After what felt like forever, you finally stumbled into Se-mi's apartment, the warmth of the space hitting you like a soft blanket. She guided you to the couch, her touch gentle but firm, as though afraid you might collapse right then and there. You slumped onto the cushions, your limbs sprawled in an uncoordinated heap.

"It's so hot in here..." You slurred, tugging at your jacket with fumbling hands before tossing it to the floor in a careless heap.

Se-mi raised an eyebrow, a hint of exasperation flickering across her face. "Of course it is. You're drunk," She muttered, crossing her arms. "Stay put. I'll get you some water."

As she turned to leave, you instinctively reached out, your fingers curling around her wrist. The suddenness of the motion made her freeze, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Don't go. Not yet," You mumbled, your voice carrying a pleading edge. You tugged her closer, your body leaning toward her until your faces were just inches apart. Her scent, faintly like cherries with a hint of cigarettes filled your senses, making your head spin even more.

"You're... you're really pretty. And hot," You confessed, your words tumbling out unfiltered. Her eyes widened, and you swore you saw a faint blush creeping up her cheeks, though she quickly looked away.

"You're drunk," She said firmly, though her voice wavered ever so slightly. "You don't know what you're saying—"

Before she could finish, you surged forward, pressing your lips to hers in a clumsy, uncoordinated kiss. It was messy and sloppy, a reflection of your current state.

When you pulled back, your gaze met hers, unfocused but searching. Her lips were parted as though she wanted to say something, but the words didn’t come.

"Y/n..." she murmured, her tone soft but unreadable, her expression a mix of emotions you couldn’t quite decipher.

Before you could ask or dwell on it, the weight of exhaustion, and the alcohol coursing through your veins, dragged you under. The last thing you saw was the flicker of something unresolved in her eyes before darkness claimed you, and you passed out on her couch.

─────

The sun’s warmth hit your skin, like a gentle nudge telling you to wake up. Your head spun, thick and heavy, and your body felt like it was about to burst.

Groaning, you pried your eyes open, immediately regretting it. The hangover was intense, and the fragments of yesterday were hard to grasp. What even happened? You remembered a bar... a woman. Se-mi? Was that her name?

You glanced around, and a wave of panic hit as you realized that you weren’t in your apartment. Where the hell are you? Your chest tightened, and worst-case scenarios flooded your mind.

Before you could process any of it, your phone buzzed loudly from the nightstand. You grabbed it, squinting at the screen. Ji-ho.

"Ji-ho oppa?" You answered, your voice scratchy, trying to mask the unease.

"Y/n-ah, baby, where have you been? I’ve been calling and texting all morning. I was worried sick!" Ji-ho's voice cracked with concern.

You winced, swallowing the knot in your throat. "I’m sorry, oppa. I, uh… fell asleep too early." You lied, hoping he'd buy it. You prayed he didn’t know about you going to a bar with a woman or, worse, that you were in her apartment.

"Don’t scare me like that," He sighed, relief laced in his words. "Anyway, there’s something I need to ask you."

Your heart dropped. "What is it, oppa? Is something wrong?" You asked with concern.

"I need 150,000 won. It's urgent." He said, desperation creeping into his voice.

You froze. Didn’t you just give him 100,000 three days ago?

"But oppa, I thought I gave you 100,000 won just a few days ago?" Your voice was filled with confusion, but you couldn't hide the concern.

"I know, sweetheart, but I really need it. You know my mom’s still sick, right? I need money for her medication, and it’s a lot... Please, baby, I promise I’ll pay you back. Just please, I really need it."

His plea tugged at your heartstrings. Despite the unease gnawing at you, you caved. "Okay. I’ll transfer it to you later." You sighed, your mind heavy. You had planned to save some of your money for Ppang’s medical treatment, but Ji-ho’s situation made you feel guilty.

"Thank you, baby. You’re amazing. Make it quick, okay? I need it as soon as possible. Anyway, I’ve got to go. Take care, alright?" He hung up before you could respond. You could’ve sworn you heard a woman’s voice in the background, but your foggy mind dismissed it. Probably just the TV. You dropped your phone back on the nightstand, burying your face in your hands.

The door creaked open, and you looked up to see a woman entering with a tray of food. The rich smell of chicken soup filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of alcohol.

"Hey," She greeted with a soft smile, setting the tray down beside you. "I brought you some chicken soup. It’s great for hangovers. I also got ibuprofen and water."

Before you could say anything, nausea surged. You clamped a hand over your mouth, praying you wouldn’t throw up right here. "One second," You muttered, scrambling toward the bathroom.

"It’s on the right!" Se-mi called after you.

You barely made it to the toilet before you retched, the alcohol from last night burning as it left your system. Se-mi's hand gently rubbed your back, offering comfort as you struggled to regain control.

Once you were done, she handed you a damp towel. "Feeling better?"

"Not really..." You were barely able to finish the sentence before another wave of nausea hit, forcing you back to the toilet.

Se-mi stayed by your side, rubbing your back, her presence calming despite the discomfort. "How about now?" She asked softly once you stopped retching.

"I... I guess a little better," You admitted, your voice hoarse.

"Good. Come back to bed when you're ready." She gave you a small, reassuring smile before leaving you alone with your thoughts.

You returned to the bedroom a few minutes later, finding Se-mi scrolling through her phone. When she noticed you, she set it aside, giving you her full attention.

"You're back. Come on, I made breakfast for you, it's chicken soup." She offered the bowl, a gentle warmth in her eyes.

"I'm not really hungry... Can I just take the ibuprofen?" You fidgeted nervously, not wanting to eat, but not wanting to upset her either.

"Nuh-uh. You need to eat something, or you won’t have any strength." Her voice was firm, yet caring, like a mother scolding a child. You rolled your eyes, but sat down beside her, taking the bowl.

You took a sip, and to your surprise, it was actually really good—comforting, soothing, and most importantly, delicious. You ate in silence, feeling her eyes on you, watching every movement.

Finally, you broke the silence. "We didn’t... do anything last night, right?" You asked, trying to sound casual, though your heart pounded in your chest.

Se-mi chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Nope. Nothing at all." She smiled, but her eyes flickered with something unspoken, an image of the kiss you guys shared, but she didn’t mention it.

You let out a relieved breath. "Good." You took another spoonful of soup, trying to focus on the simple act of eating.

The silence stretched between you until Se-mi spoke again. "I overheard your call earlier. Mind telling me what it was about?" She asked, her tone curious, but gentle.

"Oh, it’s just my boyfriend," You replied, trying to brush it off. "He... wanted some money. That’s all."

"Really?" Se-mi raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were saving money for your sick dog?"

"I am, but his mother is sick, and he doesn’t have any money right now." You explained, guilt edging your voice.

Se-mi let out a bitter laugh. "And you believe that? You really think he’s telling the truth?" She scoffed. "He’s cheating on you, you know. Even I can see that, and I’m not even in a relationship."

Your temper flared, your grip tightening around the spoon. "Don’t say that! He would never cheat on me!" You yelled at her.

Se-mi raised her hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I didn’t mean to hit a nerve. Just trying to warn you." She said with a tone of concern.

"It’s none of your business," You snapped, the tension thick between you. "You don’t need to worry about it." You could feel the heat of your anger rising, but you turned your focus back to the soup, hoping it would calm you down.

Se-mi shrugged, though the look in her eyes lingered—half-pity, half-exasperation. "Fair enough, I guess."

You glanced at Se-mi, studying her face. Immediately, a wave of guilt washed over you. You hadn't meant to snap at her, to unleash all those harsh words. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you like that," You blurted out, lowering your gaze to the ground. Great, now you felt like a monster.

Se-mi smiled softly, her eyes warm with understanding. "It's okay. I get it. You were just defending your boyfriend. It’s normal," She reassured you, gently cupping your chin with her fingers and tilting your head so you'd look at her.

The world seemed to slow around you as you stared into her eyes. She was stunning, like an angel sent to earth. Her eyes held a quiet depth, her lips so invitingly soft, and—

You snapped out of your thoughts, shaking your head slightly. No. You couldn’t think about her like that. It was wrong. You had a boyfriend, and worse—liking girls? A disgrace.

"Ah, um... thanks," You muttered nervously, quickly looking away from her, turning your focus back to the bowl of soup in your hands. You hadn’t even realized it was almost empty. "I’m gonna head home after I finish this," You said quietly, trying to sound casual.

Se-mi raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, but not in a way that made you uncomfortable. "I see... alright then." She nodded, her tone gentle. "Be careful on your way home, okay?"

You nodded, feeling the weight of her words, though your heart felt strangely heavy.

─────

You slipped on your jacket, ready to leave her apartment. She had insisted on driving you or at least walking with you, but you gently declined. You didn’t want to impose on her any longer.

“Take care. And here’s my number, just in case you need anything… or if you just want to talk,” She said, handing you a small piece of paper with her number written on it, followed by a playful wink. You couldn’t help but giggle at that.

“Thank you, unnie. I’ll see you later?” you asked, tilting your head slightly. She nodded, a soft smile crossing her face.

With one last exchange of goodbyes, you stepped out of her apartment, the door clicking shut behind you.

─────

A/N: hope this chapter is good!! sorry it's late, i've been busy lately :(( anyways, i actually thought long and hard about who's gonna be y/n's boyfriend. at first i wanted it to be myung-gi, but i scrapped that idea since hes already(or at least used to be) with jun-hee, and myung gi doesnt strike me off as a person who would cheat. then i thought about thanos or nam-gyu, but then thought "nah". so i just decided to make an oc. but i have other plans for nam-gyu, so...hehe.

+ tysm for 540+ reads and 20 votes in just three days!!! im so grateful <3 i love each and every one of you :))