“SD card, lenses, tripod. Do I need a tripod?” Yerin asked under her breath. She furrowed her brows at the locker for a moment before shrugging. She zipped her bag up and slung it over her shoulder before walking out of the clubroom. She locked the door and spun her keys around her finger as she walked down the hall.

“Hey Yerin.” someone greeted. The girl turned toward the sound of the voice and saw someone standing in the doorway of another clubroom. “Event?”

“Oh, Heechul sunbae. Yeah.”

“Good luck, see you around.” He smiled before entering the room. Yerin nodded and continued to make her way to the Auditorium hall, greeting more people on the short walk there. Being on the sub-committee had its perks. She wouldn’t consider herself the most popular person in school since the campus is huge and there are few thousand students in total, but she was still quite well known for her friendliness within her faculty and among the other club members even though she was merely a first-year student.

She entered the auditorium and waved at the sound crew before going to a corner to place her stuff down. The rehearsals had already started but it was alright. Yerin took her Canon EOS 1300D out of the bag and attached a wide lens before heading down the stairs to the stage, snapping a couple of pictures along the way.

Yerin couldn’t help but let out a yawn. She liked music, but hip-hop wasn’t at the top of her list. She preferred relaxing classical or baroque music but not the ones with choirs. Purely instrumental.

The stage lights dimmed as another group of performers came out on stage and took their positions. Yerin readied her camera and looked through the viewfinder as the lights turned back on. The song began to play and Yerin inserted her noise-cancelling earphones. It wasn’t that she hated the music, but it was too loud for her liking and didn’t want to suffer the rest of the rehearsals with hip-hop blasting through her sensitive eardrums.

The dancers moved powerfully and gracefully across the stage, pouring their heart and soul into the dance. Yerin moved around to take photos but was careful not to get in their way and disturb their stage. The song ended and Yerin snapped the last photo of their ending pose before the lights could dim. She took a seat in the front row chair and went through the shots that she took, making sure that they were of good quality. She was so focused that she only realized another stage started when the lights and blinded her momentarily. She looked up at the stage and saw something she never expected to see.

There on stage stood the most gorgeous back view she had ever seen in her life. Long, straight, jet black hair draped over the girl’s back as she stood in position, waiting for the song to start. The first beat blasted from the speaker and for some weird reason, Yerin removed her earphones. She was completely entranced by the girl’s fluid yet sharp movements. The dance seemed complex, but the girl made it seem totally effortless. As she spun around, her hair seemed to move in slow motion behind her, flowing in the air before gathering over the girl’s right shoulder.

Yerin couldn’t move as she sat there with her camera in her lap. By the time she snapped out of her daze, almost half the song was over. She quickly raised her camera and the shutter went off like a machine gun. The junior photographer took so many photos that they could be strung up in a sequence to look like a stop-motion film. Every expression, every flick of the girl’s hair and every movement was captured perfectly by Yerin. The song ended and the girl gracefully ended with a strong pose. Yerin snapped one last photo before looking up at the girl who was looking directly at her. She swore her heart almost stopped when the dancer flashed her a small smile.

“Nice work! Performers can take a break now but be backstage by 6:45 pm. We’ll just run a couple more sound tests.” One of the sound crew members said over the spears and Yerin winced at the sudden booming voice. She gave the stage curtains where the girl disappeared into one last glance before jogging up the stairs to have dinner.

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

As much as Yerin wanted to take photos of only that mysterious girl like some fan site master, she knew she had to be professional. Her blub president would not be happy to see a sudden drop in her performance and it certainly wouldn’t her in aiming to take over leadership of the club next year.

The performance began and Yerin soon realized that the girl had skills that surpassed all the other performers. Out of 10 stages, she was in half of them, coming out to perform alternate songs and in those stages, she was always the main dancer. Yerin could easily tell why.

When the girl was backstage, all Yerin could think of was when she would see her again. When the girl was on stage, Yerin would be as captivated as she was when she first saw her during rehearsals. She knew that the girl would have probably noticed the attention placed on her since the small red light of the camera kept flickering with every picture, but she didn’t care. Even though she wasn’t supposed to distract the performers while they’re on stage, a part of her felt happy whenever the girl looked over at Yerin. By the end of the last song, Yerin had used up almost half the space on her 4 GB SD card; which meant she took over 200 photos, more than she usually would when covering events.

The house lights came back on and the emcees said their closing statements before the doors opened for the audience to leave. Yerin walked back to the corner where she had placed her bag and began to pack up her equipment.

“Gather around! I’ll take up 5 minutes of your time before letting you go to take pictures with your friends outside or go home. Just want to do a debrief with you guys.” The teacher-in-charge said as the performers came back on stage. They sat down in front of the teacher and quietened down. Yerin who was done packing up, pretended to be busy just so she could catch a glimpse of the amazing dancer one more time. Without knowing her name or which faculty she was from, Yerin wanted to see her as much as she could before they parted ways and she might not see her around campus as much.

“First of all, I’d like to say good work to all of you. You’ve practised hard and it really shows on your stages. Especially for SinB’s group. You’ve performed especially well and the synchronization is really up there. I’m very pleased.” The teacher said and the mysterious dancer bowed.

“So, her name is SinB? How unique…” Yerin muttered to herself as she slowly zipped her bag.

“I’m glad that you joined the club. A talent like yours shouldn’t be wasted. In fact, I think you have the potential to run for president.” The teacher said and surprisingly, everyone agreed. Yerin had thought that some students might be sour after hearing such a remark but was glad that no one seemed to disagree.

“She’s well-loved too…” Yerin whispered as she stood up.

“But of course, everyone worked hard. I hope you’ll go home and good rest. See you all on Monday.” The instructor said and the performers got to their feet and bowed before dispersing. Yerin smiled and left the auditorium, heading back to the clubroom to return the equipment before going home.

Since the auditorium was right by the school’s main entrance and exit which was linked to the subway platform, Yerin had to walk by the auditorium again. She was looking down at her phone to reply the texts that she had missed during the performance when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Yerin jumped a little and suppressed a scream as she whipped around to see who it was.

“Sorry, did I scare you?” the girl said when she saw Yerin holding a hand over her heart.

“Ah, no. I uh… I just wasn’t expecting anyone to tap me on the shoulder.” Yerin said as she stuffed her phone into her pocket. “Is there something you need?”

“Well… Not really. I just wanted to say thanks for taking those pictures.” The girl said and brushed her hair over her shoulder, making Yerin swoon and blush at the same time.

“Oh... you… You noticed?” Yerin stuttered nervously and scratched her neck.

“It’s hard not to notice. I heard your shutter go off countless times during practice earlier.” The girl giggled.

“Ah… Sorry, was I a distraction?” Yerin asked, genuinely apologetic.

“No!” The girl exclaimed but quickly collected herself from the sudden outburst that startled Yerin slightly. “No, not at all.” She said with a smile.

“Phew, got me worried there.” The older girl smiled. “By the way… What’s your name?”

“Eunbi. Hwang Eunbi.” She replied.

“Eh? But the teacher earlier said SinB…” Yerin trailed off in confusion.

“That’s a nickname I use on stage. My real name is Eunbi. I’m not a student here though.” She said and Yerin felt her soul deflate. Her face must have looked visibly crestfallen because Eunbi tilted her head and looked closer at the photographer.

“Why do you look like that?” she asked and Yerin quickly pulled a smile.

“Nothing, just uh… Thought of something else. But if you’re not a student, why are you in here? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t be here.” Yerin explained and shook her hands. “I’m just wondering how you’re performing if you’re not a student.”

“How should I put this… I have a friend that’s a student here, maybe you know her, maybe you don’t but her name is Eunbi too. Jung Eunbi. We used to go to the same dance academy back in high school. She graduated last year but I’ll graduate by the end of this year. She recommended me to her teacher and she said sure. I’ve been here quite a number of times to practice too since I’m trying to apply directly to the school through this program so yeah.” The girl explained. Yerin couldn’t help but watch the girl speak. The way her lips moved, hands gestured and even her habit of brushing her hair back once in a while.

“Sorry, did I bore you?” The girl asked when she realized that the taller girl was staring blankly at her.

“What? Oh, no, you didn’t. So… You’ll be a student here next year?” Yerin asked, hopeful.

“Nope. I just found out that my application has been accepted so I’ll be joining the first-year class starting next week.”

“What school were you from? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“SOPA.”

“Eh? Really?” Yerin’s eyes widened. “I graduated from SOPA too! 2 years ago.”

“Oh, you’re my sunbae then.” Eunbi giggled.

“Well... In SOPA yes, but not here. Here, we’re friends.” Yerin smiled.

“Eh? Aren’t you in your second year?” Eunbi asked, confused.

“I took a gap year before starting college so I’m only a first year now. I’m more surprised that they allowed you to join when we’re halfway through the term.” Yerin chuckled.

“Oh, I see. Heh, guess I’m lucky then.” Eunbi smiled and Yerin almost squealed. How could someone look so innocent and cute yet so fierce and provocative on stage? Yerin thought.

"Yah Eunbi! Come here for a group photo!" one of the performers shouted from afar.

"Guess that's my cue to leave." Eunbi said before running off to her friends. Yerin smiled at the cheerful girl but raised an eyebrow when she suddenly stopped to turn back.

"Silly me, I forgot to ask for your name." Eunbi yelled sheepishly.

"Yerin! Jung Yerin!" The photographer yelled back.

"See you around, Yerin-unnie!" the girl yelled with a huge grin before running to her friends.

Yerin took the subway home looking like a complete fool that night. She was a grinning mess all because of a girl by the name of Hwang Eunbi.

Just as the girl had said, Yerin did start to see Eunbi around campus the week after they met. They weren't in the same class much to the photographer's chagrin but as long as she got to see Eunbi, she was contented enough. Yerin was praised for her shots when she returned to the clubroom on Monday. 

"You captured the emotion of the dance perfectly, almost like a professional photographer." her president said and clapped her on the back. She was treated to lunch and she was more than happy to accept the offer. From that day on, she began to watch the schedule of the Dance club closely. Since she was friends with the treasurer of the said club, she would occasionally ask about the younger girl and whether she was performing. If Eunbi was performing, Yerin would be there to cover the event. This gave them more chances to interact with each other despite not being in the same class or club.

"Unnie, we should hang out more." Eunbi said one day as they walked to the subway station.

"Eh?"

"You're a nice person you know? I feel comfortable and safe around you. You're so easy to talk to... You have the vibes of a childhood best friend. Even without talking every day, the feeling of friendliness and wanting to tell you everything and anything is strong." Eunbi said as she walked. Yerin turned to the opposite side to hide the uncontrollable grin that was growing on her. She accidentally made eye contact with a girl who was standing by the railing and received a weird look to which she swung her head back to Eunbi but instantly received whiplash from the sudden movement.

"Ah!" Yerin hissed and grabbed her neck.

"Unnie? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Eunbi asked worriedly as she held on to the girl's arm. To Yerin, Eunbi's touch felt like fire that burnt her skin; the good kind of burn.

"I'm fine. Just whiplash." Yerin reassured the younger girl who seemed to heave a sigh of relief.

"Be careful unnie... I don't like seeing the people important to me getting hurt." the younger girl said softly but Yerin heard it anyway.

"I will. Sorry." Yerin apologized as she rubbed her neck.

"It's okay. Hey, the subway is here." Eunbi said and nodded towards the inbound train. Yerin couldn't stop thinking about Eunbi's words for the rest of the day. Her voice seemed to replay in her mind like a broken record.

I don't like seeing the people important to me getting hurt

I don't like seeing the people important to me getting hurt

"But why does she sound so sad saying that?" Yerin asked aloud as she laid on her bed that night. "Maybe a bad experience." she shrugged and hugged her jibang closer. 

She dreamt of Eunbi that night.

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

Yerin giggled but was quickly hushed by her friend sitting across the table. She nodded her head in apology and covered before turning her attention back to her phone. She squeezed her eyes shut and hid her wide smile behind her hand but a giggle slipped through her lips, earning another shush and a sigh.

"Yerin, I know you're smart and all but I'm not! And I really have to study! What are you laughing at anyway? You've been smiling at your phone for the past 30 minutes! It better not be any saucy things." Sojung hissed before burying her head in her textbook.

"It's just... this person I'm texting... She's so... Funny..." Yerin said between sniggers. "And no! I don't read any saucy things." she whispered.

"People study and read in the library, not laugh and text for 30 minutes straight. Go outside and text before you die laughing in silence here." Sojung said and she excused herself with a grin on her face. She hurried out, ignoring the dirty glare of the librarian on her way out.

"You." Yerin exclaimed as soon as she was out of the library, pointing an accusing finger at the person she was texting. There stood Eunbi, arms crossed and leaning coolly against the wall outside. "I almost got kicked out because of you! Literally!"

"That was the only way I could get you to come out faster. I missed you~" Eunbi said and tugged at Yerin's arms.

"I'm sorry Eunbi, I would spend more time with you too but my friend insists on studying together. Maybe we can be in the same class next semester! We're one paper away from deciding our fate." Yerin joked as she patted Eunbi's hand.

"I hope we do. It would give me more reason to disturb you' the girl said and stuck out her tongue at Yerin who pinched her nose. Time sure seemed to fly by when you're having fun. Half a year had already passed in seemingly the blink of an eye. Yerin and Eunbi had gotten much closer yet it felt like they had known each other for years.

"You better study hard then. Unnie is really smart you know?" Yerin said and puffed out her chest only to receive a smack to her abdomen.

"I'm not that dumb either. Of course, I can do it!" Eunbi said confidently and Yerin slung her arm around the girl's neck.

"I know~ My dongsaeng is reaaaally smart." Yerin said and smiled at the younger girl who had a pleased look on her face. 

Eunbi did end up in the same class as Yerin the next semester. They even became seatmates, strengthening their bond. It didn't take for their classmates and fellow faculty members to realize how well they seemed to work together. Every project they did together seemed to be impeccable and a new ship set sail as a result of their remarkable teamwork: SinRin.

The new power couple of the school. They quickly caught wind of it when fan boards started popping up at Eunbi's performances. The dancer herself had amassed quite a decent fanbase and she had fangirls that would shower her with little gifts even though she told them it wasn't necessary and that she wasn't some idol.

"To them, you are an idol Eunbi. They look up to you." Yerin said when Eunbi told Yerin about the gifts. Yerin too somehow attracted a small group of fans who hopped aboard the SinRin cruise. Eventually, the photographer plucked up the courage to make their ship canon. With a small bouquet of roses and a whole speech prepared in her head, she asked Eunbi out to the park one day and popped the question the classic way.

Of course, Eunbi said yes after the tearjerking confession. They shared the most emotional kiss that both of them have ever experience on the park bench that fateful evening in spring. Their little group of fangirls almost combusted in excitement and happiness when they found out but of course, there were also some who turned their back on them after finding out the news. Hypocrisy at it's finest, Yerin likes to say. Those who ship two people yet are suddenly strongly against it as soon as it becomes real with the main reason being that they were of the same gender.

Regardless, those who stuck around with them protected them and defended them from malicious comments on their SNS. By doing so, it also caused some of those who defended them to be bullied but Eunbi and Yerin didn't sit by and watch. It was against both their personalities and morals, hence they stepped up and intervened, gathering the evidence and handing it to the faculty director who made sure to deal with the bullies.

In the following months, Eunbi slowly opened up, telling Yerin honestly about her secrets and worries. Yerin too, shared her own since it was only fair to be honest and open towards each other. Yerin was also introduced to Eunbi's high school classmate, Yewon and found out that she was connected to Eunbi in more ways than she thought. Jung Eunbi happened to be Sojung's girlfriend which the latter casually forgot to tell Yerin about.

"You were busy being infatuated with Eunbi!" Sojung cried in defence. Yerin wouldn't deny that though. She was indeed, head over heels for the younger Eunbi. As if that wasn't surprising enough, Yewon revealed that she had a crush on the event's manager by the name of Choi Yuna from the Figure skating club, who turned out to be the person that Yerin talks to every time she goes to the clubroom since both rooms are just next to each other. 

"And I thought this sprawling campus was huge. Guess not." Yerin chuckled when the six girls met up for lunch one day. From then on, everything else was history. 

Fate was kind enough to bring them together and that is something that they're thankful for all the time. 

High school sweethearts do exist too in the case of these six individuals who met under the most unexpected circumstances.

'A perfect match made in heaven' is what these 3 couples are. Nothing will ever change that.

Surprise! :P Some of you requested to know how they met so ta-da~ Hope you enjoyed this special bonus chapter of how Eunbi and Yerin met. Though I didn't go into detail, I'm sure you all have a rough idea of what happened through the years so I'll leave it to your imagination to fill up the gaps :)

Once again I'd like to thank you for joining in the Christmas countdown and I'm glad you had fun reading the fluff ^^

Till next time~ (For real now! xD)