Momo's Turn

I stood in the middle of my room, listening to the silence. The last two mornings had been a whirlwind of soft skin and sweet whispers. Waking up with Nayeon had felt like winning the lottery. Waking up with Jeongyeon had felt like coming home. Today felt different. The air in the dorm felt lighter, maybe because I was starting to get used to this crazy rhythm. Or maybe because I was looking forward to a new beginning every morning.

I showered quickly, the hot water waking me up. I brushed my teeth and stared at myself in the mirror. I looked tired, but happy. I wondered what kind of surprise was waiting for me today. With Twice, you never knew.

I followed the smell of fresh coffee to the dining area.

The room felt cozy this morning. The big curtains were drawn, letting in soft sunlight. The members were already there, but the energy wasn't chaotic yet. It was gentle—quiet chatter, the clinking of spoons, and the smell of brewing coffee. Sana was humming a tune while she buttered toast.

I walked in and immediately spotted Jeongyeon. She was sitting in the chair to the left of the head seat. She looked fresh and glowing. When she saw me, she gave me a little wave and a secret smile. My heart warmed. I couldn't help but smile back.

The seat to my right—the "girlfriend" seat—was empty.

I walked over to my chair and sit down, then the kitchen door swung open.

Momo walked out.

She looked... adorable. She was clearly still waking up. Her raven hair was thrown messily behind her, strands falling loose around her face. She was wearing a shiny, satin off-shoulder shirt that was slipping down her left arm, exposing the strap of a black bra. She looked soft and rumpled.

She was carrying two coffee cups, carefully balancing them as she shuffled across the room.

Jihyo looked up from her phone and smiled. "Great timing, Momo-ya. Oppa, meet your girlfriend of the day. She even brought coffee for you. How cute!"

Momo blinked, as if realizing everyone was looking at her. A shy blush spread across her cheeks.

She walked over to me slowly. Her eyes were half-closed, still full of sleep. She stopped right in front of me.

"Morning, Manager-nim," she mumbled, her voice soft and raspy.

She leaned in and gave me a soft peck on the lips. It was quick and sleepy, smelling of toothpaste and coffee.

Then she placed one of the coffee cups on the table in front of me. "For you."

She sat down in the chair to my right.

"Awww!" Mina cooed from across the table. "That ought to wake her up!~"

"They are so cute together," Dahyun added, stuffing a piece of bacon into her mouth.

I sat down and looked at Momo. She was already reaching for her own cup, wrapping both hands around it like it was a source of life.

"Are you okay, Momo-ssi?" I asked quietly.

She took a long sip of coffee, closing her eyes as the hot liquid hit her tongue. When she opened them, she looked a little more alive. She gave me a soft, genuine smile.

"I'm fine," she whispered. "Just a little sleepy. I had trouble sleeping last night. Too much energy, I think."

She took another sip and her eyes brightened. "But I'll be fully awake after this coffee. Promise."

Under the table, her bare knee brushed against my leg. It was an accident, probably, since she was slouching comfortably.

But without thinking, I moved my hand under the table and rested it on her thigh. I gave it a gentle, affectionate squeeze. Her skin was warm and soft.

Momo froze for a second, her cup halfway to her lips. A light pink color appeared on her cheeks, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she pressed her leg slightly closer to mine, a silent thank you.

"So, what's on the schedule today?" Jihyo asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

I cleared my throat and tried to look professional, even though my hand was still on Momo's thigh.

"It's a dance-heavy day," I said, checking my phone's note. "Review of the new choreography for the music video, followed by four hours of practice. The producer wants the formations perfect by tonight."

A few groans echoed around the table. Tzuyu slumped over her plate.

But Momo perked up instantly. The sleepiness vanished from her eyes, replaced by a spark of excitement.

"Dance practice?" she asked, her voice lifting. "All day?"

"Yes," I nodded. "Is that okay?"

She beamed at me, a bright, toothy smile that made her eyes disappear into crescents. "That's perfect! It’s my kind of day. We need to fix that transition in the second chorus anyway."

I laughed. "I should have known. You're a dancing machine, Momo."

She nudged my shoulder with hers, grinning. "You better keep up, Oppa."

We finished breakfast in a relaxed mood. The coffee worked its magic, and the table became livelier. Momo chatted with Dahyun about their favorite snacks, while still keeping her leg pressed against mine.

Eventually, everyone stood up. It was time to get ready.

"Okay, dishes away!" Jihyo commanded. "Go get dressed! We leave in forty minutes."

The members scrambled, grabbing their plates and loading the dishwasher efficiently. They were like a well-oiled machine when they wanted to be.

I stood up too, but Momo hung back.

She was standing by the kitchen counter, finishing the last drop of her coffee. She put the cup down and walked over to me. The messy bun, the sleepy eyes—they were gone. She looked awake now. And she was looking at me with a different kind of hunger.

"Thanks for the coffee," I said.

"I didn't make it," she said, stepping closer. "Jihyo did. But I carried it."

She laughed, a cute, breathy sound. Then she reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Before I could react, she pulled me down and kissed me.

It wasn't a sleepy peck like before. It was heated and demanding. Her lips were soft, but she kissed me with a sudden intensity that made my head spin. She tasted like sugar and caffeine.

She pulled back just as quickly, leaving me standing there stunned, my heart racing in my chest.

"See you in a little bit, Oppa," she whispered, her eyes twinkling with mischief.