The Alters. (Purinz)

Five

In the following three weeks, not much happened. Their friendship continued to grow, and they started to have shared routines, like watching a movie together on Saturdays or Sundays, with homemade popcorn that they took turns making.

They often went to the university café together in the afternoons, unless they had a lot of homework.

Yunjin would notice the strange looks they received when they were together, and initially, she thought it was because they were two girls.

-What the hell, every idiot who passes by stares at us - Yunjin said, sounding very annoyed. -God, it's not like we're walking hand in hand or I'm making out with you in every corner.

Chaewon choked on her drink, coughing desperately, her face turning very red as she looked back at her.

-Yunjin! Don't say that. - she said, sounding embarrassed, and Yunjin laughed.

-I'm sorry, Chaewon, but what do you want me to say, I'm bi - she shrugged -. They should know.

-Just like they know I'm gay.

-You're a lesbian? - Yunjin acted surprised.

-Ha. Ha. How funny - Chaewon looked at her with a frown and her nose slightly wrinkled, looking adorable. -They stare because it's rare for someone to get along with the crazy girl from uni.

-Who?

Chaewon rolled her eyes.

-I, Yunjin - she said, in a tired tone -. They must also be surprised that I'm out of my room... I didn't go out much.

-You have every right to go out and be around, you don't have to be locked up in that room all day.

-Sure, I should be locked up in a psychiatric hospital.

Yunjin looked at her a bit upset, but Chaewon was speaking completely seriously and didn't retract.

-Chaewonnie, why do you say things like that?

-Because I've been told so - she said, with a heavy sigh -. But it's okay, that's life, I guess.

-Hey - Yunjin leaned towards her, the black-haired girl's big, round eyes looked at her with a sparkle, looking very pretty. - Chaewon, you should know that you're a very beautiful person, you're an excellent companion, very smart and capable, you're very strong and much better in many ways than all those people who criticize you without knowing a bit of who you are.

>>Don't think about what a bunch of idiots believe, because you're worth much more than that, don't give space to those baseless criticisms, don't waste your energy on something so silly - she gently patted her hair, tucking one of her long strands behind her ear -, okay?

Chaewon nodded, completely mesmerized by having Yunjin so close, her cheeks were slightly red and she felt like she had stopped breathing.

As soon as Yunjin pulled away, she sighed, feeling her heart racing, and put a hand to her chest.

Yunjin just laughed because she was adorable.

-Shall we go? - Yunjin asked, and took her hand without hesitation, Chaewon stared at her for a few seconds. - Can I?

The blonde just nodded, too mesmerized to hold Yunjin's hand.

They returned to the room, and Yunjin kept holding her hand. Chaewon could only look at her without saying anything, the older girl found it quite amusing.

-Does it bother you? - Yunjin asked, and Chaewon just shook her head. - Are you Pupu? You've been very quiet.

-No, no, it's me - she said, smiling a little -. It's just...