Who Invented High School?

71

Dear Journal,
School ends in less than a month and it's almost exam week. I can't believe I'm almost done with year 11. This school year has been such a rollercoaster, having to move to a new city, a new school, and make new friends on top of having to take care of Mama who's no longer here and getting a job. My life was rough, but now it's calmed down. I can't take care of Mama anymore, but I know she's looking out for me. I'm happy that she's with dad now because that's all she ever wanted to do. At first, I hated that, and I was being selfish, but now I understand...I've been going to therapy and taking antidepressants too and it's been a huge help. I feel a lot motivated than usual. Even Skye stopped bullying me after what happened a week ago. I am a little worried about Tae tho...he hasn't been the same since his fight with Skye. I'm also worried about...surprisingly my mom. Don't get me wrong, she's not being an ass like she was to me when dad died, but something about the way she interacts with me kind of makes me feel weird. It's like she's scared of me or something. Either way, my biggest concern is exams honestly. Exams are taken so seriously here in Seoul...I really hope everyone does well!

Minji was in the janitors closet yet again, peaking out from inside to try and find Yoonji. Yoonji was currently in a Student Body meeting and Minji was waiting for her to get out. It took a little bit, but as soon as she spotting Yoonji, she bolted out of the closet and pulled her inside.

"I'm getting deja vu right now," Yoonji laughed. "What are you doing here...again?!"

"I need to tell you something that's why," Minji's smile was so big it sent butterflies into Yoonji's stomach.

"What is it?"

Minji blushed. "Well...we've been going on dates for a while, and I really like you..."

Yoonji giggled. "I like you too, Minji."

"Yeah, and so I wanted to ask if you were ready...to be official."

When Yoonji didn't say anything, Minji frowned. "I know you're still trying to get used to y'know...your parents finding out that you're lesbian, but I feel like I need to have a say in this too. I feel like I've waited too long for you, Yoonji...I've enjoyed all the dates we've gone on and just everything we have done together. Shouldn't you take in consideration that we should be official now?"

"Minji," Yoonji awkwardly laughed. "I do want to be official, but—"

"Why are you having doubts? Are you afraid we won't...last? Or because of your parents?"

Yoonji huffed. "I just don't want you to go through this—with my parents. They're extremely homophobic and I don't want you being dragged down just because you're dating me. I wouldn't want that for you."

"Listen to me," Minji grabbed both of Yoonji's hands and looked at her straight in the eyes. "Even if your parents come to me straight up and tell me to fuck off and never talk to you again, it wouldn't be enough for me not to be with you. I don't care if they call me slurs, or degrade me, it's me and you against the world at the end of the day."

"Yeah...yeah you're right, Minji. I really gotta stop letting my parents control my life," Yoonji said.

"Exactly! I don't mean to get disrespectful, but your parents are assholes. They're homophobic and abusive, and you nearly lost your sibling because of it. Isn't it about time you stood up for yourself? You're almost 17-years-old love."

"Be as disrespectful as you'd like. They kind of deserve it anyway for the way they treated Yoongi," Yoonji mumbled.

Minji nodded. "Yep! So what are you thinking?"

Yoonji was quiet for a minute. She was deep in thought for a minute before she looked back up at Minji, her cheeks a light pink. "This is such a lesbian thing to say, but I'm madly in love with you."