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Miyoung doesn’t mind hosting people. As much as she keeps to herself, she enjoys opening her home to visitors and spending time with friends when they come to town. After growing up in a quietly dissonant environment where the silence is deafening, making people feel right at home is a luxury for her. To share warmth, to share comfort— it’s a privilege she enjoys. So when Rae asked her if Tarik could stay at her guest bedroom for a week and use her streaming setup, she easily said yes. Tarik is a great guy after all.
They’ve been friends for almost three years now even though he lives at the other end of the country. They don’t really constantly talk but whenever they do, they just click. She met him through her past relationship, a can of worms she prefers not to acknowledge, but their friendship persevered past that awkward origin point, something she’s thankful for. She likes him quite a lot, you see, and the Miyoung who struggled making friends since she was young is greedy when it comes to keeping her current ones, no matter how she made them.
“What’s up, Miyoung?” He greets the moment he arrives at her doorstep, his energy already enlivening her apartment with an additional layer of vitality. Her home is the designated hangout spot of her friend group so it’s always been considered comfortable but with Tarik around, it’s somehow livelier. Weird.
“Hey, man,” she responds while greeting him with a friendly hug and Miyoung tries her best not to notice the prominent muscles on the arm around her. She lets go quick, awkward as always.
He whistles. “Miyoung, your place actually looks awesome, what?” he comments, impressed, following Miyoung into her living space while his head turns around to scan the room. He left his luggage at the entryway of her apartment.
“Wow, thank you man,” she smiles with a bit of pride. Unpacking and getting furniture felt like an endless struggle. If she’s being honest, putting her place together was a challenge that almost took her out, but Miyoung pushed through it with sheer willpower. And now, she’s glad she did because her apartment does indeed look quite picturesque, even with the mess around. “Make yourself at home.”
Tarik walks towards the floor to ceiling windows by her white couch, hands on hips while checking out the view of sunny Los Angeles. Miyoung watches him idly, head tilted. He’s a good few inches taller than her but his silhouette somehow makes him look significantly bigger.
“Is that Nabi?” He asks with a grin as he spots the sleeping dog on the couch. “No way, he looks so much smaller than the pictures. I didn’t know that was possible.”
Miyoung smiles, walking over to pick her baby up, her whole heart now in her arms. She goes nearer Tarik and he reflexively pats Nabi’s head, chuckling.
“You look funny as fuck,” he says while petting Nabi and she moves her dog away in defense, her brows scrunching disbelief.
“No way you just called my dog funny looking, ain’t no way.”
Tarik bursts into a hearty laughter, his face bright in good humor. Miyoung laughs with him.
“My bad, my bad. I don’t mean it like that, Miyoung,” he explains while reaching out to pat the small white dog again. She allows him. “I just mean his face makes me laugh in a very cute way.”
“I’ll let it pass this time, buddy,” she quips and Tarik chuckles.
…
Miyoung would consider herself a quiet person and she’s learn to live that her humor only shines when she becomes good friends with someone. That’s the very reason why she naturally gravitates towards people who easily brightens the room. Her old roommates are all outgoing, and she relishes the energy they bring into her life.
Tarik is a whole other level of bright. If her old roomies are warm spotlights, he’s a whole rave show.
He’s a ball of frantic energy and enthusiasm with the social skills of a party host. They haven’t been hanging out that much because he’s been busy with his Valorant event with Ludwig along with org responsibilities throughout the weekend but even in their limited interactions, Miyoung feels like she’s been blasted with a punch of zeal every time they talk.
“Miyoung!” he greets so loudly the moment he saw her in her apartment, making her jump in her own skin. She’s currently kneeling down by her freezer, collecting frozen fruits for a shake.
“Bro, you scared me!” she answers, her voice pitching a little. This man, she swears.
“Oh, my bad! I just wanted to say that you were killing it out there,” He compliments, leaning on her kitchen counter as he watches her bring out the packs of frozen fruit. “You sat me and Narrate down multiple times. Much better than fucking Ludwig, you’re definitely team MVP and carried his ass.”
“Doesn’t matter, we still lost,” she says in a defeated tone as she stands and puts the ingredients down on her counter, besides him.
“Chin up, Miyoung. Ludwig didn’t even cheat this time yet those maps were close,” he says while moving to give her space, watching whatever she’s doing. “What are you doing?”
“I’m making a shake, you want one?” She offers.
“Of course— what the hell, who says no to that?” he answers quick, making her laugh. She brings out her tub of protein and Tarik gasps. Miyoung turns to him, brows raised.
“What was that sound?”
“You add protein to your shakes?”
“Yeah, me and Rae have been trying to work out everyday so I incorporate some protein in my shakes.”
“What the fuck? That’s awesome, can you add a lot in mine, then?” He asks. Miyoung laughs again cause she’s never seen someone so comfortably shameless
“Sure, man. 25 grams sound good?”
“Yeah,” Tarik chuckles, knowing he’s being an audacious guest in her house. “Speaking of working out, does that mean I can use the gym here even if I’m not a resident?”
“Of course, I’ll just lend you my access key,” she answers.
“What? Let’s just workout together, then,” He responds with a shrug. “How about tomorrow morning? Before I go to the Sentinels office?”
Miyoung blinks, she’s never worked out solo with a guy before. Typically, she would be more comfortable on her own or with just her old roommates but somehow, the image of working out with Tarik doesn’t make her uneasy or self-conscious. It feels safe.
“Sure, man,” she answers with small smile. Tarik claps his hands once loudly in celebration.
“Let’s go, let’s go! I’ve been needing some cardio honestly.”
“Just don’t judge me, alright?” she shrugs a shoulder.
“Nah, dude. I have to check your form, make sure you’re doing it right,” he quips back, making Miyoung laugh.
….
Running on the treadmill to keep up with Tarik’s speed was a challenge Miyoung will probably never attempt again. She felt like dying, was visibly struggling, and all the man did was laugh about it. He wasn’t laughing at her to be mean, Miyoung thinks, he’s just a good-humored guy who finds amusement in all things. And he was actually helpful, giving her pointers about her form and coaching her through her breathing.
“I hated that,” she says the moment they entered the elevator. They’re both heading back to her place for a post workout shower before the two of them go about their own plans for the day.
“I could tell,” he chuckles, pressing the door close. “But you did it! Doesn’t it feel great?”
“No, I felt like I was dying.”
“Come on, Miyoung. That shit was beginner level,” Tarik teases making her look at him with straight, deadpanned eyes. He smiles. “You’re still getting used to it since you just started consistently working out but trust me, it’s gonna be worth it in the long run. Give it like a week or two!”
“Yeah, yeah,” she says, unconvinced and shaking her head in disbelief. “If I don’t get used to it in like a week, I’m gonna sue you for false advertising.”
Tarik laughs heartily.
Miyoung likes it, she likes how easily she could speak her mind around him and express her distaste for things. She likes how she can be disagreeable and he doesn’t seem to care, encourages it even.
She also likes how much he laughs when they’re together. Miyoung knows her niche humor doesn’t work on everyone but somehow it works on him. A little too well even sometimes. Weird.
…
The group decided to eat dinner out after the practice day of a large sponsor event for tomorrow, Brodin and Tina meeting them at the restaurant. The two arrive at the place and Miyoung watches as Tina goes straight to Foolish who is already walking towards her. The two give each other a smile and she sees Foolish visibly soften the moment Tina starts opening her mouth, talking about what she did at home while he was busy with work. His usually alert, dark eyes turn molten as he watches her. Miyoung couldn’t help but stare in fondness.
“Oh, I didn’t know Tina and Foolish were tight like that,” she hears Tarik comment offhandedly besides her and Miyoung turns to him, amused.
“He’s staying at her place,” she says.
“Wow, does everyone just have an extra setup at their apartments or something?” He asks in genuine confusion and awe.
“Only me and Tina. But Tina’s extra setup is technically Foolish’s,” she explains. “He’s practically her roommate since Foolish stays in LA more often than not.”
“Ah, they really are close like that,” Tarik says in acknowledgement.
“Closer than what you think,” Miyoung adds quietly.
“Wait, really—?” Tarik whispers, quickly turning his head back from Miyoung to Tina and Foolish, watching more closely now. “I didn’t know they’re a thing.”
“It’s a bit new, I think.”
“I see it, I see it.”
“See what?” She asks in confusion as she watches Tarik nod to himself.
“Their energies, they complement each other well. You can just sense it sometimes when you look at people, you know?”
“Well, they’ve been friends for a long time before deciding to try things out,” she tells him before moving to return back to where majority of the group are hanging out. She nudges Tarik to follow her, opting to give the two roommates privacy. “Stop staring, man. You’re too obvious.”
He follows her promptly while whispering, “Hey, you were staring first!”
“I’ve been friends with them since the beginning, I’m allowed to watch.”
“You’re the one who started gossiping about their relationship, Miyoung,” Tarik says, a laugh forming on his face. “Don’t put this on me.
“Not my fault you’re a nosy guy,” she quips back.
“What’s wrong with wanting to be informed? I’m rarely in LA, I need to be up to date,” he reasons out and Miyoung chuckles.
“Right, right,” she replies with her usual sarcastic tone, making Tarik laugh out loud for some reason. She wasn’t even trying to joke.
“You laugh a lot, huh?” She says, watching his face and noting the way his eyes reflect light whenever he’s genuinely amused.
“Nah, man, you’re just hella funny,” he tells her easily. Miyoung blinks, her stomach doing a small flip from that. Hm, strange.
“Hey thanks, man. I don’t think everyone would say that, though,” she says modestly and Tarik shrugs.
“Then don’t think about everyone. If they don’t fuck with your humor then you better not fuck with them, you know?” He advises ridiculously and Miyoung just laughs as she shakes her head.
“Noted.”
….
Tina and Foolish quickly bid their friends goodnight after dinner and Miyoung shifted her gaze to Tarik who was suggestively— almost comically, raising his brows with a knowing look, darting his eyes between her and their two younger friends, making her bite her lips just to stop herself from laughing. He’s so stupidly obvious, Miyoung thought.
The remaining members of their group decided to hangout more at Leslie’s place, and they spent the night playing board games and talking about almost everything. Miyoung, as always, deigned to observe more on the sidelines, Nabi safely in her arms, with the occasional teasing input spoken. She likes her little corners after all.
Tarik is the exact opposite. Tarik melds into social circles easily, like butter on toast, and genuinely gets into the moment, making everyone feel included and entertained. He held his candle against Leslie’s yapping, something that amused Miyoung to no end. She loves it when her friends talk nonstop.
They both enter her apartment and she kneels to put her dog back on the ground while he closes the door behind them. It’s almost midnight already and both have to wake up early to go to the sponsor event later the next day.
“I know we’re not supposed to eat before sleeping but I’m deadass starving like a mad man, right now,” Tarik says as he grabs his phone to check which places are still open.
“We just ate dinner,” Miyoung says incredulously.
“Dinner was almost six hours ago, Miyoung!” He claims defiantly, making her raise both her hands and say a quick, “My bad, man!”
“No, no— it’s me, I’m not me when I’m hungry,” he jokes, chuckling while he scrolls through his options. Miyoung giggles while she shakes her head then walks over to her fridge.
“Here, I’ll make you a quick something,” she offers, rummaging her fridge for ingredients. “I have marinated chicken breast here.”
“Wait, are you serious?”
“Yeah, it’s easy.”
Tarik grabs both her shoulders the moment she straightens up from the fridge, his face etched with the biggest smile. Miyoung blinks in surprise, thankful she didn’t automatically flinch from his touch. He shakes her.
“You are the best, Miyoung!” He exclaims, eyes bright and twinkling in gratitude. “No joke, your ex roommates lost a good one with you moving out.”
She smiles back, feeling her cheeks warm a little. Her friends never fail to thank her and give her praises but for some reason, Tarik saying it feels different. Maybe it’s him being so upfront about it, so genuine she could clearly see it on his face. Or maybe it’s because she knows who he is as a person, someone who screams both his victories and frustrations, someone who lets the world know what he feels without any precautions. It’s refreshing.
“Hey, no problem man,” she says while he removes his hands from her. Miyoung liked how warm his hands felt on her skin but that’s a different thought for another day. Right now, chicken and rice.
…
“Hey, Miyoung?”
“Yes, Tarik?”
“Is it cool if I stay for another week?” He asks almost shyly while they’re both chilling on her sofa after getting home, watching a show on the television, Nabi safely napping on his lap. “Sentinels has a convention in a few days and I wanna help out on that.”
“Of course, man,” she replies with a sideway smile, amused at how meek he sounds. “You’re welcome to stay longer.”
“I could pay for half the rent this month, you know?” He says, his brows raising at his suggestion. “Or at least let me take care of groceries, man.”
“Nonononono—“ she replies, making him grunt playfully. “You’re a guest so you just sit there and behave.”
“Behave?” He laughs in question.
“Yep, behave,” she nods in laughter. She wouldn’t say it out loud in front of him but she likes him a lot as a house guest. Tarik is loud, neat, and very enthusiastic about eating the food she makes, all the traits she enjoys in a roommate.
Miyoung noticed it already the moment Tarik arrived but him settling in her place made the whole apartment feel different. The energy he brings whenever he walks into a space is infectious and it still catches Miyoung off guard but she can’t help but appreciate it. Her apartment may be pretty but he makes it feel alive and welcoming, an ability of his that just comes out so naturally it makes her a little bit envious. Just a little bit.
“Nabi, aren’t you glad I’m not leaving yet?” He tells her dog, scratching his little head gently with obvious affection it makes Miyoung grin. “Of course you are. More bonding time between you and I, eh?”
“He does weirdly like you,” she comments as she watches the two across the couch. Nabi would typically have moved closer to her already but apparently she’s not his preferred human right now.
“Me and Nabi are tight like that,” he replies with a laugh.
“No, you aren’t,” she quips reflexively and Tarik just shrugs.
“He’s just a little guy, just a little baby,” he dotes on Nabi, so sweetly and genuine it makes her stare in awe. Miyoung feels her chest wrenching because she’s never seen this side of Tarik before. She’s never imagined that someone so explosive could talk to her dog with that much gentleness. She moves her hand on her chest a little, taken aback. What the hell— no, no more of that, Miyoung’s got no space in her life for finding her guest attractive. No.
…
“Thank you, Miyoung,” Tina says while she refills Foolish’s bowl with the soup Miyoung made for her sick friends. Foolish fell ill the night after the sponsor and there’s a high chance that he might have infected Tina, as she comments about feeling rather unwell herself.
“Of course, Tina,” she tells the younger girl as she watches her put the bowl in front of the newly shaven Foolish. Tina puts her hand on his forehead, her brows furrowing in worry.
“I’m fine, Tina. Don’t worry,” he says as he grabs her wrist gently off his head, not letting go, rubbing his thumb on the inside of her wrist instead. Tina bites her lips while she shakes her head slowly, unconvinced.
“I feel better, maybe even enough that I could finally work out tomorrow. Speaking of working out, you and Tarik have been consistent every morning huh, Miyoung?” Foolish looks at her, a building smirk on his stupid face. Tina sits besides him on the dining table, turning to Miyoung herself.
“They’re gym buddies, methinks,” Tina adds innocently.
“‘Buddies’ is one way you can call it,” Foolish says with a knowing glint in his eyes. Tina turns to him with a surprised blink while Miyoung makes a face.
“Oh! Really?” Tina whispers in excitement and delight, her eyes sparkling.
“What are you saying, dude?” Miyoung responds, her brows scrunched. “He’s a great gym bro to work out with and he’s a fun guy to be around.”
“Alright, Miyoung,” Foolish chuckles, both his hands raised in mock surrender. He sounds unconvinced.
“No way you’re being like this when I kept my quiet for so long,” Miyoung laughs back in rebuttal. Miyoung turns to Tina, her head tilted. “Tina, remember when you were left alone in the house back in April? With Ellum?”
Tina straightens up in attention, confused as why she’s suddenly part of this conversation. “I remember, why?”
“Do you wanna see Foolish’s messages to me back then?” Miyoung instigates because Foolish forced her hand. Why is he acting like she doesn’t know his dirty laundry? She’s got baskets full buried in their DMs and it’s all very much about Tina.
“Miyoung, what the fuck?” he laughs in panic, his eyes wide and his face already turning red and not from the fever.
“Messages? Foolish’s?” Tina blinks, curiosity in her eyes. She looks at Foolish who glances at her quickly before looking back at Miyoung, his brows raised in warning. “You wouldn’t dare, Miyoung.”
“Oh, I would—“ Miyoung says confidently. Anyone in their group knows that the best way to chink Foolish’s armor is just mentioning the girl with dark honey brown eyes he’s hopelessly committed to. Tina is both his ignition and Achilles’ heel. “Unless you back off and quit whatever you’re yapping about.”
“You’re a scumbag, you know that?” He retreats in disbelief while Tina says a quiet, “I am so confused.”
Miyoung stands up in triumph with a laugh. “Anyway, I got to go. I got to change for the party later.”
Tina follows her to her door to walk her out, giving her a quick hug. “You’re the best, Miyoung.” she says again and the older girl smiles.
“Of course, man. This is nothing.”
“I think you’ve been in higher spirits these past few days, Miyoung,” Tina tells her with a tilt of her head. “And I know you made Foolish back off about the topic but I think we have to thank Tarik for this.”
“He’s not—“ Miyoung protests but Tina touches her cheek to stop her, a reassuring smile on her sweet face.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to mean anything, dude. Just enjoy your time with him while he’s here. Whatever happens will happen one way or another. It’s just… you cannot deny attraction when it’s staring at you in the face,” Tina wisely tells her as she opens the door for her.
“Trust me, I’ve tried.”
Miyoung enters her apartment to see Tarik hugging Nabi on the couch, both of them napping in his post-stream siesta. He’s wearing a gray tank top paired with some sort of basketball shorts and if Miyoung is being honest with herself, he is so far from her type. She likes them a little nerdy, a little less rugged. But she’s learned these past few days that sometimes attraction isn’t a fixed thing, sometimes it catches you unaware, in between the shared laughter and friendship, in the moments where Tarik grins at her and makes her feel that she just might be great just the way she is.
She walks near the two boys of her apartment and wonders why Tarik look so at home on her couch with her dog in his arms. Nabi settles further in his arms and something in Miyoung’s chest squeezes in instinctual fondness. She observes his face, takes note of his well maintained beard and prominent nose, how he strangely looks so energetic even in rest.
“Tarik?” She gently calls out while tapping his arm. Leslie, Blau, and Yvonne are about to come to their apartment soon and they need to get ready for the party. “Hey, man.”
His lids move as he stirs gently before slowly waking up. His eyes go straight to her and Miyoung feels her pulse quicken a little.
“Miyoung,” He calls out huskily with a small smile before looking at Nabi in his arms. He chuckles. “Me and Nabi fell asleep while waiting for you.”
Ah, Miyoung thought in quiet acceptance. She really is in trouble.
…
Miyoung is not ready for romance. Yes, it’s been almost two years since her old relationship ended but she’s learned since then that she doesn’t need a romantic partner for her life to thrive. The last two years of living with her closest friends have been the best of her whole life. This new chapter of her adulthood, of her living alone, is for her.
Miyoung and Tarik are currently on a late run for groceries, Nabi safely in a sling bag around Tarik. She just fetched him from the Sentinels office after an event and she took up his offer of buying them groceries. She has a grocery list on her Notes app but she’s currently crossing out some additional items in her mind while Tarik pushes the cart with one hand and patting Nabi instinctively with the other. Miyoung is doing her best to ignore how a simple thing is making her tummy do flip-flops.
“Oh, how cute!” a middle aged woman walking past them stops by, her eyes twinkling at Nabi. Miyoung’s baby is currently awake with his usual blank expression, his tongue comedically out. Tarik, the natural yapper, replies.
“Thank you! He’s such a precious little guy, huh?” He tells her enthusiastically, patting the sling bag again.
“I thought he was a real baby at first and was wondering why his hair was so light when both of you have dark hair,” the woman laughs as she looks at Miyoung and Tarik. “It makes sense now, just a sweet little puppy.”
“Oh, he’s not a puppy. He’s actually an old guy already, how old is he again, Miyoung?” Tarik turns to her with wide excited eyes. “nine years old?”
“He’s 10 now, turning 11 next month on our birthday,” she answers with a chuckle.
“Our birthday?” The woman asks, confused.
“Yes, we share a birthdate, the 9th of November.”
“Wait, really?” Tarik asks, surprised, his voice weirdly quiet. “I didn’t know that.”
“I’m sure I told you but maybe you forgot,” Miyoung says, not offended at all. They haven’t really been constantly hanging out until this month so it’s not like she expected him to know everything.
“Wait, no, I know your birthday for sure. I just didn’t know you and Nabi share the same day.”
“Oh no,” the woman inputs with a friendly chortle before starting to walk away. “Just make sure you don’t forget it again, young man!”
They both start walking again before Tarik comments, “Both your birthdays are almost here.”
“Yeah, we might celebrate it before I fly with Rae to the Philippines for her mom’s 60th birthday,” Miyoung says.
“Oh, I see.”
She turns to look at him, confused at the sudden lack of volume in his responses. He’s staring straight ahead while idly pushing the cart, his face passive in contemplation. She blinks.
“What’s wrong?” she asks.
“Nothing, nothing! Anyway, lead the charge, Miyoung. I think my boy is getting tired and needs to sleep soon,” he replies with a snicker, all energy back in his face.
“Did you just call Nabi yours?!” she replies in disbelief, her voice pitching.
“Fine, fine— our dog is getting tired. Happy?” He quips with a shrug, his face smug.
“No, no I’m not! Nabi is my dog, mine!”
“Then why is he flying back to New York with me, then?” he challenges and Miyoung knows he’s messing with her but she could actually feel her blood pressure rising. A lot of people adore Nabi but Tarik’s attachment to the dog feels genuine and he just might actually kidnap him back to New York. Not to mention that the attachment actually seems mutual because Nabi likes Tarik. A little too much actually. The traitor.
“I know you’re just joking but why am I actually worried,” she says with a suspicious glance at him making Tarik throw his head back in a cackle.
He grins at her, his eyes weirdly bright even in the grayish light of this 24 hours grocery store. He’s always so vibrant no matter where he is.
“I’m just kidding, Miyoung. You know I’m just playing with you,” he tells her gently, staring at her face. Miyoung feels the air between them suddenly shift the longer he stares, making her break the eye contact.
“We’re almost done, let’s go,” she says in an attempt at being casual, walking ahead of him and the cart. She hears him follow her.
Miyoung is not ready for romance but maybe that doesn’t matter.
…
It’s currently seven in the morning and Miyoung wakes up to Tarik tidying up her kitchen, washing dishes and sorting the groceries they bought late last night. He’s wearing one of her apron and his wireless buds in his ears, dancing to whatever rhythm she couldn’t hear. Nabi is on the couch, soundly sleeping with a blanket put over on him. Her heart aches at the sight. When did her apartment started feeling like a home made for the three of them?
“Tarik, hey!“ she calls out while walking to him. He doesn’t hear her. She grabs his arm, pulling it with enough force to make him notice. He flinches and turns to her immediately, removing the wireless in one of his ears.
“Miyoung, you scared me!” He says with a relieved chuckle.
“Dude, you don’t have to do that. Let me handle it,” she tells him, trying to push him from her sink. He stands firm, their sides touching.
“Nah, this is nothing. Go chill with Nabi on the couch or something while I finish up then we can go to the gym after,” he instructs and Miyoung doesn’t know when being in close physical proximity with him begun being easy and comfortable. She attempts to push him again.
“Hey, hey, hey—“ he laughs, wiping both his hands on his apron before wrapping his arms around her shoulder, easily steadying her, halting her efforts. He looks at her with twinkling, kind eyes and Miyoung couldn’t help but make a face before saying, “You’re a guest, you don’t have to do all that.”
“This is called being thankful, Miyoung,” he tells her slowly, his hands still on her shoulders, his eyes still boring into hers. “You’ve been housing me and cooking me meals for free, this is the least I could do.”
“Okay, yeah, but—“
“Hey, shh!” he stops her, bringing one of his hands to her face, squishing her cheeks to stop her from talking. The action felt instinctual, surprising both of them, their eyes wide.
Miyoung breaks first, laughing so loudly it infects Tarik into laughing along, his head thrown back.
“Bro, did you just shush me?” She asks in between her gasps for air. Tarik’s hand was still on her face but it’s loose now, almost hovering. Miyoung grabs his wrist to hold onto.
“Yeah, I did,” He answers, his face painted with a huge grin. “But look, it worked!”
“Oh, it definitely did bro,” she replies as their shared chuckling dies down. She bites her lips before glancing up at him only to see Tarik already watching her, his whole face suddenly etched with a look of rumination as he slowly lets go of her. Miyong could feel the absence of his touch already and she wonders if she’s being too obvious, if her little crush on him could be seen clearly on her face. Surely not, right? Is that why he let go?
Tarik then lightly grabs both her shoulders again, playfully pushing her out of her kitchen area, towards her couch.
“Now, sit,” he orders, his expression of contemplation already gone. He looks normal again, friendly and chill. Miyoung can’t help but feel disappointed but it makes sense, he might have felt awkward and decided to break the tension. Miyoung never really expected anything from this developing attraction to him but the idea of it being one sided stings.
“Fine, fine!” she tells him as casually as possible, beelining to sit besides the sleeping Nabi. It’s fine, this friendly crush will naturally run its course after he leaves for New York and Miyoung would be free of the feelings she did not ask for. Her life would be back to normal and this apartment will feel solely her home again. Hers, not theirs.
…
That night, Miyoung hears a knock on her bedroom door. She opens it to an unusually anxious looking Tarik.
“I…” Tarik starts, looking away while scratching his arm, fidgeting and shifting his weight from foot to foot. Miyoung watches his face patiently, entertained and surprised by him being so out of sorts. How rare. “So, like— I was supposed to fly soon, right?”
“Yeah?”
“What if I— that is,” he tries, coughing a little and Miyoung couldn’t help but smile in reflex. He looks ridiculous.
“Breathe, man,” she jokes, making him chuckle.
“Can I stay? Longer, that is,” he finally says, glancing down into her eyes. Miyoung blinks, her brows furrowing in confusion. Is that why he’s acting so nervous with her? Silly man, can’t he see that she actually enjoys having him around? Maybe he thinks he’s overstaying his welcome.
“Of course, man, you can stay as long as you need,” she replies warmly. “I accept more groceries as payment. You still have to do something with Sentinels?”
“No, not really, well yes but—” he says, still weirdly nervous. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes for a long second then opens them to look at her, his dark eyes boring into her own. For some reason, Miyoung could feel her hands starting to get clammy.
“I’ve been feeling LA these past weeks,” he explains, his face breaking into a big grin. “Being around this many friends has been nice. As much as I love New York, it’s different here. Very different.”
Miyoung couldn’t help but feel a rush of softness, of course he’d want to spend more time with friends. He’s such an earnest guy.
“That’s so wholesome, Tarik,” she says, relaxing a little. “Then stay, my place is yours as long as you’re here.”
“I don’t think I’m saying it very well,” he chuckles with a shake of his head, his eyes still warmly watching her.
“Saying what well?” Miyoung asks as she tilts her head, confused. What else is there to say?
“I’m trying to say that LA is different because of you,” he confesses, a nervous laughter escaping his lips.
Oh.
Miyoung feels a sudden build up of butterflies in her guts, her pulse quickening in her chest. She did not expect that.
“O-oh?”
“Working out with you in the mornings and relaxing at home with you in the evenings have been nice… and I figured you’ve been enjoying them, too? Hopefully?”
“Yeah, yeah I have been,” she answers quietly but sincerely, astonished that this vibrant man finds her company interesting enough to stay, in awe that maybe her tiny crush isn’t one sided at all.
“Great! This is awesome!” He exclaims, clapping his hands together once. Miyoung bites her lips, crossing her arms to hug herself a little, feeling self conscious. So what happens now? She’s never even considered this outcome before.
“Great, um, so—“
“Miyoung,” he calls her name out with laughter and a hint of endearment, making her tilt up at him. There’s a look of amusement in his eyes and Miyoung feels her face heat up. Tarik is always like an open book, so unapologetically expressive that it makes Miyoung feel safe. There are no mind games when it comes to him, just upfront honesty coated with kindness. Always with kindness.
“Yeah?”
“Don’t overthink it, dude,” He advises her while putting his hand on her shoulder. “I’m just saying that spending time with you has been the most fun I’ve had in years and I don’t want it to end yet.”
“That’s sweet of you, Tarik. I feel the same way,” she says shyly.
“And I want to stay for your birthday and Nabi’s,” he jokes. “I can’t miss my boy’s birthday, after all.”
Miyoung laughs, amazed at how easily he breaks the tension every time. Yes, she still feels nervous at what’s happening, at what this whole thing implies, but Tarik is right, she shouldn’t overthink it.
“I like it when you laugh,” he suddenly says, his eyes turning molten as she watches her face. “You’re very pretty, Miyoung.”
Miyoung bites her lips before grabbing the hand on her shoulder, holding his hand gently before pulling him down to her height, her other hand landing on his chest. She kisses his cheek, liking the warmth of his skin beneath her lips and underneath her touch.
“Thank you, Tarik. I think you’re very nice looking too, ” she whispers before stepping away. His eyes are wide in both shock and glee, his face stuck in a wide childish grin.
“That caught me off guard,” he says so enthusiastically, like a dog that’s been allowed to a jar of treats. “Can I ask for a repeat?”
Miyoung indulges him.
…
“Hasan has been complaining that you stole Tarik away from him,” Rae suddenly tells her while they’re both on the Stair Climber at the new gym she and Tarik have been going to. Tarik is currently lifting while the girls decided to get their cardio in. Rae is looking at her with squinting eyes and Miyoung raises both her hands in defense.
“No, I didn’t!” she exclaims.
“I’m not gonna lie, i think he’s on to something. Tarik is stealing you away from me, too!” Rae points at her and Miyoung just giggles a, “What are you even saying?”
“Miyoung, you think I don’t know you?” Her best friend challenges, her voice accusing and almost too loud. “There’s something between the two of you, huh? Don’t deny it!”
“Who knows, man,” Miyoung shrugs almost dismissively, a small smile on her face. It’s only been a couple of days since that scene by her bedroom door and Miyoung still isn’t sure what it all actually means. All she does know is that they’ve been spending more time together just the two of them and it’s been good. Amazing even.
“What do you mean ‘who knows’!?” Rae exclaims in frustration before suddenly quieting down, her face shifting from accusatory to worried. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not happy about spending less time with you, but that’s not what I’m most worried about.”
“What are you worried about?”
“I don’t want you to get hurt,” she says softly. “Not again.”
Miyoung feels her chest clench in both love and appreciation. Who needs romance when love like Rae’s exists?
“I won’t,” Miyoung tells her, moving sideways to grab Rae’s hand. “I promise I won’t. And you know Tarik, he’s not the type.”
Rae squeezes her hand back before answering, “he’s still a man.”
“But he’s a good man,” Miyoung reasons out. “He’s Hasan’s friend and you trust Hasan’s judgement, right?”
“I do, but—“
“And he’s kind and honest, Rae. I never have to overthink with him… I never have to second guess myself with him around. It’s been fun.”
“Oh,” Rae says, recognizing what that means for Miyoung. Her old partner had the habit of twisting simple matters into complicated scenarios, too smart for his own good. When Miyoung only wanted to be loved, he wanted to be right.
Comparing one with another isn’t really the best way to look at people but she couldn’t help it. Whenever she thinks of her ex, she’s reminded of navigating a spaceship, complicated buttons and unknown levers, one wrong move and the whole thing has the capacity to explode or shut down. The majestic and grand view of space was not worth the struggle.
Whenever she’s with Tarik, it feels fun. She feels fun. There’s no pressure to get it right, no pressure to keep up appearances. Just friendship and a bit of something more. The potential of something more.
“Miyoung!” Tarik suddenly exclaims behind him making Miyoung scream, her steps faltering. He easily catches her, keeping her balance.
“The fuck, Tarik!” She scolds, turning to him with her brows furrowed. He laughs a hearty laugh as she pushes him off her. “You scared me! I could have gotten hurt, man.”
“My bad, my bad,” he chuckles while keeping his hands on her arms, looking down at her with steady, bright eyes before turning to Rae. “You guys done? I’m hungry as fuck.”
Rae watches them in quiet observation before shaking her head, a small knowing look on her face. “You two go on ahead, I’m still gonna be on for a bit.”
“You sure?” He asks.
“Yes, Tarik. I’m sure,” Rae encourages with a wide smile. “Miyoung stole you from Hasan so I think it’s fair if you steal her from me, too.”
“What, Rae, no!” Miyoung resists only for Rae to laugh again.
“Go, Miyoung. Have fun, angel. I love you,” she tells her gently, reaching over to pat her face. Miyoung feels her heart ache again.
“I love you too, man.”
“Not my fault Miyoung is way prettier to look at than Hasan,” Tarik says in defense making both Rae and Miyoung laugh.
“Nah, he just wants to spend more time with Nabi,” Miyoung quips making Tarik laugh in return.
“Why not both?” He tells her as he puts his hand on her back, guiding her away.
“Have fun and be safe you two!” Rae calls out as they both walk away.
His hand is warm on the small of her back and Miyoung could feel it intensely on her skin. She looks up at him and he’s already watching her face, a sidelong grin on his mouth. He leans down to place a kiss on her temple and Miyoung could feel herself smiling in reflex, her cheeks warming up.
“Hey,” Tarik says almost shyly, gently.
“Hey,” Miyoung says back.
Ah, she realizes, what a privilege it is to find your person in the form of a friend.
End.