Part 1

 

Wheein was by herself in her hostel room. Her mother had finally left. She was still surprised that her mother allowed her to share this space with a stranger. She knew how her mother would be when it comes to strangers. And how over-protective she could get over her.

She was packing her clothes into her cupboard when her phone rang. She answered immediately when she realized her step-father was calling.

“Daddy!”

“Hey, sweetie! How are you blending in?”

“I’m at the hostel now; unpacking my stuff.”

“Ah, that’s great. I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you now. I had meetings.”

“It’s okay, Mommy sent me here.”

“Of course, she would. You’re her precious.”

Wheein smiled. She recalled her mother’s gentle expression on her face when she left her. It was a mixture of concern, worry and pride. Her mother told her she was proud of Wheein for getting into a good university. Apparently, her mother was one of the alumni of this university.

“Be good, okay? I’ll visit you this weekend. Remember, if you need anything, just give me a call. Daddy will go to you. Daddy promise.”

“Sure, Daddy. Thank you!”

Wheein was all smiles by the time she ended the call. She was extremely comfortable with her step-father. She may not be his flesh and blood, but he loves and cares for her the same as her step-siblings.

Her step-siblings have gone to universities in overseas. She has two older step-siblings – both are brothers. They were protective of her too. They even reminded her to give the room number and contact numbers to them.

Wheein was generally felt thankful that she was surrounded with a family who loves and cares about her. She started recalling those moments where she shared with her brothers while growing up. The two brothers were 3 and 2 years apart from her.

They chose to study in Australia because their mother was there too. Since Daddy had remarried Mommy, they wanted to accompany their mother. She was single so Daddy allowed his children to stay with her.

Mommy and their mother remained good friends. She would join the family for Christmas whenever she could. She would treat Wheein just like her daughter too. As Wheein reminisced about her family’s dynamics, someone appeared at her doorstep.

An elder woman was at the doorway; she was a little surprised to find Wheein in the room but nevertheless, smiled widely. Wheein, on the other hand, was a little panicky. She quickly got up and greeted the woman.

“You must be Yongsun’s roommate.”

“Huh?”

“I’m sorry. I’m so silly. You can call me Auntie Kim. My daughter will be sharing the room with you.”

“Oh, hi Auntie Kim.”

“Omma! I told you to wait for me, didn’t you?”

Wheein heard another voice and it was coming from outside. A younger woman then squeezed through the older woman and she was surprised to find Wheein there too.

“Oh, hi!”

The younger one was a little loud.

“Hi, I’m Wheein.”

“I’m Yongsun. I’m your new roommate.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Welcome to Seoul University.”

Wheein was being polite but in fact, she was nervous. She never had a friend; she had a best friend, but they drifted apart when her best friend left Seoul for Jeju. Her family had moved to a place further away from Wheein.

Wheein looked on when the older woman was fussing over the younger woman, Kim Yongsun. Wheein could sense that the younger one was a little embarrassed because her mother was a little over-zealous.

“Omma! Someone’s here!”

“Why? Are you embarrassed of your mother?”

“No~! But it’s a little awkward.”

The older woman turned to look at Wheein. She smiled.

“Are you feeling restless over there?”

“No, not exactly. I’m just amused.”

“Ah, my daughter can be a klutz sometimes. She forgets things too. And there are many things she can never manage on her own.”

“Omma! You don’t have to share my dirty secrets with someone we barely know!”

“You’ll be good friends with Wheein. Omma can sense that. Wheein seems nice.”

Wheein chuckled softly. It took awhile before they finally settled down. Yongsun’s mother was preparing to leave before she approached Wheein. She took Wheein’s hands and squeezed gently. Wheein was taken aback at first.

“I have brought some side dishes for you. There’s a fridge in this room so you can share those dishes with Yongsun. You look thin. You should eat more.”

“Huh? Oh, thank you, Auntie Kim.”

“I hope you don’t mind my hospitality. I’m just a typical Auntie. Yongsun’s my only child so I can get a little protective.”

“I understand. My mother is the same too.”

“That’s nice to hear. Take care of yourself, okay? And Yongsun ah, be nice to your new friend!”

Yongsun was rolling her eyes. She was beyond embarrassed. Her face was red since awhile ago. Wheein was tickled by this mother-daughter pair.

-

An hour later, Yongsun returned to the room. She must have spent some time with her mother before she left. Wheein was reading her novel. She looked up to find Yongsun smiling awkwardly at her.

“You’re still embarrassed by your mother?”

“You must have felt overwhelmed by her hospitality.”

“Nah, don’t worry. She’s nice. I’m really glad to meet her.”

“Yeah, she is. Anyway, I didn’t really get to introduce myself properly.”

Yongsun stretched her hand out and introduced herself once again.

“Kim Yongsun, I’m studying applied music.”

“Jung Wheein, I’m in the same course too.”

“Awesome! So, we are uni mates too!”

“I guess so.”

The pair hit off immediately. They had the same dreams; the same hobbies and they share the same interests in music. They like the same genre and often hung out at the karaoke lounge just to sing after lectures.

They grew closer; Wheein likes the way Yongsun takes care of her and Yongsun just simply enjoys the younger woman’s companionship. Eventually, their relationship grew over time.

Till it reached to a point of intimacy. Till it reached to a point where both knew they needed each other. They fell in love. But both never confessed.

-

One morning, Wheein was slowly waking up from her slumber. Her eyes were fluttering before she opened them widely. She had a good stretch before sitting up. Instinctively, her eyes were wandered to the other bed next to her. Usually, she could see Yongsun still sleeping but not today. Yongsun was missing; Wheein frowned.

“Where did she go?”

Yongsun was not a morning person; unlike Wheein. She would wake up later than Wheein because the younger woman would wake her up instead. So, Wheein was surprised to find her missing.

She got up on her feet and grabbed her bathrobe. She wore over her shoulders before making her way to the bathroom. It was empty. Wheein was slowly getting restless.

“Where could she be?”

She kept asking herself but of course, no answers were provided. Yongsun wasn’t there and nobody could tell her either. So, she picked up the phone and started dialling for Yongsun’s number. Someone answered but it wasn’t Yongsun.

“Hello?”

“Who is this? Why are you answering Yongsun’s phone?”

“Oh, she’s at my room.”

“Who are you?”

“Moonbyul.”

Wheein’s heart sank. Moon Byulyi or better known as Moonbyul is someone very close to Yongsun. And Wheein was aware of Moonbyul’s affections for Yongsun. That woman was never shy in showering her love and attention for the older girl.

“Oh, I’ll go over and take her back.”

“Wheein, is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Can we talk outside for a second?”

“Outside?”

“I need to talk to you.”

Wheein agreed and arranged to meet Moonbyul at the university garden. It took her 15 minutes before she reached at the chosen place. Moonbyul was on her bicycle; looking all charming and everything. Wheein knew Moonbyul had a lot of suitors and she was popular on the campus.

Every girl wanted to be hers. But not Wheein. She only wanted Kim Yongsun. She was wary and cautious of Moonbyul. It was easy to see that Wheein wasn’t liking this meeting, but she was curious at the same time.

“Oh, you’re here.”

“What do you want to talk about?”

“I’m just wondering if you can help me.”

“Help you?”

“To get someone to be my girlfriend.”

Wheein’s jaws clenched tightly. The nerve of this hamster to ask her for a favour like this. She didn’t answer.

“But this person is close to you. She has been yapping about you all the time and I feel like I’m competing with you over her.”

“Why don’t you tell her the truth?”

Wheein was screaming at herself for being stupid. But she never had the courage to confess to Yongsun. She knew she might regret this.

“You know her better than I do. I just wanted to know how I could win her heart.”

“Are you serious? Why are you asking me?”

“Yeah, I have no one to turn to. You know her well. You’re the best person for me to approach.”

Wheein could feel a headache coming on. And a dull throbbing ache in her heart; was she going to lose Yongsun like this? Would she give her up to this hamster?

While she was having a turmoil at the back of her mind; Moonbyul was staring at her for the longest time. She was expecting Wheein to answer her, but the younger woman was taking too long. She got impatient.

“Are you going to help me?”

“Why should I?”

“Oh, come on, you’re the best person to help me.”

“You’re insane.”

“Yes, I am. I’m insane. I’m going crazy over her.”

“Then tell her.”

“How do I tell her?”

“Tell her the exact thing you’re telling me now.”

“So, I just go up to her and tell her Anh Hyejin, I’m crazy for you?”

Wheein’s eyes enlarged. Anh Hyejin? Her best friend?

“Wait, who?”

“Your best friend, Ahn Hyejin.”

“You’re in love with my best friend?”

Moonbyul nodded like a child. Wheein was bewildered but felt relieved at the same time.

“How did you meet Hyejin?”

“At the club. She said her best friend is studying at Seoul University too. And when I asked for the name, she mentioned yours.”

“Ah, okay.”

“So, how? Do I do that?”

“Do what?”

“Have you been listening to me? You seem distracted. Are you okay?”

Wheein was staring at Moonbyul. This hamster – her heart was thumping really hard because she thought Moonbyul is in love with Yongsun. She wanted to smack her forehead so badly, but she refrained.

“You know what? I thought you were in love with Yongsun. I was distracted because I thought you were referring to her.”

“Kim Yongsun? No way, she’s my best friend. We are like sisters. You don’t love your sisters that way, you know?”

“No, I don’t know.”

“HA! YOU’RE JEALOUS!”

“SHUT UP.”

“Just because I hug her; kiss her and you know, show affection to her on daily basis doesn’t mean I have that kind of feelings for her.”

“It may seem normal to you but it’s abnormal to many people out here. You don’t touch someone randomly and say you do not have a single form of feelings for that person.”

“I don’t touch people like that if I like that person. I’m shy.”

Wheein rolled her eyes. This shameless hamster.

“That’s not even close to a definition of being shy.”

“Well, do you love Yongsun then?”

Crap. Wheein was tricked. She was caught. And now trapped because of this hamster. She had to be smarter than this woman.

“I care for her.”

“Not answering my question.”

“She’s my roommate. I’m looking out for her.”

“I heard that you hug her every night because she couldn’t sleep well.”

“Are you stalking on us?”

“I have better things to do, Jung Wheein.”

“I’m going to tell Hyejin you bully me.”

“HEY! NOT FAIR!”

Moonbyul then jumped on Wheein; then tackled her to the ground. Wheein was bewildered.

“YA! YOU SCARED THE OUT OF ME!”

“PROMISE ME YOU WILL SAY GOOD THINGS ABOUT ME TO HYEJIN!”

“HOW CAN I WHEN YOU’RE PRACTICALLY PINNING ME TO THE GROUND?!”

“YOU’RE SO TINY!”

“GET OFF ME!”

-

Yongsun was finally awake but her head was being a . She had drunk a lot last night because she was thinking of Wheein the whole time. It took a toll on her because she really likes Wheein; however she wasn’t too sure if Wheein felt the same way too.

Her good friend, Moonbyul decided to head to the nearest club. Well, that was an excuse. She was there to see Hyejin, the girl she adores secretly. Yongsun couldn’t stop thinking of Wheein so she drank till she drops dead.

Now she found herself in Moonbyul’s room.

“Crap, Wheein’s going to get worried.”

She quickly got up but winced when her head spun like a wheel. She grabbed both sides of her forehead.

“God, what the hell did I drink so much for?”

Nevertheless, she forced herself up and realized that her friend wasn’t in the room either. She rolled her eyes.

“This woman.”

She got up on her feet and made her way to the door. She wanted to return to her room when another student came to her. She jumped on Yongsun instantly.

“Yongsun!”

“Irene Bae, I’m gonna barf. Now get off!”

“Eyeeeeyeeew.”

Yongsun ran towards the nearest washroom and Irene followed behind her. She threw up and she felt like . Irene was patting on her back gently.

“Better?”

“Where did we go last night?”

“Moonbyul brought us to the club. Oh my god, are you knocked out immediately?”

“I’m lousy with drinks.”

“Sheesh. Anyway, I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Jung Wheein.”

Yongsun’s eyes grew larger. Why did Irene Bae suddenly getting interested with Wheein?

“What’s wrong with Wheein?”

“I saw her at the park with Moonbyul. They were chummy.”

“Chummy?”

“Moonbyul pinned her to the ground.”

“She what?”

“They were arguing over something. Then the next thing, Moonbyul tackled her to the ground.”

“Sheesh.”

Yongsun took off instantly. Irene was behind her; they came to the park and Yongsun was red. Moonbyul was above Wheein She didn’t like it at all.

“MOON BYULYI!”

The two looked up instantly; they were a little stunned to find Yongsun glaring at them. Well, she was glaring at Moonbyul. Moonbyul knew her secret.

“Yongsunnie?”

Both answered at the same time. She went up to them and pulled Moonbyul away from Wheein. They got up on the feet immediately.

“What are the two of you doing?!”

She asked immediately. She was probably green with jealousy. She somehow forgotten about where she was and who were there.

“Why are you lying on top of her?”

“She started it first!”

“What?”

“She threatened me!”

“No, I did not! You jumped on me!”

“WHAT?!”

“I did not jump on you!”

Moonbyul and Wheein started arguing again much to Yongsun’s dismay. She rolled her eyes when the two of them seem to have forgotten she was there. It was driving her nuts. She was jealous of them.

“Yongsun, are you okay?”

She snapped out of her reverie. Wheein was staring at her now.

“Huh?”

“Your nose is bleeding. Are you okay?”

Blood was dripping from her nose; Yongsun is terrified of blood. She fainted instantly.

“OH MY GOD! YONGSUN AH! YONGSUN!”

Chaos ensued. It was crazy like that.

-

 Yongsun was waking up; she was lying against something soft and someone was hugging her. She glanced to her side; she was shocked to find Wheein’s lips just inches away from hers.

Then she heard a sniggering; she turned to her side. She rolled her eyes.

“You’re awake huh?”

“What are you sniggering about?”

“How does it feel to have Jung Wheein hugging you?”

“Shut up.”

Moonbyul was about to snigger again when Yongsun stared her down. Moonbyul looked away and decided not to act childish. Yongsun’s anger was difficult to handle.

“What happened to me?”

“You drank too much. And then you are dehydrated. The alcohol was getting to you and your nose bled.”

“And why is Wheein here?”

“She’s worried about you. And then she felt asleep while hugging you.”

“And what were you doing all this while?”

Yongsun saw a polarid camera in Moonbyul’s hands. She knew this woman was up to no good.

“Taking photos of you two together so that I can bribe Jung Wheein in the future.”

“Why would you bribe her for?”

“You two are such . Both of you have feelings for each other yet none of you dare to confess.”

“Huh?”

“Kim Yongsun, Jung Wheein likes you.”

-

Yongsun looked on as Wheein diligently took care of her. Her heart was beating so fast that she was afraid Wheein might heard it. She already knew Wheein likes her. But Wheein doesn’t know of her feelings yet.

It never occurred to her that her roommate shares the same sentiments as her. She thought it was a one-sided love because Wheein hardly showed any reaction to her. Maybe she was shy; but Yongsun wouldn’t know.

And she wondered if Moonbyul was just pulling her leg too. That woman could be an sometimes. She kept her gaze on Wheein; the younger woman felt it. She was getting restless too.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Err, nothing.”

“Is everything okay? Are you hurting elsewhere?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Wheein sighed softly. And it broke Yongsun’s heart. The younger woman was genuinely worried for her.

“Next time, when you go drinking with Moonbyul, call me.”

“You will drink with us too?”

“I have to watch out for you.”

Yongsun’s heart skipped a beat. Wheein was so charming; the way she said she would protect her. Yongsun bit her lower lip.

“Wheein, why do you care about me so much?”

Wheein stopped whatever she was doing. Her face was blushing instantly and Yongsun was amused. Maybe Moonbyul was saying the truth.

“Must I state the reason why I care about you?”

“Not necessarily. If you don’t wish to say, it’s fine.”

“I care a lot about you. I care too much for you that sometimes I feel like hugging you and keeping you in my tight embrace.”

This time, Yongsun was stunned. Was that a confession?

“I don’t know how it happens or when it happened; every day that I’m with you, I feel like I’m living at the top of the world. My world revolves around you and you’re the first thing on my mind the moment I wake up and the last thing I worry about every single night.”

Wheein’s gaze was now fixated on Yongsun.

“Tell me, Yongsun. What should I do with this intense feeling I have for you? How can I show it to you? I don’t think I can live without you.”

“Then don’t stop. Because I’m not going to stop either. I care about you the same and I want to be with you for the longest time. I was afraid that if I ever tell you how I feel I might lose you. I rather kept it inside but now, now I know that you feel the same. So, please don’t stop, Wheein ah. Just let it be; and stay by my side.”

-

They were in love. They were so in love. It had been 2 months since that confession. Wheein was elated; she never thought her heart could grow so big to accommodate Yongsun and loves her so dearly. And Yongsun, she got a little bit possessive over Wheein. Wheein is her world.

“Can you stop being so mushy?”

Irene was losing her appetite. Yongsun was being so lovey dopey that Irene couldn’t stomach her food properly. Moonbyul rolled her eyes as she smacked Wheein’s forehead with her spoon.

“Ow?”

“Stop it before I shove this banana down your throat.”

“How dare you hit Wheein’s forehead with the spoon?”

“I can smack you with this banana, Kim Yongsun.”

“Okay, okay. We stop. Baby let’s give them space. We can continue in the dorm.”

“Okay, sweetie.”

“Geez, this is so sick.”

“Tell me about it. How many times must I witness Yongsun trying to stick her tongue down Wheein’s throat every time we have lunch?”

“Fine, we stop. Geez, I don’t stick my tongue down my girlfriend’s throat.”

“That’s how icky it gets for me when the two of you are being so sweet with one another.”

“You’re jealous.”

“Shutup.”

“At least Wheein knows some manners. I never seen Kim Yongsun being so clingy. I’m so done with my impression of her.”

“What? You said you like me!”

“Yes, I do! You seemed decent back then!”

“I’m still decent now!”

Wheein looked on as her girlfriend and their friends argued with each other. Yes, Kim Yongsun was a little clingy and touchy. But she enjoys that. It made her felt loved.

She pulled her girlfriend closer to her and wrapped her arms around Yongsun. She then leaned against Yongsun’s back and murmured sweet nothings. Yongsun stopped her argument with her friends and smiled gleefully to herself. She could hear Wheein softly declaring her love.

But Moonbyul was undaunted. She had to say something.

“Now she looks like an idiot because her girlfriend just said something to her.”

“She’s such a er.”

“SHUT UP!”

Wheein was greatly amused.

-

They were in bed together; body to body; skin to skin. They weren’t doing anything; just lay in bed; basking in each other’s warmth. They never knew they could fell in love so easily. And they wanted this feeling to last forever.

Yongsun even made resolution that she would never leave Wheein’s side no matter what happens in the future. Even if her mother was against of their relationship, Yongsun was determined to stay with Wheein.

Wheein, on the other hand, was in a big turmoil. She never really had a very strong relationship with her mother. So, she wasn’t too sure how her mother would react towards her relationship with Yongsun. But for the meantime, Wheein wanted to stay like this with Yongsun for as long as she could.

“Baby, I’m going to tell my mother about us.”

Yongsun suddenly spoke up. The semester holidays were around the corner. And they had done well in their examinations. Yongsun was pleased with her results and Wheein was praised by her step-father for being in the top 10% of the uni cohort. Yongsun was within top 20%.

Both girls were smart. Both girls were talented. And now they had each other. Yongsun wanted more than just a relationship; she wanted forever.

“Are you sure?”

Wheein was sceptical though.

“Yes, I’m going tell my mother about our relationship. I think it’s time. We have been together for almost 6 months now.”

“How are you going to tell her?”

“I’ll talk to her. My mother is understanding. Although I’m not sure how she would react but I still wanna tell her.”

“It’s great to have Auntie Kim as your mother huh?”

“You’re still not on talking terms with your mother?”

“My relationship with my mother is complicated. We love each other; we care for each other, but my mother has her reserves about something. I’m always walking on eggshells because of her. I couldn’t do things that will hurt her.”

“You think our relationship might hurt her?”

Wheein noticed the change in Yongsun’s voice. It was a little shaky, she looked up and saw uncertainty in Yongsun’s eyes. She hated that look on Yongsun’s eyes. She cupped her hands on Yongsun’s cheeks and kissed her fervently.

“I need to be careful with her. Let me find the best time to reveal to her.”

“So, it’s okay for me to tell my mother?”

“You’re the most comfortable with Auntie Kim. I’m just worried that she might not like it.”

“She won’t. Trust me.”

“I’m just worried, baby. I’m so in love with you right now. I don’t think I can handle it if we have to break up one day.”

“No, we won’t. I’m not letting us to be apart.”

Yongsun was determined to hold them together.

-