I read once that, on average, we replaced the majority of our cells every seven years. What's making it even more amazing is: we change the upper layers of our skin every two weeks. If all of the cells in our body did this, we’d be immortal. But some of our cells, like the ones in our brains, don’t renew. They aged, and age us.

So within two weeks my skin will have no memory of Chaeyoung’s hand on mine, but my brain will always remembering it. We can have immortality or the memory of touch. But we can’t have both.

But why can't I get both?

FRIENDSHIP

Later, 8:16 P.M.

Chaeyoung: Oh wow minari, you've texted me early.

Mina: Haha Chaeng, I told my mom that I have a lot of homework to do.

Chaeyoung: Minari, are you all right? Like, really fine?

Mina: Why Chaeng? Are you asking me if I’m sick?

Chaeyoung: Yes~

Mina: Hmm, so far so good Chaeng~

Chaeyoung: Are you worried Mina?

Mina: Worried? About what Chaeng?

Chaeyoung: About how we touched? I mean, I had touched your skin Mina.

Mina: No, I'm just fine. I’m sure I’m fine.

Chaeyoung: Did you worried? Right after we touched?

Mina: Hmm, maybe a little.

Chaeyoung: Ah Minari~ I shouldn’t have done that. I’m so sorry :(

Mina: Kyaa Chaeng! Please don’t be. I'm not sick. I wouldn’t trade it. Don't worry about it~

Chaeyoung: But, still..

Chaeyoung: Are you sure you’re ok? 

Mina: Ugh Chaeng stop that I'm so fine now. But couldn't deny that I'd actually felt brand-new.

Chaeyoung: Haha Minari, does it all comes from holding hands huh? Imagine what a kiss would do.. xD

Mina: …

Mina: Friends don’t kiss, Chaeng.  

Mina: Eventho I'd never got into a social life out there, I know it's weird.

Chaeyoung: Ayyy Minari, a really GOOD one can.

RESEARCH

Twenty-four hours later, kissing is all I think about. I see the words and imagine what a kiss would be like whenever I close my eyes. At some point it occurs to me that I don’t know anything about kissing.

Of course, I’ve read about it. I’ve seen enough kissing in movies to get the idea. But I’ve never pictured myself being kissed, and certainly not a kisser.

Sana said that we're probably OK to see each other again today, but I decide to wait for a couple more days. She doesn’t know about the holding hands and the almost-shared breath.

I should tell that squirrel, but I don’t. I’m afraid she’ll stop our visits. Another lie to add to my growing count. Chaeyoung’s now the only person in my life that I haven’t lied to.

Strange isn't it?

Forty-eight hours post-touched and I’m still feeling fine. I sneak peeks at my charts when Sana’s not looking. Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature all seem OK. No early warning signs in sight. I sigh, feel relieved.

My body goes a little haywire when I imagine kissing Chaeyoung.

Omg Minari seriously??

Nah but I’m pretty sure that’s just love sickness.

HONESTY

Chaeyoung is not on the wall. She’s not even at a far end of the couch. Instead, she’s right in the middle, elbows on knees, stretching and releasing her rubber band.

I hesitate in the doorway. Her eyes don’t leave my face. Her dimples-smile that I'm dying to poke. Does she feel the same urge to occupy the same space, to breathe the same air like I do?

I linger at the threshold to the room, uncertain. I could go to her traditional spot next to the