Sana - Jihyo's best friend who always cared for her in her times of need. Knows Jihyo the best. Part of the dance club.
Jeongyeon - Jihyo's other childhood friend. She's the go-to person when you're looking for practical advice. Student council vice president.
Mina - a quiet transferee who works part time at a café in front of the campus; Jihyo's go-to place whenever she wants to chill.
Chaeyoung - Secretary in the student council. She's very outspoken and is best friends with Dahyun.
Setting: Winter in Seoul. Temperature's on an all time low. The elite university doesn't have much people wandering around due to the harsh weather.
Confused with what's happening, Jihyo responded, "Jihyo?"
"Still not fully awake? It's me, Sana silly!" Still hugging her ever so tight.
This response stopped Sana's celebration of her best friend's awakening. She moved back surprised as to what is happening now.
SN: ".. You don't remember?"
JH: "I'm sorry.. I don't know who you are and what you're talking about."
Phone: "Really!? I'll head there with Nayeon ASAP!"
"I'm sorry." The doctor said as Sana felt an ache inside her heart. "Based on what you've said about her, I don't think she's the same person."
Confused, Sana asked, "What do you mean?".
SN: "What? Jisoo was her old name. She changed that to Jihyo a long time ago."
D: "I see. She may have developed D.I.D."
These words shocked Sana realizing she may have already lost her best friend.
Jihyo is right there, but is she still that Jihyo she knows of? She felt physically close, but it seems that she's so faraway.
Sana then approached Jihyo, who wondered how she ended up there. Sana whispered, "Jihyo... I'm here for you..."
SN: "Do you really not remember anything?"
JH: "I do but not really anything that you're talking about. Who are you supposed to be anyway?"
This made Sana silent, it's Jihyo but she speaks so differently.
JH: "Well, I guess you're supposed to be special to me or something since the doc said you've been with me for the past 3 days."
SN: "Ah. Y-y-yeah hHa-haha.."
This Jihyo is really straightforward. Sana felt really nervous talking to Jihyo in this kind of way.
JH: "Well, like I've been telling you, my name is Jisoo. I'm studying Theater Arts in university. Though I don't really like going to school. I usually spend time alone at a café drinking coffee. Oh, and I hate summer. So... we good?"
SN: "Well, just to tell you, you're Jihyo, studying Music, and the student council president."
JH: "Ha! Me? President? That's funny!"
Both were in silence, one shocked of this new person she's talking to, the other surprised as to who she used to be.
JH: "Hey, listen to me.."
SN: "Wait, that's going to be tough! You can't just shift degrees or leave the student council!"
JH: "Then what? You want me to live a life of another person? We only live once, Sana. That's not easy."
SN: "You can still be you, but don't ruin your life."
JH: "..Fine, just that. But don't expect me to be the same person as you think I am."
SN: "..Thank you, but can I ask one more request?"
JH: "What?"
SN: "Please let me continue calling you Jihyo."
JY: "Jihyo! You're finally awake!"
JH: "I'm assuming I know these two, am I right, Sana?"
SN: "Yes, they're your childhood friends."
NY: "*Pant* we didn't *pant* need to run you know."
SN: ".. I'll explain everything."
Sana started to tell the two about Jihyo's condition. The more the conversation went on, the more the two were in silence as well.
There was a minute of silence in the room. Then Jihyo broke it all up.
JH: "So, do you plan on introducing yourselves to me?"
NY: "I'm Nayeon, she's Jeongyeon. It feels weird introducing ourselves to you."
JH: "Don't worry. It's weird I know you too."
SN: "It was a car accident. You were cruising at Bucheon and crashed near the park."
JH: "What? I know how to drive?"
JY: "Yeah. We got our licenses together. Your ID is right there at the table."
JH: "I see.."
JH: "What? No, I'm okay really. I'm just surprised of everything happening.
NY: "No, it's okay. Well go back here some other time. Besides, we still have school duties to do."
SN: "You must be hungry. I'll get you some food okay?"
JH: "Wait, Ms. Sana."
SN: "Just Sana is okay. What is it Jihyo?"
JH: "Umm, thanks.. For taking care of me."
SN: "No worries! I'm just happy you're back!"
JY: "Why didn't you tell them school was cancelled today?"
NY: "I don't know. I'm just surprised about everything that's happening. You heard her awhile ago right?"
JY: "Yeah. So, it's really like not her huh."
JY: "So, wanna get one?"
NY: "Why else would I bring that up? Idiot."
JY: "Well sorry for being so slow Im Nayeon."
NY: "That's fine. Thanks. The air just feels so heavy.."
JY: "I know. Let's go to the usual place."
A driver's license, a cafè membership card, a notebook filled with stuff about schoolwork and projects. She must've been really active before. She also saw her wallet. There were some group photos inside.
Sana then entered the room.
SN: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
SN: "Did you wait long?"
JH: "No. But you did wait for long time for me to wake up."
SN: "That's nothing! Anything for you Jihyo!" (I'd do anything to make you remember me.)
JH: "Really huh..."
curiouscat.me/JoshuaHyo
MN: "I'm glad seeing the two of you today."
MN: "What would you like to have?"
JY: "Two caffè macchiatos. And.. a slice of cheesecake.
MN: "Alright. I'll serve them to your table in a bit."
JY: "Hey, Mina."
MN: "Yes?"
JY: "Come drink coffee with us. There ain't so much people."
NY: "Hey.."
JY: "Yeah?"
NY: "How bad is D.I.D.?"
JY: "I don't know."
NY: "Thought so."
JY: "Then why do you ask?"
NY: "Aaagh. I don't know! I want to know but I don't know where to start!"
Mina then approached the two girls.
JY: "Hey, Mina."
MN: "Yes?"
JY: "Don't be so formal. We're all friends here. Sit down."
MN: "Okay."
A minute of silence was in the air when suddenly Jeongyeon said.
JY: "Jihyo finally woke up."
MN: "What? Then that's good news. But why are you frowning?"
MN: "Eh? What do you mean?"
NY: "Have you heard of D.I.D. before?"
MN: "Oh.. Yes, I know about that."
NY & JY: "Wait, you do!?"
MN: "Yes, well I'm studying Psychology. I've read about it in our Diagnostic State Manual."
MN: "Sure, unnie. It's more commonly known as multiple personality disorder, the person would usually switch between two or more identities. The identity can have a different name, mannerisms gender, etc.
NY: "But how did Jihyo...?"
MN: "Probably."
NY: "But isn't it strange? Jihyo is a good driver, she usually doesn't drive alone and to top it all off, all the way to Bucheon? That's quite a distance from here and Jihyo doesn't go there too."
MN: "..Maybe she had a fugue state.."
MN: "It's like a state of losing awareness and the person would sometimes wander around with no particular destination.."
MN: "Maybe more than that. A head trauma is possible, but if she did end up somewhere without knowing.."
NY: "There's a different cause?"
MN: "Dissociation can be a defense mechanism for physical and emotional pain of some sort."
JY: "Jihyo was pretty quiet prior to her accident.."
MN: "That could be. Sometimes you get this kind of feeling not being aware of what's happening around you when you're depressed.."
NY: "I think I get what you mean now.."
MN: "Yes, unnie. But it also depends between her and the other personalities if they would switch or not."
JY: "It doesn't sound easy, but at least she's still there."
NY: "I need a breather.. I'll go to the restroom."
Nayeon went to the restroom, stared at the mirror and thought..
NY: "Jihyo, was it.. was it because of me..?"
JY: *sigh*
MN: "Are you okay, unnie?"
JY: "I don't know. Probably not.. Maybe I just miss our mom friend."
MN: "I miss her too. Everyone's been down ever since her accident.."
JY: "I guess everyone's feeling the same way, especially Sana.."
JY: "She's doing her best. She's been staying at the hospital all this time."
MN: "That's amazing."
JY: "You're amazing too you know."
MN: "Eh?"
JY: "You know a lot of complex things, and yet you also do part-time work."
MN: "Don't flatter me, unnie."
SN: "Hey, Jihyo."
JH: "..."
SN: "Jihyo!"
JH: "Oh! Yeah?"
SN: "You're spacing out. Is everything okay?"
JH: "Yeah, I'm fine."
JH: "Another one? (Is it one of those from the photos?)"
SN: "Yeah. She's been helping me with my stuff while I'm staying here."
JH: "You really didn't leave here?
SN: "Yup. She'll arrive here in a bit."
SN: "Ah, well I asked her earlier before you woke up so I couldn't tell it to you yet."
JH: "Makes sense. Fine. Who is it?"
SN: "Momo! Not that you know her I guess. We went here to Korea a few years ago."
SN: "Anyway she'll be really surprised you're already up. I haven't told her yet."
After a few minutes, someone knocked at the door. Sana opened it and there came in a girl with long jet black hair and bangs.
MM: "Hey, Sana. You're pretty cheerful today. Did something happen?"
SN: "Well, yes! Right, Jihyo?"
MM: "..Jihyo?"
Momo looked at Jihyo's bed and saw her sitting there. Momo then realized Jihyo was finally conscious.
MM: "..Aah! Jihyoooo! You're awake now!"
SN: "Oh right!"
MM: "Eh? What's going on?"
Sana told Momo everything about Jihyo's condition. Momo too was in shock.
JH: "I don't. And I remember different things instead."
MM: "Woah, that sounds amazing."
JH: (Amazing? That's a first. She thinks differently.)
MM: "But how do you get back?"
JH: "Get back? Do I have to?"
SN: "That's not easy Momo."
MM: "Oh, I thought she just needs to hit her head or something."
JH: (..She's pretty simple minded.)
MM: "I'm joking. Calm down."
SN: "Sorry, Jihyo."
JH: "Haha. No, it's fine."
MM: "By the way, when will you be discharged?"
SN: "The doc said in two days. They just need to run some tests to confirm Jihyo's status."
MM: "Oh, okay. Tell me when you're leaving."
MM: "Yeah, there's a few things I have to do so I just dropped your stuff on the way. I'll see you again soon. You too dark Jihyo."
JH: "Dark Jihyo?"
MM: "Yeah, it's because you talk differently. You have some shady atmosphere around you."
JH: "By the way, Sana. How about the car and hospital bills?
SN: "Oh, don't worry about it. Your parents know already what happened. You have insurance."
SN: "Well, they're YOUR parents, so they'll definitely take care of you. They're overseas right now though."
JH: "I see."
SN: "Anyway, I do hope things turn out well on your check up tomorrow!"
JH: "I'm fine. Don't worry about it."
JH: "Hmm, we'll get there. For now I feel like taking a nap first."
SN: "Sure! Rest well, Jihyo."
JH: "Thanks. Take a break. You deserve it."
SN: "Then maybe I'll stroll around the hospital. I'll be back later!"
JH: "See you."
JH: (So, am I not real? Just some kind of personality the real me made up? Am I suddenly going to disappear one day?)
SN: (I'm glad that Jihyo's awake. But it's not the Jihyo I know. Still, I feel the same way towards this Jihyo.. But what if the real Jihyo doesn't return? What can I do to bring her back? I don't think my heart can handle it..)
She noticed this particular girl staring at a strawberry shortcake. Momo sneaked in for a surprise attack.
CY: "Ahh! Unnie you startled me!"
MM: "How are you Chaeyoung-ah?"
CY: "I'm doing fine. How about you?"
MM: "Fine!"
CY: "How was Sana-unnie?" Did you check up on her?
MM: "She's good. Jihyo's awake."
CY: "That's good.. Wait what!?"
CY: "Wow, that's good then! Just in time."
MM: "But she's not Jihyo."
CY: "What?"
MM: "Ah, I mean it's Jihyo, but she's not Jihyo."
CY: "You're not making sense. Unnie is conscious now but it's not her?"
MM: "Uhh, I'll tell it to you later, okay?"
MM: "Hey, that's what YOU like. Sana said to me before to get a chocolate cake."
Chaeyoung looked sad as she wanted to really try that strawberry shortcake. Momo saw this.
MM: "Next time, okay?"
CY: "Promise?"
MM: "Yeah, I promise. Come on."
CY: "You always seem busy, unnie. It's a holiday. Why are you rushing?"
MM: "I just thought of a new choreography and wanted to try it out before I forget."
CY: "That's cool."
CY: "Ah, I was just thinking of doing preparations for the school event in advance to save time, especially since Jihyo-unnie wasn't here."
MM: "Then, you're busy too."
MM: "That's okay. We all are. At least we have a reason to get together."
CY: "Yeah. It's been tough without her. She's always keeping us together."
MM: "You can say that again."
CY: "Yeah. It's been tough without her. She's always keeping us together."
CY: "..."
MM: "You need to work on your puns."
CY: "Aaah! I'm so embarassed!"
MM: "That's fine. You're cute that way."
CY: "Now you're teasing me!"
The two broke in laughter. It's been awhile they were able to laugh. They know because their beloved Jihyo is back.
MM: "I'll hide this at the dorm. What will you do now?"
CY: "I might drop by at the cafè and work from there."
MM: "Oh, okay. See you then."
CY: "Wait unnie, you haven't told me about the thing with Jihyo-unnie."
CY: "Oh, okay then."
MM: "Be careful on your way, Chaeyoung."
CY: "You too, unnie."
Both parted ways to continue what they must do, but with a brighter smile right after.
JY: "So, do you think this would be a good place?"
NY: "Yeah. She likes it simple as always so I think this place is good."
NY: "Oh. Well, doing it here might help here regain her real self."
JY: "I guess so."
While talking, there came in the cafè an astounding beauty that many people hope to see when they go here.
NY: "Oh hey! Tzuyu!"
JY: "Great seeing you today, Tzuyu. How are things?"
TY: "Still the same. But I'm surprised you're all here. Chaeyoung and Dahyun are on their way here too."
NY: "Oh, that's perfect! There're some things I'd like to ask from all of you too."
NY: "Let's wait for the others. What time will they get here?"
TY: "In about 10 minutes or so."
Not so far from the cafè, a girl with skin as white as snow was on her way to that place. It was Dahyun.
DH: "Ah! It's really cold today. I'd love some coffee."
From a distance, Dahyun can hear a friend's voice calling to her.
DH: "Oh, Chae! Great to see you! Where have you been?"
CY: "You too! I met up with Momo-unnie to pick up the cake."
DH: "With Momo-unnie again? You've been meeting with her a lot."
CY: "Why?"
CY: "..Are you jealous?"
DH: "What? No!"
CY: "Don't worry. You're always my best friend."
DH: "I said I'm not jealous!"
CY: "Okay, okay. Don't get mad."
DH: "Geez. So anyway, why did you call out for me to go with you to the cafè?"
DH: "But Mina will be there for sure."
CY: "She might be busy you know."
DH: "Or are you shy to go there alone?"
CY: "Hey I'm not! School's out so you're free!"
DH: "Fine. No need to be so defensive, okay?"
CY: "Hey!"
CY: "Yeah, by the way. Have you heard? Jihyo-unnie is conscious again."
DH: "Really? Wow! That's a relief."
CY: "But Momo-unnie was saying something strange. She said it's Jihyo, but she's not Jihyo."
DH: "..What?"
DH: "That's real strange. I hope that doesn't get in the way of her birthday."
CY: "I hope so too."
Dahyun and Chaeyoung went on until they arrived at the cafè. Mina saw them immediately and smiled to them.
CY: "Hi, unnie! You look great today."
MN: "You too, Chae. It's great to have almost everyone here."
DH: "Everyone?"
Dahyun looked to her right, and saw all of her close friends at campus.
DH: "Ah! Unnies! Tzuyu!"
NY: "Hey, girls!"
JY: "Wow, almost everyone's here."
MN: "Have something to warm you up first, you two. There are some things we'd like to share to you."
CY: (Something? Is this about unnie?)
DH: "Okay!"
Everyone sat at their corner. Mina joined as well.
JY: "Yeah. Jihyo usually leads our conversations too."
NY: "I'm glad that you're all here. I'd like to share something. Some of may know, Jihyo is finally conscious again."
TY: "Oh! That's good news!"
NY: "However..."
DH: "Hmm?"
NY: "That's pretty much about it.."
CY: "That's horrible.."
DH: "..Will she ever get back to us?"
TY: "Can we do something about it?"
MN: "It really depends on her, but we might be able to in some way."
NY: "That's why I have a suggestion.."
NY: "It's Jihyo's birthday in two days. I already texted Sana earlier. She said Jihyo will likely be discharged on her birthday. I'd like us to celebrate it here in the cafè and find ways to regain her real self. Is that okay, Tzuyu?"
NY: "That's great. Thank you."
DH: "I guess we need some decorations and stuff now. We almost celebrated unnie's birthday with her still sleeping."
JY: "That's true. But remember, she doesn't even know it's her birthday."
DH: "Oh, right!"
NY: "That's true, so we have to be very careful and make her feel comfortable."
JY: "For now, it's best we really celebrate. We might notice a few things about her that will give us ideas on how to bring her back."
DH: "This will all be for Jihyo-unnie."
CY: "I'll call Momo-unnie about our plans."
NY: "Tzuyu, can you call Sana and tell her all about it?"
TY: "Okay."
Tzuyu then brought out her phone. She dialled Sana's number which rang for awhile. She didn't pick up.
JH: (Tzuyu? What an unusual name.)
She hesitated to answer and the call was missed.
JH: (She's calling again. Must be important. I better pick this up.)
Jihyo then answered.
JH: "..Hello?"
Tzuyu was surprised with the voice. Is it Jihyo? She sounds different. She moved further from the others.
JH: "Sorry, she went out. This is Jisoo er- I mean Jihyo. You're Tzuyu?"
TY: "A-ah hi, Jihyo-unnie. Yes, it's pronounced as chu-wi."
JH: (She called me unnie. I probably know her.) "Oh, sorry for that."
TY: "It's okay, Jihyo-unnie."
TY: "Oh, it's alright. I'll just call back."
JH: "Oh, okay. I'll tell her you called."
TY: "Umm, thank you unnie."
JH: "Uh, sure."
TY: "..."
JH: "..."
TY: "...Umm bye."
JH: "Bye."
Tzuyu then dropped the call.
NY: "Hey, Tzuyu. What did Sana say?"
TY: "Oh.. I didn't get to talk to her. It was Jihyo-unnie who picked up the phone."
Everyone else were surprised to hear this.
TY: "It felt really strange.. I hear her voice.. but she speaks so differently. She didn't know me.. it was awkward talking to her.."
JY: "So, Sana wasn't with her?"
TY: "No, she said she went out."
DH: "That's not like her to forget her phone."
Back at the hospital, Sana was just sitting by a bench while watching birds flock on the feed given by some people.
SN: "..Maybe I should get going."
SN: "Hi, Jihyo! Did you get bored waiting for me? Sorry to keep you waiting."
JH: "I'm alright. Don't worry. By the way, a girl named Tzuyu called you earlier."
JH: "I don't know. I just told her I'll tell you that she called."
SN: "Ah, I better call her then."
Sana then picked up her phone and dialled Tzuyu's number.
Back at the cafè, Tzuyu just finished talking to her mom and got their request approved.
TY: "Hello?"
SN: "Tzuyu-yah~ I heard you wanted to talk to me?"
TY: "Oh, yes unnie."
Tzuyu started talking about their plans for Jihyo's birthday. Sana did her best to not make it obvious.
Sana dropped the call. Jihyo noticed how Sana was all smiles right now after that call.
JH: "You seem happy."
SN: "How can I not? Everybody is in a good mood because you're back!"
JH: "Everyone? Sounds like a lot."
JH: "I guess. I'd like to also know what kind of people the other me hang out with. But I have one condition."
SN: "Hmm? Condition? What is it?"
SN: "What? Hmm.. As long as its nothing dangerous, okay?"
JH: "It's not. We got a deal then."
SN: "Okay, but I'll accompany you too, okay?"
JH: "Well, I'm not sure where I am. I might get lost."
JH: "I'm not telling you. You might change your mind."
Sana was pouting in disappointment, but still agreed to Jihyo's request.
The day is about to end. Jihyo looked out the window and saw the sunset.
JH: "It's beautiful."
SN: "Just like you.."
SN: "A-a-ah N-n-nothing! Hahahaha. It's almost dinner time! Let's eat!"
JH: "Alright."
They had dinner. Sana was more silent than usual. Jihyo can clearly sense it.
SN: (Oh God.. I feel so embarassed! She's not Jihyo. She won't think its a joke.)
SN: "Ah! Sorry. Is it bothering you?"
JH: "Not really, I'm just getting used to your energy earlier."
SN: "Maybe I got a bit tired. Ehehe."
JH: "Better sleep early then. Where do you sleep here anyway?"
Sana felt embarrassed after telling this to her.
JH: "Are you crazy!?"
SN: (Is she mad?)
JH: "Your body will ache a lot if you don't lay down. You've been doing that for three days! You should be resting here."
SN: (She's still very caring..) "I'm happy that you care.."
JH: "Geez, or at least sleep on that sofa there."
SN: "I will! Don't worry."
Despite being scolded, Sana was happy that some things are still the same.
SN: "Thanks, Jihyo."
JH: "You've done a lot for me when I was out. That's the least I can do."
SN: "You've done a lot for me too."
JH: "What do you mean?"
SN: "When Momo and I transferred here to Korea, you were always there."
SN: "Sure! It was 2 years ago. Momo and I got a scholarship grant to study overseas. I didn't know her at first but I was happy that there's someone else from Japan with me."
SN: "It was difficult. We both don't know how to speak Korean."
JH: "So how did I end up helping you?"
SN: "It was really cute actually. You were observing us a lot."
SN: "You were the first person to approach us. You talked to us in Japanese. You were struggling a lot but you did your best with it. That made you our first ever friend here. You helped us fit in and learn Korean. We also helped you speak in Japanese."
SN: "Yeah! You took it seriously and that made me admire your determination. Because of you I got to know Nayeonie and Jeongyeonie too. We were motivated by you to continue our studies overseas."
JH: "Wow. And you're fluent in Korean too."
JH: "So that's why we're really close to each other."
SN: "Ah.. Yeah! We spent time together whenever we are free!
JH: "How about the others? How did we end up in this group of nine people?
SN: "Hmm, maybe it's better if they say it themselves!"
SN: "There's one thing I can say though."
JH: "Hmm?"
SN: "You're the reason why everybody is together. You're like our leader."
JH: "That's a strong word."
SN: "It's true. Plus, you were the student council president."
JH: "..."
SN: "Thank you."
SN: "Shall we rest then? You need to be in good ocndition for tomorrow's check up."
JH: "I guess, get plenty of rest too Sana. Good night."
SN: "Good night, Jihyo."
Sana turned off the lights and lay herself on the sofa, but couldn't sleep.
Sana felt relieved that it wasn't something serious.
SN: "Whew.. But she didn't say which room she went to."
While waiting, Sana decided to take a shower there and fix herself up.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She looked it up and saw it's Mina. She answered the call.
SN: "Hi, Minari!"
MN: "Good morning, unnie."
SN: "How are you? Why did you call?"
MN: "I'm fine, thanks. I'm just wondering how is Jihyo-unnie?"
SN: "She's fine. I'm alone right now though. She woke up early and is doing her check up."
SN: "I hope so too! By the way, why did you call?"
MN: "Oh, just checking up on you both. I'm also interested in knowing more about the new Jihyo-unnie."
SN: "She might sound rude, but she's actually nice!"
SN: "Sure! I'll message you if she's cleared. See you soon!"
MN: "See you."
Sana dropped the call. In a minute, footsteps can be heard at the hallway and stopped by the door. There went in Jihyo alongside a nurse.
JH: "Oh, hi Sana. You're finally up."
SN: "Sorry, I slept extra last night."
JH: "That's not a problem. You deserve the rest."
SN: "So, how is she miss nurse?"
N: "She's really fine actually. We're surprised she's pretty stable right now."
N: "We'll give you the official results after a few hours. I'll be leaving now miss."
JH: "Thanks for the help."
The nurse left.
SN: "I'm happy you're able to move now Jihyo."
JH: "They said it was just a minor bump in the head. I'm pretty okay."
JH: "Hmm, the doctor said moving around would help me since I've been at bed for quite some time. Maybe we could walk around the hospital."
SN: "Sounds good!"
The two went out of the room to walk around the place.
Jihyo noticed the emptiness of the hospital. She had a lot of things in her mind. It's just like her, all alone in a life she doesn't know.
SN: "..Oh! Yes?"
JH: "Have you ever felt being trapped in something that you don't know what to do?"
SN: "What do you mean?"
JH: "I feel like that right now. I have different memories, but somehow I'm supposed to live the life of someone else instead."
SN: "..."
SN: "No, you're not.."
JH: "But I'm not the person you hope to be."
SN: "No, you're Jihyo. That's that."
JH: "But-"
SN: "No more buts! You're still Jihyo and I don't want you to think that I don't want to be with you. Regardless, I care for you!"
All of a sudden, Sana suddenly hugged Jihyo. Jihyo can smell Sana's hair and felt the warm embrace of this caring person.
SN: "Jihyo, please understand. No matter what happens, I'm here for you. Even if the world rejects you, I'll stay."
JH: "Thank you.."
Sana finally let go of her. Looked at Jihyo directly and smiled at her.
SN: "Good! That made me hungry. Let's go to the cafeteria. It's your treat, okay?"
SN: "You almost made me cry. It's your punishment!"
JH: "But I don't have the wallet."
Sana then raised Jihyo's wallet.
JH: "Hey, when did you.. Is this a set up?"
Sana went ahead to the cafeteria which was right at the next corner.
JH: (She really would cry for a person she just knew yesterday?)
Regardless if it was a prank or not, Jihyo can't help herself but smile. She's glad that Sana is there to support her.
JH: "Hey, Sana. Wait up! Nothing expensive!"
??: "They're both doing okay. I guess that's good.."
JH: "You're pretty energetic Sana."
SN: "Of course! It's been awhile since we were out of that room."
JH: "Have you already picked what you want?"
SN: "Hmm.. This one!"
SN: "Hey! What do you mean?"
JH: "Nothing."
SN: "Well, how about you? Are you allowed to eat regular food now?"
JH: "Yup. I'll take this then."
SN: "Seolleongtang?"
JH: "Yeah. That check up made me hungry you know."
SN: "Alright!"
SN: "I'm glad they still have sashimi today! They ran out of this for the past few days."
JH: "It looks good. Hope you don't mind if I get one."
SN: "Ah wai-"
Jihyo grabbed on a piece, dipped it in the sauce and ate it.
SN: "..Oh, nothing!"
JH: "Oh. Maybe I should've asked you first. Sorry."
SN: "Ah, no it's okay!"
Sana wasn't bothered with Jihyo grabbing one without permission, but because she grabbed one. She couldn't eat raw food before.
JH: "Yeah! Feels good to eat something different."
SN: "That's good to know. (I need to accept the fact that some things will really be different right now..) Say Jihyo, what's your favorite dish?"
JH: "Noodles! Something to warm you up on a cold day."
JH: "Is that your way of asking me out?"
SN: "What? No! Not like that!"
Sana blushed so hard she couldn't hide it.
JH: "Haha, sure I'd like that."
SN: (She'd like it? The noodles or going out?)
JH: "Haa. That was great. I feel way better now."
SN: "Good to hear that Jihyo!"
JH: "I just hope that there won't be anything negative about the check up earlier.
SN: "Of course not!"
SN: "Let's see.. Wow. Everything looks good! We're really cleared to be out the hospital by tomorrow."
JH: "Finally. I just hope the day would pass so we can get out."
Sana understands that she need to accept this Jihyo, no matter what happens.
Chaeyoung was doing extra council work today to make sure they're free.
The day has finally passed, Sana and Jihyo are getting ready for their release.
SN: "Hmm?"
JH: "Where will we meet up with the others? Will they all go here tomorrow?"
SN: "Ah, no. There's too many people the hospital might get angry. We'll meet them at our favorite cafè."
JH: "Oh, okay then. But we'll go somewhere first, okay?"
JH: "Hmm, maybe an hour?"
SN: "Alright! Then let's get plenty of rest. It's going to be a good day tomorrow."
They both went to bed, looking forward to getting out of the hospital.
SN: "Ah. Good morning, Jihyo!"
JH: "...It's morning already?"
SN: "Yeah! We'll be leaving in about 2 hours. Better get ready!"
JH: "Alright.. just.. 5 more minutes.."
SN: "Hey! Better wake up now!"
JH: "Thanks, Sana."
SN: "So, where did you want to go?"
JH: "I asked it to the nurse before. She said it's about 15 minutes from here. Let's go."
SN: "Okay!"
Sana wondered where they're going. Eventually, they reached their destination.
JH: "Yup."
SN: "B-but-"
JH: "Hey, you promised me, you won't reject. I've wanted to do this since I woke up."
SN: "I-Is there no way to talk you out of this?"
JH: "Nope. Besides, it's a burden for me."
SN: "..Okay, but nothing wild, okay?"
JH: "Don't worry.."
NY: "What's taking them so long? Sana and Jihyo might arrive soon."
MN: "Don't worry, Sana-chan told me they'll be late for an hour."
NY: "Geez. What are Jeongyeon and Momo doing?"
DH: "She has the cake, right?"
CY: "Maybe she's just being careful."
NY: "Must've been a bad idea to let Momo do it."
After 10 minutes, Jeongyeon finally arrived.
NY: "You look messy. Tidy up first. What did you make by the way?"
JY: "Tteokbokki, Jihyo likes this when we eat it as a group, right?"
NY: "..You put anything weird on it?"
JY: "Err..no?"
NY: "Okay."
Mina giggled.
MN: "Oh, nothing Chae."
Around 20 more minutes, Momo finally arrived.
DH: "Momo-unnie! It's been awhile."
NY: "What took you so long?"
MM: "Hi Dubu! Oh, well.. I forgot to bring the cake halfway. So I went back to the dorm to get it."
MM: "Hey at least I'm still on time."
They all waited for the time the two arrive at the cafè, Dahyun and Chaeyoung were staring outside for quite some time, while Mina was hoping that Sana would message her.
Finally, Sana sent a message.
Mina showed this to everybody and they all felt excited. They decided to not look outside and just wait for them.
Meanwhile, Jihyo and Sana are already on their way. Sana kept on staring at Jihyo.
SN: "Ah. No! It's okay."
JH: "Do you find it weird? It just felt heavy so I really wanted to cut my hair short."
SN: "No, it's good really. (Honestly, it's so good Jihyo. You look amazing! Ah! I'm screaming inside!)
JH: "Glad you like it."
Sana tried to hide that she's blushing again with Jihyo's comments.
SN: "Umm, we're almost there! It's that cafè over there."
JH: "Alright."
They both came in the cafè and everyone was finally together.
Everybody heard Sana, but they were all in silence when they saw Jihyo with short hair.
MM: "Hi Sana-chan! Wow, Jihyo cut her hair? It looks good!"
JH: "Umm, thanks. Momo, right?"
MM: "Wow, you remembered?"
JH: "Yeah."
Jihyo started to observe everyone.
TY: "Hi, unnie. I'm Tzuyu. We talked over the phone before."
DH: "Umm, glad to meet you unnie. My name is Dahyun."
MN: "Hi, Jihyo-unnie. Please call me Mina. I'm also from Japan and I work here part-time."
JH: "I guess it's a bit awkward to make introductions."
SN: "It's not. Don't worry!"
MM: "Today's your birthday!"
NY: "Err yeah, so, congratulations!"
Jeongyeon brought out her dish for everyone and Mina took the cake from the chiller.
JH: (Wow.. So this is how it is to have lots of friends? It's pretty fun..) "I don't know what to say.. but thanks everyone!"
SN: "Don't worry, Jihyo. You're always one and the same!"
JY: "I'll help, Mina. You don't need to work today as well."
MN: "Thanks, unnie."
MM: "I ordered pizza too! Let's enjoy!"
They started eating.
DH: "Unnie, your hairstyle looks amazing."
JH: "Thanks. Dahyun, right?"
DH: "Yes! You remember!"
NY: "*whisper* Hey Sana. Why did you let her cut her hair?"
SN: "*whisper* I can't help it. She only agreed to go here for that condition. Isn't it great though?"
NY: "I'm not complaining about that though, but what if the real Jihyo returns?"
NY: "Okay. But yeah, she looks amazing.."
SN: "Let's go to everyone then."
NY: (Never thought Jihyo would be this attractive.)
JH: "Oh, this Tteokbokki tastes pretty good! You made this Jeongyeon?"
JH: "It's great. I guess you're a good cook."
MM: "She's not. It's either a hit or miss."
JY: "Take that back or I won't let you have anymore."
MM: "Hey, I'm just joking!"
MN: "Unnie, would you like some tea?"
JH: "Oh, thanks."
JH: "Pretty fine. Tzuyu, right?"
TY: "Yes. Umm, sorry for the awkward call last time."
JH: "Ah, no it's fine. So, you probably called Sana about today, huh?"
TY: "Ah, yes unnie."
JH: "I see. Thanks, I guess."
TY: "It was Nayeonie."
TY: "It was her idea to surprise you on your birthday."
JH: "Oh, I better thank her later."
CY: "She's a bit tied up with Jeongyeon-unnie right now."
JH: "They're really close huh?"
MM: "By the way Jihyo~ I hope you don't mind me asking."
JH: "What is it, Momo?"
Several of them got surprised about Momo's question. Sana somewhat panicked and wanted to change the topic.
SN: "Aah! Let's prepare the cake now! Let's prepare the cake!"
JH: "..It's okay, Sana. Thanks for trying to cover up."
MM: "What?"
JH: "Don't worry. That question will come out sooner or later. I know that I'm not the usual me you're used to. But honestly, I don't know when I was born.."
NY: "Jihyo.."
SN: "Of course! Your birthday is today! Okay?"
CY: "Yeah! You might say you're different, but you're still the unnie I admire."
JY: "That's true. So don't go sulking now. Today is your birthday!"
MN: "Everyone missed you. That's because you're important to us."
JH: "You guys.."
Jihyo smiled.
JH: "Thanks."
JH: "Oh. What? Sorry."
SN: "You're spacing out again. Everything okay?"
JH: "Yeah. Just that a lot of things are happening."
NY: "Don't push yourself too hard. You just woke up you know."
JY: "Yeah there's two days before school so everything's fine."
CY: "There's lots of things to work on for the upcoming festival too unnie. But don't worry. We can manage."
JH: "Festival?"
MN: "Our school has a festival in two weeks. There's usually a lot of activities each department does and they set up booths or games too."
CY: "As part of the council, we need to be able to check every booth and department to see if it's within school guidelines."
JH: "Actually sounds tough."
JY: "It will be in two weeks."
NY: "Let's think about that next time. For now, we enjoy!"
NY: "Hey, Jeongyeon. Let's go."
JY: "Wait, we can't just leave this mess."
JY: "No, you need a break from these things."
DH: "Hey Chaeng, we're going on the same direction, right?"
CY: "Yeah, we'll take our leave then. See you guys again soon!"
TY: "Take care you guys."
MM: "Are we done partying?"
NY: "Save it for next time, Momo. We'll definitely try to see each other more."
MM: "Aah. That better be soon, okay? It's more fun with everyone."
JY: "Okay, I'm done. Let's go. You're coming along right, Momo? See you all then."
MN: "Oh, I'll stay here overnight with Tzuyu."
JH: "Stay here?"
TY: "Umm, yes. I live here."
JH: "Oh, wow."
MN: "I asked her yesterday about it because there are some things I want to do too after the party.
SN: "Okay~"
SN: "Yup! Don't worry, I'll take you home. I live at the same apartment complex as Momo, but we live close so it's okay!"
JH: "Okay. Well, thank you for everything guys. It's been a lot of fun."
TY: "Take care, unnie."
MN: "See you."
TY: "Everyone's gone."
MN: "Yeah."
TY: "What did you want to do, unnie?"
MN: "I was planning to try out some blends for the festival. My class plans to make a mini coffee shop."
TY: "That sounds nice. Don't stay up too late, unnie."
MN: "Thanks."
MN: (Jihyo-unnie.. Must be hard for her right now. Will her real self ever go back?)
Sana and Jihyo were now on the way home. Both were quietly walking, and then.
JH: "Hmm?"
SN: "Did you have fun?"
JH: "Yeah, I did. Everyone was nice."
SN: "That's good then."
JH: "..."
SN: "..."
JH: "Sana?"
SN: "Yes?"
JH: "It's a bit cold, but can we stay at that park for now?"
SN: "Oh, sure! Let me get something to warm us up."
JH: "Thanks, Sana."
SN: "What's on your mind, Jihyo?"
JH: "How should I put this.. Well, I just feel uneasy right now on how I'm supposed to face my life starting tomorrow."
JH: "I understand that you're all there for me. But at the end of the day, I'm still alone and not so sure how I'll carry on with these things. I'm the student council president, I study a different degree, so I don't know if I can handle the pressure."
JH: "Sana.."
SN: "I'll visit you as much as I can!"
SN: "Anything for you, Jihyo!"
The next two minutes, both of them were just sipping their drink. Then finally, Jihyo spoke up.
JH: "Sana, there's something that I've been wanting to ask you."
SN: "Yes?"
JH: "What are we?"
JH: "Oh hey! Are you okay?"
SN: "Ahaha y-yeah! My hand just slipped, that's all!"
JH: "Are you sure? I think you spilled some-"
SN: "I'M OKAY!"
JH: "If you say so.."
Sana didn't expect her to ask.
SN: "Ah! So that's why. Hahahaha.."
Sana is going crazy about the situation. Her mind tells her to say they are best friends, but her heart wants her to say something else..
With that statement, Sana's hopes of starting a relationship with Jihyo all fell down. She'd be lying anyway and that won't have a good outcome. She knows she has to admit it to Jihyo one day.
SN: "Yeah. That's right. Ehehe."
SN: "Great!"
They both went on their way to Jihyo's apartment in silence. In a few minutes, they arrived.
SN: "We're here, Jihyo! Your unit is 328."
JH: "Thanks for all the help, Sana."
SN: "You're welcome, Jihyo! See you soon!
JH: "Wait, Sana."
This is all new to her, she knew Jihyo hasn't even done something like this. She was the one who always initiates on Jihyo, but now that it's her starting to do so, she couldn't handle it.
Sana is trembling, but it's not because of the cold. It was all because of Jihyo's actions. Sana knows she's madly in love with Jihyo, but she never expected things like this to happen. She realized she's not yet ready, but she doesn't know why.
JH: "Please stay with me tonight.."
JH: "Thanks for agreeing, Sana. Sorry for asking so late."
SN: "It's okay! Hehe."
SN: "Don't worry too much about it."
JH: "Thanks. Anyway, let's go to bed."
SN: "Yeah."
JH: "Come on."
SN: "Hmm?"
Jihyo was signaling to Sana to hop on the bed. Upon realizing it, she started to blush.
JH: "Well, yeah. It's pretty spacious. Besides, I don't want you to not sleep on a bed this time. You've been sleeping uncomfortably the past few days, right?"
SN: "Ehehehe.. T-thanks, Jihyo!"
Sana hopped on the bed, nervous about the situation.
SN: "Yes, it's really comfortable Jihyo."
It's been so long since Sana last laid on a bed. Plus, it's Jihyo's bed. She's in a state she wouldn't want to miss in her life right now.
JH: "Good to know. Let's rest now."
SN: "Yeah, it was tiring, but fun!"
SN: "Goodnight!"
Jihyo turned off the lights and they both tucked themselves in. The two of them tried to sleep. Sana closed her eyes, but she knows she can't easily sleep in this kind of situation.
JH: "..Sana?.. Are you still awake?"
SN: "..Yeah?"
JH: "Can I talk to you a bit?"
SN: "Sure."
JH: "Thanks. I was just thinking, how can I prepare myself to a life I don't know about? It's hard just thinking about it."
JH: "I guess."
SN: "..Do you want to go around tomorrow?"
JH: "Where?"
SN: "I'm not sure. Maybe around campus? I'll help you familiarize yourself around there."
SN: "Sure. I don't have much to do. I'll just get changed at my place and we can do that."
JH: "Thanks a lot, Sana."
SN: "Don't worry about it."
Jihyo understands in herself, Sana is very important in her life. She'd be lost without her.
SN: "Jihyo, please don't hesitate to ask anything. I'll help you with what I can."
SN: "..Jihyo, can I tell you also something?"
JH: "..Hmm?"
SN: "I understand how you feel, I had a lot of fears in facing a new life.."
JH: "..."
SN: "..Jihyo?"
JH: "..Zzz.."
Upon hearing her sleeping, Sana smiled.
SN: "Goodnight, Jihyo.."
As she was heading to her apartment, she saw a familiar face going towards her.
SN: "Oh, good morning Momo!"
MM: "Sana-yah~"
MM: "To the gym. I want to work out a bit."
SN: "Oh, okay."
MM: "How's Jihyo?"
SN: "She's doing her best. I'll tour her around campus later so she'd feel comfortable once we start school tomorrow."
MM: "Oh, good idea. See you later!"
MM: "Ah! I think I'm forgetting something to tell Sa-tang.. Nevermind, I'll just tell her when I remember."
Sana finally arrived at her apartment.
Jihyo also woke up just now. She realized that Sana left a note by her pillow and read it.
She remembered she did something similar not long ago. Jihyo then decided to get ready as well before Sana arrives.
She first looked at her closet. It looks neat. There's a good variety of clothing but didn't really have a specific style.
JH: "I wonder what I should wear.."
Jihyo started getting ready and entered the bathroom. As Jihyo was busy preparing, Sana was already done and is about to leave her apartment.
SN: "Alright! Time to head back. Jihyo must be awake already. I hope she's fine on her own right now."
SN: "Oh, you surprised me! What are you doing here?"
SN: "No, it's okay! I'm still pretty early. What do you want to talk about, unnie?"
NY: "..It's about Jihyo."
Sana expected Nayeon's answer.
NY: "I was just thinking, do you have any idea why Jihyo got into that accident?"
NY: "I see. Do you know how Jihyo got her condition? Mina was it was possibly due to an emotional pain.. Any idea what she's been going through prior to the accident?"
NY: "..I miss her. It's just now I realize how important that girl is to us. I want to find a way to bring her back."
SN: "..."
NY: "Was she doing fine when we left last night?"
NY: "I guess you're right, Sana. But for now, I'll try to learn how all of this happened."
NY: "Maybe I'll ask the investigators of the accident. There might be some evidences in the car or something that's been recovered. I'll tell you whatever I find out."
SN: "Thanks, Nayeon-unnie."
Nayeon stood up.
NY: "Take care, Sana."
SN: (It's best I support her for now. I can't just leave her alone right?)
Sana went on her way.
JH: "Is that you, Sana? Come in."
Sana entered and saw Jihyo who's still drying up her hair. She can still smell the scent of her shampoo which made her feel better.
SN: "Hi, Jihyo~ Did you miss me?"
SN: "Ehehe. By the way, are you hungry?"
JH: "Kind of. Let's have breakfast first. Oh! You promised to take me to a good noodle store!"
SN: "Yup! Once you're done, let's eat first before going on our tour~"
JY: "That's weird. She usually responds to me immediately. I wonder where she is. Guess I'll try calling her."
She attempted a few calls, but they were still left unanswered.
She started packing up to head to campus. Chaeyoung was also on her way and hopes to be more productive today.
Chaeyoung passed by outside the cafè and saw Mina there preparing. Mina saw her as well and waved at her with a smile. Chaeyoung smiled amd waved back to her.
Meanwhile, Sana and Jihyo are on their way to a noodle shop.
JH: "A ramen house, huh? Looks good and is pretty close to school."
SN: "Yeah, let's go in! I'm starving."
Meanwhile, Nayeon was on her way to find out more about the accident.
NY: (Why am I doing this? Am I feeling guilty of everything happening?)
Finally, she noticed she hasn't looked at her phone for awhile. There were a few missed calls and text messages. They're all from Jeongyeon.
"Hey, where are you?"
"Are you okay?"
"You usually reply immediately. Did I do something?"
"I don't know what happened, but if you need me, I'll be at the student council for the meantime. Message me once you're available."
NY: "Jeongyeon is worried.."
"Hey, sorry. I just wanted to do a few things by myself. I'm fine, don't worry. I'll message you again when I'm done."
NY: "..And sorry for the trouble."
She received a reply immediately.
"I'm not worried. Idiot."
NY: "..I take that back."
JH: "Wow. This is really good!"
SN: "Right? I'm glad you're enjoying!"
JH: "I'm really starting to like Japanese cuisine. Maybe we could travel to Japan during vacation?"
SN: "Oh, that sounds nice. Then all of us need to save up some money!"
SN: "Anytime, Jihyo! Shall we get going then?"
JH: "Yeah."
The two went on their way to go to the campus. Upon arriving, Jihyo herself was amazed of the prestigious looking school though everything was covered in snow.
SN: "Yup! It's a bit big, let me help you familiarize yourself around here then~"
Sana acted like a tour guide for Jihyo. She remembers the time she was the one being toured around by Jihyo. They went around the places in the order she was toured too.
JH: "Right."
SN: "This building over here is for the performing arts. The dance club is also here. Momo and I are part of it!"
JH: "Oh, so you're a dancer?"
SN: "Yeah, but not as good as Momo. She's the ace in school!"
SN: "Ehehe. Next time, okay?"
JH: "Sure."
SN: "We're also studying in the same building, so we could see each other time to time! Dahyun also studies here."
JH: "That's great."
SN: "Oh! let's go here next!"
SN: "It was right h- Ah!"
JH: "Sana be careful!"
Sana lost her balance and almost slipped. Jihyo was able to catch her in her arms.
JH: "Are you okay?"
SN: "Umm, yeah."
Sana was very close to Jihyo. She stared at her eyes and her head was drawing closer to hers.
SN: "..Your soft nose mole is so cute, Jihyo."
JH: "W-what? Hey! What do you mean by that?"
Sana bursted in laughter.
SN: "Thanks for saving me~"
JH: "So, what is this place you brought me to?"
SN: "This is a very special place for me."
JH: "Why is that?"
Sana was playing around the snow pile with her feet. Then looked straight at Jihyo with a smile.
JH: "Oh."
SN: "It was under this tree. Momo and I were having lunch. You suddenly talked to us and that was the first time we met."
JH: "..Can you tell me how it went?"
Jihyo was curiously observing the two Japanese transferees.
JH: "Alright. Today's the day I'll talk to them."
She moved forward, and the two immediately noticed her.
JH: "O-ohayo! Watashi wa.. Jihyo desu. Y-yo-yoroshiku!.. Ah, anata wa.. dare desu ka."
SN&MM: "Ehh?"
JH: (Oh.. Did I say it correctly? Looking at them now, I guess they're surprised that I talked to them.)
Sana and Momo started whispering to each other. Jihyo hopes everything's okay.
SN: "Konichiwa, Jihyo-san. Watashi wa Minatozaki Sana desu~ yoroshiku!"
JH: "..Okay, I'm kind of lost. Uhh.. Benkyo wa.. nani desu ka? Oh wait that sounds wrong."
After hearing that, Sana and Momo smiled. It's their first time talking to another student.
SN: "That's how it went~"
JH: "It's kinda embarassing just thinking about it.."
SN: "Not really. I'd say it was cool too!"
JH: "Really?"
SN: "Yeah. Come on. There's lots of places to still check!"
They went on their way to check out the other buildings.
JH: "What's this last one?"
SN: "This is where you usually stay. It's the student center! The student council room is on the 3rd floor. Let's go in."
JH: "Hey, wait Sana!"
They both entered the building and headed to the 3rd floor.
"She looks so good"
"Oh my, I can't believe I'm fangirling right now."
"Maybe I should try short hair too."
Jihyo can hear some of the comments. She felt awkward as she's getting a lot of attention because of her status in school.
They entered the elevator and went straight to the 3rd floor. They turned right, walked to the far corner and saw the room.
JH: "The lights are open?"
SN: "Maybe someone's inside."
Sana knocked, entered the room and found two of their friends there.
CY: "Unnie! That's a surprise. What brings you here?"
SN: "Hi~! I didn't expect you two to be here. I'm actually touring Jihyo around school."
JH: "Heya."
JY: "Oh, Jihyo! How are you?"
JH: "Pretty well. So, this is the council room?"
CY: "Yes, unnie."
SN: "Oh, would you like to stay here for a bit? We're pretty much done going around for now."
JH: "Yeah, I have to I guess. So, can you help me with these Chae?"
CY: "Yes!"
JY: "Hey, Sana. Can you come with me for a bit?"
SN: "Oh, sure! I'll be back, Jihyo."
JH: "Sure."
Sana and Jeongyeon left the room.
SN: "Where are we going Jeongyeonie?"
JY: "Nowhere, really. Just wanted to talk."
SN: "Oh, okay. About Jihyo?"
SN: "Not really. She's really easy to get along with!"
JY: "That's great then."
SN: "What's the other one?"
JY: "About Nayeon, have you seen her?"
SN: "Yeah, I met her earlier today. She talked to me too about Jihyo."
SN: "You didn't know about that?"
JY: "No, she didn't really reply but did message me eventually and said she wanted to do something by herself."
SN: "Oh.."
JY: "Please don't tell her I asked, but do you know where she went?"
JY: "I see. Thanks. Let's head back so the council in a bit."
Back at Nayeon, she has arrived at Bucheon police station.
She entered the station and talked to the officer by the reception. She explained about the situation hoping that she can be given a chance to know more about it. She also showed a written document of Jihyo's case from her doctor.
P: "Thank you. We understand your concerns. Please wait at that room over there and we'll show you what we've retrieved."
NY: "Thank you so much!"
The investigators arrived and they brought a written report of the incident and some bagged items.
She then looked closer at the bagged items. First one was some council papers. The next one was the car registration.
NY: "These don't seem that important.."
She then looked at the others.
NY: "Doesn't look like there's anything in the pockets."
The following bag was a notebook.
NY: "Is this for her studies? There are some notes.. She also composed a song at the back page.. is this important? I better take a picture.."
NY: "Alright. Two bags left."
The next one was a movie ticket.
NY: "Hmm? A romance movie? Did she go alone or with someone? This is at the cinema in Seoul.."
She then turned her attention to the last one.
NY: "This is hers? I've never seen this bag before.."
She opened it, but her hand slipped. She dropped the bag and most of the contents scattered on the floor. Upon seeing the mess, Nayeon was in shock.
NY: "W-wait.. Why..? Why does she have these..?"
JY: "How's everything for you, Jihyo?"
JH: "Not bad. I thought it'll be some hard work but it's mostly reading some proposals and giving approvals?"
JY: "Yeah, for now. The school festival will happen soon. That's when we'll be really busy."
SN: "Wow, that's great Jihyo!"
JH: "Umm, thanks."
JY: "That's really great. We can relax a bit. It's almost time for dinner, want to grab something to eat?"
SN: "Yeah!"
SN: "Where else? At Tzuyu's cafè~"
JY: "Alright. Let's clean this place up and head there in a bit."
CY: "Okay!"
JY: (Nayeon didn't get back to me. Better send her a message I guess.)
"I'm done with council stuff. I'll be at the cafè if you need me."
Back at Bucheon police station.
P: "Miss, is everything okay?"
NY: "A-ah, y-yes.. Sorry officer.. I dropped it."
Nayeon put everything back in the bag. She's still in shock of what she saw and didn't want it to be true.
NY: "I-is that so? Okay.. I'll bring them with me. Thank you for all your hard work."
The officer gave her a big bag to bring everything. Nayeon went on her way to the exit.
NY: "W-wha.. What are you doing here?"
At the cafè, Jihyo, Sana, Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung just arrived. Mina saw them and greeted everyone.
MN: "Good evening, everyone."
CY: "Hi, unnie."
MN: "What would you like?"
JY: "Same old."
MN: "Oh, Nayeonie isn't with you today?"
JY: "Yeah, she's busy I think."
MN: "I see."
SN: "What would you like, Jihyo?"
JH: "Hmm, some coffee I guess. Wanna share a plate of pasta?"
SN: "Okay~"
MN: "Sure, I'll bring them to you later."
JY: "Take it easy, Mina."
MN: "I'm okay, unnie. Thanks."
They all went at the corner and sat down.
CY: "It's school again tomorrow. Will you be okay, unnie?"
JH: "I don't know."
JH: "Thanks, maybe I'll try reading some books when I get home."
JY: "Sounds good. But don't overwork yourself and take your time."
JH: "Would be tough without you guys though, I appreciate all the help."
CY: "You're welcome!"
JH: "It feels like I've had this blend before.."
MN: "Is it? I made it the way you liked it before."
SN: (..Does this mean..?)
JH: "I see. It tastes great! Thanks, Mina."
Mina smiled.
MN: "I'll get back to work for now."
JY: "Thanks. Talk to you later, Mina."
TY: "Unnie, did you go to the police station?"
NY: "Ah, yeah. I wanted to know more about what happened."
TY: "Is it okay if you tell me more about it too?"
NY: "Umm, sure. I plan on going to the place she crashed. Let's go there first."
CY: "Ah! That was great! I'm full now."
SN: "That wasn't much Chae. Are you on a diet?"
CY: "Ah, no. It was just satisfying."
JY: (I wonder how Nayeon is doing.. Did she find out anything?)
JH: "Thanks for the meal."
Jihyo stood up.
JY: "Are you leaving?"
JY: "Oh, alright."
SN: "I'll come with you, Jihyo."
JH: "Thanks, Sana."
CY: "I'll be going now too, I still need to finish up some plates for class."
JY: "Take care you guys."
The three left, and Jeongyeon stayed.
MN: "You're not leaving yet, unnie?"
JY: "I'm kind of worried about Nayeon."
MN: "It's unusual for you two to be separated from each other."
JY: "Care to chat for a bit?"
MN: "Sure. I'll just finish my shift in about 30 minutes."
CY: "I'll be heading this side, Sana-unnie, Jihyo-unnie. Thanks for today!"
JH: "Thanks! You've been a great help Chae."
SN: "Take care!"
Chaeyoung went on her way.
SN: "Shall we head home then?"
JH: "Home? Are you staying with me again?"
JH: "Oh.. So you'll just drop me off then.."
SN: "U-umm, do you want me to stay with you?"
JH: "Well, if it's a bother for y-"
SN: "OF COURSE NOT! I actually got some clothes earlier to stay with you longer!"
SN: "Y-yeah! Ehehe.." (Whew!)
JH: "Let's get going."
SN: "Yes!"
Back at Bucheon. Nayeon and Tzuyu arrived at the accident area. Everything was cleaned up already.
NY: "I guess it was a bit useless to go here.."
NY: "Yeah."
Nayeon shared everything she remembers in the report to Tzuyu.
TY: "That's really terrible."
NY: "They also recovered a few items from the car."
TY: "Really? Like what?"
TY: "Oh, maybe we can check out the song later. The ticket might be of help though. Is there anything else, unnie?"
NY: "A-ah.. I guess that would be it."
TY: "Oh, okay."
NY: "Anyway, why are you here? I didn't expect to see you."
TY: "..I want the real Jihyo-unnie to comeback."
NY: "I understand.. It's real tough without her."
However, Nayeon wasn't completely convinced.
NY: (She could've told us she had plans to go here.. But I guess I'm just as guilty.)
TY: "Yes."
Sana and Jihyo are on their way home.
SN: (Jihyo said the taste of Mina's coffee was nostalgic.. Does that mean anything? Does it have a connection on how she can return?)
JH: "Hey, Sana."
SN: "..."
JH: "Sana?"
Jihyo suddenly moved in front of Sana and faced her.
SN: "Ah! Jihyo?"
JH: "Are you okay?"
SN: "Yes, sorry."
JH: "You must be tired. Let's hurry home."
SN: (Jihyo.. There might be a connection. I won't rush it.. The right time will come..)
SN: "Let's go~"
SN: "We're finally back!"
JH: "Yeah. It's been a long day."
SN: "Did you enjoy yourself today?"
JH: "Yeah. It's really going to be challenging, but thanks to you guys I think I can manage."
SN: "That's great to know!"
SN: "Say Jihyo.. Do you-"
Upon looking at Jihyo, Sana noticed she was getting undressed.
SN: "AH! W-W-WH-WHAT ARE YOU DOING JIHYO!?!?"
Sana 'tried' to look away and 'covered' her face.
SN: "B-B-BU-BUT YOU SH-SHOULDN'T JUST CHANGE HERE!"
JH: "Oh, why? We're both girls here. It's okay. Go get changed too."
Sana couldn't handle it. She never saw Jihyo do something like that.
SN: "U-umm, tell me when you're done!"
JH: "It's alright now. I'm done."
SN: "Ah-I'll g-go get changed then!"
JH: "Err, don't take too long." (..Sana is kind of shy I guess?)
Sana was blushing so hard. Her heartbeat is jumping like crazy. All she could think of was Jihyo.
SN: (Aahh! Control yourself! Minatozaki Sana!)
JH: "I must've surprised you. Sorry. I'll avoid that next time."
SN: "Ah. No no! IT'S OKAY!"
JH: "..If you say so. Anyway, I'll try reading these books for a bit. Get some rest."
SN: "Ehehe. Then I'll just lay in bed for now."
Meanwhile at the cafè. Mina was done with her shift.
MN: "Sorry to keep you waiting, unnie."
JY: "Ah, no it's okay. Is Tzuyu there?"
MN: "She left earlier today. I haven't seen her return so far."
MN: "Yes?"
JY: "Earlier you gave Jihyo her usual coffee, right?"
MN: "Yes."
JY: "You saw her reaction, didn't you? Does that.. mean anything?"
MN: "I'm not so sure too, but it's possible she's still inside herself."
MN: "Umm, she's fine. I'm glad she isn't completely different as her real self."
JY: "..I actually heard from Sana that Nayeon went to Bucheon today to learn more of the accident."
MN: "Eh? What did she find?"
MN: "That's true.. I hope she found something."
MN: "You care for her a lot, unnie."
JY: "W-what? N-no! I'm just.. You know.. concerned?"
MN: "Are you getting shy? But aren't you a couple?"
JY: "Ah. Forget it!"
Mina giggled.
JY: "Anyway, how about you then?"
MN: "Eh? Me?"
MN: "Umm, why are we talking about that?"
JY: "Nothing.. Just curious."
MN: ".. I can't say so myself."
JY: "Why?"
MN: "I don't know.. Maybe it's hopeless, or just not a good thing right now. I'm happy the way things are. Don't worry."
MN: "Thanks, unnie."
JY: "There's another thing I'm curious about."
MN: "Hmm?"
JY: "Why are you working part-time? I know you're from an affluent family, so it's not really about money.."
MN: "Oh.."
JY: "So, is there something else?"
MN: "..Sure."
JH: "Thanks! By the way, are you a foreigner? Japanese maybe?"
MN: "Yes."
JH: "Wow. You're beautiful. A few months ago, I also met some Japanese transferees at school. I'm learning nihongo from one of them!"
MN: "Oh."
MN: "..Thank you."
JH: "By the way, my name is Park Jihyo. It's nice talking with you, miss..?"
MN: "..Myoui Mina."
JH: "That's a nice name! We're friends starting today, okay?"
MN: "..Friends? But we just met.."
MN: "But I don't really talk to people.."
JH: "I'd like to hang out with you sometimes. I usually see you just sitting right here or that bench over there during your free time. I'd like to know you more!"
MN: "..Okay."
MN: "..See you."
After Jihyo left, Mina had a simple smile on her face. It was her first time to talk to someone there in Korea who wanted to be friends with her. She was happy.
JH: "Ah! I knew it!"
MN: "Eh?"
JH: "You have a very nice smile! You should do that more."
JH: "I'm really glad to know someone like you. We share similar interests! You should try to talk with others too."
MN: "Eh? But I'm not good at it.."
JH: "Well, you're able to talk with me now right?"
MN: "But you were the first one to approach me.."
MN: "Working part-time?"
JH: "Yeah. You'd get to talk with people more so you'd be less anxious. It won't be long conversations too."
JH: "Yeah! I like going there too. Tell me if you'll do it, and I'll be your first customer! I'll also bring my other friends there. I'd like you to meet them all too!"
Mina smiled again.
MN: "Thanks, unnie. I might give it a try."
JH: "Great!"
MN: "And here I am now."
JY: "Wow, I didn't know that."
MN: "That's why I owe a lot to Jihyo-unnie too. I wouldn't be able to overcome my fears, and wouldn't have met you all."
JY: "I guess so.. I miss her."
At Bucheon, inside a bus was Nayeon and Tzuyu.
TY: "Yes, unnie."
NY: (Oh, I better text Jeongyeon.)
Nayeon brought out her phone and saw her message.
NY: (She's at the cafè? Better reply to her.)
"Hey, I'm done with stuff. Are you still in the cafè? Let me know so I know where I'll be headi-"
NY: "Ah, t-thats mine!"
TY: "..Inside the bag of Jihyo-unnie's stuff?"
NY: "Y-yeah!"
TY: "..You're lying unnie."
NY: "No, I'm not."
TY: "You don't like red."
NY: "I do now!"
NY: "..Okay fine! I give up. That is Jihyo's. It was also inside her car."
TY: "Why didn't you tell me?"
NY: "..."
TY: "What's inside th-"
NY: "AH, DON'T OPEN IT!"
Nayeon forcefully snatched the bag away from Tzuyu's hands.
NY: "Please.. Not here.. Not now.."
As Nayeon pleaded, tears started to fall in her eyes. Tzuyu was shocked to see her cry.
TY: "Unnie.. I don't want to be the bad person here. But if this is something that harms Jihyo-unnie.."
NY: "It won't.."
NY: "..I'll show it to you at the right time.. But for now, I don't want people to know about this."
TY: "Alright. I'll keep it a secret."
Tzuyu knows that Nayeon is deeply affected based on her actions.
The two of them were silent for the rest of the journey. Nayeon was feeling emotional on what was happening. Tzuyu was thinking as to what Nayeon may be hiding.
Back at Jihyo's place, she's still reading a few books. She noticed Sana was quiet.
JH: (Sleep talking?)
SN: "Ji..Hyo.."
JH: (I wonder what she's dreaming about?)
SN: "N-no.. don't.."
JH: (Huh?)
SN: "Don't.. leave me.."
JH: (Sana..)
Jihyo realized that Sana still misses the other her. She's there, but she can't replace that person.
Sana felt that someone was watching her and woke up.
SN: "...? Jihyo..? Sorry, I fell asleep."
SN: "Is everything okay?"
JH: "Yeah, I'm just taking a break from reading."
SN: "Don't push yourself. You're still the same. Very hardworking."
JH: "Really?"
SN: "Yeah. You might be a bit different, but you retained a lot of good things about you."
SN: "..Sure, Jihyo. I love talking about you."
JH: "Thanks, go to sleep now. I'll join you later."
SN: "Goodnight, Jihyo."
JH: "Goodnight."
Sana slept and Jihyo continued studying. This time, with a smile on her face.
JY: "Thank goodness you're okay! Don't worry me like that."
NY: "..Sorry."
MN: (..She apologized to Jeongyeon-unnie?)
TY: "We just met each other on the road, unnie."
JY: "Well, everything's good then. Shall we go home now? We still have school tomorrow."
NY: "Yeah, let's go."
MN: "We'll be leaving now, Tzuyu."
TY: "Thank you for your hard work."
Outside the cafè.
MN: "I'll go ahead this way unnies."
JY: "Take care, Mina. Thanks for keeping me company."
Mina left the two.
JY: "So, let's go?"
They both headed their way home.
JY: "So.. where did you go today?"
NY: "..."
JY: "Well, it's okay if you don't wanna tell me about it."
JY: "Just remember if you need to talk about anything, I'm always here okay?"
After a few more minutes of silence.
NY: "I went to Bucheon today.."
JY: (She's telling it to me?) "..Oh, what did you do there?"
NY: "I went there to find out more about what happened.."
NY: "..I didn't want to trouble you. You had lots of things to do."
JY: "Idiot. You made me worry."
NY: "Sorry."
JY: "So.. found out anything?"
NY: "Yeah. But can I talk about it with you tomorrow? I'm tired.."
NY: "Thanks.."
Jeongyeon left her.
NY: "..and sorry, Jeongyeon.."
Nayeon wanted to say more, but didn't know how to say it, not after discovering what's inside the bag as Jeongyeon's the other person who needs to know about it.
SN: *poke*poke*
JH: "..Mmm?"
SN: "Wake up, Jihyo~ it's already morning~"
JH: "..Is it?"
SN: "Come on~"
SN: "No, you'll be late!"
Sana snatched Jihyo's blanket.
JH: "Agh.. Fine. What time is it?"
SN: "About an hour and a half before your first class."
JH: "Alright."
SN: "Go take a shower. I'll fix up something for breakfast~"
JH: "Thanks."
MM: "She didn't go home? She must be staying with Jihyo. Guess I'll go ahead."
On her way, she saw a few kids also heading their way to school.
MM: "Oh, how cute!"
MM: "Oh.. AAAHH! I REMEMBER NOW! It's Dubu's recital! I have to tell Sa-tang!"
Momo hurrily went to Jihyo's apartment to tell Sana about it.
Back at Jihyo's place, she's done getting ready.
JH: "..Ramyeon for breakfast?"
JH: "Err, no it's okay. I don't know how to cook too."
Both of them are eating their meal for the day. In a few minutes, they heard footsteps running to them.
MM: "SANAAAA!"
SN: "Eh? Momo?"
Sana opened the door and saw Momo.
MM: "I remembered! Dubu's recital is starting soon! She invited us because our classes start later, right?"
SN: "Ah! I forgot! But was it necessary for you to run here? You could've called me."
MM: "..Oh yeah. Oh hi Jihyo!"
SN: "What time will it start?"
MM: "In 15 minutes."
SN: "WHAT!? LET'S HURRY! Jihyo, sorry but I'll go ahead for now. You know the way to school right? Message me if you have any questions, okay? Bye!"
Sana brought her school bag and left with Momo.
JH: "Wai-.."
Jihyo readied herself, finished her meal, locked the door and went on her way too.
In 30 minutes, Jihyo reached her university.
JH: "Alright, let's do this."
Upon entering the gates, she heard a man's voice call her.
???: "Ms. Park Jihyo?"
JH: (Oh God. Just right at the time Sana isn't with me. Let's see.. a man in his late 40s? He called me Ms. Park Jihyo.) "Uhh, hi."
JH: (Agh, wrong greeting. Let's see.. he's wearing smart casual, a professor maybe? Oh, he has a nametag.. Park Jin Young? My dad? No, Sana said he's overseas. He's probably a professor..) "Umm, sorry sir."
She bowed.
JH: "I'm okay, sir."
JYP: "Okay, do come to my office later at 2pm to join the meeting. I'll expect you there."
JYP went ahead.
JH: (..Who was that?)
Afterwards, the three went backstage to congratulate Dahyun.
MM: "Dubu! Good job there!"
CY: "You did really great!"
SN: "We were there watching you. Did you see us?"
DH: "Everyone, thanks! I'm glad you all made it."
MM: "Hehe, sure! Let's celebrate later!"
CY: "Yeah!"
DH: "Thanks! I'll see you guys later. We'll get our evaluations in a bit."
CY: "Okay, I'll hurry to my class now."
MM: "You need help with those canvases, Chae? I'll carry them. I still have an hour."
SN: "Take care! I'll go check on Jihyo, she's probably at her classroom right now."
They all separated ways. Sana went to the third floor of the building to check on Jihyo. She took a peek in her classroom and saw her there sitting by the window listening.
After 20 minutes, Jihyo's first period ended. The professor left the room and Sana called to her.
SN: "Jihyoo~"
JH: "Oh, Sana!"
Jihyo stepped out of the classroom.
JH: "Dodged the bullet, I guess? The prof. knows I've been out for a week so I guess he won't call on me."
SN: "Ohh, great!"
JH: "Although.."
SN: "Hmm?"
JH: "A lot of people are trying to talk to me. I feel kind of awkward talking to them myself."
JH: "Uhh, right.. This is tougher than I expected. Any advice though on what I can do?"
SN: "Eh?"
JH: "She sounds too perfect!"
SN: "But everything about that is true!"
JH: *grumble* "Any weaknesses though?"
SN: "Hmm.. Oh, Jihyo is scared of a lot of things like bugs. She's allergic to pineapple, can't eat raw food, and a cries a lot!"
SN: "She's also ambidextrous, likes to sing a lot, very protective of others, has a habit of pulling the side of her upper lip when thinking, likes smoothies and chicken, but hates brocolli. She also likes surfing the internet like Mina, and has the best aegyo!"
SN: "Yes?"
JH: "You seem to know an awful lot about her."
Upon realizing that she might have been exposed, Sana started to blush.
SN: "A-a-ahahaha!"
JH: "You seem to be.."
SN: (Ah! Did I blow it?)
JH: "..really close friends with her."
SN: "..Y-yeah!" (Whew)
SN: "Sure!"
JH: "Ah, I almost forgot. Earlier I met this guy named Park Jin Young. Who is he?"
SN: "Oh, he's the college Dean."
JH: "I see."
SN: "Why?"
JH: "He said I should go to his office for a meeting at 2pm."
JH: "I don't know too. That's why I'm asking."
SN: "Hmm, maybe something council related. Try to ask the others about it."
JH: "Alright. Got it. Thanks."
SN: "I'll head to my classroom now, Jihyo. I'll see you around 4pm~"
JH: "Thank you, Sana."
JH: "Alright! Let's do this again."
Things are tough for Jihyo right now, but that conversation with Sana boosted her morale.
Elsewhere near the Science building, Mina just finished her 3rd class for the day. She headed to the park to have lunch.
NY: "Hi, Mina."
MN: "Oh, Nayeonie. What brings you here?"
NY: "I'm about to go to my class but I have a favor to ask you."
MN: "Favor?"
NY: "Do you still need to use your diagnose book thing today?"
Mina started having her meal.
It's already 1pm, Jihyo's classes are finished for the day.
JH: (Whew, good thing the lesson wasn't as tough as I expected.)
JH: (Hmm.. I should have lunch now. I'll buy something at the cafeteria and head to the SSC room. Jeongyeon might be there.)
Jihyo bought a sandwich and went straight to the SSC room.
JH: (Great, someone's inside.)
JY: "Oh hey, Jihyo! Good timing."
JH: "Hi guys, do you mind if I have lunch here?"
JY: "Of course not. Right, Nayeon?"
NY: "Y-yeah."
JY: "She's not even part of the council and she's having lunch here."
JY: "Wait, what? Hey!"
Nayeon left the room.
JH: "Must be important for her to suddenly leave."
JY: "Yeah." (Did she just leave because of Jihyo? I really need to know what she found out..)
NY: (I can't.. I can't face her right now.. Just when I gathered up my courage to tell Jeongyeon about it, why did she show up?)
Back at the SSC room.
JH: "By the way, Jeongyeon. The dean asked me to join a meeting with him at 2pm today."
JH: "Yeah, any idea what it's about?"
JY: "Yeah, it's for the coming festival. Try to read about these. Our proposal should be good for him."
JH: "Can't you do it instead?"
JY: "Well, he called to you personally so.."
JH: "Geez. I have no choice.."
Back at Sana and Momo, their professor left early so they have some free time.
SN: *sigh*
Momo sat closer to Sana.
MM: "Heey, Sa-tang. What's wrong?"
SN: "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just worried about Jihyo."
SN: "M-Momo!"
MM: "Hahaha. You're blushing again. You're still in love with Jihyo-ssi."
SN: "Don't tease me!"
MM: "Why not confess to her now?"
SN: "N-now's not a good time!"
MM: "But isn't now a perfect time to do so?"
SN: "Eh?"
SN: "B-but-"
MM: "You don't like this dark Jihyo?"
SN: "D-don't call her that! Besides, she's still Jihyo and I like her.."
SN: "I.. she's still the same! Why do I need to answer that?"
MM: "I'm just saying, what if you need to make a choice? If one can't stay, who do you choose?"
SN: ".. I don't want to think about it like that.."
SN: "..Eh?"
MM: "Someone might go after Jihyo first."
SN: "..?"
MM: "Kidding! I'll grab something to eat first. What do you want?"
SN: "Ah, no I'm okay.."
MM: "Okay."
SN: (I know Momo was joking around.. But what she said can be true as well.. Although, can it really work out? But if she rejects me, that will hurt her a lot more.. And who else might go after Jihyo then?)
NY: (Let's see, DID.. page 243, here.)
Nayeon read through the section for DID.
NY: (Damn, this is really hard to understand. And Mina is studying this? I can barely understand it! I need an easier one.)
L: "2nd floor, section 5, third shelf on the topmost row."
NY: "Thank you.."
She went to the right section, but upon turning on the corner there, she saw the girl suspicious of her.
Nayeon immediately hid herself before she got noticed.
NY: (What is she doing here? Is she trying to check the same thing as I am?)
Nayeon tried to peek on the book Tzuyu was holding, and it was the exact book mentioned to her.
NY: (Why did she have to be here?)
NY: (Tzuyu is likely checking out the same thing as I am.. Is she that concerned about Jihyo too? I didn't know they were that close..)
NY: (Ah! Great, time to check it out too.)
Nayeon went to check out the book she's looking for.
NY: (It's too high. Where's the library ladder.. here. Let's see..)
She noticed that the book wasn't there anymore.
Nayeon went to the librarian to confirm it.
L: "Ah yes. A tall beautiful lady borrowed the book just now."
NY: "I see. Thank you." (Sigh, what do I do now? Should I talk to Tzuyu? But she might ask about the bag..)
NY: (..I better go to class for now.)
Back at the SSC room.
JY: "..and that should be it."
JH: "Hmm, okay. It'a just a matter of making the presentation itself then."
JY: "Yeah. It's about time. Do your best."
JH: "Okay."
DH: "Oh, hi unnie!"
JH: "Hey, Dahyun. I heard you had your recital today. How was it?"
DH: "It was great! I qualified for the inter-collegiate competition too!"
DH: "Thanks, unnie! Good luck on yours too!"
JH: "Mine? Huh?"
DH: "Oh, your recital. It will be after the festival!"
JH: "..By that you mean.. I'll sing?"
DH: "Yeah."
JH: "..I'm screwed."
DH: "Don't worry, unnie. We'll help you practice!"
DH: "Sure!"
JH: "I'll get going now. I still have a meeting to attend."
DH: "Take care, unnie!"
Jihyo hurried to the Dean's office for the meeting.
Jihyo entered the office and joined the meeting with the Dean along with other reps from colleges in campus. It took a little over an hour. Luckily, the program was approved.
JH: (Whew. Now I can catch some breath.)
JYP: "Ms. Park Jihyo."
JYP: "You seem a bit awkward today. Try not to push yourself. You need to be 100% for the school festival."
JH: "Yes, sir. I'm sorry."
JYP: "There will be guests from other schools too next week. Do your best to keep things organized."
Jihyo left the Dean's office.
JH: "Glad that's over. Better tell Jeongyeon the good news."
Jihyo texted Jeongyeon.
"Hey, we got the approval."
She got a reply quickly.
"Great! I'll wait for you here. Let's pack up."
Jihyo hurried back to the SSC room.
JH: "..That was tiring."
JY: "Yeah, but you did well! Let's head to the cafè. The others might be there. It's my treat for today!"
JH: "Alright." (Better tell Sana.)
She texted Sana.
"Sana, I'm done. I'll be at the cafè."
"Where'd you go? We're done with stuff and now going to the cafè. See you there."
They both went on their way to the cafè. Dahyun, Mina, and Chaeyoung were there already.
CY: "Hi, unnie. How did the proposal today go?"
JY: "Yeah, Jihyo worked hard for it."
CY: "That's great! Let's celebrate that and also Dahyunie's successful recital!"
DH: "Alright!"
JH: "Oh hi, Mina. Can I have the same coffee as before?"
MN: "Sure, let me prepare that for you."
SN: "Ahh. It's finally over!"
MM: "Don't tell me you'll skip practice today."
SN: "Ehh? B-but Jihyo-"
MM: "Yeah, it's okay. She needs you right now. Go now you lovebird~"
SN: "Aaahh! Stop that Momo!"
MM: "You're smiling though."
SN: (Alright. Time to head to the cafè.)
Sana went on her way to the cafè. However, she noticed someone familiar at the park's edge.
SN: (..Is that Tzuyu? What's she doing there?)
Sana looked closer to confirm, and she noticed that she wasn't alone.
Sana sneaked in closer as she got curious of what's happening. She overheard them talking.
TY: "Is this true? Are you serious unnie?"
NY: "Yes.."
TY: "I don't believe you."
NY: "It's true! I'm the likely reason for Jihyo's condition right now!"
Nayeon finished her classes and finally made up her mind.
NY: (That's it. I'll have to confront Tzuyu about this. It's bound to happen sooner or later.)
Nayeon brought out her phone and sent a message to her.
"Hey, Tzuyu. Do you have some time today?"
"I'm free right now, unnie. Why?"
Nayeon responded.
"Can you meet me in about 10 minutes at the campus park near the field? I have some things to tell you.."
In a bit, Tzuyu messaged back.
"Ok."
NY: "Alright. No turning back now. This is still for Jihyo."
NY: "Hi, Tzuyu. How are you today?"
TY: "I'm fine, unnie. But why did you want to talk to me?"
NY: "..I'd like to talk about something to you, but I also want to know something."
NY: "Alright. As you know, this is going to be about Jihyo.. I want to do what I can to bring her back and I'm trying to find ways to do so. I actually saw you at the library earlier."
TY: "What? Then.."
NY: "Yes. I saw you borrow a book."
NY: "Why did you want to know more about her condition? You could've told us."
TY: "What about you unnie?"
NY: "Huh?"
TY: "I'm just the same as you, right?"
NY: "I-"
TY: "Why didn't you tell us you were going to Bucheon on your own? You're just as guilty as I am."
TY: "..What do you mean?"
NY: "It's all my fault.."
TY: "Is this true? Are you serious unnie?"
NY: "Yes.."
TY: "I don't believe you."
NY: "It's true! I'm the likely reason for Jihyo's condition right now!"
The voice startled Tzuyu and Nayeon.
TY: "Is someone there?"
Sana hid behind a big tree.
SN: (W-why am I hiding? And did I hear Nayeonie right? She said she caused Jihyo's DID?)
NY: "..Must be a bird or something."
TY: "..Unnie, you need to explain this to me."
TY: "Hmm?"
NY: "Why are you so eager to bring Jihyo back to her old self as well? I mean, I have my reasons, but I don't understand yours."
TY: "I can tell it to you unnie, but only if.."
NY: "..The bag. Am I right?"
SN: (Bag? What are they talking about?)
NY: "Alright.. In two days."
TY: "Huh?"
NY: "I want Jeongyeon to know about it too. Give me until Wednesday, and I'll show you what's inside."
TY: "You better keep your promise, unnie."
NY: "Yes, I promise."
SN: "..."
NY: "Alright. See you later."
Nayeon left and Tzuyu walked the opposite way.
SN: (.. I don't understand and I don't want to understand..)
TY: "Please forgive me, unnie.."
Tzuyu left.
SN: (..I'm so confused now. Jihyo, what should I do?)
Sana was at a loss, not knowing what to do.
Nayeon arrived at the cafè.
JY: "Hey, Nayeon! Took you long enough."
NY: "Sorry. Had some unfinished business."
JH: "Are you okay?"
NY: "Yeah. I'm alright."
JH: "Good to know."
NY: "Where are the others?"
DH: "Momoring was going to practice today. Tzuyu has a project to finish. Sana-unnie was supposed to be here now, but I don't know where she is."
Nayeon went to the counter and sneakily handed Mina her book.
NY: *whisper* "Here you go. Thanks."
MN: "You're welcome unnie. Was it helpful?"
NY: "It was a bit difficult for me."
MN: "Please don't hesitate to ask me anything."
MN: "Alright, I'll serve it in a bit."
NY: "Thanks."
Nayeon went back to the group.
DH: "Jihyo-unnie, can you tell us more about how your day went?"
CY: "Yeah, I'm curious too."
JH: "Sure. I actually went on my own today.."
NY: (I want to be happy, but I need the real you to return..)
Meanwhile, Sana has almost arrived at the cafè.
Sana was taking her time walking.
SN: (..Why is Nayeonie responsible for it? Why was she talking to Tzuyu? What was that about a bag? Why did Tzuyu say that..?)
JH: "Sana! You're finally here!"
SN: "Hi, everyone."
JH: "Are you alright? You don't seem to be bouncy as usual."
SN: "Ah, yes! I'm okay! Don't worry ehehe~"
JH: "You sure?"
SN: "Yup."
SN: "Sure!"
Sana joined their table.
SN: (Nayeonie's here.. No, I shouldn't overthink. Jihyo needs all the support from me. The last thing I want her to worry about is to worry about me as well.)
TY: "Sorry I'm late."
JY: "Don't worry! We get busy sometimes."
TY: "..."
DH: "No problem, unnie."
JY: "Alright. I'll take you home."
NY: "Thanks."
JH: "Hmm, I think I'll need to go as well. I still need to catch up on the lessons."
SN: "I'll go along with Jihyo. Don't stay out for too long girls~"
DH: "Thanks, Sana-unnie. Take care as well."
The four of them left and went opposite ways.
At Sana and Jihyo's side.
SN: "How do you feel about today, Jihyo?"
JH: "Pretty good."
JH: "It's a bit tough, but I'm having fun."
SN: "That's all that matters then.."
JH: "Huh?"
SN: "Nothing~ come on."
JH: "By the way, what will you guys do for the festival?"
SN: "Oh, we'll have a dance performance. I'm paired with Momo."
JH: "Really?"
JH: "Err, why aren't you practicing?"
SN: "A-ahaha! Umm, b-because I'm worried about you.."
Sana blushed.
JH: "What? You need to practice! I don't want to be a burden."
SN: "B-but-"
JH: "I can manage. Don't worry. Or how about this? I'll watch your rehearsals!"
JH: "Yeah. I'll go there to watch you so you don't worry. I can also message you anytime if I need help."
SN: "O-okay!"
JH: "Great!"
Back at Nayeon and Jeongyeon.
JY: "So, what did you need to do?"
NY: "..Nothing."
JY: "What? So why did you want to leave?"
JY: "Oh, is this about what you discovered at Bucheon?"
NY: "Yeah."
Both were quiet until they reached Nayeon's place.
JY: "Okay we're here. Just tell it to me when you're ready, okay?"
NY: "Jeongyeon?"
JY: "Hmm?"
NY: "Can you stay over tonight?
NY: "Alright.. I'll wait for you here."
JY: "T-thanks."
Jeongyeon hurried to her home to get all the things she needed for tomorrow.
JY: (..What is she thinking?)
JY: "S-so, I better say hi to your parents again."
NY: "They're both in the countryside, I'm alone right now."
JY: "O-oh! I see."
NY: "Let's go to my room."
They both entered her room.
NY: "Wait here, I'll be back."
JY: (Come to think of it, it's my first time here..)
Her eyes wondered in so many areas around Nayeon's room.
JY: (It's my first time here.. I guess her room is pretty much showing her personality. She has always been true to herself.)
JY: "H-hey! I hope you can understand that I don't really have any experience with s-s-stuff. This will be my first and I'm glad it will be with you."
NY: "..What are you talking about?"
JY: "Huh? O-oh! Nothing.."
JY: "R-right."
NY: "So here are the first ones. I don't think they have much importance."
JY: "Just some SSC papers and her coat. Hmm, yeah I guess."
NY: "These however.."
NY: "Yeah, from the cinema close to school."
JY: "Moonchild's Sunlight? This is the new romance movie.."
NY: "Yeah.. Any idea of its relation to Jihyo?"
JY: "Hmm, no. But I did notice one thing.."
NY: "Huh?"
JY: "This was the last show on that day."
JY: "Jihyo was there right before heading to Bucheon."
NY: "That's a good lead for us.. This is the next item."
JY: "Her notebook?"
NY: "Try to check the back."
JY: "What? A song? I don't recognize the lyrics."
NY: "I think Jihyo wrote that one."
NY: "Not yet. Shall we have a look?"
After a few minutes of analyzing the song.
JY: "So.. it's a sentimental song. It was about moving on from love that never even began."
NY: "..."
JY: "The lyrics are really sad and emotional.."
JY: "So, does this mean this emotional pain she had is love-related?"
NY: "That's right."
JY: "Why are you sure?"
NY: "Jeongyeon.."
Nayeon faced Jeongyeon directly with her head down.
NY: "It was me.."
JY: "What?"
NY: "The person she's in love with was me!"
NY: "I'm the one being narrated in the song.."
JY: "B-but it could be just a coincidence! It could be someone else, or maybe just an imagination! You don't have any proof that you're responsible!"
NY: "I do, Jeongyeon.. I found something that proves this.."
Nayeon started losing her voice and began tearing up.
JY: "..I didn't even notice her showing affection towards you."
JY: ".. Why is she so selfless.."
Both were in silence.
JY: "It's not your fault.."
Jeongyeon started tearing up.
NY: "Then why? Why did she leave us? Yes, she's alive but she's hiding now!"
JY: "I want to apologize to her too.."
After some time, Jeongyeon noticed a few more things inside the bag.
JY: "W-wait, there's more inside?"
NY: "..W-what? What's in there?"
NY: "I didn't see this.. I thought it was all pictures.."
JY: "..Open it."
Nayeon picked up all her courage to open it.
NY: "..A map?"
JY: "What's this place? It's pointing under this thing.."
NY: "I.. I know this place!"
JY: "H-hey! Wait for me!"
Jeongyeon followed Nayeon, who ran like she never loses stamina easily. They eventually reached a playground.
JY: "This place..?"
NY: "I was right.."
JY: "This is where we used to hang out in middle school.."
JY: "D-did we bury something here?"
NY: "..I think we did."
The two dug through the snow and dirt until they saw a box.
NY: "..Is this.."
JY: "A time capsule? Open after 10 years.."
NY: "..Let's open it."
"Friendship goals! We'll open these in the future together"
NY: "I think I remember this.. We did this as a promise that we'll never be apart.."
JY: "There are three letters here.. This one is mine.."
Jeongyeon opened it.
1. Study at the same school
2. Travel together to Jeju
3. Learn how to cook
4. Protect Jihyo at all times
5. Always be at Nayeon's side
JY: "This brings back memories.."
NY: "I can't believe we forgot about this.. Jihyo didn't.."
JY: "I guess number four is a no.."
Nayeon opened the letter.
My Goals:
1. Be true to myself
2. Go drinking until sunrise
3. Travel to LA
4. Don't make Jihyo cry
5. Confess to Jeongyeon
NY: "..."
JY: "I guess you did number five.."
NY: "But probably not number four.. I'm sorry.."
NY: "She remembers these.. I'm nervous."
Nayeon opened the letter.
My Goals:
1. Compose a song
2. Expand our circle of friends
3. Always put my friends first
4. Be more supportive to Jeongyeon
5. Be an ideal person to Nayeon
JY: "..."
NY: "..."
NY: "..Jeongyeon, l want her to return.."
JY: "..Me too."
NY: "I always told her what kind of person I like.. But I failed to see it from her.. She always did her best.."
NY: "She was always a very sweet and loving person.. I realize this now.. I'm a fool.."
JY: "I want her to return.. to protect her.."
NY: "I'm sorry.. but I think I decided too soon.."
JY: "..Huh? What do you mean..?"
NY: "Yoo Jeongyeon..
..Let's break up.."
JH: "Hey, Sana. Dahyun said to me earlier, I have a recital after the festival. What was that about?"
SN: "Oh, yeah!"
JH: "I don't think I can do it.."
SN: "We'll help you out~ don't worry!"
SN: "Hmm, oh! I remember you told me before that you're composing a song!"
JH: "..I did?"
SN: "I mean your past self."
JH: "..That got me confused."
SN: "I did see you were writing it at the back of your notebook."
Jihyo checked out all her notebooks, but did not have anything there.
SN: "That's strange? Pretty sure you were writing it at the back. Are you missing a notebook?"
JH: "Hmm, oh yeah. I think I'm missing one earlier today in one of my classes."
SN: "I see."
SN: (It's likely to be inside her car. Did Nayeonie retrieve it?)
JH: "I wonder what we should do.."
SN: "No worries, I'll help you out tomorrow! For now you focus on your studies~"
JH: "Hmm, I don't know your plans but I trust you."
It's already 11am and Sana is on her lunch break. She decided to visit Nayeon.
SN: "Momoring~"
MM: "Yo, Sa-tang."
MM: "Did you ask Jeongyeon?"
SN: "Umm, she didn't reply."
MM: "Aah. Sorry I don't know too."
SN: "That's okay. Thanks!"
Sana left her classroom. She went to the Communication Arts building to check on Nayeon's schedule.
Sana went to Nayeon's classroom and waited for her dismissal. As the bell rang, she waited for her to go outside, but she did not show up.
SN: (Eh? She did not go to school?.. Is it because of yesterday?)
JH: (It's a bit gloomy to start a day without Sana. At least tomorrow we start at the same time.) "Hmm?"
Sana was calling Jihyo.
JH: "Hello?"
SN: "Hi, Jihyo. Are you at school already?"
JH: "Yeah, I'm on my way to our building."
JH: "Anything wrong?"
SN: "Umm, nothing but like I promised, I'll be practicing with Momo after our class until 4pm, drop by when you're free~"
JH: "Sure! I'm looking forward to it."
SN: "Thanks! See you~"
Sana dropped the call, and Jihyo felt happier.
Meanwhile at Sana's side.
SN: *sigh* (Yesterday's still bothering me, but hearing Jihyo's voice makes me feel better. I better visit Nayeonie and ask her about the notebook.)
Meanwhile at the SSC room, Chaeyoung arrived.
Chaeyoung tried calling Jeongyeon but there's no response.
CY: "Is she absent? Come to think of it, this never happened before.."
After a few minutes, Sana arrived.
SN: "Hi, Chaengie! You're alone today?"
CY: "Jeongyeon-unnie was supposed to be here today, but I think she's absent. She's also not responding to my calls."
SN: "Eh? She never missed a day at school before.."
CY: "That's true.."
CY: "Okay, see you unnie."
Sana left to go to her next class.
It's now 2:30pm, and Sana finished her classes.
SN: "Ah! Finally!"
SN: "Nope! I'm joining today~"
MM: "Hooo~ what happened? You got into a fight with Jihyo-ssi?"
SN: "Of course not~ but she'll be watching us today!"
MM: "Ohh, now she's the protective girlfriend?"
SN: "Eh? N-no!"
Sana blushed.
MM: "Hahaha."
After an hour, Jihyo was finished with school as well.
JH: (Alright! Time to go to Sana.)
Jihyo doesn't realize it, but the only reason she's enjoying all of what she does is because of the girl who has been very supportive of her.
SN: "Ah, Jihyo!"
Due to a subconscious reaction, Sana rushed in to Jihyo and hugged her.
JH: "S-Sana!?"
Sana realized what she did and backed off.
SN: "Ah! S-sorry!"
MM: "Hoooo~"
SN: "U-umm, thanks for dropping by! I'll do my best!"
JH: "Y-yeah, I'll just sit here."
MM: "Okay. Jihyo-ssi, please give some comments later."
SN: "So, how was it?"
JH: "..Ah y-yeah! It was amazing. I think you'd do well on the performance!"
MM: "Do you notice anything we need to polish?"
JH: "Hmm. Umm, maybe I need to watch you guys again?"
MM: "Okaaay~"
They did a second run.
Sana and Momo finished their second run.
SN: "Whew, was it good Jihyo?"
JH: "Y-yeah, you guys are really amazing."
MM: "What can we do to make it better?"
JH: "Umm, I think Momo's moves are really good now."
JH: "M-maybe you need to practice daily Sana."
SN: "Whaaat?"
MM: "I told you you should come more often, but you always-"
SN: "Aahh! MOMO!"
JH: (Honestly, Sana was amazing.. I just want to see her perform more.. Is that wrong?)
MM: "Thanks Jihyo-ssi!"
MM: "That's it for now. Let's rest and chill at the cafè!"
JH: "Sounds great."
SN: "Umm, can you two go on ahead?"
MM: "Eh? Why?"
JH: "What's wrong Sana?"
SN: "Ehehe, I also have some things to do today. Sorry, Jihyo."
SN: "Yeah! Don't worry. I'll go to your place once I'm done. If I finish early I'll go to the cafè."
JH: "Okay. Message or call me then."
SN: "Thanks! See you."
JH: "Shall we go then, Momo?"
MM: "Yeah! I'm hungry."
Momo and Jihyo left.
SN: (I need to speak with Nayeon-unnie..)
MM: "Say, Jihyoo~"
JH: "Hmm?"
MM: "What do you think of Sana?"
JH: "H-huh!? Why ask me that?"
MM: "Nothing~ I'm just curious."
JH: "Uhh, w-well she's a very sweet and caring person."
MM: "..That's it?"
JH: "Uhh, yeah?"
JH: "B-but that's the truth!"
MM: "Isn't there mooore?"
JH: "W-what are you implying?"
MM: "Come on, Jihyo-ssi. You can trust me. We're both close to Sana but we don't hang out much."
JH: "I don't know what you're talking about!"
JH: "..."
MM: "Well?"
JH: "..Can I at least know something first?"
MM: "What?"
JH: "..How was our relationship before?"
MM: "You mean before you became dark Jihyo?"
JH: "Err, yeah right.."
MM: "..Girlfriends."
JH: "WHAT!?"
JH: "Agh! I shouldn't have asked you."
MM: "Hahaha!"
JH: (But jokes aside, it felt weird when Momo said that.. Was I..?)
MM: "But to be fair to you, back then the two of you were actually very close to each other."
JH: "..?"
JH: "I see.."
MM: "So be careful Jihyo-ssi and don't hurt her feelings."
JH: "What do you mean?"
MM: "Nothing~ you just be yourself and everything will happen naturally."
JH: "..Thanks."
JH: "..."
MM: "You can trust me."
JH: "..I'm not sure about my past self, but based on how it is right now, she's really special to me."
MM: "Hooo~"
JH: "I mean, like I get gloomy when she's not around and I miss her."
JH: "W-w-what's wrong with liking someone? I like her. I like you. I like all of you!"
MM: "I don't mean you like her. I meant you like 'LIKE' her."
JH: "What makes you say that?"
MM: "Well, you were this kind of cool girl crush since you came.."
MM: "But look at you now, you got nervous when I asked you about her."
JH: "..."
MM: "It's okay Jihyo-ssi, Sana likes you a lot."
JH: "W-what? You mean.."
MM: "I'm not saying anything~ you find it out yourself."
JH: "But.. isn't it my other self that she likes?"
JH: "..Thanks.. I may have misjudged you, Momo. I thought you were pretty simple-minded, but you say the most surprising things."
JH: "Hahaha. Nothing, come on! I'll treat you for today."
MM: ".. I don't know why, but yay! Can we go eat Samgyeopsal instead?"
JH: "What? No! Just at the cafè!"
They eventually arrived at the cafè.
MM: "We're hereee! Mi-tang!"
JH: "Hi, Mina. You're working hard today."
Mina smiled.
MN: "It's not really work, unnie. It's more like a hobby now."
JH: "That sounds great."
MM: "Jihyo-ssi, can I pick ANYTHING?"
JH: "Err, just a single meal."
MM: "Okay~"
MM: "Ah, thats because-"
JH: "Momo!"
MM: "I'm kidding."
MN: "Glad you're both enjoying yourselves."
They both ordered their meal, and sat at their usual spot.
Meanwhile at the library.
TY: "Here you go, miss."
L: "Thank you young lady."
TY: (..Sana-unnie? Where is she going?)
Tzuyu tailed her for a bit just to check where she's headed.
TY: (..Huh? Not at the cafè?)
TY: (..That's not where her apartment is.. Where is she headed?)
Before she could try tailing her, someone caught her behind by surprise.
DH: "Tzuyu-ya!"
TY: "Huh!?"
DH: "What are you doing here? It's like you're stalking someone."
DH: "Great! I'm done for the day too. Let's go together."
TY: (Sana-unnie..) "Yeah, let's go."
The two arrived at the cafè.
MM: "Ah, Tzuyu-ya! Tofu!"
DH: "Hi, unnie. How are you?"
JH: "Good to see you guys."
JH: "Pretty good, actually. I feel more comfortable as the days go by."
TY: "I see.. That's good to hear."
DH: "Wait, I'll order something too."
MM: "Dubuuu, can you order me another pasta?"
They spent the rest of their time chatting.
SN: "Ah! Why am I so bad with directions?"
She ended up in a playground.
SN: (Oh, I should try messaging Nayeonie too.)
"Nayeonie~ Are you at home ? I'm on my way there but I got lost 😭. Can you give me directions? 💜I'm at an old playground."
Sana sat down at the swing while observing her surroundings.
SN: (This place looks familiar.. a slide, three swings, a large tree in the middle.. a broken see-saw.. Huh? Is this the playground that Jihyo told me about?)
SN: (I wish I could have met Jihyo earlier. She must have been so cute.)
Sana noticed something strange under the slide.
SN: (Eh? It looks like someone dug here..)
SN: (It didn't seem too long ago, the ground feels soft. Huh? There's a note here..)
"Friendship goals! We'll open these in the future together."
SN: (..Was this inside a time-capsule? Didn't know Koreans do this too.)
NY: "Sana?"
SN: "Oh, Nayeonie!"
Sana went towards her.
NY: "What's wrong?"
SN: "I should be asking you that! You didn't go to school today. Are you okay?"
NY: "..I just needed a break from school."
SN: "Ohh, how about Jeongyeon-unnie?"
SN: "She didn't go to school today too. She never missed school before. Did something happen to her?"
NY: "Umm, Sana can we talk at my place? It's kinda cold today.."
SN: "Oh, okay. Sorry I got lost ehehe." (She dodged my question.. Did something happen?)
NY: (Why did Sana suddenly want to visit me?)
SN: (Nayeonie's very quiet. It's not like her.. Did something happen between her and Jeongyeonie?)
They eventually arrived.
Theu entered Nayeon's room and sat down.
NY: "So, what's brings you here, Sana?"
SN: "Oh, umm you said to me before that you'll find out more about Jihyo's accident right?"
NY: "Oh yeah.. I did."
SN: "I was wondering if you found Jihyo's notebook?"
SN: "Yeah."
NY: "..This one?"
SN: "Yes! Can I get it? Jihyo needs it for school."
NY: "Here."
SN: "Thanks! Umm did you find anything else?"
NY: "..Sana.."
SN: "Eh?"
NY: "..The things that I'm about to tell you are very important for Jihyo to return.."
NY: "I've found out the reason for Jihyo's condition.."
SN: "Wow! You did that? So what happened?"
NY: "Forgive me, Sana.."
SN: "Eh?"
NY: "I really didn't know.. but it was me."
SN: "W-what are you talking about unnie? I don't understand."
SN: "Eh? Why this notebook?"
NY: "Do you know what's on the back page?"
SN: "Umm, there's supposed to be a song here."
NY: "..You're right. Have you read through the lyrics?"
SN: "Umm, no. Jihyo was hiding this from me before."
SN: "..I.. I don't want to.."
NY: "Why not?"
SN: "Well, this is Jihyo's work and she kept it a secret from me.. It would be bad for me to just check it."
NY: "..Sana, you're really..*sigh* nevermind."
SN: "Unnie, please.. you're scaring me.."
SN: "I do but.. she's still Jihyo.."
NY: "..Anyway, this is the real reason why Jihyo disappeared from us.."
Nayeon handed to Sana a red clutch bag.
SN: (..Is this.. the one they were talking about yesterday?)
SN: "..W-why do you say that..?"
NY: "There's no other reason she'd keep these photos.."
SN: "..No.."
NY: "It's true, Sana.. I want to deny it too, but I've been an idiot who ignored everything that she actually did for me.."
SN: "..No.."
Nayeon showed to Sana Jihyo's bucket list. Tears started to fall from Sana's eyes upon reading Jihyo's goal for Nayeon.
NY: "I said to her I like people who can lead, she became the SSC president.."
SN: "..Where's Jeongyeon-unnie?.. What happened to her?.."
NY: ".. I'm sorry.. we broke up.."
NY: "I felt.. that I have decided too early to choose to be with her.."
SN: "..."
NY: "I should have given more attention to Jihyo.. That's why.. maybe if I confess to her.. Jihyo might.."
SN: "..H-how can you be so sure.."
NY: "...?"
Sana is trembling.
NY: "I've read about it.."
SN: "..Eh?"
NY: "I borrowed Mina's book.. and I read there about a 'switch'.."
SN: "..Switch?"
NY: "It means Jihyo's real personality may come out.. if conditions are met.."
NY: "..If there could be a 'variable' that would either make the present personality go away, or make her real self return.. a 'switch' could happen."
SN: "..So her present self.. would disappear?"
NY: "I'm not sure.. it's up to Jihyo.. when she returns.."
NY: "..We have no choice.."
SN: "..You think that confessing to her.. will bring her back?.."
NY: "Yes.. that's why.. I broke up with Jeongyeon.. if she learns about this.. it could also make her 'switch'.."
SN: "..Unnie.. do you even love her?.."
*SLAP*
Sana couldn't control herself anymore. She slapped her dear friend that Jihyo was in love with. A long silence filled in the tense atmosphere.
Sana's tears started falling harder.
SN: "..I wasn't talking about Jihyo.. I was talking about Jeongyeon-unnie!"
NY: "..."
SN: "Do you think she's fine with it!? You said that you felt you decided too early to be with her.. but isn't it the other way around!?"
SN: "You decided to suddenly break up with unnie.. HAVE YOU EVEN THOUGHT OF HOW SHE FELT!?"
NY: "..I.."
SN: "You're just being selfish unnie.."
NY: "..I..I'm not.. I'm thinking about Jihyo.."
SN: "..Unnie.. I don't know why Jihyo fell in love with you.."
SN: "..Unnie, you've known Jihyo the longest, and I'm jealous about that."
SN: "But despite that, I don't think you understood Jihyo all this time.."
NY: "..That's why I realized it.. I want to make this work.."
SN: "No.. you still don't realize it.. if you really knew Jihyo, she wouldn't want you to break up with Jeongyeon-unnie for her.."
SN: "..I'm leaving, unnie.. thank you for giving me Jihyo's notebook.."
Sana left Nayeon in her room.
NY: "..It's you, who doesn't understand.. Jihyo has been an important part of my life ever since.. It's my turn to be there for her.. I'll bring her back.."
Sana couldn't stop from trembling and crying as she has realized all the things she's done.
(..Someone might go after Jihyo first..)
SN: (I.. I shouldn't let anybody hurt Jihyo even more.. I want her to return too, but I don't want her to experience any more pain.. but.. if she rejects me, she might distance herself from me..)
JH: "Hey, Mina.."
MN: "Yes?"
JH: "You study psychology, right?"
MN: "That's right, unnie."
JH: "Is it okay if I ask you a few things?"
MN: "Sure."
TY: "..."
TY: "..Can I listen too?"
JH: "Sure, Tzuyu. Come closer."
MN: "What would you like to know, unnie?"
JH: "I was thinking, the other me is still inside me, right?"
MN: "Yes."
JH: "How can I know if she's there?"
JH: "When will she come out?"
MN: "It depends on you, her, or something external."
JH: "External?"
MN: "Something that forces her to return."
MN: "Yes."
JH: "..Is it possible for my condition to be cured?"
MN: "Yes, there are reports of people removing their old or new personalities too.."
JH: "So if the old me recovers.."
TY: "...?"
JH: "..Does that mean I'll disappear for good?"
TY: (Unnie..)
MN: "..Yes."
JH: "..I thought so.."
TY: "But.. how likely is that to happen?"
MN: "I'd say depending on the "self's" will."
JH: "I see. I understand now.. Thanks."
MN: "..My shift is over. If you guys don't mind, I'll go ahead for now."
JH: "Sure."
Mina packed up her belongings and went on her way. Jihyo and Tzuyu were left in the cafè.
JH: "I guess we haven't talked that much, Tzuyu. Were you close to me before?"
TY: "..Yes, we were."
JH: "..Can you tell me how we met each other?"
TY: "Okay.."
Several months ago in Myeongdong. The streets were busy with a lot of people walking around. It's been only a few days since Tzuyu and her mother landed in Korea. Because of her out of this world beauty, she's getting a lot of attention walking around.
She can hear whispers from the crowd.
"Wow, she's beautiful."
"Quick, ask for her number."
"Is she a model?"
"She probably likes all the attention."
"I want to know her name. She's tall and gorgeous."
TY: (..I hate this. Why can't people mind their own.. It's just the same as in Taiwan..)
Suddenly, two guys approached her from the front.
B2: "You're looking lonely. Are you lost?"
B1: "Do you want to go somewhere fun?"
One guy held her on the wrist.
TY: (Agh! He caught me before I could escape.)
B2: "Come, we'll take you to a nice place."
Suddenly, someone's shouting.
??: "Baaabe!"
JH: "Oh, babe! You were here all along, I thought I lost you!"
TY: (..What? Who is she? Why is she calling me babe?)
Jihyo clinged to Tzuyu.
JH: "Come on babe, let's go!"
B1: "Wha.. you're both..?"
Jihyo noticed one guy holding the girl.
B2: "D-did you say black belt!?"
B1: "L-let's leave! We have something to do."
The two men left.
JH: "Whew.. they left. Come on, babe!"
Jihyo dragged her to the park.
JH: "Ah, that felt great!"
TY: "..Who are you?"
JH: "Hmm? Oh you can call me Jihyo! And you are?"
TY: "..Tzuyu."
JH: "Tzuyu? That's an unusual name. You're not from around here, are you?"
TY: "..Why did you do that?"
TY: "..Saving me from those guys."
JH: "Oh, I shouldn't have? You're being harassed by those men. I won't just stand by and let bad things happen on my watch to good people."
TY: "..Good? Why do you say I'm good?.. Is it because of my appearance?"
TY: "..I knew it."
JH: "..But being beautiful isn't everything, right?"
TY: "Huh?"
JH: "I know you're a good person. Anyone who looks around finding pet toys and treats are good people."
JH: "Yeah, why? Don't you have a dog?"
TY: "..I do."
JH: "I knew it! What did you name him?"
TY: "..Gucci."
JH: "Wow, that's a cute name! Can you show him to me next time?"
TY: "..Next time?"
JH: "Yeah! Here, I'll give you my number."
TY: "..Okay."
TY: "Go around? You mean.."
JH: "I'll be your pretend girlfriend."
TY: "..Huh?"
TY: "Umm, okay."
Tzuyu smiled.
JH: "You're smiling now. That's great! So, let's go?"
TY: "Okay.."
Jihyo grabbed Tzuyu by her hand.
TY: "..Thanks."
-end of past memory-
TY: "..and that's how we met."
JH: "..."
TY: "Huh?"
JH: "Ah! I can't imagine that I did something like that! It's embarassing.."
TY: "It's okay, unnie."
JH: "Geez, so anyway, you have a dog?"
TY: "Yes."
JH: "Wow! Can I see him?"
TY: "..Sure, let's go to my room.."
Jihyo and Tzuyu went up the cafè.
JH: "Ah! T-Tzuyu!?"
TY: "..I'm sorry, unnie. Can I.. stay like this for a bit?"
JH: "Umm, okay.."
A few minutes passed in silence. Jihyo played with Gucci but was distracted by Tzuyu's hug.
TY: "Unnie?"
JH: "..Do you miss the other me?"
TY: "..I do."
JH: "..You're very honest."
TY: "..I'm bad at lying, unnie."
JH: "..Sorry if I'm not.. my other self."
TY: "..It's okay.."
JH: "Tzuyu, I have a question.. What do you like about the other me?"
JH: "Like?"
TY: "..You're very caring, saw me more than just a pretty face, and more."
JH: "I see..Thanks."
TY: "No, unnie. I should be the one thanking you.."
JH: "..Huh?"
TY: "..It's getting late, unnie."
JH: "Yeah."
Tzuyu released her backhug.
TY: "Take care of yourself, unnie."
JH: "Thanks. See you."
Jihyo took her bag and left.
TY: "One day, Jihyo-unnie.. one of these days.."
Elsewhere, Mina is currently at the entertainment district in Seoul.
Mina entered a bar. Not so many people were there. She took a seat at the bar stool in the corner. The bartender approached her.
B: "What would you like miss?"
MN: "Umm, do you have some tea here?"
B: "Haha! I like you."
MN: "..I'll have Oolong tea, please."
B: "Alright."
After a minute.
B: "Here ya go."
MN: "..Thank you."
Mina took a sip of her tea. She took a look at her watch as if she's waiting for someone's arrival. A few more minutes passed.
Mina decided to just patiently wait for that person. After four minutes, and some people entering the bar, one person finally approached her. She took a sip and spoke.
MN: "..You're late, Jeongyeon-unnie."
MN: "Take a seat, unnie."
Jeongyeon sat down beside Mina's stool. The bartender walked towards them.
B: "What can I getcha?"
JY: "..Give me something hard."
B: "Alright."
MN: "So, there's really something wrong.. I can tell you haven't gone to school.."
MN: "I went here just as you messaged me. But why meet up all the way here?"
JY: "..."
The bartender gave Jeongyeon her glass.
MN: "..Go drink up, unnie. I'll listen."
Jeongyeon finished her cup in one go.
JY: "More please."
B: "Alright."
MN: "..."
MN: "..."
JY: "..Can I ask for the whole bottle?"
B: "Sure missy, drink it all away."
MN: "..."
Jeongyeon got the bottle, but did not pour on her cup. After a minute of silence.
JY: "..Nayeon broke up with me."
MN: "..Eh?.. I..I'm.."
MN: "N-no. It's alright."
JY: "..."
MN: "..Umm, why talk to me about it though?"
JY: "..I don't know. You're the only person that came to my mind."
MN: "..Would you like to talk about it now?"
Jeongyeon drank her wine.
JY: "..Yeah."
JY: "I told you before right? She went to Bucheon.."
MN: "..Yes."
JY: "She discovered a lot of things there."
MN: "..Like?"
JY: "..Jihyo was in love with her."
MN: "Eh!? H-how?"
Jeongyeon started explaining about the book and the bag.
Jeongyeon continued drinking.
JY: "We found a map inside the bag.. and it lead us to something we did in the past.."
MN: "..What was it?"
JY: "Something like a time-capsule.. We made promises we had to do in ten years.."
MN: "..I see. So, Jihyo-unnie..?"
JY: "..Jihyo wanted to become the ideal person to Nayeon.. the way Jihyo was to us, is all because of Nayeon.. a leader.. a good photographer.. everything.. she did it all for her.. but.."
JY: "Nayeon did not notice her all that time.. until we saw Jihyo's note, her photos, and Jihyo's composition.."
MN: "Unnie.."
JY: "That's why, she decided to break up with me.. she felt that it was unfair.."
JY: "..Unfair that she only had her eyes on me, despite all of Jihyo's efforts, she still supported Nayeon's feelings for me.."
MN: "..She's always been very sacrificing to all of us.."
JY: "..I do care for Jihyo too. She's like a little sister to me.."
JY: "If that's what can bring Jihyo back to us, wouldn't it be the right thing?"
MN: "..Be honest, unnie.."
JY: "..Huh?"
MN: "..You don't like it, right?.. To just break up with Nayeon-unnie."
JY: "..."
MN: "You don't show it.. but.."
MN: "..You really love Nayeon-unnie a lot.."
JY: "..Yeah.."
MN: "..Say it loudly."
JY: ".. I love Nayeon.. I love that idiot.. I love her so much that it hurts!"
Jeongyeon started crying.
MN: "You're crying now.. because you love her."
Jeongyeon cried for awhile with Mina just hugging her. She can feel Jeongyeon's pain that she bottled up all this time.
JY: "..."
MN: "..."
JY: "..I'm tired.."
JH: (..Why did Tzuyu do that? Was she.. was she in love with my other self?)
The cold wind blows on Jihyo.
JH: (It feels very lonely walking on my own like this. I'm used to Sana being around me.. *sigh* I hope she's okay.)
JH: "Sana? How are you? Are you going home already?"
SN: "..H-hi Jihyo. I'm okay. I'm on my way home. About ten minutes.. or twenty."
JH: "..Where are you exactly?"
JH: "I said where are you? I'm going to where you are right now."
SN: "Jihyo.."
Sana smiled.
SN: "I'm.. at the intersection in front of the tea house right now.."
JH: "Wait for me there."
SN: "Sure.. Thanks."
In a few minutes, Jihyo arrived at Sana's location.
JH: "..Is something wrong?"
Jihyo looked closer and noticed Sana's eyes were sore, as if she cried a lot.
JH: "..Did you cry?"
SN: "Just some dust.. Ehehe."
SN: "It's nothing, Jihyo.."
JH: "I said.. who made you cry?"
SN: "Don't worry about it, Ji-"
JH: "SANA! WHO MADE YOU CRY!? TELL ME!"
Sana hugged Jihyo tightly.
SN: "Please.. No more.. let's go home.."
JH: "..Don't make me worry.."
SN: "Sorry.."
Sana herself found her answer. She loves Jihyo, no matter what. A different personality or not, she doesn't care about it anymore.
MN: "..Let's go now, unnie."
JY: "..No..I'm not..going home.."
MN: "..."
Mina started to carry Jeongyeon on her shoulders and they started walking out of the bar.
JY: "..I'm..not.."
MN: "..You need to rest, okay?"
The two of them took the bus, and arrived at where they'll need to split up.
MN: "We're here, unnie.. Can you walk on your own now?"
JY: "..."
MN: "Unnie?"
JY: "..Don't leave me today.."
JY: "..I don't know.. if I can handle being alone today.."
MN: "..I know it's hard for you.."
JY: "..Can I.. Can I stay at your place tonight?.."
MN: "..Okay."
Elsewhere, Jihyo and Sana arrived at their place.
JH: "We're here.. Go get changed now, Sana."
SN: "..."
JH: "..Let's rest. Sorry if I shouted on you awhile ago.."
Jihyo laid on the bed facing opposite of Sana's side. They were both quiet.
JH: "..S-Sana?"
SN: "..Can we.. stay like this for a bit?"
JH: "..Okay."
SN: "..Thank you.."
Sana hugged Jihyo even more tightly.
JH: "..Huh!?"
She looked behind her, and noticed Sana was 'cooking'.
JH: "Sana!?"
SN: "Ah! Good morning Jihyo~!"
SN: "Umm, I'm cooking breakfast~"
JH: "But it's BURNING!"
SN: "Ah.. I might have seared it a little. Ehehe~"
JH: "You call that a little!? TURN IT OFF!"
SN: "Hehe. Sorry~"
Jihyo turned the stove off. But instead of getting angry, she smiled.
SN: "Ah, b-but it's burnt!"
JH: "So? You made it for me, so I'll eat it."
SN: "Jihyo.."
Sana had a big smile on her face.
SN: "Okay!"
They both had their breakfast.
JH: (I'm glad that Sana is happy and smiling again. That's all that matters.)
JY: "..?"
Jeongyeon looked to her side and saw Mina sleeping.
JY: "M-Mina?"
MN: "..Mmm..hmm?"
JY: "Ah..S-sorry."
MN: "..Morning.."
JY: "G-good morning.."
MN: "..Sorry I studied when we got home. I didn't get to sleep that much."
JY: "Ah, n-no it's my fault. Sorry. Umm, w-why am I here at your place?"
MN: "Eh? You said you wanted to stay here today."
JY: "I did!?"
MN: "Yes."
JY: "Oh God.. I can't remember."
MN: "Umm, you were pretty drunk."
JY: "This is embarassing. Sorry, Mina.."
JY: "..I owe you a lot. How can I repay you?"
MN: "Hmm.. Go to school today."
JY: "Huh?"
MN: "I want you go to go school today. That's how you repay me."
JY: "..Alright. Thanks, Mina.. then I'll go home to get my stuff."
MN: "See you later then, unnie."
Back at Jihyo's place. The two were done getting ready for school.
SN: "I'm glad that we'll walk together to school today!"
JH: "Shall we get going then?"
SN: "Yes~!"
JH: "So, will you practice again later?"
SN: "Yeah! I'll show you I can do better than yesterday!"
JH: "Looking forward to it."
SN: "Oh, by the way Jihyo, here!"
Sana handed to Jihyo her notebook.
SN: "I found it, ehehe~ I hope that'll help you out!"
JH: "Thanks, Sana!"
They eventually arrived at the university. However, they accidentally met someone that Sana least wanted to see right now.
JH: "Oh, Nayeon! I didn't see you yesterday."
SN: "..."
JH: "Are you sure you're okay now?"
NY: "Yeah! Don't worry, Jihyo."
SN: "..Ah! Jihyo, first period is about to start soon. Let's hurry!"
JH: "Oh shoot! Gotta run. We'll see you later, Nayeon!"
NY: (So, I guess Sana hasn't told Jihyo about anything yet. That's good for me.)
Somebody approached Nayeon from behind.
??: "Unnie."
NY: "Ah!"
Nayeon turned around, and it was also the person she least wanted to see.
NY: "T-Tzuyu!"
NY: "R-right. I'll also wait for your answers.."
TY: "I keep my promises, unnie. I'll see you later after school."
Tzuyu left.
NY: "..This is going to be a long day.."
Nayeon went on her way to her first class.
JH: (I have lots of time. I guess I could just chill at the SSC room for the meantine.)
Jihyo went to the SSC room. As expected, noone was there.
Jihyo entered the SSC room. Everything was neat.
JH: (I guess Chaeyoung and Jeongyeon really do a good job. Okay, time to study first.)
Jihyo spent her time studying. After around 40 minutes, she heard footsteps coming closer.
Jeongyeon entered the room.
JY: "Oh, Jihyo."
JH: "Oh, it's you Jeongyeon. How are you?"
JY: "Y-yeah. I'm much better now."
JH: "Much better now? Did something happen?"
JY: "Ah, no. Nothing. (I guess she doesn't know I was absent.)
JH: "Okay."
JH: "Getting used to it. Strangely enough it's like I can understand these things even though I can't really remember."
JY: "How about your recital?"
JH: "Oh, yeah. I'm still not sure how I'll do it. But I'm glad Sana found this notebook."
JY: "Ah!"
JH: "Huh?"
JY: "Oh, n-nothing. So.. what about that notebook?"
JH: "There's a composition here that my other self made. I'll look into it later and it might help me on the recital."
JY: "The festival. We need to make sure everyone is following our guidelines. Don't worry we'll be excused on class activities for the next two days."
JH: "I see. Then that's a real lifesaver I don't need to study too much."
JY: "Err, yeah right."
Jihyo's day continued normally. All seem to be normal for her, but her friends are concerned of several things and it all revolves around her. The time is now at 3pm.
Jihyo went to the dance hall. There she saw Sana working hard herself. She's amazed on Sana's finesse and emotion.
JH: (She's like a piece of art..)
SN: "Ah! Jihyo! Thanks for coming!"
JH: "Hey, Sana. Momo's not with you?"
SN: "She said she needs to do something so I'll practice on my own today."
JH: "I see. Work hard then. I'll be here watching."
Sana continued dancing.
JH: (Is she distracted?)
After Sana's performance.
JH: "Sana, is everything okay?"
SN: "Eh? Why?"
JH: "There's something on your mind. You're not in focus."
SN: "..."
JY: "..Hey.."
NY: "..."
JY: "Sorry, I just want to speak up ever since you broke up with me too.. Can we go talk?
NY: "..Okay."
JY: "Thanks.."
NY: "..So?"
JY: "I just want to tell you that even of it was just for short, I loved you."
NY: "..Thanks."
JY: "But that is also why I'll do this.."
NY: "W-what are young doing!?"
Jeongyeon suddenly kissed her.
NY: "S-stop! W-what do you think you're doing!?"
JY: "Kissing you."
Jeongyeon pushed herself for another kiss. Nayeon tried to fight back, but Jeongyeon was stronger than her. Nayeon's body gave up and just let Jeongyeon release her eventually.
NY: "..I don't know.."
JY: "I understand."
Jeongyeon let go of her. Nayeon regained her composure.
JY: "I guess I really just love an idiot."
NY: "..If that's all then I'll be going now."
JY: "..No."
NY: "Huh?"
JY: "I'll win you back, Nayeon."
NY: (..Come to think of it, that was our first kiss.. Even though we dated, she hasn't brought up kissing before. But why.. why do I feel that.. I want more?.. I don't understand.)
NY: "Ah! Who-"
She turned around and saw Momo.
NY: "W-wait. Have you heard everything?"
MM: "Yup, weird though that you 'liked' getting forced. Didn't know you had that in you hehe."
NY: "N-no, I didn't like it! She was just stronger than me.."
NY: "..Can you not tell the others?"
MM: "Eh? Why?"
NY: "Please, Momo."
MM: "Hmm.. Okay."
NY: "But why are you here?"
MM: "Just passing by."
NY: "..Okay. I'll get going now.."
Nayeon left and went elsewhere.
MM: "They're all dishonest about themselves.."
SN: "..Is it okay to tell you?"
JH: "Of course, Sana. I'm always willing to listen."
Jihyo noticed Sana changed expressions. She's looking very serious about this.
JH: (Is this about yesterday?)
SN: "Okay.. but can we do that while walking home?"
SN: "Yeah it's just that I don't want anyone to see us.. I want to talk about this only with you.."
JH: "..Alright. So, would you like to go now?"
SN: "Okay. Thanks, Jihyo."
They both packed up and went on their way to Jihyo's place.
JY: "..Ugh."
MN: "Are you okay, unnie?"
JY: "I'M AN IDIOT!"
MN: "Umm, please calm down you'll disturb other customers."
JY: "..S-sorry."
MN: "Have a seat here by the stools.. So, what's wrong?"
JY: "..I did something stupid."
JY: "..I kissed Nayeon by force."
MN: "..Why did you do that?"
JY: "I don't know.. At first I just wanted to say to her that I still love her.."
MN: "..I see."
JY: "I did tell her too that I want to win her back.. Is there anything wrong with that?"
JY: "I guess.. this is what I really want, but I still want Jihyo to return."
MN: "It's going to be tough, unnie.."
JY: "Oh, I just remembered. I talked to Jihyo earlier. She has the notebook Nayeon showed me.."
JY: "Sana gave it to her. But basing it on our talk, she didn't tell Jihyo that she got it from Nayeon.."
MN: "So Sana is involved now too.."
JY: "I need to talk to her.."
MN: "..This is really ironic.."
JY: "Huh? What do you mean by that?"
JY: "..."
Elsewhere, just two blocks away from school. Nayeon turned to the corner.
NY: "Sorry, I got caught up in something.. Did you wait long?"
NY: "Alright.. Then let's go to my home. I'll show you everything.."
Meanwhile, Jihyo and Sana are walking back home.
JH: "So, Sana. You can tell it to me now. Noone will see us.."
SN: "Yes.. this is all about your past self.."
SN: "Nayeonie and Jeongyeon-unnie both tried to find ways to bring back your old self.."
JH: "..."
SN: "I didn't like it.."
JH: "..Why?"
SN: "You're still Jihyo.."
JH: "..Maybe I'm not."
SN: "Nayeonie went to Bucheon.. and found that notebook."
SN: "It was found inside your car."
JH: "I see.."
SN: "Sorry if I didn't tell you earlier.."
JH: "It's alright, but.."
SN: "Hmm?"
JH: "Why did you cry yesterday?"
SN: "..."
JH: "Sana, don't worry about the details.. I'll be strong for you.."
JH: "I won't.."
SN: "..Nayeon discovered a lot about your past self.."
JH: "..Like what?"
SN: "You were.. in love with her for the past 10 years.."
JH: "W-what!?"
SN: "It's hard to explain.. there were signs."
SN: "You kept a lot of photos of her.. You also held promises in a time-capsule for 10 years that you lived your life to be noticed by Nayeon.. but she was unable to see everything you did.. She fell in love with Jeongyeon instead.."
JH: "I..I see."
JH: "..Everything?"
SN: "You hid your depression from everyone.. and.."
JH: "The accident happened.. and I'm here now.."
SN: "..Yes.."
JH: "I.."
Sana began crying.
JH: "Don't cry, Sana.. I do understand everything.. but there are some things that are clear now.."
SN: "..What do you mean?"
JH: "I'm a different individual. My past self loving Nayeon doesn't mean I have to love her too right?"
JH: "No, Sana. Don't worry about that. I haven't seen Nayeon as somebody I want to fall in love with.. Besides, isn't she with Jeongyeon?"
SN: "..Nayeonie broke up with her.. because she wants you to return.."
JH: "W-what? So, Jeongyeon wasn't fine because of.."
JH: "..I want to talk to them.."
SN: "Ah. N-no, please don't go to Nayeonie!"
JH: "But it feels wrong..them breaking up just for the other me to return.. Don't you want me to return too Sana?"
SN: "I do but..you will.."
SN: "DON'T SAY THAT! You're real! You're here! You're still Jihyo! I.. I'm afraid of losing you.."
JH: "..Sorry, Sana.."
They arrived at the apartment. Both were quiet. Jihyo sat at her desk.
SN: "..I'm sorry for shouting too, Jihyo.."
It was quiet, Jihyo wanted to say something she always wanted to Sana.. but she doesn't know how to say it.
JH: "Sana, I was your best friend, right?"
SN: "Yes.."
JH: "Does that mean.. I'm also.. not required to be.. just a best friend?"
SN: "W-what do you mean?"
JH: "AHH!"
Jihyo fell from her seat.
SN: "J-Jihyo! Are you okay!?"
JH: "..W-where am I? Sana?"
Sana saw the back of the notebook, realized what happened, and tears started to fall in her eyes.
Sana was out of words. It's her. This is how she speaks. She couldn't control her tears from falling. Is she happy? Is she sad?
JH: "I don't know what's going on, but don't cry Sana. I'm here for you!"
JH: "S-Sana? Can't..breathe.."
SN: "..Welcome back.. Jihyo.."
JH: "What are you talking about? Huh? Wait why do I have short hair!?"
SN: "Jihyo.."
JH: "Huh?"
SN: "I'll tell you everything I know.."
NY: "Jihyo has been keeping these. She has always been in love with me.. she never posted those but kept them for herself."
TY: "..."
NY: "Jeongyeon and I also found this. It's from a time-capsule we made several years ago. We both forgot about these but.."
NY: "Jihyo lived the past ten years to live up in being an ideal partner for me.. but I never looked at her. She even supported my love for Jeongyeon.."
TY: "..."
NY: "This is why everything is my fault.. and I'll fix everything too.."
NY: "I already broke up with Jeongyeon, because I want to confess to Jihyo. I'm sure you know how a 'switch' works, right? You've read it at the library.."
TY: "..Do you really love Jihyo-unnie?"
NY: "Huh? Yeah I do.. That's why I'm doing this.."
NY: "You don't understand, Tzuyu.. I realized that I should've given her more attention and care.."
TY: "You think she'll be back if you confess?"
NY: "Yes."
TY: "You don't understand."
NY: "What are you talking about?"
NY: "That's not true. If she's able to see that I understand now how she feels, then she will return and stay with us!"
TY: "I guess we just need to find out then."
NY: "Wait, Tzuyu.."
NY: "I held on my promise. Now it's your turn. Why are you so eager to look into Jihyo's condition right now?"
TY: "..Unnie."
NY: "..?"
TY: "I was with Jihyo-unnie before the accident.."
Tzuyu's statement put Nayeon into a state of shock.
NY: "Y-you mean.."
NY: "..Why didn't you tell us?"
TY: "I didn't have to. Because I wanted to also know why unnie was in a state of depression."
NY: "Tzuyu, don't tell me you're.."
TY: "..Yes, I love Jihyo-unnie."
TY: "..She stayed at my place the day before."
NY: "..What?.."
-start of past memory-
The day before the accident. It was already closing time for the cafè.
MN: "I'll be leaving now, Tzuyu. See you."
TY: "Goodbye."
TY: (..Is that..Jihyo-unnie?)
Tzuyu went outside to check on her.
TY: "..Unnie?"
JH: "..Oh..Tzuyu.. How are you?"
TY: "I'm okay. Umm, what brings you here?"
JH: "..Nothing.. I.. don't know."
TY: "..Are you okay?"
JH: "Hey.."
TY: "..Yes?"
JH: "Can I.. stay with you tonight?.."
Tzuyu was surprised to hear this.
TY: "..Okay."
TY: "Umm, sorry unnie. I wasn't able to prepare. We.. can both sleep on the bed."
JH: "..Yeah.."
Tzuyu turned off the lights and the two of them laid on the bed.
TY: "..Goodnight, unnie."
JH: "..."
JH: "..."
JH: "..Tzuyu.. do you know.. what's worse than death?.."
TY: "W-what are you talking about, unnie?.."
JH: "..It's to be forgotten.. You're still alive.. but noone knows you.. unlike.. when you die, people actually remember you.."
TY: "..."
TY: "..Don't say that, unnie.."
JH: "..But what if.. the one that matters to you.. forgets about you? What would you do.. when you lose what matters most?"
TY: "..I don't know.. because I don't want to.. I don't want to lose you, unnie."
TY: "I love you.."
JH: "..Sorry, Tzuyu.. I.. I'm lost."
TY: "No, unnie. It's okay.. I'll stay with you. You're mine.. and I'm yours. I won't let anyone harm you.. You've done so much for me, I won't let people get in the way.."
TY: "Good morning, Jihyo-unnie."
JH: "..."
TY: "..Let's skip school today, unnie."
TY: "Umm, please wait for me unnie. I need to get something first."
Tyuzu went back to the mall to get a surprise she prepared earlier; a bouquet. She went back and hurried to Jihyo again. However, Jihyo's car was nowhere to be seen.
She left.
NY: "..I can't believe it.."
TY: "..That's all there is to it, unnie. But thank you for letting me know about why Jihyo-unnie got her condition."
NY: "..You really did all that.. to Jihyo?"
TY: "..Because I love her. It's something you could never do.."
NY: "SHUT UP! Jihyo would never fall for you!"
TY: "I'll bring her back, and I'll make her forget that she loved someone selfish like you.."
NY: "Do you hear yourself, Tzuyu!? Don't force her to be with you!"
TY: "You're the reason she won't return to us."
TY: "..We're done talking, unnie."
NY: "..But this ain't over, Tzuyu.. I'll bring her back.. and I won't let you have her."
TY: "Goodluck. You'll need it.."
Tzuyu left Nayeon's room and house.
Back at Jihyo and Sana.
JH: "So Sana.. let me ask you again what I understand."
JH: "I had a car crash, and ended up in the hospital. However, all this time a different me has been conscious?"
SN: "Yes."
JH: "She was also responsible for cutting my hair, and doing my daily tasks at school?"
SN: "..Yes."
JH: "I have a question though.."
JH: "Why did I end up in a car crash?"
SN: "(..Eh? She can't remember? So.. she doesn't remember Nayeon and Jeongyeon's relationship?)
JH: "..Sorry, my memory it still fuzzy."
SN: "Umm, it's alright Jihyo. Let's take time to understand everything."
JH: "Thanks."
Sana tried to recall what Jihyo said earlier but she couldn't. Everything happened in an instant.
SN: "Umm, yeah."
JH: "I see. So we better tell them that I'm now back."
SN: "Ah. Y-yeah!"
JH: "Are they at the cafè?"
SN: "I'm not sure. Maybe some of them. W-wait I'll call Minari."
Sana dialled Mina's number.
SN: "H-hi, Mina! How are you?"
MN: "I'm doing fine. Why did you call?"
SN: "Ah, I just want to know who's at the cafè right now."
MN: "Right now it's just me and Jeongyeon. Dahyun and Chaeyoung passed by but they already left."
SN: (J-Jeongyeon!?) "Oh! Okay."
SN: "Ah.. Umm, is it okay if me and Jihyo will go there? We're at her apartment."
MN: "Sure. See you Sana-chan."
SN: "Thanks! See you."
Sana dropped the call.
SN: (I want to talk to Jeongyeon-unnie. Good thing Nayeonie isn't there too..)
SN: "Ah, Minari and Jeongyeon-unnie are there right now. Would you like to go see them?"
JH: "Yeah! Let's go."
The two of them headed their way to the cafè. Meanwhile over at the cafè.
JY: "You were talking with Sana?
MN: "Yes, unnie."
MN: "I'm not sure. But they are on their way here."
JY: (Good timing. I guess I can ask her about what she knows.) "Alright."
Sana and Jihyo are heading to the cafè.
SN: "..."
JH: "You've been kind of quiet, Sana. Are you fine?"
SN: "Y-yeah.."
SN: "Y-yeah. I'm surprised too."
JH: "So.. what kind of person is this other me?"
SN: "Well, she's really straightforward."
SN: "She talks really casually. And has this feel of being a girl crush. She's cool too."
JH: "..I see. Does she treat you well?
SN: "Yeah! She doesn't show it like you, but she's also very caring."
JH: "That's a relief. I was worried that I might be hurting you."
JH: "..That's good then. It feels strange though."
SN: "Eh?"
JH: "It's like there's this side of me that I do not know.. And that person feels like she's still inside me too.."
SN: "L-like, you feel her?"
JH: "Yeah, kind of.."
JH: "Can you tell me more about her next time?"
SN: "Sure. I'd love to."
JH: "We're pretty close to the cafè."
SN: "Yeah." (I hope Nayeon-unnie doesn't show up. But if she knows Jeongyeon-unnie is here.. I guess she won't.)
SN: "Ah, g-good evening!"
MN: "Nice to see you two. Have a seat."
JY: (It's Sana. She looks nervous?)
Sana and Jihyo sat by the stools along with Jeongyeon. By the time they sat down, the door's bells made a sound and saw another friend of theirs.
TY: "Hi, Sana-unnie. Sure."
JH: "Come sit beside me, Tzuyu."
Tzuyu sat down beside Jihyo.
MN: "Would you like some coffee, Jihyo?"
JH: "Sure. Same old blend please."
MN: "..Eh?"
JY: "Huh?"
TY: "..?"
JH: "Ah, yeah.. right."
JY: "Y-you mean.."
Jihyo smiled.
JH: "Yes, it's me. I'm back."
JY: "WHAAAAAT!?"
MN: "..Umm, unnie. Please keep it down."
JY: "S-sorry."
JH: "Sorry if I surprised you. Huh, w-what?
Tzuyu suddenly hugged her.
Tzuyu started tearing up and smiled.
TY: "Welcome back, unnie."
JH: "I'm not used to this. You're usually not affectionate. I guess I've been missed. Thank you."
MN: "Welcome back, unnie."
JH: "Thanks, Mina."
JY: (B-but how did she return?.. Does Sana know?)
JY: "Yeah, sure. Umm, let's talk over there."
JH: "Alright."
The two sat at their usual place to discuss some matters for school. Tzuyu and Sana remained by the stools at the counter with Mina.
SN: "Hmm?"
TY: "How did Jihyo-unnie return?"
SN: "I..I don't really know. It just happened."
MN: "..Something must have triggered it. Usually a memory or item from the past. Sometimes, events could also affect it.."
SN: "Minari, I have a question.."
SN: "Is the other Jihyo.. gone?"
MN: "..I don't think so. People with DID can't remove a new personality easily.."
SN: "I see. So there's a possibility she'd return again?"
MN: "Yes."
TY: "But how can she get back to normal?"
MN: "We can only help her with that."
Sana left the two.
TY: "I guess it's good at least unnie is back. She won't suffer anymore."
MN: "..It's not completely fine, Tzuyu."
TY: "What do you mean?"
MN: "It wasn't Jihyo suffering all this time.. It is Sana who is struggling.."
SN: (..Jihyo is back. She's back. The person I love the most..)
Sana looked at herself in the mirror.
SN: (I.. I want to smile. But I'm also worried.. once she remembers the reason she had DID.. but I have to tell her eventually.)
SN: "J-Jeongyeon-unnie?"
JY: "H-hey, Sana. Can I talk with you for a bit?"
SN: "..Sure. I actually want to talk with you too."
JY: "Huh? Okay.. you first then."
SN: "..I.. heard about it.."
JY: "About..?"
SN: "Your break up.."
Sana started tearing up and hugged Jeongyeon.
SN: "I..I'm sorry.."
JY: "It's okay. Don't cry for me, idiot.. but thank you."
SN: "B-but I know it's hard for you too.."
JY: "You're a sweet girl, Sana.. your partner will be so lucky."
JY: "..Thanks."
Sana let go of her hug to Jeongyeon.
JY: "So.. since you know about it.. you also know why everything happened?"
SN: "Yes.. Nayeonie told me.."
JY: "I see.. but Sana.."
SN: "Eh?"
JY: "Please don't hate her.."
JY: "I know it sounds stupid.. but Nayeon doesn't have ill intentions.."
SN: "..I understand, unnie. But I'm afraid of what may happen to Jihyo if she knows about this.."
JY: "What do you mean?"
SN: "..Jihyo doesn't remember why she had the car accident.."
SN: "I don't think she remembers that you and Nayeonie were a couple.."
JY: "I see.. I have one more question Sana."
SN: "..Sure."
JY: "So, do you know the reason why Jihyo went back to her old self?"
SN: "Yeah. I think it was Jihyo's song in her notebook."
SN: "So.. the song was really.."
JY: "Yes.. about Nayeon."
SN: "I see."
JY: "I'm really sorry, Sana.."
SN: "Don't be, unnie.."
SN: "Do you have any idea what we should do?"
JY: "Not really.. but it's best Nayeon would not know that Jihyo is back.."
SN: "We should try to avoid them meeting each other too."
JY: "Thanks, Sana. Our talk helped me a lot. Take care of yourself too."
JY: "Yeah?"
SN: "..Do you still love Nayeonie?"
JY: "..Yeah."
SN: "..."
JY: "..She's an idiot, but she does them because she believes something good will happen in the end.."
SN: "That's nice to know.."
JH: "So, how have things been with you guys?"
MN: "Still the same, unnie. I've been enjoying myself.
JH: "And you, Tzuyu?"
TY: "I'm also fine, unnie. Thank you."
TY: "Unnie, I have a question."
JH: "Sure."
TY: "Do you remember what happened before your accident?"
JH: "..Hmm.. honestly, I don't. If I try to remember now, I'm getting this kind of headache."
TY: "I see.."
MN: "..Try not to overthink, unnie.."
MN: "Its probably because of an overlap on the memory.. What you remember is different from what the other you remembers."
JH: "I see.."
TY: "..."
MN: "It will come back to you eventually."
JH: "Speaking of which, I have this strange feeling.. like I'm not alone."
JH: "I can't express it. But like I can feel in my heart the other me is hidden somewhere.. Does this mean that personality is still inside me?"
MN: "Yes, it is possible.."
JH: "..Is it possible for someone like me to.. 'talk' to this person?"
JH: "..It's really strange.. but.. why did I end up having this condition?"
TY: "..."
JH: "I guess so.."
MN: "We'll help you out, unnie. Don't worry."
JH: "..I have one last question, Minari."
MN: "Sure."
JH: "Is it possible.. for that other me.. to return again?"
MN: "Yes. It depends.."
MN: "..Depend on you, that personality, or whatever may happen in the world.. It's like when someone is in trouble, there's a rush of adrenaline which makes one do something they usually can't.. or if you end up in fear of something, you would also hide.."
MN: "You're welcome, unnie."
Jeongyeon and Sana went out of the restroom.
JY: "Umm, hey guys. Can I ask for a request from all of you? Especially you, Jihyo."
JH: "Oh? What is it?"
JH: "Hmm, I guess we have to consider that."
SN: "Yeah! At least they'll understand you easily too."
JY: "Great. We'll start with Chaeyoung. We need to make rounds in the campus for the festival. We can tell everybody that way."
JH: "Sounds good then."
JY: "Alright. I'll head home now. Tomorrow's going to be busy."
JH: "See you, Jeong."
SN: "Should we go home now too, Jihyo?"
JH: "Sure. So, we'll see you around tomorrow, Mina, Tzuyu."
TY: "See you, unnie."
MN: "Take care you two."
Sana and Jihyo left. Mina and Tzuyu were quiet. After a few minutes, Tzuyu spoke to Mina.
MN: "..."
TY: "We could've told her what happened.."
MN: "..Some things are better off this way for now, Tzuyu.. It's a white lie."
TY: "..."
MN: "..We don't want her to become depressed again."
TY: "..I just think we had to.."
TY: "..But there are also things that become better if we don't let time pass for a long time.."
MN: "..That's true.. But unnie's condition is not that.."
TY: "Really?"
MN: "..Yes."
MN: "Tzuyu, I know.. that you love our unnie a lot.."
TY: "..What? How.. how did you.."
MN: "I see you everyday.. You don't talk much, but your behavior gives you away."
TY: "..You're scary, Mina-unnie."
Mina giggled.
MN: "I wouldn't say scary. Maybe.. observant."
MN: "Rest well, Tzuyu. I'll be leaving in a bit."
Tzuyu went up her room.
TY: (Jihyo-unnie is back.. but how did she return?)
She opened her room and was greeted by Gucci and played with her.
TY: (Unnie.. I love you..)
TY: (..I guess it works for me that Nayeonie won't know yet that she's back. Sana-unnie seems to care for her a lot though.. and Jeongyeonie likely knows it too since Nayeonie broke up with her. I have to move before she finds out..)
JH: "By the way, Sana.."
SN: "Yes?"
JH: "I noticed earlier, you had a lot of things in my apartment. Does that mean you have been staying with me?"
SN: "Ah, y-yes! Umm, does that bother you?"
JH: "Not really, but I'm thankful!"
JH: "Well, Jeongyeon told me earlier too, you were the one who watched over me when I was unconscious and you didn't leave the hospital too. You also stayed with me all this time. I owe a lot to you!"
SN: "N-no, it's okay! Ehehe."
JH: "Will you also stay for today?"
JH: "Sure! You can always stay over, Sana. I think I'd also be more comfortable that way. It feels like I've travelled for some time and a lot of things happened that I don't know of."
SN: "O-okay!"
JH: "I owe you big time so just ask me anything!"
JH: "Alright, let's head home!"
The two finally arrived at Jihyo's apartment.
JH: "Let's get some rest now."
SN: "Okay, I'll get changed."
While Sana was changing, Jihyo saw her notebook again. She picked it up and look at the back page.
JH: "By the way, Sana.. How are Nayeon and the others doing?"
SN: "..They're doing okay.."
JH: "I see.. tomorrow's a big day, and I guess I still have my recital."
JH: "You'll have a performance with Momo too, right? I'm looking forward to that."
SN: "Thanks!"
JH: "I'll get changed now."
Jihyo took her clothes and got changed in the bathroom. Sana's smile slowly faded away. She's afraid right now, afraid of the future.
Jihyo got out of bathroom. She noticed Sana looks sad.
JH: "..Are you okay, Sana?"
Jihyo moved closer to Sana.
JH: "Is something wrong?"
Sana started to have watery eyes.
SN: "I..I'm just afraid of losing you.."
Jihyo hugged Sana.
JH: "..Don't worry, Sana. You won't lose me."
SN: "..Yeah." (No, Jihyo.. not losing you because you'll switch again.. but losing you because of Nayeon..)
SN: "You too, Jihyo.."
JH: "Come on. Let's sleep now."
SN: "Thanks, Jihyo. Goodnight."
They both tucked in and got some rest for the night. The following day, Sana woke up early. She took a looked Jihyo sleeping.
JH: "..Huh? Sana? Is it morning already?"
JH: "Good morning. What time is it?"
SN: "Umm, about 8am."
JH: "Okay. Come on, let's prepare for today."
Sana smiled.
SN: "..Yeah!"
The two of them got ready. Went on their way to school and arrived on time.
SN: (We didn't see Nayeonie.)
SN: "See you, Jihyo!"
Sana went to her class. On the other hand, Jihyo went to the SSC room to meet up with Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung. Upon arriving, the two were already there.
CY: "Good morning, unnie!"
JH: "Good morning! How's our baby tiger?"
CY: "..Huh? Unnie, did you just call me.."
JH: "I'm glad to see you again, Chae! Let me explain.."
Jihyo explained everything to Chaeyoung.
JH: "..And that's about it."
JY: "Sorry, Chae. I wanted Jihyo to say it."
JH: "Thanks! So, shall we get started?"
JY: "Alright. So, it's going to take some time to go over every place. We'll need to split. You and Chae will go to the Fine Arts and Performing arts building."
CY: "How about you, Jeongyeon-unnie?"
JY: "I'll handle the Science and Communication Arts buildings for today."
JH: "Sounds good then."
JY: (Great. This way, Nayeon won't be able to see her too.) "Alright. Let's get going."
The three of them separated ways.
JH: "By the way Chae, how was the other me to you guys?"
JH: "..Does that mean, I'm not serious for you?"
CY: "Ah, n-no I mean-"
JH: "Just kidding! Don't worry. I'm just teasing you."
CY: "Ah! Don't do that unnie!"
JH: "I just missed you!"
JH: "..Well, I'm here now. It's what matters right? Like I told you before when we met each other, what's important is now, not yesterday."
CY: "..Yes!"
JH: "Come on. Let's check everything else."
At the same time Jeongyeon was checking out the Science building and their preparations.
Jeongyeon just observed Mina helping out build up their stall. In about a minute, Mina was able to see her, and she smiled. Jeongyeon smiled back and approached them.
JY: "So.. how are things here?"
MN: "We're doing fine, unnie. Everyone's working hard."
MN: "Would you like to see our floor plan and proposal?"
JY: "..Nah, I trust you. Can I talk with you for a bit though?"
MN: "Sure."
JY: "Thanks."
They both went to the end of the corridor by the staircase.
MN: "What would you like to talk about?"
MN: "Oh, about Jihyo-unnie's return?"
JY: "Yeah, what do you think about it?"
MN: "I understand what you're trying to do.. it's for her to avoid Nayeon-unnie, right?"
JY: "Yeah, for now."
MN: "But she'll know about the truth soon."
JY: "How?"
JY: "I see.. Thanks, Mina."
MN: "Unnie.."
JY: "Huh?"
MN: "..Don't rush it. She might end up hurt even more."
JY: "..I understand. See you."
S: "Oh, she said she'll go to the Performing Arts building for a bit."
Jeongyeon hurried to the Performing Arts building. Meanwhile, Jihyo and Chaeyoung just arrived there.
JH: "Hey, Chae. What do you say we split up our inspection?"
JH: "I'll check the ground and 2nd floor. You take care of the 3rd and 4th floor."
CY: "Are you sure?"
JH: "Of course! I trust your judgement."
CY: "Okay!"
JH: "Alright. I'll see you later at the SSC room!"
Jihyo and Chaeyoung split up.
JH: "..Huh? They're not here? Excuse me, have you seen Sana and Momo?"
S: "Oh, they might be at the dance hall downstairs."
JH: "I see. Thanks!" (I'll go down once I finish up everything needed here.)
SN: "AH! I'm tired!"
MM: "Let's take a break then. I'll grab some food for us first."
SN: "Okay!"
Momo left the dance hall. While waiting, Sana did some stretching. After a few minutes, someone knocked on the door.
The door opened and it wasn't Momo that Sana saw.
SN: "..W-what.. what are you doing here?"
NY: "..I came here to talk, Sana.."
SN: "There's nothing to talk about!"
NY: "There is. You're making me avoid Jihyo and now's a good time."
NY: "..And what? No longer let the real Jihyo return to us? I'm not just going to let her disappear knowing how much she did for me!"
SN: "Are you saying the other Jihyo isn't real!?"
SN: "She's still Jihyo. Don't say that to her! You'll hurt her feelings!"
NY: "But if she disappears, there's no need to hold on such feelings right? That's why.."
SN: "..."
SN: "..No."
NY: "Let me do my part, Sana. Everything will be back to normal once she recovers. You'll have your best friend again."
SN: "..You don't understand."
Sana started tearing up.
NY: "No, it's you who is confused right--"
Suddenly, someone came rushing in the dance hall.
JH: "Sana! I heard you scream. Are you alright? Huh? Nayeon? What are you doing here?"
NY: "Jihyo.. you're here. Please listen to me!"
JH: "Huh?"
SN: "NO! DON'T!"
Suddenly, someone also arrived.
MM: "Yooo, Jihyo-ssi! You're back to normal? Oh Nayeonie's here too. What's going on?"
NY: "..Huh? Back to.. normal?"
SN: "..Eh?"
JH: "What? How did.."
JH: "Dark Jihyo? N-no. You're right. T-that's amazing Momo! I didn't expect you'd notice!"
MM: "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
NY: "B-but.. how.."
JH: "So much for a surprise.. well yeah. Just to tell you two. I'm back to normal. For now, I guess."
JH: "Sorry for making you worry. I don't really know too. To be honest I can't recall much prior to the car crash or even why. I'm getting a headache just thinking about it. I want to know too, but for now, I'm just glad to be back to you all."
MM: "You didn't notice?"
SN: (..I guess Nayeonie got shocked that Jihyo is back to normal. But she could still tell the truth..)
NY: "..Welcome back, Jihyo.."
Nayeon was crying.
JH: "Wha- wait! Don't cry Nayeonie. Everything's fine."
Jihyo moved closer to Nayeon.
Nayeon suddenly hugged Jihyo. Sana saw this and she felt a strong heartache. What's worse is that Jihyo hugged her back. As much as she wanted to separate the two, it would only make Jihyo hate her.
SN: "..."
MM: "Hooo~ this is interesting~"
SN: (Huh? NO!)
JH: "What is it Nayeonie?"
MM: "Eh?"
Suddenly, someone else came rushing in the dance hall. Everybody got distracted and looked at who is at the door.
JY: "Ah! N-Nayeon! I finally found you!"
NY: "Huh?"
NY: "Ah!"
Jeongyeon grabbed Nayeon's hand and rushed again outside of the dance hall.
MM: "What was that about?"
JH: "Uhh, I don't know."
SN: (Thank you, Jeongyeonie..)
JH: "Whew. Are you alright Sana?"
Jihyo helped Sana stand up.
MM: "Hooo~ maybe I'll get more food."
SN: "M-Momo!"
JH: "Huh?"
SN: "I'm okay now, let's continue!"
MM: "..What? You haven't even eaten yet."
SN: "Ah, y-yeah!"
MM: "Here you go."
Momo tossed her the sandwich.
SN: "Ah, Jihyo.."
JH: "Hmm?"
SN: "Can you go pick me up later once we're finished?"
MM: "Hooo~"
JH: "Sure. I'll head back to the SSC room for now. See you later!"
SN: "Thanks! See you!"
Jihyo left the two.
SN: "..."
MM: "Oh, quiet now? Are you angry?"
Sana walked towards Momo and hugged her.
MM: "H-hey, what are you doing?"
SN: "..Thank you, Momo.."
MM: "Sa-tang, you know I don't like cheesy stuff except food. Save that for Jihyo-ssi."
NY: "L-let go of me!"
Jeongyeon let go of her.
JY: "..."
NY: "What do you think you're doing!?"
JY: "..You'll only hurt Jihyo if you do that."
NY: "..I'm starting to hate you more.."
JY: "..Are you sure?"
NY: "..Huh?"
NY: "..You're just annoying."
JY: "..Good then. At least I'm getting your attention."
NY: "Shut up.."
JY: "Jihyo's back.. that's whats important right? But really, I want something else though.."
NY: "..Huh?"
JY: "..I'll make you confess to me again."
Nayeon blushed.
JY: "Say what you want. Just don't make a mistake about confessing to Jihyo.. I'll go now."
Jeongyeon left.
NY: "..Idiot."
Meanwhile, back at the dance hall.
SN: *sigh*
MM: "You okay?"
SN: "..Yeah. Just tired."
SN: "No, I mean.. All these things happening right now is draining me."
MM: "Oh, about Jihyo?"
SN: "Yeah."
MM: "Are you giving up?"
SN: "Huh? No!"
MM: "Then when will you act?"
SN: "Eh?"
MM: "You know. Confess to Jihyo-ssi."
MM: "Because you might lose. I noticed Nayeonie towards her. It looks like she broke up with Jeongie for Jihyo-ssi."
SN: "Eh? You knew?"
MM: "Yeah I just saw them yesterday. Jeongie was smooching her by force, but Nayeonie liked it though hehehe. She tou-"
MM: "Anyway, based on what they said it looks like they broke up. That's why I think Nayeonie's actions earlier were fishy."
SN: "..I see."
MM: "So, you aren't going to do anything?"
SN: "..."
MM: "..Nothing?"
SN: "..I want to, but.."
SN: "..It's not that I don't want to confess to Jihyo, but I'm afraid of losing her.."
MM: "But what if Jihyo-ssi likes Nayeonie too? You'll still lose her."
SN: "..."
MM: "It's so obvious.."
MM: "Which is more important to you? Your friendship or your love for her?"
SN: "..My love for her."
MM: "Then that's it. It's like you choose between two restaurants, you pick the one you really like, right?"
Sana finally smiled.
SN: "..You're right, Momo."
SN: "L-l-later!?"
MM: "Yeah? Why waste time?"
SN: "I can't bring it up all of a sudden!"
MM: "..Why not?"
SN: "Uhh, let's see.. y-you need the right timing! Like.. you can't eat unless you're hungry, right?"
MM: "..Oh.. right!"
MM: "You owe me dinner then?"
SN: "Ehh?.. Fine."
Meanwhile, Jihyo is back at the SSC room.
JH: (..What was that all about? It felt like they were hiding something from me.. Is it about my accident?)
JH: (I'm getting curious of what happened.. Sana was almost crying, Nayeonie wanted to tell me something.. and Jeong suddenly appearing and dragging Nayeonie outside.. Huh? Jeong and Nayeonie? Am I.. forgetting something?)
CY: "Oh, you're already here, unnie?"
JH: "Ah, yeah. It went smoothly. So how was it?"
CY: "It's pretty fine. I got back late because I was chatting with Dahyunie for some time."
JH: "I see. That's okay. Uh, Chae I have a question.."
JH: "..Is there something between Nayeonie and Jeong?"
CY: "..Umm, I'm not sure if there's anything else. They just became a couple about two weeks ago, right?"
JH: "..Huh?"
CY: "Though I don't see them hanging out recently.."
JH: "..I..I see.."
CY: "Why, unnie?"
CY: "Nayeonie was in the Performing Arts building?"
JH: "..Yeah. Anyway, thanks for telling me!"
CY: "Sure!"
JH: (So.. Nayeonie and Jeong are.. in a relationship?)
CY: "..Unnie?"
JH: "..Yes?"
CY: "Why are you crying?"
JH: "..Huh!?"
Jihyo noticed that she has a teardrop on her left eye.
JH: "Ah.. m-might be some dust! Sorry."
CY: "Oh, sorry unnie. I haven't cleaned up recently."
JH: "N-no it's fine!"
Jihyo wiped her tears. In a few minutes, Jeongyeon came in.
JY: "..Sorry I'm late."
JH: "Ah, it..it's alright!"
CY: "What happened, unnie?"
JY: "Uhh, Nayeon's class needed her so I had to find her.."
JY: "Yeah. Sorry.. Can you come with me, Chae?"
CY: "Oh, okay."
JH: "Shouldn't I come too? We'll finish things faster that way."
JY: "Ah, I just thought you might be tired or something."
JH: "..I..I'm fine."
JY: "It's okay, Jihyo. Just leave it to us."
JH: "..Okay. I'll wait for you guys."
CY: "See you later."
JY: "We'll be back."
Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung left.
JH: "..Are they making me avoid Nayeon? Are they.. really together?"
Meanwhile, Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung were on their way to the Comm. Arts building.
JY: "..Say, Chae.. Did Jihyo ask you anything?"
CY: "Huh? About what?"
CY: "She just asked how I was doing, and also about you."
JY: "Like what?"
CY: "She asked if there's something between you and Nayeon-unnie."
JY: "Huh!? What did you say?"
CY: "I said I only know you became a couple two weeks ago."
CY: "C-calm down, unnie! Is something wrong?"
JY: "Ah.. sorry. I guess it's important you know too.. we.. actually broke up.. a few days ago."
CY: "WHAT!?"
JY: "Calm down."
CY: "S-sorry."
JY: "..It's a long story.. but is it okay if I tell it to you next time?"
JY: "It's okay. Uhh, if you don't mind Chae, I'll go back to Jihyo first. Can you handle the inspection for now?
CY: "Oh, sure."
JY: "Thanks! See you."
Jeongyeon rushed to the SSC room.
JY: (Jihyo.. Please let everything be fine!)
JY: (What!? Where could she have gone to? Jihyo, please don't do anything reckless!)
Meanwhile, Jihyo was on her way to the infirmary.
JH: (What's.. happening.. This headache is killing me.. I need help.. someone.. help me..)
JH: "Ah!.. S-sorry.."
??: "..Are you okay, unnie?"
JH: "..Huh?"
Jihyo looked up to see who she bumped to.
TY: "Do you need help?"
JH: "Tzuyu.. can we.. talk for a bit?"
TY: "Sure, unnie."
JH: "..Thanks."
TY: "What's wrong, unnie?"
JH: "I.. I just feel lost.. there's so many things happening that I don't know of.."
TY: "..."
JH: "Please tell me the truth, Tzuyu.. why did I.. get this illness?"
JH: "You mean.."
TY: "You got depressed when they became a couple."
JH: "..So it's true.."
TY: "..I tried to help you.. I didn't want to see you hurt.."
JH: "..Huh?"
Tzuyu moved closer and hugged Jihyo.
TY: "..Unnie, stay with me.."
TY: "..I know you're in love with Nayeonie, but she has Jeongyeon-unnie now. Holding on to your feelings will only hurt yourself."
JH: "..How.. how did you.."
TY: "I promise I won't leave you, unnie.."
JH: "..You won't?"
TY: "Yes."
JH: (If Nayeon's gone.. then.. what?)
Suddenly, Jihyo's phone rang and she snapped out of her daze.
JH: "Ah!.. What? Who?"
Jihyo checked her phone and saw that it was Sana.
JH: "Oh! Sana. Hello?"
SN: "Jihyooo, are you done today?"
TY: "..."
JH: "Oh, I'm just waiting for Jeong and Chae.. Why?"
JH: "Oh, I guess it's fine. I'll just message them that I'll be with you. Oh, Tzuyu would you like to come?"
SN: "Oh, you're with Tzuyu?"
JH: "Yeah.. I wanted to go to the infirmary then I met her."
JH: "Ah! Not so loud Sana. I'm a bit okay now. Sorry."
SN: "That's not good! We'll go the infirmary too. You and Tzuyu wait there!"
JH: "No, it's--"
Sana dropped the call.
JH: "Geez. She just does what she wants. Sorry, Tzuyu."
JH: "Are you done today? Should we go to the infirmary?"
TY: "..Yes."
JH: "Alright let's go. To be honest, that talk with Sana made me feel a bit better.. I don't know why."
TY: (..Sana-unnie.. you're getting in my way.. You won't stop me from confessing..)
TY: "..Yes."
JH: "Tzuyu.. what did you mean by.. you tried to help me?"
TY: "..I helped you feel better.. You were really sad and didn't talk to anyone."
JH: "I see.. I guess.. I was really miserable."
JH: "It still kind of hurts to know.. but I guess knowing you helped me out too makes me feel better. Thanks, Tzuyu!"
TY: "It's more than just help, unnie.."
Tzuyu stopped walking.
JH: "..What do you mean? Huh? Why did you stop?"
TY: "Unnie.. please listen to me.."
TY: "For the longest time, I have been always watching you from behind.. seeing you smile, happy, sad, get hurt, and cry.. It's painful to look from afar.. I.. I don't want to always be behind you.. I'm tired of it. This time, I want to be beside you.. Jihyo-unnie.."
Tzuyu walked closer to Jihyo with her eyes locked in only a few centimeters away from each other.
TY: "I want you.. to forget about a painful past.. and look forward on a brighter future.. someone who can't even look at you doesn't deserve you.."
Tzuyu gently touched Jihyo's face and she uttered the words she held back for so long.
TY: "..I love you, Jihyo-unnie. Please go out with me."
JH: "..."
The air was silent, nobody was close by, other than two people who heard everything that Tzuyu said.
SN: (..W-wha..what's going on?)
Sana was trembling horribly. Momo saw she's about to breakdown.
Sana can't control hear tears from falling. Momo saw Sana is starting to lose herself, so she decided to do something about the situation.
Momo kicked Sana from behind. She fell and dropped face first on the snowy concrete, getting exposed to Tzuyu and Jihyo. Sana's scream distracted the two of them.
JH: "S-Sana!?"
MM: "Haha! I told you to not run too fast because you'll trip. You're so clumsy!"
MM: "WHAT? NOT HELP YOU? You were faster than me I can't catch you!"
SN: "Ah..y-yeah I guess. It's my fault. Hahaha."
MM: "Uhh, Sa-tang."
SN: "Eh?"
MM: "Your nose is bleeding.."
SN: "Ah!"
JH: "Sana! Are you okay!?"
Jihyo ran past Tzuyu.
TY: "..."
JH: "Are you crazy? It's you who needs to go there now. Come on!"
Jihyo supported Sana by her right shoulder.
MM: "Hoo~"
JH: "Can you help me, Momo?"
MM: "Okay~"
SN: "I-I'm fine!"
JH: "Say that later. Let's go there first!"
TY: "..Unnie, I just remembered something I have to do.. Let's continue later.."
JH: "..Oh, okay. S-see you, Tzuyu.."
SN: "..."
Tzuyu whispered to Jihyo.
MM: "Hooo~"
TY: *whisper* "I will wait for your answer.."
JH: "Huh!? H-hang on Sana!"
Jihyo and Momo rushed to take Sana to the infirmary.
TY: (Sana-unnie.. You're starting to annoy me.)
Jihyo had Sana checked by the nurse.
N: "..It doesn't look major. Just a bad fall. You'll be okay by tomorrow."
SN: "Umm, miss nurse? Can you also check Jihyo? She said she has a bad headache.."
N: "Oh? Let's see.."
JH: "Ah, n-no I'm fine now.. see?"
N: "She seems normal. But here's some medicine just in case."
JH: "T-thanks!"
SN: "B-but.."
JH: "I'm okay!"
SN: "M-Momo!"
MM: "Maybe it's best you two rest here for now~"
JH: "Huh? Are you leaving?"
MM: "Ah, yeah I forgot something in our classroom. See ya!"
SN: "W-wait, Momo!"
Momo closed the door and left. Soon after, Sana received a message from her.
"😘❤😚🤫🤭"
JH: "Who messaged you?"
SN: "Ah.. n-nothing important.."
N: "Excuse me you two, I'll just need to visit one class. Take your time to rest."
JH: "Thanks, miss."
The nurse left. Only Jihyo and Sana were there. The air was so silent. Both wanted to speak to the other.
JH: "Y-you first, Sana.."
SN: "N-no. Please.. go ahead.."
JH: "No, really.. go ahead."
Both were very shy to speak to the other. Finally, Sana spoke.
SN: "..Is your headache really gone?"
JH: "Yeah. I'm not really sure why, but I think it's thanks to you."
JH: "..I guess I just felt better when I heard your voice."
Sana felt something warm in her heart.
JH: "I have a question though.. why did you all.. not tell me about Nayeonie and Jeong's relationship?"
Sana's feeling of warmth turned into pain.
JH: "I learned it from Chae and Tzuyu.."
SN: "Jihyo.. because we wanted to find a way to bring you back.. we figured that the reason for your illness.. was their relationship.."
JH: "..I see."
SN: "..We didn't want you to get depressed again.. I'm really sorry.."
SN: (It might be better if I say it to her.) "..They broke up recently."
JH: "Huh? Why?"
SN: "It was Nayeonie. She.. wasn't sure of her feelings anymore."
JH: "I see.."
SN: "..Can I ask you something?"
JH: "Hmm?"
SN: "..Do you have..feelings for Nayeonie?"
curiouscat.me/JoshuaHyo
SN: "..It's okay if you don't want to answer."
JH: "..No, it's okay. I guess it was wrong of me to just keep everything and not tell my best friend about it.."
SN: (..Best friend.. It's a nice word. But it always stings..)
JH: "..Yes, I was in love with her.."
JH: "To be honest.. I don't know now.. I'm confused.. I like her. When you guys told me her and Jeong were a couple, I felt sad.. but knowing they broke up too makes me feel somewhat relieved.."
SN: "..I see." (..Is she confused?)
JH: "..But despite that.."
JH: "..It feels like I don't want to pursue it anymore.."
SN: "..What do you mean?"
JH: "..Maybe it was wrong of me.. to only stick with the past. There's a lot of people around me. I shouldn't just be fixated on looking only at Nayeon, right?"
SN: "Y-yeah.."
SN: "..Oh." (I didn't expect.. that she's in love with Jihyo too.. She confessed.. and they..kissed..right?)
JH: "Can I tell you more, Sana? I just want to let things out now."
SN: "Eh? S-sure."
JH: "Thanks, it's about earlier.."
JH: "Tzuyu confessed to me.."
SN: "..Oh."
JH: "I..I really didn't expect it..she said so many sweet things.. and it somewhat.. felt good."
Sana wanted to cry, but she held back everything, or it's just that she cried too much already.
JH: "But.."
SN: "..Eh?"
JH: "I wasn't able to respond to her.."
SN: "..Didn't you kiss?.."
JH: "Kiss? What do you mean?"
SN: "N-nothing!"
SN: (..They didn't kiss each other? Was it.. just the angle? I thought they kissed.. whew.)
JH: "But yeah, I couldn't respond to her.."
SN: "..Why?"
JH: "I guess I didn't expect it.. and I didn't really see her as a lover.. more like a little sister."
SN: "I..I see."
JH: "..Do you think we match well?"
SN: "Eh? N-no I-I don't think so.."
JH: "Yeah I guess.. I need to talk to her eventually and tell her how I feel right now.."
SN: "..Will you be more distant to Tzuyu?"
SN: "I see." (That makes me even more scared to confess to you Jihyo.)
JH: "But I know things will get better eventually. Who knows we might become a couple?"
JH: "Thanks for the talk, Sana. I think I feel a bit better now."
SN: "S-sure!"
JH: "I promise I'll be more open to you too!"
SN: "..Yeah." (Am I.. stuck on being.. just a best friend?)
Suddenly, Jihyo's phone rang.
JH: "Ah, sorry wait.. oh, Jeong?"
JH: "Hello?"
JY: "Jihyo! Where are you!?"
JH: "I'm.. at the infirmary with Sana. Why?"
JY: "Infirmary!? Why?"
JH: "I'm fine.. just a headache. Then Sana also tripped and got a nosebleed."
JY: *sigh* "Okay. Good to know."
JH: "Are you okay?"
JH: "Oh, don't worry about it. But rather, I have a favor to ask.."
JY: "What is it?"
JH: "Can you and Chae go here once you are done?"
JY: "..Alright. Just stay there. I'll wait for Chae to come back."
JH: "See you then."
SN: "Why do you suddenly want to meet them?"
JH: "I just want to hear from Jeongyeon too.. hearing that they broke up kinda hurts for me you know."
SN: "I guess so.."
Meanwhile, Tzuyu was just sitting by one of the benches thinking what has happened.
Tzuyu remembered that Sana interrupted her twice and could have ruined her biggest chances.
TY: (Sana-unnie.. I need you to stay away from Jihyo-unnie.)
??: "Tzuyu?"
Tzuyu looked behind her.
TY: "Dahyunie. Just thinking."
DH: "Oh? Mind if I sit with you?"
TY: "..Okay."
Dahyun sat down with Tzuyu.
DH: "So.. what are you thinking about?"
TY: "..."
DH: "You know, Tzuyu.. we don't talk much, but it's also good if you let things out."
DH: "Why do you look down?"
TY: "Dahyunie.."
DH: "Hmm?"
TY: "Can you smile.. if the one you love the most doesn't smile because of you?"
DH: "..That's a deep one."
TY: "..Can you?"
DH: "Yeah! Why not?"
TY: "..Why?"
DH: "Hmm.. The Law of Attraction Tzuyu."
DH: "To put it simply, you attract people around you with thesimilar energy as you."
TY: "..So?"
DH: "Just continue to smile. You'll be able to reach out to that person's feelings."
TY: "..I see."
DH: "We're still young and you think about these things?"
DH: "Well, you have a point."
TY: "..Have you ever loved someone?"
DH: "Hmm? Of course!"
TY: "..I mean, loving someone that you'd do anything just to be with them?"
DH: "Well.. if you say it like that, I love our whole group."
DH: "..I guess that's something that I haven't thought about. Are you in love, Tzuyu?"
TY: "..Yes."
DH: "Oh, that's interesting! But I won't ask you who don't worry. So how are things with the two of you?"
TY: "..I want her to look at me.."
TY: "She still hasn't recognized my feelings.."
DH: "I see."
TY: "We are friends, but.. I don't want us to be just friends.. Instead of hiding and having a meaningless life, I'd rather try my hardest and fail because of something meaningful for me.."
TY: "I won't give up, Dahyunie.."
DH: "..You're amazing Tzuyu."
TY: "Huh?"
DH: "You're very honest about your feelings. Not a lot of people are like you. I know that someday, you'll be able to reach that person's heart. I support you!"
TY: "..Thank you, unnie."
Dahyun stood up.
DH: "Shall we head to the cafè?"
Tzuyu smiled.
TY: "Okay."
Meanwhile at the infirmary. Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung arrived.
CY: "We're here, unnie. Are you both okay?"
JH: "Yeah, don't worry."
SN: "The nurse said I'll be okay by tomorrow."
JH: "So, how was your inspection?"
CY: "All good, unnie. We'll just check the remaining buildings tomorrow."
JH: "Great. So anyway.. there's another reason I wanted to talk with all of you.."
JY: "Hmm? About what?"
JH: "..I know it already..Jeong."
JH: "No, I'm sorry too. I didn't know things like these would happen.. but let me explain a few more things that happened.."
JY: "Huh?"
Jihyo explained about Tzuyu's confession and what happened earlier.
JY&CY: "WHAAAT!?"
JY: "Unbelievable.."
JH: "But please, don't make things awkward around her."
SN: "..."
JY: "Alright."
SN: (Everything seems fine. But why do I.. feel empty? Despite Tzuyu's confession, she still cares about her.. Jihyo.. would it be the same if it were me?)
N: "Oh? There's a lot of you here. We'll be closing soon so try to pack up."
JH: "Ah, yes. Sorry."
CY: "Should we go now?"
JY: "Are you guys going to be okay?"
JH: "I'm fine. How about you, Sana?"
SN: "Umm, yeah."
JH: "Alright let's go."
JY: "So, what do you guys wanna do?"
CY: "There's not much to do for now. Let's drop by the cafè."
JH: "..Can you guys go ahead?"
SN: "Eh? Why?"
JH: "I.. need to respond to Tzuyu."
SN: "..."
JY: "..Alright then."
JH: "Huh? Why?"
SN: "..Please?"
JY: "..Why not? That way you can also have back up, right?"
JH: "I guess.."
JY: "Alright. We'll go ahead."
CY: "See you, unnie."
Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung left. Meanwhile, Jihyo sent Tzuyu a message.
SN: "Okay."
Jihyo and Sana were walking to the park.
SN: "..Jihyo, what will you say to her?"
JH: "..I honestly don't know. If I say yes, I'd be lying to myself. If I say no she'd be hurt."
JH: "..Huh?"
SN: "I..I feel bad that you always put others before yourself.."
JH: "..."
SN: "I mean.. if you want to move on from your feelings too with Nayeonie.. it isn't about finding someone to cover it for you.."
SN: "So.. please make a decision that will be for yourself too. I.. I don't want to see you hurt yourself anymore.."
JH: "..You.."
Jihyo giggled.
SN: "Eh?"
JH: "It's funny.. hearing this from you. I feel like I can make a better decision now, Sana. Thank you!"
Meanwhile, Tzuyu left Dahyun at the cafè upon receiving Jihyo's message. She's on her way to meet her. She met Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung on the way.
JY: (Tzuyu..) "Oh, hey! Where are you going?"
TY: "..I need to talk to someone."
CY: "Take care!"
JY: "..."
CY: "..I hope everything will be okay."
JY: "Me too."
CY: "..It feels like our friendships are about to break apart."
JY: "Let's believe in Jihyo."
CY: "Yeah."
Tzuyu headed to the cafè. There, she saw Jihyo waiting for her. However..
JH: (Tzuyu's here..)
SN: (..Jihyo.. please..)
Tzuyu closed up her distance from the two.
JH: "Hi again, Tzuyu. Sorry to suddenly message you."
TY: "..It's okay. Can we talk now?.. Just the two of us."
JH: "..Yeah. Sana, can you wait here?"
Jihyo and Tzuyu left Sana by the fountain. They sat by a bench, not too far but not too close from her. Sana was just observing them from afar. It was a painful sight. She couldn't hear them, yet they look good together. The few minutes of talking seemed forever.
SN: (..I want to know but I also don't want to know.. please.. please let everything be okay!)
Finally, Jihyo reached her.
JH: "Sorry it took awhile. Did you wait long?"
SN: "Ah, n-no. I'm okay.."
SN: "Yeah."
Both of them walked in silence heading to the cafè. Sana wanted to ask about it, but she's afraid to hear something she didn't want to. Finally..
JH: "..I said I'm not ready.."
SN: "..Eh?"
JH: "..I didn't want to rush things."
JH: "She was a bit persistent though. I told her that I want to sort out my feelings too. I don't even know how I'd feel once I face Nayeonie again."
SN: "Y-yeah."
JH: "..But I accepted one request from her."
SN: "..What request?"
JH: "A date on Saturday."
JH: "Calm down, Sana."
SN: "B-but.."
JH: "Wait a sec. Actually, the reason why I did accept it is also for myself."
SN: "What do you mean?"
JH: "We aren't a couple, but I wanted to experience it. Going out with someone else to experience something different."
JH: "Yeah, there's nothing to worry."
SN: "..You could've asked me.."
JH: "What do you mean?"
SN: "I..I mean, we could've dated instead of Tzuyu! Ahahaha!
JH: "Eh, but hanging out with you is too normal already."
SN: "..I guess." (Ouch, Jihyo.. ouch!)
SN: "..O-okay."
Both continued their stroll to the cafè. Jeongyeon, Mina, Dahyun and Chaeyoung were already there. Tzuyu just arrived while Sana and Jihyo are still on their way.
MN: "Oh, hi again Tzuyu."
JY: "Come take a seat, Tzuyu."
TY: "..I'm a bit tired. I'll be in my room for now.."
DH: "Get plenty of rest, Tzuyu."
Tyuzu went up her room.
JY: "..How do you think it went?"
CY: "She didn't look so happy. So she probably got a no from Jihyo-unnie.."
JH: "Hi, everyone. How are you all?"
MN: "Great seeing you, unnie."
JY: "Have a seat, Jihyo."
Sana and Jihyo took a seat.
DH: "Sorry, unnie. I've heard from them about it.. So.. how did it go?"
JH: "..Alright. Let me explain."
??: "You're heading home already?"
NY: "Huh?"
Upon looking by the tree. She saw the girl who interrupted her confession awhile ago.
NY: "Momo.."
MM: "It's so unlike you."
MM: "You've been avoiding hanging out with everyone."
NY: "It's not that I want to."
MM: "Then what?"
NY: "You won't understand.."
MM: "..That you like Jihyo?"
NY: "..H-how did you know?"
MM: "Haha! Got you! I didn't really know."
MM: "Hey, relax. That's so not you. It's just a guess because you act differently recently around her."
NY: *sigh*
MM: "You don't need to stay away from everyone. You're only making things harder for you."
NY: "..."
MM: "That's what friends are for."
NY: "..It's not that I wanted to. I'm filled with guilt of everything happening.. I.. don't want to drag anyone else in this problems.."
MM: "..."
NY: "I know I've been a bad person.. Especially.. to Jeongyeon."
NY: "..Don't tell anyone.."
MM: "Hoo~ sure~"
NY: "..I'm.. honestly confused right now."
MM: "Ohh."
NY: "I'm.. on this one way trip of no going back. I do regret what I did to Jeongyeon.. But fixing my mistake also matters right now.."
NY: "...I don't want to involve you all with my problems."
MM: "..Nayeonie."
NY: "Huh?"
MM: "Sharing food with friends tastes better right?"
NY: "..Yeah?"
MM: "I think that's the same with problems. They become better if you share them with friends."
NY: "..."
NY: "..I'll keep that in mind, Momo. Thanks. See you then."
MM: "Ehh? You'll go home now? Let's go meet them."
NY: "..I don't think I'm ready to face them.. and I need to personally confront them.. like Sana and Jeongyeon."
NY: "Huh?"
MM: "I found a new restaurant I want to try, but you can only eat with at least two people."
NY: "..Why don't you invite the others?"
MM: "They're probably eating already. Besides, you're free right now. But I won't treat you!"
NY: "..Alright. I'll join you."
MM: "Yay! Come on! It's not yet dinner time so it won't be crowded!"
NY: (..I wish I could live life a simple as you, Momo. But.. thanks for keeping me company today..)
Meanwhile at the cafè.
JH: "..That's about it."
CY: "..But I think unnie gave a good answer."
JY: "Yeah, I agree. It's still up to you by the end of the day."
SN: "..."
JH: "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."
JY: "Alright! I'm excited now for the festival. Just a few days to go!"
CY: "I guess it's about time we leave."
JH: "Shall we go now too, Sana?"
SN: "Y-yeah!"
MN: "See you tomorrow everyone."
JY: "Bye girls!"
Everybody left except for Jeongyeon.
MN: "Eh? You're not leaving yet, unnie?"
JY: "..Nah."
JY: "Yeah.. I don't feel like opening up things about Nayeon except to you.. Besides, Jihyo was here earlier."
MN: "I guess so. So, what is it?"
JY: "Earlier, I met her because she tried to confess to Jihyo. She didn't know that she's back to normal."
JY: "Luckily, I was on time and I was able to stop her."
MN: "I see.."
JY: "I dragged her outside.. and said something stupid."
MN: "What did you say?"
Jeongyeon blushed.
JY: "..I'll.. make her confess to me again.. AGH! I'M CRINGING JUST RECALLING IT!"
JY: "S-sorry.."
MN: "..I think it's cute though."
JY: "..I.. probably shouldn't have told you."
MN: "No it's fine."
JY: "Congratulations, Yoo Jeongyeon for winning the most cringeworthy statement of the year.."
MN: "Don't think about it like that."
MN: "You're stepping out of your comfort zone.. and doing things you didn't think you'd ever do."
JY: "..."
MN: "To me, that is impressive.."
JY: "..Thanks, Mina."
MN: "You should be proud of yourself."
JY: *sigh*
MN: "I have a question, unnie."
JY: "Yeah?"
JY: "..The notebook."
MN: "..I see."
JY: "I guess her feelings were still attached to Nayeon and made her switch."
MN: "..So it's risky now."
JY: "Huh? What do you mean?"
MN: "..Do you think Jihyo-unnie still has feelings for her?"
MN: "..If she switches to the other Jihyo.. the notebook might not work anymore.."
JY: "Huh? Why? How would she be able to return if she suddenly switched?"
JY: "..Doesn't that mean that we should just avoid making her switch?"
MN: "Yeah but it's difficult.. it could be anything.."
MN: "..Let's not worry for now, unnie."
JY: "Yeah.. I guess. Thanks for telling this to me, Mina."
MN: "It's alright."
JY: "..I'm lucky to have known you."
MN: "Eh?"
JY: "These stuff with DID are just confusing.. and you just give really good advice."
JY: "I remember you said to me before.. you said your love interest was hopeless or not a good thing right now. Why do you say that?"
MN: "Well.. some things are also best kept hidden right? When people discover them, it ends up causing harm.."
MN: "Not really.. for now. Maybe when fate brings the right place, right time, and right situation.."
JY: "Fate huh.. So you believe in fate?"
MN: "..As much as I love science, I do believe in fate."
MN: "It might be."
JY: *sigh*
MN: "..Stay strong, unnie."
JY: "Thanks."
Meanwhile, Sana and Jihyo are on their way home.
JH: "..Sana?"
SN: "..Yes?"
JH: "..Are you okay? You seem to be down today.."
JH: "..I'm not used to seeing you gloomy you know. I tend to get excited because your energy is infectuous."
SN: "..S-sorry. I might be.. stressed out."
JH: "Do you want to rest a bit?"
SN: "N-no, I'm fine.. It's best.. we go home."
SN: "..Please don't worry about me, Jihyo.. I'm.. fine.."
JH: "..I don't think you are.. you're looking out of breath right now.."
SN: "..No.. I don't.. I don't want to trouble..-"
Suddenly, Sana collapsed.
JH: "Huh? Sana!? Wake up!"
JH: "..Huh!? She's hot.. in this cold weather?.. I need to get her home!"
Jihyo carried Sana all the way to her apartment. It wasn't an easy task, yet she felt that she's all the help her best friend can count on at that moment.
Jihyo dropped all of her things on the floor and laid Sana on her bed.
JH: "Whew, let's see. I need towels.. some water..let me check your temperature too. Wait, do I have medicine?"
Jihyo did her best to get everything.
SN: "..C-can't..breathe.."
JH: "..Her nose might be clogged.. Is it her clothes?"
Jihyo sat Sana up who was able to breathe a bit easier.
JH: "Umm, s-sorry Sana."
She started to unbutton Sana's top to help her breathe better.
All she can do now is wait. Doing all of this, Jihyo remembered all the things Sana has done for her.
JH: "..You took care of me when I was unconscious.. for almost a week. You're amazing, Sana.."
JH: "This is the least I can do for you.. I'm sorry if I'm unable to notice that you were not feeling well. I.. I'll be a better person to support you as well, Sana.."
Jihyo regularly changed her towel.
SN: "..N-no.."
JH: "..Huh?"
SN: "..No.."
JH: "..Sleep talking?.."
SN: "..Don't.. leave.. please.."
Jihyo held her hand.
JH: "..I'm here, Sana.."
SN: "..Don't.. leave.. me.."
JH: "..."
SN: "..I love you.."
SN: "..."
JH: "Sana is.. in love with someone?.. But.. who?"
Jihyo looked at her sleeping best friend who is looking more at peace after she held her hand.
JH: (..Is it.. Momo? No.. probably not.. wait..by any chance..is it..m-me!?)
SN: "..."
She noticed that Sana had a faint smile now as she's sleeping.
JH: (She's a sweet girl.. and has done so much for me.. I.. I don't think I can take it if she distances herself..)
SN: "..Eh?.. W-where.. am I?"
JH: "Sana? Thank goodness.. you're awake.."
SN: "What.. happened.. to me?"
JH: "You suddenly collapsed when we were heading home.."
JH: "No.. Don't apologize. I'm the one who should say sorry.. I didn't notice you were not really feeling well.."
SN: "I..don't want to be.. a burden.."
JH: "You're not.. please.. get some rest for now.."
Sana smiled at Jihyo.
SN: "Thank you.."
JH: (..D-did my heart skip a beat? Am I.. falling in love with my best friend? I.. I think I'm assuming too much! I shouldn't think like this! I might hurt both of us.. Calm yourself, Park Jihyo!)
JH: (She.. looks so beautiful.. Huh!? Agh! What am I thinking now!? Why did Sana have to say that!?)
Jihyo slapped herself a few times with her free hand.
JH: (..Ah! I know! I need proof! As long as there's proof of who Sana loves, then it's clear!)
Jihyo moved in closer to Sana's face and kissed her forehead. She put the damp towel afterwards.
JH: (Goodnight, Sana..)
Jihyo slept by Sana's side, still holding her hand.
JH: (..Good, it lowered a bit..)
SN: "..Eh? Am I.."
JH: "Sana? G-good morning.."
SN: "..Good morning Jihyo.."
Sana tried to sit up.
Jihyo assisted her to lay down again.
SN: "S-sorry.."
JH: "It's alright."
SN: "..Eh?"
Sana noticed that she was wearing her pajamas, but can't remember changing that night.
JH: "What's wrong? Are you okay, Sana?"
Sana started turning bright red after realizing this.
JH: "Huh!? Are you heating up? W-wait I'll-"
SN: "N-no, Jihyo! I-i-it's fine!"
JH: "Y-you sure?"
SN: "Yeah.. thanks."
JH: "Whew, thanks. Wait a sec."
SN: "..Who did you send a message to?.."
JH: "Hmm? Oh Jeong and Chae. I told them I won't go to school today. I want to take care of you."
SN: "Eh!? B-but you need to prepare for the festival.."
JH: "With you feeling unwell? No way.."
JH: "..It's fine. Besides, I won't feel comfortable at school knowing you're like this."
Sana hid herself under her blanket as she's starting to blush again.
SN: "T-thank you.."
JH: "..Alright. I'll go out for a bit."
SN: "..Where will you go?"
SN: "..Y-you don't have to."
JH: "No can do, Sana. I'll be your personal caretaker for today! I'll go out now. See you in a bit.
SN: "..Personal caretaker huh.. can you please.. take care of me forever?"
Meanwhile, somewhere else..
NY: "..? Huh? Where.. where am I?"
Nayeon woke up and realized she's at someone else's room. She sat up and saw a girl beside her.
NY: "M-Momo!?"
Nayeon started to feel a hangover.
NY: "W-what happened yesterday?"
MM: "Hehehe. I didn't know you liked that.."
NY: "..W-what do you mean?"
MM: "You were so wild last night I didn't expect it. I won't forget what you did~"
MM: "You were really forceful. First you **** and then you wanted to ****. I said no, but suddenly you **** and wanted me to ****. Finally, I had to ****. You were rough, even if it was my first time hehe~"
NY: "W-W-WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?"
MM: "..I'm joking! Hahaha! Your reaction was so good. I said something similar to Sana before, but you had a better reaction."
NY: "AAAHHH! I thought I screwed up! But why am I here!?"
MM: "You drank a lot yesterday. And I mean A LOT."
MM: "You were knocked out and I had to carry you to my place. Oh you need to pay me for all the drinks you ordered!"
NY: "Yeah fine."
MM: "Here's our bill."
NY: "..That's a lot."
MM: "Well, you're an alcoholic."
MM: "Thanks!"
NY: "So.. did I do anything weird?"
MM: "Well, you sounded like an old man when drunk. Oh, I remember something amazing you did."
NY: "What?"
MM: "You stood up on top of the chair and shouted "I STILL LOVE YOO FREAKING JEONGYEON!"
Nayeon took her bag and left Momo.
MM: "..It wasn't a joke though. They just really become more honest when they're drunk."
Meanwhile, Sana was still resting in bed.
SN: (Jihyo..)
JH: "I'm back! I got all that I need for your jook. Just wait for a bit."
SN: "Okay."
Jihyo started preparing the ingredients.
JH: "Did you get to rest more?"
SN: "Yeah. A bit. Thanks!"
JH: "Good to know then. I'll do my best with this one!"
JH: "It's not that I have to, Sana. It's something I want to do. Let me take care of you."
SN: "..Thanks."
JH: "Don't worry about the taste! I'm following a guide. This will make you feel better."
SN: (..You're already making me feel better.)
JH: "It's done! I did my best on this one, Sana! Come on, time to eat."
SN: "Umm, okay!"
Jihyo brought Sana her bowl of jook.
SN: "It looks good, Jihyo."
JH: "I hope you get well soon and have a good appetite."
SN: (..I hope she agrees to this please..)
SN: "Umm.. c-can you.. help me eat?" (Oh God I said it.. please say yes.. please say yes!)
JH: "..Oh.. ah.. yeah, yeah! Sure! Hahaha. You probably don't have the strength yet, right? No problem!" (Calm down Park Jihyo. Calm down! Don't get any wild imaginations!)
Jihyo started mixing the bowl.
JH: (All right, let's do this! T-this is what a b-best friend would do, r-right?) "O-okay, Sana! Say aaah."
Sana's view was like heaven. She can't believe it's real.
Sana opened her mouth and close her eyes. Jihyo stared at Sana as she moved the spoon closer to her mouth. She focused on her lips as she locked in the spoon with her mouth.
JH: (I..I must be crazy..)
Sana swallowed the jook as soon as she could.
JH: (Whew! I've done it. But I still need to do it several times!) "S-so, how was it?"
SN: "Ah! (..I forgot! I didn't realize. I was too focused on the moment!) ..It's good!"
JH: "R-really?"
SN: "Yeah!"
SN: "T-thanks!" (Sorry Jihyo! I'll taste it properly on the next spoonful!)
JH: "O-okay, let's continue!" (I'll get over this.. I'll get over this!)
Jihyo gave Sana another spoonful. As embarassing as it is, she tried to focus on the taste. Jihyo was just staring at the girl she's feeding.
SN: (..It's a bit bland..) "..I think it's really good, Jihyo!"
SN: "No! I think it's good because you were the one who made it for me!"
JH: "..What?"
SN: (Ah! What did I say!?) "..."
JH: "..." (W-what did she mean?)
JH: "Y-yeah! Homemade is always better! Haha!" (My heart is pounding crazy.. I must be going insane.. This needs to stop!)
SN: "Y-yeah!"
SN: "Thanks, Jihyo!" (..Thank you for this moment.. I'll never forget this..)
JH: "You're welcome!" (Thank you, Sana.. Through this, I do think I realize now how important you are in my life too..)
Jihyo continued to feed Sana.
JY: "..Huh? Didn't you stay at your house?"
NY: "..Why do you care?"
JY: "Where were you?"
NY: "..I'm not telling."
JY: (Huh? She smells like alcohol.) "..Alright, I won't ask then.."
JY: "Yeah, I will but.."
NY: "..Huh?"
JY: "If ever you need help or someone to talk to, you know my number.."
NY: "..Don't try to act cool. Idiot."
JY: "..You're the idiot here."
NY: "There's nothing to talk about.. I'll go ahead."
JY: *sigh* "..She's really stubborn."
(I wonder where she was.. Wait! Don't tell me.. she slept at someone else's place!? Who!?)
Jeongyeon was getting anxious.
JY: (B-but it's not Jihyo at least, right? She's taking care of Sana right now.)
JY: (Who though.. who? WHO!? Is it someone at her class? Ugh. This is irritating. I'll think about it later! Have to go to school first.)
Back at Jihyo's apartment.
JH: "..Alright. All done! Great job finishing everything."
JH: "Y-you're welcome!" (It ended too fast.. wait why do I sound disappointed!?)
SN: "I'm feeling a bit better thanks to you."
Sana smiled at Jihyo and got distracted.
SN: "..." (Did Jihyo really say..?)
JH: (Ah! She might find it awkward! Say something!) "Uhh, unless you're feeling better already to eat on your own right? Hahaha.."
SN: "..Sure. Thanks, Jihyo!"
SN: (I feel a bit sticky right now..)
JH: "...?"
Jihyo noticed that Sana was looking uncomfortable with her Pajamas.
SN: "Ah.. nothing. My clothes just feel sticky."
JH: "Oh, must be from all your sweating last night. Let's get you changed."
SN: "..Eh?" (Is she.. going to help me out?)
JH: "..Ah.." (I.. I need to help her, right? I did it last night but..)
SN: "..Okay."
SN: "Umm, m-maybe I can do it!"
Sana tried to stand up but lost her balance.
JH: "Watch out!"
Jihyo was able to catch her in her arms. She could still feel Sana is a little warm.
JH: (I..I have to help her.) "..I'll help you, Sana."
SN: "..Sorry.."
SN: "..Thanks, Jihyo." (I'm getting embarassed, but Jihyo is so caring to me.. I shouldn't think about love all the time..)
SN: "..Umm, okay." (I should resist.. I love Jihyo, but I don't want her to misunderstand..)
Sana faced Jihyo and started wiping her arms. Jihyo tried to control her gaze.
SN: (She's just looking at my arms.. maybe she really sees me only as a friend..) "I'm okay, Jihyo. I'm eating well.. Please dont worry."
JH: "Alright." (Her body's next..)
JH: "..Take care of yourself too, Sana.."
SN: "..Yes."
While looking at Sana's body, she noticed a tear fell down from Sana's face.
JH: "..Huh?"
JH: "..Why are you crying?"
SN: "I..I'm just happy that you care so much about me." (But.. I'm really crying because you might just see me.. as a friend..)
JH: "Sana.. Please always smile." (I dont want her to cry.. I.. I think I've.. really fallen for her..)