And just like that, the day is over :)
I'll group the pages together sometimes to make them easier to find than searching through all the previous ones.
(I overdid it a bit—both physically and mentally—so I kind of dropped off the grid. But I'll be recovering bit by bit.)
pairing - hyun-ju x reader
summary - studying abroad in korea felt like a great idea, until you realized how hard being by yourself in a new country was. that is, until you meet the tall, beautiful woman who happens to speak perfect english. and maybe things start to feel not so lonely
warnings - afab!reader, post-tranistion!hyun-ju, some brief homophobia, explicit sexual content, 18+ minors dni!!
reader's messages are pink, hyun-ju's are purple, and others are black!
A few days passed in a blur of textbooks and exhaustion. Exams were looming, and your brain felt like it was constantly swimming through molasses. But Hyun-ju had texted you earlier, asking if you wanted to go to a festival with her. “To get your mind off everything,” she’d said.
Of course you agreed.
The festival was bustling–vibrant fabric banners swinging overhead, the smell of sweet rice cakes and roasting chestnuts curling through the air. You could hear a guitarist playing somewhere near the plaza, kids running by their hands sticky from cotton candy, and the clatter of handmade jewelry and trinkets at every stall.
Hyun-ju was holding your hand. It had happened so casually. One moment you were both trying to dodge a particularly rowdy group of tourists, and the next her fingers had closed gently around yours, warm and firm. You hadn’t let go.
She was in her dark fitted jeans, a black turtleneck sweater that clung to her in all the ways that made your stomach flip, and the moss green scarf you’d knitted just last week. She’d unwrapped it in front of you with that slow, pleased smile–had looped it around her neck that same night. Now, she wore it like she’d never taken it off.
You, meanwhile, were cozy in your college sweatshirt, oversized and soft from years of washes, baggy jeans, and your platform Converse that still couldn’t quite close the gap between you. She had to bend a little to hear you when you talked. You liked that. You like how she always listened.
You’d been walking together for a while now, passing from booth to booth, sharing a hot drink in a paper cup–some kind of sweet milk tea you’d begged to try. She even let you have the last sip.
The crowd had thinned now, the market trial weaving into a quieter area with lanterns strung along the path. A river nearby shimmered under the glow, and wind tugged gently at Hyun-ju’s scarf. Her arm was looped around your shoulder, tucking you close against her side as you strolled. She smelled like clean laundry and cinnamon from one of the food stalls.
You’d been leaning into her without thinking, cheek brushing against her shoulder as you walked. You could feel her thumb tracing soft, slow circles across the back of your hand.
You looked down at her hand holding yours, heart fluttering at the gentle motion of her thumb. The noise of the market had faded a little, like the two of you had stepped into a pocket of quiet just for yourselves.
Then–like a sudden idea struck–you pulled your phone from your pocket. “Wait,” you said, tugging her to a nearby bench. “Let’s take a picture before we leave.”
Hyun-ju titled her head, already smiling. “Yeah?”
“I wanna remember today,” you said, unlocking your phone and flipping to the camera app. “Actually, let’s do a video. That way we can get a bunch of screenshots.”
She laughed softly as you propped your phone up on the bench using a makeshift tripod out of your water bottle and bag.
You hit record and ran back to her, bumping her with your shoulder before slipping an arm around her waist. She pulled you in easily, both of you smiling wide for the first shot.
Then you said, “Okay–silly one,” and before you could even pose, Hyun-ju crouched down and scooped you up onto her back, laughing as you squealed.
“Hyun-ju!!”
“You said silly!” she said through her giggles, and you wrapped your arms tight around her shoulders to keep from falling.
Hyun-ju spun once, your laughter mingling in the air, then gently let you down again, hands steady on your waist as your feet hit the ground.
Neither of you stepped back.
You were still in each other’s space, hands lingering, breaths close. The video kept recording, forgotten.
Hyun-ju looked down at you, eyes soft and serious. The buzz of the crowd seemed far away again. You blinked up at her, heart stammering. She looked at your lips once, then back to your eyes.
“너무 예뻐…” she murmured, barely audible. So pretty.
Your breath hitched. “W-what?” you said, your voice clumsy and small.
“I said,” she repeated, lips quirking into a shy little smile, “you’re so pretty.”
You didn’t know what to say, only that your body swayed closer to her on instinct. And she leaned in, too, just a little, the space between you humming like a held breath.
“I really want to kiss you right now,” she whispered.
Your lips parted. “I–I really want you to kiss me,” you said, barely getting the words out before she bridged the last bit of space between you.
She kissed you so gently, her lips brushing over yours like a question and an answer all at once. The camera kept rolling in the background, recording the quiet tremble of your first kiss, the way your fingers curled into the sleeves of her sweater, the soft gasp you let out when she tilted her head and kissed you deeper.
It was the kind of kiss you’d dreamt about–slow, tender, inevitable.
When you finally pulled back, dazed and breathless, you blinked up at her and whispered, “I think I’m gonna need to watch this every day.”
She chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “I think I’m gonna need that video.”
Then, unsure what to do with yourself, you leaned in for a clumsy little hug–arms looping loosely around her shoulders as your face tucked into her scarf.
Hyun-ju laughed, hugging you tighter. “That was so awkward,” she teased, voice all low and amused.
“I know,” you mumbled into her shoulder. “Shut up.”
She pulled back just a little to look at you, her nose red from the cold, smile still soft. You let go of her completely, retreating to grab your things off the bench where it still recorded. You stopped the video with trembling fingers and shoved everything into your tote.
“It’s getting dark,” Hyun-ju said, reaching for your hand again like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Let me walk you home.”
You glanced up at her, heart leaping. “Okay.”
The walk was quiet and sweet–shoulders brushing every other step, your arms occasionally swaying into each other. You talked a little about the food you tried, the funny dog in a hoodie you saw at one of the vendor booths. But mostly, it was just soft silence and the warmth of your joined hands.
When you reached your apartment, you turned toward her, suddenly reluctant to go inside.
Hyun-ju cupped your cheek with one hand, brushing her thumb along your jaw. “Goodnight,” she said, and leaned in to kiss you again–just once, gently.
It still made your knees wobble.
“Goodnight,” you whispered when you pulled back, cheeks flaming. “Text me when you’re home.”
She lingered a moment longer, then finally stepped away, walking backward for a few steps just to grin at you. “I will.”
You were still in a gaze as you got inside, dropped your bag, and peeled off your shoes. You stripped out of your clothes and jumped into the shower, trying to calm your nerves. And once you were out and dried off, your phone buzzed with a text from Hyun-ju.
made it home safe
good <3
You smiled as you watched the typing bubble pop up. And when her next message popped up your heart skipped a beat. You had to read it twice just to be sure.
dinner date tomorrow night?
date??
or just dinner. whatever you want to call it.
of course.
Still giddy, you covered your face with your hands, grinning into your palms. You crawled into bed and the memories of tonight all came rushing back again. You pulled up the video, and scrubbed through it frame by frame.
There you were, laughing on her back.
There you were, arms around her waist.
There she was, brushing your hair from your face.
There you were, kissing.
You saved five screenshots and sent them all to Hyun-ju.
here’s some of my favorites. the one where you picked me up is going to be my phone background forever.
Then, hesitating for only a moment, you pulled up your mom’s chat.
hyun-ju asked me to dinner tomorrow night.
(attached: three pictures–none of the kiss)
Her reply came in under a minute.
you two are beautiful. 😀
…for a date!?
she called it that but i don’t really know.
doesn’t matter what you call it. it’s clearly special. enjoy your time.
You set your phone down on your chest, heart doing full flips. And maybe–just maybe–you let yourself replay the kiss in your head a few more times before falling asleep with a smile on your face.
The next morning you woke to the soft buzz of your phone on the nightstand and a sleepy smile already tugging at your lips. You reached for it, still half tangled in your comforter.
good morning pretty girl☀️
can’t stop thinking about last night.
You buried your face into the pillow for a second, heart threatening to melt right through the mattress. Then, with one eye open:
good morning🌝
i’ve been smiling since i woke up
do you still wanna do dinner tonight?
yes.
i made a reservation already. 7:30. wear something nice
how nice is nice? like…a dress nice?
like expensive tablecloths and wine nice.
hyun-ju! that’s too much!!
come on, it’ll be fun.
i want an excuse to dress up and eat good food with you. please?
You bite your lip, staring at her text. Your stomach was already doing anxious little flips.
fine. but only because you asked like that
That afternoon you found yourself in a dressing room stall under the worst possible lighting, staring at yourself in the mirror.
The dress was simple but elegant–soft and black and fitted just right around your waist. You couldn’t afford anything flashy, but it felt pretty. And paired with your favorite platforms, it was still you.
You stood on your toes to get a better look, then dropped down with a huff. “I’m not buying heels,” you muttered to no one. “My bank account would burst into flames.”
When you got home, you smoothed the dress out again and sent a mirror selfie to your mom.
do i look okay??
She replied almost instantly.
you look BEAUTIFUL!!!
is this for the date!?
yes. hyun-ju made a reservation at a fancy place. i didn’t even have anything nice to wear.
but i’m still wearing my converse lol
that’s my girl. if she can’t appreciate the full look, she’s not worth it!
You laughed, heart thudding widely as you checked the time. 7:17. Time to go.
When you stepped into the restaurant, your eyes had to adjust to the warm gold lighting. The clink of cutlery, soft music playing. Waiters in black vests and clean white shirts.
Then you spotted her.
Hyun-ju sat at a table near the back, scrolling idly on her phone. She was in tailored black trousers and a silky gray blouse that clung to her arms just right. A single gold chain around her neck, small gold hoops, and light makeup dusted across her face. Her scarf was folded neatly beside her.
She looked up–and when her eyes found yours, she stood with a slow smile.
You crossed the floor quickly, heart pounding in your ears. As soon as you reached her, she wrapped you in a hug that smelled like vanilla and warm skin and fabric softener.
“You look really nice,” she said softly into your ear.
“Thanks,” you mumbled, pulling back. “So do you.”
She glanced down with a small smirk. “Nice shoes.”
You groaned immediately, covering your face. “Stop! They’re my favorite! I didn’t have enough money to buy heels too, okay?”
Hyun-ju laughed, the sound warm and light. “No, they’re cute. I’m not judging.”
You gave her a mock glare. “Plus…they make me taller.”
She grinned as she led you to your seat. “You’re still short though.”
You shoved her shoulder as you both sat down, cheeks burning. “Rude.”
She just winked and picked up the wine menu. “Red or white?”
“Uhh…surprise me?”
She ended up ordering a bottle of red wine to share, and when the waiter poured two glasses and stepped away, Hyun-ju raised hers toward you. “To our first…whatever this is.”
You giggled and clinked your glass with hers. “To our whatever this is.”
Hyun-ju smiled behind her wine glass as she took a sip. Then, she tilted her head slightly, eyes warm and curious. “Can I ask you something?”
You blinked, your fork halfway to your mouth. “Yeah, of course.”
“What’s your major again?” she asked, resting her chin in her hand. “I feel like you told me before, but I wanna hear more about it.”
“Oh,” you said, a little shy. “It’s, um…creative writing. Well, technically English literature with a writing concentration.”
Hyun-ju’s eyes lit up like that genuinely delighted her. “That’s so cool. So you write stories?"
You nodded, smiling bashfully. “I mean, I try to.”
“I bet they’re good.”
“They’re okay,” you said, laughing under your breath. “Mostly fiction. Some essays. I’m kind of all over the place right now.”
Hyun-ju nodded like she understood completely. “Do you want to write books one day?”
You shrugged. “Maybe. Or work in publishing. Or teach. I don’t know yet.”
She didn’t pressure you for a definite answer. Just smiled gently. “Well, I hope you do. Whatever you chose. I think you’d be amazing at it.”
Your face burned again, but this time from something deeper than just embarrassment. You took a sip of wine to hide the way your mouth couldn't quite find the right words.
“Do you have any siblings?” she asked a moment later, lightly swirling the wine in her glass.
“Nope. Only child.” You grinned. “Can’t you tell?”
She laughed at that. “A little. In a good way.”
You grinned again, leaning forward slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that you’re very…independent. But also like…easy to want to take care of.” She smirked, and you had to cover your face for a second.
“That’s not fair,” you mumbled through your hands.
Hyun-ju laughed again, clearly enjoying your flustered state. “Bet it’s hard on your mom, you being out here alone.”
You lowered your hands. “Yeah. It was, at first. But we talk a lot. I send her updates about everything. I literally sent her a picture of my outfit before this.”
She beamed. “That’s adorable.”
“I sent her a picture of us from last night. She said we’re both beautiful,” you said, cheeks warming again. “And then immediately followed it with: wait, for a date!?”
Hyun-ju tilted her head with a small, knowing smile. “And is this a date?”
You bit your lip. “It feels like one.”
“Good,” she said, her voice quiet but steady. “It is.”
Something fluttered in your chest–soft and deep and warm like velvet. You looked won at your plate for a moment, suddenly shy again.
She didn’t rush you. Just picked up her fork and reached across the table again, gently pushing her half of the dessert toward you.
“Here,” she said, voice still soft. “Try this one too. You’ll like it.”
You took another slow bite of the dessert she’d slid across the table toward you–some creamy, fancy thing with berries you couldn’t pronounce. She watched you like she was waiting for a verdict.
You licked a bit of whipped topping from your spoon and smiled. “Okay, that’s dangerously good.”
“I told you,” Hyun-ju said, all smug satisfaction. “I know what I’m doing.”
“You really do,” you muttered, letting the spoon clink into the plate. You leaned forward just slightly, chin resting in your palm. “Hey…how are you so fluent in English? Like, even with your accent you’re really easy to understand. And you never pause to think or anything.”
Hyun-ju’s lips curled into a soft, pleased smile, and she leaned back a little in her chair. “I lived abroad for a while. Four years after college. London first. Then a few in Toronto.”
Your eyebrows rose. “Wait, really? That’s so cool. What made you come back?”
“Family,” she said with a little shrug, the candlelight catching in the curve of her jaw. “And I missed the food. The weather. The…quiet.”
“That’s fair,” you said. “The quiet’s nice.”
She smiled again, then tilted her head just slightly. “Will this be your only year abroad?”
The question caught you off guard–not in a bad way. Just…it made something in your chest flutter weirdly. You hesitated, lowering your gaze to the base of your wine glass as you rolled the stem between your fingers.
“I…I don’t know yet,” you admitted. “I guess I’m kind of waiting to see what happens.”
Hyun-ju didn’t push. Just hummed, like she was letting the answer settle in her chest. Then, after a moment, she gave you a playful little smile. “Well. I hope something good happens.”
You blinked. “Like what?”
“Mm…” Her eyes danced a little. “Like maybe you fall in love with the city. Or the food. Or–” she paused, sipping her wine, then winked, “–something else.”
You laughed, a short, helpless sound. “Oh my god.”
“What?” she asked innocently, setting her glass down.
“You are so full of it,” you said, still grinning.
Hyun-ju leaned her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm. “You didn’t deny it, though.”
“Deny what?”
“That there might be something,” she said simply. “Worth staying for.”
You picked up your glass to hide your face and immediately regretted it when you felt your cheeks warming from the wine–and the way she was looking at you.
You mumbled into your glass, “You’re not very subtle, you know that?”
“And you’re not very sneaky. I saw your face turn red.”
You practically whined. “Stop it.”
Hyun-ju laughed, low and smooth. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”
You tried to glare at her, but you could barely keep the smile off your lips. “You’re such a menace.”
She titled her head. “Only for you.”
You rolled your eyes, trying to shake off the butterflies. “Okay, wait–serious question.”
“Mm?”
“How are you so good at flirting? Is that a barista skill?”
Hyun-ju grinned wide. “Oh no, I save this level of effort for special occasions.”
“Like tonight?”
Her eyes didn’t leave yours. “Exactly like tonight.” You swore your heart skipped a beat.
She reached for her wine again, swirling it slowly before taking a sip. “Okay, now my turn,” she said. “Have you always been this easy to fluster?”
You froze. “Excuse me!?”
Hyun-ju was already laughing. “I’m just asking.”
“Rude.”
“You walked into it.”
You dramatically dropped your face into your hands. “I should’ve known better.”
“You really should have.” She paused, and her tone softened a little. “But honestly…it’s really charming.”
You peeked at her through your fingers, your cheeks fully on fire now. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re adorable.”
You groaned. “I swear I’m usually cooler than this.”
“No, you’re not,” she teased. “And that’s the best part.”
You were giggling now, hiding your smile behind your hands, completely undone by the wine and the candlelight and her eyes, the way she looked at you like you were made of gold.
She leaned forward again, voice lower now. “Want to know what else I like?”
You hesitated, then nodded, eyes wide.
Hyun-ju grinned slowly. “Those shoes.”
You blinked. “Wha–my Converse?”
“Yup. With the dress? It’s very you. Like… ‘don’t mess with me but also I might cry during a movie.’”
You burst out laughing. “That is exactly my brand.”
“I know.” She gave you a warm look. “And you wear it perfectly.”
You covered your face again with a whimper. “I cannot handle you tonight.”
“You better start trying,” she said with a wink, “because the night’s not over.” And suddenly that candlelight felt warmer. And your heart beats a little faster.
You excused yourself to the bathroom the moment you felt like your chest might explode from how much you liked her.
The second the door closed behind you, you leaned your hands against the counter and stared at yourself in the mirror. Your cheeks were flushed, your eyes a little glassy from the wine—and the way Hyun-Ju had been looking at you all night. The flirting, the way her voice dipped, the way she called you cute and wore that smile like she knew what she was doing.
You pulled your phone out and opened your messages to your mom.
omg
MOM
this girl is trying to kill me. like in the best way
she’s so hot and sweet and charming and she keeps flirting and i can’t breathe
send help
Your mom replied almost instantly.
lol sounds like ur already dead 😇
but in love maybe??
You stared at the screen, biting your lip.
idk. but i really really like her
You didn’t wait for a reply this time. Just tucked your phone back in your bag, gave yourself one last look in the mirror—then headed back to the table.
Hyun-Ju looked up as you returned, and she smiled like she'd been waiting just for you. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” you said, tucking some hair behind your ear. “Just needed a minute.”
“I figured,” she said. “So I ordered reinforcements.”
You blinked, then noticed both wine glasses had been topped off. You narrowed your eyes playfully. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
Hyun-Ju raised a brow. “Please. You’ve had, like, a glass and a half. You’re just a lightweight.”
You let out a little giggle, flopping dramatically into your seat. “I am not!”
She smirked. “You are. But it’s okay. It’s cute.”
You took a slow sip of the wine, trying to hide your flustered smile behind the rim of your glass. “I can’t tell if you’re trying to compliment me or tease me.”
“Why not both?”
You groaned into your drink. “Stop.”
Hyun-Ju chuckled, then toyed with her fork for a second before looking up at you again. “Hey, my friends are planning on throwing a house party this weekend. If you’re free... you should come.”
You blinked. “Me? Partying? Remember last time?”
She nodded casually. “If you want to.”
You hesitated. “I’m not really a party girl…”
Hyun-Ju shrugged. “That’s okay.” Then, “I’m not either.”
“…But I want to spend time with you,” you added quickly. “So I’ll come.”
Her smile spread, soft and warm. “Yeah?”
You nodded, chewing your bottom lip. “Just… promise you won’t let me stand awkwardly in the corner all night.”
“I’d never,” she said, voice dipping. “If I’m being honest, I was kinda hoping I’d get to dance with you.” Your breath caught in your throat. “Just a slow one,” she added. “So you don’t run away.”
You giggled, flustered all over again. “I can’t dance.”
“Doesn’t matter,” she said, tilting her glass toward you. “I’ll lead.”
You clinked your glass with hers before taking another slow sip, hoping she couldn’t hear your heart beating out of your chest.
The two of you stepped out of the restaurant into the warm evening air, laughter still lingering between you like perfume. The sidewalk sparkled faintly beneath the streetlamps, your shoes tapping beside Hyun-Ju’s quiet strides. The wine left you a little floaty, but it wasn’t just that—it was her.
She walked close enough for your arms to brush with every step, your fingers occasionally grazing, and every time it happened, your heart fluttered so hard it felt unfair. “You’re gonna wear something cute tomorrow, right?” Hyun-Ju asked casually, looking ahead.
You blinked. “Huh?”
She smiled without turning. “To the party.”
Your face went warm. “I—I mean, yeah. I guess.”
“Something that’ll make me want to kiss you again.”
Your steps faltered slightly, and she glanced over at you with a tiny smirk, like she knew. “You can’t just say things like that,” you muttered, pressing a hand to your cheek.
“Why not?” she asked, her voice a little lower now. “It’s true.”
You didn’t have a response to that, not one that wouldn’t come out in a squeak. You looked down at the sidewalk instead, your smile stubborn and helpless.
Soon, you were at your apartment building, the soft golden glow from the lobby light spilling onto the sidewalk. “Well,” you said, half-turning to face her. “Thanks for walking me.”
“Of course,” she said, not moving. Her gaze lingered on your face for a beat longer than felt safe. “You gonna let me kiss you goodnight?”
Your breath caught, eyes flicking up to hers. She looked impossibly pretty in the glow of the lamplight, eyes warm and patient and waiting.
But you just… stood there. Frozen. Not because you didn’t want to—god, you did—but because everything in you had gone soft and quiet and too full at once. The wine. The night. Her.
“Sweet girl?” she asked softly, a gentle tease in her voice.
It snapped you out of your trance, eyes going wide as you blinked up at her. “Oh my god—sorry. I—yeah. I mean—goodnight kiss… yeah. That’s okay.”
Hyun-Ju let out the smallest laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners. Then she stepped close, one hand curling behind your neck, not pulling—just holding—and leaned in.
The kiss she gave you was soft, slow, and barely there, like she was afraid to overwhelm you. Just a warm press of lips, and then she was pulling back, smiling at the way your eyes fluttered open again.
“Goodnight,” she murmured.
“Goodnight,” you whispered back, barely able to hear your own voice. You stayed there on the steps even after she left, watching the glow of the streetlights catch in her hair as she walked away.
Your phone buzzed a few minutes later.
made it home :)
thanks for tonight
And then, a second later:
can’t wait to see what you wear tomorrow
The next morning you dragged yourself out of bed with a slow stretch and made it to class–barely on time, but present. The lectures blurred by, your notes messier than you’d like, but your head was still spinning a little from everything that had happened the night before. Hyun-ju’s lips. Her hand on your neck. That smirk when she told you to wear something cute.
You stopped by the convenience store near campus after class and picked up a triangle kimbap and a bottled ice tea. You didn’t feel like a full meal–not with your nerves buzzing again.
You sat outside on the bench to eat your snack, watching the cars and people pass by. Instead of heading straight back to your apartment, you wandered to the coffee shop. Hyun-ju was working.
You ordered your usual, and when she spotted you, she smiled in that warm, knowing way. “Studying?” she asked, already turning to make your drink.
You nodded. “Trying to be productive.”
“Your favorite booth is free.”
You grinned, heading over to your favorite spot. The spot where you first met her. The spot you sat when you met up with her friends. A moment later, she set your coffee down beside you–extra foam on top, just how you liked it.
You slipped on your headphones, opened your laptop, and started typing out the early draft of your paper. It was coming slowly, but it was coming.
Halfway through your second paragraph, your phone buzzed.
Mom♡ FaceTime
You blinked in surprise, then smiled and picked up.
“Hi, sweetheart!” your mom beamed into the camera. She was in the backyard, phone a little wobbly as she turned it toward your cavalier. “Look at Berry! She’s been out here all morning, digging up the same exact corner of the garden.”
“Berry!” you laughed. “She looks filthy.”
“She is. I gave up trying to stop her. She’s on a mission.”
Berry gave a joyful bark in the background, pawing at something unseen in the dirt. Your mom turned the camera back to her face. “How’s my girl? Are you eating enough?”
You held up your coffee with a sheepish smile. “Lunch of champions. Plus I had a kimbap earlier.”
She gave you that look, the familiar mom one, but before she could say anything else, her eyes flicked to something behind you on the screen.
“That’s her, isn’t it?”
You glanced back. Hyun-ju was walking behind the counter, hair tied up in a messy low pony, wiping her hands on a towel and laughing at something one of her coworkers said.
You flushed a little. “Uh. Yeah. That’s her.”
Your mom’s eyes lit up. “She’s even prettier than in the pictures you sent.”
“Mom,” you mumbled, flustered. “I’m just studying here, okay?”
“I didn’t say anything!” she teased. “I just said she’s pretty.” You buried your face in your hands. She laughed.
“So,” she said, a little more gently, “how’s school going? You look less tired than the last time we talked.”
You dropped your hands and sighed. “It’s okay, I think I’m finally getting a good schedule down. Classes aren’t too bad. Just takes a while to adjust.”
She smiled, a bit softer now. “I miss you a lot, honey.”
Your throat tightened. “I miss you too, Mom.”
There was a pause. Just the sounds of Berry panting and the soft background hum of the cafe.
“I’ll let you get back to work,” your mom said eventually. “But send me more pictures soon, okay? Of your outfits. Or the city. Anything. Or Berry will be mad.”
You laughed. “Okay. Love you.”
“Love you more.”
You hung up and sat there for a moment, the ache of homesickness dull but familiar. Then you glanced up–Hyuun-ju was wiping down the espresso machine, and she looked over just in time to catch your eye.
She smiled. And you did too.
You set your phone face-down beside your laptop and stared at your screen for a moment. The cursor blinked at you, annoyingly patient. You took a slow sip of your coffee. It had gone lukewarm while you talked to your mom, but you didn’t mind.
Homesickness settled over you like a slow, quiet fog. Seeing your mom’s face—Berry’s wagging tail, your yard back home, the way your mom’s voice always softened when she looked at you—left a dull ache in your chest. It wasn’t new, but today it clung harder than usual.
You sniffled softly and rubbed your thumb under your eye, blinking a few times like it would shake the feeling loose. You weren’t going to cry in the middle of the coffee shop. You had a paper to write. You had a date with Hyun-Ju’s friends tonight. You had things to look forward to.
You tapped your fingers against the edge of your laptop, inhaled deep, and let it go slowly. Then you forced your attention back to your paper, rereading your last paragraph and adjusting a sentence or two just to feel like you were moving.
Still, the ache lingered. Gnawed at the back of your mind. Your chest was tight and your throat was scratchy and you wanted to crawl under your blanket and sleep for twelve hours.
But you didn’t. You just kept writing. Slowly. Sloppily. But writing. You reminded yourself of the good things. You had a date with Hyun-Ju. A real date. And she’d invited you out tonight. To spend time with her. To be with her friends.
You were nervous—god, you were nervous. Your stomach had been twisting with it all day. What if you wore the wrong thing? What if they didn’t like you? What if you couldn’t hear anyone over the music, or you got too anxious to dance, or you embarrassed yourself somehow?
But you still wanted to go. Because Hyun-Ju wanted you there. And deep down… you wanted to see her again. Even if it meant faking a little confidence until it felt real.
You glanced up as she walked past your booth again, carrying two drinks to a table. Her apron was smudged with flour. There was a tiny crease on her brow like she was thinking about too many things at once—but when she looked your way, her face softened. She smiled again. Like it was automatic. Like she was just happy to see you.
And for a moment, the ache dulled. You smiled back. Then you turned back to your screen and started typing again.
You practiced the greeting one more time in the mirror, mouthing the syllables carefully.
“Annyeonghaseyo,” you whispered. Then again, slower. “An-nyeong-ha-se-yo.”
Your accent was a little rough around the edges, but you were trying. You wanted to show Hyun-Ju’s friends you cared enough to at least learn something—even if it was just hello.
You smoothed down your shirt, checking the outfit again. Short black skirt, a crisp white tee that showed just a little sliver of skin above the waistband, your oversized jean jacket thrown on top to balance it out. Comfortable, familiar—cute, but not like you were trying too hard.
Your favorite perfume sat untouched on your desk, the pretty bottle glinting faintly in the light. You hesitated for a second, then spritzed once over your wrists, then your neck. The scent hit instantly—warm and soft and expensive, like good memories and something a little sexier than you usually let yourself feel.
You grabbed your phone, snapping a picture in the mirror. Skirt, shirt, jacket. Platforms peeking from the bottom of the frame.
headed to a house party soon! do i look okay??
You sent it to your mom, heart fluttering for reasons you didn’t entirely understand. Your phone buzzed back a moment later.
you look beautiful. have fun tonight. be safe. i love you!
You stared at her message a little longer than you meant to. Then your Uber pinged from downstairs. You grabbed your bag, gave your reflection one last breathless look, and headed out.
The ride there passed in a haze of neon lights and the thrum of Friday night foot traffic. The city was buzzing, as always–packed sidewalks, late night food carts, chatter echoing down alleys. But as your Uber turned down a quieter residential street, the sounds shifted: laughter spilling from a front yard, music thumping through cracked windows, a glowing porch light swinging slightly in the breeze.
Your Uber pulled to the curb in front of a modest two story house lit up from the inside–music spilling out through the open front door, the scent of beer and grilled snacks wafting out into the night.
Your stomach flipped, nerves prickling your skin. You checked your phone.
we’re out front🩶
You looked up–and there she was. Hyun-ju was leaning against the porch railing, cup in hand, lit from behind by the soft yellow glow of the house’s string lights. The moment she saw you, her grin spread slow and warm across her face.
She looked unfairly good in black jeans and a wine colored tank top under a leather jacket, the kind of effortlessly hot that made your mouth go dry. Her hair was down, bangs brushing her forehead, makeup soft and glowy, lips tinted like fresh berries.
Her friends stood around her on the porch, chatting and laughing, but Hyun-ju stepped forward right away when she saw you. You gave her a nervous smile and a little wave as you climbed the steps.
“Hey,” you said, suddenly blanking on every syllable of Korean you’d practiced. Her grin softened into something almost fond as she pulled you into a brief hug that still managed to melt your knees. She smelled like warm vanilla and peach soju and something you hadn’t placed yet—but now craved.
“Come say hi to everyone,” she murmured, keeping a hand at your lower back as she led you inside.
The house was packed with people–you could barely see the floor between bodies. The air was warm and loud, music booming from someone’s bluetooth speaker in the kitchen, the scent of soju, beer, and sweet snacks lingering in the air.
Just inside the living room, you spotted the girl you remembered from last time–short bob, sparkly earrings, the one who had made you take a shot of something radioactive blue. She looked up from where she sat perched on the arm of the couch.
You panicked a little–words jumbling–but managed to squeak out, “Annyeonghaseyo.”
There was a split second of stunned silence…and then a cheer erupted. The bob-haired girl gasped like you’d given her a gift. “You learn!” she cried, hopping up to fling her arms around you. “Look at you!”
You giggled, flushed, barely catching the soft, proud smile Hyun-ju tried to hide. “Love your outfit,” the girl said, pulling back and giving your skirt and jacket combo an approving once over. “Beautiful.”
Your cheeks flared hot. “Oh. Thank you.”
“Drinks!” someone called from the kitchen.
A chorus of “Yes!” followed, and the group surged toward the back of the house, dragging you and Hyun-ju along.
She stayed close, always within reach. In the kitchen, she grabbed a peach soju and glanced at you, raising a brow. You picked something fruity and fizzy and out of the cooler–a canned cocktail with a pastel label–and caught the little laugh she tried to stifle.
“What?” you asked, eyes narrowing playfully.
“Nothing,” she said, smirking as she popped open her drink. “It just suits you.”
You rolled your eyes and sipped quickly, letting the sweetness distract you from how warm your face felt.
Before you could say anything else, her fingers slid into yours–steady, sure–and you were tugged back into the hallway through a doorway into the living room, where music pulsed through an old speaker and people were dancing, sprawled out on couches, or lounging on the floor with half full drinks.
The crowd shifted around you, and someone’s elbow bumped into your back–Hyun-ju’s hand caught your waist just in time, pulling you in.
The music pulsed around you like a heartbeat, bodies swaying, voices raising above the beat. With the crush of people, you ended up with your back flush to Hyun-ju’s front, her arms resting lightly around your hips.
You weren’t sure if you were dancing or just trying to breathe, your mind struggling to keep up with the mix of music, Korean, laughter, and the way she was standing behind you like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She dipped her head slightly, resting her chin on top of yours. “You okay?” she asked, voice warm against your ear.
You nodded, voice soft. “Just…a little overwhelmed.”
Her thumbs brushed gentle circles over your hips. “You’re doing great,” she said, barely loud enough to hear. “Just stay close.”
You didn’t move. Couldn’t. Everything felt like her–her perfume, the press of her jacket against your back, her breath against your hair.
The conversation around you faded into static. You tried to keep up with the jokes being tossed around in rapid-fire Korean, tried to smile at the right moments–but the only thing you could really focus on was how close Hyun-ju was, the slight shift of her hips swaying.
The crowd shifted again–just enough to give you space to breathe, to move without bumping into strangers, but not enough to break the quiet closeness between you and Hyun-ju.
Her hand stayed on your waist. She could’ve stepped back. Could’ve let you go. But she didn’t.
Her palm stayed warm and steady over your side, fingertips brushing the fabric of your shirt, just above where your skirt began. You were sure she could feel the way your breathing had changed—unsteady, shallow. You were sure she knew.
You tried to focus on the song, on her friends’ laughter somewhere off to the right, but all you could feel was her. Her scent—faint and sweet and dizzying. The soft way her chest moved behind your back. The whisper of her thumb moving against your shirt.
Then, gently, her chin came to rest on top of your head. Your breath caught. Her body curved around yours, close and warm. Protective, but not possessive. You tipped your head back instinctively, just to see her.
And she was already looking. Her lips found your forehead, soft and warm. You blinked up at her—heart thudding, hands loose at your sides, drink long forgotten.
When you turned your gaze forward again, breath caught in your throat, Hyun-Ju dipped her head until her lips hovered just beside your ear.
“You dressed cute for me,” she murmured, her voice warm and smooth beneath the music.
You tried to scoff, tried to shake off the way it made your stomach twist—but your voice came out breathier than you wanted. “You told me to.”
“I didn’t think I’d see this much of your legs tonight.”
Your eyes darted down to your skirt—a mid-thigh black thing that hugged your hips and flared just a little. Flowing, but not shy. Not tonight. You swallowed. “Too much?”
“No,” she said, low in your ear, “just enough.” Her fingers, resting so gently on your waist, began to move—slowly, casually, slipping from the hem of your shirt to the bare skin above your skirt.
You jumped a little at the contact, even though it was light. Even though it was careful. Even though it was her.
Hyun-Ju didn’t pull away. “And your tummy?” she said softly, fingers still resting there now—just barely grazing your skin. “What did I do to earn this?”
You opened your mouth, but no words came out. Your whole body felt warm. The music pounded around you. Her fingers didn’t move—just stayed there, gently grounding you and setting your nerves alight.
You could barely hear her friends anymore. You couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. You just leaned a little heavier into her touch, cheeks flushed and stomach fluttering.
“Hyun-Ju,” you whispered, your voice getting lost in the music.
She leaned in again, her mouth near your jaw this time. “You wanna get some air?” Her words barely registered in your ears. You nodded before you could think.
She laced your fingers together and tugged you through the hallway—dodging swaying bodies and half-closed bedroom doors—until she found a bathroom tucked near the back of the house. She tried the handle, found it unlocked, and nudged it open.
It was small—just a toilet, a sink, a mirror, and a clean white tiled floor—but it was quiet. Dim. Private. The moment the door clicked shut behind you, the air changed.
Hyun-Ju leaned back against it, her eyes skating over you in the soft yellow light. You stood in the center of the room, heartbeat ticking high in your throat, your fingers fidgeting at the hem of your shirt.
She crossed the space slowly. “You really wore this for me?” she asked, voice lower now—no teasing, just a soft rasp that made your skin spark.
You couldn’t look at her. “Maybe.”
Hyun-Ju’s fingers found yours, tugged them gently away from your shirt. “I like it.”
You swallowed. “Yeah?”
Her eyes darkened just a little. “Yeah.”
You didn’t know who moved first, but suddenly you were kissing. Slow at first—like you had time. Like she wanted to taste every part of your mouth before she got carried away. Her hands framed your face, thumbs brushing your jaw, her lips warm and plush against yours. She kissed like she’d thought about it. Like she’d really thought about it.
Your hands drifted to her waist, fingers sliding under the hem of her tank top, and you gasped when she suddenly gripped your thighs.
“Up,” she said, breath ghosting your lips. Then—effortlessly—she lifted you and set you on the bathroom counter.
Your knees fell open instinctively, making room for her between them. Her hands gripped your thighs, firm and steady, her thumbs tracing lazy circles just above your knees.
“You okay?” she asked, voice husky now, her forehead resting lightly against yours.
“Yes,” you breathed. “I’m okay.” That was all she needed.
She kissed you again—deeper this time, more sure of herself. Her hands slid up your thighs, gripping gently, possessively, and your fingers curled into her jacket like a lifeline. Her tongue licked into your mouth slow and deliberate, and you whimpered into the kiss, your back arching just a little.
The counter was cool against your bare thighs, but her body was warm, pressing between them, anchoring you in place.
She kissed you like it wasn’t just about tonight. Like she wanted to remember how you tasted when she couldn’t have you later. Like kissing you was the only thing keeping her upright.
When her lips dragged to your jaw, then to the side of your throat, you gasped—hands flying to her shoulders, holding on like the world was tilting. She bit down gently, then soothed the spot with her tongue.
Your hips rolled forward without thinking, and her hands tightened on your thighs. “Careful,” she murmured, mouth brushing the shell of your ear. “You keep that up and I’m not gonna let you out of this room.”
Your breath caught. “S-sorry–I’m sorry,” you apologized quietly.
Her soft laugh was like a thrill down your spine. “It’s okay, sweet girl.”
But she kissed you again anyway. Slower this time. Savoring it.
The kiss had just deepened again—your legs locked around Hyun-Ju’s waist, her tongue in your mouth, her hands gripping your thighs like she never wanted to let go—when there was a sudden rattle at the doorknob.
You both froze. A loud, impatient knock followed. “야! 안에 사람 있어? 나 미치겠다고!”
Hey! Is someone in there? I’m gonna lose it!
You panicked, your hands flying to your face. “Oh my god–”
Hyun-ju didn’t even flinch. Calmly, she turned her head toward the door and called back in an easy, slightly amused tone: “야! 안에 사람 있어? 나 미치겠다고!” Just a minute!
Then, under her breath, to you: “He’s so dramatic.”
You gave her a horrified look, whispering, “We have to go, Hyun-Ju.”
She grinned, entirely too pleased with herself, but helped you down off the counter with surprising gentleness. Her hands lingered at your waist, straightening your slightly twisted skirt with a little tug. “You’re okay,” she murmured, giving your hip a squeeze.
“I’m not okay,” you hissed, your heart racing. “My lip gloss is probably—my hair—everything—”
“You look hot,” she said with a wink.
Then, without ceremony, she cracked the door open. The hallway light poured in, and the guy standing outside blinked at the two of you. His eyes scanned you—flushed face, rumpled clothes, Hyun-Ju’s satisfied expression—and he immediately groaned.
“씨발.” Fuck.
Hyun-ju didn’t even blink. She stepped past him, hand gently guiding you forward, and tossed over her shoulder: “질투는 보기 안 좋아요.” Jealousy’s not a good look.
You covered your face as you walked, mortified, your heart pounding like a drumline. Just before you reached the living room again, she paused and turned to you. With both hands, she gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and smoothed down a piece near your crown where it had gotten rumpled.
Her eyes softened, her voice quiet. “There.”
You blinked up at her, shy and a little dizzy. “Thanks…”
She smiled, brushing her thumb along your cheekbone for one lingering second. “You were so cute in there.” Your stomach flipped.
Then she turned casually and led you back toward the group like it was just any other moment, like your lip gloss wasn’t all over her mouth, like she hadn’t just kissed you breathless in a stranger’s bathroom.
Meanwhile, you were glowing pink, your heart still thudding out of rhythm, and praying no one noticed the way you couldn't quite meet anyone's eyes.
Of course, the bob-haired girl from earlier immediately spotted you both and narrowed her eyes. “Took you long enough,” she said with a smirk, handing you a fresh drink. “You okay, sweetheart? You look flushed.” she asked, some words in English and some in Korean.
You opened your mouth to lie—to say you were just hot, or needed air, or anything remotely believable—but Hyun-Ju just plucked the drink out of your hand, took a sip, and handed it back to you.
“She’s good,” she said with a wink. And somehow, you were. Sort of. Maybe. Except for the fact that all you could think about now was her mouth on yours and how many more locked doors this house had.
El día de ayer salí con una amiga que no había visto en años, siento que le debo muchas disculpas ya que no había tomado el tiempo de verla en todo este tiempo.
Siempre me encierro en mis peores momentos, pero me hace feliz saber que no todo en mi es malo y siempre tendré gente con quién hablar como si fuera la primera vez.
Last year I had the privilege of meeting Mana Sama and Kaya in person, for most people a great influence in the Lolita world. Since I was little I had never believed I would have the opportunity to fulfill that great dream accompanied by one of my best friends. I cried so much from the emotion that I even got a huge cramp that made me sit down several times, lol.
But I'm excited to highlight that that day was very magical, I had an incredibly good time and everyone shared a lot of emotion, I'm excited to be able to repeat that excitement with Hizaki this year (very little time left 💖)
PS: It's not my best face, but I gave it my all hahaha
A while back, I bought this Bodyline dress, and it just so happened I also had the model's shoes! I was so happy. It's a coincidence that you rarely get to have the same pieces as the model, at least not in my case. I can't wait for spring to come back. It's a fresh dress, so it stays in its box in winter.
pixelskylines
amandla
