Spending so much time with Chaewon allowed Minjoo to understand her better, not only that, but also understand the struggles she had to go through. Minjoo wasn’t unaware to the mistreatment people with scars on their faces received, although it had never been directed to her, she knew that they were looked down and sometimes even harassed for no reason.

But being around Chaewon made her aware of the more subtle, yet painful ways, people could be cruel. They often denied Chae the most basic manners, from not properly greeting her, to shooting her glares and disapproval looks for the silliest things.

Minjoo once let her pencil case fall and everything was on the floor, in a matter of seconds her classmates helped her to pick everything up with smiles on their faces. However, when Chaewon tripped on the way upstairs, her knee landing on the hard ground and an expression of pain on her face, no one moved a finger, no questions about her wellbeing, no offering to help her up – they just looked at her as if she had committed a crime, some even snickering at her. Minjoo had run to her side, asking how she was feeling and helping her up, but the other brunette just nodded and headed to her seat in silence, looking more defeated than anything.

It was hard to understand how people could act like this to someone who never did anything wrong. Why they could just overlook everyone else’s clumsiness and forgive their mistakes, but would pour out all their hate on a few people for the exact same thing just because they carried a scar? The hypocrisy of their society never ceased to disgust her and she showed her displease by giving reprehensive looks to every single one of her ‘friends’ who mistreated Chaewon – it only earned a few guilty expressions, most of the only looked confused and annoyed at her; Maybe their prejudice was too deep into their minds for them to acknowledge what they were doing.

As for Chaewon, she was good at pretending she didn’t care about it. Focusing on her studies and ignoring everyone else. But Minjoo could see right through her act. She could see the way Chaewon always let out a heavy sigh after each class, the way she would press her lips into a thin line whenever someone shot her a glare, the way she would deflate on her seat whenever the teacher would overlook all her effort and praise other people instead, the way she would be always left behind whenever group projects were mentioned and Chaewon would only bit down on her short nails nervously before starting to work diligently on her own – Minjoo insisted on joining her.

She insisted because she hadn’t only learned about the sad, grim aspects of Chaewon’s life, but also about the things that made the other girl so attractive to her. In their first date she had seen some of these sides of Chaewon, now she saw new ones. Chaewon was always kind, no matter how grumpy she tried to look or how annoyed she pretended to be, she would never mistreat her, never shout or use harsh words. She was pretty stubborn, what wasn’t exactly a quality, but it helped her to keep her head held up high and her focus on the things that really matter – Minjoo admired her determination. She also had a soft and sweet side that Min would see mainly when they were around Yena and Yuri, when the other girl relaxed and allowed herself to smile and laugh. Chae also graced her with this side of her once in a while, through small gestures like waiting for her for them to walk together, or buying her favorite drink.

Today, however, the older Kim seemed more closed off. Ever since they had met earlier at the campus entrance and Minjoo dragged the older girl to buy some food for them before class, Chaewon looked distracted.

Even now, after class was over, the other didn’t seem completely present.

Minjoo rested her head on hand as she watched Chaewon, who was still busy putting away her stuff. “Do you want to go to my place or yours to do the work?”

The other hesitate for a moment, before finishing closing her backpack. “I’ll just write my part and send it to you later, if that’s okay for you.”

Needless to say, it wasn’t okay for Minjoo. She shook her head, standing up to accompany the girl in the way out. “No, no, it’s a group project so we should do it together.”

“If you’re worried I won’t do it, you don’t have to be. I’m used to do things on my own and I do it just fine.” Chaewon reassured with such an impersonal, robotic voice that it made the younger Kim want to roll her eyes at how fake it sounded. All of sudden it was like they were back at stack one and Minjoo had no idea why. “I can do the assignment and just say you helped me.”

“Chae, why are you being like this now?” The taller asked with a hint of frustration in her voice. She was so happy that morning when she met Chaewon, celebrating the little progress they’ve made in the last few days, but it turned out the other way. “I want to help you. I’m not a freeloader, you know? I’m pretty smart too.”

“I know you’re smart. I didn’t mean to…” Chae pursed her lips, containing a sigh. She didn’t look at Minjoo as she spoke, playing with the strips of her backpack instead. They still haven’t moved, left alone in the now empty classroom, Chae’s small voice echoing in the silence of the room. “I already told you, I don’t like group projects.”

Minjoo crossed her arms in front of herself to contain the urge of touching the other girl – maybe give her a head smack for being so stubborn, but most likely followed by a hug, because Minjoo couldn’t really help herself. “I don’t like it either. But it’s fine, we’re not a group.” She added calmly.

Chestnut eyes, the ones that people referred to as snarky, narrowed to look at her with skepticism. “We are not?”

The younger woman just gave her a cheeky smile. “No, we’re a couple!”

Chaewon snorted at her words. “You’re unbelievable!”

“But I’m not wrong.” Minjoo stared back at her, as it challenging her to disagree. The brown-haired woman didn’t give her the chance of replying, making her way downstairs and pulling Chaewon by the hand towards the exit. She would probably drag her all the way to the dorms if Chaewon allowed her – what she wouldn’t.

However, Chae didn’t get the chance of continue their bickering. Another voice sounded, right from behind her, clear and deep. The girls stop in their tracks, turning around to check who was calling for them – for Minjoo more specifically.

“Kim Minjoo!” The woman greeted, a glint in her eyes as she looked at Minjoo. A girl around her height, with a confident smile on her pretty face. Chaewon didn’t need to ask to know she was a senior, probably from Minjoo’s department. The other woman, however, didn’t spare her a glance, ignoring her presence. “We are having a little orientation party for our club, wouldn’t you like to come with us? It will be fun and maybe I could give you a tip or two.” The woman’s smile looked more like a smirk now and Chaewon instinctively frowned.

Chaewon’s frown grew deeper as she averted her eyes from the senior, annoyance dominating her body. She was used to be ignored, but for some reason it annoyed her more than usual. There was something really irritating about the way the senior talked to Minjoo.

“Minyoung.” Minjoo greeted with her usual smile, a smile that seem a little more tense than normal as she clung to Chaewon’s hand, not allowing her to leave her side. She shot Chae a look, as if considering her expression before proceeding – Chaewon didn’t look back, but she didn’t try to let go of her hand either. “It would be an honor to meet you all, but I don’t think someone who isn’t officially a member of the club should join in just like that…”

The subtle rejection to the invite didn’t seem to work well. The senior tapping lightly Minjoo’s shoulder and giving her a knowing smile. “I’m the president, I think I can make an exception for you.” Her tone was more playful than flirt, as if she wanted to make Minjoo comfortable enough to accept her invitation – most people would. Getting close to a senior was a big deal after all.

There was a bitter taste on Chaewon’s mouth now, a knot in her stomach as she heard the little exchange between the two women, an inpatient energy running through her body and demanding her to…To what? Break free from Minjoo and leave? The knot in her stomach grew bigger at the thought of leaving Minjoo alone with the senior. Just looking at the woman’s hand on the younger Kim's shoulder was enough for her to want to slap that hand away.

She just knew she didn’t want to let Minjoo in anyone else’s company, she didn’t want to share her with that senior or anyone else. She just wanted them to be alone again, even if only to bicker with her.

What was that possessiveness all of sudden? Was it jealousy? The knot was tight and big now, reaching when she dared to look at Min's way only to see her smiling at the senior – she didn’t hear what she was saying, too busy thinking about how doing a group project wasn’t that bad if it meant she could stay with Minjoo, instead of being alone at home while the other woman would be surrounded by people at some party.

Cleaning , she made her presence known. “We should get going. I want to start on the report as soon as possible.” She managed to keep her voice nice and calm, almost too calm, revealing her act.

Minjoo’s eyes glinted with something new as the younger woman simply nodded. “I’m sorry, but we have to go. We can’t miss the deadline for this report.” The deadline was a week away, but none of them would acknowledge it now.

The senior seemed confused, her gaze growing a little surprised as she finally looked at Chaewon with attention – it wasn’t the dirty looks she received many times, but it was far from the bright and flirt one she has given to Minjoo earlier. “I see. Work hard, Minjoo. I see you around.”

It was Chaewon’s turn to take the lead, the knot in her stomach slowly unveiling as they walked away from the senior and into the open space of the campus. “My place. I don’t have a roommate so we can study in peace.” She informed in her best business tone, albeit she never let go of Minjoo’s hand.

Of course, the other Kim saw right through her.

“For someone who refuses to acknowledge we're a couple, you’re surely good at acting like a jealous girlfriend.” Minjoo teased, with a smile that was so childishly happy that Chaewon didn’t have the heart to try to ruin it.

Chae didn’t look back, but she squeezed Minjoo’s hand a little tighter and the younger woman’s musical laugh was the only thing she could hear as they walked.

Chaewon’s apartment, a small place near college, reflected the young woman’s personality. It was surprisingly neat, everything organized and clean, the small space carefully planned to tend to the girl’s necessities – her bad luck didn’t allow her to be messy, or else she would constantly trip over everything and end up with a head injury and all her things broken.

Minjoo had taken a good look around before smiling and complimenting her with a playful tone. “You are invited to come over and help me clean up anytime. Yuri doesn’t look like, but she can be quite messy.” She had said before taking a seat on the couch, quickly setting down all her stuff before the older girl could argue.

As Minjoo expected, working with the other Kim was easy and together they were able to quickly write the basic draft for the paper, two hours went by quickly as they discussed ideas and complemented each other’s sentences – when Chaewon wasn’t trying to push her away, things just flow so smoothly and it was moments like this that made Minjoo insist on them. Of course, Chae’s little demonstration of jealousy gave her an extra boost of confidence.

Luck was on her side that day, because not only the shorter brunette didn’t try to send her away as soon as they finished the work, she also offered her some snacks and drinks – Chaewon looked cute, with her slightly hesitant expression as she admitted to not being good at cooking; Yuri would laugh at her, but even such a thing made Minjoo fall a little more for Chaewon. She didn’t think twice before offering to cook them dinner.

It was still a little earlier, but none of them mentioned it, both girls working together once more, this time to produce a homey meal with the best things Min could find in the fridge.

“That senior…From which club she is? You didn’t mention anything about joining one.” To the younger woman’s surprise, Chaewon was the first to break the silent. The older Kim wasn’t looking at her, pretending to focus on her food, but Minjoo could tell by her posture that she was expecting an answer.

With a mischievous smile, she savored her food for a long moment before replying. “The official photography club for the photography department. Not a very creative name, but they’re actually really cool.” Nodding slowly, she rested her chin on her palm with a dreamy expression on her face. “I went to one of their meetings, but I’m still considering if I should join…Minyoung is very nice, maybe I should. What do you think?”

She almost let out a loud chuckle when she noticed Chaewon’s lips forming a pout as she a little too ungracefully shoved another spoon of rice in instead of answering her. No spoken answer could’ve been clear.

“Okay. More time to spend with you.” She winked at the girl and couldn’t help but laugh when Chaewon struggled to swallow her food and control her blush at the same time – she handed a cup of water.

“I’m not telling you to not do whatever you want.” Chae managed to say in a small voice some time later – her face was still red, but she looked more in control of herself. “I never got to join a club. Maybe it would be nice for you.” The pout was no longer there, her tone heavier.

Minjoo wished she could keep the mood light, yet she appreciated the way Chaewon put her needs first even when she clearly didn’t like the idea – be it because she was back to trying to push her away, or because she genuinely wanted Minjoo to take the opportunities she was offered, it was still something nice to do.

“I still have a lot of time to pick a club, or maybe even create my own. I don’t want to rush things, everything happens in the right time.” Assuming a similar tone to the older woman’s, she reached to touch Chaewon’s hand over the table, her fingers caressing her knuckles lightly. “And you have time too. To find out where you belong.”

Chae stared at their hands for a moment. “I don’t think I belong to any clubs they have.”

“Then maybe we should start our own.” With a small smile, she stood up to leave a kiss on Chaewon’s head before placing her plate in the sink. “I’ll do the dishes this time, but you need to help me drying it.”

Chestnut eyes blinked in confusion with the sudden change of topic, albeit the brunette stood up from her seat to help. “A dishwashing club?” She asked with a shadow of a smile, accepting the recently washed plate Minjoo handed her.

“A cooking and cleaning club doesn’t sound that bad.” Minjoo smiled back. “Domestic fluff club?” She joked and as expected only received an eye roll as reply – but the smile on Chaewon’s face was a little bigger now.

After this, things went smoothly.

It was raining outside by the time they were done and Chaewon offered her to watch a movie while they waited for the rain to pass.

Chaewon was kind enough to skip the horror movies suggested by the TV application and they end up watching an old fantasy movie that brought Minjoo nostalgic memories of her childhood. They sat side by side, a little too close to comfort as the younger brunette not so subtly always moved a little closer – the surprise was in the fact that Chaewon didn’t move away, instead she reached out to take her hand, pulling Minjoo to stick to her side.

“Stop moving. You’re distracting me.” Was Chaewon’s excuse, one that didn’t match her red ears and slightly trembling hands. “Don’t stare at me, pay attention to the movie.”

Minjoo just clung to her arm, resting her head on the girl’s shoulder as she pretended to pay attention to the movie when all she could think about was how warm and safe Chaewon felt, her scent reaching her and filling her senses with nothing but mint and strawberry. Chaewon’s body was tense at first but as she massaged her arm and snuggled up to her, she slowly relaxed, until they were both bundled up together in a comfortable bubble of easy, light happiness.

Before Minjoo realized the movie was over. However, the rain was far from it, the echo of thunder making the windows vibrate under its power. Minjoo checked her wristwatch, noticing there was less than half an hour until curfew and she should get going if she wanted to be able to go back to her dorm room – but did she want it? Lifting her gaze to observe Chaewon’s face who was staring outside the window with worried eyes, she couldn’t say she wanted to go back.

“It’s a pretty bad storm. How long do you have until curfew?” Chaewon asked, turning to look at her and Minjoo averted her eyes.

Sorry Chae, she apologized mentally before pulling her best actress face.

“I don’t know…” She started, proceeding to check her watch and fake a expression of surprise. “Oh my God, I only have ten minutes left! But I don’t even have an umbrella with me!” Actress Kim Minjoo was surely thankful for the acting classes her mother had signed her up when she was a child – although it only involved running around dressed up as a tree most of the time.

“Well I could borrow you one, but…” Chaewon made a face, her gaze going from Minjoo’s face to the window where the rain was still hitting hard against the glass. “It doesn’t seem very safe to go out now.”

“I don’t like thunderstorms. Even since I was little.” Minjoo shook her head, keeping her gaze on their joint hands. It wasn’t exactly a lie, she really disliked thunderstorms, but it wasn’t like she never had to face a couple of them before. She clung more onto Chaewon’s arm, hiding her face on her neck. “What will we do? I don’t think I can make it there in time.”

“Well, I guess…Maybe, I mean just because you need to stay safe and...”Chaewon sighed, before looking at the brunette. This little scared creature didn’t look like the flirt girl who spent the day teasing her, still she couldn’t bear the thought of sending Minjoo out in the rain. “You can sleep here. I don’t have an extra bed, but one of us can use the couch.”

Minjoo risked taking a peek at the brunette, lifting her head to look at Chae. “Are you sure I can stay?”

The other brunette nodded, a light shade of pink painting her cheeks. “I’m not that bad of a person to let you walk home in the rain.” She tried to shrugged her shoulders as if it wasn’t big deal, but her blush got a little more intense.

Biting back a smile, the younger hugged her. “Thank you, Chae.” Minjoo left a kiss on her jaw, light yet still enough to make Chaewon feel her heart a little heavier.

Chaewon hugged her back gingerly, a smile slowly making its way to her face. Having Minjoo close was far from unpleasant and she couldn’t help but want more of this contact, her arms involving the brunette as she rested her head on top of hers to smell the sweet scent of her shampoo. For the last two hours she had got used to it, the scent slowly creeping up to fill her lungs and reaching her heart, so unmistakable Minjoo’s that she didn’t think she would ever be able to forget it – Minjoo’s scent wasn’t the only thing hard to ignore; the warmth of her body close to hers, her gentle hand on her arm, their intertwined fingers and even the sound of her calm breath…Everything was so hard to ignore, hitting Chaewon harder than the rain hit the ground outside.

She didn’t want to ignore it.

And now here they were, about to spend a whole night under the same roof and all she could think about was the fact that she would be able to enjoy Minjoo’s presence for long – her rational being buried by her emotional one, ignoring her defensive responses telling her that she was taking a risk she couldn’t afford.

Her rational side was still gone as Minjoo pulled back to ask where she could sleep.

“You can have the bed. I’m used to sleeping in the couch.” She managed to answer, her brain still like cotton candy as she looked at the younger girl's chocolate brown eyes.

Shaking her head, Min stood up and pulled her to do the same. “No. We can share the bed. I don’t want you waking up hurt tomorrow.” The younger Kim didn’t even hesitate in leading them to the bedroom – she had never even stepped inside of it, but the place was small enough to allow her to easily find Chaewon’s room.

“W-Wait! Shouldn’t you have said you would take the couch instead then?” Chaewon still tried to argue.

“You watch too much TV. I don’t want a broken back either.” Minjoo shook her head, opening the bedroom’s door to reveal the small room, where a medium sized bed dominated the space. “It’s big enough for the two of us.” Nodding with a satisfied smile, Minjoo stole a glance at her confused companion. “Besides, I like cuddling.”

“This…This doesn’t mean I want it too!” Chaewon’s protest fell into deaf ears, weak in front of Minjoo’s alluring smile. Wasn’t that frog afraid of the thunder just now? Where was all this confidence coming from? “What about the thunderstorm-”

“I’ll be safe as long as I’m with you.” Clasping her other hand, Minjoo gave her a different smile – not a smirk, or her playful grins, a small, genuine one that seem to be meant only for her. “And you’ll be safe with me too.” Leaning in she kissed her cheek, long and loving. “You can even put a pillow between us, but I warn you I’m a hugger and it won’t stop me.”

And there it was, the mischievousness again.

Chaewon wanted to sigh and fake annoyance, but Minjoo’s kiss still burned on her cheek and a smile insisted on creeping on her lips. Yeah, for today she would ignore all rationality.

“No need. I will hug you instead.” And with this line, she pulled Minjoo back to give her a kiss – on the cheek just like the one she had received earlier. “Wash up first. I’ll get you a change of clothes.”

Chaewon slept well that night, her eyes closing and a smile on her face, as she drifted off to dreamland in a matter of minutes.

Maybe because of the sounds of the rain outside, or the fact that the temperature had went down a few degrees, or even because it was getting late – probably all mentioned, but mainly the fact that Minjoo looked incredible huggable with Chaewon’s black sweater and slightly droopy eyes, a lazy smile that was far from her flirty one, soft and calm. Chae’s heart skipped a beat as she reached out to engulf the younger girl in a hug, allowing Minjoo to snuggled up to her until they could find the perfect position for cuddling. There was something about holding Minjoo closer to her heart that felt so right, as if it was just like it was meant to be from the start and for a little while Chaewon would embrace this feeling just like she embraced the lovely girl in her arms.

There was no bickering, no awkwardness, only the exchange of sleepy ‘good nights’ before they fell asleep together.

She was used to waking up in the middle of the night, with bad dreams and an uncomfortable feeling in her chest – that night she slept soundly with the sound of Minjoo’s heartbeats and the rain as her lullaby.

The first sunlight coming through the window woke her up in the next morning, instead of her annoying alarm. However, Chaewon didn’t open her eyes right away. She could feel Min’s warm breath against her face, her cheek and nose rubbing against her own as the girl moved on her sleep, hands still hugging her by the waist and legs tangled…They were so close that it was almost like the brunette was just an extension of her, as if letting go of her would be like ignoring a side of herself.

Her eyelids fluttered open, slowly getting used to the morning light and the view in front of her: soft messy light brown hair, smooth sun-kissed skin and angelic features – Minjoo. The younger Kim was still asleep, her slightly puffy morning face making her look younger and innocent. Chaewon caught herself staring at her with fondness, her eyes tracing every single detail she could see – what wasn’t much, they were still too close, Minjoo’s cheek rubbing against hers, their noses brushing together as she breathed, their lips almost touching, so close that Chaewon could just capture it in a kiss.

The older girl didn’t move away, her arms still hugging Minjoo to her chest and her eyes closing again. She wouldn’t kiss her – not like this –, but this proximity was something that she wanted to enjoy the most. Resting her forehead on Minjoo’s, inhaling her sweet vanilla scent, allowing it to take her back to the moment of their first and only kiss.

“Feel better now?” Chaewon asked as they sat together on a bench outside the mall, at a nearby park. She still had a small pack of colored chocolate in her hands, meanwhile Minjoo had already finished hers – she offered the girl some more.

Minjoo thanked her with a smile, accepting the chocolate. She looked relaxed now, the glint back in her eyes now that they were far away from the movies and all the clowns in it. “Yes, I don’t think I’d be able to sleep tonight if I finished that movie.”

The older just nodded, lowering her head to make sure her scar wouldn’t be visible under the lights of the park, staring down at the river that could be seen in the distance. Minjoo being so scared of such a silly movie was almost funny, but she would never laugh at her – She actually found it endearing, her date wasn’t like any other girl she had ever met.

Once more she wondered why Minjoo ended up stuck with someone like her when she probably could have anyone she wanted, Yuri may have tricked her to come along, but it didn’t explain why she stayed.

“Chaewon…You don’t have to do it.” Minjoo called her in a sweet, small voice, her hand reaching for her to squeeze it light. There was a small smile on her face when Chae lifted her gaze to meet hers – the chocolate ones looking back at her, were filled with a new found fondness that confused the older Kim, making her break eye contact, self-conscious. “You don’t have to hide it from me.”

“I wasn’t…Not consciously.” Chaewon sighed. All her relationships always came down to the three lines that were her personal curse, it would be fool of her to believe this date would be an exception. “You know what it means.”

“That you were born a little different, but isn’t it the case for everyone?” Minjoo replied with a light tone, her hand still on Chaewon’s. The feeling she had earlier becoming stronger the more she spent time with the slightly older girl. Chaewon was still much like the little girl she met once, gentle and kind, genuinely caring – so different from most of her dates. Minjoo was glad for having met again. “I don’t mind it all. I think it’s cute.” She reassured with sincerity. No matter what people said about the scars, she knew better than believe it, with or without scar Chaewon was someone worth knowing. “I heard from Yuri that you’re a computer science major. How is it like?”

“I…” Chae hesitated. She had never been accepted so easily, someone had never overlooked her flaw like it wasn’t big deal, but here was Kim Minjoo acting like it didn’t matter at all. Slowly, she managed to lift her gaze, allowing the light to hit her face as she observed Minjoo’s reaction –the younger girl’s smile only grew wider. “It’s okay, I guess. A lot of numbers, we don’t get to do anything cool until later in the course…What about you?”

“Yuri told me you’re pretty smart too, so it makes sense.” Nodding enthusiastically, Minjoo stood up. “I’m planning in majoring in photography. You know, one of the weirdos that walks around with a camera even though we know that if we accidentally break it, we’re doomed? That’s me next year.” She chuckled lightly, offering Chaewon a hand so she could stand up as well. “You paid for the food early. Can I treat you now?”

Nodding slowly, the older accepted her offer. Having Minjoo’s hand on hers gave her a weird feeling, but it wasn’t bad – not at all, therefore she just clasped her hand a little tighter as they walked through the park in the search of one of the many food stalls placed near the edge of the river. Was it how it felt to be in a real date? This warm, nice feeling of being with someone who wanted to be with you too?

She made her steps slower, wishing to make this moment last for longer. She knew she shouldn’t, but hope was slowly spreading through her chest – for once, she wanted to try. “And how did you get into photography? If you carry a camera everywhere, I guess you really like it.”

Minjoo’s face lit up with her question, the younger girl looking pleased to be able to talk about one of her favorite things – she was happier about the fact that Chaewon was putting some effort too, it was all about the small steps for them. “You know those moms who just enroll their kids in every class they can find? My mother is like this. She made me do all sort thing, until she enrolled me in a photography course for the summer and I just loved it so much. After that, I start…”

Chaewon just listened to her, a small smile on her face as she watched the girl’s enthusiasm. Once in a while she would ask her something else, learning more about not only Minjoo’s love for taking pictures, but also all the other things the younger woman has done before – from music classes, to being a girl scout. Minjoo was like an open book, always willing to share about herself, although she would always try to make Chaewon speak as well – and she did, not as much as the other, but she shared a bit about her own story.

“I just thought I could do a good job in this field. No one cares about who writes the codes, as long as it works.” She had explained later on that night, after they were done eating some snacks Minjoo got them from a food stall. It wasn’t a passionate story like Minjoo’s, but it was the truth. She knew getting a job would be harder for someone who carried the kind of social stigma she did, therefore picking something she could do without dealing with people directly would be the best. “And I’m good at it. I actually have a few projects in the works, small stuff, but still.”

Minjoo nodded, she understood where the other girl was coming from. It was a pity Chaewon felt like she couldn’t freely pick what she wanted to do and had to restrict her options, but she felt a sense of pride to know the other woman was doing well regardless of the situation. “You can show me it sometime. I don’t even know how this kind of thing works.” She was genuinely interested – not because she really cared about computer programs and games, but because she loved to see Chaewon slowly sharing bits of herself. The older girl was good at listening, her attentive chestnut eyes always on her as she spoke and it felt nice to have someone to talk to like this, still she wanted Chae to know she was there for her too, that she also willing to hear her.

The slightly shorter woman nodded with a hesitant smile. “You’ll probably find it boring though.”

Shaking her head, Minjoo glanced at the girl as they started walking to leave the park. “Let me decide it for myself when you show me.”

“Well, maybe some other time.” Chae shrugged her shoulders, her smile a little bigger now. “It’s getting late. Can I walk you home?”

“Already?” There was a note of disappointment on Minjoo’s voice, but she couldn’t deny Chaewon was right as she checked the time on her watch. Her parents weren’t very strict, but it was getting colder and she could spot some fat, grey clouds in the sky – she didn’t want to end this date drenched. Refraining from sighing, she nodded. “Only if it’s not outside your way, my house is not that close from your campus. There’s a curfew for students too, right?”

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t live in the dorms.” Chaewon reassured, gesturing for Minjoo to lead the way. She had chosen to not live in the dorms to avoid conflicts with a possible roommate, opting for a small apartment of her own, not having a curfew was another advantage from it. “Are you planning on applying to the same university as mine, like Yuri? Staying in town?”

“I don’t know.” The brunette shook her head once more. Staying close to home was tempting, but she didn’t know if it was the best option and luckily her grades allowed her to choose whatever she thinks was the best. Maybe she could even go overseas…But it would mean she would be away from her family and friends…And from Chaewon too. Stealing a glance at the girl, she crossed her arms over her chest – she hated that the older Kim didn’t held her hand this time, it was getting cold and she missed Chaewon’s warmth, but she didn’t want to act overly clingy. “I have a couple of options, but I didn’t decide just yet. They’ve a pretty nice program though, and maybe I could room with Yuri if I stayed here.”

“Hm, I see.” Truth be told, Chae didn’t know exactly what to say. She had just met this girl, and a part of her really wanted to just tell Minjoo to stay around so they could get to know each other properly, but it sounded stupid. If the other decided to stay, it wouldn’t be for her and even if she did stay, it didn’t necessarily mean she would want to have her around. “Well, if you decide to stay, I guess we won’t see each other around campus that often. Different departments and all that.” She wanted to throw a silly pick up line about how she would show her around the campus, but instead she came up with such a soulless reply. It was her turn to contain a sigh.

It was just their first date, still here they were, both overthinking about a future they didn’t even know if the other would be a part of – if they could hear each other’s thoughts, maybe they would’ve know that the fact that they put so much thought on it, could only mean that they wished for a future together.

“Yeah, I know…” Minjoo’s voice was small as she agreed. The easy mood from earlier disappearing, as if the coldness of the night somehow infected them. The rain didn’t even fall yet, and she already felt like things were going wrong.

“Are…Are you cold?” Chaewon’s gingerly asked, her voice a little deeper as she looked at her with a worried expression on her face – it was silly, oh so silly, yet it made Minjoo feel a little warmer with her care.

The taller brunette gave her a small smile. “I forgot to bring a jacket, but we’re no-“ Her words were cut short by Chaewon’s actions as the girl swiftly placed her own jacket over her shoulders, the warmth of it involving Minjoo right away, just like the mint and strawberry scent of its owner. “You…Wont you feel cold?” She asked biting back a smile – it was such a cliché, but she didn’t mind it at all.

Chaewon shook her head in a negative, lifting her right arm to gesture the long sleeves of her grey shirt. “I’m good. I also have a spare jacket in my backpack…” She pointed the bag on her shoulder, proceeding to give her an apologetic smile. “I mean, I’d have lend you that, but I didn’t wash it yet and…”

“I like this one just fine. Smells really nice.” Minjoo said giving her a bright smile, as she hugged the jacket closer to her body to emphasize what she was saying. Suddenly she felt completely comfortable again, not even the rain would be able to ruin her mood.

“You do? Good, it’s pretty good…The jacket, it’s warm.” Chaewon managed to reply, her lips curved in a relieved smile and her cheeks warm, as she stole a glance at the girl. She hadn’t think much before giving her jacket to Minjoo, her protective instinct guiding her actions before any sort of embarrassment could make her second guess herself – she was glad she didn’t, Minjoo’s smile would be worth the cold, even if she didn’t have a spare change of clothes for emergencies; being the unlucky person she was, she never forgot to bring one just in case.

Before she could babble anything more, she felt the warmth of Minjoo’s hand gently brushing against hers and as she looked down, she could see the girl’s open hand, in a silent invite for her to hold it. Chaewon just let her fingers slide in between hers, intertwining as their hands smoothly fit together perfectly – the same feeling from early filled her up, stronger than before, there was no butterflies, but her own fireworks lighting up her chest and illuminating the dark night.

Minjoo didn’t hide her smile as she felt Chae’s hand on hers, not minding if the other girl noticed how much she could affect her with the smallest actions. Instead, she just put their joint hands in the pocket of Chaewon’s jacket, pulling her a bit closer so they could walk comfortably. “To keep you warm.” She added with a playful tone, marveling at Chaewon’s shy expression that didn’t hide the other girl’s fond gaze.

That was the moment Minjoo knew for sure she wanted to see Chaewon again and again, make the girl a constant in her life – her sister often said she was a hopeless romantic and perhaps she indeed was, still she didn’t try to fight these feelings, embracing it as they made the way down the street in a comfortable silence, filled only by their footsteps and the happy symphony of Minjoo’s heart in her ears.

Unfortunately, the walk was a short one and soon they reached the Kim’s – Minjoo’s parents – place.

“That’s my house.” She informed gesturing the small building, trying to not sound disappointed for declaring the end of the date.

“Oh, right.” Chaewon muttered, bringing her steps to a stop as she looked at the house, before glancing at the clouded sky. No rain, just the lightning illuminating the sky once in a while. “We arrived just in time.”

“Maybe a bit early.” Minjoo was referring to her curfew, still half an hour away – she wanted to enjoy every minute she still had left, but asking Chaewon to come in would only make things awkward once her parents showed up. Still, she didn’t want to say goodbye just yet. “I’m sorry you couldn’t finish the movie because of me.”

Chae shook her head slightly, her eyes now back on Minjoo’s face. “I didn’t mind it. I think I enjoyed talking to you much better than watching some clown attacking people.” And it was absolutely true, if Minjoo had just go home, she wouldn’t stay around to see the end of the movie – most likely because she would have to deal with Yuri and Yena being Yuri and Yena, what meant a lot of loudness and questions, what was far more scarier than any TV monster. “I don’t even know why Yena picked that movie, those two must be dying to walk home now.”

Minjoo let out a chuckle and Chaewon followed suit, it was easy to picture their friends doing their usual antics as they tried to escape from ghosts on the streets – she had to remember thanking Yuri for picking that movie later.

She squeezed the older girl’s hand on her pocket, slowly pulling it out, but still keeping a hold of it. “I had a nice time tonight. With you.”

“Me too.” The older Kim admitted, her thumb caressing the back of Minjoo’s hand for a moment before loosen her grip on it. “It was actually the best date I had…In a while.” The quick addition didn’t fool anyone, not that her stuttering and awkwardness hadn’t already made it clear she wasn’t very experienced in dating.

Minjoo just giggled, still holding onto lightly to the shorter woman’s hand, refusing to break the contact totally. “It was my best date too. Out of all dates.” With a cheeky smile, she winked at the other girl and gladly watched as Chaewon’s cheeks became a light shade of pink. “I should go in before someone sees me and you’ll have to greet my whole family.” She chuckled again, stealing a glance at her front porch from where one of her parents would probably come out as soon as they noticed her presence there. “Goodnight, Chaewon. Thank you for today.” Feeling confident and a little impulsive, she stepped closer to the other girl, leaning in to place a chaste peck right over the little scar on her face.

Chaewon’s eyes grew bigger as she felt Min’s lips on her scar and consequently brushing on her own lips, soft and warm – just like Minjoo’s personality. It wasn’t much, light like a feather, still it made her hold her breathe, the tips of her ears going red  showing how rapid her blood flow was now.

Her dates didn’t last long, and none of them included walking her partner home – needless to say she had never received a goodnight kiss, or a kiss at all. Chaewon didn’t know what to do, but Minjoo took the decision out of her hands, her lips coming to greet hers again, this time for a little longer.

No matter how many dates she had before, or the few awkward goodnight kisses she had received, for Minjoo nothing could compare to this one.. The symphony of her heart finding its high point as she kissed Chaewon one more time, their lips fitting so perfectly. It took Chaewon a moment to return the kiss, but when she did, the gentle pressure of her lips kissing her back, her scent attacking Minjoo in the best way as her warmth irradiated, bathing Minjoo in pure warm and comfort – kissing Chaewon was just like finding this one small, cozy and safe spot, her own safe haven.

Clasping their hands together, she hugged the girl by the neck with her left arm and Chae laced her waist bringing them to an embrace. Eyes closed, hot breathes mixing together as their noses touched lightly, lips brushing together, getting intimate little by little as the kiss progressed. It was slow, gingerly and slightly clumsy, still, Minjoo wouldn’t want it any other way. Chaewon’s kiss was as sweet as her heart, gentle and addictive – she didn’t think she would ever get tired of it.

The first drops of rain, the light drizzle before a storm, were falling when they broke the kiss and for a moment none of them moved, eyes fluttering open just to face each other – chocolate and chestnut, both filled with the same feeling, the same emotion none of them was able to hide now.

Chaewon was the first to let go of the embrace, stepping back as she gently loosen up her grip on Minjoo. All the fondness, the want she had seeing in Minjoo’s eyes was scaring her, making her think about all the things she had grown up listening to – how many times she had heard that people like her could never find love? That no one could fall for her? What were the chances of finding it on her first date with a stranger? It was too good to be true.

Averting her eyes from the chocolate gaze, she took the coward route. “You should go in, it will rain soon.”

Minjoo didn’t look away, her eyes still on Chaewon’s face – she could spot the fear in her eyes just now, a fear she knew was born from bad experiences in the past. It would take more than a kiss to convey her feelings and make Chaewon believe them – even for herself, it was still all so new, but she knew it was more than just infatuation, she knew it would be like that when she met Chae again and now she was sure. “Get home safely.” She said, still looking for the other woman’s eyes. “Will you call me?”

The older brunette hesitated to answer. Would she? Could she? Chaewon knew the answer already but it didn’t make it any easier to put it into words. Perhaps it was clear in her eyes, because she felt Minjoo squeezing her hand lightly, a slightly disappointed expression adorning her pretty features as she leaned in to land a final kiss on her lips – chaste and pure.

“I’ll hold onto it until our next date.” The younger Kim said touching the jacket she was still wearing. “I’ll wait for you. Don’t take too long.”

Minjoo didn’t expect for a reply before running home, leaving a confused Chaewon behind. Right now, her mind and her heart were sending her completely different signals and she wasn’t sure of which one she should obey.

“Goodnight, Minjoo.” Chaewon muttered under her breath, before she started running to reach her own house – it would be smarter to get a cab instead of jogging in the rain, but in the moment she needed a way to distract herself from all the thoughts that made her head full and her heart hurt.

Chaewon had drifted back to sleep as the memories played over and over again in her mind.

Back then she felt so torn about whether or not contacting the girl again, if she should just follow her heart and wish for the best, or trust her head and protect the both of them from the pain a relationship could bring.

Ultimately, her bad luck – and her own reckless behavior – had made the choice for her. She had lost her phone to the sewers in the way home, the small device slipping into a manhole as she ran, and she knew better than trust any suspicious clown that offered to get it back for her – Okay, maybe she didn’t find that movie so silly. Of course, she could’ve get Minjoo’s number again just by asking Yuri, but not only her phone was gone, she also got herself a strong cold that kept her bedridden for two days right before exams season, meaning she had to study even more to try to keep up with everyone else and get good grades – not surprisingly, none of her classmates offered to let her copy their notes, nor her teachers seem to have any sympathy for her to do anything about it. Before she knew it, she was overwhelmed by school work and dating became a secondary worry in her mind.

Thoughts of Minjoo still run through her mind once in a while, small things like seeing a poster for the photography department or even finding the colored chocolates the other girl seem to like so much at a convenience store, were enough to remind her of the younger Kim.  Yena would ask her about the date, but Chaewon would just shrug it off and change topics. The truth was: she really wanted to see Minjoo again, to apologize for being such a coward and taking so long. However, she didn’t want to be unfair with the other girl, and Minjoo deserved better than someone who carried the ‘mark of the unborn’ and was socially inept. There was also the fact that Minjoo might not even be there in the next year and it wasn’t worth the heartache.

Her mind, at the end of the day, came out the winner of her inner battle – at least until now.

She felt something warm and soft again her face, prompting her to open her arms to face a Minjoo who smiled lazily at her, eyes in perfect half-moon and hair disheveled – a breathtaking view, one that was hard for her to not wish to see it every morning. “Morning, Chae.” The younger girl gave her another kiss on the cheek before leaving the bed in a rush, starting to search for her things. “I’ve morning classes today and I’m kind of running late already.” She explained as she went to the bathroom to wash up, while the older brunette was still trying to wake up completely.

“Hm, good morning?” The older Kim sat down on the bed, checking her bedside alarm clock to confirm she should be getting ready as well.

It wasn’t like her to be late for class, still as she stumbled upon her own feet, trying to find a new change of clothes and wash up, she keep getting distracted by Minjoo’s presence – eyes following her as the younger girl left the bathroom looking perfectly composed after washing up, although she had changed back into her clothes, she kept Chaewon’s sweater, the one that made her look extra huggable.

“I’m giving it back later. Your clothes are very comfy, you know?” Minjoo said as she reading her thoughts – and sometimes Chaewon thought she could. Fixing her backpack over her shoulders, the younger brunette looked like she was ready to go.

Chae learned on the doorframe, having just finished brushing her teeth. “You still have my jacket though.” It wasn’t a complaint, more like an affirmation – she hoped Minjoo still had it, however the other has never mentioned it before and maybe she just forgot about it or even throw it away…

“And it’s my favorite jacket.” Minjoo winked at her, coming closer. “Maybe I’ll give you it back after our next date.”

 So, she still had it – Chaewon felt oddly relieved by the news, even though she couldn’t say she liked that jacket that much. “Maybe?”

“Maybe. I really like it.” Leaning in, Minjoo left a chaste kiss on Chaewon’s lips – the older girl kind expected it and her lips automatically kissed her back. How could her rational side ever win against Minjoo? She attacked more than her heart, but her whole being and it was hard to not surrender.

“And this one too, if you remember to call this time.” Clicking her tongue, Min lightly scolded her, albeit her eyes were a shade darker as she looked at Chae now – vulnerability. Flirt or not, Minjoo also had her own feelings on the line here. “Will you?”

This time, Chaewon didn’t deny her a proper answer. “I will.” She promised in the same tone. The older girl wasn’t sure about what was going to happen to them now, if making this promise was just setting her up to a fate she would rather avoid, still she couldn’t deny she wanted to see Minjoo again – as more than a junior who followed her around, but as the girl who she couldn’t help but like more and more, the one she wished to keep closer to her heart. It was probably not the smartest decision, yet she didn’t take her words back. “Even though I feel like you’re planning on robbing my whole closet.”

A light, relieved chuckle left Minjoo’s lips. “You might be right.” With an energetic wave, the brunette bid her goodbye. “Don’t make me wait so long this time!”

A/N: Hello again! Earlier update for my dearest kid, Mei! Did anyone think it would be angst? Because I’m afraid a lot more of fluff is coming up, so get used to it XD

As usual, thanks for reading and I apologize about the mistakes. You all know where to find me, so hmu if you have any questions. See you!