If she could she would fight her computer. Or maybe her brain. She thought she’ll be a good student and get a head start on these papers for her Strategic Management class and despite knowing what she has to do, she can’t get her brain on how to do it. Specifically, the how on what to write. She knows what, but she’s having trouble translating it into the language of academia. 

“Ugh, Wheenie,” Hyejin finally caved and leaned back against the office chair. Making the veterened chair lean back as far as possible with a steady creak. 

“Had enough?” Wheein popped into view as she leaned against the office door frame with a gentle, sympathetic smile on her face.

“Why did I gotta be the good student? It’s the final semester and I only have four classes!” Hyejin began to rant, “Who let me decide that? Who let me think that being a good student is worth this pain!”

Wheein only chuckled as she walked over to her pained girlfriend. 

“What if I told you that you brought it upon yourself?” Wheein teased as she finally reached Hyejin. Carefully pulling her away from the desk so she could straddle Hyejin more easily. 

“Are you sure you did everything in your power to keep me from being an idiot?” Hyejin asked as her hands easily found their way onto Wheein’s hips, keeping her steady. Her eyes trailed up Wheein’s body, savouring each curve, before resting at Wheein’s eyes. 

“How could I? You were so cute with your determination,” Wheein giggled as she pinched Hyejin’s cheeks. Earning a growl in response.

“But Wheenie--” Hyejin started before getting cut off by Wheein rubbing her cheeks. 

“Besides, wouldn’t getting these papers done now be more advantageous for you? You and Ji Yeon are tied right now for GPA,” Wheein smirked. 

“Using my competition drive against me, huh?” Hyejin squinted in mock offense. 

“How is it using it against you when you did it to yourself? I’m merely reminding you,” Wheein innocently smiled as she rested her hands on Hyejin’s shoulders. Gently squeezing and massaging the tense muscles. 

Hyejin only pouted before sliding her arms under Wheein’s shirt and pulled her even closer. An arm wrapping itself around Wheein’s waist, hand gently the soft skin of her belly, while the other supported Wheein’s back. Hand easily cupped Wheein’s shoulder as Hyejin nuzzled herself as close as she could.

“That’s rude,” Hyejin muttered against Wheein’s neck. Earning a bright chuckle in return. 

“Not as rude as you ignoring the smell of the delicious dinner I went through the effort of preparing,” Wheein said as she gently pulled herself away from Hyejin’s grasp. Yet again, getting another growl as her lion refused to let her go. 

“Five minutes,” Hyejin said as she buried her face into Wheein’s bosom.

“Interesting proposal, here’s my counter offer,” Wheein leaned into Hyejin’s ear as her voice went low, “It’s lamb.”

“Sign me the up!!” Hyejin exclaimed as she got up from the chair. All while holding onto Wheein. Somehow, despite the sudden movement, her grip never loosened. 

“I hope you like it,” Wheein’s nerves finally made it through her voice. While Hyejin suffered in the office, Wheein had suffered in the kitchen. It was Valentine’s day weekend and she wanted to do something special. Afterall, Hyejin had always been the one to go above and beyond on Valentine’s day with flowers, sweets, and a dinner. So it was only natural for her to conveniently remind Hyejin about the unspoken competition between her and Ji Yeon in order to give her the chance to make something nice in return.

“I already know it’s gonna be amazing,” Hyejin beamed as she finally put Wheein down in front of the kitchen, “Anything made by your hands is guaranteed to be phenomenal. Just like you.”

Wheein couldn’t help but blush. Even after all these years, Hyejin always finds a way to make her blush in the least expected way possible.

“Well, get seated and I’ll bring it right out,” Wheein said as she gently shoved Hyejin towards the dining table. 

Hyejin willingly obliged and practically vibrated in her seat as she waited to be served. 

And what a glorious feast it was. Full of love and laughter as the two reminded each other why they love the other so much. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wheein leaned against the tree as Hyejin laid herself on the cement bank of the river and let her legs dangle freely in the clear waters. The sun was high and blanketed them in it’s sweltering rays of heat. Their only respite besides the river was the cool breeze that shook the trees. But, you can only stay in the water for so long.

So, Wheein had elected to sit in the shade of the tree as Hyejin remained in the river. And as much as she wanted her mind to be at peace, there was none. She let her mind wander too far and wide and before she knew it, her worries were upon her.

Her worries of the future. 

Her worries of her immediate future with the gallery show at the end of the semester. While she knows what pieces she needs to make for it her biggest concern is on how it will be done. Her pieces are all nature portraits of various sizes and orientations that, when combined, will show the viewer the image of a person. Of course that person is Hyejin. She has the skills and knowledge to get it done, but everytime she tries to sketch out the idea of her end result, her brain short circuits and she’s left with nothing but scrunched up paper. Maybe she should select a random picture from her phone as the basis.

Her next worry is that of her future after university. She knows that she’ll be with Hyejin, but what about a job? She focused so much on her school work that she never really paid attention to any networking opportunities or even tried to get her name out there. Hell, she still doesn’t even know what job she wants. She wants to make art, but she’s also realistic. She can’t put all the pressure on Hyejin to be a breadwinner. And what about Hyejin? Who knows where her future may lead and if what Sujeong hinted at was correct then Hyejin may have a bright future abroad. What then? Should she find just any job now to get some coin or should she wait a bit? Maybe enjoy a nice trip with Hyejin. Afterall, Hyejin always wanted to do a cross country adventure.

Her overall worry is what exactly is going to happen in the future. She knows that Hyejin will be in it but where will they be? Will they still be in the area? Will they get another apartment or will they eventually get a house? When will children be part of the picture? Will they have a chance for children? Will they be abroad? Will they actually go through with marriage or will they leave it be? 

Will they actually have the chance to spend the rest of their lives together? Will no one’s life be cut short?

Speckles of sunlight danced across her face as the leaves shifted with the wind. Bringing her attention back to the present she saw that Hyejin had fallen asleep with her legs still dangling in the waters. A soft smile spread across her face as she watched her lion doze. 

Her smile slowly fell as she sighed. Another worry popped in her mind. 

How’s Hyejin?

She stopped herself before her mind could wander. No use speculating when she could just ask instead. Especially since Hyejin has been more distant lately. She knows that’s a sign of Hyejin being stressed, and she was waiting for Hyejin to explain, but it’s been two weeks and the seasons are changing and still no answer. 

With the popping of her knees and back, Wheein got up with a stretch before making her way over to the sleeping lion. Mindful to not startle Hyejin awake less Hyejin jerks herself into the cold waters right after sunbathing. Instead, she eased herself next to Hyejin’s side. 

“Hyejin-aaaaah,” Wheein softly said as she poked Hyejin’s soft exposed belly. Perks of having a girlfriend that will happily wear a two piece any chance she can get when she’s near water.

No response.

“Hyeeeeeejiiiiin-aaaaaaah,” Wheein continued as she raised her voice only a little. Her hand trailed upwards as her fingertips remained in contact with the exposed skin. 

Hyejin finally stirred.

“Finally, I thought I had to honk you to get you to wake up,” Wheein grinned as she saw Hyejin slowly wake up. 

“I’m surprised you didn’t,” Hyejin muttered as she stretched with her full body. Giving a content sigh afterwards. 

“I would rather honk you in the comfort of our own home,” Wheein stated matter of factly before leaning in and giving Hyejin a kiss on the cheek. 

“Ah, so no public honking?” Hyejin’s voice was soft as she still tried to wake herself up. The nap was short but it felt like she had been lifted out of an endless abyss.

“Only private honking.”

“Aw, and here I thought I could honk you a couple of times,” Hyejin pouted. 

“Wouldn’t you rather honk me when I don’t have something on anyway?” Wheein asked innocently.

Hyejin opened to say something but immediately closed it as Wheein’s words finally registered. Her face contorted to that of contemplation. Hyejin was really thinking about it.

“Would you rather honk now or later?” Wheein continued. 

“Yes.”

“That’s not an answer!”

They stared at each other before breaking into laughter.  

Soon enough they fell back into their comfortable silence. Hyejin made her way onto Wheein’s lap as she still let her legs dangle in the water. There was something comforting about it. Being held by the one you love as the current is gently trying to tug you away is humbling. Like a leaf.

“Like a what??” Wheein asked as she gave a confused look.

“What?”

“You said you’re a leaf??”

“Oh, I must’ve talked out loud then,” Hyejin said as she buried her face into Wheein’s stomach.

Wheein hummed and silence fell upon them again. The park was surprisingly empty despite how warm it was. Usually the minute the temperatures start to rise students would immediately come to the park to cool off in the river. 

They stayed like that for a few minutes more before Wheein sighed. The worry and reluctance in the sigh caught Hyejin’s attention.

“What is it?” Hyejin asked without moving.

“Hyejin-ah…...Is everything alright?” Wheein’s voice was small as she asked the question. As if scared of the answer. Well, she was in a way. That little demon in the back of her mind was constant, and as much as she tried to ignore it, she can’t. The little demon saying that Hyejin is going to leave her. She knows it’s false but the only way to get that little demon to shut up is to let Hyejin talk. 

“Uh, y-yea. Why?” Hyejin looked up at Wheein with concern. She hasn’t been acting any differently. Has she? Has her subconscious actions exposed her worries? 

“You’ve been distant…..” Wheein answered as she let her thumb gently trace the scar on Hyejin’s face.

Hyejin’s eyes widened for a moment before she looked away. It was time to come clean. She wanted to wait before telling Wheein, especially when things are up in the air at the moment, but she can’t hide anything. So, as Wheein cupped her cheek, she let out a sigh and gave an honest answer.

“I’ve been thinking…..about the future,” Hyejin started.

Wheein began to Hyejin’s hair. Letting her know that she’s listening.

“I applied to a couple of jobs already here and…..” Hyejin paused. Uncertain if she should say it out loud. But Wheein’s touch was comforting and welcoming, the answer was obvious.

“I applied to a couple of jobs here and back in Spain thanks to the networking I did over there,” Hyejin admitted in a rush. 

Wheein remained quiet. She let her touch coax Hyejin some more. No need for words when something as simple as a of her thumb could tell Hyejin to continue.

“I heard back from a couple and there’s this really nice opportunity but--”

“Do it then.”

Hyejin jerked her head up in surprise. 

“Wh-what? But you don’t even know the details of it yet!”

“And? If it’s a good opportunity for you then you should take it,” Wheein shrugged as if the answer was obvious. 

“But I didn’t even tell you what it was yet!”

“Then tell me.”

“It’s like a junior business analyst position for this company in Spain and….” Hyejin faded. 

“What’s wrong with that?” Wheein asked with a tilt of her head.

“It’s in Spain and I still don’t have all the details yet since they're gonna write up the offer after I graduate but….” Hyejin faded again as if uncertain.

“But what?” 

“It’s in Spain…..”

Wheein blinked. 

“And? It’s an amazing opportunity, Hyejin-ah!” Wheein became excited at the prospect. Starting off with a job abroad would be amazing on a resume and will definitely send Hyejin down the path to her dream.

“But…..what about you?” Hyejin looked at Wheein with concern.

“What about me?”

“Are you willing to come to Spain with me? What if you find your own amazing opportunity here?” 

The concern in Hyejin’s voice and face was obvious and it melted her heart. She took Hyejin’s face in her hands as she leaned down to place a tender kiss on Hyejin’s lips. The moment their lips made contact, Hyejin relaxed. The tension that built up from vocalizing her worry melted away under Wheein’s touch. 

“Hyejin-ah, I don’t want you sacrificing any opportunities for my sake….”

“But--”

“But nothing! If there’s an amazing opportunity then you should take it! We can figure it out afterwards, ok?” Wheein said. Her hand found Hyejin’s and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

“Wheein-ah….”

“I don’t want you sacrificing something amazing on my behalf, Hyejin-ah….” Wheein rested her forehead against Hyejin’s, “Life’s too short for that.”

Hyejin opened but nothing came out. Instead, she let her touch do the talking. Her hand squeezed Wheein’s and Wheein responded. A plea and a response. 

Silence surrounded them again. There was so much more to say, but their touch conveyed their thoughts perfectly. Each worry melted away after each squeeze. Each concern vanished after each swipe of a thumb. Each what-ifs evaporated after each kiss. Both exchanged their touches equally until nothing was left except contentment. 

“Hey, Wheein-ah?” Hyejin’s voice was soft.

“Yea?”

“After we graduate…..I wanna show you somethin’...” Hyejin’s voice remained soft but firm with resolve.

“Hm? What?” Wheein’s curiosity was piqued. 

“It’s a surprise,” Hyejin looked up at Wheein with the bright smile that Wheein fell in love with. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hyejin basically had to carry her to the car. Today was the day that Hyejin was going to finally show Wheein the surprise. Unfortunately for her, that meant getting up at an ungodly hour.

“Hyejin-ah…..How are you awake??” Wheein groggily said through half opened eyes as Hyejin expertly stuffed her in the car. 

“I’ve been waiting for this day ever since I told you about it,” Hyejin beamed as she clicked the seatbelt around the still wrapped Wheein. 

Wheein only grumbled in response.

“You can sleep in the car anway,” Hyejin chuckled at the grouchy Wheein and gently patted her on the head before closing the door and moving on to put their bags and other supplies in the trunk. 

Wheein could never figure out what the surprise was. She kept asking Hyejin questions that could lead to any sort of hints but Hyejin knew her too well and all she got in return was more riddles. Well, if you can even call it that. If anything all she got were nonsensical answers that were passed as riddles but meant nothing in the end. But she did get one thing though. A nice picnic date. 

As Hyejin drove through the dead town, Wheein couldn’t help but look in wonder. Despite the ungodly hour, there was something serene about seeing the town while empty. It was difficult to explain. Any other time, especially if she was alone, she would think the town looks straight out of a horror movie or game. But as her hand found its place around Hyejin’s warm hand, she looked at the town in a more, less stressful, light. The orange and yellow lights were the watchful and protective guardians of the buildings that peacefully slept. Looking upwards, she saw the bright moon watching them with care. 

When they finally started to make it out of the city limits, Wheein finally started to see the stars that were hidden behind the guardians of the town. And as darkness surrounded them as they continued their journey, Wheein wondered if this was what peace was. If peace was just a serene state of mind when everything around you is nothing but vague notions. Looking out the window again, the moon’s light showed the faint outline of the world outside. The majestic treeline that hid hills were all merged into one giant black blob. The once green fields were now bathed in a pale blue light as shadows danced across them whenever the wind blew. And then she saw the stars of the earth. The street lights from distant towns and clusters of civilisation. 

She was so used to seeing this route under the sunlight that it looked foreign under the moonlight. So much so that Wheein didn’t notice where they were headed until Hyejin turned into a little dirt road. 

The trees were dense and dark and their limbs looked like crooked fingers with tumorous bulges at random points. It was a bit alarming until she saw the first hints of daylight. Each orange ray defeated the shadows with ease and reminded Wheein how beautiful these trees are. 

Hyejin got out and immediately ran to the other side to get Wheein out. Despite still being under the cover of darkness, there was no hint of fear. It was as if Hyejin had done this a million times before. 

“Hurry, hurry! Before we miss it!” Hyejin was practically jumping from foot to foot as Wheein got out of the car. Still clutching a blanket around her. 

Wheein couldn’t help but chuckle at how excited Hyejin was. Whatever Hyejin planned, she knows it’s going to be memorable. 

And memorable it was. 

As soon as Wheein closed the door Hyejin immediately grabbed her hand and guided her through a trail that she doesn’t recognize. Looks like this little oasis of theirs still has plenty of surprises. 

Making sure that Wheein doesn’t get snagged in any bushes or limbs, Hyejin guided her up a hidden hill. A hill she discovered as a child. A hill she kept to herself. A hill she went to whenever she wanted the privacy and comfort of nature. A hill she kept secret, even from Wheein. The last bit of herself. And she’s finally giving it to Wheein.

“Since when was there a hill here?” Wheein couldn’t help but ask even as they kept moving. 

Hyejin finally stopped as gentle orange rays peered through the trees and streaked all around them in beams of warmth. Hyejin turned to give Wheein a loving smile. A smile that Wheein gave in return. 

“I’ve always wanted to show you this place,” Hyejin’s voice was barely above a whisper as she brought Wheein closer to the center. 

“Wh--” 

Hyejin cut her off with a deep kiss. 

“I love you, Wheein-ah,” Hyejin said with a smile on her face, “Look.”

Before Wheein could respond, Hyejin grabbed her shoulders to turn her around. And what she saw was indescribable. 

In front of her was an open patch between the trees that she could see the sun slowly begin to rise. The orange rays started to mix with yellow through the trees and clear beams of light started to surround her. However, it was subdued due to the fog from the creek. It gave the area a more mystical quality. Dew that remained on the grass began to sparkle when a ray of light hit it just right. Words fail to describe what she sees but she knows it’ll forever be imprinted on her mind. 

“Hyejin-ah…..” Wheein started in amazement. Her focus was still on the scene in front of her. 

“Yea?” Hyejin stood next to Wheein and grabbed her hand. While Wheein’s focus was on the scene before her, Hyejin’s focus was on Wheein. 

“I love you,” Wheein turned her head to give Hyejin a loving smile. Her eyes sparkled with amazement.

“I love you too.” 

As they shared a kiss, the sun fully engulfed them in its warm rays of morning light as the moon continued to remain above and watch with care.

Despite everything that has happened to them, there is one thing that will remain forever and ever. It’s as strong as nature and as lasting as time. It’s something that they thought they would never really find.

Love.