The Alters. (Purinz)

Seven

Time kept passing, and Chaewon had hoped that something in their relationship would change after that small kiss Yunjin had given her, but much to her luck-or misfortune-it didn't progress much further.

Yes, they often walked hand in hand, and the younger one's displays of affection, like hugs or gentle touches to her hair, had increased, and Chaewon loved it.

But there were no more kisses, at least not on the lips. Sometimes, Yunjin would leave a kiss on her forehead before sleeping or on her cheek when saying goodbye.

Chaewon desperately wanted to kiss her, but she was too shy. She felt clumsy and insecure about taking a step and kissing her outright.

"Just go kiss her," Michelle told her, tired of seeing her thinking all day about smooching her roommate.

"As if it were that easy."

"You just have to go and kiss her already, coward."

"Well, you try kissing her, Michelle, if it's so easy," Chaewon rolled her eyes.

"I'm straight, I'm not going to kiss girls."

Chaewon decided to ignore her. She had to wait until six in the evening for Yunjin to finish her classes and return to their room. Upon hearing her steps, she moved towards the door, trying to give her the best sad puppy eyes she could muster.

They worked immediately, because Yunjin looked at her and pouted a little, closing the door behind her.

"Owww, Chaewonnie," she softly held Chaewon's cheeks, gently caressing them with her thumbs, and the older girl instantly smiled, "Are you feeling clingy?"

"Clingy?"

"Lack of affection. It can be chronic and very serious."

"I think I am feeling clingy," Chaewon nodded.

Yunjin left a small kiss on her forehead.

"Come on then, I'll give you hugs and affection for your clinginess, Chaewonnie," Yunjin said, taking her hand and guiding her to the bedroom. She removed her coat and put down her university bag to lie down on the bed, pulling Chaewon with her.

Chaewon rested her cheek against Yunjin's chest and could hear her calm heartbeat. She was so warm, and in the early winter cold, it felt even more comforting. She wrapped her arms lovingly around Yunjin's waist while the taller girl did the same around Chaewon's shoulders, gently stroking her hair.

"You're like a puppy that hasn't seen its owner all day," Yunjin commented with a smile.

"I was feeling a bit down."

"Why? Are you hurt? Is it your head again?"

"No, no..." Chaewon took a deep breath before saying it, "Yunjin... I was wondering, why didn't you kiss me again?"

"Because I want you to tell me you're sure about it."

>>"I mean... if I kiss you as much as I want to, because I really want to, will it cause another Alter to appear? What if you feel insecure, or you're not ready yet, no matter how much you want it... What if it's not the right time?"

>>"I don't want to kiss you and make you uncomfortable, or alert one of your protectors, and end up kissing Pupu... or Michelle."

"That's gross, ew," Michelle interjected. "Sorry," Chaewon spoke again.

"It's okay, Chaewonnie," Yunjin said, giving her another kiss on the head. "I don't want a kiss to be a trigger and make you feel bad. I want to be completely sure that you'll be alright, that nothing will bring back bad memories, no flashbacks, nothing that could hurt you again, because I don't want to hurt you."