Chapter Text
One year later
“How did it go? Did you win?” Monika eagerly asked Hyowon as soon as the video call went through. She was driving, on her way to her dance studio when Hyowon suddenly called. Her friend was in Hong Kong at the moment, competing for this international dance event, marking her eighth overseas competition this year. With every competition, Hyowon had taken home the crown in almost every single one so far.
Monika was confident that Hyowon would be triumphant this time as well.
Sometime last year, Hyowon asked Monika’s permission about pursuing more opportunities outside the country. She said that there had been numerous invitations from event organizers flooding in, and Hyowon wanted to give it a shot. That’d mean that she’d be spending less time at their dance studio and away from home. While the thought of change brought a tinge of sadness for Monika, she ultimately felt joy for her friend's decision to prioritize her own aspirations. She assured Hyowon that she was fully supportive of her journey, emphasizing that she didn’t need her permission to do what she wanted.
Now, Hyowon is on an adventure travelling the globe, winning competitions and gaining even more recognition and support from not only from the local community, but from people worldwide.
With her talent and growing fame, she might just be on the path to becoming a national treasure.
“What happened to hi, hello, nice to hear from you again, Hyowon ?” Her friend said as she laughed in response.
“Hi, hello, nice to hear from you again, Hyowon,” Monika sassed, lightheartedly rolling her eyes, “So, did you win?”
Hyowon paused for a moment, hesitating, her smile fading as she let out a sigh. Oh, that didn’t look like good news.
But then in a flash, her expression brightened and exclaimed, “Of course, I did! Don’t you have faith in me?”
“I do. The judges are the ones I don’t have faith in. What if there was a racist one in the mix again?” Monika remembered the time Hyowon told her about an encounter with a judge who seemed to have a thing for the white contestants. Despite Hyowon winning the crowd that night, that one judge still voted for her opponent, who was a tall, blonde, European girl. Thank God the other two judges had some sense and still voted for her friend.
“Nope. No racist, sexist, misogynist, homophobic judge today.”
Monika finally flashed her a smile then, and congratulated her, “It’s a good thing you won, otherwise I wouldn’t have let you come home if you didn’t.” she said, a playful lilt in her tone.
“We don’t even live in the same house anymore, you won’t be able to keep me out of my own home.” Hyowon deadpanned.
The other thing that changed in their relationship was that they’re not living together anymore. As soon as their lease on the house they shared came to an end a few months ago, both agreed that it was time to move out and live separately. With both of their careers flourishing and their dance studio thriving, they were finally able to afford to rent a place without depending on one another.
Plus, it was a huge help to Hyowon as she dealt with her remaining feelings for Monika. While they never stayed away from each other, being able to not live within closed quarters anymore allowed Hyowon to finally focus on herself and process her emotions in a more mature and healthier way.
And now they’re here, each set on their own, respective paths while maintaining a good friendship and business partnership. It couldn’t be more perfect.
“I’ll figure something out.” Monika retorted, sticking out her tongue, “By the way, any plans tonight? Who are you going to celebrate with this time?” Monika wriggled her eyebrows suggestively, teasing the woman further.
Hyowon gasped, feigning offense, “Hey! I’m not going to do that again.”
“Come on, you can’t tell me you didn’t at least have a little fun? Besides, long-distance would suck. Maybe it was for the better.” Monika replied, still laughing as she recalled the time Hyowon had been asked out for some drinks at a previous competition in Thailand after her big win. She said that the woman seemed really nice and was so charismatic and they bonded really well during the event that Hyowon didn’t see the need to turn it down.
Well, it went so well that they extended the date in Hyowon’s hotel room that night, which she also described as one of the most mind-blowing sex she had ever experienced. However, the next morning, her friend woke up alone, left only with a note saying how much fun they had. She didn’t leave any phone number or other ways to contact her, so it was clear to Hyowon that what they’ve done was just a one time thing. It bummed her friend for at least a whole week. Monika had to keep taking her out to cheer her up and get her mind off of it.
“Says you. I would’ve made it work. And it was fun, that’s why I’m a little sad about it.” Hyowon said, still feeling a bit sulky about the whole thing. “But to answer your question, no. I’m just going to head back to my room tonight. Anyway, enough about me. I haven’t forgotten what today is! I think I should be the one asking your plans for today.”
Now it was Monika’s turn to look sulky.
“There’s no plan. Lia said she had a very important schedule today that she couldn’t miss. Didn’t even say what it was, said it was a top secret thing.” Monika said a little dejectedly. She didn’t want to be mad because Monika was sure that if Lia could reschedule it, she would. After working in the industry for almost a year now, Monika understood the inner workings of the business, and she knew that more often than not, they have less of a say on whether you’ll work on that day or not.
“Oh, well, I’m sure she’ll make it up to you. It’s your first anniversary after all.”
Monika sighed. She tried not to look disappointed, but it was hard. It would’ve been nice if they could celebrate the day together.
She was already nearing the new building of her dance studio so she said her goodbyes to Hyowon, telling her that she’d talk to her later.
As she finally parked and alighted from her car, Monika stood in front of her studio’s building, the building that they had just successfully bought with their hard earned money. It was just newly renovated, the dark gray paint still as fresh, and big, gleaming windows replacing the old, murky ones.
Despite her earlier mood, Monika couldn’t suppress the proud smile that spread across her face as she looked up at the establishment. She couldn’t believe that just a year ago, they were struggling to make ends meet and were on the verge of losing their livelihood.
That’s right, Monika reminded herself, there are plenty of reasons to smile about. Just because Lia couldn’t be there for their first anniversary didn’t mean she’d have to dwell on it all day.
So with a bright grin, she opened the doors and stepped inside. Monika was immediately greeted by the receptionist, who also occasionally served as Monika’s assistant from time to time (God, she has a receptionist and an assistant. This couldn’t be more surreal.).
Monika headed for the stairs leading to her office on the second floor. Since the space had expanded greatly, it was enough for her and Hyowon to have their own separate rooms, though they rarely ever use them as their busy schedules kept them away from the studio more often than not.
That's why they had both decided it was time to hire someone to assist them with managing the operations in the academy. They’d be in-charge of coordinating with guest instructors, talking to their in-house choreographers and organizing the class schedules.
The candidate they selected was Monika’s recommendation. Hyowon, having full faith in Monika’s decisions, had decided to go along with it. I trust your judgment , Hyowon had said when Monika proposed the idea, and then added with a chuckle, Besides, the last person I trusted turned out to be an evil mastermind, so I don’t think I’m the right person to recommend someone.
Monika disagreed, of course. Hyowon had every right to choose someone if she ever wanted to. But in the end, Hyowon insisted they go with Monika’s suggestion and let it be.
“Afternoon, boss. I’ve been waiting for you!”
And there she was. The moment Monika opened the door to her office, Eunji was already settled in her chair seemingly working, the computer open with the Excel sheet that they used for filling up the class schedules.
Indeed, Monika had hired Eunji. The same Eunji that Monika had often butted heads with, the source of some of her disagreements with Lia almost a year ago. The very same blonde dancer on Lia’s team.
A lot has changed in the past year.
The way it happened was pretty simple, actually. A few days after the final show, Lia and Monika were enjoying a peaceful evening in Lia’s bed when Eunji’s name came up. Lia mentioned that it was one of the things that she wanted to express, as part of her effort in letting everything out in the open thingy.
She revealed that Eunji confessed that she actually had a crush on Lia, which made Monika growl in anger. Lia quickly reassured her, explaining that Eunji had actually helped her realize that rekindling her relationship with Monika was worth it. Although Monika was still hesitant about her, she had to admit that she was a bit touched when Lia shared that Eunji believed that she and Lia were a match made in heaven.
Since then, she and Eunji had met each other a few times, thanks to Lia inviting the blonde to do regular classes in her studio. At first, their interactions were filled with awkward small talk, but when Monika had let her guard down and allowed herself to relax around the blonde, a genuine connection between them began to form.
The three of them easily became friends. Whenever all of them were in Lia’s studio all at once, they’d hang out and share a pizza together. Monika even extended an invitation for Eunji to also teach at her dance academy.
And then after a few months of being friends and working together, Monika saw how Eunji was not only exceptionally talented, but she had an incredible work ethic as well, which Monika had really admired. So, when the topic of this job came up, it was a no-brainer that Eunji would be the perfect person for it.
“Why? Missed me?” Monika teased.
Eunji rolled her eyes but with a fond smile on her face, “I’m not going to answer that because I don’t want to lose my job.” she chuckled, “I just need you to check something with me in one of our private dance rooms. Something about the floor being too slippery. Some students had complained and said that it was hard for them to dance, especially with heels on.”
That was definitely news to Monika. When they renovated the space, she had ensured everything met the highest standard. Lia had even assisted in selecting the right materials to use during the construction period, drawing from her own personal experience in constructing a dance studio.
And she just had a class in that room a few days ago. Monika hadn’t noticed it being slippery. Well, to be fair, she was wearing rubber shoes at the time so she probably couldn’t tell.
“Alright, let’s take a look.” Monika said. Perhaps she needed to see it for herself.
Eunji led the way to the room, with Monika following closely behind. This particular studio was reserved for instructors needing privacy to develop their choreography or for high-profile clients seeking exclusive dance lessons. Unlike their other rooms, it was completely enclosed, lacking any glass partitions for viewing.
So when Eunji opened the door and Monika stepped inside, she wasn’t prepared for what she saw inside the room.
The previously empty room was decorated nicely with string lights hanging on the wall, pastel-colored balloons floating on every corner, and delicate flower petals scattered across the floor. A line of flickering candles created a path, all leading to the main attraction of the room.
In the middle of the room stood a table with two chairs that looked like they were plucked right out of a cozy restaurant.
Everything looked beautiful and romantic, but all of it was incomparable to the most breathtaking sight Monika had laid her eyes on.
The person standing right there in the middle of the room.
“Lia! What are you… I thought…” Monika stammered, caught off guard at seeing Lia.
And perhaps it was the way Lia looked at the moment that got her stuttering. The woman was wearing a suit that made Monika’s knees weak, while holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The combination was enough to make her heart flutter.
“Aren’t you happy to see me?” Lia teased, chuckling at Monika’s shocked expression.
“I am! But I thought you had a very important schedule going on today?” Monika was still confused.
“I do.”
“What happened? Did it get canceled?”
Lia chuckled again like it was amusing that Monika was asking these questions. Did she actually miss something or…
“No.” Lia simply answered, still giggling. Monika would’ve been annoyed if only she didn’t look so adorable.
“Then what’s going on? Why are you here?” Monika grumbled impatiently.
Lia rolled her eyes as though Monika was being stupid or slow or something, “ This is the very important schedule, Monika.”
And then Lia was moving, walking towards Monika, and said, “Happy anniversary, my love.” then handed her the flowers.
Oh .
“Oh my God! So that was just a ruse? Just to surprise me like this? That’s not fair.” Monika said, pouting a bit. She wanted to be the one to make a grand gesture like this, but she couldn’t even plan for one because their schedules never lined up.
“Why? Don’t you like it?” Lia asked, her grin warm and affectionate. Ugh, Monika couldn’t stay mad if her girlfriend looked this charming.
“It’s not that. I wanted to plan something like this for you. You totally beat me to it.” Monika finally admitted.
She heard someone chortle behind her.
“Boss, I can’t believe you’re treating this as a competition.” Eunji laughed, playfully teasing her.
Monika glanced over, “What are you still doing here?”
Eunji gasped in mock outrage, “After all the effort in making this surprise a success? Not even a simple thank you ?”
“Not sure if I should thank you for that. You’re working for me . You should be on my side.” Monika smartly replied.
“Cut her some slack, I was the one who convinced her to do it. The blame is all mine.” Lia interjected, grabbing Monika’s hand to get her attention again, “You can surprise me next year. Just give this one to me, please?” Lia added, her voice sweet and her lips pouting cutely. Monika wasn't really seriously upset, but if she had been, it was definitely enough to make her waver.
“Fine.” Monika huffed, but when Lia grinned at her brightly, she couldn’t help the smile that bloomed in her face in return and said, “This is beautiful,” she gestured around the room, “Oh, and happy anniversary, too.”
Then Monika pulled Lia closer to her by putting her right hand at the woman’s back, while the other was stretching toward Eunji’s direction, handing her the flowers so it wasn’t standing in the way between them. As soon as her hand was free, she wasted no time in cradling Lia's face, finally capturing her lips in a fervent kiss.
Monika kissed Lia as if she were parched, savoring her lips like a refreshing drink, consuming her with an insatiable thirst. Their kiss deepened, filled with passion, until a soft moan escaped one of them—Monika couldn’t tell who it was—just as Eunji’s loud throat clearing broke through the moment.
“Hey, you two, don’t get carried away, okay? Remember, kids use this room. Keep it PG.” She heard Eunji say, but Monika was too lost in the kiss to care.
Not when Lia was kissing her like this.
Monika made a shooing motion directed towards Eunji, and soon after that, she finally heard, “Have fun, moms.” and then the door was closing shut, leaving the two alone.
As soon as the blonde left, Monika slid her hand from Lia’s back down to her girlfriend’s ass, giving it a squeeze.
That got Lia to burst into laughter, breaking the kiss.
“That’s not very PG, Miss Shin.” Lia teased, her voice slightly raspy and low, probably a result of their heated kiss.
Monika’s thoughts were definitely far from being appropriate especially with the way Lia looked at the moment— her lips were a beautiful shade of pink, swollen from Monika’s kisses, her cheeks flushed and her eyes hazy with unmistakable desire.
“Eunji’s not the boss of me.” Monika breathily replied, then as if to prove her point, she latched her lips on Lia’s neck, nipping gently on the skin.
But it just made Lia laugh even more and gently pushed Monika away. “Later, my love,” Lia said, “the steak isn’t going to eat itself.”
Monika smirked, “Right now, there’s something more appetizing to me than that steak.”
Lia just shook her head at her and guided her towards the table where a bountiful meal was laid out before them.
The table showcased a bottle of luxurious red wine, plates of steak with creamy-looking mashed potatoes and greens on the side, a bowl of red pasta and a basket of garlic bread. The table was also decorated with candles and flowers on its centerpiece, creating a delightful ambiance.
Monika marveled at how impressive and romantic everything looked, from the vibe of the room and up to the dishes prepared. It was clear that Lia had thoroughly prepared for this special occasion.
“Since I couldn’t give you a romantic dinner in a real restaurant, I just brought the experience to you.” Lia explained as she pulled the chair back and gestured for Monika to sit. The vision of Lia in a suit and helping her on a chair was definitely swoon-worthy.
“It’s okay. This is a hundred times better anyway. Private and I get you all to myself? What more can I ask for?” Monika said as she sat on the chair.
When the official news about their relationship had first become public, it had been the talk of the town for at least a month. With all the drama surrounding them, they were often swarmed by reporters and fans whenever they were seen outside together.
So for the past year, they had been doing their dates in Lia’s home, or rather, their home since Monika finally moved in with her after living separately with Hyowon.
Thankfully though, the issue or news about them had finally calmed down, and there were less and less people terrorizing them on the daily. But even so, they had still opted to spend time together in private just to be sure.
So, even on their first anniversary, it had also made sense for them to do it in a safe, private space.
“You’re such a flatterer. Please never change, you’re too good for my self-esteem.” Lia deadpanned as she took a seat in front of her.
“Hey, those aren’t flattery. I’m actually being sincere about it.” Monika defended herself, but her tone was light, as though she couldn’t keep her happiness from seeping through.
“My point still stands. You’re still good for my self-esteem.” Lia chuckled, then sighed wistfully, “God, I can’t believe it’s been a year since that day.”
“A year since I dropped a bombshell on national television?” Monika smirked as she recalled the events of that day.
The day of the finals of the show they did together last year. The day where they got back together after a bad breakup, and the day where they had fully opened up to one another and understood each other better. It marked the beginning of their journey toward becoming better versions of themselves and, as a result, building a healthy relationship. So they decided to celebrate that day as their anniversary.
Sure, it wasn’t all moonlight and roses, they still fought, and they still went through some hard times, but they weren’t something that they weren’t able to fix together. Because they had learned to communicate better and become more open with their emotions and thoughts, their relationship had never been stronger than ever.
“Yes,” Lia answered, rolling her eyes, “you should thank your lucky stars that everything still worked out.”
And it did. After their dating scandal had been publicized, the positive reactions greatly outweighed the negative. A lot of people celebrated their relationship, saying how they were a huge inspiration and wished for their happiness and urged them to live their lives however they wanted. Dedicated fans of their pairing even made a huge effort in protecting them from malicious comments and people harassing them online.
Because of it, it had put both Lia and Monika in the spotlight. Tons of brand deals that also supported the LGBTQ+ community reached out to them, and they were both even given another reality show about dance where both of them were the host.
And now, they had basically become household names in the country, and work never stopped for them, which Monika couldn’t be more grateful for.
“This is why you should have a little faith in me. I told you I’d be fine.” Monika smugly said, even though both of them knew that they barely made it out alive.
“It would’ve been bad if we didn’t take care of Aiki. She was ready to spread more lies about you. Branding you a cheater and all. Thank God Hyowon cleared everything up and reassured everyone that you and her are just friends. And she also got Aiki to shut up for good.” Lia said, a tinge of irritation in her voice. Seemed like this was still a touchy subject for her.
Remember when Hyowon said that she had something on Aiki? Turned out it was a video of Aiki doing drugs. Hyowon blackmailed her with it and told her that if she didn’t leave them all alone, Aiki would find herself in the news along with that video. Ironic, right? What goes around truly comes back around.
“See? Everything still worked out in the end.” Monika said. Lia was about to protest when Monika continued, “And all of it was possible because you were there by my side.”
Hyowon wasn’t the only one who did something about Aiki. Lia had been so mad when she found out about what Aiki did to Monika that she immediately made some calls to some powerful friends in the industry and warned them about Aiki. It seemed to be effective because she had never seen her appear in any broadcast unlike her peers from the show. Not only that, Lia also contacted some huge dance academies, urging them to ban Aiki from teaching in their studios.
They never heard from that woman ever again, and their lives had never been more peaceful.
Lia just sighed, but her face still looked affectionate, “Good save.”
Monika gave her a loving smile, then playfully said in a mock-serious tone, “So don’t you dare leave me, okay?”
Lia pursed her lips, and teasingly replied, “Well, that’s entirely up to you. Are you going to break my heart, Monika Shin?”
Though it was said lightly, Monika knew all too well the weight of that question.
“I’d rather die than do that to you ever again.” Monika declared, her voice filled with determination.
“Then that’s settled.”
Lia rose and reached over, giving Monika a tender kiss on the lips. A kiss that promised a love that, while not entirely perfect, it would be everlasting.
A promise of forever.