The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, dancing shadows across the forest. Yong and I sat on a fallen log, the remnants of our campfire crackling softly. The air was crisp, filled with the sweet scent of pine and the distant hoot of an owl.

"I still haven't decided what to put on my to-do list," Yong admitted, her voice barely a whisper. Her gaze was fixed on the flickering flames, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Maybe we can brainstorm together," I suggested, reaching for her hand. She turned to me, her eyes sparkling.

Our post-holiday return to school was marked by the exuberant reunion with MC and Aira. They fawned over Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Edward Cullen in the Twilight series, their eyes filled with dreamy adoration.

I couldn't resist sharing a joke about Tyler's truck, but their laughter soon turned to disapproving glares. Aira was a staunch Edward fan, while MC preferred Jacob. Yongsun, ever the contrarian, dismissed them both, declaring her allegiance to Dracula. But I knew her true heart belonged to Taylor Lautner, the muscular actor who brought Jacob to life.

Intrigued by their enthusiasm, Yong borrowed the Twilight books from them. To my surprise, she insisted that I read them too, demanding a detailed plot summary. We even watched the movies together, leaving me no choice but to be honest.

When she caught me pouting, Yong teased, "You liked the Dracula we saw on HBO, the one with Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker."

I was taken aback. How did she know that?

"Because you wouldn't stop talking about it," MC chimed in, her eyes twinkling.

Over lunch, Yong approached me with a thoughtful expression. "I can't think of anything to put on my to-do list," she confessed. "I don't want it to be just another checklist. I want it to be challenging."

"Maybe we should start with simple things and gradually make them more difficult," I suggested.

"That's a good idea," Yong agreed. "Let's start with a hundred."

I raised an eyebrow. "A hundred? That's a lot."

"How about thirty?" she countered, her eyes sparkling with determination.

"Twenty," I insisted, trying to bargain.

"No ifs. And no deserted island or camping trips count," Yong declared firmly.

"Fine, your rules," I conceded, amused by her stubbornness.

"Challenge number one is for you to create the to-do list," Yong announced.

"Why does it have to be my list?" I asked, curious.

"Because I want the person I love most to do it for me," she replied, her voice soft.

A sudden thought occurred to me. "What if we give each other endearment names? I've already thought of one for you, but I'm not sure if you'll like it."

Yong's face lit up. "That sounds nice. Let's spend the week or month thinking of names."

As we sat together under the starry sky, Yong mentioned a childhood memory. "Aunt Del used to read me a fairy tale called 'Rumpelstiltskin.' I was terrified of it."

"Don't you dare give me a name like that," I joked, pulling her closer. "Or I'll leave you."

Yong laughed, her eyes filled with love. "I'll only think of good names for you," she promised, wrapping her arms around me.

The school fair was a bustling spectacle of color and sound, a vibrant tapestry woven with the energy of youth. As a member of the school club, I was tasked with helping set up and manage the various booths. Yongsun, meanwhile, was immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming school play, her dedication unwavering.

Our club had been assigned a week-long shift at the fair, coinciding with Yongsun's rehearsals. This meant that I had no choice but to spend my time helping out at the fair, much to her disappointment.

"I get nervous when you watch me," she confessed one afternoon, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.

"I'll just pick you up after practice," I assured her, my heart swelling with pride.

"Please do," she replied, her eyes filled with determination. "I can't let our friends or Sung Hyo steal the show."

Sung Hyo, a talented classmate, had been vying for the lead role in the play. Yongsun's competitive spirit was ignited, and I could see the determination burning in her eyes.

To distract myself from the stress of the fair, I borrowed some money from my aunt May and bought Yugioh cards to play with Gama and Vince. Yongsun was initially disappointed that it was a boys-only competition, but she quickly warmed up to the idea and helped us build our decks.

With chaos rulers dominating the meta, I was able to play some powerful cards thanks to Yongsun's generous loan of her deck. Vince jokingly referred to us as Yugi and Tea, and I couldn't help but agree. Yongsun was my Yugi, always drawing the best out of me.

Despite fierce competition from over four hundred contestants, I managed to reach the top three. Yongsun was there to cheer me on, providing encouragement and snacks.

"This is harder than chess," she remarked, watching me intently.

"It's like the MMORPG we play," I replied. "It's all about strategy and a little bit of luck."

She laughed and told me to just play for fun.

Unfortunately, I didn't win. A wealthy student named Paulo, who seemed to have an endless supply of rare cards, claimed the championship. But I didn't mind. The experience was exhilarating, and I even met a cute girl named Aimee, the ace student in my section.

Yongsun, who was a section above me and Aimee's classmate, was less than thrilled about our newfound friendship. She was fiercely competitive and saw Aimee as a rival.

"Don't talk to her," she demanded, her voice laced with jealousy. "She'll win you over if you do."

I raised an eyebrow, amused by her childishness. "You heard it here first," I teased.

As the fair drew to a close, Yongsun and I decided to explore the various booths and rides. It was a perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and continue brainstorming our endearment names.

"We should both have one for ourselves," Yongsun suggested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Your call," I replied, eager to see what she would come up with.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the fairground, Yongsun and I decided to explore the various booths and rides. We were joined by MC and Aira, who were eager to experience all that the fair had to offer.

Our first stop was a handcuff booth, a popular attraction that promised a thrilling challenge. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Aira insisted on handcuffing us together. To our amusement, she announced that we would be handcuffed for two hours.

"I'll hold your hand without a handcuff," Yongsun teased, her eyes sparkling.

As we wandered through the fair, our laughter echoing through the crowd, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. We rode the merry-go-round, our faces lit up with childish delight. We played games at various booths, our competitive spirits ignited.

I bought Yongsun a fluffy cloud of cotton candy and a delicate bracelet, my heart swelling with affection. She beamed with gratitude, her eyes filled with warmth.

Our adventure continued as we explored the anime merchandise booths, our eyes wide with excitement. We browsed through shelves filled with figures, posters, and other collectibles, our imaginations ignited.

We also visited the rooms of different sections, where students were hosting karaoke competitions. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sound of music and laughter. We cheered on our friends as they belted out their favorite songs, our spirits lifted by their enthusiasm.

Yongsun and I decided to indulge in a well-deserved treat. We made our way to the nearby McDonald's, the warm glow of the restaurant beckoning us inside.

As we waited for our order, I couldn't resist the opportunity to ask Yongsun about her auditions. Her face fell slightly as she confessed that things weren't going well.

"I suck," she muttered, her voice barely a whisper.

I reached out to take her hand, offering words of comfort. "Don't get discouraged, Yongsun. We'll celebrate with more ice cream."

Her face lit up at the mention of ice cream, and she asked for spaghetti as well. Eager to please her, I suggested we grab ramyun from the nearby Korean mart.

As we walked, I listened patiently to her lamentations about life's unfairness and the futility of hope. I tried to offer words of encouragement, reminding her that anything was possible with hard work and determination.

"Maybe you could skip the school fair tomorrow," she suggested, her eyes filled with pleading.

"Of course," I replied, my heart melting at her vulnerability.

We found a quiet corner and settled in. Watching Yongsun devour her ramyun with such gusto, I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection. Her passion and zest for life were infectious, and I was grateful to be a part of her journey.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

As the days turned into weeks, Yongsun's to-do list remained a blank slate, a daunting challenge that seemed to grow more intimidating with each passing day. Determined to help her achieve her goals, I invited her to stay at my house for a while. Mr. Kim, ever supportive, agreed to the arrangement.

Yongsun was to share a room with my sister, Jessa, but our late-night brainstorming sessions often extended well into the early hours. We'd spend hours poring over books, articles, and websites, searching for inspiration.

"Let's browse the internet to see what lovers do," Yongsun suggested one evening, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Should we really do something similar to them?" I asked, hesitant to conform to societal expectations.

"I'm thinking individual to-do lists," she replied, her voice filled with determination.

"You're my soulmate," I said, my heart overflowing with love. "I'll just help you do yours."

Jessa chimed in, her voice teasing, "Just do yours, sister-in-law. You're way too picky."

Yongsun chuckled, her initial hesitation melting away. "Yup, let's just do mine," she decided.

"Thank God," I muttered under my breath, relieved that the decision had been made.

"So, what do you want to do, wife?" I asked jokingly, teasing her with the prospect of marriage.

Yongsun's face lit up as she began to list her dreams:

"I want a lovely nickname."

"Learn a new language."

"Read a classic novel."

"Start a journal."

"Be a popstar."

"Eat Asia's delicacies."

"Go stargazing."

"Snorkel."

"Go to Boracay or Hawaii."

"Get fit."

"Star in a stage play."

"Cook Korean food for the Pacampara family."

"Write a book."

"Paint something."

"Busk."

"Ride a hot air balloon."

"Stay in Korea with Jess."

"Volunteer for a cause."

"Dance like a pro."

"Marry Jess."

As I listened to her dreams, my heart swelled with pride. Yongsun was a woman of boundless ambition and passion, and I was honored to be a part of her journey. Together, we would conquer the world, one dream at a time.

"At last, it's done!" I exclaimed, a sense of relief washing over me. We had finally completed Yongsun's ambitious to-do list.

"You think I couldn't do it?" Yongsun challenged, her eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and defiance.

"I never doubted your abilities," I assured her. "It's just astonishing that we managed to complete something so comprehensive."

Yongsun playfully bit my arm, her laughter echoing through the room. Jessa joined in, her amusement evident.

"Brother would probably give you a generic nickname," she teased.

"No, I won't," I replied, my voice firm. "I'll give her something special."

But when Yongsun mentioned the last item on her list, my heart skipped a beat. "Are you serious about that?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"Every word," she replied, her eyes filled with sincerity.

I pulled her into a tight embrace, my love for her overflowing. "I better start saving now for your hanbok," I said, imagining her in a beautiful white and pink ensemble.

Yongsun blushed and leaned in for a kiss. As we shared a tender moment, the aroma of adobo filled the air. Aunt Del and my mom had prepared a delicious feast to celebrate our accomplishment.

so as planne we skipped the last day of the fair to go to the nearby mall to eat japanese food watch go to a junji ito museum.

I ever the skeptic told her that she doesn't like horror stories as she is afraid of ghosts but she tells me i'm the one afraid

**I never thought I'd find myself here—walking into a haunted house, heart racing, hand firmly held by Yongsun, my girlfriend who seemed to find joy in the macabre. I’ve always been a skeptic, the kind of person who needed facts and logic to feel secure. The supernatural? That was something I avoided, not just out of disbelief, but because of one ghostly encounter in my childhood that still haunted me. But for Yongsun, the supernatural world was an exhilarating playground. She’d inherited her love for all things spooky from her grandmother, a local legend known for her spine-chilling tales.

"Don’t worry, Jess," Yongsun said, her voice soft yet steady as she squeezed my hand. "I’ll be here for you. We’ll face this together." I managed a weak smile, feeling a rush of warmth at her words. Yongsun had a way of making even the most terrifying situations seem bearable. Still, the shadow of my past fears loomed as we stepped through the entrance, fake fog swirling around us and eerie music creeping through the air.

It didn’t take long for the house to unveil its first scare. An animatronic creature lunged out, causing Yongsun to scream louder than I thought possible. She stumbled over a fake spider and fell, pulling me down with her. We landed in a tangled heap, our laughter echoing in the darkness as fake cobwebs clung to our clothes. And just like that, some of my tension melted away. Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as I’d imagined.

We continued through the house, our journey becoming a blur of fear and hilarity. Yongsun, always dramatic, threw herself into reenacting her grandmother’s ghost stories, complete with creepy sound effects and wild gestures. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and despite the occasional jumpscares, I found myself entertained. At one point, she pulled out her phone to film our antics for her YouTube channel, her laughter a constant melody against the haunted backdrop.

A creaking floorboard halted my amusement, though, a sudden reminder of the reason I’d been so hesitant to come. My childhood encounter flashed before me, the memory of a spectral figure at the foot of my bed, the fear that had gripped me then, gripping me now. Oblivious, Yongsun continued, tripping over a skeleton prop and clutching her throat theatrically. "I am Tomie!" she declared, her voice echoing through the dimly lit corridor. I glanced nervously at the Junji Ito figures nearby, the fear twisting inside me. Before I knew it, I’d bolted, leaving Yongsun’s voice trailing after me, calling out, "Freddy Krueger!"

We regrouped, breathless and laughing, the fear fading to a dull hum. Yongsun’s fearless spirit was like a light in the darkness, guiding me through. We entered a room filled with mirrors, our reflections multiplying into an eerie army of doppelgangers. While I pressed myself against the wall, afraid of what might lurk in those mirrored depths, Yongsun engaged in a lively debate with her reflections, as if she were hosting a panel discussion.

In another room, a strobe light flickered on, casting grotesque paintings in harsh relief. Yongsun, ever the critic, analyzed the artwork, her voice carrying an air of scholarly authority. I tried to focus on her words, ignoring the disturbing imagery that seemed to pulse and shift in the flickering light.

As we moved deeper into the house, the scares became more elaborate. A sudden drop in temperature turned a room into a swirling snowstorm, complete with fake flakes and icy gusts. Yongsun wrapped her scarf around herself, declaring dramatically that she was the Queen of the Ice. I, meanwhile, shivered uncontrollably, feeling like the air itself was closing in around me.

In a moment of sheer panic, I found myself belting out the Doraemon theme song, the familiar melody spilling out in a desperate attempt to break the tension. The absurdity of it all had Yongsun laughing so hard she nearly fell over. I couldn’t help but join her, the fear loosening its grip on my chest.

The final scare was a towering animatronic monster, its shadow looming over us as the lights flickered and died. When they came back on, the monster had vanished, replaced by a gleaming Junji Ito merchandise area. Yongsun’s eyes widened with delight. "We have to get everything!" she exclaimed, her excitement tangible as she dragged me towards the shelves.

Before I could catch my breath, a woman dressed as Tomie emerged from behind a display. Yongsun squealed in excitement, her hand clasping mine. I stood there, still recovering from the shock, feeling a strange blend of terror and exhilaration.

As we left the haunted house, our arms full of books, figures, and countless other collectibles, I felt something shift inside me. I had faced my fear, ventured into the unknown, and come out the other side. And through it all, Yongsun had been there, her joy and courage guiding me, making the darkness feel a little less frightening.

Looking at her now, her face glowing with excitement, I realized that this adventure, as bizarre and terrifying as it had been, had brought us closer. There was a kind of magic in facing our fears together, in finding laughter amidst the shadows. And as we walked away from the haunted house, I knew that, with Yongsun by my side, I could face whatever came next—supernatural or not.

It had been an eventful day. After braving the haunted house, Yongsun and I made our way to the mall. The lingering excitement and adrenaline slowly faded as we wandered through the bustling crowds, hand in hand. She had a bounce in her step, still giddy from the experience. I, on the other hand, was just relieved to be in a well-lit, ghost-free zone. As we passed by a restaurant, the smell of sizzling beef and spices wafted through the air, reminding me how hungry I was.

“Want to grab some food?” I asked, glancing at the sign. Beef Pepper Rice sounded perfect. Yongsun’s eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly.

We settled into a cozy corner, watching the chef pour the peppery sauce over the steaming udon and tender beef. The sizzle and smell were intoxicating, and soon enough, we were digging in, the warmth of the meal melting away the chill from the haunted house. Yongsun looked so content, her cheeks flushed as she blew on a steaming bite. Moments like this—simple and peaceful—were the ones I treasured most.

“So, what book are you planning to read next?” I asked between bites, curious. Yongsun’s love for books was something I adored, her face lighting up every time she found a story that captivated her.

She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. “I think I want to read A Walk to Remember,” she said. “It’s short, but there’s something about Jaime that I can relate to. Her strength, her faith…” Her voice trailed off, and she glanced at me with a shy smile. “But don’t help me finish it this time, okay?”

I chuckled, remembering how I’d ended up reading the last few chapters of her previous book to her when she’d fallen asleep. “I promise,” I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “It’s all yours.”

After finishing our meal, we strolled around the mall, the atmosphere relaxed and carefree. We stumbled upon a small karaoke booth, and without hesitation, Yongsun dragged me inside. The cramped space was filled with our laughter as she picked song after song, her voice filling the air. She started with her favorite K-pop hits, but when she got to the emo ballads, I could see her expression change.

She was trying so hard to hit every note perfectly, frustration building with each small mistake. I knew this feeling—trying and trying until it felt like you were pushing against an immovable wall. When she finally stopped singing, her face flushed with embarrassment and irritation, I took her hand, squeezing it gently.

“It’s okay to be angry, you know,” I told her softly. “You’ve been pushing yourself so much. Just let it out.”

She looked at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. And then, just like that, the dam broke. She ranted about everything—how hard she’d been working, how it sometimes felt like no matter what she did, it wasn’t good enough. I listened, feeling a fierce protectiveness surge inside me. Yongsun was the strongest person I knew, but even the strongest needed someone to lean on sometimes.

“You’re doing amazing, Sunshine,” I said, using the nickname I’d called her since the first time I saw her smile, as bright and warm as the sun. “And I’m here. I’ll always be here. Fighting for you, supporting you, no matter what.”

She took a deep breath, nodding as if trying to absorb my words, her eyes softening. “Thank you, Jess. You’re my rock, you know that?”

We left the karaoke booth and wandered around, visiting music stores where we stocked up on K-pop and emo CDs. It was almost like a ritual for us, building a soundtrack for our memories together. When we finally decided to leave, I scooped her up into a princess carry, eliciting a surprised squeal.

“Jess!” she exclaimed, but there was laughter in her voice. I couldn’t help but smile as I carried her through the mall, earning a few amused looks from passersby. She looped her arms around my neck, her gaze never leaving my face. “You don’t have to carry me, you know.”

“I know,” I said, grinning. “But I want to. You’ve had a rough day, and it’s the least I can do.”

Her expression softened, and she rested her head on my shoulder. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“Only because you bring out the best in me,” I replied, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with physical proximity.

We made our way to a gaming café afterward, setting up a classic game of DOTA 1. As we played, I found myself marveling at how natural this felt—us, together, sharing everything from scary stories to video games. We laughed and strategized, Yongsun’s competitive side emerging as she gave it her all, determined not to lose. I couldn’t help but smile, watching her so focused and fierce.

“You’re really into this,” I teased as she took down a particularly tough opponent.

“Of course!” she shot back, her eyes shining. “I have to keep up with you, don’t I?”

After the game, I looked at her, my heart swelling with affection. “You did amazing, Sunshine.”

She made a face, playful and slightly embarrassed. “I told you, I want a grander name. Like Solar!”

“Solar it is,” I said, smiling. “What about me, then?”

She tilted her head, considering. “Hmm… Honey,” she decided finally. “Because you’re the sweetest, and I can never get enough of you.”

I laughed, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “Honey it is, then.” I leaned closer, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “And I have no problem being trapped in your net, my Sunshine.”

She smiled, her eyes shining with that radiant light that had captivated me from the start. “Then it’s a good thing we’re both caught in this together.”

We left the mall that night, bags full, hearts fuller. High school would throw plenty of challenges our way, but as long as I had Yongsun—my Sunshine, my Solar—by my side, I knew we’d face them together. And that was more than enough for me.