Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The waiting room was bustling with the noise of people getting ready for their shoot. 

Yujin held back the urge to blink as the makeup artists placed gems under her eyes and smiled as the makeup artists gushed about how she looked. 

Many of the staff in this room had already been with them since their debut, but they were never shy about complimenting the artists they worked with. It was one of the things all the members appreciated. 

Thinking of said members, Yujin let her gaze wander to the corner of the mirror, where the reflection revealed the other members spread out across the room waiting for her to finish.

Liz and Rei were sitting with their shoulders and heads pressed together, laughing at something on Rei's phone. Those two were the most online out of the group, always referencing things the others couldn't understand. 

Gaeul was chapters deep into her novel with her head resting on top of Leeseo's, who seemed to be fast asleep. After making sure they were both alright, Yujin finally let herself check on Wonyoung. 

Despite knowing each other the longest, it sometimes felt like the two of them had something unspoken between them. It wasn’t bad—or at least, Yujin hopes it wasn’t—but there are times when she feels as though Wonyoung was holding back. Recently she'd sometimes catch Wonyoung looking at her with an unreadable expression. That in itself was rare, seeing as Wonyoung was the one member she could communicate with solely based on eye expression. Yet every time she wanted to ask they were interrupted or Wonyoung turned away. 

Yujin tracked Wonyoung's hand as it tucked her hair behind her ear. As if sensing Yujin, Wonyoung turned to look over her shoulder. Yujin's breath caught. She heard the staff distantly telling her that her makeup was done. She thanked them distractedly as they packed up, her focus suddenly only on Wonyoung and nothing else. Yujin resisted the urge to spin her chair around to face Wonyoung as the girl walked closer and closer.

Internally Yujin felt unsteady, her head slightly spinning out of control. She almost felt dizzy. Externally, she cracked a smile at Wonyoung through the reflection.

"Unnie, are you done now?" Wonyoung whined while leaning against the back of Yujin's chair. 

Yujin couldn't help herself, she took a deep breath while leaning backwards into Wonyoung's space. She always smelled good, covered in the subtle floral-fruity YSL Mon Paris Eau de Parfum.

Wonyoung had told her – weeks before even the public knew – that it was her favorite scent. Ever since then, Yujin has been unable to associate anybody else but Wonyoung with that smell. She always kept a small travel spray of the stuff just in case Wonyoung ran out. (Not to apply in small amounts whenever Yujin needed comfort, no certainly not.)

Yujin hummed out loud in a pondering tone, "I don't know, maybe?"

"Stop lying unnie, I saw the makeup artists leave," Wonyoung pouted, her chin resting on the crown of Yujin's head. 

"Yah you caught me, what do you need princess-nim?" Yujin teased, grinning as she watched Wonyoung's cheeks puff out in mock annoyance in the mirror. Cute.

"Can you help me take pictures?" Wonyoung asked, smiling bashfully. She leaned back up with her phone in hand. 

Yujin did not miss the warmth Wonyoung provided.

"How do you know I won't say no?" Yujin retorted jokingly, turning around in the chair.

"You're already standing up reaching for my phone Yujin unnie," Wonyoung pointed out smugly, moving towards the tables to catch the lights of the vanity mirrors. She leaned against the desks, lights acting as back lighting to give a glow rim effect.

"Fine, fine," Yujin rolled her eyes while smiling to reassure Wonyoung that she wasn't truly annoyed. "I can never say no to you, huh?" Yujin joked.

"Nope! You can't!" Wonyoung said cheerfully with her tongue sticking out teasingly.  Her hair fell forward as Wonyoung tilted her head to the side.

Yujin felt herself shiver as a feeling like flowing warm water chill went over Yujin's shoulders. She faltered a bit before raising the phone up. Was she getting sick? First dizziness, then this? Maybe I need to drink more water after this. It'd be tough if she got sick so close to their promotion time. She had to stay healthy and strong as the leader of IVE, they depended on her —almost as much as she did them. She’s been getting these bouts of dizziness and shivers for the past couple of weeks, but today they seemed to be coming out all at once.

After a couple minutes of photo taking, the director called all of IVE to head to the main shooting area. 

"Thanks unnie!" Wonyoung beamed as Yujin handed her phone back. 

"Anytime Wonyoungie," Yujin smiled, now she felt short of breath. This  could just be nerves, Yujin told herself. No matter how many times they filmed, starting a shoot was always nerve-wracking for her. 

Wonyoung and Yujin quickly gathered up the other members and then all of IVE assembled in front of the director.

As the director laid out his plans to the idols, Yujin couldn't help but observe Wonyoung. 

Wonyoung was always pretty, everybody knew that, but something about today kept drawing Yujin's eyes to her. 

Once again Wonyoung looked over as if summoned by Yujin's thoughts. 

The second they made eye contact Yujin looked away.

Get a grip, Yujin scolded herself, redirecting her attention to the director. You can talk about it later with Gaeul unnie, just focus on the shoot first.

-a couple hours later-

"Thank you for the hard work!" all the members yelled in unison while bowing. The shoot had finally come to the end, so they were free to head to the van after changing out. As she was walking, Yujin heard her manager discussing something with someone rapidly on the phone.

"What do you mean?!" Yujin overheard her manager exclaim.

"What's wrong?" Yujin asked, walking up to her manager.

"Apparently the other van left thinking another driver would be picking you up, do you want to wait or do you want to squeeze in with the others?" the manager asked sheepishly.

"I don't mind at all, don't worry." Yujin reassured the manager. He nodded before moving to pull the unused car seats up.

After informing the members of the sudden development, Yujin quickly changed out and walked towards the van. For the first time in forever the group would all be sitting together. Yujin hesitated outside the door, unsure if there was a seating arrangement she should be aware of.

"Unnie, what are you doing?" a voice called out from inside. It was Wonyoung.

Yujin quickly opened the door before poking her head in. "Wonyounie!" she exclaimed as soon as she spotted the girl, "I didn't know you were already in here."

"I change pretty fast you know! I'm an expert at it now," Wonyoung insisted. 

"I'm sure you are," Yujin agreed warmly.  "Are there any seating arrangements I should be aware of?" she asked.

"Not really, but since you and I both had another event later, manager-nim said we should sit in the back. He wanted to drop the others off at the dorm since that was on the way to our next solo schedules." Wonyoung informed, patting the seat beside her.

"If that's the case, don't mind if I do," Yujin replied, sliding in beside Wonyoung.

They both pulled out their phones to check if they had gotten any messages from their managers. After a bit, Yujin glanced over at Wonyoung's screen to see what she was doing. Words flew by as Wonyoung scrolled.

Looks like she reading her book, Yujin thought to herself, turning back to her screen. In the silence of the car with nothing but their synchronized breathing and Wonyoung's scent, it was almost too easy to fall asleep. Yujin's eyelids felt heavy and it was getting harder to concentrate on the email she was reading. 

She blinked, letting her phone completely drop into her lap. 

A longer blink, her head falling forward. 

One final blink, and Yujin was gone.

-about an hour later-

"Yujin unnie wake up." A nudge. Someone was tapping her thigh.

Yujin groaned and tried to bury her head into the warmth beside her. 

The tapping stopped for a bit before continuing even faster.

"Yujin unnie you have to get off, we're at your stop!"

Wonyoung? Yujin opened her eyes. She froze. The warmth? That was Wonyoung's shoulder. Yujin immediately straightened up, face red and apologies spilling from her mouth.

"It's fine unnie," Wonyoung interrupted with a small smile, ears a bit red. "Are you alright? You've been off today." She asked.

"I'm fine," Yujin insisted while rubbing her eyes lightly. "Just tired I think." She looked around. "Where are the others?" she asked.

"They're all at the dorm already, you fell asleep before they came in." Wonyoung replied gently.

Yujin nodded quickly before gathering her stuff. She apologized again to Wonyoung and then the driver before hurrying off, not noticing the look Wonyoung gave her.

Why did I fall asleep?? It's only the afternoon, I shouldn't have been that tired. Yujin thought as she was once again placed in another makeup chair.  Her face flushed as she remembered that she had practically been sleeping on Wonyoung's shoulder for more than an hour and the girl hadn't said anything. Once I'm done I'll talk to Gaeul unnie about this. 

-after the shoot-

Yujing quietly closed the dorm door behind her. It was already late at night and she wasn't sure if the others were awake or not. She tiptoed to her room before quickly taking a shower. Once done she peeked out her door to Gaeul unnie's room. The light was still on. She quietly made her way over before knocking on the door, calling to the inhabitant inside.

"Gaeul unnie, can I talk about something with you?"

She heard the pattering of feet coming closer to the door before it opened up to reveal her unnie's face.

"What's up?" Gaeul asked, opening the door and ushering Yujin inside. Yujin took a glance around and saw Rei lounging on Gaeul's bed. She greeted them both before taking a seat next to Rei.

"I think something might be wrong with me." Yujin started.

"Eh?" The two girls straightened up.

"What do you mean?" Gaeul demanded, "Are you sick?"

Yujin shook her head, paused, then shrugged.

"I don't know, it started a couple weeks ago but was especially bad during our group shoot." Yujin explained, grabbing a pillow to hug. She told them about the chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and the fact that she fell asleep on Wonyoung in the car. "I searched it up on the drive back and google says I might have a heart murmur." Yujin ended her spiel. “I really hope I’m not sick.”

"Wait! Time out!" Rei held her hands up in a t shape. "Does all of this happen when you are with Wonyoung?" She asked.

Yujing tilted her head to the side, "Yes?" she replied, unsure what Rei was going with. She watched as Rei and Gaeul made eye contact before they both sighed in unison shaking their heads. Yujin glanced between the two of them even more confused.

"Unnie," Rei started, "How do you feel around Wonyoung?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" Yujin asked. "Obviously happy, she's my best friend."

"No I mean, do you ever get flustered when she's close? Do you feel hot or warm when she’s near?" Rei asked, "Are there times where you just can't look away from her? Do you ever feel the need to be close to her?" Rei fired off.

"I mean sometimes," Yujin replied, still unsure.

"What Rei-ah is trying to say is we think you like her." Gaeul said point blank.

It took a second for the words to register in Yujin's mind, but once they did, Yujin's face immediately turned red.

"Huh?" she squeaked out.

"Honestly unnie, you really are clueless, huh?" Rei scolded. "After all the love songs you sang over the course of your career and you can't even determine your own feelings?" she clicked her tongue.

Yujin didn't even reply with words, opting to just whine and bury her head into the pillow while squeezing it tight.

The other two members cooed at Yujin's apparent embarrassment. They've been watching Wonyoung and Yujin's dynamic and it seems as if it might finally be progressing.

"What do I do now?" Yujin asked after she had her slight freaking out. Her hair had gotten mussed and her face still had a bit of flush.

"You both have a free day tomorrow, right?" Gaeul asked as she brushed some of Yujin's hair back. "Why don't you pay attention to how you act around her and she you and see if you actually like her or not?" 

Rei nodded in agreement. "If you think these feelings are real, then go for it!" she added on.

Yujin looked at Rei in alarm. "What if she doesn't like me?" Yujin asked.

"Honestly Yujin, if she doesn't like you then I'm a sack of potatoes because there's no way she wouldn't." Rei deadpanned, Gaeul nodding in agreement in the background. "Just try it, you never know!"

Yujin fidgeted with the corner of her pillow before sighing and getting up. "Fine, I'll try." Yujin said, depositing the pillow back onto Gaeul's bed. 

The two girls cheered quietly.

She got up and walked to the door. She turned back to thank the two members before heading to her room. She got into bed before turning off the lights, mind filled with the possibilities of what tomorrow would bring.

-beep beep beep-

Yujin groaned as she reached over to the source of her discomfort. She blinked blearily at her phone screen then groaned again, letting her arm go limp. Her clock read 5 am, she had forgotten to turn it off last night.

Might as well get up and exercise. She thought as she sat up, running a hand through her hair. Yujin ate a snack bar then brushed her teeth. After exiting the bathroom she silently left her room, glancing at Wonyoung's room. The door was closed and the lights were off. Whenever she had a day off Wonyoung tended to sleep in till 8.

As she closed the door behind her, Yujin thought back on all the little things that she knew about Wonyoung. 

The way her voice would get deeper when she was truly annoyed. The way she used random objects for her bookmarks when she was too lazy to get up. The way she untucked her hair when she felt embarrassed to hide her red ears. How she used to hunch just a little bit back in izone, self conscious about her height. Her habit of scrunching her nose when she woke up and the room was too bright.

Opening the door of the complex gym, Yujin wonders if Wonyoung would scrunch her nose this morning. If she would let out a small 'mm' sound while stretching before rolling out of bed. Yujin looked up at the gym's mirror and saw a fond smile stretched across her face. She shook her head.

Gosh, I can't believe I like her, when did that even happen? It's been way too long since they first met. It honestly felt like they knew each other for all their lives. At what point did their friendship turn into this? When did Yujin start to value Wonyoung's happiness over her own? How did it go from always seeking each other's eyes for comfort to avoiding it because they were too shy to look at each other? 

Yujin stepped onto the treadmill and started her playlist, loud american music started playing. She didn't know all the words they used, but listening to something she didn't completely understand helped shut off her mind — something that improved Yujin's running time greatly. She let the music consume her brain as she upped the speed of the treadmill, pushing her thoughts to the side. 

2 miles later Yujin decided to head back up to their dorm to take a shower. She hummed the last song that played in her playlist before she had shut it off. It was good, something she could see herself singing. Something about living by Coldplay. 

As Yujin toweled off her hair, she froze at the doorway of the restroom. Wait, how am I going to confess to her? 

Yujin tugged at the ends of her wet hair. Yes, the other members had assured her that Wonyoung reciprocated her feelings, but were they right? She still had to ask about the looks Wonyoung would give her when she thought Yujin wasn't looking. I'll start with that first, then confess to Wonyoung. Yujin chalked out. Maybe I could take the two of us to that one cafe that reminded me of her. Another cute habit of Wonyoung’s was taking photos with food. The one with soft pink decorations. Nodding to herself, she went to her closet to plan an outfit.

After switching her outfit out 10 times, Yujin checked the time. It was still 7, an hour before Wonyoung would typically wake up. She returned her rejected outfits back into her closet before setting out to make a quick drink for the two of them. 

Right as Yujin poured their smoothies, Wonyoung's door opened. Yujin glanced up and her heart dropped.

Wonyoung was also dressed to go out, in a comfortable but lowkey grey sweats, white tank top, and grey hoodie. 

They were matching, Yujin herself opting to go for a similar outfit, but with a t-shirt instead of a tank top. She should feel elated at the coincidence, but the only thing running through her mind was the fact that she forgot to ask Wonyoung if she herself had any plans. 

"Good morning unnie," Wonyoung greeted, taking a seat at the counter. "Is one of those for me?"

Yujin nodded wordlessly sliding a cup in Wonyoung's direction. She watched as Wonyoung let out a pleased hum at the taste, fingers playing with the base of her own cup.

"Wonyoungie," Yujin started. 

Wonyoung hummed.

"Do you have any plans for today?" Yujin mustered up. 

Wonyoung shook her head before saying, "No, just going out for a walk before it rains and then reading a bit more of my book, I got to a really interesting point last night!" she replied as Yujin let out a sigh of relief. "What about you?" Wonyoung asked, eyeing Yujin's fit. "We match!" she pointed out cheerfully.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go explore this cafe with me." Yujin ventured face slightly flushed. "It's a small one that just opened up recently, and it's within walking distance."

"I'm down for that!" Wonyoung replied, finishing her drink before taking Yujin's empty cup to put in the sink. "Let me wash these, get my things, and then we can head out!" turning to the sink.

Yujin nodded, realized Wonyoung couldn't see her, replied with an audible yes, then let out a silent whoop. They both went into their respective rooms to gather their things before reconvening in the common room.

"Do you have everything? A mask? Hat?" Yujin checked with Wonyoung.

The girl in question replied in affirmation, pulling up her mask and pushing her hat further down her face. With their rise in popularity came the increased chance of being recognized on the street. If that were to happen they would've been followed wherever they went, not getting a single moment of respite. Being able to walk relaxed down the street was just one sacrifice they had to make.

After double checking with Wonyoung one more time, Yujin turned off the lights and locked their dorm door behind them. 

"So Yujin unnie, where are we going today?" Wonyoung sang, hands quickly finding the crook of Yujin's arm. 

Yujin's mind immediately flashed back to when they filmed their free day with MBC. Wonyoung had done the same then too. Despite the cameras then, Yujin really did enjoy that day. She had an excuse to spend the entire day with Wonyoung, they got to work out together, and eat together. She hopes that this day could be similar or even better, since there were no cameras on them this time.

Yujin stammered before pulling Wonyoung to the right, in the direction where the cafe was.

"Yujin unnie," Wonyoung whined, poking at Yujin's side. "Did you memorize the route or something?" she asked.

Yujin nodded, still at a loss for words. 

"Woww, so dependable." Wonyoung teased with a grin.

"It wasn't much," Yujin replied, finally regaining her voice. Yujin shook her head before pulling Wonyoung closer, using the crowded street as an excuse for the proximity. "Just a couple turns and we'll get there to be honest." 

True to her word, after a couple minutes, the entrance of a cafe appeared in front of them. There were only three other people when they entered the establishment, one the cashier and the others a pair of older women talking at the window table.

Yujin smiled as she heard Wonyoung gasp in delight before quickly ushering her into a corner seat away from the window.

"Unnie this place is so cutee," Wonyoung gushed, sliding into the booth against the wall. "How did you even know about this place?"

Yujin huffed in amusement before replying, "I was talking with Young ji after we finished filming and she told me about it." 

She didn't mention that Young ji told Yujin to take Wonyoung specifically. At the time Yujin thought Young ji was only saying that because Wonyoung was her most recent IVE show guest and she didn't want Yujin to go alone. Now she thinks it might have been Young ji trying to set them up. 

"And plus," Yujin added brushing the thought aside, "it's been a while since we have been able to go out together."

To avoid seeing Wonyoung's reaction, Yujin took a look around the small establishment. It really was cute, and totally fit Wonyoung's taste. The walls were soft white with light pink accents that made the room seem more colorful than it actually was. Small hanging plants were scattered throughout and the room smelled like coffee and bread.

When Yujin looked back at Wonyoung, she noticed that Wonyoung's hair had become untucked and her face had fallen forward, hidden from view.

"Wonyoung?" Yuiljin called softly tucking Wonyoung's hair back. Her ears were red. "Are you alright?"

She heard Wonyoung mumble something. 

"What did you say?" she asked, hand stilling.

"Unnie you're so unfair." Wonyoung whined, her hands going up to grab Yujin's still hovering arm. Her eyebrows were drawn together and her eyes had a slight sheen to them.

"Oh wait sorry what did I do? Are you ok?" Yujin, fearing that Wonyoung would start crying, leaned closer to Wonyoung. The grip on her arm tightened.

"You're just so-" Wonyoung started, leaning back before shaking her head. "Nevermind," she sighed. The hand gripping Yujin's arm loosened and slid down so they were holding hands.

"O-ok," Yujin stammered, "Let me order something for us and then we can talk, yeah?" she asked, hand squeezing Wonyoung's.

Wonyoung nodded before releasing her hold on Yujin's hand.

Yujin got up unsteadily before making her way to the counter.

"One avocado toast, one strawberry cream pastry, one dubai chocolate dessert, and two americanos please," Yujin uttered.

The cashier's head snapped up.

"Are you?" she asked in awe."Yujin? From IVE?"

Yujin winked while placing her finger in front of her mouth in a shushing motion.

The worker squealed quietly while inputting their order. "Is it okay if I ask you to sign my photocard? You're my ultimate bias wrecker" the girl gushed.

Yujin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who's your favorite?" she asked while taking the offered photocard and marker.

"Uh I'm sorry Yujin ssi but I really like Wonyoung. Actually- I think I might like the look of both of both of you together because your visuals match-" she rambled.

Yujin laughed before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, "Wonyoung's my bias too." 

The cashier was nearly vibrating with excitement as she took the photocard back from Yujin. "Your food will be right out!"

Yujin thanked the cashier again as she tapped to pay before walking back to where Wonyoung was seated. The girl had regained her composure and was busy checking her reflection on her phone.

Yujin grabbed Wonyoung's hand again before leaning closer to the girl. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.

"You first unnie, you've been off since a few weeks ago." Wonyoung retorted, her ears back to their bright shade of red.

“Well, uh” Yujin stammered, “about that,” she hesitating, her plan of gauging Wonyoung’s own thoughts foiled before it could even start. 

“Your food is here!” the server cheerfully interrupted. As she placed down their plates the girl looked up and gasped. “Wonyoung??” she whisper screamed.

Wonyoung let go of Yujin’s hand before smiling and nodding at the girl. 

“Oh my gosh you are my ult!! I’m your biggest fan,” the girl gushed. She hastily pulled Wonyoung’s photocard from her carabiner and a marker from her pocket. “Do you mind?” She held both items up questioningly. 

“Not at all,” Wonyoung said, taking both items, very much like Yujin did before.

After bowing deeply to the both of them, the server left them to enjoy their food.

“I still expect an answer, unnie.” Wonyoung pointed at Yujin threateningly. 

Yujin nodded in defeat. “I’ll tell you after for sure.”

The two of them pulled out their phones to take photos of the food. After a mini impromptu photoshoot they picked up their utensils. 

Yujin smiled as she listened to Wonyoung’s small exclamations of delight. She’ll really have to thank Young Ji unnie when they meet for another shoot.

The two of them ate with loaded silence. Yujin was mentally preparing for what she would say. She couldn’t tell what Wonyoung was thinking about at all. At least she knew Wonyoung liked her cafe choice for the day.

After they finished eating, the two waved goodbye to the still starstruck worker before walking out the cafe. The clouds were starting to roll in, but neither paid the weather any mind.

This time, Wonyoung took the lead, grabbing Yujin’s hand and walking briskly in a direction away from their dorm. Yujin recognized the route. They were going to the park where the two of them used to hang out during their trainee days. She hurried to walk in pace with her crush.

Crush… Wow I can’t believe I have a crush on Wonyoung. Yujin thought giddily. It was nice to put a positive word to the weird things that she had been feeling lately. She was relieved to not be sick, and having a crush on Wonyoung wasn’t the worst thing ever. I’m lucky enough to be close enough with this angel and have a crush on her. She swung the hand in hers happily.

“What is this?” Wonyoung asked, “What’s got you so happy unnie?”

“We’re walking together!” Yujin replied cheerfully, still in her giddy mindset.

“Jeez, you really,” Wonyoung shook her head, hand squeezing Yujin’s.

Once at the park they made their way to their tree and sat underneath it, hands still together but facing away from each other. 

“So,” Wonyoung started. “What’s the deal with you unnie?”

Yujin fiddled with Wonyoung’s fingers, entire body thrumming with nervous energy. They sat in silence as Yujin tried to find the words to say. 

I always did like your hands, they are so pretty. Yujin thought. 

Wonyoung’s hands clutched Yujin’s. 

Crap did I say that outloud?

“You did unnie. And you shouldn’t say bad words.” Came Wonyoung’s voice.

Yujin groaned. “I did not want to start my confession like this.”

“Confession?” Wonyoung squeaked, “You like me too?!”

Yujin banged her head against the tree. !! Why was she messing up so much!! Wait-

“Too?” Yujin shrieked, turning to look at the girl who held her hand and heart. 

They both looked at each other before bursting out in laughter.

“We’re such idiots aren’t we?” Wonyoung asked.

“We really are,” Yujin agreed.

Right as Yujin finished speaking, the rain started pouring.

The two girls cried out before hurrying back in the direction of their dorm. They ran down the streets laughing, Yujin pulling Wonyoung behind them. 

Yujin turned to look behind her as she ran, beaming at the girl who now knows her feelings and reciprocates them. 

-

The other members returned to their dorms in the evening to find the two of them cuddling on the couch. Yujin laying down hugging Wonyoung’s midriff watching TV and Wonyoung leaning against the side reading her book. 

“So, should we wear noise cancelling headphones after 10 or?” Rei smirked. 

“REI!” 

Chapter Text

The chattering of staff and muffled shouts from the director outside floated around the room.

Wonyoung sat back straight on a couch, absentmindedly tapping along to the melody of the current song on the radio. She watched as Liz and Rei let out another laugh. Those two seriously..She was still impressed that Liz had managed to have 10 hours of screen time on her phone. Rei was no better, but at least it wasn’t in the double digits. Yet. Wonyoung thought to herself, amused.

Across the room sat Gaeul and Leeseo. Gaeul’s knuckles were white, her expression tense, eyes moving quickly across the pages of her novel. A stark contrast from their youngest who lay dead to the world catching up on some much needed sleep.

Wonyoung hummed as she fiddled with the hem of her top. The shoot today was on the more casual side, with every member wearing a similar outfit to the one they wore in their Be Alright MV. She felt especially pretty today with her top being her favorite color and her hair coming down in waves that perfectly framed her face. 

As Wonyoung tilted her phone to check herself in the reflection, she spotted the makeup artists packing up. She turned around. They must be done. Without thinking, Wonyoung got up and walked to Yujin’s seat. Unnie looks really pretty today. Gosh I want to squish her.

Following a restraint she sometimes wished she didn’t need to have, Wonyoung settled instead for placing her hands against the back of Yujin’s chair. 

“Unnie, are you done now?” Wonyoung whined.

Wonyoung watched as Yujin leaned back, internally preening. Wait, did she just breathe in? Am I being delusional? It tingled where Yujin’s hair brushed her arm, Wonyoung hyper aware of their proximity. The warmth radiating from Yujin was no joke.

Her unnie hummed, “I don't know, maybe?"

"Stop lying unnie, I saw the makeup artists leave," Wonyoung pouted, her chin resting on the crown of Yujin's head. Maybe I don’t have the greatest self-control…

Wonyoung felt more than heard the chuckle that left Yujin. She wanted to get used to the feeling. If only.

"Yah you caught me, what do you need princess-nim?" Yujin teased.

Wonyoung puffed out her cheeks in annoyance while leaning back and lifting up her phone. 

"Can you help me take pictures?" Wonyoung asked, shy despite having asked Yujin to do this for her hundreds of times before. 

"How do you know I won't say no?" Yujin retorted jokingly, turning around in the chair. Wonyoung scoffed while moving past the seated girl. 

"You're already standing up reaching for my phone Yujin unnie," Wonyoung pointed out smugly, leaning back to hide her shaking hands.

"Fine, fine," Yujin rolled her eyes while smiling, "I can never say no to you, huh?" she joked.

"Nope! You can't!" Wonyoung said cheerfully, her hair falling forward as Wonyoung tilted her head to the side. She paused as she saw Yujin’s smile falter before Yujin lifted her phone.

What was that? Wonyoung gripped the table underneath her, suddenly much less cheerful than before. She's been acting weird lately, let’s just ignore it for now. She thought as she plastered a smile on her face, lifting her hand to her signature elegant pose. She moved through one pose after the other, her leader cheering her on.

After a couple minutes of photo taking, the director called all of IVE to the main shooting area.

"Thanks unnie!" Wonyoung beamed as Yujin handed her phone back. 

"Anytime Wonyoungie," Yujin smiled.

The two girls split, Wonyoung quickly making her way over to where Gaeul was waking Leeseo and Yujin to the two resident screenagers.

While listening to the director’s instructions, Wonyoung felt a prickle. She looked up, catching the eyes of Yujin. 

The second they made eye contact Yujin looked away.

Aw Wonyoung huffed, fiddling with hair. She watched through the corner of her eyes as Yujin shook her head before turning her attention back to the director.

-a couple hours later-

"Thank you for the hard work!" all the members yelled in unison, bowing. The members and staff made their way to the changing room, finally free to move on to other things. 

Wonyoung moved quickly, wanting to get some more reading in before she had to get to her next schedule.

Already half way done with changing out, Wonyoung looked up as Yujin announced to the room that the members would be cramming into a single van together.

The other members let out sounds of acknowledgement after Yujin finished, Liz and Rei excitedly talking about the reels they would show each other.

After Wonyoung finished changing she made her way to the car with her manager. He told her about Yujin's schedule and how he told the driver to drop off the other members first.

“They have nothing else today,” the man explained.

Wonyoung nodded in understanding before climbing inside to the back. She opened up a pdf of her book and scrolled to where she left off. 

Sensing movement outside, Wonyoung looked out the door windows of the find Yujin standing there with a hand on the handle. She leaned forward in her seat.

"Unnie, what are you doing?" Wonyoung called.

Yujin’s outline flinched before the door opened revealing Yujin’s face. 

"Wonyounie!" Yujin exclaimed as soon as she spotted the girl, "I didn't know you were already in here."

"I change pretty fast you know! I'm an expert at it now," Wonyoung insisted.

"I'm sure you are," Yujin agreed warmly.  "Are there any seating arrangements I should be aware of?" she asked. Her head moved side to side as she scanned the interior.

"Not really, but since you and I both had another event later, manager-nim said we should sit in the back. He wanted to drop the others off at the dorm since that was on the way to our next solo schedules." Wonyoung informed, patting the seat beside her.

"If that's the case, don't mind if I do," Yujin replied, sliding in beside Wonyoung.

Wonyoung felt a bit of warmth already creeping up her neck at the proximity. She lifted her phone to distract herself, switching back and forth between the group’s chat to the pdf of her book, Schopenhauer Read at Forty. It was a recent discovery she made, the words inside often giving her comfort.

At some point, Yujin’s head started bobbing. Wonyoung watched through her peripherals as her unnie’s hand fell forward. Next came her head, nodding forward once, twice, and then staying down the third time. 

Yujin’s body shifted, her head falling to the crook of Wonyoung’s shoulder. 

Her shoulder, her thigh, her head!! Is my heart still beating-?? Wonyoung thought, posture stiffening. Gosh how did she fall asleep that quickly, her phone is going to fall, Wonyoung wondered worriedly while carefully grabbing Yujin’s phone.

After a couple more minutes, the other members started piling in. Rowdily at first, but they quieted down when they realized their beloved leader was asleep.

As soon as Rei saw she wiggled her eyebrows at Wonyoung, smirking. 

“What’s this?” Rei asked, eyes darting back and forth between the two.

Wonyoung could feel her ears heating up.

“She’s just tired,” the blushing girl insisted.

“If you say so~” Rei sang, turning back to the front, laughing as Liz hit her shoulder. 

Gaeul unnie turned back from her spot in the passenger seat, “Is she alright? She knows she has a schedule later, right?” she asked.

Wonyoung nodded in affirmation, “I’ll wake her up if need be,” smiling at Leeseo as the girl climbed into the back, plopping down next to Yujin. 

All the older members except the asleep Yujin cooed as their youngest yawned. 

“Is our Leeseo tired too?” Liz asked. 

The girl in question let out a small noise in confirmation before snuggling into Yujin’s side.

Leeseo had been practicing a lot late into the night outside of group schedules, feeling the need to improve as the youngest. She only took breaks on days where her schedule ran long, opting instead to sleep during the day or in car rides. She knew her own limits, but it didn’t stop the others from worrying.

The rest of them quieted down, not wanting to wake the two resting members. 

“We’ve arrived,” the driver quietly called out after half an hour of driving.

Gaeul made her way out to the back, opening the door for Liz and Rei. The two thanked the driver before hurrying inside. The eldest folded the seat back before nudging Leeseo awake. She thanked the driver on the behalf of the sleepy maknae before ushering the groggy girl back into the dorm. 

After making sure the girls made it inside, the driver set off to Yujin’s shoot. 

Minutes into the drive Wonyoung switched her phone to her other hand, gingerly placing her head on top of Yujin’s. She started on chapter 20, where Schopenhauer talks about managing one’s mind.

It was chapter 23 when they arrived at Yujin’s stop, the driver pausing the music and calling to the back. 

Wonyoung nudged Yujin’s thigh. "Yujin unnie wake up."

Yujin groaned before burying her head into Wonyoung’s shoulder.

SHE?? ASDHKF??? 

Wonyoung sped up her tapping, her ears growing redder by the second. "Yujin unnie you have to get off, we're at your stop!"

Wonyoung felt Yujin freeze before the girl shot up, nearly hitting Wonyoung’s chin in the process. Wonyoung flinched back. 

Yujin turned back to Wonyoung, apologies spilling from her lips.

"It's fine unnie," Wonyoung interrupted with a small smile, ears a bit red. "Are you alright? You've been off today." She asked.

"I'm fine," Yujin insisted while rubbing her eyes lightly. "Just tired I think." She looked around. "Where are the others?" she asked.

"They're all at the dorm already, you fell asleep before they came in." Wonyoung replied gently.

Wonyoung eyes followed Yujin’s movements as she quickly gathered her stuff, apologizing to the driver before running off, her brow furrowed. She peered out the window as the driver started the car once again, watching as Yujin greeted the staff already waiting for her.

-

Somehow – Wonyoung discovers – she gets back home first. I guess my shoot ended earlier. She decides to eat a little, heading towards the kitchen. She hums happily when she spots the leftovers that Rei left, a sticker with a doodle labeling the box as Wonyoung’s.

After she ate, she cleaned up and went into the restroom, the need to wash suddenly overtaking all other priorities. 

Putting on a show to play in the background, Wonyoung heads inside the restroom. Afterwards she sits at the foot of her bed, squeezing her hair dry.

A little while later, as she was applying the last of her skincare routine, Woyoung hears Yujin's door open. 

Yujin unnie is back?? Since when? Wonyoung thought excitedly as she stood up from her bed. Right as she was about to open her door she hears Yujin calling to Gaeul. 

Right.

Those two are closer now.

Wonyoung’s hand drifted down; she listened as Yujin gets invited in and dejectedly walks bad to her bed. Not quite slumping, she’s too committed to her posture to do that, but certainly not her normal upright posture.

There used to be a time when Wonyoung was the one Yujin would go to. Whenever they had problems they would always confide in each other. When IVE first started out, that was what Yujin would do. She’d crawl next to Wonyoung above her covers and they’d talk from dusk till dawn. After a while, Gaeul and Rei were the ones Yujin started to rely on the most.

Wonyoung lay under her covers listening to the sounds of Yujin, Gaeul, and Rei talking. She watches the clock as the minute hand goes from 1 to 2. She was still lying awake when she hears Yujin bid the others goodnight

When Yujin’s door clicks shut, Wonyoung turns over and goes to sleep.

-

Scrunching her nose, Wonyoung let out a small ‘mm’ sound as she stretched, arms reaching up. She goes through a couple more stretches, her shoulders and back popping before she stands up to check her appearance in a mirror. After deeming her appearance acceptable, she heads to the restroom to wash her mouth and face.

Only after all that does Wonyoung check her phone. She scrolls past the many social media notifications, pausing only to see the mentions from Tommy Hilfiger. Looks like the posts are being received. Wonyoung hums. She then checks the weather. Sunny, slightly chilly, and a chance of rain at noon. Not too bad, I should probably go on a walk before the rain hits.

Hearing the blender go off Yujin unnie must be making smoothies right now, Wonyoung threw on grey sweats, a white tank top, and a matching hoodie before heading out the door.

"Good morning unnie," Wonyoung greeted, taking a seat at the counter. "Is one of those for me?" She kept her gaze down, preoccupied with tying a knot on her sweatpants. 

Wonyoung absentmindedly took a cup, gazing unseeing out the window. Where should I go tod- Ooh this is good. Wonyoung let out a pleased hum at the taste.

"Wonyoungie," Yujin started. 

Wonyoung hummed again, this time in question. Maybe the river? No, too many people.

"Do you have any plans for today?" Yujin asked, tone slightly hesitant.

Wonyoung shook her head before saying, "No, just going out for a walk and then reading a bit more of my book, I got to a really interesting point last night!" she replied, finally turning to look at her leader. "What about you?" Wonyoung asked, eyeing Yujin's fit. "We match!" she pointed out cheerfully.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go explore this cafe with me." Yujin ventured face slightly flushed. "It's a small one that just opened up recently, and it's within walking distance."

"I'm down for that!" Wonyoung replied, finishing her drink before taking Yujin's empty cup to put in the sink. "Let me wash these, get my things, and then we can head out!" sliding off her seat.

Wonyoung was more of a consumer than creator, so whenever other members made food she vowed to wash the dishes. At some point she even enjoyed it.

After a couple minutes, the two of them reconvened in the common room.

"Do you have everything? A mask? Hat?" Yujin checked with Wonyoung.

The girl in question replied in affirmation, pulling up her mask and pushing her hat further down her face. Behind the mask Wonyoung was grinning from ear to ear. 

Yujin unnie is so cute when she’s in leader mode. She’s truly the best fit for the leader position in IVE. 

Unable to resist, Wonyoung’s hands wrap around Yujin’s. I have her all to myself today. She thought gleefully. "So Yujin unnie, where are we going today?" Wonyoung sang, squeezing just a little bit.

Yujin stammered before pulling Wonyoung to the right.

"Yujin unnie," Wonyoung whined, poking at Yujin's side. "Did you memorize the route or something?" she asked.

Yujin nodded, still not saying anything. 

"Woww, so dependable." Wonyoung teased with a grin. Is she shy or something?

"It wasn't much," Yujin replied before pulling Wonyoung closer. asjfd- "Just a couple turns and we'll get there to be honest." 

Wonyoung faltered before regaining her senses and falling into step with Yujin.

True to her word, after a couple minutes, the entrance of a cafe appeared in front of them. There were only three other people when they entered the establishment, one the cashier and the others a pair of older women talking at the window table.

Wonyoung gasped in delight. The cafe was so cute!! She looked around as Yujin ushered her further in. Honestly it really was to her taste, the place was even pink!

"Unnie this place is so cutee," Wonyoung gushed, sliding into the booth against the wall. "How did you even know about this place?"

Yujin huffed in amusement before replying, "I was talking with Young ji after we finished filming and she told me about it."

Wonyoung nodded in understanding, looking around the place again. Was that IVE playing in the background? Maybe the cashier is a fan..She turned back to Yujin when she heard her continue talking.

"And plus," Yujin added absentmindedly, "it's been a while since we have been able to go out together."

Her face grew warm as Wonyoung took in the girl in front of her. How can this girl say something like that so casually?? She bowed down, hiding her face from view as she tried to contain her squeals.

"Wonyoung?" Yuiljin called softly, tucking Wonyoung's hair back. HOLY- "Are you alright?"

Mind? Blank. Ears? Red. Hotel? Trivago.

“This girl seriously,” Wonyoung mumbled under her breath, bracing herself before she had to lift her head and face the girl who torments her days and dreams.

“What did you say?” Yujin asks, probably clueless.

"Unnie you are so unfair." Wonyoung said louder, her hands going up to grab Yujin's still hovering arm. I am literally going to cry because of this girl. How is she so sweet?

"Oh wait sorry what did I do? Are you ok?" Yujin panics, leaning closer.

Wonyoung’s grip tightened. Too close.

"You're just so-" Wonyoung started, leaning back before shaking her head. "Nevermind," she sighed. The hand gripping Yujin's arm loosened and slid down so they were holding hands.

"Ok," Yujin stammered, "Let me order something for us and then we can talk, yeah?" she asked, hand squeezing Wonyoung's.

Wonyoung nodded before releasing her hold on Yujin's hand.

While Yujin was ordering, Wonyoung took the time to attempt to calm herself. She leaned her head against the wall behind her, sighing. After taking a few deep breaths, she glances at the pair of old women that they passed on the way in. 

The women were talking and laughing over cups of coffee. One of them, the woman with wavy hair, was animatedly telling a story to the other, short haired woman. They both laughed at what Wonyoung assumed was an inside joke, based on their expressions. Their feet were tapping each other under the table, and they looked like they had no care in the world except for each other.

I hope Yujin and I can have something like that in the future. Wonyoung thought. After what feels like a decade of pining though, Wonyoung wouldn’t mind just being in Yujin’s life down the line. She hopes they can stay close forever.

Seeing Yujin walking back, Wonyoung quickly picks up her phone, not wanting to be caught watching other people. She checks her reflection. Not bad for someone was just had the panic of a lifetime, she thought.

Yujin slid back into her seat, hand reaching out for Wonyoung’s.

Her hand her hand her hand-

"Are you sure you're alright? Do you want to talk about it?" Yujin asked.

"You first unnie, you've been off since a few weeks ago." Wonyoung retorted, her ears back to their bright shade of red.

Right as Yujin was about to answer, the server came over. That was fast. 

“Oh my gosh you are my ult!! I’m your biggest fan,” the girl gushed. She hastily pulled Wonyoung’s photocard from her carabiner and a marker from her pocket. “Do you mind?” She held both items up questioningly.

Wonyoung let go of Yujin’s hand before smiling and nodding at the girl. Aw, she was a fan. “Not at all,” Wonyoung replied, taking both items.

After bowing deeply to the both of them, the server left them to enjoy their food.

“I still expect an answer, unnie.” Wonyoung pointed at Yujin threateningly. 

Yujin nodded in defeat. “I’ll tell you after for sure.”

The two of them pulled out their phones to take photos of the food. After a mini impromptu photoshoot they picked up their utensils.

Wonyoung would not let uncertain futures interrupt her love for eating. For now, food.

She knows what I like, that’s for sure. Wonyoung thought, cutting another slice of strawberry cream pastry. She hummed in delight. I never knew there was a cafe that had dubai chocolate cake, I didn’t even know that was a thing!

After they finished eating, the two waved goodbye to the still starstruck worker before walking out the cafe.

Goodbye cafe, I will come back here. Wonyoung thought as they crossed the threshold. 

A rush of nostalgia ran through Wonyoung as they walked the street. Wait, this leads to- she picked up her pace.

At some point Yujin started swinging their hands. 

Wonyoung let her hand go limp, following Yujin’s flow.

“What is this?” Wonyoung asked, “What’s got you so happy, unnie?”

“We’re walking together!” Yujin replied cheerfully.

“Jeez, you really,” Wonyoung shook her head, hand squeezing Yujin’s.

Once they reached the park they made their way to their tree and sat underneath it, fingers still intertwined but bodies facing away from each other. 

“So,” Wonyoung started, she’d be darned if she spilled first, “What’s the deal with you unnie?”

The clouds were starting to roll in now, but Wonyoung didn’t want to rush Yujin. Her hands were always so warm.

It was funny. The members told them time and time again that they had an opposites attract type of dynamic. Wonyoung’s hands were always cold and Yujin’s were always warm. Wonyoung is the calm one when they are apart while Yujin is the loud, rowdy one. And when they were together? Yujin was soft and Wonyoung was louder than usual. That’s how they worked.

“I always did like your hands, they are so pretty,” Yujin murmured, her larger hands enveloping Wonyoung’s.

Wonyoung’s hands clutched Yujin’s.

“Crap, did I say that outloud?” Yujin let out.

“You did unnie. And you shouldn’t say bad words.” Wonyoung scolded.

Yujin groaned. “I did not want to start my confession like this.”

“Confession?” Wonyoung squeaked, turning to look at Yujin, “You like me too?!” This cannot be happening right now.

A dull thunk was heard as Yujin hit her head against the tree behind them. The girl sat up with a start. 

“Too?” Yujin shrieked, turning towards Wonyoung.

They both looked at each other before bursting out in laughter.

“We’re such idiots aren’t we?” Wonyoung asked, wiping a tear from her eye. A droplet hit Wonyoung’s hand. Wait a droplet?!-

“We really are,” Yujin agreed as Wonyoung looked up in alarm.

Right as Yujin finished speaking, the rain started pouring.

The two girls cried out before hurrying back in the direction of their dorm. They ran down the streets laughing, Yujin pulling Wonyoung behind her. 

Wonyoung gazed at the girl in front of her as Yujin turned back with a wide smile. Despite the rain and her most likely ruined clothes, Wonyoung would remember this day as one of her happiest.

-

The two got back to their dorm soaking wet, but still high on laughter.

“Do you want to take a shower first while I order something?” Yujin offered, already pulling out her phone to order.

After Wonyoung took a quick shower she walked out drying her hair, calling out to Yujin. “Yujinnie your turn!”

While Yujin was taking a shower, Wonyoung sat herself on the couch with her phone, fully intending to continue reading her book like she planned to in the morning. Instead, she found herself scrolling through the photo gallery dedicated to just her and Yujin. We really used to spend nearly all our time together. Wonyoung thought. There used to be multiple pictures of Yujin from each day. Now there were gaps in the dates of each photo.

Now that we’re- what are we? Wonyoung’s thumb paused. Yes the two of them confessed and reciprocated each other’s feelings, but where do they go now? Were they together? Dating? Girlfriends? Talking? I’m sure we’re past the talking stage at least.

“Wonyoung is the food out?” a voice calls out.

Wonyoung startles then freezes. In front of her is Yujin, drying her damp hair, dressed in nothing but her sweater and a pair of shorts. Wow I’m going insane. 

“You look amazing, unnie,” Wonyoung let out in a dazed voice. “Is that my sweater?”

Yujin looked down, shy. “Maybe? I don’t remember buying it, but it’s super comfy.”

“Come here,” Wonyoung beckons, hands reaching out unconsciously.

Yujin obeys, hovering over the seated girl uncertainly. “What am I-?”

Wonyoung pulls at Yujin until the girl falls against her side, letting out a small oomph. She buries her face into Yujin’s shoulder, arms wrapped around the older's neck and sitting halfway on top of her. She smells good.

“Wonyoung?” Yujin squeaks out right next to Wonyoung’s ear, the girl shivered.

“Yujin unnie, what are we now?” Wonyoung asks, playing with Yujin’s hair.

“I don’t know,” Yujin starts, leaning back against the sofa. Her eyes scanned Wonyoung’s before crinkling. “Can I take you on a movie date as your date? Right here right now? I’ll even let you pick.”

“Yah unnie you’re so lame,” Wonyoung laughed before sliding off Yujin completely. She grabbed the remote and a blanket before squeezing into Yujin’s side again.

-

The other members returned to their dorms in the evening to find the two of them cuddling on the couch. Yujin hugging Wonyoung’s midriff while watching TV and Wonyoung leaning against her side. 

“Did you guys order earlier?” Liz held up the now cold delivery food. 

“So, should we wear noise cancelling headphones after 10 or?” Rei smirked. 

“REI!”