Yeji
The day was a lot more exhausting than Yeji had imagined – in a good way.
After the movie and the much-needed alone time with Ryujin, they drove around for a couple more hours, taking turns into retelling their sides of the story.
It was layers of backs and forths, discovering something new from the other person, correcting misunderstandings, explaining all the thoughts, the fears, the truths.
"I went really crazy for a second, that then turned into self blame and all the conflicting feelings of blaming myself for not acting upon how I feel. But... at the same time... I was absorbed with the idea of being not good enough for you."
Ryujin said, after the long recollection of how she didn't understand her feelings, into losing complete control of how she acts around her, but then overpowered by the fear of giving in to something foreign and hurting Yeji while at it.
Somehow, it all made sense. And it didn't. But overall, she was grateful that the brunette was able to look beyond the fear and poured everything out during their talk. Yeji did the same.
They laughed about how they were both so dumb and knew nothing about dealing things like this. They laughed about all sorts of things, too.
"I cannot believe that we're actually having this conversation right now." Yeji remarked as the intensity of the exchange started to die down.
"Yeah. That talk with your Mom helped out a lot."
"I still cannot believe you met and she didn't tell me."
"I'm just glad that happened."
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
Ultimately, they came into a concluding decision to promise each other honesty – no matter when, where, or what. And they couldn't think of a better way to end the night.
A few days later, both of them entered the familiar coffee shop near Uni.
"It's all good, will you relax?"
Yeji was grinning and secretly pushing Ryujin to go first and place their order.
When they reached the counter, the barista's face slowly filled with recognition.
"Oh, hey..."
She turned to the side and saw Yeji – an instant smile crept across her face.
"Yeji-ah, it's been a while! And it's Ryujin, right?"
Jiwoo directed her attention back to Yeji with slightly-raised eyebrows – to which the girl replied with a shrug and a knowing smile.
"What can I get for you?"
Ryujin stammeringly placed their order and walked back awkwardly to Yeji's side.
"Oh, and please come sit with us on your break, Jiwoo-ah. There's a lot of things that we need to catch up on."
When the barista joined them half an hour later, she decided to sit in the island between the two.
"So... is there something that you two need to tell me?"
Yeji and Ryujin exchanged a look, and instant smiles formed across their lips.
"Uh..."
"Uh, what? Don't give me that knowing look and say that there's nothing." Jiwoo eyed them suspiciously.
"There really is nothing." Yeji was the one to speak this time – but she made sure to get a subtle nod from Ryujin before continuing.
"We just want to hang out. And Ryujin here liked the coffee so much, so might as well introduce the two of you."
"Hmmm." is the only response she got from the other girl before they started the actual catch-up.
It was a laid-back afternoon and an hour-long conversation with her two friends. Jiwoo instantly fell into a comfortable chit-chat with Ryujin and the scene filled Yeji with joy.
Not long after, they started walking back to Yeji's dorm.
She could tell that the other girl is still being careful, and she appreciated the gesture very much. While they have cleared almost everything up during the past few days, there are still times when Yeji thoughts would slip into the familiar overthinking. She has yet to know more about the brunette's family and she didn't want to force it out of her.
That afternoon, though, Ryujin mentioned her sister willingly for the first time
"She's very different from me."
Yeji glanced at her and waited patiently.
"She's this... over-achiever-good-at-everything daughter. She's likable, and funny, and good at dealing with people, academics, business, you name it. And I'm the complete opposite."
She sighed heavily.
"Hmmm."
After a quick pause and making sure that the other girl was done talking, Yeji spoke up.
"I doubt that all of those are true."
"Yeah? Well, they are. I'm sure you'll agree once you meet her."
"Well, I don't need to meet her to confirm nor deny the things you just said, Ryujin-ah. I was talking about what you said about you."
Ryujin looked at her – slight confusion in her expression.
"Well, for one, you are pretty likable."
Yeji smiled at her directly and the other girl had to look away, cheeks blushing.
"I'd say you're pretty good with people, and that your humor is liked by many."
Ryujin started to smile.
"And your smile's pretty, too. So that's something that you have, and she doesn't."
The brunette's smile grew bigger.
"Alright, alright. I get it."
She chuckled and gave in to all the compliments.
"Thank you, Yeji-ah."
Yeji nodded, smiling back at the brunette who now seemed to be in a better mood.
She continued.
"Besides... I don't see any reason why I should meet her."
Ryujin gave her a questioning look.
"Because it's not her that I'm interested in."
There was a pause, and the brunette halted in her steps as Yeji continued to walk – she could feel the other girl's stare.
Several seconds later, she looked back and smiled at her softly.
"Well, are you still gonna walk me back or what?"
Ryuin instantly ran towards her side and nodded.
"Yes."
When they reached Yeji's unit, they both paused at the door to say their goodbyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
"I'll- Can I walk with you to your class in the morning?"
Yeji grinned.
"Of course."
"Okay."
To her surprise, Ryujin leaned in to hug her, and it didn't take long for her to melt in her arms.
"Thank you, Yeji-ah."
The brunette whispered to her ear.
"Thank you."
That night, Yeji slept like a baby and had the most serene sleep she's had in months.