When I first met Hyejin, I didn’t know who she was. She was just a random cute girl in my new class who suddenly appeared in front of me, like a genie, and said she wanted to be my friend. Of course, like she had granted my wish, I was grateful. Being the new girl is never easy and I was burdened with having to make a new circle. However, Hyejin was someone who drew the outline for me and I just had to step in. She introduced me to her friends and we all got along. However, I shared a special bond with Hyejin. Even though we have such different personalities, we somehow just clicked. Although people thought we were an unlikely couple, we became each other’s person.

Yet, I didn’t think it would last. I thought we were friends of circumstance. Even if we were friends, things change, causing people to adapt. Once we graduated school, we would go our separate ways. Little did I know she would still be my best friend after we graduated. We would go to the same university and live in the same city, and now we’re even working in the same company. Yet, I loved it. Even if people change and our ideas and ideals shift, we are still there for each other. Through the thick and thin, through better or worse, we would be there.

Never would I have guessed Hyejin was hiding something from me. Until it socked me straight in the nose. It hurt.

“Hyejin?”

I know she heard me because even over the loud noise, Hyejin freezes. Like a criminal caught in the act. Now it was her decision to fight or flight.

She turns around and her small eyes widen. Now that we’re looking at each other, we can’t speak. Even if others dance around us, we can’t move. We mirror each other. We’re frozen in shock.

“Who’s that Hwasa?” says the girl behind her.

Hwasa? Who’s Hwasa? She couldn’t possibly be talking about Ahn Hyejin? I can’t believe it. Hyejin has a completely alter ego that I had no idea about.

As if those were the magic words, Hyejin responds. Without another word, she grabs my wrist and deftly guides me through the dance floor and up some stairs. Before I know it, we’re outside on the rooftop. It’s quiet, with the low sound of the bass in the background. Couples dot around the area, in dark corners. Female couples.

“What are you doing here?” Hyejin asks.

“I should ask the same thing to you.” I retort.

How dare she have the audacity to ask me that, after everything. I think back to how she reacted when I expressed my attraction to Miss Moon. Her obvious awkwardness and her discomfort with the subject. Yet, here she is, dancing – no, grinding, with a woman who I’ve never even heard of.

“How could you not tell me?” I demand.

“Tell you what?”

“That you like women.”

“I don’t like women.”

I stare at her. It’s strange when you realise that the person you thought you are closest to, is someone entirely different.

“Hyejin.” I say, levelly.

She knows that tone. I’ve used it before when I’ve been serious. She sighs and looks out at the dark sky. I’ve seen that expression before. It’s the look of her thinking. I wonder what she’s thinking about. Hyejin can’t possibly be denying it now, when we’re in a women-only bar together.

“I didn’t want you to hate me.” Hyejin finally admits.

The fact that Hyejin couldn’t come to me, or offer to help me with my worry, surprises me. I thought we were always there for each other. It’s dreadful when you realise that it’s only true for one side. It’s also disappointing that Hyejin could ever think that I would ever hate her over something so minor. I wonder, if I had come out to her, would she hate me?

“I would never hate you Hyejin.” I softly state. “I’m sad you felt like you couldn’t tell me this.”

She doesn’t say anything. I watch her as she can’t meet my eyes. It’s my turn to look out. As I space out, my mind comprehending the wide landscape in front of us, I hear Hyejin’s small whisper.

“What’s wrong?”

Her question isn’t enough for my answer. There are too many things that I find wrong right now. However, I don’t know how to even begin them.

“What else have you not told me?”

My question makes Hyejin face me. Under the low light, Hyejin’s eyes shimmer. I see the reflection of the city in her pupils. Her feelings are vastly wider than this tiny city and I realise, as a single person, it’s beyond my comprehension. Until she tells me, I can’t even imagine the depth.

Hyejin touches my arm. She steps i