Minju would’ve greeted a wonderful day without any worries. But as she went out for her next class, a student had called her because of a fiasco involving a riot between a transferee and a senior. As part of a defense commission in her new school, she had to do her task.

Minju asked the student for the directions and she followed. She sprinted with her, stopping by a crowd who had gone defenseless and tired, trying to stop the fiasco. She saw the two culprits. One of them was familiar to her. 

“Minju…” A student raised a hand as she got weak.

“Are you okay?” She got to her but she had to be quick. “What’s going on here?”

The explanation involved of the transferee looking for her and that the senior threatening her not to bother, causing the two to fight. Minju thanked the student and finally stopped the two by pulling them away from each other.

“You…” She spoke to the senior. “Stop this fight and get out of here before I fight you myself.”

The senior gulped and she and the rest of the students went off. Minju went to deal with the transferee and she gasped of the person. The transferee herself did the same.

“Min?” The transferee stood properly as she was tearing up. “Min…” And then she hugged her close.

Minju didn’t react nor hug back. For the transferee, she ended up hugging Minju tighter, leaning her own head against hers as she added a kiss on the head.

“Let go.”

Minju held her arms and got herself off of the hug. She sighed of the sudden meeting but it was better to settle things properly.

“You. We need to talk.”

+++

Minju could never let the fiasco slip. She called the senior and the transferee and they talked the matter seriously. The two parties expressed their sides and Minju implemented punishments for them.

The senior had cost herself of her graduation rites because of a bad record. For the transferee, it had cost her credibility in her new school.

Minju dismissed the senior. She was left with the transferee as she finally addressed her. “Kim Chaewon.”

“Min, I’m so sorry…” She bowed and held Minju’s hand.

“What’s done is done, Ssamu. You are aware of your consequence, right?” Minju asked as she nodded. “So much for a transferee…”

“I’m sorry again. I had to see you first as soon as I got here.” 

“When did you transfer?” Minju asked.

She grabbed her hand and they decided to walk while they talked.

“I transferred here just now. I had a problem back in Hanlim, that’s why I’m here.” She started. “I had become too much of a delinquent that my father sent me to study here, hoping to get some relief.”

“You almost look like a citizen in asylum.” Minju said.

“I could thank him forever.” Chaewon stopped Minju, grabbing her arm. “I wanted to get out of that school and look for you.”

“Chaewon…” Minju faced her.

“I missed you. Nothing was the same without you.” Chaewon said. “I thought you were anywhere but I’m glad that destiny placed me here…with you…”

Chaewon couldn’t resist and hugged Minju again. Minju was like a mannequin as she stood there. Chaewon broke and cupped her face.

“I’m glad to see you too, Chaewon.” 

“Min…is that all you can say to me?” Chaewon was shocked of her new attitude.

“As much as I need to talk with you or even tour you around campus, I have a meeting to attend. I’ll see you then.” 

Minju lets go, leaving Chaewon all frozen and speechless. At the back of her mind, she was scared that Minju’s feelings for her are gone. With the distance and time, it could’ve made sense that Minju had moved on.

“No…Min would never…” was all Chaewon could mumble.

+++

“Minju, do you know the transferee?” Her vice-president of the DC asked.

“She’s Kim Chaewon fron Hanlim. She was a classmate.” Minju said. “But it’s better to address her as Chaewon. She hates it when other people say her nickname.”

I see. She nodded. So much for her record despite being new.

Minju could only nod when an unknown number called. She huffed and answered. Who’s this?

Min…

Minju excused herself and exited, resuming her call. “Where did you get this number?”

I saw the post on the DC bulletin board. Let’s talk, please…

“Meet me at the flower garden now.” I said and hung up.

The flower garden was near the office. A little sprint on the right and Minju got to the place. She looked around and she was bemused that Chaewon found the place. She got closer, almost inches away from her.

“What is there to talk about, Ssamu?” I asked.

“You.” She said. “I just saw you today and I thought you’d be happy to see me…but you’re just calm about it.”

“I am happy…but not the same Minju that was happy for you before.” Minju answered. “It has been two years, Chaewon. I haven’t called nor texted you since it’s just too much to bear.”

“But I am here now, Min!” Chaewon spat. “I waited for two years for you. My life back there was never the same when you left. When my dad told me to transfer to any school, I was eager to look for you. Now that I’m here, I…”

“I’m sorry, Chaewon.” Minju sighed. “I can’t be the woman you love anymore. Let’s just be friends now.”

Chaewon held Minju’s wrist, almost turning into the possessive woman. But seeing Minju lower her head and almost crying, how could she force her?

But what about her effort of coming here and finding her? Was it all for nothing?

“Let me go, Chaewon.” Minju said, making Chaewon flinch. “I learned my place. It’s about time you learn yours.”

Chaewon was shocked by it that her hold went loose, letting Minju free herself as she left. Chaewon could only look at her, with the sky turning and the flowers losing their vibrant color. As a tear dropped from her eye, the rain poured.

She couldn’t believe it but it brought her towards the start of sorrow. If she wasn’t part of Minju’s life anymore, what was the use of her presence in another school?

+++

A secret fiasco happened the next week and the same person got involved again. She got the man pinned on the wall as she gritted her teeth.

“It’s Chaewon, you prick. Say that name again and you’re gonna wind up dead!” She hissed and pushed him aside.

The man ran for his life and Chaewon sighed that it was over. She got to a sink and cleaned herself when a friend called. Chaewon huffed and got closer. “What is it, Wonyoung?”

“You’re perfect!” She cheered. “You should be the next model for the painting.”

Chaewon was pulled towards the flower garden and a painter was there. She gulped. 

It was Minju.

“Minju, we got the perfect model.” Her friend smiled.

“Chaewon? Okay.” Minju could only nod. “Let her sit by the rose bush. Let her wear the colorful top too.”

Wonyoung nodded and got Chaewon ready and sitting down. Minju huffed and started painting. 

Deep down, Chaewon was shocked to see Minju again. Wonyoung had been a close friend to Chaewon and would do any favor for her. This was one favor Chaewon didn’t expect but she went with the flow anyway, looking forward as she admires Minju as she paints.

Wonyoung went on an errand, leaving the two of them. Minju continued to work when her brush almost fell from what she heard.

“I miss you, Min…” Chaewon began.

“I’m around campus, Chaewon. How could you miss me?” Minju spoke. “And could you not move?”

Chaewon sat still again as Minju continued. Chaewon felt the tension that she didn’t want her and Minju to be in bad terms. “What I mean is that I miss the Minju that loved me.”

Minju stopped painting, just in time for Wonyoung to come back with bottles of water. She gave each to the two and opened hers. 

“Have a break, guys.” She said.

Chaewon emptied hers in a snap and went to see the painting. She wowed of Minju’s skill. “What in the-it looks so real!”

“Is it?” Minju asked.

“It’s beautiful…” Chaewon said. 

“That’s our Minju.” Wonyoung did a thumbs-up. “But the time is ticking so we need to finish. Stat.”

Minju got off of her seat and Wonyoung took over. Chaewon went back to her spot and sat still. 

Chaewon may have been still but her eyes weren’t. She couldn’t stop rolling them to the right where Minju was, checking a rose that she picked a while ago. Chaewon’s heart pumped out of the same love she had for her. Minju noticed her and Chaewon gulped lightly, admiring her beauty.

“Chaewon, look straight.” Wonyoung spoke, breaking the atmosphere. 

Minju sighed and excused herself to leave. Chaewon would’ve refuted but Wonyoung had nagged her to sit still. 

“Sorry…” Chaewon mumbled.

“Minju was never that moody before. Is there something going on between you two?” Wonyoung asked.

“No.” Chaewon said. We should continue. “This top is starting to itch.”

Wonyoung nodded and resumed. Chaewon sat still again but her mind was running out of worry.

Minju and her may have ceased their relationship but she couldn’t let her go.

+++

Being the head of the school’s defense commission was no joke. From bullying to wrecking school property, Minju could never turn a blind eye from all those fiascos. She would always find time to settle fights and fix things when needed.

Another report came in and Minju and her right hand sprinted towards the lobby.

“So much for movie night. I can’t believe this…”

“No worries, Yuri. We’ll go afterwards.” Minju said.

They got to the lobby and saw a crowd. Some students saw them and forced the gatherers to make way for them. The two heads of the DC were shocked to see a beaten Kim Chaewon.

“You again?!” Yuri huffed. 

Minju had a grim look and told the gatherers to back off. She went to help the tall woman and asked who was responsible. 

“No one’s going to confess?!” Minju batted and made a fist. “Shall I force you to tell the truth?!”

“Minju, what the hell?!”

“M-Min…it’s okay…” Chaewon mumbled. 

The responsible ones confessed and Yuri went to pinch their ears and sent them off. Minju was in relief that the other students went back to their businesses as she felt Chaewon collapse. Minju huffed and carried her on her back.

It was almost ironic. Chaewon used to carry Minju before. But now, the tables have turned. But Minju averted that thought and quickened her pace.

+++

Minju got to her apartment and laid Chaewon on her couch. She was devastated to see her black-eye and a big gash on her arm as she went to get a bowl of hot water, a cold compress, and cloth, and her first aid kit.

As she got to the living room, Chaewon was already up and scraping her gash. Minju swiftly puts the things on her table and stopped Chaewon from messing her wound.

“Aish, don’t scratch it!” Minju hissed and got the wet cloth. “Now hold still.”

Chaewon went frisky and Minju was losing it. She pressed the cloth on the gash quickly that Chaewon screamed so loud. “YAH!! THAT HURTS!”

“If you hold still, it wouldn’t hurt as much!” Minju yelled and Chaewon lowered her head. 

Minju didn’t want to yell but Chaewon’s disobedience sometimes got into her nerves. Chaewon didn’t want to disobey Minju but she wanted her attention again. A sting jolted onto Chaewon’s nerves and she winced again.

“What have you been up to this time?” Minju asked.

“Nothing.” Chaewon mumbled.

“The smell of soju won’t help your cause.” Minju took a whiff on Chaewon’s uniform. “Were you drinking in an afternoon?!”

“So what if I did?” Chaewon mumbled again.

Minju got her first-aid kit and puts antiseptic on Chaewon’s wound. Chaewon’s winces were endless that Minju could slap her to shut up. Chaewon went quiet again and watched as Minju wrapped the bandage around her gash. The proximity made her heart pound again.

“Now for your face.” Minju huffed and inched closer. “Why did you get beaten up, Chaewon?”

Chaewon’s heart pumped as Minju was inches away from her, as if her beauty grew vibrant after the years they were apart. Minju noticed Chaewon’s stare but she ignored and continued to mend her face. 

Chaewon attempted to inch closer towards Minju and stole a kiss on her cheek. Minju hastily puts things down and inched away.

“What was that for?” Minju asked, almost angry.

“I went for a drink.” Chaewon began, holding Minju’s hand tenderly. “It was the usual enjoyment to let loose and what not…until they mentioned you.”

“And?” Minju asked again.

“You were popular. Many students talk a lot about you. Now, we were all drunk in an early afternoon and one of them wanted to date you.” Chaewon said again.

“And you got jealous?” Minju asked but she thought the words slipped. “Whatever. Now how did it end up to the fact that you were beaten up inside the campus?”

“I threatened them when we got inside and they were affected that they hit me. Knowing that I had a bad record already, I didn’t want to fight back…” Chaewon reasoned.

Minju could only sigh and put the compress on her eye, the other by her cheek. Chaewon felt Minju’s hand and she went soft, holding onto her wrist and leaning onto that hand.

“I miss you…”

“Chaewon…” Minju called. “…there’s no point of us together again.”

“Why?” Chaewon asked sadly. “Don’t you love me?”

“I do…but not as much as before.” Minju said as she lets Chaewon hold the compress. 

“Min…”

“You may stay here until such time you heal. I need to go out for an errand.” Minju said as she got up and walked out of her own dorm.

Chaewon could only watch her. She could also blow up a fuse for her words. But with her weak state, she could only sit and contemplate, her tears rolling down her cheeks.

With their distant relationship, would she be able to go on with her life away from home and away from the love of her life?

+++

Minju’s errand took a while. She was in the DC office, confronting the students responsible for beating Chaewon. They were all apologetic and accountable for what they’ve done but Minju wasn’t buying it.

“Minju, shall we call their parents?”

“No.” Minju said. “I’ll handle the situation. You may go, Yuri.”

The VP nodded and left the office. Minju’s aura changed as she slammed her hand on the table. The students gulped and sat still. 

“Hey! What right do you have to hit a fellow student, hm? And a new one at that…” Minju huffed. “Where’s your respect for freshmen?”

They apologized a lot. Minju shuts them up again. “You better be. Do anything to hurt Chaewon and I won’t be nice this time. Now get out.”

They nodded and ran off. Minju also went out, locking the office before going back to her apartment. At the back of her mind, she wondered if Chaewon had left and at the same time, a tiny bit of it hoped that she was still there.

Minju arrived and the door opened before she could, seeing Chaewon smile and letting her inside.

“You haven’t left?” Minju asked. “How are your wounds?”

“I couldn’t. I wanted to wait for you.” Chaewon said.

Minju nodded and Chaewon followed her to the kitchen. Minju wowed of the food that Chaewon grinned to herself and lets Minju have a seat.

“I decided to make dinner. Now that you’re here, let’s eat.” Chaewon said and sat face to face with her.

Minju chuckled as they said grace to the meal. She and Chaewon ate in silence, creating a palpable tension between them. But Minju stopped and said, “You didn’t answer my second question earlier. How are your wounds, Chaewon?”

“I’m fine now, Min.” Chaewon assured her. “The gash itches though.”

“Don’t scratch it. And if you still need rest, you can stay for the night.” Minju offered. “I have an old set of pajamas and undergarments you can borrow. Let me get them for you.”

“Min.” Chaewon held her arm, stopping her. “It can wait. Let’s continue to eat together, okay?”

Minju agreed and sat back down again. Chaewon was relieved and they resumed eating and engaging in talks when needed.

Chaewon was happy for this moment with Minju. For her, Minju looked like she didn’t care but she was still hopeful that one day, she’ll open her heart again. Chaewon couldn’t let go. She loved Minju so much. 

She was going to stay by her side…for as long as she can…

+++

It was another morning and Minju greeted an empty bedroom. She got up and looked around her apartment room and saw a stack of plated food. She drew closer and saw a note. 

Min

I decided to leave now. Thank you for the accommodation and for mending my wounds. I made you some breakfast. Do eat them.

I may have left but I also hope that you’d let me have frequent visits to where you are. You may have closed your heart a bit but I’m willing to open it for you.

I will never let you go. Let me in. I miss you and I want you back. I love you so much, Min…

Ssamu

Minju felt her chest pump harder. She couldn’t help but sit down and think, all while she realizes her true feelings.

Something in her snapped as she ate breakfast that Chaewon made, all while she hoped to have the time to talk to her later.

+++

Classes and extracurricular activities came and went and Minju was doing her work, all the while her fingers fiddled towards her phone. She also ended up calling someone but the person cannot be reached.

Yuri came inside and Minju jolted up. “Any clues?”

”I’m sorry, Minju. Chaewon is nowhere to be found inside the campus.”

Minju sighed. She had tried to call Chaewon all day but she wouldn’t answer. She grew worried and even asked her DC members to look for her. They understood their President’s concern and searched.

“Madams!” A member arrived. “We found Chaewon in the alley at the back of the school, dealing with external gangsters!”

“What?!” Minju was shocked.

“We couldn’t fight back yet, Pres. It’s risky.” The member said.

“Get backup ready!” Minju huffed and suited up. “I’ll go there first.”

They all saluted as Yuri led the backup team, following Minju at a right distance. For Minju, she ran as fast as she could. She had her senses that something was wrong and that she had to make sure Chaewon was safe.

She got to the alley and hid, seeing Chaewon being pinned by two men. There was the leader holding a bat and two more men holding brass knuckles. Minju patiently looked around, readying her knuckles and dagger. Just as the leader was about to attack Chaewon, Minju got out and fought with them.

Chaewon was frozen and shocked as she watches Minju fight them stealthily, a series of thumps making its way to her chest. She never thought she’d be found by the DC but here was Minju, almost risking her life to protect her.

It was all clear and Chaewon’s hope was right before her very eyes. With that, she stepped in and they fought together. With doses of kicks, punches, and slashes, they knocked the gangsters out. Minju and Chaewon panted as they were busy tying their hands and putting the weapons away. 

“Min…” Chaewon huffed and faced her. “…why…”

Minju sighed. “You didn’t answer my calls all day.”

“I didn’t bring my phone.” Chaewon reasoned. “How did you find me?”

“I let my DC members find you. One did but she didn’t take any action and reported to me. That’s why I got here.” Minju said. “Backup will come soon. I also hope they called the police.”

Chaewon pulled Minju close and hugged her tenderly. She could cry as Minju hugged back. She added a kiss on Minju’s forehead when she felt her weight getting heavier and heavier. Chaewon was quick to react as she checked. “Min? What’s-“

Minju looked pale and had a hand on her waist, showing blood. She huffed. “I must’ve been hit out of nowhere…”

Minju collapsed. Chaewon never thought her nightmare from before became real. Minju comforted her of that dream but in reality, she collapsed.

“Min!” Chaewon sealed her wound for her. “Min, no…”

“I’m sorry, Chaewon-ah…” Minju panted. “I’m sorry for driving you away…”

“Shh…don’t say anything.” Chaewon shushed her, adding a kiss on her cheek. “Help is on the way…”

Minju leaned onto Chaewon as the rest of the DC came with the police. The police got the gangsters arrested as Yuri helped Chaewon with Minju, hopping inside Yuri’s car as another member drove them to the hospital.

+++

Upon arrival, Minju was sent to the ER. The members waited outside as Chaewon paced around, tears running down her face as her worries increased.

“What happened, Chaewon? Why was Minju at harm?” Yuri asked her.

Chaewon didn’t answer her and kept worrying. Later on, the doctor got out and told them that Minju’s wound was deep but they managed to save her. Everyone was relieved. The DC members went to see their President as Chaewon waited outside again. She sat down and puts her hands on her face.

How could she become so reckless? How could she make Minju worry like that? How could she not see that coming? She should’ve been cautious and protected her.

“Chaewon.” Yuri and the rest got out. “Our President wants to see you.”

Chaewon was too happy but her body didn’t feel the same. She remained frozen when Yuri got closer and patted her shoulder.

“We understand why Minju did that. She did it for you.” She began and Chaewon was shocked.  We can see that whatever happened in the past, you still love her. And she loves you too, Chaewon.”

Chaewon rushed inside and there was a motionless Minju. She got closer to her side and held her hand. Minju held back as her eyes opened to greet her. Chaewon felt her tears running down again and Minju reached to wipe them off.

“I’m the one who should be sorry.” Chaewon said as she held that hand close to her own face. “I shouldn’t have involved and made you worry.”

“No. Forgive me for not understanding that you still loved me…” Minju said as she cupped Chaewon’s cheek. “I should’ve just opened up but I felt unworthy. I tried to call you but I was worried so I went to you.”

Chaewon teared up and inched to kiss her lips. Minju kissed back. 

“You’re always worthy to me.” Chaewon spoke as she broke. “I love you…”

“I love you too, Chaewon-ah…” Minju replied.

Chaewon kissed her again and was by her side since then.

+++

Bullies scurried off as two women were finished facing them. They looked at each other and kissed. 

“You finally put your brawns to good use, Chaewon-ah.” Minju smiled.

“Only for you, baby.” Chaewon said and pecked her lips. “Shall we grab something to eat?”

Minju nodded and pulled Chaewon close to her as they finally went out together.