung let out a nervous laugh, her face still a deep shade of red. She fidgeted with her sleeve again, avoiding eye contact with everyone.
“Honestly, I didn’t even know how to act around them sometimes,” Rei continued, crossing her arms and looking at the two of them. “It was like watching a rom-com in real life. Yujin would always check in on Wonyoung, making sure she was okay. And Wonyoung? She couldn’t even stop staring at Yujin.”
Hyunseo blinked, taken aback. Now that Rei mentioned it, she could see what they were talking about.
Wonyoung groaned and sunk even further into her chair, her hands covering her face. “Stop! This is so embarrassing.”
Yujin, however, only smiled wider, reaching over to nudge Wonyoung’s shoulder affectionately. “It’s fine, Wonyoungie. Everyone already knows now, so no use hiding it.”
“Still,” Wonyoung muttered from behind her hands, though her voice was fond. “I thought I’d have more time before everyone figured it out.”
“Time?” Yujin raised an eyebrow. “We’ve been ‘figured out’ for ages. Don’t act surprised.”
Gaeul leaned back, crossing her arms, still watching the exchange with an amused look. “Yeah, no kidding. The way you two talk to each other—it's pretty obvious. You practically speak in your own language.”
Hyunseo let out a small laugh. “I feel like I’ve been living under a rock or something.”
“You’re not the only one,” Rei said with a knowing smirk. “I think we all thought it was just a matter of time before one of you would finally say it out loud.”
Wonyoung shifted uncomfortably but finally removed her hands from her face, catching Yujin’s eye. “Okay, okay, we get it. You all knew before us.”
Hyunseo smiled, feeling a sense of relief now that the tension had broken. “Well, I’m happy for you guys,” she said, her voice warm. “I think you’re great together.”
Wonyoung, still blushing, gave Hyunseo a grateful smile. “Thanks.”
“Alright,” Rei said, breaking the moment with a mischievous grin, “now that the big reveal is over, can we move on to something else? Like how long you two have been lady kissing without anyone catching on?"
“Rei!” Wonyoung squeaked, her face turning redder than before.
“What? It’s a vaild question!”