I’m Kim Minjoo, 24 years old, living in the city of Oslo, Norway. My parents migrated here when I was still a toddler. The last time I went to my parents’ country was 6 years ago when I turned 18. I’m currently working at an Italian insurance company called ASSICURAZIONI GENERALI. And finally vacation is coming… I can finally rest my mind.

The company gave us a one month vacation this summer and I don’t know what to do yet. I’m planning to stay home and do nothing, that’s what rest is right?

And yes, it’s time to sleep… I’ll think about what to do this summer tomorrow.

 

******

I woke up feeling weird and confused, my heart beating erratically.

I just dreamt about Kim Chaewon.

Freaking Kim Chaewon.

The girl whom I hated for years during Middle School. She used to tease me almost everyday but eventually became friends in High School before her family transferred to Copenhagen, Denmark.

We seldom message each other, just birthday greetings once a year? We never met again since she moved to another country. And why did I ever dream about her? That kind of dream…

 

(

 

Vacationing in Iceland seems like the worst idea to go during winter. My friends forced me to go since it’s been a while since the last time I hung out with them. I prefer staying in the hotel rather than going out there to those massive ice mountains that would kill me from freezing.

We’re staying at an apartment here in Reykjavík, the capital. The people here are so nice and educated. One good thing, I guess.

But as for the food? I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to eat the head of a lamb. And yes, that’s their specialty here. I’ll probably have Lobster Soup instead.

Tonight we will have a blast. There’s a pretty restaurant near our apartment and they have a live band. I think Kriesha already knew about this. She suggested that we have dinner there.

Hopefully the others won’t drink too much. Did I mention? These girls are alcoholic. Kidding, I love my friends. 

Yujin, our youngest, is out there having a conversation with other tourists. That girl never ceases to amaze me, she knows how to connect with people easily.

Oh, here she comes… with them?

And, one of them is pretty familiar but I don’t quite remember. Her eyes.

“Hi” said the girl whose eyes were on me. Do I know her?

“Girls!! This is Sakura, Eunbi and Chaewon. They’re from Denmark” Yujin enthusiastically introduced the girls in front of us.

Chaewon.

“Hi, nice to meet you. Can we sit here with you?” the girl named Eunbi asked.

Kriesha agreed almost immediately while introducing herself. Sakura and Eunbi took a seat beside my friends but the other girl with a mask remained standing… in front of me.

She said something but I couldn’t hear.

“Did you say something?” I asked.

“You don’t remember me, am I right?” as she’s taking a seat on my right side.

I kept mum. C’mon brain, she’s familiar and you have certainly met before.

“I guess not,” she said again then she took off her facemask. “I’m Chaechae, Min. Your middle school and high school classmate.”

Now, I remember her.

“The one who used to call me froggie.” I said with sarcasm.

A bit embarrassed she said “Sorry about that, I was young and naive.”

Silence.

“Forgive me?” she continued.

“Forgiven.”

“So, what brings you here?” she asked, breaking the awkward atmosphere between us. I noticed that our friends are also having a good conversation.

“They forced me to have a week-long vacation here with them,” I answered as I looked at my friends. “How about you?” 

“Well, I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland and take a bath at the Blue Lagoon. People say that it’s better during winter. And I asked them to tag along since I don’t want to go alone. But you… you’re forced huh? Do you girls already have plans on what to do during your stay here?” I don’t remember Chaewon being so talkative.

“Uhm,” looking around trying to make eye contact with Kriesha. “I don’t actually have any idea on what we are going to do here. My friends did all the planning.”

We continued talking and didn’t realize we still hadn't ordered anything for dinner until the waiter approached our table.

“Halló ladies! Ready to order?” the waiter asked politely.

“Yes!” she almost jumped. This kid is always excited when it comes to food.

As I was scanning the menu Chaewon suddenly whispered, “Let’s share? Looks like they give big portions,” while looking around the other tables.

“Sure, what do you want to try?” I asked as she came closer to me.

She held the menu.

No, she held my hand that’s holding the menu.

I looked at her, but she’s focused on what she’s reading.

The girls are done ordering, it’s our turn now.

“We are taking Lobster Soup and Kjötsúpa. For dessert Skyr and a piece of hjónabandssæla, please” Chaewon said while taking orders for us and still holding my hand. “And drinks…” she looked at me, “ACE juice for her and a bottle of beer-”

“A bottle of sparkling water for her, please.” I interrupted as I pinched her hand that was holding me.

Silence.

“Uhm, yes. That’s all, thank you” Chaewon finished ordering and the waiter left after reciting all our orders one by one.

I looked at our friends and they were gazing at us intently.

“Excuse me, but “we”?” Yujin started asking.

“Chaewon, you don’t eat seafood.” Sakura said, seeming offended that her friend just ordered seafood.

“You ordered a marriage cake?” Kriesha was talking about the hjónabandssaela that the girl beside me ordered.

“She stopped you from ordering a beer and you’re okay with that!?” Eunbi said with a visible shock in her tone. 

“And- YOUR HOLDING HANDS!” they said all together while pointing at our intertwined hands on the table.

I immediately took my hand and bowed my head from embarrassment.

Chaewon probably noticed that I was startled by their questions, she cautiously put her left hand on my back and rubbed it to sooth me.

She answered their questions one by one.

“I said WE because we’re sharing. Look around you, one portion is big enough for 2 persons.” I saw the girls glancing at the other table, a guy was having a hard time finishing his order.

“Yes, I don’t eat seafood but it’s Minjoo’s favorite and for goodness sake it’s just a cake. Lastly, she doesn’t like when I drink.”

She remembered and she noticed? She remembered that I used to stay away from her whenever she was drunk? She still remembered my favorites?

What is happening? 

While I was contemplating with myself, Yujin spoke again. “You knew each other?” She noticed.

“Well, yes. I used to live in Oslo too. We used to be classmates in school before my family moved to Denmark.” Chaewon explained nonchalantly.

“And, how d’you explain the “holding hands”?” Eunbi continued with their questionnaire.

I gazed down, again. I feel bad for Chaewon answering all their questions alone.

But she kept mum this time.

I raised my eyes and looked at her. I sense that she also doesn’t know what to say.

“Uhm,” I started. She looked at me. “We used to hold hands during high school. It almost became natural for us. But it’s been years since the last time we saw each other. Your friend here suddenly disappeared without a word and one day texted me that they moved to another country.” I felt her hand on my back going down to my waist and mumbled a little “sorry.”

I let out a little smile and said “It’s okay, you’re here now.”

Silence.

Uh-oh.

I just realized what I said.

We are doomed.

“Wait! WHAT!?” Kriesha almost screamed.

We looked at each other.

They don’t know about us. Even our best friends.

I messed up big time this time.

“Uhm, we were uhh… super close friends. Yeah, during high school. When- uhh when we were classmates.” Chaewon took the initiative to explain.

“But we were already friends with Minjoo during high school,” Yujin retorted doubtfully.

“Well, I transferred school after the 1st year. Remember?” I finally found my voice to help Chaewon. Kriesha nodded. 

She was staring at me, I know she wanted to know why. I was about to speak again when…

“Hallò again. Here are your orders ladies,” the waiter came to deliver our orders.

Chaewon stood up to help the waiter pass the orders. She’s always been like that, helpful. She also took a napkin and put it on my lap before taking one for her.

I missed this.

I never realized how much I missed being with Chaewon.

“Are you okay, Min?” 

“Yes, sorry. Let’s eat?” 

Thankfully our friends stopped asking questions, started eating and minding their own business.

“Chae, I can eat alone,” I said and smiled at her when she was about to put the spoon in front of my mouth.

Apparently, her friends saw that and started teasing her.

“Oooh. I’ve never seen the Bad Girl Chaewon taking care of someone,” Sakura said with a smirk. Eunbi just nodded in agreement and laughed.

“Kriesha, look. Minjoo is blushing,” Yujin teased too.

Chaewon looked at Sakura as if she was ready to kill her, “Shut up!” she uttered with a low but firm voice. “Eat!”

The atmosphere suddenly felt cold. Sakura stopped smirking. Eunbi stopped laughing. Kriesha and Yujin were stunned and scared.

This is the Chaewon they know, I guess. The cold and scary one.

I chuckled as I held her hand under the table. “It’s okay guys, let’s continue eating,” I tried to ease the atmosphere.

The girls started eating again.

But the girl beside me on the other hand is still fuming. I held her hand tighter and she finally glanced towards me.

“Sorry about that, I’m going to kill Sakura later.”

“C’mon, let’s just eat. My lobster soup and your Kjötsúpa are getting cold now.” Then I remembered what her friend said earlier.

And we started eating but the space between us is slowly disappearing. 

She’s eating with her right hand alone. Her left hand? It’s back on my waist again. 

“Since when did you stop eating seafood?” I asked and it took her off guard, she almost choked.

“To be honest?” I nodded at her. “After we moved to Copenhagen. The reason why? Isn’t it obvious?” 

“No, Chae. It’s not obvious. Now, tell me why.” I insisted.

She scooted closer to me, the little space now was gone, and said “because they remind me of you.”

I didn’t expect her answer. Why would she stop eating something that she likes to eat?

Instead of asking questions again, I fed her a spoonful of lobster soup. She was taken aback but still ate it.

I noticed Eunbi and Kriesha glancing at us, but nevermind. We’ll talk after dinner.

Silly girl, Chaewon ate half of my lobster soup. I guess it’s true that she stopped eating seafood after we got separated.

The desserts were exquisite, so I'll probably order them again next time.

Dinner’s done and I suggested we go back to the apartment. But the girls have a different suggestion. To have a sleepover in one of our apartments.

My friends weren’t scared to be with Chaewon’s friends. They said that they trust each other knowing that me and Chaewon used to be “super close friends.” And nothing bad will happen.

Sakura said they’re going to their apartment first to get some of their things then they will come to our apartment afterwards. As soon as Kriesha gave the address of our apartment, Eunbi searched it on google maps and found out that we are staying in the same street.

We accompanied them then we went to our apartment. Thankfully the one that the two dorks booked has 3 rooms and 3 bathrooms. 

All this time, Chaewon stayed by my side. Even now, I’m in my bathroom and she’s in bed playing games with her phone.

Now that we’re all in our pajamas, we went to the living room to talk about what to do and where to go tomorrow.

Of course, the girl beside me suggested the Blue Lagoon immediately.

And just like that, the destination was decided.

Everyone’s pretty tired and we’re going to wake up early.

I was about to go stand up when our friends suddenly ran to their respective rooms leaving me and Chaewon alone.

“I guess you’re sleeping in my room tonight, Chae,” I said, chuckling.

“It’s not the first time tho.” I looked at her with my eyebrows raised. “I’ll behave, Min.” she continued while laughing.

I remember having a sleepover years ago and Chaewon would always prank me.

Our parents were close friends too. That’s how we met, through our parents.

During 1st year in middle school, Chaewon would call me froggie. Until we found out that our parents were friends, we started meeting each other more often outside the classroom and eventually we became close too.

So close, inseparable. We even decided to go to the same High School, just to be with each other. But hiding the fact that we were close friends to the whole school because Chae was always in trouble and she didn’t want me to be affected.

We would always sleep in each other’s houses. If people would see us at home, they would say that we were more than just friends. Chae was very clingy and sweet, though she was known as a troublemaker at the school grounds.

It was all good until their family suddenly disappeared. I asked my parents about it of course, but they only said that it was about her dad’s work and that they will come back.

Days. Months have passed and no Chaewon yet.

That’s when I decided to transfer to another school.

“Left side is yours,” she suddenly said.

“What?” I was confused.

“Bed. Left side, yours. Right side, mine.” she repeated while going to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Thankfully the bed is big enough for the two of us.

I was already lying down when she came out of the bathroom. I was about to enter dreamland when I felt her scooting closer to me and a hand on my tummy. I held her hand to assure her that it was okay for me. She held me tighter.

I felt something. Something that I couldn't explain, but something that I felt only when I was with Chaewon.

“I missed you,” she whispered. “So much, Min.”

I didn’t talk, but I moved to face her. Instead of telling her that I missed her too, I kissed her forehead.

Finally, we fell asleep in each other’s embrace.

 

*******

 

We’re at the Blue Lagoon Grindavik. A geothermal spa. Our group of three is now a group of six people.

I was never a fan of cold nor winter. I was freezing. We were all freezing aside from the girl holding my hand trying to keep me warm.

It’s -2°C and I’m all covered up. I don’t know if the spa was really warm as they wrote in the reviews.

We ate breakfast and got ready to get in the water.

The view outside at the spring is breathtaking, the mountains are all covered with snow. It’s a little foggy but you can still be mesmerized. The water is far from the transparent one that we all know, it’s literally milky blue. I would like to try to drink it if it tastes like milk too. Kidding.

Under my bathrobe, I was wearing my swimsuit. I can’t believe I was wearing a swimsuit during the freaking winter.

Here comes Chaewon and Eunbi, it seemed like the two had a talk. The former was frowning.

“Is everything okay?” I asked Chae as soon as she came closer to me.

“Yeah, I’ll tell you later. Let’s go?” She answered as she guided me to the spa.

The girls are already somewhere in the water, I heard no scream so I guess it was warm enough for me.

It felt good. Relaxing.

The water was only up to my waist, so if I sat down it would reach up to my shoulder. I know there were deeper parts of the spring but I don't want to go further.

I saw our friends talking on the other side of the spa. Chaewon was still beside me then she led me where there were less people.

We sat side by side. I guess it’s time to talk, I mean catch up.

I felt her playing with my hand under water. And as I glanced at her, she was biting her lips.

“Chae, what’s wrong?” I started.

“I’m sorry, Min. About everything. It’s all my fault.” She seemed nervous. “We were so close, remember? I was so used to sleep with you by my side. You were the one who could calm me down immediately. You were the source of my strength and my happiness.” She stopped and looked at me.

“Our parents noticed something that we thought was normal for us because we were always with each other. They thought maybe separating was a good idea.” She continued.

“My parents told me that you transferred because of your dad's work." I interrupted her, confused.

What was she saying? Her fault? Has something happened that I am not aware of? Were they hiding something from me?

“Well, my dad did find work in Denmark. But that would have not happened if I didn’t fall in love with you.” I was about to open my mouth to say something but she stopped me. “Let me finish first, Min. I- I know we were too young and our parents noticed my behavior whenever you were near. My favorite topic was you. My world revolved around you. My dad talked to me before we talked to your parents, you weren’t there because you were having an extracurricular class that day. I confessed to them that it wasn’t just a mere crush anymore but it was “I am slowly falling in love” and we were just 15. They said that it was better for us to be separated for a while for us to grow individually, so I suggested we transfer after the end of the school year. They asked me not to tell you. And it took me a while to message you because I didn’t know how to tell you, especially when it’s just through written words.” She’s trying not to cry, but her tears won't stop. “I know, you were hurt. I was too. I even stopped eating seafood because they remind me of you. I missed you so much that I wanted to rebel against my parents. But I also knew that it’s for the both of us. I was there during your 18th birthday, but I couldn’t let you see me. I ran away from home just to be there.” She giggled while wiping her tears. A troublemaker indeed. 

“So, you kept contact with my parents after all these years? Did you also know that I was going here?” I asked. She seemed to know everything that has happened to me.

“Yes, Auntie told me. And I finally got the go signal from our parents to see you. I booked a flight as soon as I knew I could see you but I never expected to meet you on my first night here in Iceland.”

She’s known as a troublemaker, someone who doesn't listen to the professors, who’s always searching for a fight but when it comes to her family she listens well.

I didn’t know what to say, there’s a lot of things to process. So I kept mum.

“I’m really sorry Min, I do treasure our friendship. I really do. I just fell in love.”

“I- uh I liked you too Chae. The feeling was mutual,” I said in a low voice. “I knew what we shared was more than friendship but I don’t understand why you guys didn’t tell me anything.”

“You liked me too?” She asked for confirmation.

I smiled and said “Yes, I do like you.” She’s now smiling.

“Min, you know I still like you, right? My feelings for you have never faded.” She confessed.

My heart was beating faster than normal. I took her hand and placed it on my chest to make her feel my heartbeat.

“As I said, the feeling is mutual, Chae. After all these years, you’re the only one who can make my heart beat this fast.” I finally found the courage to tell her my feelings openly.

She suddenly lifted me up and placed me between her legs. I leaned my head backwards to her shoulder and I felt her hands being intertwined with mine. She gently kissed my cheeks and stayed like that for a while.

I felt something.

The warm water around us was really comfortable. The temperature was just right.

Then I remembered something.

I turned my head to face her, she had her eyes closed. “Chae?”

“Hmm?” 

“What were you and Eunbi talking about earlier? If I may ask.” 

“Oh about that, I asked her if we can stay in our apartment for the rest of the vacation. And if they can stay with your friends at your place. They’re getting along anyway, so there wouldn’t be any problem. But she said that we should ask them all, not just her.” Eyes closed, she answered. She tightened her hug and I can’t help but smile. “Can we stay like this forever? It’s so comfortable.”

Not minding what she said at the end, I asked again “Why would you ask that? All my things are in my room.”

“So we can have alone time, and we can take your things later after dinner. One of these days I will kill Sakura and Yujin, they keep on teasing me. You wouldn’t let that happen, right? It’s a win-win Min. Our alone time for me and no killing friends for you.” I chuckled at her response.

“Fine, we’ll ask them later.” 

“Thank you, Min.” I again felt her lips on my skin, but this time on my shoulder.

I moved a little bit to be more comfortable. My back on Chae’s front. I then suddenly felt a sting… I peeked on my left and saw that Chae’s lips were still on my shoulder, it. I flicked her forhead and there it was… a red spot.

She finally came to her senses, opened her eyes and saw what she had done.

With eyes wide open, she glanced at me and the hickey. “Oh my gosh. I’m sorry Min. I- I didn’t realize…”

I held her hands around me tighter and reassured that it was fine. “We are in public. I just hope the girls will not notice it.”

“You’ll be all covered up later anyways.” She said as she kissed the love bite.

I leaned backwards to kiss her cheek, but she moved her head to face me and my lips landed on hers.

Shocked, we stayed like that for a few seconds. She suddenly smiled, gave me a peck and put her head in between my neck and shoulder again.

Embarrassed, I bit my lips. I didn’t expect that. I can feel my face getting red, thankfully she wasn’t facing me and the milky blue water of the lagoon was warm.

She slowly let go of my right hand and felt a palm on my stomach. She was caressing it. 

Is the water getting warmer?

I closed my eyes enjoying the warmth of the water and whatever Chaewon was doing. It felt good.

She started placing kisses on my neck, gently. I gave her more space as she pulled me closer to her body. Her left hand was on my waist while her right was still on my stomach. I peeked around and thankfully we were alone.

I could feel her breath getting heavier, so was mine.

“Chae.” I called her name.

Her hand was slowly going up.

Hearts beating faster.

"Can I?" She asked. I answered with a nod.

I didn’t realize she already unlocked my upper swimsuit and her right hand was getting nearer my right . Her palm was soft and warm on my skin.

As soon as her hand landed on my , she gave it a soft squeeze. Uh… it feels so good.

“CHAEWON! MINJOO!” We suddenly stopped. But her hand was still on my . Our friends are looking for us already.

“Are they here?” We heard Kriesha. “Not a soul in here. Let’s search for the other rooms,” Sakura answered and went out.

“Time to go,” Chaewon whispered in my ears. She gave me another squeeze before she locked my swimsuit. I faced her and slapped her playfully.

I opened my mouth to talk, but she suddenly kissed me to which I responded immediately. Taking advantage of the fact that my mouth was open, she my tongue before giving a peck.

“Hey! You’ve had too much already, naughty girl,” I said while standing up. She helped me put on my bathrobe, and stole another kiss but this time to my shoulder that she marked earlier.

We were walking hand in hand when I suddenly tripped…

 

)

 

My phone rang and I clicked the answer button but I didn’t bother looking who the caller was. I was too engrossed about the dream I just had. 

How can I dream about her?

“Minjoo! Are you there?” Oh, the call. That’s Yujin’s voice.

“Yeah, sorry. I’m here. What d’you want?”

“Pack your things. We’re going on a one week long vacation. Kriesha and I booked a flight and an apartment already.” 

I was dumbfounded, like, what was she talking about?

“Minjoo, I swear to God I’ll kill you if you’re not yet ready. We will pick you up at noon.” She continued.

“Where are we going?” I wondered, they told me nothing about this vacation.

“Iceland,” she answered and hung up.

 

My dream.

 

Well, it’s just a dream. Right?