Part 1

 

‘Congratulations, Minjoo.’ Her seatmate whispered to her. 

 

Minjoo was half asleep in the lecture, groggily mumbling, ‘What for?’ 

 

Her seatmate sneakily tilted his phone so that Minjoo could see it. 

 

Written on the phone was a Facebook post from their school saying ‘Kim Minjoo: voted prettiest girl in school’.

 

Minjoo could not believe her eyes. 

 

‘What?’ Minjoo grabbed the phone to look at it closer. As if, that would change the words. ‘Are you sure?’ 

 

‘Positive. Me and my friends voted for you.’ Her seatmate said. ‘Well, actually, one of my buddies wanted us to vote for Kim Chaewon but she’s way too intimidating and scary. You’re very nice, though.’ 

 

‘Oh, thank you.’ Minjoo said. ‘Who’s Kim Chaewon?’ 

 

Her seatmate glanced subtly at the back. 

 

‘Don’t be too obvious but, it’s the red head on the right.’ 

 

Minjoo slowly turned her head. 

 

She was shocked when her eyes landed on a familiar face. 

 

‘Oh, her!’ Minjoo said. ‘She is very scary. She glared at me last week for crying in the library.’ 

 

‘Harsh. Everyone deserves a little cry.’ 

 

Minjoo nodded. 

 

(She was cramming an essay that was due the next day that she had completely forgotten about. Minjoo was extra stressed because she realised she had no food and she had finished her packet of jellies and she just started crying for a good 10 minutes. When she turned around she found Kim Chaewon staring very intimidatingly at her. Then she stormed out of the room.)

 

‘Anyways, just wanted to say congratulations. You deserve it.’

 

‘Oh, thank you.’ Minjoo smiled. It was nice to have a normal conversation with a guy without him having any ulterior motives. 

 

‘Hey, by the way, are you free tomorrow tonight? Some of my friends are going out for drinks and they’d think I was the coolest guy on campus if I was able to get the prettiest girl in school to come with.’ 

 

And there goes that. Of course, there was some type of ulterior motive. 

 

…………. 

 

The next afternoon, Minjoo was on her way to Kriesha’s house when she came across a stray kitten running around. She was a er for animals (though they didn’t seem to feel the same for her) which is why she opted to pick it up and cuddle it. 

 

It was so small and fluffy and Minjoo had to resist the urge to squeal. 

 

Well, at least she tried to. 

 

‘Wait, come back!’ Minjoo called after the kitten when it jumped out of Minjoo’s arms.

 

‘Kuniko!’

 

She hadn’t even blinked when a figure jogged past her to cradle the kitten in her arms. 

 

‘You had me worried sick.’ The figure turned around and gave the kitten a soft kiss on the forehead. ‘Are you okay, baby?’ 

 

The kitten purred and rubbed its face against the person’s face who in turn started giggling softly. 

 

Minjoo was in shock. The person who was talking had the cutest voice Minjoo had ever heard. 

 

Obviously, Minjoo couldn’t have possibly have fallen in love with a voice. But she did.

 

It was like she talked in whine or something. It was high pitched but not annoying and if Minjoo were to scream over the kitten, she would definitely scream over the girl with the cute voice. 

 

However, it wasn’t the cute voice that had her in shock. No, no. It was the owner of the so called adorable whine. 

 

It was Kim Chaewon. 

 

The scary girl that Minjoo would overhear boys and girls alike talking about how intimidating she was. Talking about how they don’t want to talk to her or even be in the same vicinity as her. 

 

And yet here she was, with an adorably soft and cute voice cuddling this kitten like it was the most precious thing in the world. 

 

‘Thank you for finding him.’ Chaewon said, her same Chaewon glare on her face. Very contrary to what she was saying and definitely contrary to the image of her holding this kitten as if it were fragile. (Also, incredibly contrary to the insanely adorable voice she had). 

 

Minjoo couldn’t help but smile brightly at the girl.

 

Then Chaewon turned the corner and disappeared. 

 

Minjoo tapped her chin. ‘That was weird.’

 

………..

 

(Around the corner, Chaewon planted another kiss on the kitten’s head, the corner of her lips just slightly twitching up. 

 

‘She had a pretty smile, didn’t she?’ Chaewon whispered to the kitten.)

 

………..

 

‘Minjoo ah!’

 

Minjoo jumped at the sudden intrusion, almost dropping her lunch— which she was sad wasn’t a croissant— straight onto her carpeted floor. 

 

‘Jeon Heejin, I swear… this better be good.’

 

Jeon Heejin: Minjoo’s cousin and if they weren’t blood related Minjoo would probably consider her one of her best friends. After Kriesha of course.

 

‘It is good.’ Heejin said. ‘Sit.’

 

‘I’m already sitting—‘

 

‘I know. I've just always wanted to do that.’ 

 

‘Alright, then.’

 

Heejin sat down on Minjoo’s roommates’ bed. 

 

‘So, you know how I couldn’t find a present for Hyunjinnie’s birthday?’

 

Minjoo nodded. 

 

‘Well, I got an awesome idea.’

 

‘Just now?’ Minjoo laughed. ‘Isn’t her birthday tomorrow?’ 

 

Heejin smiled sheepishly. ‘I’m the best girlfriend ever, right?’ 

 

‘The best.’ 

 

‘But Minjoo ah, I think it’s worth the wait. This present is going to be amazing. I just need your help to get it.’ 

 

…………..

 

‘You’re gonna buy her a puppy??’ 

 

Minjoo had been following Heejin around, the latter refusing to tell her what she was going to get for her girlfriend. Until they showed up to an animal’s rescue home. (Rescue pets, don’t buy from pet stores, kids). 

 

‘Nope.’ Heejin said as they walked into the store. 

 

‘Then, what? A bird?’ 

 

Heejin said nothing, only getting out her phone and playing a video of Hyunjin. 

 

‘Aeong! Aeong. Aeong? Aeong?! Aeong Aeong Aeong!’ 

 

Minjoo was speechless. 

 

‘What do you think?’ 

 

‘I think you’re insane.’ 

 

Heejin furrowed her eyebrows. ‘You don’t think buying her a cat is a good idea?’

 

‘No, I think it’s a great idea and Hyunjin will love it. It’s that damn video. I can’t believe you spent the time to compile all of her aeongs.’

 

Heejin huffed, ‘she’s cute, okay?’

 

‘Whatever, furry.’  Minjoo said, mumbling the last bit. ‘Let’s go choose a cat.’

 

The two made their way into the back of the shop where all of the animals were. When they made it to the cat section, Heejin couldn’t help but gasp at how adorable they all were. 

 

‘Minjoo ah! How am I supposed to choose? They’re all so cute! Hyunjinnie will love them all!’

 

Minjoo was not listening, however. She was too preoccupied looking at a certain kitten. 

 

She left Heejin to her freaking out and made her way over to the familiar looking kitten. 

 

‘Kuniko?’ 

 

She looked around the shop. 

 

If Kuniko was there, did that mean—

 

‘Hi, I’m Chaewon. How may I help you?’

 

Minjoo couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped . 

 

As Heejin rambled to Chaewon about how adorable all the cats were, Minjoo slowly made her way over to them.

 

‘I’m buying one for my girlfriend, you see, and it’s so hard to choose!’ 

 

Heejin turned to see Minjoo by her side again. 

 

‘That’s why I brought my cousin to help me choose one. She’s single, by the way.’ 

 

‘Heejin!’ 

 

‘What? She’s pretty.’ Heejin turned to Chaewon. ‘What cats do you recommend?’ 

 

Chaewon was still obviously stunned by Heejin’s random interjection, but she answered the question anyways. 

 

‘May I ask, what kind of place does your girlfriend live in and what does she do during the day?’ 

 

‘She lives at home which makes me sad cause I live on campus. And when she’s not at college she usually just stays at home, anyways.’ 

 

‘I see. A ragdoll cat might be nice. They’re clingy.’ Chaewon mused. She beckoned for Heejin and Minjoo to follow her.

 

‘Hyunjinnie loves cuddles, that’s really good.’ Heejin smiled to herself. 

 

Along the way, they passed by Kuniko and Minjoo didn’t miss Chaewon’s subtle glance at the creature. There was something in the way Chaewon’s eyes lit up slightly that made Minjoo smile unconsciously.

 

‘Wait!’ Heejin halted in her steps when she saw Kuniko. ‘I like that one! What kind of cat is if? It looks like a cheetah!’ 

 

It was subtle, and if Minjoo hadn’t been observing Chaewon then she would have missed it, but a brief glimpse of sadness flashed through Chaewon’s eyes.

 

‘That’s a bengal cat.’ Chaewon said. ‘Energetic and loyal.’

 

‘I think I like this one.’ Heejin said. ‘What do you think, Minjoo?’

 

Minjoo looked at the kitten. She could definitely picture Hyunjin with this cat. She could imagine the cat running around and jumping everywhere while Hyunjin sat on her laptop all day. She could imagine Hyunjin absolutely adoring this kitten. 

 

But then she pictured Chaewon the week before, how she lovingly cradled the kitten in her arms, how she’d leave it the softest kisses. How content she looked with the kitten. 

 

‘I don’t know.’ Minjoo said. ‘Maybe we should keep looking? It’s a kitten, Hyunjin would have to train it, wouldn’t she? Getting a cat that’s potty trained might be better.’ 

 

Chaewon nodded. ‘Over here we have a Tonkinese cat that’s potty trained.’

 

‘Sure! Let’s look at that.’

 

(And just like that, Chaewon and Minjoo helped Heejin pick a cat for Hyunjin. A cat that Minjoo could see Chaewon bore no attachment to).

 

 ………….

 

‘Merry Christmas!’ 

 

‘It’s the first day of December, Kriesha.’

 

‘And? It’s Christmas season! Come in, come in!’

 

As soon as Minjoo stepped into Kriesha’s house she was met with the scent of cinnamon, peppermint and… was that a whole roasted pig on a table??

 

Kriesha loved Christmas. It was December 1 and she was already throwing a Christmas party to celebrate the commencement of the Christmas season. Also, because Kriesha loved parties.

 

Minjoo liked parties too, just because she got to meet new people and it was easier to meet people when they were a bit tipsy. It also helped if she was a little bit tipsy, too. 

 

‘Be careful, by the way,’ Kriesha leaned in so Minjoo could hear her over the loud music (which of course was Mariah Carey), ‘some of the football team boys brought mistletoe.’

 

‘Gross.’ Minjoo said. 

 

Kriesha and Minjoo walked through the party and Minjoo didn’t miss the way some of the guys grew happier that Minjoo had arrived. She quickly turned her head away to avoid any eye contact. 

 

‘Kriesha!’ A voice called through the crowd. 

 

‘Oh my God, Eunbi unnie!’ Kriesha called back. 

 

The two hugged each other. 

 

‘I’m so glad you could make it! I feel like it’s been ages since we could catch up.’ Kriesha said. 

 

Minjoo, however, wasn’t listening to most of the conversation. Her eyes had landed on a girl next to Eunbi. 

 

‘This is my friend, Chaewon, she’s a freshman and new recruit on the dance team. I told her going to one of your parties is a rite of passage.’ 

 

Minjoo couldn’t help but stare at Chaewon. What are the odds that she’d meet her here? But, Chaewon was refusing to look in Minjoo’s direction. 

 

Kriesha threw an arm around Eunbi’s shoulders and turned her around to lead her to the drinks table. ‘So, when should I throw my next party? You know, when you plan to get new recruits.’ 

 

As soon as they turned away, Minjoo landed her gaze back onto Chaewon who was now standing side by side with her. 

 

For the first time, Chaewon turned her head slightly to meet Minjoo’s eyes.

 

As soon as it happened, Chaewon’s mouth turned up into a subtle and tiny grin, and she shyly looked away as quick as it happened. 

 

So, she remembers me. Minjoo smiled satisfactorily to herself. 

 

‘Minjoo ah!’ Kriesha called back when she realised Minjoo was right by her. Kriesha beckoned for Minjoo to come closer. 

 

Minjoo shot one last glance at Chaewon who didn’t turn to look at her but Minjoo could see the way her ears were now turning red

 

As soon as Minjoo was by Kriesha’s side, Kriesha put an arm around her best friend. 

 

‘Girl, you gotta stick by me. Can’t have anyone playing that mistletoe trick on you.’ 

 

(But there was one person at this party Minjoo would love to be under the mistletoe with). 

 

……….

 

Turned out, it wasn’t Minjoo they had to be worrying about.

 

……….

 

A loud and excited squeal sounded through the room and Minjoo quickly snapped her head in the direction when she realised it was her best friend. 

 

Minjoo rolled her eyes as Kriesha bopped her head giddily to All I Want for Christmas is You. That girl was a good singer, but when she was drunk? Let’s just say that at least Kriesha was having a good time. 

 

‘Really?’ Minjoo laughed when best friend started thotting it up. All she could do was watch with a shake of the head. ‘You’ve only had 4 drinks, how are you like this already?’ 

 

Then Minjoo’s eyes flitted to the side, a certain red head catching her attention. 

 

Kim Chaewon wasn’t even doing anything, she was just standing at the side of the room and sipping slowly on her drink. And yet, Minjoo couldn’t take her eyes off of her. 

 

It was cute, seeing the way she was surveying the room. Almost as if she wanted to figure out everybody’s stories. 

 

‘Hey, Kriesha.’ Minjoo heard a drunk guy approach her best friend. Minjoo had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. 

 

‘Hi!’ Kriesha giggled. 

 

‘Sick party.’ The guy said. ‘You’re a really good host, I want to give you a Christmas gift.’ 

 

Minjoo’s tipsy ears flipped up. 

 

Her eyes travelled to the guy’s hand moving into his back pocket. Minjoo prayed it wasn’t what she thought it was. 

 

But then she caught a glimpse of what looked like a leaf and red berries slip out of the guys pocket and Minjoo started to freak out. 

 

If that guy pulled it over Kriesha’s head then she would be forced to kiss him, cause if she didn’t then the rest of the party would peer pressure her into doing it. Minjoo knew this from experience, unfortunately. 

 

‘Merry Christmas.’ The guy said as he placed the mistletoe over their heads.

 

Minjoo could only watch helplessly. 

 

Until a figure tripped into the guy. 

 

A figure that went by the name Kim Chaewon. 

 

And Kim Chaewon was now glaring at some poor dude (who Minjoo assumed was the one who tripped her judging by the bewildered look on his face). 

 

‘Watch it.’ The guy said. Although he hesitated after seeing who exactly was the one who bumped into him. 

 

Chaewon only narrowed her eyes slightly at him before walking away.

 

‘Ugh.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Kim Chaewon is such a rude .’ 

 

(A flash of Chaewon cuddling Kuniko came into Minjoo’s mind). 

 

‘Anyways, where were we? Right, my Christmas prese—‘ 

 

The guy was stopped in his tracks when he realised that the mistletoe was gone from his hands. 

 

‘Wait, what? Did I drop it?’

 

Minjoo’s eyes followed Kim Chaewon leaving the room, but not before Minjoo caught sight of the cheeky grin on her face, the object in question dangling between her two fingers. 

 

(Though by the way her chest wasn’t making a sound, Minjoo had a feeling Chaewon was leaving with two objects in her hand).

 

((The object was Minjoo’s heart, if you couldn’t guess)).

 

……… 

 

‘My cousin’s girlfriend really loves her new cat.’

 

It was close to midnight, and Minjoo was starting to get sick of the party. She hadn’t drank that much, only enough to get tipsy because she had the early shift at work the next day. 

 

Minjoo had found herself wandering outside to free herself from the crowded area. But she knew the main reason was that she was totally looking for Kim Chaewon. 

 

And lo and behold, she found the girl sitting outside by a tree, staring up at the stars.

 

It was cute. Very very cute.

 

‘What about you? Do you want to adopt a cat? Kuniko, perhaps?’

 

Chaewon’s hand stopped her cup right before her lips. 

 

‘You caught me.’ Chaewon said. In the moonlight Minjoo saw the hint of a smile on Chaewon’s lips.

 

Minjoo laughed, sitting beside Chaewon in the grass.

 

‘I don’t blame you, he’s adorable.’ Minjoo said. 

 

Chaewon hummed in response.

 

‘I’m Kim Minjoo, by the way, we’re in the same general studies class.’ Minjoo turned her head and stuck out her hand for Chaewon to shake.

 

‘I know.’ Chaewon took Minjoo’s hand. ‘I’m Kim Chaewon.’

 

‘I know.’ Minjoo said.

 

………...

 

(That night, if anyone were to be awake (and sober enough) they would have seen Kim Chaewon walking Kim Minjoo back to her dorm at 2am in the morning. One of them holding 8 McDonald’s soft serve ice creams and the other holding a bag of many chicken nuggets. 

 

Too bad for those people sleeping, they missed seeing Kim Chaewon’s bright smile under the moonlight while Minjoo skipped ahead to stop and admire some mushrooms).

 

……...

 

(‘Thank you for keeping me company tonight. You didn’t have to do all this, I would have been fine walking home by myself.

 

‘It’s fine. Keeps me from hearing my roommate cry over being single at Christmas.’ 

 

‘Tell her she just needs mistletoe. Not yours, though. You should keep yours for Christmas. You never know when you might need it.’

 

‘We’ll see.’)