Dahyun x Chaeyoung
Rivalry isn't hate, it's a partnership in disguise.
Kim Dahyun and Son Chaeyoung are notorious for their ongoing rivalry. They're rivals in everything they do, and it can be exhausting to watch it happen.
You might say the two had a history. Way before their rivalry began, but back when things were lot more simple and less complicated than they are now. Back when they could hold each other's hands without being judged. Back when they were still known to be 'Best friends' rather than 'Rivals.' But, sadly, things have changed.
~
Kim Dahyun was sitting on her desk, sipping her coffee, on a busy day. She wonders what her life would be like if she had declined her father's offer to inherit the family business. It's always been about business, and come to think of it, she hasn't had a proper vacation since becoming CEO.
"CEO Kim, are you even listening to me?" Jihyo said, breaking Dahyun's daze.
"Uhm...what were you saying again?" The young CEO blinked.
"I was referring to the staff who stole our latest concept and gave it to our rival." Jihyo clarified.
"Oh, that."
"Fire them." Dahyun orders nonchalantly, as if it wasn't a big deal.
"Are you sure? We could lose a lot of employees." Jihyo attempts to persuade her boss.
"It doesn't matter, Secretary Park. We can always hire better people." Dahyun stated, earning Jihyo's approval.
Betrayal is something Dahyun can not accept in her company, especially when she has a reputation to uphold and a business to manage. Respect, according to her, should be earned. Sincerity will be valued. Trust must be gained before loyalty can be repaid.
The door swung open, revealing a lovely woman sitting in front of Dahyun's desk, who appeared to be unhappy.
"What can I do for you, Miss Myoui?" The CEO inquired sincerely.
"Cut it out, Dahyun. You and I both know why I'm here." Mina stated straight and solemnly.
Dahyun cast a quick glance at her secretary, who avoided eye contact. She sighed and accepted her fate.
"Fine, then, tell me what I did this time."
"You clearly went too far! Don't you remember that you and Chaeyoung were—
"No, I don't recall." Dahyun responds coldly, turning away as Mina groaned.
"Look, I'm your business partner and PR, but I'm also your friend. And, as your friend, you should put an end to this rivalry with Chaeyoung." Mina stated firmly.
"And why should I? She started it, not me." Dahyun said, her calm, collected demeanor gone.
"It doesn't matter who started it because you're going to put an end to it." Mina remarked.
Dahyun crossed her arms in opposition to Mina's requests. That's how determined she is, she doesn't want to lose, especially not to Son Chaeyoung.
"Mina's right. Your rivalry with the Baby Beast has gone out of hand, it's been three years, aren't you tired?" Jihyo asked, trying to convince her.
"You know what, I thought you guys were meant to be my friends, but I guess I was wrong." Dahyun sighed, earning both Jihyo and Mina frowns.
"Of course, we're your friends, and as your friends, we want the best for you," Jihyo replied calmly.
"We know you still have feelings for each other, but instead of reconciling, you started a rivalry to disguise it." Mina eventually stated.
The only words that came out of Dahyun's mouth were, "I do not."
"Yes, sweetie, you do."
You could say that Dahyun and Chaeyoung have unresolved tension. The lingering feelings from the past remained. Despite the fact that none of them had the courage to admit it.
~
S. C Building | Seoul, S. Korea
Jeongyeon and Tzuyu were working hard in their workplace. Being good friends with the CEO has its advantages and disadvantages. The door swung open, presenting an angry red-faced Baby Beast, also known as their beloved CEO.
"Woah."
"Uh, not that I'm making judgements or anything, but why are you covered in strawberry syrup?" Tzuyu questioned, chewing her lips to keep herself from laughing.
"Two words. Kim Dahyun." Chaeyoung sighed in defeat.
The sight of their friend made Jeongyeon and Tzuyu burst out laughing. Tzuyu tosses her a towel to wipe herself with, but wiping the syrup away isn't going to cut it. Chaeyoung felt sleepy after having a long shower to remove all of the strawberry syrup that had stuck to nearly every part of her body.
"I had no idea taking a shower could be so exhausting." She sighed, extending her arms wide.
"So, what's your plan, what kind of revenge do you want to do?" Tzuyu asked.
"Nothing. I'm not going to do anything." Chaeyoung said, sitting back and relaxing.
"You've got to be kidding me, she went too far by practically showering you with syrup. I'm sure everyone saw it, including the media, and you'll be all over the news again!" Jeongyeon stomped her feet.
"Well, it wasn't all that bad, and it was my favorite syrup." Chaeyoung shrugged.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Jeongyeon huffed in frustration.
"Could you please lower your voice? I'm trying to sleep here." The CEO murmured, closing her eyes.
Jeongyeon had enough. She will not let this happen again. She can't bear witnessing the unfortunate events that continue to trouble their CEO, especially since the woman won't do anything about it. She slammed her hands on the desk, causing Chaeyoung to sit up and turn to face her.
"Listen here..."
"You're Son Chaeyoung. You can't just let some tofu ruin your reputation over a stupid rivalry. You're more than capable of doing so much more than just doing nothing at all." Jeongyeon blurted out.
"Then what do you suggest? That I get revenge? I won't do anything until she truly forces me to. I won't make this worse just for the sake of a public image." Chaeyoung stated, gaining Tzuyu's approval.
"I don't understand why you keep doing this, you don't give a damn about anyone, and then you worry about hurting Kim Dahyun of all people," Jeongyeon scoffed.
Chaeyoung sighed as she looked out the window. She recalls Dahyun reprimanding her for being too careless in the past. The room became silent, even quiet enough to hear Chaeyoung hum an unknown melody.
"What's she thinking?" Jeongyeon asked Tzuyu, noticing the small CEO grin to herself.
"You know, we went to the same university." Chaeyoung had a sweet grin on her lips.
"She used to scold me like that, and I didn't mind since it was refreshing to have someone care about me." Chaeyoung continued, her soft eyes speaking volumes.
"What are you saying? Who are you talking about?" Jeongyeon asked, not understanding what she meant.
Chaeyoung's smile faded as she said, "She and I used to be together."
"Wait." Jeongyeon murmurs, suddenly understanding.
"You and Dahyun used to date?! Are we talking about the same Kim Dahyun?" She gasped, her eyes widening.
"Yeah."
"Well, damn."
They can't believe there's a bittersweet history hidden underneath the rivalry.
"I know what you should do." Tzuyu said as she raised her hand.
"Like I said, I'm not going to get revenge." Chaeyoung adds, shaking her head.
"No, you and Dahyun should talk." Tzuyu advises.
"We talk all the time, Chewy. That won't help." Chaeyoung sighed.
"You guys poke each other with mocking remarks and pull childish pranks, but you guys haven't genuinely talked." Tzuyu said as Chaeyoung glanced at her.
"But they despise each other." Jeongyeon added, rolling her eyes.
"No they don't, not really."
~
It's been a month since the strawberry syrup prank. The media, on the other hand, was still not over it. The video and photos quickly became viral and spread like wildfire on the internet. Dahyun waited for Chaeyoung to strike for embarrassing her in front of hundreds of people, but nothing had happened in a month.
"Was Mina Unnie, right? Did I go too far?" Dahyun wondered as she paced around her office in the middle of the night.
A soft tap on the door jolts her out of her trance. Jihyo smiles as she opens the door and greets the CEO.
"Aren't you heading home by now?" Dahyun asked.
"Well, I am, and how about you?" Jihyo replied, looking at her expression.
"I still have work to do." Dahyun stated shortly as she returned to her workstation.
Jihyo has known the young CEO for many years and is well familiar with her. She understands and is aware of the cause behind her behavior. Yes, the CEO is a fireball. Dahyun, on the other hand, wants to keep herself occupied all the time. She doesn't usually go home, instead, she stays in her office all night.
How can she go home when there's no one to welcome her when she comes home from work? She'd rather work all day than spend time feeling lonely. She lives in a multimillion-dollar house. She's been living alone for years, which is why the emptiness in her heart overcomes her at times.
"Okay, then, take care, and don't forget to eat dinner," Jihyo remarks as she begins to walk away.
"Wait."
"Have you heard any news about my rival recently? She hasn't been active lately, so I've been wondering." Dahyun asked calmly.
Jihyo concealed her smirk, aware that it had been bugging her for some time.
"Maybe she's keeping a low profile since the stunt you pulled on your last prank somewhat went viral." She speculated.
Dahyun nods, still unsatisfied with the information as she replays it in her head.
"I think you should call it a day, Dahyun. Why don't you go to your favorite bar and have a good time?" Jihyo suggests.
"Maybe I will." Dahyun responds, grabbing her coat and walking to the door.
"Be honest with me, you still like her, don't you?" Jihyo asked unexpectedly.
"Who?"
"Chaeyoung."
"Who's that?" Dahyun questions intentionally as Jihyo rolls her eyes.
"It won't hurt to be honest for a change."
"It sorta does." Dahyun muttered, turning aside as Jihyo sighed.
"Don't let your future happiness be ruined by the past, Dahyun. The scars will remind us of where we've been, not where we're heading." Jihyo stated, frowning.
"What are you implying?" Dahyun asked, her arms folded.
"I'm just saying, if Chaeyoung is the one you want, go for it. If she makes you happy, let her in. It's time to tear down those walls you've been guarding. It's time to let someone in." Jihyo adds emphatically before leaving. Dahyun sighed, taking Jihyo's comments seriously as she reflected on them.
~
Bar 81, Seoul, S. Korea | 10:56 pm
Dahyun was deep in thought as she sat alone in her usual spot beside the premium champagne bar, quietly enjoying the backdrop of the spectacular sky viewpoints. She regularly visits here to contemplate and think about matters other than work. It's a luxurious private area where only a select few can enjoy it, which she appreciates.
Dahyun didn't care and didn't look when she heard light footsteps approaching the direction where she was sat. She's annoyed because, out of all the available seats, this person chose the one next to her. She recognizes a familiar scent, but dismisses it as the result of the alcohol's effect. Dahyun could feel the annoyance rushing through her as the person cleared their throat.
"Can't a woman have some privacy?" She grumbled, shaking her head.
"Yes, you can." The person replied quietly.
Dahyun froze, after all, she wasn't drunk and hallucinating. She recognizes that voice and feels her heart skip a beat. Chaeyoung has been secretly staring at Dahyun while she isn't looking. Even though it's Kim Dahyun, the woman has a sixth sense. She shifted her gaze to Chaeyoung's side. Chaeyoung doesn't look away as she stares at her with a lovely smile on her lips.
"Oh, do you really want to kiss me that bad?" Dahyun mocked, taking a sip of her drink to cover the smirk on her lips.
"And what if I do?" Chaeyoung replied, her sly expression taking Dahyun by surprise.
Dahyun's hands began to sweat, and her breath couldn't keep up with her heartbeat for a brief moment. Her exterior remained calm, but her insides screamed chaos.
"Then do me a favor and don't." Dahyun spat out, not really meaning what she said.
She refuses to be easy, even though she knows it won't work, especially to Son Chaeyoung. She simply cannot hate her, no matter how hard she tries. She just acts this way to hide her emotions and avoid letting them get the best of her.
"Can we talk?" Chaeyoung held her hand.
"We already are." Dahyun chuckled as she moved her hand away.
Chaeyoung gives her a serious expression. Dahyun saw a different Chaeyoung. The latter is typically the 'Mess with me but I don't care' kind.
"I mean, can we talk this time without any jokes, insults, or excuses?"
Dahyun was ready to answer when she remembered her state of mind.
"Stop this, Son Chaeyoung. You look ridiculous." Dahyun remarked, referring to her puppy dog eyes.
Chaeyoung grabbed her arm as she was about to finish her glass of red wine.
"Please, Dub." She whispered, her voice practically cracking.
Dahyun heard the nickname and felt all kinds of affection for the first time in a long while. She sighed, finally faced with the woman she used to adore. Maybe still love.
"This doesn't happen very often, so talk." Dahyun urges, as Chaeyoung almost falls off her seat in astonishment.
"Okay, well, you might be wondering why I've been keeping a low profile these days—
"No, I wasn't, but continue." Dahyun adds briefly.
"As I was saying, I've been keeping a low profile since I feel like our rivalry no longer makes sense. I think we should finally end it." Chaeyoung stated.
Dahyun remained silent as she took a cautious drink of her wine.
"I should've ended it years ago, and I'm sorry I started it in the first place. Just so you know, I didn't mean everything I said to you back then. It was all for show."
"I know, I understand." Dahyun muttered.
"I'm also sorry for ruining your night. I'll be taking my leave now, Miss Kim. Travel home safely." Chaeyoung formally spoke as she stood up.
Dahyun sighed, taking Chaeyoung's arm and motioning for her to sit.
"Tell me, what do you want?"
Despite her stern exterior, Chaeyoung saw the softness in her expression.
"I want you back. I want to fix this problem between us. Trust me when I say I'm not the person I used to be."
Dahyun was aware of this. She is fully aware that Son Chaeyoung has gradually improved over the years. She has matured and is now able to completely commit to her responsibilities. She admires the latter for putting an effort to improve herself.
"I...uhm..." Dahyun says, clearing her throat.
"I apologize for taking my last prank too far and for being so harsh towards you, and you're right, we should put an end to this rivalry." She remarked.
"Greatly appreciated." Chaeyoung says with a delighted grin.
Dahyun sets her glass down and faces Chaeyoung.
Chaeyoung leans in, brushing her lips against Dahyun's to see if she'll pull away, but she doesn't. That should be enough as confirmation. Chaeyoung closes the distance and kisses the woman for whom she has yearned and missed for years.
~
Dahyun and Chaeyoung had a rocky start in their efforts to rebuild their public image as rivals. People were skeptical, claiming that it was all a fake or part of a bigger prank. But it didn't matter to them.
It took a while for their colleagues and almost everyone else around them to get used to them hanging around as friends rather than competitors. When they decided to take a vacation in Switzerland for some alone time, the media went nuts. That's when they rekindled their friendship, and Chaeyoung even offered Dahyun a spare key to her house.
It eventually became a routine for Dahyun to come over as they ate dinner together, occasionally having a sleepover like in the old days. It felt like home, as it does wherever she's with Chaeyoung.
It was one of those days when Dahyun just drove over to Chaeyoung's house, possibly claiming it as her second home. She reached Chaeyoung's room, partly expecting the latter to be curled up and asleep because she knows how much Chaeyoung enjoys sleeping on her days off. She poked her head in the door to find the latter seated in the center of the bed, typing on her laptop.
Dahyun was tempted to snap a photo of Chaeyoung since she was so adorable. The blanket was thrown over her head as she grimaced at whatever she was looking at on the screen.
"Hey, Chaeng." She whispered, plopping herself on the side.
"Welcome home." Chaeyoung replied absentmindedly.
"This isn't technically my home." Dahyun laughed, but it was true.
"You practically live here now, all your clothes are here, and you even stay here on holidays." Chaeyoung shrugged.
If it's all true, what's keeping Dahyun from officially moving in? She remained silent for a few seconds before sighing as Chaeyoung untangled herself from the covers so she could get closer. Chaeyoung's head was immediately filled with a question she'd been meaning to ask since their vacation to Switzerland.
"What exactly are we?"
"I'd say enemies with benefits." Dahyun responds jokingly.
"Kim Dahyun, you frustrate me tremendously." Chaeyoung sighed.
"Are you flirting with me or starting a fight?" Dahyun questioned, making Chaeyoung grimace.
She tries to get out of bed, but Dahyun holds her. A part of Dahyun wanted to have some fun, to see how worked up Chaeyoung could get.
"Chaengie, come back here." She she tugs on the woman's wrist, a slight pout on her face.
"Stop being such a baby." Dahyun said that as she pulled Chaeyoung's shirt to get her closer.
"I'm not a baby. I'm a grown adult." Chaeyoung protested firmly, crossing her arms.
"Yes, you are. You're my baby." Dahyun added, pinching her cheek and hearing a whine from the latter.
"Could you please be serious for once and answer my question properly?" Chaeyoung requested seriously.
It took everything in Dahyun not to laugh at Chaeyoung's obvious irritation in her voice. Regardless, she thinks it's cute.
"Based on everything we've done over the last four months, I'd say we're at level 75 on the dating scale." Dahyun remarked, as Chaeyoung frowned in confusion.
"Isn't it obvious, Chae, that we're dating?" Dahyun laughed, tilting the woman's chin up to plant a chaste kiss on her soft lips.
Dahyun takes a step back, smiling as she notices Chaeyoung's eyes are still closed, as if waiting for another.
"Wait, does that mean I can finally call you my girlfriend?" Chaeyoung asks, happily giggling.
"Maybe." Dahyun teased.
Chaeyoung kissed her passionately and thoroughly, leaving Dahyun breathless as they pulled apart, pleased and glad to be in each other's arms.
⭐💛⭐