Chapter Text
Tachycardia, is a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, only tranquility can calm. But if left untreated, tachycardia can disrupt normal heart function and lead to serious complications, including: Heart failure.
It was then, again, another bad dream for Mina. Her chest pains kept getting worse and worse with every nightmare she had. She was glad it was finally morning, sunlight seeping through the brown faded blinds. It was the time for waking up with a hint of breakfast getting cooked outside her room. She grasped her chest, taking deep breaths while calming herself inbetween. It was painful, but the pain finally lessens. It was a bad dream and getting it out of her mind was the least she could do to help with her heart.
Mina stood up and smoothed her silky nightgown. She walked to her door, only to find Nayeon grooving to the 1975 tunes, cooking what seems to be like breakfast. It was smelling like fried rice all over the place.
“Good morning, Nayeon.” Mina sat diligently on one of the barstools, seeing Nayeon acknowledging her presence and smiling.
“How was your sleep?” Nayeon was quick to ask. She, right on time, finished cooking the first batch and was quick to give Mina a plate full of kimchi fried rice.
“It was the usual.” Mina answered but her tone was down unlike usual. She played with her meal a little bit before actually taking a spoonful. Nayeon sighed and placed the hot pan gently on its place. The nightmares were getting frequent and it’s making her heart more worse. Mina was suffering but under all those smiles, they were both suffering. Nayeon wants to be be positive about it, but can’t help but get frustrated. Visits to the hospital was increasing and she can’t afford Mina always inhaling the scent of nothing but anti-bacterial sanitizers and all the medical stuff. It pains her to see it so. If only she knew about it so much earlier.
“Here. I’m sorry. It’s a deconstructed omurice. The eggs cooked way too quickly.” Nayeon tried to cheer her up, settling another plate beside the plate she was currently having. It was an omelette and it totally made sense. Mina smiled and took another spoonful, humming in satisfaction. It was really good. Nayeon’s kimchi fried rice is always that good.
Mina motioned to get Nayeon’s cup of strong coffee, but only to be quickly stopped by a swift hand. Nayeon quickly placed the mug away from Mina’s reach. Mina fought back and hard. She reached and reached but Nayeon was the one in defense, slapping Mina’s hand from attempting to get the mug. Nayeon, who was frustrated as hell, took a big sip, emptying the contents of the mug. It wasn’t hot anymore, much to her relief.
“You know caffeine is bad for you, right? Stop it!” Nayeon’s struggle finally stopped as Mina cross her arms, frustrations starting to build up.
“I don’t care. What else can this fast paced heart do anyway?” Mina sulked and took a spoonful of the rice again but this time, in an aggressive manner. Nayeon scoffed sarcastically, finding it funny on how Mina was sulking.
“It was a cup of your poison. Do you really think I would give it to you? Don’t try and look how fast your heart can still go, idiot.” Nayeon lifted a finger and flicked Mina’s forehead. Mina surely knew caffeine was the way to die.
Mina doesn’t really know what to do anymore. Her Tachycardia was getting worse and she was actually living with nothing to do but breathe. She’s taking her scheduled therapy in the hospital and that’s the only day she gets to go out of the secluding house. Her heart was getting sensitive. A simple one such as caffeine can easily kill her. What more if she does things that was tiring as ever?
Fear was the main cause of her worsening tachycardia. Fear from everything, family, work, even love. Everything was scary, it was causing her stress she never really know how to handle. So she shut them out, fearing that she only causes pain to them, and to her self. Sure, her mother had tachycardia before but it wasn’t as worse as Mina’s. Mina thought luck wasn’t really on her side. She gets to spend her days, playing legos, finding solace in her stuffed cuddly penguin Nayeon bought her to calm down, and nothing but more legos to play with.
Mina finished her breakfast, while she contemplates about asking permission from Nayeon to go outside. It was like asking her mother. Nayeon was still cooking for herself, when Mina cleared her throat, getting the attention of Nayeon halfly.
“I was thinking, I want to go outside today.” Mina saw Nayeon’s ears move like a bunny, wanting to hear what Mina would like to say. It filled Mina with delight.
“I just want to go to that bread shop you said that was newly opened. The bread you brought home was delicious.” Mina stood up and cleared the kitchen counter she dined on a while ago. She went to the sink, waiting for Nayeon to respond on her plea. It was almost impossible since Nayeon really does not allow her to go outside unless it was really important. She doesn’t want anything to happen to Mina. But since the shop was just down the street, she contemplates carefully on it.
“How would I know that you’re not up to any sort of monkey business?” Nayeon sighed and finally finished on her pancakes. Mina’s head snapped in Nayeon’s direction, crossing her arms and chuckling softly.
“I’m not. You think I lie to you? That hurts my feelings.” Mina fake pouted. Nayeon swears she almost threw the fork she was holding to her direction. Luckily, she was in a good mood.
“Shut up. You’re lucky I get to take care of your fragile ass.” Nayeon inaudibly spoke, her cheeks filled with pancakes. Mina propped her elbow on the kitchen counter, placing her chin on top of her palm and waited for Nayeon’s answer. She hopes, she prays hard, Nayeon lets her out. She was getting claustrophobic in this apartment.
“Fine. Walk straight home if someone tries to kill you or something. Or else I’ll find your dead corpse and kill it twice.” Mina laughs and nods in pure happiness. Her day was getting better.
She walked to her room, her smile was reaching both of her ears. She prepared thoroughly, getting ready to go out on that one spring day. She opened her cabinet, prepared herself with her favorite black skinny jeans and a white crop top and was then topped with a simple cardigan. It was simple, but it definitely satisfied her.
She went out, only to see an empty, quiet place. It seems like Nayeon already went to work. Or went to see her girlfriend, that is (she never really got her name). Mina brought with her just a bag of her essentials and went walking, frolicking through the warm air. She was doing it in purpose. Going home early isn’t really in her favor.
Mina passed by a busy street, people minding their own businesses while either answering phone calls, going to places quickly, just business all over the place. It wasn’t a new view for Mina but it was rash. Is this what people does all their lives? Of course, she can’t judge, given her condition, but she doesn’t really like the negative energy all over the place. Maybe this is why Nayeon doesn’t want her going out.
Mina arrived in the bread shop, all peaceful, but it’s kind of packed with small number of people. Wide variety of breads on the racks, warm air hitting her skin, and it smelled nothing but fresh bread. Mina doesn’t really eat a lot of bread, but seeing this was her guilty pleasure. She walked to the rows of bread and went on to find the bread Nayeon bought her. It was a strawberry one, as far as her palate remembers. It was really good for a sweet bread. She looked at each bread, getting all giddy for she found some bread that adds to her choices.
She went to get a tray, and luckily, a piece of the strawberry cream bread was left. She quickly picked it up, afraid that someone might get it.
She went to the counter and quickly paid for what seems to be like a number of bread that is enough to get her going for the rest of the week. She was done paying for the bread, getting ready to walk out, maybe frolick a little bit in the park, not really wanting to go home. (She, of course, sincerely apologized to Nayeon under her breath.)
“Excuse me, when will the next batch of strawberry cream come?” A lady asked at the counter behind her. Mina stopped her tracks, silently waiting for the cashier to answer. She walked slightly to the white bread section, pretending to look at it, but really, she just wants to know where this plea was going.
“Not until mid-afternoon, miss.” The cashier answered. Now that’s a bummer. Mina looked at the bag she was holding, containing the last piece of the strawberry cream bread she just bought. Literally.
“Oh, crap. I need it so bad. Won’t it come any sooner?” The lady asked with a tone, seemingly desperate for it. Mina bit her lip, afraid to face the lady. She was one step away from the stored entrance, why can’t she just run away and maybe just don’t mind the lady and eat it happily?
“No, miss. I’m sorry.” The person behind the counter apologized. Mina was then, suddenly guilty of having the bread. As much as she loves it, it wasn’t really in her favor to technically make someone sad.
Mina saw the lady walk pass her, frustratingly sighing like she was really damn desperate for this petty bread. Mina went outside too, not long enough after the lady went out, bringing herself to atleast call the lady.
“Hey.” Mina softly called, enough for the lady to hear. The lady was pretty, oh she was hella pretty. Mina was taken aback, internally choked on her breath.
“Yes?” The lady’s voice was gentle. It rang through her ears, soothingly as ever.
“U-Umm. Hold on.” Mina searched in her bag. She shuffled through her bread and finally got the strawberry cream bread on hand. It was the last one. It was the last one. And here she was, giving it to the lady, a stranger, who was pleasing for it a while ago. This was the disadvantage of having a weak heart.
“Here. I think you want it more than I do.” Mina saw the lady give the bread a long look before look at her, a red blush all over her face.
“U-Uhh. But it’s yours. I don’t want to get something that isn’t mine.” The lady lightly shook her head, smiling like she was happy but seemingly, dismissing Mina’s offer. Mina wasn’t pleased.
“I insist. I-I just saw this. I didn’t really want it.” Mina hates lying but it was like lying was the right thing to do. She saw the lady get the bread from her hand, slowly and gently, still being a little bit paranoid and suspicious. Mina smiled slightly and bowed to the lady. She was shy, like really, really shy. She didn’t even got the chance to hear her give thanks.
Mina walked away, too shy to even talk to the pretty lady. But she was walking while smiling, amused of what she did. It felt good. Sure, she didn’t get that one bread she asked permission about, but meeting a lady, and giving her the bread. It felt damn good.
Suddenly, her heart stinged like there was a needle poking through it. It hurted to bad she silently yelped in pain. She didn’t even notice her heart beat went on a fast pace. She was just walking. Or maybe she is thinking about the lady too, smiles and all. Soon enough after her heart went calm, she shook her head and went straight home, foiling her plans of revolting to Nayeon, and just spending the rest of the day maybe lying around in her house.
She shouldn’t think about the lady, it was dangerous. Mina never met someone outside of her circle after getting diagnosed. It was new to her, but her chest pains seemed to increase when she thinks of the lady.
“Get a grip, Myoui. Don’t risk it.” She mentally slapped herself while she was changing into her comfortable clothes.
It wasn’t long when Nayeon arrived. She was already feasting on the chocolate almond bread she bought, not really minding the absence of the taste of strawberry cream.
“As far as I could remember, I bought you the one with strawberries on top. Aren’t you tripping or something?” Nayeon asked while removing her shoes to enter the living. Mina shrugged, finding a proper excuse because she is sure Nayeon doesn’t want her spending the money they don’t have for another person.
“I wanted to try another flavor. And they did ran out of strawberry cream.” Mina answered, munching on the bread, half guilty. She did tell the truth that that kind of bread ran out.
“Nayeon?” Mina called for Nayeon’s attention, that was now on her phone’s attention. Probably checking on her girlfriend she just saw a while ago or something.
“Can I go out to the shop again? I really like their bread.” Mina saw Nayeon lift her eyes for a moment and stared for a while at Mina.
“You like it that much huh? Why don’t I just buy it for you?” Nayeon asked, letting her attention return to her phone but completely letting their conversation go to where it was going.
“No!” Mina was easy and quick to interject. Nayeon blinked at Mina, possibly shocked at Mina’s sudden rejection. That was the last thing she wanted Nayeon to do. It was her only chance to go out again. In her current state, going out was like a once in a blue moon experience. She hopes she could get Nayeon to approve on her plea.
“I-I just want to go out again, maybe more often. You know... I want to get used to it now. I know you’re close to marrying your girlfriend, I’ll be left alone.” Mina did found a reason to go out. Even though the last statement was not still possible to happen. Nayeon did start dating just two and a half months ago.
“Okay fine. But I still stand with my words. I’ll kill you twice if I have to and tell your corpse ’I told you so’.” Nayeon lifts her right knuckle, throwing a threatening look at Mina who was very happy that she got Nayeon to say yes, well, receiving death threats if something happens to her, after.
———————————————————————
Mina went to the bread shop the next day, not really having the knowledge to even go around the big city of Seoul. She has a lot to learn from Nayeon.
As usual, she went alone, the warm and fresh air of the bread shop hitting her skin, making her feel more alive, forgetting everything, forgetting her little fragile heart. She went to her own world again, seeing the breads different colors and design that she could already taste in her mouth.
Mina was scanning through the rows of bread, when a pair of eyes met hers, staring deeply into her very soul. Instead of being nervous and all, those soft eyes were all too familiar for her. For it was the pair that she first stared into just right outside the shop.
“Hey. It’s me again.” The owner of the soft pair of brown eyes, that is, spoke through her ever so softly. Mina was just staring. Why is she?
“I’m not a creep, I swear. Well, maybe I waited for you here and all, b-but don’t get me wrong!” The lady was blabbering too quick, Mina can’t even get a grip and talk. She saw the lady lift the bag she was holding, looking like it was being given to Mina.
“Here, I uh, bought it for you. As a payback for um, yesterday. Oh G-God, I’m sorry, this is embarassing.” The lady was blushing already, sending Mina to grin effortlessly, from ear to ear.
“You should’ve bought it for yourself, miss..?” Mina’s attention was all for learning for the lady’s name suddenly.
“My name is Momo. Please take it. I insist.” Momo was already pleading hard as Mina saw her pulling a 85 degree bow, close to a 90 degree one, still the bag of bread being held up to Mina. She really wasn’t looking for a payback. She really doesn’t even expect this lady to show up again, insisting for a payback. (And waiting for her in this shop, she might add.)
“Okay, fine. If you only share it with me. Since you should’ve just bought it, not for me.” Mina took the bag and saw Momo flash a smile, lightly nodding, her face evidently showing that she agree sincerely.
“Nice to meet you, Momo. I’m Mina.”
———————————————————————
Mina found herself with Momo, who by the way, a person she just met yesterday and a name she just learned a while ago, sitting on the bleachers with children playing street basketball as their view. Mina was eating her part of the strawberry cream bread she broke in half a while ago, because Momo did agree on sharing.
“So judging by your last name, you’re Japanese? I can finally speak comfortably.” Momo managed to speak despite her mouth full, the last statement being in their own language.
“Yeah. What are the odds on that. Meeting a Japanese lady who shares the same taste of bread as me.” Mina was gentle to reply, before she takes a bit on her piece. She was unlike Momo, she noticed, all cheery and quite chirpy. (In a positive way, of course.) Mina was quiet and not really that expressive. After all she’s been through, being happy was long gone from her. Even though she tried, she thought she can never be with her little fragile heart. In fact, she’s surprised her heart wasn’t acting up this day on, so far.
“Is this one of your plans, sitting alone, while having strawberry cream bread, on this very bench?” Mina was quick to nod at Momo’s question. It was Momo who followed her here, wanting to go somewhere Mina wanted to go. It was her way of making it up to the small thing Mina did for her.
“Yes. Until I wasn’t really alone.” Mina licked her fingers, possibly licking off all the cream and flavor off, really can’t get enough of her favorite bread.
“I thought you don’t like this one. You devoured it like it was your favorite.” Momo chuckled softly, eating the last piece she have.
Right. She did say she didn’t want it.
“I’m sorry. I had to. For you to accept it.” Mina smiled at Momo before turning her gaze to the playing children, possibly shying away the embarrassment all over her face.
“Why were you insisting on the cashier in the first place?” Mina asked, snapping her head to Momo’s direction after washing away her shy smile. Momo shrugged and it was finally her turn to watch the kids play.
“I don’t know. I had a craving. Weirdly and desperately. You know?” Momo shrugged, asking the question back in Korean. It was weird, as far as Mina remembers, she did crave for it too.
“I know. It’s good enough to crave for it, weirdly and desperately.” Mina let her gaze fall to where was Momo looking, speaking the first sentence in Korean also.
Momo, being the noisy one she was, started to bombard questions on Mina, and she did the same. It was very comfortable. Smiles plastered on both faces, seemingly enjoying being accompanied by one another. It was the first time in ages since Mina talked to someone outside her circle. Momo was comfortable to talk to, she wasn’t really that much of a talker but Momo gets Mina to talk and not want to really shut up.
Not really noticing the time pass by as they talk about things like their ages, likes and dislikes, missing Japan, it was Nayeon who reminded them the time. Mina heard her phone ring possibly receiving a call from Nayeon. Who else could it be? It was only Nayeon, 119, and maybe her older brother’s old number in her contacts.
“Where in the heck are you?” Mina heard Nayeon’s voice, a frustrated one, ring on her ear. She was expecting this, given that it was getting late.
“I’m sorry. I was just hanging around the park. I’ll be home in a moment, I promise.” Mina almost answered in Japanese, she was getting used to it again like she never moved away her hometown, it was funny. She glanced at Momo who was looking at her, getting a hint that Mina was getting called already.
“Alright. I was so ready to butcher you, to be honest.” Mina rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“Not today, Nabong.”
“Sure. I’ll wait for that day. Anyways, be safe.” Mina hums in acknowledgement before hanging up and facing Momo with an apologetic look.
“I’m sorry. I should get going. My friend’s already looking for me.” Mina stood up, followed by Momo who stood up and walked along with her. Mina did mention about going, why is Momo still following her?
“Don’t you have places to be? I mean, you wasted half of your day with me.” Mina heard Momo hum in amusement, but she still walked with Mina, like she really doesn’t mind walking with her a little bit more.
“Nah. Half of my day isn’t pretty much wasted with you.” Mina was caught in surprise. Her cheeks was fast to warm up as she stop her tracks. They were both blushing, Momo’s blushing more than her though.
“I-I mean, because you’re a good companion! You know, good companions d-doesn’t waste time!” Momo was quick to defend herself but Mina does buy it. She pretends to. Mina nodded and walked again, getting used to Momo walking with her.
“I think I can go on from here.” Mina stopped walking just right in the corner of their street. Of course, Nayeon would go crazy seeing her with a person she doesn’t even know of.
“Thank you for accepting my gift. Even though we shared.” It was evident in Momo’s voice that she was very glad. It sent something that warmed Mina’s fragile heart.
“You really didn’t have to. It was a small thing.”
“Yeah. That small thing made me happy.” Momo smiled, ever so warmly. Mina saw her reached out in her pocket, taking out what seems to be her phone, seemingly handing it to Mina. She sees where this was going.
“Can you, uhh, Can I atleast get your number?” Momo asked, embarrassment plastered entirely on her face, like when they first talked a while ago in the shop. She was looking like a shy suitor and Mina does think it was cute.
Mina grabbed Momo’s phone, punching her number in, getting happy in the idea of Momo and her talking and all. Maybe, will talk about anything, everything.
“Just give that number a call, a good companion will quickly be on its way.” Mina did manage to slip in her tease. Momo laughed and shook her head, possibly laughing at herself for what she said a while ago.
“I’m sorry, I just think we’ll not see each other for quite some time. You know, we barely knew each other.” Mina felt her heart, it made its presence known to her again. It was beating very fast again, sending her heart ache like a big needle piercing through it, like mad. She doesn’t let Momo see herself struggle, but she manage to show her a half-hearted smile.
“Y-Yeah. I’ll keep going. It was nice to meet you.” Mina tries hard not to grunt in pain but she unfortunately, flinched in pain. Luckily, Momo was oblivious of what was happening, waving goodbye to Mina and going to her own way.
Mina finally turned her back, clenching her chest, getting a breather. Her heart rapidly beats, pumping blood crazily. It was one of those moments again, but this was the first time this day. Mina can’t seem to ponder why, it was weird , she admits but she put no mind to it. She walked home, finally, her heart catching up, beating slower.
As she enter their shared apartment, her phone suddenly lit up, it was the good companion of hers. She smiled and saw that Momo typed her message comfortably using Korean characters but her message was more of a Korean-Japanese mixed.
Hi there, Mitang. You did type here ‘Minari’ but you’re more of a ‘Mitang’ to me. I’m dying to see you
It was then again followed by a more panicked message, and it was surprisingly in Japanese.
Soon! I meant soon!
Mina snickers at Momo’s clumsy remarks but she does like the dash of truth poured into it. Mina heard someone clears throat, she lifted her eyes from the screen, only to see Nayeon looking at her, possibly her eyes was full of questions.
“If you going out means you, going home late, I might just kill you myself.” Nayeon crossed her arms while complaining. It was very unusual of Mina to go home like this, but it was just 4 in the evening, she swears.
“It’s not that late, Nayeon. You just came home earlier than me.” Mina defended, and it was a fact that sent Nayeon coyly silent. Nayeon goes home by 5 as far as Mina remembers, she doesn’t really know why she came home earlier.
“What are you all smiling at on your phone anyway?” So Nayeon did catch her.
“Nothing. Just... stuff.” Mina walked to her room, avoiding any questions Nayeon could’ve possibly throw at her. Mina, finally typed her reply for Momo.
Hi there, Momo. I’m going to save your number now. ^^
Mina bit her lip while trying to hide her smile, looking at Momo’s message a while ago. Mitang has a nice ring to it rather than Minari. Everyone calls her Mina or Minari, but Momo created a new nickname and she liked it.
By the way, Mitang sounds nice. You can call me that. See you soon :)
Mina’s heart felt warm once again.
———————————————————————
Mina went out, this time, she went straight to the bleachers, exactly where the both of them sat. She’s alone today, but she really doesn’t mind so. She sat quietly, finding peace in the warm air, rustling leaves, and the great weather. It was another day when she never felt more alive than dying.
Suddenly, her phone was ringing, with another contact added to her phone, the lady’s name that sat with her here the other day flashed on her screen.
“Hello?” Mina answered, smiling ever so widely.
“I swear, I really wanted to go with you, but my friend was persuasive.” Momo was fast to explain through the call.
Momo has been talking to Mina through messaging endlessly, not really running out of what to say. Mina loved it, talking to someone real, instead of her cuddly penguin like it was alive. Mina did let Momo know that she was going out, getting her hopes up that Momo would meet her, but Momo took a rain check, with a couple of crying emojis after.
“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t sweat it, soldier.” Mina giggled softly, finding Momo once again, damn cute.
“I hope you could forgive me. Next time we meet, dinner’s on me, I promise.” She heard Momo catch her breath on the other line, like she was running.
“Hey. Are you running a marathon or something?” Mina asked, still hearing Momo catch her breath, exasperated sighs heard in the other line.
“No! I wasn’t. I was chasing... something.”
Mina hummed in confusion. Chasing something? Is she robbed or did she lose her friend along the way while she was calling?
“Ahh yes. I got it.” Momo laughed on the other line. Mina was still in confusion.
“I was chasing the day we meet again. I guess, that’s going to be today, Mitang.”
Mina, who was confused on what was happening, looked around, only to find Momo standing by the bleachers, looking like she was catching her breath and did ran a marathon.
“You’re crazy!” Mina can’t help by smile at Momo, who was now climbing up to meet Mina on where she was sitting. She sat beside Mina, catching her breath for a moment, but her warm smile was still stuck on her face.
“I’m sorry. My friend and I parted early and I thought that I should come over. I was chasing the time before you come home.” Momo was still panting, it seems like she ran all the way from here. Just 30 minutes before Mina does come home, like yesterday when Nayeon called her, Momo arrived. Mina’s cheeks were warming up again, a familiar warm fuzz blooming in her heart.
“As I said, dinner’s on me.” Momo stood up again, offering her hand to Mina. Mina took a long and hard stare, not knowing what will happen if she take her hand. Where will Momo take her? Will Nayeon murder her if she doesn’t come home early again?
“Are we going? Because I do want to let you go home on time.” Momo asked, still not putting her hand down. It was still up for Mina’s taking. Mina stared at it longer and diverted her eyes bacl to Momo’s. She’s pretty sure she did just met Momo the other day, and people who usually asks her to have dinner with them are often her closest friends but why does Momo make her trust her so much? Did Momo put something on the bread they shared? Many questions lingered on Mina’s head, but one thing is for sure, all it took was a piece of strawberry cream bread to meet Momo.
“It’s okay. I can tell her I’ll be home, slightly late than usual.” Mina took her by the hand and she let herself be pulled by Momo. She swears, she saw a tint of pink on Momo’s cheeks when she walked with her, not letting go of her hand for a moment, until she does, when she noticed herself getting warmed up again.
Maybe getting lost with this pretty lady won’t hurt.