love me again (catnipz)

love me again

the university library, seamlessly intertwined with a starbucks cafe, created a unique haven where knowledge and serenity coexisted. rows of meticulously arranged books and the quiet ambiance offered students a refuge for exploration and respite.

for minji and haerin, it was more than a place of learning; it was a sanctuary where they could escape the teasing gazes of their friends.

don't misunderstand them – they absolutely loved and adored their friends, yet there were moments when this couple yearned for a private cocoon away from prying eyes.

their visits were not only driven by their wanting to avoid their nosy friends but also by their newfound reliance on iced americanos to fuel them.

"finals are seriously killing me," minji sighed, her head drooping onto the polished wooden table, weariness evident in her voice.

"correction, us," haerin playfully interjected, her hand tenderly patting minji's head. "hang in there, min. a bit more studying, and then we can head home."

minji's spirits lifted at haerin's last word, and a glint of hope entered her eyes. "it's your turn to cook tonight, right?"

haerin's smile softened as she looked at minji, well aware that her girlfriend's involvement in the cooking process was inevitable. "yes, i've got it covered. how about i whip up some japchae?"

gratitude and affection welled up in minji's heart, spilling over in her next gesture. she took haerin's patting hand and brought it down to her lips, her gaze locked onto haerin's as she pressed a gentle kiss onto her hand.

their gaze for each other only spoke a language of love and devotion as minji whispered, "thank you, rinnie. i love your cooking."

haerin's heart swelled, her smile reflecting the joy in her heart. "and i love cooking for you, unnie. even if i know you'll be joining me in the kitchen sooner or later."

the couple resumed their studies, the tranquil atmosphere of the library soothing their frayed nerves as they poured over their books, notes, and assignments. eventually, as the clock ticked on, it was time to reluctantly pack up and leave due to the impending curfew.

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a few hours later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the pair found themselves in their cozy kitchen. the soft glow of the pendant lights above the kitchen island cast a warm ambiance. haerin was moving around, gathering the ingredients for their dinner, while minji leaned against the counter, observing with a playful smile.

a pair of slender yet toned arms wrapped around haerin's waist from behind, drawing her attention. "can i help?" minji's voice was warm, her lips pressing a tender kiss on haerin's cheek.

haerin chuckled softly, her own hand resting on minji's arm. "ah, the inevitable offer. i told you, you'd end up helping regardless, unnie."

minji placed her chin on haerin's shoulder, peering into the pots and pans that were laid out. "i can't resist your culinary skills, rinnie. especially since you've improved so much throughout the time i've known you."

haerin's grin was accompanied by a gentle squeeze of minji's arm. "then consider yourself my sous chef for the evening."

before long, minji had donned a black apron with the words 'peanut butter,' complementing haerin's white apron that read 'jelly.' as they stood side by side, the kitchen became their shared canvas.

"remind me again why i'm peanut butter?" minji quirked an eyebrow, a playful smile curving her lips.

haerin's laughter filled the kitchen as she stirred a pot on the stove. "because, unnie, you're just not as sweet as me."