𝐣𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧 ; 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚

Farewells and New Beginnings

Chapter Twelve: Farewells and New Beginnings

The end of the semester approached with a bittersweet inevitability. The campus buzzed with the excitement of final exams, last-minute projects, and the promise of a well-deserved break. For Minjeong, the end of the semester also meant saying goodbye to the friends who had become her anchor during one of the most turbulent times of her life.

The final week was a whirlwind of activity. Minjeong, Jimin, Sooyeon, and Mia spent their days buried in textbooks and notes, studying for their exams. Despite the pressure of their academic workload, they found solace in each other's company, taking breaks together to grab coffee, share meals, and occasionally sneak in a quick dance party to relieve stress.

On the last day of exams, the four friends decided to have one final celebration before they parted ways for the break. They gathered in Minjeong's dorm room, which had become their unofficial headquarters over the past months. The room was filled with the warm glow of fairy lights and the sound of their laughter.

Minjeong had ordered takeout from their favorite restaurant, and they sat cross-legged on the floor, enjoying the food and reminiscing about their shared experiences. As the night wore on, the conversation grew more reflective, and the reality of their impending separation began to sink in.

"I can't believe it's already the end of the semester," Sooyeon said, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and nostalgia. "It feels like just yesterday we were meeting each other for the first time."

Mia nodded, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "We've been through so much together. It's hard to imagine not seeing you all every day."

Jimin, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "We'll still be friends, no matter where we are. This isn't the end, just a new beginning."

Minjeong's heart swelled with emotion. She had grown so close to these girls, and the thought of being apart from them was almost unbearable. But she knew Jimin was right. Their bond was strong enough to withstand the distance.

"Let's make a promise," Minjeong said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. "No matter what happens, we'll stay in touch. We'll visit each other, call, text, whatever it takes. We won't let this be the end."

The others nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. They each extended a hand, placing them in the center of their small circle.

"Promise," Jimin said, her eyes shining with determination.

"Promise," echoed Sooyeon and Mia.

Minjeong smiled, feeling a surge of hope. "Promise."

The next morning, Minjeong woke up early, the reality of their farewells weighing heavily on her. She packed her belongings, the once-familiar room now looking empty and impersonal. As she zipped up her suitcase, there was a knock on the door.

Jimin, Sooyeon, and Mia stood in the hallway, their expressions a mixture of sadness and determination. They helped Minjeong carry her bags to the campus gate, where a taxi was waiting to take her to the airport.

As they stood together one last time, Minjeong felt a wave of emotion wash over her. "I'm going to miss you all so much," she said, her voice trembling.

"We'll miss you too," Jimin replied, pulling her into a tight hug. "But this isn't goodbye. It's just see you later."

Sooyeon and Mia joined the hug, their presence a comforting reminder of the bond they shared. When they finally pulled away, Minjeong took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"I'll call you as soon as I land," she promised, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"We'll be waiting," Sooyeon said, her smile bittersweet.

With one last wave, Minjeong climbed into the taxi, watching as her friends grew smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. As the campus faded from view, she felt a mixture of sadness and hope. This chapter of her life was coming to an end, but she knew that with her friends by her side, she could face whatever came next.

As the taxi sped toward the airport, Minjeong looked out the window, the city blurring into a mosaic of colors and lights. The future was uncertain, but she felt ready to embrace it, knowing that she carried the strength and support of her friends with her, no matter the distance.

The semester had been a whirlwind of challenges and growth, and as she embarked on this new journey, Minjeong felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was leaving behind the girl who had been defined by others' expectations and stepping into a future where she could define herself.

And with that thought, Minjeong smiled, ready for whatever the next chapter would bring.