3 Chapter 2

"You're kind of too close to me."

Sakura moved away from Chaewon while they were making decisions about the dish's plating. She noticed Chaewon had stopped moving beside her and felt the girl's gaze on her. She faced Chaewon, "What?"

"Were you serious?" Chaewon asked.

"Yes. I'm not really comfortable with skin-ship, only with a few number of people."

"But we're not doing skin-ship, unnie. We're just literally pressed side by side."

"And that's more uncomfortable," said Sakura then began plating their dish.

Chaewon joined her with a little bit of distance between them. "Whatever you say. I'm sure your waifu is included in the "few number of people". Right?"

"My waifu? Who?" Sakura knows the answer but she decided to test Chaewon. Somehow, knowing the reply already, made her heart warm. She bit her lip to prevent herself from grinning. She secretly likes it when people associate her with Chaeyeon.

"Duh... Chaeyeon-unnie."

Sakura sighed and acted out her best irritated voice. "Why do you always bring Chaeyeon in our conversation?" Sakura likes to talk about her best friend. How proud she is to be her friend. But it makes her think about the girl and thinking about her makes Sakura wonder how she's currently doing, was the meal she had for lunch any better than Sakura's daily breakfast, was she taking care of herself, or is somebody taking care of her? The thought briefly sparked her possessiveness and she was surprised at the feeling, she made a mistake on the line of sauce she was doing.

"Because you—unnie!" Chaewon took the spoon from her hand. "Well, that's very abstract of you to do." Chaewon wiped the sauce with a tissue, showing a slight expertise while doing so. "I was going to say that talking about Chaeyeon-unnie makes you glow in a way I can't explain. And it's kind of funny when you try to hide how happy you are to talk about her." She threw the tissue to the nearest bin and glanced at their fellow classmate who are now serving their dishes. "But I guess it also distracts you, so I'll keep in mind not to talk about her while we're working."

"I'm sorry, Chaewon. I'll finish this now, no mistake this time." Sakura began again and made no mistake. They brought it to the guest.

Their dishes were above satisfaction.

*****

"My friend and I will treat ourselves to a burger joint near the campus, wanna join us?" Chaewon asked as they stepped outside the lab. She rolled her shoulders then looked at Sakura expectantly.

Sakura gazed far ahead while she pondered about her plans, which she realized was non-existent. And it's Friday, meaning she can rest tomorrow. She turned to Chaewon. "Sure," she said.

On the way, she texted Chaeyeon.

Kkura: How's my besteu chingu?

After a several seconds later, her phone vibrated.

Chaeyeon-chan: Tiring as always but it is what I enjoyed doing. How's yours?

Kkura: I think I made Chaewon mad a little bit because I screwed up the plating, but it was easily fixed.

Chaeyeon's messages were now instant.

Chaeyeon-chan: Oooh why did you screw up?

Because of you, Sakura thought as she replies to Chaeyeon's message.

Kkura: Had thoughts running in my mind. Where are you?

Chaeyeon-chan: I'm having a dinner with my senior.

Kkura: You sound pretty close with that senior. Seems like they're around you a lot.

Chaeyeon-chan: Yeah, Eunbi-unnie is really kind. Don't tell anyone, but I'm her favorite kouhai.

The name rang a familiarity. Sakura faced Chaewon. "What's the name of your friend we're meeting?"

"Eunbi, wae?"

"Nothing..."

Chaewon raised her brows. She shrugged Sakura's weird tone as she stopped in front of the burger joint. "Let's go," she gestured for Sakura to follow.

*****

"Eunbi-unnie!" Chaewon plopped down next to Eunbi on a booth place at the corner of the joint. Sakura was awkwardly behind a few steps. She can see the back of Chaeyeon's head. When she came close to the table, Chaeyeon turned to her with surprise.

"Saku-chan! Two times in a row."

Sakura gave her sheepish smile as she sat beside Chaeyeon. "Hello, Jjaeyeon."

"Sakura unnie, this is Kwon Eunbi." Chaewon gestured to the woman beside her. "Eunbi unnie, this is Miyawaki Sakura."

"So, you're the famous Saku-chan who always served our precious Chaeyeon breakfast. Thanks for keeping her healthy," said Eunbi with a smile on her face. She glanced at Chaeyeon and Sakura noticed the way her eyes lingered.

She gave her best smile and scooted closer to Chaeyeon until their arms were pressed together. Chaewon certainly didn't miss the action. "It's a pleasure for me. We don't want your precious Jjaeyeon to starve, don't we now?"

"Of course, she's one of the best dancers. I'm sure she'll be a successful dancer in the future that will honor the school." Eunbi winked at Chaeyeon.

"Thanks, unnie." Chaeyeon replied with her angelic smile. Sincerely flattered.

Sakura's face seemed to froze and it's the first time Chaewon had seen her unnie like that she had to step in. "Damn. I'm hungry. What did you order?"

Sakura looked at her with an indescribable expression. Chaewon had to look away to hide her amusement.

"Cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries, and floats." Chaeyeon answered. She held up the number and almost instantly, it was called. "Oh there it is. Let me take it." Sakura had to get up so Chaeyeon could get out of the booth. She held Chaeyeon's hand for a second when the girl passed by her.

"Don't you guys eat some left over or sometimes make an extra plate for yourselves in the lab?" Eunbi asked.

"Well, they enjoyed our dishes too much." Chaewon smirked then chuckled.

"I bet they did. Anyways, Sakura-san..?"

Sakura turned to Eunbi, "Sakura is fine."

"Do you want to come to our practice tomorrow to watch?" Eunbi asked. Sakura didn't know what to say that. Chaeyeon is right about her being kind. She suddenly feels bad for her negative thoughts about Eunbi. She smiled gratefully, genuinely this time.

"Sure. What time?"

"It starts at noon but you can come in the morning to give Chaeyeon her breakfast, if you like."

"I will do just that."

"Hey! What about me?" said Chaewon, and Eunbi gave her an exasperated look. Seems like the two are really close.

"You know that you're always invited right? Just like before."

"Invited to what?" Chaeyeon appeared beside Sakura and began putting down the orders on the table. Sakura only scooted this time to let Chaeyeon sit beside her.

Eunbi threw an onion ring in her mouth. "I told Sakura that she can watch us practice tomorrow."

"And you agreed?" Chaeyeon turned to Sakura who's chewing a french fried potato . She looked caught off guard for a second. Chaeyeon smiled softly, finding it adorable.

"I did. Was it not okay?" Sakura held a one on Chaeyeon's mouth. She opened her mouth, letting Sakura feed her. It was something they normally do.

Chaeyeon took a sip from her coke float. "It's okay. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"Good. Because whether you like it or not, I will watch you tomorrow. I want to finally see you dance."

"Wait, you haven't seen Chaeyeon dance yet?" Eunbi asked with a surprised expression, Chaewon was mirroring beside her.

"Weird right? Never had a time, things always suddenly come up. But I hope, tomorrow is the day." Sakura dance a little on her chair and threw another fries in her mouth. She chewed it happily, seemingly excited for tomorrow. She then glanced at Chaeyeon to find her staring at Sakura. They both shared a smile.

*****

Chaeyeon felt her stomach fluttered every time she thought of Sakura watching her dance for the very first time. She grunted as she messed up a step she had done a countless time before. Any minute now and Sakura will appear to bring Chaeyeon her favorite breakfast. Her heart started beating abnormally.

Why am I so nervous? She thought and cradled her hear head. She breathed in deeply then danced while counting.

Just as she was about to do the part where kept messing up, the studio's door opened. Sakura peered inside, she smiled upon seeing her best friend. Chaeyeon couldn't help but smile back even when her stomach started with the fluttering again.

"Jjaeyeon," Sakura called sweetly. "Ohayou gouzaimasu." She went inside and closed the door. She smiled brighter than before. Her face glow observably and her steps skipped as she walk up to Chaeyeon.

Chaeyeon examined Sakura's clothes. The black sweater loosely hugged her body. Her grey skirt was cut high, Chaeyeon hoped she wore a short underneath. Then she glanced down at her footwear.

"Isn't that mine?" she asked.

Sakura's smile dropped along with her head. "Oh yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "You left them at my dorm. Sorry to borrow without telling you."

Chaeyeon looked at the old school Vans she thought she had lost. "It's fine, it suits you. You can borrow it anytime." Seeing Sakura wear her things made her feel something. Something like, her insides turning mushy. And she didn't like it. Not even a little bit. Totally.

"Thanks." Sakura knelt down on the floor and opened her bag. "I made Kongnamul Bab (spicy seafood salad with bean sprout rice)." She handed the tupperware to Chaeyeon along with chopsticks.

Chaeyeon took it then stared at Sakura. Who stared back at her smiling. But Chaeyeon just kept on staring.

"What?" Sakura asked.

Chaeyeon opened her mouth but realization hit Sakura. "Ahh!" She brought out another tupperware from her bag. "I didn't forget about myself this time."

Chaeyeon's smile nearly split her face. "Good. 'Cause you promised." She held her chopsticks at eye level and looked at Sakura. "Itadakimasu."

A while later, they both sat side by side, leaning back on the mirror.

"That was delicious, Saku-chan. I'm so full, I can't stand." Chaeyeon closed her eyes and rubbed her stomach.

"Oh no. You still have to dance. Digest quickly, Jjaeyeon-ah." Sakura stood up. She waited for Chaeyeon to open her eyes before holding out her hand. Chaeyeon took it without hesitation.

Then a thought passed her mind. "Can you dance, Saku-chan?" She regarded Sakura seriously.

Sakura stared back at Chaeyeon with a solemn face for a few seconds. "A little bit…"

Chaeyeon's eyes twinkled under the lighting. She grabbed Sakura's hands. "Dance for me, please."

Sakura looked away and blushed. "Really? You want me to dance for you? The best dancer in this class?" She faced Chaeyeon again. "You're the dancer here, why should I be the one dancing? Isn't it you who is supposed to be dancing for me?"

Their eyes locked for a long time until Chaeyeon took a stepped back. She averted her eyes. "To be honest," she started in whisper. "I'm nervous."

"Eh?"

"I know! Weird right? Like I've been waiting to show you my dance but all of sudden, it was coming and I'm all queasy and nervous."

Sakura's face softened. "Oh, Jjaeyeon…" She moved closer to Chaeyeon then wrapped her arms around her best friend's shoulder. "You've got nothing to be nervous about."

She felt Chaeyeon's arm wrapping around her. Her breath was hot against Sakura's ear as she spoke. "I know that… but I still get nervous and I don't know why."

"I don't care if you messed up a step, trip, fall, or fail terribly. You would still be my best friend. You're still the Chaeyeon that I know and love. So dance like you'll never have a chance to dance again. You can imagine that I'm not here if it makes you less nervous."

Chaeyeon patted Sakura's back a few times. "I think… I will dance better if I know you're watching."

And she did. Sakura completely loss her whereabouts when Chaeyeon started dancing. It was like being transported into another dimension and she can't look away from her. Every movement she did felt like an intoxicating touch. She can't get enough of it. It was only her, the music, and Chaeyeon. Just like in her dreams.

All of her body hair rose just as the music ended. What is this feeling? Then she locked eyes with Chaeyeon and in instant she imagined her offering her hand to Sakura. Then she was pulled, she felt like she was pulled but all she did was stepped closer to Chaeyeon.

"How was it?" Chaeyeon struggled to catch her breath but a huge smile was plastered to her face. Somehow, as if she had switched vision with someone else, she rendered Chaeyeon's smile differently. It was familiar, not like the one she got used to. It's familiar in a way she can't explain.

"Saku-chan?"

It almost looked exactly the same as the girl's smile from her dream…

"Saku-chan!" Sakura jumped and yelped. She took in Chaeyeon's worried expression and realized she had been lost in thought. She immediately put a smile on her face to ease the worry she can feel from her best friend.

"You were great! Fantastic! I had to take a minute to move on because it was that amazing!" She took Chaeyeon's hands and squeezed them.

Chaeyeon's brows is still furrowed in a worried way but she smiled. "Really?"

Sakura nodded repeatedly. "Hnn! Hnn! How could you doubt yourself? I'm so proud to be your best friend."

Chaeyeon's face noticeably reddened and Sakura felt her heart swell. She dropped Chaeyeon's hands and brought it to her chest to stop the unexplainable feeling. But it only grew strong when she felt her heart pound hard and fast.

"Saku-chan? Are you okay?" Chaeyeon's worry returned. And she tried to smile. Thankfully, she was saved by her one and only friend, Chaewon.

"Chaeyeon-unnie! You were so good! Jinjja! I felt pretty gay watching you!" said Chaewon and clung to Chaeyeon's arm. Eunbi then showed up.

"Wah… Chaeyeon-ah still good as ever." she said.

"Thank you guys. I appreciate it." Chaeyeon briefly faced them before turning back to Sakura. "Is it okay if we go ahead?" she faced Eunbi again to direct her question.

Eunbi eyed them questionably. "Well… that's about for today. I guess you can."

Chaeyeon gave her an apologetic smile. She always stayed late to clean up the studio, so it must have been weird to suddenly be the first one to leave. She linked arms with Sakura and headed to the door.

"Good work today Chaeyeon."

Chaeyeon recognized the voice and turned around. "Thank you, Momo unnie. I'll be heading out early today."

As the door closes behind them, Chaeyeon faced Sakura. "Are you not feeling well?"

Sakura gave Chaeyeon a small smile. "I'm fine. You can go back inside if you want, I could walk myself home."

"That's not gonna happen. Are you sure you're okay though? Maybe you are not used to breakfast? Should we go to the nurse—"

"Jjaeyeon." Sakura's voice was strong and stern. It sent confusing signals to Chaeyeon's body. "I'm fine. Now take me home please." Now it was soft and vulnerable, contradicting from the previous tone. Chaeyeon bit her lip as a feeling of protectiveness wash her. She just wants to take Sakura in her arms and never let go. She wants to pepper her face with kisses, but then she realized best friends never do that thing. Sakura will probably hate me if I do that, why am I having these thoughts?

"Let's get you home." She grabbed Sakura's hand and fought hard to keep her stomach from fluttering.