Moving On With You, Jinjoo

46: Acceptance

As Minju's eyes fluttered open, she winced at the harsh sunlight streaming through the windows, exacerbating the throbbing in her head. Slowly, the events of the previous night came back to her in fragments, and she couldn't help but wonder if it had all been just a dream.

She turned to her side, her heart sinking when Yujin was no longer beside her.

With a heavy sigh, Minju swung her legs over the edge of the bed and grabbed her phone off the bedside table. 

Yuri: Before you say anything, I'm sorry. 

Yuri: She's the only other person I trust to bring you back safely.

Yuri: You should be thanking me. 

Minju snickered at the sticker she sent of a cartoon duck sneering. 

Slowly, she made her way downstairs. The scent of freshly cooked food greeted her as she descended, causing her stomach to growl in anticipation.

As she entered the kitchen, Minju's eyes landed on the neatly set counter. A bowl of beansprout soup, a remedy for those pulsating throbs in her head, and a side of rice and Kimchi. So simple yet it held a special place in Minju's heart.

There, next to it, was a small note, written in Yujin's handwriting, accompanied with some hangover supplements.

Good morning, my love. I had to head to class early, but I made you some beansprout soup and got some supplements because I know you get the worst headaches after drowning yourself in alcohol. Heat them up before you eat. There are heat packs and your favourite Lindors in the ziplock. I got a notification saying the Red Sea was coming to get you. As much as I wish to be in bed with you, I have an assignment due tomorrow. My things are back at the dorm. If it gets bad, call me.

Minju suppressed the smile making its way onto her lips. The relief and joy that everything was okay turned into agony when the pain struck her abdomen to remind her what it was like to be a woman.

—

Minju adjusted the strap of her bag as she and Juyeon made their way through the bustling halls of the university hospital. Her blood sugar levels were screaming for help.

Seeing her discomfort, Juyeon glanced at her with concern. "Are you okay?"

Minju managed a weak smile and nodded. As they approached the reception desk, Minju reached into her bag and pulled out a lollipop, unwrapping it and popping it between her lips.

Once they finished filling up some forms, Juyeon turned to her with a friendly smile. "How about we grab a late lunch together? My treat."

Before Minju could respond, she felt someone steal the lollipop from her hand. Startled, she turned to see Yujin standing there, a mischievous grin on her face as she stuck the lollipop into her mouth.

The younger girl circled an arm around Minju's shoulder, keeping her close. "Hate to burst your bubble but she has plans with me," Yujin announced, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Minju blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her girlfriend's sudden appearance. We do? Her mind echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion yet relief made its way to her chest.

Yujin was back. My Ahn Yujin is back.

With that dimpled smile of Yujin's, it was as if the girl was answering her thoughts. She couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that stirred within her, dismissing the dread of spending the next hour with a guy her best friend had been weary about.

Doesn't she have an assignment due tomorrow? Minju couldn't help but wonder, feeling the soft squeeze of Yujin's hand on her shoulder.

"If you don't mind." The younger girl gave a small polite nod to Juyeon, bringing Minju to walk with her.