Sticky Notes
Title: Sticky Notes
Author: limnological
Rating: PG
Pairing: YoonYul
Description: AU, Fluff
Sticky Notes
Kwon Yuri pushes the cart through the library with heavy footsteps. She’s been working at the library for a few days now. The pay is minimum wage, the location isn’t that great, and her boss could use a breath mint once in awhile. Being a librarian isn’t her ideal job, but she can’t complain especially with the economy being so rough.
Although, she does wish her work days would be more interesting.
Not too much happens in the quiet atmosphere. People usually have their noses buried in novels or are typing rapidly away at the computers. It’s almost as if conversation does not exist in the library.
And Yuri is starting to get bored of it.
That is, until she sees a peculiar sight.
Yuri does a double take as she passes the aisle for Science Fiction. At the very far end of it, is a body sprawled out onto the floor. She raises her eye brow in confusion.
I hope she’s not dead. I don’t think libraries have insurance for these types of scenarios.
Carefully, she creeps closer to the body. She is able to make out the figure more properly now. The body on the floor belongs to a girl with fairly light skin. She’s breathing evenly, indicating life. If Yuri had to guess her age, she guesses 16 or 17. She looks completely peaceful while sleeping. Scattered all around her are open books of Harry Potter, books one through seven.
Yuri lets out a small laugh.
Is she reading the entire series at the same time?
Yuri is now standing above the sleeping girl. The glint of the rectangular name tag pinned to her chest catches Yuri’s attention. She reads it softly to herself.
“Im Yoona.”
Yuri stands still, unsure of what to do. Should she leave her be? Wake her up? The questions swirl around in her head until she notices the position the girl’s head is in.
Eh... She looks sort of uncomfortable.
The top of the girl’s head is leaning slightly on the wall, while the rest of it is on the floor.
She’s going to get a crick in her neck.
Yuri kneels down and gives the girl a slight shake.
“Hey, wake up.”
The girl doesn’t stir at all.
Yuri gives her a slightly harder shake.
Again, there is no movement from the girl.
Dang, she’s a heavy sleeper. Oh well.
Yuri stands up and is about to walk away, but then an idea pops up into her head. She walks back to the library cart and takes the sticky note stack from the bottom shelf. Then she takes the pen from her pocket and uncaps it with her mouth. Quickly, she writes a short note. After she is finished, she walks back to the sleeping girl and grabs one of the thinner books on the floor. She lays it next to the girl’s head and carefully moves the girl’s head, laying it on the book. Lastly, she sticks the note onto the girl’s forehead.
Yuri grins. “Thanks for giving me some entertainment.”
**
An hour later, Yoona flutters her eyes open. She stares at a blurry image of a yellow square outlined above her eyes.
What the?
Her hand rises and feels the texture of the square.
Paper.
She peels it off her forehead, now aware that it’s a sticky note. Groggily, she reads the note to herself.
It takes a few moments for her to digest what the note really means. When she does, she lets out a slight laugh. She tosses the note aside and closes her eyes.
I still feel sleepy.
She rolls over and is met with a surprise when her head drops slightly and reaches a lower level.
Tok!
What the?
She sits up and looks behind her.
I don’t remember falling asleep on a book.
She rubs her right temple and finds herself looking again at the sticky note.
Interesting.
She gets up and collects the scattered books on the floor. It’s time for her to leave.
**
The next day, Yuri finds herself filled with boredom again. Her main shift has mostly consisted of being stuck at the check-out area, but now it’s time to file the books away again. Yuri pushes the heavy cart throughout the library. When she reaches the Science Fiction aisle, she doesn’t expect to see the same scenario from yesterday, but she does. Except today, Yoona is surrounded by the Twilight series. Yuri makes a disgusted face.
I approve of Harry Potter, but not Twilight.
She begins to file the books from the cart into the Science Fiction aisle. When she gets nearer to Yoona, she notices the pink sticky note plastered on her forehead. Filled with curiosity, she glances at it and reads it quickly.
Yuri is taken back at the sassiness. It’s unexpected from someone who has such a gentle face. It’s definitely a response to her yellow note from yesterday. A soft smile creeps onto her face.
This is going to be interesting.
**
The next few days play out with messages written on yellow and pink sticky notes, being read from Yoona’s forehead or hand.
Yuri gawks at the pink sticky note, slightly flushed. She sits still, trying to come up with a response. Once she has decided, she returns to the cart for a yellow sticky note. Hastily, she scribbles a sentence. Then she returns to Yoona and applies the sticky note to her forehead. Right as she is about to pull her hand back, Yoona’s eyes fly open. She grasps onto Yuri’s wrist. Yuri lets out a yelp at the sudden touch.
“Now you know how it feels to be randomly touched.” Yoona releases her grip and smirks at the librarian. Then she sits up.
Yuri backs away, heart pounding from the sudden movement and voice. She can’t speak because she is too shocked from what just happened.
Yoona lets out a hearty chuckle. She peels the yellow sticky note from her forehead and reads it out loud.
“’I was just trying to help you from getting a crick in your neck that day.’” Yoona looks up from the note and to the girl. “Well thank you for caring, but I don’t get cricks in my neck. Please don’t touch me anymore..." She leans forward, making Yuri lean backward. "...unless I say otherwise.”
Yuri’s cheeks flush again. “Sorry.”
Yoona laughs and stands up. “Just as I thought.”
“Pardon?” Yuri asks quizzically as she looks up at Yoona.
“You’re fun to tease.” Yoona walks away without looking back.
And just like that, Yoona is gone from Yuri’s sight. She sits still as her heart regains its steady pace. Yuri blinks a few times before standing up.
“That... was unexpected.” She whispers to herself.
**
The sticky note messages stop for the next few days. Yuri feels rather embarrassed whenever she passes the Science Fiction aisle and she doesn’t know why. Yoona continues to take her naps every day in the usual spot. Since her encounter with Yoona, Yuri hasn’t been able to start another conversation through the notes. What Yoona said to her has stuck to her. After boredom starts to creep in again, Yuri finds herself writing on another sticky note. The conversations begin again.
Again, Yoona has made Yuri speechless. She struggles to make a comeback. With a defeating sigh, she scribbles her sentence onto the yellow sticky note in an attempt to change the subject.
Yuri smiles as she leaves this note for Yoona. She walks away happily to start her shift at the check-out counter. She is satisfied with herself because she has finally conjured a witty comeback for Yoona.
Take that, Im Yoona. Let’s see what you can come up with now.
At the check-out counter, she helps the customers with ease. She feels like she’s on top of the world, standing proud and tall.
She soon finds herself falling off that high pedestal when Im Yoona stands before her. Yoona leans onto the counter and places all three books of The Hunger Games trilogy along with her library card onto the cool surface.
“I’d like to check these books out, please.” Yoona says coolly.
That’s it?
Yuri stands still waiting for a comeback, a reply to the note, something, but Yoona doesn’t mention it.
Slowly, Yuri swipes the card and scans the books.
“Would you like a receipt?” The sentence comes out dryly, and she doesn’t know why.
The dry response makes Yoona smirk. “Yes.”
Yuri is caught off guard by the smirk. Her composure completely falters. There is a two second hesitation from Yuri before she hands Yoona the receipt.
Yoona accepts the receipt and gathers her books. She turns to leave, but then stops to look at Yuri straight in the eyes. “Still getting flustered, eh?”
Yuri gapes at the remark.
And that’s all she can manage to do as Yoona leaves the library.
Yuri stands still, caught off guard again by Im Yoona. Slowly, she regains her composure.
What in the world... How does she do that!?
She looks back at the entrance of the library, searching for the witty girl. It’s too late. Im Yoona has already left.
**
Unexpectedly, for the next few days, Yuri does not see Yoona in the Science Fiction aisle anymore or in the library at all. She figures it’s because Yoona is reading the books she checked out or maybe she’s just too busy to take her daily naps. Nonetheless, Yuri stops by the Science Fiction section, checking to see if the girl is there, but is met with disappointment at the empty space between the aisles. Then a full week passes by and Yuri soon finds herself feeling a bit guilty.
Maybe I offended her with the “boring” comment.
Yuri lets out a sigh as she pushes the heavy cart around. She stops at the Romance section and picks up the sticky note. With utmost care, she writes, “I’m sorry.” She doesn’t know when she’ll see Yoona again, but she feels the need to write it down right now.
“Who’s that for?”
Scratch that idea.
Yuri jumps up, startled by the voice in her ear. She whips her head around and finds Yoona smiling cheekily.
“For me, right?” Yoona asks with confidence.
There’s something about Yoona’s confidence that eggs Yuri on.
“You wish.” Yuri tucks the note away into her pocket.
Yoona laughs it off. “Right. Did you miss me?”
Carefully, Yuri picks her words. “I wouldn’t say ‘miss,’ but I did wonder where you were.”
Yoona picks up a novel titled Atonement from the cart. She flips through the pages with her thumb. “I took your advice on sleeping at public places.”
“Eh?” Yuri thinks back to their first few sentences exchanged. “Oh.”
Then it’s my fault for her not being here?
Yuri frowns at the thought.
Yoona walks into the Romance aisle with Atonement in hand. Yuri wheels the cart into the aisle, following behind Yoona. Yoona walks to the end of the aisle and plops herself down onto the floor. She rests her back against the wall and opens the book to the first page.
“Moving onto Romance from Romance-Fantasy?” Yuri inquires as she files some of the books away.
“My, you’re observant...” Yoona looks up from the book. “...or maybe, borderline stalker-ish?”
“I pay attention to details.” Yuri doesn’t know why, but she snaps back. “Excuse me if my observations are steering you into the belief that I’m stalking you.”
Yoona just lets out a hearty laugh. “There you go again.”
“What?” Yuri feels frustrated.
“Making yourself too fun to tease.”
The same damn smirk resurfaces on Yoona’s face.
Yuri doesn’t know what to say to this so she wheels the cart out of the aisle and storms off to the Science Fiction aisle.
How does she keep doing that?!
Once she arrives at the Science Fiction aisle, she is surprised that she is still irked about the whole ordeal.
Calm down. There’s nothing to be upset over. I just have to match wits with her.
Yuri nods as she agrees with herself.
Yeah. If we’re going to keep knocking heads, I need to win some battles.
She makes a fist and murmurs to herself, “Hwaiting!”
**
Yoona wakes up to the familiar yellow square attached to her head. She grins. The conversations begin again.
They ask each other questions and little by little learn more about each other. By the 10th question, Yuri learns that Yoona is actually 20 years old, likes to play ping pong, only reads Romance-Fantasy and Romance novels, works at a retail store down the street, and more. Yoona on other hand has learned that the librarian is 21, is taking a break from college, likes fish, hates it when people chew with their mouth open like cows, also enjoys the Romance-Fantasy genre, and more.
Much to Yuri’s surprise, Yoona has not asked for her name.
But what surprises her even more is what Yoona asks for her 20th question.
Yuri doesn’t know what to think or say. It’s a bold thing to do, but at the same time, not very romantic. Asking someone out on paper? They’re not in junior high. She sits on the floor, staring at the sticky note while Yoona naps away.
Or so she thinks.
“It’s a simple yes or no.” Yoona opens one eye and peers up at the librarian.
“What’s in it for me?” Yuri diverts her attention from the note and looks at Yoona.
“Our game has finished, but I’ll let you have a 21st question. A full stomach, some good laughs, and a movie ticket.”
“Asking on a note isn’t very romantic.” Yuri responds.
“Would you prefer romantic?” Yoona asks as she sits up.
Yuri laughs. “Doesn’t the entire female population want romance in their lives?”
Yoona laughs at the remark. “Point taken.”
“Why ask me out on a date when you don’t even know my name?”
Yoona stares into Yuri’s eyes now. Her chocolate brown eyes are soft and alluring to Yuri. There’s something about them that pulls Yuri in, making it hard for her to look away.
Yoona says her next sentence very carefully and slowly. “Because at the end of the night, I’ll have your name.”
Yuri’s first reaction is irritation. She crumples the note in her hand out of anger. “Are you implying that I’m easy?”
For the first time that Yuri has met Yoona, she sees Yoona’s face become distraught.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Yoona’s tone is softer and it confuses Yuri. This is a side she’s never seen of Yoona, and oddly, she finds it cute.
Yuri releases the crumpled note from her palm. “My shift ends at 5.” She doesn’t know why, but the words slip so easily out of her mouth.
Yoona smiles. It’s not the usual smirk or grin that she normally has. It’s a sincere smile and it makes Yuri want to smile too. So she smiles on the outside, but frowns in the inside.
What in the world are you doing to me?
**
At 5 PM o’clock sharp, Yuri finds Yoona sitting outside on one of the library benches. The air is somewhat chilly. Winter is just around the corner while Autumn is at its prime. Once Yoona notices Yuri, she stands up and smirks.
“I hope you like exercise.”
“Love it.” Yuri rebuts as she zips up her jacket.
The response delights Yoona.
**
They end up walking an entire mile to reach the restaurant, but Yuri doesn’t mind too much. She’s able to learn even more about Im Yoona. Though, she could suffice without the chilly air. It’s not until she’s very close to Yoona that she notices she’s been inching closer to her slowly for body heat. After the realization, Yuri steers clear from getting closer. Exhausted from the foot work, they sit at a round table with Yuri sitting to the right of Yoona. The meal is decent. Not too much and not too little for Yuri. It’s just the perfect amount for a full stomach.
Yuri grabs her wallet from her purse. “I’ll pay.”
“Nope. I asked you out, so I’m inclined to pay.”
Yuri shakes her head. “I can pay for myself.”
Suddenly, Yoona has that smug grin on her face that Yuri gets frustrated over.
Uh oh. Yuri thinks to herself.
“I thought you might want to, but my friend runs this local diner. So I’ve already had our tab covered.”
Yuri frowns. “Then the movies-“
Yoona’s grin grows wider. She pulls two tickets out of her pocket. “-are already paid for as well.” She finishes Yuri’s sentence.
Yuri laughs. “You already knew I was going to say yes.”
“Actually, I didn’t.” Yoona plays with the straw in her glass of water.
Yuri is perplexed by the response. “Then why pay for everything in advance?”
“I didn’t know you’d say yes for sure, but I knew I had a good chance.”
“What made you think that?” Yuri asks, filled with curiosity.
Yoona stops playing with her straw. She checks the time on her wrist watch. “I’ll tell you after the movie. We’re going to be late!” She stands up and pulls Yuri by the wrist.
“Eh!?” is all Yuri can say as she is pulled from her seat.
They sprint to the movie theatre without taking any breaks. Both girls are breathless by the time they enter. They don’t exchange words as they rush inside, taking their seats.
It’s not until Yuri is seated that she asks an obvious question.
“Say, what movie are we watching anyway?”
The lights in the theatre dim. Yuri turns to look to her left at Yoona as she waits for a response, but it’s too hard to make out her face. She can barely see Yoona’s finger pressed against her own lips as a gesture to shush her in the darkness. Yuri shrugs and turns to face the screen.
**
The credits roll and Yuri has a wide grin on her face. She turns to look at Yoona. “That was simply amazing.”
Yoona grins. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Toy Story 3 will forever be a classic in my heart.” Yuri adds.
“Me too.”
They sit still, unsure of what to do now.
That was all for the date right?
Yuri’s too scared to ask.
“Where do you live?”
Disappointment fills in Yuri’s stomach and she is shocked by it.
“Not too far from here. It’ll probably take us 20 minutes or so to get there.”
“I hope you’re ready for more exercise.” Yoona stands up, stretching.
Yuri stands up as well, trying to ignore the feeling. “Ready when you are.”
**
Yuri leads the way as they walk to her apartment. The night has gotten chillier than before and it makes Yuri wish she had picked out a thicker coat this morning. The curiosity from dinner creeps back into Yuri’s system as they get closer and closer to their destination.
“So what made you think there was a good chance of me saying yes?”
Yoona lets out a light chuckle. “Don’t tell me you were thinking about it the whole time.”
Yoona’s laugh is starting to sound attractive to Yuri. She shoves that thought away in her mind.
“No, it just resurfaced now. So?” Yuri asks again.
Yuri stops in her foot steps before the outside stairway of her apartment building. Yoona stops as well. They stand still, eyes locked with each other.
Again, the inability to pull away from Yoona’s eyes stops Yuri from looking anywhere else. Yoona takes a few steps forward. Yuri remains still, hands in her pockets. Yoona leans forward and smiles sincerely. Her face is just a couple of inches away from Yuri’s. This makes Yuri lean backward as she starts to panic about the closing distance.
“If you weren’t interested in me at all, our sticky note conversations would have ended long ago.”
Yuri gawks at the answer. “Interested? Well, yes. Since we started talking, my days at the library have gotten more exciting. But interested in you... well...”
Yoona straightens her posture. “Did you know that it’s harder to lie when you’re making eye contact?”
Yuri flushes. “Yes, but I’m not lying.”
“I know. And that’s what I like about you.”
Yuri blushes deeply.
“Your honesty is something I find pleasant. Your intentions behind your advice are good-natured. Simply said, you interest me.” Yoona says coolly.
“A-are you t-teasing me again?” Yuri stutters.
“Not at all.” Yoona responds without hesitation. “So have I earned the right to know your name?”
Yuri calms her heart down. “Not yet.”
“Ahh…” Yoona smiles cheekily. “Well then, I’ll pick you up at 5 tomorrow night.” She turns around and makes her way down the street before Yuri can answer.
Yuri stands still, baffled.
“What the.... who said I wanted to go on another date?!” She murmurs to herself.
But deep down inside, she knows she wants another one with Im Yoona.
**
And she does get another date with Im Yoona. Four more, to be exact. Their dates consist of playing at a playground, taking a long walk in a park, baking a cake, lunch at a café, and shopping at the mall. At the end of each date, Yuri waits for Yoona to ask her for her name, but she doesn’t. She only says, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 5,” after each date and walks briskly away.
And Yuri is left with this odd tingling in her stomach each time. She doesn’t want Yoona to walk away. She doesn’t like watching Yoona turn her back to her and leave.
Yuri doesn’t understand why she feels this way or how Yoona is making her feel this way. It’s driving her insane.
But then again, she never really understood anything when she was with Yoona.
By the end of the fifth date, Yuri finally understands. She understands when her mouth runs off without her thinking about it.
“Stay.”
Yoona stops in her footsteps and turns around to look at the older girl. “Did you say something?”
Yuri’s cheeks burn and she shakes her head.
Yoona simply turns back around and walks away.
Yuri understands completely now.
I like you, too.
**
The day after the fifth date, Yuri decides it’s time for Yoona to learn her name. She pushes the heavy cart and rests it next to the Science Fiction aisle. Her hand instinctively goes to the lower shelf of the cart for sticky notes, but to her surprise, they are not there.
Oh. That’s right. I forgot I ran out. Hrm...
She glances at Yoona. Yoona is awake today, reading a novel.
That’s when an idea hits Yuri.
Yuri walks over to Yoona, who is reading Catcher in the Rye, and kneels before her. Yoona is resting her back against the wall, legs laid straight out. She continues reading, focusing her attention on the novel.
“Why don’t you ask me for my name anymore?” Yuri asks as she gently pushes the novel in Yoona’s hands down.
“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me when you’re ready.” Yoona rests the novel onto her lap. “Are you ready?”
Yuri stares into her eyes and asks shyly. “Am I allowed to touch you?”
This time, Yoona is confused by the statement. What game is Yuri trying to play now? Then Yoona recalls the first time they spoke verbally. She had told Yuri, “Please don’t touch me anymore unless I say otherwise.” Yoona smiles. So Yuri does remember every detail. “Sure, you can.”
Yuri crawls to the wall and sits side by side with Yoona. She then reaches for her right hand and turns it over, facing the palm upward. Carefully, she strokes her finger across Yoona’s palm with the letters of her name.
It’s Yoona’s turn to feel the odd tingling in her stomach.
“K... w... o... n... Y... u... r... i..." When Yuri is done she releases Yoona’s hand.
“Why didn’t you write it on a sticky note?” Yoona stares at her open palm.
“Because I ran out. I used all of them on you already.”
Suddenly, Yoona bursts out into laughter.
“W-what?” Yuri asks insecurely. Was her method of giving out her name too childish?
Yoona turns to look at Yuri. “I just find the situation funny. It’s taken 64 sticky notes and 5 dates for me to find out your full name.”
Yuri can’t help but chuckle as well. “Really?”
Yoona nods her head. “I wonder how many sticky notes and dates it’ll take for me to be your girlfriend.”
Yuri grins shyly and then intertwines Yoona’s right hand with hers. She stares into those chocolate brown eyes and whispers gently, “I’d say 64 sticky notes and 5 dates will suffice.”
Author: limnological
Rating: PG
Pairing: YoonYul
Description: AU, Fluff
Sticky Notes
Kwon Yuri pushes the cart through the library with heavy footsteps. She’s been working at the library for a few days now. The pay is minimum wage, the location isn’t that great, and her boss could use a breath mint once in awhile. Being a librarian isn’t her ideal job, but she can’t complain especially with the economy being so rough.
Although, she does wish her work days would be more interesting.
Not too much happens in the quiet atmosphere. People usually have their noses buried in novels or are typing rapidly away at the computers. It’s almost as if conversation does not exist in the library.
And Yuri is starting to get bored of it.
That is, until she sees a peculiar sight.
Yuri does a double take as she passes the aisle for Science Fiction. At the very far end of it, is a body sprawled out onto the floor. She raises her eye brow in confusion.
I hope she’s not dead. I don’t think libraries have insurance for these types of scenarios.
Carefully, she creeps closer to the body. She is able to make out the figure more properly now. The body on the floor belongs to a girl with fairly light skin. She’s breathing evenly, indicating life. If Yuri had to guess her age, she guesses 16 or 17. She looks completely peaceful while sleeping. Scattered all around her are open books of Harry Potter, books one through seven.
Yuri lets out a small laugh.
Is she reading the entire series at the same time?
Yuri is now standing above the sleeping girl. The glint of the rectangular name tag pinned to her chest catches Yuri’s attention. She reads it softly to herself.
“Im Yoona.”
Yuri stands still, unsure of what to do. Should she leave her be? Wake her up? The questions swirl around in her head until she notices the position the girl’s head is in.
Eh... She looks sort of uncomfortable.
The top of the girl’s head is leaning slightly on the wall, while the rest of it is on the floor.
She’s going to get a crick in her neck.
Yuri kneels down and gives the girl a slight shake.
“Hey, wake up.”
The girl doesn’t stir at all.
Yuri gives her a slightly harder shake.
Again, there is no movement from the girl.
Dang, she’s a heavy sleeper. Oh well.
Yuri stands up and is about to walk away, but then an idea pops up into her head. She walks back to the library cart and takes the sticky note stack from the bottom shelf. Then she takes the pen from her pocket and uncaps it with her mouth. Quickly, she writes a short note. After she is finished, she walks back to the sleeping girl and grabs one of the thinner books on the floor. She lays it next to the girl’s head and carefully moves the girl’s head, laying it on the book. Lastly, she sticks the note onto the girl’s forehead.
Yuri grins. “Thanks for giving me some entertainment.”
**
An hour later, Yoona flutters her eyes open. She stares at a blurry image of a yellow square outlined above her eyes.
What the?
Her hand rises and feels the texture of the square.
Paper.
She peels it off her forehead, now aware that it’s a sticky note. Groggily, she reads the note to herself.
It takes a few moments for her to digest what the note really means. When she does, she lets out a slight laugh. She tosses the note aside and closes her eyes.
I still feel sleepy.
She rolls over and is met with a surprise when her head drops slightly and reaches a lower level.
Tok!
What the?
She sits up and looks behind her.
I don’t remember falling asleep on a book.
She rubs her right temple and finds herself looking again at the sticky note.
Interesting.
She gets up and collects the scattered books on the floor. It’s time for her to leave.
**
The next day, Yuri finds herself filled with boredom again. Her main shift has mostly consisted of being stuck at the check-out area, but now it’s time to file the books away again. Yuri pushes the heavy cart throughout the library. When she reaches the Science Fiction aisle, she doesn’t expect to see the same scenario from yesterday, but she does. Except today, Yoona is surrounded by the Twilight series. Yuri makes a disgusted face.
I approve of Harry Potter, but not Twilight.
She begins to file the books from the cart into the Science Fiction aisle. When she gets nearer to Yoona, she notices the pink sticky note plastered on her forehead. Filled with curiosity, she glances at it and reads it quickly.
Yuri is taken back at the sassiness. It’s unexpected from someone who has such a gentle face. It’s definitely a response to her yellow note from yesterday. A soft smile creeps onto her face.
This is going to be interesting.
**
The next few days play out with messages written on yellow and pink sticky notes, being read from Yoona’s forehead or hand.
Yuri gawks at the pink sticky note, slightly flushed. She sits still, trying to come up with a response. Once she has decided, she returns to the cart for a yellow sticky note. Hastily, she scribbles a sentence. Then she returns to Yoona and applies the sticky note to her forehead. Right as she is about to pull her hand back, Yoona’s eyes fly open. She grasps onto Yuri’s wrist. Yuri lets out a yelp at the sudden touch.
“Now you know how it feels to be randomly touched.” Yoona releases her grip and smirks at the librarian. Then she sits up.
Yuri backs away, heart pounding from the sudden movement and voice. She can’t speak because she is too shocked from what just happened.
Yoona lets out a hearty chuckle. She peels the yellow sticky note from her forehead and reads it out loud.
“’I was just trying to help you from getting a crick in your neck that day.’” Yoona looks up from the note and to the girl. “Well thank you for caring, but I don’t get cricks in my neck. Please don’t touch me anymore..." She leans forward, making Yuri lean backward. "...unless I say otherwise.”
Yuri’s cheeks flush again. “Sorry.”
Yoona laughs and stands up. “Just as I thought.”
“Pardon?” Yuri asks quizzically as she looks up at Yoona.
“You’re fun to tease.” Yoona walks away without looking back.
And just like that, Yoona is gone from Yuri’s sight. She sits still as her heart regains its steady pace. Yuri blinks a few times before standing up.
“That... was unexpected.” She whispers to herself.
**
The sticky note messages stop for the next few days. Yuri feels rather embarrassed whenever she passes the Science Fiction aisle and she doesn’t know why. Yoona continues to take her naps every day in the usual spot. Since her encounter with Yoona, Yuri hasn’t been able to start another conversation through the notes. What Yoona said to her has stuck to her. After boredom starts to creep in again, Yuri finds herself writing on another sticky note. The conversations begin again.
Again, Yoona has made Yuri speechless. She struggles to make a comeback. With a defeating sigh, she scribbles her sentence onto the yellow sticky note in an attempt to change the subject.
Yuri smiles as she leaves this note for Yoona. She walks away happily to start her shift at the check-out counter. She is satisfied with herself because she has finally conjured a witty comeback for Yoona.
Take that, Im Yoona. Let’s see what you can come up with now.
At the check-out counter, she helps the customers with ease. She feels like she’s on top of the world, standing proud and tall.
She soon finds herself falling off that high pedestal when Im Yoona stands before her. Yoona leans onto the counter and places all three books of The Hunger Games trilogy along with her library card onto the cool surface.
“I’d like to check these books out, please.” Yoona says coolly.
That’s it?
Yuri stands still waiting for a comeback, a reply to the note, something, but Yoona doesn’t mention it.
Slowly, Yuri swipes the card and scans the books.
“Would you like a receipt?” The sentence comes out dryly, and she doesn’t know why.
The dry response makes Yoona smirk. “Yes.”
Yuri is caught off guard by the smirk. Her composure completely falters. There is a two second hesitation from Yuri before she hands Yoona the receipt.
Yoona accepts the receipt and gathers her books. She turns to leave, but then stops to look at Yuri straight in the eyes. “Still getting flustered, eh?”
Yuri gapes at the remark.
And that’s all she can manage to do as Yoona leaves the library.
Yuri stands still, caught off guard again by Im Yoona. Slowly, she regains her composure.
What in the world... How does she do that!?
She looks back at the entrance of the library, searching for the witty girl. It’s too late. Im Yoona has already left.
**
Unexpectedly, for the next few days, Yuri does not see Yoona in the Science Fiction aisle anymore or in the library at all. She figures it’s because Yoona is reading the books she checked out or maybe she’s just too busy to take her daily naps. Nonetheless, Yuri stops by the Science Fiction section, checking to see if the girl is there, but is met with disappointment at the empty space between the aisles. Then a full week passes by and Yuri soon finds herself feeling a bit guilty.
Maybe I offended her with the “boring” comment.
Yuri lets out a sigh as she pushes the heavy cart around. She stops at the Romance section and picks up the sticky note. With utmost care, she writes, “I’m sorry.” She doesn’t know when she’ll see Yoona again, but she feels the need to write it down right now.
“Who’s that for?”
Scratch that idea.
Yuri jumps up, startled by the voice in her ear. She whips her head around and finds Yoona smiling cheekily.
“For me, right?” Yoona asks with confidence.
There’s something about Yoona’s confidence that eggs Yuri on.
“You wish.” Yuri tucks the note away into her pocket.
Yoona laughs it off. “Right. Did you miss me?”
Carefully, Yuri picks her words. “I wouldn’t say ‘miss,’ but I did wonder where you were.”
Yoona picks up a novel titled Atonement from the cart. She flips through the pages with her thumb. “I took your advice on sleeping at public places.”
“Eh?” Yuri thinks back to their first few sentences exchanged. “Oh.”
Then it’s my fault for her not being here?
Yuri frowns at the thought.
Yoona walks into the Romance aisle with Atonement in hand. Yuri wheels the cart into the aisle, following behind Yoona. Yoona walks to the end of the aisle and plops herself down onto the floor. She rests her back against the wall and opens the book to the first page.
“Moving onto Romance from Romance-Fantasy?” Yuri inquires as she files some of the books away.
“My, you’re observant...” Yoona looks up from the book. “...or maybe, borderline stalker-ish?”
“I pay attention to details.” Yuri doesn’t know why, but she snaps back. “Excuse me if my observations are steering you into the belief that I’m stalking you.”
Yoona just lets out a hearty laugh. “There you go again.”
“What?” Yuri feels frustrated.
“Making yourself too fun to tease.”
The same damn smirk resurfaces on Yoona’s face.
Yuri doesn’t know what to say to this so she wheels the cart out of the aisle and storms off to the Science Fiction aisle.
How does she keep doing that?!
Once she arrives at the Science Fiction aisle, she is surprised that she is still irked about the whole ordeal.
Calm down. There’s nothing to be upset over. I just have to match wits with her.
Yuri nods as she agrees with herself.
Yeah. If we’re going to keep knocking heads, I need to win some battles.
She makes a fist and murmurs to herself, “Hwaiting!”
**
Yoona wakes up to the familiar yellow square attached to her head. She grins. The conversations begin again.
They ask each other questions and little by little learn more about each other. By the 10th question, Yuri learns that Yoona is actually 20 years old, likes to play ping pong, only reads Romance-Fantasy and Romance novels, works at a retail store down the street, and more. Yoona on other hand has learned that the librarian is 21, is taking a break from college, likes fish, hates it when people chew with their mouth open like cows, also enjoys the Romance-Fantasy genre, and more.
Much to Yuri’s surprise, Yoona has not asked for her name.
But what surprises her even more is what Yoona asks for her 20th question.
Yuri doesn’t know what to think or say. It’s a bold thing to do, but at the same time, not very romantic. Asking someone out on paper? They’re not in junior high. She sits on the floor, staring at the sticky note while Yoona naps away.
Or so she thinks.
“It’s a simple yes or no.” Yoona opens one eye and peers up at the librarian.
“What’s in it for me?” Yuri diverts her attention from the note and looks at Yoona.
“Our game has finished, but I’ll let you have a 21st question. A full stomach, some good laughs, and a movie ticket.”
“Asking on a note isn’t very romantic.” Yuri responds.
“Would you prefer romantic?” Yoona asks as she sits up.
Yuri laughs. “Doesn’t the entire female population want romance in their lives?”
Yoona laughs at the remark. “Point taken.”
“Why ask me out on a date when you don’t even know my name?”
Yoona stares into Yuri’s eyes now. Her chocolate brown eyes are soft and alluring to Yuri. There’s something about them that pulls Yuri in, making it hard for her to look away.
Yoona says her next sentence very carefully and slowly. “Because at the end of the night, I’ll have your name.”
Yuri’s first reaction is irritation. She crumples the note in her hand out of anger. “Are you implying that I’m easy?”
For the first time that Yuri has met Yoona, she sees Yoona’s face become distraught.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Yoona’s tone is softer and it confuses Yuri. This is a side she’s never seen of Yoona, and oddly, she finds it cute.
Yuri releases the crumpled note from her palm. “My shift ends at 5.” She doesn’t know why, but the words slip so easily out of her mouth.
Yoona smiles. It’s not the usual smirk or grin that she normally has. It’s a sincere smile and it makes Yuri want to smile too. So she smiles on the outside, but frowns in the inside.
What in the world are you doing to me?
**
At 5 PM o’clock sharp, Yuri finds Yoona sitting outside on one of the library benches. The air is somewhat chilly. Winter is just around the corner while Autumn is at its prime. Once Yoona notices Yuri, she stands up and smirks.
“I hope you like exercise.”
“Love it.” Yuri rebuts as she zips up her jacket.
The response delights Yoona.
**
They end up walking an entire mile to reach the restaurant, but Yuri doesn’t mind too much. She’s able to learn even more about Im Yoona. Though, she could suffice without the chilly air. It’s not until she’s very close to Yoona that she notices she’s been inching closer to her slowly for body heat. After the realization, Yuri steers clear from getting closer. Exhausted from the foot work, they sit at a round table with Yuri sitting to the right of Yoona. The meal is decent. Not too much and not too little for Yuri. It’s just the perfect amount for a full stomach.
Yuri grabs her wallet from her purse. “I’ll pay.”
“Nope. I asked you out, so I’m inclined to pay.”
Yuri shakes her head. “I can pay for myself.”
Suddenly, Yoona has that smug grin on her face that Yuri gets frustrated over.
Uh oh. Yuri thinks to herself.
“I thought you might want to, but my friend runs this local diner. So I’ve already had our tab covered.”
Yuri frowns. “Then the movies-“
Yoona’s grin grows wider. She pulls two tickets out of her pocket. “-are already paid for as well.” She finishes Yuri’s sentence.
Yuri laughs. “You already knew I was going to say yes.”
“Actually, I didn’t.” Yoona plays with the straw in her glass of water.
Yuri is perplexed by the response. “Then why pay for everything in advance?”
“I didn’t know you’d say yes for sure, but I knew I had a good chance.”
“What made you think that?” Yuri asks, filled with curiosity.
Yoona stops playing with her straw. She checks the time on her wrist watch. “I’ll tell you after the movie. We’re going to be late!” She stands up and pulls Yuri by the wrist.
“Eh!?” is all Yuri can say as she is pulled from her seat.
They sprint to the movie theatre without taking any breaks. Both girls are breathless by the time they enter. They don’t exchange words as they rush inside, taking their seats.
It’s not until Yuri is seated that she asks an obvious question.
“Say, what movie are we watching anyway?”
The lights in the theatre dim. Yuri turns to look to her left at Yoona as she waits for a response, but it’s too hard to make out her face. She can barely see Yoona’s finger pressed against her own lips as a gesture to shush her in the darkness. Yuri shrugs and turns to face the screen.
**
The credits roll and Yuri has a wide grin on her face. She turns to look at Yoona. “That was simply amazing.”
Yoona grins. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Toy Story 3 will forever be a classic in my heart.” Yuri adds.
“Me too.”
They sit still, unsure of what to do now.
That was all for the date right?
Yuri’s too scared to ask.
“Where do you live?”
Disappointment fills in Yuri’s stomach and she is shocked by it.
“Not too far from here. It’ll probably take us 20 minutes or so to get there.”
“I hope you’re ready for more exercise.” Yoona stands up, stretching.
Yuri stands up as well, trying to ignore the feeling. “Ready when you are.”
**
Yuri leads the way as they walk to her apartment. The night has gotten chillier than before and it makes Yuri wish she had picked out a thicker coat this morning. The curiosity from dinner creeps back into Yuri’s system as they get closer and closer to their destination.
“So what made you think there was a good chance of me saying yes?”
Yoona lets out a light chuckle. “Don’t tell me you were thinking about it the whole time.”
Yoona’s laugh is starting to sound attractive to Yuri. She shoves that thought away in her mind.
“No, it just resurfaced now. So?” Yuri asks again.
Yuri stops in her foot steps before the outside stairway of her apartment building. Yoona stops as well. They stand still, eyes locked with each other.
Again, the inability to pull away from Yoona’s eyes stops Yuri from looking anywhere else. Yoona takes a few steps forward. Yuri remains still, hands in her pockets. Yoona leans forward and smiles sincerely. Her face is just a couple of inches away from Yuri’s. This makes Yuri lean backward as she starts to panic about the closing distance.
“If you weren’t interested in me at all, our sticky note conversations would have ended long ago.”
Yuri gawks at the answer. “Interested? Well, yes. Since we started talking, my days at the library have gotten more exciting. But interested in you... well...”
Yoona straightens her posture. “Did you know that it’s harder to lie when you’re making eye contact?”
Yuri flushes. “Yes, but I’m not lying.”
“I know. And that’s what I like about you.”
Yuri blushes deeply.
“Your honesty is something I find pleasant. Your intentions behind your advice are good-natured. Simply said, you interest me.” Yoona says coolly.
“A-are you t-teasing me again?” Yuri stutters.
“Not at all.” Yoona responds without hesitation. “So have I earned the right to know your name?”
Yuri calms her heart down. “Not yet.”
“Ahh…” Yoona smiles cheekily. “Well then, I’ll pick you up at 5 tomorrow night.” She turns around and makes her way down the street before Yuri can answer.
Yuri stands still, baffled.
“What the.... who said I wanted to go on another date?!” She murmurs to herself.
But deep down inside, she knows she wants another one with Im Yoona.
**
And she does get another date with Im Yoona. Four more, to be exact. Their dates consist of playing at a playground, taking a long walk in a park, baking a cake, lunch at a café, and shopping at the mall. At the end of each date, Yuri waits for Yoona to ask her for her name, but she doesn’t. She only says, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 5,” after each date and walks briskly away.
And Yuri is left with this odd tingling in her stomach each time. She doesn’t want Yoona to walk away. She doesn’t like watching Yoona turn her back to her and leave.
Yuri doesn’t understand why she feels this way or how Yoona is making her feel this way. It’s driving her insane.
But then again, she never really understood anything when she was with Yoona.
By the end of the fifth date, Yuri finally understands. She understands when her mouth runs off without her thinking about it.
“Stay.”
Yoona stops in her footsteps and turns around to look at the older girl. “Did you say something?”
Yuri’s cheeks burn and she shakes her head.
Yoona simply turns back around and walks away.
Yuri understands completely now.
I like you, too.
**
The day after the fifth date, Yuri decides it’s time for Yoona to learn her name. She pushes the heavy cart and rests it next to the Science Fiction aisle. Her hand instinctively goes to the lower shelf of the cart for sticky notes, but to her surprise, they are not there.
Oh. That’s right. I forgot I ran out. Hrm...
She glances at Yoona. Yoona is awake today, reading a novel.
That’s when an idea hits Yuri.
Yuri walks over to Yoona, who is reading Catcher in the Rye, and kneels before her. Yoona is resting her back against the wall, legs laid straight out. She continues reading, focusing her attention on the novel.
“Why don’t you ask me for my name anymore?” Yuri asks as she gently pushes the novel in Yoona’s hands down.
“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me when you’re ready.” Yoona rests the novel onto her lap. “Are you ready?”
Yuri stares into her eyes and asks shyly. “Am I allowed to touch you?”
This time, Yoona is confused by the statement. What game is Yuri trying to play now? Then Yoona recalls the first time they spoke verbally. She had told Yuri, “Please don’t touch me anymore unless I say otherwise.” Yoona smiles. So Yuri does remember every detail. “Sure, you can.”
Yuri crawls to the wall and sits side by side with Yoona. She then reaches for her right hand and turns it over, facing the palm upward. Carefully, she strokes her finger across Yoona’s palm with the letters of her name.
It’s Yoona’s turn to feel the odd tingling in her stomach.
“K... w... o... n... Y... u... r... i..." When Yuri is done she releases Yoona’s hand.
“Why didn’t you write it on a sticky note?” Yoona stares at her open palm.
“Because I ran out. I used all of them on you already.”
Suddenly, Yoona bursts out into laughter.
“W-what?” Yuri asks insecurely. Was her method of giving out her name too childish?
Yoona turns to look at Yuri. “I just find the situation funny. It’s taken 64 sticky notes and 5 dates for me to find out your full name.”
Yuri can’t help but chuckle as well. “Really?”
Yoona nods her head. “I wonder how many sticky notes and dates it’ll take for me to be your girlfriend.”
Yuri grins shyly and then intertwines Yoona’s right hand with hers. She stares into those chocolate brown eyes and whispers gently, “I’d say 64 sticky notes and 5 dates will suffice.”