Fresh Air (1/1)

Up until now, the nine girls have never really thought about hanging out at bars. Well, they weren't allowed during their trainee days, but now, it's not like the girls aren't allowed anymore. They just prefer not to get involved with unnecessary things like that. Yet, they've decided to meet up at "The Rewind" after their individual schedules because they've been hearing of it everywhere. It's a bar that got famous off of its very exotic drinks and delectable delights, and considering how much some of the members like eating, not going there was certainly not an option.However, would Dahyun rather miss out on the delights than be in the middle of a crowd, completely lost? Yes, she would indeed. She scolds herself for stepping into the bar before the arrival of the members. Well, it's partly their fault for making her wait so long. The bar is more like a club during the night, which is why it's filled to the brim with people. Dahyun tries to squeeze through the sweaty and drunk people to find a table as she gets plunged all over the place."Gosh, where is this girl? What's taking her so long?" Jihyo says, frustrated and worried.Seems like the girls have actually arrived before Dahyun and already settled at a table. They're dressed glamorously, yet they hope there aren't any fans to recognize them. In search for the missing one, they try to look through the dancing people from their spot. However, not even Tzuyu's height helps them locate her."She isn't answering my calls either," Sana adds on.With the excuse of looking for Dahyun, the girls make their way to the bar stand to get some drinks. Getting drunk was a no-go, especially because the managers aren't with them this time. So, they pick out a few non-alcohol and colorful cocktails. They all seem like they've forgotten about Dahyun for now, except one. Momo has wandered off. She is busy casting around, searching for the younger girl. She lightly nudges the sweaty people, moves a few steps forward, and then goes on her tippy toes, letting her eyes scan the place. She can only hope that no one caused a problem for her girlfriend."Excuse me, have you seen a group of eight girls?" Dahyun asks someone.That's the fith person that has either ignored or just not noticed Dahyun. However, she isn't giving up any time soon. Once again, she taps a guy, who is standing with a drink in his hand, on the shoulder."Hello? I'm searching for—"She cuts herself off when she notices how the completely drunk guy is staring at her. She resents not picking out a person she is sure is sober."What is such a pretty girl like you doing here, all alone?" He hiccups as he chuckles. "Dont worry, though, I'll accompany you, pretty girl."He scarfs down the rest of his drink before putting it on the small table next to him. Then, with a gross smirk, he swings and arm around Dahyun, causing her to get the shivers. Dahyun is too scared to tell him off at this point. She's hopelessly looking around, wishing she had never entered the bar alone."So? Where do you wanna go? My house? Or don't you have patience and want to go straight to—""She's with me," a strong voice says through the loud music.Dahyun looks to her left to see Momo pushing her way out of the crowd, glaring down the guy. It feels like a wave of fresh air hit Dahyun through the reeking of alcohol covering the entire bar. It reminds her of seeing the older girl for the first time again, when she had helped Dahyun stand up for herself. And she can't ignore the fact that Momo looks attractive as hell when she's pissed off."Momo! I was searching for you!" Dahyun escapes the guy's arm and clinges onto the older girl's body instead.Momo immediately snakes her arm around Dahyun's waist, holding her tightly. The younger girl's fear suddenly disappears, only leaving the feeling of safety behind as she admires Momo's face. The guy doesn't seem like someone who works out. So, when he notices Momo's muscular arms and built abs, he sniggers. They hold eye contact for a few seconds before the guy rolls his eyes and turns around, shoving himself back into the crowd. Momo watches the guy for a bit longer, until he's completely out of sight. Then, she turns to the girl in her arms. She scrunches her eyebrows at Dahyun in worry and fear that she wasn't showing earlier."Sweetness, are you okay? You scared me so much!" she says as she wraps her other arm around the younger one too, embracing her.Momo has always felt the urge to protect Dahyun no matter what. The younger girl helps Momo get through her problems and gifts her what seems like unlimited energy, so Momo always tries her best to return it. That's why Momo's eyes can't help but get teary as Dahyun also hugs her, caressing her hair."I'm okay, all because of you, honey," she kisses Momo on the temple, "I shouldn't have went in without you guys, I'm sorry."Momo lets out a deep, more relaxed sigh as she feels better now that she has Dahyun in her arms. "Don't worry about it, it's over now. I'll bring us back to the girls."Dahyun nods before they pull back away from the hug. However, she pouts in awe as she notices Momo's teary eyes gazing at her in such a loving way that it almost makes her pull the girl in for a kiss, but she holds back. It's too risky, especially in a crowded place like this. Instead, Dahyun's hands quickly reach for the other one's cheeks, caressing them with her thumb. Then, she leans in to softly kiss Momo's eyes, making the older girl giggle. In this moment, Dahyun promises herself to do whatever it takes for her ears to get blessed with Momo's giggles forever. Momo reaches for Dahyun's hand, intertwining them together."Just hold my hand and never let go, okay?" Momo says before turning to the crowd. "Let's go."The next thing you see is Momo guiding them through the crowd towards their table with Dahyun's hand perfectly locked into hers as she gives all of her to stop the absurdly dancing people from bumping into Dahyun with her arm....