Jiwon entered the lunchroom and immediately caught sight of her cousin who waved her over. With light steps, Jiwon hurried over to the lunch table.

“Megan, you survive your first few classes of the day!” Her cousin, Chaeyoung, exclaimed in excitement. Jiwon’s face flushed.

“I told you not to call me that here.” She whined, taking a seat next to Chaeyoung. Chaeyoung laughed, “Oops.”

“Anyways, these are my two friends, Nagyung and Jisun.”

Jiwon’s eyes examined the two girls. Nagyung smiled at her warmly while Jisun stared at the floor. The older girl couldn’t help but find both of them extremely pretty.

“Don’t mind Jissen, she’s just shy.”

At that moment, Jisun looked up and caught Jiwon’s eyes. After a split second, Jisun blinked multiple times and looked away.

“Don’t call me that.” Jisun mumbled, nudging Chaeyoung lightly.

“Oh, right, right.” Chaeyoung rolled her eyes. 

Jisun was blushing and Jiwon couldn’t take her eyes off of her. 

Cute.

“Anyways.” Chaeyoung spoke, “Nagyung and I are in our 3rd year here while Jisun is in her last one.”

Nagyung snickered, “Grandma Jisun.”

Jisun looked up and pouted.

Jiwon spoke up, “But Jisun looks younger than both of you combined.”

It was silent for a moment before everyone began to laugh, including Jisun who was giggling quietly, face pink with blush.

“You’re right, Jiwon.” Nagyung chuckled. Jisun stared at Jiwon for a moment before looking away once the girl began to look back at her. That girl was indeed shy.

“I’ve already told Nagyung and Jisun about you so let’s become closer to each other, yes?” Chaeyoung spoke, smiling contently, "Let's meet up after classes."

Jiwon nodded, looking at Nagyung before focusing her gaze on Jisun who was able to keep eye contact with her this time, “Yes, let’s become closer.” A large smile appeared on her face.

-

The girl with a dimple let out a low whine as she stomped her foot in frustration. She couldn’t find her class. Jiwon looked around and saw a girl with long brown hair not too far. Hurrying over, that’s when Jiwon noticed it was Jisun.

“J-Jisun!” Jiwon called out. The younger girl looked over with wide eyes, “Oh?” She let out.

Jiwon got closer before holding out her schedule, “Can you help me find my class?” She pouted. Jisun looked up at the older girl before taking the schedule from her.

“O.. Okay.” Jisun’s soft voice replied, her eyes scanning down the list.

“I’m already late.” Jiwon bit her lip in worry. Suddenly, a laugh escaped Jisun's pink lips. It sounded so cute and soft that Jiwon's eyes widened and she looked over, "What is it?"

Jisun placed a hand on Jiwon's arm and turned the girl's body before using her other hand to point to the building just in front of her.

"Your class is right there." Jisun smiled, turning her head to look at the older girl. Jiwon's face flushed in embarassment, smiling widely in attempt to hide her blushing face.

"Oh." She managed to get out.

"Thank you, Jisun!" Jiwon giggled, quickly hugging the other girl before running to her class. Jisun watched the silly girl run away before continuing to walk, cheeks pink and heart thumping.

-

At the end of the day, Jiwon looked past all the other students and tried to find either of the three girls.

Squinting her eyes, Jiwon caught sight of a familiar brunette.

With quick steps, Jiwon eventually caught up and placed a hand on Jisun's shoulder.

The younger girl looked up in surprise but smiled shyly once she noticed it was Jiwon.

"Do you know where Chaeyoung and Nagyung are?" Jiwon asked, looking down into the girl's eyes. Jisun looked at her feet.

"Nagyung and Chaeyoung should be at the cafe by now." She spoke so quietly that Jiwon had yo lean down to hear her. 

Jiwon nodded, "Ah, I see. Then let's go meet up with them." 

Jisun nodded and began to walk ahead of Jiwon, towards the cafe down the street from their college. Not wanting to get lost, Jiwon fastened her steps and got close to Jisun's side.

It was silent, the awkward kind of silence. Jiwon soon found out that Jisun wasn't just shy, she was also socially awkward. 

You are very shy." Jiwon pointed out in hopes of starting a conversation. Jisun blushed and nodded. 

"Yeah."

"And awkward." Jiwon laughed. Jisun's blush deepened, "I know." She mumbled, head angled downwards as always.

Being the more bold and outgoing one, Jiwon wrapped an arm around Jisun's shoulder, making the younger girl look up in surprise.

"That's gonna change when you're around me." Jiwon stated in a firm voice, a smile playing on her lips. Jisun pressed her lips together, her face warming up, "O-Okay."

"Cute." Jiwon giggled, using her free hand to pat Jisun's head. Jisun pouted and gently smacked Jiwon's hand away, "I'm not cute."

"Yes, you are." Jiwon replied, pulling Jisun closer, "At least, you are to me."

-

"Movie night?" Jiwon asked as Chaeyoung opened the door to her and Nagyung's apartment.

"Yep."

Nagyung walked past Jiwon and face planted herself on the couch, "Jisun, you're in charge of snacks."

Jisun sneered playfully, moving Nagyung's legs off the couch so she could sit. Jiwon sat next to Jisun, "What movies are we watching?"

Chaeyoung entered the room, "You choose."

"Me?" 

"Who else?"

Jiwon shrugged her shoulders, "I don't watch movies. I don't know which one to pick."

Chaeyoung rolled her eyes, "Fine. Nagyung and I will pick the movies and you and Jisun go out to buy snacks."

Nagyung grinned, "Sounds like a plan."

Jisun spoke up, "Please don't pick all horror movies."

Chaeyoung smiled, "We won't, baby." She answered Jisun before she winked at Nagyung. Jisun pouted and took hold of Jiwon's wrist, standing from the couch and bringing Jiwon up with her, "Whose money are we using for the snacks?"

"Jiwon's."

"What?!" Jiwon exclaimed, eyes wide. At the back of her mind, Jiwon was thinking about how soft and delicate Jisun's fingers were wrapped around her wrist.

Chaeyoung chuckled, "I'm kidding. Let's just all pitch in."

"Okay, Jiwon, let's go." Jisun nodded, tugging Jiwon out the door.

Before the door closed, Jiwon heard Nagyung speak, "Jisun never got close to us that fast."

Jiwon looked ahead at Jisun to see if she heard it too and it was obvious that she did because she let go of Jiwon's wrist and lowered her head.

The absence of Jisun’s hand on Jiwon’s wrist made goosebumps appear on Jiwon’s arm.

It was silent as they walked to the nearest store. Jiwon spoke, “What do you plan on buying as snacks?”

Jisun looked up with wide eyes at the sudden conversation Jiwon started. Jiwon raised her eyebrows, waiting for an answer, “So?”

The younger girl’s face warmed up for the nth time that day, “I’m not sure. Probably just some chips.”

“Chips? That’s it?” 

Jisun nodded, “What else do you want?” She asked, looking up.

Jiwon stared into Jisun’s brown eyes for a moment before shrugging her shoulders, “I don’t know. Let’s see what there is first.”

-

“You guys bought a feast.” Nagyung stated. Jiwon grinned, “Jisun paid for it.”

“We’re so not gonna finish this.” Chaeyoung shook her head as she looked through the several bags full of snacks and whatnot.

Jisun giggled, “Jiwon picked everything out.”

“So why didn’t Jiwon pay?” Nagyung pointed out. Jiwon smiled, “I tried to but Jisun said she would.”

Chaeyoung looked at Jisun wide-eyed, “You never paid anything for me!”

Nagyung joined in, “Or me!”

Jisun ’s eyes widened, “Yes I do!”

It was the first time Jiwon heard Jisun raise her voice and it made her toes curl up. 

“Name one time you paid for something for us.”

“I-I- I…” Jisun struggled to remember anytime. Sensing the playful tension building up, Jiwon stood next to Jisun and wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulder, “I’m special, Jisun paid for me only.” She laughed in the other two’s faces.

“Whatever, let’s watch the movies now.”

-

Jisun screamed as the ghost popped up, throwing the bag of chips onto the floor in the process. Jiwon tried to contain her laughter while Chaeyoung was laughing heartily and Nagyung was focused on the movie.

Jiwon tapped Jisun’s shoulder and the girl jumped up out of fear, “It’s just me.” Jiwon smiled, laughing quietly at how scared Jisun is.

The younger girl sulked, “I hate scary movies.”

“Just hide behind Jiwon, she's big enough”

Jiwon glared at Chaeyoung , “Did you call me fat?”

“No, not at all.”

Jisun didn’t say anything, but she did push Jiwon in front of her, head leaning against the older girl’s back. Jiwon couldn’t contain the smile on her face as Jisun’s hands stay on her shoulder.

-

“Wait, so where are you staying at the moment?” Chaeyoung asked as they all sat in the dim lighting.

“I’m renting a room at one of my friend’s house.” Jiwon answered, putting the bag of chips on the table. Chaeyoung raised an eyebrow, “What friend?”

Jiwon mumbled, “The one you don’t like.” 

Her cousin let out a gasp, “Her?!”

“What? What’s wrong with her?” Nagyung asked. Chaeyoung gladly answered, “She smokes and drinks and I’m 99% sure she does drugs.”

“She’s not that bad.” Jiwon defended.

“It’d be better if you stay with Chaeyoung and I.” Nagyung pointed out, “And you wouldn’t have to pay.”

Jiwon thought about it for a moment, “But the apartment is barely big enough for two people let alone three.”

Then, Jisun said something no one would’ve thought she would say.

“You can stay with me.”

-

Jiwon took the box from Jisun ’s hand, “You don’t have to help.”

“Yes I do.” Jiwon raised an eyebrow, “No. You don’t.” She reached for the box again.

“You’re moving into my house, I am going to help you.”

“There isn’t even that much stuff!” Jiwon exclaimed, watching as Irene walked into the house, box in her arms.

“So?” Jisun replied. Jiwon clicked her tongue and stared as Jisun walked back out the house, smiling.

“Tssk. I met you a couple days ago and you’re already giving me attitude. I thought you were shy?” Jiwon asked playfully. Jisun smacked Jiwon’s arm, “Hurry up and bring the boxes in, it’s getting hot.”

“Oops, that’s my fault.” Jiwon snickered. Jisun rolled her eyes, “Not exactly.”

“Meanie.”

“I can kick you out of my house before you even move in.”

“You wouldn’t do that.” Jiwon smiled sweetly.

Jisun narrowed her eyes, “Are you challenging me?”

Jiwon giggled and hugged Jisun tightly, “Of course not. Let’s bring the boxes in!”

-

“What happened to the shy Jisun I saw the first day I met her?” Jiwon groaned as Jisun sat on the couch besides her, resting her feet on Jiwon’s lap.

“Gone.” Jisun put a chip in .

“You’re cuter when you’re shy.”

Jisun widened her eyes, “Eh?” She swallowed the chip she was chewing, “Am I not cute anymore?”

“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re still very cute.”

Jiwon’s straight forward words made Jisun blush, “Okay.”

“Look, you’re shy now, and you’re cuter.”

Despite her cheeks still being warm, Jisun raised an eyebrow, “Are you trying to flirt with me?”

“What?! No!” Jiwon got defensive.

Jisun giggled, “I was kidding.”

It was Jiwon’s turn to blush.

“Besides, I don’t think you’d be very good at flirting.”

Jiwon’s eyes widened, “I am very good at flirting, excuse you!”

“Prove it.” Jisun popped another chip into . Jiwon’s eyes got even wider, “How?”

“Flirt with me.” The younger girl winked. Jiwon nearly choked on her saliva. Once you got past Jisun’s shy stage, she’s way more bold.

“You’re kidding right?”

Jisun sat up, “No, not at all.” She grinned. “You’re ridiculous.” Jiwon shook her head.

“I could show you a thing or two about flirting.”

“But you’re so shy.”

“Okay, maybe I am.”

Jiwon smiled at how cute Jisun looked as she blinked excessively, cheeks painted pink, her lips in nervousness, “But I can still flirt.”

“Right. Let’s just start the movie, flirt queen.” Jiwon giggled, pressing the button on the remote.

-

“Are you sleeping?” Jiwon  asked to the girl leaning her head on her shoulder. With the only answer being even breathes, Jiwon knew that Jisun was indeed sleeping.

Jiwon contemplated whether or not to let Jisun sleep on the couch or to carry her to her room upstairs. After a moment of being in complete thought, Jiwon turned Jisun’s body slightly before carrying her bridal style.

It had only been a few weeks since she met Jisun, but Jiwon thought the girl was quite the unique character. Jisun had been so shy the first time Jiwon met her that she thought the girl would be shy forever.

Boy, was she wrong.

In a matter of a few days Jisun had gotten comfortable around Jiwon and her boldness started to show.

Jiwon smiled as Jisun buried her face into her neck. It felt as if Jisun weighed nothing, making it a breeze for Jiwon to carry her to her room.

After reaching the bedroom, Jiwon tucked Jisun in before going to her own room for the night, not forgetting to take a couple of seconds to move Jisun’s loose strands of hair away from her face and behind her ear.

-

Jiwon jumped onto Jisun’s bed (More like onto Jisun.), “Wake up, sleepy head!”

“I’m already awake.” Jisun answered immediately.

Jiwon sat up, pulling the blanket down, “You’re already awake!?” Jiwon exclaimed, “I was up three hours ago, bored to death because I thought you were sleeping! I didn’t want to wake you up!”

“How sweet of you.” Jisun mumbled, looking up at the girl who was sitting on her stomach. Jiwon pouted before noticing the phone in Jisun’s hand.

“Who are you texting? Your boyfriend?” Jiwon reached down to grab the device but Jisun pulled her hand under the blanket.

“None of your business.” She retorted.

“Is that code for ‘boyfriend’?” Jiwon cocked her head sideways, staring down at Jisun. Jisun groaned, “You’re like the sister I never wanted.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“No.”

“You’re mean in the morning. Are you this mean to your boyfriend too?”

“I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“Liar.” Jiwon poked Jisun’s waist.

“I don’t!” Jisun squealed as Jiwon continued to poke at her waist.

“Liar. Liar.”

“I’m ticklish!”

After the sudden tickle attack, Jisun lay down, breathing heavily. Jiwon couldn’t help but gaze at her. Reaching down, Jiwon fixed the younger girl’s messy hair before sitting back up.

Jisun blinked a couple times, “What are you thinking about? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Honestly,” Jiwon started off, “I was wondering how you don’t have a boyfriend, considering how pretty you are.”

Jisun’s face turned light pink, “Nobody has caught my attention.”

“Nobody?” 

Jisun couldn’t meet Jiwon’s eyes, “Nope.”

“Liar.”

Jisun looked away because she was indeed lying.

-

“Jiwon?”

“Hmm?”

“What if I told you…” Jisun trailed off, looking up at the ceiling as she laid on the bed, “Nevermind.” She shook her head.

“What? Say it.” Jiwon said, resting her head on her palm, turning to look at Jisun. Jisun shook her head again, eyes focused on the patterns of the ceiling, “Nothing. It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

It was one of those nights where one of them would go to the other’s room just to be in the other girl’s presence, just because they wanted to. 

They were very comfortable with each other now. To the point where they could tell each other their deepest secrets.

Jisun took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “What if I told you I like girls, not boys?” Jiwon opened in shock, “Really?”

Jisun bit her lip and nodded, eyes still shut tight, afraid to look into Jiwon’s eyes and possibly see an angry, disgusted, disappointed look in her.

“Am I the only one who knows?”

The younger girl shook her head, “My family knows.”

It was the first time Jisun spoke about her family in all twelve months Jiwon knew her.

“That’s why I live alone.” She whispered. Jisun was so sure that she was going to be living alone again pretty soon.

“I..” Jiwon trailed off when she saw the tears coming out the corner of Jisun’s eyes. Each droplet had a reflection of the small night light located near the bed.

“Jisun…”

The girl didn’t reply, she just pressed her lips together tightly and shook her head vigorously. The thought of losing someone she loved because of her personal preference again hurt. A lot.

“Look at me.”

“No.”

“I said look at me.” Jiwon’s stern voice echoed in Jisun’s brain. She felt Jiwon’s hand on her cheek, turning her head to face her, “Open your eyes.”

Jisun did as she was told, sniffing. The older girl smiled gently, wiping away Jisun’s tears.

“I don’t hate you.” Jiwon stated, making it clear she didn’t have a problem with Jisun’s uality, “Don’t cry. I hate seeing you cry.”

But Jiwon’s words only made Jisun cry even more. Jiwon smiled, knowing these tears were of happiness. She pulled the other girl into a hug.

“If anything,” Jiwon began, “I love you more for being honest and open with me.”

Both of Jisun’s arms locked tightly around Jiwon’s waist, face buried in her chest. Jiwon was the first person to accept her for who she was. Her parents didn’t want anything to do with her, her siblings shunned her, her friends were disgusted by her.

“Is this why you’re so shy?”

Jisun took a fistful of Jiwon’s shirt and brought the girl closer. Jiwon took that as a ‘yes’. Her arms were wrapped around Jisun’s shoulders, running her fingers through the girl’s hair.

Soon enough, they both fell asleep.

-

“You’re not even 21 yet, Jisun.” Jiwon rolled her eyes.

“You neither! And that doesn’t mean I’m a child!”

“To me you are.” Jiwon pointed out, “I am seven months older.”

“That’s not a lot.”

“Yes it is” Jiwons coffed. Jisun shook her head, leaning on the counter as she watched Jiwon pour the hot water into a bowl of instant noodles.

“My parents are seven years apart and they married.” Jisun said.

“So you wanna marry me, is that it?”

Caught off-guard, Jisun’s cheeks flushed, “W-What?!”

Jiwon looked over, “What? You don’t want to marry me?”

Jisun was confused now, “W- What? Jiwon, what are you sa--”

“I’m kidding, Jisun.” She giggled before quickly adding, “But of course you want to marry me.”

“Of course I would.”

This time, it was Jiwon who was caught off guard.

-

Jiwon walked a little bit faster to get closer to Jisun before she reached down for her hand, giving it a light squeeze, “You cold?”

Jisun looked over and smiled, “A bit.”

One swift moment and Jiwon’s arm was secured around Jisun’s shoulder. Jisun smiled shyly, unconsciously moving closer to Jiwon, enjoying the warmth radiating off the older girl.

“You love skinship, don’t you?”

“Only from you.” Jisun replied back truthfully as they continued to walk to the cafe. Jiwon smiled, her neck warming up, cheeks flushed.

-

“You have ice cream all around your lips.” Jisun pointed out.

“Where?” Jiwon attempted to it off but failed. Jisun shook her head, grabbing a napkin from the table and leaning closer, “You’re such a big baby.” She stated, holding onto Jiwon’s chin and wiping the ice cream.

“But I’m your baby.” Jiwon grinned cheekily.

“Cute.” Jisun replied shortly, tossing the napkin to the side, “Are you done eating ice cream because we have to meet up with Chaeyoung and Nagyung soon.”

“Are they coming over?”

“We’re going over to their apartment.”

“I just want to lay in bed all day.” Jiwon groaned. Jisun wiped the girl’s lips again but this time with her thumb, “You always want to do that.” 

Jiwon has been blushing an awful lot around Jisun nowadays.

“Is that bad?”

Jisun shook her head, the ice cream off her thumb, “No, not really. It basically means I get to join you in bed.”

Jiwon’s eyes widened and it took a moment for Jisun to realize what she said could have a more powerful meaning than what she meant, “Wait, that came out wrong.”

“I’m not even 21 yet and you want to have with me.” Jiwon joked. Jisun smacked her head gently, “Hurry and eat your ice cream, it’s melting.”

“Want to help me eat it?” Jiwon held out the ice cream innocently. Jisun raised an eyebrow before actually taking a of the ice cream. 

“Hey!” Jiwon exclaimed. Jisun laughed out loud, “You offered.” She put her hands up in mock surrender.

-

“I have a question.” Jiwon  asked softly during the car ride back to Jisun’s house.

“What is it?”

“Does Chaeyoung and Nagyung know that you’re…”

“Gay?”

Jiwon nodded. Jisun sighed, “No, they don’t.”

“Really?” Jiwon asked in surprise. Jisun had known Chaeyoung and Nagyung much longer than she’s known Jiwon, “But why did you tell me?”

“I live with you, Jiwon. I don’t wanna keep secrets to the person I’m living with.”

Although she asked, Jiwon wasn’t very pleased with Jisun’s answer, “Oh.” 

Jisun looked over, seeing Jiwon’s eyes focused on the bottom of the car, “And because I trust you.”

Jiwon looked up, “Really?” Jisun smiled and nodded, “Now get out, we’re home already.”

-

Jiwon rushed over when she heard Jisun yelp from the kitchen. 

“What happened?” She asked but soon saw Jisun clutching onto one finger, blood seeping.

“You should’ve been more careful.” Jiwon mumbled, gently holding onto Jisun’s wrist and walking her over to the sink, washing the cut, “Does it hurt a lot?” The older girl questioned in a soft tone, drying off the injured finger.

“Not a lot.” Jisun answered, staring at Jiwon’s face as the girl gently dabbed a paper towel onto the cut. Jiwon looked up, “I should’ve trust you around knives from now on, you might hurt yourself even more.”

Jisun smiled sheepishly.

“I’ll go get a bandaid.” 

-

Jisun opened her eyes slowly, greeted by Jiwon sitting on her stomach, “It snowed!”

“Snow? It’s actually snowing?”

“It already snowed, it snowed a lot over night.” Jiwon grinned, “Play in the snow with me.”

“Jiwon, I just woke up.”

“Please?”

“Five more minutes of sleep, please.” Jisun closed her eyes again. Jiwon whined, placing her hands on both of Jisun’s cheeks, “Get up, I want to play in the snow before it melts!”

Jisun groaned, “Fine.”

-

Jisun felt a small thud on her back. Turning around, she saw Jiwon with an innocent smile on her face, holding a handful of snow.

“No. You wanted to build a snowman and now we’re building a snowman.” Jisun shook her head.

They were in their backyard where the snow reached their lower thigh, noses red with the sniffle, their milky skin showing more than ever with the white snow beneath their feet.

The older girl moved the snowball around her hand, “Now I want to have a snowball fight.”

“No you don't want to have a snowball fight.”

“Jisun!” Jiwon exclaimed in desperation.

“No.”

“Hmph.” Jiwon threw the snowball at Jisun nonetheless, managing to get some into the inside of her coat. Jisun gasped as the cold snow touched her bare skin.

“Park Jiwon!” 

Jiwon giggled despite the angry Jisun. The brunette began to run after Jiwon, who began to run away as fast as she could in her boots with the tall snow. 

Catching up to Jiwon, Jisun tackled the girl, knowing that if they would fall, the soft snow would catch them. Jiwon screamed in laughter, falling flat on her face into the snow. Jisun laughed, landing on top of the girl.

Jiwon turned her body around, her face white with snow particles all over. Jisun’s eyes lit up in happiness. The younger girl took her gloves off and wiped away the snow on Jiwon’s face.

“Is it cold?” Jisun asked, turning her head slightly as she continued to cup Jiwon’s cheek, thumb gently caressing the girl’s numb skin.

It was then that both of them realized how close they were to each other, how close their bodies were, how close their faces were. Jisun thought about getting up, but she didn’t, and Jiwon was glad she didn’t.

“That was mean.” 

“You got snow down my shirt.” Jisun retorted, her wide smile lessening with each word she said.

Jisun could feel Jiwon’s hand on her waist, the other hand sneaking up her back. Their eyes never left each other. Only the light fall of snow and distant cheers and laughter of children could be heard yet it had never been so silent between the two of them.

“Jiwon…” Jisun’s soft voice etched itself into Jiwon’s brain.

“Can I…?”

Jisun her chapped lips and Jiwon took it as a yes. Leaning up, Jiwon’s lips found Jisun’s half-way. Jiwon was cold, really cold, but this kiss seemed to heat her up. Jisun’s second hand wrapped around Jiwon’s nape.

She angled her head to the side as their slow, sensual kiss continued on.

Somewhere at the back of her mind, Jisun was screaming at herself for kissing someone whom she considered a sister, someone who she lives with. But at the moment, she didn’t care.

And when the two of them pulled away, as their eyes opened to meet each other’s, both of them knew everything had changed.

 

 

I will post the last chapter soon :)