Chapter Text
When Y/N was young, she wasn't the popular type. Whether it was hanging out alone at the playground or eating alone in the classroom, she never had any friends. It's not as if she wanted that; I mean, who would openly want to be alone when they are six years old?
That was until Stella came into the classroom. Seeing her, Y/N was amazed by how fast she became friends with everyone. It was like envy; how could she be so friendly with everyone already? You could say Y/N felt envious ever since her childhood days. Stella even tried to be friends with Y/N, though that didn't get far. Y/N never knew what to say; it was like she kept losing her breath when talking to Stella.
One day, Y/N's mom told her to come outside and help her bake something so they could greet the new neighbors, which confused her because didn't they move in a week ago? Why are we doing this so late? While walking over, Y/N was half asleep, and when the neighbor opened the door, she felt like she was dreaming... was that STELLA? Stella's mom invited them into the house, and she and Y/N's mom seemed to hit it off very fast.
Over time, Y/N's mom and Stella's mom got closer every day, which meant Y/N spent more time with Stella. Believe it or not, Y/N and Stella kept getting closer and closer every day; both of their lives were full of each other. It showed at school as well, with Y/N and Stella being known as the "inseparable" pair. Their parents loved their friendship; they thought it was the cutest thing in the world.
Years passed, and Y/N and Stella were still inseparable. They even made it to high school together. That was until Stella broke the news to Y/N. "I'm gonna move back to South Korea so I can pursue my idol career... I'm sorry, Y/N." That day, Y/N's world crashed into a million pieces. Stella moving back to South Korea only meant one thing: Y/N would be alone again, and without her other half. Y/N instantly broke down into tears, saying whatever came into her mind: "Stella, please don't go!" "I can't live without you here!" "I want you to be here with me!"
After hours of Stella comforting Y/N, she calmed down. Y/N wanted to respect Stella and her decisions. She couldn't keep Stella all for herself. From a young age, she knew Stella was a prodigy; her singing voice was amazing, and whenever Stella would get happy, she would start dancing. It was hilarious but impressive for sure. Y/N knew deep down that this was what was best for Stella, and she wasn't going to keep her from chasing her dreams.
"Please come see me off at the airport, okay?" Stella said, and in response, Y/N said, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." The days leading up to Stella's departure were nearing, and Y/N wanted to spend every second with her. She would sleep over at Stella's house and do everything with her, thinking maybe if she spent the last few days with her, that would cheer her up. While slowly falling asleep one day Y/N and Stella were talking. "You won't forget about me, will you?" Stella said. "I would and could never, Stella; you are my whole world in a person," Y/N said while clasping her and Stella's hands under the blanket. "Make sure to text me every day, okay? Call whenever you can, even if just for five minutes; hearing your voice would make my day, and one day I'll come visit, okay?" Y/N said. Stella leaned in, making their foreheads touch. "I'll try my best, but please, while I'm gone, don't be like this with anyone else." That made Y/N pause... what did she mean by that? Though, y/n slowly brushed it off because she began to fall asleep.
The days passed, and eventually it was the day Y/N dreaded most: Stella's departure to South Korea.
Y/N woke up extra early to prepare a goodbye basket for Stella. While making it, she cried a little, but we can ignore that. Y/N was a sensitive person—cut her some slack!
When Stella woke up, she immediately noticed that Y/N wasn't beside her. She stumbled out of her room and found Y/N standing in the kitchen, scrolling on her phone.
Stella quietly walked over and wrapped her arms around Y/N from behind.
"I'm soooo... tired. Let's go back to sleep, okay?" she mumbled.
Y/N jumped slightly at the sudden hug, but honestly, if these were the surprises she got every day, she'd gladly accept them.
"Get some more rest. I have things to do before you leave," Y/N said, turning around and gently cupping Stella's face in her hands.
Stella pouted.
She insisted that Y/N come back to bed because it was her last day here, and therefore Y/N had to listen to whatever she said.
Unfortunately for Y/N, that argument worked.
Before long, she found herself back in bed with Stella's face buried in the crook of her neck. Y/N had learned to treasure moments like these the most. Being so close to Stella always made it feel as though their hearts were touching.
As she drifted back to sleep, all she could focus on was Stella's familiar scent. She wished she could keep it forever. She wished Stella could stay forever. But Y/N knew she couldn't be that selfish.
The rest of the day was spent at Stella's goodbye party, hosted by her parents. Nearly all of Stella's friends were there. To this day, Y/N is still amazed by how many friends Stella has. Though Y/N wasn't the only one crying. Her mom seemed just as emotional while hugging Stella's mom. Over the years, they had become best friends.
"I PROMISEEEE I'LL COME VISIT YOU AND STELLLAAA!" Y/N's mom yelled through her tears.
Watching her somehow cry and shout at the same time was almost impressive.
Meanwhile, Y/N sat quietly on the couch, taking everything in.
Eventually, Stella came over and sat beside her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I am. I'm just trying to process the fact that you'll be gone in a few hours."
When Y/N looked over, Stella was already staring at her. Without a word, she slipped her hand into Y/N's.
Then Stella leaned closer and whispered into her ear.
“You don't know how much I'm gonna miss you."
The sadness in her voice was impossible to miss. When Stella pulled back, Y/N noticed tears beginning to gather in her eyes. Before she could even think about it, Y/N pulled Stella against her and tucked her into the crook of her neck.
"It'll all be okay."
“Don't cry, Stella."
"Shhh. It's gonna be okay.”
The words came naturally, almost like instinct. After a moment, Y/N gently pulled Stella back and pressed a kiss to each of her eyes. It was something they always did whenever one of them cried. As if their kisses could somehow make the tears disappear.
At the airport, Y/N sat beside Stella in the lobby while they waited. Somewhere else, their moms were probably having a crying battle, they were both crying the ride there. Which I dont know how they didnt crash but phew!!!
A heavy silence settled between Y/N and Stella.
It felt like if either of them said the wrong thing, the entire world would shatter.
Y/N bounced her leg anxiously as the reality of Stella leaving grew closer.
Noticing this, Stella placed a hand on her knee.
"Don't be so anxious. I'm still here, Y/N..." she said softly. "But please keep your promise. Promise me you'll attend university in Korea and come be with me."
Oh, right.
Forgot to mention that Y/N had basically offered up her entire college experience to follow Stella to a country she'd NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE.
"I'll be there, Stella. Don't worry. No matter what, I'll get accepted."
The reassurance seemed to calm Stella down.
For the next few hours, they simply sat together.
At one point, Stella held out her hand, palm facing upward, silently asking for Y/N's.
Y/N immediately took it.
Their fingers intertwined as Y/N absentmindedly rubbed circles across Stella's hand with her thumb.
Her hands were surprisingly cold.
Eventually, the moment neither of them wanted arrived.
Before boarding her plane, Stella pulled Y/N into the tightest hug she'd ever given her.
Neither of them wanted to let go.
When Stella finally pulled back, she gently held Y/N's face between her hands.
Then she kissed her.
And yes, they had kissed each other's eyes before.
But this?
This was completely different territory.
Y/N's brain practically short-circuited.
Still, she kissed Stella back.
The entire moment felt unreal, like a fever dream.
Were they actually doing this right now???
When they finally pulled apart, Stella smiled.
For a second, everything else faded away.
Then, for the last time before leaving, she said:
"Bye!!!! I'm gonna miss you."
Y/N could only wave.
Because if she tried to speak, she knew she'd burst into tears.
As Stella disappeared from view, Y/N couldn't stop staring.
She looked beautiful that day.
And that image never left Y/N's mind.