Color Outside the Lines

Chapter 7: The Third Color

Wonyoung scowled. 'Who cares what your parents and your sisters think? You're literally Ahn Prince. Class of 2021 Heartthrob. That's what I overhear them saying in the halls.'

'Wait seriously?'

Yujin looked at Wonyoung, surprised.

'Ugh, I'm gonna regret telling you this, aren't I?'

'Ahn Prince.' Yujin tested out the name as she ran a hand through her hair and Wonyoung felt physical pain from second hand embarrassment even though no one else was in the room.'Heartthrob of Class of 2021. I like it.'

'See? Everyone loves you and I think you're pretty cool. So fuck your parents.

'I don't care if everyone loves me. The only thing I care about is you saying I'm cool.' Yujin stuck her tongue out at Wonyoung. 'You said we're friends, right? I'm assuming that you kinda like hanging out with me, then?'

'You just want to hear me say it.'

'Yup.'

Wonyoung gave a sigh of defeat. 'Yes, I do like hanging out with you, Yujin.'

Yujin smiled satisfactorily.

'I like hanging out with you, too. Not just because I have a crush on you.'

Wonyoung rolled her eyes but let out a chuckle at that last part.

'You're a really nice person, you know that, Wonyoung?' Yujin nudged at her shoulder. 'Don't think that I don't notice you doing all these nice things for me. You're fond of me, admit it.'

'I feel like you understand me the most. And I don't want to throw that away just because you're irritating.' Wonyoung nudged back at Yujin.

'Me? Irritating? I could never.' Yujin faked offence. 'And you're not that hard to understand, people are just dumb.'

Wonyoung smiled at the comment. 'I think you're right. The only other person who understood me like this was my Mom and she was the smartest person I knew.'

'Was?'

Wonyoung's smile faltered. 'She died halfway through my middle school year. Car accident.'

Yujin felt her heart breaking for the girl. She could see just in this short time of talking about her that Wonyoung truly loved her Mom. She rubbed her hand soothingly on Wonyoung's knee.

'That's why I've been absent from school. It was her death anniversary last Wednesday... and... my Dad came home.'

Yujin said nothing, only continuing to rip circles with her thumb. She waited to see if Wonyoung was going to continue.

'My Mom had me when she was in High School. A year older than us now actually. She was instantly disowned and thank God Eunbi unnie and Heejin unnie's Mom took us in. They're not actually my cousins but we like to say we are.'

'And what about your Dad? What did he say when he found out?'

'My Dad? He left as soon as she told him the baby was his. He moved states and everything. But, after she died was the first time he came back. He was apologising and was begging for me to forgive him and he promised that he would be an amazing father and I believed him!'

Wonyoung laughed humourlessly. 'I actually believed that piece of shit. He's never home. Always away on some business trip and he couldn't care less about me. The only good thing going for him is his money like, why do you think I haven't been expelled yet from school?'

'You know, last week when he came home he genuinely thought I was 14 years old. And he forgot my last birthday. And he had the audacity to come during Mom's anniversary? He doesn't even know. People say family over everything but how can I do that when it doesn't even exist for me?'

Yujin couldn't take it anymore. She pulled Wonyoung in for another hug. She wanted to protect this girl in any way she can.

'I'll be your family.' Yujin said, her voice soft. 'I promise. From now on, I'll be the first member of your family.'

'Yujin...' Wonyoung went to pull away only for Yujin to pull her back in the hug.

'You can't choose those who are blood related to you.' Yujin said.

'I wish I could though.'

Yujin's voice softened. 'You can choose your family, Wonyoung and I want you to choose me. Please choose me.'

The question hung in the air for what seemed like ages. But Yujin refused to let go until Wonyoung had given her an answer.

Wonyoung focused on the way Yujin was holding her. It was so firm and comforting and yet Yujin was holding her like she was delicate and precious. She thought about all the kind things Yujin has said, has done for her, the way she would catch Yujin looking at her. The way it was so obvious that Yujin cared dearly about her.

How could Wonyoung say no? Why would Wonyoung say no? She didn't want to say no. 

There was no other answer, just like Twice have said.

....... 

A/N: 

Cotl Annyeongz' love languages definitely acts of service and words of affirmation most definitely most definitely.