Wonyoung inhales the cold and crisp air as she welcomes the view of winter in the university. People of various races came and went, even one of them came into Wonyoung’s view as she greeted her.

Hey, Vicky. 

What is it, Nicole? Wonyoung asked.

I hear that we have transferees from Seoul. I also heard that you’re casted to meet and orient them.

You kidding? Wonyoung raised an eyebrow. The administration knows I’m busy so why ask me?

I don’t know. But you WILL be called later.

Wonyoung could only nod. Her classmate asked her for lunch and they went together.

+++

A yawn comes out from Wonyoung as she looked at the tons of transferees with the student council. Knowing to be Korean, Wonyoung had become responsible with the Korean transferees.

She was onto the last transferee that she almost dropped the application form. Nako got the paper as she nudged Wonyoung.

Vicky. Hey! 

Wonyoung sighed as she saw the person, her eyes watering. The said transferee bowed and introduced herself. She may have dyed her red hair to black but she was still the same.

Hello, I’m Eugene from Seoul. She looks directly at Wonyoung. “Hello, my Wonyoungie. I missed you…”

The student council had questions for Wonyoung and her relationship with the transferee. Wonyoung was at stale looking at her.

It was a major shock but she’ll have to seek answers soon.

+++

Another day of classes has started. Wonyoung was walking along, getting greetings and admirations. The addition was that of what happened during the orientation of transferees.

They have heard the word of her and Yujin. Most matched them up, admirers were jealous, and the others were just too shocked. They would’ve asked Wonyoung but they didn’t want to involve anything that could distress her.

Vicky!

Wonyoung heard a call. It was Nako. But what shocked her was the other person, the last transferee.

Eugene. Ahh Yujin.

Hey. Wonyoung waved. Hello, Eugene.

“Wonyoungie...” Yujin got closer and hugged her tight.

What am I witnessing? Nako was curious.

Wonyoung tells her to leave them be and Nako nodded and went off. Wonyoung lowered her head as Yujin kept hugging her.

“Yujin.” Wonyoung called as she lets go. “Why don’t we talk somewhere else?”

+++

Wonyoung and Yujin got to the university dance studio. It was a spot where no students would go as the dance troupe went overseas for competition. For Wonyoung, she thought it was best to talk to Yujin there.

Yujin got inside first and mirrors were all around. She could see the green walls and her reflections, even Wonyoung’s. Seeing Wonyoung behind her made her turn around and hug her again.

“I missed you so much…” Yujin sniffled, nuzzling onto her head. “I  was so lost without you, Wonyoungie.”

“Is it why you’re here?” Wonyoung asked.

Yujin broke from the hug and reached to cup Wonyoung’s face. She could admire her again and forever, together with her other reflections. Finally seeing her love made her remember the times she had waited for her to return, despite saying that she won’t.

“You must’ve been shocked. But I wanted to surprise you.” Yujin caressed using her fingers. “I applied for a scholarship in dance and I was accepted. But yes…I came here for you, Wonyoungie…”

“Yujin…”

“Back in Korea, I wanted you to stay. But who was I to wreck you dream?” Yujin began. “I accepted that you would go and fulfill your dream but as you were gone, my life wasn’t the same. I wanted you back, I wanted us to be together again.” Yujin added. “So I worked harder to be accepted here and to get to you. I longed for you in spite of your words, Wonyoungie…”

“Why, Yujin?” Wonyoung asked. “What about your life back in Korea? Your family? Your friends?”

“My life is where you are.” Yujin said. “I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”

At the back of Wonyoung’s mind, she felt the same. She may have been strong throughout the days of a new life without her but she couldn’t help but miss Yujin too. But the sudden presence didn’t regenerate the same spark. It had been so long. Seeing Yujin again was just like a first meeting than a reunion of lost lovers.

“Yujin…this is too sudden…” Wonyoung mumbled as she got Yujin’s off her face.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Yujin lets go and cupped her face again.

Wonyoung lets them go again and faced away from Yujin. She could look at her own reflection, seeing her face of distress. Yujin was also visible as she held her hand from the back.

“I don’t understand, Wonyoungie…” Yujin mumbled as she nuzzled Wonyoung’s head again while hugging. “…are you not happy to see me? Didn’t you miss me?”

Wonyoung felt guilty of not feeling anything. She sighed. “I’m so sorry. It’s just that it had been two years since I saw you. I thought you moved on from me when I left…”

“How can I move on from you? I love you!” Yujin spoke seriously. “I told you that I waited and worked hard to get here to you!”

“No…” Wonyoung moved away again. “…this isn’t right…”

“Is my love for you not right, Wonyoung?” Yujin was crossed. 

Wonyoung realized her words as she had seen Yujin’s hurtful expression. She puts a hand on her forehead, ashamed of her thinking. “I’m sorry…”

“What’s happened to you?” Yujin asked, almost crying. “You’re not the Wonyoungie I remember…”

“You’re right. I’m not. Now are you satisfied?” Wonyoung spat.

Yujin cussed lightly. “What in the…I worked my to get here and this is how you welcome me?”

“Yujin…I-“

“I’m disappointed. Did those two years made you forget about us, about me?” Yujin asked as a tear dropped. 

“I didn’t expect for this to happen.” Wonyoung reasoned.

Yujin huffed as she sniffled. Wonyoung reacted to comfort her but she was pushed away. 

“I can’t believe you changed.” Yujin spoke as she ran off.

Wonyoung was frozen as she sighed sadly. She walked away dejectedly, welcoming another phase of life with Yujin, not as lovers but just acquaintances.

+++

Wonyoung still had fame within the school due to her intelligence and talents. Yujin was at her level despite of being new. She became a model and a dancer and mostly gained attention from male students. 

It was a photoshoot for the photojournalism competition and Yujin had changed herself into a goddess with a unique dress. They were inside the dance studio as the crew readied the equipment.

This is going to be wonderful, Vicky. Just look at Eugene. 

Whatever you say, Heather. Wonyoung nodded. Step up the pace. It’s getting humid in here.

Kang Hyewon nodded and clapped. The crew doubled their pace as Yujin got ready to pose. But then, she froze seeing Wonyoung.

What is she doing here? Yujin asked as she pointed at her.

Eugene, Vicky here is our editor-in-chief. I need her guidance for the shoot to be perfect. Hyewon explained.

I won’t take long. Wonyoung batted. 

Yujin felt uncomfortable with Wonyoung. They were in the same place when they separated before and were working together in the same place again. Although that was the case, she wanted Wonyoung to stay longer.

With Hyewon’s instructions, Yujin posed for the camera. Wonyoung observed and made critics when needed. During the photoshoot, her eyes couldn’t avert as they focused on Yujin.

Vicky, you okay? One of the crew spoke. Your cheeks are red.

“Fever.” Wonyoung mumbled.

Yujin somehow heard her, just in time for the break. Wonyoung exited and somehow, Yujin followed.

“Wonyoung.” She called and Wonyoung stopped. “What fever?”

Wonyoung faced Yujin and was flustered when Yujin drew closer and held her neck. Yujin thought Wonyoung was flustered due to how pretty she looked. But it seems she wasn’t lying.

“I’m fine.” Wonyoung reasoned and got Yujin’s hand off.

Vicky, Eugene. Shall we resume? Hyewon popped out.

The two nodded and went inside again. Yujin focused during the shoots this time and delivered her poses excellently. Wonyoung made less critics to Hyewon since her photos were done nicely.

Hmm… Hyewon focuses. …there’s something missing.

Wonyoung seemed to agree. A ding hits its way to her senses as she wrote something. Hyewon read and nodded as she clapped.

Wonderful, Vicky. That is exactly what we need.

What is? Yujin asked.

We need your phone for this one, Vicky. It has the best camera.

Wonyoung took over and Hyewon rushed to the editorial’s office. Wonyoung instructs the crew to shut the reflectors as she readied her camera.

“Wonyoung, what is this?” Yujin asked.

“A special for the competition and for the school paper.” Wonyoung answered. “Just pose naturally. Make funny faces, even.”

“I don’t get it.” Yujin said.

“Remember one time when we had our date at the restaurant?” Wonyoung asked and Yujin nodded. “I used to take pictures of you. You posed naturally at that time. I want you to do the same here.”

Yujin nodded and Wonyoung aimed her phone. Yujin did poses and cute expressions. Wonyoung smiled, taking good pictures and adding filters, making Yujin cuter. Yujin noticed Wonyoung’s smile and she couldn’t help but smile for her too.

She may have been instructed to act an event from the past but she wanted it to be real. She really wanted Wonyoung and her to be real again.

“Done.” Wonyoung said and helped Yujin up. 

The staff are loving the pics, Vicky. Hyewon came back. I got the photos saved.

We’re done here too. Feel free to see some pictures. Wonyoung gave her phone.

Hyewon checked and wowed. Wonyoung got back to Yujin and was shocked that Yujin held her hand longer than expected. Wonyoung averts herself by letting her own hand go.

What do you think?

Excellent! As expected from our Chief. Hyewon applauded.

Let me run the errand towards the office this time. Wonyoung said.

I’ll come with you. Yujin raised.

“Yujin…”

That’s actually a good idea, right Vicky?

Wonyoung didn’t much have of a choice. She might’ve hurt Yujin too much already. She decided to agree. “Change your clothes.”

The shoot’s done. She said to Hyewon.

Hyewon nodded and instructed the crew to arrange and clean up. Yujin motioned in the changing room as Wonyoung went outside and waited.

“Ironic…now I’m the one who went soft...” She added.

The fever wasn’t helping too. In fact, she also believed that her admiration towards Yujin was the cause. 

A few minutes later, Yujin got changed and met Wonyoung outside. The two went to the office together and the staff greeted their chief and model. Wonyoung motioned Yujin to follow her to her office and ended up sitting on the chairs to wait. Wonyoung got to her workstation and transferred the pictures in her computer.

“This is a nice office, Wonyoung.” Yujin commented.

“Thanks. Took me a while to clean the place up.” Wonyoung spoke as she was busy.

Yujin got curious and went closer. She saw her pictures from Wonyoung’s phone to the computer. The pictures had nice quality.

“Like the pictures?” Wonyoung asked.

“Yes. I love them because you took them.” Yujin added, placing her hands on Wonyoung’s shoulders.

Yujin felt them. They had gone more skinny. Wonyoung felt those hands and she coughed lightly, making Yujin remove her hold. Wonyoung grabbed an extra chair and lets Yujin sit beside her.

Chief.

I got the photos here, Heather. Wonyoung said as she got her flash drive. Get the paper edited today.

Hyewon nodded and went off. Wonyoung shuts her computer down and rested onto her chair. Yujin leaned by her shoulder and Wonyoung wondered of her gaze. “What is it?”

“You had gone more beautiful…” Yujin mumbled as she noticed something. “Don’t drive me away.”

Wonyoung sighed as she was caught off-guard. Nonetheless, she rested her head. Yujin couldn’t hold herself as she reached to pet by her forehead.
“Wonyoung, your fever-“

“I’m okay. I just need rest, that’s all.” Wonyoung reasoned.

“But you’re heating up-“

A ring disrupted the silence and Yujin cusses as she got her phone. Wonyoung suddenly jolted up due to the noise.

“Is someone calling you?” Wonyoung asked.

“It’s an alarm. I have a class.” Yujin said. “But I won’t be attending.”

“That’s not an excuse, Yujin. You can go.” Wonyoung said.

“But I won’t leave you.” Yujin added. “You’re sick…”

“I’m off to my dorm to rest. You need to go to your classes, Yujin. Don’t consider yourself just because you’re new.” Wonyoung said.

Yujin didn’t refute as she and Wonyoung got out of the office. Yujin had second thoughts of going to class but Wonyoung already went. She didn’t have an option as she ran to catch up to her class.

+++

Where’s the dorm here? She asked her classmates. Does Vicky live there?

Her classmates shared the directions and Yujin thanked them and went, stopping by the canteen to buy some warm soup. As she got her order, she walked quickly towards the dorm.

Eugene?

Nicole. Yujin greeted. Is Vicky inside?

She is sleeping. Brought something for her, I presume.

Yes. I bought soup. Yujin answered.

You’re in luck because I’m her roommate. Here’s a spare key. Nako gives it to her.

That’s quick. Yujin commented.

Psh. I know you have some feeling for Vicky. Now go. Nako pushes her inside as she left. 

Yujin saw the room number on  the key and rushed surely towards the room. Unlocking the door with a fidgety hand, she managed to get it open. She placed the soup by a table and saw Wonyoung on the couch, sleeping. Yujin got closer, getting a good look at her.

Yujin could gaze at her forever. Her reflexes couldn’t be contained as she reached to cup her cheek, all the while she wonders of Wonyoung.

She loved her so much. Wonyoung said she loved her too. But when they were apart, Wonyoung changed and the spark that ignited her love was gone. Yujin was hurt, knowing all her efforts to get to Wonyoung went down the drain. She felt a little hopeless but most of the part of her being wanted to stay with her, no matter what happened.

Wonyoung groaned as she was waking up. Her eyes went wide as she saw Yujin but her body was too weak to react. “Yujin, what are you doing here?” 

“I came to see you.” Yujin answered, petting Wonyoung’s head. “Nako gave me the key so I got in.”

Wonyoung got up and Yujin helped her out. She went to get the soup, putting the bowl on the coffee table and getting a spoonful for Wonyoung to eat.

“I got you some medicine but you need to eat first.” Yujin said as she inched the spoon closer.

Wonyoung didn’t want this but she was hungry. She indulged onto the soup as Yujin would feed her. The room was filled with silence until Wonyoung emptied the bowl. 

“Thanks…” Wonyoung mumbled.

Yujin puts the spoon in the bowl and Wonyoung sat up, giving room for Yujin to sit down. The two were sitting next to each other as Yujin held Wonyoung’s hand tenderly.

“I saw the draft for the school paper before I got here.” Yujin initiated conversation. “Your crew is doing well.”

“I see.” Wonyoung nodded.

“Wonyoungie…” Yujin called, her hold getting tighter.

Wonyoung lowered her head, sighing. “I never thought you’d call me that again.”

“Am I not allowed to?” Yujin asked.

“It’s not like that.” Wonyoung said. “After all that had happened…I feel like I don’t deserve that call anymore.”

“The past doesn’t matter anymore. I knew you left for a reason but it’s why I’m here.” Yujin added, reaching to cup her face. “We’re together again. We can start over…”

“I can’t…” Wonyoung sighed as she lets go. “I don’t deserve another chance…”

“But I’m giving you one…” Yujin reasoned. “Wonyoung, I don’t get it. Why are you driving me away?”

Wonyoung got up to drive herself away when Yujin stopped her with a hug. Wonyoung was frozen yet Yujin hugged her as if she was going to be away again.

“Tell me…” Yujin was about to cry. “…why are you driving yourself away? Don’t you love me anymore?”

Wonyoung sighed and got Yujin’s arms off. She looked Yujin with her sad and sickly eyes as she decided to finally say it.

“I did...but that was in the past. We’re in different phases of life now.”

A sniffle was heard. Wonyoung didn’t bat an eye as Yujin threw the key and ran out. Wonyoung threw the plastic spoon and bowl away and got the spare key placed on the table. She got to the door and heard Yujin’s cries on the other side, making her freeze. But then, she sat by the door and thought about why she did it.

She had a reason in which she could never tell her and she was in fear.

+++

Yujin was done with her dance practices and was sitting and fixing her stuff. As her fellow dancers were beginning to leave, they praised her of her skills and her feature in the school paper and the photojournalism contest. Yujin would thank them as she still remained inside.

Eugene? A female student came inside. 

Who are you? Yujin asked.

I’m Matilda from the IT Department. I’m a fan of you. She spoke and got a bottle of water. I heard that you practiced here. I got this for you.

Yujin got her stuff and accepted it when she saw another woman outside. She stormed inside and pulled the girl away. Yujin gasped. W-Who is she?

I’m his girlfriend! The girl spat.

Judging from Yujin seeing her Korean tag, Kim Minju got her girlfriend off as she apologized to Yujin but her girlfriend suddenly got off of her grasp and assaulted Yujin into a big fight.

Wonyoung happened to pass by and heard the ruckus. She got in and saw the fiasco. She went to stop the two girls.

V-Vicky…

What’s going on here? Who are you guys? Wonyoung asked, raising an eyebrow. You two. Talk to me. Now. 

The couple went out. Wonyoung got to Yujin as she was a little scared. Wonyoung got to hold her hand and Yujin was eased.

“Wonyoungie…”

“Wait here.” Wonyoung spoke as she went out.

+++

Wonyoung got the information she needed as she went back to the dance studio. She didn’t mind of the admiration but a fight was never okay.

Minju and her girlfriend, Chaewon were fans of Wonyoung. Minju was also a fan of Yujin. Being the girlfriend she was, Chaewon was jealous, the reason why she was about to assault Yujin. She may have forgiven the couple for the fight but she did threaten them.

If anything were to happen to Yujin because of them, she won’t be nice to them. 

“Yujin.” She called the woman inside.

Yujin got up and got closer without any skin-ship. Wonyoung checked on her. “You okay?”

“Yes. I’m okay.” Yujin nodded. “Thanks for saving me.”

“You’re welcome.” Wonyoung said back.

“Wonyoung.” Yujin held her arm before she could go. 

“What is it?” Wonyoung asked.

“Can we have dinner together as friends?” Yujin asked.

+++

Wonyoung never thought she said yes. Now, they were at a restaurant, enjoying some Korean food.

“I never thought they have it here.” Yujin spoke as she ate.

“I had to scout within the neighborhood to get here. I eat here when I don’t like the food inside campus.” Wonyoung shared.

“We should eat here all the time. I’m homesick of food.” Yujin pouted.

“Okay.” Wonyoung smiled.

“I miss you.” Yujin spoke and they stopped eating. “I miss these moments…us…together…”

“Me too.” Wonyoung said. “How about we talk about it when we get to the dorms? We should eat first.”

Yujin agreed. They continued to eat and talk good memories back home. 

+++

The restaurant wasn’t the end of their date. They went to play in the park and bought some stuff. As they got back to the university, they walked side by side. Yujin reached to hold Wonyoung’s hand and she felt happy that Wonyoung held back tenderly.
They stopped by to sit on a bench and it had gone silent. Wonyoung looked up as if the answers were in the starry sky when Yujin leaned her head on hers. 

“Can you tell me now?” Yujin asked.

“What do you mean?” Wonyoung asked back.

“I know you were lying about the fact that you’re pushing me away just because you don’t love me.” Yujin spoke. “There’s got to be another reason for it. Now’s the time to tell me.”

“Yujin, I can’t…” Wonyoung scooted away.

“Please…” Yujin hugged her tight. “…I need to know...”

“I missed you.”

Yujin heard it and she was sure she wasn’t deaf. She pulled Wonyoung for a hug and nuzzled on  Wonyoung’s head as she hugged her more tenderly.

“I didn’t want to leave you but I wanted to achieve my dreams. I realized too late that my dream wouldn’t be perfect…without you in it…” Wonyoung finally told everything that was inside her heart. “But what right did I have to do that? I was at fault. I was the one who left and I didn’t hear your side, that you didn’t want me to go.”

“W-Wonyoungie…” Yujin sniffled.

“Pushing you away was my only way to forget my mess and to not hurt you again. I’m sorry, Yujin…I was just afraid…” Wonyoung said. “…I didn’t want to hurt you through my love.”

You idiot! Yujin sniffled as she wrapped her tighter. “I came here because I wanted you back to me and is that not enough?!”

“Yujin…”

“Do you think you have to sacrifice for me by keeping me away from you? Well guess what, Wonyoungie? That didn’t work!” Yujin forced Wonyoung to face her. “You have me. You will always have me. And I’m sorry. That isn’t going to change…because I love you…” Yujin cupped her face. “…I love you and only you, Jang Wonyoung.”

Wonyoung felt that hand and nodded, all the while she cried her apologies out. Yujin didn’t stop herself and kissed her lips. Wonyoung didn’t restrain herself as she kissed Yujin back and held her in her arms.

+++

My feels~ Hyewon cheered as she finished taking pictures. You two have such wonderful chemistry. Why didn’t you tell me you guys were a thing?

Secrecy. Wonyoung smiled.

Your photos are neat, almost like pre-nup.
The couple laughed and got changed. As they got their photos, they bid ado together and went out.

“Wonyoungie baby…” Yujin mumbled as she kissed her cheek. “…let’s eat together.”

“Alright, babe.” Wonyoung smiled.

They held hands again and walked together. Love may have gone out but it has found its home in the couple. Yujin and Wonyoung couldn’t be happier.