The park is where Minji didn't want to get herself in today, especially now that it's Valentine's day. But what can she do? It's the place where her beloved companion in life took her... Cherry. 

"Cherry, why did you take us here?" Minji asked Cherry adorably as she take a seat on an empty spot right under the huge tree. Feeling exhausted from the long walk that they have been through.

Looking at her wrist watch, she was surprised to see that it's already 7 in the morning. It has been 2 hours since Cherry and Minji left their house and that time check also explains why people are gradually increasing every minute. Putting her attention back at her surrounding, she found the beautiful sunrise that slowly touched her lovely skin in the gentlest way possible, giving natural nutrients as it emit a great feeling as soon as she took a deep breathe of fresh air.

"Bark! Bark!" Cherry... who's actually her dog, barked at her as if it answered her previous question on her pet earlier.

"Right... Maybe I needed to get out at least to freshen up. I've been getting sucked by the lumps that we faced in our life. Thank you Cherry, for not giving up on me" Minji said as she look from afar, feeling hopeful that things could be better for them someday at least. She has been staying inside their house for almost 2 weeks now... Her work wasn't actually much of a problem since she's on her break from it.

Cherry then started to pull the hem of her shirt, which she found weird but eventually understood that Cherry wanted her to lay down in order for them to embrace each other.

It wasn't actually a strange thing anymore for Minji and Cherry to have their "hug time" as they have been with each other for years now. Cherry was gifted by Minji's parents to her... 2 years before they went abroad to settle their job profession: Her father being a teacher in London, and her mother being a professional surgeon. Minji was offered to come with them but she chose to stay in Korea. Her parents wasn't actually the type that could give her enough time right now. But one thing's for sure, they love her and they're willing to do anything for her. It's just that; Minji isn't the type to depend on her parents, knowing how hard it was for them starting the day that Minji became their child. 

Minji wasn't actually planned by her parents. She was sure of that, because that's what her aunt always inserts inside her head. Regardless, her parents didn't made her feel that way as she grew up. They did their best to raise Minji and be responsible enough of their actions despite wanting something else for their future: which was to pursue their studies and dreams.

She thought that letting herself live far away from her parents would at least set them free from their unexpected responsibility; which was to become Minji's parent. However, there's already a hint of regret on her decision. Because, ever since her parents left... life started to become tough and bitter. As if her life shield and foundation was already destroyed, she became sensitive and got involved in various unfortunate opportunities. But, it didn't became a hindrance for her to train herself to become independent on her own.

Minji was a bright person, her friends from high school honorarily declared that she's a proof that there's a human sunshine in this world that could brighten up ones' life. It was tough for everybody but for Minji? Oh, she's sure that there will always be a way through it. 

But not everyone could be consistent enough on doing good in life. We all eventually reach the point where we get tired.

Minji didn't actually notice that she had fallen asleep for a solid 20 minutes and was just awfully awaken because she felt that Cherry wasn't beside her anymore... Only to find out that her dog was already being embraced by her ex. 

"Minji, you're still a sleepyhead, you never changed" Yoohyeon told her sternly as she put Cherry down to come back to Minji on the ground. Cherry must've recognized Yoohyeon. She thought.

"We'll get going now. Happy Valentine's day, Cherry!" Yoohyeon said cutely to Cherry. Waving her hand at the dog while holding someone's hand beside her. Minji didn't actually notice that Yoohyeon was with someone... It was Yubin. Yoohyeon's current girlfriend.

"And happy Valentine's too, Minji" Yoohyeon then said nonchalantly to Minji, immediately changing her expression to a cold one as soon as she face Minji.

"Thank you, have a nice Valentine's Yoohyeon and Yubin" That's all that Minji could say. Well what else is there? An apology for being a faulty girlfriend during their college days? Mount of forgiving words to Yoohyeon who hurt her and was also faulty? Or a pleading word for closure because they've been great companion to one another? She wasn't sure. But all that matters now is that she have learned and she wouldn't want to experience the same story anymore... Not with anyone, especially Yoohyeon. 

As soon as Yoohyeon and Yubin turned away to walk around, Minji also got on her feet along with Cherry to continue walking around... or maybe just go home? She wasn't sure. She does not have any concrete schedule for today aside from having a nice walk with Cherry because she's not in the mood to see couples, or people who are having a great time with their life. It's not that she's bitter or she envies them... It's just that; she's now facing a great challenge, she doesn't want to see anything or anyone anymore that could trigger her overthinking, especially the thought that "Maybe I don't deserve to experience lifelong happiness?" or the thought that "Why do people at my age are now having fun? and yet here I am. Still stuck at an empty hole, with no clear path to find my way out". 

Still walking around the park, she was suddenly pushed by a stranger. Causing her to fall out of balance. Not a moment after, she also noticed that the iced choco latte of the stranger was partially poured right on her clothes.

Although she wanted to get mad... She chose to pull herself together, just like what she promised to herself a few years ago; never let your emotions get to your head so that you'll be able to protect your peace.

"Ugh. Unnecessary hindrances everywhere whenever you try to do something important" Minji clearly heard the stranger diss angrily before running away quickly. Not minding her who got hurt.

"HEY! YOU WERE THE NUISANCE TO THIS GIRL THAT YOU HURT! WHAT A JERK!" Minji heard once again... but this time, it was a different voice. Voice of a woman who sounded totally angry. So she look up to see who it is... The other girl was unknown and still chasing sight of the stranger who bumped right at Minji who have caused trouble to Minji, specifically her clothes, which was a white shirt, a light brown pants, and a coat.

The other girl looked at Minji right away to help her get up.

"Oh God. Your clothes were ruined!" The shorter girl exclaimed.

"So many reckless young people during Valentines." The shorter girl complained as she offer Minji a handkerchief to wipe herself. 

"It's okay. Thank you, I'll get going now" Minji said shyly as she bow lightly at the shorter girl who helped her get up.

"Let's go Cherry" Minji told Cherry quietly as she pick up the dog strap.

"Oh excuse me. It's Valentine's day... I know I'm not actually related to the person who caused you trouble but---" the short girl was about to offer her help but Minji interrupted her although the other girl was still talking.

Because she have seen this before. Minji already knows what will happen next. What? This person will ask her out? Then eventually will get along and be friends? Then what? Be lovers? Will spend a lot of moments with each other but eventually leave one another because the other party doesn't feel happy anymore? Minji knows it too well. Because that's what happened to her and Yoohyeon. She thought Yoohyeon was already the one for her because it felt good, happy, and new for the both of them who was still exploring life. Unknowingly, Yoohyeon didn't really plan to keep Minji because she felt afraid... And eventually, she have found a lot of fault to blame on Minji, for not being "good enough" for her.

"It's okay. Really. You don't have to make it up to me. Like what you said, you're not related to that person. I appreciate your effort and time... Miss" Minji said straightforwardly. Not wanting the conversation to be longer than expected. But one thing have caught her attention... Cherry likes the other person, as she's now carrying Cherry like a baby... Cherry never does that to a stranger.

"Well, your dog likes me. What do you think?" the other girl said provokingly and smiled mischievously as she face Minji.

"If you don't want me to make it up to you, then just go out with me today" the other girl added as she rub Cherry's stomach.

"What?" Minji asked confusingly to clarify what she just heard.

"Be my date today. For Valentine's day! It'll be fun~" the shorter girl clarified her previous statement which made Minji show a shocked looked on her face.

"I... I have a boyfriend" Minji lied to dodge the offer.

"Eh? You don't look like a heterosexual type of person." the other girl said once again without looking at Minji, which caused her to open her eyes widely, furrowing her eyebrows because of what she just heard.

"What?" Minji asked once again... Asking for clarification. Again.

"You seem kinda gay to me." she answered in a straightforward manner that shocked Minji once again.

"Well then, I have a girlfriend" Minji firmly dropped another lie once again. If there's another thing that we can be sure about, it is the fact that: Minji is a bad liar.

The other girl did put Cherry down before saying

"Firstly, your previous and current statement only proved that you're making up excuses. Second, no one. Like, NO ONE would actually let their girlfriend alone in the park, especially today. Ma'am it's Valentine's day." she firmly told Minji while looking at her while smiling.

Mentally hitting herself, Minji realized that her excuses and tone aren't really convincing. Even kids wouldn't dare to believe her due to her hesitant tone and surprised expressions.

"What do you say? Will you be my girlfriend for today? I'm single, you know!" the other girl offered once again in a happy tone while smiling at Minji.

Minji, on the other hand has been contemplating. Should I? It's been 1 and a half year since Yoohyeon and I broke up, and this stranger only for asks for a day. Besides, she doesn't look like a bad person. In fact, she looks like a happy-go-lucky type. Another thing is that... I don't have anything else to do too. Maybe risking a day wouldn't be that bad?

"Aw come on don't waste your time thinking!" the other girl whined, that caused Minji's train of thoughts to stop. So, Minji took a deep breathe before nonchalantly saying

"Okay fine. Just for today" 

"Yes!" the other girl exclaimed happily. Punching the air to release her excessive happiness that was caused by Minji.

Minji couldn't help but to unknowingly smile due to the stranger's action. 

"Hey you're smiling. I bet this will be a fun Valentine" the other girl said teasingly. Smiling too wide at the taller girl, which caused Minji to take back her precious smile. 

"Oh? Don't take it back. Keep smiling! You're very very veryyy pretty whenever you wear that smile" The shorter girl complimented her so she thanked her shyly and started to look down.

"Eh? Don't look down! Ugh, you wouldn't want your girlfriend to hide her pretty face right? Chin up baby" the stranger said once again which made Minji frown.

"What? Don't you have anything else to do aside from complaining?" Minji asked sarcastically which made the other girl laugh at her. Causing a confusion to Minji.

"Yah, you're cute. You're just way too shy, try to be confident!" the shorter girl complimented once again which made Minji frown internally once again. Why would a stranger dare to give me orders that only I can decide with? she thought. Taking another deep breathe, she managed to keep herself and her confusion.

"I'm Bora. People often call me Sua" the shorter girl, finally introduced herself. Offering her hand to make a short handshake, Minji then accepted it.

"Minji" she said as she shook hands with this Bora girl, finding a feeling of familiarity.

"Oh? Is that your name? Do you have any nickname?" Bora asked her. One thing that Minji noticed with Bora is that her face is expressive. You can easily read her expression just by observing her facial movements. 

Going back to the question, Minji has a nickname. She has one... that Yoohyeon created for her when they were still together. And that nickname is what the whole campus calls her back at their college days because she was indeed living like a princess. A princess who was dearly loved by everyone because of her charms. Well, indeed you can tell that JiYoo's relationship was pretty popular back in the day. 

"I... have one. But I don't go by it anymore. I don't like it" Minji confessed lowly which made Bora look around and try to think. 

"Hmmm. I should make one for you then. I'm good at making names!" Bora insisted energetically like a child. And because of her inevitable energy, Minji didn't even budge anymore.

"Let's talk about it on our way! You should change your clothes first. It's not that you look messy! Don't think like that. I just thought that wearing wet clothes isn't actually very comfortable, right?" Bora suggested happily to Minji. Hoping that the taller girl would say yes so that her worry about her comfortability during their date would be attained. 

"Yeah sure. But I'd have to leave you if that's the case. I need to go home" Minji stated, she doesn't actually plan to get away from Bora. But, Bora, being a bit of a paranoid, thought that Minji just want to get away from their date. Bora just gave her a suspicious look.

"Hey! I'm not trying to get away! I can hear what you're thinking" Minji immediately protested.

"Omg. We have a good chemistry. We already have that teleport uh.." Bora exclaimed happily.

"Huh?? Teleport?" Minji asked confusedly which made Bora think once again. 

"Yeah! The one where two or more people can understand each other without having the need of talking" Bora explained, hoping that Minji would understand what she's trying to say.

"Pfft. That's telepathy, fool! " Minji said as she burst out in laughing. Finding Sua's statement funny. 

"Eh? It's the same! And, can't I just come with you? What do you say?" Sua laughed as well, waiting for Minji's answer regarding the changing of clothes. 

"I don't want a stranger to come to my house" Minji said, half joking with her poker face on. Looking straight at Bora.

Bora, once again, made a face. A hint of confusion, frown, and weirded look at Minji as she say

"Bruh. I'm not a stranger! I'm your girlfriend! Girl. Friend!" Bora complained which made Minji laugh once again.

"Okay! Okay! Stop complaining." Minji ordered back at Bora causing her to have a calm mischievous expression. 

"In one condition! You'll stay outside the village" Minji firmly said which Bora agreed to, telling Minji that she has no other intention and that she is not interested in doing a house tour so there won't be a problem.

Taking a walk back to Minji's dorm, Sua then started to think of nicknames for Minji.

"Yah, what about Minjiji?" Sua suggested which made Minji cringe at her.

"That's gross" Minji told her

"Inji?"

"That makes no sense"

"Jiji?" 

"Oh? That's IU from Hotel Del Luna"

"Miji?"

"Your ideas seriously makes no sense" Jiu told her nonchalantly as they walk a bit more.

"You speak too straightforward. Ugh." Bora complained once again because of Minji's comment on her ideas which made Minji chuckle.

"Uh... How about... Minmin!" Bora suggested once again as she clap her hand once, as if she had the brightest idea of all.

"That sounded like a name of a cat" Minji protested which made Bora frown at her.

"Minji... You are Minji..." Bora said, still thinking while her fingers are poking her own cheek to think another nickname. 

"Yeah I am?" Minji commented once again which made Bora shush her because she's still thinking.

"You Minji... Minji you... AH!" Bora exclaimed which made Jiu and Cherry surprised. Causing them to look at her with a surprised face.

"Yah! Jiu! You should be Jiu!" Bora proposed another nickname happily to Minji who also liked the idea since it has also been her nickname from her parents.

"Nice. You're not that bad I suppose" Minji said as they continue walking, making Sua smile and make little jumps like a kid.

"So you like the nickname, Jiu?" Bora asked, trying to get a compliment or appraisal at least.

"Uh-huh. Actually, my parents do call me that. I love it cause it sounds like a good stage name" Jiu stated which made Sua gasp due to her shockness.

"You're an artist?!" Sua asked in a surprised manner.

"Huh? No. I didn't get the chance to become one because..." because she followed Yoohyeon to college. As high school sweet hearts, they promised to each other that they'll go to the same college together and do a lot of things together as they grow old. She did let go of her dream of becoming a singer for Yoohyeon. But it all went away, and she can't say it. Not to this girl, not to a stranger. 

"Because?" Bora was waiting for a continuation but Jiu just made a face on her, a funny one to distract the both of them. And so Sua busted out her laughter. 

"How old are you though?" Minji shot another question to bury the previous one.

"I'm currently 28!" Sua answered enthusiastically which made Jiu smile once again... She have never felt someone this excited to talk to her. She thought.

"We're at the same age" Jiu said and smiled at her. 

"Woah! That's great! Then we're really meant to be!" Sua exclaimed happily once again. 

"Eh? You're too fast" Jiu told the shorter girl. But Jiu wouldn't lie, it feels good to have Sua as her companion for today. She's starting to get light for a while, and she feels like she's getting distracted and happy with Sua. 

"Ugh. You'll never know! But where are we? We've been walking for too long already. You're not really a scammer aren't you?" Sua asked her, showing a hint of fear to give of a sarcastic feeling to Minji. 

"No? If there's a scammer here, it's you who keeps on insisting to come with me" Jiu told her sarcastically.

"Me and Cherry have already walked for 2 hours earlier. We're actually taking a shortcut and we're almost there" Jiu confessed which made Sua shocked once again. 

"OH?! 2 HOURS? ARE YOUR LEGS MADE UP OF METAL?" Sua exclaimed, eyes wide open, and a loud voice to show her shocked expression.

"Stooop! You're about to destroy my eardrums now" Jiu said, half irritated, half joking. 

"Hey it's not my fault that maybe you haven't heard this fun noise in your life" Sua backfired. She's right... she have never experienced someone so energetic. Because everyone have managed to keep her low, her being a proper person who fits the "standards of being a woman". Sua is something new to her life right now... something new that she wants to embrace to make a good change for herself. 

"Whatever, what is it that you're saying?" Jiu asked her and Sua, being herself... couldn't remember what she just said.

"I forgot too. Are we there yet?" Sua asked her with a frown on her