Jeju Island

JEJU ISLAND Crisha Allyson D. Fajardo Arianna Rizche G. Dela Cruz Naomi Angeline Ysabel S. Soriano

JEJU ISLAND \"In where two lovers secretely hide from a judgemental world\"

On Jeju Island in South Korea, there are two girlfriends named Saebyeok and Jiyeong, enjoying their vacation and checking out many tourist spots. However, they have to keep their relationship a secret because they are Instagram stars and while they would love to showcase their good times together in Instagram, South Korea is a fairly conservative country, if they were to reveal their relationship, their reputations would go downhill. In order to avoid fans and Dispatch catching them during their dates, they have to wear all black clothing and masks to not be eye-catching. As they were walking Saebyeok said, Do you want to have some food? I’m a bit tired from all the walking” “Sure, I’m also kind of tired.” Jiyeong replied. They spotted a restaurant nearby named ‘Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant’. The restaurant was very fancy yet homey. All the tables were so clean to the point where you could see the reflection of yourself through it. The lights were a perfect balance of bright and dark. Saebyeok and Jiyeong decided to eat lots of food to make them energized enough for later. Once they had received their food, they took a picture before eating and posted it on Instagram.

As usual, the post got millions of likes. However, they may not have been cautious enough with their pictures because there were many comments noticing how the setting they were in and the food they have are identical. ‘Was just scrolling through Instagram and realized that this looks kinda similar to the restaurant Jiyeong is in.” “Is that Saebyeok in the reflection of the table?” “Hmm are those two on a date or something?” The two realized their mistake and panicked. They immediately deleted their posts but it had already spread all over the internet. What do we do now? What if we lose fans because of this?” Jiyeong asked worriedly, “It’s going to be okay. We deleted the posts, it won’t spread now.” Saebyeok said, trying to comfort Jiyeong but knowing inside that it had already been too late.

Not long after, Jiyeong and Saebyeok found articles online saying ‘Instagram Stars Jiyeong and Saebyeok in a Lesbian Relationship?’ ‘Jiyeong and Saebyeok Getting Hate After Speculations of The Two Dating’. Almost all the comments in their posts were talking about how they are committing a sin and they should stop their relationship. “This is disgusting! I didn’t know Jiyeong could be someone like this. I’m unfollowing” “I can’t believe they would do this. They’re for sure going to hell.” “I knew something was wrong with Jiyeong and Saebyeok, never trusted them.” The real thing is that there are barely any ways to fix homophobia, because people have different perspectives on this specific topic. The only way you can fix this issue is by understanding and respecting people no matter who or what they are, but the people have troubles doing this. They started losing followers quickly, 2 to 3 million followers turning into 800 thousand to 1 million. Even some of their earliest followers started unfollowing them. While Saebyeok wasn’t particularly affected by it, she knew Jiyeong would be absolutely devastated. Who can blame her? Jiyeong has been Instagram famous for 5 years, this is what people know her for, now everyone is disappointed and she cant help but feel disappointed in herself as well.

“This is all my fault. I should have been more careful with my posts.” Jiyeong starts tearing up. “No, this isn’t. This is no one’s fault. People just don’t understand.” Saebyeok hugs Jiyeong to comfort her. “Everyone just doesn’t understand. They care too much about other people’s business and forget about their own life.” Saebyeok says The two decided it would be better to cut their vacation short and went back to Seoul. Jiyeong can’t help but feel miserable. She had built her entire reputation and now it’s just crumbling down, all because she likes a girl. Jiyeong feels as if she failed her fans, as if she failed being the perfect person they always saw her as. Now, she just wants to end it all and so she calls Saebyeok “Hey, come to my house, I need to tell you something” “Of course, coming right over.” Saebyeok replies. Saebyeok drives to Jiyeong’s house, trying her best to avoid all the fans and reporters. Once Saebyeok gets to the door of Jiyeong, she feels anxious because she knows Jiyeong wants to talk about the scandal. Saebyeok took a deep breath and went in Jiyeong’s house. Jiyeong welcomed her and told her to take a seat on the couch.

“We need to talk.” Jiyeong said and Saebyeok felt even more anxious than before. “It’s about the scandal. Saebyeok listened intently, however, she felt as if she already knew what Jiyeong was going to say. Jiyeong took a big sigh and said, “I think we should break up. It’s the best for us. People are only going to keep on hating until we stop dating.” “Jiyeong, come on, please just don’t focus on what they say, are you really going to choose your fans over our relationship?” Saebyeok said, trying her best not to cry. “Saebyeok, you don’t know how I feel. They are not just fans, they are the people who have given me support and have made me the person who I am today just please accept that our relationship is over.” Saebyeok took a shaky breath and said, “Fine. I don’t want to see you struggling like this.” Saebyeok took one last look at Jiyeong before slamming the door on the way out.

After their last interaction, they both had stated that they had broken up due to the amount of fans’ hate. Now completely heartbroken, both didn’t post anything as they didn’t feel inspired to do anything at all. This is when Jiyeong and Saebyeok realized they can’t do anything without their love and support. Jiyeong now felt regretful of everything she had done. She can’t believe she really cared more about fans who she didn’t even know personally more than someone who had been there through all the hard times she had. Jiyeong just made a bigger hole for herself and had no idea how to fill it up. She looked back at all the good times they had together, worth more than anything she had experienced before 3 months later, she built up the courage to call Saebyeok again. “Hello? I know this is abrupt but can you go to my house again?” “Of course, Jiyeong,” said Saebyeok. Saebyeok excitedly went to Jiyeong’s house, still surrounded by fans. She doesn’t think that Jiyeong would want to get back together but she just feels happy that she’s able to see Jiyeong again after so long. She doesn’t care if they’re not together anymore, she cares if Jiyeong is okay. Saebyeok went up to the door and took a deep breath. Funny how it’s like the events of their breakup replayed but there were two completely different emotions. Once she opened the door, she was met with a familiar hug.

“I missed you.” Jiyeong said, teary eyed as Saebyeok hugged her back. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking when I wanted to break up.” “Why are you saying sorry? It’s completely understandable.” Saebyeok’s lips curved into a smile. “I know it’s easier said than done but please try your best to avoid all the comments. You’re worth way more than just some words by people who don’t understand your situation.” Saebyeok and Jiyeong proudly announced their relationship. They didn’t care if others said it wasn’t right. They knew who truly supported them and those who just wanted to be in other people’s business. Their relationship encouraged others to come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community as well, and while not everyone accepted them, more and more people came to understand and see things from their perspective each day. Jiyeong and Saebyeok went back to Jeju Island to continue their vacation. The place gave great meaning to them. The place where it all started and where it all ended.

\"in a world where two lovers meet in judgemental society\" Saebyeok and jiyoung, two lovers who are afraid to say what they have, Both of them where in a vaction, until trouble strikes. What will they do? is this the end of their \"secret relationship?