Moving On With You, Jinjoo

35: The Perfect Seashell

The scent of sizzling garlic filled the cosy kitchen as Minju followed the aroma, only to get greeted by the lively sight of Halmi and her girlfriend engrossed in preparing lunch.

Yujin was diligently helping with the beansprouts, her mischievous side evident as she sneakily grabbed a piece of kimchi radish from the side, earning a playful smack on her shoulder from Halmi. The younger girl laughed it off, eyes sparkling with mischief.

She finished plucking the last few strands of beansprouts, feeling a pair of hands on her shoulder and turning to see her girlfriend sitting next to her. "I've been waiting for you." A grin danced on her lips, earning a light touch to her cheek.

"What did you do for her to smack you?" Minju asked despite knowing.

Halmi chuckled, shaking her head. "Yujin, you're worse than a hungry squirrel."

"I can't help it." Yujin shrugged.

Turning to her granddaughter, she shook her head in mock exasperation. "This one, always tasting before it's ready."

The said girl giggled, receiving a tangerine from the lady as a reward for her efforts. "Halmi, that's how I make sure everything tastes good."

Watching the exchange, Minju couldn't help but chuckle, knowing well of Yujin's habit. She picked up a tangerine from the basket and attempted to peel it, only to have the juice dribble all over her hands, squirting all over the table.

When Yujin noticed, she swiftly grabbed a napkin and helped Minju clean her hands. She took the messed up tangerine, swapping it out with the one she finished peeling. "Now we know it's juicy." She took on a positive note, making sure the girl's hands weren't sticky before asking her to eat while she settled for the other.

Minju snickered, feeding a piece to Yujin while she battled with the tangerine. The younger girl smiled before glancing out the window, expressions shifting to a mix of excitement and concern.

"I saw the forecast," she said. "There might be snow tonight."

"Tonight?" Halmi looked over her shoulder and saw Yujin nod. "It'll be the first snow of the year."

Minju's brows furrowed slightly. "But we planned to have a campfire on the beach..."

The younger girl nodded, her excitement undeterred. "But first snow." She faced Minju with a knowing expression.

"Campfire," the brunette repeated. "The snow's going to ruin it."

"I know, but imagine experiencing the first snow together." Yujin dropped her head onto Minju's shoulder.

"It's going to be cold." The brunette nonchalantly put a piece of tangerine in her mouth, giving one to Yujin. "The roads are going to be slippery and many accidents will happen. The hospital's going to go into havoc."

The younger girl snickered. Being here for the past few days led to her almost forgetting Minju's life in the hospital. "You and your little brain. It's supposed to be romantic," she mumbled, getting fed another piece of fruit.

Halmi walked up to Yujin with a spoon filled with garlic drenched in honey. "Open."

"Hm?"

"Ah, just eat it." She gently shoved the spoon into the girl's mouth. "It's good for you." She goes to take another spoonful, feeding it to Minju.

"What's this?" Yujin spoke with a mouth full, chewing and humming in delight.

"Apparently, it helps prevent colds," Minju told her.

—

At the corner of a small classroom, a group of children were seen gathering around a girl who had her colouring book with her, gasping softly and voicing out their envy.