Love Is Not Over {Editing}

Wings

The remainder of Fall Quarter graced by without much excitement.

I did not struggle balancing my work and academic lives and passed my classes easily.

After my night out with Sarai, my social life had been placed on pause. I was uncomfortable entering that space again knowing that my emotions were still extremely sensitive.

This was completely fine as I was going home more often on the weekends and spending much needed time with my family.

Before, Lord Voldemort had selfishly hoarded all of my time. Then, Jimin entered the picture, and although he always encouraged me to visit my mom, I just adored the idea of being cuddled up by his side for 48 hours.

Needless to say, I spent the entire two weeks of Winter Break enjoying the holiday cheer and watching all of the awfully cringey Christmas Lifetime movies my mom enjoys.

Now, it was the middle of the first week back.

Winter quarter was a bittersweet time of year. It had a few three day weekends and we had Spring Break waving at us teasingly from afar. However, it was also the liminal moment where everything was in full gear. It was the exact middle of "oh crap, the school year is starting!" and "hell yeah it's almost summer!"

Passing the Bruin Bear statue, I realize I am mistakenly walking through Bruin Walk to get to class. During Week 1. Not only was I bumping into countless people every three steps, but there were flyers being thrown into my face from every direction.

Week 1, the first week of the quarter, is prime time for clubs, organizations, sororities, and fraternities to recruit new members. This, coupled with the fact that it was a new year and many people began resolutions of some sort, led to the massive crowd of bodies through this path.

Typically, I am a professional at avoiding this area unless absolutely necessary.

Today, Agust D's beautifully hypnotic voice in "Set Me Free" had swept me away and I found myself acknowledging my error a minute too late. I have no regrets.

In my peripheral vision, I see less foot traffic through the bike parking lane.

I take the opportunity and make a sharp left turn into the area.

I have almost reached the end of Bruin Walk and am steps away from personal space when a clumsy bike rider loses control of his steering.

One of his handlebars jabs me in the gut before he comes to a stop.

The motion also yanks my earphones out of place and I can hear the vivid commotion of the hundreds of people in my surroundings.

He jumps off his bike and shouts a quick apology over his shoulder before he continues on with his phone conversation.

What a freaking jerk!

I move to the side so as not to obstruct anyone's path.

I place a hand over the side of my stomach and message the spot gently.

I swear if this leaves a bruise. I roll my eyes.

I reach down to pick up and reinsert my earphones.

When I lower my gaze, a colorfully striking poster stand captures my attention.

There are many speech bubbles saying "Hello" in different languages along the border. In bold letters it reads "Let your bilingualism take you around the world. If you are fluent in two or more languages and are interested in working as a Translator abroad, we can make your dreams come true!" In smaller font it continues, "We are holding information sessions every night during Week 1 and Week 2 at 7pm in Bunche Hall. Hope to see you there!"