Chapter Text
“please welcome, team japan!”
the crowd erupts in cheers as the team walks in, calling out their name. it’s majestic, a beautiful sight with thousands of people filling the stands. millions more across the world waiting for them, to witness this moment. it’s been a long time coming and everyone will admit that it was worth the wait. after all, it is the tokyo olympics.
towards the back of the group, myoui mina watches it all unfold in awe. it’s unbelievable that she’s here this evening. that she’s able to participate in such an event which until recently, had been merely a dream. over the past few years, she’s been practicing her archery but she’d never expected to take part in a competition like this. mina is well aware of the stress and the expectations that come with wearing the country’s flag on her olympic uniform. and, not to forget, that being the country that’s hosting the olympics means even higher anticipation. she’s here to do her best and that’s all she’s focusing on.
despite living in korea, mina’s dual citizenship gave her the opportunity to play for her home country. not that it eases the weight on her shoulders in the slightest. being able to walk in with such wonderfully talented people across dozens of people is an honour to cherish. with that thought is the added reality that she needs to work hard to showcase her skills, having so many eyes on their performance.
“this is a lot to take in. feels like i’m still in a dream.” mina mumbles to herself.
a warm hand squeezes hers and she turns to face momo, understanding her predicament. there’s nothing mina could be happier about than having her two best friends being by her side right now. momo, on her team in archery and the most experienced, had been the one to suggest mina to their coach for the olympics. it’s her second time here and mina knows that momo wants to make sure she enjoys this, despite the pressure that comes along with playing against the top teams across the world.
“mitang, you okay?” sana looks over from momo’s right side.
sana on the other hand, is the captain of their national soccer team. like momo, this is also her second olympics. though, a part of mina envies them. they know how things are meant to go. ever since mina got the nod that she’s going to olympics, she’s been in over her head. it still hasn’t sunken in that she’s here . insecurity washes over her and she grips the small country flag in her hand a little bit tighter. does she deserve to be in this spot with the talent that she has? what if she fails everyone?
“oh, no. we’re not having this.” momo clucks her tongue, pulling mina into the middle. she pulls the flag out of her hand and replaces it with her own. sana follows, interlacing her fingers through mina’s.
looking between her two friends, mina’s confusion builds.
“firstly, you’re going to have a good time here. even if we’re here for a reason, it’s been almost two years since you’ve been in japan. we’re definitely going to spend some time together after it’s all over.” sana begins as she swings their hands. “secondly, you’re meant to be here. i know you’ll be amazing with your strength and dedication. you worked hard and it’ll pay off.”
“she’s right. it’s easy to get carried away and believe that there could be someone else who should take your spot. but, you made it here for a reason. even if i did tell the coach about you, it’s not just my words that would’ve encouraged her to make that choice. she could’ve easily said no.” momo encourages. “we believe in you, just like you believe in us. and i want you to have fun as well. my personal goal this time around.”
mina nods, accepting their kind words of encouragement and reassurance. this is a reminder for her to focus on the present than the future. she doesn’t want to let it get to her any more than it already has.
“now, no talking about schedules or anything for the rest of the night. let loose, enjoy the night and festivities instead, alright? it’s going to be a late one.” sana nudges her shoulder against mina’s.
“ actually , should i tell you about everything sana was up to at the last olympics? the whole team, as in across all sports, knew about it.” momo struggles to talk through her laughter.
“hey, you promised to keep that a secret!” sana whines.
“it can’t be that bad, can it?” mina doesn’t quite know what to expect.
“you can just say that not everyone was as accepting of her normal behaviour like we are. she got into a little bit of trouble from some girlfriends. but in all honesty, sana never did anything wrong. i had to keep her with me the rest of the remaining time.” momo explains. “but, it’s fun to tease her about it because she went through hell with me.”
mina giggles as she glances at sana, sulking away with a pout. “at least you have us both this time.”
“well, i don’t have momo. she’s going to be busy with her girlfriend.” sana grumbles. “i can’t believe you’re going to be versing your girlfriend in the olympics. who would’ve thought. you’re all lucky that you’re not competing against the korean team in the first round.”
the way mina had been introduced to the three of them was through momo and sana, actually.
they first met the oldest team member, nayeon at the previous olympics, getting along quite well almost immediately. having the common ground of living in the same country helped break the barrier between them. on returning to korea, they promised to meet and the group of three became a group of six. that’s where mina met nayeon’s girlfriend, dahyun and another teammate, jihyo. mina would say the best thing out of their budding friendship had definitely been momo’s panic over realising that she had a big, fat crush on jihyo. it took them over a year to get together.
(to mina, they’re still stuck in the damn honeymoon phase; it’s never-ending)
“jihyo and nayeon cause chaos all the time. i won’t be surprised if they win gold. but, i feel sorry for dahyun more. being in a team with those two, so adamant to win.” momo chuckles. “maybe i’ll sneak out of our apartment to see jihyo during the night.”
“if you don’t take your key card i’m not going to open the door for you in the middle of my sleep.” mina makes sure to clarify. “i love you, but not enough to wake up at weird times.”
“does that mean i can come visit you instead?” sana perks up, excited about the idea.
mina knows she should probably say no, knowing that sana wouldn’t leave their room for the entire night. their coaches haven’t demanded it, but suggested they stay in their own rooms the first few nights at least. but, she could do with some company while momo will be gone.
“of course. we can grab some food from the cafeteria and then watch a movie? does that sound okay?” mina double-checks.
“please mitang, if i’m with you, anything is good.” sana shakes her head as they finally finish their entry walk.
there’s still a little bit longer until the end of the ceremony, mina realises. now that they’ve walked in, she assumes the lighting of the torch will be the highlight. there’s bound to be some additional performances until then, though.
it’s well after ten by the time the countries are all led back into their respective apartments. momo ends up changing her mind to meet jihyo at her apartment, instead, finding the cafeteria to be a more suitable place to reunite. mina barely takes a sip of her water when there’s knocking on their door, probably from sana. did she even go to her room?
“momoring, sana’s here. let’s go.” mina calls out as she leaves the room.
a few moments later, the three of them make their way to find some food. that lengthy process had her hungrier than she expected.
“sana, what are we going to eat?” mina asks as they take the elevator. “as hungry as i am, i don’t think i can stomach anything heavy.”
“i heard there’s plenty of food to choose from. i’m sure they’ll make that choice difficult for you.” sana chuckles. “hey, get off your phone before you walk into a post.” she snatches momo’s phone as they exit.
“b-but jihyo!” momo tries to get her phone back, but struggles.
“you’re going to see her, in like, five minutes momo. you’ll be fine.” sana returns it as soon as momo starts to pout. “almost like you didn’t see her a week ago.”
“a week is long.” momo grumbles.
“oh, i think i see them.” mina points to an occupied table. the three girls wave, ushering for them to hurry on over.
“not even five minutes.” sana comments, shaking her head.
momo leads them, immediately engulfing jihyo in a hug as she reaches. jihyo’s squeals have half the cafeteria staring at them but they don’t pay much attention to it. more so because this is very normal for the rest of them. even though mina feels like a third wheel between the duo most of the time, her heart warms at the sight. she’s sure that’ll change in a few minutes when she witnesses the grossly cute sight in front of her face while she eats.
“how about some salad and grilled beef? i think that’s not too heavy.” sana points to the station. “do you want me to grab you a plate mitang?”
mina looks between momo, whispering in jihyo’s ear to nayeon, peppering kisses on dahyun’s cheek. she’s definitely not staying behind to be downgraded to a fifth wheel. “i’ll come with you.”
sana chuckles, wrapping her hand around mina’s as they head to grab their late dinner. there’s no time difference between korea and japan yet she’s starting to feel sluggish as the night wears on. mina stifles a yawn as they walk back to the table.
“it’s the flight and the festivities that take everything out of you, really. you’ll sleep like a baby tonight.” sana pats mina’s head.
“if i can sleep through momo’s snoring. when she’s exhausted, you know how hard it is for anyone else to sleep.” mina groans.
“well. let’s hope that jihyo saves you in that area.” sana’s words give mina an image in her mind she never needed in the first place.
“you’re terrible.” mina gasps, shoving her shoulder.
“i think i might grab some sushi, actually.” nayeon sighs, looking at the queues. “they don’t have any of the raw ones but it’ll do. i’ll bring some for you too, dahyunnie.”
half an hour later, sana and mina have to physically pull momo away from jihyo for them to head back to their rooms. she’s sulking throughout the walk back but the two let her be, knowing the exhaustion is adding to her mood. they choose to drop sana off first, squeezed into a tight group hug before she leaves them. mina’s legs feel like lead as she walks to their own room. she’ll need to have a warm shower to chip away at the grogginess but it’s a welcomed relief.
momo lets mina claim the bed by the window, knowing her love for the sight it beholds. as mina looks outside, she smiles. the familiarity tugs at the strings of her heart. the city feels less lonely this time around. the darkness of the night embracing her like an old friend. she closes the curtains and slides inside the covers of her bed.
sleep comes easily, just like sana had said. mina finds herself drifting off quickly, momo’s light snoring fading out.
it’s barely six in the morning when mina stirs from sleep. she turns around and closes her eyes, not wanting to get out of bed yet. when the attempt is fruitless, mina sighs in defeat. she’s sure she’s not going to be able to fall asleep again, no matter how hard she tries. her mind is running off already. maybe she can head over to have an early practice run in the archery field. quietly, mina washes up and grabs her equipment, heading out of her room. for a moment, she contemplates grabbing breakfast first but it’s still too early to eat, especially after the late dinner last night.
it’s refreshing taking a walk without anyone around. mina is able to take in the true grandiosity of the buildings. everything was so rushed yesterday, she didn’t see half of the things she’s noticing now. as she heads towards the athlete bus stop for the travel to the field when she spots someone trying to read the instructions.
with archery equipment in her hand, mina can only guess that the woman is headed to the same destination as her. perhaps, lost on her way, considering that she’s holding the map of the area. mina chooses to help, hoping the stranger is able to understand english.
“hi, are you lost?” mina taps the woman’s shoulder, who jumps back at the contact.
she doesn’t turn around, instead, walking away from mina.
(in the wrong direction)