They laid in the park by the river and basked under the sun. It was mid afternoon and the sun was lazy. Wheein read her assigned text while Hyejin was on top of her. Hyejin easily fell asleep to the rhythm of Wheein’s heartbeat and breathing combined with the calming flow of the river below. Ever content like a cat on it's favourite person. 

They stayed like that till Hyejin’s alarmed blared. Time for class. 

“Mmm, I don’t wanna.” Hyejin nuzzled closer to Wheein in a vain attempt to avoid her responsibilities.

“Hyejin, it’s barely into the third week of our first semester. How are you like this already?” Wheein said as she rolled a grumbling Hyejin off of her. 

“ 'Cuz it’s math! And it’s Wednesday, so I got that extra long class right afterwards too!” Hyejin said as she tried to get back on top of Wheein.

“It’s just once a week you have that long class. You can survive.”  Wheein stated as she gently shoved her textbook in Hyejin’s face to stop her advance.

“But I can’t survive without my hourly dose of my Wheein.” Hyejin gave in and sat up to pout at Wheein.

“I send you memes! Shouldn’t that be sufficient?” Wheein sat up as well and began to pack up.

Hyejin only whined and began to pack up as well. All while being a grump. It was weird not seeing Wheein as constantly as she used to. But, distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? Or maybe just needy. 

Once they were done, they made the trek back onto campus. As they walked across the bridge that went over the river, Hyejin couldn’t help but be as close to the edge as possible. There was something comforting in seeing the crystal clear waters flow with no worries. Besides Wheein, the river had a surprising calming effect on her. She can’t explain it, but she feels a sort of inner peace. Looking at the calm waters, and seeing her own reflection looking back at her, it brought a sort of introspection. But an introspection that was done unconsciously. If that makes sense.

“If you keep staring at yourself then you’re gonna be late. The bus is almost here.” 

Wheein’s voice brought her back from her unconscious introspection and she hurried to meet Wheein at the end of the bridge. 

They walked to the nearby bus stop hand in hand and waited.

“Hey, Hyejin?”

A young man asked as he stopped right beside them. Hyejin recognized him but couldn’t quite place a name to the face. Wheein only took a small glance at him. He looked imposing but carried himself in the demeanor of a little lamb. As if he was trying to make himself less imposing.

Wheein elected to ignore him since his attention was with Hyejin. She began to look through her calendar to make sure she got all she needed to get done before classes start tomorrow.  But she did give Hyejin’s hand a squeeze. Meanwhile, Hyejin took this in stride.

“Oh, hey! How’s it going?” Hyejin put on a friendly smile. Still unable to remember this guy’s name. So, it was time to act like you know their name and hope they will tell you their name somehow.

“I’m fine. I was just wondering if you managed to finish the homework we got.” He asked sheepishly. 

“Yup! Ya need help?” She asked kindly.

“Ah, yea. That would be great!” 

And so they talked. And so they discussed. And so they learned. All the while, Wheein never let go of Hyejin’s hand. She gladly stayed out of the way. It seemed like he was earnest in his attempt to try to learn whatever was being taught to them in class. So, she let them have their fun. Even if it meant looking like a third wheel while they made their way to the classroom. She was also amazed at how they managed to do work during a bumpy bus ride. The strength of the suffering and desperate college student knows no bounds.  

It was nice though. Observing Hyejin helping another person made Wheein’s own heart grow. As her heart grew, so did her love. There was something endearing seeing Hyejin like this. Maybe it was how she became focused on the task at hand. Or, maybe it was how she effortlessly looked like an ethereal goddess blessing mankind with the boon of knowledge. Or maybe it was the irony that just a little while ago Hyejin was complaining about this class as if she was struggling but, in actuality, Hyejin comprehended everything the professor gave out. 

Before long, they were in front of the classroom. The guy happily thanked Hyejin for the help before entering and taking his seat. There’s only ten minutes until class starts so they have some time left before they have to part for the next couple of hours.

“Hmmm. Someone sure is popular.” Wheein mused.

“Once word gets out how you’re one of the ones that actually get good grades on the homework then, all of a sudden, everyone wants to be friends.” Hyejin said as she desperately clinged onto Wheein. 

“I can’t believe you guys got homework already. But it’s basic stuff, so it isn’t so bad.” Wheein said with a simple shrug. 

“Basic stuff? Wheein-ah! It’s mathematics for business and economics! I’mma have to retain this !” Hyejin exclaimed with a pained expression.

“Awwww,” Wheein just patted Hyejin’s head, “my poor lion. Would you like a treat?”

“A kiss?” Hyejin looked hopeful and eager.

“Oh my god, can you two not?” Ji Yeon’s tired voice cut between them. 

“Oh my god, can you not follow us everywhere?” Hyejin grumbled and glared.

“Oh my god, we have the same ing class.” Ji Yeon just glared back.

Wheein just sighed at their antics.

“Hyejin is just grumpy that she doesn’t get to see me as often as she used to.” Wheein told Ji Yeon as she Hyejin’s hair in an effort to calm her down.

“I’ve noticed. She’s going through a severe case of withdrawals.” Ji Yeon only sighed and shook her head, “Anyway, I’ll meet you inside, Hyejin-ah. Don’t be late.”

Hyejin only stuck her tongue out at Ji Yeon who only rolled her eyes with a laught.

“Come on, Hyejin-ah. Your prof is coming so you need to get inside.” Wheein said as she struggled to pry a needy lion cub off of her.

“Why don’t you join me?” Hyejin asked with pleading eyes. 

“I have my own math class I have to suffer through, so no thank you.” Wheein finally got Hyejin off and began to shove her inside the classroom.

Hyejin could only huff and cross her arms as she proceeded to be very uncooperative with Wheein’s attempt to get her inside. It would have been more difficult if the professor didn’t clear and caused the two to jump.

“Ah, Hyejin, I see you are eager to start class, yes?” The professor said with an optimistic smile.

The smile was so pure and eager that the two couldn’t help but feel a bit sheepish at their childish actions just moments ago. They easily let the professor through and finally bid each other well.

“I’ll see you back at the apartment, ok? I’ll have your favourite snack ready.” Wheein gave one last push to get Hyejin into the room.

“Oh? You’re gonna have yourself ready? Nice~” Hyejin just smirked and winked before closing the door behind her. 

The recognizable pained groan from Ji Yeon could be heard, even through the thick door. A pained groan followed by smug snickering. All the while, Wheein could only stand there in the empty hallway as she felt her face turn red and hot. 

It took her a couple of minutes to regain enough composure and dignity to finally make her way back to the apartment.