Hope and Plans

"What a surprise, right?" Jeongyeon pondered as soon as her screen had gone dark.

The girls had just ended their call. After the unexpected announcement of Mina and Chaeyoung's relationship- or agreement- they'd pestered the both of them to share the juicy details of their relationship. They were all feeling giddy, happy, and quite proud of the two for acknowledging their feelings for each other. Jeongyeon feared she'd have to deal with a stubborn Chaeyoung who would deny her attraction to their black swan but to her relief, not only did Chaeyoung confess to Mina, she also made the first move.

She could only wish she had the same confidence Chaeyoung had to confess to the giggly and blushing bunny beside her. Jeongyeon expected that reaction from her, though. Nayeon had always wanted to experience in person what happens to people in those dramas she loved watching, whether it be her own love story or someone else's. That thought almost made Jeongyeon confess but she held it in because she had no indication whether or not Nayeon would return her feelings or even if she was interested in dating those of the same sex. But Mina and Chaeyoung gave her hope- something she'd felt for the first time ever since she discovered her her love for Nayeon- to at least try. She figured this upcoming week was the perfect opportunity to do so.

"It is surprising but oddly enough, I kind of expected it," Nayeon surmised. "It'd almost seem wrong if they only just started dating given Chaeyoung's straightforwardness and their obvious feelings for each other."

This was evident in the past years when all the members were teasing them. Mina and Chaeyoung brought out hidden sides to each other that the others didn't know about them like how Mina can actually be quite confident and seductive outside of the entertainment scene or how Chaeyoung, who had no problem exposing herself to her members, can be quite shy when Mina is around. Nayeon felt really stupid not knowing about them even before when they haven't been hiding their feelings for each other that well, almost like they wanted their members to find out. That or they were assured no one would be able to find out even if they were hiding out in the open. I mean, seriously, most of Chaeyoung's tattoos are connected to Mina for God Jihyo's sake! Nayeon thought in exasperation.

"What I'm more surprised about is how Tzuyu found out about them and managed to keep it from us," Jeongyeon said, shaking her head. "She might be the most silent among us but she can't really lie when asked. She's really taking that spy thing seriously." 'Twas a shame Tzuyu hadn't been able to join their call- for whatever reason, they weren't sure- to hear a revelation about two of their members but it turned out to be unnecessary since it was revealed that the maknae had been the first out of their group to discover about Mina and Chaeyoung's relationship (Jeongyeon thought it was too tedious to refer to their "agreement" as such- they were together and that's all that matters).

It was a time when all the members were going out for shopping and Mina and Chaeyoung preferred to stay behind. Mina staying behind was understandable, the girl loved to spend their days off playing games or watching movies in her bed but it was kind of unusual for Chaeyoung to not tag along with them. The cub loved to shop, after all, and since Mina doesn't usually go out of the dorm, she'd be responsible of buying Mina whatever she asked for despite the penguin's little protests. Little did they know it was so the both of them could spend time with each other as a couple without having to hide from the other members.

Their maknae had a tendency to forget to bring her valuables and this time, she'd forgotten to bring her wallet. The others waited in the van while Tzuyu went back in the dorm to grab her wallet. She had procured what she was looking for from her shared room with Chaeyoung and Dahyun when she heard an unfamiliar noise coming from the big room. It sounded like someone was hurt. Curious, she slowly approached the door which was ajar and peaked in to see Mina and Chaeyoung entangled with each other on the former's bed. It was fortunate they were only kissing and still had their clothes on. Granted, there was a lot of heavy petting and roaming hands involved but it was better than having to see them fully naked. She may have seen them naked along with her other unnies but she was feeling quite guilty for intruding on an obvious intimate moment.

Despite being the youngest, Tzuyu was well aware of the processes and technicalities involving human reproduction thanks to the mandatory sex education classes she received when she was still a trainee. She wasn't sure if Mina and Chaeyoung have gone all the way and done it but she wasn't looking to find out either. She left the place in a hurry and took note to mention what she had just witnessed to them later. After seeing a somewhat disturbing scene of them trying to eat each other's faces, the least she deserved was an explanation from them. That, and she really needs to remind them to be more aware of their surroundings for if it was anyone other than Tzuyu walking in on them, their secret would spread among the group for sure.

Nayeon raised a brow. "You're surprised about that? How about the fact that, based from what they told us, Mina and Chaeyoung may have done the deed."

Jeongyeon frowned. "I'm trying not to think about that, you know. It kinda makes me depressed."

"What does?"

"We're the oldest but the maknaes are the first to date out of all of us, even when the dating ban was still in effect. Not only that but to find out that they're actually intimate with each other makes me feel so unaccomplished as an adult."

"Don't tell me you want to have sex?"

Jeongyeon blushed bright red at the thought. "Ya, unnie!" she screeched. "That's not what I meant and you know it!"

Nayeon laughed out loud at the younger girl's reaction. "I knew that, I just like you all red and flustered." Then leaning forward so her face was a few inches away from Jeongyeon's, she continued with a teasing smirk, "Why not, though?"

Jeongyeon had to look away to compose herself while pushing Nayeon's face away with a palm. The latter merely chuckled at Jeongyeon and obliged to back away. "Arasseo, I won't tease you anymore." She paused for a few seconds, her face scrunched up in thought before continuing, "Aren't you curious about it, though?"

"I thought you won't tease me anymore."

"Ani, I'm serious."

Jeongyeon frowned, looking back at Nayeon to see if she was kidding. Much to her surprise and horror, the bunny looked like she was actually contemplating the idea. "Unnie, don't tell me you want to do it."

Now it was Nayeon's turn to blush. "Not that I want to do it, I'm just curious how it would feel like."

Jeongyeon had to roll her eyes. "That's like the same thing." Truthfully, Jeongyeon half-expected this of Nayeon. During those mandatory sex education classes their company provided, Nayeon always had the most questions. Jeongyeon admired her thirst for knowledge and all but curiosity can go a long way. She'd only just wondered if she actually had a chance at her unnie's heart and wasn't even ready to see Nayeon with anyone else but her. The mere thought made her sick, how much more if it became real. "Why do you want to know anyway?"

Nayeon shrugged. "A lot of people go crazy for it, I just wanted to understand why it's such a big deal. But don't worry, I'm not that desperate to experience it so I won't be looking for a test subject or doing it anytime soon. Despite being curious about sex, I'm still old-fashioned and would want to be tied down first before doing it. Or at the very least, if I really trust the person."

Jeongyeon nodded, quite satisfied at her explanation. She wasn't going to verbally admit it but she was curious about it too but maybe not as much as Nayeon. Ever since the discovery of her sexuality, her thoughts on the subject had also shifted and she'd be lying if she said she didn't once think of Nayeon in a sexual way. It was only those rare times when the latter's clothes or actions would stir something within her. Those times were few and far in between, though, and she always felt guilty of thinking that way about her unnie.

"You know, sometimes I wonder how it would feel like to be with a girl, too," Nayeon suddenly said in an off-handed way but it didn't fail to make Jeongyeon's heart race. "And I don't just mean sex."

"O-Oh? What d-do you mean?" She stammered, feeling a little optimistic. Is this the sign she'd been waiting for? Does this mean she finally has a chance on Im Nayeon's heart?

Nayeon shrugged nonchalantly as if they were only talking about the weather, unaware of the surge of happiness that threatened to overwhelm Jeongyeon caused by her previous declaration. "I've never been averse to the idea of gay relationships but I haven't really thought about dating women. Mina and Chaeyoung made me intrigued, to be honest. It made me realize I want something like they have and it doesn't matter if it was a guy or not."

Jeongyeon had to fight off a triumphant smile on her face at Nayeon's revelation. Finally, after years of loving Nayeon, this was the first time she actually felt like she had a chance. She may have initially been hesitant to spend the week with Nayeon but she was looking forward to it now that it was clear she wouldn't be suffering and wallowing for her seemingly unrequited love. "S-So if a girl were to ask you out, would you accept?"

"Yes, if I really like the person but you guys know how I'm picky when it comes to dating, not to mention the trust issues. It may have started as a joke but now I really believe I'll be the last one out of all of us to marry."

Jeongyeon allowed herself to smile here, just for a show of encouragement. "Don't worry, unnie, you'll find someone. You never know, he or she might be in front of you, you just don't realize it." That was a joke but Jeongyeon knew deep down she really meant it and hoped Nayeon wouldn't notice the underlying meaning to it.

However, she didn't know how to react when Nayeon actually caught on. Smirking, Nayeon leaned forwards to her again but not too much since Jeongyeon could hurt her neck trying to avoid close contact and teased, "You mean you?" Jeongyeon's face turned red at the insinuation and she could feel a lump in her throat.

"I-" Her voice came out embarrassingly squeaky and she had to pause and clear her throat before continuing, "W-What makes you think I was referring to myself?"

Chuckling, Nayeon relented and pulled back to give her more space. "Calm down, I was just kidding. But just so you know, I won't say no to you either, jagiya." She then pouted her lips in an exaggerated way and leaned forward with her eyes closed.

She could only whine when Jeongyeon flicked her forehead.

...

"So..." Seungyeon started with a smirk on her face. "Did anything interesting happen while we were gone?" She and Seoyeon had received a message from their mother stating that Jeongyeon's crush had come over a few minutes after they left, claiming to want to keep their sister company. Yes, their parents knew of their maknae's sexuality and were very supportive about it. There may be some initial protest from their father but he figured he'd have a much easier time accepting Nayeon into the family than any guy his daughters would bring in. He still wouldn't even be comfortable with the thought of his eldest dating. Besides, they personally knew Nayeon and absolutely adored her. That and their daughters' happiness is their number one priority no matter their sexual preferences.

The family was gathered around the dining table, eating their dinner. Nayeon left a few hours ago to eat dinner with her family, bringing a slightly whiny Kookeu who probably had too much fun playing with Nanan, not like the latter wanted him to go too. Jeongyeon didn't want to stay in her room any longer and joined her family in the dining room. She was starting to regret that decision, however, as her family kept shooting her teasing glances.

"Something must have happened. I haven't seen Miss Grumpy here smile that wide in a while," Seoyeon remarked, taking in a big mouthful of gimbap.

"Should we be preparing for a wedding soon?" her mother said with a straight face though her eyes were mischievous. Jeongyeon always wondered if she got her naughty streak from her.

Jeongyeon shot her a glare for that remark and her mother couldn't fight the smile off her face anymore.

"Not sure about that, yeobo," her father chimed in, glancing at Jeongyeon. "I don't see a ring on her finger. I'm pretty sure if anyone would be proposing, it'd be Nayeon. We all know our maknae is too chicken to ask her out, let alone ask Nayeon to marry her."

Jeongyeon dropped her chopsticks and groaned in irritation. She massaged her temples, feeling a migraine coming from her family's teasing. The others could only chuckle at her expense.

"I hate you guys," she grumbled.

Still chuckling, her mother said, "Oh, come on. It's all just harmless teasing. If only you'd asked Nayeon out then you wouldn't be in this situation right now, slowpoke."

"I'm working on it," Jeongyeon mumbled through gritted teeth, angrily inhaling five pieces of tteokbokki. Though her words were muffled a little, everyone around the table could understand what she was saying.

Silence engulfed the room. Suddenly, Seoyeon raised her hands up in a gesture of accomplishment. "Finally, it's about damn time!"

Rolling her eyes, Jeongyeon replied snidely, "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

"Well, whatever you're planning, you better hurry up," Seungyeon warned. "You're not the only one interested in her, after all, and she might cave in to one of her suitors one day."

"And that'll be me," Jeongyeon proclaimed, feeling quite confident. "You all know I have an advantage over those pabos."

Her father laughed heartily at her statement. "Right you are on that one. Your eomma, unnies, and I will there for you all the way. If you need any help, just ask."

Jeongyeon smiled, feeling overwhelmed with her family's support. "I might take you up on that in the near future. Gomawo, appa."

"Speaking of suitors..." her mother started and all attention began to transfer to her right away. "Any word on that German boy yet? The one stalking Nayeon?"

It was two or three months ago that the news of Nayeon's stalker- Jeongyeon refused to call him by his name- began to resurface. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary, just that he was coming for Nayeon. What bothered Jeongyeon, however, was that he had already planned how he was going to talk to Nayeon and he was confident that he'd be in contact with Nayeon before the year ends. The news hadn't been able to divulge much about the situation but, thankfully, their fans hated him as much as she did and had since been keeping tabs on his every move. This was made easy since he was stupid enough to post of his endeavors on social media.

Jeongyeon's whole demeanor darkened in a split second. "The bastard doesn't know when to stop. Last we heard of him, he was trying to get into Korea again. If I had my way, I'd ban him from ever coming back here as long as Nayeon lives. But the police can't do anything drastic about him unless there's evidence that he could be dangerous. The most they can give is the damn restraining order but we all know that won't stop him. Thankfully, the airports and seaports have been notified of him and they've agreed to notify the authorities if he steps foot here again."

Her father shook his head. "Aish, poor Nayeon. How is she taking it?"

"As usual, she's acting like it doesn't bother her," Jeongyeon sighed. "I just wish she'd open up to us more. I mean it doesn't have to be me, it could be the other members too as long as she doesn't bottle up what she's feeling."

Some people actually believe he should be given a chance to talk to her unnie but the thing is, they weren't there the first time they've seen him. Her blood boils at the memory of the stalker trying to get to Nayeon while the latter was frozen in her seat, skin paling in fear. They had all been notified of him by their fans that time but they didn't really believe he was a threat to them, especially to Nayeon. It wasn't until he managed to board the same plane they were in did they have a glimpse of what he was capable of. He was trying to force his way to Nayeon, his wide eyes seemingly unhinged, almost like he was possessed.

Jeongyeon could feel a sinister aura coming from him that sent a shiver down her spine. She had tried her best to keep Nayeon's attention to her and not at the guards and managers grappling at the stalker to get him out of the aircraft. She brought Nayeon into a tight hug, whispering comforting things into her ear. It was only when they'd successfully kicked him out of the plane did Nayeon calm down though she still clung to Jeongyeon like a lifeline. She'd never seen her unnie that scared before and she never wanted to see her like that again.

His obsession with Nayeon was getting so out of hand to the point that he began to terrorize her. The last news they heard of him was when he threatened to kill Nayeon if she tried to reject him or if she dates someone else other than him. That night, Jeongyeon promised to herself she'd do anything to protect her girls, especially Nayeon, no matter the cost. She sure as hell won't let him near Nayeon.

"Don't do anything stupid, Jeongyeon," Seungyeon said, her eyes narrowing towards her youngest sister. "I know you. When the time comes, try not to play the hero. I commend your dedication to Nayeon but if it came down to choosing between you two, who do you think we'd pick?"

Jeongyeon smiled to ease her unnie's worry. "Even if I wasn't in love with her, you know I'd still do anything for her, same goes for the others. But don't worry. I'll make sure you don't have to choose."

Her family wondered what implications that statement of hers would bring and they could only pray nothing bad would happen to her and her group.

...

Later that night, Jeongyeon began to plan for Operation: Win Nayeon's Heart. She wasn't stupid enough to call it like that but, unfortunately, her unnies repeated it a lot of times that it stuck and now she couldn't get it out of her head. She also wasn't stupid enough to make a list of steps or her goals on a piece of paper in case anyone would discover about it. Her family knowing about her plans was embarrassing enough, she didn't want to leave physical evidence in case her sisters decided it was funny to hold it against her as blackmail. Instead, she opted for just memorizing what she would do for everyday that Nayeon was with them.

She was too excited for the next day so she could start on the first thing she could do to make Nayeon fall for her. It was a little over 2 AM when Jeongyeon had been staring at her ceiling, absent-mindedly petting Nanan's head who was sleeping beside her. Suddenly, her phone rang from the bedside table and startled the poor dog awake.

"Mianhe, Nananie," Jeongyeon said in a low voice, kissing the dog's head. As if appeased by the apology, Nanan laid back down on the bed and went back to sleep almost immediately. With a little difficulty, Jeongyeon managed to sit up gingerly and grabbed at her phone from the bedside table with an outstretched hand. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Who the hell would call at this time?"

Upon seeing the caller ID, she rolled her eyes but couldn't help a smile from forming on her face. She answered the call, grumbling a bit. "You do realize what time it is, don't you?" She'd come off as annoyed when she received a call but she was actually glad for it. She'd been bored out of her mind since she couldn't sleep.

The same could be said for the caller. A low whine came from the other end. "I can't sleep," she murmured raspily through the phone. "I'm pretty sure you can't sleep either."

"What makes you think that?" Jeongyeon replied, propping her pillow up behind her and leaning back on it.

She could almost imagine the teasing grin that was sure to appear on the caller's face. "'Cause I'm not there beside you." Why is she always so full of herself?

Rolling her eyes, Jeongyeon sighed. "Same old answer, unnie. Being single for a while took a toll on you, huh. It seems you've forgotten how to flirt. It'll be a pity if you flirt with anyone else like that."

"Will it make you feel better if I say you're the only one I flirt with like this?"

Jeongyeon laughed. "We both know that's a lie, you do it to our members everyday. Face it, unnie. You're the one who's lonely."

The caller sighed dramatically. "Fine, I can't sleep without you beside me."

"I've heard that one before, too."

"Ani, I'm serious."

There was a pause and a moment of silence between the two. Jeongyeon had to swallow a lump in her throat and she could feel her face began to redden.

There was a chuckle. "You're blushing, aren't you?"

"If you only called to tease me, I might as well just drop the call now."

"Nooooooo!" came from the other end. "I wasn't even teasing! I really can't sleep. I'm just excited to spend most of the week with you and it keeps me up. I have a lot planned for us to do, you know."

Jeongyeon couldn't help but smile at this. "Yeah, I know the feeling." She really does. And unbeknownst to her, Jeongyeon had her own plans on what to do for the remainder of the week.

"We're going to have a lot of fun this week, I promise."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Rest up then. I'll see you tomorrow. Or rather... later. Jaljayo, Jeongie."

Jeongyeon chuckled. "Arasseo. Jaljayo, Nayeon-unnie."

Jeongyeon dropped the call with a satisfied smile on her face. She put the pillow back to its original position on the bed and lay her head on it. Her heart now at ease and filled with warmth, she could feel herself begin to doze off, fondly thinking, She's such a dork...

But I wouldn't have it any other way.