Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Minatozaki Sana is trying to read the message on her phone but it’s proven to be a terribly difficult feat given that there are around forty children screaming and laughing all over the place.

Well, maybe she shouldn’t open tinder at work in the first place. Yongsan Elementary International School is a respectful school and Sana is not exactly doing respectful stuff when she decides to open a dating app at work. But it’s recess time, and as much as the kids need their break, Sana does too. 

She’s now sitting on the terrace with her two other friends and fellow teachers — Yoo Jeongyeon and Son Chaeyoung. They are enjoying their lunch; club sandwiches, crips french fries, and sauces to pair. Chaeyoung teaches art, Jeongyeon is the P.E teacher, and Sana, on the other hand, teaches Social studies. 

"That's the boy, that's the one!" Jeongyeon exclaims as she points to the group of boys playing ball in the middle of the field. 

Chaeyoung slaps Jeongyeon's arm away. "Careful, we don't want these kids to know we're gossiping about them!"

"Are we, now?" Sana asks wonderingly. She'd rather finish her sandwich or text this blonde she just matched in the app. Her name is Mina and much like Sana, she's only 24. For her profile picture, Mina posts a picture of herself in a short, beige dress which almost leaves nothing to the imagination. 

Sana scrolls down to study Mina's bio. The woman is a 'girl gamer' and she's also a streamer, but she listens to Doja Cat and Ariana Grande. She's also only exclusively looking for hook-ups and non-serious-relationship.

Well that just solidifies the fact that Mina is down for a good time. Judging by her preferences, Sana assumes that Mina spends a lot of time in front of the computer and consequently the internet. She’s probably already desentized by a lot of things. Sana hides her smile behind her sandwich and types in a message and sends it. 

The reply comes a few minutes later. It says, 'Brb I'm with my bf.'

Oh that doesn't look so good. Sana has so many concerns over hooking up with someone who's already in a relationship. Except, of course, it'd be different if it's an open relationship. Does the boyfriend even know that Mina is on a dating app? Judging by Mina's text, it seems unlikely. 

She should ask Mina. 

"He's a bully! And he's only, what, 7 years old?!" Jeongyeon groans. 

Chaeyoung nods. "I caught him once in my class before. He grabbed Yuna's hair! Can you believe it? Yuna! Poor little girl." 

Sana knows Yuna. She's a sweet girl. Once, Yuna and her parents gave her home baked cookies. They were shaped like blown up bear heads but Yuna insisted they were dogs. Sana likes cookies. Sana also likes dogs. Needless to say, Yuna has become her favorite grade three student since then. "Who is this boy again?" She asks, looking up from her phone. 

"That one." Jeongyeon points with her chin. "The one with Jungkook's haircut."

"Jungkook's haircut?" Sana asks as she takes a bite of her sandwich. 

"You know, BTS," Jeongyeon says exasperatedly. 

Sana swallows. "I don't know who's who in BTS."

"So gay," Chaeyoung mutters quietly. A glint of mirth in her eyes. 

Not at all insulted, Sana sniggers. "And what are you then?"

"Oh, you know, we're the same species." She grins. "I was just saying because I have no idea what Unnie was talking about. Please Jeongyeon unnie, spare us the boy band reference and tell us which one is the bully."

"Yeah, please I'm in the middle of something here," Sana says as she returns her attention to her phone, swiping over profiles.

"Wait, yeah he's the one with the ball now, the one without the vest!" Jeongyeon says excitedly. 

Sana looks up to search for the boy. She finds him immediately. He's a handsome little devil. His messy, inky hair bounces as he dribbles the ball expertly. Sana has certainly seen him in her class but she can't quite remember his name. 

"What's his name again?" 

"Haru?" Kim Haru? Anyway his dad is a big sponsor to the school. That's why he could get away with shit." 

School politics is something that Sana will never get used to. A lot of parents involve themselves too much with school. They think they're parenting while in fact they're babying their children. She imagines Yuna with her little soft round cheeks and tears on her face, then she imagines Haru with his evil eyes, grinning mischievously. Sana grimaces. "I won't let him bully anyone in my class." 

Her phone buzzes. Sana takes a discreet glance at it. She just matches with someone else. It's a gorgeous woman with dark long hair. She's wearing glasses, but not the kind that makes the wearer looks like a nerd, this one makes her look — well, hot. Sana is certain that the glasses are not actually reading glasses. The woman is just wearing it for a fashion statement. 

She swipes to see more pictures, most of them are selfies. One is taken with a dog, a small pom (or a long haired chihuahua? She's not entirely sure). Sana might have stared at the picture for a good minute but the one selfie that seals the deal is the one taken in a bedroom; it's a mirror selfie, the woman is smiling and her hair is wet, she's bare faced but she doesn't hide her face. That's bold. Only confident women dare to post their bare faced pictures in a dating app. Sana is immediately attracted to the dark haired woman. To her, nothing tops confidence, not even the sight of naked skin and ample cleavage. 

Sana takes another bite of her sandwich and chews. She glances down at the displayed name; Sally  

While Sana thinks that it’s possible for Sally to be a real name, Sana doubts that it is . Granted, not everyone is comfortable displaying their real name in a dating app. Sana doesn't mind the secrecy. She respects people's privacy. She should know. Sana puts 'M.S.' as her profile name.

Sally also says that she's not looking for a relationship; she says that she wants something casual which is something that Sana wholly appreciates. She also doesn't want to be tied up in a committed relationship. Sana is only looking for casual dates and she makes sure to disclose her particular preference in her tinder profile so she can weed out the clingy ones.

Sana smiles as she types. 'So how casual do you want it to be?' It's a little direct but Sana doesn't play a long game anyway. She hopes Sally won't be offended and if she were, Sana hopes that it'd still be salvageable. 

Beside her, Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung are still discussing the same topic. "Wait until you see his father. He's old, like around 50ish?" Jeongyeon says. "And he's so polite so you can't help but feel sorry for him."

"Yeah, I met him after I caught Haru grabbing Yuna's hair in my class. Sometimes it's not their parents' fault, some kids are just inherently bad, you know."

"I know! But I don't think parents should baby their children. That boy needs discipline," Jeongyeon says. 

Sana’s phone vibrates. She reads the notification. It's from Sally. Sana grins and unlocks the screen to read the message. 'As casual as you want it to be, Miss. M.S,' it reads. How very ambiguous. Sana likes it. Another message pops up. 'But first let me make sure you're not a serial killer.'

Typical. And she can relate. Being catfished is not something new to Sana, in the past, when she was still new to this whole dating app scene, many of her first dates turned up on their date looking entirely different from their profile pictures. Sana has unfortunately learned the hard way that there’s a bunch of weirdos out there, but despite everything she always comes back to the app because, honestly, the pros outweigh the cons. A year of using the app, Sana now has learned the skills to comb out the fakes. 

'And how do I know you're not a serial killer?' Sana types.  

'Touche,' Sally replies. 'If we meet, it'll be somewhere public.'

Fair enough. 'Are we talking about meeting each other already?' 

'Depends,' it says. 'Are you as real as your pictures, Miss. M.S?'

Sana can't help but smile. Oh, Sally! Of course I am! Sana’s pride is hurt. She hates being doubted, especially by someone as hot as Sally. Now she needs to prove Sally wrong.‘Guess you’ll have to find out for yourself,’ Sana types. ‘But, maybe later, when I’m not so busy. Are you good with waiting?’

The reply comes fast. ‘I am. As long as you're not asking me for a threesome with a hidden boyfriend somewhere.' 

How perfect can Sally be?! Sana is also not interested with the prospect of getting invited into a threesome with a boy. Honestly, Sana has been asked so many times, she's growing immune to it. How many bicurious girls has she met here, on tinder? Five? Six? She honestly can't remember. Whoever thought that it's a good idea to find a threesome partner in a queer site of a dating app is a fool. It's a little offensive, really. All Sana wants is to find a cute woman to cuddle with, minus the neediness and clinginess. 

'I have no hidden boyfriend, or girlfriend,' Sana types. 'I'm drama free.'

'Can I say how rare it is to find a cute girl here who's drama free and only looking for a casual relationship?' 

Sana chuckles. True. She has the same struggle finding one. Mina was a good candidate, that was until she told Sana that she has a boyfriend. 

'So you think I'm cute? Is that what you are saying?' Sana leaves a series of blushing emoticons just because. She's not really blushing. Compliments don't work on her. She's used to it. There was a time where she would blush when complimented. She no longer does. Flirting is much like a sport. Like how you swim or play ball. Like fishing. Put a little bait and wait. Then when they're hooked you'd have to give it a little slack to reel them in.

The bell rings and Jeongyeon fits the last bit of sandwich into her mouth greedily. "See you, kids," she says as she dumps her soda into the trash can. Chaeyoung stands up as well and cleans up their lunch. "Let me know if you wanna hangout after work." 

"I'll text you." Sana smiles. "See you." She waves at them. Chaeyoung and Jeongyeon don't need to know who she's seeing. It's a secret. 

Sana tucks her phone in her pocket. It vibrates. Sana smiles. It's probably Sally texting her but she's not going to text back immediately. She'll make Sally wait. 

/

In the next three weeks, except during working hours, they have been talking non stop. Every day, like a crazed schoolgirl, Sana can’t help but check her phone every thirty minutes. Sally’s morning and evening texts have changed her. She’s now a smitten girl who’d stare at her phone all day. Today, right after work, Sana finds herself texting Sally in her apartment instead of going out with her friends. 

Turns out, Sana and Sally have a lot in common, mainly on their preference for adventure. Somehow, the conversation that they had went smoothly from flirting to travelling (with the flirting undertone in every three sentences — mind you), which Sally had hinted as one of her hobbies on her tinder profile, and Sally had also shown Sana pictures to prove it. 

Apparently Sally travels a lot. Sana does too, but certainly not at Sally's scale. Sally had been to Eastern part and Western part of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Sally had also been to South East Asian countries, hopping from resort to resort; Bali, Cebu, Phuket, and Penang. Though their experiences differ in terms of quality, Sana enjoys talking to Sally about it since it reminds her of the sunny days, and the feel of the wind and salt water on her skin. It reminds her of ice cream and the sweltering hot summer in a downtown area in Okinawa which was where Sana spent most of her holiday with her grandmother every year. 

Sally likes wine, and not in a pretentious way that most people would at their age. She likes them even if they’re on the cheaper side. ‘It’s all about the notes,’ Sally would say. Sana wholly agrees. Sally knows how to pair them with snacks and various kinds of cheese, with Mediterranean food and all kinds of seafood dishes. Sana praises the skill. It’ll certainly be useful for their dates, later, if any. 

It's definitely a turn on. 

Though Sally can seem a little bit hedonistic, the woman balances it out with her passion for the environment. Sally goes on healing meditation adventures from time to time. In her teenage years, Sally went backpacking and camping trips with her friends. She says nature is important for her, and so are animals. 

Humble, rich, and fun, Sally sounds like a dream come true. Sana wants to meet her so badly. 

'I can't travel a lot these days. The most I do is book myself a nice room in Banyan Tree and get myself a spa appointment,' is a message that she sent to Sally as a little topic starter. A bait, if you will. Sana just wants to talk about hotel. She wants Sally to think about a weekend getaway with cold, sweet, alcoholic beverages and soft mattress and fluffy pillows and a naked Sana on top of it. 

'Oh I've never been to Banyan Tree, not the one in South Korea.' Sally finishes with a teary emoticon. 'How's the service?' 

'It's lovely, you'd love it. You have to try it soon!! And can I just say something about their sheets? It has 600 thread count, can you imagine how soft it is?' 

'Pretty soft, I presume.' Sally replies. 'Maybe I should go and see what it's all about.' 

There it is. The bait is all set. Now all Sana needs to do is to subtly invite Sally to the hotel with her. 'And I miss the room service too! Their food is amazing. I think I'm gonna go this weekend,' is Sana's reply. 'I'm never gonna go out of the room.' She picks a round-eyed emoticon and sends five to the chat room. What she means to say is ‘ Please join me, and if you do, I’d never get out of OUR room.’

That should suffice. 

Now the ball is in Sally's court.

Sana puts down her phone on the table and clasps her hands together in a prayer form. Please, please, please, she chants in her head. Say you’ll go, say you’ll go, please, please. Three dots appear on the screen, indicating an incoming reply. Sana chews on her lower lip anxiously as she waits while Sally types her reply. 

But then nothing. No text. Nothing. 

Disappointed, Sana exhales slowly. Did she say something wrong?  Was she too forward? It’s probably the thread count talk. She probably sounds like a nerd. Sana grimaces. Who’d talk about thread count ? Only losers — Sana in particular. 

Sana refreshes the chat room — just once, just to check.

Still nothing. 

Suddenly an image pops up in the chat room. It’s a hotel receipt. ‘I just booked a room for this week, hehe.’ It reads. 

‘Hehe’, Sally said. As if it’s not a big deal. As if she wasn’t just dropping the bomb on Sana. Thrilled, Sana punches the air and exclaims loudly. This is it . She’s going to meet Sally. Although the tiny bit pessimistic part of her thinks that there’s a probability that it might be a scam or that Sally is a catfish, Sana can’t help but be excited. What’s the worst thing that could happen? She can just run away if Sally turns out to be a dude. It’s not gonna be her first time running away from a questionable date. 

With a broad grin, Sana types — ‘I guess we’ll be neighbors.’ She certainly hopes for more but she won’t tell Sally that — that’d be tactless. Sana is a lady, not a whore . 

Well maybe she’s a little bit of both. She can’t help it. Sally is just so pretty. ‘Maybe we should have dinner together!?’ 

It feels like forever until Sally finally replies. ‘It’s a date.’ The text is accompanied with a blushing emoticon. Sana doubts that Sally is blushing in real life. It’s just a game for them. A game that Sana is well familiar with. 

Sana smirks and squeezes her phone. Oh my God! A weekend getaway! She can’t wait until she finally meets her charming opponent. Would she look the same as her photos? Tall, tanned, and pretty? The least Sana hopes for is that Sally is real, maybe less pretty than her photos. (Some people can't lay off the filters.) 

Regardless of everything, Sana is oddly optimistic. It's as if the universe is telling her that everything is going to turn out exceptionally well. And she hopes it really will.

/ 

It’s Friday and Sana arrives at the hotel at 9PM in the evening. Sally is nowhere to be seen. Great, Sana is not ready to meet her yet. Sana is still in her work clothes, all business like, with creases on her shirt and pants. Being clumsy works wonders on her appearance. Sana can’t last a day without ruining her shirt or wearing down her makeup.

It’s a good thing that the date is going to happen on Saturday and not Friday. Sana will get her beauty rest tonight. She'll order pasta and have a glass of white. She'll catch up on her favorite TV show. Tomorrow, she'll go to the spa which she had booked prior to her arrival and she'll have a bath and order in some more room service. 

With the thought in mind, Sana does exactly that. Once she's in her room, Sana strips down, takes off her lenses, and takes a much needed long hot shower. Then once that's done, she puts on her glasses and takes the lotion, the one that the hotel has provided for the guests in a tiny tube container. 

Sana never uses the soap, or the shampoo, or the conditioner from hotels, because she has her own. Hers is special, organic, and smells amazing. The ones in the hotel are probably full of sulfate. Sana can't risk ruining her scalp and skin even though they smell good. The lotion on the other hand.. by default, lotion doesn't have sulfate. Thus Sana thinks it’s safe to use. Sana can't get enough of it. It smells ridiculously wonderful! It reminds her of cotton candy and vanilla and Sana is obsessed with it. 

Every time she visits, she always makes sure to get extra lotion. As she slathers the lotion on her thigh, Sana makes a mental note to ask for extras. 

Fifteen minutes later her food arrives, it's linguine carbonara with parmesan and truffle in it. Her favorite. Garbed in a fluffy hotel robe, Sana takes the whole tray and lays it down on the bed before she gobbles it all up in an instant. Fed, full and warm, Sana plans to sleep, but not before she puts away the empty plates out of the room. She can't stand the smell of rotting food when she sleeps.

Outside of the room, at the end of the corridor, Sana finds an abandoned cleaning kart without the cleaning personnel. What a coincidence! Now she doesn't have to wait around the next day for the cleaning service to come. Sana knows she can just call the receptionist and ask, but it's a little embarrassing. If she asks, people might make cruel assumptions about her, they’d think of her as one of those cheap ladies who'd hoard all the free toiletries. 

She'd much rather ask the cleaning service directly (and discreetly).

Sana approaches the kart and scans it thoroughly. There they are! The lotions are stacked neatly in a transparent box. Sana checks the horizon for a possible witness and when she sees none, she grabs three lotions and pockets them. 

That'll do. Satisfied, Sana turns around, and that's when she sees a bellboy and a guest exiting the elevator and walking toward her.

Fantastic! Sana curses in her head. The guest and the bellboy have passed Sana's room and Sana has no other choice but to face them. It's embarrassing. It'll be one of those memories that she'd recall from time to time when she's having trouble sleeping. Did they see her bending over the kart and stealing lotions like some cheap delinquents? They’d probably assume Sana is one of those guests who’d use vouchers to spend the night in Banyan Tree. What a nightmare. Sana glances at the guest and that's when she notices something. 

It's Sally .

Gorgeous, tall, and thin. Sally is much more attractive than what Sana imagines. The woman is wearing a casual white dress and brown stiletto heels. By pure sheer luck, Sally doesn't seem to recognize Sana. It's probably the poor lighting. Or it might be because Sana's not wearing any makeup. Bare and unattractive. A complete 180 from her pictures. 

Or is it because of the glasses? 

For a fraction of seconds, Sana considers bolting away, but that would look weird , and it's not like she could go anywhere else, and what if Sally recognizes her then? 

Sana looks away and hides her face behind her wet hair as Sally and the bellboy pass by. 

Once they enter the corner room, Sana sprints and enters her own. As much as she feels relieved because Sally didn't notice her, Sana was also offended. Was she so different from her photos? Or does she look ugly now? Either way, Sana can't say that she's happy at the turn of events. 

That won't do . Sana must be at her prettiest tomorrow.

/

'Good morning. Are we still on for tonight?' is the text which Sally had sent her this morning. The text is accompanied with three smiling emoticons and a flower emoticon. 

Earlier on the day, Sana replied with an— 'Of course!!! Meet you at the bar at 8PM?' and finished it with a wink emoji. Now at 7.30PM, Sana is in the bathroom with a makeup kit splayed out in front of her. She’s putting on primer across her skin, patting it down until it blends. It takes her longer to finish everything. Is she nervous? That’s unusual. Sana doesn’t usually get nervous. 

At the back of her head, Sana knows she’s slightly intimidated by Sally. Sally who looks a thousand times better than her pictures. There’s an aura which Sally exudes, a confidence, which feels almost like arrogance, but Sana can’t deny that regardless of it, she’s still wholly attracted to it.

What matters is that Sally is real. And Sana will enjoy the date. She'll love every second of it. 

Or at least that's what she tells herself. 

Five minutes before the date, Sana heads to the bar. She's glad she doesn't bump into Sally in the corridor. It'd be awkward if they did. 

What's wrong Sana? She asks herself. Don't be nervous. It's just a date, she tells herself. Then she wipes her clammy hands on the back of her black suede dress. She hopes her hands won't get cold and clammy later — when she finally meets Sally. 

The hotel bar is on the top floor of the building. The penthouse offers a gorgeous view of Seoul’s night cityscape. Sana has been there a couple of times before, when she's in the mood to drink alone. Usually, Sana would just stare at the sparkling lights and finish her drink quietly, this time however, she will have someone to share the view and the drink with her. 

When she arrives, Sally is already there, regally sitting on one of the bar stools, sipping quietly on a mysterious pink cocktail. While Sana only gets to see Sally's back, she's already overwhelmed. How can she not when Sally is wearing a backless red dress? There should be a law against it. It's not fair at all. Still, she can't look away. There’s something about the dimly lit bar and the way it splays colors and shadow along Sally’s spine that she finds both alluring and hypnotizing.

Sana wears her best smile and greets the lady. "Sally!" She exclaims. "We finally meet!" She touches Sally's back, wrapping her arm around Sally's trim waist and gives the woman a loose, brief hug. There , that should be fine. Sana wants to come off as friendly. Nothing turns off a woman more than an overly eager suitor. 

Sally stiffens and then relaxes when she finally recognizes Sana. Smoothly, Sally returns the gesture. Her perfume lingers as she presses their bodies chastely. Sana recognizes the different notes in it; sweet and flowery. Sally smells rich. 

"Miss M.S," Sally says teasingly as they part. Her hand lingers around Sana's arm for a second too long. And as someone who feeds off physical touch, Sana allows it to happen. She can't say she hates it. In fact, she hopes Sally would just hold on to her for the rest of the night. 

"It's so nice to finally meet you." Sally says. There's a twinge of accent in her voice. With a start, Sana realizes something. Sally is not Korean. Now that Sana sees her up close, she notices the telltale signs of it, which is actually a good thing because Sana likes her foreign girls. Sally is now a hundred times more attractive to Sana. 

"Just Sana is fine," she says as she hops on the bar stool and puts her clutch and the keycard on the bar counter. It’s a bait. Sana hopes Sally notices. After all, who has their keys out in the open if they have a bag with them? Only Sana, because Sana wants Sally to unconsciously think of the hotel room, and reminds Sally of the fact that they might spend the night close to each other. 

(Or more, depending on how the date goes)

Then, as if to respond to her wishes, Sally’s eyes briefly dart to the keycard. Smug for being right, Sana hides her smile behind her hair. The bartender slides in to take her order and afterward Sana returns her attention to Sally. "Did you wait long?" 

As an answer, Sally simply smiles and waves her off. "I was early," Sally says nonchalantly. "You look amazing by the way. Love the dress." Sally gives her an appreciative once over. The stare is boosting Sana's ego. It feels like she's just won something; a cred of some sort, an acknowledgement from a woman as elegant and as beautiful as Sally, which is the highest compliment there would ever be from a fellow woman. 

"Why, thank you!" Sana pretends to be bashful by the compliment. "Honestly, you look way better in real life."

Sally feigns shock. "Are you saying I look bad in my photos?" 

"God, no!" Sana scrunches her face and laughs. She knows Sally is just messing with her, but still, Sana feels like she has to explain herself. "You're gorgeous. Drop dead beautiful. I thought your real life version wouldn't upstage your pictures, but I'm obviously wrong." 

"Oh, shut up," Sally says as she grins, showing her pearly white teeth and a dimple on her left cheek. What a beautiful smile. Sana can't wait to kiss it away. How many people had swoon at the sight of Sally’s smile? Sana ponders. Hundreds or more, she supposes. 

The bartender comes with her drink. It has the same pink hue that Sally's has, but in a different shaped glass. Gently, Sana plays with the lemon garnish bobbing on the surface. Her eyes dart back to Sally as she does. 

"Looks interesting," Sally comments with mild interest. 

"It has cranberry and champagne in it," Sana says the word champagne as if she's dishing a secret. In response, Sally nods as if she understands. 

Sana raises her glass. "A little toast to start the night?" 

"Won't say no to that." Sally raises her cocktail and clinks her glass against Sana's. "To a good evening?" 

"To a good date," Sana amends. “I hope?” 

Amused, Sally chuckles. “To a good date.” 

They drink. Sana lets the cranberry flavor melt in her tongue. It washes away the remnant of nervousness that Sana felt earlier. 

Sally keeps her eyes on Sana as she drinks her cocktail. Sana can feel it. It makes Sana feel naked, it makes her feel like she’s being appraised, but not in the rude way that people may have felt when receiving such stares. She can even describe it as pleasant, if that even makes sense. 

Humming, Sana smacks her lips. “Tastes so good,” she comments. 

“Can I try?” Sally leans in and Sana nods.

“Then can I try yours?” Sana asks. 

“Please, go ahead,” Sally says as she gently pushes her crystal glass towards Sana. They exchange cocktails. Sally takes a careful sip and smacks her lips. 

"Good?" Sana asks. 

Sally nods. "Now try mine," she says. 

Cheekily, Sana spins the glass, finds the faint lipstick mark, and drinks from the same spot. “Yum!” She says as she savors the taste of gin and berries in it. "It's delicious," Sana moans. 

There’s delight written all over Sally’s face as she watches Sana make a fuss out of the drink. “I know!” The woman sighs. “Yours is really good too, maybe I should get that next,” she says as she takes her own glass to twirl it slowly while looking straight at Sana's eyes, and purposefully drinks from the same spot.

Sana grins as she holds Sally's gaze. 

This game that they play, the subtle flirting and what not, is something that Sana lives for. 

"Or we can share," Sana says meaningfully. She thumbs her keycard and plays with it, making sure that Sally sees it. "I don’t mind sharing."

A wicked glint flashes in Sally’s dark round eyes. It sends a jolt along Sana's spine. "Tell me, are you a sharer?" 

/

Throughout her entire life, Sana has only few regrets. Tonight appears to be one of those moments in her life that she regrets. For once, Sana wishes she drinks coffee, or something with caffeine in it, maybe a coffee martini, or a white russian. Sana doesn’t drink coffee; she hates the taste and she can’t stand how it makes her feel all nervous and jittery. 

However, after spending half an hour inside her own hotel room with Sally, Sana decides that she needs coffee, or a generous dose of caffeine injected straight into her system — if not, she’ll pass out, soon . 

Turns out Sally is a passionate lover, more so than anyone that Sana has ever been with. And also, Sally is a complete tease and she’s mean about it too. Granted, Sana was the one who suggested that she could handle being teased, that it was her forte , and she took it upon herself to bet on it too. 

She said, in her own words, that she bet Sally was a lousy top. The words slipped out of her mouth after a small salad and six glasses of delicious fruity cocktails. Sally was furious, which was something that Sana aimed for all along. She figured that she needed to rail up the other woman. There’s nothing more disappointing than a fizzling romance halfway into the night, and to Sana’s experience, girls with faces like Sally were usually tame, so tame in fact, that they'd be halfassing their way into sex. They can get away with things because of their looks. 

Oh how wrong could she be? Sally is anything but tame. 

Sana is sitting on top of Sally, her back against Sally’s front. Her hands are clutching the bed sheet, her knuckles as white as snow. Sally presses her teeth on Sana’s shoulder, digging deep, eliciting pain, but not enough to leave a bruise on her. 

Sally has two fingers knuckles deep inside her, and another set of fingers rubbing her between her legs. Every time Sana is nearing, Sally halts and waits as Sana trembles and whines. 

It's ridiculous. Sally hasn't even stripped off of her dress yet. Sana, on the other hand, is down to her bra, and that's the only thing she wears, except if you also count the earrings and necklace still clasped safely on her body. 

A demon, Sally is a demon. 

"Why, Sana? Can't you take it? I thought you said you can handle being teased?" Sally asks. Sana can hear the glee in her voice. Sana feels faint. She supposes that Sally can feel it because the next thing Sally does is to laugh at her. Sana won't mind being laughed at but the rumble of Sally's frame against her is creating delicious frictions inside her, and for a second, Sana feels herself dangerously tipping over. Before Sana can rejoice however, unfortunately, Sally senses it. Gently, Sally pulls out, then later lingers to feel Sana desperately clenches around nothing.

"Oh dear," Sally says in a mock concern. 

Should she swear? Sana is not one to cuss. Yet, she wants to — no, need to, because even when Sally is not inside her, it still feels amazing. Sana swallows a moan from escaping her throat. There's no way she'd let Sally know how much she had affected her. 

"Sally," she chokes out. "You're slowing down, are you tired already ?" she asks instead. 

One of these days, Sana will bring demise to her own existence by running her mouth. Yet, she can't help it. It's too good of an opportunity to resist. It seems like Sally assumes that she’s better than Sana. While that may be true, but Sana commends herself. She likes to think that she fights back just as viciously. 

It’s now just a matter of who gives up first. Be it Sana, who may plead her defeat, or be it Sally, who may tire soon. 

The truth is, Sana can't take another edging session. Being denied orgasm for one and a half hour is torture for anyone — experienced sub or not, and especially if one hasn't been granted a break in between. 

Sally lets out an amused chuckle. "Speak for yourself," she breathes. "You seem like you have trouble breathing." To emphasize, Sally slowly pushes two fingers in, reaching deep to that spot that makes Sana lose her breath. 

"Right here?" Sally asks even though she already knows the answer. Sana squirms as Sally brings her other sets of fingers into play and starts rubbing again, making tight delicious circles between her legs. Oh God, yes , Sana thinks. Right there.

"You're way off," she braves a giggle and clutches her own thighs, keeping it open for Sally. It feels like she's going to lose her mind. In spite of the denial, Sally tries again, she curls her fingers this time, hitting the exact spot that can make Sana see stars. It feels like heaven . Sana jumps and lets out a strangled groan. Sally keeps her in place and tightens her hold on her. 

Honestly Sana would've fallen if Sally weren't holding on to her. 

"Are you sure?" Sally asks knowingly and starts moving her wrist rhythmically in time with Sana's labored breathing. "You look like you're enjoying this too much Sana," Sally whispers smugly. The way Sally's breath hits her nape and ears is making Sana shiver. Goosebumps rise across her skin. 

I can't take it anymore, Sana thinks. Suddenly, Sally picks up the pace, and Sana forgets how to breathe, how to keep still, how to think. All she feels is the mounting pleasure. Sana's whole body trembles as Sally manipulates her, just a few more strokes and she'll surely tumbles over. 

She screws her eyes shut and holds her breath. Oh fuck. I can't hold on anymore. I can't take it. Sally. Please. 

And Sally stops. 

Sana opens her eyes, gasps, and curses out loud. The pleasure ebbs away as seconds pass, and she feels a surge of anger and hilarity bubble within her.  With a gentle flick of her wrists, Sally pulls out and holds on to Sana’s thighs while Sana quakes on top of her. 

Oh, how dare she? Why did she stop?! Sana is seconds away from coming! Anguished cry escapes Sana’s throat. She shadows Sally’s hands on her and clutches at them until her nails turn white. Sally is so cruel, so unforgiving. 

Sana loves it. 

“You— you’re gonna kill me, Sally,” she chokes out. She hates to admit it, but for sanity's sake, Sana feels like she has to admit her defeat. 

Sally hums and peppers calming kisses across her shoulder. It oddly helps soothe Sana’s frantic nerves. Taking a deep breath, Sana tries to slow down her heart beat. 

“Tzuyu,” Sally says. “My name is Tzuyu.”

“Tzuyu,” Sana repeats in her tiniest voice. She must have somehow greatly pleased Tzuyu that the woman finally decides to reveal her real name. Tzuyu scratches Sana’s thighs and trails her nails to Sana’s waist. 

“You’re still shaking,” Tzuyu whispers, there's wonder in her voice, as if the fact that Sana is trembling on top of her amazes her. Her hands are now travelling up slowly, reaching Sana’s upper tummy. “You're so cute." 

Cute is not something that Sana would label herself right now. Not at her state; messy and sweaty. She barks a laugh. "Tzuyu, please," she whines. 

"Surely you can handle two more."

Two more?! "Are you crazy!?" Sana pretends to pout. But the fight has left her. Weakly, Sana cranes her neck to look at the woman sitting below her. Tzuyu doesn't immediately answer, instead she caresses her, and slips her hands inside Sana's lacy bra.

"Sana," Tzuyu calls her name as she plants a chaste kiss on her cheek. Sana feels her body grow hotter whenever Tzuyu does that.  Tzuyu's lips set her nerves tingling. "I know you can do it. You've been doing so well." 

"Just one more." Sana gasps as Tzuyu pinches her. 

"It's not a request," Tzuyu says sweetly. The way she says the words holds no threat but Sana feels dread builds up in the pit of her belly. Then Tzuyu lifts her and lays her on the bed. Sana's back meets the soft mattress, legs spread, held open by Tzuyu who palms around the soft flesh on the back of Sana's thighs. 

Oh no, no, Sana thinks. Fingers — Sana can handle fingers, but tongue .. Sana supposes she’ll break. A thrill of exhilaration runs along her spine. Sana watches as Tzuyu descends on her. Her lips inches away from Sana. “Two more,” Tzuyu declares as she holds Sana’s hooded gaze. A moment pause and then she presses her tongue on her, humming all the while.  

A shot of pleasure explodes within her. Sana arches her back and exhales shakily as warmth envelopes her. She looks down and is greeted by the sight of Tzuyu closing her eyes, tasting Sana. She looks like she’s enjoying it. Maybe a little bit too much. Sana trashes as the intensity overtakes her, but Tzuyu cages her in place. She has nowhere to go, no way to relieve herself, she can only take as the knot within her tighten and threaten to snap. 

“You can do it, Sana,” Tzuyu coos between licks and pushes three fingers in. There’s wickedness in her voice as she does. Sana shudders as the weight of the words settles upon her. 

Immediately, Tzuyu finds that spot, the same exact spot that she’s been toying with for the last hour and a half. Sana grabs Tzuyu’s hair and keens. There’s no way she’ll survive and there’s no way Tzuyu is not aware of it. She knows that Sana is at her limit. 

“I can’t!” She cries out. As a response, Tzuyu only giggles as she keeps her mouth on Sana with no intention of stopping. And truly, it’s not Sana’s fault that she fails to meet Tzuyu’s expectations. Sana crashes into her release violently. It's the kind that lasts more than a few seconds. It's the kind that comes in waves and waves of pleasure. It's the kind that makes you shake and your toes stiffen and curl. And she swears that it’s better, better than anything that she has experienced in her life. Better than when she had a threesome a few years ago, with two older girls who had brought toys and blindfolds with them. Better than that one crazy session with her past friend-with-benefit back in college, with LSD and liquor. 

Tzuyu has ruined her. She ruins her without the drugs and without the toys. Sana can't believe it. She laughs breathily as Tzuyu coaxes her to descend from her high. Sparks of heaven still lingers and jolts her alive. Tzuyu climbs up on top of her with a smile upon her face. There's no trace of smugness in her face, there's only childlike curiosity. 

"How is it?" Tzuyu asks while she arranges one of Sana's legs so it folds up — her knee almost meets her shoulder. 

Given that she's still shuddering, Sana swats Tzuyu's arm, the one that connects to the fingers that are still inside her. "You're gonna kill me. I'm gonna have a heart attack if you keep that up!" 

"What?" Tzuyu pretends like she can’t hear Sana. When Sana bites her lip and moans, Tzuyu grins and moves her fingers. 

Sana has to admit, It feels good despite her being a little sore. 

"You're such a jerk." Sana huffs out loud though a giggle escapes her. She grabs Tzuyu's arm and holds it tight, silently asking for mercy. 

Tzuyu gives her an innocent smile. "Alright, alright. So, no second round?" she asks with a little pout.

Sana pretends to think while she gathers her shattered dignity. She’s conflicted, because she doesn’t want to fan Tzuyu’s already-too-big-ego, but also, she wants a second round, always. "Sure, if you want, but maybe give me five minutes to collect myself?" she says, using the tiniest bit of her silly voice. She uses that voice to negotiate, and she gets away with stuff whenever she does. 

As she watches the delight cross Tzuyu's face, Sana thinks she makes the right decision. Tzuyu leans down and nips at the back of Sana's knee. "Should I pull out then?" Tzuyu asks politely, kindly, deceivingly. Tzuyu is showing her dimple and moving her fingers inside Sana in shallow tender strokes for as much as Sana's tight grip allows her. 

Sana is delirious.

Oh, how dare she? Sana bites her own tongue or else she'd blush harder than she already is. "You don't need to," she answers breathlessly. She probably looks desperate. She has an idea on how she looks like right now. Tzuyu is probably enjoying the sight of a vulnerable Sana; naked, rosy, and out of breath Sana.

Damn this woman, Sana thinks. She's convinced she'll die and she'll be content with it, all because of Tzuyu. 

/

Apparently being Tzuyu's booty call is the easiest thing to do in the world. No commitment, no obligation, all she has to do is text her and Tzuyu would book a room in a hotel somewhere for them to meet on the weekend. 

It's always on the weekend. Tzuyu says she's busy otherwise, it's something to do with her work. Apparently Tzuyu's family owns a company. It has something to do about law. The fact comes as no surprise given the scale of Tzuyu's spending when they go on dates.

Sana would probably feel like an (expensive) whore if not for the fact that she also chips in for their weekly staycations. Tzuyu won't let her pay much though, she'd even lied at times so Sana wouldn't have to pay half of the room rates. 

(Oddly, Sana finds that she doesn't mind it. She just craves Tzuyu's touch so much she doesn't care about anything else.) 

At times, when Tzuyu was not available, Sana would occupy herself with friends. She doesn't mess around with the dating app, well not anymore, Tzuyu is more than enough, but she'd never tell Tzuyu that. It is just something that she thought about and stored at the back of her mind. 

There was a time where she'd ask herself why she lost her need to hunt for new partners and then she realized that unlike the girls that she hooked up with in the past, Tzuyu made her fantasies came true. 

Fantasies, plural. Tzuyu is naturally curious and adventurous. She might not speak it, she might not even acknowledge it, but Tzuyu acts on her impulses. With her instinct, she reads Sana's body like a book, like it has a detailed manuals written on it and then she fulfils it; Sana's unnamed desires; when Sana smiled lazily as Tzuyu scratched her neck, Tzuyu decided to give a little pressure, her fingers wrapping around Sana's throat, and then later squeezing experimentally. Sana let it happen. To her, it was a fantasy that she was reluctant to try out. Turns out, being choked felt like heaven. It was better than Sana thought that it'd be. They'd later do a quick research together and learn how to execute it safely because Sana wanted a repeat performance. 

One Friday evening, Sana greeted Tzuyu by the door in their hotel suite. Tzuyu took her against the wall because Sana suggested it over a text message. She said she'd be willing to try it (Sana meant to tease but Tzuyu took it as a dare.) They did it while standing. Sana's slim ankle jostled against Tzuyu's shoulder while Tzuyu fucked her rough and fast. It was exhilarating. Sana's past partners weren't strong enough to fulfil this particular dream. And to be honest, Sana wished they could do it more often because everything about it was incredible.  

Maybe it had to do with how naughty it made her feel, it was as if she was doing something forbidden. Sana was forced to keep quiet or else people would hear them since they were basically inches away from the door. Tzuyu clamped her palm against Sana's lips and whispered dirty things to her, like, "you're so wet Sana, you must have been so desperate for me, would you come like this? On my fingers? With your clothes on?" 

Sana brought toys too. She introduced them to Tzuyu; from the basic ones to the vibrating ones and at last - the girthy toys. Tzuyu had blushed then. The younger had never seen adult toys in her entire life, but again, she was eager. Sana could see it by the gleam in Tzuyu's eyes when she studied them. 

"Use it on me or inside me, you can do whatever you want," Sana whispered, all giggly and bashful. Tzuyu did, many times. Needless to say, Sana was glad of her own decision. 

She found out a lot of interesting stuff about Tzuyu too. Tzuyu prefers sex with her clothes on. She reasoned that it's a kink. Sana has heard of people with similar query, but they're always the shy ones. And well, she supposes Tzuyu is shy. Though she figures that 'shy' is not the correct word. Hesitant should be the correct word to describe Tzuyu. But it's nothing that Sana can't handle. Nothing that a few detailed instructions won't fix. 

It's a shame really. Judging by how nice it felt whenever she fondled Tzuyu, Sana thinks Tzuyu shouldn't be shy of her own body. 

(Sana also secretly wants to see Tzuyu in all her naked glory, but she respects Tzuyu's decision to wear at least an article of clothing whenever they're having sex.)

Tzuyu prefers to top. The woman doesn't like surprises when she's on the receiving end, which is something that Sana feels obligated to overcome. (Sana doesn't get to reward Tzuyu much for her hard work simply because she doesn't get the chance to)  However, Sana has a suspicion that Tzuyu enjoys being eaten out just as much as anyone else. Tzuyu rides Sana's face plenty of times to prove this particular theory. 

All it takes is just a little bit of persuasion. Sana would kneel on the floor and look up at Tzuyu. She'd press her cheek against Tzuyu's thigh and beg, and Tzuyu would give in and let Sana have her way with her. 

Tzuyu is also ticklish. Sana loves to touch her ribs and tummy over her shirt. Tzuyu would jump and giggle. She'd break away from the kiss and push Sana away. "Don't," she'd say as she flashed Sana a dimple. "Not there," she'd say. If Sana tickled her neck, Tzuyu wouldn't jump, she'd only flinch. "Sanaaaa!" Tzuyu would whine and pin Sana's hand between her shoulder and jaw. She'd break contact and retreat, but later she'd pull Sana in and tickle back. 

Tzuyu is adorable. 

And Sana, who was so used to changing partners, finally feels like she doesn't have to look for a replacement. Tzuyu is fun. Tzuyu is not problematic, Tzuyu is not needy. Tzuyu is pretty and polite. She also knows what she wants and stands by her opinion. 

Tzuyu is enough. 

/ 

It's raining. The air is humid and unpleasant. 

Sana feels lethargic. Today has been difficult. Three of her students fought while in class. Sana had to pry them away from each other before it could get any worse. She also had to send away a kid home early because he got himself a broken nose. His parents were furious and needed a scapegoat. Needless to say, Sana took some of the burnt. 

Sana stares at the gate from inside the building. The colorful umbrellas stream slowly out of the school as students file out the entrance. 

One by one, the children go, some are big enough to go home by themselves, they race as they zoom out of the line, some are picked up by their parents, the drivers or the au pairs. Sana knows because of their uniforms, the au pairs wear bland bright colors while the drivers are usually young, skinny, and wear dark colored suits. 

Fifteen minutes later, Sana packs her bags and goes down the staircase. As she arrives in the lobby, she sees a first grade boy at the door. There’s a deep troubling frown on his forehead, and he’s clutching at his bag. By the look of it, it seems like he’s waiting for someone to pick him up. But then he raises his bag to cover his head. Sana is certain that the boy intends to make a run for it.

She approaches the boy just in time before he leaves. “Hello there.”

The boy looks up. His bangs cover his tiny eyes. Sana recognizes him as the boy who always mixes up his ‘p’ and ‘b’. The boy also clings a lot to his friends. Jeongyeon calls him a baby because he's smaller than his peers. Baby Gyeol. 

“Miss Minatozaki.” 

“Han Gyeol-ah." She offers him a sympathetic smile. "Did you not bring an umbrella?" 

As Sana suspected, Han Gyeol shakes his head. 

"I have one you can borrow if you want."

Han Gyeol starts to rock on his heels. A pout forms on his face. "Mom said she'd pick me up on time."

Uh oh, it's not Sana's first time facing this same exact problem. Kids surprisingly remember a lot of things, and they would hold on to promises like they do to candies and gadgets. "Do you have your phone with you?" Sana asks. Parents give their children smartphones nowadays. In Yongsan, in particular, the parents give them the latest model to show off to.

"I do, but I can't open youtube unless I'm home," Han Gyeol says. "Do you still want to borrow it?" 

How cute . He thinks Sana wants to borrow his phone to open up youtube. Sana nods. "I'm gonna call your parents," she explains. "I'll remind them that you're here, okay? I think your parents should take you home because it's raining, and it's too dangerous if you go home alone."

"Okay," Han Gyeol simply answers. 

So Sana calls the mother and finds out that the woman somehow forgets to pick up his son. 'I was in a pilates class, his father should pick him up, but he's currently out on a business trip.' Sana can't believe what she hears. The mother just admitted that she forgot to pick up his son.

So she waits with Han Gyeol until his mother arrives. 

And she does, almost two hours later. Sana notices the scowl on her face. It's as if she doesn't want to be there at all. "Let's go!" The mother calls, outstretching her hand impatiently. Han Gyeol grabs it and grins obliviously at his mother. Sana has fed him fast food earlier, burger and fries. Of course he’s happy. His mother has no idea. She probably throws a fit if she does. Skinny healthy mothers like Han Gyeol’s usually won't feed fast food to their kids. 

"Say thank you Miss Minatozaki," she orders. 

Han Gyeol spins and bows. "Thank you Miss Minatozaki!" 

"Don't trouble the teacher! You should be sorry," the mother mutters as she drags Han Gyeol away, as if he's the one at fault for staying in well after the school hour. 

Though Sana is smiling as she waves the mother and son away, her heart is filled with heaviness. Some parents can't cherish their kids, and it's a shame! Sana loves kids. They're the most adorable beings. Someday, if she can, Sana would like to have one of her own. 

It's been her long time dream since she's in college. However, due to her lifestyle choices, meaning her ever changing partners, Sana can't have one, even if she wanted to! There's also that administration problem. Sana won't be able to adopt, at least not here in Korea. 

There are similar cases to the one that she has just experienced. Parents would come to the school, demanding special treatment for their kids. They think it'd be best if they have more tutors or join more extracurriculars. Sana, for one, can not care less about the kids' grade because what matters is their social maturity. It'd be best if they know when to say sorry, when to sympathize, and when to behave. 

The school, however, has become a war field for parents. They compare cars and their au pairs, they also compare the drivers, what brand their kids wear to school; shoes, gadgets, bags, and even socks.

Such wonders perplexes Sana so much. She thinks about it from time to time, especially after a shitty day at work with entitled parents. And she supposes her exhaustion shows on her face since Tzuyu notices it. 

"I know we don't usually do this," Tzuyu says, "but do you wanna talk about it?" 

They’re in a jacuzzi, in Tzuyu’s hotel suite, sipping on champagne. It's been weeks since they have been each other's booty calls. They don't talk about their personal lives; jobs, families, and friends, but there's something different that night. Something in the air. 

Or maybe it's the warm water and the relaxing bath salt. They're too relaxed to rush into sex, unlike the other times when they're all filled to the brim with sweet fruity alcohol. Now they're sober and sitting a foot away from each other. 

"Please don't mind me. I'm just gonna ruin the mood." 

"Well if you're gonna be like this all day, I think I have to do something about it. The least I can do is listen." 

It's logical. Sana sinks lower into the water. Tzuyu presses her thigh against Sana's, their swimsuits rubbing against each other. Tzuyu is wearing this blue one piece and it makes her appear younger than how she actually is. Granted, Tzuyu is three years younger than Sana but her appearance makes her look older somehow, more mature. Tonight, with her hair tied in a ponytail and face bare of makeup, Tzuyu looks like she’s barely twenty. 

"I'm a teacher," Sana announces. "Elementary school teacher."

Shocked, it takes a second for Tzuyu to reply.  "Really?" Tzuyu asks in disbelief. 

Being with so many casual dates, Sana has anticipated Tzuyu’s reaction. Most of Sana’s dates find it bewildering. They can’t understand why Sana is allowed to be a teacher when she’s leading a promiscuous lifestyle. The whole notion is ridiculous for Sana. For her, everything will be okay as long as you don’t mix up work and sexual preference. 

"I swear! And also, I'd like to think I'm a good teacher," she brags as she scratches her own nape, then she runs her fingers through her ponytail, pulling it up. Tzuyu’s eyes follow her movement as she does. A glint of mischief flashes in her face but it quickly disappears when Sana exhales mournfully. 

Sana appreciates that. 

She likes a good listener. 

“So, how is it, being a teacher? Did you have a bad day at work?”

She won’t label it as a bad day at work. Sana’s mind strays to Han Gyeol and his mother. “I love my job, and the kids! I do! It’s the parents I can’t stand,” Sana says the word ‘parents’ as if it’s taboo. 

Tzuyu clasps her palm on her mouth, scandalized. “Oh, my, how so?” 

“The politics, and the fact that some of them obviously don’t want the kids.”

“What kind of politics?” 

So Sana tells her about the parents, and how they use money and donation as ways to influence the school, to receive special treatment for the kids. And how sometimes they force the teacher to be part of their scheme. ‘Can you give them the invite for my daughter’s birthday party? Oh yes, we’re going to have a winter birthday bash special as the theme. You know Elsa? Frozen? And there will be real snow! I know it’s summer, but my daughter really likes Elsa. Miss Minatozaki, you are very welcome to attend. Oh, me? I can’t give the invites personally! You see, only some will get invited..’

Tzuyu listens intently all the while. Sometimes, in between stories, she makes noises of agreement or disgust, mirroring Sana. 

"Sorry I'm ranting," she says when she finally realizes how much she has spilled. The champagne has nearly run out, Sana has drunk most of it. Whenever Sana is low on champagne, Tzuyu tops it up, like a butler — a cute attractive butler.  

Thanks to Tzuyu, Sana feels significantly better.

"No problem, I like listening to you talk," Tzuyu admits nonchalantly. "So you like kids, and that's why you're a teacher?" Tzuyu asks as she takes Sana's leg on her lap. The water ripples, it laps at Sana's skin. It feels nice.

The image of her being a mother appears in her head. She pictures herself holding her daughter’s hand as they’re walking to the park in matching plaid skirts and white shirts. Sana’s daughter has a cute white bow secured safely on her tiny head. Her chubby little hand is enveloped by Sana’s much larger one. "Something like that. I probably want one of my own, or maybe adopt, you know, but I don't know when." 

"Adopt?" Tzuyu raises one of her eyebrows. "That's very..unorthodox, and sweet of you," Tzuyu says with amazement. 

Sana sighs as Tzuyu starts massaging her calf. "They deserve love too, and access to top tier education," she breathes. "That feels good," she adds with a groan. Tzuyu is working her magic with her fingers across Sana’s thigh. It’s heavenly. 

"Yeah? I don't know what I'm doing but I figure you may need one." 

Tipping her head back, Sana rests her neck on the jacuzzi's edge. The day has just turned out better than expected. Then again it's always the case whenever Tzuyu is around. "Oh God, just keep doing what you are doing."

Tzuyu splashes tiny bits of water to Sana's face. "Stop moaning, I can't concentrate."

Sana gasps out loud and laughs. "How dare you?!" 

"Don't move so much," Tzuyu whines. Sometimes Tzuyu acts similarly with Chaeyoung, whiny in an adorable way. Sana likes to tease her mainly because she gets to see the younger's reaction.  With Tzuyu, it's more difficult to see, but it's there, Sana can see it. It’s there, between her brows, the slightest bit of a frown, on the corner of her lips when she pouts, the corner of her eyes when she smiles. Tzuyu might not show much but Sana sees her. 

Tzuyu kneads steadily, finding hidden knots and kinks in Sana's muscles. Sana feels herself melting away under the gentle care. Sure, Tzuyu is no masseuse but she knows what she's doing. It's probably because Tzuyu is already familiar with Sana's body. She knows her way around Sana; how to elicit pleasure, the pressure points, the degree of roughness. It's as if Tzuyu memorizes it and prints it in her brain

"Give me your other leg," Tzuyu orders. Something has changed, Sana can taste it in the air. Tzuyu is giving her that look, dark and meaningful. Sana licks her lips. She wordlessly obeys. 

"Mind if I touch you here?" Tzuyu asks, the heel of her palm rubs Sana's inner thigh. It tickles , in a good way. Sana feels herself grown more delirious by the second. 

"Not at all." Sana giggles and sips the remaining champagne in her glass. "You can do the other one too," Sana says. 

"Sure." Tzuyu nods. She looks like she's deep in thoughts.  "But we don't like being in a hurry, don't we?" 

"We hate it." Sana agrees. 

"So let me do this. And later, I'll bend you over the bed, if you still want it."

Warmth rushes Sana's cheeks. "Of course I do." She rolls her eyes. Tzuyu just knows what to say and when to say it. The line wouldn't work if anyone else had said it. But it's Tzuyu , and Sana adores Tzuyu so much; she'd say yes to anything the younger woman asks her to do. 

/

Seoul’s night cityscape is truly a spectacular sight. When Sana recently moved to Seoul, she found herself getting lost staring at the city. As an optimist, her younger self likes to think that the city hides a certain magic beneath the gorgeous twinkling lights, the monstrous skyscrapers, and the glow of the busy traffic. Now that she’s older, Sana still hasn’t moved on from the idea. 

The hotel suite provides the same view, and normally Sana would drag a chair so she’d face the window, and she’d eat a delicious dinner while she enjoys the scenery. Now, however, she finds that she can’t . She would’ve been able to appreciate the beauty in front of her if not for the fact that she’s getting plowed right at that second.

Truly, Sana thinks she has lost her mind. The curtains are wide open. Anyone with a binocular would be able to see them, although Sana doubts that would truly happen. 

Sana has her cheek pressed against the silky sheets. Aside from her bikini top, Sana is bare. Behind her is Tzuyu. The woman is still wearing her swimsuit - with an additional ribbed toy attached to her hips. 

Sana vividly remembers the thrill that she felt when she caught sight of it in Tzuyu's hand. Now it's inside her, touching places that Sana didn't know existed before. 

At first, Tzuyu was gentle, but now she's taking Sana in quick precise strokes. Sana wishes Tzuyu would slow down or else she'd cum while the night is still young. Nothing is worse than that. Nothing is worse than coming only a few minutes in. Tzuyu would laugh at her face. Sana won't stand it. 

"Tzuyu, ugh, please-" she cries out. She bucks up to get Tzuyu off of her. Yet, the only thing it does is make Tzuyu mad. She pins Sana with her weight and slams her hips down, diving deep, making Sana's whole body shake. White blankets Sana's vision. She tries to raise her head but she fails. Hell, she can't even see right! It's a sensory overload.

It's too good. 

Sana writhes. "Wait, Tzuyu-" she moans. 

Tzuyu immediately stills. "Am I hurting you? Shit, I'm sorry!" 

With her hands, Sana pushes Tzuyu off of her. Tzuyu, in turn, grabs Sana to help roll her over. Sana does nothing to fight it. She needs it. Gently, Tzuyu brushes the wild strands of hair on Sana's face. 

"Tell me where it hurts," she demands with a guilty look upon her face. 

Too adorable. Sana shakes her head and ignores the throbs between her legs and her chest.  "Nowhere." She laughs when Tzuyu throws her a judging look. "Just slow down, please, you're too much."

"So I did hurt you," Tzuyu says in anguish. She takes a deep breath, as if she's seconds away from combusting. 

"I'm okay! Honestly, it feels too good . That's the problem."

A look of disbelief crosses Tzuyu's face. "Really?"

"Here, let's do it this way. And slower, please," Sana says as she hooks her legs behind Tzuyu's back. Tzuyu doesn't look convinced however, so Sana grabs the taller woman and pulls her down so they're in each other's arms. 

Tzuyu's eyes widen in surprise. "Are you sure?" She whispers. 

Sana nods. They haven't done it in this position. It's just too intimate. However, even though Tzuyu's wet swimsuit feels unpleasant against her, she finds that the position to be the most comfortable at the moment. 

It's the right way, she decides. 

She closes the distance, kissing Tzuyu, and the woman kisses back immediately, automatically . Sana closes her eyes for a moment to savor the feeling of Tzuyu's soft lips against her own. The taste of champagne still lingers in them. Sana nips to taste more.

When she finally opens her eyes, she finds Tzuyu staring at her. Her big dark doe eyes are so pretty; Sana feels like she can stare at them for the entirety of the night. 

"Please, inside me," she whispers, and she watches in delight as the colors bloom across Tzuyu's face. Tzuyu is shy, she realizes. Sana's ego swells and burns high in her chest.

The toy slips inside and catches. Tzuyu studies Sana's expression as she pushes in with a newfound gentleness. It's too sweet . It gives her tingles in the pit of her tummy. It's silly. Sana secretly wonders if Tzuyu feels it too. 

Full, Sana feels full, and strangely complete. She bites her lower lip and nods, giving a green light. Tzuyu thrusts forward and presses her hips against her, sending sparks all across Sana's body. 

"Slow," Sana reminds as she rubs Tzuyu's ear. It's warm. Tzuyu is blushing. Tzuyu is enjoying it too. Sana feels the air around her turns hotter. Her throat constricts. A surge of an unfamiliar feeling floods her chest in waves.

Tzuyu grunts softly and repeats the motion, this time with more confidence. Sana gasps as she feels the ridges of the toy brush a good spot. It's maddening. Sana feels the tremor of her own heartbeat pulsing violently in her throat. 

"Just- just a bit faster," she breathes. So Tzuyu does, she picks up her pace and burrows her face on Sana's shoulder. Her cheek is feverish against Sana's skin. Her hair spills and blankets them. Sana can smell the lavender bubble bath on it. She thinks the fragrance will stay with her for the entirety of the weekend. 

Sana strokes Tzuyu's ear, and then her hair. It makes Tzuyu hum and smile, Sana can feel the corner of Tzuyu's lips quirk up against the swell of her breast. So she does it again, she runs her fingers through damp tangled locks and then she slips her hand under the strap of Tzuyu's swimsuit. It causes Tzuyu to stutter, then as if nothing happens, she continues, this time with more fervor. Her fingers dig possessively around Sana's hips, as if she is afraid that Sana would let go and leave. 

With her claws, Sana digs into Tzuyu's skin. Her manicured nails will surely leave angry red marks across Tzuyu's unblemished back, but it seems like Tzuyu can't feel it. Instead Tzuyu wedges a hand between them and rubs that spot between Sana's legs, circling it with her fingers. Sana feels herself clench around the toy as the unexpected pleasure shoots through her entire body. The world rocks. Sana's jaw falls open in a silent scream. She squirms away but Tzuyu chases her.

"Come for me Sana," Tzuyu mumbles. "I want to see it," she pleads. Her breathing quickens as she fixes their angle, lifting Sana's hips for more room to work on and consequently hitting a sweet spot deep within her. 

Sana's body seizes, taking the pleasure, and then she relaxes and curls as Tzuyu kisses her throat. It helps alleviate some of the intensity. It's as if Tzuyu can read her mind. 

Tzuyu settles her gaze on Sana, her eyes never leaving the other pair as she moves. And it's bad, really, when they are this close to each other, Tzuyu can see the bliss in Sana's face, the vulnerability in her eyes, and the honesty coloring her cheeks.

Sana doesn't know if she's ready for that, still, for some reason, she can't tear her eyes away from Tzuyu. She can't break the spell that binds them. She gazes up at Tzuyu and holds on tighter as the intensity overtakes her. Sana comes while she clings onto Tzuyu's frame, finding anchor as she climbs up to a new high, as if her whole life is depending on it. 

Later, Sana falls, her muscle melts into the soft mattress. Tzuyu rubs her tummy, feeling it tremble under the pads of her fingers. 

"Sana," Tzuyu calls, her breath feels pleasant on Sana's throat. 

With a hum, Sana answers. She closes her eyes and lets the blissful moment settle and blanket them. 

"How is it?" 

Sana chuckles. Tzuyu should've known. After all, she was there with her throughout the whole thing. "It wasn't bad."

"It wasn't nice either?"

She pokes the cleft on Tzuyu's chin lightly. "Stop that!" 

Tzuyu wheezes. "Alright, I get it, it was nice for you." 

"It really was. Now stop. I'm tired."

Silence, and then Tzuyu pecks her chin. "You can nap if you want, I'll wait," she says softly. 

They don't really do that. Tzuyu usually leaves in the middle of the night or when the sun starts to come out of the horizon, like a sneaky thief. Tzuyu always books a second room for herself. Yet, this time, Tzuyu implies that she's not planning to leave, at least not yet. "Maybe just a tiny bit."

"Yeah," Tzuyu says. "Do you want some clothes?"

"I don't think so," she says. She doesn't want Tzuyu to think that she needs to sleep the entire night away after just one round of sex. Wearing clothes will certainly kill the mood. "I swear I'll return the favor. Give me ten minutes." 

"Sure," Tzuyu says. Amusement heavily laced in her voice. Then a beat pause. "I think we should clean you up," Tzuyu suddenly suggests.

With her eyes still closed, Sana cringes and turns her face side to side. "No, no, no, I'm not done! We're not doneee!" 

But despite Sana's protest, Tzuyu pulls out and gathers her in her arms, then she takes her to the bathroom and fills the tub with warm water and vanilla bubble bath. She bathes Sana carefully, kneading her tired muscles with her palm and fingers. Sana moans. If there was a profession where one could be a professional bather, Tzuyu should be one. Sana would even pay for it. Maybe  it's not Tzuyu's first time bathing someone else. She pouts at the thought.

Then after, Tzuyu dries Sana with a towel and brings her to bed. 

"Let me make you comfortable," she says as she scoops Sana in her arms, bringing her to the center of the mattress. Sana breaks into a laugh when she lands unceremoniously on top of a pillow. Tzuyu follows. She sits on top of Sana in all of her naked glory. Goosebumps erupt across Sana's skin at the full view of Tzuyu's lithe figure on top of her, yet Sana is too sleepy to do anything to entertain her desire. She settles with her hands on Tzuyu's hips, rubbing them fondly. 

If Sana could be honest, Tzuyu shouldn't wear clothes at all. Tzuyu looks gorgeous naked. Sana admires scratch marks and the bruises that she has left on Tzuyu's upper chest and tummy. Were they that passionate? Sana is certain that they were. After all, Sana too bears the marks from their love making everywhere on her skin like a badge of honor.

"Your favorite lotion," Tzuyu announces as she raises the tube into view before she slathers it across Sana's skin. 

"How do you know?" Sana asks sleepily.

"I noticed that we always ran out, and I think I saw you stealing some, maybe weeks ago."

Sana blushes. So Tzuyu did see her that night. She just chooses not to say anything - until now that is . Sana briefly wonders what else Tzuyu noticed about her that she hasn't told Sana. 

Embarrassed, Sana resorts to a nervous giggle. Tzuyu simply smiles and continues rubbing Sana all over with the lotion. It's relaxing. Sana can barely keep her eyes open.

"Look at me, I'm older but I'm being babied by you."

Tzuyu hums. "You're tired," she says as she finishes putting on the lotion. Sana shakes her head in disagreement. She's still deep in denial that she's exhausted after one round of sex. Sana won't forgive herself. 

Tzuyu must have seen through her, however, because she doesn't entertain Sana's tantrums. Instead she grabs the blanket and covers their bodies with it. Now Sana lays on her side with Tzuyu pressed on her front. It's warm. It's intimate, it's too much , but then Sana doesn't want to let go. And Tzuyu, too, doesn't seem like she wants to let go.

"Swear, I'll pay you back," Sana mumbles stubbornly. Tzuyu nods and rests her head on top of Sana's but says nothing in reply. Tzuyu smells like Sana, like the lotion and the vanilla bubble bath. It feels comfortable. It feels safe. 

Sana allows the quietness to take over as she quickly drifts into a peaceful sleep. 

/

"I need to vent," has become Sana's code for, "let's meet up," to Tzuyu. And instead of going straight into sex, they'd meet up for other things; like watching movies, trying out new food, or talking, spilling out their feelings, although it's never their feelings for each other, instead it's work, and pressure, and social life, and friends.

They cuddle too, or rather, Sana occupies Tzuyu's space like it's her own, and Tzuyu in turn allows it to happen.

Sana's feelings for Tzuyu have changed. She doesn't know when it began, it just happens. She won't say that it's love, Sana just cares a lot. And it's not entirely her fault for feeling this way, being with Tzuyu is so easy, Tzuyu makes it easy for her. 

Their sex life changes too. Previously, whenever they'd meet, they'd crash into each other desperately, as if they had no time to spare for anything else. It was a show, an explosion. Now they are honest, they are not trying to prove anything to each other, it's just so comfortable and fun. It's effortless. 

She could be ranting about the grading system and how she was so opposed to it while getting necked by Tzuyu. Sana would then vent about other things and Tzuyu would multitask; she'd listen and she'd rub Sana's shoulders, and then she'd slip her hands inside Sana's shirt and caress her until Sana was breathless. Eventually, Tzuyu would cup her breast and touch her until Sana could take it no more and they'd end up having sex. 

Or Tzuyu would be having dinner and Sana would drop to her knees, under the table, and part Tzuyu's legs, settling between them with her lips pressed against Tzuyu, sending her a flirty gaze or a pleading look.

Feigning indifference, Tzuyu would roll her eyes and say, "so annoying," but would later take off her own panties so Sana could pleasure her more. 

Tzuyu would vent too, but she'd be vague. She'd put her head on Sana's lap and sigh. She'd say, "I need this," or "this is what I've been waiting for all day," and later, "work has been crazy," or "my papa is mad again," but she'd never specify on things. 

It's a shame.

Sana finds that she doesn't mind a whiny Tzuyu, which is odd, considering how she'd always leave her past partners when they got too comfortable with her. She finds that she wants to be there for Tzuyu, to listen to her talk. She wants to know her worries and provide solutions for the younger woman. 

"Why do you want to know?" Tzuyu would ask. There'd be no malice in her voice, only curiosity. Startled, Sana thought hard and long for the answer because the only thing that came to her mind was -  ' Because I care' and it was her honest answer, would be the answer, should be the answer. Instead Sana would say, "I just wonder, maybe I can give you an advice or two." 

Tzuyu would gaze up at her and smile. "Thank you," she'd say, as if she had read Sana's thoughts, as if she knew the truth. "You don't have to, it's too complicated," Tzuyu would say. And Sana would be reminded of herself; how evasive she had been when she was with her past partners, how she'd be extra careful not to spill her feelings so she wouldn't have to commit. She saw herself in Tzuyu's eyes and accepted her defeat. 

In the end, Sana would hold Tzuyu in her arms and wonder if she should tell Tzuyu her feelings, to risk ruining a perfect relationship for a small relief. In the end Sana would always resort to silence because it's the only way to protect her own feelings. 

/ 

"I need to vent," is a text message that Sana has sent earlier to Tzuyu. Haru, the little third grader boy, had bullied Yuna again. Sana caught him pulling Yuna's hair during class. Now she has Yuna sitting across from her in the principal's office with fat tears dribbling down her cheeks, meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Haru sitting down quietely.

He doesn't look guilty whatsoever. The little rascal. 

Three dots appear, and Sana waits for a brief moment before it suddenly disappears. Maybe she needs more time to reply. Sana turns her phone over and tosses it on her desk before returning her attention to the two children. 

"Yuna, are you okay? Do you want some candy?" 

Yuna sniffs out loud but eventually nods. 

Sana smiles sympathetically at the girl. "Do you have any allergies that I should know?" 

This time, Yuna shakes her head. 

"I have this delicious chocolate strawberry, just for you," she announces as she fetches the candy from her bag. 

Momentarily, Yuna's eyes gleam as she receives the treat but it quickly disappears when Haru's voice cuts across the small room.

"What about me?" He asks. "Can I have some too?" 

For someone who likes to bully other kids, Haru is strangely polite to adults. Sana shakes her head. "No, because you just hurt your classmate, and you don't get a reward for it."

"But I behave now . Shouldn't that count for something?" 

"You still don't get candy from me," Sana says as though she regrets her decision. She doesn't. 

Perplexed by Sana's answer, Haru frowns. His handsome face looks awfully scary when he's mad. 

"Can I go now, Miss Minatozaki?" Yuna asks. "I don't feel comfortable being in this room."

"You can wait outside until your parents come. They do want to talk to you and meet Haru's parents so they can discuss things through." Sana tries to explain as best as she can. She knows things are confusing to Yuna right now and she wants Yuna to know that she's not being punished.

Yuna bobs her head and excuses herself. 

Haru huffs out loud and crosses his arms in front of himself. "Am I getting punished?"

"You should be because you're doing something wrong," Sana says matter-of-factly. 

"What is wrong with a little hair pulling? It was just a joke. I've seen it happen all the time."

Alarmed, Sana sends Haru a disapproving look. "Not at school, I hope?" 

"No, at home. Sometimes grandpa jokes around with mama."

Sana feels dread fills her lungs. "What do you mean?" 

Haru shrugs. "Like the hair pulling and the punching, they were just a joke. Grandpa said he did it because he cares about Mama a lot."

Before Sana can say anything, Park Jihyo, the headmaster arrives with a sullen look upon her face. She opens the door and meets Sana's shocked gaze.

"I'll take it from here, Sana. Yuna's parents are here. You can stay or you can leave."

"I'll stay," she says hurriedly. "Actually, there's something that I need to tell you."

"Can it wait until the meeting's done?"

"No, it's rather important."

Jihyo shakes her head. "Is it something about the grandfather?"

"You're aware of it??"

Jihyo makes a face. "This is the second time he's been brought up in a conversation, unfortunately we can't reach out to him, he's out of the country at the moment." 

"What about the parents?"

"They're not really in the picture. Look, Sana, let's talk about this later-" 

There's a knock on the door and Sana straightens up on her seat. Yuna's parents are probably waiting long enough. They would want to see Haru and seek justice from the school. 

Jihyo opens the door and Tzuyu enters the office. "Miss Park? I'm here for-"

"Mama!" Haru stands up. 

Sana feels the whole world swirl as she desperately tries to make sense of the situation.

"I'm here for Haru," Tzuyu finishes. 

 Then she meets Sana's eyes. Shame fills her eyes. "Miss Minatozaki," she bows. "Could you tell me what happened?"

"What..?" is the only thing that she manages to say. She recalls Haru's words ' Grandpa did it because he cares a lot.' Then she remembers how Tzuyu refuses to reveal her skin, there was always one article of clothing on her whenever they were with each other. When Tzuyu finally did take off her clothes, Sana saw the bruises that she didn't remember giving. 

Her thoughts are interrupted when Jihyo speaks up. "Yuna's parents are in the lobby," she says. "I'll call them in. Sana, maybe you can give Haru's mother a little brief of what happened." 

Jihyo leaves.

Once the door is closed, Tzuyu exhales loudly. "Haru's grandfather can't come today. He told me to come instead. He had no choice." 

"I see," she says. 

For a moment, the only sound they can hear is the laughter and the shouting that travel from the field outside of the school building. The silence breaks when Haru calls Tzuyu again, "Mama," he says. It sounds so foreign in Sana's ears. Tzuyu replies in whisper, in Taiwanese. Sana scrutinizes Haru's face and sees the resemblance; the huge dark eyes, the delicate shaped lips, and the cleft on his chin. 

Tzuyu walks over to Haru and runs her fingers through his soft curly hair, then she turns her head at Sana and says, "I definitely need to vent this weekend." 

Sana trembles but she holds Tzuyu's gaze with one of her own. "Me too," she agrees.