Twice x Reader One-shots

M/F Reader x Jihyo - Secret Admirer

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

First I hope you all have a wonderful day with either your loved ones, your special girl/guy.

Or if you're like me, alone in your room and imagining about K-pop idols being with you.

At least that's what I do 24/7 with my nine angels of Twice. Who needs anyone when you have them right?!

But seriously, if you're single or in a relationship, spend time with any loved one and enjoy them today.

And I hope that you'll enjoy this one-shot featuring our favorite leader Jihyo.

WORD COUNT: 15124

ENJOY!!!

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You growled in annoyance as your avatar on your phone died in the middle of the battle, effectively ending your many many attempts at the level in your game.

Sighing, you waited for the level to reset and then bring your thumb down to your phone's translucent screen, making your character go through the dungeon again, hoping that you could finally make it to the end of the level.

You lay down on your bed and hoped that playing a game for the past half hour would help pass the time quicker or to focus on something else.

Unfortunately, it did nothing of the sort. Instead, it just seemed to depress you further.

The game was hard enough as it was, but the thoughts running rampage in your head made focusing on the game nearly impossible when you received yet another text.

You almost threw your phone at the wall, but silenced your phone and dropped the phone upside down.

Releasing a deep breath to calm herself, you opened your laptop, placed your headphones on and clicked through pages upon pages of albums until you found one by her favorite band and selected their first album that was issued a few years ago.

You tapped your fingers on the laptop to the familiar beat and closed your eyes, concentrating on the main singer's voice to try and relax as you laid back.

However, just like every other attempt you'd made in the past hours, it failed within moments.

You knew it was a problem when even your favorite band couldn't cure the unease in your stomach and the whirlpool of emotions in your brain.

You couldn't help it, though.

What happened just wouldn't leave your head.

It couldn't.

It never will.

You did something...something terrible and you just...well...let's go back, shall we?

=================================

MAJOR FLASHBACK

TWO AND A HALF WEEKS AGO

It started out simple enough.

You and your nine friends of Im Nayeon, Yoo Jeongyeon, Hirai Momo, Minatozaki Sana, Park Jihyo, Myoui Mina Kim Dahyun, Son Chaeyoung, and Chou Tzuyu were trying to convince Jeongyeon to go to the dance held on Valentine's Day during lunch.

This dance was in two weeks and was announced last week by flyers and announcements.

"Come on Jeong, what's keeping you in two weeks?" Nayeon asked as Jeongyeon sighed.

"I just don't want to go." She replied.

"No date?" Tzuyu asked as Jeongyeon scoffed.

"That's not the issue."

"So you do have one?" Dahyun pointed at her.

"I don't have a date, nor will I get one. I just don't want to go, okay." She shrugged

"Oh come on-"

"Excuse me, Jihyo?" Jihyo and the rest turned to see this blonde boy behind her. "I was wondering if you would...uhh...be willing to go the dance with me?" He looked nervous as hell as you ten looked at the boy.

Jihyo frowned.

"Oh, thank you, but I'm sorry. I can't accept your invitation." She simply said as the boy's frown deepened.

"Oh..."

"I'm sorry." Jihyo said as he shook his head.

"T-that's okay..."

Without another word, the boy then walked away.

"Another one bites the dust. That's what? Five now?" Dahyun said as Jihyo nodded.

"Sucks to be popular ain't it Jihyo?" Nayeon teased as Jihyo huffed in her seat.

You weren't surprised there.

You felt kind of bad for the poor boy, though.

Jihyo had been rejecting those advances for some days now since the dance was introduced.

All were no's so far though, but they kept on trying to get popular, most beautiful Park Jihyo to be with them.

But Jihyo wasn't harsh in her rejections. Her kind tone was clear in her melodic voice and sadness in her eyes every time.

And the thought of Jihyo outright rejecting you like that made your heart sink.

"So who are you exactly going for?" You looked to see Chaeyoung looking at their leader.

"No one." She answered as some of the girls scoffed or giggled. "I'm serious girls...besides, you all know they only want me because of my popularity and looks anyway." Jihyo said sipping her water as the others looked at her with soft gazes.

"Jihyo..." "Ji..."

"Jihyo, we're sorry for that, but you have to let that go." Sana said as the others nodded.

"I know Sana, but...it still hurts." Jihyo said as she leered at the table.

That statement caused equal amounts of anger and relief to shoot through you. You were angry because Jihyo should never be forced to deal with a creep like that.

Jihyo had once dated someone last year around this time that she liked for a bit but broke up about a couple of weeks afterward and a day after Valentine's because she learned that he only liked her for her body from a friend who was eavesdropping on him and his gang.

Her looks weren't the sole thing you cared about, so the fact that that was the only reason other people might have been interested in Jihyo when there was so much more to love about her, made your insides twist with fury.

You shook your head. Now was not the time. Jihyo was hurt and you had to fix it.

"Hey," you shoulder bumped Jihyo as she looked at your smile, "he's long gone Jihyo, you don't worry. We're for you." You said as the others agreed to your words.

Jihyo smiled and shoulder bumped you back.

"Thanks (YN)." You nodded, "thank you all." She turned to each one as they all nodded.

"But you're still coming to the dance right?" Momo asked as Jihyo shrugged. "Oh come on Jihyo, see what you did Jeong." She looked at Jeongyeon as she burrowed her eyebrows.

"What did I do?" She asked.

"Girls, enough." Mina spoke up, "we don't have to force the two if they don't want to go." She reasoned as Momo pouted.

"But it was supposed to be all ten of us," Sana spoke as Dahyun patted her back.

"It's not the end of the world Sana. Plus we can still hang out after the dance." Chaeyoung said to her as Sana shrugged.

"I suppose."

Soon the table resumed talking and eating as you looked down at the table.

'Jihyo...'

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

TIMESKIP

"Thanks for being here Mina." You said as Mina nodded.

"Of course (YN)." She said as you weakly frowned and laid back on your bed as Mina took a seat on your desk chair. "I guess it wasn't easy seeing another person asking her out huh?" She said as you nodded and sighed your eyes staring at the roof.

Mina knew how much you hated that and really, she didn't blame you.

"C'mon (YN), cheer up. Everything's gonna be okay."

"I don't know what to do Mina...I don't..." You weakly stated. "I think I'm just going to hide out in my room for the dance."

"This is getting to you bad isn't it?" Mina murmured. She knew why you were like this, both of your friends, Park Jihyo had yet to recognize your feelings for her.

The feelings that had obviously been there for months.

And no matter how many times they crossed paths, Jihyo obviously never picked up on the signs that you were infatuated with her, it was painful to watch for Mina.

"I'm sorry (YN). But hey, don't let Jihyo from keeping you away from the dance. In fact, Chaeyoung and I can hang with you somewhere else."

You couldn't help the smile that crossed your lips at Mina's offer. While it was a sweet gesture, you couldn't ask her to do that. "That's sweet of you, Mina, but I wouldn't do that to Chaeyoung and being the third wheel. Don't worry about me, I'll manage. It's just one day after all."

You flashed Mina a smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes as Mina watched you, deep in thought. She'd come to care about you like family over the many years she'd known you.

And she hated to see her in distress the way that she was.

You had fallen head over heels in love with Park Jihyo in her first week of knowing her. 

It was at once the most wonderful and stupidest feelings you'd ever had.

As you weren't a complete idiot, you were all too aware that Jihyo was way, way, way, WAY out of your league.

After all, not only was she a hugely successful student but she was also blessed with striking looks that just screamed every word of beauty out there. 

Of course, you weren't the only one who found her deeply attractive as evidenced by the never-ending string of men and even some ladies that try their luck at her.  But in god's prayer, she'd reject everyone since of her memory.

That's when you winced.

At least they were trying.

No one could call them cowards.

That was more than could be said about yourself...

And as if it was bad enough, you were friends with Jihyo and her companions as well. About as close as anyone can get to her and you were lucky to be near and speaking terms...well her doing the speaking as you either nod or shake your head.

But that didn't bother her or her friends one bit, in fact, one of them called it cute, much to your embarrassment. Jihyo could also be incredibly kind. If any of her friends and you had gotten sick or even slightly hurt, Jihyo would have taken her time to go check on them and you, even far to go to give some soup and extra medicine herself. 

And knowing more about Jihyo each day, you had known she was the woman for you.

Since then you'd secretly pined for her. 

It was all so foolish as she was your friend and there was no way in hell she would ever return your feelings. You were sorely lacking in the looks department, especially when compared to anyone that asked for a date with her.

A sad little sigh escaped you as you lay on your bed.

"Well...you have to think of something (YN) if you want to take her to the dance or out at all," Mina suggested as you groaned and sat up.

"I know Mina, I've tried so hard, but... every time I try to confess or say anything remotely...I look at her...panic..." You said as Mina nodded.

"You didn't today at lunch." She said as you shook your head.

"She was hurting. I couldn't that slide." You said as Mina smiled. You were there for Jihyo when she had her heart broken a year back, about more than each of the others too.

"Well...rather than telling, how about showing?" You gave a quizzical look. "How about writing your confession out in a love letter?" your best friend from the group quipped.  She was looking rather sympathetically at your dejected expression.

It was quite easy to read you, your emotions always-on display so it was no secret at all that you had the hots for Jihyo from the very beginning. For now, only Mina knew of your intense crush on Park Jihyo.

You were silent, your face reddening as you busied your hands with one another.

"There's no need to be embarrassed (YN)," Mina said gently, not wanting to worry her friend. 

"That's easy for you to say, your crush likes you back," you jeered playfully.

Mina's smile was soft, her lashes fluttering as she thought.  "I know. I still can't believe Chae and I are going out."

"Yeah, yeah," you grinned, genuinely happy for your friend. You went back to her suggestion.  "But a love letter?" You questioned Mina as she shrugged.

"Well obviously confessing is tough, so how about if she read what you thought of her?"

You eyed her...she did have a point.

"That...doesn't sound too bad..." You muttered as Mina nodded.

"You know (YN), I'm rooting for you. You and Jihyo would make a nice couple."

"Better than others?" You asked as Mina scoffed.

"Stop it (YN), I know that you're much better than any other guy and even girls. Jihyo would be the lucky one to be with you." She pointed at you as Mina gave a warming smile. "You don't care about her looks or her popularity, you care for her about her only." She said as you felt your body warm up by her words.

Mina was always there for you when you need help with Jihyo and she didn't push you or anything, but she went with your pace. You smiled and looked down.

"...Thanks Mina."

Mina gave you a warm smile and shifted closer to you as she placed a hand on your shoulder.

"Anytime (YN). And about the letter?"

You gulped, it was certainly better than just being silent.

"I-I...I guess..." you said as Mina massaged your shoulder and nodded. "But do you mind if I do it after and alone?" You asked of her as she nodded as you smiled. "I'll go early tomorrow to slip it in her locker." You said as she nodded.

"Alright...good luck (YN) alright." She said as she went closer and gave you a hug.

"Thank you for your support Mina." You said as you placed your head on her shoulder and she nodded in yours.

About three seconds passed and you both let go as you nodded and smiled.

"Now, let's do some chemistry." Mina joked as you rolled your eyes.

=================================================

THE NEXT MORNING

You hurried through the school doors as everything in your system was stressing.

This was it...today was the day.

It was early, really early.

But you had to beat Jihyo to her locker. You never knew when she arrived but she was always the first one you'd see in the halls.

You looked around. Some kids were walking, but not buzzing as you smiled at the perfect opportunity

You quickly went and walked towards Jihyo's locker.

You fished out your note from your pocket.

You swallowed your saliva.

This was it.

If you put it in the locker slot, then it's just time till Jihyo comes and reads it.

Your hands started to tremble.

You couldn't sleep at all last night as you kept your sight on the envelope and the written letter on your desk.

Nervousness was etched all over you, but you knew you had to do this or still look at Jihyo from-

"Hey." You jumped in place as you turned and hid the letter behind you. You were relieved to see Mina standing there.

"Mina!" You screamed in a very low tone as she giggled.

"Gomen (YN)." She said coming closer as you huffed in and out. "I'm here to see if you were actually going to do it." She said as you sighed and brought the letter forward as Mina smiled. "You did it."

"Yeah...I just need to slide it in." You motioned to Jihyo's locker as Mina smiled.

"You got this (YN). I know it must be crazy scary, but I'm sure once Jihyo reads it, it'll be alright. Just think about her and you together." She said as you gave a faint smile.

'Me and Jihyo...together.'

You smiled at the letter and you took a deep breath.

You stared and turned at her locker...and you inserted the note into the narrow openings as it went all the way inside.

Mina smiled as you took a step back.

"I...I did it..."

No turning back.

You then felt an arm around your shoulder as you turned to Mina.

"I'm proud of you (YN). Everything will be okay. Don't worry." Mina said as you smiled and nodded.

"...thanks Mina." You said as Mina nodded a bit. "Okay...now we just-"

"(YN), Mina."

Your body froze as you turned your head and looked up at the voice.

Bang...the full effect of Jihyo just exploded on you.

You were entranced by the commanding angle of her visuals, the gloss of her hair beneath the lights and her eyes...oh god her eyes.

"Morning (YN) Morning Mina." She said as you nodded.

"Hi Jihyo..." You managed to take out.

She then smiled as Jihyo turned her head to Mina. You took everything in sight: her eyes, her lips, sculpted cheekbones to the proud jut of her nose and how her looks seem to be in perfect perfection.

You were...just hopeless standing in front of her.

She made you ache. 

Just looking at Jihyo made you ache. 

And your breath was gone as Jihyo swung her head to you and your eyes collided with her incredible eyes, dark as night below these lights but the same brightness as a star. 

It was as if time stopped dead for you. 

Your heart was pumping blood so hard, you were as out of breath as if you had been running. There was a singing sound in your eardrums and your whole body felt oddly light and full of leaping energy. 

You looked back at her with wide (colored) eyes steady as you noticed her eyes looking quizzically at you now.

Your face color in shaken embarrassment.

"(YN)?"

"I got to go." You said quickly, but Jihyo grabbed your arm as you stopped, but never looked to her.

"Are you feeling fine (YN)?" Jihyo asked as you nodded and she let go. "Okay..."

"Excuse me." You lowered your head and ducked away quickly.

The faint red color leaving your cheekbones, you strode away down the hall before she opened her letter.

MEANWHILE

Mina smiled as she saw you scurried away, maybe for the best.

"Is (YN) okay?" Jihyo asked Mina as she nodded.

"I'm sure s/he's fine Jihyo, maybe s/he needed to use the bathroom badly," Mina said as Jihyo looked back.

"Maybe I should-"

"Don't worry. I'll ask her/him first-period Jihyo." Mina said as Jihyo looked at her and nodded.

Jihyo did her combination and opened her locker as Mina asked her how was her night was, but it was cut off by something dropping to the ground in front of them as they both looked at it.

Jihyo looked confused as Mina hid her smile.

Mina was exhilarated and even her heart was racing too.

"What's that?" Mina asked as Jihyo saw what looked like a letter she turned it both ways to see just her name.

PARK JIHYO

"I don't know. It has a heart though so...love letter?" Jihyo answered as she cut open the letter and took out what looks like paper folded in half.

She unfolded it and noticed the handwriting was clean. The content of the note was more surprising.

Mina observed Jihyo's reaction as her eyes went side-to-side.

'Oh my god, (YN) actually did it.' Mina was there to see if you pulled through and if Jihyo did get the letter.

Now she was here to see her reaction.

.

.

.

Jihyo folded the paper back up and looked at Mina.

"What?" Mina asked.

"It's a love letter...from a secret admirer." Jihyo trailed off.

Mina's eyes widened slightly as Jihyo gave the letter to her and Mina started to read it.

Dear Jihyo,

I'm writing this and leaving it where you'll find it. It's not that I wouldn't like you to know who your secret admirer is, it's just that I'm really, really shy. I'm also afraid that if I tell you who I am, you'll reject me or laugh at me.

So for now, I'd just like to admire you from afar. Admiring you isn't hard to do. You're the most attractive woman I know and no one, not even models or celebs can come close to you.

Until then, I'll just have to say that you're a very amazing girl.

From,

Your Secret Admirer

"Secret...admirer?" She read the ending part and it wasn't signed by you, but by Secret Admirer.

"Who do you think it is?" Jihyo asked as Mina acted like she wasn't confused and looked at her.

"That's why it says secret admirer, Ji," Mina answered. "You're not supposed to know."

Jihyo sighed.

"Excellent..."

"Hey, you are the most popular one around Jihyo." Mina poked her shoulder as Jihyo gave a small chuckle.

"Well...it's new I guess. Pretty cute." She said as Mina gave her the letter back and she re-read the contents. "But it's just another person wanting to ask me out."

"Yeah, but this one isn't just straight up asking you out at least right?"

"I suppose..." She responded.

"Plus it sounded romantic."

"Heh, not the first time someone said this to get my attention," Jihyo said getting a book from inside her locker.

Mina frowned.

"Hey come on Jihyo, don't be too harsh. That person wrote their feelings for you, it's just as tough as asking you know." Jihyo looked to Mina with a brow raised. "I mean you did reject five other offers. That's probably why the rejection part was written." She pointed at the letter as Jihyo looked at it.

"So I have a stalker then?" Jihyo joked.

"Admirer, Jihyo." Jihyo gave a soft smile, "So what are you going to do with it?" Mina asked as Jihyo pursed her lips.

"Hmm...I don't know, I don't want to just throw it away you know...maybe I'll just keep it and give it back if they approach me." Jihyo said closing her locker and leaving the note in it.

Mina internally was happy about that choice.

"Great."

"As long as they aren't following me or anything. I suppose this is fine." She said as Jihyo got her belongings and looked at Mina.

"Alright Mina, I'll see you for lunch then...oh wait," Jihyo said taking her phone and typing something.

"(YN)?" Mina asked as Jihyo nodded.

.

.

"Good, (YN) said that they just have a stomach ache and needed to go badly...hope it's not too bad." She asked of Mina as she smiled at the concern that Jihyo had for you.

"(YN) is strong Jihyo. I'm sure s/he'll be fine." Jihyo nodded.

"Yeah...alright then, see you Mina."

"Bye Jihyo."

They waved each other away and Mina frowned as soon as Jihyo left around the corner.

Mina went away as well and she got her phone out and texted you.

She didn't see you at your locker and she quickly wanted to know where you were exactly.

Jihyo just read it...we need to talk

She texted as she immediately got an answer.

Library. Corner table

Mina set her mind to getting there as she speed-walked to the location.

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

She opened the door and Mina walked and looked to see you sitting in the gang's usual table to study or do homework together.

She noticed you just staring at the table with your arms crossed as Mina walked to you.

"(YN)."

You looked up at her as Mina took a seat next to you and placed her books down.

"So she read it?" You asked as she nodded.

"Yes, but that's not what I meant by love letter (YN). Why would you not write your name? That's the whole purpose of what we planned, not some secret admirer."

"Because I'm not ready Mina." You muttered as she pinched her nose.

"(YN)...how is Jihyo supposed to know that you wrote it then?"

"Soon..." You spoke in a soft tone as Mina took a breath. "I thought that I would...ease my way into it." You said as Mina looked at you looking away.

"I did write a letter and It did feel amazing to write all that I wanted to say, but at the same time, I kept thinking negatively if she didn't return the feelings, so I didn't write my name down. I wanted to know how she felt from this one...how'd she take it?" You asked as Mina looked at you. 

She wanted to argue, but she decided to answer.

"She didn't seem too crazed by it." Your shoulders fell, "but she did say she liked that it was different."

Your heart was warmed by that as a smile came to your face.

"Well...that's good enough for me. Knowing that she liked it...I think I made the right choice." You said as Mina smiled as well, but frowned fast.

Mina wanted to counter, but she knew that it would be futile. At least you did something rather than looking afar.

A small, but a step nevertheless.

"...So you plan on writing more?" She asked as you nodded. "(YN) you better tell her before the dance...I don't know if she'll-"

"I know Mina...I'll tell her but not now." Mina nodded.

Mina wanted to say something back, but who was she to tell you how to run your life.

But it was a start she supposed.

"Okay (YN). I just want you to be happy with Jihyo...the sooner the better. And then all of us can go to the dance together." She said as you nodded.

"Thank you Mina. Before the dance, I'll tell her." You promised as Mina nodded as well.

"Okay then...need help in the next one."

You shook your head.

"Okay, let's go to the first period?" Mina asked as you nodded and both of them headed out to the hall.

Along the way, Mina eyed you as you had a faint smile.

'I really do hope everything works out (YN).' Mina thought.

==================================

TWO WEEKS LATER

And so you kept on writing to Jihyo.

Two weeks later and five days till the dance.

The notes had started coming to her locker each day and Jihyo took and read each one. With Mina and alone.

And Jihyo, at first didn't really like it, but now, now she was enjoying it.

Each note was different and it made Jihyo happy whenever she got the chance to read them and each one was signed by: 'Secret Admirer'.

Jihyo even tried to see who exactly was doing this.

She came early to catch them, but no one came close to her locker and after the first period, a note was there.

It was always early and after the first week, Jihyo just stopped attempting to find the mystery person and just let it be.

After the first week, Jihyo took you in secret and told you about the love notes. She seemed to be very happy by each one she showed and you were trying not to smile like an idiot of how it was making her feel.

It was almost time to tell her you thought, but to see her this happy...maybe you'll wait till the last days or so.

Mina even saw you writing some of them and even she found some to be quite romantic as you did.

Regardless, she noticed Jihyo getting happier each day and even Mina was happy that she didn't stop you. You did promise that you'll tell Jihyo about the notes and that Mina was glad.

Now, two weeks have passed and Jihyo and you were staying after in the library to help Jihyo with her math homework.

You were pretty proud that she was your go-to for math. Jihyo wasn't exactly the brightest when it came to the subject.

"...and then you square root that to find X which is?" You asked as Jihyo typed in her calculator.

"12.46?" She said as you nodded.

"Good, now times that by Y and you get?" She did the same thing.

"49.84...that's the answer!" Jihyo was all smiles as you smiled at her excitement and she wrote in the box.

"Nicely done Jihyo."

"God (YN), you're a lifesaver you know that." She said as she scribbled the answer on her homework and you smiled at her compliment.

"Well, it seems like you don't need me any longer. You're getting better at math Jihyo."  She instantly looked at you with a frown.

"Hey don't say that (YN). I'll always need you." She said to you as you smiled back and your heart went racing as you smiled back.

"Thank you Jihyo." You said in return as she went back to her problems. "So...speaking of notes? Any romantic ones?" You asked as Jihyo looked and nodded.

"Oh yes and this one," She went and dug into her backpack and took a very noticeable letter, "is the most surprising." She said as she handed you the folded note and you flipped it open and recognized your own writing and read, but you already knew what it said.

Dear Jihyo,

The dance is almost here and...I think I'm ready to tell you who I am, but now today. Maybe tomorrow or the next day.

You are beautiful.

It's so simple to say because of just how true it is. Everything about you is perfect.

Your personality. Your smile. Your eyes. Your laugh. The way your face scrunches up whenever you do laugh and the way your eyes smile. I adore everything about you.

I encourage you to always be you no matter what anyone else says or does. Please keep smiling and making everyone else around you happy. Goodbye for now and I hope to see you in person soon!

From,

Your Secret Admirer

You gave a small smile.

"Interesting, sounds like your secret lover is ready to meet." Jihyo pushed you slightly for that tease, "Are you nervous?" You asked Jihyo as you handed the card back.

"A bit. Weird right?" Jihyo said as you shook your head.

"I don't think so." You said, your heart beating fast, as Jihyo smiled and scooted her seat closer.

"So...I've been thinking and...I know it's supposed to be a surprise, but I think I know who's sending these." Jihyo pointed at the notes as your eyes widened.

'Oh...'

"You did?" Jihyo nodded. "Who?" You were internally happy that Jihyo maybe figured it was you and maybe-

"Ace."

.

.

.

Your mind shut down at her answer.

"What?"

"I think...I think it's Ace." Jihyo whispered as you were wide-eyed and your blood went cold.

Ace Vorrent...an interesting name for a very interesting boy.

One of those, only in books and TV shows, popular high school guy.

Smart kid, basketball team, respectful and honestly the nicest boy you'll meet. A smile that was deadly to one's eyes and just seeing his interactions with his team, friends, and even those he barely knew around lets you know that he was there for you. When he was on the court, that's when he gave no remorse against the enemy, but he showed sportsmanship before and after and sometimes during the game if someone was injured.

Oh, and he was very cute according to all, if not, most of the girls here.

He was something else.

And sadly it seemed that Jihyo was one of them.

But Jihyo hadn't said a word about Ace at all before...so why him?

"Why would you think it's him?" You asked quickly as Jihyo sported a smile and a blush.

Your shoulders fell upon seeing her expression, it wasn't often Jihyo seemed this flustered.

"Jihyo...do..."

She nodded as you leaned back and your jaw slightly dropped.

"That's why I've been saying no to everyone else because I wanted to go with him to the dance," Jihyo stated as she flushed, "I want to ask him, but I can't even look at him without looking like an idiot while doing so."

Your heart was hurting badly...

"W-when did you-"

"Maybe two months now." Jihyo answered as you gulped. "We've been hanging our free period since."

You blinked once...twice...three times.

"And you didn't tell us this?" You questioned as Jihyo shook her head.

"To save me from the embarrassment of you nine. Plus there wasn't much to say." She answered as your throat went dry.

"...S-so how'd you two even meet?" You asked as Jihyo turned her body to you.

"Okay so we have free period together and most of the time, I would just be alone here studying or catching up on homework. I've seen Ace sitting as well and just reading or whatever. We've never said a word to one another, but suddenly he decided to sit next to me and start a conversation. I was a bit surprised that he did, but we started to talk and then each day, he would sit right next to me and we just talk...and it was nice." Jihyo smiled as you felt nothing in you.

"About what?" You asked, dreading the answer.

"Mild stuff: family, friends, activities, hobbies. Then it went to anything really. I'll be honest, at first, he didn't really seem interesting but...I'm starting to see why he's a topic around here." Jihyo said as your heart sank. "So then we just chat here and then at home and-"

"Whoa whoa, you have his number?!" You asked astonished.

Jihyo nodded.

"It's just to help me in math to start, lord knows I need every help I can get." Jihyo said as you didn't move...you would be the one to help her in math..."Anyway, we started to talk more and...I don't know, I started to like him and I think he likes me too but is too scared to ask as well," Jihyo smiled as she placed the letter on her chest, "I think that these are coming from him to ease the tension or something. Plus the timing's right with the dance coming up and I hope that he'll surprise me by asking me to it."

You licked your lips in nervousness as you saw Jihyo go into a dream state stare.

"W-why don't you just confront him about them?" You asked, hoping that Jihyo would learn that it wasn't him.

"I don't want to. Not because I'm scared, but...the letters make me happy. I know I said that the first one was weird, but over time, re-reading them helps me get rid of my fear of people just wanting me for looks. Reading these genuinely makes me feel happy that someone likes me for me you know...and I think it's Ace."

"..." You were straight-up broken, "S-so...wait Jihyo, are you sure about Ace?" You asked as Jihyo nodded.

"..."

"Well enough about me? What about you? Who are you taking?" She asked as you just stared at her.

Jihyo blinked.

"(YN)?"

"...I-I have to go." You said as you stood up with your-

GRASP

"Wait, why?" Jihyo grabbed your wrist to stop you as you turned to her. You did your best to suck and swallow your pain.

"I just remembered that Dahyun wanted to go over History notes for a test and...I'm late." You said standing up and taking your books as Jihyo let go of you.

"You can't text-"

"Sorry Jihyo, I have to go." You said turning your back and speedwalking to the doors as Jihyo stood up.

She had half a mind to follow you, but Jihyo didn't move from her spot as she sat back down.

She'll talk to you at lunch she figured.

Meanwhile...

You looked down and went into the stall of the bathroom and locked it as you sat on the toilet.

You let the silent tears run down your face, not caring if anyone was nearby.

'Stupid...stupid...why would she go for me...'

You held your face in your hands as you let the waterworks go down.

=============================

THREE DAYS LATER

Jihyo opened her locker and she sighed.

Nothing fell.

No note. No letter. Nothing.

Jihyo hasn't received any more notes from her secret admirer since three days ago...she figured maybe it was Ace's opportunity to ask her since the dance was in two days.

She never thought she would feel this way.

To have someone to care for her beyond her looks and status.

That's what every boy that seemed to want her have ever wanted.

Just a trophy to brag about and how hot she was and how cool they were to take her.

That and they wanted something even more despicable.

Jihyo shuddered, not wanting to think about...him last year.

But the more she thought about it, the more that was changing.

Ace was sweet and very cute, and there was no way he would be like all those other misfits and definitely opposite of that...monster.

He didn't have a date yet and he hasn't asked anyone and if he did, trust the school to spread the news like an inferno.

...but she really didn't care that much at the moment.

She only wanted one to be a distraction from what's been bugging her.

You.

Jihyo frowned at the thought of you. It was as clear as the cloudless sky that something was bothering you.

Ever since that day at tutoring her in math, you'd had been really distant.

You didn't crack nearly a smile as you used to nowadays. And even if, your smile never quite reached Jihyo's eyes as well as how scarcely she and you interacted one-on-one.

The others didn't seem to notice these changes in their friend, or if they did they weren't showing it.

Jihyo was trying to conceal that she knew something was wrong with you, but she knew that her worry would catch up with her at some point.

Yet, oddly enough, the thought of confronting you alone about what was bothering her made her nervous.

She couldn't help but feel that, for some reason, it was her fault that you were acting distant, even if she didn't mean to hurt you.

She had no idea what she could've possibly done, but Jihyo couldn't shake off the feeling that she was somehow involved.

But tried to talk with you, but you seemed to pull yourself together and act like nothing is happening, but...Jihyo hated to see that fake smile.

She forced herself to focus on her surroundings; anything to get your fake smile out of her mind as she walked the halls of the school.

As Jihyo continued walking she managed to get outside, she noticed a group of four conversing on one of the benches in front of a small, square orchard.

Her eyes glared at one individual.

She planned to just ignore them, but she couldn't help but eavesdrop on their obnoxiously loud conversation as she passed by.

"Well, obviously Jisoo would reject you, bro." One said to another. Jihyo cursed herself for even knowing them. "What did you expect to happen?"

"Yeah man," Another agreed, Tatum, started chuckling to himself. "I think Lisa's more in your range."

"Hey, screw you man." Robert snapped, his hair shifting slightly to the side thanks to his sharp head movement towards his friend. "You don't think I'm good enough for Jisoo?"

"Nope," their leader, Trae, chimed in with a sick grin. His aggravating voice reminded Jihyo of nails on a chalkboard. "Although...Lisa would be ideal too...man gives me one night with her...would probably be the best night of her life." He sniggered.

Jihyo bristled, and it took all her self-control not to confront them.

It was completely unacceptable for them to talk about Lisa like that or anyone for that matter.

"I'm gonna ask Jennie to go with me," Jayson announced with a sigh like a lovesick schoolboy. Disgusting. "She's fucking hot and if I play my cards right..."

Jihyo almost threw up.

"Hehe...as if." Trae snorted with a frown. "She's way too much of a woman for you to handle. She probably needs a strong man like me to show her a good time as well."

Jihyo rolled her eyes as she strolled past them.

"Idiots," she muttered.

There's no way any woman in their right mind would even consider attending the dance with any of those brutes.

"What you say!?" Trae questioned roughly.

Jihyo paused mid-step.

She didn't intend for them to hear her.

"Want to say that again to my face Jihyo?" He continued.

She sighed.

She knew she had just gotten herself mixed up into trouble, but she might as well face it head-on.

So much for the peace and quiet.

"Fine," Jihyo replied neutrally, swiftly twirling around, her hair brushing against her shoulder. "All four of you are idiots if you think that anyone would want to go to the dance with you."

"Oh really?" Trea countered, standing up and moving forward until he was towering over her frame. "You didn't seem to think so last year."

Jihyo glared.

"Go to hell Trae." She voiced as he smirked.

"Ohh~ fiesty today aren't we? Where was that last year when-"

"Shut. Up." Jihyo gritted as he smiled along with the rest of his team. "So where's your date, then?"

Jihyo frowned. "Excuse you?"

"You heard me. You're pointing fingers at us. So, who's yours?"

Jihyo opened her mouth to retort, to say that she was actually looking for the person she wanted to ask, but for some reason, her tongue was tied.

He took this as a green light and grinned. "You don't have one, do you? Isn't really fair to make fun of us for not having dates when you don't have one either, now is it?"

Jihyo glowered, finding her voice again.

"Whatever, just leave Lisa and her friends alone."

"We were just complimenting them...is that so bad?"

He spoke without hesitation like he was so sure that their opinions were the only ones that mattered.

It was despicable.

"And you know what," Trae persisted. His dark gaze traveled up and down her form and it made Jihyo's gut twist uncomfortably.

Way too many boys had looked at her like that.

"Seeing as how you and I are dateless-"

"Never in my lifetime would I ever go with someone as dumb, obnoxious, and rude as you again."

Trea then laughed as the other three joined in.

"Whatever your loss...but I know you girls. All fawning for our captain. Tell me Jihyo, what makes you think Ace would want to go with you?"

Jihyo stared blankly...how did he know?

"The school isn't blind Jihyo...we all know about your and (YN)'s meetings in the library. But never have we once heard about you from (YN)...not a single word. You say we're not good enough, but Ace is definitely out of your league. Look at you and then look at him...explain how that can happen? Ace is everything opposite of you." Trae sneered as Jihyo glared.

"How dare you-"

"First off, Ace can choose anyone to go with here...why you? True you're hot, but there are others just as fine. You ain't the smartest, you ain't the most athletic, but I'll hand it to you...you're definitely the biggest."

Jihyo's jaw dropped, so appalled that she didn't even know how to reply.

Normally Jihyo would have a retort ready, but she wasn't used to being so thoroughly disrespected right upfront.

.

.

She hated how right he was though.

People wanted to be with her for that reason. There was no in-between.

There had never been a time when sometimes took her for granted and wanted to get to know the real Jihyo.

Jihyo wanted to yell at him for even considering that she could be grouped in the same category as them. She wanted to yell at him for degrading her as much as he did.

But her tongue was frozen.

Her throat was constricted.

Her heart was slamming painfully against her ribcage.

No one was ever interested in her just for her.

Those who knew nothing about her only wanted to be with her for her looks.

It happened...she went out with Trae, only to find out that he wanted to...to take her v-card for the sake of saying so...

.

.

.

"Actually, she is better than all of you combined."

Jihyo flinched, her body recognizing the voice on her right.

Jihyo looked over her shoulder to see you, her usual calm eyes now burning red as you glared at Trae and stepped up beside Jihyo.

"(YN)?" Jihyo whimpered, her voice so soft she wasn't even sure that she spoke at all. You, however, didn't break your stare down with the boy.

"Do you want to know why?" You continued, her expression the epitome of intimidation.

"By all means," Trae, seemingly amused, gestured to his snickering buddies with both his hands, "enlighten us."

You took a deep breath, then complied.

"She cares so much about people," she revealed, her eyes that were previously pouring fire coming to a shallow halt. "She would do anything for the people she cares about." You paused, your eyes focused on Trae.

You turned your head to look at Jihyo and smiled.

This was the first time in the past day that your smile had reached Jihyo's eyes. At that moment you looked so vulnerable, so genuine, so proud.

It was a look that simply belonged on your face and it further astonished Jihyo.

"Jihyo makes us feel like we're the most special person in the world. No one has ever made me feel that way before."

Jihyo, who was having a hard time wrapping her brain around everything you were saying right now. She was shocked further and gasped when you slipped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her against your side.

Jihyo blushed at the contact and no less in front of the guys.

You were peering at her with such adoration that Jihyo could barely remember how to breathe, unsure if the warmth in her chest was due to your massive body heat or not.

You then looked back up at the group of four, all of whom wore expressions measuring somewhere in the whatever section.

"You say she doesn't have a date, but that's not true, because we're going together."

Jihyo didn't think it was possible, but her eyes widened even further.

Jihyo felt your fingers tapping her arm, silently asking her to roll with her words, and it was only then that Jihyo realized what kind of game you were playing.

You were pretending to be her date so that Trae would back off her case. It was all a lie.

And the worst part was Jihyo wasn't sure how she felt about that. She had no idea how to wrap her head around any of this. It was all just so sudden.

"Crazy, right?" You chuckled. "I never thought I would even have a chance with her. But she continues to surprise me." Your smile stretched across her face. "That is why she will always be better than you all. She sees people as people, not conquests. She was able to like me by just being herself. You all could learn something from her."

Jihyo was so overwhelmed by everything that was going on that she could've sworn she was shaking. But a moment later, she realized it wasn't her who was trembling like a frightened puppy.

It was you.

"And thus, I would like to take this moment to rub it in all your faces that I get to go to the dance with the smartest, the most athletic, and not to mention the most astonishing girl around." You squeezed Jihyo closer to her side. "She's the most attractive woman I know and no one, not even models or celebs can come close to her. She's a very amazing girl."

'Admiring you isn't hard to do. You're the most attractive woman I know and no one, not even models or celebs can come close to you.

Until then, I'll just have to say that you're a very amazing girl.'

.

.

Jihyo's brain racked her head...that was from the first note...

Without another word, you dragged Jihyo away from Trae and his gang, keeping her arm around her the whole time.

Jihyo allowed herself to be pulled along, completely dumbstruck, her jaw continuously opening and closing as she tried to figure out how to respond.

Only once they had fled further, away from prying eyes and ears, was Jihyo finally able to process everything that happened and retaliate.

Jihyo quickly jerked away from her hold and backed away a few paces, using every drop of willpower to ignore the tremendous hurt in your eyes at her actions.

"What was that?!" Jihyo flustered.

"Well..." You played with her fingers. "They were insulting you. No way was I just gonna stand by and let that happen. They were trying to make you cry. And that's unacceptable."

Jihyo's expression softened, touched at how much you seemed to care for her.

"I appreciate what you did, (YN), I really do," Jihyo began tactfully, crossing her arms over her chest. "But out of everything you could have said, why would you say we're going together?"

You stared at her for a long moment before frowning, an expression that sent an odd sensation of anxiety to Jihyo's core.

"..." You stayed silent.

.

.

"(YN)-"

You put something in front of her face...and Jihyo's eyes widened.

It was a letter...

"What's-"

"Read it. Please" You stated as Jihyo slowly took the note, but noticed your tone...soft.

You had a stale look as Jihyo looked back and forth between you and the parchment.

It was the exact same cover as the others...

Did...did you take it?

"(YN)-"

"Just read it Jihyo." You instructed as Jihyo looked at the letter.

She turned it around and she pulled out the folded paper inside.

It was exactly like the other ones...

She unfolded the paper...and Jihyo's eyes increased with every sentence. Along with the beat of her heart.

Jihyo,

I'm sorry I send you those letters. I didn't know you wanted to be with someone, because if I had known I would have helped you be with them and kept my feelings to myself. But I had to tell you, some way or another.

I'm in love with you Park Jihyo and I understand that you don't feel anything for me in that sense. I can be your friend, or whatever you need. I just hope that this confession doesn't scare you out and make things awkward because I don't want to lose you. But if you don't want to be my friend anymore, I'll completely understand.

I really hope that you'll find your happy ending with this other person, even if that person isn't me. Because you deserve the world, the stars, and everything in between.

I'll always love you,

(YN)

.

.

.

Jihyo felt her heart stop. Her eyes widened dramatically.

She couldn't have read that right, could she?

You must be joking.

.

.

.

"A-are you...joking?"

There was a pause for a solid minute before you started chuckling under your breath.

"Of course... of course, you'd think it was a joke..."

Jihyo frowned, confused, and even more apprehensive.

"...w-wait I-"

Jihyo's heart was beating a mile a minute. No one had ever confessed to her like this before. She didn't know why she was reacting this way. She didn't know how she was supposed to react.

"(YN)...I...you...what?" Jihyo battled with her coiled tongue to form words. She was in complete shock, and she needed answers if she were to make it through the day.

You sighed shakily.

"Look, Jihyo, I..." You hesitated, rubbing the back of your neck nervously. You took another deep breath before lowering your arm and looking straight into Jihyo's eyes.

Jihyo gulped, too stunned to even nod.

You swallowed and licked your lips. "I've been in love with you for months now."

Jihyo's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets.

Months?

You had liked her for that long?

How did she never notice?

Why didn't you say something sooner?

Jihyo was so caught up in her surprise she almost missed what you were saying.

"I liked you before and just...well I realized that it wasn't just a crush and something more...and I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was scared and in all honesty, I was just as shocked as you are now when I realized I was falling for you."

You looked to her with a soft look.

"(YN)..." Jihyo mouthed as you nodded. "Y-you wrote them..." You nodded.

"All of them. Every single word...phrase...compliment...all of them. I mean them all Jihyo."

Jihyo stared at you, butterflies surfing in her gut while she waited for you to continue.

Jihyo's heart swelled, her cheeks tingeing pink.

Why was she feeling this way?

Why were your words affecting her so much?

You gazed at her earnestly, and it took Jihyo a full minute before she realized you held out both of your hands, into Jihyo's. Your skin was warm and your touch undeniably soft.

You held Jihyo's hands as if they were the most precious things in the world to you.

Jihyo felt her heart leap into her throat, the beating organ lodging itself there.

She had no idea that you cared about her so much.

She had no idea that it was even possible for someone to care about her so much. But, apparently, you did.

For months, you harbored such strong feelings for her, feelings that you had to deal with alone for so long, and Jihyo wasn't even sure how she was supposed to feel.

Despite that, Jihyo knew she had to say something. She had no idea what to say, but you had just poured your heart out to her, so she had to say something.

"..."

.

.

"..."

.

.

"..."

Jihyo parted her lips to speak, hoping something other than gibberish would come out, but then you, with a sad smile, said something Jihyo could never have prepared herself for.

"It's okay...I know you don't see me that way...nor I'm not the one you want to go with."

Jihyo's heart sunk like a stone, blood running cold in her veins.

It felt like she had just been caught doing something she wasn't supposed to do. She felt like her biggest secret had been exposed even though it was nothing that needed to be hidden.

But what hurts the most was that you were right.

"I've know Ace is special and...unlike 'him', he'll treat you right," you continued. Jihyo's insides twisted painfully as your soft voice pronounced Ace's name.

You chuckled slightly, her gaze wistful. "I would do anything to have you look at me like that." You smiled sadly again, your voice dropping in volume. "But I know I missed my chance."

It was true that Jihyo had a thing for Ace, and it was true that he was the one she wanted to go to the dance with.

But, for some reason, she didn't want you to know that.

She didn't want her poor friend in front of her to know she was interested in someone else.

She didn't want to know how much she had just unintentionally broken your heart.

"(Y-(YN), I..."

"Don't worry." You shook your head with a smile that made Jihyo want to cry. "It's my fault for taking too long to say anything and I didn't mean to drop all the notes on you. Had I known, I never-" Your attempt at an apology just made Jihyo feel even worse.

And what was worse is that you cut yourself off as Jihyo figured you got choked...and it broke her more.

You seemed to notice her conflict and squeezed your hands gently, resolution in your eyes. "I'm sorry for putting you on the spot. It must've been hard to hear me say and read all those things when you're interested in someone else. I didn't mean to put any pressure on you. I don't want you to think you have to force yourself to choose me or act a certain way around me just to make me feel better. That's the last thing I want."

Jihyo stared up into those eyes as her emotions erupted in tangent inside of her, none of them fully overpowering the others.

Confusion, disbelief, fear, sadness...

She had no idea what to feel.

"Jihyo. I just...I'm really happy I finally got the courage to confess to you." You were smiling genuinely, but there were tears in your eyes. Your thumbs brushed over your pale knuckles, and it was such an innocent and delicate gesture that Jihyo wished to just hold and comfort you as you'd done for her, but her own body was frozen. "It feels good to let it all out into the open. It's like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders."

You shrugged your shoulders for the effect of your statement, but for Jihyo that action meant so much more.

It made it seem like you thought it was no big deal that you were willing to shove your own feelings under the rug just so Jihyo wouldn't feel guilty about going to the dance with Ace.

How could you be okay with that? How could anyone who had bottled up their feelings for so long be okay with that?

Jihyo wanted to say that out loud so badly, wanted to smack some sense into the idiot speaking nonsense in front of her, but found herself to be just as frozen, no matter how hard she tried.

Just then she felt her hands being held as Jihyo looked down to see yours in hers. She looked up to see a smile...a fake smile.

"I'm not expecting anything in return," You continued, "I just wanted you to know that I care about you. I just want you to be happy, Jihyo. You deserve it. And if Ace makes you happy, then you have my full support."

You let go of her hands and Jihyo's palms suddenly felt way too cold.

You simply gave a smile in response. "You two should hurry up and ask each other to the dance, alright? Ace would be very lucky to go with you."

Your voice and expression softened considerably as you turned your back on her.

You smiled in what she probably thought was a cheerful manner, but Jihyo saw the tear that spilled from the corner of her eyes as you turned away and left her.

Left the speechless Jihyo.

Left the stunned Jihyo.

Left the confused Jihyo.

Left the heartbroken Jihyo.

As you walked away, you choked down a sob.

You couldn't cry now, not over something as pitiful as unrequited feelings.

You wished it were you that Jihyo wanted to go with.

It's all you could ever hope for.

You wished it were you that made Jihyo smile.

You wished that you could have the opportunity to make Jihyo happy.

But there was someone else who seem to make Jihyo happier than you did.

You walked forward and wiped your eyes, refusing to let the tears fall.

You couldn't let this affect you. All you had to do was not break down until the dance was over.

If you could survive that long, you knew you would be okay.

Then things would hopefully go back to normal.

Yeah...normal sounded good.

===========================================================

TIMESKIP

TWO DAYS LATER

The following two days had been the most emotionally chaotic forty-eight hours Jihyo had ever experienced.

Jihyo wanted to speak with you one-on-one on several occasions.

But you weren't talking.

You were acting as nothing happened.

Not once did you say anything more about your feelings other than school and the dance.

You'd hadn't tried to engage in any physical contact or ask if Jihyo had changed her mind about going with Ace.

You were acting just as you would normally be, staying silent and helping out the other eight with work and talking and this worried Jihyo to no end.

She also had noticed that Mina was around you most of the time and she realized that Mina knew as well...she also didn't speak with her since...Jihyo was killing herself more.

How could you confess all those things and then look at Jihyo dead in the eye and pretend like everything was the same?

It made what Jihyo was feeling even more confusing. Hearing how much you genuinely cared for her stimulated something within Jihyo.

You were calm, cool, mature, responsible, and was on Jihyo's always there for her side and she also had the largest heart Jihyo had ever seen.

You were sweet, and playful, and were always there for someone when they needed help. That was proven to Jihyo several times yesterday when you not only put those bullies in their place and last year with...

And then your notes...you were her secret admirer.

Jihyo re-read those notes maybe a thousand times now. Over and over and kept thinking of you writing these on your desk. Writing your heart and feelings out for her and Jihyo just strangled and mutilated that to nothing.

This whole time she thought that Ace was the one who was sending them.

She should have known that there was no sudden change in his behavior since the first and the many that came afterward. If she had talked about it with him sooner, she'd never be in this position.

Jihyo shook her head.

The only reason she didn't was that the notes made her feel special and happy. It wasn't in your face or direct, but just compliments that made Jihyo's mornings. The first one was sudden, but the more she read it along with the newest ones, she began to like it.

Like it so much that she didn't want to stop.

She frowned while stopping her movements while looking in her locker.

You never came up in her mind when figuring out who this person was. You were the one who wrote them all. You were the one to say all that to Jihyo.

.

.

Jihyo felt her heartbeat accelerate.

Although it had been repeated in her brain hundreds of times since the words had been said, it was still difficult for Jihyo to come to terms with it.

You were in love with her.

Jihyo knew damn well that you were destroyed and heartbroken...and she can't do a thing to fix it.

And Jihyo was horrified at what's to-

"Jihyo?"

Jihyo paused mid-thought in that familiar voice not giving her the same butterflies as it did. She spun her head to face what she hoped would be her date; Ace himself.

Jihyo gulped as she instantly saw the eyes around looking at him and her.

"Do you have a minute?" Ace asked, catching his breath as Jihyo remained still.

"Y-yeah," Jihyo replied, a small smile on her face that was more forced than it should have been.

"Do you mind if we...go somewhere...private?" He asked as he looked at the students around as Jihyo nodded and gathered her belongings as she closed her locker and went to the side of him.

Jihyo's body went racing, but her mind was in a standstill.

She didn't know why she agreed, she was in no way in it to talk about anything while her mind was just all in thought with-

Jihyo's eyes widened.

From the corner of the intersecting hall, a pair of students appeared as they walked around and Jihyo's gaze froze on the individual on the right.

Your eyes caught hers at the same time as time seemed to slow down as they headed towards one another.

"Hey (YN). Nayeon." Jihyo heard Ace say as they waved back and passed by them.

But Jihyo didn't say anything...

She saw Nayeon giving a thumbs up as she saw your smile at her.

Jihyo's heart was crushed and her frown intensified, yet she didn't stop and turned to check on you...she didn't have control of her body as she kept on moving forward with Ace.

She saw your smile and joy as if seeing them together didn't hurt her anymore, but deep down she knew that your heart was being broken centimeter after centimeter now.

If talking about Ace hurt you, Jihyo couldn't imagine seeing them together, walking away

==============================

MAJOR FLASHBACK END

And that was the last you saw of Jihyo and with Ace next to her and it didn't take a genius to figure out what was happening.

Night swiftly faded to Saturday, and the morning and afternoon hours passed by you in a blur as you laid in your bed in your room.

You couldn't help but be somewhat thankful.

You could act normal around Jihyo, act like nothing had happened, but you knew if Jihyo mentioned anything about what they had talked about, you would break down.

That couldn't happen.

Evening rolled around, darkness rapidly seeping over the horizon, and you were lying on your bed, forgoing the dance and the many calls and messages on your phone to feel better.

You didn't go...

You didn't get ready...

You didn't feel ready to see...them...

Mina had talked to you every day since to make sure you were okay and while you weren't, you faked being slightly okay for Mina. Not by much to be realistic, but you told her that you couldn't go to the dance.

Mina understood completely and wanted to stay with you, but you couldn't let her with her and Chaeyoung going together.

It took some convincing, but she allowed you to stay, you said that you'll lie and got some food poising or something and Mina sighed as she accepted it, but as soon as she was done, she and Cheayoung will come over.

You were happy to have a friend like Mina and you felt bad leaving your friends worried.

But you couldn't say anything.

Not about what happened.

You felt like such an idiot.

You hadn't meant to say all those things to Jihyo, but your confession had the pressure of a waterfall; once the rapids pushed you over the ledge, you had no control.

You just kept talking, almost as if everything in your life would crumble down if you stopped halfway through. You had seen how frightened and confused Jihyo was, and yet you still kept talking.

And then, after already making a fool of herself with her feelings, you dropped the bomb that you wouldn't mind if Jihyo went to the dance with Ace instead.

Which was a lie.

It was a big lie.

You knew your unplanned confession had put a lot of unneeded strain on Jihyo, so you had to say something to make Jihyo less frightened.

Anything to make Jihyo feel like she wasn't being forced to make a choice.

You knew Jihyo didn't feel anything for you.

Not in the way she felt for Ace apparently. As much as you wanted to have her for yourself, you knew it wasn't your place to step in-between them.

If Jihyo liked him and he made her happy, you would step back...and listen to your heart quietly break.

But you refused to tell any of your friends.

Tonight was supposed to be a night of happiness; celebration; of peace.

Although your night had been ruined before it began, you wouldn't ruin it for anyone else, so you never showed up.

With the thoughts running rampant in her head, you began to play games on your phone to pass the time along with listening to music.

Yet...

You could only picture everyone at the dance...

Everyone would be dancing, conversing, and generally having a good time.

The music was exhilarating but not overly loud, and the colorful, flashing lights managed to be dazzling but not overwhelming.

All the students looked amazing in their formalwear, even if some had never been to a dance before.

You could picture Nayeon and Jeongyeon dancing together as Nayeon convinced Jeongyeon to go the dance as her date...you'd wonder how the sight would be of them trying to slow dance as Jeongyeon would probably step on Nayeon's feet the whole time.

Momo and Dahyun would be causing chaos at the snack table all night as Momo would try to take some food in napkins and stuff them in her purse as Dahyun would laugh at her antics.

Sana and Tzuyu would be off doing anything you thought...Tzuyu wasn't one for dances and proms, but she knew that Sana was excited to come so she went along with her and Sana couldn't be anymore happier as they danced to a slow song.

Chaeyoung and Mina would probably be at a table just talking since Chaeyoung would be shy to really do anything, but Mina wouldn't fret and be close to the young one as they were dating now.

You also wondered if the four bullies were even there. If they weren't, you mentally congratulated yourself, feeling like you were the main reason none of those bullies were present.

After the way they treated Jihyo, you doubted you'd ever be able to be in the same room as them without wanting to tear them to shreds.

But, at that moment, you also drifted to two certain people.

It would hurt to see them together.

No...

It would downright slaughter you and you knew it.

Your chest would ache and your shoulders would tremble and your heart wouldn't be able to take it. And then you would break and cry yourself to sleep and pretend nothing was wrong in the morning.

You could feel tears forming, but you force them back.

You just wanted things to go back to normal.

The time before you foolishly wrote to Jihyo.

The time before hearing that Jihyo had fallen for Ace.

The time when you would enjoy every minute being near Jihyo without now things being awkward and silent.

But your big mouth ruined any normalcy you both could have now.

.

.

.

KNOCK KNOCK

You jumped when you heard your door being knocked on as you looked back to see it slightly open behind you.

"Honey, are you okay?" Your mother asked as you turned your head away and showed the back of you to your mom.

"I'm fine mom. Just wanting to sleep now." You spoke up, trying to feint your sad tone.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that, but you're needed for a moment." You heard your mom as you sighed softly.

Wiping away the very slight evidence of your tears, you turned around and forced a smile.

Your mom opened the door more, but it wasn't for her to come inside.

You felt prepared to greet your mom, but your words were instantly lodged in your throat.

Nothing could have prepared you enough for the sight in front of you. At first, you thought you were seeing an angel.

There Jihyo stood in a thigh-length dress that flared out at the waist in a black shade with two pink ribbons around her torso that perfectly fitted her form.

Your eyes roamed over pale, bare arms, stopped briefly to admire her figure, then continued down her bare legs to a matching set of black heels.

You looked back up to see Jihyo's hypnotic dark eyes staring at you, and your breath would have caught if you didn't already forget how to breathe when Jihyo walked in as your mom closed the door behind her.

Jihyo looked beautiful, gorgeous, and flawless.

Right now you felt like you didn't even deserve to stand close to Jihyo in fear that you might somehow make her beauty falter.

What you couldn't wrap her head around, however, was...why Jihyo was here?

"(YN)..."

You flinched at your name, unprepared for such a heavenly voice to grace your ears. Jihyo was peering at you patiently, but clearly, she was waiting for a response. You were so overwhelmed by Jihyo's presence that it took a full minute for your tongue to unwind.

"W-what are you doing h-here?" You questioned as you winced at her stare.

You subtly wiped your suddenly sweaty palms on your sweater and struggled to stay locked at Jihyo's piercing gaze.

"Well, I'm here to see what's wrong with you?" Jihyo answered.

You sighed as you figured as much.

"I'm sick Jihyo," You said upfront as Jihyo sighed.

"Couldn't you at least come up with a better excuse?" Jihyo spoke as you looked away. "Everyone's worried about-"

"Shouldn't you worry about your date?" You countered back as Jihyo's features softened.

You, a second after realizing what you said, looked away even more ashamed and red, almost craning your neck like a swan.

You then heard the steps of her heels as they sound like drums in your ears.

"(YN)...look at me." You heard and while you didn't want to, you couldn't deny Jihyo's request.

You slowly did as your eyes widened and saw Jihyo up close, smiling.

What surprised you was that it wasn't her usual smile that she did whenever someone made a joke or she passed a test...no...it was a sad smile, a smile begging for forgiveness.

It hurt to see for you.

What could Jihyo have possibly done that she would ask your forgiveness for?

Jihyo then held her hands together as her thumbs played with one another and she looked at them.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking since that talk we had," Jihyo explained, making your heart speed up. "You have no idea how worried I was when you acted as nothing happened. You can't just say things like that and pretend that things haven't changed between us."

Ice-cold fear took a tight grip of your heart as Jihyo's tone was rising.

You had never been as scared as you were right now at the thought of Jihyo believing things could never go back to the way they were.

That Jihyo would never think of you the same way.

That Jihyo was uncomfortable around you.

That Jihyo hated you.

"And...I know we hadn't had the time to talk about it more." You frowned slightly as you were the one who avoided any and all conversations with Jihyo. "But, that made me think more about you and us and, I have something to say to you."

You gulped.

'Stay away from me.'

'I love Ace, not you.'

'We'll never be more than friends.'

Were some thoughts that were making you already almost tear up.

You didn't notice the feet in front of yours as you looked up the dress and right in front of you was Jihyo mere feet away, but you didn't dare to look at her eyes.

"(YN)," Jihyo spoke firmly.

Jihyo's voice softened considerably, her tone the gentlest you ever heard.

Then you saw a hand being held out in front of you.

"I would love it if you came as my date."

.

.

.

You had prepared yourself for such pain that you didn't even know how to react to hearing something that made butterflies burst in your stomach.

There's no way you heard that right.

You looked up at Jihyo's face.

"But...I...you...what?" You stumbled.

Jihyo chuckled, the vibrations melodic in your ears.

"But...Jihyo..." Jihyo lost her smile at your concerned tone. As much as you wanted to be elated at Jihyo's words, you were more confused than anything else. "What about...Ace?"

Jihyo seemed to understand every emotion that lay beneath the question. "Well, he took Jennie. I set them up."

"...W-What!?" You questioned, your eyes widening dramatically.

If it wasn't a serious moment, Jihyo would laugh at your face, but she nodded.

"I know it's not a topic you'd want to hear, but let me explain."

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

FLASHBACK

"So first of all, thank you for coming with me." Ace said as Jihyo nodded. "I'll just get right to it...I've been meaning to ask you something..."

Jihyo gave a small smile as she heard Ace start talking.

Yet...

Why did her heart feel so heavy?

Why did she feel like she wanted to be anywhere but here?

She'd been crushing on Ace hard; this should be what she wanted.

But she really didn't want to be here.

"Well, the dance is almost here and I know that you don't have anyone to go with..." Ace responded, rubbing the back of his neck, looking anywhere but Jihyo.

Ace actually looked nervous and Jihyo was going through déjà vu in this scenario. "And I was wondering...if you don't have a date...w-would you like to go as m-mine?"

Ace smiled at her with a nervous yet cute smile that made Jihyo slightly melt, and any form of shyness in his eyes was now replaced with confidence.

She wanted to give him a large smile.

Yet...

That didn't happen this time.

Ace's words were creating some doubts Jihyo had in her mind regarding the entire matter, though somewhere in her there was still a feeling of hesitation.

She rubbed her arm with her hand in her current state of confusion, this time being the one to avert her gaze from the other as she was finding it increasingly hard to maintain eye contact with Ace.

She found his words touching, and could feel the complete sincerity brimming out of them, which served to make it harder for her to give him an answer.

Her earlier resolve was beginning to crumble, and she found herself swaying in a positive direction to Ace's words.

A memory prodded at her from within her maelstrom of thoughts, carrying with it a vivid image.

Your smile...before you left her alone after your confession.

It brought a faint frown to her lips.

A second memory then surfaced after the first one, making Jihyo remember sadly how you had left her alone without as much as a backward glance at her during their last conversation.

It made her heart sink a little.

There was a stab at her heart, where the pain brought her to the point of tears, but she did her best to hold them back.

It would not do to start bawling her eyes out in front of Ace since she did not think it necessary for him to know the inner turmoil she was experiencing at the moment.

With great difficulty, she managed to dull the pain gnawing away at her heart.

.

.

With a thoughtful frown and a conclusion finally settling in her brain, Jihyo refocused her gaze onto Ace's eyes.

He stood there as she figured he'd let her think.

She then parted her lips to give him an answer.

.

.

"...I'm sorry Ace," Jihyo saw his eyes and smile drop slightly as she felt bad, "but I already have someone taking me."

Ace didn't move for a couple of seconds, but he nodded as he gave a small smile.

"Well...guess that's my luck then." He looked straight at her as Jihyo gave a frown.

"I'm sorry Ace."

"Oh, no worries, Jihyo. That's what I get for asking so late. Hey, it's okay." He gave a smile as Jihyo mimicked his actions. "Whoever it is, they're lucky." Jihyo smiled and thanked him as he nodded. "Well, thank you for at least coming here to listen Jihyo." He said as Jihyo nodded once more as Ace was starting to walk away-

"Wait, Ace. Jihyo asked as Ace looked back. "I'm sorry for saying no, but there's someone I know who would very much like to go with you." She said as you chuckled and nodded.

"Alright sure...who?"

Jihyo smiled as she held her hands together.

"You know Jennie right?"

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

FLASHBACK END

"And that's when I mentioned Jennie to him. l knew she really likes him too and seeing as how she had no date...well they're together and she told me she was very happy with him while I was there that and Ace was happy to be with her and-"

"H-Hold on!?" You cut Jihyo's story as you held both hands up with a super confused look. "Why would you do that?! Why?!"

Jihyo gave a faint smile.

"As I said, I was already taken for," Jihyo replied as you looked baffled, "days ago actually when my date came along and took a stand for me from bullies." Jihyo smiled at you as you looked stunned.

"My date then confessed that they cared about me. It was the first time someone, other than my parents, said those words to me. And as the days went on, all I could think of," Jihyo inched her hand closer to yours, "was how much I wanted to be close to you and to hold your hand again."

The warmth that spread through your body was unlike anything you had ever felt before.

"Ace was just a crush, a schoolgirl crush, but with you (YN)...somehow it goes more than that. We have a history together and, from what you told me and wrote, it felt genuine. I was confused, yet happy to hear you say all those things."

Your gaze flickered between Jihyo's small, outstretched hand and her face, unable to believe what you were hearing.

"Jihyo..." you said carefully.

You were scared this was all fake.

If it was a dream.

Or if it was real, if Jihyo was saying all those things just to make you feel better and not being truthful about how she actually felt, it would be even worse.

You knew you had to voice that.

"I-I...was just...I-I don't want you to think you have to be with me just because of the way I feel about you. I don't want you to force yourself if you don't feel anything for me." You said to her as Jihyo nodded her head.

"I'm fully aware of that (YN). But I do feel something for you. I just don't know what it is yet." Jihyo looked away shyly, shuffling her feet. "And I was hoping you'd be able to help me figure it out."

.

.

.

You stared at her, eyes wide in shock.

You didn't even know what to say.

"W-wait...y-you w-want-"

"Yeah...yeah, I do." Jihyo looked to her as you let out a tear...you didn't bother fighting it. "I know I haven't been your friend or anything at all the past few days." Jihyo rambled, her cheeks turning pink. It became painfully obvious that Jihyo had been masking how nervous she was for the past few minutes, but now that everything was out in the open, the mask fell away.

"I'm sorry that I hurt you (YN). I shouldn't have just guessed it was Ace. I should have confronted him and maybe it would have led to you sooner. But I was stupid...I've re-read all those notes and each of them got to me and I should have known that it wasn't-" She stopped as she took a deep breath, to collect herself.

"...It's not your fault Jihyo...it was anonymous. How could you have guessed it was me..."

"But I should have guessed it was you (YN)...The way they were written, it didn't feel like just some random person from afar. Each sentence felt genuine. And you were the only one whose been so to me."

You looked down at both your hands.

"I can't say or tell how sorry I am (YN)...I consider you my best and most important person among all the girls and you've been there for me for everything and...I'm sorry that I put you through all that...I really am..."

She clasped your hand, squeezing it gently. For the first time in days, your expression actually conveyed how happy you felt. "We have so much to discuss (YN), but I came here for one thing. And that was to bring my date to the dance."

Just hearing that felt amazing...you couldn't believe Jihyo was saying those words.

You nodded as you smiled wide with tears coming down.

"Jihyo, please tell me I'm not dreaming." You said in a little voice.

"I promise you, this is not a dream." Jihyo responded and straightened herself. "(YN), I would be honored if you came with me to the dance." She asked with a hopeful smile on her face.

You didn't need a second to think.

"Yes, I'd love to." You answered sincerely and with a smile and laugh that made Jihyo's heart melt at seeing your smile, laughter, and happiness once more.

You laughed low, only realizing right then how long it had been since you'd just let go and let yourself feel good, "but there's one problem." That laughter went to frown as Jihyo held a hand out.

"May I see your phone?" You raised a brow, but she just did as told as she turned to get her phone from the bed and gave it to Jihyo already unlocked.

Jihyo then started to tap on the phone as you stared but was unable to see what she was doing.

"Now we could wait for you to get ready, but with the time to get you ready and travel we're going to miss pretty much the dancing and get to the end speeches," Jihyo explained as you then heard (Soft Slow Dance Song) being played as you widened her eyes a bit.

Jihyo went towards your dresser then placed the phone on it as she turned to you.

"So..." Jihyo instructed as you blinked at her as the song went on. "I say we share a dance...right now."

Was...was this happening...

You stared at Jihyo and almost melted at the timid but warm look she was giving you.

Shaking off most of your nerves, you took a step forward and slowly, so Jihyo would be sure of what she was doing, held their clasped hands up at shoulder height and laid the other on Jihyo's hip, trying hard to ignore how her fingertips were on Jihyo's waist.

Jihyo jolted a bit at the touch and you almost pulled away, but then Jihyo relaxed and rested a delicate hand on your shoulder.

With that, you began leading their dance.

You were worried at first.

You were not at all a bad dancer, but being so close to Jihyo made you nervous.

Looking at her, touching her, dancing with her; it was all so much to handle that you had trouble keeping your footwork fluid.

You were so scared that Jihyo would let go of your hand and walk back out of your room.

Until Jihyo laughed.

It startled you at first until you uncovered that Jihyo was enjoying herself so much.

You realized that Jihyo was so comfortable around you that you both didn't seem to have that awkwardness anymore.

A grin stretched across your face and an anxious weight finally lifted from your heart. Not worried about disappointing Jihyo anymore, you started leading them in a wild rhythm that was way faster than the beat of the background music.

Jihyo giggled all the louder.

You twirled your date, Jihyo's hair flowing around her body in a way that made you swoon.

In your excitement, you twirled Jihyo again. Jihyo, however, was not prepared for the second spin and lost her footing, falling forwards.

Instinctively, you thrust out her arms and caught her. Your heart skipped a beat upon feeling Jihyo's hot, surprised breath along your collarbone. Jihyo slowly looked up, blushing.

You blushed too; her brain finally registering just how close Jihyo was to her. You smiled down at the girl in your arms, hoping that would be enough to remedy the mishap.

You could only imagine how terrified Jihyo was at their close proximity; the girl wasn't fond of physical contact with anyone.

Thankfully, Jihyo reciprocated the smile, reminding you of a fireplace warming up on a cold, winter night. And then, to your utter shock, Jihyo lifted both her arms and draped them around your shoulders, keeping them close.

Your shock was quickly overpowered by an irresistible urge to hold this girl near.

You wrapped your arms around Jihyo's thin waist, keeping your hold firm but gentle. They stared deeply into each other's eyes, the world around them lost as they tenderly swayed in a slow dance once more.

"I'm sorry," Jihyo murmured.

"It's okay..."

"It's not...I'm so sorry (YN)...I've didn't mean for you to wait so long." Jihyo's voice softened even further, guilt in her eyes. "For making you look from afar and for me not to notice your feelings..."

"Hey now," you hushed. "All the fault is mine. I'm the one who waited too long to tell you how I felt. You don't owe any apologies."

"Still," Jihyo continued, "it must have hurt hearing about Ace."

"It did," you agreed with a slight nod. "But none of that matters now because you're here in my arms, and I will forever be thankful that you're giving me a chance."

Jihyo smiled yet the expression on her face was a mixture of appreciation and disbelief like she wanted to believe what you were saying but didn't know how to.

"So...are we...t-together?" You asked as Jihyo nodded.

"Of course. We are (YN)." Your throat clogged, your blood went warm and your heart thumped hard. You smiled brightly, "but I'm I haven't been in a relationship in a while or longer than two weeks so...just be wary of me making mistakes." You chuckled.

"Don't worry, I'm very new anyway. We'll get through it just fine and work it out together." You reasoned as Jihyo blew soft air and nodded at you.

And if words weren't able to convince her, you knew another way.

You leaned down and softly pressed your lips against Jihyo's.

You lingered for a few moments, only pulling away when you were sure the warmth of your touch would remain. Jihyo stared at you, eyes so wide that you knew you had to say something.

"I love you Jihyo." You admitted strongly. "And I'll show that each and every day."

It had been calling out to you when you confessed your feelings a few days ago. You had wanted to lean over and kiss Jihyo more so badly, but even you knew that would cross the line.

Of course, you didn't want to scare Jihyo away, a want that still carried weight, which was why you didn't try and kiss her.

You would try in due time when their relationship was a little more forged, but until then, you would give Jihyo space. You'd let Jihyo control the pace of their relationship.

Jihyo never replied to your words, instead choosing to bury her face in your bare shoulder. You were startled by the action, even more so when the body in your hold began to hold onto you tight and nodded.

You smiled, feeling your heart melt in your chest.

You felt tears brim your eyes but you didn't try to stop them, because for the first time in what felt like forever, they were joyful tears.

You could make Jihyo happy.

You were convinced of that now.

You could help Jihyo when she was upset, wipe her tears when she cried, warm her up when she was cold, and ultimately make her smile.

Show her how important she was to you.

Make her realize how blessed you felt to be with her.

She knew that Jihyo didn't love 'love' you yet, but that's perfectly fine.

You figured that Jihyo probably doesn't know what it felt like to truly love someone. But you were devoted to showing her every beautiful thing that love had to offer.

If anything, she was excited to see how the affection in Jihyo's eyes would grow and grow every time she looked at you.

Even if it took years for Jihyo's feelings to be as strong as yours was, you were willing to wait if it meant you could be with Jihyo; if it meant you could hold this beautiful girl in your arms and remind her every day how loved she was.

And if Jihyo was giving you the chance, you would hold onto her forever.

=====================================

AND THAT'S THAT!

Okay so I think there's a lot of information crammed into this one and I'll answer any questions you got.

ALSO, this is based on a true event that happened to ME.

The letters, the Mina friend, even the tutoring. Only I didn't get a happy ending like this. The girl didn't return the feelings and she was so sorry about that...she also thought it was someone else.

I was sad too and we eventually got to talking like normal. We weren't like best friends or anything so I guess that was okay.

Awkward, but okay.

But enough about me.

Thanks for taking a pause in your life to reading this! Vote/Comment and thanks again!