cherry (SpringOnChallenge)

❐Title: cherry

❐Name of Picture Used: Un-Expected Delights

❐Genre: fanfic

❐ 1 or 2 person response?: one person.

•

#SpringOnChallenge (romantic fanfic)

cherry

written by: poppy.

Laughter and chatter was common in the small neighborhood bakery. Most teens would buy snacks after school, some couples would stop by and brunch together, host business meetings, etcetera. It was a very well kept place, with pastel colours inviting new guests in warmly. There was a narrow staircase in the back that lead up to the Hwang residence. The father of the family ran the small bakery with the help of his wife, while their children focused on their studies. The whole neighborhood knew the Hwangs well, as they ran one of the most successful cafes in the outskirts of Jinhae. Each spring getting more and more visitors as they prepared for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Everyone but Choi Jisu knew about this.

[...]

“Do I really need to go today, mum?” Lia whined to her mother.

“Lia, I know moving is hard… I really do, but you can’t avoid school forever sweetie.”

Lia poked at her waffles. She missed Canada, she didn’t want to be in a foreign town. Everything had been so abrupt, she didn’t even get to finish her school year. ‘Important work’, her dad tried explaining. It seemed like excuses to leave their old lives behind. Her train of thought was cut short as her mum gently rubbed her back comfortingly.

“Come on sweetheart, we should get going.”

Lia bit her lip trying to hold back her tears. Everything felt wrong in this new place but she needed to stay strong, at least for her mother. Carefully standing up, she followed her mom to the bus station a few blocks down. The warmth of spring felt nice, cherry blossom petals gliding swiftly through the air. It was a very nice place; she couldn’t deny it. The architecture was beautiful, and the green areas were well placed. It was a nice neighborhood, but she still felt out of place.

[...]

“Yeji-unnie, do you know that girl?” A feminine voice asked softly, gently tugging on a taller girl’s sleeve.

“No… I don’t think she’s from here, Yuna.” The girl replied. She squinted trying to make out the figure heading towards the bus stop. A new girl? She asked herself, carefully observing the girl. Weird to a school after spring break. Must’ve been tough. She quickly turned her attention away from the girl and kept on talking with her friends. She would carefully shoot glances at the girl, who simply stood quietly next to the sign.

“She’s pretty.” She whispered to her friends. They were quick to look the girl down like vultures. “Hey, don’t be rude. She’ll think you’re talking about her.” She scolded the girls. The girls quickly turned away, but she kept on observing the girl, silently.

“Hey, earth to Yeji.” Another girl teased the eldest.

“Try to be more subtle about your crush.” Yuna added, playfully shoving her.

Yeji felt as her face burning, her cheeks turning bright red. The three other girls giggled as they made her blush.

“It’s not a crush, I don’t even know her name.” Yeji snapped at them, only causing more laughter between the girls.

“Sure, sure. And my name is not Shin Ryujin.” Her friend teased.

-

They’re laughing at me.

Lia thought to herself, hearing the girls next to her giggle while shooting quick looks at her. She had never felt so embarrassed before, so lonely. She gently brought a finger up to her eye, drying out the tears that had started forming in them.

After what seemed like decades, a small bus pulled up. Lia slowly stepped in, quickly finding a window seat. She hugged onto her bag tightly, shoving her face into it.

Everyone hates me already. This is just great.

She thought, her grip tightening around the bag.

“Hey,” a gentle voice called, pulling her from her thoughts. She quickly looked up and saw one of the girls from the bus stop giving her a pitiful side-smile. “Is it okay if I sit with you?” She asked kindly.

Lia nodded quickly, before pressing herself against the side of the bus, leaving space for the other. The girl was stunning; cat-like eyes, long dark hair, plump lips, tall, and stylish. The girl quickly took a seat next to her, and then took out a small cupcake from her lunch bag.

“Do you want it? It’s fresh.” She asked her, offering it cautiously.

Lia looked at it briefly before nodding and carefully taking it from her. It was very sweet, with a very familiar flavour. She couldn’t quite figure out what it was.

“Cherry flavored.” The girl added, almost reading her thoughts. “My dad owns a bakery, he always sends me some snack to eat on the bus. It looked like you were having a tough morning so I thought you should have it?”

“Thanks,” Lia replied, covering her mouth.

“No problem.” The girl replied with a kind smile. “Is everything alright tho? You seemed really upset."

“Yeah, spring allergies. Nothing much.” Lia lied pitifully.

The girl observed her carefully before nodding slowly, not really convinced. “You’re new, right? I’m Hwang Yeji, nice to meet you.” She added, extending her hand.

“Choi Jisu, but people call me Lia.” Lia replied shyly, shaking the girl's hand.

“Lia, I like that name. It’s very… refreshing?” Yeji explained to her.

“Thanks. I like yours, it’s very… unique?” Lia replied, imitating her.

Yeji giggled.

“Anyways, Lia. You should come visit my dad’s bakery today. I can help you around after that. It’d be no problem at all.” Yeji invited her.

Lia froze for a moment, taking in the request before quickly nodding.

That’s how their friendship started.

Yeji became her personal tour guide, taking her around every inch of the town. Lia eventually became friends with the other girls, but something about Hwang Yeji made her feel different. She didn’t quite know what it was, but there was something unique about the way she clicked with the eldest of the group. Lia also got to experience the Cherry Blossom Festival, it was mesmerizing. The beautiful petals grabbing the attention of everyone attending, well- everyone but Lia. She had spent the night observing Yeji laugh in the dim lighting.

[...]

It had been a full year since Lia met her best friend for the first time. Last spring, she had gone out to see the cherry blossom festival with her new group of friends; she had been planning to go out and do the same this year, but she had received a text from her new best friend.

yejii

can’t make it today.

super sick.

sorry :(

me

It’s okay. I’ll go take care of you

:))

Last year, she didn’t quite understand why she was always so nervous around her. She thought it was because she could be quite intimidating, or because she might of felt guilty about eating her cupcake; however, as she got to know her better she quickly realized she had feelings for her.

[...]

She could feel her pulse quicken as she pushed the bakery’s door.

“Hey Lia!” Mrs. Hwang greeted her warmly. She put down a tray of pastries and quickly went over to hug Lia, “Yeji is in her room, thank you so much for keeping her company! We’ll be leaving to the festival soon, I trust that you two won’t cause any trouble while we’re away.”

Lia nodded back kindly, as she made her way to the staircase. The house was very different from the bakery. It was rusty; the wooden floor creaked a bunch, the wallpaper looked vintage and it had an overall older feeling. The door creaked as Lia made her way into the house. She carefully made her way down to the bedroom. Yeji’s room was the only thing similar to the bakery, with a pastel palette completely flooding the walls and furniture. She had a small desk, where she would often write poetry --which she only showed Lia-- and some bookshelves. Her bed was for two people, but plushies completely took over one of the sides.

“Lia!” Yeji squealed as she saw her peek through the door.

“There you are, you dork.” Lia teased, putting her bag next to the entrance. Yeji quickly wrapped her arms around her and hugged her tightly, gently swaying them from side to side.

“Thank you so much for keeping me company today. I know you wanted to see the festival. I’m sorry you’re spending the night with me instead.” She apologized. Lia blushed intensely as she nodded.

“It’s fine, don’t sweat it.” Lia replied reassuring her. Yeji smiled at her weakly before throwing herself onto the bed. Lia laid down next to her, but Yeji quickly tugged her arm.

“Ugh, could you fetch me that ice-bag? I think my fever’s rising again.” She pointed towards the small cherry-printed ice-bag on top of her desk. Lia rolled her eyes before standing up.

“You’re so lazy.” Lia groaned as she dragged herself to the desk.

“Oh what would I do without you.” Yeji giggled as she accommodated herself in the bed. Lia sat down next to her, gently pressing the ice-pack to her forehead. “Aye, that’s so cold!” Yeji whined as she flinched away.

“Let me help you, dork.” Lia teased. She carefully pressed the ice against her forehead once again. She could see Yeji trying not to move away, she was closing her eyes tightly. “You’re doing great,” She whispered. She could see a little smile form on Yeji’s face.

After a few minutes, she took the ice off. She smiled at her before whispering, “See? It wasn’t that bad…”

They smiled at each other, before Lia realized how close she was to Yeji’s face. She quickly stood up and looked around. Yeji noticed this, and smirked before calling for her yet again.

“Hey, I think I need a few more minutes of ice.” She said with a pout.

Lia rolled her eyes before grabbing the baggie again. “I like the cherry print. It’s easy to tell it’s yours like that.” She said, observing the design.

“How come?”

“Well, you’re like a cherry… I guess. You’re really bright and sweet… everyone likes you.” She shrugged, still looking at the baggie. This time, Yeji could feel herself blushing.

“You think I’m sweet?” She asked shyly.

“Obviously. If it wasn’t for you I’d probably be eating lunch in the bathroom. What you did that day on the bus was extremely sweet. I’ll always be thankful for that.” She explained, carefully sitting down in front of her as she pressed the bag yet again.

“I think you’re too far, it doesn’t feel cool enough.” Yeji said.

Lia looked at her before letting out a scoff. She scooted closer, pressing the baggie harder against the her.

“Still too far.”

Lia rolled her eyes, and scotted even closer. They were centimetres away from each other’s face. Lia gulped, as she avoided eye . Yeji giggled at her.

“Why are you so nervous all of a sudden?” She asked.

“I-I’m not, I’m just a little tired.” Lia stuttered.

“Hey, look at me then.”

Lia looked down at her. Yeji was grinning from ear-to-ear.

“You look pretty.” She whispered. Lia could feel her heart trying to escape her chest. Yeji slowly moved the ice out of the way, gently brushing her fingers. She cupped Lia’s face and gave her a tender kiss on the lips. Lia tensed up, not sure what to do, but she quickly melted into the embrace. After a few moments, Yeji pulled away softly, a small smirk on her face.

“Cherry chapstick. Wasn’t expecting that.” She teased flirtatiously.

Lia looked down at her lap, blushing intensely. She looked back at her eventually, still blushing.

“Why’d you do that?” She asked quietly.

“‘Cause you’re so pretty, I couldn’t just let you sit there.” Yeji replied. She sat straight up and grabbed Lia’s hand, gently putting it into her own. “Look… I really like you Lia. And I honestly don’t know if you feel the same way or you’re just super shy… but you’re driving me crazy.” She confessed, her cheeks slightly pink.

“I like you too.” Lia itted.

The two sat silently for a while before Lia asked, “Was it that noticeable?”

“Yup.”

The two laughed together as they laid back down on the bed, sharing a cherry cupcake Yeji had saved for her. They weren’t exactly sure were all of this was going to lead them, but they were glad they had shared that kiss. The spring air suddenly felt even more refreshing than before, and suddenly, the cherry blossoms looked even more beautiful too.