제목 없음

“But do you maybe want me to bring you something? I can get some more water. Remember, you need to drink a lot when you’re sick.”

“Thank you, but I think I drank enough already.”

“What about yogurt? We have vanilla or strawberry—something to eat will definitely help you feel better.”

Minju’s smile grows and she quickly averts her eyes. Her head is turned to the bright, baby blue wall of her room. You imagine her remembering how the two of you painted the dull gray in two afternoons because you got distracted on the first day. The paint on your clothes, the stupid laughter, as if you were children. But no one was looking, no one was judging, it was pure joy. 

“Thank you, but I don’t need yogurt. I-I just want you to stay here, with me.”

Minju’s voice is tiny. Her hand presses down on yours with all the strength in her weakened body. You warned her back at the lake that she would catch a cold if she stayed in the water for too long. She did not listen and you did not stop her. She just looked perfect, innocently splashing around in the water. Minju wasn’t as innocent an hour earlier, where she beat you in a one on one race across the lake. It was a strong reminder for you that her body isn’t only a gorgeous piece of art, but also quite agile and durable. In the end, it wasn’t able to fend up the cold though. Poor Minju.

“Aw, you’re so adorable, Minju. But what if I have to go to the toilet? You probably don’t want me kneeling her and peeing myself, hm?”

A frown on Minju’s face as she lets go of your hand.

“I will wait here, but please, hurry up.”

You hide your mouth behind a shy hand and chuckle. This girl melts your already molton heart again and again. You feel warm around her all the time, and now it’s even warmer. Warmth stronger than lava or the sun—it’s what they call love, you assume. 

“No, no, I’m kidding.”

Lean in and kiss her forehead. Piping hot skin on your dry lips. Minju gasps and squirms. Her hand reaches for your wrist, which she holds onto throughout your seconds on her temple—and then her lips. Eyes close, hearts race, breaths become more rapid. It’s a natural reaction, yet it feels so unnatural, surreal, absurd. What are the odds to find someone that makes you feel this way? 

No matter how small these odds are, the odds to have perfect synergy are exponentially lower, yet you try to defy even those odds. Usually, the two of you would get faster and deeper in your kisses, but with Minju’s current state, you keep it slow and lazy. Her heated face does not evoke the heated desire in you. You remain calm and cherish the feeling of her lips and only the feeling of her lips. 

You loosely entwine your fingers with hers and rest your elbow beside her head. This position is strange, however, no one would be able to pull you away from Minju. The touch of her lips is magnetic, to the point where you merge with her and lose your fragile grasp on reality. Where do you end and where does she start? You are one with her, so it doesn’t matter.

“Hm, I want something now.”

Minju’s hum into the kiss is like a faint, cold gust of wind at the beach. You're unable to ignore it, unable to not enjoy it, unable to not get light goosebumps. 

“What is it, my darling?”

“C-Can you come in a-and cuddle with m-me?”

Careful not to end the kiss, you open up the blanket and quickly sneak underneath it. Luckily, it’s big enough to trap the two of you under cozy, cotton goodness. This position is a lot more comfortable. You two can share a kiss and hold hands and feel the heat your bodies produce. 

Suddenly, Minju’s hand is on your chest. She struggles at first to grab the fabric or hem of your t-shirt, but when she succeeds, nothing separates the two of you. Her sweaty pajama leaves stains on your clothes, but of course you pull her into a tight hug. So she really wanted to cuddle. You’re all here for it, even if you might get sick too.

“Just like this.”

“Okay, Minmin.”

“Don’t let me go, please.”

“I won’t, I promise.”

You look into her face, deeply, to examine her expression. The fever seems to be fading, she is less tense and her muscles relax under your touch and gaze. Minju looks confused, but still smiles.

“Is there something on my face?”

You lean towards her ear.

“Minju, I love you.”

Your girlfriend sucks air through her nostrils as her body jumps. 

“I love you too.”

“What was that? I couldn’t hear you~”

“I said—I love you too, pabo!”

You have a dream. The next day, Minju will do better. The day after that, she will be fully healthy again. Four weeks later, you will be sick and she will nurse you. All things will come full circle, again and again, until you marry her.