Amber 26 3rd yr 20

Irene 27 4th yr 21

Krystal 24 1st 18

Seulgi 24 1st 18

i.

Amber smiled when she saw Seulgi outside their door. “Where’s Irene?” she asked the monolid woman who shrugged. “She didn’t answer my texts. She’s probably sleeping,” she made a snoring face which made Amber laugh. “I don’t think so,” she raised an eyebrow, pressing the digits that serves as their password on their semi-automatic door. “She’s probably just—“and when the door opened, Amber was indeed right. Irene was busy ironing their shirts.

“And I am right,” she was about to look at the younger woman but she was gone like the dust. Running towards her older girfriend who hugged her immediately. “I’m ironing shirts here!” she glared at her girlfriend who pouted. “You didn’t answer my texts. Amber-unnie had to open the door for me,”

The tomboy just shrugged. “Your girlfriend’s too occupied with doing household chores,” she glared at what Irene was holding, “Yah! I told you that you shouldn’t iron my clothes!”

Amber was about to take her shirt but Irene threatened to burn her with the iron that she was holding, “Try stopping me and I’ll burn that face of yours!”

Seulgi laughed, “Yah, unnie, you can’t stop her. Just let her do these things,” she offered the advice to Amber who sighed in defeat. “Irene tends to overwork herself with stuff—I just don’t want her to focus on more important things.. Just don’t tire yourself doing these chores, Joohyun.” Amber resigned as she sat on the couch. Seulgi blinked. She knows that Amber-unnie and her Irene are close since they were childhood friends and have been living together since Amber started college. She knew that the two of them cares deeply for each other but she just couldn’t help but feel jealous whenever Amber would say sweet things like that. Of course, Irene doesn’t know about it because she knew that Irene would just quickly dismiss the idea of them since they are just friends.

“I have Seulgi to take care of me, thank you for the concern,” Irene rolled her eyes at her childhood friend who smirked in Seulgi’s direction. “Yah, take care of Joohyun, alright?” she stands up to ruffle Seulgi’s hair who beamed at her senior. “Don’t worry, Amber-unnie. You know that I do, always!”

Amber and Irene are like lovers. Like above mentioned, they take care of each other like what a friend would do and even though Seulgi trusts in Irene’s love for her, she doesn’t trust Amber still. Especially when Amber has that charm that makes the women fall for her. And also, Irene did admit to Seulgi that Amber is her first love—that just waves all the red flags for her.

And so, Seulgi made a promise to herself. She will have to find Amber Liu a girlfriend.  

ii.

Seulgi’s mission began the day after her classes; she followed Amber who is also in the same program as hers.

“Seulgi, do we have the same subject?” she asked the younger woman who was wearing an oversized black hoodie paired with black skinny jeans and white sneakers.

“Yup, this is an elective subject, right?” she asked her senior who bobbed her head. “Yeah,” Amber gingerly scratched her head, “I didn’t take any electives when I was a first year. I decided to take my majors first so here I am,” they rounded a corner and found their classroom.

Seulgi’s eyes burst wide open when she saw her friend, Moonbyul, seated with her closest and (rumoured) girlfriend, Solar. They were chatting idly when Seulgi went up to them and smiled, “I didn’t know we’re in the same class!” she exclaimed, sitting next to Moonbyul’s right who beamed at her. “Me too! Wasn’t able to take electives when I was a first year,” she said, glancing at Solar who was older than the two of them. “Same here,” Solar smiled kindly at Seulgi who did the same.

“Well, I guess it’s the same for----“she couldn’t finish her sentence when Amber was gone. The raven haired tomboy is now seated in front. Seulgi frowned but paid no mind. She and Amber are not that close anyways.

The professor ducked inside the lecture hall towing a beautiful woman behind her (she was wearing a white shirt, tucked in a denim jeans, white keds shoes) the woman has a dark and cold aura around her but despite that, she was beautiful. It was evident enough when her mere presence silenced the whole hall.

“Good morning,” Professor Tiffany smiled at them, “Dear, sit up front next to Liu,” she pointed to where Amber was seated. The woman nodded silently and sat beside Amber who smiled at her.

“You’re new here?” she asked the woman who barely nodded her head. “Yes. May I ask where the office of department head is?”

Amber blinked. “Of course, it’s just on the first floor, on the farthest right. Do you want me to take you there?”

The woman nodded, “Very well. I’m Krystal by the way,” she smiled at Amber. Amber smiled back, “Amber, Amber Liu.”

iii,

Amber and Krystal were walking side by side. And unbeknownst to them, two particular lesbians were following them. Solar left them first to find her other friends (she’s not interested in following the new beau)

“Dude, she’s so pretty!” Moonbyul drawled, keeping it cool as they followed Krystal and Amber who seem to be having fun with each other. Seulgi on the hand couldn’t help but smile wide; finally, I can have Irene on my own!

They entered the department’s office and Seulgi and Moonbyul waited for them outside.

“Seulgi?” Irene has seen them. She smiled at her girlfriend who did the same, “Joohyunnie, what are you doing here?” she asked her girlfriend who hugged her back, “I’m picking up a friend. The one that I told you from another country?”

Irene did tell her that but maybe she wasn’t able to hear it because she was busy eating. Yeah, that must be it. Moonbyul waved shyly at Irene who noticed her presence, “Hello, unnie.” She greeted the older woman who waved back, “Moonbyul, I hope Seulgi isn’t up to something this time,” she raised an eyebrow at her girlfriend who immediately shook her head. “No! it’s actually about Amber-unnie,” and as if on cue, Amber and the woman that they were following ducked outside the office.

“Soojung!” Irene gasped; she ran towards Krystal and hugged her. “It’s been so long, unnie!” the other woman yelped in joy as they pulled back from the hug.

Amber bumped her shoulder with Moonbyul’s who smiled awkwardly at her senior, “Hello, Amber-sunbaenim,” she greeted. The older tomboy just beamed, “We’re in the same class earlier, right?” she asked her. Her vision was towards Irene and Krystal who were busy talking to each other—and oh Irene is now introducing Seulgi to Krystal.

“Yes, sorry if we weren’t able to come and say hi, Seulgi pulled me away when she saw you and the transferee heading out,”

Amber laughed, “Yah, no need to be so formal with me,” she winked at Moonbyul who nodded, “Of course.” She replied, not sure at what to say.

“And this is Moonbyul, you three are just the same age and year,” Irene pointed at Seulgi who grinned at Krystal, the other woman smiled back.

The raven haired tomboy stretched out her arms, “Should we go and eat?” she asked them. Moonbyul shook her head, “Sorry but I have to go now. I still have classes,” Seulgi frowned but couldn’t blame her friend. “I’ll see you later then,” Seulgi said to Moonbyul who waved, “Just text me,” Moonbyul then faced her seniors and Krystal, “I better get going now,” she bowed at them, “It was nice to meet you,” she beamed at Krystal who nodded her head curtly and Moonbyul walked out after that.

“Where are we eating?” Seulgi asked; mouth agape at the thought of food. Irene had to roll her eyes. “How about that newly-opened restaurant at the intersection?”

Amber blinked, “Oh yeah, that’s the restaurant Vic-unnie owns,” she bobbed her head towards the exit. Irene clung her arm on Seulgi’s as they followed Amber and Krystal who were walking side by side.

“How was class?” Irene asked her girlfriend who blushed, “Class has been good. I’m with Solar-unnie, Moonbyul-unnie, and Amber-unnie,” she grinned at the smaller woman who nodded her head. “Ah, that’s good. I’ll have Amber watch over you then,”

iv

“Vic-unnie!” Amber greeted the restaurant owner whose eyes widened in anticipation as she saw them enter her restaurant. “Come inside! Aigoo, it’s been so long since I last saw you and Irene,” Irene unslung her arm and hugged Victoria who patted her head. The chinese eyed the two companions of her friends. “And who are these?” she raised an eyebrow at them. Seulgi waved her hand awkwardly while Krystal smiled shyly.

“These are our friends, Seulgi,” Amber pointed at Seulgi who was still standing next to Irene, “And Krystal, we just met actually. Joohyun and her are close friends,”

Victoria smiled kindly as what she has been known for, ushering them to a nearby booth at the glass windows. “Here are the menus,” she handed them each; “I’ll be back for your orders.”

The four of them sat together in silence.

“Should we just order a set?” Seulgi asked the three who were still busy scanning the menu. Irene smiled at her, “Sure, that works for me. How about you guys?” she asked the two who were sitting next to each other.

Amber bobbed her head, “No problem for me,” she said in English, Krystal looked at her wide eyed. “You speak English?” she asked her in the same language. “Yup, god, I should have known. You’re clearly giving me that American vibe,” she joked, twirling her hand to make a point which made Krystal laugh “I don’t have that kind of vibe!” she retorted at the tomboy who just shrugged.

Victoria came back to take their orders and they were left in silence once again.

Seulgi tried to make small talks with the newcomer, “So what are you majoring, Krystal-ssi?” she curtly asked. Krystal shook her head, “Please drop the formalities. I’m not really comfortable with it,” she nervously laughed before running a hand to her smooth raven hair, “I’m a Social Sciences major,” she answered. “How about you two?” she eyed Amber before drifting her attention back to the monolid woman who beamed.

“I’m in Arts, major in modern dance,” Seulgi excitedly replied, “I’m in Environmental Science,” Amber hastily replied as she fished her phone from her pocket. Irene tilted her head, “Ohh,” she cooed at Amber who smirked, “Hot date?” she childhood friend who chuckled at how ridiculous Irene sounded.

“Yah,” Amber mimicked Irene’s eyebrow-raising, “This is just Luna asking me where I am,” she showed her the text message which Irene thoroughly checked and handed back to Amber who immediately typed a reply.

Amber glanced at Seulgi and noticed that she was frowning. Amber isn’t oblivious. She knows that Seulgi is jealous of her because she’s really close with her bestfriend, Irene. No matter how much she wanted to avoid Irene, she just couldn’t because they’re practically attached to each other. Amber sighed, “Valentine’s is coming soon,” she looked at Krystal who was busy with her phone.

“Do you have any plans?” she asked. Krystal glanced at her and blinked, “Are you asking me that question?”

Amber shrugged, “Yeah, sure. I mean, I know what those two are planning anyway,” she rolled her eyes at the couple across them. Irene scoffed at her teasingly while Seulgi blushed crimson.

“Nothing, I guess. I’m just gonna spend the day with my sister,” Krystal coolly replied, before blinking again at the realization. “You two are dating?!”

Seulgi scratched the back of her neck while Irene blushed and answered, “Yes.”

“That’s nice. How long have you two been together?” Krystal asked, Irene looked at Seulgi who said, “For three months now.” she beamed, holding Irene’s hand on her own. Krystal nodded in understanding, “Well, I’m happy for you unnie,” she smiled wide.

“Thank you, Soojung. It means a lot to me,” Irene shyly smiled at her dongsaeng who returned the favour, “You’re welcome, unnie.”

Amber grinned in appreciation. She likes how nice and kind Krystal is despite her cold demeanour. For a couple while, their orders arrived and they ate together in silence.

“Are you gonna live with Sooyeon-unnie or you’re gonna live in the dorms?” Irene asked the youngest Jung who sipped her drink, “I’m gonna live with unnie. I told her that I’ll just live in the dorm but she just wouldn’t budge.”

Seulgi raised her eyebrows, “Whoa, I bet having a sister is nice. I only have my brothers with me,” she continued eating her noodles. Irene then turned to look at Amber in a way that Seulgi and Amber knew that they’re completely ed. The raven haired tomboy furrowed her eyebrows, “What the hell are you looking at?”

Krystal blinked, looking at Irene with an unreadable expression.

“Do you know who her sister is?”

Amber shrugged. “I don’t know anyone with a name of Jung Sooyeon if that’s what you’re asking me,”

Irene laughed.

“Her sister is Jessica Jung, you dolt!”

v

After Irene revealed Krystal’s sister to her. Amber shivered. The name itself was enough to awaken some unwanted memories when she was still a freshman. Jessica was one of her professors and her current girlfriend at that time, Kwon Yuri, was also a professor.

Amber had grown fond of Yuri since they attended swimming lessons together outside the school. Irene and Jessica were already acquainted because their families are close friends. And since Amber and Irene are close friends, it was easy to be close with the two lovers since they already know each other.

Their friendship came to an abrupt end when months later, Irene and Amber saw something that they shouldn’t have.

The two childhood friends were at a convenience store outside their dorms to buy their essentials when they saw Yuri with another woman, they were sharing ramen together. Just as when they were about to approach them, Yuri kissed the woman that she was with.

The two quickly ran away after that.

Irene went to Jessica’s place to tell her what she saw while Amber proceeded to talk to Yuri. When Jessica found out, she was mad as hell and thought that Amber was on Yuri’s side. (Because Amber is known to be an all-around Casanova which isn’t true) Jessica thought that Amber was just adding fuel to the fire.

Morning after that, Amber received a call from Jessica to never see her again or be on her line of sight for even less than a second or she’ll do the same thing that she did to Yuri.

Amber almost fainted when she saw Yuri on the hospital bed with bandages all over her body.

“So, my sister didn’t even hear your side of the story?” Krystal asked Amber who bobbed her head. “Yeah, it was really, I mean really, . Like, after that, no one bothered to ask Yuri because she’d just cry. She needed to see a therapist for a year because of that,” Amber shivered as they walked the streets.

Irene and Seulgi separated from them earlier after their dinner. Amber and Krystal didn’t question them anymore since they’re a couple who deserves some quality time.

“I knew of this Yuri but I didn’t know that it was that--- uh, severe?” Krystal hugged her coat closer to her. They were walking to where her apartment complex is.

Amber heaved a breath, “Yeah, it was also Yuri’s fault for doing that to your sister. She deserves it the least,” she chuckled, “So, how is she doing now? I haven’t seen her in years since she quit her job at the uni after that incident,”

“She’s been well. She’s currently seeing someone and I heard that it’s serious. I think they’re even engaged now,”

Amber raised both of her eyebrows, “That’s nice. She’s in the right age to marry anyway.” She commented.

“Have you been always close with Irene-unnie?” Krystal asked Amber who smiled at her, “Yeah, we’re childhood friends until I had to move back in L.A. in my freshman year of high school. I came back here in college and we got reacquainted. I’m really glad that nothing changed between us.” She smiled at the memory of younger Irene who would always look after her.

They were only a couple of blocks away from Krystal’s apartment complex and Amber stopped in her tracks. “I guess that I’ll have to stop here,” she laughed, “Your unnie still scares me,”

Krystal nodded her head in understanding. “It was nice meeting you, Amber. Thank you for walking me home. I could just really take the cab next time,” she smiled at the taller tomboy who shook her head. “It’s cool. I also wanted to get to know you anyway. I hope that you had fun today,”

“I did. Take care,”

vi

“Do you think Amber-unnie and Kystal would hit it off?” Seulgi asked her girlfriend who looked at her. They were currently cuddling on the couch, Seulgi wrapping her arms around the waist of her girlfriend.

“I don’t know,” Irene wiggled out of Seulgi’s wrap to sit up, “But I hope that they would. Kystal’s a nice woman,” she glanced at the wall clock and sighed, “You better go home now,” she pulled Seulgi up who groaned. “It’s still 9:00!” she whined at the older woman who didn’t waiver, “Yes, but your 1st class is P.E. you have to do good since it’s a prerequisite of a major subject!”

Seulgi smirked. Using her remaining strength, she pulled Irene towards her, making the latter fall on top of her. “How did you know my schedule?” she asked, her face was inches away from kissing her girlfriend’s mouth.

“In case you forgot, I sometimes help out at the department’s office.” Irene proceeded to peck Seulgi’s nose. “Come on, bear, let’s get you home.”

“No fair,” Seulgi pouted when she felt Irene’s weight off of her. “Can I just sleep here?”

Irene shook her head, “We agreed that only on weekends. Not weekdays,” Seulgi sighed, there’s no point in arguing with Irene because she knows that Irene is always right.

The door opened revealing Amber whose eyes were covered by both of her hands. “I’m not gonna permit myself to see you two doing something so I’m doing this,”

The act made Irene laugh; she threw a pillow towards Amber who puffed. “Yah, what was that for?”

Seulgi blushed, “Unnie! WE’re not doing those things that you’re thinking!”

Amber chuckled, “I’m just making sure,” she sang as she ran towards her room before Irene could get to her.

“Aish that llama,” Irene heaved a breath.

vii

It was morning when Irene woke up to the scent of pancakes and tea. She smiled as she walked wrapped herself with her robe and walked towards the kitchen to see Amber cooking their breakfast.

“Morning, baechu,” she greeted. Irene just scoffed at her and sipped her tea which was prepared to her by Amber. “Good morning. You’re so early today?” she asked her roommate who shrugged.

“Yeah,” she gingerly placed a plate full of pancakes in front of her friend. “Suzy wanted to meet with me.”

Irene closed her eyes at the mention of Amber’s on-and-off ex-girlfriend and now her estranged cousin.

“What does she want this time? Isn’t she seeing someone else now?” she asked, piercing her pancake a little too much that it broke into pieces. Even though Irene is related to Suzy, she hated her for her guts to just go back to Amber anytime she wants to.

Amber sighed. “Yup, she told me that she wanted to return something. I don’t know what that is and I told her that she could just keep it but she told me that it’s something that she can’t keep forever because it reminded her of me.”

Irene shook her head, “I should come with you.”

The raven haired tomboy shook her head, “No, it’s okay. I can handle myself,” she tried to assure her best friend who shook her head, “Yeah, that’s what you told me the last time. We eventually ended up picking you up in a brothel!”

Amber blushed at the memory, “Fine, fine, fine,” she shook her head at the memory. “Just—make sure that she doesn’t see you, alright? You know how she’s deathly afraid of you because you almost skinned her to death that one time.”

Irene grinned at the memory. It was the 2nd time Amber and Suzy broke up. And it was also right in front of her. (The audacity of that woman!) Suzy confessed to Amber that she was sleeping with another man and she wanted to break up with her for good because she doesn’t really love her from the very beginning and was just with her because she’s popular.

Irene lost all of her self-control that night.

“Very well then,”

viii

Just as what they talked about, Irene was seated at the farthest booth where she could see Suzy’s back. Amber and her arrived first (Amber and Suzy settled to meet in the morning before Suzy’s classes)

Few minutes later, Suzy arrived and Irene had to hide her face with the menu.

Amber felt her oxygen left her body when Suzy sat in front of her with that pretty face and that perfect smile of hers.

“Hello, Amber,” she greeted her casually. And eyed the home brewed iced tea in front of her (that’s her favourite drink from this café) “how are you?” she asked her ex. Amber shrugged, “I’m fine. How about you?”

Suzy smiled, “I’m okay, too. Let’s get straight to the point,” she started, taking out a gold wrist watch from her purse. “I wanted to return this,” it was the watch Amber gave Suzy for their 100th day. Amber shook her head, “Why can’t you just keep it?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at her ex who frowned.

“I can’t. it just reminds me of you, Amber. I can’t continue being like this.”

Meanwhile, Irene was studying Amber’s face who is now frowning. She clenched her teeth. She hated seeing her best friend frown like that; she hated seeing Amber sad in general. Because ever since they were kids, Amber was always there for her to lighten up her mood, to make her smile whenever she’s sad or whenever she’s feeling down, Amber is always there to comfort her.

Suzy, at that time was already a senior in high school and she went to their university to take her entrance exam, and since they were cousins (though they were not that close) Irene was asked by Suzy’s mother to accompany her daughter in the university (since she was already a college student that time). That was when Suzy met Amber the first time. They started hanging out after that and started dating eventually. They dated for about 5 months until they broke up when Amber found out that Suzy is still seeing her high school sweetheart behind Amber’s back. Few weeks after, they got back together when Suzy (Suzy is now a freshman in college) asked for her forgiveness. Which Amber initially forgave after Suzy showed her that she was really sorry.

They continued dating but 2 months after, Suzy and Amber broke up again when Amber found out that Suzy is seeing another senior in their university. It was the time when Irene lost her because Amber kept on crying and Amber was so mad at herself because she kept on blaming herself as to why Suzy isn’t satisfied with her.

Irene went to Suzy’s place. Pulled her hair like it’s the only thing that mattered and started yelling curses at her, Suzy’s roommates were quick to help her, “Come near to Amber one more time and I’ll skin you alive!” was what she remembered saying to her before Amber picked her up.

Since then, Suzy never contacted Amber and that was how their rumour began. The rumour was that Amber and Irene are secretly dating and Suzy ruined their relationship. The rumour eventually died and Irene’s admirers quit (much to Irene’s joy and to Amber’s dism