Title: Endearment

Characters: Jung Mimi, Liu Xiening

Requested by: TheresaParado

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Family vacations were boring. Although it saves the time for deeper understanding and bonding time among family members, it didn't suffice my reasons to why I despise these kind of vacations. Not only it was boring, I'd face nagging from my father of uninteresting sights or my mom's nagging of taking low quality selfies.

Our vacation for this year is in Guangdong, China. I would've thought it would be another vacation in the wilderness where we would go camping, in which I hate. But knowing it was a coastal province and third largest city in China, I thought of giving the vacation a shot.

After a long trip, we finally got to the hotel. I got my stuff in my room, with my parents on the other. Having my own room was a bonus of giving this vacation a chance. As I got settled on my bed, my mom waltzes in.

"Are we going somewhere?" I asked.

"Not today, Mimi. We start our vacation tomorrow." She said and pats my head. "For a nine-year old, you're so grown up."

"That's me, Eomma." I grinned. "Why don't you and Appa rest?"

She nodded and went back to her room. I slumped on my bed again when I thought I should gaze at the window. As I looked, I saw the sight of cars, people, buildings, traffic lights, and roads. I even saw a scene of a parent scolding her daughter, who looks just about my age.

Being raised to just wander off, I learned things independently despite of my age. To me, being independent is a bonus in the reality of life. I learned that in the end, things change and people will leave so you have yourself to face the world if that happens. And seeing the crying kid, she was raised with dependency and an iron fist.

I wondered. The kid was familiar. I got to my wardrobe to change clothes. Then, I got my foldable bike and my helmet and went down for a ride.

•••••

I was crying childishly as I got scolded by my mom for being too clumsy. Papa came back with some treats and scolded my mom, all while he patted my back.

I was raised with dependency and an iron fist. My mom was the disciplinarian while my dad wad thw overprotective one. They were like polar opposites but they had one thing in common: they pamper and love me too much.

I sometimes wonder what it's like to be independent. I'm still nine years old and deserved to be treated like a baby but I'd like to try and experience being free for once...just like my childhood friend back in Korea.

Jung Mimi...

"Make waaaay~" I heard a yell.

My family moved to the side and there was a kid riding her bike. I thought the voice was familiar and when I looked back, I saw her.

I gasped. It was Mimi.

I would've called her but she was already far. I heard Mama cussing lightly and held my hand.

"She should've rode on the side of the road, not on the sidewalk. Kids these days..." She mumbled and held my hand. "Let's go, Xiening."

I didn't argue and followed her, with Papa on my right as he holds my hand. I could've sworn it was Mimi. Despite of my family moving back here when I was seven, I know Mimi like my whole life.

It started back in Korea. Papa and Samcheon (Mimi's father) were great friends and during their work, Papa lets me come. Samcheon also brought Mimi within a baby cart. I couldn't believe I remembered it today. Both of us were only one year old at that time.

As time progressed, I realized that our family and Mimi's were neighbors. I knew Mimi through a game of tag and at that, we became friends. Ever since we knew each other, we played together. It went that way...until we were seven and in a Christmas eve, we moved back here in Guangdong.

I never got to say goodbye to Mimi, let alone see her since then...until two years after, today, she rode her bike along the sidewalks of Guangdong.

I wonder. Will I ever see her again?

•••••

It had been a year and today was New Year's Day, the death anniversary of my mother, and my tenth birthday. 

I was happy visiting Eomma's grave and celebrating with my Appa and his friends, my uncles and godparents. I also got to spend time with friends and other relatives and got presents from them. As I ate my cake, Appa greeted certain visitors. I saw a man...and an utterly familiar girl.

"Mimi!" She ran towards me.

I gasped. I knew that voice. "Sally~"

I hugged her back. I broke and I was happy seeing my neighbor and my best friend, even our fathers smiled at us. 

"Xiening, why don't you keep Mimi company on her birthday?" Sally's father said.

She nodded and she pulled me outside by the swings. She got on one and I giggled, pushing it a couple of times. After a few pushes, I stood on the swing, just behind her, and swung. Sally laughed and somehow, seeing her happy made me happy.

"When did you get here?" I asked her.

"New Year's Eve. My family and I came back again from Guangdong. I remembered your birthday so Papa and I stopped by to visit." Sally answered.

"It's been almost three years since I last saw you here." I spoke. "And speaking of Guangdong, my family had our vacation over there last year."

"I know, Mimi." Sally looked up at me. "You were the one who rode a bike on the sidewalk and almost hit us."

"Omo-you're the girl who got scolded?!" I gasped as we stopped swinging and I got down on the other swing, just right next to her. "Omo-why didn't I see that?"

Sally giggled and held my hand. "You rode a bike. You must've had concentrated and had fun."

I nodded lightly. I knew Sally, especially her strict mom and very kind father. Sally was my opposite, dependent and timid. I would persuade her to woman up but I had to understand that we were raised differently and that she can't just change herself. Maybe that's who Sally is. It's just the way she is.

"Anyways...thanks for coming today." I said.

"Of course. Besides, it's been two years since we last saw each other and hang out." Sally said. "Let's go out and play tomorrow?"

"Okay." I nodded.

I saw her put something on my ring finger. I gasped of the ring.

"It's my birthday gift for you. It's a garnet ring." Sally said.

"Thank you." I smiled and hugged her.

She hugged me back. I felt her pull me up and we went to sit on the bench. Then, she scoots closer, holding my hand and leaning on my shoulder. 

A thump makes its wat to my heart and somehow, I felt happy that I was with Sally again.

•••••

Moments back here in Korea relivened themselves in me and I was so happy, especially my times with Mimi.

We almost did everything together. We got to the same school, played with each other, and did activities together, even with our fathers. That went on everyday and I felt ecstatic.

The seasons passed by yet Mimi and I had our moments everyday, even on my tenth birthday. I had a party with friends and family, just like my previous birthdays here and in China. But during my stay in China, it wasn't grand. But now that I'm back in Korea, it will be...because Mimi can celebrate with me.

Throughout the party, I had a great time. And when it went down, Mimi and I had our moment in the backyard. We sat by the bench and I got my gift from Mimi.

"Happy Birthday, Sally." She handed me a bouquet of peonies.

I didn't like flowers much. But peonies from Mimi? I was so happy with it. "Thanks, Mimi."

"There's a surprise at the center." She pointed.

I saw a box. I grabbed it, putting the bouquet down gently, and opened it. I gasped of what's inside. It was a ring with a fiery opal, my birthstone. I felt Mimi's hands hold mine as she puts it on my finger. I held hers back, seeing our identical rings with our birthstones.

A thump makes it way to my heart.  And feeling Mimi's hands beyond mine felt heavenly. I look at Mimi, focusing on her doll-like eyes and it slipped out of my mouth.

I like you. I like you. I like you.

"I..." I mumbled. "...I like you, Mimi."

Her eyes dilated a couple of times and I was back to reality. I was even ashamed of what I said. I try to gain composure when I felt Mimi hold my cheek. I look at her again and she smiled.

"I like you too, Sally." She said. "Ever since I saw you again after two years..."

I couldn't help but hug her. She hugged me back. It would've been typical to be confused to why I was in love with my best friend but knowing that she liked me back, I couldn't hold my happiness.

Our friendship has ended...but our love begins...

•••••

After the confession, Sally and I were a thing, not girlfriends since we're still very young. Everyday, I wad with her, enjoying a day at school and a day where we would play and have fun. For me, it was pure zeal and I want this everyday for the rest of our lives.

But Sally had to go again...and I feared because they'll never come back here again...

"Mimi, why don't we bid the Liu Family goodbye?" Appa asked.

I nodded and we went outside, seeing movers pack their stuff and Sally going out with a bag in hand. Her mother got inside the car as her father went to put their luggages inside their car. Sally saw me and rushed to hug me. I could only wrap one arm and pat her back.

"Yah..." She mumbled. "...my life in Guangdong won't be as grand compared to my life here...with you..." 

"I'll miss you, Sally." I said.

"Xiening, we need to go!" I heard her mom call.

"Coming!!" Sally replied.

She didn't let go of the hug. I felt her hold my hand, where my ring was, and I glanced at those rings. I felt a hand by my cheek and Sally looked at me with those sad eyes, all while she caressed my cheek. I sighed, leaned my cheek onto hers before I let her go.

It was painful. I wish it didn't happen. "Goodbye, Xiening."

Sally went back to their car. I watch Sally go and I thought I felt empty. I felt a tear drop as Appa patted my back.

"I'm sorry, Mimi. I know you love Sally so much. Come on." I heard Appa say.

I nodded and went inside with Appa. It was all true. I really love Sally so much. But now she goes back to China, I wonder of my weary heart if I could love again, just how much I love Sally.

•••••

The trip went quiet and I became ignorant. I went with the usual routine until I got back to my room, changing my clothes and slumping onto bed.

We moved back to Guangdong because of family business again. I left all of my memories in Korea and it hurts me. But what hurts me most is leaving the most important memory and person in my life: Mimi.

I didn't tell her why we moved. It juat happened yet she didn't refute. When I saw her on that time, I felt my heart crash. I didn't want to leave Korea. I wanted to stay and be with Mimi forever. But what does it define? We were too young to understand this feeling of love and I was the obedient one with my parents.

I saw the ring of my hand, a very special gift from my very special girl. I could only cry. I'll never see her again.

Why wasn't time enough for us? I wish it didn't have to be that way...because I love her...

I love Jung Mimi.

•••••

It was the year 2017, a New Year's Day, and my 25th birthday, 24th internationally. I had my birthday in China, considering it as my vacation for this year, along with Hana, my co-worker.

I got to visit my parents' graves and celebrated well today. Hana got me a best friend pact, a keychain, and we just hung out at a local bar, drinking lightly all while seeing the ambiance of party goers.

"Mimi, let loose." Hana was dancing around me while holding her drink.

"I'll catch up. Go and party." I said, shooing her off like she was an animal that was needed to be released.

Mimi nodded and partied. I just watch her while drinking. I couldn't help but scan the sea of people and then, one caught my eye. I rub my eyes to make sure I was seeing right and I couldn't be wrong.

It was Sally.

It's been almost 14 years since I saw Sally, as if she never returned. But now I see her again, I felt alive. My heart felt alive. I went to the dance floor and went closer to her. She was still trapped in her trance of dance and I could only stand and watch.

When a slow music was played, I saw her stop as the rest danced in pairs. She looked at me and she gasped.

"Mimi..."

I could cry in utter happiness. She still remembered. "Xiening..."

She went to hug me tight, all while she led me to dance. I stumbled a bit. I wasn't much of a dancer but I didn't care. I was happy to have her here, in my arms, like the feelings from the storage area has its place back in my main area...my heart...

"Mimi..." We stopped as we faced.

"Xiening..." I smiled back at her.

"I miss you so much..." She said, holding my face.

"I miss you more..." I said back, kissing her forehead.

"I thought we'll-"

"-never see each other again." I finished her sentence.

"If you two get to finish each other's sentences, then that's endearment, my friends." Hana came to us. "You must be Liu Xiening. Mimi used to tell me a lot about you."

"Shut up, Hana." I huffed.

Sally giggled and shook hands with Hana. I could only grin at Hana but she's ed up of her sudden choice of words once I get a piece of her.

"You came here alone?" I asked Sally and she nodded. "Come with me to our condo."

Sally nodded and hugged me. Hana cooed and I let her go ahead as Sally and I went out together.

•••••

Meeting Mimi was unexpected but I never thought my would beat out of love permanently. But with her, it felt wonderful.

We were at Mimi's condo. Hana was on another room and I was giddy being here. Dancing on the bar was just a way to let loose with family business but I felt the adrenaline rush again as I plopped myself on Mimi's bed.

She wouldn't mind. I knew she loved me anyway.

"Hey." She tosses me a shirt. "Change your clothes. You wouldn't mind sleeping with me, right?"

I shook my head and she went to change in her bathroom. I took off my shirt, putting Mimi's shirt on then took off my pants and just kept my short shorts on. I plopped on hee bed again and tucked myself on the blankets, letting my nose inhale Mimi's scent.

"Why hug a pillow when you have me?" I saw Mimi lying down next to me.

I tackled for a hug and we both laughed of the impact. I smiled and reached to cup her cheek.

"Just like when we were kids." I said.

"But no we're not." Mimi said back, holding my hand with her ring as I saw mine in hers. "We can start over again."

"Yeah..." I said as I nuzzled on her chest. "Wo ai ni."

"Saranghae." Mimi said.

"I love you." I mumbled.

Before I could sleep, I heard her reply. "I love you too."

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That was the fifth everyone. Thanks for reading. I've finished all requests for now. And in fact, this will be on hiatus for a while because...

...I have a surprise tomorrow. Stay tuned!