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Yoona set down the red marker and rubbed the back of her neck. It had started to ache. Outside the window, the sky was darkening, the last students were packing up and leaving the lecture hall. She glanced at her phone. December 18th, 5:15 PM.
One week until Christmas.
The thought drifted through her mind lightly, then brought with it the familiar restlessness that showed up at this time every year.
Her phone vibrated. She picked it up. A message from Jinsol.
"Just finished surgery, I'm exhausted. Are you still at school? Want me to come pick you up for dinner?"
Yoona stared at the screen for a few seconds, then smiled as she replied.
"Yeah. Room 308, Humanities Building. Drive carefully. And don’t run any red lights."
"Got it, Professor Seol."
Yoona smiled and put her phone away. Her mood suddenly felt much lighter. She walked to the window and looked at the Christmas decorations scattered throughout the campus. The small lights wrapped around tree branches lit up one by one. They looked like strings of warm pearls in the deepening twilight.
How long had she and Jinsol known each other? Yoona thought absently. High school classmates. Different universities, same city. Still in touch after starting work. Nearly ten years now. Ten years was long enough for someone to grow from a green, awkward teenager into a working adult. Long enough to go through a few relationships. Long enough for a certain feeling to quietly ferment at the bottom of the heart, turning into something nameless, yet deeply rooted.
Familiar footsteps echoed from the hallway, carrying Jinsol's distinctive rhythm. Yoona didn't turn around. She kept gazing out the window.
"Professor Seol, work's over and you're not going home? What are you doing here, pretending to be a sad lady?" A voice tinged with laughter came from the doorway.
Yoona turned to see Jinsol leaning against the doorframe. She wore a dark gray cardigan over a simple black turtleneck, with a plaid scarf draped loosely around her neck. Maybe because she'd just gotten off work, her face still carried traces of exhaustion from surgery. But her eyes lit up when they saw Yoona.
"Who’s sad?" Yoona picked up her bag and walked over. As she passed Jinsol, she nudged her shoulder. "If anything, it’s a certain doctor who won’t rest properly and still runs around."
Jinsol took the hint and hooked her arm around Yoona’s, pulling her a little closer. She leaned in and studied her face. "Your eyes are a bit red. Busy day?"
"Not too bad. Just three long lectures." Yoona tilted her head slightly. Jinsol smelled faintly of disinfectant, mixed with the citrus notes of the perfume she always used. Yoona didn’t dislike it. It actually made her feel calm.
"Let’s eat. I’m starving." Jinsol let go, then put an arm around her shoulders and nudged her toward the door. "I know a new soup place just opened. Heard it's really good."
"Where did you hear that?"
"The nurses in the department keep talking about it. They say the braised short rib soup is super nutritious." Jinsol pressed the elevator button. Her hand still rested on Yoona's shoulder. "Your voice has been a bit hoarse lately, you need to have more soup."
Yoona said nothing. Jinsol was always like this. She seemed careless, but she remembered everything. Yoona had casually mentioned her throat discomfort last week, and Jinsol had kept it in mind ever since.
Only the two of them were in the elevator. Jinsol leaned against the wall and let out a long breath.
"Two surgeries today. I was on my feet for almost seven hours."
"Did everything go well?"
"Yeah. Both went fine. The second patient was an eight-year-old child. He was so scared before the operation that he kept crying. I promised him a Lego set if he behaved. After the surgery, before the anesthesia even wore off, he half-opened his eyes and asked, ‘Doctor, where’s my Lego?’"
Yoona laughed. "So what did you do?"
"I had the nurse grab an unopened set from the office and gave it to him." Jinsol shrugged. "I don't have time to play with it anyway."
"You’re really good at comforting people."
Jinsol tilted her head and looked at her. "Then let me comfort you too. What do you want for Christmas, Professor Seol?"
The elevator stopped. The doors opened. Yoona stepped out first and didn’t answer. What did she want? What she wanted was probably something Jinsol couldn’t give, or didn’t dare to.
Dinner was relaxed. The soup really was good. Jinsol talked a lot while eating, about funny things at the hospital, about how she planned to go Christmas shopping for her parents over the weekend but had no idea what to buy.
Yoona mostly listened in silence. She liked watching Jinsol when she talked. Her expressive eyebrows, her hands moving unconsciously, her eyes always bright. After all these years, that slightly foolish enthusiasm of hers hadn’t changed at all.
"What about you?" Jinsol suddenly asked. "Any plans for Christmas? Your school should be on break, right?"
"Break until after New Year’s." Yoona stirred the soup with her spoon. "No special plans. I’ll probably stay home, rest, and prepare lessons."
"Spending it alone again? That’s boring. I’ll come over on Christmas Eve. We can make hotpot and watch a movie or something."
"Aren’t you going to be with your family? Or… on a date or something?"
She regretted it the moment she said it.
But Jinsol didn’t seem to notice. She waved her hand. "My parents are going to a reunion with old friends that day. They don’t need me. As for dating, I’m not seeing anyone. You know that."
Of course Yoona knew. Jinsol’s last relationship had ended more than three years ago, and she had been single ever since. Yoona also knew that at the hospital, there had to be people who liked Jinsol. She looked good, had a solid job, and a good personality. There was no way no one was interested. Yet Jinsol stayed single, always saying she was "too busy, no time for dating."
Was it really a lack of time, or something else?
Yoona didn’t dare think further.
After dinner, Jinsol drove her home. The car stopped in the underground garage of Yoona’s apartment building. Jinsol didn’t rush her out. She turned off the engine and looked at her.
"Is something bothering you lately?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You seem distracted all the time. Trouble at work? Or…"
"No." Yoona cut her off and unfastened her seat belt. "It's just the end of the year, so I'm a bit tired."
Jinsol reached out and held the hand Yoona had lifted to open the door. Her palm was warm. There were thin calluses on her fingertips, probably from holding surgical instruments.
"Yoona."
The air suddenly felt serious.
"Yeah?" Yoona’s heart skipped a beat.
"If anything’s wrong, you have to tell me." Jinsol’s voice was unusually clear in the small space. "We’ve known each other for so many years. You know I’m always on your side."
I know. Yoona answered silently. And that’s exactly why I can’t say it.
"Really, it's nothing. It's just... Christmas is coming, so I'm feeling a bit sentimental."
"Sentimental about what?"
"Sentimental about getting another year older."
Jinsol laughed and pinched her hand. "We're still young, what do you mean old? Alright, go on up, get some rest. You still have to work tomorrow."
Yoona nodded and pushed the car door open. When she reached the entrance of the apartment building, she turned back. Jinsol’s car was still parked there. Seeing her look back, Jinsol flashed the headlights twice, then slowly drove away.
In the days that followed, Yoona became busier. The end of the semester was always packed with work. She buried herself in it, not thinking about Christmas, not thinking about Jinsol.
But Jinsol’s presence was impossible to ignore. Every morning came a good morning text. At noon, she asked if Yoona had eaten. At night, before bed, she sometimes called to chat for a bit. Jinsol seemed completely unaware that anything about this might be inappropriate. Or maybe she was just used to it.
On Thursday night, Yoona worked overtime at the office until nine, finally finishing grading the last stack of papers. She stretched, picked up her phone, and saw a message from Jinsol sent ten minutes earlier.
"I drove past your school and saw the office lights still on. You’re not off work yet?"
Yoona walked to the window and looked down. Sure enough, the familiar white SUV was parked below. A warmth spread through her chest as she replied.
"Just finished. I’ll come down now."
Five minutes later, she was in the passenger seat. The heater was on full blast, and there was a faint smell of coffee in the car.
"Here." Jinsol handed her a cup of hot latte. "Passed by a coffee shop and grabbed it. Should still be warm."
Yoona took it. Warmth spread immediately into her palms. "How did you know I was still there?"
"I didn't, just trying my luck." Jinsol started the car. "Turns out my luck was pretty good."
Yoona took small sips. The sweetness was just right.
"Have you eaten?" Jinsol asked.
"Not yet."
"Me neither. Want to get some noodles?"
"Sure."
The late-night noodle shop wasn’t crowded. When the steaming bowls were served, Yoona ate a bit too fast because she was starving.
Halfway through, Jinsol suddenly said. "Oh right. I’m on duty Saturday and off Sunday. Are you free Sunday? Come help me buy Christmas gifts. I honestly have no idea what to get my parents."
Yoona thought for a moment. She had no plans on Sunday. "Sure."
"Great!" Jinsol’s eyes lit up. "You’re the best at picking gifts."
"That’s because I put thought into it." Yoona shot her a look. "Not like you, always waiting until the last minute every year."
Jinsol just laughed and didn’t argue.
After they finished eating, Jinsol drove her home. Downstairs, as Yoona was about to get out, Jinsol stopped her.
"Wait a second."
Yoona turned back and saw Jinsol take a small paper bag from the back seat and hand it to her. "This is for you."
"What is it?"
"Open it."
Yoona opened the bag hesitantly. Inside was a soft cashmere scarf, light gray, finely woven. It felt warm and incredibly comfortable to the touch.
"I saw it today and thought it looked nice. It felt like it would suit you so I bought it. You’re always cold, aren’t you? This should keep you warmer."
Yoona looked at the scarf in her hands. For a moment she was speechless. A bittersweet emotion welled up, blocking her throat.
"Thank you." That was all she managed to say.
"Don’t be so polite with me." Jinsol leaned over and helped her wrap the scarf around her neck. "It really suits you. Alright, go on upstairs. I’ll pick you up on Sunday."
Yoona nodded and got out of the car. After a few steps, she turned back. Through the window, she saw Jinsol looking at her. When their eyes met, Jinsol smiled and waved. Yoona turned and headed inside, fingers tightening around the scarf at her neck. The cashmere pressed gently against her skin, warm enough to make her want to cry.
Sunday’s weather was beautiful. The sun was bright, even though the temperature was still low. Jinsol showed up right on time downstairs, dressed simply in jeans and a padded jacket, looking a few years younger.
"Where are we going?" Yoona asked after getting in the car.
"To the mall first. We’ll get gifts for my parents, and then…" Jinsol paused, staring straight ahead, her ears turning slightly red. "I also want to buy you a Christmas present."
"You don’t need to get me anything."
"I do. You give me a gift every year. I should return the favor."
"I give you gifts because I want to, not because I expect anything back."
"Then I want to give you one because I want to." Jinsol turned to look at her seriously. "Is that not okay?"
Yoona was left speechless. "Sure, do whatever you want."
The mall was filled with Christmas decorations and sales ads. They went to the clothing section first and picked out a high-quality sweater for Jinsol’s mother, then moved to the kitchenware section and chose an elegant tea set for her father.
"Do you think he’ll like it?" Yoona asked, eyeing the set with some uncertainty.
"He'll love it. He's been obsessed with tea lately. Studies it at home every day." Jinsol held the box and nodded in satisfaction. "You really have good taste. I could never have picked something this nice on my own."
After buying gifts for the parents, Jinsol pulled Yoona toward the jewelry section.
"Why are we here?" Yoona asked, confused.
"To pick your gift.” Jinsol said as if it were obvious.
"I don’t need jewelry."
"Just look around. What if there's something you like?"
Yoona couldn’t argue her way out of it and followed along. They browsed a few shops, but Jinsol didn’t seem satisfied. Yoona thought everything looked fine. She was never particularly into this kind of thing.
Until they reached a small designer brand store. Jinsol stopped in front of a necklace. It was very simple: a thin silver chain with a tiny crescent moon pendant. The moon was delicate, set with a few small diamonds that shimmered softly under the lights.
"This one’s nice." Jinsol pointed at it and said to the clerk. "Can I take a look?"
The clerk brought it out. Jinsol took it, then turned to Yoona. "Lower your head."
Before Yoona could react, Jinsol had already stepped behind her, gently brushing her hair aside and fastening the necklace. The cool touch of metal against her collarbone made Yoona instinctively hold her breath.
Jinsol moved back in front of her and looked closely, her eyes lighting up. "It really suits you."
Yoona stepped up to the mirror. In the reflection, the moon pendant rested quietly at her collarbone, simple and elegant. It really was beautiful.
"Do you like it?" Jinsol asked, standing beside her and looking at her through the mirror.
Yoona nodded. "I do. But it’s too expensive…"
"As long as you like it." Jinsol cut her off and turned to the clerk. "We’ll take this one. Please wrap it up."
"Bae Jinsol—"
"No refusing."
Yoona opened her mouth, then swallowed the words she was about to say. She watched Jinsol walk away to pay, fingers lightly touching the moon pendant at her collarbone, her thoughts in complete chaos.
After shopping, Jinsol drove her to a park on the outskirts of the city. There weren’t many people in winter, but the scenery was beautiful. A large lake lay at the center, trees lining the shore.
"What are we doing here? It's so cold." Yoona pulled her coat tighter.
"To take a walk, obviously. Walk after eating and live to ninety-nine." Jinsol took Yoona’s hand and tucked it into her own jacket pocket. "Come on, Professor Seol. Don’t be so whiny."
Yoona’s hand was wrapped in Jinsol’s warmth inside the pocket, their fingers interlacing in the cramped space. She tried to pull her hand back, but Jinsol held on tighter.
"Warmer now?" Jinsol asked, her breath turning white in the cold air.
"Yeah." Yoona replied softly and let herself be led.
They walked slowly along the lakeside as the sky darkened. It was quiet, with only the sound of the wind and their footsteps.
"Yoona.” Jinsol suddenly said.
"Mm?"
"Do you remember high school? That winter night when we skipped evening self-study and ran to the little hill behind the school to look at the stars."
Of course Yoona remembered. It was the winter of their senior year, when the academic pressure was overwhelming. Jinsol had suddenly grabbed her and insisted on ditching class. They snuck out of school and climbed that empty little hill. It was freezing that night. They shared a blanket, staring up at the stars, talking about their imagined futures.
"Of course I remember. Back then, you said you wanted to be a doctor."
"And you said you wanted to be a teacher. Our dreams came true."
Yes, they all came true. But there were still some things, some dreams that were never spoken out loud. Maybe they would never come true at all.
"Time really does fly." Yoona said softly. "In the blink of an eye, ten years have passed."
"Yeah." Jinsol stopped walking and turned to face her. "These past ten years, thank you for always being by my side."
Yoona looked up at her. Her eyes were so gentle, so gentle that Yoona almost lost herself in them.
"Why are you thanking me for that…" Yoona looked away. "You were there for me too."
"It’s not the same." Jinsol said. "You’re very important to me. More important than anyone else."
The air seemed to freeze. Yoona looked at Jinsol, at the emotions in her eyes that she did not dare to explore. For a moment, she almost thought Jinsol was about to say something. Words she both longed to hear and was afraid of hearing.
But Jinsol only smiled. "Come on. It’s getting late. I’ll take you home."
On the way back, neither of them spoke much. Yoona watched the city lights slide past the window, her hand tightly gripping the gift box with the necklace inside. Jinsol focused on driving.
When they arrived downstairs at Yoona’s place, Jinsol said as usual. "We’re here."
Yoona unfastened her seatbelt but did not get out right away. She turned to Jinsol and asked. "What time will you come over on Christmas Eve?"
"I’ll come right after work. Probably around six. What do you want to eat? I’ll pick it up."
"Anything’s fine. I’ll wait for you."
"Okay."
Yoona got out of the car, walked a few steps, then turned back. Jinsol’s car was still parked there, just like always. Suddenly, Yoona wanted badly to run back. She wanted to ask her everything. What those unfinished words meant. Why she had been single all these years. Whether she liked her at all.
But she didn’t. She only waved, then turned and walked into the building.
On Christmas Eve, Yoona was lucky enough not to have classes in the afternoon, so she stayed home to prepare. She went to the supermarket to buy ingredients for hot pot, made shrimp balls and beef that Jinsol liked, and even picked up a bottle of red wine. After cleaning the apartment, she placed a small Christmas tree in the corner of the living room and hung simple decorations on it.
A little after four, she received a call from Jinsol.
"I might be a bit late. Something suddenly came up in the department." Jinsol sounded apologetic. "You don’t have to wait for me. Eat first."
"It’s okay. I’ll wait. There’s no rush. Come over after you’re done."
After hanging up, Yoona looked at the prepared ingredients on the table. She felt a little disappointed, but more worried. That was just how Jinsol’s job was. Emergencies happened all the time. She turned on the TV and randomly picked a show, but her mind wasn’t in it at all.
After seven, the doorbell finally rang. Yoona almost jumped up and ran to open the door.
Jinsol stood outside, wearing a padded jacket, her hair slightly messy, exhaustion clear on her face. But when she saw Yoona, she still smiled.
"Sorry. Did you wait a long time?"
"It’s fine." Yoona stepped aside to let her in. "Are you hungry? I’ll get the hot pot ready."
"I’m starving. I only had a sandwich for lunch." Jinsol took off her coat and followed Yoona into the kitchen. "Need any help?"
"Go sit and rest. I’ve got it." Yoona pushed her toward the sofa. "Watch TV. It’ll be ready soon."
Jinsol didn’t insist. She collapsed onto the sofa and let out a long sigh. "Today was just one shift after another."
While Yoona prepared the broth and ingredients in the kitchen, she listened to Jinsol talking from the living room about work. About the patient who had just been rushed into emergency. About the urgent surgery in the afternoon. Her voice carried fatigue, but it was still calm.
The hot pot was ready quickly. Steam rose from the bubbling broth, filling the living room with warmth and aroma. They sat across from each other at the table. Jinsol was clearly starving and ate with real appetite.
"Slow down." Yoona picked food for her. "No one’s taking it from you."
"It’s so good.” Jinsol said with her mouth full. "Your dipping sauce is still the best."
Yoona smiled and picked some food for herself. Outside the window, the night grew darker. Warm yellow light filled the room, steam rose from the pot, and the space between them felt quiet and close.
Halfway through the meal, Jinsol opened the bottle of red wine and poured a glass for each of them.
"Merry Christmas.” Jinsol said, lifting her glass.
"Merry Christmas." Yoona clinked glasses with her and took a sip. The wine slid down her throat, leaving a warm aftertaste.
After dinner, they cleaned up together and curled up on the sofa to watch a movie. Yoona chose a light romantic Christmas film. Halfway through, she felt her shoulder sink. She tilted her head and saw that Jinsol had fallen asleep at some point, her head resting on Yoona’s shoulder, breathing slow and steady.
Yoona didn’t move. She let her stay like that. She quietly looked at Jinsol, emotions swelling inside her, impossible to name. Sometimes Yoona felt that maybe Jinsol liked her too. The unconscious care, the closeness, the hesitant looks. It all felt like more than friendship.
But Jinsol had never said it out loud.
The movie ended. The screen went dark, leaving only the small colored lights on the Christmas tree blinking softly. Yoona gently shook her shoulder. "Jinsol, wake up. Go sleep in the bed."
Jinsol opened her eyes groggily. "Huh? Is it over?"
"Yeah. The movie’s done. Go sleep in the guest room. I already laid out the blanket."
Jinsol sat up and rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?"
"Almost midnight."
"That late…" Jinsol looked out the window, then her eyes lit up. "It’s snowing."
Yoona looked outside too. Sure enough, fine snow was falling quietly, drifting like feathers under the streetlights.
"Want to go take a look?" Jinsol stood up, excited.
"It’s cold…"
"Just for a bit." Jinsol had already grabbed both of their coats. "Come on. Put this on."
Yoona couldn’t argue with her and followed her downstairs. The snow wasn’t heavy, just light flakes that landed on their hair and shoulders before melting. The residential area was quiet. Only the two of them stood under the streetlight, watching the snow fall.
"They say couples who kiss on the first snowfall will stay together forever.” Jinsol said suddenly, her voice very soft.
Yoona’s heart skipped. She turned to look at Jinsol. Jinsol was already looking at her, her gaze deep under the glow of snow and streetlights.
"Where did you hear that?" Yoona tried to keep her tone light. "You watch too many movies."
"Maybe." Jinsol smiled and didn’t continue. She reached out to catch a few snowflakes and watched them melt in her palm. "Time really flies. Another year is almost over."
"Yeah." Yoona held out her hand too. The cold snow stung her fingertips. "Do you have a New Year’s wish?"
Jinsol was silent for a moment, then she said. "I do. But I don’t know if I can make it happen."
"What is it?"
Jinsol turned to face her, serious. "Well, I hope I’ll have the courage to say certain things. And do certain things."
Yoona’s heart raced wildly. She looked at Jinsol, at the emotions in her eyes that she didn’t dare to confirm. Her throat tightened, and she almost couldn’t speak. Finally, she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"What things?"
Jinsol didn’t answer right away. She stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them. Snow fell between them like a thin veil.
"Yoona. I—"
The sudden ring of a phone shattered the moment. Jinsol froze and took out her phone. "It’s the hospital." She answered. "Hello? Yes, okay, I understand. I’ll be right there."
After hanging up, she looked at Yoona apologetically. "There’s an emergency consultation. I have to go back to the hospital."
Yoona’s heart sank, but she knew she couldn’t stop her. This was Jinsol’s job. She saved lives. "Okay. Go quickly. The patient comes first."
"I’m sorry. On Christmas Eve too…" Jinsol looked genuinely regretful.
"It’s fine. Work matters." Yoona forced a smile. "Drive carefully. The roads are slippery."
Jinsol nodded and hurried toward the parking area. After a few steps, she stopped, turned back, and ran over. Before Yoona could react, Jinsol leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
"Wait for me to come back."
Then she ran off.
Yoona stood there, stunned. The spot on her cheek burned as if it had been pressed by something hot. She watched Jinsol’s car disappear into the snowy night, her fingers unconsciously touching her cheek.
That night, Yoona barely slept. She lay in bed, tossing and turning, her mind filled with the look in Jinsol’s eyes at the very end. What did it mean? Do friends look at each other like that?
She finally drifted off near dawn. When she woke up, it was already past ten. She picked up her phone and saw a message Jinsol had sent a little after three in the morning.
"I’m done with the surgery. The patient is stable now. Sorry I had to rush off last night. I’m still on duty today. I’ll contact you tonight."
Yoona stared at the message for a long time. In the end, she replied with just one word.
"Okay."
All day, her heart felt like it was hanging upside down. Her thoughts were all on Jinsol, on the unfinished words, on the sudden kiss from the night before. At dusk, the doorbell rang. Yoona thought it was a delivery. When she opened the door, Jinsol was standing there, holding a paper bag.
"Aren’t you supposed to be on duty?" Yoona asked, a little surprised.
"I switched shifts with a colleague." Jinsol stepped inside. She looked a bit more energetic than last night, though faint dark circles still lingered under her eyes. "About last night, we need to talk."
Yoona’s heart jumped. She closed the door and followed Jinsol into the living room, pretending she hadn’t been thinking about it at all. "Talk about what?"
Jinsol put the paper bag on the coffee table and turned to face her. She looked slightly tense, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.
"Last night, I didn’t mean to leave so suddenly. But there are some things I feel I can’t put off any longer."
Yoona held her breath and waited.
"We’ve known each other for ten years. All these years, you’ve been the most important person in my life. I got used to talking to you every day, to caring about you, to having you around. I always thought it was because we’re best friends."
She paused. "But over the past few years, I’ve started to feel… like it isn’t that simple."
Yoona kept her eyes on Jinsol, barely daring to blink. Was what she had been hoping for finally coming?
"I get uncomfortable when other people treat you well. I want to keep you to myself. I dream about you. When I see something you’d like, I want to buy it for you right away." Jinsol’s voice trembled slightly. "I don’t know when it started. By the time I realized it, it was already too deep. I can’t lie to myself anymore and say this is just friendship."
She lifted her head and looked straight into Yoona’s eyes. "Seol Yoona, I like you. I want to be with you, to hold your hand, to kiss you. I want the first person I see every morning to be you."
Yoona stood there, frozen, her mind completely blank. How long had she been waiting for these words?
"You… what did you say?" Her own voice sounded dry and shaky.
Jinsol stepped closer. "I said I like you. I know this might scare you. It might ruin the friendship we’ve had for so many years. But I really… couldn’t hold it in anymore. Last night, seeing the snow fall, seeing you standing there under the snow, I almost—"
She didn’t finish, but Yoona understood. Tears welled up without warning. Yoona lowered her head, not wanting Jinsol to see her cry.
"Yoona? What’s wrong?" Jinsol looked panicked. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Just pretend you didn’t hear anything. We can just—"
"Idiot." Yoona cut her off. She looked up, tears in her eyes. "You’re the idiot, Bae Jinsol."
Jinsol froze.
"Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to hear that?" Yoona’s voice shook with sobs. "I’ve liked you since my second year of college. I’ve liked you all this time. I was too scared to say it. I was afraid that if I did, we couldn’t even stay friends. I was afraid you only saw me as a good friend…"
She couldn’t continue. Her tears fell harder.
Jinsol stared at her, as if her mind hadn’t caught up yet. A few seconds later, her eyes slowly lit up, as if she finally understood what Yoona meant. Then she smiled. The smile kept growing, though her eyes turned red.
"You’re saying… you like me too?"
Yoona nodded. The next second, she was pulled into a warm embrace. Jinsol held her tightly, and Yoona didn’t want to pull away. She wrapped her arms around Jinsol as well, burying her face in the hollow of Jinsol’s shoulder.
"I’m sorry.” Jinsol said softly by her ear, her voice a little choked. "I made you wait so long. I was a coward. I liked you for ages and still didn’t dare say it."
"It’s not too late now.” Yoona murmured.
Jinsol loosened her hold slightly and looked down at her face. "It’s really not too late?"
"It’s not."
Jinsol smiled like sunlight. She lowered her head until their foreheads touched, their noses brushing.
"Then can I kiss you now? I wanted to last night, under the snow. But my phone interrupted."
Yoona’s face flushed. She didn’t answer. Instead, she stood on her toes and kissed Jinsol first.
It was a very light kiss. Jinsol clearly froze for a moment, then quickly wrapped one arm around Yoona’s waist and placed the other hand at the back of her neck, deepening the kiss. Jinsol’s lips were soft. The kiss was gentle but sure. Yoona closed her eyes, feeling like she had fallen into a dream too beautiful to be real. She clenched the front of Jinsol’s clothes, afraid that if she let go, the dream would vanish.
She didn’t know how long it lasted before Jinsol slowly pulled back, their foreheads still touching, both of them breathing a little fast.
"I’m not dreaming, right?"
"I thought I was dreaming too."
Jinsol smiled and pecked her lips again. "Then let’s confirm it one more time."
They kissed again, longer this time. Jinsol’s hand slid from Yoona’s waist up to her back, holding her closer. Yoona pressed herself almost completely against Jinsol. The kiss grew deeper, the heat rising.
Yoona pulled back slightly, creating a bit of space, her hands still on Jinsol’s shoulders. Jinsol looked at her, a little confused. "What’s wrong?"
Yoona said nothing. She just took her hand and led her over to the sofa. She had Jinsol sit down. Though confused, Jinsol obediently sat, looking up at her. Then, under Jinsol's surprised gaze, Yoona stepped over and sat on her lap. She placed both hands on Jinsol's shoulders. Jinsol's hands naturally circled Yoona's waist, pulling her a bit closer.
Yoona leaned forward, closing the distance. Jinsol’s hand gently brushed along her side.
"So now.” Yoona said softly, almost like a breath. "Can I keep kissing you, Doctor Bae?"
Jinsol’s eyes shone. "I couldn’t ask for more."
Yoona didn’t hesitate anymore. She lowered her head and kissed Jinsol squarely on the lips.
The kiss was much more intense. Jinsol's hands moved up from her waist. They finally stopped at her face. Her thumb gently caressed the line of her jaw. Yoona's hands moved from Jinsol's shoulders to the back of her neck. Her fingers threaded through her short hair. Jinsol's tongue entered her mouth, inviting her to dance together. Yoona responded enthusiastically. She felt waves of tingling run up her spine.
After who knew how long, Yoona pulled back a little, panting as she looked at Jinsol. Both their lips were slightly swollen and red.
"Tired?" Jinsol asked, still gently rubbing her back.
Yoona shook her head, then nodded, then laughed at herself. "A little, but I don’t want to stop."
"Then we won’t stop." Jinsol leaned in and kissed her again, moving from her lips to her cheek, then to her ear.
Yoona couldn’t help letting out a small sound, her body tilting back slightly. Jinsol immediately supported her back, keeping her steady.
"It tickles." Yoona said, her voice unconsciously taking on a teasing tone.
"Where?"
"My ear." Yoona admitted honestly, her face turning even redder.
"Here?" Jinsol kissed her ear again, then pulled back a little. "Sorry. I couldn’t help it. You’re too cute."
"Who’s cute…" Yoona muttered in protest, though there was no annoyance in her voice. She leaned down again and kissed Jinsol.
"So now you believe it’s not a dream?" She asked softly.
"Still having a hard time believing it." Jinsol said, then pecked her lips again. "Probably need to confirm it a few more times."
"Greedy."
"Of course I'm greedy when it comes to you."
This Christmas, they'd finally found their own happiness.
"Bae Jinsol.”
"Yes?"
"Merry Christmas."
Jinsol smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Merry Christmas, my Yoona."