BIW

The venue smelled faintly of salt and cedar, a reminder that the ocean wasn’t far. You stood beneath the stage lights, your guitar resting comfortably against your hip. The crowd swayed, humming along and their attention drew to the soft strum of your fingers.

You leaned toward the mic, your voice warm but fragile.

*"Please tell me not to go

We’ve been here long before

I live under your eyelids

I’ll always be yours"*

Each word felt like a hand reaching back through time, trying to touch the moments you and Jennie thought you’d have forever.

(past)  

The winter air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of salt as waves roared against the shore. You and Jennie sat side by side on an old wool blanket, your fingers wrapped around a shared thermos of hot chocolate.  

“I want kids with you one day,” she said suddenly, her voice almost lost in the sound of the tide.  

You turned toward her, your heart swelling against the cool bite of the breeze. “Really? I would love kids with you,” you told her fondly, your words puffing into the cold air like a promise.  

She grinned, cheeks pink from both the cold and her excitement, she leaned on your shoulder. “Imagine how cute they’d be.”  

You laughed softly, brushing your gloved hand against hers. “ If they looked like you they would be the cutest, but let me put a ring on you first, then we can have as many kids as you’d like, my love. Okay?”  

Her eyes lit up, brighter than the fading winter sun. “I’m so excited, Y/n, I can't wait for our future.”  

You leaned in, pressing a kiss to her chilled forehead.” Me too.” The ocean roared behind you, but in that moment, all you could feel was the buzzing of her happiness.  

~~~

It was another cold evening weeks later when Jennie brought it up again. You were both curled up in her apartment, the window fogged over from the heater humming in the corner. She had her head in your lap, scrolling through baby photos on her phone.

“Okay, hear me out,” she said, tilting the screen toward you. “If we have a daughter, I want to name her Sienna.”

You blinked, the name rolling around in your head. “Sienna?”

She nodded eagerly. “It’s cute! It's also warm and soft, but also strong. I don’t know… it just feels like us and I really love it.”

A smile crept onto your face. “Then I hope she looks just like you,” you teased, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Jennie giggled and rolled her eyes playfully. “Obviously. She’s my kid.”

You laughed and leaned down to kiss her, tasting both her smile and the quiet certainty that this was the life you were building together, their future .

~~~ 

One summer afternoon, you were both at her parents’ pool, music floating from a small speaker nearby. Jennie was splashing you mercilessly, laughing every time you squealed.

“You’re so stubborn... and have a temper!” you shouted, wiping water from your eyes.

Jennie gasped dramatically. “Excuse me, I do not have a temper.”

She glared at you, eyes narrowed, but you could tell she was just teasing, her lips twitching with a smile.

“Oh, you do,” you said with a smirk. “Running around, jumping in pools, singing to all the pets… being sensitive about everything—”

She cut you off with a kiss, her smile breaking against yours. “Then I hope she’s exactly like me.”

You laughed softly, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. “Our baby is soooo getting your temper.”

“Fine, maybe a little. But only a little,” she said, rolling her eyes but still smiling.

“Can't wait,” you whispered. And in that moment, you meant it.

~~~

The light from the streetlamps spilled across your bedroom wall in thin golden slants. Jennie lay beside you, your hands loosely linked. She was quiet tonight.

“You’ve been gone a lot,” you murmured, staring at the ceiling.

“I’ve been busy,” she replied softly, almost defensive. “You know music isn’t forever, Y/n. I… I need to figure out what I really want.”

You turned to look at her. “I thought you wanted this. Us. Sienna. The whole dream. Come on baby talk to me”

She hesitated, her lips parting before closing again. “Maybe I just wanted the idea of it.”

Your chest ached at the words. In the silence that followed, you knew something in her had already started to leave.

~~~

(present)

Back on stage, your voice slipped into the pre-chorus, the words painting images that only you and Jennie knew the truth behind.  

*"I’ll lay on your rooftop in the freezing cold  

And I’ll watch the sunset, wearin’ all your clothes  

I can feel you with me, like I did before  

Like when I sang you a love song by Norah Jones"*  

The crowd swayed gently, unaware that somewhere among them, Jennie stood near the back, scarf pulled tight, watching the girl she once called hers.  

Your voice carried into the chorus, soft but laced with something heavier.  

*"Ooh, Sienna  

Would’ve been cute  

Ooh, Sienna  

Would look just like you"*  

Your fingers trembled slightly against the guitar strings, the lyric hitting harder than you’d expected. You could still picture it: a little girl with Jennie’s eyes, Jennie’s laugh. It had been a silly dream whispered in the middle of winter, but it had felt real back then, it was real to you.  

Then you reached the bridge — the part you had almost cut but couldn’t bring yourself to.  

*"With a temper like you, run around like you  

Jumpin’ in the pool like you  

Sing to all her pets in the way I did  

Be sensitive like you"*  

You felt your throat tighten. Every line was a longing memory, and every memory was yours and Jennie’s.  

By the outro, your voice was almost a whisper.  

*"And I smile when I think of all the times we had  

On the beach in the winter, when the waves were mad  

Down by the water, crystal clear

See her face in the forest, then it disappears"*  

The final note faded, and the room erupted in applause. You thank your fans and stepped off stage, your fingers still tingling from the strings, and scanned the backstage area.

There she was—Jennie.

Jennie’s scarf was pulled tight, and a soft smile lit her face as Lisa, your drummer, wrapped an arm around her. The two of them laughed quietly, the kind of easy, intimate laughter you and Jennie once shared.

For a moment, yours and Jennie’s eyes met. Time seemed to pause—the beach in winter, the blankets, the dreams of a daughter named Sienna all flashing in your mind. Jennie’s gaze was soft, a little sad, but it couldn’t reach you through the space between the two of you .

Your chest tightened. The bridge of the song echoed in your head, memories of Jennie’s temper, her laugh, her warmth—and the life that could never be and will never be.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Sometimes, when you’re bored, you start talking to people, just to pass the time. And before you know it, you’re in a relationship you never even wanted, but you were too nice to shut it down.

But this time? You’re single. The catch? You somehow ended up with two Valentines.

You met Aeri in your Asian American Studies class, one of those Gen Eds you had to take. At first, it was just the usual small talk, complaining about assignments, joking about the professor’s weird grading system, bonding over how neither of you wanted to be there that early in the morning. Then, out of nowhere, she started flirting. And you? You never back down from a challenge. So, of course, you flirted right back.

It didn’t hurt that Aeri was hot, amazing body, confident smirk, the kind of girl who knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.

And apparently, what she wanted was you.

“So, Y/N… are you doing anything for Valentine’s Day?” Aeri asked nonchalantly, casually checking her nails like this was just another conversation.

You knew her game. You knew exactly what she was trying to do. But if there was one thing you loved, it was flipping the script.

“Oh, you know,” you said, stretching your arms like this was the most casual thing in the world. “Romantic dinner, maybe some flowers, a little gift… the usual Valentine’s Day stuff.”

Aeri glanced up, her interest piqued. “Oh?” she mused, tilting her head. “Who’s the lucky person?”

You grinned, keeping your voice light. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was amusement in them. “Oh, come on. You can’t just drop that and not tell me.”

You shrugged. “What can I say? I like to keep things interesting.”

Aeri let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You’re such a tease.”

“No, but seriously, do you have a date?” Aeri asked, facing you now, her eyes betraying a hint of nervousness as she waited for your response.

You met her gaze, your smile never faltering. “I don’t,” you replied, keeping your tone casual. “I was just going to stay in, maybe watch a movie. You know, chill.”

Aeri’s expression shifted slightly, almost as if she were relieved, but you couldn’t be sure. She let out a soft laugh, her usual confidence slipping back into place. “Sounds pretty nice, actually.”

You leaned in a little closer, teasing her just enough. “Yeah? What about you? Got any big plans?”

She paused for a second, clearly considering her response. “Nothing too crazy,” she said with a shrug, though her eyes were still on you, like she was waiting for something.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, but you stayed in your seat, watching as Aeri packed up her things, her movements quick and practiced. The tension between you two was still there, unspoken, but thick in the air.

As she stood up, she caught your gaze, her lips curling into a sly smile. “So… you sure you don’t want company for Valentine’s Day?” she asked, voice low and playful.

You leaned back in your chair, taking a moment before responding. “I mean, I’m not opposed to company,” you said with a grin, “but I want a grand gesture. I just won’t be anyone’s Valentine, you know?”

Aeri’s expression flickered for a second, as if trying to process your words. “A grand gesture?” she repeated, the teasing tone still there, but with a hint of curiosity.

“Yeah,” you replied with a shrug, still smiling. “You’ve got to earn it.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying you as if deciding how to play this. “And what makes you think I haven’t already earned it?”

You stood up, grabbing your bag, the challenge clear in your eyes. “Maybe I’ll let you prove it.”

You turned to leave, but not without feeling the weight of her gaze on your back. You didn’t look back, at least, not yet.

“I’ll see you around, Aeri,” you said casually, leaving the door open for whatever she might do next.

Aeri stood there, replaying your conversation in her mind, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “A grand gesture…” she muttered to herself, clearly scheming. She was used to getting what she wanted, but this time? It was a different kind of challenge. You weren’t going to make it easy, and she liked that. Now, she had to think of something big enough to impress you.

Meanwhile, you walked to your car, a cocky grin spreading across your face. You knew exactly what you were doing, playing the game just right. You’d seen the way Aeri’s eyes had lit up when you’d said no one could just be your Valentine. It wasn’t arrogance; it was just the way you were. You weren’t going to settle for easy, and everyone seemed to think they could win you over with a few sweet words or a simple gesture. But that wasn’t how it worked with you.

You leaned against your car, taking a second to enjoy the feeling of being in control. Aeri was hooked. She’d play her cards, try her best to impress you, but you knew, no one played you.

Let the games begin.

You drove to a nearby café near campus, ready to get some assignments done. You could use the quiet to focus, especially after the little game you’d started with Aeri. As you walked in, lost in your thoughts, you bumped into someone, knocking over her drink.

You immediately panicked, hands flying to grab napkins from the counter. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” you blurted out, rushing to clean up the mess.

But before you could make a bigger fool of yourself, her hand gently stopped you.

“Hey, it’s okay,” she said, her voice light with laughter. You looked up and met her eyes, catching her smile. “It’s just half-drunk tea, it won’t stain.”

You paused for a moment, taking in her presence. She was... pretty. You couldn’t help but think that as you continued fumbling with the napkins.

“Are you sure?” you asked, still a bit unsure. “Tea usually stains.”

She giggled, shaking her head. “That’s true, but it’s green tea. And honestly? It’s pretty watered down, so it’s basically just flavored water at this point. I’m sure it won’t stain. It’ll dry up just fine.”

You breathed a sigh of relief, handing her the napkins anyway. “Well, I’m still sorry. Let me at least buy you something to make up for it.”

She considered it for a moment, then gave a playful shrug. “Alright, I’ll take you up on that.”

You led her to the counter, exchanging a few lighthearted comments along the way. Once you reached the register, you turned to her, offering a warm smile. “I’m Y/N, by the way.”

She mirrored your grin, her eyes lighting up. “I’m Yunjin.”

The energy between you two felt easy, almost like you’d known each other longer than just a few minutes. After getting your drinks you guided Yunjin to a nearby table, pulling out a chair for her before sitting down across from her. “So, Yunjin,” you began casually, sipping your drink as you settled in, “do you go to NYU or…?”

She smiled, resting her arms on the table. “Yeah, I do. I’m actually in business school.”

“Nice, same here,” you said with a nod, leaning back in your chair. “What’s your major?”

“Marketing,” she replied, her eyes lighting up. “How about you?”

“Marketing too,” you grinned, feeling a little surprised but also intrigued. “Looks like we have more in common than just this tea disaster.”

Yunjin laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Guess so. What are the odds, huh?”

You leaned in a little, trying to keep the conversation light, and flashed her a playful grin. “So, Yunjin, if you’re in the business school, you must be really busy, huh?”

She rolled her eyes, grinning. “You have no idea. Between classes, group projects, and my part-time job at the café, I barely have time to breathe.”

You laughed, nodding in understanding. “Sounds like my life. I swear, my schedule’s so packed, it’s a miracle I can even manage to have a conversation like this.”

Yunjin leaned back, eyeing you with curiosity. “A conversation? Or are you just really good at distracting yourself?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Maybe a bit of both. It’s a skill, really.” You paused, then added with a smirk, “But honestly, I’m glad I bumped into you today.”

Yunjin’s expression softened, her smile becoming more genuine. “Yeah, same here. It’s nice to meet someone who’s not just another student cramming for exams or talking about business strategies.”

You chuckled, glancing around at the bustling café. “Yeah, it’s refreshing, right? A little chaos here and there makes life interesting.”

She agreed with a nod. “Definitely. I swear, I’d lose my mind if I didn’t have little breaks like this.”

There was a brief pause, and then you casually asked, “So, what are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Got any fun plans?”

Yunjin’s eyes widened slightly, then she shrugged nonchalantly. “Valentine’s Day? Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it. It’s always so overhyped, you know?”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? Most people are either super into it or totally avoid it. What about you?”

She hesitated for a moment, clearly considering the question. “I guess I’m somewhere in the middle? I don’t mind the idea, but I don’t expect anything too crazy. What about you?”

You leaned back, teasing. “Well, I’m kind of a big deal, so I might have a couple of people vying for my attention.”

Yunjin laughed, clearly amused. “Oh really? Are you some sort of player or something?”

You smirked. “I wouldn’t say player, just... popular.”

She shot you a skeptical look. “Uh-huh, sure. So, who exactly are you planning to spend the day with?”

You let out a playful sigh, exaggerating just a little. “Honestly, it’s up in the air. I don’t make plans until the last minute.”

Yunjin raised an eyebrow. “Classic. But hey, if you’re as popular as you say, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Maybe,” you said, leaning in just a bit. “But I’m still waiting to see if anyone can come up with a grand enough gesture to win me over.”

Yunjin smirked. “A grand gesture, huh? Well, that’s something I’m definitely interested in hearing more about.”

You smirked, watching her reaction carefully. “A grand gesture, yeah,” you said, leaning back in your chair as you watched her, knowing the spark of curiosity was there. “Not just the usual flowers and chocolates, you know? Something that shows effort. I can’t just be anyone’s Valentine.”

Yunjin tilted her head, her eyes narrowing playfully as she teased, “Is that so? You really think you’re that special?”

You leaned forward, keeping your voice casual but with just enough confidence to make it clear you weren’t just talking for fun. “I mean, I am a catch. It’s gonna take something impressive.”

Yunjin laughed softly, her lips curving into a smile. “Alright, alright. You’re a catch, got it. But what if I told you I was thinking about doing something special for you?”

“Already? We just met!” you said with a smirk, raising an eyebrow as you leaned back in your chair.

Yunjin chuckled, clearly not backing down. “What can I say? You made an impression.” She paused for a moment, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I like a challenge.”

You couldn’t help but grin. “A challenge, huh? Guess we’ll see who can top the other with their grand gestures. It’s gonna be tough to outdo me, though.”

She gave a playful shrug, clearly unbothered. “I’m up for it. But don’t underestimate me.”

You leaned forward a little, enjoying the playful tension. “You think you can outdo the competition?”

She leaned in a little closer, her eyes lighting up with a mix of mischief and excitement. The space between you two felt charged, and for a brief moment, you could feel the heat of her presence. “Maybe. I guess we’ll see how things go. You said you want a grand gesture, right?”

You nodded, now even more interested in what she had in mind. “Yeah, that’s right.”

Yunjin hesitated for a moment, then, almost as if she were testing the waters, asked, “So, you’ve got someone else in mind, don’t you? Someone you’re planning on spending Valentine’s Day with?”

You smiled, trying to keep your cool, but you could tell she was fishing. “Maybe. I mean, I’ve got options, right? But honestly, nothing’s set in stone. It’s all about the effort, you know? Whoever can really surprise me, that’s who gets my attention.”

Yunjin studied you for a moment, her smile turning a little more confident. “Well, maybe you’ll be surprised. You might just end up with two Valentines after all.”

You couldn’t help but grin, the excitement of the game intensifying. “Two? I’m intrigued. Let’s see if you can impress me enough to make it worth it.”

As she spoke, Yunjin leaned just a little closer, her arm brushing against yours in the slightest motion, a deliberate graze that sent a small spark of electricity through you. Her eyes never left yours, and the playful challenge between you both suddenly felt even more tangible.

You exchanged a knowing look, the playful energy hanging in the air. “Alright, Yunjin, you’ve got my attention,” you said, tapping your fingers on the table. “But don’t expect me to go easy on you. I like a good challenge.”

Yunjin’s grin widened, her confidence growing. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m not the type to back down from a challenge.” She picked up her drink, taking a slow sip as she glanced at you over the rim of her cup. “Guess we’ll see who ends up on top when the day comes, huh?”

You chuckled, the excitement of the situation starting to hit you. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But be careful. I’m not someone who’s easily impressed.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be impressed,” Yunjin said, her eyes gleaming. “The real question is: will I be the one you choose in the end?”

You met her gaze, feeling the playful spark between you both. “Well, you’re definitely making it interesting.”

Yunjin leaned in just a little more, her voice low and teasing. “Just wait, Y/N. I’ve got some ideas that might just blow your mind.”

Her hand brushed against yours again, this time lingering a little longer, before she pulled back slightly. The air between you was thick with tension, but the excitement was undeniable. 

“Let me get your number,” Yunjin said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. “So I can decide when I can pick you up for our Valentine’s Day date.”

“Wow, confident, aren’t we?” you replied, raising an eyebrow, impressed by her boldness.

Yunjin chuckled, unfazed. “What can I say? I like to take charge when I know what I want.”

You leaned back in your seat, studying her for a moment. “I’m not easily won over, Yunjin. You’ll have to put in some serious work to impress me.”

She leaned forward slightly, matching your intensity. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m up for the challenge.” She paused, her grin widening. “And I’m pretty sure I’ll be the one you’re thinking about when Valentine’s Day rolls around.”

You couldn’t help but smile, feeling the playful tension building between you both. “We’ll see about that.”

Yunjin pulled out her phone, her fingers quickly tapping away. “You’ll find out soon enough,” she said with a wink as she handed you her number. “But I’m not going to wait forever, so think fast.”

You took her phone and entered your contact info with a smirk of your own. “I’ll think about it,” you said, giving her a look that left the challenge hanging in the air.

“Good,” she replied, her voice low and teasing. “Take your time. But don’t take too long.”

Yunjin got up and left, her confident stride taking her out of the café, leaving you sitting there in complete disbelief. You stared at your phone, still processing everything that had just happened. Her number was saved in your contacts now, and you couldn’t help but chuckle at how fast things escalated.

What the hell did I just do?

You shook your head, half-amused and half-astonished by how quickly you’d found yourself in this mess. Two Valentines? Really? This was definitely going to be more complicated than you’d ever expected.

You giggled to yourself, the absurdity of it all sinking in. Well, this is going to be fun...

Valentine's Day was coming, and you had no idea how this was all going to play out, but one thing was for sure, this game was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

You leaned back in your chair and let out a light laugh. Let the games begin.

~~~

“Y/N! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE 2 VALENTINES?!” your best friend Kazuha yelled, her voice rising in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you’re playing with people’s feelings again!”

You let out a groan, slumping in your seat as Kazuha stared you down, her arms crossed and eyes narrowed. She was not buying whatever you were about to say.

“Kazuha, I swear, it just happens! It’s my aura,” you defended yourself, throwing your hands up in mock innocence. “I can’t help it if people are drawn to me!”

“Y/N, shut the fuck up,” Kazuha shot back, throwing a cushion at you. “You know exactly what you're doing. You’ve got two people chasing after you, and you’re just sitting there like it’s nothing.”

You chuckled, tossing the cushion back at her, “What can I say? It’s a skill. Not everyone has it.”

Kazuha rubbed her temples, her frustration palpable. “I swear, you’re a walking disaster. You're gonna end up making someone cry with all this back-and-forth nonsense."

“I’m not doing anything... yet,” you smirked. “Let the games begin, right?”

Kazuha sighed dramatically, clearly over it. “You’re impossible. Just... don’t make things worse. You might have a way with words, but someone's gonna get hurt if you’re not careful."

You shrugged, unfazed, as you scrolled through your phone. “I know what I’m doing. It’s just a little fun. Don’t worry so much.” You smirked, raising an eyebrow. “What if I make it three Valentines?”

Kazuha’s eyes practically bulged out of her head. “Three? Are you trying to have a meltdown? You’re gonna have an entire love triangle on your hands, Y/N!”

You chuckled, leaning back in your chair with a mischievous glint in your eye. “Why stop at two? The more the merrier, right?”

Kazuha slapped her forehead, exasperated. “You’re seriously gonna make this a competition, aren’t you?”

“Well, yeah. Why not? It’s not like anyone’s heart is on the line... yet,” you said casually, not even looking up from your phone.

“You’re playing with fire,” Kazuha warned, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone now. “Just remember, you can’t keep juggling people forever without someone getting burned.”

You smirked again. “I’m just having fun. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Kazuha shook her head, but she couldn’t help a small smile from forming. “You’re impossible.”

You looked at your best friend, putting down your phone and walking over to her. “Look, I promise after my dates, I’ll tell them,” you said, trying to reassure her.

Kazuha shot you a skeptical look, her arms crossed. “You really have to be careful, Y/N.”

“I know, and I will,” you replied, trying to sound serious, but you couldn’t quite hide the playful tone in your voice.

Kazuha raised an eyebrow. “What if you end up liking them? After these dates?”

You let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of your head. “Then I’d be in a serious pickle.”

Kazuha sighed dramatically, clearly not convinced. “You’re seriously digging yourself into a hole, aren’t you?”

You shrugged. “It’s all part of the game, Kazuha.”

She stared at you for a moment before a new thought seemed to strike her. “Who are these girls, anyway?”

You hesitated for a second before answering. “Yunjin and Aeri.”

Kazuha’s eyes went wide, and she let out a huge gasp, her mouth hanging open. “Y/N... YUNJIN AND AERI ARE BEST FRIENDS!!!!”

You froze, a feeling of dread creeping up on you. “What?”

Kazuha was practically shaking, her voice rising with disbelief. “What the hell, Y/N? You’ve got two of the most popular girls on campus both after you, and you’re playing them against each other??”

You blinked, suddenly feeling like you were in over your head. “I... didn’t know they were best friends!”

Kazuha threw her hands up in exasperation. “Are you serious right now?! This is like some messed-up love triangle waiting to explode. Do you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into?”

You rubbed your temples, already feeling the weight of the situation. “Great. This just got a whole lot worse.”

Kazuha’s voice softened slightly, but the concern was still there. “You better be careful, Y/N. This is more than just ‘fun’ now. They’re both gonna find out eventually.”

“They won’t. I’ll make sure of it.” You said, with a confident grin, trying to mask the nervous energy bubbling beneath your calm exterior.

Kazuha narrowed her eyes at you, clearly not buying it. “You think you can keep them both in the dark? You’re walking a fine line here.”

You shrugged nonchalantly, though your mind was racing. “I’m good at keeping things under control. I’ve got it handled.”

Kazuha rolled her eyes. “I’m not so sure. You can’t keep up this charade forever, you know.”

You let out a deep sigh, already feeling the stress creep in. “I know, I know. But hey, it’s Valentine’s Day, right? How complicated could it get?”

Kazuha shook her head, half laughing and half worried. “You’re crazy. But whatever. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when everything goes up in flames.”

You chuckled nervously, already imagining the mess you might’ve just gotten yourself into. “I’ll deal with it when it happens.”

~~~

You were sitting in your car, parked outside the café, trying to get some studying done, when your phone buzzed again. You sighed, thinking it was just one of the usual notifications, but when you checked, you saw both Aeri and Yunjin had sent you messages.

Aeri’s message was short and sweet: “Hey, want to meet up later? I need to talk to you about something important... ;)”

Your heart skipped a beat. The playful tone told you she wasn’t just asking for a casual hangout.

Right after that, Yunjin’s message popped up: “Hey! I was thinking we should meet up today, got something on my mind, and I need to ask you something in person. What do you say?”

You leaned back in your seat, a grin tugging at the corners of your lips. They both wanted to meet up. You knew what was coming, and as much as you loved the thrill of this little game, there was no denying the rush it gave you. But now, you had to juggle both of them. You typed out quick responses.

To Aeri: “Sure, I’ll meet you later. What time works for you?”

To Yunjin: “Sounds good. When and where do you want to meet?”

The messages sent almost simultaneously. You sat back and let out a breath, trying to focus. Kazuha’s warning echoed in your mind, but you shook it off. You’d be fine. You had to be.

Aeri replied first: “How about 5 pm? I’ll be at the park near campus.”

Yunjin responded right after: “Let’s meet at the café at 6. I’ll be waiting.”

You stared at your phone for a moment, then chuckled. This was getting more complicated by the second. But there was no turning back now.

At 5 pm, you walked into the park, nerves creeping up as you scanned the area. Aeri had been so mysterious in her messages, and now you couldn’t help but wonder what kind of grand gesture she had in mind.

You spotted her near the fountain, but this wasn’t your usual “meet me in a café” vibe. She was standing confidently by the water, a soft pink balloon in her hand and a small bouquet of flowers at her feet. It was a picture-perfect moment.

"Hey," you greeted her, your heart pounding, a playful smile tugging at your lips. You couldn’t help but admire the effort she’d put into this.

Aeri smiled warmly, her eyes glinting with excitement. "I know, I know, this is probably a little much," she began, twirling the balloon in her hand as if it were no big deal, "but you deserve something special. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I want to ask you properly."

She took a step closer, her voice dropping a little, but her excitement obvious. "Y/N," she said, her smile growing, "I’d be honored if you’d be my Valentine. I know we’ve had some fun getting to know each other, and I think we have something that could be really amazing. What do you say? Will you be my Valentine?"

The moment hung between you, her words sincere yet playful, and you had to admit, you were impressed. You weren’t one to be easily won over, but this was a whole different level. The balloon, the flowers, it was grand, thoughtful, and definitely something to remember.

You grinned, shaking your head in disbelief at how bold she was. "Aeri, this is... a lot. But I like it."

She beamed. "So, you’ll be mine?"

"Yeah," you replied, your voice almost a whisper, "I’d love to be your Valentine."

Aeri’s eyes sparkled, and for a moment, she looked like she’d just won the biggest prize. "Great. You won’t regret it, I promise. I’ve got plans."

You both exchanged an excited glance as she handed you the bouquet, her gesture as grand as the moment.

Aeri’s smile lingered as she handed you the bouquet, her eyes searching yours for a reaction. You could tell she was really excited, and it made the moment feel even more special. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, glancing down at the flowers in your hands before speaking again.

“So, I guess I’ve got your attention now, huh?” she said playfully, a hint of mischief in her voice.

You chuckled, nodding as you looked back at her. “Yeah, you definitely know how to make an impression, Aeri.”

“I aim to please,” she said with a wink, a light laugh escaping her. The two of you stood there for a moment, the playful energy between you palpable. It was clear that Aeri was genuinely enjoying the moment, and you couldn’t deny that you were, too.

After a few more moments of talking, just enjoying the vibe, your phone buzzed in your pocket. You pulled it out, glancing at the screen. Your heart skipped for a moment as you saw it was a text from Yunjin. 

“Everything okay?” Aeri asked, noticing the change in your expression.

You hesitated for a second, debating how much you should say. You didn’t want to give away too much, not when things were getting complicated. You quickly glanced down at the message from Yunjin before looking up at Aeri.

“Oh, it’s just Kazuha,” you said quickly, putting your phone face down in your hand. “She needs me for something.”

Aeri’s eyes softened a little, her playful tone now replaced with genuine concern. “Oh, really? Is everything okay with Kazuha?”

You nodded, giving a small, reassuring smile. “Yeah, she’s just going through some stuff and wants to talk. I told her I’d be there for her.”

Aeri looked at you with a thoughtful expression for a moment. “I get that. If you need to go, I don’t want to keep you.” Her voice softened further, and you could hear the sincerity in her words.

You shook your head quickly, feeling a bit guilty for not being fully honest and using your best friend as an excuse. "Are you sure?"

Aeri gave a small, understanding smile. "Yeah, I mean, if it’s really important, I get it." She took a step back and put her hands in her pockets, her demeanor still warm but with a bit of distance as if trying to give you space. "Kazuha’s your best friend, right? You should be there for her."

You nodded, but a feeling of guilt gnawed at you. You’d definitely misled Aeri a little, and while you didn’t want to lie, you couldn’t exactly tell her the whole truth, not yet, anyway.

You caught her gaze again and gave a reassuring smile. “It’s just a quick thing, I promise. Kazuha’s got a lot on her plate right now, but I’ll be back in no time.”

Aeri raised an eyebrow but seemed to accept your words. “Alright, but don’t make me wait too long. You’ve got a Valentine who’s already looking forward to making plans with you, after all.”

You chuckled nervously, "Don’t worry. I won’t leave you hanging."

She smirked, clearly not buying into your reassurances entirely, but she gave you a playful wink. “Well, I’m counting on it. You’ve got a lot to live up to, Y/N.”

You smiled, feeling a little more at ease, and without thinking too much, you leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.

Aeri froze for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise before a soft blush crept up her neck. She glanced at you, slightly flustered, then smiled warmly. “Guess that’s your way of saying you’ll be back soon?”

You pulled away with a sheepish grin. “Exactly. Can’t leave you hanging too long, right?”

Aeri chuckled, clearly flattered, and shook her head. “Alright, alright. I’ll hold you to that. Be safe, Y/N.”

You gave her a wink and a quick wave before turning to leave, the weight of the situation still on your mind, but a little thrill from the moment lingering as well.

~~~

You rushed to the cafe, checking your phone as you hurried through the door. Just in time, you thought, glancing up to see Yunjin already sitting at a table near the back, a confident smile on her face as she spotted you walking in.

Her eyes sparkled with something you couldn’t quite place, and she immediately stood up, adjusting her coat with a flourish. “Look at you, right on time,” she said, her voice light but with a teasing undertone. “I knew you wouldn’t leave me waiting long.”

You took a seat across from her, still catching your breath from the run over. “Wouldn’t dream of it. So, what’s all this about, huh? You’ve got that look in your eyes.”

Yunjin leaned in slightly, her eyes locking with yours, filled with excitement and maybe a little mischief. “Well, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I wanted to do something special for you.”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Special? You’ve already got me curious. What’s this grand gesture I’ve been hearing about?”

She smiled wider, sitting back in her chair before reaching into her bag. You couldn’t help but notice the small twinkle of anticipation in her eyes as she pulled out a small, wrapped box and placed it in front of you.

“Open it,” she said, her voice soft but laced with excitement.

You glanced up at her, a mix of curiosity and amusement in your expression. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for whatever this is.”

Yunjin’s smile didn’t falter. “Come on, trust me. It’s not a big deal... just a little something to show you I’m serious about this Valentine’s thing.”

You carefully unwrapped the box, your fingers pausing when you saw the familiar logo on the outer packaging. When you opened it, your breath caught in your throat. Inside was a sleek, delicate Dior bracelet, elegant and expensive, with a silver band and a small charm dangling from it. You couldn’t believe what you were seeing.

“Yunjin... this... this is Dior?” you asked, stunned, your eyes widening. You couldn’t hide the shock in your voice.

Yunjin’s grin widened as she watched your reaction. “Yeah, it’s Dior. I told you I was serious about this. If I’m going to be your Valentine, I wanted it to be something that really shows you how much I mean it.”

You looked down at the bracelet, almost speechless. It was beyond anything you expected from a casual date or even a flirtation. This was... a gesture. A big one.

“Wow. You really went all out,” you said, still trying to process it all. “I didn’t expect... this.”

She shrugged, her confidence radiating. “I don’t do things halfway. So, what do you say? Will you be my Valentine?”

You blinked for a moment, genuinely taken aback by how thoughtful and extravagant this gesture was. For a brief second, you couldn’t help but wonder if maybe you were playing with fire here, but you pushed the thought away.

“Well, Yunjin,” you said, a smirk tugging at your lips. “You certainly know how to make an impression.”

Her smile softened, and she leaned in just a little closer. “So, that’s a yes, right?”

You paused, letting the suspense build for a second, before finally answering. “Alright, Yunjin. I’ll be your Valentine.”

Her eyes lit up, and she reached across the table, her fingers brushing against yours in a gesture that felt warmer than you expected. “You won’t regret it,” she said, her voice filled with quiet excitement.

You chuckled, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. “We’ll see about that.”

You walked out of the cafe with Yunjin, the Dior bracelet now safely secured on your wrist. The weight of it still felt unreal, but you had to admit, her gesture had left a lasting impression. As you walked down the street, your mind buzzed with thoughts of Aeri and how you were going to juggle this whole situation.

“So, now that I’ve asked you, what’s next?” Yunjin asked, her voice light but with a trace of curiosity. “Do you have a plan for Valentine’s Day?”

You glanced over at her, trying to play it cool. “I guess we’ll see how things go. You’re the first one to ask me, so I’m definitely interested in what you’ve got in mind for the big day.”

Yunjin’s eyes twinkled, a smile creeping across her face. “I’ve got something special planned. You’ll have to wait and see, but I promise it’ll be worth it.”

You chuckled, not able to resist the excitement in her voice. “You’re really going all out for this, huh?”

Yunjin shrugged nonchalantly, though her playful smile didn’t falter. “When it comes to something like this, why not go all in? You deserve it.”

You couldn’t help but feel a small thrill run through you at her words. Yunjin was clearly invested in this, and you were curious to see what she had planned. But at the same time, you felt a small pang of guilt. Aeri was probably wondering where you were, and you couldn’t avoid the fact that you were now juggling two Valentines, two amazing, beautiful, and passionate girls. What a mess this had turned out to be.

As you walked towards the subway station, your phone buzzed in your pocket. You pulled it out to find a message from Aeri, and your stomach dropped a little. You didn’t know why, but something about her messages always seemed to pull at you.

“Hey, are you free tonight? I was hoping we could talk more about... well, us. Let me know when you’re free. <3”

You paused for a moment, biting your lip. Aeri was so sweet, and she was definitely in the running for your Valentine. But what about Yunjin? This was getting complicated, fast.

Yunjin glanced at you, noticing the change in your expression. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

You quickly hid your phone, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just a little something with a friend. Don’t worry about it.”

Yunjin raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the issue. Instead, she smiled, her hand brushing against yours again as she added, “Well, whatever happens, I’m glad we met. And you won’t regret picking me as your Valentine, I promise.”

You returned her smile, feeling a little guilty, but also intrigued. “I guess we’ll see about that.”

As you said goodbye and parted ways, you couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated. Valentine’s Day was only a few days away, and you had no idea how you were going to navigate this little love triangle you’d gotten yourself into.

You slammed the door behind you as you rushed into your apartment, the weight of the day finally crashing down on you. Kazuha was in the kitchen, but you didn’t even acknowledge her as you rushed to your room. You threw yourself onto the bed, burying your face in your pillow and screaming into it. The tension of juggling two Valentines had officially reached its breaking point.

“What the hell am I doing?” you muttered into the pillow, letting out a frustrated groan. Your mind raced with thoughts of Aeri’s sweetness, Yunjin’s grand gesture, and how the hell you were supposed to keep up with it all.

You could hear Kazuha’s footsteps approaching your door, and she knocked lightly before entering. "Y/N, what happened? Did something go wrong?"

You lifted your head just enough to look at her, eyes wide with panic. “I’m in way too deep, Kazuha. I’ve got two Valentines now, and I’m not even sure what I’m doing. Aeri’s been so sweet, and then Yunjin... she just went all out with the Dior bracelet and now I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do.”

Kazuha raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “So you’re telling me, you went ahead and accepted two Valentine’s invites?”

You buried your face back in the pillow, muffling your voice. “I didn’t mean to! It just… happened. I’m an idiot.”

Kazuha sat on the edge of your bed, sighing. “Well, you’re definitely a mess, but that’s nothing new. Just be honest with them, okay? You can’t keep playing this game and not expect things to blow up in your face. They both deserve more than you just juggling them around.”

You sat up, rubbing your eyes. “I know, I know… but how do I even tell them? I’m not ready to pick just one yet. I don’t know what I want.”

Kazuha gave you a sympathetic look. “Look, you don’t need to rush. But don’t keep them hanging, okay? You owe them more than that.”

You nodded, your chest tightening. “I guess I’ll figure it out. I just… I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

She gave you a small grin, patting your back. “You’ll be fine. You always are.”

You let out a sigh, still feeling overwhelmed but grateful for Kazuha’s blunt, no-nonsense advice. One thing was for sure: you had a lot to figure out before Valentine’s Day. And there was no going back now.

You sat up on your bed, finally lifting your face from the pillow, a new wave of determination flashing in your eyes. Kazuha gave you a skeptical look as she raised an eyebrow.

"No, no," you muttered, shaking your head. "I’ve got this. I gotta lock in the player in me. I can’t let this get to me. I’m gonna be nonchalant about it. Chill, calm, collected." You nodded to yourself, as if convincing your own mind.

Kazuha rolled her eyes but smirked. "Yeah, sure, good luck with that. But you do you, I guess."

You let out a deep breath, lying back down on your bed, trying to calm the nerves. "I’m not gonna let either of them think they have me wrapped around their finger. I’ll keep it cool, play it like I’m not phased. They’ll respect that more, right?"

Kazuha shook her head but laughed. "I swear you’re impossible."

You grinned, looking at the ceiling. "It’s the only way to play the game. One of them might end up being more than just a Valentine, but for now? I’m keeping it light. Keeping it fun."

Kazuha shook her head again but gave a small chuckle. "I can’t believe you. Just don’t let this whole thing blow up in your face, okay?"

You gave her a confident smile. "Trust me, I got it. I’m the master of this stuff."

Kazuha just sighed, clearly unsure, but walked out of your room anyway, leaving you to lay back down and think about the chaos you were about to manage.

This Valentine’s Day was shaping up to be way more complicated than you ever imagined. But, hey, you were ready. You’d make it work, one way or another.

You let out a deep breath, still lying on your bed, your fingers absentmindedly playing with the edge of your blanket. “And they won’t find out,” you muttered to yourself, as if repeating it like a mantra would make it true. “I’ve got it under control. I can handle both of them. No one’s gonna get hurt. I’ll play it smoothly. No slip-ups.”

Your mind raced, wondering how you could keep everything from unraveling. “I just gotta stay calm. If I keep my cool, keep my distance, they’ll never suspect a thing.”

You closed your eyes for a second, letting the idea settle in. “No way are they gonna find out. I’m not gonna let this blow up in my face. I can handle it. Just gotta keep the charm turned on and the lies well-rehearsed.”

You smiled to yourself, trying to shake off the slight tension in your chest. Kazuha was right about one thing,  this was gonna be complicated. But, hey, if anyone could juggle two Valentines without getting caught, it was you.

The only thing you had to do now was make sure no one figured it out. Simple, right? Keep things smooth and under wraps. Let's just hope Aeri and Yunjin haven't talked to each other yet.

Valentine's Day had arrived, and you were already feeling the tension building up. You had your plan set: Yunjin’s date started at 3 PM and would end at 7, just enough time to give you a brief window to recover before Aeri's date kicked off at 7:30 PM.

You dressed in something casual but still nice, nothing too flashy but enough to show you’d put some effort in. You glanced at the clock, knowing you had to keep things on schedule. You couldn’t afford to mess this up.

~~~

Valentine's Day had arrived, and you were already feeling the tension building up. You had your plan set: Yunjin’s date started at 3 PM and would end at 7, just enough time to give you a brief window to recover before Aeri's date kicked off at 7:30 PM.

You dressed in something casual but still nice, nothing too flashy but enough to show you’d put some effort in. You glanced at the clock, knowing you had to keep things on schedule. You couldn’t afford to mess this up.

Yunjin’s date started off in the cutest way possible. You arrived at the café to find her already waiting by the window, her eyes lighting up as soon as she saw you. She waved enthusiastically, and you couldn’t help but grin back. There was something so magnetic about her energy, so warm and inviting.

"Hey, you made it!" Yunjin said, her smile stretching from ear to ear. "I was hoping you'd show up on time."

"Of course," you replied with a playful wink. "I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting."

Yunjin motioned for you to sit, and as you did, she handed you a small bouquet of freshly picked flowers. "I thought you’d like these. Something simple but sweet," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she handed them to you.

You were honestly taken aback by the thoughtful gesture. It wasn’t over-the-top, just a simple, genuine moment. "You’re amazing," you said, unable to hide your smile.

She smiled shyly, clearly pleased that you liked them. "I’m glad you like them."

As you both ordered your drinks, Yunjin, of course, got her usual matcha latte, and you opted for a caramel macchiato, there was an ease in the conversation that made everything feel natural. Yunjin had this ability to make even the smallest things feel important. She asked about your day, your interests, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. She shared little anecdotes about her childhood, making you laugh with funny stories about her attempts at cooking or her obsession with collecting random trinkets.

"You know, I never understood why I love those tiny figurines," she said, giggling. "But I’ve got a collection at home that’s pretty impressive. I swear, every time I go to a market, I find a new one to add."

You laughed, genuinely enjoying her quirkiness. "I think that's adorable. You should show me sometime."

As the conversation carried on, you could feel yourself getting lost in her presence. She was the kind of person who made everything feel light, fun, and easy, and her enthusiasm was contagious.

Around 5 PM, Yunjin suggested a spontaneous walk in the nearby park. You both strolled around, chatting about everything and nothing, until she suddenly stopped by a bench and pulled something from her bag.

"I know we’re still in the middle of our date, but I brought this for you," Yunjin said, a little sheepish.

You raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

She revealed a small, hand-decorated jar filled with homemade cookies. "I baked these for you," she said with a proud smile. "I know it’s cheesy, but I thought it'd be cute. I may not be a professional chef, but they taste pretty good."

You took the jar from her and opened it, the smell of fresh-baked cookies instantly hitting you. "These smell amazing, Yunjin. I’m so impressed," you said, taking a cookie and giving it a bite. It was soft and delicious, just like her thoughtfulness.

"You like them?" she asked, her eyes hopeful.

"I love them. You’ve totally outdone yourself," you said, giving her a playful nudge.

As the date neared its end, Yunjin leaned in slightly, her voice soft. "I had a really great time today, Y/N. It feels so easy to be with you."

You smiled back at her, feeling your heart flutter just a little. "I did too, Yunjin. It’s been so fun."

After exchanging a few more sweet words, you both shared a quick hug before parting ways. As you watched her walk away, you felt this warmth in your chest that made you second-guess everything about this ‘player’ act. Yunjin was special, there was no denying that.

But you still had one more date to go...

You rushed back home, your mind buzzing with excitement from your afternoon with Yunjin. She was sweet, thoughtful, and had a way of making everything feel so special. But there was still Aeri’s date to go, and you couldn’t afford to let your guard down just yet.

You quickly changed into something a bit more polished, opting for a sleek, yet casual outfit. You glanced at the clock, 7:15 PM. You had a little time to spare, but not much.

As you made your way to the café where Aeri had asked to meet, you couldn’t help but think about what had happened with Yunjin. It was almost like a little fantasy, a moment that felt real, but not quite.

You entered the café, and Aeri was already there, waiting. She looked stunning as always, her hair falling in soft waves, and she had this confident, almost daring look in her eyes as she saw you approach.

"Y/N," she said, her voice warm but with a playful edge. "You’re late. But I guess I can forgive you... this time."

You smiled, feeling a little guilty. "Sorry, I was caught up in something. But I’m here now."

Aeri raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Something interesting, huh?"

You gave her a nonchalant shrug. "Just... spending time with someone special," you said, keeping your voice calm.

Aeri’s eyes narrowed just a little, but she didn’t push it. "Well, I’m glad you made it. I was actually thinking we could do something a little different tonight."

You leaned in, intrigued. "Different how?"

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. "I hope you’re in the mood for surprises," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

You raised an eyebrow as you took the box from her. Inside was a dainty gold necklace with a delicate heart-shaped pendant. The soft shine of it caught the light, making it look elegant and thoughtful.

"This is..." you trailed off, genuinely surprised by the gesture. "Aeri, you didn’t have to..."

Aeri grinned, clearly proud of herself. "I wanted to. I know it’s nothing huge, but it’s a little something to show how much I care."

You looked up at her, feeling a little taken aback by the sincerity in her eyes. "It’s beautiful. Thank you."

Aeri smiled, clearly pleased with your reaction. "I’m glad you like it."

After a moment, Aeri leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about us, Y/N. About what we could be... You’re someone I really enjoy spending time with. I hope you feel the same way."

You nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I do, Aeri. I really do. Tonight’s been amazing."

Aeri’s smile softened, her voice lowering just a bit. "I’m glad. Because, you know, I’m not one to do things halfway. So, if you want to take this further, I’m all in."

The air between you two shifted, a mix of excitement and vulnerability hanging in the balance. You realized, in that moment, just how much you liked Aeri, maybe more than you’d been willing to admit.

But as she looked at you, waiting for your response, a small part of you couldn't help but think of Yunjin too. This was all getting more complicated than you’d ever imagined.

But for now, you focused on Aeri and her smile. "I’m all in too," you said, making sure she knew that you meant it.

Her smile widened as she reached across the table, taking your hand in hers. "I’m glad," she whispered. "Let’s see where this goes."

And just like that, you were caught in the middle of two beautiful people, both vying for your attention, and Valentine’s Day had become far more than just a simple celebration of love. It had become a game of choices, and you weren’t sure how it was all going to turn out. But you were excited to find out.

~~~

You rushed back home, still trying to act calm, even though your mind was racing with all the mess you’d just gotten yourself into. Yunjin’s sweet gesture, the bracelet, and then Aeri, Aeri was different, and you felt that spark. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. You were just having fun, right? But now, it felt like you were teetering on the edge of a cliff, just waiting for the fall.

You walked in and found Kazuha lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone, her usual laid-back demeanor. You threw yourself on the couch next to her, trying to appear cool, trying to keep it together. "Hey, it wasn’t that bad," you said with a nonchalant shrug. "Yunjin's date was cute, the bracelet was nice. Aeri, too, she’s sweet. It’s all fine. Totally under control."

Kazuha put her phone down and raised an eyebrow, her gaze skeptical. "Right... I knew the nonchalant act was fake," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Come on, spill it. You’re clearly freaking out."

You let out a frustrated sigh, sinking into the couch. "Okay, okay. You’re right. I’m losing it here, Kazuha. This is way more complicated than I thought it would be."

Kazuha sat up, her teasing smile gone now, replaced with a more serious expression. "What happened? What did you do?"

You rubbed your forehead, trying to gather your thoughts. "So, I had this cute date with Yunjin, right? She gave me this amazing Dior bracelet, and I, " you stopped, a little taken aback by how deep into it you were. "I don’t even know, Kazuha. Then right after, Aeri pulls me in for her date, and she gives me a necklace. A necklace, Kazuha. Like, she’s seriously into me, and I... I don’t know what to do."

Kazuha’s eyes widened. "Wait, so you’re seriously seeing both of them now? Yunjin and Aeri?"

You nodded, feeling the weight of the situation finally crashing down on you. "Yeah. I know, it’s messed up. But I can’t stop now, can I? They’re both amazing, and I, I don’t want to hurt them. But I’m definitely in over my head."

Kazuha let out a long breath, her voice serious this time. "Y/N, this is gonna blow up in your face. You’re playing a dangerous game, and someone’s gonna get hurt. They’re not gonna stay in the dark forever."

"I know," you muttered, frustration building up. "But I’ve got to keep it together, Kazuha. I can’t let them find out. Not yet. I need time to figure this out."

Kazuha shook her head, a soft smile pulling at her lips. "Take your time, but don’t be an idiot. Someone's gonna find out sooner or later, and you need to decide who you really want to be with."

You looked at her, trying to suppress the panic rising in your chest. "Yeah, you’re right. But... how do I pick? They're both so different. It’s like I'm torn in two directions."

Kazuha gave you a knowing look. "Don’t get too comfortable with the ‘player’ act, Y/N. The longer you wait, the messier it’s gonna get. I just hope you figure it out before one of them figures it out for you."

You let out a sigh, finally feeling the weight of the situation hit you fully. "I guess I just have to make a decision soon... before things spiral out of control."

Kazuha slapped you lightly on the back, her voice light but serious. "Just don’t drag it out too long. I’m not cleaning up this mess when it all falls apart."

You chuckled weakly, realizing how true her words were. "Thanks, Kazuha. You really know how to keep me grounded."

She grinned. "Someone has to, right? Just don’t screw this up too badly."

You laughed, but the anxiety still gnawed at you. Valentine’s Day was supposed to be fun, but now it feels like the biggest mess of your life. All you could do was hope you wouldn’t get caught in the middle of your own game. 

You lay back on your bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on you. The adrenaline from the chaos of the day had worn off, leaving you with nothing but the aftereffects of what you’d just done. You thought about all the moves you’d made, how smooth you tried to play it.

But now, the idea of lying to both Yunjin and Aeri started to feel less like a game and more like a time bomb ticking away. What if they found out? What if they already knew and were just playing you the way you were playing them? The thought made your stomach twist.

You ran your hands through your hair, trying to make sense of everything. One thought came to mind: maybe you could just tell them the truth. You briefly entertained the idea of a group chat, but then immediately shot it down. That would be a mess. That would make everything worse, right? It was too public, too much drama. You couldn’t handle that level of chaos.

Still, you couldn’t shake the thought of them finding out on their own. They were both smart, both perceptive. What if they already suspected something was off? What if Yunjin and Aeri weren’t as clueless as you’d hoped? You groaned and buried your face in your pillow, the reality of your situation starting to settle in.

You had two choices: keep lying, keep playing the game, and risk it all blowing up in your face. Or, you could come clean now and try to salvage what was left. Maybe they’d appreciate the honesty. Maybe they wouldn’t.

Your mind was racing, flipping between the possibilities. Either way, you couldn’t avoid the truth forever. It was just a matter of when, if it would be on your terms or someone else’s.

You looked at your phone, half tempted to text them both, but you knew you needed to clear your head first. You needed to figure out how to navigate this before everything collapsed. But the question lingered in your mind: What if they knew?

You woke up the next morning to your phone buzzing with two messages, one from Yunjin and the other from Aeri. You rubbed your eyes, trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep, and reached for your phone.

First, you checked Yunjin's message:

Yunjin: "Hey, had an amazing time with you yesterday! 💕 We should definitely do something again soon. Let me know when you're free!"

You smiled at the text, but before you could fully process it, you saw a message from Aeri pop up:

Aeri: "Hey, are you free today? I was thinking we could talk more about… well, us. Want to come over later?"

Your heart skipped a beat, but you tried to stay composed. You stared at the message for a few moments, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through you. This was the moment of truth.

You hesitated for a second, then texted back:

Y/N: "Sure, sounds good. I’ll swing by later! "

Once you sent that, you quickly flipped to Yunjin’s message. You didn’t want to leave her hanging either, so you typed:

Y/N: "Hey, same here! I’d love to hang out again soon :33 . Let’s figure out a time. But I’ve got something later today, so maybe after that?"

You sent both replies, your mind still racing. The choices were piling up, and you knew the sooner you dealt with it, the better. The fact that Aeri asked you to come over meant things was about to get real, and you needed to be prepared for what was to come.

With a sigh, you set your phone down, feeling the weight of the situation. There was no turning back now. You had to face it head-on.

You spent the next few hours pacing around, trying to mentally prepare for what was about to unfold. You couldn’t afford to mess this up. You had no idea what would happen when you saw Aeri later. Would she pick up on the tension, or would she be just as oblivious as you were trying to be?

The clock seemed to tick louder as you got ready. You were overthinking everything. Each outfit you tried on felt like you were preparing for a job interview rather than a date. You eventually settled on something casual, trying to keep it lowkey, but still cute enough to show you put in some effort.

When the time came, you grabbed your things, made sure to double-check you had everything you needed, and left. Your nerves were a mix of excitement and anxiety, but you kept telling yourself, You’ve got this. Just go with the flow.

Aeri’s place was just a few blocks away, so the walk gave you some time to calm your nerves. When you arrived, you took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The door opened almost immediately, revealing Aeri standing there, smiling warmly.

“Hey, you!” she said, pulling you into a hug before stepping back to let you in. “I’m so glad you came. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

You smiled, feeling a flutter in your chest as you stepped inside. The place smelled like fresh flowers, and there was a soft playlist of instrumental music playing in the background. Aeri had clearly made an effort to set the mood.

"Thanks for inviting me over," you said, trying to sound calm despite the chaos in your head.

“Of course,” Aeri replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “So, I’ve been thinking a lot about… well, about us.”

You froze slightly at her words, trying not to let your nerves show. You took a seat on the couch, trying to seem relaxed. “Yeah, me too,” you said, keeping your voice steady.

She sat down next to you, her eyes locking onto yours. “I’m really enjoying spending time with you, Y/N,” she said, her tone soft and sincere. “And I just wanted to know… do you think there’s something more here between us?”

You felt your heart skip a beat, and you weren’t sure if you should feel relieved or terrified. You could feel the weight of her question pressing on you, and you could feel the other half of your mind screaming, What do I do now?

Before you could respond, your phone buzzed in your pocket. You quickly glanced at it, seeing a message from Yunjin.

Yunjin: “You busy? I was just thinking about you. Let me know when you’re free. ”

Aeri noticed the slight shift in your focus and tilted her head. “Everything okay?” she asked, her expression softening.

You nodded quickly, shoving your phone back in your pocket. “Yeah, just… just checking something. Sorry.”

Aeri gave you a knowing smile. “You don’t have to apologize. If you’re distracted, I understand.”

You smiled nervously, then remembered the plan you had set in motion. “I was just thinking… I really like you, Aeri. A lot. But we should take things slow, see where this goes. You know?”

Aeri’s smile widened, her eyes softening with understanding. “I feel the same way,” she said, placing her hand on yours. “No rush. We’ve got time.”

You felt a wave of relief wash over you, but deep down, you knew this wasn’t over yet. There was still Yunjin to consider. And who knew what else would come next?

For now, though, it felt like a small victory. You just hoped you could keep it from getting any more complicated.

The tension between you and Aeri continued to build as the evening wore on. After some small talk, you both started opening up more, sharing things that made you feel vulnerable. The light, casual conversation had turned into something deeper, something you hadn’t expected when you first walked in.

Aeri had moved closer on the couch, and there was a subtle shift in her body language. She was no longer just sitting beside you, she was leaning in, her attention fully focused on you. Her eyes were soft, but there was a hint of something else there, something unspoken.

“Y/N,” Aeri said softly, her voice almost a whisper. “I’m glad you came tonight. I feel like we’re really connecting, you know?”

You nodded, feeling your heart race a little faster. The air around you both felt thick, like something was about to happen, but neither of you were saying it outright.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about you,” you confessed, your own voice low and hesitant. “And… I don’t know. It’s just, I didn’t expect to feel this way.”

Aeri smiled at you, her fingers brushing against yours. She gave you a teasing look, her eyes twinkling with something playful, but there was an undeniable intensity behind her gaze. “You’re not the only one,” she said, her voice laced with the same kind of energy that was running through your veins. “I think you’ve been on my mind a lot too.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. There was just the sound of the music in the background and the slight rustling of your breath, the room almost too quiet for the unspoken tension hanging in the air.

You both looked at each other then, really looked at each other, and the rest of the world seemed to disappear. The way Aeri’s lips parted slightly, the way her pupils were dilated, her gaze unwavering, it all drew you in. You could feel the heat of her body beside yours, the way her presence seemed to fill the space between you.

Without thinking, without any more words exchanged, you both leaned in at the same time. The kiss was soft at first, hesitant, unsure, but it deepened quickly as you both gave in to the pull. The moment your lips met, everything else seemed to fade away.

Aeri’s hands gently cupped your face, pulling you closer as you responded to the kiss, your heart pounding in your chest. The feeling of her lips against yours, the warmth of her touch, it was all you could focus on. The tension that had been building for hours had finally snapped, and you were both caught in this shared moment of vulnerability and longing.

When you finally pulled away, your breath came out in a soft, unsteady exhale. Aeri’s forehead rested against yours, her hands still lingering on your skin. She didn’t say anything for a few moments, just breathing, as if letting the reality of the moment settle in.

You both looked at each other, both trying to process what had just happened. You weren’t sure where this was going, but you couldn’t deny how right it felt at that moment. Still, the reality of your situation, Yunjin, everything that was happening, was never far from your mind.

But for now, you let yourself just be in the moment with Aeri, pulling her in once again, making out with her. The moment you pulled her back in, everything around you seemed to blur, and all that mattered was the softness of Aeri’s lips and the warmth of her body against yours. The kiss was deep, more urgent this time, like you both couldn’t get enough of each other. Her hands slid around your waist, pulling you even closer, and you responded, your fingers running through her hair, tugging her toward you as if you never wanted to pull away.

Aeri’s breath hitched as she pressed herself against you, deepening the kiss with a soft, needy sound. The pace between you both quickened, and before you knew it, the world outside the room had faded away. There was no worrying about the games or the lies anymore, just the heat between the two of you, the undeniable chemistry that had been building since you’d first met.

The kiss was everything, passion, tension, and a little bit of recklessness all at once. But as much as you wanted to let go completely, the reminder of the situation, of everything else that was tangled up in this, lingered at the edge of your mind.

Still, in this moment, with Aeri in your arms, you couldn’t bring yourself to care about anything except the feeling of her lips on yours and the way she made everything else feel so distant. As you pulled Aeri closer, your heart began to race, faster and harder than you expected. Each kiss made it beat louder in your chest, the rhythm matching the intensity of the moment. You could feel the heat of her body pressed against yours, and the surge of excitement and uncertainty made your pulse quicken. Aeri's hands moved to your back, pulling you even closer, and you responded, your breath hitching as you deepened the kiss.

You couldn’t think straight, your heart was pounding, every nerve alive with the electricity between you. The world around you seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of you in that space, tangled together.

Your body reacted without thinking, drawn to her like a magnet, but your heart? It was a little out of control, racing with a mix of excitement, desire, and, maybe, just maybe, a little bit of fear. Fear of how complicated things had gotten, but you couldn’t deny that in this moment, none of that mattered.

For now, it was just you and Aeri, caught up in the heat of the make out, and you let yourself get lost in it. The tension that had been building for so long was finally released in this moment, and all you could focus on was how she felt in your arms, how she kissed you back with equal intensity. As you kissed Aeri, everything else seemed to fade into the background. The world, the situation, and the confusion you had been carrying about Yunjin all disappeared. It was as if time stopped for a moment, your heart raced, your thoughts scrambled, but they were all centered on the here and now.

Yunjin? She was nowhere in your mind at that moment. All that mattered was Aeri’s touch, the way her lips felt against yours, and how perfectly everything seemed to align between you two.

The lingering thoughts about how complicated things had gotten, how you were juggling two feelings, evaporated. It was just you and Aeri in this space, no games, no pressure, just a moment of pure connection.

You couldn't deny that as you got lost in the kiss, Yunjin’s presence faded away, slipping to the back of your mind like an echo that wasn’t important right now. All that mattered was this, this intensity, this feeling. For now, you were completely focused on Aeri, letting everything else dissolve away.

As the kiss deepened, the air between you two grew heavier with every second. Aeri’s fingers brushed along your spine, sending shivers down your body as she pulled you even closer. Your lips parted slightly, and you couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp as Aeri’s hands found their way to your cheek, gently cupping it.

"You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this..." Aeri said.

Her voice was breathless, but you could hear the honesty in it. You responded by pressing your lips back to hers, feeling the connection between you intensify with each shared breath. It was like nothing else mattered anymore.

"I think I’ve wanted this too..." you told her.

You didn’t need words. The way you kissed each other spoke everything you both needed to say. Your bodies seemed to speak in unison, your hands tangling in each other’s hair, fingers gripping as if you never wanted to let go.

Aeri’s lips trailed down your neck, sending a wave of heat across your skin. You let out a soft sigh, leaning into her touch. "Aeri..." 

Aeri pulled back slightly, looking into your eyes, her pupils dilated and her breath heavy. "I don’t want to stop..."

You responded immediately, kissing her with a fierce, almost desperate intensity, as if this moment was slipping away too fast. The heat, the longing, the closeness, it was all consuming. You couldn’t focus on anything else, and for once, you didn’t want to. "Neither do I..."

Your lips met again, softer now, with a tender touch, as you both held onto each other, feeling the world fade out completely. It was just you two, lost in each other’s embrace, no hesitation, no regrets, only the undeniable pull between you.

As you and Aeri’s lips finally broke apart, your breath heavy and your heart racing, the silence between you two felt strangely intimate. Her forehead rested against yours, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

But then, your phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling you out of the moment. You hesitated for a second before reaching for it, and when you saw the message from Yunjin, a wave of guilt washed over you.

Yunjin: "Hey, just wanted to check in. Are you okay? I’ve been thinking about you...and I want to see you. Wanna meet up?"

Your fingers froze over the screen, and the weight of everything crashed back down on you. You could feel Aeri’s gaze on you, the warmth of her body still close, but suddenly, it all felt a little too complicated.

You sighed, looking at Aeri with a bittersweet expression, trying to push aside the heaviness in your chest.

Y/N: "Aeri... Kazuha needs me."

Your voice came out with a sadness you hadn’t meant to show, but it was there, lingering in the air. You knew you had to leave, that this moment couldn’t last forever, and that you couldn’t keep juggling these feelings for much longer.

Aeri’s eyes softened, a gentle understanding in them, but there was a touch of hurt in her gaze too.

Aeri: "It’s okay... I get it. Go to her."

You nodded, feeling the weight of her words even more than you expected. You leaned in for one last kiss, a slow, tender touch, before pulling away.

Y/N: "I’ll text you later, okay?"

Aeri simply nodded, offering a small, sad smile as you stood up, grabbing your things. As you walked out the door, the guilt gnawed at you again, but there was nothing you could do now.

Part of you couldn’t help but wish you could stay with Aeri, in the warmth of that kiss, in the simplicity of just being with her. Before you turned to leave, you paused for a moment, torn between your emotions. You looked at Aeri one last time, her eyes full of understanding, but still tinged with something unspoken. The weight of everything hung in the air, your guilt, your feelings, the mess you had created, but you waved and turned around, taking one last glance at Aeri before walking out the door.

Each step felt heavier than the last, the silence between you two echoing in your mind. You couldn’t shake the feeling of leaving something behind, of walking away from something that had felt so right. But you had to go.

As you step into the hallway, your heart still aches from the kiss, the words left unsaid, and the feeling of Aeri’s touch still lingering on your skin. You couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if you had stayed. But right now, you had to face what was waiting for you outside the door.

You checked your phone again, seeing a message from Yunjin, asking when you could meet up. You had promised her you'd be there soon. And as much as you didn’t want to face her just yet, you knew you couldn’t avoid it. You took a deep breath, pushing down the storm of emotions swirling inside you, and stepped forward, hoping that somehow, in the end, everything would make sense.

You arrived at the restaurant where you and Yunjin had agreed to meet, the scent of food filling the air as you stepped inside. The moment you walked in, you spotted her sitting at a corner table, scrolling through her phone. She looked up as you approached, her face lighting up with a smile that, for a brief moment, made everything feel a little easier.

"Hey," Yunjin greeted you, her voice soft but warm as she stood up. You smiled back, though it didn’t reach your eyes as fully as you would’ve liked. You both exchanged a quick hug before sitting down.

“How’ve you been?” Yunjin asked, her eyes scanning your face as if trying to gauge your mood.

You tried to play it cool, but you could feel the tension in your chest, the weight of the day’s events pressing against you. "I’ve been okay, just... busy," you replied, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the underlying strain in your voice.

Yunjin leaned back in her chair, watching you closely. "You sure? You seem a little off today."

You hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. The guilt from seeing Aeri still weighed heavily on you, and now, sitting here with Yunjin, you realized just how complicated everything had become. Your thoughts raced, and for a second, you wondered if you should just come clean, tell her everything. But the words felt stuck in your throat.

"Yeah, just... thinking a lot," you finally said, offering a small smile.

Yunjin didn’t seem convinced, but she nodded anyway. "Well, I’m glad you came. I’ve been thinking a lot too... about us."

The way she said "about us" made your heart flutter in a way that it shouldn’t. You knew you had to tread carefully here, there was too much at stake.

“I... I know,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been thinking about that too.”

Yunjin’s gaze softened as she reached across the table, taking your hand in hers. "I just want to make sure we’re okay. You know? I care about you a lot, and I don’t want things to get complicated between us."

You felt a pang of guilt at her words, the weight of your secret threatening to spill out. You squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her, though you knew you weren’t being entirely honest. “Yeah, I don’t want things to be weird either.”

But as you said the words, you felt like you were lying to her. You wanted to be honest, to tell her the truth about what had happened with Aeri, but the fear of how she might react held you back. The last thing you wanted was to hurt Yunjin.

For a few moments, you both sat in silence, sipping your drinks. The conversation had shifted, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going unsaid. You couldn’t help but wonder if Yunjin sensed that you were hiding something, if she could see the truth in your eyes. And as much as you wanted to keep the illusion intact, you knew that sooner or later, the truth was going to come out.

Yunjin led you out of the café, her hand still gently holding yours as she guided you towards her car. The air was cool, and the late afternoon sun was beginning to dip behind the trees, casting a soft glow across the streets.

When you reached the car, Yunjin popped the trunk and began rummaging through it. You raised an eyebrow, curious. "What are we doing, exactly?" you asked, a little uncertain.

Yunjin glanced over her shoulder and gave you a playful smile. "We’re going to the park. Thought we could sit, talk... maybe get some fresh air." She pulled out a blanket from the trunk and folded it neatly under her arm.

You chuckled softly, feeling a bit surprised but also relieved. Being outside and away from everything seemed like a good idea, especially given how much had been weighing on you lately.

"Alright, sounds nice," you said, a slight smile tugging at your lips. "I wasn’t expecting this, but I like it."

Yunjin closed the trunk and walked over to the passenger side, opening the door for you. "Thought it’d be a nice change of pace," she said as she got in the driver’s seat. "We don’t need to talk about anything heavy, just... hang out."

You nodded, appreciating the simplicity of it. It was exactly what you needed. The idea of just spending some time together, without the complexities that seemed to follow you lately, felt like a small relief.

As she started the car and pulled away from the curb, you let your thoughts drift, trying to push away the weight of your situation with Aeri. It wasn’t easy, but you figured, for now, you could focus on being with Yunjin, just the two of you.

The drive to the park wasn’t long, and the quiet between you both felt comfortable. Yunjin’s music played softly in the background, but neither of you spoke much, both lost in your own thoughts. When she finally parked the car and turned off the engine, you both stepped out and walked to a quiet spot in the park.

Yunjin spread the blanket on the grass, patting it for you to sit down. "It’s nice out here," she said as she settled next to you, her eyes scanning the peaceful surroundings.

"Yeah, it really is," you agreed, taking a seat beside her. The world felt a little calmer here, as if the park was its own little bubble, far removed from the drama and confusion you’d been carrying.

You looked over at Yunjin, who was now lying back on the blanket, gazing up at the sky. You followed her lead, feeling the coolness of the grass beneath you. For a while, the two of you simply stared up at the sky, letting the quiet moments stretch out between you.

It felt nice... easy. But deep down, you knew you couldn’t escape the reality of everything forever.

The soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze was the only sound that filled the air as you and Yunjin laid on the blanket, side by side. The park around you was tranquil, with only a few other people scattered about, but it felt as if the world had slowed down for the two of you. The sun had begun to set, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky, and the air had turned cooler, making it feel like the perfect moment to just relax and be present.

After a while, you turned your head toward Yunjin, finding her gaze already on you. She offered a soft smile, one that made your heart skip a beat.

"You know," she started, her voice low and teasing, "this is a lot nicer than what I expected. I thought we’d just be talking the whole time." Her eyes twinkled, hinting at something unspoken.

You chuckled, feeling the weight of the moment settle between you two, a quiet understanding that hung in the air. "I didn’t mind talking," you replied, "but it’s nice to just... be here with you, you know?"

Yunjin’s smile softened, and she shifted closer, propping herself up on one elbow so she could look at you more intently. Her fingers brushed lightly against your arm, the touch sending a small spark through your skin.

The shift in her posture and the intimacy of the moment didn’t go unnoticed. You felt the energy between you two change, the unspoken tension building slowly but surely.

Yunjin moved a little closer, her face mere inches from yours now, and her breath warmed your skin. Her eyes searched yours, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The closeness, the chemistry between you two, was undeniable.

"Y/N..." Her voice was barely a whisper now, soft and filled with something that made your heart race. You didn’t have to say anything in response. The moment felt suspended in time.

You leaned in slightly, your breath hitching as your lips brushed against hers. The contact was tentative at first, almost hesitant, like both of you were testing the waters. But the second her lips pressed against yours again, something shifted.

It was like a switch flipped, and suddenly everything felt electric. Yunjin's hand moved to your face, cupping it gently, while your own hand found its way to her waist. You both deepened the kiss, the urgency of it growing as the world around you continued to fade away.

The kiss was tender, yet there was an undeniable intensity behind it. You felt her pull you closer, your bodies aligning perfectly as if this was where you were meant to be. Your heart raced in your chest, thumping louder with each passing second, and every touch sent a wave of warmth through your body.

It wasn’t like anything you had expected when you first got into the car with her, but it felt... right. There was something about being in this space with Yunjin that made everything else fall into place. In that moment, you couldn’t think of anything but the kiss, the connection, and the way everything seemed to feel so intense.

Yunjin's lips were soft against yours, but there was an intensity behind each kiss that made your heart race faster. Her hand gently cupped your face, tilting it slightly, as her other hand slid down to your waist, pulling you closer. You could feel the heat of her body against yours, the way she was melting into the kiss, and it made everything inside you stir.

You whisper against her lips "I’ve... wanted this. With you."

Yunjin's breath hitched, and she pulled back just enough to meet your eyes. Her gaze was dark, filled with desire, but there was also something else there, something soft, almost vulnerable."I know... me too." Yunjin said softly.

Her words made your heart skip, and before you could process it, she was kissing you again, more urgently this time. Her lips moved against yours with a passion that made everything else fade away. You responded in kind, your hand slipping into her hair, tugging her even closer, as your body pressed into hers.

The kiss deepened, both of you trying to convey everything you hadn’t said out loud, every unspoken thought, through the touch of your lips. Yunjin’s hand slid lower, her fingers tracing the line of your back, making your breath hitch.

You could feel her smile against your lips, her hands moving with purpose, pulling you even tighter against her. Every inch of your body was alive with the heat between you, and the more you kissed, the less you cared about anything else.

It wasn’t rushed, but it wasn’t slow either, it was a blend of urgency and need, both of you trying to express something you hadn’t yet put into words. Your hands moved to her waist, pulling her in closer, if that was even possible, and you could feel her heartbeat against yours. It was wild, almost as if it was happening without thinking, but it felt so natural, so right.

As you finally pulled away, both of you gasping for air, there was a moment of silence. Yunjin’s eyes were dark, filled with something that mirrored your own feelings, desire, intensity, and maybe even a little bit of vulnerability. You stared at each other for a few seconds, both of you trying to catch your breath, your hearts still pounding in your chests. " I really like you Y/n" 

The words hung in the air, almost like a confession, and for a split second, everything else seemed to fade away. Yunjin’s gaze was unwavering, her voice quiet but sincere. You could feel the weight of what she had said, how much it meant, how much it meant to her.

Your heart skipped a beat, and a flutter of warmth spread through you. You hadn’t expected those words, but now that they were spoken, it felt like the truth between you two had finally surfaced. You opened your mouth to respond, but for a moment, the words caught in your throat.

Instead, you reached out, gently cupping her face in your hands, and leaned in to kiss her again, this time softer, as if the kiss was a response to everything unspoken. Your lips met in a tender connection, and you could feel her smile against your mouth. It was a reassurance, a promise, silent, but loud enough to make your heart race all over again.

You pulled back just slightly, resting your forehead against hers, your breath mingling. "I like you too, Yunjin," you said softly, the words flowing with ease now. "More than I expected."

Yunjin's eyes softened, a hint of relief flashing in them as she smiled, her hands running through your hair gently. "I'm glad," she whispered, her voice full of sincerity.

What are you gonna do now?

The day had been a whirlwind, two intense, emotional encounters with Aeri and Yunjin that had left you dizzy, confused, and overwhelmed. The heat of the kisses still lingered on your lips, but the warmth was tainted by a growing sense of anxiety that gnawed at you. You had no idea what to do anymore.

The whirlwind of emotions inside you was like a storm that refused to settle. One moment, you were lost in Aeri’s touch, feeling like nothing else mattered, and the next, you were kissing Yunjin with the same intensity, feeling something real you couldn’t deny. But now? Now, you were left in the silence, alone with your thoughts, trying to make sense of it all.

You kept replaying everything over and over in your mind, the way Aeri’s lips felt, how Yunjin’s touch made your heart race. The more you thought about it, the more the confusion grew. You never wanted to hurt either of them, but how could you possibly choose when both felt so right in different ways?

Your heart was torn in two, and no matter how hard you tried to focus on just one, the other kept sneaking into your thoughts. You didn’t want to betray anyone’s trust, yet here you were, caught in the middle of something that seemed to grow messier with every passing second.

You felt stressed, like you were carrying a weight you couldn’t put down. How were you supposed to make sense of your feelings for both Aeri and Yunjin? How could you be fair to either of them?

Your mind raced, trying to find answers, but it felt like every time you got close to one, the other tugged you in a different direction. You just wanted clarity, some way to figure out how to move forward, or if you could even move forward without everything crashing down around you.

Monday morning arrived, but you could barely focus. Your mind was still tangled in the mess you’d made over the weekend, switching between thoughts of Aeri and Yunjin. You kept replaying the moments you’d shared with each of them, trying to make sense of everything. But all you could feel was the weight of your confusion and guilt bearing down on you.

You were lost in your thoughts as you walked across campus, your mind miles away from everything around you. It wasn’t until you heard Yunjin’s voice cut through your haze that your head snapped up, her voice unmistakable, calling out your name.

“Y/N!”

Your heart skipped a beat, your body freezing in place as your eyes locked onto her. She was sitting at a table with none other than Aeri, who was looking up at you with wide eyes, brows furrowed in confusion. Your breath caught in your throat as the realization hit you like a wave.

Yunjin knew you. And now, Aeri was sitting there beside her, clearly wondering what was going on. The combination of their gazes, the unease in the air, and the sudden pressure made your heart race uncontrollably.

This is it, you thought. You're going to be exposed. Everything you had tried so hard to keep separate was about to collide, and you could feel the tension in your chest building up like a storm about to burst.

The ground beneath you seemed to shift, your knees feeling weak as the anxiety hit you full force. You couldn’t decide if you wanted to run or face them head-on. Either way, you felt like you might faint right there on the spot, your heart pounding so loud you were sure they could hear it.

You slowly took a step toward the table, trying to act normal, but the weight of the situation felt like it was crushing you. You didn’t know what to say, how to explain yourself. Your mind was too frantic, too tangled up in guilt and panic to form a coherent thought.

The moment had arrived, and everything you’d been trying to avoid was now right in front of you.

Your feet moved slowly, almost unwillingly, as you approached the table where Yunjin and Aeri were sitting. Every step felt heavier than the last, your mind scrambling to figure out what to do or say, but nothing came. It was like the words were trapped in your throat.

Yunjin’s eyes lit up when she saw you, a wide grin forming on her face, clearly oblivious to the chaos running through your head. “Hey!” she greeted, her tone warm, but you could feel the tension creeping in, the weight of Aeri’s confused gaze on you.

Aeri, on the other hand, looked like she was trying to process the situation. Her expression flickered between curiosity and suspicion, and it made your chest tighten even more. She had no idea what was going on, but the fact that you were here now, with Yunjin, made things incredibly complicated. You could already feel the questions building in the air.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself before speaking. “Hey…” Your voice felt like a faint whisper, completely at odds with the storm raging inside you. “I didn’t expect to see you two together,” you added, trying to force a casual tone, though it was anything but.

Yunjin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by your awkwardness. “Well, Aeri and I were just chatting, and I figured I’d introduce her to you. I didn’t know you two hadn’t met yet.” Her tone was light, but there was a small hint of something you couldn’t quite place.

Aeri, sensing the tension but still confused, looked between the two of you. “Yeah, I didn’t know you knew each other,” she said, her voice soft, but the curiosity was palpable. “Is there something I’m missing?”

Your heart hammered in your chest, the situation spiraling out of your control. You needed to act quickly, to explain something, anything to make it seem less weird, but your mind was drawing blanks. You glanced at both of them, your stomach twisting with guilt. The whole situation felt like a trainwreck waiting to happen.

“Uh, yeah, we met recently…” You trailed off, the words coming out weak and unsure. The truth seemed too complicated, too messy to explain now. So, you took a step back and tried to deflect. “I didn’t realize you two were friends,” you said to Aeri, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

Aeri didn’t seem convinced. Her gaze softened, but there was a flicker of something, maybe suspicion, maybe hurt, that you couldn’t ignore. She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Yunjin interjected, her voice suddenly more serious.

“Y/N… we need to talk later,” Yunjin said, her eyes glancing over at Aeri quickly before meeting your gaze. The weight of those words hit you hard, and you could feel the tension in your shoulders. You weren’t sure if she was referring to what had happened between the two of you or the mess of emotions that had been left unaddressed. Either way, you knew you were in deep now.

Aeri’s eyes flickered between the two of you, narrowing slightly as she looked back at Yunjin. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, a bit sharper this time.

Yunjin chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension, but you could tell it was only making things worse. “It’s nothing to worry about, Aeri. Just... something personal.”

You could feel Aeri’s eyes on you, piercing through you as if trying to read every thought on your face. She was waiting for something more, and the longer you stayed silent, the harder it became to dodge the situation. Your heart thudded in your chest, every second making the air feel thicker, more suffocating.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, but it didn’t help. The world around you felt like it was spinning, and you were stuck in the middle of it all. Something had to give, and you had no idea how to make it happen.

All you could do was stand there, caught in a lie, drowning in the complexity of your feelings.

The tension in the air was thick as you stood there, caught between Yunjin and Aeri. You hadn’t expected this moment to come so soon, yet here you were, your heart pounding and your mind racing for a way out of the mess you had unknowingly created. Aeri was eyeing you, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and the confusion in her expression slowly started to shift into suspicion. Yunjin, sitting beside her, was much more relaxed on the outside, but you could see the subtle way her eyes flicked back and forth between the two of you, a shift in her posture that suggested she was sensing something was off.

Aeri was the first to speak, her voice low but sharp. “So... Y/N, you know Yunjin?” she asked, her tone carefully neutral, but the hint of suspicion was undeniable. You could feel her watching you intently, waiting for your response.

Yunjin, ever the calm one, shifted in her seat, clearly trying to keep things light. “Yeah, we met recently. But you didn’t mention that you two knew each other,” she added, her voice almost too casual. There was an edge to her words that betrayed her attempt to act like everything was fine. She turned to Aeri, a half-smile on her lips. “I didn’t realize you were so close with Y/N.”

The mention of your name hanging in the air made your stomach tighten, and you could already feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on you. You opened your mouth to speak, but your words were stuck, tangled up in a knot of guilt and confusion. Aeri’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flicking between you and Yunjin, and you could see the wheels turning in her head. She was piecing things together in her mind, and you knew the moment she realized something wasn’t right.

Aeri’s lips pressed into a thin line as she looked at you. “I didn’t know you two were... so familiar with each other,” she said, her voice cool but laced with an undercurrent of suspicion. “Are you sure there’s nothing else going on between the two of you?”

Yunjin’s gaze turned toward you, her expression unreadable for a split second before she leaned forward slightly, a subtle shift in her posture. Her tone had softened, but it was still cautious. “Yeah, Y/N. You’ve never mentioned that you were close to Aeri. What’s going on?”

You could feel their eyes on you, both of them waiting for an answer, and the silence that followed felt like it would swallow you whole. It wasn’t just a casual conversation anymore. Both women were starting to pick up on something, on the subtle shifts in your demeanor, the way you avoided certain questions, the tension that clung to the air between you.

Aeri’s eyes narrowed further as she leaned in just a bit, her voice barely above a whisper but sharp with suspicion. “What is this? Am I missing something, Y/N?” She wasn’t angry yet, but it was clear she wasn’t going to let this go. The way her gaze lingered on you, expectant and demanding, made you feel small.

Yunjin, still trying to keep the atmosphere light, raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been acting strange lately. Care to explain, Y/N?” There was a subtle change in her tone now, something that hinted at doubt.

The weight of the question pressed down on you. It felt like the walls were closing in on you, like you were caught in a lie you couldn’t escape from. They were both suspicious, their once casual interest in your life now tinged with doubt. You couldn’t keep up the façade any longer, but you had no idea how to get out of this without hurting someone.

Aeri crossed her arms, her gaze steady on you. “So what is it, Y/N? What’s going on with you and Yunjin?” There was no more pretense now, her tone was demanding, like she was waiting for you to fess up.

Yunjin was quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable, but you could see the glimmer of suspicion behind her eyes now, just barely concealed by her calm demeanor. “Yeah, Y/N. What’s going on?” she echoed, her voice slightly colder now.

You could feel the pressure mounting, the noose of your tangled emotions threatening to snap. There was no easy way out of this, no smooth excuse or perfect lie to make everything go away. The confusion, the tension, the guilt... it was all crashing over you at once, and you didn’t know how to handle it. All you could do was stand there, caught between two women who were now looking at you with growing suspicion.

The weight of their eyes on you, the suspicion and unspoken questions hanging in the air, finally broke you. You took a deep breath, your chest tightening, and you realized there was no escaping this anymore. The lies, the half-truths, the constant juggling, it had to stop. You owed them both the truth, even if it meant losing them both. You owed it to yourself to be honest.

You looked at Aeri first, her expression a mixture of confusion and hurt, and then at Yunjin, whose face had gone from casual curiosity to something darker. You swallowed, your throat dry, but you knew there was no other choice now.

“I... I’m seeing both of you,” you said, the words coming out slower than you expected, heavy with the weight of everything that had been left unsaid until now. Your heart was pounding, and you felt exposed in a way you hadn’t before. “I’ve been spending time with both of you, and I... I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Aeri blinked, her expression unreadable at first, and then her lips pressed into a thin line. Her arms were still crossed, but now there was a tension in her posture that made it clear she was holding back a storm of emotions. Yunjin, on the other hand, seemed still for a moment, her gaze fixed on you, but you could see the wheels turning in her head, the realization starting to sink in.

Aeri was the first to speak, her voice low and strained. “So... you’ve been seeing both of us, this whole time? And you didn’t think either of us would find out?” Her words were sharp, edged with something you couldn’t quite place, disappointment, maybe? Betrayal? You couldn’t tell, but the way she looked at you made you feel small. “And you couldn’t be honest with us?”

“I... I should’ve told you both,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. The weight of your guilt made your chest feel tighter. “I didn’t know how to say it. I didn’t want to hurt either of you, but I should’ve known better. I was scared.”

Yunjin finally spoke, her voice quieter but no less impactful. “So, all this time, you’ve been lying to both of us?” She shook her head, her brow furrowing in disbelief. “I don’t even know what to think right now. I thought... I thought you were different.”

You winced at her words, feeling the sting deep in your chest. “I am different,” you tried to explain, though the words felt hollow. “I didn’t mean for it to get like this. I didn’t want to hurt you, Yunjin. I just... I didn’t know how to choose.”

Aeri’s arms uncrossed, and she took a small step back, her gaze drifting away from you as if she couldn’t bear to look you in the eye anymore. “You should’ve chosen sooner,” she said quietly, her voice breaking just slightly, though she quickly regained her composure. “But now it’s too late.”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut. The tension between all three of you was palpable, a storm of emotions swirling in the air. You had done the right thing by finally being honest, but now it felt like you had destroyed everything in the process.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, but it didn’t feel like enough. It didn’t feel like it could undo the damage you’d done.

The tension in the air lingered, thick and suffocating. You stood there, waiting for something, anything, that would break the silence. But the longer you stood, the more the weight of your actions pressed down on you. Aeri and Yunjin exchanged a brief look, their faces a mixture of confusion, hurt, and maybe even a little anger.

Yunjin shifted slightly, breaking the silence. “I don’t know what to say right now,” she said, her voice strained. She shook her head, her eyes narrowing. “You think we’re just supposed to be okay with this? That we can just go on like nothing happened?”

Aeri stepped forward, her arms crossing once more as she looked at you. “I didn’t expect this from you, Y/N,” she said, her tone soft, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. “I thought you cared about me, about us, but you didn’t even have the decency to be upfront from the start.”

“I do care,” you said, almost pleading. “That’s the problem. I care about both of you. I like you both. But I was scared... I didn’t want to hurt anyone, and now I’ve hurt both of you.”

“You should’ve thought about that before,” Aeri shot back, her eyes flashing with hurt. “You’ve been playing games with us this whole time, and now you want us to just accept it?”

Yunjin took a deep breath, her eyes searching yours. “What do you want, Y/N?” she asked, her voice quieter now but no less intense. “Do you expect us to just move on from this? Do you expect us to just forgive you?”

The question hung in the air, heavier than anything else. You didn’t have an answer. You didn’t know what you were expecting from them. You didn’t know what you wanted anymore.

“I don’t know what to do,” you admitted, your voice barely a whisper. “I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Aeri let out a sharp exhale, frustration clear on her face. “Well, sometimes you have to face the consequences of your actions, Y/N. And right now, it doesn’t look like you’re going to get away without facing them.”

“I don’t know what happens now,” you murmured, the reality of the situation settling in. The weight of the consequences, the uncertainty of the future, it was all too much.

There was a long pause as the three of you stood there, emotions running high, the distance between you growing with every passing second. You didn’t know how to fix this, and you had no idea if there was even a way to make things right.

Finally, Yunjin spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. “I need some time to think. I can’t... I can’t process this all right now.”

Aeri nodded, her expression unreadable. “Same here. I think we both need time.”

With that, both of them turned away, walking in opposite directions, leaving you standing there alone. The silence was deafening, and for the first time in a long while, you felt truly lost.

You had no idea how to fix things or if you even could. But one thing was certain, you had never felt more alone in your life.

You rush home, your heart heavy, your mind a tangled mess of guilt, confusion, and regret. The moment you step through the door, you barely manage to close it behind you before the floodgates open. You collapse onto your bed, burying your face in your hands as the tears come pouring out. The emotions you've been bottling up for weeks, no, for months, are finally spilling over, and you can't stop them.

You feel like you're drowning in the weight of everything, Aeri’s hurt, Yunjin’s disappointment, and the realization that you've messed up in ways you can’t undo. You don't know what you were expecting, but this? This feels like the end of everything. The tears come harder, and you let them, because right now, it’s the only way to release the pain.

There’s a knock on your door, and without waiting for an answer, Kazuha steps inside. Her eyes soften when she sees you on the bed, your face streaked with tears. She doesn’t say anything at first, but you can feel her presence comforting in its own way. She sits next to you, rubbing your back gently.

“You were right,” you say between sobs, your voice shaky. “I messed everything up. I’m such an idiot.”

Kazuha sighs, her hand pausing on your back. “I told you it would catch up to you,” she says softly, her tone calm but not unkind. “You can’t juggle people’s feelings like that and expect everything to stay fine.”

You nod, sniffling as you wipe your eyes, unable to meet her gaze. “I didn’t want to hurt them, Kazuha. I just... I don’t know. I thought maybe I could handle it, but now I’ve lost both of them.”

Kazuha doesn’t respond immediately, instead waiting for you to gather yourself. “You can’t keep hiding from the truth, Y/N,” she says, her voice steady. “You have to be honest with yourself and with others, no matter how hard it is. And maybe you’ll lose them, maybe you won’t. But you can’t keep playing this game.”

You look at her then, finally meeting her eyes, and see the truth in her gaze. The weight of her words hits you harder than any of the things you’ve been telling yourself.

“I know,” you say quietly. “I just... I didn’t think it would be this hard.”

Kazuha gives you a small, understanding smile. “Of course it’s hard. It’s life. But this is how we learn. You’ll figure it out, even if it doesn’t feel like it now.”

The tears come again, but this time you don’t try to fight them. Kazuha just stays beside you, her presence grounding you, reminding you that you’re not alone, even if it feels like the world is falling apart around you.

The next day, you wake up to a heavy, lingering sense of dread. The events from yesterday are still fresh in your mind, the conversation with Aeri and Yunjin replaying in your head. You can't shake the feeling that everything is unraveling, and you have no idea how to put it back together.

You try to distract yourself by getting ready for the day, going through the motions of getting dressed and grabbing your things, but the weight of what happened presses on your chest, making it hard to focus. You barely eat, your mind too consumed by the mess you've created.

When you finally make it to campus, you’re met with a strange mix of emotions. There’s an ache in your stomach at the thought of seeing Aeri and Yunjin again, but also a part of you knows you need to face them. You can’t keep avoiding them. But how do you even begin to fix this?

As you walk across campus, you spot Yunjin sitting by a bench, her expression unreadable as she looks out at the students passing by. Your heart skips, and you hesitate, unsure of whether to approach her or not.

But before you can make a decision, you hear Aeri’s voice from behind you. “Y/N.”

You freeze. The way she says your name, soft but with an edge of something you can’t quite place, makes your stomach flip. Slowly, you turn to face her, finding her standing a few feet away, arms crossed, her eyes trained on you.

"I need to talk to you," Aeri says, her voice tight but not angry. You can feel the tension in the air between you two, but there's something almost... resigned in her expression.

"Okay," you manage to say, voice barely above a whisper. You glance over at Yunjin, who's watching you both with a guarded look, but she doesn’t move, doesn’t approach.

Aeri nods toward a quieter area of campus, and you follow her, your heart racing. The weight of everything, the guilt, the regret, the fear of losing them both, presses down on you as you walk, and you know that this conversation will either be the beginning of something healing or the end of everything.

When you’re out of earshot of the crowds, Aeri stops and turns to face you. Her eyes are still guarded, but there’s a vulnerability there too, something raw that makes your heart ache.

“You really thought you could keep this from us, didn’t you?” Aeri’s voice cracks slightly, and she quickly looks away, trying to compose herself. “I thought you were better than this.”

You swallow hard, the words you’ve been holding back threatening to spill over. "I didn’t want to hurt you, Aeri. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

Her eyes meet yours again, but this time there's a hint of disappointment, a weight you didn't realize you’d put on her. "But you did, Y/N. You hurt both of us.”

The silence that falls between you is thick, suffocating. You want to apologize, to explain everything, but nothing seems right.

“I... I don’t know what to do,” you admit, your voice shaking. “I like both of you. I didn’t expect it to get this complicated, but here we are.”

Aeri takes a deep breath, looking away for a moment before turning her gaze back to you. “You need to figure out what you really want, Y/N. Because right now, it feels like you’re just... avoiding the truth. Running from it.”

Your throat tightens, and you can feel the sting of tears threatening again. “I know... I know I messed up.”

Aeri shakes her head, her expression softening, though it doesn’t take away the hurt. “I’m not mad, Y/N. I’m hurt. And I don’t know if I can keep going like this.”

The words hit you like a punch in the gut, and you suddenly feel like the ground beneath you is slipping away.

“I never meant to hurt you, Aeri,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Aeri steps back, a sigh escaping her lips. “I think I need some space, Y/N. I can’t keep doing this.”

You nod, your heart breaking as you watch her walk away, every step feeling like another fracture in the connection you once shared. You turn slowly, only to meet Yunjin’s gaze from across the campus, her eyes full of questions. You can’t help but feel like you're sinking deeper into this mess, and no matter what you do now, it might be too late to make things right.

But the last thing Aeri said before she left echoes in your head: “As much as I’m hurt, I still really like you.”

The weight of Aeri’s words still lingers in the air, heavy and suffocating. You stand there, frozen for a moment, unable to move. You feel like everything is collapsing in on you, and you're caught between two people you care about, neither of whom are happy with you right now.

You finally take a few shaky steps forward, looking over at Yunjin. She hasn’t moved, but her eyes are intense, waiting for you to make the next move. The tension is palpable, and you can almost hear her thoughts swirling in the air around you.

You approach her slowly, your heart pounding in your chest. It’s hard to meet her gaze directly, but you do anyway, because this is something you can’t avoid anymore.

“Yunjin,” you start, your voice hoarse, “I never meant for any of this to happen. I didn’t want to hurt you or Aeri. But... I don’t know what to do. I like both of you, and I’ve been lying to myself about how I felt.”

Yunjin’s eyes soften, but she doesn’t say anything for a long moment. The silence between you two feels like an eternity, and you’re starting to doubt whether you’ve made the right choice, whether telling the truth was the best thing after all.

“I didn’t expect this either,” Yunjin finally says, her voice surprisingly calm. “But I’m not blind, Y/N. I can see what’s been going on. You’re not the only one feeling confused.”

You take a deep breath, your stomach turning as you look at her. “I never meant to make you feel like that. I’m just... I don’t know what I want anymore. I care about both of you.”

Yunjin studies you for a moment, and then, much to your surprise, she reaches out and gently touches your arm. “I’m not going to lie and say that I’m okay with all of this. But I understand that feelings aren’t always something you can control. What I can’t deal with is the dishonesty.”

Her words sting, but they also make sense. She’s right. You’ve been avoiding the truth for too long, letting everything fester. But even now, it feels like a monumental task to sort through the mess you've made.

“I understand,” you whisper, your chest tightening again. “But... can you give me another chance? I know I messed up, but I want to make things right. I don’t know how, but I’ll try.”

Yunjin looks at you for a long time, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nods slowly, but there’s still a shadow of uncertainty in her eyes. “We’ll see, Y/N. But first... you need to figure things out, because I can’t keep going in circles like this. Neither can Aeri.”

The words settle heavily between you both. It’s not an answer you were hoping for, but it’s a start, at least she hasn’t turned her back on you completely.

You look around, seeing Aeri’s silhouette walking away in the distance. It’s clear that there’s so much more to fix, and that it won’t be easy. But for the first time in what feels like forever, you don’t feel completely lost. There’s a tiny sliver of hope left, and you’re determined to fight for it, whatever the outcome might be.

The week that follows feels like an eternity. You gave them both the space they asked for, stepping back and letting the silence settle in between the three of you. Your phone stays quiet, your heartbeats growing louder with each passing day. You try to fill the hours with distractions, schoolwork, spending time with friends, and even focusing on things that once brought you peace, but it all feels hollow. The guilt weighs heavy, always present in the back of your mind.

There are moments when you catch yourself reaching for your phone, your fingers hovering over the screen as if you could send a text that would make everything better. But each time, you pull back. You know they need time. You know you need time. It doesn't make the waiting any easier, though.

Your days pass in a blur of routine. You go through the motions, attend your classes, make small talk with classmates, but your mind is constantly racing. It’s like you’re living in two worlds at once: one where you’re just trying to survive, and another where you’re completely consumed by the consequences of your actions.

Still, you keep your composure. You tell yourself over and over that you can handle this. That you can wait. That things will eventually fall into place.

But deep down, you’re a mess. You think of Aeri, her quiet but hurt words, her need for space that still feels like a heavy weight on your chest. Then there’s Yunjin, her calm demeanor that hides the frustration and confusion you know she must be feeling. Both of them deserve honesty. Both of them deserve more than what you’ve given them.

You don’t know what will happen when the week ends. But you know you can’t hide forever. The silence has been deafening, and every moment that passes feels like it’s getting harder to hold everything together.

You’re just... trying to be patient. Trying to wait for the right moment to fix things.

But inside, your heart is breaking piece by piece. And you wonder if you’ll ever be able to fix the mess you’ve made.

Two weeks had passed since everything blew up. You’d given Aeri and Yunjin the space they needed, keeping your distance to give them time to process. The silence between the three of you had been deafening, and in your mind, it had been a blur of guilt, confusion, and self-doubt. You never imagined that you’d end up in a situation like this, but it had happened. All you could do was try to keep your composure and not let the weight of it all crush you.

Now, you were back in the library, trying to focus on your studies. The books in front of you were just words and pages, but your mind? Your mind was a mess. You tried to force yourself to concentrate, to block out the thoughts swirling around your feelings for both Aeri and Yunjin. It wasn’t working. Every moment felt like an internal battle.

You didn’t even realize how much time had passed, so absorbed in your work. That was, until you heard a soft cough, a clearing of the throat that sliced through the silence. You jumped, startled, your heart skipping a beat. As you looked up, you saw them, Aeri and Yunjin, standing right in front of you, their presence almost looming.

“Y/N, we need to talk,” Aeri said, her voice calm but carrying an edge of something you couldn’t quite place.

You blinked, trying to shake off the shock. “What? Oh, yeah. Of course.” Your voice was shaky, betraying the anxiety you were feeling inside. You quickly gathered your things, heart racing, and followed them as they led you out of the library.

“Where are we going?” you asked, trying to catch your breath as your nerves crept up on you.

“My place,” Aeri replied.

The walk to Aeri’s apartment felt like an eternity. Every step you took felt heavier than the last, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on you. What could they possibly want to talk about? Had they made up their minds about what was going on between you? Was this the end of everything? You could feel your stomach in knots, unsure of what to expect.

When you finally got to Aeri’s apartment, you sat down on the couch, trying to steady your breath, but your nerves were running wild. You glanced at both of them, but neither spoke immediately. The air between you was thick, heavy with unspoken words.

Finally, Yunjin broke the silence, her voice steady but full of emotion. “Y/N, Aeri and I have been talking,” she began. “And we came to a conclusion.”

Your heart raced, and you tried to prepare yourself for whatever was coming, but nothing could have prepared you for what Yunjin said next.

“It’s clear that we both like you, and you like us. And to make things less confusing for you,” Yunjin continued, “Aeri and I were thinking... we all date.”

Your mind went completely blank. What?

You blinked, your throat tightening as you tried to process the words. Your head swam, and you felt like the ground was slipping away beneath you.

“Wait,” you stammered, standing up quickly. “You’re saying... you both want to, date me? Like, together?”

Aeri’s eyes softened, her expression gentle yet resolute. “Yes. We talked about it. We both care about you, Y/N. And we can’t deny what’s between us. We thought maybe this would make things clearer, less confusing. We want to be with you, and we’re willing to try this... together.”

Yunjin nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on you. “And also, Aeri and I confessed that we both had a crush on each other. So, we thought this would be easier for all of us.”

Your chest tightened, and your mind raced. A crush on each other? You looked between Aeri and Yunjin, unsure of what to say. This wasn’t just some casual conversation anymore. This was a big step, something that could change everything.

“I, I don’t know what to say,” you finally whispered, your voice trembling. “I care about both of you. But this... this is a lot. A lot to take in.”

Aeri stepped closer, her voice softening. “We know, Y/N. It’s not easy. But we’re here for you. We want you to be happy. And if that means trying this, together, then we’re ready for that.”

Yunjin nodded, her expression calm but firm. “We’re willing to take the leap, Y/N. Together, if you are.”

Your heart hammered in your chest, and you felt your emotions swirling in a chaotic mix. But somewhere deep inside, you knew that this wasn’t the end. It wasn’t even the beginning of the end. It was a new chapter, a new possibility.

You took a deep breath, your voice shaky but determined. “I... I don’t know what will happen, but... I want to try. I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Aeri smiled, relief flashing across her face, and Yunjin’s eyes softened with a sense of understanding. You didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time in a while, you felt a glimmer of hope.

And maybe that was enough for now.

The following days felt like a whirlwind. You were still processing everything, still getting used to the idea that Aeri and Yunjin were both willing to try this... together. It was exhilarating, overwhelming, and confusing all at once. But something about it felt right, too. You weren’t sure where this would lead, but you couldn’t deny the connection you had with both of them.

Aeri and Yunjin made sure to check in with you, their conversations careful but full of reassurance. They didn’t want to rush you, but they were both clear about wanting to move forward, together. You hadn’t given them a definite answer yet, but every moment with them made it harder to imagine a life without them.

That evening, you met them at a small café, the quiet hum of conversation around you doing little to calm the storm inside your mind. You found your seat, and within moments, both Aeri and Yunjin joined you, sitting across from you, their faces soft but expectant.

“You okay?” Aeri asked gently, her eyes scanning your face as if searching for any signs of doubt or hesitation.

You nodded, even though your heart was still heavy with questions. “Yeah, I’m just... trying to wrap my head around everything.”

Yunjin gave you a small smile, her fingers gently tapping on her coffee cup. “We know it’s a lot to take in. But we’re in this together, okay? No pressure. We just want to be clear with each other.”

You looked between them, feeling your heart swell at the thought of how much effort they were putting into this. They both cared. They really did. You could see it in the way they looked at you, the way they spoke to you, the way they tried to make everything easier for you.

“I’ve been thinking,” you started, your voice quieter now, unsure of how to articulate what was going on inside you. “This is all new to me. I’ve never been in a situation like this before.”

Yunjin’s eyes softened, her voice calm. “We know, Y/N. We’re not trying to force anything. We just want you to feel comfortable, to feel like this is something we all want. There’s no rush.”

Aeri nodded in agreement, her expression sincere. “Yeah. We want to take it slow, if that’s what you need. No one’s expecting anything crazy right away. We’re all figuring this out together.”

You let out a breath, feeling a sense of relief flood through you. As much as the situation was complicated, you realized that maybe it was the best kind of complicated, one where everyone was on the same page, where communication was key, and where you could be honest with each other.

“I think... I think I want to try,” you said finally, your heart pounding as the words left your mouth. “I want to see where this can go. With both of you.”

Both Aeri and Yunjin smiled, and something about their expressions made you feel like maybe this could work. Maybe you didn’t have to choose between them. Maybe the three of you could find a way to navigate this, together.

“We’re in this together, Y/N,” Aeri said softly, her eyes meeting yours with a promise. “We’ll figure it out, one step at a time.”

Yunjin reached across the table, her hand brushing yours gently. “No matter what, we’ve got each other’s backs. We’re all in this.”

The days passed by, and the three of you fell into a routine, one that was different from anything you’d ever known, but still comforting. Your connection with both Aeri and Yunjin grew stronger, and there was a sense of ease between the three of you, despite the complexity of the situation. You were still figuring out the details, but you knew deep down that this was something real, something worth exploring.

One evening, you found yourself at Aeri's apartment again, sitting on the couch with Yunjin and Aeri beside you. The air between you was warm, filled with the quiet hum of music in the background and the clink of mugs as you all sipped on your drinks. But tonight, there was something different. A lingering sense of anticipation hung in the air, a feeling that something important was about to happen.

Aeri turned to you, her usual playful expression softened into something more serious. "Y/N," she began, her voice calm but full of meaning. "We've been talking... and we both feel really strongly about you."

Yunjin nodded, her eyes never leaving yours, her gaze filled with warmth. "We both care about you a lot, and we want to take this to the next step."

You tilted your head, slightly confused but also intrigued. "What do you mean?" you asked, your heart beginning to race with the uncertainty of the moment.

Aeri took a deep breath, glancing at Yunjin for a brief moment before looking back at you. "What we're trying to say is... we both want you to be our girlfriend. Officially. Together."

Your breath hitched in your chest. The words were unexpected, yet they felt like they were always meant to come from them. A part of you had been wondering if this was where things were heading, but hearing them say it out loud made it feel real, more real than anything you had imagined.

"Wait, so... both of you?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, unsure if you heard them correctly.

Yunjin smiled, reaching out to gently take your hand in hers. "Yes, both of us," she confirmed. "We want to be with you, Y/N. We know this isn't a conventional situation, but it's real. And we're ready for this, if you are."

Aeri nodded, her voice softer but just as earnest. "We're asking you because we really believe in this. In us. But we want to know if you feel the same. Do you want to be with us, too? Not just as friends... but as something more?"

You felt your heart race as a mixture of emotions flooded your chest. You had never thought you'd find yourself in a situation like this, but being with them felt right. You liked both of them, maybe even loved them, in different ways, and the idea of being with both of them didn’t seem as impossible as you once thought. You could feel the sincerity in their words, the love they were offering, and the trust they had in you.

Taking a deep breath, you finally nodded, your voice shaky but sure. "Yes. I want to be with both of you too."

Aeri and Yunjin’s faces lit up with relief and joy. They both leaned in, pulling you into a warm embrace. The feeling of their arms around you was comforting, like a promise that no matter what, you were all in this together.

"Thank you, Y/N," Aeri whispered, her voice full of tenderness. "This means everything to us."

Yunjin kissed the top of your head softly. "We’ve got you. Always."

Months passed, and in the blink of an eye, everything had changed. The three of you had navigated the delicate balance of your relationship, learning more about each other every day, about the small quirks, the shared laughter, the quiet moments that made everything feel right. The initial uncertainty had long faded, replaced by a deep, genuine love that bound you all together.

You found yourself waking up in the mornings with Aeri and Yunjin beside you, feeling at home in a way you never had before. The three of you had built a rhythm, an unspoken understanding of each other's needs, boundaries, and desires. It was imperfect, messy at times, but also beautiful in its own way.

There were times when the world outside seemed too complicated, too judgmental, but when you were with Aeri and Yunjin, everything made sense. You weren’t just a couple; you were a team. You had created something unique, something yours.

One evening, after a long day of studying and work, the three of you found yourselves sitting on the couch in Aeri's apartment, nestled into each other. The warmth of their presence was comforting as you all watched a movie, the soft glow of the screen illuminating your faces. Aeri was curled up against your side, her head resting on your shoulder, while Yunjin was leaning against your other side, her hand entwined with yours.

You hadn’t realized how much you needed this moment of peace, no distractions, no pressures, just the three of you, together.

“I love you,” Yunjin said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in to kiss you gently on the cheek. The words felt like a promise, one that had been building up over time, and hearing them from her made your heart swell.

Aeri smiled, brushing a lock of hair from your face as she shifted to kiss you on the lips. “I love you too,” she murmured, her voice full of affection.

The words settled in your chest like a heavy weight, but in the best way. “I love both of you,” you replied, your voice filled with sincerity. It wasn’t something you had to think about anymore; it was just the truth. You had fallen in love with both of them, in your own way, and the three of you had built something so strong, so unshakeable, that it felt like nothing else mattered.

The three of you shared a long, quiet kiss after that, the kind of kiss that spoke more than words ever could. It wasn’t about promises or declarations, it was just about love, pure and simple.

Aeri pulled back, looking at you both with a soft smile. “I never imagined something like this,” she admitted, her eyes full of affection. “But I can’t imagine my life without you two.”

Yunjin nodded, her expression warm. “I feel the same way. I never thought I could love two people like this, but with you... it just feels right.”

You smiled, feeling a rush of warmth fill your chest. “Yeah, me neither,” you said, your voice full of emotion. “I never knew love could feel like this.”