The next two weeks of exams came and went in a blink of an eye. Like every other semester before, you and Soojin had last minute studying sessions in the library together. The only difference was that this time, you couldn’t stay up as late as you did. You had to think of your baby’s well-being too now.

Despite having less time to study, you still felt rather good about all your papers. Soojin didn’t complain too much about any paper too so you didn’t feel guilty for not spending as much time revising with her.

You had initially planned to fly off immediately after your exams but your Professor reminded you that you still had to wait for your exam results before everything could be finalized. So you had no choice but to wait out the three weeks it took before your results would be released.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. You didn’t expect to have so many things to pack and so much shopping to do as well. Soojin had dragged you to the mall when she found out, while helping you to pack, that one, you didn’t have any of the items she classified as ‘travel essentials’ and two, you didn’t have any maternity wear either! You didn’t think it was necessary to get new clothes because you could just wear the oversized tees and sweats you already owned when you got bigger. However, Soojin insisted on buying you some clothes that would be comfortable for you on your 13 hour long flight. You protested against it but she was even more stubborn than you when she wanted to be.

In the end, you managed to convince her to only get you one set of maternity wear by saying that you would be get more maternity clothes in LA. But she had insisted on getting you all the travel items she deemed necessary for long haul flights. She also surprised you with a set of baby clothes at the end of the shopping trip. She wanted to be able to give your baby something even though she wouldn’t be there for the birth.

When the results were finally released, you, Soojin and Seyong all got results that each of you were happy with. All three of you would be graduating – you and Soojin in Arts and Seyong in Business, but since you weren’t going to stay for the graduation ceremony, the three of you had gathered together for a dinner to celebrate in advance.

Soojin had decided to order alcohol since it was supposed to be a celebration but got a little too carried away with consuming it. Thankfully, Seyong didn’t drink a lot and the both of you were able to walk her to the main road to get a cab. Seyong got into the cab with Soojin to make sure that she got home safely. You waved goodbye to them, or rather to Seyong, and started to make your way to the bus stop when the cab drove off.

The next day, you decided to wake up extra early to make some food for Soojin and Seyong. You were going to fly off later that afternoon and thought you would repay them for everything they’ve done for you by cooking, especially since the both of them raved about your cooking skills. Soojin and Seyong arrived at your house when you were just about to call Soojin to ask her where they were. You opened the door and was greeted by a smiling Seyong and a really grumpy Soojin. You and Seyong shared an amused look before you invited them in.

“I made the both of you some food and hangover soup. It’s all on the table. I’m going to get ready so just enjoy the food.” You said over your shoulder as you walked into your bedroom.

The next time you saw Soojin, which was after your shower, she was watching television with Seyong and in much better spirits. You looked at the dining table and then at the kitchen and noticed that all the dishes were done and placed back into the cupboard. “How’s the hangover?” You asked, still slightly amused.

“Thanks to you, much better! I think you should consider becoming a chef instead. The food was delicious as usual. It made me feel so much better.” She claimed.

You laughed. “That was the plan really, so I’m glad you feel better. I’m all set to go, are you?” You cast a questioning glance to Seyong as well.

“Yes, we are.” Soojin answered. “Are you sure you have everything? Passport? Visa? Have you checked all the drawers again to make sure you haven’t left anything behind?”

You nodded. “Yup, passport and visa are with me but let’s just check again to make sure.” You opened your tote bag and checked to see if your passport and visa were there while Soojin and Seyong went to check the drawers and cupboards for anything that you might have forgotten to pack.

“Nope, nothing.” Soojin said.

“Yeah, nothing here too.” Seyong confirmed.

“And my passport and visa are here. So let’s go!” You slipped on your shoes and left the house, Soojin and Seyong following closely behind you.

The three of you arrived at the airport early and still had time to spare after you checked in. To pass the time, all three of you went to a café to talk but as time passed, it became clear that Soojin really didn’t want you to leave.

“Ok, omma, I really should go in now.” You said for the third time. Soojin kept finding reasons to keep you longer even though you were now standing in front of the departure gate. You moved towards her and hugged her tightly. “I’ll miss you.” You whispered.

“I’ll miss you too. You better skype with me everyday. You got it?” She commanded.

You let out a short laugh and saw Seyong grinning over her shoulder. “Arasso, omma. You’re more demanding that my real omma.”

Soojin pulled back from the hug and stuck her tongue out at you. You laughed again before giving Seyong a hug too. “Take care of yourself when you’re over there, ------ah.” He said.

“I will.” You pull out of the hug and gave the both of them a bright smile. You didn’t want them to worry so you had to be strong.

“Ok, go before I start crying.” Soojin mumbled.

You gave Seyong a sad smile when Soojin turned away. You knew that she was crying and didn’t want you to see so you pretended not to notice. “Ok! Bye! Take care!” You said in an extra cheerful voice and waved at the both of them as you walked backwards to the gate. You kept the smile plastered on your face until you had your back turned to them. After the guard had checked your passport and boarding pass, you took a deep breath before turning around again to wave at them for the last time.

Now, you were really on your own. 

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Okie, the result from the poll is quite obvious. I'll continue writing according to the story progession I have in mind :) I'll do my best to churn out longer chapters so that I don't explode the chapter count. 

As always, THANKS for reading :D