When Saturday rolls around, Jimin putters around the apartment attempting to busy herself with meaningless tasks – anything that'll keep her from anxiously watching the clock. She lounges in her sweatpants and a tank top all day, switching from vegging out on the couch to catching up on some coursework, but it gets harder for her to resist the urge to check the time the later it gets.

No matter what she does, no matter the many distractions she tries piling on – she can't help but cave in.

She can't help but think about Minjeong.

─

When Jaemin gets home a little later from hanging out with a couple guys from his team, he finds Jimin close to falling asleep on the couch. He takes in the lazy clothes she wears, the messy hair, the sea of snacks that surrounds her and lifts a brow.

"What's this?"

"What's it look like?" Jimin snarks.

"It looks like you've just gone through a rough breakup."

Jimin shoots him a look, "I'm clearly having a lazy day."

He glances from her to the tv screen and back to her again, "Is that what you call it?"

"Yeah," Jimin replies and averts her eyes as she tugs on her blanket. "You can either join or scram."

Jaemin rolls his eyes and reaches for the remote. When the screen shuts off, Jimin lets out a huff but Jaemin only crosses his arms.

"What the hell?" She snaps. "I was watching that!"

"So?" Jaemin challenges.

"So turn it back on."

"Or what?"

"Or I'll kick your ass."

Jaemin barks out a laugh, "I'd like to see you try. Go ahead."

Jimin doesn't move, "I don't have the energy for this."

"You're so damn frustrating," Jaemin shakes his head.

The comment makes Jimin falter a little; it makes her think about Minjeong again, it makes her think about how she let her down, it makes her think about how it made her feel to watch the blonde run away.

But Minjeong isn't here, it's Jaemin and Jimin knows he doesn't scare off too easily.

"Just leave me alone," Jimin grumbles. Of course, Jaemin doesn't.

"Are you seriously not going tonight?"

Jimin clenches her jaw as the anxious feeling returns. It didn't take much but she's wavering and she knows it. Jaemin probably knows it too or else he wouldn't be here pressing her buttons still.

"I told you I can't go," She tells him defiantly. "I'd only ruin her night. She doesn't need that, no one does. It's better if I stay here."

"Bullshit," Jaemin disputes. "You don't know that."

Jimin stays quiet, she can feel her foundation cracking.

"I do know that," She says. "You saw how pissed she was when she left. I'd just make things worse if I go."

Jaemin sighs tiredly, "Why do you always do that?"

"What?"

"That," Jaemin tries to explain. "It's just like high school – you're taking yourself out of the game before you even play it."

That strikes a nerve with Jimin, "That's not what happened and you know it. This is so much different."

"You gave up then," Jaemin tells her. "And you're giving up now. Why? I don't know. This should be way easier for you. There's no scholarship on the line or this big scary secret you need to help hide. You're not even in love with the girl this time but here you are sitting on the damn bench."

Jimin shrinks back. She doesn't want to talk about the past, she doesn't want it mixing in with her present so she deflects, "Can you stop with the ridiculous sports metaphors?"

"No. Now get your ass up," Jaemin huffs as he pulls off the blanket Jimin covers herself with.

"Goddamn it, Jaemin! Cut the shit!"

"You first, Jimin!"

This time, Jimin rises to her feet. She faces Jaemin head-on and glares. Her fists are tight and her chest aches with rage and something else, something she's tried so many times to push away.

"You know what you have to do," Jaemin says. "Stop with the excuses and just go do it already. Quit being a little shit about it."

"I'm not being a shit," Jimin grumbles.

Jaemin laughs as he waves his hand at her mess, "All this because Minjeong finally called you out on your shit? Come on, you're better than that."

Jimin tenses her jaw again but Jaemin only softens as he puts his heavy hands on her shoulders, going into total pep talk mode. Jimin tries to squirm away, but Jaemin steadies her like always.

No one would ever expect that this guy could be the voice of reason for Jimin but he's never failed her before. Just like her, he doesn't back down. He sticks by her even when she's being a stubborn dumbass and if anyone needs someone in their life like that it's Jimin.

"I know you," He says solemnly. "Going to this thing tonight is a piece of cake, all you have to do is quit selling yourself short and go."

Jimin's shoulders drop even further as Jaemin continues.

"Prove yourself wrong and kill it," He says. "You owe it to yourself and you owe it to Minjeong."

There's an uneasiness still but Jimin can't lie and say Jaemin's words didn't ignite something within her. It goes without saying that his words have had an impact. She bats off his hands and glances at the time, frowning when she sees how late it has gotten.

"I don't think I can make it in time," Jimin says. "I can't get ready in forty minutes. My hair alone takes at least an hour."

"Well, what's that saying?" Jaemin questions. "Better late than never?"

Jimin sighs through a small smile, "I mean, I do like to make an entrance."

Jaemin smirks, "Then you better get going."

─

Jimin's used to walking into parties like she owns the place, but she finds herself struggling as she approaches the entrance of the Brainiacs' Ball. She stares up at the prominent steps flanked by solid columns and has never felt so small in all her life. She's way out of her comfort zone, but she takes the first step anyway.

Slowly, she puts one foot in front of the other. She can feel the low thrum of the bass from the music inside before she can actually hear it. At least that's something she's a little more familiar with and with that in mind, she continues her journey.

Maybe Jaemin was right? This is a piece of cake!

When she reaches the top and looks back, she finds Jaemin still waiting at the bottom of the stairs watching on like a proud soccer mom. He catcalls at her loudly and it causes the last of the guests making their way inside to stare.

Jimin scrunches her face and waves him away, not wanting to be embarrassed by how he sticks out like a sore thumb in his ripped jeans and jersey. He gets the message though and gives her one last round of thumbs up before heading off.

Though she tries to play it off like she can't stand his dorkiness, she's thankful for that little bit of extra support and finds enough courage to walk into the building with her head held high.

She might not feel like she owns the place right now, but that'll change by the end of the night.

─

Jimin knew it was a black tie affair, but she really didn't expect such extravagance.

There's a great crystal chandelier hanging from above casting iridescent shadows across the lobby, spotless marbled floors speckled with flecks of gold, the ruby red carpet leading the way into the grand hall where guests dressed to kill mingle with champagne flutes in their hands.

All that's missing are the annoying paparazzi and the blinding flashes from their cameras and she'd feel like she was at some gaudy Hollywood party.

It's like she just walked into one of the parties Jessica's firm throws for holidays and she so wasn't expecting that. Although she's been to many of those, she still feels a little out of place as she makes her way through the double doors.

"Good evening," The doorman greets politely before extending a gloved hand to the party. "Welcome to the Brainiacs' Ball."

Jimin smiles in return and heads in. She tries to keep an eye out for Minjeong all while trying to wrap her head around the fact that all of this is in celebration of a handful of academic decathlon clubs.

Who the hell knew they got down like this? Even their DJ has great music playing! Jimin's so surprised, almost distractingly so but then she spots a familiar someone in the crowd.

Minjeong.

There's a sudden sense of relief but it's soon replaced with a frown as Jimin finds that the girl isn't alone. She's with some tall guy; Jimin can't really see that far to tell who it is or if she knows him. All she knows is that Minjeong is standing with him and she's laughing.

He's making her laugh.

Jimin's frown deepens before she squints her eyes, trying to get a better look at the guy. Like the others here, he's dressed to the nines in a dashing suit.

Okay, whatever – he can clean up well. Jimin can too! But the important question is, what's he doing with Minjeong?

She ducks behind a vase of flowers, peering through the gaps in the leaves so Minjeong doesn't spot her. She only briefly thinks about how ridiculous she must look before other guests unknowingly happen to block her view.

Frustrated, she tries ducking and dodging them but even in her stilettos, she keeps getting blocked. She'll need to get closer if she wants to see what this guy's deal is, but as she makes her way over she can't help but think: did Minjeong really replace her?

Surely not, that would definitely raise suspicion. She wouldn't do that.

Would she?

Suddenly, a waiter dressed formally in a suit and tie steps in Jimin's path. There's a silver tray full of champagne flutes atop his hand and he looks to Jimin expectantly.

"Champagne?"

Jimin takes one last look at Minjeong and that guy and goes for a glass. "Yeah, sure." She takes one and downs it in two gulps.

The waiter raises his brows in awe and quickly goes to turn away, but Jimin stops him.

"Hold up," She says and puts down her empty glass in favor of taking two more. She smiles sweetly at him in thanks before getting her game face on. She finds herself thinking about what Jaemin said before and starts to fill with confidence – no more sitting on the sidelines for her!

Jimin saunters over to Minjeong with determination in her eyes.

It's go time.

─

"There you are!" Jimin greets cheerfully as she reaches Minjeong with a champagne flute in each hand. "I've been looking all over for you."

Minjeong stops mid-sentence, her face pale as if she's just seen a ghost.

"You're here."

"Of course I am. I wouldn't miss it," Jimin replies as she hands her the spare flute before pressing a chaste kiss to her cheek. She looks at the pretty brown eyes and adds, "I know how important this night is for you."

Minjeong blinks, it's like she can't believe what she's hearing. Jimin thinks she's off to a good start so far – naturally – and sizes up the guy Minjeong was talking to before she came over.

"And who are you?" She asks with a slight bite to her tone as she wraps her arm around Minjeong's waist.

He falters as he looks back and forth between her and Minjeong, "I'm Jaehyun."

Jimin lifts her brow challengingly, but Minjeong steps in to add. "He's a friend of mine."

Jimin continues to stare at the guy, "Friend."

"Yeah," Minjeong glances at her with slight confusion but it quickly disappears as she slips into character too. "I was just telling him you weren't feeling too good and that you probably wouldn't make it tonight."

"Right," Jimin replies. Her smile turns devilish, "Well I appreciate the concern but I'm all better now, Jaehyun."

He looks a little nervous but nods, "That's good to hear."

"Mhmm," Jimin brings her glass to her lips. She maintains eye contact with him while she threads her fingers with Minjeong's and sips her champagne slowly.

"Well Minjeong, I'm gonna go," He says hesitantly to Minjeong before jutting a thumb over his shoulder. "I want to make sure we grab a good seat. I'll see you over at the table."

"Okay cool," Minjeong smiles. "See you there."

"It was nice finally meeting you, Jimin," Jaehyun says kindly to the brunette before disappearing into the crowd.

Jimin watches him go as she takes another sip. This Jaehyun character really changed up his tune once Jimin was around – all nice and polite. He wasn't fooling her though! Trying to steal her fake girlfriend, not today!

"He's gone," Minjeong says gruffly. "You can let go of my hand now."

"Oh sorry," Jimin pulls away and glances in the direction Jaehyun went. "So he's attractive...what's he doing at a place like this?"

Minjeong doesn't even smile, "You know not everyone with a brain looks like Steve Urkel."

Jimin doesn't notice Minjeong's dismissive tone as she looks around. She's still mind blown by the atmosphere and the people and everything.

"Clearly," She replies. "I mean, did you see that man's jawline? I'm a lesbian, but I can still admire a good looking– "

"What are you doing here, Jimin?"

Minjeong's curt tone pulls Jimin right back to the other day where they sat together at her tiny dining table and she watched as Minjeong grew more and more disappointed in her. There's a hardness to her, an annoyance, that doesn't go unnoticed. It makes Jimin shrink back, that confidence before taking a big hit, but she stands her ground – even if Minjeong makes her feel shaken.

"I'm here to be your arm candy," Jimin says in return – attempting to make this exchange lighthearted.

Minjeong's not having it though as she says bitterly, "I don't need it."

"Sure you do."

"No," Minjeong admonishes. "I don't, so you can leave now."

Jimin slips up out of frustration, "Are you really going to make this difficult for me?"

That sets Minjeong off once again, the bitterness intensifying. 

"Seriously? You did not just ask me that. After everything you said the other night, after the way you just put your foot down and refused to budge? You want to talk to me about being difficult?" Minjeong lets out a dry laugh, "You've got some nerve."

Jimin cringes as she takes a subtle look around to make sure no one notices them arguing, but no one pays them any mind. It's a relief, but it doesn't offer Jimin much comfort with the way Minjeong's still glaring at her.

She was a little prepared for the backlash, she just wasn't sure how bad Minjeong's words would sting. She isn't used to the harshness in Minjeong's tone and she kind of hates that she's the reason for it.

Still, she pushes forward. She's determined to fix this, no matter how hard Minjeong fights her.

"Okay," Jimin's voice is meek. "So that was a poor choice of words... "

"You think?" Minjeong replies, her tone thick with sarcasm.

Jimin's instincts have her wanting to retreat. She has clearly messed up big time and everything in her is telling her to just listen to Minjeong and leave – yet her feet don't move.

Maybe she's hardheaded, maybe she's too damn stubborn for her own good; whatever it is, she continues to stand her ground.

"I'm here now," Jimin says earnestly. "That has to count for something?"

Minjeong shakes her head, "It doesn't."

Jimin lets out a laugh out of aggravation. Who knew the girl could be just as stubborn as her? Talk about grudges, no wonder no one ever gets on Minjeong's bad side! It's damn near impossible to get off of it! But Jimin's made proving she can be there for Minjeong her new mission so she's not going anywhere just yet.

"What do you want me to do?" Jimin asks dejectedly. "Get on my hands and knees? Beg for your forgiveness?"

"Save your breath," Minjeong replies briskly as she sets down her glass. "I don't want to be here with someone that would rather be elsewhere and I'm tired of trying to force you to care."

That one surprisingly hurts a little more than Jimin expected, but it doesn't top the feeling that quickly follows as she watches Minjeong begin to turn her back on her.

"Minjeong," Jimin finds herself calling out. When the blonde doesn't stop, Jimin calls out to her again. "Min– "

"No," Minjeong pauses as she looks over her shoulder at Jimin. "You were right. You'd just ruin my night. Go home, Jimin."

It's another blow to the chest as the blonde turns to walk away again. Only this time, Jimin kicks into gear. She's got something to prove and she's not leaving until she does! She quickly sets down her glass too and reaches out, catching Minjeong by the wrist before she gets too far.

"Can you just wait?" Jimin pleads.

"What?" Minjeong snaps back. Jimin softens, "I'm sorry."

Minjeong looks a little taken aback by the relaxing of her tensed jaw, but it only lasts for a moment as she looks down at Jimin's hand still around her wrist.

"Okay, great," Minjeong says sarcastically. "Now let me go."

Minjeong doesn't wait for Jimin to loosen her grip and instead shakes Jimin off of her. The older doesn't try reaching for her again, but she does take a step closer.

"Hold on," Jimin urges again. "I'm not finished."

Minjeong pauses, taking a wary look at her. Jimin can see that she's wearing her down, but who knows how long it'll last. There's no reason for Minjeong to give her another chance after having so many, so she has to make this count.

"I thought about what you said," Jimin tells her. "Like I really, really thought about it and I think you might be right."

Minjeong remains looking indifferent and that makes Jimin nervous, but she continues on.

"You're right about this being one-sided. You're right about you putting in most of the work and doing things that benefit me," Jimin says. "You're right about it all – minus one thing."

Minjeong quirks her brow, "What's that?"

"I'm not selfish."

"No?" Minjeong scoffs. "Then you must not know the meaning of the word because your past actions would say otherwise."

Jimin sighs, "Yeah, I know but I guess that's why I'm here...to prove that you're wrong."

Minjeong softens in the slightest as she listens.

"I haven't been fair to you," Jimin explains. "You always go above and beyond. I mean, you climbed through a window for me and you're learning Korean to get on Grandma's good side! Like what the hell? Who does that?" Jimin pauses when she realizes she's veering from her point.

"I know I'm still not on your level when it comes to doing the most," She continues. "But I figured it's only fair that I do something that I normally wouldn't just to show you that all you do isn't for nothing. By coming here tonight, I'm trying to return the favor. This is my metaphorical window and I want to climb through it for you."

Jimin pauses when she realizes how lame she sounds, but maybe this huge fuck up calls for a little lameness. Maybe a lot; whatever works at this point!

Minjeong watches Jimin for a moment as if she's trying to decide whether or not Jimin's words have any weight to them. It isn't the first time she's said she'd do better, so it's no surprise Minjeong isn't as quick to accept her apology.

"I don't really know if I believe you," She finally says. Her tone has lost most of its bite but Jimin knows she's not in the clear just yet.

"That's fine," Jimin replies. She stands a little taller, puffs out her chest, and says, "I'll just have to spend all night trying to convince you. You want a perfect fake girlfriend? Well Minjeong, you've got one."

There's the slightest hint of a smile that graces Minjeong's lips and it makes the dimming beacon of hope in Jimin begin to shine a little brighter.

"That is," Jimin adds. "If you want me to. I know this night is important for you. I can go if that's what you really want."

She bats her eyelashes for the extra touch – because if after all of that Minjeong still makes her leave...well that would just be embarrassing. Surprisingly though, it makes Minjeong's smile grow. Jimin can tell she's fighting to keep it small, fighting to keep from giving in, and she takes that as a personal victory.

"You can stay," Minjeong says after making Jimin wait a little longer.

Jimin beams, "Okay gre— "

"For now."

"Okay," Jimin's grin softens. "I can handle that."

"I don't want to fight with you here," Minjeong tells her firmly. "I only want to have a good time and if you try to mess that up then you're out of here."

"I'll be on my best behavior," Jimin replies.

Minjeong holds out her pinky, "Promise?"

Jimin eyes her skeptically, "Are you trying to make me pinky promise? What are we twelve?"

"It's a yes or no question," Minjeong replies flatly – still holding out her pinky.

"Promise," Jimin sighs and curls her pinky around Minjeong's.

Satisfied, Minjeong nods and pulls away. While Jimin chuckles, she looks over to the direction Jaehyun left.

"So I guess you can go ahead and tell Hot Stuff over there that he doesn't need to be coming around here anymore too."

That pulls a genuine laugh out of Minjeong who can't help but smirk at Jimin's comment.

"Shocking, you're the jealous type."

Jimin lifts her brow, "I'm not. I'm just saying – his assistance as an interim date is no longer required if I'm here."

"I said you can stay for now. I can change my mind at any time."

Jimin's shoulders droop as she's once again put back in her place.

Minjeong notices and smirks.

"He has a date already," Minjeong continues. "His girlfriend. You know her. Sooyoung?"

Jimin's jaw drops a little, "No shit, really?"

"Yeah, they've been together for a while now."

"Wow, I had no idea. Well good," Jimin lifts her chin. "He can carry his fine ass on over to her and stay there then."

"You're really hung up on how people can be both smart and hot," Minjeong points out with a laugh. "Like you and I aren't also examples of that being a thing."

"Hold up," Jimin starts to smirk. "Did you just say I'm hot?"

Minjeong rolls her eyes, "I mean, you do look nice."

Jimin frowns, "Just nice?"

Minjeong eyes her up and down slowly before shrugging, "Yeah, nice. I'm actually surprised you didn't wear one of your stripper dresses. Guess you won't be making it rain tonight."

Jimin lets out a laugh. She's glad Minjeong's back to bantering with her instead of the heavy intensity from before. Maybe they're not completely back on good terms, but at least it's better than what it was.

"We'll see. Those moves are for later," Jimin winks jokingly before giving her compliments. "You clean up pretty good too. I like what you've done with your hair. It's cute."

Minjeong gets a little bashful as she fluffs her softly tousled hair, "Thanks."

Jimin only nods, "Now where's this elusive open bar I've heard so much about? I needs me something other than champagne."

"Ah, so that's the real reason you're here," Minjeong quips.

Jimin feels like Minjeong's testing her although her tone remains playful.

"Yeah, but I'm mostly here for you," Jimin replies super sweetly. "I mean, how can I say no to an open bar? I am a broke college student after all."

Minjeong chuckles, "I see your priorities are straight."

"It's the only straight thing about me," Jimin jokes before hooking her arm with Minjeong's.

─

After getting their drinks, the couple roams around the room arm in arm. It's mostly to keep up appearances; a way to make up for Jimin arriving late and to show that Minjeong really isn't here all alone.

She's surprised by how many come up to greet them – well, greet Minjeong. Jimin guesses the blonde really is a big deal here after all and everyone happily chats away with her. Who can blame them though? Minjeong's probably the friendliest person Jimin knows.

They bump into Jaehyun and Sooyoung again near the giant owl ice sculpture while they make their rounds – because yeah, of course this party has one of those – but the conversation is kept brief with Sooyoung trying to get in as many interviews with everyone before dinner.

Jaehyun tags along after her with a proud smile on his face as he offers to hold her drink and for a second Jimin kind of feels a little guilty about having her claws out when they first met. He seems kind, happy to be alongside Sooyoung and Jimin finds herself wondering if people get that vibe when she's with Minjeong.

While Jimin and Minjeong linger by the ice sculpture, Jimin notices a small group of people that look a lot like the guys from Minjeong's team. At least the one in the center of it all is for sure. They stick out to her because they're probably some of the lasts who haven't come to greet Minjeong which seems odd considering she's their teammate.

Wouldn't they have been the first to see her? Maybe Jimin missed that part since she arrived late, then again judging by how they seemed to shun her at the match they probably haven't come to say hi on purpose.

Jimin quietly watches them though as Minjeong chats with another guest about robotics or whatever nerdy talk that goes completely over Jimin's head. She notices how they all gravitate to the one guy in the center and it's like they hang on his every word. They laugh when he does, they nod when he nods – they're puppets and he's the puppet master.

Jimin doesn't realize she's pulling a face until Minjeong bumps her with her elbow.

"Quit it," Minjeong chastises. "People can see you."

"My bad," Jimin fixes her face and gestures over to the group. "He's on your team, right? The one in the dusty grandpa sweater."

Minjeong glances in the direction and nods.
Jimin wrinkles her nose, "He seems like a tool."

"He's not," Minjeong's quick to defend before softening. "Not really." Jimin doesn't look convinced so Minjeong adds.

"He's a pretty big deal to this community. People say he has one of the most gifted minds in our generation."

Jimin picks up on Minjeong's tone, but she can't tell whether it's envy or something entirely different. She knows one thing is for sure though.

"People say that about you too," Jimin tells her honestly. "The whole gifted mind thing."

Minjeong shakes her head and looks to the ground, "No they don't."

Her dismissiveness confuses Jimin. She's never not seen Minjeong confident in how intelligent she actually is. If there's one thing Jimin knows the blonde is sure about, it's her smarts. They argue about it all the time! That's the very foundation of their rivalry, but apparently here that's not the case.

"Word about his work has traveled all the way to MIT," Minjeong adds. "It's so impressive."

"And yet, he never went there. You did," Jimin reminds her as she continues to stare down the guy. She glances to Minjeong again skeptically, "Or is he a transfer too?"

"He's not. But I'm sure he would've gotten in easy. His work is...it's legendary."

Jimin watches Minjeong, trying to figure her out. It sounds a lot like admiration rather than envy, but why? How great can this guy possibly be if he has Minjeong doubting herself?

"I didn't know you were such a fan," Jimin comments.

"I just admire him is all," Minjeong says, confirming Jimin's thoughts.

Jimin still doesn't get it though and frowns around the word, "Admire..."

The both of them watch the man chat with the others silently for two very different reasons. The longer Jimin stares, the more she kind of wants to punch him. He just has a very punchable face she supposes, especially when he laughs louder than anyone else in the room.

The sound makes Jimin grit her teeth while it has the opposite effect on Minjeong.

"He's kind of cute too," The blonde admits.

"Cute?" Jimin raises both brows and laughs. "We looking at the same guy?"

Minjeong shrugs, "He's cute in that boy next door kind of way."

"Seriously?" Jimin snickers. "That Jaehyun guy was kind of cute. Him? He ain't it."

Minjeong suddenly hardens, "Well it doesn't matter what you think. Does it?"

Jimin's taken aback.

"It's not always about looks," Minjeong further chastises. "There's more to people than that."

Jimin keeps quiet and nods, not wanting to piss Minjeong off again. After all, her presence is completely dependent on whether or not Minjeong wants her around. She can revoke the privilege at any second and Jimin would hate to be kicked to the curb because she once again can't keep her opinions to herself.

"What'd you say his name was again?" She asks a moment later.

"Jake."

Suddenly something clicks. She remembers the conversation she had with Minjeong's parents at Minjeong's last match and the comment about someone named Jake.

"So that's who your parents were talking about," Jimin hums.

"Wait what?" Minjeong whirls on her. "I've mentioned him like twice. What'd they say?"

Jimin shrugs, "They said dating me is an upgrade."

Minjeong gives her a look and slumps, "They didn't say that."

"No, but it's true."

"They clearly don't know you well enough."

Jimin cringes, "Hey, I'm trying. At least I'm not a tool like that guy."

"Debatable."

"Rude."

They settle into silence again. Jimin goes from scanning the crowd to glancing Minjeong's way. She notices how the blonde continues to gravitate towards Jake too, just like one of his puppets. Jimin finds it so odd and the curiosity begins to get the better of her.

"So what's your deal with him?" She asks. "He an ex I need to worry about?"

"No. It's nothing like that," Minjeong replies. Jimin doesn't believe that for a second though. "I sense a story."

"There isn't one," Minjeong says with a shrug. "We were friends and now, I don't know what we are. Things got weird after I was asked to join the robotics team and he wasn't. We used to study all the time together, but after that happened he kind of kept me at a distance."

Jimin struggles to mask the disdain she has for this guy. He really is a tool if that's how he acts. But she fights the urge to speak on it, sensing Minjeong still has some kind of connection with him.

"Do you like him or something?" Jimin wonders.
Minjeong shrugs again, "It's complicated. We've got history I guess." Jimin nods; she can oddly relate to that.

"You know, he was the first friend I made here?" Minjeong smiles at the memory. "I was so freaking nervous – you know, new campus and all. I spent extra time trying to get my bearings the day before but I still ended up getting lost on my first day. Jake was the one who took the time to show me around."

Jimin quirks a brow at that but notices Minjeong's melancholy even more.

"Don't tell Sooyoung that," Jimin tries to joke. "We'll have some conflicting stories."

When Minjeong barely gives her a smile, Jimin tries again. "I thought Jaemin was the one who showed you around?" Jimin asks. "That's how you guys became friends?"

"He was, but Jake was the first."

"Huh," Jimin glances at the guy and laughs. "He must not have done a very good job then if you still ended up getting lost."

This time there's a small that graces Minjeong's lips, but it's not nearly as big and bright as Jimin's used to. She'll just have to try harder.

"He also introduced me to the Brainiacs," Minjeong tells her. "It was pretty cool of him. When I was at MIT, it was hard to get into any clubs. Everyone was kind of cliquey, so it was nice to see that things were different here. Everyone on the team was super accepting at first."

"At first?" Jimin questions.

"Yeah," Minjeong starts to frown. "When I first joined, the team was mostly girls and they were really great – super smart and so lovely – but they graduated last year. Now the dynamic's changed a lot because of all the new people who seem to worship Jake. That's probably part of the reason for his ego boost."

Jimin turns up her nose at that, but Minjeong's quick to return to the positives.

"But when it's just us, he's not so bad. He really looked out for me when I first came to Columbia. He introduced me to the Brainiacs and recommended me for the tutoring gig," Minjeong tells her. "We used to work together all the time until I got into this fake relationship with you."

"Sorry not sorry," Jimin quips, but Minjeong doesn't really laugh at that. So Jimin softens, a little intrigued by Minjeong's past, "So after all that time spent together, nothing ever happened between you two?"

"No," Minjeong replies. "I don't think it ever would anyway."

"Because you're taken or..."

Minjeong sighs at the joke, "Like I said, things got weird after I joined the robotics team. It was like the first time I did something for myself without his help or recommendation and I guess it rubbed him the wrong way?"

"You're friends, aren't you?" Jimin questions. "Why would he feel some type of way about you branching out?"

"I don't know," Minjeong shrugs. "Maybe I'm looking too much into things? Maybe he really doesn't feel the same way about me."

Jimin shakes her head and stares at Jake again, "Well it looks like on top of being a tool, he's an idiot too."

Then almost as if he was summoned, Jake looks their way.

Jimin finds herself straightening up, trying to stand taller, trying to seem more intimidating, but it doesn't look like it deters the guy as he begins his journey over.

─

"Minjeong," Jake greets with a nod.

"Hi." Minjeong smiles, "Hey Jake."

He then looks to Jimin and gives her a curious look full of judgment. It has Jimin clenching her teeth, trying her hardest to maintain character when all she wants to do is throw the guy into the giant owl ice sculpture.

"Who's this?" He asks Minjeong as if Jimin can't hear.

Jimin breaks slightly and scoffs, "You know who I am."

Jake raises his brow and looks expectantly to Minjeong.

"This is my girlfriend, Jimin," Minjeong introduces. "I've mentioned her to you before."

"Right," Jake looks to Jimin again. "I thought you weren't going to come."

Jimin stares back challengingly, "I bet you hear that a lot."

Jake has a smug look on his face, "Funny. She's funny."

"It's one of my many top-notch qualities," Jimin fires back before looking to Minjeong. Her arm goes around her waist, "Ain't that right, babe?"

It takes a moment for Minjeong to play along, but then she's smiling and melting into Jimin's side, "Yeah. Totally."

Jake only eyes the two though, out of suspicion or jealousy – Jimin's unsure. She's hoping for the latter because it seems like no one's ever put him in his place before. Jimin's just the girl for the job!

"So do you think the team is going to get the top spot, Jake?" Minjeong asks, trying to keep things light. "It was a lot of close matches this year, I hope our percentage is enough to pull us through."

Jake shakes his head, almost like he's disappointed. "I don't know. Several of those matches shouldn't have been that close. You really should've spent more time studying."

Jimin's brows rise, but she remains quiet – looking to Minjeong to see her reaction. To her surprise, the blonde looks just as remorseful.

"Yeah, you're right. I think I was having an off day."

"I think you had a lot of those," Jake quips. "Too busy with the robotics team maybe?"

Jimin scoffs, "Is he joking?"

But Minjeong doesn't say anything so Jimin keeps quiet too.

"Some competitors take a little while to warm up," Jake continues. "You just aren't a seasoned contender like I am. You know I hold the record for fastest buzz in during my rookie season?"

"I know."

"No one's come close to beating it," Jake flaunts. "We might've made state if you didn't botch the science round during the last match. Maybe I should've taken the turn instead."

Minjeong nods and Jimin can tell she's trying to take his criticism constructively – only problem is that it's not constructive at all. It's completely condescending and uncalled for.

"Hold up, no," Jimin finds herself interrupting which seems to surprise the pair. "Minjeong killed it during the finals or whatever you call it. She was buzzing in when no one else on your little team was. Not even you knew those answers, so what I think you need to be doing is thanking her."

"For what?" Jake challenges.

"For carrying the team obviously. No way you would've gotten far if it wasn't for her."

Minjeong looks a little shocked by the way Jimin stands up for her, but Jimin barely notices – too busy willing Jake to step out of line again.

And he does, with an arrogant laugh, he brushes Jimin off.

"But the time it took her to buzz in is what we lose points for," Jake explains. "I wouldn't expect you to understand how academic decathlons work. They're not like your cheerleading competitions, we actually have to use our brains."

"Jake," Minjeong chastises but he's unfazed.

Meanwhile Jimin's eyes are wide with surprise. The nerve, the audacity – it's unbelievable!

"I'm sorry," Jimin steps forward. "Are you jealous that you can't possibly possess both brains and brawn?"

Jake shifts on his feet and tries to evade Jimin's eye, but she's so close now that he can't avoid her.

"Or do you feel threatened by it?" Jimin presses. "Threatened because this cheerleader's GPA is something you've only dreamt of having and I didn't have to waste away in a musty old library to get it? Tell me, who was it again that was on track to be valedictorian until Minjeong came along because I don't remember seeing your name anywhere on the list."

Jake's face goes a little red that time; out of embarrassment or anger, Jimin doesn't care. All she cares about is making sure that he knows he isn't shit and there's no way he'll talk to Minjeong like that while she's around.

There's only one person in the world that can pick on Minjeong and that's her.

"The keyword is was," He retorts.

"The keyword is you're a prick," Jimin bites back just as fiercely.

"Okay," Minjeong cuts in. She gives Jimin a little tug until she can curl an arm around her waist, "I think that's enough of that."

Jake continues to look shaken, but he does his best to mask it. Trying to be as macho as he can while in that turtleneck sweater he must've stolen from his grandfather's closet. Safe to say it doesn't fool Jimin one bit.

"Well, I can see why you like her, Minjeong," Jake comments with a glance in Jimin's direction. "She's fiery."

"She's also this close to going all– "

"Jimin," Minjeong scolds again.

There's a pleading look in her eye that has Jimin softening. She remembers what Minjeong said earlier about tonight being fun and not wanting to fight, so Jimin lets Minjeong pull her back. She settles, but it feels like it's only the calm before the storm.

Jake notices too and puts on a smug grin, "Come to think of it, I have heard your name floating around on campus. Yu Jimin; the girl can't be tied down to save her life."

"Well Minjeong's changed that," Jimin quips. "Hasn't she?"

"Hmm," Jake nods but the stare he gives her is almost analytical. "It's not really a pairing I would've pictured considering your history." He then looks to Minjeong and frowns, "I'm pretty sure you once told me that she couldn't possibly have any redeeming qualities."

Jimin tries looking unfazed, but she can't lie and say that comment didn't sting. One look at Minjeong and she can sense the guilt, but she keeps it hidden from Jake. Jimin can't hold it against Minjeong though if she did say something like that about her, there's been many times she's complained about the blonde to Jaemin too.

But that was before they got to know each other, that was before they had to work together to emulate this perfect couple.

"Looks like I was wrong about that," Minjeong replies behind a smile that's directed at Jimin. She squeezes a little at Jimin's waist, "Who would've known, opposites really do attract?"

Jimin, remembering saying something similar during a conversation with Sooyoung months ago.

"It sure took me by surprise," Jimin adds before glancing to Jake. "Guess I have some pretty redeeming qualities after all."

Jake hums again with this contemplative look on his face, but he doesn't rock the boat any further. He just nods and says, "Well this was fun. I guess I'll leave you two to enjoy the Ball."

Jimin sneers at him while Minjeong bids him goodbye.

"Oh. By the way Minjeong," Jake pauses and glances back. "You look really great."

Jimin raises a brow at the compliment.

She wouldn't have thought anything of it, but there's the slightest little smirk on his dumb face as he says it and it has Jimin feeling hot. Even if Minjeong isn't her actual girlfriend, what the hell? Who compliments another person's date right in front of them? It seems as though Jake knows exactly what he's doing, but given her promise to Minjeong she'll bite her tongue – for now.

While Minjeong ducks her head in thanks, Jimin stays quiet – waiting until Jake is out of sight before she can finally let down her guard and say what's really on her mind.

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