Chapter Text
It was their last spring break as college students at UCLA.
While many of the schools students headed home to spend time with family, it was different for a group of roommates.
Minjeong, whose parents basically cut her off- was planning to spend her break in the dorm, relaxing and catching up on her favorite dramas.
Yizhuo, who had family back in China couldn’t afford the tickets back. She had spent the rest of her allowance on designer clothes and food. Leaving her stuck at the school.
Jimin, who was originally gonna spend it with her girlfriend’s family, but got broken up with the week before spring break.
And finally, Aeri. Whose parents found out she was failing and skipping majority of her classes to go to frat parties, had her allowance restricted- leaving her broke and with nowhere else to go.
But luckily for the roommates, Jimin had a car. Not just any car, though. Her dad- a former off-roading junky, had lended her his old 1989 Toyota 4Runner. It was in pristine condition, and had all of the features it originally came with, the removable top, the original tires- it was perfect.
So naturally, she proposed the idea of a 6-day roadtrip getaway to multiple national parks to the o broke and lonely girls.
The roommates were lying in their respective bunk beds, fans on and the AC on blast- trying to battle the Los Angeles heat. When suddenly, Jimin shot up from hers, nearly hitting her head on the roof as she did so.
“Guys. I just got the greatest idea ever.” She boldly exclaimed, and the girls put down their phones, looking at Jimins bright eyes.
“What if we took a roadtrip? Like a roadtrip to a bunch of different national parks in my car?” Jimin grinned.
“Where is this coming from?” Yizhuo questioned, her expression blank.
“I just got a TikTok that said, ‘Your sign to take a roadtrip with ur besties.’” Jimin deadpanned, turning her phone to show her screen.
“You’re fucking with me, right?” Aeri laughed.
“I mean, i’m down. We’re stuck here for the whole week, might as-well spend it doing something.” Minjeong agreed,
“Exactly! We might as well go out and see the sights! And it’s our senior year! After this, we’re gonna have to get jobs!” Jimin exclaimed, getting more and more amped up by the minute.
“Well, where would we even go?” Aeri countered.
“Hold-on! I’ll make an itinerary.” Jimin yelped, jumping down from her bunk and moving over to the whiteboard on the wall.
It had seemed everybody moved on and forgot about the whole thing, until 45 minutes later Jimin showed them the whiteboard proudly.
DAY 1: Drive from LA to Yosemite National Park!
Leave first thing in the morning. Preferably 5am. Drive is 4-5, should be there by 9/10 am. We will stop for lunch and can sleep in my car! Visit Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, Merced River, and Glacier Point.
DAY 2: Yosemite to Death Valley!
Spend another few hours in Yosemite, then leave for Death Valley around 12. Drive is 6 hours! Get there by 7, eat dinner in the area- Sleep in my car!
DAY 3: Spend afternoon in Death Valley, then leave for Bryce Canyon
Visit Zabriskie Point, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes! Should be done in Death Valley by around 2pm, leave for Bryce Canyon. Drive is 6hrs- Get to Bryce Canyon around 8 and sleep.
DAY 4: day in Bryce Canyon! Then leave for Grand Canyon.
Visit Sunrise point, Inspiration Point, and Agua canyon. Watch Sunrise, eat lunch in the area + chill. Leave around 5 to drive to South Rim of the Grand Canyon! Drive is 5 hours, get there at 10 and camp.
DAY 5: Full day at Grand Canyon!
Drive around the whole canyon, visit Grand Canyon village, and Mather Point. Sleep in the car.
DAY 6: Drive back to UCLA!
“Wow.. You really.. thought this out.” Minjeong mumbled, her eyes skimming through the words.
“I’m kind of surprised she has the brainpower to think this through.” Aeri whispered, zoning out
“What do you mean by that? I’m smart!” Jimin huffed.
“You skip half of ur classes.”
“Well, how are we even paying for admission for these place-“ Yizhuo was cut off by Jimin shoving an ‘America the Beautiful’ card in her face.
“How did you even get that!?” Aeri exclaimed, her eyes wide.
“It’s my mom’s. Besides, this’ll be fun- try not to think too hard about it. We only live once!” Jimin pleaded, putting the whiteboard down.
The girls shared looks, before they all mutually agreed to go.
“We should probably start packing if we’re leaving tomorrow.” Minjeong suggested, standing up from her bed and stretching.
Jimin smiled at the sight of the cute girl, admiring the soft yawn that came from her mouth as she did so.
The 4 began to pack what they had into suitcases, with Aeri greatly overpacking.
Jimin packed only the essentials, her dinosaur sleeping bag, her dinosaur plush (she can’t sleep without hugging it.), all of her clothes, obviously, and the most important one- her digital camera.
Jimin looked over in the midst of shoving a jacket into her suitcase- staring at the absolute mess opposite of her. It seemed Aeri’s whole closet was on her bed, and she was going through everything to determine if she would pack it or not. But there were no clothes in the ‘Don’t pack’ pile.
“Do you really need 3 suitcases? It’s a 6 day trip.” Jimin sighed, already thinking of all the space it’s gonna take-up in her car.
“Hey-! You never know what could happen!” She hissed in retaliation.
Jimin finished packing quickly, and headed to the campus convenience store to stock up on ice and food. She bought 50 water bottles, tons of granola bars, various kinds of sandwiches, yogurts, candy, and chips- only the essentials for a roadtrip.
————————————
4:00AM
Jimins alarm clock blared, instantly waking up the roommates, and probably everybody within a 5-mile radius with how loud it was.
The four girls stirred, mumbling curse words under their breaths- before remembering they had a roadtrip to get started.
Jimin instantly burst into leader mode- commanding the girls flawlessly.
“Okay! Everybody up! Hup! Hup! Make your beds! We have to bring everything down to the car within 30 minutes! Hup! Hup!” She yelled, sounding strangely similar to a military sergeant.
“What the fuck? Is this college or the military?” Aeri mumbled to Yizhuo, the two girls snickering.
“No time to be laughing, chumps! Lets get this show on the road!” Jimin hissed, her voice sending a shiver down the twos backs.
Jimin put Aeri and Yizhuo to work, having them run down the stairs carrying the suitcases and anything they might need for the trip to put in the car.
Meanwhile, Minjeong was still in her bed. Jimin noticed and wordlessly padded over to the girl, gently shaking her awake.
“Minjeongie~ time to wake up, i’m sorry if I was loud earlier. It’s cause of those knuckleheads over there.” Jimin explained, her tone gentle.
“You’re so loud..” Minjeong mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
“I-I’m sorry! I’ll be quieter next time!” Jimin instantly apologized, flopping onto the ground and bowing profusely until her body was perfectly parallel to the floor.
Aeri and Yizhuo- who were busy hauling ass down the stairs to Jimin’s Toyota walked in- in the middle of Jimin on the floor, leaving them speechless. Was this really the bitch who was calling them chumps not even 5 minutes ago?
Minjeong had already stood up and began getting ready, and Jimin was still on the ground bowing. The sight was genuinely astonishing.
As if Jimin could magically sense that Aeri and Yizhuo had their grimy eyes on her, she shot up- Barking commands at them once again.
“Hey! Get to work! Bring down the whiteboard and put it in the car!”
After another half an hour full of yelling and arguments, the girls finally made their way into the car. Jimin was in the drivers seat, Minjeong in the passenger, and Aeri and Yizhuo in the back.
“LETS GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD! WOOHOO!” Jimin exclaimed as she started the car.
“Jimin. Quiet.. please. Its 5am” Minjeong calmly stated, shutting up the girl instantly.
The car was quiet for a few moments, and Jimin broke the silence by connecting to her JBL speaker and beginning to play music- since the vintage car didn’t have an Aux cord.
“Oh my god. Who the fuck let Jimin drive.. Now she gets aux! What are we even listening to right now!?” Yizhuo complained, while Billy Joel belted in the background.
“It’s my car!” Jimin defended herself, shrugging.
“Dude, who the hell hates Billy Joel?” Aeri sighed, facepalming.
The two began to bicker in the back, resembling two siblings fighting.
“Can we not.. argue. We are literally 30 minutes into a 5 hour drive. Shut.. up.” Minjeong grumbled.
“Hey! Yknow what I just noticed? Were kind of like a family! Me and Minjeong are the dad and mom, respectively- and Aeri and Yizhuo are the two ugly kids!” Jimin laughed, looking back in the rear-view mirror just to see the girls sitting behind her giving a death stare.
It was quiet after that, save for the music Jimin played. (Much to Yizhuo’s demise.) until after their first bathroom stop.
8:00AM
Jimin had gotten a maple flavored donut, eating it happily as she drove- much to Minjeong’s surprise. Minjeong stared at the donut with a scowl on her face, how could somebody eat a maple flavored donut?
“Why’re you looking at it? Want a bite-? Wait no, actually i’m not going to give you a bite, cause I know you’re not gonna like it, and your gonna ask me how I like it, and I just don’t wanna listen to that right now.” Jimin rambled, bits of frosting spitting out as she spoke.
“God, do you ever shut up?” Minjeong frowned, looking at the girl.
“The only way I can shut up is with a kiss.” Jimin smiled, attempting her best wink, but she just ended up looking funny.
“Please never wink again. Its actually not even a wink- Both of your eyes are closed at this point, you’re gonna kill all of us in this car.” Minjeong deadpanned.
Jimin drove over a speed bump, one that she had seeming not noticed, sending the car flying over it.
“Holy shit! Can we please switch drivers or something?” Aeri yelled, slumping in her seat
“Well, she is the only one who knows how to drive a manual car.” Minjeong huffed, quickly coming to her defense.
“Awww, Minjeongie was so quick to defend me!” Jimin gushed, her voice high pitched- like a baby.
“Crash this car. Right now.” Minjeong sighed.
“You guys bicker like a married couple.” Yizhuo laughed, enjoying the girls banter.
“Can we divorce?”
“Wait, I haven’t even cracked yet.”
“I’ve never wanted to slap somebody so much in my life.” Aeri joked.
“Same.” Minjeong and Yizhuo said in sync.
“Hey-! Come on! God forbid a hot lesbian tries to shoot her shot!” Jimin laughed.
“Didn’t you just breakup with your girlfriend?” Yizhuo pointed out.
“Can you shut up?”
The car ride was full of lighthearted arguments, as it was the girls love language. As they neared the gates of Yosemite, Minjeong began to get excited. She had never seen trees this tall, nor has she even been this high in elevation. She couldn’t keep her excitement to herself as she looked outside the window.
9:30AM
“Jimin! Theres snow up there.. real snow.” She exclaimed, trying to be as quiet as possible to not wake the sleeping Aeri and Yizhuo.
Every 5 minutes a “Jimin look!” came from her. But Jimin didn’t care, if anything- she adored it. Minjeong didn’t really go on trips like that, and Jimin was glad she could bring here all these places.
Then finally, after 5 hours and 3 bathroom stops- they reached Yosemite. Aeri and Yizhuo had woken up, looking excitedly outside the window as Jimin drove through Yosemite valley.
“Okay! Its still early, so lets go checkout tunnel view!” Jimin suggested, looking at the itinerary on the whiteboard in the back.
The view at Tunnel View was astonishing, there was nothing like it. From the parking lot, there was a clear view of El Capitan rock, the lush greenery of Yosemite, Half dome, the Cathedral rocks, and even Bridal-veil fall was visible.
“Oh my god.” Aeri mumbled, her eyes glued on the scene before her.
The girls got out of the car, standing at the viewing area where they took photos. It was so peaceful, there was no sound of cars honking- or televisions blaring, those were all replaced by the sounds of waterfalls, trees swaying in the wind, and the rush of a river. Minjeong and Jimin stood side by side, and Minjeong was star-struck at the view in-front of her
The stone cliffs stretched endlessly into the distance, washed pale blue by the morning haze. El Capitan rose on the left like a statue carved by gods, impossibly tall and enormous, while Bridal veil Falls spilled snow melt from the cliffs on the right in a thin silver streak that caught the sunlight every time the wind shifted it sideways. Far beyond them, almost centered perfectly in the middle of the valley, sat Half Dome, distant and blue-gray and unmistakable against the horizon.
The whole valley looked layered in light. Dense forests blanketed the floor below in deep evergreen, rivers flashing through the trees like shards of glass. Sunlight moved slowly across the cliffs, turning the granite gold in some places and a cool grey in others. Clouds dragged their shadows lazily over the mountainsides.
And standing there at the railing, with the entire valley spread out beneath them, Minjeong understood why people fell silent when they saw Yosemite for the first time.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it.” Minjeong mumbled to her, her eyes still glued to the view.
Jimin’s eyes were somewhere else, not the valley in front of her, but the beautiful girl that was her roommate. The way Minjeong’s eyes sparkled looking at the vast valley was the most endearing thing Jimin has seen.
“It’s not just beautiful, Minjeong. It’s breathtaking.” Jimin mumbled, her voice light and airy.
Minjeong turned to look at the girl, a smile on her face. “Thank you, Jimin. For bringing us here. I don’t think I would’ve ever seen this if it weren’t for you.”
The taller girl blushed, turning away and rubbing her neck shyly, “It’s nothing, Minjeong.”
The girls finished taking photos, and piled back into the car. Next on the list, was Yosemite Valley! More specifically, they were going to walk around the Valley loop trail.
10:30AM
Getting out of the car, there already was a beautiful view. It was late march, and all the rain had melted- leaving behind beautiful green grass and rushing waterfalls. Aeri and Yizhuo went ahead, looking for the best spots to take photos- leaving Minjeong and Jimin alone.
The valley itself felt almost dreamlike. Sunlight spilled across the wide meadows bright with tall grass, as the Merced River cut through them. The cold and clear water enough to reflect the sky perfectly. Every direction looked painted; dark forests clustered beneath towering stone walls, waterfalls pouring down from impossible heights like torn silk. The air smelled different here- freshwater, pine sap, damp earth warmed by the sun. There was no smell of someone smoking weed, or ash that usually lingered in LA.
Their walk on the trail was silent, for the most part. They both admired the natural beauty around them, trying to take it in as much as possible. It was perfect, really. Walking on a wood trail, surrounded by the towering mountains and tall trees.
“Jimin..” Minjeong began sheepishly, turning to face the other way.
Jimin instantly perked up hearing her name come out of Minjeongs mouth- her head snapping to look at her.. “Yes? Do you need something? Are your legs tired? I can carry you!” She rambled, already in position to carry Minjeong.
“No..no, Im fine. I just wanted to say thank you.” Minjeong hummed.
Jimin blushed, and she was glad Minjeong wasn’t looking at her. “O-oh, your welcome, Minjeong- but it isn’t much, really.”
“Not much? Look at where we are right now and tell me this isn’t much. Its beautiful here, this is more then worth it.” Minjeong explained, smiling- outstretching her arms and gesturing to the beauty around her.
“I guess it is, huh? Its definitely worth it. I mean- It’s worth all the hours of driving and money to see you smile like this.” Jimin grinned, pinching the girls cheek
Minjeong blushed at the girls statement, “Sh-shut up.” she murmured, hitting Jimin softly on the shoulder.
They were silent for the rest of the walk, occasionally stopping to take photos wordlessly.
They soon caught up to Aeri and Yizhuo, who were taking photos of the mountains on their digi-cams.
“There you guys are! We’ve been waiting for you two.” Aeri sighed, sweat beads on her forehead.
“You guys wanna stay here a bit longer? Or go cool down in Merced River.” Jimin hummed, noticing the perspiration on the other girls foreheads.
“Cool down in the river.” The three said, in sync.
They made their way back to the car to change into their swimsuits, and honestly- when Jimin saw Minjeong come out in a 2-piece bikini she nearly passed out. Aeri, Yizhuo, and Minjeong were all clad in their small bikinis, whereas Jimin was in her dinosaur rush guard, like a 13 year old boy.
3PM
“You guys are gonna regret wearing that! The waters here are freezing.” Jimin huffed, stepping into the water.
“It can’t be THAT cold..” Yizhuo hummed, but the instant her feet hit the cold water, she shivered.
“Be careful, the water is rocky and you might slip on them.” Jimin reminded them, wading over to the deeper water to swim around in.
Aeri and Yizhuo stayed in the shallower part of the river, while Minjeong sat at the very edge of the riverbank- the water barely lapping at her toes. Jimin swam around happily in the cool water, diving down to try and find cool rocks.
“Minjeong! Come get in the water with me!” Jimin yelled from her position in the water, looking at the girl sitting with her knees tucked to her chest.
“The waters cold..” Minjeong replied, drawing circles in the riverbank.
“Come on!! It’s not even that bad!” Jimin huffed, swimming closer.
Jimin continued to pester the girl, tugging at her hands and attempting to pull her in.
“Minjeong.. Please get in with me!” Jimin begged, trying her best to make puppy eyes at Minjeong.
“Jimin.. I don’t know how to swim.” Minjeong sighed, putting her head in-between her knees.
“That’s fine! I’ll help you, I promise.” Jimin boasted.
Jimin took Minjeongs hand, and Minjeong let herself be pulled into the water by the girl. The cold water made her shiver, but Jimin pulled her in deeper- to about waist deep water.
“It’s so.. cold..” Minjeong mumbled, her teeth chattering.
“Stop being dramatic! You’ll warmup in no
time.” Jimin said, flashing a smile at the girl.
Minjeong huffed, splashing her lightly, “I’m not being dramatic!”
She was hit square in the chest with the cold river water, and Jimin took that splash seriously.
“You did not just splash me.” Jimin hissed, gasping dramatically.
Sensing the vengeance in Jimins tone, Minjeong made her way farther upstream- trying and failing to hide her enormous grin. The afternoon sun reflected from the water dripping from her fingertips.
“I did, what are you gonna do about it?” Minjeong giggled, watching as Jimin closed the distance between them.
Another splash hit Jimin before she could respond, hitting her in the face this time. Jimin yelped, stumbling backwards. Her hand flew up, wiping the water up her face.
“You’re so.. dead, Kim Minjeong!” Jimin cried, before lunging at the girl.
Jimin lunged at her, scooping her hands full of the cold river water and throwing it at Minjeong- who was laughing so hard she just barely dodged the attack. The sound of her giggles echoed around the trees that lined the riverbank, Minjeong’s bright, breathless laughter made everything else but her and Jimin disappear.
Before long, neither of them could stay upright anymore- stumbling over rocks as they tried to flee from each-other. They grabbed for the other to balance, splashing water aimlessly. Jimin’s hair dripped water onto her torso. Each touch lingered for just a moment too long, Minjeong’s hand on Jimin’s waist to steady herself- Jimin’s fingers caught on Minjeong’s wrist.
Jimin splashed again at Minjeong, the cold water hitting her face and getting into her nose. Jimin tried her best to run away, but Minjeong pulled her into the shallows, loosing their balance and falling into the river beside each-other with a laugh.
But for a second, they just stayed there- letting the current of the river swirl around them, listening to the waterfalls in the distance.
Jimin turned to look at the other girl, her hand brushing wet hair out of Minjeong’s face. Jimin smiled softly- not teasingly anymore, her face flushed pink from laughter.
“You cheater.” Jimin murmured.
Minjeong was thinking of something snarky to say, but the words dissolved in her mouth when she looked up at Jimin.
The water glimmered on Jimin’s skin like glass- her eyes flickering down to Minjeong’s lips, then back up to her eyes, nervous in a way that she never was with anybody else.
———————————
6:30PM.
After changing out of their wet clothes, the roommates headed to Glacier Point, planning to watch the sunset on the Yosemite Valley.
On the drive up there, Jimin’s stomach growled loudly, announcing her hunger. The girl’s hadn’t eaten since the morning, and it was clearly catching up to them. Since there wasn’t any food near Glacier Point, they would have to eat their gas station sandwiches while watching the sunset.
Glacier Point is one of the highest overlooks in Yosemite, with a dizzying view of the entirety of the Yosemite Valley. The valley was thousands of feet below, making it look like something miniature, from up there- it looked impossibly far. The Merced River they swam in hours ago reflecting off the sun. The air up there was thinner, making it harder to breathe. Wind gusted constantly, tugging at peoples clothes and hair.
Across was an even clearer view of Half Dome, so close it felt touchable. Its massive granite face dominated the horizon, smooth and pale against the sky, catching light along its curved edge. Around it, layer after layer of mountains faded into the distance in soft blue silhouettes, endless ridges dissolving into haze.
The girls sat down on one of the large rocks at the overlook, gazing out into the view while eating their cheap sandwich. The wind carried the smell of pine and the forest, rattling the plastic wrap their food came in as they sat crowded together by the overlook wall. Behind them, tourists drifted in and out with cameras, but as the sun sank, the quieter everybody became.
Yizhuo sat criss-cross applesauce on the rough rock, balancing a half-eaten ham&cheese sandwich in her lap. “Why is it soggy?” She grimaced.
“It’s not soggy, I think its just wet from the juices in the meat.” Jimin responded, not even looking up from her sandwich.
“Is that not what soggy means?” Aeri questioned.
“It’s probably just the altitude.” Minjeong sighed, biting into a granola bar.
“What does the altitude have to do with my sandwich?” Yizhuo scoffed, taking another bite
“It could change the texture.” Jimin concluded, nodding her head like she knew what she was talking about.
Aeri laughed hard enough to nearly choke on her sandwich, “You’re just making things up and trying to sound confident.”
Jimin scoffed, putting her hand on her chest dramatically- “For your information, It’s called being charismatic, Aeri.”
For a moment it was quiet, all they heard was the wind and the crinkling of their wrappers.
Jimin wishes she could stay in this moment forever. Sitting on a rock with her best friends, eating cheap sandwiches and looking at the beautiful views.
With those eyes, she's so hard to get over
When she laughs I just simply adore her
And although I'd do anything for her
I wish that I had told her that I care
Oh, but it's not easy
Cause when she looks at me
I can't think clearly
And when she smiles
It always puts me at ease
If I died right then
It wouldn't bother me - Freshman 15