Peaches & Cream

Ch. 2: Hey Flip Flops

6:30 a.m.

"Mira, Miraya, wake up!" I sigh as my body is awakened by the sound of my alarm clock and Jiah's voice.

"It's time already?" I whine, stretching my body for what seems like an hour. I can barely make out Jiah's words as they're interrupted by her yawns, but I'm pretty sure she said something about breakfast.

We quickly get ready. Check each other out for the 50th time, making sure we both look to die for because that's what boss ladies do, before finally heading out. It rained the night before so the air is extra crisp, which I love. Would rather have this than the 10-month winter season I had to endure back home.

Jiah was right, the knee-high boots definitely pulled the whole look together, we both look like two French girls. Talking about fashion, people in Korea (especially girls) know how to dress well. Everything, and I mean everything, from their hair down to their nails is polished and well put together. Mindblowing, as back home I could be seen wearing the same Harvard sweater for 5 consecutive days, with absolutely no shame or will to change. So, the fact that these boots are now in my possession should in itself cause a commotion, but for now, I'll settle for Jiah's reassurance and cute compliments.

Unfortunately, though, our little date had to pause as it was time to depart to our respective faculty buildings. See, Jiah is a Business major with a minor in accounting, aka money is basically going to follow her 24/7. While I'm majoring in Nursing, by choice mind you! I was going to go into Dietetics before realising that my eating habits are questionable at best, so I spared humanity with this one (you're welcome). But now, if you see me in your local hospital in my cute scrubs just know that I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing so please, just mind your business.

Anywho, we said our goodbyes and wished each other luck. Fast forward to about five minutes, and there I was, standing in front of the building that will probably make me cry, scream, laugh, and all of the above throughout the next 4 years. Nonetheless, I have come this far right? The possibility of everything I worked for going down the drain is the only motivation I need right now to do my best.

--

As I walked out of my last class of the day, the sun was already beginning to set. To be honest, everything went pretty well, I mean as well as it could go on syllabus day. My professors were all pretty chill except for one lady who intimidates the crap out of me for absolutely no reason. She has over 30 years of experience in this field and deals with new cohorts, which means she might be my supervisor. If that's the case I will have to pregame each clinical to not pass out in her presence.

I wanted to grab a quick coffee on my way back to the dorm when I felt my phone buzz.

Jiah: Heyy lovely, how are you? Have you eaten? Jimin invited us to a little get-together with his friends, so I'll pick you up at 7.

Mira: Hey babes, I'm great. How are you, love? Sure, I'll let you know when I'm ready.

Oh my god, my first party. It's no big deal but my body has definitely become more tense. I mean I know literally no one else aside from Jiah. I haven't even met her boyfriend, barely know what he looks like. But, I trust her, so as long as I stick by her everything should be fine, right? I mean what's the worst that can happen?

Caught up in my thoughts, I was abruptly interrupted by a sudden push, a body that slammed past me as I tried to open the front door of the dormitory. Ouch. I didn't have time to check who it was but they also made no effort in checking if I was okay. Looking back all I could see was a tall guy with a black hoodie who seemed to be in a rush. Jeez, people these days are just something else I swear. Whatever, I thought, maybe they were having a rough day. Nonetheless, I straightened up and made my way up to my dorm, trying to forget whatever that was as I had bigger things to think about.

--

Knock Knock Knock

"Miraya, open up, I'm here!" I could hear Jiah's screams from my bedroom as I tried to quickly unlock the door. One hand on the doorknob, the other on my dress strap. And, as the door swung open, Jiah was left in absolute awe.

"Sheesh, miss girl who allowed you to look this good?" she exclaimed, coming in for a tight hug.

"Girl, look at you! Screw your boyfriend and come live with me," we both giggled, knowing dam well that we both looked quite good. I mean go big or go home right?

"I'm almost done, I swear. But please, can you help me with this strap? It unclipped and I almost lost my mind. I don't know why this dress requires 10 people to assemble," I whine a little as Jiah quickly clasps the dress back into its position.

"Hey, what's this? Are you okay?"

"What?" I ask, as she walks us over to my mirror before pointing to a bruise on my forearm.

"Oh, yeah, so silly. This guy bumped into me as I was trying to get into the building today. But, it's no big deal. It doesn't hurt." I assure her, letting out a small chuckle.

"Are you sure? Next time you see him let me know, I'll run straight into him." she urges with pure determination on her face. I can't help but smile, reaching out and going in for a hug. We talk about our day for a little while until finally leaving the dorm.

--

"So, this party? Who else is going to be there?" I quietly ask as we make our way down to the elevators.

"Oh, just, my boyfriend, his friends, and some other people from this dormitory," Jiah explains before pressing the Basement floor.

While my nerves were somewhat calm during our elevator ride, they sure as hell were not once the doors opened and I saw the amount of people just at the entrance. My eyes were wide open as I glanced at Jiah before she looked back with a mischievous yet nervous smile.

"Come on Mira, let's have fun. Let loose!" she exclaimed, pulling my arm towards the entrance. There was no time to answer or to protest so I had no other choice but to follow her into a huge studio room with disco lights and music blasting from each corner. "Small gathering"

"Baby!" Jiah screamed, as her hold on my hand loosened and she ran to a boy in a black cap. Jimin. Well, at least, now I know what he looks like. It was cute watching them reunite. They have definitely missed each other, it was clear from the way their bodies melted into one another and their eyes locked.

"Miraya, come here let me introduce you to everyone," Jiah waved for me to come closer before I could make out the other people in the circle, and that's when my eyes stopped on him. Oh my god, no.

"Oh, hey flip flops!" Tae scrunched his nose before parading his boxy smile, waving at my yet again flushed face. I dare not to look up, hoping that if I can't see them then they won't be able to see me. A girl can dream, I guess. 

"Flip flops?" Jimin and Jiah both ask, letting out a chuckle at the funny nickname.

"Yeah, it was so funny because when we first met I was in the elevator and she ran ..."

"Ok, that's enough, thank you for your input but really, it's not that serious. Umm ... so Jimin, how was your vacation?" I quickly try to change the subject before Tae sends me into another nervous breakdown. Everyone just smiles and looks at Jimin, while Tae teasingly grins at my quick remark.

"Yeah, I mean it was honestly so nice, the boys and I went to Bora Bora. Heaven on Earth! Baby, next time, we should all go," he says, adoring eyes looking down at Jiah who was snuggled into his embrace.

"Oh, by the way, this is Jungkook. We drove all night yesterday from Busan, so excuse his appearance." Jimin smiles, pulling on Jungkook's hoodie to come forward and introduce himself. The poor guy seemed absolutely drained but managed to let out a tiny hello with a nod before stepping back into the shadow. Something about him seemed familiar but I couldn't tell what exactly.