“All passengers boarding flight KE-117 bound for Auckland, please proceed to Gate 4.”

 

Upon hearing her flight details, Minju immediately discards her book in her bag, and she gathers her stuff. 

 

She didn't need to hurry as there was still ample time left for her to get to the gate, but her clumsy self always found ways to make her panic in times when she shouldn't even be in such a state.

 

Her, unfortunately, open carry-on bag tipped over when she stood up and its contents — her personal stuff — are now all over the public airport floor.

 

“.”

 

She mutters a curse as she lets her luggage go and bends over to grab everything. But then, her backside bumps onto the luggage and it falls over. With the loud clanking sound on the floor resonating around the place, she finally catches the attention of other passengers near her.

 

Some look at her with concern but choose to proceed to their boarding gate instead, and others, though eager to help, are already beaten to it by someone.

 

Minju hadn't realized it until a hand holding some of her personal hygiene kit had offered it to her. A blush creeps up her face upon seeing her small bag of emergency tampons being on top of the pile in the stranger's hands.

 

“Here.”

 

The voice is low, and Minju doesn’t know if it was a young man or a woman since the person is towering over her even while they're kneeling on the floor. She is also too embarrassed to look at the stranger's face, so she keeps her head down as she accepts her stuff, her eyes accidentally trailing on the huge letter 'K' embroidered on their jacket. She tears her sight away from it and starts pushing her stuff back into her hand carry, and then she bows in gratitude for their help.

 

The stranger doesn't reply and instead goes over to her fallen luggage and hoists it upright, then smoothly slides it beside Minju who finally finds herself back on her feet.

 

“Next time, be careful,” the stranger says and walks away.

 

Once she is sure that the person is already meters away, Minju looks up to see who it was — yet all she could see is the broad, confident back of a tall woman who wore a ballcap, a red varsity jacket and jeans, with a huge black duffel bag swung over her shoulders before she blends into the crowd, and she finally loses sight of her.

 

The last detail Minju kept imprinted in her mind is the name and logo of Korea University on the back of the varsity jacket.

 

She didn't realize she was lost in a daze until the speakers broadcasted the boarding announcement once more. Minju, now much more careful, secures her luggage with her and starts brisk walking towards the gate.

 

Thankfully, she manages to board the plane without any further problems. Once she has settled in her seat, she checks her phone for last minute messages from her friends.

 

And, indeed, her best friend had left her with a very important reminder that she regrets not reading earlier.

 

[12:53] joguri: i better not be hearing 
                      stories of u getting in trouble for
                      being a klutz.

                     ur alone on this trip, min, 
                     and ppl won't always be nice to 
                     u for being naturally clumsy. 

                     and NO YOUR PRETTY FACE      
                     WON'T MAKE THEM NICE

                     so please be always careful!

                     also

                     maybe take this chance to open up
                     to new ppl and loosen up

                     enjoy ur vacay!!!

                     p.s.

                     i could've gone w u if u just waited 
                     for my leave to get approved >:(

 

She knows Jo Yuri would flip if she found out about what happened earlier, but she also knows she would probably be forgiving once she knows the stranger was kind to her.

 

But then again, she was still in Korea, and there is no guarantee that the people in her destination would always be kind to foreigners, much less to a walking disaster who is traveling all alone to a foreign country for the very first time in her life.

 

~§~

 

“Are you sure you don't want to try our parfaits? They're really good,” the cashier on duty asks, flashing her another toothy smile that is, honestly, not so pleasant to look at.

 

She landed and settled in New Zealand just three hours ago. On instances that she'd be jetlagged and utterly exhausted from the long travel from the airport to her accommodation, she would have spent her entire day in her hotel room. But surprisingly, her travel was smooth, and she was able to sleep well during the trip. So instead of rolling in her bed for her first day, she decided to go out and experience the new environment.

 

Unfortunately for her, she ended up in the only cafe offering her favorite menu where a worker is obviously trying to hit on her.

 

Although the native is friendly, especially to customers, his deep blue eyes bore into Minju the longer she stood at the counter. And he is purposefully making it longer! It has slowly made Minju uncomfortable as she is not used to being stared at so much on her own because she always had Yuri to fend off the predators’ eyes off her.

 

“Y-Ye—I mean, no, I don't want to.” Her struggling English almost fails her.

 

“How about our gingerbread? Brownies?”

 

As Minju glances at the menu, she realizes that he has already offered her everything visibly written on it. What is left would probably be the cafe's secret menu, but offering that to her would already be too far-fetched...wouldn't it?

 

The worker leans in and whispers, “Ah, we have mince pies too. It's on the house as our secret menu for the day.”

 

Oh, god... he even winked!

 

“Hey…”

 

Minju jolts when she feels an arm swing over her shoulder. She would have lashed at the stranger if they didn't suddenly speak in Korean and she is given a light squeeze on her arm.

 

“What did you order? I'm starving.”

 

She recognizes the voice and instantly confirms it when she glances at the girl and sees that she is still wearing the same red varsity jacket. It took her a while to respond so the stranger looked down at her with a raised brow.

 

“Hmm?”

 

Minju wants to ask what she is doing, but then she notices the quick side eyes the latter is motioning towards the cashier who now stood in silence behind the counter.

 

Ah…

 

“Uh, just coffee and a cinnamon roll,” she replies in her native tongue.

 

“That's it?”

 

Minju slowly nods her head and the girl smiles, a dimple pleasantly greeting her. “Okay. I guess I'll have that too.”

 

The stranger looks forward and places a few bills on the counter, her face scowling at the cashier as she speaks seamless English. “We'll take two orders of coffee and cinnamon roll. And, please, make it quick.”

 

Minju's jaw almost drops at her fluency. As expected from someone who comes from one of South Korea's top universities. 

 

“S-Sure thing.”

 

Only when the cashier returns with their orders does the stranger remove her arm from her shoulders. Minju hadn't even realized she had been holding her breath until the weight got lifted off her.

 

The transaction was quicker than any of the other customers Minju had witnessed before her. And with their orders in one tray, the stranger carries it for them while she leads her to a vacant table on the balcony, overlooking a cliff. 

 

The landscape view is majestic and Minju couldn't help but move to the rails and fully bask in its beauty.

 

“Is this your first time coming here?” the stranger asks her from behind, stealing her attention from the view for a moment. She has both of their drinks in hand as she walks over to Minju and hands over her order.

 

“Oh, thanks,” Minju mutters as she holds her own cup, their fingers grazing each other briefly. Her mind might just be playing tricks on her, but Minju thought she felt something spark when they touched. 

 

Her rationality overcomes and she dismisses it away. 

 

“Yeah, it's my first time. It's beautiful,” she eventually says.

 

“Relatable. I was like that too when I first came here.”

 

“I suppose you're a regular here?”

 

“Just enough for that guy to remember my face.” She points at the cashier who is now flirting with another customer. Minju frowns at the scene and decides to focus on the scenery again instead.

 

“I'm quite surprised he didn't attempt to hit on you.” Minju wants to add a few more compliments about the stranger being attractive (because she really is!), but then she thinks it would be best to keep it to herself and save her some face.

 

“He did, actually. And it didn't end up prettily like you would expect,” she chuckles. “Someone had to put him in his place, you know?”

 

Minju doesn't ask for further elaboration on it because she already sensed it turned out ugly with how stiff, she realizes, the cashier had become when this girl appeared.

 

Contrary to her pretty yet handsome face, the stranger screams familiar danger to Minju. And she thought of being careful, not just because she is gullible and a klutz, but because this girl in front of her has the aura that is the same as her ex-boyfriend.

 

The confidence. The charming smile. Quite possibly a sweet-talker as well. And might be an athlete.

 

“So, uh, Kim Minju, isn't it?” Minju's head whips at the mention of her name. Her eyes wide in surprise but the stranger just smiles at her. “It was embroidered on your... pouch. You know, back at the airport.” 

 

She could instantly feel her face heating up upon realizing what she is referring to.

 

Of course. Her name had to be nowhere but her tampon pouch, no thanks to Jo Yuri's thoughtful decision of embroidering her name on it on her birthday and forcing her to use it since then.

 

“You do recognize me, right?”

 

Minju clears and nods. “Unless there is anyone else more proud enough to wear their school's varsity jacket in another country.”

 

“Then, you're lucky that my sister didn't insist on coming here with me,” the woman says, shaking the collar of her jacket. 

 

Minju can't help but laugh, and the stranger flashes another charming smile while holding out a hand.

 

“The name's An Yujin, by the way.”

 

Minju accepts the handshake and returns the smile. “Nice to meet you, An Yujin-ssi.” 

 

“Please. Just call me Yujin.”

 

“Okay.”

 

Yujin then suggests they take a seat so they can eat their food and Minju she remembers that Yujin actually paid for her order. She hurriedly takes out her wallet and picks enough bills to pay the woman with some bit of extra. 

 

Unfortunately, her coins spilled over and they fell to the floor with an attention-grabbing series of clanks. 

 

She bends over to pick up her coins but unknowingly did it at the same time as Yujin did, and they end up bumping each other's heads.

 

“Ah—”

 

“Oh my god, I'm so sorry—”

 

“It's fine,” Yujin responds with a chuckle as she continues to pick up the coins for Minju and the latter remains embarrassed in her seat.

 

After Yujin gets back to her seat and places the coins on the table with a smile and a hand rubbing on her forehead, Minju immediately extends her arm holding the bills. Yujin just looked at it with a raised brow. 

 

“You paid for my order earlier, so here.” She hesitates for a bit before adding, “And for bumping your head.”

 

“It's just a bump. And, please, you don't really have to. It is my pleasure to treat a pretty face.” She pushes her hand back with a smile on her face. “Keep it.”

 

Minju's face immediately flushes at that while Yujin shifts her gaze to the scenery and takes a sip from her cup.

 

“T-Thanks for your help.”

 

Yujin turns back to her and her face lights up in a way that Minju didn't know would still be possible when her smile alone could already light up an entire room. 

 

“Don't mention it.”

 

~§~

 

“So, you're an athlete?” Minju asks while leisurely enjoying her food.

 

“Was. Gave it up for the band when senior year came around.”

 

“How many years has it been since?”

 

“Just three.”

 

Minju takes a moment to count, folding a finger with each passing year.

 

“So, I'm two years older than you?"

 

A sly smile appears on Yujin's face. “Should I start calling you unnie?”

 

“Uh... That... I don't think that's necessary.”

 

“Okay. Then, can I just call you Minju? Or do you want me to come up with pretty names?”

 

Yep. She is definitely a sweet-talker, Minju thought.

 

“Minju is fine.”

 

Minju tries not to blush as she said it, and the woman flashes another dimpled smile. 

 

“Alright.”

 

Minju watches as Yujin sips from her cup then wipes the sides of her lips with a napkin. She almost can’t believe she’s having a meal with the most charming person in the vicinity when there are other beautiful people around them.

 

“Yes?”

 

Minju blinks. She’s been caught staring and she blushes in embarrassment.

 

“Nothing…”

 

Luckily for her, Yujin dismisses it and they just eat their breakfast in silence while admiring the view.

                                                   

~§~

 

“A-Are you sure this is safe?” Minju asks with her voice trembling in fear as she stands at the foot of a suspension bridge that's hanging over a river.

 

“Yes! I assure you, it is very safe. You can take your time, just don't jump on the bridge.”

 

First off, she thinks the instruction is absurd because she can barely stand on the platform already without her knees buckling and here she is being told not to jump. 

 

And secondly, she's so annoyed that An Yujin is leisurely enjoying the bridge experience way ahead of her. 

 

But she can't blame the girl for walking on ahead because they weren't doing it together. It just happened that they have the same itineraries for the day and Minju was being petty because Yujin doesn't look bothered by the height at all. She's even taking pictures of her feet and the nauseating view of the violent river flowing beneath the suspended bridge.

 

“Ready?” The attendant asks and Minju helplessly nods her head even though she is already tempted to back out.

 

At the back of her head, she is already cursing her boss for putting extreme sports as part of her all-expense paid vacation itinerary. 

 

On her first step on the bridge, she couldn't stop herself from squealing upon seeing the depth beneath her. Before she'd completely go dizzy and topple over, she looks up and holds tight on the railings as she takes small, careful steps forward.

 

“It's okay, miss beautiful. You're doing great. Keep going!” The attendant hollers from the foot of the bridge and Minju just wishes he'd just shut up because his compliments aren't helping her feel any better.

 

Slowly, she got the hang of the experience and the trembling of the bridge is no longer bothering her as much. When she reaches the middle part of the bridge, she finally wills herself to look at the surroundings better.

 

The trees along the valley are waving at her from a distance and the water underneath the bridge looks magical as the lights from the sun hid behind the clouds. 

 

It sparkled as it flowed and its beauty almost made Minju cry.

 

Until a sudden gust of wind causes the bridge to sway and her fear comes back. 

 

In her panicking, she clumsily stumbles on her feet and she falls to her knees, causing the bridge to shake. She hears some voices calling out to her but she never bothers to open her eyes. No, she isn't planning to move anymore. Her entire body is trembling and she doubts she could ever stand up once again. All that she can hear is the harsh flow of the river under her.

 

The bridge shakes once again when she senses hurried footsteps coming towards her. 

 

“Hey, are you okay?”

 

As soon as she hears the voice, Minju bravely opens her eyes and there she sees An Yujin kneeling in front of her in the middle of the bridge with worry written all over her face.

 

“I-I'm scared…” Her voice trembles as she speaks and she could feel her eyes welling up.

 

Oh god. The last thing Minju ever wants to happen in front of a stranger is to break down and cry all because she is scared of a swaying bridge. 

 

“It’s okay. You won't fall over.” Yujin carefully offers her a hand. “Here. Hold my hand. I'll help you cross.”

 

Minju stares at it and hesitates. She doesn't want to be a burden to Yujin, but here she is looking helpless in front of the younger girl while the latter waits for her to hold her hand.

 

“Oi! Is everything alright?” They hear the attendant call and Yujin immediately gestures an OK sign.

 

“Come on. Don't be scared. Just take my hand,” Yujin tells her again. 

 

Minju finally takes her hand and in a breath as they stand up, her grip tightening around Yujin's calloused fingers. 

 

“Easy. You're alright. We'll take it slow, okay?” The girl tells her and she nods her head.

 

Yujin never lets her go as they cross the remaining distance. She is also extra careful with her, taking a few steps at time and a couple of pauses as the wind slaps the bridge again, but she has been constantly assuring Minju that it is fine until, finally, they reach the other end.

 

Minju almost collapses to the ground, but Yujin holds her firm and she remains standing, though her knees are helplessly trembling.

 

“See? You're alright.” 

 

Yujin flashes her a smile and Minju feels a blush creep up to her face. She knows she feels ashamed, but the little jolts she feels in her chest is suggesting it might be more than that.

 

Stop it, Minju. 

 

She mentally slaps herself and steps away from Yujin, from her hold. “I—S-Sorry. And, uh, t-thanks... again.”

 

Yujin's smile has faltered as her arm detaches from her hand, but Minju doesn’t see it because she kept her head down as she spoke. 

 

“You don't have to keep apologizing to me. I told you, didn't I? It's always a pleasure for me to help anyone.”

 

Minju just nods her head.

 

“Are you sure you want to ride the zip line?”

 

The question made Minju raise her head with her eyes bulging wide open in shock. She was so frightened on the suspended bridge that she completely forgot about the remaining activity in order for her to get back to where she came from.

 

She takes a big gulp. “Y-Yeah.”

 

“You can ride with me if you want.”

 

Minju shakes her head. “N-No, thanks. I can manage on my own.”

 

“Really?”

 

“O-Of course.”

 

She knows her answer is unconvincing but she still tries to put up a brave front. Yujin saw through it though and she does her best in holding back her amusement by shrugging her shoulders.

 

“Alright. But if you do change your mind, just call me.”

 

Minju gapes at her for a moment before timidly nodding her head.

 

The attendant calls for the next person to embark on the frightening journey. And for the second time that day, she curses her boss in her head.

 

“Fighting!”

 

Minju jolts at the loud voice from below while the staff chuckles. 

 

“Girlfriend?” The attendant asks and she shakes her head. “Too bad. You look great together.”

 

She blushes at the comment. 

 

“Alright, ready?”

 

Even if she said no, it would have been pointless. Because the attendant already pushes her without further delay.

 

But unlike the hanging bridge, Minju is able to face her fears bravely this time and manages to appreciate the view and bask in its wonders. The experience may have been frightening but it is surely something she wouldn't mind taking up again.

 

Scaredy-cat Kim Minju definitely enjoyed ziplining over New Zealand's landscape.

 

Even when she reaches the end and the attendants safely catch her, she is still in a rush and wants to go for another round.

 

“How was it, miss?” The attendant asks while he helps her out of her harness.

 

“I-It was fun.” She can't help but to keep on smiling. “Can I go for another round?”

 

The attendant laughs, amused at her eagerness. “Of course. But you will have to get through the hanging bridge again though.”

 

Her smile falters and she frowns, remembering that she didn't like the lone hanging bridge experience.

 

An enthusiastic scream can be overheard from the other end catching everyone's attention. When she looks over, there she sees An Yujin with outstretched arms squealing in excitement.

 

Then Minju thinks, perhaps it's more satisfying to just be on the sidelines instead and watch this gorgeous human being flying in like a child.

 

~§~

 

[17:09] minguri: rode the zipline today

                           it was fun keke

 

[17:11] joguri: good for u, ig

                        should i report that to boss?

 

[17:12] minguri: don't be silly

 

[17:16] joguri: done.

                        she said she's proud of u

                        LOL

 

[17:17] minguri: ugh

 

[17:18] joguri: take snaps! 

 

~§~

 

“Fancy meeting you here, Kim Minju-ssi.”

 

The voice was already enough to send a shock to Minju's heart, but upon lifting her head and seeing those goddamn dimples up close thrice in one day just tazed entire body.

 

“H-Hey.”

 

“Is this seat taken?”

 

Minju meekly shakes her head and Yujin confidently sits on the vacant chair. When she realizes their setting, she can't help but blush at the thought that they're like on a date.

 

It must be the candles and the jazz music, she thinks as her eyes roam around the restaurant they're at.

 

“Must be fate making us meet thrice today,” Yujin says with a chuckle. “Are you staying near this place?”

 

Minju bashfully nods her head as she points at the hotel right across them. Yujin glances at where she pointed and laughs.

 

“Make that four then because I happen to be staying there as well.”

 

“Really?”

 

Yujin nods. “Room 512, just in case you're curious.”

 

Minju's jaw drops and Yujin notices this very well. Her dimples deepen as she leans forward and anchors her cheek on her knuckle.

 

No way.

 

That room is just right beside hers!

 

“I'll take that jaw drop as a five.” Yujin smirks. 

 

“Are you stalking me?” The question came out before Minju could even stop . She immediately covers it with a hand. “S-Sorry. I don't mean it like—”

 

Again, Yujin laughs.

 

“As much as I do want to stalk you, I'm afraid that is not within my area of expertise. I've only ever learned to stalk balls, not people, Minju-ssi.”

 

Minju purses her lips and looks down. That was embarrassing of her to do.

 

“Hey, it's alright. I'm not offended.”

 

“But still…”

 

“No hard feelings, really.”

 

She takes a huge gulp, still feeling uneasy even when Yujin already said it's okay.

 

“Your room's just right beside mine…” she mutters in a small voice, just enough for the other to hear.

 

“Oh? That's cool. We could hang out if you want.”

 

“Are you suggesting we spend time together while we're here?”

 

Her question causes Yujin to pause and stare at her for a bit before recovering with a sly smile.

 

“I used the term hang out, but if you prefer it that way, then that is very much acknowledged.”

 

Minju flushes once more as she realizes that this An Yujin person is levels ahead in confidence from her ex.

 

“Anyways, have you ordered yet?”

 

Minju's stomach grumbles at the question, realizing she hasn't called for the waiter since she sat at the table like twenty minutes ago because she was too busy updating Yuri of her day.

 

“I haven't…” She chews the inside of her cheek. “I can't decide on what to order.”

 

Yujin's charming grin beams at her. “Great! More opportunities for me to show off.”

 

Although confused, Kim Minju is rendered speechless (and a blushing mess) when An Yujin winks at her and calls for the waiter.

 

~§~

 

“What?!” Minju groans into her phone after accepting a call that woke her up in who knows what time it already is. She's too lazy to peek at the time.

 

“Where have you been!? You haven't been answering my calls!”

 

She flinches at the piercing tone of her friend. “I've been sleeping. Damn it, Yuri, what do you want?”

 

“Info. Stories. Whatever. Give me something. I can’t believe it’s so boring without you here.”

 

Minju rolls over and finally peeks at the time on her phone. 

 

2:14 AM

 

“It's 2AM, you brat. Let me sleep.”

 

“Oh boo-hoo—”

 

She drops the call. Yuri instantly rings her again but she ignores it and puts her phone in silent mode.

 

She needs sleep more than anything.

 

~§~

 

As it unfortunately turns out for Minju, putting her phone in silent mode wasn't such a bright idea for her to do when she's all alone on a trip abroad and has a tightly scheduled itinerary to follow for the day.

 

She almost threw her phone away when it lit up in silence as the alarm flashed on her screen for the fifth time that morning while she looked over the road on her balcony with her shoulders slumped. 

 

The tour bus that'll take her to places she's supposed to go for the day has just left her accommodation's premises.

 

She taps the alarm away and opens her messaging app, not wasting a chance to spam her best friend at four in the morning in Korea.

 

[08:22] minguri: it's

                            all

                            your

                            fault

                            i

                            missed

                            the

                            bus

 

~§~

 

“Why the long face?” is the first thing Yujin asks her when she sits at Minju's table.

 

They're back at the café for breakfast and Minju has been nothing but bummed about what happened that she couldn't even care any less for the flirting local again.

 

“Hey…” She sighs. “I missed the bus.”

 

Yujin's mouth forms an 'O' before wiping it with a dimpled smile. “Don't feel bad about it. I'm still here.”

 

Her brows raise at the confidence Yujin is oozing this early in the morning. “You?”

 

The tall girl nods as she takes a bite off her pancake. “I can help you.” She swallows the food in before continuing. “I rented a car, remember?”

 

Minju remembers what the girl told her over dinner last night. Yujin had rented a car since she arrived since she likes to drive around and enjoy her vacation leisurely without worrying about the time constraint tour planners usually impose on tourists.

 

(Minju had also shown Yujin her itinerary and the latter casually declared they actually have identical activities on the list, and the zipline experience was only the first.)

 

“Are you sure you want to help me? You're supposed to be enjoying your trip and I don't know if being with me would make you feel the excitement you want.” More than anything, she doesn't want to be an inconvenience to the stranger for being a walking disaster.

 

“Don't worry about it. I wouldn't be volunteering to help you if I dislike your company. Excitement is the least of my concerns right now.”

 

Minju wonders. How could this girl say that with such a straight face?

 

“So?”

 

“You're not giving me any other options, are you?”

 

“Of course not.” Yujin grins. “I won't let you waste a day being stuck in your hotel room. You've only got a few days here, remember?”

 

Minju regrets telling this stranger that info, but on the other hand, she's actually thankful someone is willing to drag her out of her room to explore and unwind. After all, it is what she first came here for.

 

She leans forward and anchors her chin on her palm. “Alright, An Yujin-ssi. Fascinate me on this trip.”

 

The other girl is frozen for a moment before a sly smile curves up her face and winks at her. “It would be my pleasure, Kim Minju.”

 

~§~

 

“I said fascinate me, not terrorize me!”

 

Minju's voice echoes along the valley as they stand by the bridge. She can hear the attendants chuckling while they are preparing their gears after weighing them both. Seeing the internet-famous bridge in person is one thing, and hearing people scream as they're thrown off it is another—which truly brought anxiety to her. 

 

When Yujin said it would be her pleasure, Minju didn't think she would actually take pleasure in scaring her companions by taking them to go bungee jumping as the first order of their personalized itinerary. 

 

But, alas, the not-so-stranger-anymore isn't even a bit remorseful with her idea. Instead, she laughs off Minju's horror like it’s the most casual thing for her.

 

“Yujin, it's not funny!”

 

“Relax. I swear, it'll be fun,” Yujin says, chuckling. “Besides, this one's included in your itinerary package, you know.”

 

“Even if it is, that doesn't mean I'm still going to do it.”

 

Yujin should be annoyed, really. She actually doesn't have enough patience for stubborn people, but somehow, the girl she is with doesn't make her snap.

 

In fact, she finds her stubbornness very amusing.

 

“Rock, paper, scissors. Whoever wins gets to decide.”

 

Yujin is admittedly not very good at the game, but with Minju, she actually feels a sure win coming her way when the latter didn't even protest and went on with it.

 

They chanted and had a few consecutive draws before Yujin's enthusiastic YES prevailed in the end and Minju folded to her feet, crouching and whimpering in defeat.

 

“Ready when you girls are,” one of the attendants informs them, and Yujin nods. “Okay. We'll be there in a bit.”

 

Yujin crouches in front of Minju and peeks at her face. “Come on. We're up.”

 

“I'm beginning to have regrets having you help me on this trip.”

 

Yujin laughs and offers a hand. “Take my word for it, you won't be feeling that way after all this.”

 

Albeit feeling terrified, Minju hopes Yujin is actually right. 

 

She takes her hand and they both get up on their feet and start walking towards the platform where the attendants are waiting for them. Yujin holds Minju close the entire time they walk on the bridge.

 

“Is this your first time?” The attendant fixing their harness in place asks.

 

“To her, it is. This is actually my fourth,” Yujin replies.

 

“Okay, cool. This is a tandem bungee, alright?” Then he looks at Minju who is gripping tightly on Yujin's arm. “Just don't look down, smile, enjoy. You'll be okay.”

 

Even with the advice, Minju attempts to peek over the edge, but Yujin blocks her sight with a hand before she could see the view below.

 

“Didn't you understand what he said?”

 

“I need to make sure there's water down there.”

 

Yujin's amused laughter mixes in with the attendants' and Minju lightly slaps the taller one on the arm. Yujin just grins at her before carefully pulling her close. 

 

The move makes Minju jolt in surprise but doesn't shy away as she clings on tight to the taller girl.

 

“Hold on tight to each other, alright?” The attendant instructs them one last time and they both follow obediently, wrapping their arms around each other and locking it in place. 

 

With the harness in between, it did feel a bit uncomfortable, but that thought is all forgotten when Minju senses the pounding of Yujin's heart (all thanks to their height difference).

 

She wanted to look up and see the other's face but she was pulled even closer, restricting her head from moving.

 

“On a count of three…”

 

“Don't let go,” Yujin whispers and she nods, shutting her eyes completely.

 

Minju was so distracted by Yujin that she failed to pay attention to the countdown.

 

The next thing she knows, she is already feeling herself fall over hundreds of meters off a cliff and screaming her lungs out in terror before eventually getting entire bodies dipped into the still waters below.

 

They pant heavily once they emerge out of the water and all Minju can hear is the loud beating of her own heart while she still clings tightly on to Yujin who seems like she's having the best time of her life, her laughter echoing in open space and surely penetrating through the barriers of her fears.

 

Minju is flooded with overwhelming emotions as they remain dangling upside down for a few moments after the dip. Her eyes find it difficult to focus for a few seconds before finally recovering and she sees the beauty of the place, though flipped 180 degrees around. 

 

And she swears (and curses in her head) that Yujin's smile looks perfect no matter the angle they're in. The pounding in her ears stopped, but she felt her heart skipping a beat the longer she gazed upon her companion.

 

Yujin notices her staring and asks in bated breath, “You okay?”

 

But Minju doesn't answer. Instead, she buries her face in Yujin's chest, hands still gripping tight around her as they sway in the air.

 

The gesture flusters Yujin as much as it does to Minju herself. And they remain quiet for the remainder of the wait.

 

It takes a while for the attendants to get them off the air and the ropes and have them escorted back to shore. And all the while, Yujin has her arms wrapped around Minju who is quietly shivering in the cold air. They have towels wrapped around them but it still isn't enough, probably because the woman also hasn't fully recovered from the adrenaline from the fall.

 

Once they arrive back at the holding area, attendants provide them with a fresh set of dry towels and help them off the remainder of their gear. Yujin refuses to let go of Minju's hand while they are at it, caressing it softly as if to provide warmth and comfort — the attendants definitely found the gesture very endearing.

 

She didn't say anything, but Minju appreciated the gesture very much.

 

“The changing room is that way,” an attendant tells them and Yujin mutters her thanks before shifting her attention to Minju.

 

“Wait here. I'll go get our clothes—”

 

“I-I'll come with you.”

 

Yujin notices the slight trembling of Minju's voice and lets her do what she wants. Internally, she feels a bit guilty that she has somewhat traumatized her from the experience.

 

After getting changed, they take time to snap a few pictures together with the help of the attendants. Although Minju still looks unwell (in Yujin's eyes), she manages to smile at the camera. Their photo-op doesn't take long since Yujin is worried about Minju's condition.

 

Once they finally get inside the car, Yujin turns up the heater to lessen the coldness Minju is still feeling. The older woman barely spoke to her after the fall and it's starting to worry her.

 

Maybe she really shouldn't have forced her to—

 

“You’re too quiet,” Minju suddenly says, halting Yujin's thoughts. She looks at Yujin and smiles for the first time since they got off the platform. “I'm okay. I'm just processing the entire experience.”

 

Yujin takes a nervous gulp, unsure if what Minju said is entirely positive. “Really?”

 

Minju studies her face for a moment until she eventually chuckles, “For someone who was too enthusiastic about bungee jumping, you sure look like you found it more unnerving than I did.”

 

“You've been so quiet... I didn't know if you found it enjoyable like I promised.”

 

Truthfully, Minju did find the experience fun, just not wholly in the way Yujin would have expected her to. 

 

“It was okay, I guess. But really, no more bungee jumps for me in this lifetime.”

 

Because if she did it again, who knows what stupidity she might find herself doing right afterwards with all the courage she's gained.

 

“That's quite disappointing,” Yujin pouts and Minju holds her tongue from muttering how adorable Yujin looks at the moment.

 

“But thanks for letting me experience that. I'll surely remember it for a very long time.”

 

It might have not been the response Yujin expected, but it was better than hearing her say she disliked it entirely.

 

~§~

 

While they ate lunch at a restaurant that Minju recognizes to be originally part of her itinerary, Yujin thoughtfully decides to cancel the rest of the extreme sports in their schedule for the day.

 

“Are you sure?” Minju clarifies. Although she is already rejoicing inside, she doesn't want to be the only one benefitting from a canceled plan, especially when she knows Yujin is very excited about it.

 

In her defense, she's already bothered the stranger enough on her trip. The least she wants to happen is ruin the entire experience for her any further.

 

Yujin nods while she munches on her food. “Unless you want to really experience bungee jumping and river rafting on the same day?”

 

Minju shudders at the mention of the sport. 

 

Maneuvering through rough waters on their own doesn't make it less frightening than falling a thousand feet off a cliff.

 

“I think that’s enough life-threatening experiences for me today.”

 

Yujin chuckles at her description. “We'll spend the rest of the afternoon leisurely if that's okay with you.”

 

Minju takes a sip from her cold drink, “That's more than okay.”

 

~§~

 

“Wow…”

 

When Yujin told her that she frequently visited New Zealand, Minju didn't actually entirely believe her. She was skeptical until the last minute when the taller woman surprised her with her vast knowledge of the places she's taken her too. And not a single one of them has disappointed Minju yet so far.

 

“You've been saying that to all the places we've been to,” Yujin says, chuckling beside her while setting up her camera on a tripod.

 

“Can you blame me? It's just so beautiful.”

 

Minju makes a mental note that New Zealand holds one of her favorite sunsets in the world, although she hasn't really been to many places outside of Korea. 

 

While she busily took snaps on her phone right on the edge of the viewing deck, she failed to notice Yujin discreetly walking up to her. And when Yujin holds her by the waist, she jolts and almost drops her phone.

 

“Sorry,” Yujin apologizes, “you’re getting too close to the edge.”

 

Minju drops her gaze to the ground and realizes that she's right. Yujin carefully guides her a step backwards then she looks up at her and smiles.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“It's no big deal.”

 

Minju shakes her head. “I meant thank you for today. For not letting me rot alone in boredom in my room.”

 

“Does that mean you'll allow me to be your tour guide for tomorrow as well?” Yujin's tone is chirpy, obviously thrilled about the following day although Minju has yet to give her answer.

 

“Am I not bothering you too much already? This trip should've been yours alone to enjoy.”

 

”I told you, didn't I? I wouldn't volunteer to help you if I disliked your company.”

 

Yujin suddenly leans forward, making Minju take a step back in surprise. 

 

“I'll accompany you for the rest of your stay, that is if you'll allow me,” she says with a ghost of a smile on her lips.

 

Minju blinks her thoughts away and returns a smile, “Okay.”

 

~§~

 

“If you don’t mind me asking, um… what sport did you play?” Minju asks as Yujin drives them back to their accommodation.

 

Yujin takes a quick glance at her and answers, “Tennis.”

 

“Did you play for the Nationals?”

 

Yujin bursts out laughing. “Do you seriously think I'm that good to be playing in the Nationals?”

 

Minju pouts in her seat. “How would I know? I haven't seen you play. Also, that's why questions exist, so we have a way to satisfy our curiosity.”

 

“Touché.”

 

“So?”

 

“I did. Once, when I was in my second year.”

 

“Did you win?”

 

Yujin gives her a side glance and she laughs when she sees Minju anticipating her answer. She looks adorable, Yujin won't deny that.

 

“I wouldn't be here if I did.”

 

~§~

 

The next day, Yujin takes Minju to river rafting.

 

Piercing squeals and agonizing laughter are what filled Yujin's ears the entire time they battled the currents. Even the guide who is with them is not spared from getting hit at the back of his head due to Minju’s panicking.

 

Afterwards, when Yujin is reviewing the footage from her action camera, she bursts out laughing at the guide’s reaction, Minju could only wish the car seat would swallow her whole. 

 

“Stop watching that!” Minju’s voice comes out muffled due to the hands on her face. 

 

But Yujin just teases her by playing the footage again and laughing at it for the third time.

 

~§~

 

The next activity they went to is horseback riding. It's more laid back compared to the previous ones, however, Minju approaches it like she did with extreme sports.

 

Apparently, it has come to An Yujin’s knowledge that Kim Minjoo is also afraid of animals.

 

“Do we really have to ride on its back?” Minju asks, her voice shaking a bit. “What if it shakes me off its back? Or what if a rat suddenly appears at its feet and it stands on its rear legs and I end up falling over?”

 

Minju is rambling, and Yujin is having the toughest time of her life not to burst out laughing in front of the confused faces of the locals and other tourists who couldn't understand what the Korean tourist is saying.

 

“It's the elephants that are afraid of rats,” Yujin says, biting down on her lip to prevent her grin from widening. And Minju casts her an incredulous look.

 

“That's not the point!”

 

Surprised by the volume of her own voice, Minju slaps her hand over and mutters a muffled apology. Yujin sighs and takes her hand, and Minju looks at her with pleading eyes.

 

“Just trust me on this one, alright? You'll be fine,” Yujin says, rubbing the back of Minju's hand with her thumb.

 

“Yeah, I trust you alright. But this…” she pauses to glance at the mare. She jumps when the horse suddenly lets out a nicker.

 

Yujin chuckles. “Look, it seems happy to see you.” 

 

A whine escapes from Minju's throat, and Yujin pulls her closer then cups her face. 

 

“It's safe, I promise. And by the end of it, you'll learn to love horses as well.” Yujin tucks a stray hair on her ear and smiles. “It will be worth it.”

 

Minju glares, but it only makes her look adorable.