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"Fuck, Jiseok, I lost George somewhere," are the first words out of Jooyeon's mouth as soon as Jiseok picks up.
"WHAT????" Jiseok yells and the volume makes Jooyeon almost drop her phone. "How did that even happen?"
"I don't know, dude," Jooyeon fake-cries, "I think he might've fallen off my bag in the café? That's the last I remember seeing him."
"Okay," Jiseok says, "that's a starting point. I'll meet you there in a few so we can search?"
"Oh my god, yes, please," Jooyeon sighs with relief. "Truly my number one saviour, Jiseokie."
Jooyeon and Jiseok practically turn the café inside out during their search. No luck. Jiseok proposes retracing Jooyeon's steps even further and checking everywhere she went that day. Jooyeon swiftly shoots that idea down and instead goes to sit at their usual spot, leaving Jiseok with no choice but to follow.
"Y'know, Seungmin still owes me a favour for getting you two together," Jooyeon muses. "Think we can ask her to post about it on the campus news forum?"
"You do realise it's meant for actual news and emergencies, right?" Jiseok looks at her like she's crazy. She probably is.
"George is lost! That's, like, the biggest emergency in the uni's history," Jooyeon argues. "My child being lost is absolutely an emergency deserving of a forum post."
"Fine, but you're on your own for that," Jiseok crosses her arms. "I'm not helping you convince my girlfriend that she has to post about a lobster on the campus forum."
"It's not just 'a lobster'," Jooyeon rolls her eyes. "It's George, who, if you have already forgotten, was gifted to me by you for the very first christmas we spent as friends. Don't you dare reduce his significance in our lives."
"My sincerest apologies, Jooyeon," Jiseok says with a serious tone, but the smile that blooms on her face afterwards tells Jooyeon everything she needs to know.
"Anyways, I will get Seungmin to agree, mark my words," she says as she picks up her (unfortunately George-less) bag and gets ready to leave.
Jiseok starts gathering her belongings as well. "I don't doubt your abilities, Joo. I just don't even want to think about whatever that conversation will be."
"It will be 100% normal, I'll just ask her for help!" Jooyeon defends.
"I'll believe it only if I don't receive a barrage of texts from Seumi complaining about you," Jiseok starts moving towards the exit.
"Ugh, don't be like that, I'm not that bad," Jooyeon sighs and runs after her.
Around an hour later, Jooyeon is back at her dorm and trying to convince Seungmin to help her.
"Are you sure that this is what you want to spend your favour on?" her roommate asks skeptically.
"Seungmin, I would even go into serious debt if that meant I could get George back. I am 100% sure," Jooyeon reassures.
"Wow. Okay, then, I'll post it," Seungmin agrees. "I can do it right now, if you want?"
"Please. The faster it gets out to the world, the faster I can get my son back," Jooyeon says as Seungmin opens her laptop.
A few minutes later, a new post is up on the campus forum page.
Lobster keychain lost! Last seen on campus on march 16th.
If you have any information about its whereabouts or if it's in your possession, please contact @rockwithjoo on KakaoTalk!
"Thank you, Seungminnie," Jooyeon sidehugs her friend once the laptop is closed.
"No, thank you for making my favour so easy to do," Seungmin laughs.
"Whatever," Jooyeon says, "it's for the greater good."
☆☆☆
Jooyeon wakes up and immediately checks her phone. To her disappointment, the only messages on her KakaoTalk are from Jiseok.
quackji
surprisingly
all seumi did was call u crazy
no other complaints
rockwithjoo
what did i say
100% normal convo
she called me crazy only bc i used up the favour to find george
instead of using it for smth else
Jooyeon is in the middle of a lecture when her phone vibrates with a notification. She peeks at the screen and sees that it's a KakaoTalk notification from someone she doesn't know. She can't look at or answer the message while in class but she really hopes it's someone who has found her beloved George and that she can meet them after class.
It feels like time stretches even longer now that Jooyeon finally has something to look forward to. How ridiculous. The last 30 minutes should pass by within the blink of an eye, but instead it feels like time has frozen in place with how slowly the minutes pass. She has no choice but to sit and wait.
Fortunately, the professor takes pity on the class and wraps the lecture up 5 minutes early, and Jooyeon is up and out the door as soon as she's dismissed. She finally opens her KakaoTalk and releases a squeal at the message she sees, which earns her some weird looks from passers-by. She pays no mind to anything but the message on her screen.
kjungsu
Hello, I'm Kim Jungsu, I found the lobster keychain that you're looking for
rockwithjoo
omgomgomg
hi!
do you have time now to meet??
im lee jooyeon btw
kjungsu
Yeah, I'm free right now
rockwithjoo
okay cool
can we meet at xcafe in a few minutes?
kjungsu
Yes, I'll meet you there
rockwithjoo
see u soon!
Jooyeon is so incredibly happy she could cry. She texts Jiseok while going over to the café.
rockwithjoo
omfg george was found
meeting the person soon
george😭😭
quackji
omg thats great
do u know who the person is
rockwithjoo
no but they said their name
kim jungsu
i dont think i know them
quackji
jooyeon.
jooyeon thats the girl
that u said was
and i quote
"so fucking fine id let her take me right here and now"
a few weeks ago
rockwithjoo
no
ur joking
right
quackji
nope
100% serious
rockwithjoo
fuck
how am i supposed to face her now
quackji
hahahahhahahaha
good luck
rockwithjoo
i hate u
Jooyeon steps inside the café and drops her bag on an available seat near the entrance. She orders a latte and sits down to wait for the other girl. The bell above the café door rings a few minutes later and Jooyeon nearly chokes on her drink when she sees that it is indeed the girl she talked to Jiseok about. She waves Jungsu over and almost melts on the spot when the other girl smiles at her. Jooyeon swears she can hear wedding bells ringing already. It's probably just the bell above the door, but Jooyeon has her own narrative and she will stick to it.
"Hello," Jungsu greets as she sits down across from Jooyeon.
"Hi," Jooyeon greets back and flashes what she hopes is a charming smile. "It's nice to meet you, Jungsu."
"Nice to meet you, too, Jooyeon," Jungsu says as she fishes the lobster keychain out of her bag and sets it on the table.
"George!" Jooyeon exclaims as she takes the keychain and puts it back on her bag. "Are you in a rush?" she asks when she's done.
"No," Jungsu shakes her head, "I don't have any more classes today."
"Great! Can I buy you a drink?" Jooyeon asks eagerly.
"Oh, you don't have to."
"Nono, I insist. It's the least I can do to pay you back for bringing George home," Jooyeon says.
"Alright, then," Jungsu gives in.
A few minutes later, Jungsu is sipping on a frappe while Jooyeon just stares at her. It feels like a first date, even though it really isn't. Jooyeon doesn't even know if Jungsu is into women, but she is hopeful and determined to find it out somehow.
"So..." Jooyeon begins, getting Jungsu's attention, "I feel like I should know more about the person who saved my George. What are you studying?"
"I'm a third year education student," Jungsu answers and Jooyeon nods thoughtfully.
"That's cool! I'm a second year history student," Jooyeon says.
"Really?" Jungsu asks. "You don't really look like the type."
"So what do I look like I should be studying?" Jooyeon leans in closer.
"Sports, maybe music," Jungsu says.
"Actually, I'm on the university women's soccer team and also in a band," Jooyeon laughs, "so you're not really wrong."
"Wow, girls must be throwing themselves at you, then."
"I wish," Jooyeon sighs. "Anyways, what about you? Do you do any activities outside of just studying?"
"I take dance lessons whenever I have the time," Jungsu answers. "It's nothing serious, though."
"Sounds fun, you'll have to show me sometime," Jooyeon suggests.
"I'll consider it," Jungsu says.
The pair chat for a while longer and Jooyeon feels more and more smitten with the other girl the more she finds out about her. She notices the way Jungsu's eyes crinkle when she laughs at something stupid Jooyeon says. The way her laugh gets progressively louder the more they talk. The way she has to grip the table to stop herself from falling over while giggling. It's all so stupidly endearing.
Is it insane to think Jooyeon's already halfway in love with the other girl after just meeting her? Probably. But she's always had a big heart and she knows Jungsu would fit right in there.
Jooyeon leaves the café feeling like she's walking on clouds. She's determined to get close to Jungsu, she just needs to figure out the best way to make it happen. And she needs to tell Jiseok everything that happened.
rockwithjoo
george is safe
and i think im in love
quackji
as expected from the #1 yearner
tell me everything
rockwithjoo
it felt so much like a first date
shes so nice
and so pretty
and her smile is so cute
and she laughed at all the stupid things i said
quackji
oh she wants u
nobody laughs at all the stupid shit u say
unless they like u
u should shoot your shot
rockwithjoo
ill try
i have a crazy plan
quackji
tell me
rockwithjoo
the next time i see her
ill slip george into her bag
and then ill have a reason
to hang out w her again
quackji
poor george
getting caught up in your antics
you just got him back
and youre already planning his depature...
rockwithjoo
its for a good cause
ugh u dont understand
i havent felt this way about anyone
its just
i need her astronomically
quackji
just know that i WILL be talking about all this during my speech at you guys' wedding
rockwithjoo
fuck you
whatever
☆☆☆
A few days pass before Jooyeon gets the chance to execute her genius plan. She crosses paths with Jungsu while on her way to her dorm and they chat for a bit.
"I'm going to the dance studio next friday if you wanna tag along," Jungsu offers.
Jooyeon starts practically vibrating from excitement. "Oh my god, yes! That sounds so fun, I can't wait to see you dance."
"Don't get your expectations too high, though, I'm no professional," Jungsu laughs.
"I'll be impressed no matter what you do," Jooyeon says with a sincere tone. She really means it, mostly because it's Jungsu and she could hop on one leg and Jooyeon would think she's the most talented being ever, but also because she doesn't know jack shit about dancing and can't really judge what's good and what's bad.
"That's sweet of you," Jungsu smiles, then checks the time. "Shit, my class starts in a few minutes, gotta go."
It's time for Jooyeon to take action. She feels like they've grown close enough already for hugs, so she reaches out and pulls Jungsu into one. Jungsu is still for a moment, then wraps her arms around Jooyeon who is already slipping the keychain into Jungsu's bag.
Jooyeon then takes the opportunity to breathe in Jungsu's scent. "You smell so good," she mumbles without thinking. When she realises what she just said, she jumps away from Jungsu and runs off with a quick "Bye!", leaving Jungsu stunned and confused.
Jooyeon's phone buzzes with notifications just a few hours later.
kjungsu
So Jooyeon
Mind telling me why George was in my bag?
rockwithjoo
hahaha what???
how could that have happened
kjungsu
I don't know you tell me
I didn't put him there
rockwithjoo
are u implying
that i put him there??????
kjungsu
Yes
I am
Did you?
rockwithjoo
thats a crazy accusation
why would i do that...
kjungsu
I don't know, why would you?
Do you want to see me again that badly?
rockwithjoo
yes actually
i do
kjungsu
Oh
Do you want to come over to pick him up?
rockwithjoo
YESYESYES PLS
An hour later, Jooyeon is ringing the doorbell of Jungsu's apartment. Jungsu opens the door and invites her in with a cheeky smile. Jooyeon quickly removes her shoes before being ushered to the small living room couch by Jungsu.
Jungsu fetches the lobster keychain from her bag and brings it to Jooyeon. "What's up with the name anyways? Why George?"
"It's pretty silly," Jooyeon toys with the keychain in her hands. "I got him as a christmas gift from my best friend Jiseok, and we were trying to think of names but nothing stuck. And then I remembered reading about an actual lobster named George, who's like 150 years old, and both of us thought it was hilarious so we named him that."
"That's really cute," Jungsu says with a smile, "but you do know you don't have to keep sacrificing George to see me, right? You can just ask, silly."
"Really?"
Jungsu nods and Jooyeon fist-pumps the air excitedly and whisper-yells, "Yeahhhh!"
Jungsu giggles, her smile widening. "You're so cute, Jooyeon."
Jooyeon is starting to hear things. There is no way Jungsu just called her cute. Her brain refuses to cooperate with her body and she just stares at Jungsu, the shock evident on her face.
"What?" Jooyeon says after her brain catches up.
"You're cute, Joo," Jungsu repeats with a smile.
Jooyeon's brain begins another system reboot as she tries to comprehend the fact that Jungsu called her cute again and gave her a nickname.
"Wow, okay, fuck." Jooyeon is freaking out. She tries to look anywhere but at Jungsu, her attempts futile as the other girl brings one hand to her jaw to bring them face to face. Jooyeon looks at Jungsu with a deer-in-headlights look, completely unable to move or speak.
"Cat got your tongue?" Jungsu asks teasingly. Jooyeon still looks like she hasn't processed the events that transpired in the last 5 minutes. "Fine, I guess I'll have to do this myself," she removes her hand from Jooyeon's face and instead takes a hold of her hands, interlacing their fingers. "I like you, Joo. I know it's only been a couple of days, but you're really charming and funny, y'know? It's easy to fall for you."
"Oh my god," Jooyeon breathes out. "I- yeah. I mean-" she struggles to get the words out, her mind racing a mile a minute. She takes several deep breaths to calm down and finally says, "I like you too. A lot."
"Good. Can I kiss you?"
"Please," Jooyeon whispers.
Jungsu leans in, their lips barely brushing. Jooyeon feels dizzy already, but she needs more. It's almost like a surge of energy courses through her body and she presses forward, settling in Jungsu's lap without separating their lips. Jungsu's hands move on instinct as they settle on Jooyeon's waist, eliciting a whimper from the girl. Jungsu readily swallows any sounds she can get out of Jooyeon.
Jooyeon fists Jungsu's shirt roughly as Jungsu licks into her mouth. She's sure that her legs would be wobbly, were she standing right now instead of being perched on the older girl's lap. She lets her hands wander, one tangling in Jungsu's hair, while the other travels down to her waist and squeezes. She feels Jungsu's hands squeeze her ass and gasps, breaking the kiss.
"Sorry, too much?" Jungsu asks while catching her breath.
"Not enough," Jooyeon answers, breathless. "We have to do that again."
"How about a date first?"
"Yes! When?" Jooyeon asks.
Jungsu leans in close again and whispers, "Right here, right now." She leans back and flashes another one of her bright smiles. "I can order us takeout, and you can stay the night if you want?"
"Takeout and makeout?" Jooyeon blurts out dumbly.
"If that's what you want, sure," Jungsu laughs. "But you have to answer my question, baby."
Baby.
Jungsu really just said that.
Before she can start spiraling (again), Jooyeon is brought back to reality by Jungsu squishing her cheeks.
"Huh?"
"Do you want to order takeout and stay over tonight?" Jungsu asks again.
"I don't have any of my clothes or other belongings with me, though," Jooyeon looks down and fiddles with her fingers.
"You can use mine, silly," Jungsu says, "I wouldn't have asked you to stay if you using my things bothered me in any way."
"Oh," Jooyeon replies. Then, after a beat of silence, " Okay, yeah, I'll stay. But only if you promise to kiss me more."
Jungsu pecks Jooyeon. "I will," she says against Jooyeon's lips.