Minnie's sneakers squeaked faintly against the polished floor as she turned the corner into the deserted hallway. The school was a ghost town at this hour, the echo of distant laughter from the basketball courts the only sign of life. She had been looking for Miyeon since the bell rang, her stomach in knots with worry. A faint sniffling sound grew louder as she approached the staircase leading to the rooftop.
The rooftop door swung open with a metallic groan, revealing Miyeon huddled in the corner, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. The setting sun cast a warm glow over her tear-stained cheeks, making her look even more vulnerable. Minnie's heart sank as she saw her girlfriend's state. She walked closer slowly, not wanting to startle her.
"Miyeon-ah," she said softly, her voice barely carrying in the gentle evening breeze. "What's wrong, baby?"
Miyeon looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She tried to hide her face behind a curtain of hair, but it was too late; Minnie had already seen the pain etched on her features and her sobs kept betraying her.
Minnie knew Miyeon too well, and knew that she didn't cry easily. She took a seat beside her, gently rubbing her back.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but can I stay here by your side?"
Miyeon nodded, her eyes searching Minnie's for a moment before she leaned her head on Minnie's breast. Minnie wrapped her arms around her as if she was supporting her, feeling the tremors of her girlfriend's quiet sobs against her chest. She whispered comforting words, promising to listen whenever Miyeon felt ready to speak.
The wind picked up, rustling the leaves of the trees standing sentinel in the garden. The scent of rain grew stronger, hinting at a storm on the horizon. Minnie tightened her embrace, noticing the way Miyeon's breathing started to even out. She didn't press for answers; she knew that sometimes, all it took was to have someone there, sharing the weight of the world without asking for explanations.
As the minutes stretched out, the tension in Miyeon's body began to ease. She lifted her head, her eyes no longer brimming with tears.
"Thanks, love." she murmured, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Minnie leaned in, her eyes searching for Miyeon's. With a gentle touch, she gave her a quick and soft kiss on the lips, feeling the warmth of her breath mingling with hers. It was a silent promise of support, a gentle reassurance that she was there, no matter what. Then she placed another kiss under her eyes where her tears kept tracing a path and then another, tender and lingering, on Miyeon's forehead, staying still for a few seconds.
The intimacy of the moment was like a balm to Miyeon's soul. She leaned into Minnie's kisses, feeling the warmth of her love seep into her bones. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and she could finally take a deep breath. Her eyes closed, she let Minnie's love envelop her, feeling safe and protected.
When she opened her eyes again, the first drops of rain had begun to fall, painting a delicate pattern on the rooftop floor. She looked up at the darkening sky, the impending storm a stark contrast to the peace she felt in Minnie's arms.
"Miyeon-ah, want to go to the music room?" Minnie asked in a whisper. "We could play your favourite songs. You always tell me how much you feel relaxed when I play the piano."
Miyeon nodded, and together they descended the stairs, their footsteps muffled by the growing sound of raindrops.
The school corridors grew dimmer as the light outside faded, and the fluorescent lights flickered on in response. The music room was a haven of warmth and familiarity, filled with the comforting scent of old sheet music and polished wood.
Minnie pulled out the piano bench and gestured for Miyeon to sit. She took her place behind the instrument, her fingers hovering over the keys. The first notes of a soft melody filled the air, one that Miyeon had heard countless times. It was the same tune she'd played for Miyeon the night they'd first confessed their feelings.
The memory brought a fresh wave of tears to her eyes, filled with fear and heaviness for the future.
The rain grew louder, a steady rhythm that matched the tempo of the song. Minnie played with a gentle touch, letting the music wrap around them like a warm blanket. Miyeon leaned into her shoulder, listening to the sweet sound, feeling the vibrations resonate through her body.
Her heart began to mend with every stroke of the keys.
The music room was their sanctuary, a place where they had shared laughter, secrets, and quiet moments like this one. The walls were lined with posters of famous composers, their stern faces seemingly watching over them with a gentle understanding. The grand piano, a relic from the school's founding days, held stories of countless students who had poured their hearts out into its keys, and now was their turn.
Minnie's fingers danced over the ivory, weaving a tapestry of sound that painted a picture of their relationship. Each note resonated with the emotions they had felt together: the excitement of their first kiss, the anxiety of keeping their love hidden, and the unspoken promise to face the world side by side. Miyeon closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her, feeling the warmth spread from her chest to her fingertips.
"I could listen to you play forever," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the patter of rain against the window.
Minnie's smile grew as she glanced at Miyeon, her eyes shimmering with a mix of love and gratitude. She knew that her music had the power to soothe, to heal, but it had never felt as potent as it did in that moment. The melody grew more complex, a silent conversation between her and the piano, a love letter to the girl who had captured her heart.
Miyeon felt her notes resonate within her, the simple request more comforting than any grand gesture could ever be. She got up from the piano bench and slipped into Minnie's arms, feeling the warmth and strength of her embrace. For a moment, she allowed herself to just be held, her body relaxing into the familiar contours of her girlfriend's embrace.
"Minnie-ah, please, just hold me," she said in a whisper.
Minnie's arms tightened around her, her cheek resting on the top of Miyeon's head. The music had stopped, but the echo of the last note lingered in the air, a silent testament to the unspoken words they shared. Raindrops tapped against the window, a soothing background to the quietude of the room.
Miyeon nodded, her breaths deepening as she focused on the steady thump of Minnie's heart, a comforting metronome that matched the rhythm of her own. Minnie's hand moved to Miyeon's, placing it just above her own heart, pressing gently.
"Feel it," she whispered. "Just listen to my heartbeat, okay? It's been beating for you since the moment we met and always will."
Miyeon closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of Minnie's palm over her hand, the steady pulse beneath it, and the sweet melody of their hearts syncing. It was as if all the turmoil of the day had been washed away by the music and the rain, leaving only the two of them in this sanctuary. The storm outside seemed to mirror the tumult within her, yet here, in Minnie's embrace, she felt a stillness.
The rain grew heavier, turning into a crescendo that drowned out the whispers of the world beyond the music room. The drops on the windows grew larger, sliding down the glass like crystal tears. Minnie's hand began to move in slow circles, tracing patterns on Miyeon's back as she held her tighter.
Finally, Miyeon took a deep breath and spoke.
"It's my family," she said, her voice trembling. "They found out about us, and they're not happy."
Minnie's heart sank, feeling the weight of Miyeon's pain as if it were her own. She had always known that this day might come, had feared it, but hearing the words made it all too real. She didn't ask for details; she knew Miyeon would tell her when she was ready. Instead, she held her closer, her heart aching for the girl who had become her everything.
Minnie's family accepted her sexuality as soon as she told them and were so happy to know that Miyeon was her girlfriend and for the past two years they always welcomed her and offered her a place to stay when she needed.
"They don't understand," Miyeon continued, her voice breaking. "They think it's a phase, something that I'll grow out of. They want me to marry a man, to have kids, to live the life they've always planned for me."
Minnie's fingers paused in their soothing motions, her mind racing. She knew that Miyeon's traditional family would struggle with their relationship, but she had hoped that love would be enough to bridge the gap.
Miyeon felt Minnie tense up and she knew that she was worried. She pulled back slightly to look into her eyes.
"Minnie, it's okay. I know you're upset, but we'll figure it out. I won't let them come between us."
"I'm not... upset." said Minnie, looking into her brown eyes. "I'm just sad, but... I'm not going anywhere and I'll do my best to help you. You’re not alone in this."
Miyeon's eyes searched hers, looking for any hint of doubt, but all she found was a fierce determination. She knew Minnie would stand by her side no matter what. With a shaky smile, she nodded, taking strength from her girlfriend's words.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. "I just don't know what to do. Maybe I'm a bad girlfriend for you. If I wasn't your girlfriend maybe you would've been free to go out without hiding and have a normal relationship a-and-"
Minnie cut her off with a kiss before speaking in a gentle but firm voice.
"Don't talk about yourself like that, Miyeon." she cupped her cheeks, her thumbs wiping away the stray tears that had escaped. "We're not just a phase, and you're not a burden to me. You're the most amazing person I've ever met, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Nothing about us is wrong. Nothing about you is wrong and I'll prove that to your parents." her voice was steady, the conviction in her words unshakeable.
She leaned in and kissed Miyeon's forehead, her eyes never leaving hers.
"We'll face this together, okay?"
Miyeon nodded, the warmth of Minnie's touch and the conviction in her voice giving her the courage she needed. They stood there, holding onto each other, as the storm outside grew fiercer, the thunder rumbling in the distance, a reflection of the turmoil in their hearts, but in that moment, nothing was more important than that moment.
"Okay," Miyeon whispered, her voice stronger now. "Together."
The rain grew heavier, the sound of it against the roof a constant reminder of the world outside and the challenges they would soon have to face. In the music room, it was as if they were in a bubble, isolated from the tempest raging beyond. Minnie leaned in and kissed her again, a gentle promise of unconditional support.
"Let's go, Miyeon-ah," Minnie said, her voice a soft whisper in the cocoon of the music room. "Do you want a ride home?"
Miyeon nodded, her eyes never leaving Minnie's, the warmth of her girlfriend's gaze like a lighthouse in the storm. They gathered their things and made their way outside, the sound of the rain a constant reminder of the tumult they had to face.
Minnie pulled out her umbrella, the fabric a cheerful pink that contrasted sharply with the gloomy sky. She held it over Miyeon as they hurried to the parking lot.
Their steps in sync as they navigated the puddles forming on the ground. The rain pattered against the fabric, a comforting white noise that muffled the world around them.
Once they were in the car of Minnie's driver, the scent of wet earth and rain filled the air, mixing with the faint smell of strawberries that always seemed to linger on Minnie's clothes. Miyeon took a deep breath, letting the familiarity ground her. The man started the engine, the gentle purr of the car a soothing counterpoint to the storm outside.
Miyeon leaned her head on Minnie's chest not wanting to waste even a second with her lover.
Minnie reached over to hold Miyeon's hand, her thumb tracing small circles on the back of her palm.
"You're not alone in this," she assured her, her voice steady despite the nerves that danced in her stomach. "We'll find a way to make them understand and... We always have my parents by our side. If it's okay for you, if things get harder, you can stay with me at our mansion."
Miyeon looked up, her eyes wide with surprise and hope.
"Really?"
"Of course, love," Minnie said, her eyes never leaving Miyeon as she stroked her head. "You know my parents love you. They've always supported us, no matter what and always will."
Miyeon nodded, feeling a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders at the thought of a safe haven.
"I just don't know how to tell them," she whispered, lowering her gaze on their locked hands. "How to make them understand that this is who I am and that I'm happy with you."
Minnie squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"We'll take it one step at a time, Miyeon-ah. First, let's get you home and dry." she offered a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Tonight sleep and if you can't, call me. No matter what time. Call me if you need me. Then we'll ask them to meet us, together and we will try to talk with them. One thing at a time."
"Thank you, love."
The drive home was quiet, the only sound being the steady beat of the windshield wipers and the muffled splash of rain against the car. Minnie's thumb kept moving in gentle circles on Miyeon's hand, a silent reminder that she wasn't alone.
When they arrived at Miyeon's house, the rain had turned into a downpour. Minnie insisted on walking her to the door, the umbrella held tightly over them both. They stood under the porch, the warmth of the house spilling out into the cool night air.
"Remember what I said," Minnie whispered, her eyes searching Miyeon's for any sign of doubt. "Call me, no matter what."
Miyeon nodded, feeling a little stronger.
"I will."
They shared a lingering kiss under the porch, the rain a blurry backdrop to their intimate moment. The world outside didn't exist as they held onto each other, drawing comfort from their shared warmth. When they pulled apart, Miyeon took a deep breath, her eyes shining with resolve.
"I can do this," she murmured, more to herself than to Minnie.
"You can," Minnie affirmed, her voice filled with confidence. "Remember, I'm with you, baby."
Miyeon nodded and got inside, not closing the door yet, waiting for Minnie to go away.
Minnie smiled and opened her umbrella, stepping out into the rain. The cold droplets hit her face, a stark contrast to the warmth she felt from Miyeon's embrace. She turned to wave goodbye, her heart feeling heavy, before going back to her car.
As the car pulled away, Miyeon watched it fade into the stormy night, feeling a mix of emotions. She knew she had to face her family soon, but the thought of their disapproval was like a lead weight in her stomach. She took a deep breath, her hand still tingling from the warmth of Minnie's touch.
Miyeon stepped into the house, the warm light from the living room casting a welcoming glow down the hall. But as she approached, the muffled sound of her parents' voices grew clearer. They were talking in hushed tones, and she could feel the tension coiling in the air like a spring ready to snap. She paused, gathering her courage, and then continued to her room, the weight of their unspoken words pressing down on her shoulders.
It was since the night before that she didn't speak with her parents because of their heavy words towards her and Minnie. She was angry at them and didn't want to listen to anything else if not with Minnie by her side as a proof of their TRUE love.
In her room, Miyeon found refuge in the familiar surroundings. All her favourite group's posters and gifts from Minnie looked back at her, a silent reminder of the happiness she had found in their relationship. She changed into comfortable clothes, the scent of her girlfriend still lingering on her skin from their embrace. It was a comforting scent, one that brought a smile to her face even amidst the turmoil.
Her phone buzzed, a message from Minnie
My Thai Kitty
"Are you okay?"
It was a simple question, but it held a world of concern and care. Miyeon replied with a thumbs up emoji, not ready to put her feelings into words just yet. She knew that Minnie would understand. They had always had a silent language of their own, a way of communicating without needing to speak.
Her eyes fell on the framed picture of her and Minnie on her nightstand, taken during one of their happiest moments at the school festival. They were both laughing, their arms wrapped around each other, the world at their fingertips. It was a stark contrast to the reality she was facing now.
The week went by fast and the weekend finally came.
The two girls wanted to explain themself to Miyeon's parents.
Miyeon's hands were shaking as she held onto Minnie's, walking into the living room where her parents were sitting, their expressions tense. The air was thick with anticipation and fear.
"Mom, dad," she began, her voice trembling. "I need to tell you something important."
Her mother looked up from her sewing, her eyes filled with concern. Her father put down his newspaper, his gaze moving between his daughter and Minnie, who was standing beside her, a picture of calm support. The silence grew heavier as the seconds ticked by, the only sound the steady ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.
"Last week you found out about me and Minnie and told me you were against this relationship... but we're here to explain to you how much we love each other and how this is not just a phase."
Her mother's eyes searched hers, looking for any hint of uncertainty, any crack in her resolve. Miyeon swallowed hard, feeling the lump in her throat.
"We know it's hard for you to accept," she continued, her voice steady now. "But we're asking for your support, for your understanding."
Miyeon's father was the first to respond. His face was a mask of displeasure, his jaw tightening as he spoke.
"We've raised you to have a good life, Miyeon-ah," he said, his voice low and stern. "A life filled with happiness and success, and this...this isn't what we had in mind for you."
"But it’s my life. You already lived yours and made your choices. I want to make mine... with Minnie by my side." she said, tightening her clasp on Minnie's hand.
Her mother looked down at their entwined fingers, a flicker of sadness crossing her face.
"We just want what's best for you, Miyeon-ah." she said softly. "We don't want you to get hurt."
"I'm not going to hurt her." said Minnie, placing herself like a shield in front of Miyeon. "We'll try hard and we will not disappoint you... But we need your support and your trust. I really love your daughter. I always did, since we were kids but growing up that love became stronger. I can't promise to stay by her side forever, because I don't know what the future has in store for us, but I'll try to stay by her side as long as she wants me to. I'm going to protect her and give her a wealthy life. Please support us."
Minnie lowered herself, kneeling in front of Miyeon's parents, surprising them and her girlfriend.
"I know it's hard for you to understand," she said, her face still down, not daring to look at Miyeon's parents in the eyes. "But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make Miyeon happy. She deserves it, and I love her too much to let anything or anyone, even the storms of doubt and misunderstanding, come between us. I'll prove to you that ours is not just a phase."
Miyeon felt a tear slip down her cheek at the sight of Minnie's unwavering dedication. She had never seen her so vulnerable, so earnest. Her heart swelled with love and hope.
Her parents exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable. The ticking of the clock seemed to echo in the vast silence that had descended upon the room. Finally, her mother spoke up, her voice quivering.
"Miyeon-ah, your father and I... we just want you to be happy. We never wanted to hurt you, but we're just not sure about this. We'd like you to have a family one day and bless us with grandchildren..."
"There are so many ways to have a baby today. We're just 18 to think about that anyway. We will think about it one day but now we're okay with what we have and our love... Please."
Miyeon's voice was steady, her gaze never leaving her parents' faces. Minnie still on the ground.
Her father sighed, running a hand through his graying hair.
“We need time.” he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "We're old-fashioned, you know that. But we love you, Miyeon-ah. We'll... we'll try to understand. I-It won't be easy... but we'll try. I can't hide that I am still disappointed but seeing how much you care for each other... makes me want to give you a possibility and time."
Miyeon felt a flicker of hope in her chest. It wasn't the full acceptance she had hoped for, but it was a start. Minnie squeezed her hand gently, her eyes filled with understanding. They both knew that this was a battle they couldn't win in one night. It would be a journey of patience and persistence.
"Thank you," Miyeon said, her voice small but firm. "We're just asking for a chance, for you to see us as we are and maybe, one day, love us for it."
Her mother nodded slowly.
"We'll try," she echoed her husband's words, her gaze lingering on Minnie before returning to her daughter.
Minnie stood up, her knees a little shaky from the kneeling. She took a step forward, her hand still holding Miyeon's.
"Thank you," she said sincerely, her voice low. "We'll give you all the time you need."
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unsaid words and emotions. The rain outside had turned into a gentle pattern, almost as if it were giving them a moment of peace to breathe.
Miyeon's parents nodded, still not quite meeting their eyes, but the hostility had eased somewhat. It was a small victory, but it was something. They had taken the first step in a long and difficult journey.
The next few days were tense, filled with awkward silences and forced smiles. Minnie was a constant presence in Miyeon's life, never leaving her side unless absolutely necessary. They held onto each other tightly, drawing strength from their love as they faced the uncertainty of what was to come.