Chapter Text
Chaewon was excited about this. She had just received her salary and it had been a long time since her last shopping spree. She texted Hyejoo last night, asking her if she’d be willing to accompany her as she searched for new clothes, to which the younger agreed almost immediately.
They walked through the mall, squeezing themselves through the crowd. “I forgot it was sale season,” Chaewon nervously chuckled. It really had been a long time since she last splurged on herself she realized.
“At least the clothes will be a lot cheaper,” Hyejoo said.
“Ah, that’s true. Means I can buy more.”
“I don’t think that’s what you’re supposed to do.” Hyejoo glanced at the girl beside her, seeing a large smile on her face, before rolling her eyes.
They spent the afternoon window shopping, Chaewon occasionally trying on clothes when something caught her eye. At one point, it turned from a shopping spree to a contest to see who can make the other try on the worst outfit, with both of them agreeing to buy matching ugly Christmas sweaters in the end. Tired and hungry, they were looking for a place to eat, arms laden with bags and hands brushing against each other.
“You really don’t have to help, you know. This is all my stuff anyway,” Chaewon argued.
“As I recall, this bag also contains a sweater of mine.”
“And that’s the only bag you’ll get.”
“Come on, at least give me one more.” Hyejoo tried taking a bag from Chaewon’s hand, but the other held on tightly.
“No, I’m telling you, it’s fine!” Chaewon tugged harshly at the bag, not knowing Hyejoo had already begun to let go. The sudden force sent her off balance and toppling backward.
Hyejoo felt more than saw Chaewon fall, the warmth beside her suddenly gone. She quickly faced Chaewon, a sense of deja vu filling her as she stretched her hand. She had caught her just as she almost hit the floor, the bags on her other arm already spilled on the ground.
Hyejoo pulled her up and steadied her on her feet. “Thanks,” Chaewon said. Suddenly, she started giggling, the whole situation so silly to her.
Hyejoo stared at her dumbfounded but she soon found herself laughing as well. “C’mon, you klutz. Let’s pick up your stuff and find something to eat before you actually end up hurting yourself.”
Still laughing, Chaewon bent down to pick up the bags sprawled on the floor when she felt something tugging at her. She realized Hyejoo was still holding onto her hand. “Um, Hyejoo?”
Hyejoo realized what was wrong and a blush crept onto her face. “I-It’s because you might trip again! What with you being so clumsy and all.” A beat passed before she continued, her voice much softer than before, “May I?”
Chaewon stared at their joined hands, her ears feeling hotter than usual. She nodded, “Mn.”
Chaewon picked up the remaining bags, Hyejoo’s hand squeezing hers tightly as they made their way to the food court.