Chapter Text
What Jinsol really wanted was just to make sure Jungeun’s safe, anywhere and everywhere and whenever Jinsol sees Jungeun. Nothing more. Of course, it hurt a little. She could still remember Jungeun’s face on that park where she followed Jungeun to. Jinsol was sure to herself she’d never forget how tight Jungeun grabbed Hyunjin’s collar and almost harmed the younger if Hyunjin hadn’t only told Jungeun to calm down.
Most of all, the way Jungeun spat out her knifelike words about soulmates to Hyunjin. Jinsol was sure to hell she’d never cross her line. Taking care of Jungeun was Jinsol’s objective, nothing more, nothing less. That was, if Jungeun wanted it that way.
Honestly, it wasn’t in Jinsol’s goals. She just accidentally found Jungeun on a blind date with a random guy Hyunjin set up for her. The moment Jinsol entered the restaurant, she roamed her eyes around in hopes to find the guy she intended to meet, but her eyes locked with a brown-haired girl’s eyes for a moment. Jungeun. The girl was frantic, in search of someone, but Jinsol wasn’t really sure about what she was feeling then. When Jungeun left, Jinsol felt the heat gradually left too.
That was when Jinsol knew. And then, as if it were fated, Jinsol kept sensing Jungeun around, most of the time when Hyunjin was with her so Jinsol thought she’d just keep on following Hyunjin around. One time, at the bus stop, Jinsol found Jungeun. But they didn’t talk; it was as if Jungeun didn’t saw her. She kept chasing after Jungeun to keep her safe and happy. Jinsol knew something was wrong with Jungeun, judging by the way the smaller felt, until she finally properly met the girl.
She saw Jungeun alone, she watched until some guys tried to do something to Jungeun, and when she figured she couldn’t take it anymore, she interfered.
Jungeun never recognized her.
Fine, Jinsol thought. Easier, so she won’t think I’m creepy.
But then she slowly became closer to Jungeun, and Jinsol couldn’t deny what she was feeling inside her heart. She felt stupid. So when the time came Jungeun finally talked to her after awhile, and Jungeun asked her about what she felt towards Jungeun, she denied it.
She swore she’d do anything in order to keep Jungeun with her.
Figuring Jungeun wasn’t easy to Jinsol, but she did her best to do what she thought was right. Jinsol could compare Jungeun to a puzzle, a thousand-piece puzzle, hard to figure out what is what, one wrong move and everything would only look weird.
Jungeun was also like an ever so changing maze, with walls so tall and traps inside, you could never find a way out unless you stay alert forever. Jinsol almost backed out, but the way back was unreachable, Jinsol found herself too deep into the maze to even try to find the way to the start. Jinsol was lost.
Jungeun could be correlated to the Sun trying to hide away on the clouds. It hurt Jinsol looking at her, trying to find her, but it gave Jinsol the best feeling she could ever ask for. Seeing Jungeun made Jinsol happy, even if it hurt her. Jinsol was late; she realized she was too deep. Too deep she’d never want Jungeun away.
And it was hard. Jinsol didn’t know Jungeun would hate her even more. Just when Jinsol was giving up the whole soulmate situation and even her feelings regarding Jungeun, the other went the other way around. It confused the hell out of Jinsol, she didn’t know what to do. But one thing’s for sure: she’d be there waiting anytime for Jungeun, for whatever Jungeun wanted.
A fool for Jungeun.
Jungeun’s kisses were heaven to Jinsol. But she respected Jungeun, not wanting the girl away from her like how Jungeun always tried to do. She just wanted to be able to reach Jungeun without the other literally hiding as if they were playing hide and seek and Jinsol had to figure out which way Jungeun went.
Now that Jungeun admitted to wanting Jinsol, though, Jinsol felt like she could breathe, a lot easier, a lot comfortable, a lot happier now. She waited for this moment. And if you asked her, she’d redo it over and over again. If Jungeun’s at the end, then she’d do it again.
Both of them technically never imagined this to happen.
Now, Jungeun stood uneasy by Jinsol’s side, her legs actually aching from all the walking and running she did, but she knew she had to stay standing in order to please someone who was standing just at the opening of the apartment. She fidgeted, and Jinsol held her on her waist. She looked up apologetically.
“Not to be that person but I really think you’re stupid,” Hyunjin told them, Jungeun specifically, because currently it looked like Jungeun’s a mess; with her sling bag literally hanging half-open, her clothes especially her coat so disheveled, her slight makeup obviously messed up and her hair screaming chaos, ragged. Jungeun felt conscious with that comment, instantly trying to fix herself. Hyunjin rolled her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I really wasn’t thinking straight that time, but you’re not blocked anymore!” Jungeun exclaimed after awhile, still trying to finger comb her tangled hair. Jinsol kept biting her lips, uncomfortable. “And I promise to go out with you… Just schedule when…”
“At least fix yourself before barging through someone’s apartment and kissing right on the fucking door,” Hyunjin replied, turning around to move into their living room. “And I didn’t know you were that type, unnie.” Jinsol basically wanted to drown right at that moment, she could even hear Hyunjin smirking and that was so embarrassing. But most of all, Jinsol didn’t really want Hyunjin standing just a few meters from them. She looked at Jungeun instensely.
Jungeun blushed, looking away from Jinsol and focusing instead on the shoe rack beside her. She felt Jinsol hold her hand, then, tugging her on some room. Jinsol’s room.
Jinsol hugged her the moment they were inside. It was tight, and Jungeun could feel her collar getting wet. She couldn’t help it; she just went for it, hugging Jinsol tighter as if they’d separate any moment. One word said repeatedly, “Sorry.”
Jungeun stopped hiding away. Jungeun broke the walls she built. Jungeun let someone in. Jinsol finally found her way.
No one could stop Jinsol from crying that time.
Only two words were said, sincerely, “Thank you.”
Jungeun and Jinsol lied on their stomach at Jinsol’s bed, their hands intertwined even though they weren’t looking at each other. They were just there, caressing each other’s hands, savoring the moment they both longed for.
Jungeun smiled just by thinking of it, a slight giggle coming out from her mouth. When Jinsol heard this, it seemed like her lips had their own mind, immediately smiling wide. One could tell they were genuinely happy.
They stayed together like that, cuddled while listening to the soft music Jinsol played before they lied down. When Jungeun thought she had enough of daydreaming about this, she shifted to look carefully at Jinsol, and stared as if trying to absorb that she’s not dreaming right now and Jinsol’s really by her side. Her smile grew even wider.
Jinsol noticed this, and turned in order to face Jungeun.
God, I love her so much, she automatically thought.
Jinsol didn’t even notice admitting what she feels for the brunette. She buried her face under Jungeun’s jaw, seemingly embarrassed about being stared upon at. Her smile just couldn’t leave her face.
Jungeun chuckled at this, biting her lower lip and mumbling a soft phrase at Jinsol, “you’re so cute I think I’m dreaming.”
“Stop, I might die,” Jinsol breathed, covering her face with her own hair. The last thing she wanted right now was to look like a fool in front of Jungeun. She hugged Jungeun tightly again.
“Are you okay?” The blonde asked, and Jungeun could feel her voice vibrate. She nearly cried again; having Jinsol this close to her just feels so good. She swore to the Heavens she’d tattoo this moment in her mind. She’d never forget this.
“I’m more than okay,” Jungeun replied, happiness vivid on her tone. “Why?” she added, moving away a little in order to see Jinsol’s face properly.
“Nothing. I can hear your heart. It’s… cute?” Jungeun blushed.
“Stop it. I think I’ll die.”
That time, Jungeun felt so happy and full. Like the days before never even existed. It was like she was reborn into Jinsol’s warm and loving arms and everything’s just okay and nothing would go even a little bit wrong anymore. Because Jinsol was there.
Jungeun couldn’t stop falling for Jinsol. And Jinsol swore something’s wrong with her because she couldn’t stop thinking about Jungeun. Not that she hates it, though.
The only thing that mattered was that they’re together.
“Frappe? What do you want?” Jinsol asked Jungeun as they were ordering their coffees, a week after their confession to each other. It was an afternoon, a day before Christmas, and even though it was really cold, they still went out to “enjoy the free time they have.” Jinsol was sick of staying into either of their apartments.
“Pick whatever you want for me. I need to check something,” Jungeun said in a rush, jogging to the comfort room of the store. Actually, she just needed to ask Vivi and Jiwoo if they already got the package Jungeun was expecting that day. She stayed by the door and after texting Jiwoo, she turned around to meet Jinsol again, but then she instead bumped into a thin girl. She was quick, though, as she held onto the other’s arm to prevent her from falling.
What she didn’t realize was who she bumped into. Jungeun was quick to retrieve her hands after doing so, looking down afterwards.
“H-Heejin,” Jungeun said nervously, she really wasn’t expecting to see Heejin so soon. But hey, at least she wouldn’t spend her time thinking about how to approach Heejin. She took a glance at the younger’s face, and immediately she knew she didn’t have to hide away from this moment.
It didn’t hurt looking at Heejin anymore.
Jungeun sighed, meeting Heejin’s eyes.
“Hi, Jungeun.”
“Can we talk?”
And then Jungeun found herself just at the side of the store, fiddling with her sling bag’s zipper. She was really anxious about this whole thing, talking to Heejin and sorting things out. They both leaned on the wall, and they were a foot away. It was awkward, but Jungeun let Heejin drag her here, so she had to listen to what Heejin was going to say too.
“Can we still fix this?” Heejin said, her eyes looking at everywhere but Jungeun. Her thumb pressing on her other hand, Jungeun could tell Heejin was nervous as hell. It was Heejin’s mark. She did it when she’s nervous. So Jungeun then extended her arm to Heejin, letting her arm rest on the top of the younger’s hands. Heejin faced her then, inhaling deeply before talking.
“I mean, as friends, you know. I saw the blonde there and you look good together but I’m saying this because I really wanted to say sorry to you and to tell you that I know I was an asshole and that you shouldn’t blame yourself for anything–”
“I forgive you.”
Jungeun couldn’t believe she said those words herself but she did, with Heejin in her arms. She hugged Heejin tighter when she realized it. She was glad Heejin talked to her first, because she thinks she could never do it. Heejin hugged her back after a few seconds.
And then they were smiling. Heejin buried her face on Jungeun’s shoulders.
“You’re perfect, Jungeun. And I was blind and stupid for not being able to see that. I hope everything goes well with you from now on, really.”
Jungeun sighed, of relief this time, and happiness.
“I’m really sorry too,” Jungeun said as they pulled away from each other. She saw Heejin’s eyes shining, teary eyed; her smile sweet, innocent; those pretty choices of piercings; her tied hair; her soft skin. This time, Jungeun wasn’t looking at Heejin because she was in love, but because she was happy of everything; of forgiving Heejin, of finally having that weight on her shoulders lifted.
Heejin smiled wider at Jungeun, extending her pinky finger in front of Jungeun.
“Friends?”
“Friends,” Jungeun chuckled.
When they got back inside, they found Jinsol and Chaewon casually talking to each other. Definitely not what they both expected, but Jungeun was glad.
Things were finally working out for Jungeun and she’s more than glad.
“Visit us tomorrow?” Jinsol suddenly asked when the four of them suddenly went silent after laughing. Jungeun quickly looked at Jinsol, mouthing where. She wanted to do something with Jinsol, but Jinsol shrugged, pouting.
Yeah, whatever, no use, I’m over, she has my heart.
“Oh, sure!” Chaewon nodded, beaming. Heejin approved of the idea, too, raising her thumbs up.
Okay, the more, the merrier.
“I’ll call you when we’re ready,” Jungeun replied, raising her eyebrows once and subtly pointed at Jinsol as she grabbed her drink, as if signalizing something to both Heejin and Chaewon. She mouthed the word ‘plan’ to them after. Thankfully, Jinsol was busy finding her phone on her bag, so she wasn’t able to catch any of it. Including the small wink that Heejin made, as if saying she understood Jungeun.
“Here, put your numbers on my phone. If Jungeun forgets, I’ll do it,” Jinsol said then, handing out her phone in front of Heejin and Chaewon.
Heejin chuckled at Jungeun’s actions.
“Thanks,” Jungeun mouthed.
The next day, Jinsol drove early in the morning to Jungeun’s place, with Hyunjin by her side. She tightly hugged Jungeun the moment she saw her, then.
“Merry Christmas, did you sleep well?” Jungeun asked when they pulled away and Jinsol pouted in front of her.
“Yep,” Jinsol giggled, and Vivi had to fake choke on their side because she was literally grossed out because of the two.
“Having Haseul and Sooyoung makes my life crazy and disgusting enough. And now you really had to join them,” she complained, rolling her eyes. Slightly mumbling “when can I get one” as she passed by Hyunjin and Jiwoo talking.
“Well? Help me pick a dress for the party later. Also, Haseul’s sister is coming over later with her friends. Help me not get drunk,” Jungeun dragged Jinsol to her room. Now, it was only her inside that room, Jiwoo left because she just spent almost every night sleeping at Vivi’s. So the two of them could just stay there and no one could bother them. They spent their day there, cuddling.
While Jungeun and Jinsol were inside, though, Heejin and Chaewon arrived.
Jinsol stood at the kitchen with Yeojin and her friends. They were just eating tteokbokki there, which was fine with the others, as long as Yeojin doesn’t eat everything.
She was looking over the living room, watching as the others set up the area to make it more spacious as they had 12 girls in one apartment. As she was doing so, though, Jungeun appeared in all-black outfit Jinsol picked, her hair was loosed, she wore slight makeup and she had her piercings on. She was beautiful. And Yeojin caught Jinsol staring at Jungeun, so she made noise at the back.
“Yaaa! Jungeun is so extra this is unfair!” Haseul had to glare at her to stop.
Jinsol walked to Hyunjin, who was just standing near her, but still didn’t go near Jungeun. She watched the others talk in circles; the living room fixed now. Jungeun was talking to Heejin, and Jinsol figured out she wouldn’t interrupt Jungeun that time. Hyunjin raised an eyebrow at her.
“What are you doing here? Go get your girlfriend,” Jinsol turned her head to face Hyunjin, shocked. And embarrassed. She blinked a few times, pinching Hyunjin’s arms.
“We’re not like that, stupid,” Jinsol replied, rolling her eyes. Her voice was even shaking, which was stupid. Why was she embarrassed about that? She could feel herself heating up, and she was just smiling uncontrollably. Okay, not embarrassed, but in love.
“Ms. Jung Jinsol, I want you here.” Suddenly Jinsol was being pushed by her friends to the center, and then the next thing she knew, everyone was yelling while she was just standing awkwardly there. Then, she found Jungeun walking to her.
“Hi,” Jungeun said, eyes sparkling.
Now Jinsol’s embarrassed.
“What’s this?” Jinsol asked, trying to cover herself with her hair. She was starting to walk away but every time she tried to, someone would push her. There was one time she tried to push Hyunjin out of the circle but Hyunjin’s stronger arms pushed her back, making her trip on herself. She should be glad, though, because Jungeun caught her before she even fell, hugging Jinsol a little tighter in case they suddenly fell together.
“Stop it, I’m so embarrassed,” Jinsol whispered to Jungeun as Jungeun tried to pull away from the hug. Jinsol just locked her arms around Jungeun’s waist, though, so Jungeun couldn’t get away.
Everyone was cheering for them, and it was just causing Jinsol to bury her face on Jungeun’s shoulders even though Jungeun was smaller than her. Finally, Jungeun stopped trying to remove Jinsol from her, and instead rested her arms on Jinsol’s nape.
“Hey, I know this is embarrassing and all and that you might think it’s not necessary because we’re soulmates but…” Jungeun said, enough for Jinsol to hear. She motioned for everyone to stay quiet, and then, she took out a small box from her pocket, tapping Jinsol’s arms as if trying to say she should let go for awhile. Surprisingly, Jinsol did, and what she saw just took her breath away.
“It’s not really much, but I saw this once and I thought that it looked like the stars combined in a pretty moon like that one night when I first brought you here,” Jungeun chuckled while looking at the ring, still just mumbling so not all of the girls could hear. Then she smiled, and changed her focus from the ring to Jinsol, who was just looking at her fondly.
“Accept this ring if you’re willing to be my girlfriend,” Jungeun breathed, shutting her eyes tightly while waiting for Jinsol’s answer. Everything got silent to Jungeun, and no one’s talking. She was getting scared so she took a peek with her one eye, immediately opening both her eyes to look carefully at Jinsol.
She was slightly pouting, staring at the ring, and somehow teary eyed. When Jinsol looked up to meet Jungeun’s eyes, she saw Jungeun grinning at her.
“Why not?” Jinsol replied, and the rest of the girls cheered as Jinsol hugged Jungeun again, tighter this time. Jungeun could feel her eyes getting wet again. She sniffed, pulling away from Jinsol to put the ring on Jinsol’s finger.
The night got deeper, and some of the adult line already got themselves drunk. The kids were playing some sort of game and Sooyoung was officiating. Everyone was busy, including Jungeun and Sooyoung, who were sitting peacefully next to each other while eating some of the foods they prepared that day. Jinsol couldn’t stop looking at the ring and smiling, and Jungeun couldn’t be happier. She just enjoyed watching over Jinsol’s unwavering smile.
“Can I hug you one more time?” Jungeun asked; fondness vivid on her tone. It took her so long to have this, and she still couldn’t believe it.
“Why are you asking? I’m your girlfriend,” Jinsol said proudly, flashing a full grin at Jungeun. Jungeun giggled, scooting closer to Jinsol.
“I didn’t think you’d like it,” Jungeun told her after awhile of observing her. She gently held Jinsol’s hand in front of her, leaving a swift kiss on top of it. Jinsol beamed at Jungeun, pulling the younger into a hug.
“Anything from you, I’d like it, because I like it best when you smile,” Jinsol murmured before pulling away and focusing on her food again.
Just like that, Jungeun watched her new story began, this time, with a soothing feeling on her chest and a few cheesy moments with Jinsol. She didn’t hate it, though. Jungeun would never hate how she just automatically welcomes Jinsol so easily in her life, how Jinsol just easily uncover each side of her naturally. Jungeun will never hate it.
Jinsol found the password to Jungeun’s heart through entering a dangerous and mysterious maze she never knew and solely following the sensation in her heart and the lips continuously calling for her and pulling her. And Jungeun let her in, as if it would kill her softly if she let Jinsol wander more, letting the taller take her slowly in. Until the end of this world, Jungeun only wanted Jinsol.
Did it start from the moment they first saw each other? Or was it even before they knew each other?
Jungeun looked affectionately at Jinsol, her heart swelling with joy.
“Thank you for finding me.”