Archive of Our Own ^beta

Tension filled the stadium air as the clock ticked down, signaling the match's closing moments. It’s the playoffs—the second match to start off the tournament. Eyes looked towards the scoreboard. 3-3. The game was tied. The determined defensive midfielder dribbles the ball between her feet. Eyes dart back towards the goal and zero in. Sprinting, she could only hear the racing of her own heart.

The midfielder’s teammates sprinted right alongside her. They were shouting and whistling for her attention, gesturing to pass along the ball.

“Pass the ball! I’m open.”

One teammate almost broke her haze, but she was too far in. She had to see this through. The opposing team’s defense closed in. They were aware of her reputation as a football player. The enemy team’s player tried to slide tackle her to gain control of the ball. Still, with a boastful display of her agility, the midfielder managed to avoid the play. She could feel a trail of sweat run down her forehead just as she could feel the pressure mounting. The frantic attention her teammates were doing only added to the tightening pressure.

“We’re running out of time. Pass the damn ball!”

She was too far in. She had to go through with this play. With eyes as sharp as an eagle, she saw an opening in their defense. Victory right at her fingertips, she positions herself for the final play. The young midfielder enters the penalty zone. The opposing defense is within arm's length now. She barely passes through a defender, then another, agility proudly showing its head. The enemy is scrambling and panicking to at least tie this game.

Her teammate’s pleas rise in urgency, begging, and anxiety.

“I’M OPEN! I’M OPEN! 5 SECONDS! PASS THE BALL!”

With the goal right in front of her, the midfielder takes a deep breath. She takes in everything at once. She remembers the hours of training and drills and her confidence…and shoots.

The ball soars through the air. Time slowed for what seemed like everyone in the college stadium. The black and white ball sailed over the goalkeeper’s hands…finding its path right at the back of the net.

The seated patrons in the stadium erupted in cheers. However frustrated, her teammates shifted their emotions to giddy joy. They all rush towards her to those who sit on the bench. Their voices filled with jubilation and admiration.

Her coach, Taeyeon, came up to her and hit her back. “There we go! I knew you had it in you!”

She basks in the celebratory glow that comes with the game-winning goal. A shy smile graced her face. She exchanges glances with her teammates, and all have looks of respect and understanding. She sees annoyance and displeasure when she locks eyes with one specific teammate. The teammate sharpens her eyes to look at her to convey a message. A message that the midfielder missed. Choosing to stray away from her, she looks back at the rest of her teammates, and together, they celebrate the triumph of a win through their collective efforts.

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The midfielder enters the locker room with a broad smile on her face. They’re advancing to the next stage in the tournament. Another step towards the trophy.

“Nice game out there, Minjeong!” Her teammate and roommate, Yizhou, complimented her. “Saw you out on the defense line. You had my heart stopping for a second!”

“But we won, didn’t we?”

“We sure did! Keep doing that, and I’ll drop dead before I graduate.” Yizhou laughed before she went to her locker. “I’ll see you back in our room, alright? See you!”

Minjeong chuckled and shook her head in amusement. She took a second to grab her things and smelled her uniform. “Ack!” The sweat from the game made its presence known. It's a good thing Minjeong keeps extra toiletries in her locker.

“Hey, Minjeong!” One of her other teammates, Sarah, joined her side. “The girls are all getting together at the local bar to celebrate. Are you coming with?”

“Not this time.” Minjeong smiled. “I just want to shower and go back to my dorm.”

“That’s alright. Next time, though. I’m going to ask Jimin too. I’ll see you at practice tomorrow!”

The mention of that name made her clench her teeth. Whatever, no need to worry about that. She made her way toward the showers and took her time. She just wanted to relax and wind down after an intense match before she had to return to practice in the morning.

After she was done with her shower, she changed back into her regular clothes and put her cleats into her locker. All while relishing the sense of accomplishment. When she tied the last knot on her sneakers, she heard a ball hitting a post and a shout of frustration. She gathered up the last of her things and went outside as she left; either way, she just wanted to investigate.

Walking onto the field, the stadium lights illuminate the figure of the teammate who glared at her earlier. There’s a fire in her eyes and a determination in her step as she runs up to the ball to shoot. It seemed that she wasn’t fully aware of Minjeong’s presence.

“Jimin?” Minjeong asked. “What are you doing out here so late?”

It seemed Jimin didn’t hear her. She continued to jog up to the goal to grab the ball and reposition its spot at the penalty zone.

“Jimin!” With the furrow in her eyebrow, it was evident that Jimin was aware of her presence but actively chose to ignore it. “It’s late! Go home!”

Jimin whirled around in her direction and ripped out the earbuds that were audibly blasting music. “Do you mind?!” She growled. “I’m doing something important.”

“What could be so important that you’re out at?” Minjeong checks the time on her phone. “10 PM on the field?”

“Why does it matter to you?”

“Because I care?”

“Then don’t. I don’t need you caring for me. You have enough on your plate already.”

“What does that mean?” Minjeong was confused at this point.

“I don’t get it. What makes you better? What makes you the reason we won when we also almost lost because of you? So many questions for you.”

“We still won. Why does it matter so much?”

“And congratulations are to Ms. Kim Minjeong. Must be nice to bask in the glory, right?”

“What is your problem with me, Jimin?”

“Where to start!” Jimin laughed loudly. “We almost lost because of you, and nobody cares! I don’t understand! This tournament could be the best thing for all of us. Instead of caring about it like we should, everybody ignores your selfishness! Even the goddamn coach. I’m starting to think there’s blatant favoritism.”

“Favoritism?!” Minjeong gawked. “You have a lot of nerve to accuse me of that.”

“You are the star, Minjeong. You’re constantly in the spotlight. You don’t get it. You won’t ever get it because your head is so far up your ass I doubt you even see the ass crack of sunlight.”

Minjeong took a deep breath and tried to defuse the situation. “Listen, we’re a team. Our victory is between all of us. We won because of everybody’s efforts today, including yours.”

Jimin scoffed and backed away from her. She turned her back away from her, and sarcasm dripped from her. “You keep telling yourself that. You’re just as blind as everybody else.” Jimin rolled her shoulders backward and rolled her neck before she dismissively said, “I’ll make sure you have competition in this team, Minjeong. I will make sure that you’re taken down a peg. After what you did to me, it’s only fair.”

And with that, Jimin walked away with her back turned towards Minjeong. Leaving her with only confusion written all over her face.

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Morning practice went as well as Minjeong could only hope for, considering she woke up at dawn for a 2-mile lap across the campus. Her classes went as expected as well. Wholly dull and droning repeatedly about the subject she was forced into against her wall. Truthfully, she looked at a certain somebody during class and saw her dozing off. It made her a little bit about her. Was Jimin getting enough sleep? It wasn’t like her to do this. But alas, as her day went on and her classes ended, she returned to the playing field for practice.

Minjeong ran through some quick drills before they ended their short practice with a scrimmage. She noticed something that worried her immensely, even if she wouldn’t say it loud. Jimin was, to say it nicely, looking awful. She had sweat pouring from her head compared to their other teammates. Her movements were sluggish and not like her usual ones as a striker. She quite frankly looked like she was on the verge of passing out. She stumbled, and their teammates were quickly able to take the ball from her. Minjeong saw in her eyes that Jimin had become just as frustrated as she was. She promptly regained her footing and darted back to the ball. That was when Minjeong decided to inform her coach.

She ran over to her coach.

“Minjeong!” Taeyeon exclaimed. “What is so important that you left drills?”

“Honestly, coach, I’m a little concerned about Jimin. Looking at her, you can see she’s not in the best condition to play right now.”

The coach looked over to who she was talking about and observed for a handful of seconds. “Yes. I guess you’re right. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll pull her to rest before we start the scrimmage, alright?”

“Thanks, coach.”

After drills were done, the coach pulled Jimin to the side. Minjeong saw her, and she looked worse. Her eyes were glazed over, and she looked sickly pale. She saw that Jimin was hiding the fact that she was clutching her stomach. When she saw the coach discuss what she saw and told her to rest, Jimin looked furious. Although she knew there wasn’t anything she could do to override the decision made by their coach, it didn’t make her any less pissed off. To make matters worse, Jimin caught her looking at her and sent her a deathly glare.

“Alright, girls!” The coach announced. It made Minjeong tear her eyes away from Jimin sitting on the bench. “Team captains! Pick your roster, and we’ll play the game from there!”

When Minjeong looked back at where Jimin sat, she wasn’t there. She looked around and noticed her fast walking to the locker room again, clutching her stomach.

Try as she might, she couldn’t get her mind off Jimin since she never came out of the locker room, even as practice ended.

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Minjeong entered the locker room after her teammates finished up, and she stayed back to discuss some plays and formations. She heard a shower running in the background and checked to ensure a teammate didn’t leave it on.

She was a little creeped out. She was sure all her teammates left. Although her teammates liked to joke around that, a ghost of an old student-athlete died there. Those were just jokes…right?

“Hello?” She called out. Geez, what was she thinking? Everybody knows that you’re not supposed to say hello. Horror 101. “Is anyone here?”

Someone turned the faucet off to the shower. An arm darted out of the small stall to grab the towel hanging, and Minjeong screeched and fell to the floor. The curtain cried as it was pushed to the side.

“Geez, dramatic much?” It was Jimin. “It’s only me.”

Minjeong felt her heart give up, and she lay on the floor, catching her breath.

“God, did I scare you that much, Minjeongie?” Jimin sarcastically said.

Minjeong looked up to retort back at her, but the words got caught in her throat. Standing near her was Yoo Jimin in nothing but a towel and wet hair.

“See something you like, Kim? Keep staring, and I’ll start to get the wrong idea.” Jimin smiled at her.

Minjeong cleared her throat and jumped up to her feet. “What are you still doing here? It’s late. Especially considering the coach benched you for the scrimmage.”

“Yeah. No thanks to someone.”

“What does that mean?” Minjeong narrowed her eyes at Jimin.

By now, Jimin moved over to the locker section of the building. “Oh, c’mon. Nobody else came up to coach the entire practice. Still, suddenly, you go up to her yourself, and just as suddenly, I can’t participate? At least don’t try to play it off, Minjeong. Be a little more classy than that.”

“You’re so fucking frustrating, you know that, Jimin?”

“Oh? How so, Minjeongie?”

“For one, you’re so stubborn. You were too exhausted today.” Jimin opened her mouth, ready to retort, but Minjeong beat her. “I’m not finished! Wait until I’m done.” Jimin rolled her eyes. “As I was saying! You were stumbling. Don’t think that I didn’t catch you holding your stomach. You used to do that whenever we were kids, you know? Usually, when you’re about to vomit, I’m guessing that’s exactly what happened. Especially when you were practically running to come over here.” Jimin deflated at that. “You can pass that off to anybody but not me! Like it or not, Jimin, I know you just as much as you know me, even if you hate it! I don’t understand why you choose to suffer like this when we can help you. Especially when I could help you.”

Jimin decided to say something then. “I don’t need your help because I’m wonderful! I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much. Don’t pretend you care suddenly, especially after all these years.”

“Fine? Do you think all of this is fine? This isn’t healthy, Jimin! I know you’ve been pushing yourself. You’re staying late after practice, falling asleep in class, and then today? Your eyes are bloodshot red. Just let me help you out whenever you need it. You need it before you hurt yourself to no return.”

At this point, Minjeong was going on her tirade; she failed to notice how Jimin was getting closer and closer to her. “And one more thing…” She looked up and saw that she and Jimin were only an inch apart. “...What are you doing?” She backed into the locker wall.

“Go ahead, Minjeongie. Say what you were going to say.” Jimin said as she leaned closer to Minjeong.

“I-” The words once again caught in her throat.

“Cat got your tongue, honey?” Jimin brought her up to her cheek and caressed it lightly. She laughed. “Well? Say something.”

Minjeong was trying to look anywhere else but her face. She looked down for one second and immediately regretted and flushed a deep scarlet red.

Minjeong pushed Jimin off of her. “You’re impossible! You’re acting like this isn’t a serious matter. Instead, you’re doing whatever that was! Be serious for a second here! You know what, Jimin? You act like you’re the only one that matters. I’ve tried helping you behind the scenes. Directly to you, but you refuse to take any offer. You refuse to let anyone in. I hardly even see you interact with any of our teammates!”

“That’s because I don’t need anyone.” Jimin sneered. “I’ve always done things my way. I don’t need your pity or any concern. Not now, not then, not in the future, got it?!”

She sighed. “Oh, I get it! You’re so strong and independent from other people that you’ll ruin yourself! Well, guess what?! I refuse to let that happen!”

Jimin slams her hands against the locker wall. “You don’t get it at all! I don’t expect you to understand. After all, how could you understand what it’s like to be me? Always in your shadow.”

Minjeong chuckled. “You don’t think I get it? Do you think I’ve ever had it any easier? I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at, no thanks to the challenges I’ve faced throughout all of it. But at the end of the day, I at least learned that I can count on my teammates and trust that they’ll have my back.”

Jimin’s face turns into a snarl as she pushes herself off the locker. “Just leave me the hell alone, alright? I don’t need any of your stupid advice. I hardly need this team, either! I can do it all on my own. Just watch me at the game!”

“Sucks to be you, Jimin. I don’t give up that easily! Especially not on someone like you!” Minjeong walked away before she could snap and say anything else. Not before muttering as she walked out, “Not on my best friend.”

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A couple of days passed by after that incident. The day needed to be faster between classes, short practices, and sleeping. The second match in the tournament for her team began. This one would determine who goes up to the quarterfinal.

The stadium, as usual, was alive and dripping with energy and anticipation for the result of this day’s match. As Minjeong and her team stepped onto the field, the cheers from the passionate fans of her crew went wild. She even heard a handful shout her name as well as Jimin’s. Their reputation proceeds them. The atmosphere was electrifying. The pitch was immaculate. The smell of fresh-cut grass filled her nostrils, and it made her adrenaline start to pump up. Just how she liked it. She took a deep breath in as she took her defensive position. She took a moment to look all around her while the referee himself walked up to the middle of the pitch. She noticed the enemy opponents and examined all of them. She saw her coach staring straight ahead. Finally, she looked at all her teammates on and off the field. Her teammates on the bench were shaking with excitement at the prospect of getting to play. Her teammates on the field were sizing themselves up to appear intimidating. However, one specific player made Minjeong hyperaware of her.

Jimin wasn’t precisely looking well. It was very evident. She was standing still, but it was apparent how her knees were shaking and struggling to keep her upright. Her chest was rising up and down faster than usual. She looked sickly like she was fighting off nausea. Minjeong had half the sense to bring attention to her coach, but the shrill ring of the referee’s whistle stopped her from acting. The ball was in motion before she caught up with it. She cursed herself for focusing away from the play in the act. Immediately, her senses heightened once she became focused on the game, and she was off. Adrenaline was the only thing she felt at the moment. She was here, she was there, she was everywhere. There was but one thing in those eyes of hers. Determination. She was on fire with how she was going up and down the field. She passed. She kicked. She passed the ball to the ill-fated teammate.

She missed. Jimin missed? She never misses. She was right in front of the goal. What the hell happened? She was agitated enough since she created a perfect strategic play only for Yoo Jimin to destroy it for her. She practically marched up to the player while the teams set up a corner kick. Except she noticed Jimin panting like a dog in the hot summer sun. She tried to catch her breath as she put her palms against her knees. Minjeong changed her approach and walked up to put a hand on her back.

“Take it easy, Jimin.” She gently said. “Our striker needs to be in her best condition, yeah?” She tried to smile reassuringly at her, but Jimin only snarled in response.

“I don’t need you to tell me what to do, Kim. I’m fine. Now, get into position before we lose another play.”

Minjeong was shocked at the thought that Jimin insinuated that she was why they botched that play. Whatever. She has more important things to focus on before she deals with the whiny, self-destructive college student.

And with that, the game continues. Minjeong was still on fire by the time half-time rolled around. She set up perfect assists that helped the team’s score reach 5 points as the enemy’s was 2. Jimin herself had even managed to score 1. Although, she looked very agitated when she shot the ball toward the goal.

The whistle blew from the referee's mouth to signal the end of the 1st half and the beginning of their 15-minute break for halftime. Immediately, Minjeong and her teammates scrambled into the locker room to rest while they could. She glanced at her and noticed how she staggered onto the bench next to her locker and practically lunged at her water bottle. She chugged it like a frat boy at his first college party. It worried Minjeong. She’d have to find an opportunity to confront Jimin because this was too much, and she wouldn’t stand by while she’d see her get hurt. The opportunity found itself when her teammates were running to the field three minutes before the end of halftime. Thank god her teammates were serious about their sport.

Minjeong walked over to where Jimin was lying down on the bench. She doesn’t even recall her ever lying down. She cleared her throat to garner her attention, but Jimin kept her arms over her head in an attempt to ignore her. Well, she just had to try harder. She cleared her throat louder, but still nothing. She was growing a little frustrated. She looked up at the analog clock above the entrance and saw she was running low on time.

So she pushed Jimin off the bench. Big mistake.

Jimin immediately appeared out of her state and whipped around to Minjeong at the speed of light. “What. The. Fuck. Is. Wrong. With. You.” Jimin was seething. To be honest, it scared Minjeong just the slightest.

“You were ignoring me.”

“I was ignoring you?! I was sleeping, for god's sake.” Jimin stood up.

“Oh.” Minjeong looked down at her shoes in shame. She didn’t realize she was sleeping.

“Oh? Oh?! That’s all you have to say?!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize….”

“Was there something you wanted to say, or are you just here to annoy the shit out of me?” She was shaking from the frustration Minjeong gave her.

“You need to stop.”

“Stop what?”

“You need to stop pushing yourself out on the field like what you’re doing last half.”

Jimin scoffed. “Here we go again.”

“I’m being serious here, Jimin. You need to stop doing this before you seriously hurt yourself.”

“Like I said, Minjeong,” Jimin spat out her name like it was some poison, “I don’t need any help. Not any advice from anyone. Especially from you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, we’re done here.”
Minjeong darted her arm out to grasp onto Jimin’s wrist. “No, we’re not.” Minjeong audibly gulped. “Jimin, please. I’m not trying to argue with you.” She saw how her teammate deflated just the slightest bit. She saw her chance. “I’m trying to tell you this because I care about you. I don’t want to see you hurt.” Jimin was starting to relax.

“You and me. We’re friends.” Minjeong lost her.

Jimin scoffed loudly. “That’s fucking rich coming from you.”

“Jimin-”

She cut her off. “We haven’t been friends since we were 15, Minjeong. Don’t ever insinuate that we are any semblance of friends. You and I are strictly teammates. That’s all we’ll ever be. Don’t forget that.”

“What did I do to you? You and I were best friends.” Minjeong sounded defeated.

“You know exactly what you did.”

Minjeong threw her hands up in the air. “For god's sake, Jimin, we were 15! That was years ago! What do I have to do for you to forgive me?”

“Leave me the hell alone. That’s what you can do. I don’t care if we’re on the same team. I accepted that long ago. But it does not mean you and I have to be friends.”

“You-”

“Guys!” Their teammate came in. “Match is about to start up again. Get out there now!” She ran out before they could get a word in.

“I mean it, Jimin. Don’t you dare push yourself on that field once we step foot on it.”

“And I mean it too, Minjeong. I won’t back down.”

“You’re out of your mind,” Minjeong said before pivoting on her heel and making her way to the exit.

The second half of the match started before Minjeong even knew it. One line was in the locker room. The other, she’s right on the field.

About 10 minutes into the match, it was intensifying. The opposing team was using all of their strength to try and push forward in small attempts to rack up goals. Minjeong and her teammates were putting up a good fight, though. The ball was mostly in possession in the enemy team, thus causing most of the play to be on their side. More energy was expended to ensure no attempts to shoot any goals were made. The adrenaline in her body was starting to spike up. It was also why she hadn’t taken any notice of Jimin. She was too focused on the task at hand to notice anything.

Finally, the match was reaching its end. It went very well for the team. The advantaged team gained possession of the ball again and had even managed to sink in two more goals thanks to their resident striker, Jimin. She was doing alright, even with her direct knowledge of Jimin. Perhaps she had misplaced her worry. Her teammates had pushed to the penalty arc while she stayed in the center circle. She observed her teammates and how all of them were reaching their limits. She looked at the clock. 4 minutes extended time. 1-4. They had this. There was no real reason to worry anymore.

She looked at Jimin. She was looking worse for wear. She hadn’t done any favors by pushing herself. Minjeong thought there wasn’t anything to worry about. Too bad for the next couple of moments. It was like slow-mo to her. It may be cliche to say it like that, but it was exactly what she saw when she witnessed it.

She saw the grimace that Jimin made. She saw the clench in her jaw. The determination in her eyes. It was honestly what Minjeong admired about her. Her grit. Of course, whenever it didn’t endanger her. That clench in her jaw meant that she was going to strike. What she hadn’t accounted for was the unsteady misstep. Jimin pushed herself forward only to land unevenly on the uneven artificial turf. She fell forward, and Minjeong heard the loud cry leave her mouth. There was a loud thud when she hit the ground, and she started to clutch at her ankle. Fuck, she twisted it.

“Help! Someone get a medic! She’s hurt!” Yizhou yelled it.

Minjeong looked at the clock again, and it read one minute. One more minute. Minjeong cursed at the universe. The consequences of Jimin’s actions be damned. Why one minute? The crowd was silent. There were low, sympathetic murmurs rippling across the stunned crowd. Still, with Jimin’s cries' loud, it wasn’t overpowering.

Minjeong darted over to where Jimin was lying down and kneeled with her. “Stay down, alright? Help is coming. It’ll be okay.”

“It hurts. It hurts so bad.” Jimin sobbed. “Minjeong, please. Make it stop….”

The medical team swiftly rushed onto the field. Jimin was carefully lifted and placed onto the stretcher. Her face was shaped into agony as she moved away from the scene. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Jimin was sobbing. She was still saying it while she was moved away from the field and into an ambulance.

There was a short pause for the game. Even with the one-minute mark, it was decided that they would continue the game just for the sake of it. It didn’t matter either way. They would’ve won no matter the outcome of that last minute. The match lost that significance the moment Jimin was carried off that field, sobbing her heart out.

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It wasn’t a significant enough walk to the hospital located next to the stadium. Her teammates offered to carpool with them after they washed up to the hospital to check on Jimin, but Minjeong politely declined their offer. She wanted a moment to collect herself and let the adrenaline settle itself. And it had because now the sole thing on her mind is Jimin and her poor cries leaving the field. She knew that she was struggling but to this extent? She hated to say that she told her so, but she had. Minjeong didn’t know if she wanted to kick herself or Jimin. Either way, she was going to kick something.

A lone trash bin was her target.

Even after she kicked it, it hardly did anything but nothing more as she arrived. She entered the lobby and brought herself to the receptionist's desk. “Hello! I’m here to see a Yu Jimin?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, but unfortunately, our visiting hours are over. They’re done at six. You’re 20 minutes late. It says in Ms. Yu’s file that rest was recommended, so I reckon she’s doing just that.”

Minjeong groaned. It was a 30-minute walk.

“We open visiting hours at 8 AM, though, darling. Anywhere between eight AM and six PM should be more than okay for you to visit your friend, alright?”

Minjeong wanted to pipe up and explain that they weren’t friends, but she wasn’t sure what their relationship was. Childhood best friends who hated each other? She doesn’t like Jimin. It’s the other way. Best friends who stopped talking to each other after one fucked up badly? Yes, that’s it.

“Ms?” The receptionist piped up.

“Yes! Sorry! Thank you for letting me know! I’ll be here as soon as I can.” She started to gather her things. “Thank you again! Bye!”

“Weirdo…” Minjeong didn’t catch the receptionist saying that.

Minjeong’s phone went off, and she checked it to see a text from her coach. ‘When you get the chance, please come back to my office. There’s something important I need to discuss with you. I’ll be here until seven PM today.’

Minjeong groaned yet again. If she walks fast, she could turn the 30-minute walk back into a 20-minute. And that’s if she’s pushing her luck today.

40 minutes later, Minjeong was just not lucky at all. Fuck walking, she started running, and she was still late, for Christ's sake. She was barely at the building where her coach’s office resided when she saw said coach walking out.

“Coach!”

“Minjeong! Hey!”

Minjeong finally caught up to her. “I’m so sorry I’m-” Minjeong had to catch her breath. “I’m so sorry I’m late.”

“Catch your breath, Kim. Otherwise, I’ll make you do extra conditioning. My top defending midfielder can’t pant like this in front of her coach.” Taeyeon joked.

Minjeong immediately straightened up. “Whatever you say, coach!”

“Oh, at ease, Kim. I’m just kidding. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something important. As you know, Jimin, unfortunately, took a pretty nasty slip today during the game. She’s going to be out of playing for a couple of weeks. It’s a grade 2 sprain, so I’d say around 3-4 weeks. Depends on how she takes care of it.”

“So does that mean she won’t be here for the semi-final?” Minjeong questioned.

“No. But! She’ll be here for the final. Thank god. I don’t think we could go against anyone without Jimin in the long run.”

“Agreed.”

“But I didn’t ask you to come to talk about stuff like that.” Taeyeon checked the time on her watch. “Do me a favor, and let’s walk over to my car because it’s pretty late, and I have a wife I need to go home to.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I called you over because I was going to ask if you could ensure Jimin gets the rest she needs. I need to make sure she stays off that foot. Plus, you guys have almost the same classes. Which is why you’re perfect to ask. What a coincidence you both have the same major and football team, am I right? So, if you could find a way to deliver her the homework assigned or class notes, I would appreciate it. She will probably fight you on it, but don’t worry. I already told her she’s been excused from all of her classes. The perks of being a student-athlete! Anyway, I’m off on a ramble. So will you do it?”

“I don’t know, coach…her dorm hall is across campus. Mine is also pretty far. We’re on opposite ends.”

“Please? You’re the only person I’ve seen her interact with. She’s pretty aloof from all of her teammates besides you. Even with me, she doesn’t talk much. You’re the best option right now, Minjeong.”

Minjeong pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Okay.”

“That’s it? I didn’t have to bargain with you? No conditioning for a week? Get to skip out on one practice?”

“Wait. I could do that?!”

Before she knew it, they arrived at Taeyeon’s car. “Well, I gotta go. I’ll see you soon. Let me know how it goes, alright? You know my office hours.” She unlocked her car and hopped in.

“Coach, I could skip out?!” But Taeyeon had already closed her door, started her car, and pulled out of the parking spot. She waved at Minjeong.

“Coach?!” Minjeong attempted one more time. She saw her turn the last corner, and…she was gone. She threw her hands up. “What the fuck..?”

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Morning came and went. The afternoon saw its rise and fall. The evening had finally arrived, and Minjeong dreaded it. She had gone to all of her classes, and true to her coach’s words, her professors pulled her aside to confirm with her the plan.

Here she was, in front of Jimin’s dorm. Her door. With a stack of homework and notes waiting for her. She figured her professors all had gotten the memo that digital is the way to go. But nope, she didn’t even have a binder to carry all of these papers in. Whatever. Enough complaining. She needs to get over it.

She knocked on the door…no answer. She tried again. Yet again, no response. She groaned out loud. The papers were falling, and she had to swiftly bring her hand that was knocking to carry the other side of the documents. She was frustrated, so she started to hit again with her foot.

“I’m coming!” Finally! An answer! A girl opened the door. It wasn’t Jimin. “Geez. What was that all about that?”

“Uh, hi? Is Jimin home?” Minjeong tilted her head like a confused puppy. “I have her homework here.”

“You must be Minjeong!” The girl happily replied.

“Yes?”

“I’m Aeri! It’s nice to meet you. I’ve seen you play! I go to Jimin’s games sometimes! Please.” She stepped aside. “Come in!”

Minjeong stepped inside and noticed a neat dorm room. She placed the stack of papers neatly on a nearby desk. Posters were neatly aligned on one side, and pink bedding was strewn. On the other side, there was memorabilia of football players, a poster of a well-known female football player, and a bed with black bedding and…a knitted dinosaur blanket. Huh. It was actually kind of cute. There was a little dinosaur head on the top and everything.

“Hey, Aeri,” Minjeong heard a door opening. “Have you seen my-” She heard Jimin stop and turn around. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Um, okay. I’m going to go. I have to meet Yizhou in the library anyway. I will see you later, Jimin. It was nice to meet you, Minjeong!” Jimin grunted in response but didn’t take her eyes off Minjeong, and off Aeri went.

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

Minjeong turned her head to look away from the cute blanket. “Coach sent me.”

“Oh. It’s you.” Jimin sighed. “You’re the one who coach sent to ‘take care of me.’ Well, forget it. I don’t need any help.”

“Jimin, respectfully, you said the same thing, and look where we are now. You sprained your ankle. Now, listen, I don’t want to be here either.”

“So why are you here, then?”

“You need to rest. You are our star player, and I’m here to ensure you recover well.”

“You guys are acting like it’s some severe injury that will debilitate me for months. It’s just a moderate sprain. I’ll ice it for a bit and be done with it.”

“Sure, but we have the championship coming up, and I don’t know about you, but I’d like to win. For us to win, we need Yu Jimin on our team to be at her very best. And besides, we’re friends. I’m practically your only friend on the team anyway.”

Jimin guffawed. “Why do you keep insisting we’re friends?! I can be friendly towards you, and for now, I will be, especially considering that the coach is making you do this. Still, we are never going to be friends again. Let’s agree on that.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I’m tired of fighting all the time. Aren’t you?”

“No.” Jimin echoed.

“No…okay. You know what? I won’t stop trying to befriend you, so let’s agree to disagree. This is the end of the discussion.”

Jimin grumbled. “You’re not the only one I’m friendly with on the team. Yizhou is nice to me.”

“And for what it’s worth, Coach didn’t force me to take care of you. She didn’t have to bribe me either. I’m doing this because I care, Jimin.”

Jimin looked at her for a second. Her eyes were reading her. And just as quickly as she calculated her, she noticed the stack of papers. “What the fuck are those?”

“Homework! Let’s begin, shall we?”

Jimin flopped dramatically on the bed and groaned.

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“I don’t get it.”

Minjeong was contemplating jumping out the window of this dorm room to escape this nightmare. They were into the third session of their whole arrangement, and Minjeong begged the universe to make Jimin’s ankle heal quicker. She was sitting in front of Jimin atop her bed.

“What do you mean you don’t get it?”

Jimin looked at Minjeong like she was crazy. “What do you mean the mitochondria isn’t the powerhouse of the cell?!”

“Well, our professor was talking about it today. He said that prokaryotes use simplified biochemical oxidation-reduction reactions to generate cellular energy and do not require mitochondria. Therefore…” Jimin had a glazed look in her eye. “Yah! Why did you major in biology if you’re going to act like this?!”

“Biology is boring.”

“That didn’t answer my question.”

Jimin mumbled something that Minjeong couldn’t hear too well. “I…biology…undergraduate…dinosaurs…master’s.”

“What?”

Jimin tilted her head up and sighed. “I need to study biology so I can get an undergraduate degree and get a degree to study dinosaurs, and I need to get a masters in that, too.”

“Dinosaurs, huh? You know what? I remember when we used to play when we were kids, you always wanted to play dinosaurs. You always talked about being some sort of orni-something.”

“Ornithischians, for your information. They’re the dinosaurs that have pelvic bones shaped like birds.”

“Okay, nerd.”

Jimin side-eyed her and scoffed. “Last I recall, you joined that advanced biology class and would not stop talking about Punnett squares like they were fun.”

“They are! Think of it! It’s just biology multiplied by biology!”

“Nerd.” Jimin parroted.

Minjeong laughed and shoved her shoulder. “I guess we’ve always been nerds, huh?”

Jimin smiled at her fondly. “Yeah.”

Minjeong mirrored the same smile, and the two were lost in their bubble. But then it seemed Jimin regained her senses and cleared her throat. She went back to her usual passive face. “Anyway, let’s get back to it?”

“Have you eaten at all today?” No answer. “Jimin! You know coach flips out when none of us have eaten anything.”

“In my defense, trying to figure out whatever gibberish biology is has taken up my entire time to the point I haven’t thought about food. Who cares, anyway?” Jimin was starting to fidget.

“I care! Now, tell me what you want to eat.” She jumped off the bed and reached for her phone to find a suitable takeout place.

“No.” She was wringing her hands.

“Aw, c’mon. Don’t be like that. I’ll order us something. Just tell me what you want.” Minjeong was already putting her shoes back on.

“Minjeong, just stop it.” Jimin sat up from her position on the bed. “Don’t do whatever this is.”

“What? What are you talking about?” Minjeong furrowed her brows in confusion.

“This! You pretend to care!”

“Pretending? I care! That’s why I agreed to take care of you. Do you think I’m doing this because of our coach? I’m hurt that you think that, Jimin.” Minjeong was trying to be sincere.

“No! Don’t say it like that. You’re doing this because coach made you, and that’s fine with me. You don’t have to pretend.”

“Except I’m not! Geez, Jimin, is it that hard to believe I want to ensure your well-being?!”

“Yes. It honestly is when it’s you. Now listen to me, Minjeong. You can tell Coach that you’re taking care of me just fine, but let’s end this whole arrangement, okay? This is exhausting.”

“Oh, I’m exhausting to you now?!” Minjeong was starting to raise her voice. “What are we, Jimin?”

“Not friends! How many times do I have to tell you?” Jimin threw her hands up. She looked at Minjeong with misery in her eyes. Looked at her. “I don’t want to be friends with you, Minjeong. Please understand that.”

“Just tell me, is it truly because of what I did during that match?”

“No. I won’t force-feed it to you to understand the real deal here. It’s been five years. I figured by now, you’d know what I wanted from you, but no.”

“I’ll figure it out. One way or another, Yu Jimin, I’m not giving up that easily.”

“Please, get out.” Jimin looked away. “Don’t bother coming back.”

“I need to deliver your homework to you and explain.”

“I don’t care. I’ll ask Aeri or Yizhou to tell me. They already took that class.”

“Jimin.”

“Hm?” Jimin looked exhausted. She was slumped on her bed.

“I don’t understand. Did I overstep?”

Jimin responded with silence.

Minjeong nodded and pivoted on her heel to go towards the door. She reached her arm and grabbed the knob. She was just about to twist until Jimin cleared her throat.

“Minjeong!” She snapped her head towards Jimin. “Wait.” Jimin hopped off the bed and b-lined towards her drawer. She reached inside to bring out a worn-out jacket. “Here. It’s getting chilly outside, and you’re wearing a blouse and a skirt. You’re going to be freezing. Just take it. Give it back to me when I come back to practice.”

“Thank you.”

Jimin mumbled No problem and turned around to head back to her bed. Minjeong turned back to the door, twisted the doorknob, and stepped outside before Jimin could say anything else. Minjeong sighed and took the stairs that led out, only for her to step out and immediately be greeted by the chilly environment. Jimin wasn’t kidding. Minjeong shrugged on the jacket and began her walk back to her dorm.

“I thought we were doing good today…” Minjeong said to no one but herself and the universe.

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Minjeong was eager, to say the least. She was happy that she was starting her day off with a jog. Granted, it was still early morning, and the orange-golden sun beams illuminated her campus. She slipped into her worn-out running shoes, donned a jacket, tightened her loose laces, and tied her hair into a bun before leaving her dorm.

The fresh breeze brushed against her face, carrying the fresh scent of oncoming rain and freshly mowed grass. Minjeong felt energetic and started to jog gradually and quickly, allowing her body to warm up. The rhythmic pattering of her feet soothed her. It gave her a sense of normalcy. She passed the library. She passed her class building. Passed by Jimin’s dorm. She even passed Jimin herself…wait. Jimin?

Minjeong halted to a sudden stop and whipped around. Jimin was outside, hobbling on her crutches. Outside. On her foot. Coach is going to be mad.

Jimin looked up from where she was focusing her attention on her foot and groaned when she caught sight of Minjeong. “Of course, you’re here. What, did you plant a recording device in my room or something?”

Minjeong visibly deflated at that. “I like taking my jogs early in the morning. I should be asking you what you’re doing out so early. Especially in your condition. It’s ”

“I was cooped up there for a good couple of days. I only wanted fresh air before I went completely insane. Can’t you understand that?”

“Sure, I can. But Jimin, you aren’t supposed to put pressure on your ankle. You know that.”

“Jesus Christ, I’m not a kid who doesn’t know better. Obviously, I know better. That’s what the crutches are for.”

“You could prove me wrong with the way you’re not even attempting to use the crutches. C’mon, I’ll help you back up to your room. You and I can do this another time. Not right now.”

“No.” Jimin blankly said before she began to walk away from Minjeong. “Bye, Minjeong.

Minjeong was baffled at the audacity that she just faced. “Wait, wait, wait. Hold on.” She walked in front of Jimin and stopped her. “Stop!” She titled her up from Jimin’s shoes and saw how close in proximity they were. “Jimin….”

Jimin chuckled. “What’s up, Minjeong?” Her eyes racked up and down Minjeong’s body, checking something out before breaking into a wide grin. “I didn’t think you’d wear my jacket after I gave it to you last time we met.”

“What?”

“Did you not know, Minjeongie? You’re wearing my old high school team jacket.”

Minjeong’s eyes widened before she scrambled to take it off and saw the back of the jacket read Yu 4’. “Why would you give this to me?!”

“It was the closest jacket on hand.” Jimin stalked closer to her. She brought a hand to gently grab at Minjeong’s chin. “Did you like wearing it, though? Our teammates told me you wore it outside a couple of times and were asking me about it, you know?”

She chuckled. “‘What is Minjeong doing with your last name, Yoo?’ What is she doing with it, indeed?” Minjeong couldn’t keep her eyes anywhere in Jimin’s direction at all. Jimin used slight force to move Minjeong’s head towards her. “Do you want to answer me, Kim?”

Minjeong felt her heart roaring in her ears. She looked at Jimin’s lips to understand what she was saying, but it was turning into gibberish with her. She couldn’t focus on anything. All she wanted to was….

“Well, thanks for the talk, Minjeongie. See you later!” Jimin’s lips started to move, and then they were out of her sight. Wait, don’t go…Wait! Don’t go.

“Jimin!” Minjeong stepped in front of her before she progressed more than she had. She brought her hands up to grip Jimin’s shoulders. “Let’s just do this together another time, alright? Right now isn’t a good time.”

“Minjeong, let go of my shoulders.”

“No.”

“I’m not going to ask again. Let. Go.” Jimin raised her hands to grip Minjeong’s forearm.

An unstoppable force had met an immovable object.

“C’mon, Jimin.” The unstoppable force was gently pushing immovable object forward to try and get her back to her dorm. She was concerned for her. “I don’t want to fight you on this.”

The next thing Minjeong knew, Jimin practically snarled at her and shoved her forcefully to the ground. Minjeong was caught off guard. Her body lurched backward, off-balance, and long before she knew what had happened, she hit the floor with a jarring thud. Jimin hadn’t meant to push her that hard, but sometimes an athlete forgets their strength. It didn’t help that Minjeong caught her leg with her other, forcing her to free-fall even harder.

The sound of the thud had resounded between the two. Minjeong groaned in pain from the impact of her head hitting the pavement. She was struggling to catch her breath as she lay sprawled on the floor in an attempt to properly catch her breath. A small trail of blood trickled down her forehead, her face contorted with pain and bewilderment.

Jimin appeared to be speechless. She could blabber so little. “I…I’m…Shit. Minjeong…I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I don’t know what happened.” Minjeong saw the various emotions that ran through her eyes. She was upset with herself and astonished at what she had done. She saw how scared she was, and not only but there was disgust all over.

Minjeong slowly pushed herself back up, wiping the blood with her hand. She looked at Jimin with confusion and hurt in her eyes. “Jimin?”

The area around them was eerily filled with uneasy silence as the two assessed the physical and emotional damage. Their relationship reached a breaking point, and the consequences of their fire-and-ice-esque relationship were painfully evident. It was a harsh reminder to both of them of the negative emotions that tore them apart in the first place.

Minjeong sighed deeply before stepping forward toward the unmovable object. “Jimin, it’s o-.” She couldn’t even finish her sentence before she saw Jimin running away back to her dorm. Honestly, Minjeong herself was astonished at what had transpired. She hadn’t imagined it would turn from a beautiful morning to whatever had gone down. Minjeong sighed again.

She cursed as she noticed that Jimin left behind her crutches. She had to deliver it back as soon as possible anyway. She needed those to get anywhere without damaging even more of her progress. So Minjeong went to Jimin’s dorm.

When she arrived and found herself facing the front door, she hesitated. She heard mumbling and a bit of crying. She was concerned for Jimin. So she knocked.

“Jimin?” The noises suddenly stopped. God, these dorms have thin walls. “Jimin, I know you’re in there. Listen, I just want you to know what happened right now…it’s okay. I’m sorry for my part in antagonizing you. You left your crutches behind, so I just came by to drop them off. I’m just going to uh…leave your jacket here too.” Minjeong chucked off the jacket and shuddered. It was like she was undressing herself vulnerable. “I’m leaving now! I’ll see you around, okay?” Minjeong waited for a sign that Jimin heard her. Really, anything at this point. But nothing. No noise, no movement, no nothing. Minjeong sighed and walked away.

For each encounter, it always appeared that the two could not co-exist peacefully. Each argument passed was nothing more than a solid wall, resilient and stubborn, a collision of determination on both ends, creating sparks that lit up the room with a spectrum of emotions.

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The whir of the very loud air-conditioning unit was annoying Minjeong beyond relief. She was annoyed by having to come to the library this late into the night, but studying waits for no poor college student’s soul. She would’ve studied in her own room, but her dorm neighbors decided that today, of all days, would be a perfect time to throw a massive rager in the hallway right outside her door. She’d been stretching herself thin between practicing, going to classes, and worrying herself to death due to Jimin; she hadn’t had time to catch up on assignments that were assigned to her.

Quite frankly, she hadn’t had much sleep either. Which is what leads to the current predicament. Minjeong was trying to catch up on the material given to her by reading on her laptop. Only, she found herself nodding off. The soft glow of her computer did nothing to aid in her attempt to keep conscious. It wasn’t her fault that she was studying for her shared class with Jimin. Truly such boring material. Minjeong didn’t realize her head had fallen forward until it hit the table with a loud thunk. Okay, it's time for her to walk around the science section to stay awake.

She sighed for what seemed to be the umpteenth time and pushed herself up. She took a few steps and looked at the analog clock on the wall. 23:45PM. Apparently, it's prime time for partying. She was muttering under her breath and looked down at her feet when she rounded a corner. She even looked at the notifications on her phone while returning to her seat after the brief walk. She would’ve seen a distinct and familiar backpack if she were at the table. Oblivious, Minjeong sat back in her chair and opened her laptop to open the same dull material.

Somebody clearing her throat broke her attention, and she noticed a mop of blonde hair standing above her. She practically jumped out of her chair like a scared cat and shouted meekly.

Jimin also appeared to be scared of her skin because Minjeong fell backward. “Oh, geez. I’m sorry.” She scrambled to help her back up. “I didn’t want to startle you, but I don’t think that helped either.”

In return, Minjeong cleared her throat and tried to recover from the embarrassment. “You’re fine. I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings.”

There was an awkward pause between the two. It only made sense, considering what happened between the two during their last encounter three weeks ago. Minjeong noticed that Jimin was carrying something behind her back, and she was visibly fidgeting from where she was standing.

“So Listen. I…uh…sorry. I wanted to apologize for what happened. I don’t know what came over me, and I sincerely regret my actions. It’s not an excuse, but I wanted to apologize either way. Here.” Jimin brandished what she was holding behind her back. Oh. A bouquet of flowers and…a dinosaur plushie? “I went to the museum four days ago. I figured you would like it. If not, I could get a refund and get you something else!” Minjeong chuckled. She wasn’t used to seeing flustered Jimin anymore. “I know you like cute things, and I thought it was cute, and there surprisingly wasn’t a huge selection to even begin with, and-”

“Jimin! It’s okay.” She smiled. “I love this. Thank you. Although, I have to ask. How’d you know I’d be here?”

“I didn’t know, actually. I swear. I had to come down here to grab a book for an assignment, and I saw you here. I figured now would be the perfect time to apologize.”

“So let me get this straight. Did you return to your dorm to get these things because I was here? It’s late.” Jimin stayed silent for a moment. “Or was it something else?”

“More like…I may or may not have carried these things with me for the past three days, hoping to catch you in the wild.” Jimin rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment.

Minjeong burst out laughing. “That’s actually so sweet of you! I love it! Thank you. And for the record, I accept your apology. And the Dinosaur Plushie. I’ll name him Spot.” Minjeong looked at Jimin and noticed the small smile that decorated her pretty face. “How’s your ankle?”

Jimin didn’t appear to want to fight with her at the mention of her ankle, so a small victory for Minjeong was in order. “Actually! It’s pretty much all healed now! Coach said to take it easy for the next couple of days either way, just in case, so I won’t be participating in the semi-final. Still, I’ll be going with you guys to cheer all of you on the enemy sidelines.”

“That’s great! I’m glad to hear it.” Minjeong won’t lie to herself and say that she won’t miss the little quality time she spent with Jimin while she was injured, but alas, all “good” things must end. “I’m sure the team will look forward to having you back.”

Jimin chuckled back in response and raised an eyebrow. “You aren’t?”

“Oh, me especially. I can’t wait to see you back on the field in your element.”

“Yeah, me too. I mean, I can’t wait to play again with all of you.”

Minjeong sprang up with an idea. “Hey, are you busy right now?”

“Not particularly. I was going to go back to my dorm to read this stupid book unless you have something better to do?”

“I wanted to ask you if you wanted to stay here with me to work on our assignments, but if you’re busy, I understand!”

“Or…you could just come over to mine? Aeri is sleeping at Yizhou’s anyway, so we’d have it all ourselves without distractions. ” Minjeong’s head snapped up. “Or we could not! Whatever you want!”

“No, no. I’m okay with that. The air conditioning is bothering me, anyway.”

“You and me both. Let’s go?” They both started to gather their things and walked out into the cold night. The air was refreshing.

The campus was cloaked in a soft darkness illuminated by the faint glow of streetlights that cast shapes on the barren pathways. A brisk breeze rustled the leaves in the trees, and the muted sound of crickets provided a soft soundtrack to the awkward atmosphere in the air.

As they walked along the pathways to Jimin’s dorm, the silence between the two was palpable. Each step that was taken echoed with the weight of awkward, unspoken words. Minjeong stuffed her hands into jacket pockets, and Jimin kicked a rock forward. Far too familiar for both of them.

Minjeong couldn’t take the silence. She knew what she had to do. “Jurassic Park sucks.” Jimin immediately threw up her hands. “I’m just saying!”

“You can’t just say that to me and end with it with that, Minjeong! Do you understand the impact it had on paleontology as a whole?!”

Minjeong ducked her head to smile and attempted to hide her laugh. This is the Jimin she knew. “It’s scientifically inaccurate. You should know this, shouldn’t you?”

“Let me tell you something! Sure, it’s inaccurate, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great movie! Did you know that museum attendance boomed after it was released? People became really interested in dinosaurs as a whole because of the movie! Plus! The movie inspired Many people and went into paleontology, creating massive growth, including new scientists who publish new findings and research! Do you know that because of that, paleontology turned into a biology unit instead of geology? Oh my god, and-”

Minjeong rolled her eyes playfully and listened to her ramblings until they got to Jimin’s dorm.

She unlocked the door to her own dorm and welcomed Minjeong in. “Anyway, that’s why Jurassic Park is far from a bad movie.”

“Is that all?” Minjeong raised an eyebrow, and Jimin opened her mouth excitedly. “I’m kidding!”

“Right. So…what did you want to do?”

“Study? Isn’t that what we came here for?”

“Obviously. I just meant, what did you want to study? And where?”

“Oh. I was hoping we could go over some material for our biology class? As for where…” She noticed that the desk in their room had papers skewed everywhere on the flat surface.

“Yeah. Sorry about that. Aeri has a significant test coming, and she didn’t clean up this before she left.”

“That’s okay.” She looked around again and noticed the only free space was Jimin’s bed. She gulped at the awkwardness that could ensue. “Is your bed okay?”

“Totally fine with me.”

“Cool…”

She found herself huddled on Jimin’s bed with textbooks, notes, and their laptops, providing a small space between them. Although, much to Minjeong’s shame, she couldn’t focus much on studying any of the material in front of her.

The cramped space that was Jimin’s bed only made every accidental brush of skin contact feel electrifying. It was far more awkward than what Minjeong had anticipated. She shifted uncomfortably, attempting to bring her laptop closer to her lap. However, her hand brushes against Jimin’s knee, and she jumps in response. Their eyes met briefly, and a deep blush spread on their cheeks.

“Sorry.” They mumbled in unison. Minjeong tried to refocus on her notes, but she kept stealing glances at Jimin. The soft, warm light created a far too intimate atmosphere, and Jimin’s scent hung in the air. Not to mention that the warmth emitting from her body was far too welcoming for Minjeong’s exhaustion.

Her eyelids grew heavier by the minute, and as such, she tried to hide her yawn by quickly covering her mouth with her hand, but Jimin caught her. Her expression softened, and she glanced at her laptop to check the time. “You look tired, Minjeong. Maybe you should call it a night.”

Minjeong sighed. “I need to finish this assignment. I won’t have time later. The semi-final is tomorrow.” She slurred from exhaustion, hitting her like a truck.

“I get it, but you look like you’re bound to pass out any second now. We’ll do this another time, alright?”

“We can do this another time?” Minjeong looked at Jimin with sleepy eyes. “Really?”

Jimin smiled at her warmly. “Of course. Now go get some rest.”

Minjeong nodded and gathered her stuff while Jimin stood up to excuse herself to the bathroom. When Minjeong was done grabbing all her things, she walked over to the door to let herself out.

“What are you doing?” Jimin stepped out of the bathroom at the right time.

“Leaving? You said to get some rest.”

“Okay, but I meant here. Minjeong, it’s midnight. Do you think I’d kick you out this late?”

“No. I just didn’t realize you meant here. Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.”

“It’s fine. Aeri is sleeping over at Yizhou’s, remember? You can sleep in my bed. I took a nap earlier anyway, so I'm not tired.” Minjeong was still hesitant. “Listen, I have to catch up on some assignments anyway. And one of them is the homework you’re worrying so much over. When you wake up, we can discuss it, okay?”

With a reluctant nod, Minjeong conceded. She was too tired to really fight Jimin’s kindness right now. She walked over to Jimin’s bed, now void of any materials. “I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

“It’s not a waste of time. You’re clearly tired, and you should get some sleep. You and I can pick up where you left off when you wake up tomorrow. We can do it on our way to the game.” Jimin perched herself on the desk chair in the room and removed all the excess papers.

Minjeong could only nod in response. She was grateful to Jimin for giving her a place to rest for the night. She slowly crawled under the bed's covers, immediately feeling the warmth and comfort enveloping her. Although she was still stiff under the bed, Jimin took notice.

“Relax, Minjeong. You’re safe. I promise I won’t bite.” Jimin sent a smile her way, and in return, Minjeong let a sleepy grin adorn her face.

She burrowed her face further into the pillow beneath her and smelled Jimin’s shampoo, further soothing her to succumb to sleep. “G’night, min.”

Jimin reached over to turn off the lamp, leaving the room bathed in bare moonlight and the soft glow of her laptop. “Sweet dreams.”

And with that, Minjeong finally drifted off to slumber, the tension in her body fading away.

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Minjeong awoke to the voice of an angel. “Minjeong. You have to wake up.” She, in return, grumbled and attempted to bury herself further into the plush bedding.

“Five more minutes.” She could feel a figure sit on the mattress and weigh it down. Then, a hand gently grasped her shoulder and shook her to keep her awake.

A chuckle left the angel’s mouth. “The bus leaves in an hour. Let’s not make coach pissed off, alright? Get up and get ready.”

Minjeong sat up quickly and narrowly avoided smacking her forehead against Jimin’s. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?” She was saying all of this as she was hastily getting out of Jimin’s bed. She was so frantic she ended up tripping over the fallen dinosaur blanket. “Oof.”

“Hey, it’s okay. You have time.” Jimin kneeled before Minjeong to help her gather the blankets that fell from the bed. “I didn’t want to wake you up because you were exhausted last night. I figured you could use as much sleep as you can. I know you could fall asleep on the bus, but Coach loves to talk strategy on the way to the enemy’s field.”

“So you let me sleep the entire night? Why? What about you?”

“Why? No offense, Minjeong, but I doubt you’d want to pay for any extra fee from the excess baggage under your eyes. Plus, like I said, Aeri was at Yizhou’s. I slept in her bed. She doesn’t care.”

“Thank you.”

“Anyway, get ready. You know how Coach is when any of us are late.” Both of them did a dramatic shiver at the mere thought of it.

“Jimin. I left my sports bag in the lockers. If I run to my dorm to get my stuff, I'll be late.”

Jimin sighed and pondered for a few seconds before seemingly figuring it out. “Okay. Give me the combination to your locker.”

“What?”

“I don’t know about you, but I will not make our Coach mad this morning. Especially a game as critical as this one in the tournament. So give me your combination. I’ll get it for you while you get ready.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I don’t have to, no, but I want to. Besides, if memory serves me right, you get grumpy if you can’t shower in the morning because it helps wake you up better.”

“Yeah…”

“Then it’s settled.” Jimin smiled at Minjeong warmly. “I’ll be back before you know it. Oh, wait.” She ran over to where she kept her clothes and took out a pair of shorts and a baggy shirt. “Wear that after you’re all set with your shower, alright? Be back soon!”

Jimin was acting beyond weird now. Minjeong wasn’t sure how to deal with it. One moment, she was snarling at her, snapping at anything she had to say. And the next, it was like a switch flipped off when she apologized. She let her sleepover, she’s running over to the lockers to grab her bag, and she’s allowing her to use her bathroom to wash up and get ready, and lending her clothes? Where was the real Jimin? Was she swapped out with a more excellent version of herself before apologizing to Minjeong? The thoughts kept swirling around in her mind. By the time Minjeong was finishing up, she heard the door to the dorm open, and Jimin’s voice broke the silence.

“Hey Minjeong! I got us a little breakfast on the way, too. It’s not much, considering there isn’t much open. It’s just fruit cups, but I figured it’s better than something.”

How thoughtful?

“I’ll be right out.” True to her word, Minjeong turned off the faucet and got ready before she knew it. She walked out to notice Jimin throw away one cup. “Breakfast, huh?”

“Sorry. I would’ve eaten it with you, but I was a little too hungry.”

“That’s okay.” Minjeong looked at the digital alarm clock perched on Jimin’s end table. “Oh my god, is that the time?!”

Jimin also looked over at the clock, and her eyes widened. “If we bolt right now, we can only be about a minute late?” She smiled awkwardly.

Minjeong didn’t even bother answering her. Her running and grabbing her bag was enough of an answer anyway. Jimin followed suit immediately after.

Unfortunately, Jimin’s calculations were off by four minutes. When they both reached where the bus was parked, their coach was pacing back and forth.

“So nice of both of you to join us!”

“We’re sorry about that, coach.” Jimin took the lead on this. “We didn’t check the time.”

Taeyeon raised an eyebrow. “We? Did you both spend the morning together?” Jimin nodded. “Nice to see you two get along, but we have a game to go to. Get on the bus. Find a seat, Jimin. As for you, Minjeong, you’re sitting next to me.”

“What?” Minjeong was bewildered.

“Don’t think you’re getting off that easily by being late. Be grateful it’s game day, and we’re running late. I would’ve made you run a lap around the parking lot.”

The parking lot was massive.

“So instead of that, you get to sit next to me for two and a half hours! Isn’t that nice? You get to be graced with my fantastic presence.”

“Yay,” Minjeong said apathetically. “Looking forward to it.” She saw Jimin try to hide her laugh at her misery. “What about Jimin?”

“Hm?”

“She was just as late as me. Why is she not being punished, either?”

“You have a point.” She turned around in Jimin’s direction. “Next practice, you’re coming in early to help me set up.” Jimin groaned audibly. “Don’t whine at me. Blame Minjeong here.”

Minjeong smiled mischievously. “Now, get the hell on the bus! We don’t have all morning here!”

Not even 20 minutes into the bus ride, Coach Taeyeon was out like a light. Minjeong almost started dozing off at her coach's extensive speech about being on time and sportsmanship. However, soon after, her coach somehow just fell asleep. No matter, it didn’t bother Minjeong. It’s the perfect opportunity to approach Jimin and continue where they left off on their homework assignment last night.

However, Jimin was in the same row as Yizhou and Aeri, who came to cheer her girlfriend on. Luckily, no one sat next to her. So Minjeong took the opportunity laid out in front of her.

“Hi, Jimin. Can I sit here next to you?”

Jimin turned from where she was looking out the window, smiled wide, and took out one earbud. “Sure. Escaped the clutches of Coach?”

“For now.” Minjeong sat down and looked over across. “Hello, Aeri. Hi, Yizhou.”

“Hi!” Yizhou said. “I didn’t know you guys were friends.”

“Yeah…” Minjeong herself wasn’t sure what they were. Frenemies? Friends? Enemies to Friends?! Jimin butted in, however, to answer her question.

“Yeah. We’ve known each other for a while now.”

Yizhou hummed in response. “How’s the ankle, Yu?”

“Great. The coach said I’ll be back to play next time we practice.”

“That’s awesome! Listen, I have a question for-”

Aeri cut in. “Babe, leave the poor girl alone. It’s early. Ask her later.”

“Sorry.” Yizhou laughed. “Please, return to whatever you did before I rudely cut in.” Aeri rolled her eyes playfully, and the two continued with whatever conversation they got into.

“So,” Minjeong started. “About that homework from last night. Please tell me you brought it.”

“What?” Jimin made a confused face. “It’s game day. Why the hell would I bring it?”

“You said you would bring it!”

“Oh. I said that to get you to relax. Minjeong, come on.”

“We could’ve studied together in the hotel room! You said on the way to the game!”

“It’s okay. I promise.”

Minjeong was frustrated. “Jimin, I must get this turned in as soon as possible! It’s not that simple!”

“Watch Jurrasic Park with me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Watch it with me.” Jimin offered one earbud to her and showed her phone.

“Have you not listened to anything I was saying?”

“Of course. I did it for you last night.”

“What? Why?”

“Cause it’s causing you so much stress, you’re worrying about it to the point that you’re losing sleep. I was halfway done with it, too, anyway. I figured, let’s kill two birds with one stone, right?”

Minjeong deflated at the revelation. “...Thank you. You really didn’t have to, but thank you.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever. Now, watch Jurrasic Park with me.” Jimin was vibrating with excitement in her seat. “I’m about to show you why it’s a good movie.”

Minjeong settled in her seat and brought the earbud up to her ear. “Nerd.”

“Dinosaurs are cool! Fun fact! Even though this movie is two hours and 7 minutes, there’s only 15 minutes worth of screentime for the dinosaurs.”

“Really?” Minjeong mischievously smiled. “Did you also bring your dinosaur blanket in your bag?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Minjeong. It’s impractical to bring it.” Jimin pondered the light-hearted joke, then immediately turned to her defensively. “Hey, wait a minute. That was a gift from my grandma! Besides,” She smiled. “Did you suddenly forget this morning? Last I recall, you were hogging it while I was trying to get you out of bed.”

Minjeong, in return, blushed and turned her attention back to the phone. “Whatever.” She felt the light chuckle Jimin made.

Not even 10 minutes into the movie, the phone the older girl held started falling down before she corrected herself. Only for the cycle to repeat again.

“Jimin?” Minjeong gently called to her. She hummed in response. “You tired?” She shook her head. “What time did you fall asleep?”

“What do you mean?”

“When did you go to bed?”

“Was I supposed to?”

“Jimin!” Minjeong exclaimed so loudly that a few of their teammate's heads turned with questioning looks. “What is wrong with you?! Why didn’t you?”

“I wanted to…” She started off slowly, “I wanted to finish homework.”

“Not at the expense of your own sleep. You should know this! Get some rest. I’m being serious.”

“No. I want to show you my favorite movie.” Jimin gazed into her eyes sleepily. “I wanted to talk about it with you after, too. And then…and then watch your favorite movie after we talked about my favorite movie.”

Minjeong laughed at the sleepy girl and how she was starting to babble just the slightest. “Alright, I’ll tell you what. When the game is over, we can do just that. But how do you suggest we do that if you’re going to fall asleep as soon as we get into our beds?” The girl was trying to lull her to sleep with a gentle voice, and so far, it seemed to work in her favor, even if Jimin was fighting off sleep. “If you rest right now, we’ll watch them.”

“Promise?” Jimin looked at her with uncertainty in her eyes. “You really promise?”

She had to look away from the intensity of those striking eyes. Since when did they get so pretty. “It’s okay.” She was started when Jimin took her hand in her own.

“You haven’t promised yet.” By now, she had her eyes closed and was one foot into dreamland.

“I promise.” Minjeong squeezed her hand as an assurance. In return, the girl smiled and finally let herself succumb.

An hour had passed, and Minjeong was idly minding her business, listening to her music and fidgeting with her phone. Just as suddenly as it went, a bump in the road came. She would’ve passed it off, but Jimin fell asleep with her head on the window. Such a large bump left the entire bus to shake and, unfortunately, woke Jimin up.

Jimin sleepily picks her head up after lolling to the side. “Wha?” She inhales deeply and attempts to go back to sleep quickly but fails to do so because they’re still on that damn bumpy road. It frustrated the girl that she couldn’t place her head back on the window without constantly being barraged. She attempted to find a good enough spot to lay her head back but couldn’t find a comfortable position. That’s when she sat up and rubbed her eyes to bring herself fully to consciousness.

Only then did Minjeong notice the movement. “Jimin? What’s wrong?”

The girl mentioned above only whined in response. Minjeong remembered the colossal bump and realized that Jimin had woken up unpleasantly. “Can’t go back to sleep?” She nodded in response.

“Too uncomfortable.”

“Really?” Minjeong had noticed how much discomfort Jimin was in and was having a mental fight in her head. Yet, in return, she could only let out a soft sigh and bite the bullet. “C’mon.” She brought one hand up to gently grasp at the back of Jimin’s head and brought it to the junction of her neck and shoulder.

Jimin sleepily tried to fight back. “You sure?”

“It’s okay. This is fine.” The girl had tried to mumble something, but sleep quickly caught up to her again. Minjeong shushed her quietly with red cheeks. “I can’t have my number one fan be tired, now can I? Who’s going to be my energy out there?” Finally, Minjeong felt the girl's breath even out and let all the tension out of her body.

She sighed heavily. To say the poor girl was confused was only half the truth. She was bewildered. Perplexed? She wasn’t quite sure where that came from. The more she thought about it, the more none of this made any sense to her. Three weeks ago, they weren’t speaking to each other. Yet last night, it was like the two were more than chummy with each other. Almost acting like…Minjeong wouldn’t entertain that thought. Although. Was that so bad to her? It hadn’t come across her head until now, yet when she thinks about what could blossom into a friendship or something…more, it hadn’t made her feel any different? If anything, thinking about Jimin after last night left her with a weird, aching feeling in her heart. Her heart raced at the thought of those striking eyes she gazed into not too long ago. But what was even odder was that she remembered feeling these same things when she was best friends with Jimin in their youth.

Minjeong was and is a popular girl. She’s had friends come and go. Close friends are at her side, yet when she recalls them, her feelings for Jimin aren’t the same for others.

A yawn interrupted her thought process. Yikes. She hadn’t taken the time out of her panic to realize she was still tired from the morning. No matter, she made herself comfortable enough without disturbing Jimin from her own sleep and fell victim to the sandman.
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Two hours later…

“Alright, Ladies!” Minjeong immediately started awake from her spot. “Here’s what’s going to happen. Right now, we are entering enemy lines.”

“When the hell did she wake up?!” Jimin was just as startled as she stared, bewildered. Minjeong took notice of the predicament she put herself in. The older girl had her head resting on Minjeong’s shoulder. That wasn’t the part that bothered her. No. Instead, it was Jimin staring up at her. In her own groggy haze, she hadn’t realized how close in proximity they were. Very close. Minjeong can only manage a loud gulp before Jimin collects herself and sits up. Jimin opened her mouth to say something, but Minjeong cleared her throat and quickly gave her attention to Taeyeon.

“After we WIN,” Taeyeon empathized, “Because we can, and I know we will! After, we’re coming back here and going to our hotel arrangements. As your glorious and gracious coach, I took it upon myself to get us an excellent play to stay at. Team members and co. To celebrate how far we’ve all come as a team. I know. I know. You can all cheer now.” Scattered applause filled the bus. “Okay! I’ll blame that on pre-game jitters. Anyway, it’s time. Grab your gear, and let’s go out there and kick some ass!” Silence. Taeyeon sighed. “We’ll work on that on the way home.”

The bus pulled into the parking lot of their ill-fated enemy today. Players and co. filed out one by one. The sounds of shoes walking on pavement filled the atmosphere. As they approached the entrance, the roar of the home crowd only grew louder, step by step. The doors swung open, revealing the lit hallway leading to their locker room.

“Hey,” Jimin grasps at Minjeong’s wrist to stop her from walking ahead. “I have to go take my seat now with Aeri. But before I go, I just wanted to tell you good luck. Not that you need it, of course!” Jimin sheepishly said. “You’re one of our best! Not that all of us aren’t good, but you’re wow, you know?”

“Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that.”

“Oh! Also! I bought these!” Jimin pulled a pair of sunglasses from her pocket. “I know you’ll outshine everyone, so I brought these to protect my eyes.”

Minjeong snorted and lightly punched her shoulder. “You’re such a dork, Yu.”

“Okay. Okay.” Jimin put up her hands in mock surrender. “I gotta go and find my seat. I’ll see you after the game. Seriously, Minjeong. Good luck out there.”

Minjeong nodded and turned around to head inside the locker room. Inside, the atmosphere had shifted into something charged. Players were already halfway into their uniforms, and the room had the clatter of equipment being thrown on and around. Soon, the sound of cleats clattered on the tiled floor as the team gathered for one more pep talk.

Taeyeon took her place in front. “Minjeong!” Her head snapped up. “Say something for the team!”

“Uhhh…” Minjeong went in front of Taeyeon. “Let’s go out there and…make them remember who we are! We’ve come so far, and we’ve got each other. Now, let’s go out there and kick their butts! Let’s go, football!”

Half-hearted cheers filled the room, a mixture of embarrassment and cringe evident in their tone.

“And that is the last time I let you do pep talks!” Taeyeon patted her on the back. “But you heard her! Let’s go out there and show them a night they’ll remember for generations!”

Finally, joyous cheers filled the room instead. With determination in their eyes, the team filed out. Minjeong felt her adrenaline rush through her body the more the cheers from the home crowd rose in volume. As Minjeong stepped into the stadium’s bright lights and heard the crowd explain their displeasure, Minjeong smiled. The pursuit of victory never felt better.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They won, of course.

The team bus rumbled into the hotel parking lot, cheers still echoing in the bus from a well-played game. Minjeong was giddy about the whole thing. Even when entering the hotel lobby, she had a bounce in her step.

Jimin fell into step with her. “Happy?”

“Happy doesn’t even describe what I’m feeling right now. I could climb Mount Everest right now and still run a marathon.”

She laughed. “Still okay with watching Jurassic Park with me? Or would you rather run that marathon? I think I saw a poster on the way here.”

“No, no. Jurassic Park sounds perfect.” Minjeong turned to look at Jimin and noticed that she had an odd smile on her face. One that seemed…far less platonic than the ones she’s used to. Minjeong opened her mouth to ask her something, but an interruption occurred.

“Alright, Ladies!”

Minjeong groaned loudly. What is with their Coach and divine timing?!

“Time for room assignments! When your names are called upon, please come to the front so I can give you your room key. Kim Chaewon and Huh Yunjin, Room 200. Ning Yizhou and Uchinaga Aeri, 201. Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin, 202! Kim Minjeong and Yu Jimin.”

Minjeong took the key on their behalf and swiftly made their way down the hallway. The hallway was dimly lit as they located their room. While they went to search, they exchanged playful remarks about the game.

“So, that wasn’t you with sunglasses fanning yourself every time I looked your way?” Minjeong playfully asked.

“No idea what you’re talking about.”

How odd their coach was.

“So, do you know why she always says Forever One?”

“Honestly, I’ve been meaning to figure it out myself.

Their teammates.

“Minjeong, do you notice how odd it is that half our team is filled with Asians even though we play football for an American college? Even our coach is.”

“Oh my god, I wanted to say something but didn’t want to come off wrong.”

Finally, they reached their room after a seemingly long time. Once they reached their door, Minjeong inserted the keycard into the slot. However, the door hadn’t made any budge.

“Do you think Coach got it wrong?” Minjeong half-jokingly said, swiping the keycard with more force.

“Maybe she’s giving us a test. Nothing is ever easy with her.” Jimin replied. “Give me that.” She attempted to swipe the keycard. This time, she pushed the door. The door, in the meanwhile, stayed shut.

“Help me out here.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work, right?” Minjeong joked.

“On my count, one, two, three!”

They pushed against the door together, their effort finally landing them somewhere. The door swung open, but the sudden giveaway caught them off guard. In disarray, Minjeong and Jimin stumbled forward, falling onto the hotel room floor in a tangled mess of limbs. As they collected and understood the situation, laughter echoed in the confined space.

Their laughter subsided, and Minjeong attempted to push herself up from where she was lying. Except she heard a sharp inhale below her and looked to see Jimin. She found herself inches apart from her. Their eyes locked, and instead of playfulness, there was a certain tension in the air.

For a moment, as cliche as it is, time seemed to slow as the two exchanged a lingering gaze. Instead of laughter taking its place, there was an unexpectedly short time where it gave way to a gentle stillness and an atmosphere of intimacy. Lingering in that almost-kiss vicinity, their faces inched closer and closer. Lips are so close to meeting in an unspoken conversation. Vulnerability and possibility lingered wistfully, yet the air buzzed loudly with unspoken feelings.

The tension reached an all-time high. So close to each other, they felt their hot breath mingling. Inching…inching….

A loud knock echoed through the hallway, shattering the atmosphere they lost themselves in. Startled like a cat, the two sprang apart, their faces flush with embarrassment and heat.

“You guys okay in there? It sounded like someone fell,” a voice from the hallway called out.

Yizhou. Minjeong and Jimin shared a sheepish glance. “We’re fine,” Jimin called out. Voice coming out unsteady, she cleared her throat. “Just had some trouble with the door.”

As they dusted themselves and got up from the ground, the moment of intimacy and gentleness dissipated into the background, instead replaced by the lingering awkwardness of being in such a situation. The two women shared a knowing look, a silent conversation between their eyes. Reaching an agreement to leave the tension behind, for now.

“One bed, huh?” Yizhou appeared in the left open door. “I didn’t know you two were like that.”

“What?” Minjeong and Jimin said in unison.

“Turn around.” Aeri appeared behind her girlfriend.

Together, they turned around and noticed one thing. The two-bed room set up they expected was…one bed.

Jimin scoffed while Minjeong flopped unceremoniously on the floor.

Minjeong looked up from where she lay on the floor. “Yizhou, please switch rooms with us.”

“No can do, comrade. I always need a bed after my games to fully relax, and I wouldn’t want poor Aeri to fall victim to my starfish mode.”

“Aeri,” Jimin started, “Please. Convince her.”

“Sorry.” She shrugged. “I’m with her on this one.”

Jimin turned to look at Minjeong. “Maybe we can convince Coach to let us switch?”’

“You’re funny.” Minjeong chuckled. “Convincing the Kim Taeyeon for something? Might as well jump into a freezing lake with your confidence.”

“Speaking of freezing lakes!” Their teammate cut in. “There’s a pool here. We came up to see if you two wanted to come and join the team for celebrations.”

“Actually, we had plans set for tonight; otherwise, we would.” Jimin jumped in. “Nothing comes in between me and movie night.”

“Oh, so you guys are going to Netflix and chill?” Aeri joined in. Yizhou burst out laughing.

“What does that mean?” Jimin spoke up. Minjeong felt her cheeks redden. “What? Is it something bad?”

“We’ll leave you two to it, then! Have fun!” Their laughter left with them when they walked down the hallway.

“Was it bad?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“So, uh…” Jimin sheepishly started. “How do you want to do this?”

“Do what?”

“I’ll take the couch. That way, you can be comfy since you played in the game, and I didn’t.”

“What?”

“The bed. There’s only one.”

“Right! Sorry.” Minjeong sighed subtly. “It’s just one night, Jimin. Let’s share the bed.”

“Oh! I wouldn’t want to intrude on your personal space.”

“Don’t be stupid. Just get in the bed.” Minjeong forced casualness in her tone. “I’m going to change and…stuff. Set up the movie. I won’t be long.”

True to her word, she didn’t take more than 15 minutes max. When she returned, she noticed that Jimin had also changed and switched out her casual wear for a more comfy look, switching out her contact lenses for a pair of glasses. Wow, did it make Minjeong’s heart jump.

“Minjeong?” Jimin startled her.

“Hm?”

“You okay? You’re staring off into space.”

“Fine. Sorry.” Minjeong found herself climbing into bed. Jimin took her side, and Minjeong took hers as if marking their territory. Silence intensified once they discovered their comfy spots. She cleared her throat. “So, the movie?”

“Right!”

The dim glow of the lamp in their hotel room was accentuated by the soft illumination of the phone screen Minjeong had been paying attention to for the past few minutes. Pressed awkwardly together, the prehistoric roar of a dinosaur was a stark contrast to the otherwise silent room.

Don’t get her wrong. Minjeong was attempting to focus on the movie. Her gaze was fixed on the screen, except it strayed slightly every few seconds. She couldn’t help but sneak glances in Jimin’s direction. She felt caught between wanting to watch Jimin’s favorite movie and the tension she felt in her own body from consciously trying to stay focused.

The movie itself played on in the distant background. Still, by then, Minjeong could hardly hear anything over the loud heartbeat in her own ears. Her gaze stuck on the phone; she saw dinosaurs attempting to do something, but they were far too into the movie for her to understand what was happening. Minjeong shifted uncomfortably. She tried her best to maintain a respectful gap between the two. Still, somehow, she was too aware of everything to even slightly appease the situation. Somehow suffocating yet feeling the electricity zap her body,

Minjeong stole a quick glance at Jimin again. This time although, she caught her looking back. Their eyes locked. Minjeong felt a shiver down her spine at the look in Jimin’s eyes. Something warm. Something familiar. Unspoken words lingered in the air yet again. The electricity only seemed to intensify between the gaps. She cleared her throat and looked away.

She shifted her body again and left it like that for the rest of the movie. The movie had reached its climax, the resolution of the on-screen conflicts mocking Minjeong in mirroring her own conflict. The credits had rolled. Jimin, by then, had turned off her phone and turned to Minjeong, but no response came.

Minjeong hesitated before breaking the silence. “I was right. It sucks.” She was lying, of course. She had enjoyed the movie but wanted to mess around with Jimin for a bit. It worked.

“Do not play with me right now!” Jimin said with exasperation. “Minjeong!”

That was where she found herself listening to her counterpart rant about the movie and how much of a cultural impact it had. Minjeong even looked at her phone and noticed that Jimin spent 14 more minutes talking. While she understood why people would call this annoying, it wasn’t for Minjeong. She was chuckling with Jimin’s rantings and nodding to the nonsense she spewed. Warmth filled her. Starting from the pit of her stomach to her heart.

Jimin’s rantings had finally subsided. In its place stood a soft gaze staring.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Jimin had wondered.

“I guess some things never change.” Softness overtook Minjeong’s tone.

The room felt smaller again. Yet somehow infinitely more intimate.

Jimin cleared her throat. “Minjeong…can I ask you something important?”

“Of course you can.” Her heart rate picked up at the implications of such simple words,

“What happened to us?”

The beating of her heart grew louder now. For the wrong reasons. “I…Jimin. I…uh….” Words were certainly hard to come by now. She brought her hands up to fidget with them, but then they were taken by a hand, not hers. Her eyes downcasted, and she looked up to see eyes reflecting concern and assurance.

“I won’t get mad, I promise. I just want to know what happened.” Her thumb softly ran circles across her hand.

“I want to apologize.”

“You don’t have to.”

“No, I do. I’m sorry for everything. I am. I am. I was stupid, and I let my judgment dictate my actions.”

“Min, we were 15. We were still kids. Like I said, you don’t have to apologize. I just want to know why you did what you did.”

“We were old enough.” Minjeong firmly said. “I knew better, yet I sabotaged you.”

Jimin let out a wistful sigh. “That game.”

“Yeah.” Minjeong nodded. “That game.”

“Scouts were coming to check us all out since our team was one of the best in our league, So our coach told us to play our absolute best if we wanted a chance at a football scholarship. It was our last game of the year, too.”

“You were the best out on our team.” Jimin hummed in response. “So I knew if anybody had a chance, it would be you.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t explain what you did. I don’t understand.”

Minjeong grasped at the hand that held her own. “Please don’t get mad.”

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The floodlights of the school’s designated field glared in the face of a young player, player 01 Kim Minjeong. Heart pounding in her chest, the anxiety gnawed at her like a persisting hunger. The crowd, the cheers they cried, the insults thrown at her team way, paid no mind to the 15-year-old. Today was the day—the final match of their season. It was also the day she feared the most. Today would decide the future of her beloved best friend, Jimin.

With the talent and grace of a professional at age 15, Yu Jimin caught the eyes of multiple scouts from clubs all over the country. Even internationally. On the verge of reaching adulthood, she already had offers lined up. Unfortunately for her best friend, Jimin was interested in the club most furthest from her. Minjeong was genuinely proud and excited for her, honestly. She wasn’t jealous by any means. She also had offers. But while part of her was ecstatic, there came the part of her that was gripped by the terror of abandonment.

No matter, the whistle signified the start of the match, and off she went.

Soon enough, 20 minutes into their game had already passed. As the match progressed, Minjeong only felt a knot constrict her stomach the more she saw Jimin give it her all. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. In her desperation, a dark idea came to the front of her mind. She’d have to enact it after their half-time designated break.

Before long, the scoreboard read 45 minutes into the game. It was time for their break. While Minjeong’s cleats clattered on the hard ground on her way to the break room, she felt a hand slap her back.

“Minjeong!” The girl who was invading her thoughts. “Did you see me about there?!”

“Can’t always focus on you, you know that, Loser.”

Jimin chuckled. “What happened to being my number one?”

Guilt gnawed at her. She nervously chuckled. “Just because I’m not looking at you doesn’t mean I’m not. I’ll always be yours.”

Soon, they sat on one of the benches inside the locker room. Jimin started. “No, seriously though, I’m on fire. Do you think the scout likes what they’re seeing? I’m doing my best, but I’m still nervous. I’m worried I’m not at my full potential.”

“I think you’re doing great.” Minjeong’s knee started to bounce at the acknowledgment of Jimin’s performance. “Coach thinks you’re doing great. Our teammates think you’re doing great. I think you’re amazing.”

Jimin smiled that oh-so-charming smile of hers and chuckled. “I’m amazing? That’s high praise coming from Kim Minjeong.”

“Shut up, you nerd.”

“Yeah, well. I think you’re pretty amazing, too.”

Damn, Yu Jimin and the power she holds over her. Knowing just how to make her heart race and ache simultaneously.

Again, the guilt was eating at her. She dropped her head between her knees and groaned.

“Doing alright there, Min?”

She sent a thumbs up in her general direction. “Just peachy, Min.”

“Do you want me to get our coach?”

“No. You should probably talk to him either way, though. Review just to make sure.”

“You’re so right!” Jimin shot up and startled Minjeong just the slightest. “I’ll talk to him right now. Thank you!” She began walking away but turned backward to talk to Minjeong quickly. “Just yell at me if you need something.”

While Minjeong was idly watching the hand of the clock in the room spin, she spent the remainder of her break planning out her idea. It was a dark idea born of desperation. She couldn’t stand the thought of Jimin abandoning her after they graduated.

Her coach came with Jimin in tow, and again, she found herself on the pitch. The ball played into the motion the same way her plan did. Fast.

Subtly, Minjeong ‘misplaced’ her passes and ‘accidentally’ gave possession to the enemy team. Mistimed tackles that landed some of her teammates scrambling to correct their footing. Actions a rookie would make, except Minjeong was no rookie. She was a seasoned pro at this point. But no matter, a game must go on. Guilt practically became the opposing team’s player the way it stuck to her. It filled her brain and almost left her to forget her plan, but abandonment had eclipsed the presence of guilt. Jimin was so immersed in her moves that she remained unaware of the actions unfolding.

Player 01 looked at the scoreboard across the field to see that the match's final minutes had hovered menacingly above her—a cruel reminder of what was just at stake—a friendship far like any other. Minjeong could feel her heart press up against her sternum. An endless symphony of dread drowned out the deafening noise all around her. Jimin, the poor girl, oblivious to the events about to unfold, sprinted forward with an intensity that made Minjeong hear the wind whiz past her.

She looked at the scoreboard. The enemy was up by one point. Seconds left. She looked at Jimin. The ball was in her possession. She was reaching the penalty. She repeated the motions again. A harsh swallow of saliva. It was like she could hear the ticking time bomb on the scoreboard. A burst of energy.

A drastic step.

Reckless taste.

Jimin was caught off guard, stumbled, and fell onto the grass below, and the ball traveled away from her feet. A grunt left her mouth once she made contact.

The final whistle blew, and the complete silence that befell the area was accentuated by the sharp gasp from the collective of spectators. Jimin picked herself up from the ground, her eyes locking onto Minjeong’s. Confusion was evident in her eyes, but disappointment was written over her face.

Jimin approached her. “Minjeong, what the hell was that about?” She asked gently. “What happened out there?”

Caught in a trap, Minjeong tried to stammer out an answer. Alas, she failed to develop something suitable, let alone look her in the eye.

“Minjeong.” Jimin was becoming more firm in her tone. “What happened out there?”

“It’s not that simple.” Pathetic. It was the only thing she could say with the guilt in her throat.

“Oh, I agree with you. This is far from simple.”

“Please, this was beyond our control. Let’s drop this.” Minjeong tried to take her hand.

“No!” Jimin ripped it out of her grasp. “You know how important this game was to me! Yet you played like some five-year-old that doesn’t know shit about this sport!”

“I had a headache.” Again. Pathetic.

“A headache. A headache?! Don’t lie to me.” Jimin was letting her frustration and anger really start to show. “A headache doesn’t account for everything you did.”

Minjeong stammered again. “Please.”

The tension was escalating second by second. Heated words turned into iron-hot accusations. And then, in a moment of emotional volatility…Minjeong felt her head whip around and a burning sensation filled her cheek. The sting felt sharp.

The crowd’s initial murmurs, seeing their two-star players argue, intensified dramatically, seeing the physical escalation. Filled with the mind of a teenager, Minjeong retaliated with a harsh push to the floor. Panting from the high emotions in her body, she failed to notice the atmosphere growing charged. Without warning, Minjeong felt herself being pulled to the floor.

Like lightning and thunder, the scene was chaotic. Hair was being pulled from their ponytails, tempers were molten hot, and the seams and fabric that held this friendship were cut and left on the dirt and grass they fought on.

The crowd was initially here for a good old football game, but now eye-witnesses to a new match. Raw, untamed, unbridled emotions clashing. A clash that spilled past the boundaries of sportsmanship. Of a beloved friendship.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jimin let out a very long sigh. “Wow.”

“I guess I’m trying to say that I was scared.”

“Scared?”

“I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. When I thought about you joining that club, I imagined a life without you. A life without me in yours.”

“Minjeong…”

“Please. Let me finish.” She cleared her throat. “It was like a weight on my shoulders the more you talked about leaving. Our hometown. Our team. Me.” Tears welled up in Minjeong’s eyes the more she spoke. “I was so scared. Scared of being alone. Because nobody understood me like you did. Nobody cared for me the way you did. Nobody compared to the way I felt about you. I was so scared of losing my other half that I didn’t take notice of the fact I was going to lose you either way. It doesn’t excuse what I did to you. I betrayed you in the worst way possible. I am so so so sorry for it and I don’t want you to forgive me just because.”

The weight of Minjeong’s confession hung heavily in the air. The pain of the memories is evident on their faces. Jimin took a minute to collect her thoughts. When she spoke, it was with a tone of understanding. “You betrayed me and my dream of my favorite club because you couldn’t stand the thought of me not being by your side?”

Minjeong slowly nodded. Her voice was as soft as a mouse. “I was beyond selfish. I didn’t take you into consideration. What you wanted and what you needed. I was only thinking of myself.”

Jimin hummed. Emotions of understanding and forgiveness took residency in her eyes. “You…really hurt me, Minjeong. I thought you were my number one. We were to support each other no matter the situation, bad or good. I wish you would’ve talked to me before you did all that.”

“I know, and I can never take back what I did. But I do want you to know how truly sorry I am. I’ve had years to think about this and never forgave myself for it. I understand that what I did was beyond wrong.”

Jimin took a deep inhale and exhaled. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“I forgive you, Minjeong. Thank you for telling me everything.”

“Really?” Minjeong looked at Jimin with eyes wide with hope. The latter nodded. Minjeong flung herself at her. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!”

Jimin let out a deep chuckle. The one that made Minjeong feel warm all over. She melted into her and sighed wistfully. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Jimin gently pushed Minjeong away. “Not that I don’t mind us doing this; we need to go to bed. It’s 11PM, and we leave at 7AM to go back home. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be grumpy on the way back.”

“Aren’t the girls still partying?”

“Yes, but we are, unfortunately, responsible adults who understand that we have a crucial final match in the next couple of days. So let’s get as much rest as possible. Especially after the day we had.”

“Agreed.” Minjeong laughed. She reached over to turn off the lamp on her side. Jimin did the same thing, and they fell into bed together with a sizable gap between them.

“G’night, Min.”

“Good night to you too, Min.”

As the now quiet room held its breath, Jimin and Minjeong found themselves on the horizon of something new yet old. It was a moment that carried the weight of the past yet the promise of something more in the future.

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The soft hum of the fan Minjeong keeps in her dorm was abruptly interrupted by a persistent knock on her door. In return, a sharp inhale came from a lump on the bed. She lifted her head to scan her room. No other sounds came from beyond the door, giving Minjeong the impression that it was probably just a noise she had misheard. Therefore, she attempted to fall back asleep, considering that it was pitch black outside when she looked out her window. She would have almost succeeded if not for the next round of knocking.

Burying her face into her pillow, she groaned. She turned to face the desk and fumbled for her phone. She squinted at the bright screen—1:27 AM. Reluctantly, Minjeong pushed herself into a sitting position. The knocks persisted, growing more and more desperate. “Coming!” She groggily said. Rubbing away the last remnants of sleep from her eyes, she stumbled across the dark room, her steps heavy from the forceful pull away from her dreams.

As she reached the door, the knocking had seemingly stopped again, leaving only the fan's distant hum. Minjeong hesitated. She had pondered whether this was just a sleep-induced fever dream or something of that nature. But just as she entertained the thought of returning to bed, a voice spoke up.

“Minjeong?”

Now fully awake at her voice, Minjeong turned the doorknob. Light flooded her room, and she witnessed Jimin standing before her, shifting nervously from foot to foot.

“Hi!” Jimin cringed at the volume of voice she used. She cleared her throat. “Sorry. Are you busy right now?”

Minjeong looked from Jimin to the soft, warm, comfy bed, calling her name like a lullaby. “Not particularly.”

“Uh, I know it’s pretty late. Did I wake you up?”

“Not at-.” A yawn interrupted her sentence. “...all.”

“Oh, I did. I’m sorry. Please ignore me. I’ll go now.” She quickly turned around on the heel of her foot.

“Jimin. Don’t be ridiculous.” Minjeong reached over to grab Jimin’s wrist. She paused for a tick. Before immediately letting it go. “Sorry!”

“It’s okay.”

“Anyway, I know there’s a reason you came here. What happened?”

“Can I ask you for a favor?”

“Sure.”

“You and I. I want to take you somewhere. Right now.”

“Um,” Minjeong raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Where?”

“Not too far from here. I know it’s odd that I’m here at one in the morning. But I wanted to show you.”

“Why?”

“Well, the most important game of our season this year is later today. And I am…very nervous.”

“Nervous?”

“Minjeong.” Jimin was beginning to be exasperated. “Is that a yes or a no?”

“Let me get a jacket.”

“Get a blanket too. We’ll need it.” Minjeong turned around to look at Jimin with a confused look on her face. “Just…” Jimin awkwardly and hesitantly placed her hand on her shoulder. “...trust me, okay?”

“Alright.” Minjeong beamed.

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“The soccer field? Really?” Minjeong asked incredulously.

The soccer field rested below the moonlight sky, casting a silver glow over the dew-kissed grass.

Jimin chuckled. “You don’t sound so happy.” She made her way over the goalpost at the end of the field. “Come on, put the blanket down here.”

“Not that I don’t mind being with you like this, but what is this all about?”

She sighed. “If you lie down and look at the sky with me, I’ll tell you. How’s that?”

“Sounds fair.”

Minjeong hastily gathered the blanket in her hands and laid it down. Now, sitting side by side, leaning against the post, the atmosphere held a quiet stillness disrupted occasionally by the distant sounds of the people. “Not a lot of stars out tonight, hm?”

“Aren’t you a science major?” Minjeong laughed.

Jimin raised an eyebrow and rebutted. “Aren’t you?”

“Biology hasn’t failed me yet. So, shouldn’t you know about light pollution and all that?”

“A girl can’t dream of seeing stars, can she?”

“Sure, she can! She only has to be realistic about seeing the pretty stars somewhere that isn’t her backyard.”

“For a biology major, it sounds like you hate nature.”

“Don’t make me sound like that, you nerd. I love nature as much as the next person. I do not understand what is beautiful about looking at a sky filled with dimmed stars surrounded by artificial grass. Incredibly phony grass that has patches all over it because of our cleats.”

“You’re not looking hard enough. Look at the fresh dew on the grass, even if it is fake. The patches that you see as ugly, I see a soccer field that’s been loved for years. Even if you can’t see the stars, the moon shines bright.”

Minjeong smiled wide. “For a paleontology major, it sounds like you chose the wrong major.”

Jimin returned the smile. “Besides, listen to the ambiance.”

Minjeong closed her eyes. She heard the sound of the wind softly whispering—the sound of crickets making their ritualistic noises—the faint sound of cars rumbling past. But there wasn’t nearly enough.

She opened her eyes to look at Jimin, who was looking at her. She smiled at her. “What’d you think?”

“It’s nice.”

“It’s why I wanted to bring you here. Call it the calm before the storm.”

“Is that the only reason I’m here?”

Jimin avoided the question. Her fingers fidgeted with the frayed ends of Minjeong’s blanket. “Take it all in, Minjeongie.”

“Jimin.” She placed a gentle hand on the former’s shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“I…” Jimin bit her lip to refrain herself. Her nervous energy seemed to intensify. “It isn’t anything that important.”

Minjeong slid her hand from her shoulder to cup Jimin’s cheek. “It’s okay, Jimin. You know you could tell me anything.”

“I can’t believe that today, our season ends—the final game.” Jimin ran her hand through her hair. “What if I mess up? What if I let our team down? What if….” Jimin looked into her eyes. “What if I disappoint you?”

“You could never.”

“It’s been weeks since I got to play, and I’m coming back on our most crucial game. I’ve never felt this nervous before. I feel like throwing up. I feel like hyperventilating.”

“Min,” Minjeong said firmly. “Listen to me. You are Yu Jimin. You are the same player who multiple people scouted. I promise it’s okay to be nervous. Everybody gets pre-game jitters. You and I? We worked hard to get here. Our coach believes in you. Your team believes in you. I believe in you the most.”

Jimin groaned and buried her face in her arms. “I know, I know. But I can’t help thinking of the what-ifs. I know we still have a year until we complete our four years, but that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“You’re the most passionate player I know on our team. You’ve practiced, trained, and given nothing but your all to this sport. You may not be able to control everything, but I know you can control how hard you put in that effort. Win or lose, Jimin, your team will always have your back.”

Minjeong saw how Jimin had stared at her. “You too?” Jimin had asked in a moment of sudden vulnerability.

Minjeong gulped out of nervousness but took Jimin’s hand in her own. “You’ll have me for as long as you want. Now, I’m not going anywhere.”

Jimin smiled faintly. “Thank you, Minjeong.”

“Of course.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for how I treated you when this whole thing started.”

“What do you mean?”

“At the start of the season, I acted awfully towards you.”

“Oh. Jimin. It’s okay. Honestly.”

“No, it’s not okay. I don’t want you to excuse me. I want to apologize correctly.” Minjeong squeezed the hand she was still holding to assure Jimin. “At the start, I think I was jealous of you. I didn’t know how to express my feelings and emotions adequately. I acted out wrongly, and in that process, I hurt you. I think the fact that we never got closure for our little incident when we were teenagers didn’t help either every time I saw you.”

“No, it’s not. And I don’t want you to forgive me easily. I want to apologize correctly.” Minjeong squeezed the hand she held onto to assure Jimin would continue. She took a deep inhale and exhaled. “At the start, I didn’t know how to express my emotions and feelings healthily. I think the fact that we stopped being friends and never resolved our problem didn’t help either. I acted out wrongly, and in that process, I hurt you.”

“I think I was jealous of you.”

Minjeong’s eyebrows raised comically. “Me?”

“Yeah. Your presence threatened me if you could believe that.”

“Are you serious? You were scouted for the best team back home, and you’re telling me you felt threatened by me? I don’t believe this.”

“You really ought to give yourself more credit. You were one of the best last season. You took my spot in second place. I was stuck in third. How could I not feel like you were better than me? Also, you should stop talking about recruitment in the past. You and I are on the same team now, are we not? You’re just as good as me.”

“I guess.” Minjeong shrugged.

Struggling to articulate her feelings properly, Jimin visibly was making an effort. “I…messed up, and I’m sorry. I did not handle it well and let jealousy and contempt cloud my judgment. I am very sorry, Minjeong.”

“Apology has been accepted, Jimin.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Visibly deflating from all the tension in her body, Jimin fell to the floor with a soft grunt. “Thank you.” Patting at the space near her, Jimin motioned. “Join me on the floor and look at the non-existent stars.”

Minjeong laughed at the display but followed suit. She sighed in contentment. Save for the occasional sound made by her companion, it was silent for about nine minutes. Minjeong found herself connected to Jimin more than she thought possible in such a short time.

Speaking of her, Minjeong turned her body to the side to give her attention to her friend as she talked. Still, Jimin stared at her weirdly when she focused her eyes on her.

“What?”

“Huh?”

Minjeong looked at her skeptically. “Why are you looking at me like I have something on my face? Oh my god, do I?”

Jimin surpassed a laugh. “No, it’s not like that, I swear.”

“Well, what is it then?”

“I’m happy.”

“Happy?”

“Mhm.” Jimin had a smile on her lips.

“What for?”

“I’m happy…that we’re close again. I missed having you, I guess.”

“Really?” Jimin silently nodded. “Me, too. It’s nice to have you as my friend again.”

Jimin yawned. “Oh man, it’s super late.”

“You’re just realizing that?”

“More like we spent an hour outside talking.”

“No way.” Minjeong scrambled to take her phone out of her pocket. 2:38 AM. “We should probably head back if we want as much sleep as possible.”

“Agreed.” Jimin collected herself before standing, but Minjeong tugged her hand down. “What is it?”

“Do you think you’re ready for the game?”

“I think so.”

Minjeong let go of her hand. “It’s not a ‘I think so’ Jimin. It’s either a yes or a no. If it’s a no, we’ll just stay here and talk until you’re ready.”

“Psh.” Jimin rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re bluffing.”

“Am I?” Minjeong raised an eyebrow as a challenge.

“Okay. Okay. I concede. I’m more than ready.” Jimin directed a 1000-watt smile to her. “Thanks to you.”

Minjeong mimed a gag. “I just threw up.”

“Aw, my number one fan got too excited.” Minjeong stood up quickly and jabbed her shoulder with speed. “Ow! Alright!”

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The evening air held a cold chill as Minjeong and Jimin casually walked back from the field, the ambient glow of streetlights guiding its way to Minjeong’s dorm. The earlier stargazing session, while void of any stars in the sky, left the two with a serene vibe.

They walked side by side. The silence, although, spoke volumes between the two. Minjeong stole a quick glance at Jimin, who seemed just as lost in her thoughts. An out-of-nowhere realization had dawned. Their hands were brushing against each other as they continued forward. It was nothing but a slight touch. Unintentional at its purest. Yet it sent a subtle yet strong enough jolt through Minjeong. She quickly withdrew her hand, her heart skipping a beat. Jimin seemed unaffected, but a fleeting glimmer in her eyes hinted at something unspoken.

“Sorry about that.” Jimin chuckled.

Minjeong lightly answered in response. “You’re okay.”

The acknowledgment of the odd situation did little to dispel the tension that happened to come up. As it has been so often as of late, the atmosphere has shifted. Charged with unspoken words and hyperawareness of each other’s presence side by side.

As they approached Minjeong’s dorm, the air only seemed to suffocate. She fidgeted with the keys she carried in her pocket, glancing at Jimin, who seemed equally hesitant. In a moment of carelessness, Minjeong’s hand brushed against Jimin again. This time, however, was not a fleeting touch. Their hands lingered for a fraction that lasted far longer than necessary, even for only a few seconds. She felt a rush of warmth spreading from her hand to her face, a pleasant sensation that surprised her. Jimin seemed as caught off guard as her. Her gaze met Minjeong’s own momentarily before she looked back on the path.

They finally reached the door of Minjeong’s dorm.

Jimin took a deep breath as if gathering courage before speaking. “Minjeong…can I, uh, can I hug you? If that’s okay!”

Minjeong smiled, nodded, and was entirely surprised by the request but touched by Jimin’s vulnerability. “Of course, Jimin.”

Jimin’s face softened with visible relief. However, the scene played out in an awkward dance of hesitation. Jimin awkwardly extended her arms, unsure of where to place said arms and how to do it.

Jimin laughed out of embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to this.”

“That’s okay. Here. Give me your hand.” Jimin gave her hand, and Minjeong placed it correctly. She cleared her throat, however. “And then your other hand.” Her voice cracked slightly. “There we go!” A moment of silence, and then, “How is this?”

Jimin pondered for a second. “This is…really nice. I haven’t hugged anyone since I last came home, and that was…eight months ago?”

“Min!”

“Well, it’s true!”

The hug was clumsy, lacking the practiced ease of two close friends. However, in that moment, it felt right. Minjeong felt the tension from earlier dissipating. She attempted to separate from the woman, but Jimin started to fidget.

“What’s wrong?”

Jimin sighed before responding. “Can we stay like this for a little more? I like this. Especially when it’s with you.”

Minjeong felt the heat return back to her face. At a loss of words, she only nodded. She felt how Jimin had let the rest of the tension in her body entirely disappear, and she burrowed her face in the junction of her neck and shoulder.

In return, Minjeong rested her chin on the woman’s shoulder. The smell of Jimin’s scent filled her nose. It left her with a sense of ease. “Do you want to know something, Min?”

A hum back.

“I’m happy like this, too.”

Jimin tightened her arms just the slightest around her frame.

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The highly anticipated game that had every fan extra on edge these past couple of days had finally come. The air was crackling as players, both home and enemy, took the field. Buzzing and humming with the excitement of a match well played. Dawned with the team’s light blue and purple colors, football team fans cheered and waved banners in anticipation.

Minjeong, with a smile dripping with confidence, stretched. Her eyes trained and narrowed in on the enemy team analyzing. Jimin lightly jogged in place beside her to get her adrenaline pumping. The two friends exchanged a glance. Jimin scoffed lightly.

“Don’t get cocky, Minjeong.”

She grinned in return. “C’mon. Ready to show them what we got?” Jimin didn’t say anything. “C’mooon.”

Jimin playfully rolled her eyes and dramatically sighed. “Yes. I am ready to show them what we got.”

“Jimin. This is our last game. Be more enthusiastic!” She bounced around Jimin. “You know what they say! Never back down, never what?”

“Never give up.”

“More enthusiasm!” Minjeong hit her back to pump her up. “Never back down, never what?!”

“Never give up!”

“Who are you?!”

“Yu Jimin!”

“And who am I?!” She proceeded to get louder.

“Kim Minjeong!” Jimin returned the volume.

“And what are we?”

“Undefeated!”

“There we go!”

Their banter, a mixture of light-heartedness and determination, continued as they transitioned into small drills to warm up. The ball moved like water seamlessly between them. A fundamental attribute to the chemistry that has formed over these handful of weeks

Jimin started up the conversation. “I was thinking. Do you remember that move we made back when we were kids?”

“I think so? Why?” Minjeong furrowed her eyebrows, confused before it dawned on her. “Jimin, no! That was a dangerous stunt, even when we were kids. Trying it now as if we haven’t done that in years is a recipe for disaster!”

“Think about it, Min! If we emulate it, we can blow the competition out of the way.”

“Nope!”

“Hear me out, and we won’t do it until the time really calls for it. Does that sound fair to you?”

Minjeong let out a deep sigh and reluctantly nodded. “Only, and only! If it comes down to it.”

The familiar rhythm eased the pre-game jitters that filled their entire being. As they moved into more drills, their focus sharpened. It gave way to a shared understanding between the two. They agreed silently that their teamwork would form an unstoppable force on that field today.

The whistle of the form wearing a black and white striped polo pierced the air, signaling the end of the warm-ups. Minjeong and Jimin shared a look, smiles oozing with determination and confidence. Their little talk in between drills had served its awaited purpose. Minds in sync, the bond strengthened, evident in every movement they made.

The last beams of orange sunlight dipped below the horizon, welcoming the long shadows on the field as the lights on the field flickered to life. If the crowd was loud before, the roar was deafening. As the two teams lined up, preparing themselves for a battle, Minjeong and Jimin took one last look at each other and nodded as they took their places on the field.

The stage was set.

The referee, a stark figure in a sea of players wearing colorful colors, blew the whistle shrilly. It was the signal that opened the floodgates. Players converged on the ball like a flurry of frenzied sharks. Minjeong, in the midfield, vied for control and managed to gain it. With the ball in possession of the home team, the tone for the game was anchored. The crowd watched in awe as Minjeong controlled the ball with a touch that seemed to defy physics and groaned when an opposing team player gained possession of a pass the woman made. The air crackled with tension as the ball traded possessions between the two teams, each transition an opportunity for brilliance or an error.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as Jimin began orchestrating a play so brilliant. With a quick exchange of passes between her teammates, she carved her mark through the opposing defense, leaving them a distant memory of the past. The goalkeeper, lonely in her post, was aghast as she dove in a futile attempt to block Jimin’s powerful strike. The crowd was silent as the ball soared. But soon, the net bulged, and the crowd went wild.

To Minjeong, the game became a blur. The midfielders sprinted to gain control of the ball. The defenders sought to protect their goal with finality. The forwards, hungry for opportunity, darted and weaved past all the players. She had seen a head of blonde hair somewhere amid the players but was too preoccupied to mark where. The crowd was nothing but a myriad of colors and noises. The soccer ball darted everywhere, leaving Minjeong blurry-eyed as she followed every path it made. The players, guided by the instinct and physical memory of training, executed plays that left the crowd of spectators falling off the edge of their seats.

Soon enough, it came time for half-time. Minjeong only remembers drinking water, sitting down, her coach mumbling something, and then she was back on the field. When she stepped back onto the field, she took notice of the scoreboard and saw that, out of pure luck, the two teams were at a standoff. 2-2.

As the match progressed, the score only seemed to standstill. The tension in the crowd was palpable. Fans held their breath in anticipation, crying out with every strategic maneuver and a near miss. With the clock ticking down, both teams were in a deadlock, neither willing to compromise their defenses.

Amidst the rising odds stacked against them, Minjeong and Jimin found a moment of respite near the sideline during a brief substitution.

Minjeong panted, her hands on her knees. “We need to do something about this, Jimin. We’re running out of time, and I refuse to end our season like this!”

Jimin nodded, just as winded. “Does that mean it’s time to pull out the move?”

Minjeong smirked. “Let’s do it. Time to show what our team is about.”

As the game resumed, she looked back at the scoreboard. She had a minute and a half to execute this right. She attempted to locate Jimin on the field and found blonde hair. She locked eyes with her and exchanged the glance. Minjeong gained control of the ball after her teammate passed it to her. The ball was at midfield. Minjeong took a gulp and sprinted with the ball. She skillfully dodged opponents, leaving a trail of defenders in her wake. Jimin, already anticipating the play, positioned herself discreetly near the goal. The crowd could only watch in anticipation as the enemy team took notice of the play in action. Their defenders began to close in on Minjeong.

Just when it seemed that Minjeong would become overwhelmed with it, she executed a pass so meticulously. The crowd erupted into exclaims of shock and surprise as Jimin, with a fantastic display of pure skill, sent the ball soaring high into the air. It was just like old times. A mere shadow of the times they had honed their craft in the backyard of Jimin’s house. Minjeong felt her heartache as she remembered the day they dreamt they could utilize it in a match as important as this.

The ball hung in the air for a tick too long. Time seemed to freeze, and the ball gave off the illusion it was suspended in mid-air. The defenders and the goalkeeper had leaped desperately, but unfortunately, there was no match for Yu Jimin. The power of the strike Jimin had made was too precise. It was like Minjeong was a spectator of the spectacular play; next, she fell to her knees in triumph. The ball curved gracefully into the net just as the whistle signaled the end of the game.

The stadium exploded into a cacophony of cheers, insults, shouts, and jeers aimed at whoever. The risky play from their childhood paid off in the most dramatic sequence possible, and Minjeong could not feel any more prouder. The last-minute goal secured not only the game-winning point for their team but also the season tournament they had put their hard work into.

The crowd continued to roar as she felt herself being lifted up into the air. Her teammates had crowded around her and thrown her up to celebrate their win. She looked over and saw the same thing happening to Jimin. The sheer joy on their faces echoed those of their teammates and the home crowd. Minjeong looked over to Jimin again and noticed her staring back at her. Instead of tearing her gaze away, she held the stare just as Jimin did. The crowd of players, fans, and staff blurred into the background. The quiet intensity in her eyes left her with a heart skipping.

When she smiled at her and her only, it was like a million lightbulbs went off in her head.

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As the sound of thumping bass and laughter began to get closer and closer, Minjeong approached the party in full swing.

She took in the scene right in front of the open front doorway. A playlist that consisted of the top 100 hits of today boomed through the whole house, the scent of strong alcohol and sweat-filled bodies. The sounds of animated conversations over the music didn’t exactly soothe Minjeong’s unease over this situation she put herself in. After all, the first and last party she attended, she was a mere freshman oozing with responsibility and eagerness. She could hardly remember the night. All she knows from what her friends told her is that she drank way too much, made a complete fool of herself, and woke up in an entirely different dorm than her own. She didn’t live it down for weeks and wouldn’t make that same mistake this time.

Fully stepping inside, she was immediately hit with a wave of warmth and the thumping bass rhythm under her. The living room was fashioned into a dance floor, enticing others who indulged in liquor far too gone, and a cheap disco hung right above, showcasing flashing lights and a kaleidoscope of colors. Minjeong navigated through the long throng of partygoers. It didn’t fly past her radar to notice how everyone sent glances and whispers her way. Don’t get her wrong; she knew what she signed up for in attending this party, but that doesn’t excuse her feeling uncomfortable with all this attention on her. Exchanging awkward smiles and tense greetings to those who dared to greet her, she made her way to the drink table. Sighing, she poured soda into the cup she grabbed. Still, she failed, for the enthusiastic slap on her shoulder made her drop it from the surprise.

“As I live and breathe! Kim Minjeong! Or should I start calling you Stargirl since that’s what everyone has been calling you?”

“Soon to be the cause of my death, Ning Yizhou,” Minjeong grumbled. “And seriously? It’s been two days since we won. How did that catch on?”

Yizhou shrugged. Minjeong half-heartedly rolled her eyes and tried to grab the soda again, but the excited girl beat her to it.

“No, no, no, Kim. You mean to tell me that we’re at a party held in our honor for bringing the trophy home, and you’re drinking soda? Not on my watch. You’re going to have fun.”

“I don’t need alcohol to have fun, you know that, right? It’ll end up in a fiery dumpster fire like last time.”

“Trust me, will you? I’ll keep you in check so you don’t go overboard. I promise. C’mon.” Yizhou sang. “Have fun! Relax for a bit.”

“I am relaxed!”

“Your shoulders are scrunched, and you’re making that stupid face you always make.” She deadpanned.

“You know what? Fine!” Minjeong was exasperated. Peer pressure be damned! “Only a little!”

The girl yelled in triumph and immediately gathered some drinks and other ingredients. “Perfect. I have the perfect cocktail for you.”

“Don’t you dare go overboard.”

“I got this!” Yizhou smiled widely.

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She really shouldn’t have been swayed by Yizhou’s tricks.

To her friend's credit, she did make an attempt to keep her in check, but just like the newly enrolled student back then, one drink alone was enough to make her lose her inhibitions. She was a lightweight, after all. Between the drink, her friend made for her, a drink with multiple liquors in it, a game of beer pong that came with a devastating loss for her, and, yet again, another drink she’s currently sipping from, it came as no surprise that she found herself outside. Somewhere in that mess of a party inside, she lost Yizhou. Sitting outside in the backyard, the chill in the air sent a strong shiver down her back as she tried to steady herself enough to stop her vision from spinning.

The sounds of the bustling party went on faintly in the background, muffled by the closed sliding door. Minjeong, however, did hear the excited shouts of those inside. Probably the result of a party trick gone right. The air was cold yet refreshing after the hot atmosphere of bodies pressed together, and the pleasant, quiet chatter of other people gathered offered a stark contrast to the ambiance inside.

Observing other individuals, Minjeong took deep, calming breaths, hoping the fresh air would sober her enough to continue her victorious partying. The few stars that appeared that night sparkled overhead; she smiled and scoffed as her mind swirled with a mix of regret and amusement at her lack of alcohol tolerance. Again, she shivered, pondering her situation. She really should’ve brought a jacket instead of this flimsy excuse of a blouse, but no matter. She tried to huddle for more warmth, yet a jacket fell over her shoulders as she did.

“Hey, Stargirl.” That voice, she could pick it out in a crowd of people. The so-called stranger sat next to her. “What are you doing out here, hm?”

“ Jimin!” The drunk girl threw herself at the woman and wrapped her arms around her broad shoulders. “I’m so happy to see you!

Jimin looked at the poor state of the girl. “I’m happy to see you. Everyone inside told me you were out here. Now, just how much have you had to drink?”

Minjeong shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t-” A hiccup. “-don’t know.” When Jimin raised an eyebrow in amusement towards her, Minjeong giggled as she tried to recall her time. “I lost count after the third cup in beer pong.”

“Okay. I think that’s more than enough for you.” The girl grabbed the cup Minjeong held loosely in her grip.

The drunk woman, in return, whined and attempted to grab her cup back. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“Hey, I’m doing you a massive favor by saving you from a worse fate in the morning. Besides, what the hell is even in this?” She took a sip of the cup and immediately spat it back out. “Jesus Christ, Minjeong! What the fuck is in that?”

Minjeong didn’t make much of a fight afterward and slumped into Jimin. “Whatever was in that punch.”

“It tastes like road kill.”

“You’re like road kill.”

Jimin chuckled. “That one doesn’t even make sense if you tried.”

“You…don’t make any sense.” Minjeong slurred all the while she sought comfort in the warmth of Jimin’s body.

“Thanks.” Jimin tightened the jacket around Minjeong’s body a little more.

So when the two inevitably reached silence, it was comfortable. For the next handful of minutes, the only sounds around were from the insistent chatter of the groups outside and the music inside.

“You know,” Minjeong started off slowly. “You should be in there with the rest of our team celebrating. I don’t know why you’re out here with me instead.”

“Well, I'd rather take care of you than go back in that hormone-infested pool of students, even if that means holding your hair back while you throw up.”

“Wow, my knight in shining armor.”

“I know you’re joking, but you’ll be happy and grateful when it happens.”

“Sure, but I’ll be happy either way as long as you’re with me.”

Jimin looked at her with confusion. “What do you mean by that, Stargirl?”

A goofy smile decorated her face when Minjeong looked up to make eye contact. “What? You don’t get it? You’re you. You’re Yu Jimin. My childhood friend. My teammate. When we became friends again, I was over the moon!” Jimin was avoiding her gaze. She cleared her throat and continued.”Anytime anyone mentions you, I get excited, and this warm feeling comes up in my chest. When I hear my phone go off, I’m hoping it’s you. And if it is you, I’ll drop whatever I’m doing and respond to you.”

“Minjeong, please. Don’t do this right now.” She pleaded with the girl, but it fell on deaf ears.

The girl was far too into her speech to notice what Jimin uttered. “You mean the world to me, you know? A-And I know that we’ve only really started to become friendly with each other again recently, let alone officially call ourselves friends, but…” Minjeong was beginning to lose her resolve in the same way that the last drink had started to affect her. She had to say it before she chickened out completely. “But I don’t care! I think you’re my favorite person in the whole world, and I’m not afraid to admit it. Hell, I’ll go back into that mess inside and shout it out to everybody in there to convince you that I mean every word!” Jimin frantically looked around due to the volume of Minjeong’s voice attracting the crowd’s attention. “But god damn it, Yu Jimin! You are! And…and….” She was losing her train of thought, and peering at Jimin didn’t help at all. Looking at her brought back that same warm feeling she just discovered tenfold.

Jimin who grew into a strong, brilliant, and confident woman. Jimin, who was still somehow the same person she had known years ago. Jimin, whose eyes caught the light of the moon perfectly. Jimin, whose lips looked so appealing at this very moment. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin.

“Minjeong!”

She was startled out of her daze by a push. She became aware of her surroundings again and noticed Jimin's hands on her shoulders, the panicked, hurried breathing, and the stares stuck to her. But her attention lingered on a tiny factor: the proximity between the two. “What…?”

“What the hell are you doing?” Jimin’s tone was soft, but Minjeong felt the underlying anger.

“ ‘min?” The poor girl was so confused about what happened. “What happened?”

“What happened?! Are you serious?!” Jimin furrowed her eyebrows, completely upset and frustrated. “Should I not be the one asking you that? Why did you think attempting to kiss me was a good idea?!

At this point, the world was back to spinning. She was having a hard time with this conversation as is. “I did? ‘m sorry.”

Jimin scoffed. “I can’t do this right now, Minjeong. I need to go.” She stood up, dislodging Minjeong from where she was. The latter had to catch herself before she flopped on the deck from the abrupt move. Jimin took off immediately, leaving Minjeong to fumble around.

“W-Wait! Don’t go! Please.” Minjeong recovered from that embarrassing bout, but she lost her when she stepped back inside to locate Jimin. Panicking now, she whipped her head in all directions, desperately ignoring the dizziness edging her vision. She hastily sprinted into the crowd when she saw that signature bright blonde hair stepping out the front door. She was sure she had knocked over Yizhou, who was in the process of looking for her.

The world around her seemed to blur as she sprinted out the door into the cool air. Fueled by determination and desperation, Minjeong ran up to Jimin. Her hand reached out to gently grasp Jimin’s wrist. Hesitance was written over her movements as she turned to face her. Her eyes reflected vulnerability.

“Jimin, please,” Minjeong whispered, her voice tinged with a delicate mix of fear and apprehension. Her breaths came in quick, heavy pants from the speed she sprinted. Without saying anything else, she drew the woman into a tight embrace. The world didn’t matter to her. The students crowded around the front lawn, the party inside, just her and Jimin. Jimin, initially stiff and hesitant, gradually melted into the embrace. In return, Minjeong buried her face in Jimin’s chest, inhaling deeply to memorize her scent before she inevitably tore this friendship apart yet again. She heard the wild pace that her friend’s heartbeat was going at.

“Minjeong, get off me.” Jimin’s actions spoke louder than her words, after all. The girl shook her head. “Let go of me now!”

“Please! Please, just listen to me!” Her voice wobbled. “I promise, if you listen, I’ll let you leave.”

Jimin was starting to become agitated. “Minjeong, I’m really not joking around. Let go of me.”

She sobbed. “Please.” With no other motion than the quick rise and fall of Jimin’s chest and no vocal cues, Minjeong continued. “I’m sorry I scared you off back there. That wasn’t ever my intention. You have to know that. I don’t know why that happened. One moment, I was looking at you, then I started thinking about things too much, and the next, you were pushing me.”

“What were you thinking about?” The gentle rumble of Jimin’s voice eased her anxiety just the slightest.

“I….”

Jimin sighed. “One minute, Minjeong. I will give you one minute to explain yourself, and then let me go.”

“I like you.” She felt the woman’s body tense up. “I like you a lot, actually. I don’t know when it started. I only realized it when you smiled at me when we won. You were looking at me, and me only. Something clicked in my head that day. I thought it was normal to feel like this for your best friend. I’ve felt like this for years. Yet things finally made much more sense when you smiled at me like that.” She chuckled. “I can’t believe it took me so many years to realize how I felt about you. I’ve dated a bit in the past, and it was nice while it lasted, but…none of them ever compared to you. No one’s made me feel this way before, and it scares me. What I feel for you is crucial and pivotal, but I’m so afraid of messing all of this up. I can’t lose the one person I treasure so much.

“30 seconds.”

Minjeong gulped. “Like I said, I don’t know when it started, but there are so many things I should’ve realized sooner. Do you remember how we watched that movie on the bus? I wasn’t watching it; I was looking at you most of the time, and I loved how you smiled and laughed. Or that night you let me stay over when we studied. I woke up later, half asleep, but I saw you still studying, and you looked so pretty. You were biting your pen, and the lamp on your desk lit up your face in such a way that you looked like art itself. When we were at the hotel and fell on each other, I was pleading and hoping you’d kiss me.” She took a deep breath. “I like everything about you, Jimin—your hair, your smile, your laugh, your eyes, how bright and driven you are. You could change everything about you, but I’d still like you just for you. I’m sorry; I know I’m rambling, and I wish I could explain myself better, but I really like you a lot, Jimin. And it’s okay if you don’t, but I really wanted- no, I needed you to know how I feel about you.”

Minjeong knew she had exceeded her time limit, but Jimin hadn’t said anything to her, giving her the slightest hope.

“Say something?”

“Your minute is up, Minjeong.” The girl let go of her.

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Are you even going to remember this in the morning?” When Jimin received no response from her, she sighed. “Goodnight, Minjeong. Get home safe.”

As she watched the retreating figure of Jimin, a heaviness settled in her chest. The night air felt colder, and the sound of the party behind her seemed distant and detached. She tried to take a breath, but it came shaky. She turned back around in an attempt to compose herself and head back into the party. However, each step felt like an uphill battle the further she tried to make it. It felt like her feet were weighed down with the weight of what she said. The partygoers who watched the scene unfold were unaware of the turmoil Minjeong felt, going back to their revelry. Minjeong’s attempt to conceal her vulnerability and retreat to somewhere private, like a bathroom or a bedroom, becomes a desperate mission.

She only made it a couple of steps before the dam broke. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she stumbled and stumbled further up the yard. Her steps faltered, and with a sob, Minjeong sank to the floor. The party's music continued, starkly contrasting with the silent cries racking her body. She hugged her knees to her chest. The embarrassment she hoped to save herself from, at the very least, became a secondary concern, overshadowed by the ache of her heart.

As Minjeong sat alone in the yard, her sobs became a private symphony of heartache. The party continued, oblivious to the emotional turmoil beneath the sky. In her little solitude, she allowed herself to release the pent-up emotions that lingered in the aftermath of her vulnerable confession.

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The weeks that followed Minjeong after the confession had been tumultuous. The radio silence, the lack of anything, really left her in a state of perpetual anxiety. Each passing day felt like a weighted pendulum, swinging between hope and fear. She had no choice but to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding her. She questioned whether she’d have a future in their relationship and wondered how Jimin felt about all of this.

It had almost been a month since the incident happened. The way Minjeong remembers it, she entered the party, grabbed a drink, and sat outside with Jimin, talking to her. She remembers running after Jimin, confessing, and the last thing she remembered was crying in the yard. From what Yizhou told her, she found Minjeong outside sobbing and had Aeri carry her back to her dorm. When they all got back, Minjeong passed out in bed, which was the end of the night. The morning after, she woke up to a pounding headache and spent the rest with her head over the toilet. When she recovered, she looked at her phone to see texts from everyone and was mortified when she recalled the event.

To her, the soft rejection had broken her heart. It wasn’t like any of the other breakups she went through with her past boyfriends; no, this was far worse than anything she had ever experienced. It felt like her heart was slowly being crushed day by day the longer Jimin had yet to talk to her. She had dissected every nuance of that moment. A storm of questions had battled within her head — Had Jimin shared her feelings? Was their friendship gone? Had she ruined something for something that couldn’t be?

The longer the silence stretched on and on to her, the more she doubted herself. Hope and fear set up permanent residence. She waged her possibilities. The possibility that Jimin had actually returned her feelings was a beacon in the sea of darkness she had been facing. However, the fear of loss waded into the waters menacingly. The water kept drowning her. She had considered the inevitable rejection if Jimin decided she was worth speaking to. It had bothered her so much it was all she thought about — What if she thinks I’m disgusting for falling for my friend? That I’m weird? This is it, isn’t it? We’re done for.

Minjeong was settling into bed after a miserable day of going through the motions again. As soon as she pulled the covers over herself, her phone went off with that text tone she had been yearning for for weeks. Immediately, she scrambled and threw her blanket off herself to grab her phone from where it was lying. A simple text lit up her screen. ‘Meet me at the field right now please.’She felt a rush of conflicting emotions. Hope and trepidation mingled together as she pondered the nature of their future conversation. Whether it leaned towards acceptance or rejection, the prospect of closure brought comfort and dread.

When Minjeong arrived at their home soccer field, her heartbeat was pumping as fast as a drum, echoing the cadence of her own muddled emotions. She walked onto the field, the grass beneath her feet carrying the weight of anticipation. The gentle hum of the evening breeze whispered softly, encouraging her the further she walked. She could see Jimin in the distance, standing near the center circle, her silhouette etched against the night. Minjeong’s breath caught as she approached, unsure of the outcome of this conversation.

As they met in the middle, the air between them felt charged. Minjeong took a deep breath, the scent of freshly cut grass mingling with the anticipation in the air.

“Hey…” Minjeong didn’t know how to go about any of this anymore. “How are you?”

When Jimin looked in her direction, she could feel her knees wanting to give out. “Fine.”

Minjeong nodded her head and kept bouncing between the heels of her feet. “So, uh, did you want to sit down or…?”

“No. Listen, Minjeong.” She shook her head. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while. I’m sorry I took so long, but I wanted to organize my thoughts before I said anything harsh or something I didn’t mean. I wanted to make this moment right since I’ve thought about this for so long.”

The girl could feel her heat pounding against her chest as well as the amount of sweat gathered in the palms of her hands. “Oh! Okay. So what did you want to say?”

Taking a loud gulp, Jimin started. “Minjeong.” Her voice was a mix of vulnerability and sincerity. “What I’m going to say to you…I’ve had this on my mind for a very long time.”

“I’ve carried this for so long, and ever since that night, it wouldn’t be fair for you and me to keep it in anymore.” Minjeong’s eyes carried a mixture of hope and trepidation. She looked at her to encourage her to continue.

“I like you too.” Jimin awkwardly chuckled. “Actually, I’ve liked you since high school, if you could believe that. I think I liked you a little before then, but it took me longer to understand and realize what I felt for you. And when I did figure it out, I pushed those feelings aside, especially after we stopped being friends. What point was there in telling you when I swore to myself that I’d never talk to you ever again, right? I thought ignoring what I felt would be okay in the long run.”

“And it did work for the remainder of high school. But then I was recruited here, and nobody told me you were here either. So when I saw you on this same exact field running drills and warming up, everything returned to me, and I knew I was screwed. Everything felt too real, way too fast. And in that moment, I decided that ignoring you and being an asshole to you would be the best option. Yet, doing so got you to pay attention to me and get a reaction out of you. I hated it and loved it. Now, I know that I should’ve never done any of that to you. And I’m sorry it took us so long to become friends again, but at least it got us here in the end?”

A silence hung between them, the weight of Jimin’s confession settling over. Minjeong's eyes were opened wide in shock and realization.

“...When you confessed that night of the party,” Jimin continued, “I got scared. Scared of everything, really. The implications. What it all meant. How it’ll change everything between us. My effort to push away my feelings ended up being futile. I was confused, Minjeong. About everything. Us, you and me.” She paused to look at Minjeong. She searched her eyes for understanding between the shine of tears in her pair. “I pushed you away that night, not because of you and how I felt, but because I was terrified of finally facing the truth. I didn’t want to risk our great progress, but right now, I realized that no matter the outcome, I would’ve risked everything. I already risked so much more by not being honest with you in the first place. I’m sorry I wasn’t honest with you and myself.”

Minjeong was still processing the revelation when she met Jimin’s gaze: empathy and understanding. “I care so much about you, Minjeong. More than I have ever let myself admit.” She added with genuine sincerity. “I want to explore things with you more than anything right now, but as of now, I want to take things slow. I don’t want to lose you and never want to make the same mistakes again.”

The lights bathed the field in a calm glow as Jimin finished. There was a momentary pause, and Minjeong really looked at Jimin. A swirling myriad of a person. “Jimin…I had no idea. I thought the worst would happen and came here ready to be rejected. I missed the whole situation.” The weight of everything atop her shoulders the past week lifted from her shoulders, replaced by the newfound warmth. She took a step closer to the woman and smiled softly. “I can’t tell you how much you being honest with me means a lot. The past few weeks felt like I’ve been walking on a tightrope. But now that I know you feel the same, it feels like I found the perfect balance.”

Their eyes met in shared recognition of the complexities that led them to this moment. Minjeong reached out, her hand, finding Jimin’s own, lending her own reassurance. “I care about you a lot, as you can tell. Maybe I was scared of losing this if I pushed too far. But now that I’ve heard everything from you, I feel okay.”

“We can take this at whatever pace you want, Jimin. We could take it slow, explore ourselves, and see where we’re led.” Minjeong was sincere in her actions. “Thank you for being honest with me.” She reached out, placing her other hand that wasn’t occupied on Jimin’s shoulder.

The lights above them seemed to flicker in approval as the two embraced. The air hung heavy, a delicate tension that hinted at something more. Jimin’s eyes met Minjeong’s. She took a small step forward, closing the remaining distance between them. The warmth surrounding them hummed in the background.

Breaking the silence, Jimin spoke softly, her voice carrying a request. “Minjeong, is it okay if I…If I kiss you?”

Her words hung in the air; Minjeong’s eyes widened slightly, touched by the sincerity in Jimin’s gaze. The field seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. A gentle smile painted Minjeong’s lips as she nodded, giving her consent without uttering a word. The air shimmered with a quiet acknowledgment, and as Jimin closed the gap between them, their lips met in a soft, awkward, tender kiss.

The world faded around them, leaving only the echo of their intertwined connection in the night sky. It was a moment suspended in time, a gentle exploration that spoke of newfound feelings and the beautiful beginning of something more. The soccer field, bathed in the glow of the floodlights, witnessed the magic of their first kiss — a moment that would linger in the space of their long journey.