사랑하니까 (On the Wings of Love)

XV

-Six months later-

Yoona opened her eyes and yawned widely, stretching herself out fully before rolling around on her bed. Checking the alarm clock on her bedside table, she smiled when she realized she actually woke up five minutes earlier.

It was the first day of college and everything seemed to be going perfectly. It simply felt like a good day. Leaping off her bed, she tidied up the sheets and folded her blanket neatly while whistling a merry tune before making her way to the washroom to get freshened up. As she brushed her teeth, her thoughts travelled back to a month ago when she received the letter of acceptance from Seoul National University.

“Im Yoona, you made it!” She grinned with the toothbrush still lodged in her mouth.

As soon as she was done, she put together a lovely outfit, which included one of her favorite sweaters, before skipping out of her room with her backpack.

“Morning, dad.” She enthusiastically greeted the man seated at the kitchen table sipping at a cup of coffee. So much had changed in the past six months. For some reason, her father snapped out of his stupor and decided to change for the better.

“I prepared your favorite.” The man gestured towards a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all packed up in a translucent pink lunchbox. At the sight of the breakfast, a special somebody appeared in her mind; the same person who was the greatest reason why she studied hard to make it to college.

“Thanks.” Picking the container up carefully, she stuffed it into her bag, “I’m gonna go now. Wish me luck!”

“I’m sure you’ll have fun. Take care.”

“I will. I’ll see you later!”

*           *

“To all freshmen, please proceed to the Multimedia Lecture Hall to meet your respective orientation groups.” A voice announced over the PA system as throngs of excited students filed into the designated location.

Yoona took a look at the piece of leaflet in her hand as she stepped into the lecture hall, “Group B…” Scanning the vicinity, she tried to look for her group but there were so many people and it was so chaotic.

As she was about to venture off, a voice called her name, “Im Yoona!”

Seemingly shocked, she almost dropped the orientation pack she was carrying, wondering where the voice was coming from. It sounded so familiar.

“Im Yoona!” This time, the voice was accompanied by a quick tap on her shoulder. Swerving around, she met a pair of familiar eyes. Those eyes. Surprise enveloped her at once and the pack fell from her hands.

“I…” Her mouth was open but no sound came out. The only thing she was feeling was shock. Bending down clumsily, she hurriedly picked up the pack.

“Is your name Im Yoona?”

“Y-yes. J-Jessica?” All the girl could do was stammer. She could even feel herself shaking a little. What was Jessica doing here?

“Wow. Are you psychic or something? How did you know my name?”

“Please don’t joke about this, Jessica. D-don’t you remember me? How did you know my name then?”

“It’s printed on the back of your sweater, silly. I’m your group leader. See, your name’s right here on this list.” The girl showed her a sheet of paper with a list of names. True enough, there was her name.

Dumbfounded, Yoona swallowed awkwardly. The girl looked and sounded exactly like Jessica. Even her name was Jessica. Was it mere coincidence?

“So… you haven’t told me how you knew my name, psychic.” The girl grinned. Goodness, even her smile resembled Jessica’s. Could two people be more alike?

“I’m sorry… you just look like somebody I know who has the same name.”

“Ah, fair enough. Welcome, Yoona!” Extending a hand, Jessica grabbed hers and shook it warmly. There was something so familiar about her touch.

“Thank you…” The girl replied distractedly, still trying to sort things out mentally. She just could not believe what was going on. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she quickly plunged herself down onto one of the seats.

Unexpectedly, Jessica joined her, settling down by her side, “So, Yoona…”

“Uh huh?”

“Since you’re early, let’s get to know each other better. We’re gonna be spending the next few days together anyways.”

“W-why?”

Seeing her so apprehensive, Jessica giggled, “You do know you’re here for orientation camp, don’t you, silly?”

Of course. What was she thinking? Perhaps it was the fact that the identity of the girl beside her was still fuzzy. She was Jessica, wasn’t she? She had to be. Not just any Jessica, the Jessica who left her six months ago for San Francisco. The Jessica she was still deeply in love with.

“That’s a really nice name you have, by the way. As you appropriately guessed, I’m Jessica. Jessica Jung.”

“Where are you from, Jessica?”

“Born and raised in South Korea. Why? Don’t I look like a native?” The girl appeared somewhat flattered.

“I was just curious…” How much more confusing could things get? Sighing, Yoona gave up on guessing altogether. It seemed as though she was not gonna get any of the answers she was looking for.

The next question, however, caught her off-guard completely.

“Can I call you Yoongie?”

“What?”

“I said--”

“I know. I heard what you said. Why would you?”

The girl simply shrugged before continuing, “It just feels right.”