Under the starry sky, Eunbi was sitting on the grass. Her arms tightly hugging her folded legs in front of her and her eyes fixed on the ground full of rocks and twigs.

The place was awfully quiet that the only things that can be heard were the wind brushing past through her and the dancing of the branches of the trees scattered around this meadow.

The younger girl had been going here for almost every night just to watch the stars twinkle at the dark and empty sky. She wouldn’t even be going here if this place didn’t remind her of that someone.

Someone dear to her.

Everywhere she looks makes her see that someone smiling and playing with the rocks scattered around. Not only that, Eunbi can hear the laughter and the warm voice of her special someone.

Jung Yerin.

The girl who made her feel thousands of emotion and made her realize that she can still be loved despite of her imperfections.

All her life, Eunbi thought that no one would have the courage to accept her or even love her for what she is for she had always been bullied for being the outcast type of person.

No one understood that being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely or you’re hiding something awful — a dreadful secret that you don’t want to be revealed.

The reason for her separation with others wasn’t either of the two that were stated. It was because of fear. Fear of betrayal and rejection.

She had been through so much and she can’t afford another heartbreak and seeing someone precious leave her all alone.

She was tired from getting shut down and left as if she was some mere toy so she built a wall. Something that could protect her from another painful memory to happen and isolating herself from others was the only way she found.

But that girl.

That girl named Yerin was different.

Despite of not understanding Eunbi’s reason for such actions, she tried to. Unlike those people who called her a freak for having her defense mechanism always protecting her.

≈≈≈

2 Years and 5 Months Ago

“Hi. I’m Jung Yerin.” A hand appeared in front of Eunbi to initiate a handshake. The girl stopped writing her notes, music still blasting in her ears, and looked up to see who was the owner of the hand.

A bright girl with a milky white skin who has a warm smile plastered on her face greeted the younger girl. 

Being the ignorant person Eunbi is, she didn’t return the smile and returned her attention to her notes — expecting the stranger to leave after receiving such treatment.

But to her surprise, the brunette plucked the younger girl’s earphone on her right ear making Eunbi almost utter a curse and glared at the girl who just abruptly pulled her earphones.

“You know that it’s rude when you ignore people who tries to talk to you specially if they’re being nice.” The latter stated as she pulled the chair across the younger girl and sat down.

“Do I even know you?” Eunbi asked the girl nonchalantly and disinterestedly.

What the heck is this girl even trying to do? Eunbi has no idea on why is this girl befriending her or what does she need from her because as far as she knows, she’s just some loner who intentionally isolates herself from others.

“No we don’t know each other. But…” Trailing off her sentence and curling her lips into a smile. “We can get to know each other.”

The younger girl raised her eyebrows while the latter’s eyes widened upon realizing that her statement might have come out weirdly.

“I- I mean – I didn’t mean it as a pick up line.” The girl nervously laughed after how much she stuttered. “I mean… I want to be friends with you.”

Hearing that word made Eunbi scoff and tighten her grip onto her pen. She never thought she would hear that word come out of someone else’s mouth again.

Friends.

Such word made so much impact towards the younger girl that she immediately picked all of her things and left her seat and didn’t care if people were staring at her after her chair made a loud screeching sound.

Feeling her blood boil and her heart clench, she walked even faster. Hearing the word made all those painful memories start flashing in her mind and she couldn’t quiet grasp what she was feeling at the moment.

Anger?

Pain?

Fear?

She felt numerous emotions that she can’t decipher which is which rushing through her veins and she wanted to escape this place.

And when she thought that the other girl didn’t follow her, she thought wrong. A loud “Hey” echoed throughout the empty corridor making Eunbi stop on her tracks and turn around.

“What is wrong with this girl?” Eunbi thought as she watched Yerin jogging towards her.

“Am I that bad of a person that you don’t want to be friends with me?” The older girl asked with a hint of anxiousness that the younger girl didn’t fail to catch and that made Eunbi feel slightly guilty.

“As I said, we don’t know each other and I left because you were annoying me.” Eunbi tried her best not to show that she was feeling guilty from making the latter feel feel bad about herself.

“Then if I avoid annoying you, we can be friends?” The brunette’s eyes lit up as she heard the latter.

Eunbi has no clue on why this girl wants to be friends with her when almost all of the students avoids her?

“Oh I doubt you will be able to achieve such thing.” The younger girl snorted. Not believing or having any faith that the new girl can win her as a friend and added. “Plus trust me, you don’t want to be around me unless you have a deathwish.”

≈≈≈

Keeping Yerin away from Eunbi was a lot harder than the younger girl expected. By that, it means literally a lot harder than how easily stayed away from her after hearing some false rumors about her.

Many students had warned the brunette regarding the younger girl but those warnings just didn’t seem to be working for her.

It was like the older girl easily brushed them off and made her even more eager to get to know Eunbi.

And of course it wasn’t easy making the might Hwang Eunbi destroy her barrier just for the brunette enter her world. Yerin heard a lot of negative things from the latter before she was finally given the chance to finally have a casual and friendly conversation with her.

This made Eunbi undeniably uncomfortable and scared — knowing that someone is again making her feel all comfy. She was afraid that the comfortableness that Yerin was making her feel would vanish in thin air.

What if she shuts me off and leave me like the others?

Fear was the only thing stopping her from letting the older girl inside her lonely world.

Yerin knew that she was far from Eunbi finally accepting and calling her someone she could trust. She wasn’t stupid that she would not realize or notice how the younger girl was still giving her the cold shoulder from time to time.

Not to mention how the latter would shut her off whenever the brunette thought that she had already proven that she was someone trustworthy and someone who isn’t like the others who made Eunbi turn to this kind of person.

Isolated and afraid to let people into her life.

She knew that she still have a lot to work on and that she needed to try harder.

The brunette wasn’t the type to give up easily but she also knows when to stop and this was not yet the time to stop.

Months passed since that day Yerin started approaching Eunbi and somehow the younger girl was slowly opening up to her.

Witnessing how much the brunette was giving all her effort in making the latter smile and how much of a different person she is compared to others, Eunbi’s barrier slowly crumbled into pieces.

The more the younger girl was realizing this, the more anxious she was getting.

But amid all the worries, knowing that Yerin was always there for her and never believed any of those rumors were the things that made her mind and heart at ease.

Thinking that maybe she finally found someone who would never abandon her.

≈≈≈

11 Months Ago

“Where are you taking me?” Eunbi asked Yerin who had both of her hands wrapped on the younger girl’s eyes. The brunette didn’t bother answering but instead giggled, wanting to keep the location a mystery.

The younger girl had asked the latter countless of times where she was taking her but to no avail and even if she kept telling Yerin that she would not go unless she reveals her mysterious plan, the older girl didn’t budge at all.

Despite of the threats the younger girl was giving her, she remained mum and well she basically knew that Eunbi’s threats of not going with her were all lies.

Who can even reject the brunette when she pulls out her killer smile?

“Ouch.” Eunbi blurted out after almost tripping because of medium sized rock making Yerin apologize for being careless.

Giving out a mere sigh and holding the brunette’s arms as he felt a slope coming up “Where exactly are you taking me Yerin?” The latter hummed in response.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise anymore if I tell you, is it?” The latter teased that made Eunbi mutter some inaudible words.

It wouldn’t be a lie if Eunbi wasn’t scared now. Who wouldn’t be? It’s the middle of the night and you’re going to a place you don’t even know if it’s safe or not.

Not that she doesn’t trust the brunette.

It’s just that Eunbi is known to be someone who acts tough on the outside but soft on the inside and this statement applies in this scenario.

She hates the dark and no one knows that except her.

“A few more steps, Eunbi, and we’ll get there.” Yerin softly said and slowly guided the younger girl until they reached the perfect spot, revealing the place where she have brought Eunbi.

“And here we are.” The brunette slowly removed her hands on Eunbi’s eyes and as the latter opened her eyes, she couldn’t help but get mesmerized at how beautiful the scenery was.

They were at a meadow, picnic blankets laid on the ground along with a duck shaped pillow and a folded cream colored comforter beside it. But that what took Eunbi’s breath away.

As soon as she tilted her head up to look at the sky, she couldn’t help but mutter a small “wah” out of amazement. Who knew that the sky would be this beautiful at night?

Thousands of stars were flickering above, white cotton like clouds obstructing the moon from shining brightly with the other heavenly bodies. The once dark endless sky she have once thought turned into a fascinating view.

“What is this place?” Turning her head towards the brunette, her eyes still sparkling from the amazement she felt.

“My favorite place.” Yerin flashed her proud smiled “And I heard there would be a meteor shower tonight so I guessed that this would be perfect to show my favorite place to you.”

The brunette stretched her arms before taking a seat on the blankets she prepared and tapped her side signaling the younger girl to sit beside her.

Not asking any question, the younger girl followed the brunette and sat beside her.

“Why exactly have you decided to bring me here? I mean I love it but there must be a particular reason right?”

Yerin shrugged before curling her feet up and hugging them near to her chest. “I just thought that it’s about time I show this to someone and I also thought that since there will be a meteor shower…” The older girl sniffed before turning her head towards the younger girl “I just thought that maybe it’ll help in making your wishes happen. It did grant one of my wishes.” The girl then giggled before facing the stars again.

A smile formed on the lips of the younger one as she watched the brunette adore the sky full of stars.

They watched the sky for a few minutes until the brunette decided to break the ice.

“You know, watching the stars twinkle actually calms and comforts me a lot. I don’t know how it does but it actually takes all my worries away even for a a split second of time.” Yerin hugged her knees tighter and buried her chin in them as she smiled and looked in front.

Eunbi on the other hand didn’t say anything and only watched the latter. She knew that Yerin was not done on what she was saying and Eunbi didn’t want to cut her off so she just stared and waited for the latter to finish.

“So I hope this place will also help you.” Turning her head to softly smile at the younger girl “It’s not an extravagant nor fancy place but I hope the stars and nature would help you forget all your worries even if it’s just for a short while.”

The younger girl felt her body froze. Hearing those words made her feel like the brunette had read her and knew everything about her.

As if she was all figured out by the girl sitting beside her.

But there was something odd. She felt comfort instead of feeling threatened.

Not knowing if it was because of the words Yerin uttered or because of the girl herself but Eunbi found comfort with those words.

The younger girl felt her body shivering and her vision starting to turn into a blur. How can mere words make her feel like this. She felt and vulnerable and started crying like a helpless child.

“Just let it out, Eunbi. We may have not known each other that long but I know you’ve been though a lot. More than I have.” Yerin scooched closer Eunbi and rested the latter’s head onto her shoulder -- slowly rubbing the back of the younger girl to help ease Eunbi.

The brunette continued to rub the younger girl’s back and repeated the words “It’s okay.” until Eunbi had finally calmed down and they stayed in the position for a while.

It wasn’t long until the said meteor shower happened.

“Make a wish Eunbi.” Yerin gleefully told the younger girl before clasping her hands together and closing her eyes to make a wish of her own.

The younger girl couldn’t help but smile at the adorable sight before following the instruction of the brunette.

“Okay, let’s make a wish Eunbi.”

≈≈≈

That wasn’t the first and last time the two of them went out in the middle of the night just to watch the stars at the sky. In fact, Eunbi started going with Yerin from time to time until the younger girl found herself at that same meadow every night watching the sky with the brunette

Eunbi found that what the older girl had said about the place was true.

It somehow was taking all her worries away as if it was magic. The flickering stars and soft breeze of the wind helped her calm and ease up.

Who knew that a simple place and scenery such as this can have this effect towards a person?

Being with the brunette was something that would always make her smile. Even the thought of the older girl makes her smile.

Eunbi doesn’t feel any uneasiness surrounding her whenever she was around Yerin and that feeling was replaced with security. She felt safe around the latter as if she was some sort of safe haven.

The younger girl wasn’t threatened of the girl anymore but she was threatened on what the future may hold for them.

She was now afraid of losing the most precious person in her life.

≈≈≈

3 Months Ago

Eunbi was sitting inside a cafe, waiting for Yerin who is now her girlfriend to arrive for their date.

They have been dating for almost a month now and no one expected that their feelings would grow more than it was supposed to do. Both of them were scared when they realized that their feelings for each other have changed.

Yerin was scared that the younger girl might have a different perspective and would avoid her once she confesses while Eunbi was scared of everything but what scared her the most was losing the brunette.

But all of the older girl’s fears disappeared when the latter accepted her feelings.

But for Eunbi, her fear remained and grew heavier.

The younger girl knew that she should avoid being a pessimist but after experiencing so many hardships in her life, she just couldn’t bring herself to remove all the negative thoughts that was coming to her mind.

It was as if having worries was part of her.

But it wasn’t long after when the young girl shook her head to help herself brush off all the unnecessary thoughts away. 

After all, she did not want this perfect day to be ruined just because of her anxiety. For she knew that if that keeps on bothering her, it may affect her behavior and how she will act around the brunette.

“Calm down Eunbi.” The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she wrapped her fingers around the hot coffee mug placed in front of her.

It took time before Eunbi had finally cleared her mind and somehow she was grateful that for once, her mind cooperated with what she wants. Since it was always her brain and emotions that takes over and not the owner – as if her mentality has a mind of its own.

One of the few things she despises about herself is not being able to take control of yourself.

The place was too quiet and calm that even the ticking of the clock and the machineries at the counter can be heard — easing the tense Eunbi even more.

The only thing or person that didn’t leave her mind was Yerin. She was wondering when the older girl would show up — not that she was doubting the girl. In fact she was excited to see what the older girl has in store for her. Just like always.

“Where do you plan on taking me now, Yerin?” Eunbi asked the girl across her with her infamous ‘fascinate me’ expression.

“Come on, it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore if I tell you now.” The brunette winked at the younger girl before intertwining their hands together and pulling it up to her face to plant a soft kiss on top of Eunbi’s hand.

A reddish pink shade appeared on the cheeks of Eunbi upon the contact with her girlfriend. This all feel so surreal for her. Having someone whom she considered special right beside her who never and will never leave her no matter what the future holds for them.

“What if I wouldn’t like the place you’ll be taking me?” The younger girl smirked upon seeing Yerin’s startled expression.

After blinking a few times, the brunette managed to brightly smile at the younger girl leaving the situation differently.

“I mean, when did you ever hate anything when I’m with you?” Yerin s her free hand around the latter’s back and pulled her closer leaving them to have only a few inches away. A smirk forming on her lips when she saw how flustered and red the cheeks of her lover is.

Eunbi’s heart rate was undeniably fast and was having a gay panic attack with her inner self. Just when did Yerin become this mischievous? She doesn’t remember that the brunette had this in her.

Maybe being lovers was different from just being mere friends.

“H- Hey- We’re in a public place.” Eunbi blurted out before pushing Yerin away who burst out in laughter after.

“Why are you laughing?” The brunette slowly calmed herself after seeing that her one and only girlfriend was giving her a deadly glare. “Nothing. I just oddly find you very adorable Hwang.” Slightly pressing her index finger on to the nose of the younger girl for a split second of time.

Eunbi gently smiled remembering that certain conversation with the brunette. She always finds herself either smiling ot having butterflies in her stomach whenever the thought of Yerin coming across her mind.

She even considered the older girl her personal happy pill.

Soon after, Eunbi phone that was placed on the wooden table vibrated and the word Yerin popped on her screen. At first it was only a message saying “Babe, are you there already? :) J” then the moment Eunbi picked it up to reply, her phone continuously vibrated indicating that she was receiving a call.

“Babe, are you there yet?” Yerin’s sweet and cute voice greeted the young girl as soon as she picked up the call. Making the tips of curl up as she hummed in response to the question.

“I’m sorry I’m late for this date. It was just something came up and I had to attend to it.” Hearing no response from the the younger girl, the brunette played her whining and aegyo card.

“Baby, I’m sowwy.” Every word Yerin uttered sent shivers throughout the latter’s body — not in a good way.

Eunbi admits that Yerin was adorable but there was an extent on where she finds the brunette adorable and this was not it. This was the cringe worthy type of that trait.

“Yerin, stop.” Finding herself massaging her temple, Eunbi couldn’t help but let out an exasperated sigh come out of . “It’s not a big deal. Plus can you please stop doing that? It’s annoying.”

“Doing what?” Ignoring the request of the younger girl, the brunette continued her cutesy act.

“That.” 

“What do you mean by that?” Knowing that Yerin would not stop nor back down, Eunbi rolled her eyes and snorted at the childish act of the former. 

The brunette wasn’t the type to stop teasing someone just because they ask her to stop. Instead, she rather finds it more amusing specially when it’s Eunbi we’re talking about. So the younger girl decided that she needed to end this conversation with the brunette.

“Okay. Okay. You win.” Yerin chuckled on the other line “We’ll talk again later okay? I’ll just be right here waiting for you.” The younger girl reassured the latter and turned her head to look outside the glass window.

“Hmm. I’ll call or message you when I’m near at the café and I love you babe.” Were the last things Yerin stated before ending the call.

Eunbi watched the city lights get lit one by one and how the cars would pass by as she waited for the older girl. Sipping her hot mocha from time to time and listening to music as her fingers move along the rhythm of the song.

She did everything just to keep herself occupied but as time passes by and the longer it took for her lover to arrive, the more anxious she gets.

The young girl was undeniably worried for it has already been more than an hour since the brunette had told her that she was going to inform her once she’s near.

Knowing how punctual and as a person of not breaking her word, Yerin should be here by now. So why was she still not with Eunbi?

Even her mere presence was missing.

Tapping her phone, the time 7:09p.m. appeared on its screen. Seeing that didn’t make the situation better.

The oxygen the young girl was breathing suddenly turned heavy and the atmosphere… there was something bizarre about this situation.

“Where is she?” Eunbi muttered low enough that only she could hear.

More minutes passed and the clock now showing 7:49p.m., The young girl found herself getting harder to breath as if the oxygen around her was vanishing.

The fear of someone special abandoning her made her get emotional that she started to quiver and her vision started to start a blur. 

“No, Yerin wouldn’t do that. She’s different from the others.” Eunbi wiped the tears falling on her cheeks and sniffed — trying her best to stay positive. “She wouldn’t leave me like the others.”

She made herself believe that the older girl was different which wasn’t a lie. Yerin was different. So different from the others that entered her life. The brunette was someone who showed her that it wouldn’t be bad if you let someone in your life again. Someone who will stay with you despite of your imperfections.

That there will always be bad seed but there will also be good ones.

“She must be caught in some traffic.”

The young girl lightly tapped both of her cheeks and looked above to stop her tears from running and went back to watching the busy city and adore its beautiful lights.

What she doesn’t know was that she was waiting for someone who wouldn’t come.

≈≈≈

PRESENT DAY

Three months have passed ever since Yerin had passed away and three months of suffering.

Eunbi never thought that time where the brunette would leave her would ever come. She actually believed and foresee Yerin and her still together in the future and even having a family of their own.

The girl believed that the brunette was that one person whom she’ll be spending her entire life with. Heck, she could not even imagine a life without her.

So when she received that call that once changed her life, she didn’t believe it and thought that Yerin was probably pulling some prank on her.

“Hello is this the guardian of Miss Jung Yerin?” A mysterious voice spoke on the other line.

“Uhm who is this?” Eunbi nervously answered. There was a brief silence between them and with that, she heard loud sirens and people shouting the words “Code Blue” were heard.

Hearing those things made the young girl uneasy and afraid that whatever she may be thinking was indeed correct.

“You must be confused on why we have called you out of the blue…” the girl on the other line trailed off, uncertain of what she would say next. As if she was carefully choosing the next words she would say. “But there had been a car crash accident between one bus and two vehicles on the 23rd boulevard and I’m sorry to say that Miss Jung is one of the victims and is currently being treated at the ER.”

Hearing those words made the young girl’s positive thoughts shatter into pieces. She didn’t know what to say to the person on the other line or if should laugh instead and ask if this was a prank.

“Ma’am are you still there?” The mysterious person worriedly asked Eunbi who was trying to control her emotions.

“I’m still here.” The young girl responded and hesitantly asked which hospital was calling.

A static sound was heard for a brief second making the girl tense up more.

Upon hearing the hospital name, Eunbi ended the call and rushed outside to hail a cab. Throughout the ride to the hospital, she can only wish and pray for Yerin’s safety.

“Please don’t leave me.”

Millions of thoughts were rummaging in her mind and unexplainable emotions were making the trip like it was taking forever. 

Eunbi knew that she wasn’t overthinking anything because she knew that the brunette may leave her any time now but she was more afraid that if once she gets there, Yerin wasn’t breathing anymore.

She wanted the older girl to fight for her life. A strong person like her can win this. She knew for herself that someone as strong as Yerin can win thus fight.

But that vision crumbled when she arrived at the emergency room.

The moment she stepped inside the hospital, nurses and doctors were running and shouting at the place. Her eyes travelled all over the room until she froze on her spot due to what she saw.

A girl covered in blood was being revived back using a defibrillator.

It was Yerin. 

Eunbi barely recognized her due to the blood covering her whole face along with her bloodied clothes.

The younger girl’s vision started to blur and in no time, stream of tears had gushed on her cheems, slowly quivering at the painful scene right in front of her.

She found herself lost. All of the people panicking in the room disappeared, leaving only her and Yerin who was fighting for her life.

You expect her to tell the brunette to keep fighting but she didn’t. The words that left were:

“Please stop.”

“Stop fighting for me.”

Eunbi’s heart was shattering at how the brunette was fighting to survive when it was clear that she shouldn’t be doing that anymore. 

The young girl wanted Yerin to let go even if it pains her.

It took a few more charges before the machine indicating the brunette’s lifeline became a straight line and beeped.

Hearing the machine and seeing the medical staffs stop trying, Eunbi broke down and felt her knees go weak. She slouched on the floor and covered her wet face with her palms and loudly wailed.

Little did she know that the perfect date would into a funeral.

Eunbi looked above the sky and adored the stars that were shining bright. She have always thought and believed that Yerin was one of those stars and there was even one particular star that caught her attention.

The one that shined the brightest amongst the others.

She even talks to it every night and tells it what happened in that certain day… that she misses her.

“How’s it going Yerin? Must be nice that you’re finally in a better place huh?” Eunbi weakly smiled “But I do wish that you didn’t leave me so soon.”

The young girl felt her eyes getting wet and laughed bitterly. “Why do I always find myself crying whenever I try to talk to you?”

Ever since the brunette left, Eunbi had been going at Yerin’s favorite place just to stargaze and also to feel the presence of the older girl.

The young girl misses the laughter and jokes Yerin would make and the actions of the latter that doesn’t fail to make her heart flutter.

Yerin was an absolute miracle and magic that happened to Eunbi.

Something so surreal that it was so hard to believe that such person had existed on this cruel world.

“I heard there would be another meteor shower tonight. If I wish on it, would you appear in front of me?”

One of the many reasons on why Eunbi goes here every night was because of her hope. Her hope of seeing and having a normal conversation with Yerin that hadn’t died yet. 

She must be crazy for hoping such thing. But she didn’t care what others think to be honest. She only wanted to have a last one conversation with the brunette.

To give her the closure that was deprived from her by the heavens above.

Of all the people on earth, why does she only experience such terrible things? Always question herself if she had committed a horrendous act in her past life.

The young girl continued having her small talk with the stars until one by one meteors started passing the sky.

Seeing this, she held the pendant which Yerin was suppose to give to her on the day of the accident and closed her eyes to wish upon the meteor shower.

“I wish that the next time we meet, things would be better and we would only feel happiness. I also wish that it’s also us together in our next life.”

Opening her eyes, she stated one last thing to the stars above. “I miss you, Yerin.”

≈≈≈

Author’s Note: Just me republishing after hiding this story for a long time. also please pardon me if there are typographical errors, hadn't proofread it.