Chapter 15

It’s late—well past midnight—and Mina just finished getting ready for bed.

Her apartment is quiet now, lights dimmed low, the faint hum of the city slipping in through the window. She’s freshly showered, hair still a little damp as she pulls on her night clothes: a loose tank top, soft shorts. Comfortable. Familiar. Safe.

She moves around her room slowly, almost absently, then finally reaches for her phone on the nightstand. Her thumb hovers. She exhales through her nose, chewing on her bottom lip.

It’s been a couple of days since Momo left for China, and they’ve talked almost every day—texts here and there, quick updates, stupid little jokes, shared Tik toks and instagram reels like usual—but tonight feels….. different.

Mina doesn’t know why. She just knows she wants to see her. She wants to hear her voice properly. They haven’t did a facetime call yet, since Momo left. But then the doubt creeps in.

Am I being needy? We already talked earlier… What if she’s tired?

She sighs, screen still unlocked, her finger hovering uselessly. And then her mind drifts. To everything. The teasing. The flirting. The way Momo looked at her sometimes like she was trying not to say something.

Her chest tightens, as the memories flood her mind. And Mina thinks about it agin. The way she sat on her lap that night after work—like it was nothing. Like it didn’t mean anything. But it did. It meant everything. The way that moment lingered. The way neither of them really addressed it fully—but also didn’t pull back after.

And then the kiss.

Mina presses her lips together, heat creeping up her neck at the memory. They crossed something. A line she didn’t even realize she was standing on. And now—

Now they have a date planned for when Momo gets back. An actual date. Mina lets out a quiet breath, almost laughing to herself.

…I’m so fucked.

Her phone buzzes suddenly in her hand. She startles slightly—then looks down. It’s the Group chat.

Chaeyoung: be honest rn
Chaeyoung: you are DOWN BAD

Nayeon: yeah, like actually embarrassing levels of down bad

Mina’s eyes widen slightly, immediately typing back.

Mina: stop
Mina: you guys are so annoying

Chaeyoung: no YOU’RE annoying
Chaeyoung: you got a whole girlfriend now and didn’t tell us???

Mina types back fast again.

Mina: she’s not my girlfriend…..
Mina: not yet

Nayeon: oh brother here we go 🙄
Nayeon: then why are you acting like that

Mina hesitates. Her fingers hover. Then—

Mina: i don’t know
Mina: it just feels…

She pauses. Deletes. Types again.

Mina: everything is just kind of… intense rn

Chaeyoung: INTENSE???
Chaeyoung: girl just say you wanna fuck her LMFAOO

Mina chokes on air.

Mina: WHAT
Mina: chaeyoung??

Nayeon: LMFAOOO
Nayeon: wait no she’s right though 😹
Nayeon: do you….🫣

Mina stares at the screen, face burning now.

Mina: i don’t know….

A beat passes, then—

Mina: maybe 🙈

Chaeyoung: OH MY GOD
Chaeyoung: SHE SAID MAYBE

Nayeon: you are so easy for her it’s actually insane

Mina flops back onto her bed with a groan, dragging a hand over her face.

Mina: i hate you both

Chaeyoung: no you don’t
Chaeyoung: you’re literally smiling right now, I know it LOL

Mina pauses. Because…. She is. That makes it worse.

Mina: i’m also nervous though

Nayeon: about what…

Mina hesitates again. Then types—

Mina: i keep slipping up sometimes

Chaeyoung: ???
Chaeyoung: what does that even mean 😐

Mina swallows.

Mina: like… i forget sometimes that she doesn’t know

Nayeon: know WHAT??

Mina stares at the screen for a second. Then—

Mina: about that night….

There’s a long pause.

Chaeyoung: oh
Chaeyoung: OH, RIGHT

Nayeon: girl what are you saying around her???

Mina winces, typing slower now.

Mina: just little things
Mina: like stuff i shouldn’t know or say
Mina: and she gets confused sometimes….

Chaeyoung: oh my god you’re gonna expose yourself 😬

Nayeon: you need to stop immediately
Nayeon: like actually get it together Minari

Mina groans, pressing her phone to her forehead.

Mina: i know 😭

Then there’s a beat.

Mina: but she’s weird sometimes too…..

Chaeyoung: ???

Nayeon: what do you mean weird…..

Mina frowns slightly, thinking.

Mina: like… she says things sometimes
Mina: or looks at me like she’s trying to figure something out

Her stomach tightens.

Mina: i don’t know
Mina: sometimes it feels like she almost knows 😰

Silence swallows Mina. Then—

Chaeyoung: …yeah you’re fucked

Nayeon: i’m not even gonna lie
Nayeon: if she connects that you’re done girl

Mina squeezes her eyes shut.

Mina: stop you guys
Mina: YOU ARE SCARING ME 😭

Chaeyoung: you should be scared, dafuq 🤣
Chaeyoung: but no seriously, just don’t say anything stupid

Nayeon: yeah, lock it in
Nayeon: be normal

Chaeyoung: for once in your life be normal Minari LMFAOO

Mina huffs out a quiet laugh despite herself.

Mina: i am normal 😾

Nayeon: no you’re not

Chaeyoung: you sat on her lap like it was nothing

Mina: OKAY STOP

Her face is fully red now. She tosses her phone onto the bed beside her, heart beating a little too fast. Silence settles again. The room feels quieter now. Heavier. Her gaze drifts back to her phone. Back to Momo’s name at the top of her messages.

Mina’s chest softens. “…I really want to see her,” she murmurs to herself.

And then—

Buzz.

Her phone lights up in her hand.

Momo: Are you up? Do you wanna FaceTime? 😚

Mina freezes for half a second.

Then warmth rushes straight to her face, a blush creeping up her cheeks as her lips curve into a grin she doesn’t even try to hide. “Wow,” she murmurs to herself, shaking her head. She doesn’t hesitate this time.

Mina: Yeah. Call me ☺️

Almost instantly, the screen changes. Momo’s face appears, slightly grainy from hotel Wi-Fi, hair messy, wearing an oversized t-shirt. She looks tired—but happy. Relaxed in that way that makes Mina’s chest flutter embarrassingly hard.

Mina climbs into bed, propping the phone against her pillow, pulling the blanket up to her waist. She realizes she’s smiling way too much. Momo notices immediately. “Why are you smiling like that?” she asks, laughing softly.

Mina shrugs, trying—and failing—to play it cool. “I don’t know.”

“That’s not an answer.”

She presses her lips together, then admits, “Maybe I’m just… happy.”

Momo’s expression softens. “Yeah?”

Mina nods, cheeks warming again. “Or maybe I’m being needy.”

Momo scoffs lightly. “Needy? You’re allowed to miss me, you know.”

Mina’s heart flips. “You say that like you don’t like it.”

“I didn’t say that,” Momo replies, teasing, leaning closer to her screen.

They laugh, the tension easing into something warm and familiar. Comfortable. Easy. Mina shifts under the blanket, relaxing fully now, eyes never leaving the screen.

They talk—about nothing important, really. About Momo’s hotel room, the food, how boring the meetings have been. Mina listens more than she speaks, chin tucked into her pillow, fingers lightly gripping the edge of the blanket.

At some point, Momo exhales, dragging a hand through her hair. “Wait—actually,” she says, sitting up a little. “We got an email earlier.”

Mina perks up slightly. “About the project?”

Momo nods. “Yeah. The outline got approved.”

Mina’s face lights up immediately. “Wait—really?”

“Mmhm,” Momo says, a small grin pulling at her lips. “They ate that shit up.”

Mina lets out a soft laugh, relief washing over her. “Oh my god…”

“They want us to tighten up the slides, though,” Momo continues. “We’ve got an actual deadline now. Like—it’s real.”

Mina groans, dropping her forehead into her pillow. “I hate presenting…”

Momo snorts. “Why the fuck did you get us into this then?”

Mina peeks up at her. “It wasn’t even my idea…”

“Oh, I know,” Momo says immediately, deadpan.

Mina blinks. “…what?”

Momo gives her a look. “Be serious. That was obviously not your idea, Nayeon really knows her shit.”

Mina gasps softly. “Wow.”

“I’m just saying,” Momo shrugs. “You really put us in a whole project situation from your friend, and now we’re stuck presenting to a bunch of corporate weirdos.”

Mina hides her face again, laughing. “Stop…”

“I’m serious! Now we have to commit,” Momo continues, pointing at the screen. “Like, we’re in it. There’s no backing out.”

Mina exhales. “…okay, yeah. That part is kind of scary.”

“We’ll be fine,” Momo says, softer now. “We’ll just get it over with.”

Mina nods faintly. “…..yeah.”

A small pause settles between them. Then Mina shifts slightly, voice quieter. “How was your day?”

Momo groans immediately. “Don’t even get me started,” she mutters, rubbing her face. “That old man? Mr. Lee? Embarrassing.”

Mina blinks. “What did he do now?”

Momo leans closer to the camera, like she’s about to spill something insane. “We’re in this big ass meeting, right? Like—important people, presentations, all that—”

Mina already looks amused.

“And this old man,” Momo continues, incredulous, “is knocked out. Fully asleep. Snoring.”

Mina’s eyes widen. “No—”

“Yes,” Momo says, pointing aggressively. “Loud as hell. In front of everybody.”

Mina starts laughing.

“And Sunmi had to go over there and wake his ass up,” Momo adds, shaking her head. “Like—tap him on the shoulder and everything. It was so bad.”

“Oh my god…” Mina breathes, covering her mouth.

“It’s actually ridiculous,” Momo says. “Me and Jeongyeon were just sitting there like… yeah, he’s done.”

Mina tilts her head. “You think so?”

Momo nods. “We’re praying on it. I’m not even gonna lie—we need a new manager. Bad.” There’s something in the way she says it—half-joking, but also not. “Like… please,” Momo adds under her breath. “Give us someone new.”

Mina hums softly, amused. Then, after a small pause, she asks—carefully—”…how’s Jeongyeon?”

Momo’s expression shifts immediately. “…ugh,” she mutters.

Mina blinks. “That bad?”

“It’s just—stupid,” Momo says, shaking her head. “Their whole situation is so fucking stupid.”

Mina watches her, and sighs a bit. “Their situation is really stupid, huh?”

“Yes,” Momo says flatly. “I don’t even wanna get into it.”

Mina hesitates. “…Yeah, same. It’s kind of a lot….”

There’s a beat. Then Momo exhales, softer this time. “Sorry.”

Mina frowns slightly. “For what?”

Momo shrugs. “I don’t know. It’s just what those two are doing is messy. And I feel like it’s—bleeding into everything.”

Mina shakes her head immediately. “It’s not.”

Momo looks at her.

“That’s their thing,” Mina says simply. “Not ours.”

Momo still looks unconvinced.

“They’ll figure it out somehow,” Mina adds. “They’re grown.”

There’s a small pause between them as it settles.”…you’re right,” Momo mutters.

Mina gives her a small smile.

“And honestly,” Mina continues, softer now, “you don’t have to carry that for them. At least I try not too, especially when it comes to Nayeon….and Chaeyoung too.”

Momo exhales slowly, like that lands more than she expected. “…yeah, you’re right.” she says.

Silence settles again. But it’s not uncomfortable. Just… quieter. Then Momo tilts her head slightly, studying Mina through the phone. “…it’s kind of crazy, though,” she says.

Mina blinks. “What is?”

Momo shrugs. “Them…. compared to us.”

Mina’s heart skips.

“They kissed that other night,” Momo says. “We also did too.”

Mina’s breath catches slightly.

“And somehow,” Momo continues, voice quieter now, “it’s… completely different.”

Mina swallows. “…of course it is,” she says.

Momo raises a brow. “What do you mean?”

Mina hesitates. Then—she just says it. “…..we have a date coming up.”

Momo freezes. Mina holds her gaze, cheeks a little flushed now—but she doesn’t look away. “…when you come back,” she adds, quieter.

Momo blinks.”…you really like me huh?” she asks, almost breathless.

Mina nods. Slow. Certain. Her teeth catch her bottom lip for a second. “…I really do like you.”

That lands. Hard. Momo just stares at her for a second, like her brain short-circuited. A blush starts to form on her cheeks. The room starts to feel warmer. “…damn,” she exhales, voice low.

Something shifts. The air between them tightens—pulls. Charged.

“I really wanna see you right now,” Momo says suddenly, running a hand through her hair. “Why the fuck am I here?”

Mina laughs softly, but there’s something nervous in it now. Momo shakes her head. “I don’t wanna be here in China. I just—” she stops herself, exhaling. “…I just wanna be there with you.”

Mina’s gaze softens. “…you’ll be back soon,” she says.

“Not soon enough,” Momo mutters.

There’s a small silence. Then Mina smiles—just a little. “You’re being dramatic.”

“Yeah?” Momo huffs. “And you’re not?”

Mina hides her face slightly in her pillow, laughing.

“Look at you,” Momo teases. “You just admitted you like me and now you’re shy.”

“Stop,” Mina mumbles.

Momo grins. “…you’re cute.”

Mina freezes, and then a small giggle escapes her. “…shut up.”

Momo laughs. And just like that, it softens again—slipping back into something light, something warm. But underneath it—it stays. That pull. That quiet, undeniable something between them.

And even as the conversation slows—the call doesn’t end.

Mina stays right where she is, curled into her bed, phone glowing softly in the dark. Momo’s voice continues, low and relaxed, talking about some small detail from her day, something unimportant but strangely soothing. Mina hums in response, smiling to herself.

God. She really likes listening to her.

“You still with me?” Momo asks after a pause, amused.

Mina blinks. “Yeah. Sorry. I’m just… listening.”

“You’re quiet tonight.”

“I like hearing you talk,” Mina says before she can stop herself.

There’s a beat of silence—then Momo smiles, softer now. “Yeah?”

Mina nods. “Yeah.”

The quiet stretches again, thicker this time. Mina’s thoughts drift—unhelpfully—back to that moment in the bathroom stall weeks ago. The closeness. The sudden awareness. The way Momo had filled the space in that hole without even trying. She swallows hard at the thought, as her cheeks start to feel warmer suddenly.

She watches Momo adjust on the bed, tugging at her shirt absentmindedly, completely unaware of the spiral she’s causing. Mina’s stomach flips, curiosity buzzing low and persistent.

What would she be like….. Not just like this—but in that way again?

The thought lingers, refusing to leave.

“Mina?” Momo says gently. “You okay?”

Mina exhales, grounding herself. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

But the thoughts won’t stop. They’re racing now, a dizzying, reckless blur of images and desires she’d never allowed herself to entertain too much before. She didn’t know what overcame her, a sudden surge of courage or insanity, but the words were tumbling out of her mouth before she could stop them.

“Will you… show it to me?”

The phone went utterly silent. The Wi-Fi connection suddenly felt painfully stable, every pixel of Momo’s frozen expression crystal clear. Her eyes were wide, her mouth slightly parted. Flustered. So incredibly flustered.

“Huh?” Momo’s voice was tentative, laced with confusion.

“Fuck,” Mina whispered to herself, her face burning with a heat so intense it felt like her skin was melting. She didn’t know what to say. She was super embarrassed, her mind scrambling for an escape hatch. “I was just joking,” she blurted out, the words sounding hollow and desperate even to her own ears.

“Wait,” Momo cut in, her voice regaining a bit of its composure, though the confusion was still there. “Show you what?”

Mina couldn’t answer. She was too mortified. She covered her face with her free hand, the phone clutched in the other, and pointed it up at the ceiling, away from her.

All Momo could see now was the blank white surface and the faint shadow of the phone in her hand. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it might explode out of her chest. What the fuck is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? She squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could just disappear.

Mina was quiet, her breath held hostage in her lungs. She expected Momo to laugh, to hang up, to call her weird. Instead, she heard something else. A soft chuckle.

“Girl,” Momo’s voice came through the speaker, laced with a newfound amusement. “You’re such a tease, you know that?”

Mina’s breath caught in her lungs. A tease? Was that how she came off just now? Mina had no idea. But before she could process it, she heard it again—the soft rustle of fabric, the sound of Momo shifting on her bed. Curiosity, that relentless, powerful force, won out over her embarrassment. She grabbed the phone and slowly lowered it, her eyes hesitant to meet the screen.

“Is this what you want to see?” Momo asked, her voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur that vibrated through the phone and straight into Mina’s bones.

Mina turned her phone towards her face finally and watched, mesmerized, as Momo gripped the hem of her oversized t-shirt and slowly, deliberately, lifted it. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the expanse of skin revealed.

Momo’s stomach was flat, toned, the faint lines of her abs glistening faintly in the dim light. She rested a hand on her lower belly, fingers splayed, caressing her own skin with a slow, deliberate motion. Mina’s mouth went dry. She felt a flush creep from her chest all the way to her ears.

“Y-yeah,” Mina managed to squeak out, her voice barely a whisper. Her eyes, however, had a mind of their own. Her gaze drifted lower, past Momo’s navel, to where the fabric of her shorts rested low on her hips. “Maybe… lower?”

Momo’s eyes darkened, her gaze locking with Mina’s through the screen. “Lower?” she repeated, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. “Is that so?”

“Can I see it?” Mina asked, her voice a little stronger now, more insistent.

Momo’s hand stilled. Her brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. “See… what?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing.

“You know,” Mina pressed, leaning closer to the phone as if proximity would make her request more reasonable. “All of it.”

This threw Momo off. The playful smirk vanished, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. “Mina… why? I mean, I’m not against it, but… why so bad?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken curiosity.

Mina hesitated, her mind scrambling for a reason that didn’t sound insane. “I just… I want to see it again,” she blurted out, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

The air crackled.

Momo’s teasing expression evaporated, replaced by pure, unadulterated confusion. “What?” she asked, her voice flat.

Mina’s heart dropped into her stomach.

She’d fucked up.

“I— I mean—” she stammered, her brain going into overdrive to fabricate a plausible lie. “Because… because I saw it last time!”

Momo’s eyes went wide, her jaw slackening. “What?! When???”

“Oh, you know,” Mina said, waving a dismissive hand, her voice pitching higher with panic. “The other day! When I was on your lap! You… you pulled it out!”

Momo stared at her, utterly bewildered. “Mina, what the FUCK are you talking about???” she asked, a laugh of disbelief bubbling up. “I did not pull my dick out!”

“Yes you did!” Mina insisted, doubling down in a desperate attempt to sell the lie. “You did do it! You totally did!”

“No, I didn’t!” Momo exclaimed, shaking her head. “What is wrong with you?? I could have sworn I would remember doing that.”

They stared at each other through the screen, the silence stretching for a beat. Then Mina muttered in almost as a whisper.” ….I’m…..I’m just joking Momorin….”

Momo let out a snort of laughter. Mina, caught in her own ridiculous lie, couldn’t hold it in either. They both burst out laughing, a loud, slightly hysterical sound that filled their respective rooms.

“Jesus Christ,” Momo wheezed, wiping at her eyes. “You gave me a fucking heart attack. Don’t joke like that! That was so weird Minari.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Mina giggled, her laughter nervous but genuine. “I just wanted to distract you from the fact that I’m a dumbass.”

“Well you are a dumbass for that,” Momo huffed, pouting a bit. “you made me sound like I was a creep or some shit.”

The two giggle a bit after that, the air feel less tense as the seconds passed. Then the laughter subsided, but the air between them started to still felt charged, thick with unspoken questions and the lingering thrill of Mina’s slip-up. Mina took a breath, her smile softening.

“I’m really sorry for the joke,” she said sincerely. “That was shitty.” She looked at Momo through the screen, her expression turning serious again. “I just… I want to know you more. All of you.”

Momo studied her face on the screen, her expression unreadable for a long moment. As she considered it, a sudden wave washed over her. A flicker of déjà vu, so vivid it made her head spin.

The dim light, the feeling of being seen, a desperate, unnamed want… it felt so familiar, a ghost of a memory she couldn’t quite place. She shook her head slightly to clear it. “Not yet,” she finally whispered, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. “Let’s save it for later, yeah?”

Mina’s heart sank, but the suspense was a dizzying high as she got a view of Momo’s body again through the screen. Momo didn’t push her shorts down. Instead, her hand had suddenly went over the fabric of her shorts, her movements now more deliberate as she tugged at herself a little.

She could see the distinct outline of her fingers wrapped around the shape of her length in the gray cotton, could see the slow, firm strokes she was giving herself. The denial was a form of torture, but it was also intoxicating.

The déjà vu hit Momo again, stronger this time. The feeling of a hand on her that wasn’t her own, the wet heat of a mouth, the desperate sounds of someone breathing in the dark… It was like a dream fragment surfacing, hazy but powerful. She shook her head, trying to focus on Mina, on the present, but the feeling lingered, making her own touch feel both familiar and alien.

Mina just nodded slightly in response, her eyes glued to the screen. Momo stared back at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, Mina saw it. Momo’s free hand, which had been resting on her thigh, slid up and subtly pressed against the bulge in her shorts. It was a quick, almost unconscious movement, but Mina caught it. Her breath hitched.

“Did you just…?” Mina asked, her voice a flustered whisper. “Why’d you do that?”

Momo’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of panic in them before she masked it with nonchalance. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said, trying to sound casual. “Just got an itch.”

“You’re a fucking pervert,” Mina accused, though a blush was creeping up her neck. She knew damn well she didn’t have an itch.

“What?” Momo shot back, a smirk playing on her lips. “You just asked if you could see all of me. The fuck?” She insisted, “I swear I got an itch.”

“Uh huh, sure,” Mina said, rolling her eyes, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. She decided to play along. “Fine. I guess I can wait then… for our date.”

There was a beat of silence that settled between them. Then suddenly, a low frustrated groan rumbled in Momo’s chest at Mina’s words. The sound was filled with a desperate need that made Mina’s stomach clench. Then, she was moving.

She got up out of bed, the phone’s camera shaking as she walked across her hotel room. Mina watched, her breath held, as Momo propped the phone up on her desk, the angle now capturing her from the waist up. The desk lamp was still on, casting a warm, intimate glow over her.

“What’s wrong?” Mina asked, curious with the sudden change in her mood.

“Can you turn your light on?” Momo’s voice came through, a little rough. “It’s dark in your room.”

“Why?” Mina asked, her own voice barely a whisper.

“I just want to see you.”

“Okay.” Mina sat up, the blanket pooling around her waist. She leaned over, fumbling for the switch on her nightstand lamp. A soft light flooded her side of the room, and she settled back against her pillows, suddenly feeling very exposed.

Momo stood in front of the desk, her torso and hips now fully in the camera’s view. She was wearing the same oversized t-shirt and a pair of loose shorts.

“What are you doing?” Mina asked, her heart starting to beat a little faster.

Without a word, Momo hooked her thumbs into the waistband of her shorts and pushed them down. They pooled around her ankles, and she kicked them away.

“Momo???” Mina freaked out, her voice a squeak as she covered her face slightly. “Why are you taking your shorts off?”

Momo was left in just her t-shirt and a pair of simple black boxers. She sat back down in the desk chair, and now Mina could see all of her—her long legs, the way the t-shirt fell over her thighs, the clear, defined bulge pressing against the fabric of her under ware. Mina’s face bloomed with a deep, burning blush. She sat up straighter, pulling her knees to her chest.

Momo leaned back in the chair, a low groan escaping her lips once more. “I can’t help it, you teased me too much Minari.” she breathed.

“I wasn’t teasing you!” Mina defended herself, though she knew she had been.

“Weren’t you?” Momo challenged, her hand drifting down to rest over her crotch. “Why were you asking if you could see it? You kept asking me.”

“I… okay, I did. But you said we could save it for later.”

“Yeah,” Momo said, her voice a low, husky murmur as she started to rub herself over the boxers. “We are.”

“So what’s gonna happen? Like, when we have our first date?” Mina pressed, her eyes fixed on Momo’s moving hand.

“Maybe you’ll finally see it then,” Momo smirked.

“I’m not that easy,” Mina said, though her voice lacked conviction. “I know what you’re insinuating.”

“I know you’re not easy.” Momo’s eyes were dark, her breathing a little shallow. Her hand continued its slow, torturous rubbing.

“Stop being a perv,” Mina whispered, but there was no real anger in her voice. “I see you touching yourself.”

“I’m not being a perv,” Momo groaned, her head tilting back. “You asked. You literally just asked me if you could see it. And I’m trying so hard to wait.”

“You keep bringing that up!” Mina exclaimed, her voice rising with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. “I did ask, okay? I admitted it!”

“Because it’s the only thing keeping me from losing my mind right now!” Momo shot back, her hand pressing more firmly against herself. She was actually insane, touching herself so openly while they were arguing.

Momo suddenly let out a frustrated sound, slinging an arm over her eyes. “Fuck, Mina,” she muttered. “You play with me all the time.”

“I’m not playing!” Mina insisted, though she knew she did. She did play with her sometimes.

“I can’t stop thinking about it,” Momo confessed, her voice muffled by her arm. “The other day… when you sat on my lap. I can’t stop thinking about that moment. I want it to happen again so bad.”

As she spoke, her voice started to waver, thick with a desperate need. Mina watched, mesmerized, as Momo’s face flushed a deeper red, her breathing becoming more erratic. It was like she was in heat, a raw, primal energy radiating from her through the screen. And Mina could see the effect it was having on her. The shape in her boxers was growing, becoming more prominent, harder.

Mina’s own defensiveness melted away, replaced by a raw vulnerability. “I can’t either,” she admitted softly. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”

Momo moved her arm, her eyes locking onto Mina’s, intense and searching. “Then why?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion. “Every time we talked about it, I thought you’d be disgusted or scared. But you just… you kept saying it was okay. Why was it okay, Mina?”

Mina flinched, her cheeks burning. “I… I don’t know,” she stammered, looking away.

“Yes, you do,” Momo pressed gently. Her hand never stopped its slow, maddening movements over her boxers. “You told me you liked it. I need to know why.”

Mina squeezed her eyes shut for a second, taking a shaky breath. “Because… um… it felt good,” she finally whispered, the words feeling heavy and significant. “It did.”

A low growl rumbled in Momo’s chest. “Yeah?” she breathed, her voice dropping into a filthy, intimate register that made Mina’s toes curl. “You liked my dick rubbing up against you?”

“Don’t say it like that!” Mina squeaked, her face on fire. The crude words, coming from Momo’s lips while she was actively touching herself, sent a jolt straight to her core.

“Like what?” Momo teased, her hips shifting slightly. “That you liked feeling how hard I got for you? That you liked knowing I wanted to fuck you right there in that room that night?”

Mina whimpered, her thighs pressing together. She could feel the slick heat pooling between her legs, soaking her panties. She couldn’t take it anymore. She hesitated for only a moment, the words tumbling out in a rushed, breathless confession.

“I think….I want you to fuck me.”

The air crackled. Momo’s hand stilled. Her eyes went wide, her jaw slackening as she stared at the screen. “Holy shit,” she breathed, the words a reverent whisper. The effect of Mina’s confession was instantaneous and undeniable. The shape in her boxers, already prominent, seemed to swell, hardening into a thick, rigid line that strained against the fabric, a clear, undeniable testament to her desperate arousal.

“Oh my god,” Mina breathed. “Why are you getting so hard?”

“Because of you,” Momo said, her voice cracking. “You get me like this. I told you that last time.” She moved her arm, her eyes locking with Mina’s through the camera. They were dark, almost pleading. “I mean it. Look at me. Look what you do to me.”

She pulled her hand away, and Mina gasped. She could see it fully now, the thick, rigid shape straining against the black cotton, the head of it pressing against the waistband. She could see it’s shape, but she couldn’t see it in it’s entirety. The confirmation was so close, yet so far away.

“How?” Mina asked, genuinely bewildered. “How do you get this worked up so fast? I didn’t even do anything.”

“You did do something,” Momo said, her voice a low growl. “You just exist. Fuck… I need to come back home. I can’t be here. You drive me crazy Minari.”

Mina’s heart was pounding against her ribs. She felt a surge of boldness, a wave of arousal that washed away her shyness. “Do you want me to…I don’t know,” She glance away for a second, then looked back at her. “like, help you with it?”

Momo’s head snapped up, her eyes went wide. She nodded, a frantic, almost desperate motion.

“What can I do?” Mina asked, her voice small. She had no idea. She’d never been in a situation like this before.

“Just… talk to me,” Momo breathed. “Or… touch yourself too. Touch yourself with me.”

“What?” Mina’s heart leaped into her throat. “I’m not gonna do that.”

“Why not?” Momo pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a way that was both infuriating and adorable. “Please? Just do it with me.”

“I’ve never… I’ve never did that before,” Mina admitted, her face burning with shame.

“Can you just try?” Momo pleaded, her voice softening. “Just a little bit. Please? If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. but just… don’t hang up. Just stay on the phone with me, please Mina.”

Mina hesitated, her mind racing. She was so shy, so embarrassed. But looking at Momo, at the raw need in her eyes, she felt a pang of something else—desire….and even some trust. She trusted Momo, like a lot. Way more than she ever trusted anyone up until now. So after a couple of seconds, she puffed out a short breath of air, and then slowly, she nodded her head. “Okay.”

Momo let out a shaky breath of relief. Then she grabbed her phone and tilted it up, so the camera was aimed at the ceiling.

“What are you doing?” Mina asked, a pang of disappointment hitting her.

“I can’t let you see,” Momo’s voice was strained. “Not yet.”

“Why not?” Mina whined. She wanted to see.

“Because,” Momo said, a teasing edge returning to her voice. “You don’t even wanna touch yourself with me, so why would I let you see it?”

Mina pouted. She knew Momo was right. And she had to admit, watching Momo, hearing her talk like that… it had turned her on. She could feel the dampness in her panties becoming more appartent now, the way her clit throbbed with a low, insistent pulse. It was frustrating, and it was hot.

“Okay,” Mina whispered, a new plan forming in her mind. “I just… I want to see it again. Just a little bit.”

Momo was quiet for a moment, then groaned slightly. “Okay fine,” she agreed, putting the phone back on the desk. The view returned to her sitting in the chair.

Mina took a deep breath and propped her own phone up against her pillows too, making sure Momo could see her. She shifted on the bed, turning to face the screen. Momo was still touching herself, her hand rubbing slowly over the hard length in her boxers. She was so hard now, and every time Mina’s gaze flicked down, she could see it twitch, throb beneath the fabric.

With a surge of confidence, Mina hooked her thumbs into her own shorts and pushed them down. She was wearing a simple pair of white lace panties underneath.

“Holy shit,” Momo breathed, her eyes going wide. Her hand stilled its motion as she stared in awe. “You look so good Minari.”

Mina’s blush was so intense she felt it all the way to her fingertips. She could feel Momo’s gaze like a physical touch, hot and heavy. She trusted her. She did. She just… she’d never done this before. But she wanted more. She was will to risk and try this. Even though, her embarrassment was shooting through the roof. Hesitantly, she spread her legs, just a little, giving Momo a better view.

“Fuck,” Momo groaned, and Mina watched, mesmerized, as her length jumped violently in her boxers. She could see it now, the dark, damp patch spreading across the front of Momo’s underware, a testament to how turned on she was. And Mina could see it and feel it too, the small, telling wet spot on her own panties where her arousal had soaked through the thin lace.

“Seriously,” Momo whispered, more to herself than to Mina. “You drive me fucking crazy.” She started touching herself again, her strokes a little faster now. “You have no idea. I’ve… I’ve jerked off like four times already just thinking about what happened the other night.”

“You’re fucking ridiculous,” Mina gasped, a laugh bubbling up with her embarrassment. She instinctively pressed her thighs together.

“Open your legs again,” Momo demanded, her voice thick and husky. “Let me see. I need to see you.”

“Oh my god,” Mina muttered, but she did it. She was so shy, but Momo’s need was a powerful aphrodisiac. She spread her legs wider, her heart hammering in her chest.

Momo started to moan then, soft, breathy whimpers that went straight to Mina’s core. “I can’t hold back,” she panted, her hand moving faster. “I can’t.”

Then she tilted the camera up again, so it was pointed just above her waist. “What are you doing?” Mina asked, her voice trembling.

“I can’t,” Momo repeated, and then Mina heard it. The soft, wet sound of fabric being pulled down, followed by a faint, sharp slap. She knew what it was. She knew Momo’s erection had just sprung free and slapped against her stomach.

“Why does it sound wet?” Mina asked, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and curiosity.

A deep, mortified blush spread across Momo’s face, her chest and neck flushing a deep crimson. She ducked her head, suddenly looking shy. “Oh my god,” she mumbled, avoiding the camera. “It’s just… I get like this sometimes. Not all the time! I swear. It just… happens when I’m really excited.”

Mina had no idea what that meant. Pre-cum? Leaking? It was all foreign territory. All she knew was that Momo was just… really, really turned on. So turned on she couldn’t help it.

Then Mina saw it. Momo’s hand came into view at the bottom of the screen, disappearing below the frame. She saw it moving, a steady, rhythmic up-and-down motion. And she could hear it. The wet, slick sounds of her hand moving, the soft suction of her strokes.

“You’re such an idiot,” Mina whispered, but her heart was racing. She couldn’t believe this. Momo was actually jerking off on FaceTime with her. The sight, the sounds… it was all too much. She could feel her own pussy getting wetter, the wet spot on her panties growing, darkening the fabric until it was almost transparent.

“Can I see?” Mina asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“No,” Momo answered immediately, her voice tight with embarrassment. She kept her hand carefully out of view below the phone’s frame. “I can’t let you.”

“Why not?” Mina pressed, her curiosity piqued.

“Because,” Momo groaned, her voice a mix of frustration and shyness. “I’m… it’s a mess. I’m a mess for you, Mina.” She finally looked at the camera, her eyes pleading. “This is what you do to me. All the time. I get like this just thinking about you and now… my hand is just… yeah. It’s all wet. I can’t let you see it.”

“Let me see your hand,” Mina demanded, her voice a husky whisper. It wasn’t a question.

Momo hesitated, her internal conflict clear on her face. She bit her lip, her eyes darting away from the camera for a second before coming back to Mina’s. With a shaky sigh of resignation, she slowly lifted her hand into the frame. Mina’s breath hitched. It was glistening. Momo’s long fingers were coated in a thick, clear sheen, the fluid catching the light from room. It was undeniable proof of how turned on she was, a visceral, messy testament to her desire.

“Fuck,” Mina breathed. That was it. She couldn’t take it anymore. She slipped her own hand beneath the waistband of her panties. Her fingers slid through her slick folds, and she gasped at the contact. She was so wet, so ready. Her fingers found her clit, already swollen and sensitive, and she started to rub it in slow, tentative circles.

Seeing Mina touch herself, seeing her hand disappear into her own panties, seemed to shatter the last of Momo’s restraint. Her eyes went dark, and her wet hand immediately disappeared back below the frame. Mina could hear it then, the slick, rhythmic sounds of her stroking herself, faster and more determined now.

Then that was when Momo’s dirty talk started, it was a desperate, rambling stream of consciousness. “God, I wish I was there. I wanna be there with you so bad. I can’t stand it here.” Her breath hitched as her eyes became lidded. “It’s only been a few days and I feel like I’m dying. I wanna kiss you, Mina. I wanna taste you. I wanna feel your legs wrapped around me while I’m inside you.”

Her words were like fuel on a fire. Mina’s fingers moved faster, her embarrassment forgotten, replaced by a desperate, burning need. They were both masturbating now, the sounds of their breathing, their soft moans, and the wet, slick noises of their own hands filling the space between them. Mina was soaked, her panties dripping, her fingers slipping easily inside her tight heat.

Momo’s hand was a blur on the screen. “Fuck, I’m gonna come soon,” she panted. She grabbed the hem of her shirt with her free hand and pulled it up, over her head, revealing her toned stomach and the sharp lines of her abs. She was in a simple black sports bra.

“Why’d you take your shirt off?” Mina moaned, her own body arching as pleasure coiled tight in her belly.

“My body’s so hot,” Momo gasped. “It’s so hot.” Mina could see her nipples, hard and poking through the sports bra.

“Take it off,” Mina heard herself say. “Let me see.”

Without hesitation, Momo reached back and lifted her bra over her head with her free hand, letting it fall away. Her breasts were perfect, her nipples a deep, dusky pink. Her free hand came up to pinch one, rolling it between her fingers.

“Mina,” Momo moaned, her voice breaking on the name.

That was it. Hearing her name like that, so full of need and pleasure, sent Mina over the edge. Her orgasm crashed through her, a powerful, blinding wave that made her back arch off the bed. A loud, unrestrained cry escaped her lips. Her legs fell wide, her fingers still buried deep inside herself as she trembled through the aftershocks.

“Let me see you,” Momo panted, her own strokes becoming frantic. “Let me see all of you, Minari.”

Still riding the high of her orgasm, Mina nodded. She sat up, her body flushed and glowing with sweat. She pulled her own tank top over her head. She wasn’t wearing a bra, as her breast spilled free.

“Fuck,” Momo breathed, her eyes going wide with awe. “You’re so pretty. So pretty for me.”

Mina’s fingers started moving again, faster this time, chasing another peak. “What do you want to do to me Momorin?” she asked, her voice bold and breathless.

“Everything,” Momo groaned. “I want to suck on your pretty nipples until you’re begging for me. I want to spread your legs and eat your pussy until you can’t remember your own name.”

Mina’s breath hitched, as she didn’t stop talking.

“God, I want to fuck you so bad, Mina. I just want to fuck your pussy so bad.”

The moment Momo said it, Mina came again. Hard. It was even more intense than the first time, a sharp, explosive pleasure that left her gasping and seeing stars. She collapsed back against the bed, her body limp and trembling.

Momo was right behind her. Her hand was moving so fast it was almost a blur. “I’m gonna—fuck, Mina, I’m gonna—” Her words were cut off by a strangled moan.

Mina watched, her heart pounding, as Momo’s body went rigid. Then she saw it. Thick, white ropes of cum spurting from her length, painting her own abs in pearly stripes. She came so much, a mess of her own making.

Momo slumped back in the chair, panting, her chest heaving, her body flushed and covered in her release. Mina laid on her bed, her own chest rising and falling rapidly, her limbs feeling like jelly. She then slowly pulled her fingers out of herself, they were soaked. She looked down at the bed and saw a small, dark patch on the sheets where she’d soaked through.

“Holy shit,” she whispered.

Then they just laid there, looking at each other through the screen, their breathing slowly settling. The room is quiet now—just the soft sound of air moving in and out lungs, the kind of silence that isn’t empty, but full. Shared. Heavy in the best way.

Mina’s heart was still racing. She stares at Momo, eyes a little wide, like she’s still trying to process what just happened. What she just did. Her body feels warm, spent, unfamiliar in a way that makes her chest tighten.

Momo doesn’t say anything. She’s just… looking at her. And it’s the way she’s looking. Soft. Focused. Completely gone. Like Mina is the only thing in her world right now. It makes Mina’s breath catch all over again.

“…I’ve never done that before,” Mina admits quietly, her voice still a little unsteady. She pulls her shirt back over herself, fingers fumbling slightly as she tries to cover up again. “That was… a first for me.”

Momo’s expression doesn’t change—if anything, it softens more. “…yeah?” she murmurs.

Mina nods, a little shy now. “…yeah.” There’s a small pause before she glances toward her lamp.

“It was my first time doing something like this too.” Momo mutters, a little breathless.

The two glance at each other some more, both biting back smiles. Mina tries to hide her face in her blanket on her bed a bit, before she speaks again. “…Can I turn my light off?” she asks, almost like she needs permission.

Momo huffs a quiet breath, nodding immediately. “Yeah. Go ahead.”

Mina leans over to her nightstand, reaching for the lamp. Her body feels loose—almost too loose—like everything in her has melted. There’s still a quiet hum under her skin, something she’s not used to, something she doesn’t really have words for yet.

The light clicks off. Her room falls into a soft darkness, lit only by the faint glow of her screen. When she settles back, she grabs her t shirt and slips it back on, and settles into place under her sheets, she looks at Momo again—and Momo’s still watching her like that. Like she’s everything.

Mina’s chest tightens. “…You’re insane,” she murmurs, almost under her breath, half in disbelief, half in something softer.

Momo lets out a quiet laugh, glancing down for a second as she reaches off-screen, grabbing tissues. “Yeah, I know,” she mutters, a little embarrassed now. “I kinda… made a mess on myself.”

Mina huffs out a small laugh despite herself, shaking her head. “You did.”

Momo grins, still cleaning herself up quickly before pulling her shirt back on and her boxers, then plopping into bed, shifting under her blankets. She turns off her own light, the screen casting shadows across her face as she settles into bed.

They’re both quiet for a second again. Comfortable this time. Momo exhales, looking at her. “…I’m glad we did that.”

Mina blinks. “…You are?”

“Yeah,” Momo says simply. “It felt really good.”

There’s no hesitation in it. No joke. Just honesty. Mina swallows, shifting slightly under her covers. “…It was… different,” she admits. “And kind of intense.”

Momo watches her closely.

“But it wasn’t bad,” Mina adds quickly. “…Just new for me.”

Momo’s shoulders relax a little at that.

“…I didn’t know you—” Mina hesitates, searching for the right words, “…felt like that about me. So intensely.”

Momo lets out a soft, almost disbelieving laugh. “Mina,” she says, shaking her head a little, “you have no idea.”

Mina’s stomach flips.

“You really drive me crazy,” Momo continues, quieter now. “Like… actually.”

Mina looks away for a second, flustered, then back at her. “…That’s a lot.”

“It is,” Momo agrees easily. Then she groans, dragging a hand over her face. “I don’t even know how I’m gonna survive the next four days.”

Mina’s lips twitch. “…You’re being dramatic.”

“I’m not,” Momo insists. “I’m serious.”

Mina thinks for a second. Then—”…We could do this again, if you want.”

Momo freezes. “…What?”

“Like—” Mina clears her throat, suddenly very aware of herself. “Maybe another call tomorrow night. Or… I don’t know.” She hesitates. “…I could send you something to help.”

Momo immediately perks up. “Oh—”

Mina’s face warms. “Don’t make it weird.”

“I’m not making it weird,” Momo says, already smiling. “I support this idea.”

Mina rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling too now. “…Okay.”

“I’ll send you stuff too,” Momo adds quickly. “Like—we can do a fair exchange.”

Mina nods. “…I look forward too it.”

There’s a small pause. Then Momo’s voice softens again. “…I can’t wait to come home.”

Mina looks at her.

“…I can’t wait for our date too,” Momo adds.

That lands. Mina’s expression shifts—something softer, something real. “…Yeah,” she says quietly.

The energy between them settles again, slower now. Sleepier. Mina shifts under her blankets. “…Do you wanna hang up?”

Momo makes a face immediately. “No.”

Mina laughs softly. “…Okay.”

“…Can we just stay on?” Momo asks. “Like… until we fall asleep together like that one time?”

Mina nods without even thinking about it. “…Yeah. I’d like that.”

They both adjust their phones, settling into their pillows, the glow of the screens dim against the dark. “…Goodnight Momorin,” Mina murmurs.

“…Night Minari,” Momo replies.

They don’t hang up. They just stay. Breathing slows. Eyes get heavier. And eventually—

They fall asleep like that.

Together.

——–

It was the following day, and it didn’t feel any better than the other one.

Chaeyoung’s been on edge since she got in, shoulders tight, jaw sore from clenching it all morning. The conversation with Mina and Nayeon helped—at least she knows she’s not crazy—but the fear is still there, sitting heavy in her chest.

Losing her job.
HR.
Boundaries she should’ve set earlier.

She exhales slowly, staring at her screen without really seeing it. I need to fix this, she tells herself. I need to be clear. Be Professional.

Like the universe is mocking her— She looks up. And there Tzuyu is, walking straight toward her desk.

“Speak of the devil,” Chaeyoung mutters under her breath.

Tzuyu stops in front of her, casual as ever, leaning slightly against the desk like she owns the place. “Hey,” she says. “Did you get my email?”

Chaeyoung’s stomach drops. “Oh—fuck. Email.”

She jerks her eyes back to her monitor, clicks her inbox, and there it is. Time-stamped an hour ago. Unread.

“Yeah,” Chaeyoung says quickly, lying badly. “I just—uh—haven’t opened it yet.”

Tzuyu hums. “I just needed some help with the spreadsheet stuff.”

“Yeah,” Chaeyoung replies, already standing up. “I can—” She stops herself. No. Not like this. “Actually,” she says, turning back to Tzuyu. “Can I talk to you? Like—really quick?”

Tzuyu raises an eyebrow. “Sure.”

“Not here,” Chaeyoung adds immediately. She glances down. And there it is. The bag. Her heart stutters. “Shit.”

She grabs it before her brain can catch up, clutching it tight. Then she looks back up at Tzuyu, who’s already clocked it—and is now wearing a slow, unmistakable smirk.

“Oh,” Tzuyu says. “That.”

Chaeyoung’s irritation flares. “Yeah. That.”

It doesn’t help that Tzuyu basically vanished after the whole panties thing—suddenly too busy, too booked, too unavailable. And now she’s here, acting casual like none of it mattered.

Chaeyoung exhales sharply. “Come on.”

She doesn’t wait for permission. Chaeyoung grabs Tzuyu’s hand and pulls her along, weaving past desks until she spots a small storage room tucked away near the back. She opens the door, ushers them inside, and shuts it quickly behind them.

The quiet hits immediately. Chaeyoung exhales—then freezes. She’s still holding Tzuyu’s hand. “Oh—”

She drops it instantly, stepping back like she’s been burned. Tzuyu just looks at her… and giggles. “What’s up with you?” she asks, amused.

Chaeyoung folds her arms, grounding herself. “I’m serious. We need to talk.”

Tzuyu tilts her head, mock-innocent. “Okay. I’m all ears.”

Chaeyoung doesn’t smile. “This isn’t funny.”

Something in her tone lands. Tzuyu’s smile falters—just slightly. Chaeyoung clears her throat, the sound sharp in the cramped room. She grips the bag with both hands, stares down at it like it might explode, then shuts her eyes and shoves it straight into Tzuyu’s chest. “Take it.”

Tzuyu blinks. “Oh?”

“Yes, oh,” Chaeyoung snaps. “I’m not playing with you. I can’t have this. Do you want me fired?”

Tzuyu lets out a small laugh—but it’s weaker now. “It was just a joke—”

“Well, it’s not fucking funny.”

That hits harder. Chaeyoung doesn’t stop this time. “What you did at that lunch with me too last week? That wasn’t a joke. That was completely inappropriate. You don’t get to do that to me.”

Tzuyu straightens slightly, and then she pushes back. “You didn’t stop me.”

Chaeyoung pauses. Then—honest. “…I didn’t,” she admits. “But that doesn’t make it okay.”

That lands. Tzuyu goes quiet. Chaeyoung exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair. “I’m your mentor,” she continues. “You’re my intern. This isn’t a game. You can’t escalate like that. Not again.”

Tzuyu’s jaw tightens. Her arms cross. “You’re making it a bigger deal than it is.”

“No,” Chaeyoung says immediately. “You’re not taking it seriously enough.” There’s a beat of silence. Then— “…You’re acting like a fucking kid,” Chaeyoung adds, blunt.

Tzuyu’s head snaps up. “What?”

“You heard me,” Chaeyoung says. “I shouldn’t have to explain this to you. You’re too grown to be acting like this.”

That one hits. Hard. Tzuyu’s expression shifts—annoyance, embarrassment, then something softer underneath it.

“I don’t even know why you’re acting like this,” Chaeyoung continues, frustration bleeding through. “Like—what is this? What do you want from me?” There’s a beat. Then, more direct—

“…Do you like me?”

There’s silence that hits them. Tzuyu freezes. Like actually freezes. All the teasing, the attitude—it just… drops. “…What?” she says, quieter now.

“Do you like me?” Chaeyoung repeats. “Yes or no.”

Tzuyu looks away immediately. And for the first time—she looks shy.

“…I…”

She fidgets. Then folds in on herself a little. Her ears are turning red. Chaeyoung blinks. What the fuck—

“I do,” Tzuyu mutters. Not teasing. Not playful. Just… honest. “I like you,” she says again, softer.

Chaeyoung just stares at her. Completely thrown. Tzuyu lets out a breath, like the words were stuck in her chest. “I didn’t mean to… go that far,” she adds, voice smaller. “I just—”

She hesitates.

“…you were ignoring me,” she admits. “For like two weeks.”

Chaeyoung frowns. “I wasn’t ignoring you—”

“You were,” Tzuyu cuts in, quiet but stubborn. “And it was annoying.”

Chaeyoung exhales. “That doesn’t justify—”

“I know,” Tzuyu says quickly. “I know that.” Then there’s a beat. “…I just like messing with you,” she adds, softer now. “I like getting reactions out of you.”

Chaeyoung stares at her. “…That’s not okay.”

“I know,” Tzuyu repeats, pouting now.

“And the shit you did?” Chaeyoung adds. “That’s not teasing. That’s—you’re acting like some creepy old man.”

Tzuyu gasps, offended. “What the fuck?”

“I’m serious,” Chaeyoung says. “I was about to get a spray bottle and start spraying you like a cat on somes counter. Maybe even report you.”

Tzuyu glares at her. “You’re an asshole.”

“And you’re insane,” Chaeyoung shoots back.

A beat passes. Then— Tzuyu looks at her again. “…So, do you like me too?”

Chaeyoung freezes. God. “…That’s not the point.”

“It is to me.”

Silence hits them. Chaeyoung looks away. Jaw tight. “…Yes,” she says finally.

Just that. Yes.

Tzuyu’s entire face lights up. And Chaeyoung immediately regrets everything. “Don’t make that face,” she mutters.

“I can’t help it,” Tzuyu says, grinning now—softer this time. Real.

There’s a shift. Not loud. Not obvious. But it’s there. They’re standing a little too close now. Closer than they were a second ago. Chaeyoung notices it—and doesn’t move. Tzuyu’s eyes flicker. Not to her eyes. But to her lips. Back up. Then down again.

Chaeyoung swallows. “…What are you doing?” she asks, trying to sound normal.

It comes out quieter than she meant. Tzuyu doesn’t answer right away. Instead—she reaches out. Slow. Careful. Her fingers brush against Chaeyoung’s hand first—like she’s testing it. Then she takes it. Fully. Chaeyoung inhales—But she doesn’t pull away. “…Chewy-ah.”

“I really like you,” Tzuyu says.

Just like that. No teasing. No attitude. Just—honest. Chaeyoung’s brain short-circuits a little. “…I know that,” she mutters, because what else is she supposed to say?

Tzuyu squeezes her hand slightly. Her voice softens. “You drive me crazy.”

Chaeyoung lets out a breath that almost sounds like a laugh. “That makes two of us.”

“I didn’t like it,” Tzuyu continues, quieter now. “when you stopped talking to me.”

That lands. Harder than anything else she’s said. Chaeyoung’s expression shifts. “…You keep bringing that up—”

“You were ghosting me,” Tzuyu says, pouting now, but there’s something real under it. “For two weeks.” A beat passes. Then, she says softer— “…Don’t do that again.”

Oh.

Oh, that’s—

Chaeyoung folds a little. Just a little. “…Okay,” she says, rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand. “Yeah. I won’t.”

Tzuyu looks at her again. Really looks at her. And Chaeyoung—God. She’s blushing. Hard.

“Stop looking at me like that,” Chaeyoung mutters.

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You are,” Chaeyoung says immediately. “You’re—doing something.”

Then Tzuyu smiles. Small. Then she steps in just a little closer. Still holding her hand. Still watching her. And this time—when she leans down slightly—it’s slow. Careful. Giving her time. Giving her an out.

Chaeyoung doesn’t move. Doesn’t pull away. Doesn’t breathe. She just—stays.

Tzuyu’s close enough now that Chaeyoung can feel it—her breath, the warmth, the intention. And for a second—Chaeyoung almost lets it happen. Almost. Then—she pulls her hand back, and steps away.

“No.”

Her voice is quieter now. But firm. Tzuyu freezes. “…Why?”

“We can’t,” Chaeyoung says, quieter now. “I meant what I said. We have to keep this professional. We’re still at work.”

Tzuyu’s expression falls immediately. And just like that—the brat is back. Her jaw tightens slightly as she looks away for a second, clearly irritated now. “This is so stupid,” she mutters.

Chaeyoung exhales softly. “Yeah. It is.”

But Tzuyu doesn’t let it go this time. Her eyes flick back toward Chaeyoung, sharper now. More focused. “…Okay,” she says slowly. “But what about outside of work?”

Chaeyoung stills. The tiny storage closet suddenly feels way too small. Tzuyu watches her carefully. “So what about when we’re not here then?”

Chaeyoung opens her mouth— Nothing comes out.

Fuck.

Tzuyu sees it happen in real time.

The hesitation.
The flustered pause.
The way Chaeyoung bites lightly at the inside of her cheek instead of answering.

Chaeyoung looks away first, visibly thrown off now. “Chewy-ah…”

But there’s no real warning in it anymore. No conviction. Just panic.

Tzuyu stares at her for another second. Then her expression softens into something frustrated and almost pouty again. She mutters quietly. “This is dumb.”

Chaeyoung lets out a weak breath through her nose, still not looking at her. Then Tzuyu grabs the bag again and shoves it toward her. “Just take it.”

“I’m not taking that shit,” Chaeyoung snaps.

“It was a gift.”

“For what? Sexual harassment?”

Tzuyu glares. “For being a good mentor.”

Chaeyoung stares at her. “You’re actually ridiculous.”

Tzuyu huffs. Then quieter—”…Fine. I’ll stop.”

Chaeyoung pauses. “…What?”

“I said I’ll stop,” Tzuyu mutters. “I won’t do… that again.” There’s a beat. “…But I still like you.”

Chaeyoung sighs. “Yeah. I got that.”

The room goes quiet. For a second, neither of them moves. Then—”…Are we still having lunch?” Tzuyu asks. It’s softer now. Almost hesitant.

Chaeyoung exhales slowly, like she’s trying to get her brain back online. “…Yeah,” she says finally. “We are…. But we’re keeping it professional.”

Tzuyu watches her. Then nods. “…Okay.”

The space feels lighter. Even though everything is unresolved. Still messy. Still—

“Also,” Chaeyoung mutters, glancing at the door, “we need to get the fuck out of this room before someone sees us.”

Tzuyu perks up immediately. “Oh?” she says, lips curling. “You don’t want to be alone with me?”

Chaeyoung shoots her a look. “I didn’t think this shit through.”

“That’s obvious.”

“Don’t start.”

Tzuyu grins. Chaeyoung groans, dragging a hand down her face before yanking the door open. They step out—and immediately almost collide with someone.

Her supervisor. Standing right there in the hallway. Looking directly at them. Chaeyoung’s soul leaves her body. “Oh—!” she blurts.

The man blinks, clearly caught off guard. “…You two were in there?”

Chaeyoung opens her mouth. Nothing comes out. Absolutely nothing. Tzuyu, on the other hand—completely calm. “Yeah,” she says easily. “She was showing me where they keep the extra inventory files.”

Chaeyoung turns to look at her like, what the fuck was that—But the supervisor nods slowly. “…Right.”

His eyes flick down. To the bag in Tzuyu’s hand. “What’s that?”

Chaeyoung actually stops breathing. Tzuyu doesn’t even blink. “Oh, this?” she lifts it slightly. “Just some personal stuff. I was just showing it to her.”

A beat passes. Her supervisor studies them both. It’s suspicious. Very suspicious. “…Okay,” he says finally. “Well. Try not to… linger too long in storage rooms together.”

“Of course,” Tzuyu says politely.

Chaeyoung nods way too fast. “Yep. Yeah. Absolutely.”

“Good,” he says. “Now get back to work.”

He walks off. Chaeyoung stands there. Frozen. Processing. Then—Tzuyu starts laughing. Full-on laughing. Chaeyoung turns slowly. “…What is wrong with you?”

“That was funny,” Tzuyu says, wiping at her eyes.

“That was not funny,” Chaeyoung snaps. “I almost died.”

“You’re dramatic.”

“I’m realistic.”

Tzuyu just grins. Then, like it’s nothing—”Check your email later, for real this time.”

Chaeyoung frowns. “…Why?”

Tzuyu just shrugs. Then she starts walking backward toward her cubicle. Then pauses. Looks at her. Smiles. Soft. “Bye, Chae~”

Chaeyoung immediately scowls. “Shut up.”

Tzuyu’s grin widens. “…Bye, Miss Pervert.”

Chaeyoung’s jaw drops. “What the fuck is wrong with you!?”

Tzuyu just laughs—and disappears down the hall. Chaeyoung stands there for a second. Then turns. Walks back to her cubicle. Sits down….and realizes she’s smiling. Like an idiot.

Oh my god.

She drags a hand over her face. No.

No, no, no—

Two heads immediately pop up over the divider. Mina. Nayeon.

“…Why are you smiling like that?” Nayeon asks.

Mina squints. “Did you set those boundaries?”

Chaeyoung drops her head onto the desk. “Yes. God. I did.”

“Okay, good,” Mina says, relieved.

“Thank fuck,” Nayeon adds.

They all pause for a second. Then—”…So why are you smiling?” Nayeon asks again.

Chaeyoung groans into the desk, covering her face. “Shut up.”

Mina leans in closer. “Oh my god.”

Nayeon grins. “You’re in trouble.”

“I’m not in trouble,” Chaeyoung mutters.

“You’re in trouble,” they both say at the same time.

Chaeyoung presses her face harder into the desk. “…I hate it here.”

But she’s still smiling.

And that’s the real problem.