Chapter 1

**

“Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain speaking. First I'd like to welcome everyone on Japan Airlines Flight JPL 29A. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 30,000 feet at an airspeed of 350 miles per hour. The time is 3:25 pm. The weather looks good and with the tailwind on our side we are expecting to land in Japan approximately fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. The weather in Japan is clear and sunny, with a high of 25 degrees for this afternoon. If the weather cooperates we should get a great view of the city as we descend. The cabin crew will be coming around in about twenty minutes time to offer you a light snack and beverage, and the inflight movie will begin shortly after that. I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination. Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the flight.”

Aeri switched off her microphone then looked at her co-pilot and at the same time bestfriend Ryujin. The short-haired girl gave Aeri a thumbs-up before switching their gears to auto-pilot. It was their second flight for the day and Aeri's just excited to land back in Japan.

“So how’s everything with Miss nurse huh?” Ryujin teased once she and Aeri were comfortable on their seats. Aeri cracked her knuckles before looking at her bestfriend. She and Ryujin have been friends ever since they were little kids. They treat each other like sisters already. So what Aeri knows its sure that Ryujin knows it too.

“Well the last time we saw each other was last Monday.” Aeri rolled her eyes playfully “But so far everything is great between us.” She smiled.

“You already told her?” Aeri looked at Ryujin once more. Her face turned from a smiley one to a look of guilt. “You haven’t?”

“I can’t get the right timing Ryu.” She sighed loudly “But I promise I’ll tell her. I’m planning these weekends since I’ll be taking some time off.”

“You better tell her as soon as possible Aeri.” Ryujin smiled as if to reassure her bestfriend. “You guys seem to be getting really serious.” That statement made Aeri chuckle “You really love her don’t you?”

“I do Ryu. I really do.”

--

Later that evening

When Aeri arrived in her apartment she immediately slumped her body on the queen-sized bed. Flying for almost a day drained all Aeri’s energy in her body. While she was lying on the bed a sound from her phone interrupted her musing. She lazily picked her phone from the nightstand and saw Ryujin's name flashing on the screen.

“Agh damn Ryujin?” she mumbled to herself before answering the call. “Yah!”

“Wow what a great way to greet me Uchinaga. Good evening to you too.” Ryujin laughed from the other line.

“I was resting and you just had to disturb it.” Aeri groaned while walking towards the dining area. “What’s with the call though?” she opened the fridge but was disappointed when she saw nothing microwavable in it. She heard her stomach grumble making her bite her tongue.

“Nothing was just gonna ask if you’re home now which I think is yes ‘coz you were resting.” Ryujin laughed again “Sorry.”

“Whatever are you home now?” Aeri closed the fridge and made a mental note to tell her girlfriend about their lack of grocery supplies.

“Nope! Me, and my girlfriend are going for a dinner together.” Aeri smiled at hearing that. Ryujin told her before that she is seeing a flight attendant from their company. She hasn't met the girl yet but she's glad to see that Ryujin is happy with her.

“The flight attendant? What's her name again? Jisi? Jessie??”

“YAH! It’s Choi Jisu! You BAKA!” Ryujin yelled from her phone. Aeri chuckled before apologizing

“Wow okay Jisu it is.”

Aeri and Ryujin talked some more until the ringing of the doorbell was heard. “Oh Ryu gotta hang up now! Enjoy with your date.”

Aeri didn’t hear what Ryujin said as she hurriedly made her way to the front door. She opened the door and a wide smile crept on her face when she saw the person behind it. It was non-other than her girlfriend Yizhuo. The nurse that Ryujin was asking about earlier.

“Yizhuo!” She mumbled unable to keep the giddiness off her voice. "My love!"

“Hi babe.” Yizhuo answered with a smile that Aeri swore was one of the best smiles she saw. "I brought some groceries." Yizhuo showed the bag making Aeri's smile wider. Yizhuo is really a reliable person Aeri is so lucky.

“Gosh you're the best! I missed you!” Aeri pulled her in for a hug. She buried her face on the crook of Yizhuo’s neck as she mumbled her words of I miss you’s. “Gosh it’s been what? Almost 2 weeks.” Aeri added with a whine.

“I miss you too Aeri.” Yizhuo answered lovingly. She cupped Aeri’s face gently before she placed a chaste kiss on her lover’s lips.

//

Flashback

8 months ago

“Aeri I told you a millionth time that you should go see a doctor already!” Ryujin scolded Aeri while they were on the way to the hospital. Aeri’s been having an on and off fever with a massive headache. Ryujin already told Aeri