Chapter 61

The Pudding

Krystal Jung sat at a corner of the living room alone with a dark expression on her face. Though there were empty seats on the sofa and chairs, she insisted to sit on the floor instead, hugging her knees like a guilty prisoner. No one in the house could make her move from her very spot, not even her sister.

Jessica sighed again after her third attempt to drag her sister out from the corner failed. 

Tiffany approaches her. 

“Let her sit there. She just needs some time alone, I’m sure she’ll be okay after a while.” She said to her fiancé, momentarily forgot that they were fighting.

“I guess.” Jessica replied short. She looked at Tiffany and their eyes met. For a moment she thought the latter has already forgotten that they were on a cold war. But her hopes were quickly crushed when Tiffany looked away with a fierce and sharp glare.

Hyoyeon emerged from the kitchen with a plate of bread pudding.

“Little Jung is just mourning after molesting her crush.” She said as she put the plate on the coffee table at the centre of the room.

Yoona quickly took a slice of the pudding and bit it with a satisfied expression on her face. As she was munching, she added. “I’d be like that too if it were me. Jiyoung slapped her face and stormed out of the house after Krystal groped her.”

Sunny came and join Yoona and Hyoyeon on the three seated pink velvet sofa.

“Luckily there was Seungyeon who drives Jiyoung home.” She said, squeezing herself in between the two girls.

Yoona sniggered. “Well, the thing is that Krystal should learn to control herself. We had enough watching Sica unnie groping Fany unnie in public.”

Jessica scoffed. “I..don’t grope her in public. That’s..preposterous.” She said awkwardly. 

“Of course you don’t. Girls, Jessica don’t grope Tiffany…she just.. jump on her.” Sunny replied, followed by a series of laughter in the room. 

Jessica blushed.

“Yah..I..don’t..” She struggled to save whatever she has left.

Suddenly Tiffany grabs the TV remote control and put up her hand.

“HEY! LET’S WATCH TV!” She shouted out of the blue.

Everyone stopped laughing and stared at her, shocked by her extremely loud voice.

Tiffany was blushing madly, still recovering from the fact that she was just being teased by her friends about her private life. She pointed the remote to the TV and turned it on. SBS channel quickly steals the attention, as it was airing a Live Christmas Special of Kim Jung Eun’s Chocolate Concert. 

Seohyun and Siwon who were sitting in the kitchen came to join the others as they heard the songs from the TV. 

“Is it a live broadcast? Ah, it’s CN Blue! I like them!” Seohyun exclaimed in delight as she sits on a pink couch in the living room. 

“These guys are talented. Their songs are chart toppers. That ‘I’m a Loner’ song is still one of my favourite.” Hyoyeon suddenly said.

Jessica sighed.

“Idols are boring.” She said as she’s trying to grab the remote from Tiffany’s hand. But Tiffany’s grip was strong.

Jessica looked at her fiancé, serious.

“Tiffany, give me the remote. I want to switch the channel.” She said.

Tiffany shook her head. 

“No. We must all watch SBS tonight.”

“It’s boring. I said switch the channel.” Jessica said, firm.

“I can’t do that, I’m sorry.” Tiffany replied.

The two girls are now staring at each other intensely.

Sunny cleared her throat. “Er..guys, we don’t really mind which channel ..”

All of a sudden, the door bell rings.

Tiffany looked at Jessica’s face in wonder. And then she said, “I’ll get the door.”

She walked to the door with the remote control in one hand. Everyone watches her as she opened the door and welcomed the newly arrived guest. 

“I wonder who that is.” Yoona asked.

Sunny glanced at Jessica. “Maybe it’s your parents. Fany said that they’re coming tonight.” 

Jessica replied with a shrug. 

“Ah, wh-what a surprise!” Said Tiffany all of the sudden.

She was standing by the opened door, her eyes staring widely at someone outside the door. The rest of the guests in the living room exchanged looks, curious of the new visitor.

Suddenly Tiffany jumped forward and threw her arms around the person while grinning giddily making the others even more curious. Jessica bit her lip.

“Who’s that you’re hugging?” She asked as she hurriedly walked to the door, concern and jealous.

“Merry Christmas, Jessica.” A familiar voice greeted.

Jessica stared at her blankly at first, and then a smile crept up her face.

With a relieved sigh she replied. 

“You finally came..

..Sooyoung.”

**

Sooyoung grabbed another slice of pudding and munch it hungrily. 

Jessica who sits across her smiled. “This is what happened when you only eat donuts and drink coffees to live.”

Sooyoung let out a small laugh before grabbing a glass of water to swallow the pudding down her throat. She already ate 5 slices continuously. 

Tiffany patted her back. “Eat slowly, you’re going to choke yourself.” 

Sooyoung smiled sheepishly and swallow the remaining food in her mouth. She looked at her two dear friends before her alternately. Her other friends in the living room were watching TV and chatted with each other after they swarmed Sooyoung with hugs and kisses earlier. 

“Sooyoung..” Jessica suddenly called. 

Sooyoung slowly swallowed the remaining pudding in her mouth.

“Yeah?” She asked. The serious look on Jessica’s face made her curious.

Jessica moved a few inches closer towards her friend. She stopped when she was at the edge of the sofa.

“A friend of mine told me that.. there’s a job opening at Glam Magazine publications.” Jessica said.

Sooyoung stared blankly at her friend though she knew where the conversation was going. 

“I’d like you to work there, I actually already secured that spot for you and you can start anytime you want-

“Sica.” Sooyoung cuts in.

Jessica paused and looked at her friend.

Sooyoung continues. “You don’t have to do this-

“You’re jobless for almost a month now. You have talent in design so why waste it? Come on Sooyoung, don’t say no to this.” Jessica cuts in immediately.

Tiffany looked at her fiancé, touched by what she was doing. She’s helping Sooyoung to get a job in the rival company.

Sooyoung shook her head. “But Sica, I can’t accept this..”

“If you refuse my offer then.. we’re not friends anymore.” Jessica said, firmly.

Sooyoung gulped. “What? Hey you can’t keep doing that!”

“And Tiffany too. You will lose both of your friends, Tiffany and I.” Jessica added.

Tiffany chuckled at the childishness of Jessica’s threat but agrees anyway. She smiled at Sooyoung and nodded. 

“Yeah, what she said.” Tiffany said with a chuckle.

Sooyoung looked at the both of them, speechless. 

And then she sighed. “Well then..can I start on Monday?” 

Jessica smiled broadly and chuckled.

“Monday sounds fine.”She said, satisfied.

Sooyoung smiled at them, thankful for having true friends who still stick by her side through everything that happened. She glanced at the others, Yoona who was laughing with her mouth opened wide after hearing Hyoyeon’s jokes, Sunny who was trying to hide her sorrow through her smiles, Seohyun and Siwon who are too busy chatting with each other about boring things and Krystal who was sitting at the corner by herself. 

Weird.

“Er..what’s wrong with Krystal?” Sooyoung asked suddenly.

Tiffany sighed. “It’s a long story.”

“Oh my, the pudding is so delicious!” Exclaimed Hyoyeon out of the blue.

She turned to Sunny and gushed. “Sunny, can you give me the recipe for this pudding?”

Sunny looked at her, dumbfounded.

“What? You’re not willing to share the secret of the pudding with me?” Hyoyeon asked.

Sunny shook her head. 

“I didn’t make this pudding.”

“You…didn’t?” Hyoyeon asked as a drop of cold sweat rolls down her forehead.

Yoona who heard the conversation put down the half-eaten pudding back on the plate as if no one noticed it. Suddenly the calm and cool Siwon stood up and looked at the pudding.

“Then..who made the pudding? I ate quite a lot of it..” He said with a gulp but still controlling his handsomeness.

Sooyoung shrugged. “Who cares? Whoever made the pudding should be praised because it is delicious!” She said before grabbing another slice from the plate and put it into her mouth.

She closes her eyes as she swallowing the food with a satisfied smile across her face.

“It melts in your mouth like butter on a heated barbeque pan!” She added.

“Aww, thank you Sooyoung.” Someone said.

And at that instant all eyes were on that person, staring at her with their mouths slightly open. Even the mourning Krystal turned around from her corner and looked at the person.

It was Tiffany.

Tiffany.

A few seconds passes and all eyes were still on Tiffany with no words coming out from their mouths. Tiffany looked at their shocked faces and flashes her teeth proudly. She especially likes the look on Jessica’s face right now. She’s going to remember it forever. 

SPLAT.

Sooyoung dropped the pudding that was in her hand to the marble floor. 

Jessica was the first to speak.

“Honey, did you really..made the pudding?” She asked.

Tiffany nodded as she looked back into Jessica’s eyes with pride. The latter gulped.

Yoona shook her head, “It can’t be..the pudding is actually good!” 

“And none of us are sick after consuming it!” Sooyoung added, shocked.

Hyoyeon shrugged, “I don’t know why Yoona kept telling me that her cousin is an awful cook. The pudding is a masterpiece, you gotta give me the recipe, Tiffany.”

Tiffany smiled sheepishly and nodded. “Sure.”

Jessica is still staring at her fiancé in disbelief and she’s pretty convinced that this is not real. It can’t be real.

“Thank you for the pudding, Tiffany-shi.” Siwon said in relief.

“It must be really good eh? I haven’t taste it yet but I guess I have to give it a try.” Seohyun said.

Jessica bit her lip. “Is it really good and harmless?” She asked suspiciously.

“Surprisingly it is. You should try it, Sica.” Sunny said, handing her the plate of pudding.

Jessica shook her head and looked at Tiffany. “You must’ve bought it from somewhere, right?”

Tiffany stared at her, shocked. 

“I made it myself.. You think I am lying about this?” Tiffany asked, pissed. She can’t believe that Jessica just accused her of lying.

“No, but it’s just.. If you do made it then when did you made it? We’re together the whole time and I’ll surely know if you’re making pudding.” Jessica retorted.

“I made it last night when you were sleeping. I couldn’t sleep so I went to the kitchen and made the pudding.” Tiffany replied arrogantly.

Jessica bit her lip, speechless.

“I can cook, Jessica. I’ve been learning recipes from the internet and TV shows recently. That’s why I said that I can take care of the party but you decided to interfere anyway.” Tiffany continued.

Jessica gulped. “You never told me..”

“I did. A few times too. But you never listened to me. You still see me as the same old Tiffany who will cause nothing but disasters everytime I enter the kitchen.” Tiffany replied.

Everyone stares at the couple, no longer caring about the show on TV screen. This beats any drama, even Secret Garden.

“Just apologize and kiss her, Sica. Though it’s annoying seeing you two acting cheesy on a daily basis, it’s even more painful for us to see you two fighting like this.” Sooyoung said.

Jessica and Tiffany looked at each other, deep into one another’s soul.

Honey, I’m sorry.

It’s okay Jessi, I forgive you.

With a gentle voice, Jessica said, “Honey, I’m so-

“MY STOMACH!!”

 Shouted a manly voice.

Siwon was standing with his hands pressed on his stomach while Seohyun looked at him, concern. 

“Oppa, are you okay?” She asked, worried.

“WHERE IS THE TOILET?! WHERE IS THE TOILET?!” He asked frantically with a tortured expression on his face. All his handsomeness has gone out the window.

“It’s over there!” Sunny replied, pointing to the kitchen. The man ran as fast as he could with his long legs towards the direction pointed. Everyone stares at him as he disappears behind the wall, shocked. 

And it follows by a loud sound of the toilet door slammed shut.

“I’m going to go and check on him..” Seohyun said before leaving the room.

People in the room looked at each other, with confused expressions. 

“What just happened?” Hyoyeon asked, breaking the silence.

But no one was able to answer her question. 

Suddenly, 

“It’s the pudding.” Said a voice.

Krystal Jung has risen from her corner and now standing with her arms crossed.

Tiffany gulped, “Th-the pudding?” 

The younger Jung nodded as she walks to the centre of the room where everyone is.

“Your pudding, unnie.” She continued.

“I need to go to the toilet!!” Yoona suddenly shouted. All the attention now shifted to her, and she was twisting on her seat with her hands pressing her stomach.

Jessica pointed to the second floor “There’s another toilet at..”

But she wasn’t able to finish her sentence as the younger girl already stormed upstairs to the toilet at the second floor.

Tiffany looked at Krystal and bit her lip. The younger girl shrugged, “See. I told you it’s the pudding.”

“You’re saying that my pudding made them sick?” Tiffany said, offended.

Jessica sighed, “Do you really need to ask that?”

Tiffany scoffed and looked at the sisters alternately.

“Excuse me, but there were at least 10 different dishes and when it all goes wrong you’re blaming it on my one dessert?” She asked and glared at Jessica.

“Oh no, I ate a lot of it!” Hyoyeon whined worriedly.

“Maybe it’s not the pudding! It could be the food from Sunny’s place after all..” Sooyoung added.

Sunny shook her head in protest. “Hey! We don’t serve rotten foods. Everything was cooked today prior to the party!”

“TOILET!!!” Hyoyeon suddenly rushed to the toilet. Siwon just came out of it, panting while Seohyun supporting his arm like an injured soldier in a battle.

Krystal glanced at Tiffany again, “See, it’s your pudding.”

Jessica sighed. “I knew it’s too good to be true.”

Tiffany looked at them in disbelief. How could they accuse her without any proof? 

Even Jessica.

Sooyoung saw the look in Tiffany’s eyes and hurriedly stood by her side. She put a hand over her shoulder comfortingly.

“Maybe it’s not the pudding. The only thing I ate in this house was the pudding but I’m still alright.” She said.

“So it’s the food from my shop?” Sunny asked, offended.

“It could be.” Sooyoung replied.

Tiffany bit her lip as tears slowly fill her eyes. Jessica’s heart sunk seeing her fiancé that way. With a gentle voice, she asked.

“Honey, what did you put in the pudding?” 

Tiffany looked down and answered. “Just what it was stated in the recipe, some custard, milk and-

“Wait, milk?” Jessica cuts in.

“Yes, milk.” Tiffany replied confident.

“I used the milk in the fridge to make the pudding.” She added.

“But Tiff, we already ran out of milk.”

Tiffany shook her head. “No. There’s an open box of milk in the fridge.”

Jessica gulped. “There is?”

“Yeah, it’s been there since..last month.” Tiffany replied casually.

Everyone in the room let out a heavy sigh simultaneously.

“Honey, that milk is..

Krystal cuts in, “Fany unnie, if it’s been there for a month, opened, of course it’s already ruined.”

Sooyoung slowly removed her hand from Tiffany’s shoulder.

“Sorry my friend, I..” She didn’t finish her sentence as she was rushing to the toilet where Hyoyeon just got out of.

Krystal looked at Tiffany. “Sooyoung unnie only eats the pudding. It can’t be because of the other dishes.”

“So..it’s really my pudding?” Tiffany asked sadly.

With heavy steps she walked to the nearby sofa and sat on it, next to Sunny.

“I can’t do anything right. Not even a simple pudding..” Tiffany mumbles. 

Jessica sighed heavily as if there’s a huge stone on her chest. It hurts her seeing Tiffany this way.  She’s not really the type who can comfort her with words. She prefers action. Actions always speak louder than words in Jessica’s book.

Seeing Tiffany in dismay, Sunny held her hand gently. “It’s okay Fany-ah, you just need to-

And then she paused.

“Er..need what?” Tiffany glanced at her friend and noticed that her face had turned red.

“Are you okay?” 

Sunny shook her head. “I need to go to the toilet too.”

Tiffany rolled her eyes, “Yes, of course you do.”

“I’m serious Fany.” Sunny said as she let go of Tiffany’s hand and stood up from her seat. But there’s a strong grip on her left arm, stopping her from heading to the toilet.

“You can’t leave the living room!” Tiffany said, holding tight to Sunny’s arm.

The Jung sisters exchanged looks, curious.

“Let me go Fany! I need to go to the loo!” Sunny shouted, pulling her arm.

“You can’t! You must watch this show!” Tiffany shouted back, with one hand pointing at the TV screen.

“I don’t know if you didn’t notice it, but I’m definitely not in the mood to watch TV right now!” Sunny replied, trying to wiggle herself free from Tiffany.

“No, no, no wait! SHE’S HERE! NOW! IT’S HER!” Tiffany said excitedly, pointing at the TV. 

All eyes were fixed at the TV screen. The tired looking Siwon with Seohyun, Sooyoung and Hyoyeon also emerged from the kitchen, curious of Tiffany’s loud voice.

And at that moment everyone stared at the screen with no words spoken. Sunny was also speechless as she watches a very familiar girl on the TV introduces herself.

She smiled at the host before bowing awkwardly to the camera and said, 

“Good evening everyone, I’m Kim Taeyeon.” 

**

You are my everything to me,

You are my everything to me,

Please shine like a star in the sky,

You are my only love,

Forever my only love,

We love each other.

All I need is you..

The crowd applauded when the singers finished performing their song. Taeyeon bowed awkwardly again at the audience before following her duet partner at the guest seats. It is her first appearance on national TV and the whole experience has been nerve-racking. She wouldn’t agree to go on TV if it’s not for her long-time sunbae and vocal teacher, The One. 

Taeyeon has no idea what is going on. The world around her suddenly became mute and all she was seeing was Kim Jung Eun chatting with The One as if they’ve known each other for a long time. She could see why Kim Jung Eun is a successful celebrity. That level of professionalism comes with years of experience and of course, talent.

Suddenly Taeyeon notices that the host was staring at her, and her mouth was moving like she was saying something. 

Oh no.

“Like a Star is a very beautiful song. It’s a story about a great love and it’s quite hard to imagine that it’s been written by someone as young as you. So, is there anyone inspire you to write this song?” Kim Jung Eun asked.

Taeyeon stares blankly at her. “Uh..”

Her teacher nudges her arm, “Come on Taeyeon, and tell them about your ‘Star’.” He said with a comforting smile. It was enough to make Taeyeon feels at ease.

She smiled at the host and then turns to the audience, instantly stealing their hearts with her natural beauty and charms.

“When I was writing this song.. I was only thinking about that person..

..My everything, my star.” She said.

The audience cooed, bringing a rush of blood to Taeyeon’s cheeks. Her blush was visible and it’s impossible cute to ignore.

“Aww, that’s romantic! Does that person know you’re writing this for him?” The host asked, quickly assuming it was a man.

Taeyeon shook her head, “No, we were fighting when I was writing this.” She said with a small laugh.

“Oh, do you have anything to say to your ‘star’?” Kim Jung Eun asked like a good MC she is.

Taeyeon looked down and bit her lip. Then she clasped her hands together and put it on her lap.

“Sunny-ah..” She begins.

“I know you’re watching this because I asked Fany to help me to..” She paused.

“Anyway I just want you to know that ever since I met you my world revolves around you. I’m sorry if I made you upset for how I have been behaving lately but..” 

Suddenly she put a hand on her stomach.

“I’m doing this for..us. Let’s grow old together with little Sunnys and little Taeyeons.” 

She smiled. 

“I love you.”

**

Tears rolled down uncontrollably down Tiffany’s cheeks. “That was so touching!!” She exclaimed.

Jessica handed her a few ply of tissues and the girl quickly used them to wipe the tears. Jessica put a hand over her shoulder and rubs her arm gently to calm her down. She glanced at Sunny. She was staring at the screen as a tear rolled down her cheek. 

“She..she..” She said, stuttering.

Yoona suddenly stormed into the middle of the room, shouting, “Oh my god! Is Taeyeon unnie pregnant?!” 

Sunny was still stunned.

Jessica gasped. “Taeyeon is pregnant?!”

Siwon shook her head, “How could 2 girls get married and then have babies?”

Seohyun hit his stomach lightly. 

“Ouch!” He cried.

“Sunny! Congratulations! You’re gonna be a mom!” Hyoyeon exclaimed as she threw her hands around Sunny’s shoulders.

“Yay a baby!” Yoona said,  joining Hyoyeon in the hug.

“They’re gonna have a baby!” Tiffany said to Jessica excitedly.

“Yeah, that’s..exciting!” Jessica replied with an awkward smile before being dragged to join in the group hug.

Sooyoung came from the toilet with sweats on her forehead. “What did I miss?” She asked, confused. Everyone was in a celebration mode, hugging Sunny and congratulating her non-stop.

Krystal smiled. “Sunny unnie is going to be a mom.” She said, filling Sooyoung in.

“Oh really?!” Sooyoung asked, shocked. And soon she joined the others in the group hug, forgetting about her stomach ache. 

“Eww..Sooyoung unnie, did you wash your hands yet?!” Krystal asked with her disgusted look.

“Eh?” Sooyoung gulped.

Jessica and Yoona turned around and noticed that their shoulders are wet. 

Yoona squealed. “UNNIEEEE!!!!”

Jessica scoffed. 

“WHAT THE FFU-

“What’s going on here?” A familiar voice suddenly cuts in.

Everyone looked at the direction of the voice and end up frozen in their position.

Michael and Julia Jung stood by the living room, watching the chaos in front of them in wonder. 

Jessica cleared her throat. “Uh..mom, dad, you..came.”

“We’re sorry for being late; you know your father and his endless business meetings.” Julia replied with a smile.

Suddenly Michael scrunched his nose, “What is this smell?”

Tiffany gulped. “Smell?”

“I’m sorry.” Said Sunny.

They all stared at her as she hurriedly made her way to the toilet.

“Did your friend just..pooped her pants?” Michael said.

Chapter 62

Like a Shoelace Being Untied

The smell of sizzling curry paste filled the small apartment. 

“Now put in some water.” said Nicole Jung. She held Hara’s small hands gently as she assisted the girl in pouring a jug of water into the boiling pot. The water sizzled as it was poured slowly, soon filling the container, resulting in a delicious looking gravy.  

Hara’s eyes were filled with excitement when she saw the nice colour of her curry. Even though she was unsure of the taste, the colour made her feel relieved. The last time she attempted to make curry by herself, it turned out yellow. It was a pale, ugly looking yellow so it was fed to the sink instead.

“Nice job Hara. That looks just like my curry!” Nicole said, encouraging the new chef. Hara grinned happily and suddenly pulled Nicole for a hug. She pressed her cheek against the other girl.

“Thank you Nicole! If it wasn’t for you, I might have made yellow curry again!” Hara said, thankful. Nicole blushed at the warm gesture. She happily turned her face to Hara and planted a kiss on her cheek. 

Hara was startled and quickly let go of Nicole. “Yah!” 

Nicole smiled and shrugged, “I can’t help it.” 

Hara turned away from the girl and crossed her arms pretending to be angry. She huffed and grabbed the wooden spatula and stirred her pot of curry. On the inside, she could feel her heart blooming over this girl. She liked how Nicole always listened to her, gave her the attention, and overall treating her like the spoiled princess she was. In all, she liked all the simple things Nicole did for her; saying goodnight to her before bed, the unexpected pecks on the cheek, and just the way she looked at her. Even though Hara consistently tried putting a friendship line between them, the line was starting to blur, more like fade away.

Nicole nonchalantly placed her right hand on the kitchen counter, and her left on the other side, trapping Hara in between the counter and her body. A cold sweat ran down Hara’s face as she bit her lip, trying to keep her cool. Living with Nicole was like being on an island of temptations. She wondered how she’s survived for so long…until now. 

“Have you put in the salt yet?” Nicole asked from behind Hara. She rested her chin on the girl’s shoulder as she tried to peek through at how the curry was doing.

“Oh yeah, salt.” Hara said. She quickly turned around to get the salt but was greeted by Nicole’s adorable smile. 

Hara sighed, “Stop bothering me! I can’t cook if you’re like this, Cole. “

Nicole grinned.

“Like what?” She asked, with a slight smirk on her face. 

Hara’s lip curled up into a smile. She playfully pushed Nicole aside and muttered, “What am I gonna do with you?” 

Suddenly the bell rang. They had a guest.

Hara and Nicole looked at each other in wonder.

“Who comes to our house?” Nicole asked, worried.

Hara shrugged. 

“I’ll get the door.” She said, hurriedly walk to the door.

Nicole shook her head. “NO! WAIT!” 

But it was too late. Hara already opened the door and was now talking to the guest.

“May I know who you are looking for?” She asked to the guest. The door view was restricted from the kitchen so Nicole couldn’t tell who it was. She nervously slowly walked out of the kitchen towards the door.She has a bad feeling about this. No one could know that Hara wass with her this whole time.

Could it be..

Nicole reached the door and stood frozen as she saw the guest. He was staring at her, though he looks calm and collected; Nicole could see the fury behind his eyes. 

She gulped.

****.

It’s Jaejoong oppa..

**

DING.

The elevator door opened. Jessica and Tiffany stepped into the vacant elevator in sync, their hands intertwined, and blissful expressions were plastered across their faces. Jessica pressed for the 9th floor for Tiffany’s office and 10th floor for hers. Then the elevator door closed, and the two girls exchanged glances. 

Jessica looked at her fiancé, with her sweet smile and endearing gaze. 

Tiffany frowned, “What is it? Is there something on my face?”

Jessica chuckled and then nodded.

“Really? Where?” Tiffany asked, with a panicked expression. She began to randomly touch her face, wiping her cheeks and touching her lips as if her face was smudged all over with makeup.

Jessica enjoyed this little scene in front of her, Tiffany naively believed that there was makeup smudged on her face when she really looked fine. She put an arm around the girl’s back and gently pulled her near.

Tiffany gasped; shocked but then she gulped when Jessica put her forehead against hers. They stared at each other silently. 

Jessica smiled. “There’s something..here.” 

She said before she leaned in for a tender kiss. The kiss surprised Tiffany but it was a good surprise. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation emitted by the contact through her body. A wave of lust showering over her body.

DING.

They arrived on the 9th floor. 

They hesitantly broke the kiss, wishing they could just stop the elevator and continue what they barely started. Tiffany gazed deeply into her lover’s eyes and held that moment for a couple seconds before she spoke again, “Good luck with the shareholders meeting today.”

The mood was killed, so Jessica nodded and returned the gesture. 

It was the first shareholders meeting that Jessica conducted as Editor-In-Chief, without the presence of her aunt or her grandfather. It was just her and random cluster of people in suits whom she barely knew. It’s been bothering Jessica for weeks and even though she tried to act fine in front of Tiffany, she knew how apprehensive the girl was. 

“Wait for me in my office after work. I want to take you to the new Italian restaurant in town.” Jessica said, stroking Tiffany’s cheek gently with her fingertips.

“Okay.” Tiffany replied with a nod, her face a slight shade of pink.

Tiffany was about to leave the elevator but didn’t let go of the girl’s hand.

“Jessi..” she said as she turned around facing the girl once again.

“Yeah?”

“You’re gonna be alright in the meeting.” Tiffany said with an assuring smile.

Jessica looked at her, and smiled.

“Thank you honey.” She said, touched.

Tiffany finally let go of her hand, and the elevator door slowly closed.

The both of them were still gazing at each other and when it was almost closed; two words came from them simultaneously.

“Love ya.”

The door closed and Tiffany stood there watching the display number for the elevator’s floor. She saw it stop at the 10th floor and then went back down to the lower floors. With a satisfied smile she finally moved on, walking towards her office. 

“Good morning everyone!” Tiffany greeted as she entered her department. She pushed the white glass door opened and walked inside with positive energy. She wanted to work hard for the company and make things easier for Jessica. 

“Ah, good morning to you Ms Hwang.” A voice replied. 

It was Seohyun, who came early as usual to tidy up her already tidy table. She was wearing yellow rubber gloves as she wiped her table clean with disinfectant. 

She was always cleaning, like the neat freak she was. Seohyun was Seohyun after all, it was no surprise.

Tiffany looked at her and nodded with a smile. She walked to her desk and put down her bag. She looked around the office, it felt incomplete. Someone was missing.

Ah…Nicole

“Seohyun-ah, where is Nicole? I haven’t seen her in two days. Did she call to inform the company about her leave?” 

Seohyun stopped wiping the edge of her desk and looked up towards her.

“I don’t know Unnie. We haven’t received any calls.  I’ve tried to get in touch with her but so far I only got to her voice mail.” She replied.

“Oh really? I wonder what happened to her.” Tiffany said to herself as she straightened a pile of papers on her desk. 

She sat down and looked briefly over the files that were placed on the side. There were a few designs that still needed to be completed. Not wanting to feel the work burden at early hours she quickly closed the files and put them back where it was, making a mental note to look at them later. She saw a corner of a glossy pink card near her computer screen, and a smile crept up her face. She knew exactly what it was. She took the card and read it as if she’s never read it before, even though she probably read it a billion times already.

The card said,

An Invitation to

Jessica & Tiffany Engagement Party

Her heart jumped with joy.

It’s this weekend..

**

“What the hell is going on here?!” Shouted Kim Jaejoong to the girl before him. 

The two of them stood outside the apartment building. Jaejoong was no longer calm and collected like he always was. He was walking back and forth, staring at Nicole with a furious gaze.

“What is a Jung blood doing in your apartment?!” He continued, his right hand pointing to the apartment frantically.

Nicole looked down in silence and shame. She never thought her brother would find out about Hara. He never visited her apartment before. But he picked today to be such a good, caring brother. 

Jaejoong stopped pacing and stood in front of Nicole, weaving his fingers through his hair in irritation.

“Explain this mess to me!!” He shouted.

Nicole gulped. Her throat felt dry. But knowing Jaejoong, he wouldn’t stop until he got his answer. Nicole bit her lip, contemplating whether to tell him the truth. She wanted to lie to him, tell him that this was all part of the plan to ruin the Jung family even more. But that’s not what came out from her mouth.

“Oppa, I really..like her.” Nicole said timidly with a soft voice. 

She looked up at Jaejoong and their eyes met. Jaejoong was stunned, unable to process his sister’s explanation. It was simple, but unexpected. It was the worst thing he could think of. 

He gritted his teeth and rubbed his temples. “Stop this bullshit.” He hissed under his breath.

Nicole looked away defeated by his stares, shrinking even smaller with every word he said. She was scared. Jaejoong rarely got angry, but when he does, he could get really scary. 

Gathering all her strength, she continued sincerely and even softer than before, “I don’t think...I can do this anymore.”

Jaejoong scoffed, his sister still shocking him. 

Nicole looked up to him, “I don’t think we should punish them for dad’s death.”

Jaejoong grunted in frustrations. “Cole! They killed dad!”

“No, dad was killed in an accident!” Nicole replied, firm.

Jaejoong grabbed her shoulders tightly, “Nicole you’ve been blinded by this girl! She’s messed with your head and now you can’t think straight!”

“Oppa, I…just don’t want to do this anymore..” Nicole said her voice slightly cracking.

Jaejoong looked at her and saw the tears filling her eyes. 

“I don’t want to do this..” 

He sighed.

“Fine. If you don’t want to do this then..okay. Just stay out of this. Mom and I will take care of it.” He said as he let go of Nicole from his firm grip.

Nicole looked at her brother, feeling guilty. 

Jaejoong shook his head a few times and then looked at Nicole again. His expression was serious.

“And I don’t want you to meet Hara anymore. You really think our family is going to accept her? Stop now before it gets too far.” He said.

Nicole shook her head. “I can’t-

“I’m warning you, Cole. Leave her or..

..I’ll make her leave.” Jaejong finished.

Hara looked at the two from the window. Though she couldn’t hear a thing, she had a bad feeling about what they’re talking about. 

**

Tiffany was tired of waiting. She’s been sitting in Jessica’s office since 5:30pm and it was already 7:30. 2 hours. Jessica never kept her waiting for 2 hours. The longest she waited for her was half an hour and Tiffany was sulking the whole day because of it. 

She had been to every corner of the spacious office during the two hours. In the first hour, she drank some of Jessica’s juices at the bar, browsed the internet on Jessica’s computer, tidied up her desk and spent the next hour sleeping on the guest’s sofa. She grunted and mumbled to herself, complaining on how much longer she would wait for Jessica. 

She called her more 20 times in the last 2 hours, an average of one call every six minutes. None were answered, and she ended up leaving 20 different messages for Jessica. Her messages ranged from funny to fake farting sounds , even sexy moaning sounds.

Tiffany sighed in defeat and slumped herself on a sofa crossing her arms. She was angry and hungry because Jessica was 2 hours late. 

She gulped. 

Did something happen to her? 

I’ve never waited this long…

Tiffany stood up from the couch pacing back and forth thinking of the worst. Her heart was racing and a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. Bad scenarios were invading her mind and she couldn’t shake them off that easily.

What if she got into an accident?

What if something happened to her?

What if..

No.

Just thinking about it made Tiffany shudder with fear. 

Suddenly the door opened.

All her troubles vanished and she instantly felt relieved. 

Jessica.

Tiffany ran to the door to bury herself in Jessica’s embrace. But she stopped halfway. It wasn’t Jessica who appeared from behind the door. 

Her faithful secretary, Narsha walked into the office and stood in front of Tiffany. She slightly bowed her head at her. Tiffany is her boss’s most important person and she respects her just as much. 

She looked at the teary-eyed Tiffany and begin, “Ms Hwang, I have a message from Ms Jessica.”

Tiffany looked at her, a wave of anxiety, confusion, and fear crashing into her.

“A message? Wh-where is Jessi?” She asked, stuttering. The worst thing came to her mind.

“Yes, a message. She wants me to inform you to go home and not to wait for her. I called a car for you and it’s waiting for you right now.” Narsha continued.

“But..where is Jessi? Why can’t she pick me up?” Tiffany said anxiously a bit out of breath.

“Ms Jessica is attending a family meeting at the Jung’s residence as we speak.” Narsha  replied in a serious tone.

Tiffany sighed and looked away. She couldn’t help but wonder why Jessica didn’t inform her about it herself.

“Wh-why didn’t she answer my calls?” Tiffany asked.

Narsha shook her head. 

“That, I do not know, Ms Hwang.”

**

Sunny’s café was full of life that late evening. The seats were filled with happy customers, and there was a buzz of chatter everywhere. The atmosphere was calm but, the customers faces were all hyped for tonight’s performance. Sunny was seen running back and forth from the kitchen to the booths with orders in her hands. 

She would stop every time she passed the performing stage to check in with the singer and how she was doing.

The singer was her wife, Kim Taeyeon. She was the reason why the café was so packed that night. It’s the first night the stage was used again since the SunnyZ disbanded. Taeyeon’s voice soothed the audience’s soul, along with the acoustic guitar played by Seohyun. The melody and harmony together made the whole audience silence in awe making the whole room more serene. 

Sunny chuckled. Seohyun never fails to amaze me with her multiple abilitiesg, Yoona once accused her of being inhuman.

The song, “ Different” was a deep, expressive song about a broken relationship, and Sooyoung couldn’t help but relate herself to the lyrics.

Love, love hurts..

Love, separation speaks to me..

Love, even if I am alone again..

Sooyoung bit her lip, trying hard not to spill any tears. Suddenly she heard someone sobbing by her side. Thinking how Taeyeon’s powerful performance had touched people’s feelings. 

Who is it?

Sooyoung was shocked.

It was Tiffany. 

She wiped her cheeks with tissues. And when she realized that Sooyoung was staring at her, she put away the tissues and smiled at her as if nothing happened. Like she could ever fool Sooyoung with that fake smile of hers.

“Sooyoung-ah, how’s your new job?” Tiffany shot a question before her friend would interrogate her. Sooyoung shrugged. “It’s alright. My colleagues are all friendly and my boss is great. And honestly speaking, Glam’s office is better than Glitter’s.”

Tiffany let out a small laugh which then turned into huge laughter. Sooyoung gulped, watching her friend, laughing to something that wasn’t even funny. Tiffany’s eyes are filled with tears now but she was still laughing. She was trying to forget about the thing that was bugging her mind and conceal her tears with her laugh. But Tiffany was never a good actress and Sooyoung knew the laughs were fake. The tears however, were real.

Sooyoung put a hand on Tiffany’s shoulder and pressed it gently. Tiffany stopped laughing.

“Fany-ah, what happened?” She asked.

Tiffany shook her head and wiped her teary eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I saw you crying.” Sooyoung continued.

Tiffany looked down and bit her lip. “It’s not because I’m sad..I was laughing.” She lied.

But Sooyoung ignored her obvious lie. 

“Did something happen between you and Sica? I’m gonna beat her up if she hurt you.” She said, serious.

Tiffany chuckled and shook her head. “It’s nothing, really.”

Sooyoung continued to look at her friend in concern even when she was avoiding her eyes. Tiffany was hiding her sorrow and Sooyoung respected that. But it still didn’t stop her from wondering. They both became silent for a while, something that rarely happened when they’re together. 

Sooyoung waited. 

Tiffany pulled another ply of tissue from the box on the table and sighed.

“It’s Jessica..” She said slowly.

“I knew it.” Sooyoung replied.

“I couldn’t get in touch with her since this morning, she wouldn’t answer my calls and I don’t know why.” Tiffany added.

She held the tissue tightly in her hand until it was torn to pieces. 

“I’m worried about her, Sooyoung-ah. She disappeared after the shareholders meeting and even though Narsha said that she’s with her family now… I still..” Tiffany paused.

The she added, “She never did anything like this before. She would always tell me where she was because she knew how much I..worry about her..” 

Seeing how fragile Tiffany was, Sooyoung moved closer to her as she rubbed her shoulder to make her feel better. 

“I’m sure Sica has a good reason for this.” Sooyoung said hopefully.

“Well, she better be. Our engagement party is in three days. I don’t want..anything bad to happen..” Tiffany said, holding her tears.

Sooyoung stared at her friend and sighed. 

“Well, there is a rumour going around my office today..” She said.

Tiffany looked at her, dumbfounded. Thinking why would her friend wants to gossip at this kind of moment. “What rumour?” She asked anyway.

Sooyoung bit her lip, hesitant. 

“It’s about...the Glitter’s shareholder meeting that Jessica was in earlier..” 

Tiffany immediately sat up straight and looked at Sooyoung intently. “What is it?” She asked, impatient. 

“I need to remind you that it’s just a rumour and it might not be true after all.” Sooyoung said.

“Just tell me.” 

Sooyoung leaned closer to Tiffany. “I heard that, when Jessica arrived in the meeting room..

..it was empty.”

Tiffany looked at Sooyoung , confused.

“What do you mean, empty?” 

Sooyoung sighed. “No one came to the meeting but Jessica and her secretary.”

“Fany, everyone boycotted her.” She added.

Tiffany gulped.

Oh no, Jessi..

Chapter 63

Things I Would Do For You

TIK, TOK, TIK, TOK

Tiffany’s eyes were fixed on the grandfather’s clock in the living room. Her eyes followed the pendulum as it moved from side to side with each second passed.

It was already 3:30 am and Jessica hasn’t returned home yet.

Baby, where are you?

She stood up and pulled the pastel pink knit jacket around her tighter. And then she paced back and forth again while waiting for any sign of Jessica returning.

She waited for her phone to ring. 

She waited for someone to come through the door. 

But until now, there was nothing.

She did everything she could to locate Jessica. She called Krystal to know if she was still at their family house, only to find out that Jessica already left at 11:00 pm. She had been calling Jessica’s phone continuously until her phone battery died. Each call she made was unanswered and just another voice message sent.

Tiffany stopped pacing and stared at the clock again.

“Where are you?” She said, grunting.

Unable to wait any longer, she grabbed a grey blanket on the sofa and marched out of the house.

She sat down on the porch, staring at the road just to see if there was any sign of passing vehicles, as if she waiting there will make Jessica returned home sooner. But there was nothing but the sound of insects’ orchestra filling the night.

“Ahhhhchooo!” She sneezed. 

She covered her mouth with her hands and reached into her pocket for a napkin. With her shaking hands she wiped her nose with it. The night was undeniably cold but Tiffany was too busy worrying about Jessica to notice the chill. She wrapped the blanket around her body tighter and continued to stare at the empty street.

Suddenly she heard the sounds of dragged footsteps coming towards her. 

She quickly stood up and be wary of her surroundings.

“Je-Jessi? Is that you?”

In the dark, she saw a figure of a person approaching her from the roadside. The person wasn’t walking straight, but swaying side to side like someone who’s drunk.

Is it..

Tiffany waited until she saw it clearly. 

She gasped. 

It was Jessica.

“Oh my god, Jessi..” She uttered before running towards the girl.

Jessica wasn’t herself anymore. Her bloodshot eyes were half closed and her body was weak. She could barely stand on her feet. Her breath emitted strong smell of alcohol.  

Tiffany quickly grabbed her arms to support her from falling. Jessica took notice of the person who was helping her. She looked at Tiffany with a confused expression. She tilted her head sideways and pointed at Tiffany with her finger.

“Oh..my napkin..what are you..doing out here?” Jessica asked, slurring. 

“What happened? Did you..force yourself to drink?” Tiffany asked back, worried.

Tiffany stared at her face. “Look at you..God.”

Jessica suddenly smiled foolishly. “Are you..waiting for me..honey?” 

Tiffany sighed and put Jessica’s arm over her shoulder, to support her from falling. “Let’s get inside. We don’t want to wake up the neighbours..”

“I TOLD YOU NOT TO WAIT FOR ME!” Jessica suddenly shouted.

Tiffany was shocked. “Jessi, calm down.”

“WHAT IF YOU GOT SICK, HUH?!” Jessica continued. 

Tiffany gulped; Jessica never raised her voice that way at her. She almost cried. “Je-Jessi please, let’s just get inside..”

**

“I bet you changed your mind now, right honey?” Jessica mumbled. 

Tiffany carefully took her to the living room and let her sit on the sofa. Jessica slumped herself on the seat and then smirked at Tiffany. Tiffany was wiping her forehead with a napkin to make her feel better.

“I bet you..wouldn’t want to marry..a drunken woman like me..ahaha..” Jessica said.

Tiffany bit her lip. “What are you talking about? Stop it.”

She sat on the coffee table and then she took Jessica’s right foot and put it on her lap. Gently she took off her high heel and stocking.

Jessica was still badly drunk, she mumbled. “No matter how hard I try, I’ll never succeed. It’s just a waste of time..”

“Jessi, calm down.” Tiffany said as she put down Jessica right foot.

“I’VE TRIED MY BEST MANAGING GLITTER! YOU KNOW I DO!” Jessica suddenly bursts.

Tiffany sighed. “I know..”

She took Jessica’s left foot and put it on her lap to undo her other high heel and stocking.

“But in the end they all turn their backs on me! Saying I’m incompetent, biased, unstable..

..lesbian..”

Tiffany paused pulling her left stocking and looked down with mixed feelings. Her heart suddenly felt heavy. 

“I’m a loser, Tiffany. Loser. Even grandpa thinks so.” Jessica continued.

“Ev-Even grandpa?” Tiffany asked, shocked.

“Tiffany, I’m a loser. Do you still want to be with me?” 

Tiffany looked at her drunken fiancé, “Jessica..”

Jessica scoffed. “You know what? Let’s just have sex..”

Tiffany shook her head. “No, not like this..”

“Uggghhh..” Jessica suddenly jerked her head forward. She was about to throw up. 

“Jessi, don’t! Wait, I’m gonna get you a towel and a bucket..” Tiffany rushed to the toilet. She grabbed a towel hanging on the wall and took a small bucket on the counter. 

She returned as fast as she could and find Jessica was lying on the sofa.

Tiffany kneeled down by the sofa and took a closer look at Jessica’s face. The girl had fallen asleep. Her face showed how tired, wasted and stressed she was. Tiffany wished she could take her pain away. 

She tenderly caressed the sleeping girl’s face and planted a soft kiss her forehead. 

What can I do for you, Jessica?

Then tears fell from her eyes.

**

GAME OVER

The word was displayed on the TV screen. 

“Ah! Not again!” Hara whined. She threw the game controller onto the couch.

Nicole was flipping her hands like a dolphin. “And the winner is Nicole! Again!”

They were playing a racing game on Nicole’s Sony Playstation 3. It was already became a routine for them to spend their time together before going to bed. 

“One more time!”

“Hara-yah, we’ve been playing this game for hours now..”

“One more time!” Hara insisted.

Nicole shook her head. “I can’t. I have to go to work in the morning and I only have about 3 hours to sleep.”

“One more time!”

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Just one more time!” Hara said, shaking Nicole’s arms as she continues to whine.

“Hara..” 

“Please, Cole-ah..” Hara said with pouted lips.

Nicole looked at her and sighed. There was no way she could say no to that aegyo face.

“This is the last time.”

“YAY!” Hara was overjoyed, she wrapped her arms around Nicole and hugged her tightly. Nicole smiled, enjoying the embrace.

“I love you Cole!” Hara said before she kissed her cheek.

Nicole’s cheeks turned pink immediately. She smiled shyly and grabbed the game controller for another round of game. She can’t be any happier than being with Hara. Sometimes she wonder if she can go through a day without Hara.

Suddenly her brother’s words played on her mind.

“I’m warning you, Cole. Leave her or..I’ll make her leave.”

“I WONNNNN! I WON!” Hara suddenly shouted.

Nicole looked at the screen, and it’s true that Hara just defeated her. Her mind was occupied with thoughts that she wasn’t even paying attention to the game. She crashed the wall the second it begin.  

“COLE IS A LOSER!” Hara said, sticking her tongue childishly.

Nicole chuckled at her. She was too adorable, makes Nicole wants to pinch her cheeks. 

So she did.

Hara grinned.

But suddenly Nicole’s expression turned serious. 

“Hara, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” 

**

Nicole was sitting on Hara’s bed, tucking her to bed like always. Hara was already lying on the bed, letting Nicole pulling up the blanket up to her chest. She enjoyed the things Nicole does for her. She makes her feel special.

“What do want to talk to me about?” She suddenly asked.

“What?”

“You said earlier that you want to tell me something.”

“Oh that..well..”

Nicole looked away. She has been hesitating about it since. She knows her brother was being serious about wanting her to leave Hara. 

She knows what he can do. And worse, what their mother can do to her. And to Hara. 

“Oh come on, tell me.” Hara insisted.

“I-I want to tell you that..

I have to let you go.

Nicole paused. Her mind already arranged the sentence.

..you have to leave my house.

..I let you win that game.” 

But what came out was completely different.

But..I’m not ready to let you go..

“Liar! I won because you suck at playing!” Hara argued.

Nicole smiled.

“But seriously, what did you want to tell me about? I’m curious.”

Nicole shook her head. “It’s nothing, really.”

She tried to stand up and leave the room, but Hara grabbed her hand. She stopped and looked at Hara.

She was pouting, “Oh please tell me! Or I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

So cute.

Nicole sighed; she sat back on the bed and stared into Hara’s eyes lovingly.

“Hara..”

“Hmm?”

You can’t stay in my house anymore.

I want you to leave.

“I..”

“What is it?”

“I..

“Ah come on, hurry up!”

Nicole took a deep breath and finished her sentence.

“I love you.”

Nicole had no idea how that came out from her mouth. It wasn’t planned at all. Her heart was beating fast as Hara was staring at her with her huge beautiful eyes that seemed shocked at her sudden confession. 

Nicole finds it hard to breathe.

“Ha-Hara, I..

She didn’t get the chance to finish her sentence. A pair of soft lips was pressed against hers, silencing her completely. Her eyes were opened, surprised but she could see Hara was kissing her with her eyes closed. And soon she shut her eyes and cupped Hara’s face to kiss her properly. 

Nicole never felt this blessed. 

And this loved.

After a while, they slowly broke the kiss and stared at each other’s eyes. 

Hara smiled with her blushing cheeks. 

“You may love me.” She said.

“But-

“give me some time before I can fall in love with you. There is someone I need to forget, first.” 

Nicole nodded. “Okay.”

I’m sorry oppa.

I can NEVER let her go.

**

It’s morning at the Glitter’s office.

There were people gathering in circles, whispering to each other. The secretary, Narsha was in the Editor-In-Chief’s office, busy putting Jessica’s stuffs into boxes. And then she took out the boxes one by one and transferred them to the smaller vacant office room next door. Everyone begin to wonder what was going on. This surely caused a lot of rumours among the staffs.

Seohyun and Nicole stood at one corner, confused like the others in the building. Seohyun looked around for Jessica or Tiffany but none of them were there.

“What is going on?” Seohyun asked to Nicole. 

Nicole shrugged. “I have no idea..”

She looked away, quickly ending their conversation. Deep down she had a feeling that her mother played a role in what was happening. 

“I heard that Jessica Jung was demoted.” A voice said.

Seohyun and Nicole turned to their side. Heechul was leaning his back against the wall beside them. 

“No wonder Tiffany couldn’t show her face at the office today. Her girlfriend no longer has power in this magazine.” He added with a smirk.

Seohyun shook her head, offended. 

“Don’t say anything if you don’t know them.” 

Suddenly everyone looked at the elevator door as it opened. And people started to whisper again.

A young woman was walking out of it with a serious expression. 

It was Tiffany. 

**

Jessica woke up with throbbing pain on her head. She scratched her messy hair weakly and pushed herself up to sit. She glanced at the clock on the wall and noticed that it was already 12 PM. She leaned her back against the soft sofa, trying to regain the memory of what happened the night before.

I went to the meeting.

No one was there.

Grandpa called home.

Was scolded..

“This magazine has never been in such worst condition!”

“How do you run this business?”

“You almost killed Glitter.”

Then demoted.

“The shareholders want you to step down.”

She looked down, as the painful memory stabbed her heart once again. She has never felt more humiliated. She felt like everything that she had built had been destroyed. Her career, her image, her ego, and her life it was all over.

She buried her face in her palms. 

Then I tried to get drunk.

Passed out a few times but still drunk.

Walked home.

Tiffany was there..

She looked up immediately.

“Tiffany..”

And suddenly she remembered Tiffany worried face, and how she dragged her into the house, took off her shoes and stockings..

And then nothing else.

She can’t remember if she had said anything to her. 

“She shouldn’t seen me drunk..” She mumbled in regret.

“You’re up?” A voice asked.

“Honey, I-

Jessica looked up, expecting it was Tiffany but she was shocked.

“Tae-Taeyeon?”

Taeyeon smiled and put down a cup of drink on the coffee table before sitting at a couch across Jessica.

“Drink up. It’s good to cure a hangover.” She said, pointing at the cup.

“Wa-wait? Did I enter the wrong house? If it is then I’m sorry..” Jessica said, trying to get up from the sofa.

“Hey, you’re in your own house! Aigoo, how much did you drink last night?” 

Jessica looked at her, confused.

“Then what are you doing here?”

Taeyeon scoffed. “Wah Sica..”

“Well, it’s not that I really want to be here, but Tiffany asked me to look after you.”

“Tiffany..what?”

“She asked me to look after you. Make you the hangover remedy and make sure you will eat-

“But why? Where is Tiffany?” Jessica asked, confused.

“Tiffany is at the office right now.”

“At Glitter?”

Taeyeon nodded.

“She said something about fighting for your rights. And meeting the chairman.”

Jessica stared at Taeyeon, shocked. 

“What? Why are you looking at me like that? You’re scaring my baby..” Taeyeon said, rubbing her stomach.

“FCK.” Jessica cursed.

“Yah watch it! Don’t say dirty words in front of my baby!”

“Taeyeon, you can go home now.” Jessica ordered, serious.

“But, Tiffany asked me to-

“Just go home and take care of your pregnant self!” Jessica cuts in, pointed to the door.

Taeyeon scoffed. “Okay, okay. No need to shout.” 

Jessica grabbed her phone on the table as soon as Taeyeon left. She called Tiffany’s phone but she didn’t answer. 

“Ah damn it!”

Jessica quickly dialled another number.

And it was answered immediately.

“Narsha!”

“Yes, Ms Jessica.”

“Is Tiffany there right now? Let me talk to her.”

“She was here a while ago.”

“Damn it! Where is she?!”

“She’s in the Chairman’s office right now..”

It’s too late.

Chapter 64

Scarred

The atmosphere tensed up in the chairman’s office. 

Albert Jung was sitting in his chair behind his huge oak desk. A girl was standing before him, staring at him as she was waiting for his answer. She believes that there must be a better solution to the current crisis. 

Jessica should never been treated this way.

“Why? Why was Jessica demoted?” Tiffany Hwang asked, yet again.

Albert sighed. “Tiffany..”

Though he already asked the girl kindly to leave his room, there she stood asking the same question for the past ten minutes.

“She did nothing wrong to deserve such punishment. She gave her best in managing Glitter, you know that, grandpa.” Tiffany added, with her voice cracked. 

Albert looked at her, as she might bursts into tears any second. He could tell that she sincerely cares about Jessica. The old man sighed again. 

“I know but there’s not much I can do..”

“You’re the owner of Jung Corp! There must be something you can do!” Tiffany suddenly raised her voice. 

Albert was startled by her sudden fierce tone. The Tiffany before him felt like a different person. 

He shook his head. 

“Apparently, things don’t work like that. The shareholders are the ones who keep the magazine alive until now. Glitter wouldn’t be this successful if it’s not for the help of my dear friends.”

“I have known those men for years. I can’t let they lose trust in this company. Though I love Jessica, I can’t risk of losing the magazine that I’ve built for 15 years!” He said firmly. His warm gentle expression had turned serious. 

“But it’s unfair to Jessica. What she ever did that was so wrong for all of them to boycott her?” Tiffany protested.

Albert took off his glasses and put them on the table. He leaned his back at his seat and let out a disappointed sigh. 

“We can’t control what people think, what people feel. I may accept you and Jessica being together but, for some people..”

He looked at his glasses and wiped it with a cloth, as if he was avoiding Tiffany’s gaze. 

Tiffany was left speechless.

She knows what he meant. 

He then quickly added. “They said that they can no longer trust the Jungs. Too much internal problems and they believed that it’s affecting the company’s performance. Those people..”

He sighed. 

“They can’t trust a family with multiple issues, with Hara being a rebel, Anna with her unstable emotions, and we’re losing money through the café business, plus 

Jessica is getting married to a woman..

Tiffany looked down and bit her lip.

..and they’re saying that I’ve gotten senile too.” He let out a small laugh. 

But Tiffany wasn’t smiling.

“Drastic measures have to be taken in order to restore people’s faith in the Jungs. That’s why when the board called me personally and voted to demote Jessica, I had no choice but to comply with their requests or else they will no longer believe in me, in this company.”

“But-

Suddenly the door was knocked, putting a break in their conversation.

Albert paused, “Come in.” He said.

A tall man in black corporate suit walked in with a wide smile on his face. 

“Oh you came, Jiho.” Albert greeted.

Oh Jiho slightly bowed at him and walked to his desk. “Good afternoon Chairman Jung. I’m sorry for being a little late. I was in a meeting earlier.”

Albert smiled and nodded. “It’s okay, I was talking to Ms Hwang while waiting for you.”

Oh Jiho smiled and turned to his side. He saw Tiffany standing by with a serious expression on her face.

“Tiffany, may I introduce to you, the new Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Oh Jiho.”

Tiffany gulped. 

New Editor-In Chief??

The man smiled at Tiffany and offered his hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you, Ms Hwang. I’m looking forward to work with you. I’ve heard about how talented you are.” 

Tiffany stared at Albert and shook her head.

“Th-This is unacceptable. You rather let an outsider run this company than your own granddaughter?” 

Albert was taken aback by her statement. He never expected it to come out from Tiffany’s mouth.

“Maybe it’s true that you’ve gotten senile.” Tiffany added, angry.

“TIFFANY HWANG!” Albert shouted. 

The atmosphere in the room immediately turned tense. The chairman stared at Tiffany, furious. 

“You are in no position to talk to me like that. Don’t forget that you are not yet a part of the Jung family.” 

“You’re also an outsider.”

**

Everyone stared at the door of the Chairman’s office, anticipating. It has been almost an hour since Tiffany entered the room, despite the secretary was stopping her. People were curious of the outcome of this drama.

Suddenly the door was open. Tiffany walked out of it with a glum expression. Her face was pale and her stares were empty as if she was soulless. The office staffs were staring at her and exchanged whispers, like she was some kind of an animal on a show. Tiffany kept her head down as she passed by the nosy staffs, as if it will make her invisible. 

But she wasn’t deaf.

“Woah, did she really go to meet the chairman?”

“Where is Jessica Jung right now? Maybe she’s hiding behind her girlfriend. What a wimp.”

Tiffany balled her fists, holding back her fury. She hissed under her breath. She tried to make it to the elevator as soon as possible and escape the nosy spectators. 

But then someone was stopping her way. Her path was blocked by a man with colourful pair of sneakers. She looked up and met his eyes. It was none other than Kim Heechul.

He stood in front the elevator, with both his arms crossed. His face was plastered with his signature mocking smile. Tiffany wants to slap his face.

“Aww look at you.” He said.

“You look just like a lost little puppy. Where is your master, ey little pup?” He asked, mocking.

Tiffany grits her teeth and stared at him.

“Is our puppy angry? You want me to pour you some milk?” He added, laughing.

Tiffany wish she could punch this guy in the face right there and then but that would be useless. She scoffed and pushed him aside to get to the elevator. She entered the empty elevator. Tears were filling her eyes and by the time the elevator door was closed, it rolled down her face nonstop. 

All this is too much for her to take. It’s too painful to go against the world by herself. 

All she just wanted at that moment was to escape and find solace in Jessica’s embrace.

**

There was a black car outside the Rainbow Apartment in downtown Seoul. It was parked not too far from the entrance. 

Inside the car was a young man, observing every person who walked in and out of the building. He had been there for 2 hours and still patiently waiting.

Kim Jaejoong sometimes glanced at the third floor; the window was closed shut and covered with peach coloured curtain. It looked like no one was home. Jaejoong figured that Nicole had gone to work and the house is now empty. It should be empty.

He let out a relieved sigh and his lip curled up, forming a little smile as he truly believed that his sister had took his advice of getting rid of the Jung. He started his car’s engine and it strummed slowly. He put one hand on the gear pedal and was about to leave when he saw 

that girl

.

That girl was smiling happily.

That girl was even skipping her steps.

Hara was walking into the building with a bag of groceries filled with vegetables, meat and all the delicious ingredients. Just like a faithful housewife who was eager to cook for her husband.

Jaejoong’s heart dropped. 

Nicole didn’t get rid of the Jung.

She ignored his order even when he already warned her.

Cole, you’re going to regret this..

**

Tiffany reached home when it was almost five in the evening. The weather was quite cold as it was slowly raining. She parked her car right in front her house and pace quickly to the front door. She was too tired to park in the garage. Her brown trench coat was slightly wet from the rain, but she didn’t care. She turned the door knob slowly and pushed the door open. She can’t wait to see Jessica to see how she was doing. She had been worrying about her since last night. That girl had been running on her mind all day.

“I’m home.” She said as she entered the house. She took off her shoes and closed the door behind her.

She turned around and paused. 

Jessica was standing at the doorway with her arms crossed. Tiffany could tell that something was wrong. 

Jessica didn’t look pleased. 

Still, Tiffany faked a smile hiding her sorrow and walked to the girl. She held her arms gently.

“Jessi, are you alright dear?” She asked.

“Tiffany, did you go to meet Albert?” Jessica asked, coldly. She ignored Tiffany’s question and shot hers.

Honestly, Tiffany was surprised with her tone.

“Grandpa? Why-

“Did you or did you not meet him?” She asked, demanding for and answer.

Tiffany paused and they stared at each other. Jessica was dead serious. 

Then Tiffany nodded. “I did.”

All of the sudden Jessica scoffed and pulled her arms from Tiffany’s grip. Tiffany was so shocked; she was stunned by what was happening. Jessica had never been this cold to her. 

She could smell alcohol in her breath. 

And it explained it all; Jessica had been drinking.

“What did you said to him?” Jessica asked.

“I..asked him about you. That he shouldn’t de-

..did that to you.” Tiffany replied, slightly stuttering. 

Jessica hissed. “And what did he said? Did he say that he will give me my job back?”

“He-

“He ignored you, did he? He probably said that you have no say in the family business and you’re just an outsider.”

Tiffany gulped. “How did you know..”

“How could you-

“Jessi..”

“HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?!” She suddenly shouted.

Tiffany froze, shocked.

“Did you ever think of what it will do to me?!” Jessica added, with her hands pointing at herself. 

“Jessica, why are you yelling at me? I was just trying to help you..”

Jessica scoffed. “Do I look so weak and helpless that I need my girlfriend to do that for me?!”

Tiffany shook her head. “I thought that was the least thing I could do! Do you know how heartbreaking I felt seeing you in pain and knowing that there’s not much I can do for you?”

“Which is why I said that I don’t need your help! This is not something that someone like you can meddle with!”

Tiffany scoffed. “Someone like me?”

Realizing that she might have said something offensive, Jessica continued. “Wh-what I’m trying to say is that you should talk to me first before doing something stupid like this..”

But it only made Tiffany even angrier.

“God, talk to you? I called you hundreds of times yesterday but you didn’t even answer one of my calls! I had to find out what happened to you from someone else!” She raised her voice.

Jessica gulped.

“And I waited for you till 3 in the morning just to find you drunk. Now tell me how am I supposed to talk to you?!” 

Tiffany stared at Jessica, intense. 

“It’s not exactly happy news to break it to you. Can’t you understand me?” 

“Jessica, are we in this relationship only to share happy news? We’re supposed to be there for each other through anything! Why can’t you let me be there for you?”

“Geez, it’s not that simple.”

“So tell me about it!” Tiffany said, pissed.

Jessica bit her lip. “Okay, what if I tell you the reason they demote me was because of you?”

Tiffany stared at her, speechless.

“Satisfied now?”

Jessica shook her head in frustration. “And now people are going to talk about how my girlfriend pleaded to the chairman. You make me look like a joke.”

Tiffany face had turned red from holding her anger. 

“A-Are you blaming this on our relationship?”

Jessica sighed. “Why are you making this difficult?”

“You care about what people think than me?” Tiffany scoffed.

“People talk about us every day, Jessica. At the office, in this neighbourhood, on the streets..if I were to care about what others think, I wouldn’t even be with you.”

“Tiffany, that’s not what I meant!”

“It’s the same thing. You only care about what those strangers’ whispers behind your back-

“Shut up! That’s not it!”

“I thought you’ve changed..”

“Enough!”

“You know, the only thing that keep coming between us for these past three years is only one thing..”

Jessica grits her teeth. 

“I SAID ENOUGH!”

“..your stupid pride.”

SLAP.

Tiffany felt the pain on her left cheek after a few seconds, but the pain in her heart was far more severe. It was hard for her to believe that Jessica just did that to her. It was unthinkable. Tears couldn’t stop rolling down her cheeks. She put one hand on her paining left cheek.

“J-Just when..

..will you grow up?” She said.

Jessica stared at the crying girl before her, shocked by what she just did. It wasn’t her intention, but what done was done.

She just slapped Tiffany. 

Tiffany whom she loves and she always treated like she’s her everything.

She IS her everything.  

And now..

I..

Her hands were trembling.

Tiffany turned her back at the dazed Jessica and walked out of the door before slamming it shut.

But only when Jessica heard the sound of engine outside the house she finally realized that she was losing Tiffany. She rushed out of the house and Tiffany was already reversing her car to the road.

“Wh-where are you going?!” She shouted.

But Tiffany already drove away without even glancing at her.

“TIFFANY!!”

Jessica kneeled down on the grass, staring at the empty road. Tears escaped her eyes, mixed with the rain that was pouring from the sky.

She asked herself.

Jessica Jung, what have you done?

Chapter 65

Misunderstood

It was half past eight in one Friday morning.

Taeyeon and Sunny were standing in front of their neighbour’s pink house. Sunny had brought along with her a bag contained her self-made chicken porridge for the couple. When she heard what happened to them from Taeyeon she decided to give them a visit.

Taeyeon knocked the door. 

“Anyone home?” 

They waited.

But there was no answer.

“We brought you some porridge, it’s delicious~” Sunny added.

But there was still no answer.

“Are you sure they’re home, TaeTae?”

Taeyeon nodded. “I think so. I haven’t seen Sica left the house yesterday. But Fany did leave..”

“Were you like..spying on our neighbours while I was at work? Creepy Taeng.”

“We-Well, there wasn’t much to do when I was alone. You won’t let me go to work!”

“That’s because you need a lot of rest darling, for our baby.” 

Taeyeon rolled her eyes. “You’re using that excuse to keep me all to yourself.”

“Who wouldn’t?” Sunny said with a chuckle.

Taeyeon can’t help but smile. 

“Hello, Sica, Fany, we brought you edible food!” Taeyeon said, knocking the door again.

But there was still no reply.

They looked at each other.

“Sunny-ah, I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Huh?”

“They were fighting yesterday.”

“Who? Sica and Fany?”

Taeyeon nodded. “And it was massive. I was at the lawn and I heard they shout at each other.”

“Well, couples fight all the time.” Sunny said, shrugging.

“True, but it’s really rare for them, and I’m just worried..” She paused.

“I mean, you know how self-destructive Sica can be without Fany..”

They looked at each other, and then nodded simultaneously, in agreement.

Sunny quickly turned the door knob and find it was unlocked. Without any hesitation they both stepped into the house.

“Anybody home?” Sunny called.

Taeyeon grabbed Sunny’s hand and held it tight. “This doesn’t look good..” She mumbled. 

They entered the living room and were shocked. As if the room had been turned upside down, it was a huge mess. The beautiful antique vases on the rack were no longer seen. There were only pieces of what it was all over the room, as if a storm just passed by. The big glass window by the couch was cracked, and Taeyeon found pieces of wine bottles nearby, like someone had been throwing the bottle at the window.

Taeyeon and Sunny looked at each other as their hearts beat faster, worried. 

“The kitchen.” Sunny suggested. They both paced hurriedly to the kitchen, hoping they won’t find anything worse than the living room.

But the kitchen was worse. There were pieces of things all over the floor like someone had decided to break anything that was breakable. The wall was filled with stained of ketchup and sauces, making it looked like someone just had been killed there. But by the smell and colour, Sunny quickly find out it wasn’t blood. 

They entered the kitchen warily, eyes searching all over for their friends. But just as soon as they stepped on the floor, they were shocked. 

The floor was wet. There were traces of red liquid heading towards the dining table.

“Please tell me this is ketchup.” Taeyeon said to her wife.

Sunny gulped and shook her head. “Th-this is blood..”

They looked at each other and ran as fast as they could to the dining table.

When they reached there, they both gasped.

“SI-SICA!!”

**

Jessica was lying on the floor with a bottle of wine in one hand. There were at least 3 empty bottles around her. 

“Si-sica!” Sunny exclaimed, hurriedly kneeled next to her and check if she was still breathing. They were already thinking of the worst.

Sunny let out a relieved sigh when she felt Jessica’s pulse. Fortunately Jessica was still alive but her body was extremely weak. Sunny lifted her shoulders up and put her on her lap. 

“Sica, what happened to you??” Sunny asked as she shook her body.

Jessica was too weak to reply, but she slowly opened her eyes to look at Sunny. Taeyeon quickly took all the empty wine bottles away and hid the half-empty bottle away from Jessica. She might hurt herself again.

“Seems like she drank almost 4 bottles of wine, aigoo..” Taeyeon sighed.

Sunny bit her lip and gently stroked Jessica’s hair with sympathy. Suddenly she felt there was something sticky from the back of Jessica’s head as she was holding her. She lifted her hand and look closely.

She gasped.

“Tae, she’s bleeding!” 

Taeyeon rushed to her wife’s side.

“Tae, help me get her up! We can’t let her lay on the floor!”

With Taeyeon’s help, they managed to put Jessica on the sofa in the living room. Sunny sat by her side and pressed the back of her head with a towel while Taeyeon was busy on the phone, calling 911.

“Hey..Soonkyu..” She called.

Jessica slowly opened her eyes and looked around her. She was feeling dizzy but she could see Sunny was sitting by her side. 

Sunny looked at her and wiped the tears on her face. She doesn’t want Jessica see her crying.

“Do..you..know who..is the biggest..idiot in..the world?” 

Sunny gently held her hand and shook her head. 

“Me.” Jessica said with despair.

Sunny let out a sigh and stroke Jessica’s hair gently to calm her down.

“You..know what..”

“..someone like me..don’t deserve..Tiffany..”

“I’m so stupid.” Jessica mumbled.

“I hate myself..”

“Don’t say that, Sica-ah.” Sunny suddenly said.

“You and Fany are meant to be, you two are soulmates.”

“That’s..bull.. This..isn’t..a fairytale..”

Sunny stared at Jessica. “Don’t say that. The way you and Tiffany love each other beats any fairy tale couples.”

Jessica snorted a laugh and Sunny felt relived.

“B-but..I screw up..” She added.

Then a tear rolled down her left eye.

“I screw up..”

“You can always fix the problem later. And then enjoy some hot make up session like you always do.” Sunny said, cheering her up.

Jessica closed her eyes. 

“I can’t..not this time..I don’t know..how to..fix this..”

“OH MY GOD! WHAT HAPPENED?!”

 A voice suddenly exclaimed.

Sunny and Taeyeon were startled, there was a woman standing at the front door.

Jessica’s mother, Julia Jung was staring at her daughter with a pale face, shocked. She looked like she’s about to pass out any second.

Julia rushed by Jessica’s side and held her hand before wiping her forehead. Tears immediately rolled down her face. Sunny backed away to give them some space.

“Oh my baby, why are you doing this to yourself?” She asked, sobbing.

“I will ask your grandpa to give the position back to you, I promise..” 

“Nn-noo..mom..” Jessica mumbled.

Julia turned around and looked at Sunny.

“Nice to meet you again, Mrs Jung.” She bowed.

“I called her multiple times yesterday but she didn’t pick up so I’m really worried and came by.” Julia explained.

“She was really heartbroken when her grandpa demoted her. How much did she drink?” She asked, clearly had no clue that it was because of the couple’s fight.

Sunny shook her head. “We’re not sure, Mrs Jung. We’re also just got here and find her like that..”

“Oh my! Her head is bleeding!” Julia exclaimed.

“Have you called the doctor?!” 

“We just did. They’re on their way here.” Taeyeon replied.

Julia stared at her daughter as she pressed the towel at the back of her head.

“I’ll get our family doctor for you.” She mumbled.

Suddenly Julia turned serious and looked and Sunny and Taeyeon. Then her eyes roamed around the house. 

“Where is Tiffany?” She asked, grimly.

Sunny and Taeyeon looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

Julia seemed really angry.

**

Tiffany woke up to the sounds of footsteps rushing. Slowly she sat up straight on the couch and looked around. She glanced at her watch and realized it was already nine in the morning. She leaned her back on the sofa and the memory of what happened the night before replayed on her mind.

She came to Sooyoung’s apartment because she had no other place to go. Yoona hasn’t returned from her photoshoot trip and she left their house in a hurry that she left her purse there. Sooyoung’s place was the only place she could think of. 

“Are you up?” A voice asked.

Sooyoung was standing behind her with a big brown mug in one hand. She was wearing a brown jacket with a dark coloured shirt underneath to match her short skirt. Tiffany could tell that she was all dressed up for work.  

Sooyoung sat beside Tiffany and handed the mug to her.

“Hot chocolate.” She said.

Tiffany nodded and took the mug. “Thanks.”

Sooyoung stared at her friend can’t help but feeling concerned. Tiffany came to her house last night with swollen eyes from crying too much and requested her not to ask her anything or call anyone. In which could only mean she had a fight with Jessica. 

“I called your office and told them that you’re sick. I figured that you need to take a day off.” She said.

Tiffany smiled and nodded. She hasn’t talked much.

Sooyoung sighed. “I’m gonna get to work now.” 

“Okay, take care.” Tiffany said.

Sooyoung stared at her again, worried.

“Are you gonna be okay on your own?”

Tiffany nodded.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to call Sica up..

Tiffany’s expression stiffens immediately causing Sooyoung to stop asking any further.

“Okay then, just make yourself at home. If there’s anything you need you can call me.” 

Tiffany nodded again.

Sooyoung looked at her friend and based from the expression on her face, she could tell how depressed she was. She wished she could do something to make her feel better.

Suddenly she threw her arms around Tiffany and hugged the girl tightly. The latter was surprised but then she slowly returned the hug. 

It was just what she needed.

She closed her eyes and a tear naturally escaped the corner of her eye.

“You looked like you needed one.” Sooyoung said as they parted.

“Thank you.” Tiffany replied, short. She wiped the tears with her finger.

“Alright then..” Sooyoung stood up and walked to the door.

She reached the door and looked back at Tiffany. 

“Fany, you know I’m always here for you. Don’t keep it all in to yourself.”

Tiffany smiled weakly. She understood what her friend meant, but she was not ready to tell anyone about what had happened just yet.

Suddenly Sooyoung’s phone rang. She rummaged through her handbag to look for her phone. 

It was an unknown number, but she picked it up anyway. Tiffany waited and looked at her, curious.

Sooyoung’s expression quickly turned.

“Ah..Mrs. Jung?” 

She glanced at Tiffany.

Tiffany gulped. Wondering what does Jessica’s mother possibly want from Sooyoung.

“Tiffany isn’t here..” Sooyoung lied.

Julia scoffed through the phone.

“I know she’s there. Don’t lie to me Choi Sooyoung.” she said, firm.

Sooyoung swallowed her own saliva. Her voice sounded threatening.

“Tell Tiffany that I want to meet her today.”

**

Tiffany sat with Julia Jung at a table in one of the fancy restaurant in Apgujeong, Seoul. Tiffany remembered once Jessica brought her there for dinner, but she hated the prawn dish they served thus they never return again since.

Julia stared at Tiffany; her expression was serious, like one Tiffany had never seen before. Tiffany squirmed in her seat, anticipating what Julia had to say. This is the first time she had called her out personally. 

“Tiffany..” She begins.

“The only reason as to why I accept you into our family, even though you’re not from a decent family and not to mention a female, is because..I thought you can take care of Jessica.” 

Tiffany looked at her and gulped, she had a bad feeling about where the conversation was going.

“I truly believed that you can be by my daughter’s side through anything but..” She paused.

“How could you left her at times like this?!” She asked, slightly shouting.

Tiffany looked down as sweat formed on her forehead. 

“She is at the most stressful point in her life and then her fiancé left her. I can’t believe how cold can you be..” Julia added, angry.

“Is it because she’s no longer at the top position in the company? Because she’s no longer useful for you to advance your career at Glitter? Because she’s not the next in line to inherit the company?” 

Tiffany gasped and looked at Julia. 

The woman was staring at her in disgust.

“I can’t believe that you are only in love with her money.” 

Tiffany shook her head immediately. “M-Mom! How could you say that! You know I am not that kind of person! I-

“I don’t want to hear your excuses!” Julia cuts in.

“You’ve been together with her for three years. You should be able to understand her by now. How prideful she is, and how rash she can be when she’s down..”

“Are you gonna run away and leave her every time you fight in the future? Even after you’re married to her?” 

Tiffany bit her lip, speechless.

“This is not the first time you did this, Tiffany. The last time you left her, she cut her wrists.” Julia said, sadly.

“I can’t bear seeing my daughter threatening her own life because of you. Sooyeon loves you so much, but 

I don’t think you even deserve a tiny bit of her love

.”

That broke Tiffany’s heart.

Tears starting to fill in her eyes but she tried her hardest not to cry. Not in front of Julia.

Julia looked away, avoiding the pitiful look on Tiffany’s face.

“I am not trying to be the evil mother but there is something that could harm my daughter, I would do anything to protect her.” 

She sighed. 

“Since I’ve already invited a lot of VIPs and even the press to the engagement party tomorrow, I can’t cancel it. So I expect you to be there. People will be asking a lot of questions if Jessica turned up alone.” 

“Don’t humiliate our family.”

**

Kwon Yuri plugged in the earphones into her ears and leaned her back on the seat. She was sitting at a business class seat on a Korean Air flight, from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul after attending the fashion week in the city. The seat next to her was still vacant so she put her bag there. She was alone since her PA, Seungyeon had returned 2 days earlier for her Medical Exam. 

She browsed through her playlists on iPod. After a while, she picked a playlist, ‘Yoda’ and pressed play. 

A song with an upbeat melody played. 

Innisfree

Im Yoona

Hello~ Blanket-like sunshine

Hello~ Gently blowing wind

Hello~ Candy-like cloud

Everything is becoming pleasant

Yuri smiled as she listened to the corny lyrics of the song. 

Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder. She removed her left earphone and turned to look at the direction. 

“Hello, can you please remove this bag? This is my seat.” A girl’s voice said.

Yuri stared at her, speechless.

Hello~ fragrant flower

Hello~ singing birds

Hello~ dazzling morning

I'm on my way to meet you now

“Yo-Yoona..” 

Im Yoona was standing by the seat, looking surprised as well. She had just realized that the girl she just tapped was her ex-girlfriend, Yuri.

They looked at each other, awkward.

“It’s been a while..” Yuri said.

Yoona scoffed and shook her head. 

“I can’t believe this..”

She looked around and stopped a stewardess who was passing by.

“Is there any way I could change my seat?” She asked.

Yuri’s heart fell. 

The stewardess looked at her and smiled. “I’m sorry, but the flight today is full.”

Yoona shook her head. “Come on, there must be other seats..

“Miss, can you please take your seat now and fasten your seatbelts. We’re about to take off.” Said the stewardess before hurriedly leave to the other way.

Yuri secretly thanked the stewardess. She removed her bag and pats the blue chair, signalling Yoona to sit.

Yoona looked annoyed when she settled next to Yuri. She didn’t even glance at the girl. Yuri on the other hand was ecstatic, and pinched her own thigh to test if this was a dream. 

“One thing, Kwon Yuri.” Yoona suddenly said, serious.

“Yes?” Yuri asked, excited.

“Don’t talk to me.”

Chapter 66

A Nice Flight

Kim Taeyeon was standing in her living room with a phone pressed to her left ear.

“Where is Jessica now?” The person at the end of the line asked.

It was none other than Tiffany.

It took Taeyeon a few seconds to answer. “She-

“Is she okay?” Tiffany cuts in before her friend was able to finish her sentence. 

Taeyeon sighed and peeked out of the window to glance at her neighbour’s house. The house seemed empty and there were no cars in the driveway.

“Tell me how she is.” Tiffany said, demanding.

“She..she’s fine.” Taeyeon finally replied. 

There was silence between them for a moment.

“Tell me the truth.” Tiffany suddenly asked; her tone was serious. 

Taeyeon gulped, she wondered how Tiffany knew she was hiding something.

“Taeyeon, if you are my friend you will tell me the truth.”

The young woman scratched her not itchy short hair, contemplating. And then she decided that Tiffany deserve to know what was going on. Tiffany would do the same for her if she was in that situation. 

“Sica is not at the house now. Her mom came earlier and took her. I think she’s taking her to their family’s estate.” She replied.

There was silence again.

“Why..Julia took Jessi back?” Tiffany asked, her voice cracked.

“She was really drunk when we found her and injured-

“In-injured?” 

“But it was nothing serious. The doctor said that she might fell and hit her head on the table or something like that.”

And then there were silence again.

Taeyeon waited.

“Fany, are you still there?”

And then she heard the sound of the dial tone.

Tiffany had hung up the phone.

**

The plane ride back to Incheon airport took about a few hours. Usually Yuri will take long flights as an opportunity to sleep and rest after her busy modelling schedule but, this time she can’t. Not when her ex-girlfriend was next to her, sleeping soundly at her seat. Yoona was serious about not having any conversation with Yuri. She plugged in her earphones and blasted her iPod as soon as she sat there. And it took less than a minute for her to drift into slumber land, leaving Yuri squirming in her seat. 

Though the view outside the window was gorgeous, as the plane flew over the sea, Yuri can’t take her eyes off the beauty next to her. She tried not to make it too obvious and glanced at her every few seconds since the old couple next to them might think of her as a creep. 

They broke off almost 2 months ago, and it was done in the worst way possible. It hurts even though Yuri should’ve seen it coming when she was the one at fault. 

She stared at Yoona, who tilted her head to the right and her closed eyes. Yuri thought she looked like a sleeping baby, so innocent and pure. 

Suddenly she felt a rush of emotions coming, and she can’t help it. Tears slowly filled her eyes.

“Why did I do that to you?” Yuri whispered.

She looked away and stared out of the window then wiped the tears that continuously rolled down her eyes. 

As she stared at the blue sea underneath, she continued. 

“I know I don’t deserve you, I broke your heart and destroyed our love but..”

She bit her lip. “The selfish part of me is still hoping..

..we can be together again.” 

“Be-Because..”

Yuri closed her eyes.

“..you’re the best I ever had..” She said with tears rolling down her cheeks. 

Yuri was sobbing hard that other passengers were exchanging curious looks with each other. A stewardess came to her with concern look on her face.

“Miss, is everything okay?” She asked.

Yuri covered her face with the wet handkerchief and shook her head. 

“I need to go to the restroom..” She said as she suddenly stood up.

“Oh, this way please-” She replied but Yuri hurriedly pushed past her and left.

She looked weirdly as Yuri got into the restroom and shut the door.

“What would you do if you were me?” A voice suddenly asked.

She looked down and noticed that another passenger was looking at her. Her expression was serious.

The stewardess gulped. “Yes miss?”

“I know I should hate her for all the things she did to me-

“..but I just can’t.” Yoona said.

**

Tiffany was panting when she entered the Jung’s residence. Since all the guards had recognized her, she was able to get in without any problem. She walked into the grand living room, heading to the main stairway to get to the second floor. Tiffany knows that Jessica’s room was at the second floor.

She saw the marble stairs and quickens her pace, at that moment all she wanted was to be by Jessica’s side as fast as she could. Jessica was in pain and it was all because of her. Maybe she shouldn’t left Jessica last night. 

I did this to her.

She climbed on the first step with urge when suddenly someone called her.

“Tiffany?”  

Tiffany stopped and looked up. She gulped. Julia Jung was standing at the top of the stairs, staring at her with a grim look on her face.

Like she was frozen, Tiffany couldn’t move an inch from the first step. In her mind she just wanted to run up there and barge into Jessica’s room, ignoring whatever Julia might do. But still, she can’t move. Suddenly she felt so puny in front of Julia especially in her big mansion. 

“What brings you here?” Julia asked, firm yet polite.

Tiffany bowed before gathered her strength to give a reply. “I want to see Jessica. I heard she was injured..”

Julia’s expression stiffens. “Why now?” 

“Eh?”

“Why is it now that you want to see her?” She continued.

Tiffany bit her lip.

“You’re the one who left her.”

Tiffany’s heart felt heavy as she heard Julia’s words. 

“I know I was wrong, but..can you let me see her? I need to see if she’s alright..” Her voice cracking.

Julia looked at the girl as her eyes were filled with tears. She can tell that Tiffany was sincerely worried about her daughter. 

She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Don’t worry, she’s alright.” 

“Really? I need to see it myself..”

Julia scoffed.

“You don’t believe me? Tiffany, I’m her mother. Trust me, she’s alright.”

“I didn’t mean it that way, mom. I just want to see her, even just for a while..” Tiffany urged.

Julia shook her head.

“No you can’t. I will not let you see her today. Just go home, Tiffany. You will meet her at the engagement party tomorrow.” She said firmly.

“You made her suffer enough for today.” 

**

Yuri walked fast through the crowds of people as she was dragging her suitcase. Her eyes wildly scanned all around her for a beautiful and tall girl with long hair. She and Yoona were separated upon arrival and she hasn’t got the chance to talk to her during the whole flight. 

She finally reached the arrival gate where there were a lot of people waiting for their family and friends. It’ll be harder to look for her in the big crowd, but Yuri still didn’t give up and continue to look for Yoona.

“Welcome home!” A voice greeted her.

Yuri glanced down and saw Seungyeon, her part-time assistant was smiling at her. Yuri nodded to her nonchalantly. 

Seungyeon scoffed. “Well, I prepared a car for you. Should we get going now?”

“Uhh..” Yuri wasn’t really listening. She looked around her like a woman who lost her child.

“Are you looking for someone?” Seungyeon asked,curious.

At that time Yuri saw her. A tall young woman with long straight hair in a brown coat was walking out one of the exit door.  

“Wait for me here.” She said before dumping her suitcase and handbag to the confused Seungyeon.

“Yah! Where are you going?!” 

Yuri ran as fast as she could, pushing past the crowds in the arrival hall, knocked a few suitcases and even accidentally made a little girl cry when she knocked her ice cream. But Yuri had no time to apologize as she continued to make her way towards Yoona. 

Yoona was already outside of the hall, loading her suitcase into a car that was waiting for her.

“YOONA!!” Yuri called.

Yoona paused and turned around, she was shocked.

Yuri was standing in front of her, looking messy with ice cream smudges on her jeans. She was catching her breath and looked like she had just run a full lap on a track field. 

“Yo-Yoona..” Yuri said.

Hyoyeon emerges from the car, staring at her weirdly. “Kwon Yuri? What are you doing here?”

Yuri ignored her and stared straight at Yoona. “I want to say something to you..”

Yoona crossed her arms and looked away. “Hurry up. I don’t have time for this.”

Yuri bit her lip before continuing. “I..

“I had a great time on the flight today.” She said.

Yoona stared at her, speechless.

“And I just want to let you know.” Yuri continued.

“You..ran all the way here just to tell me that you had a nice flight?” Yoona asked, amused.

Yuri nodded.

Yoona chuckled and shook her head as she entered the car while Yuri just stared at her hopelessly.  

Suddenly Yoona wind down her window.

“Yuri..” She called.

“Yes?”

“I had a great time on the flight too.” Yoona said with a faint smile.

And then the car drove away and there Yuri stood, waiting until the car was out of her sight. 

“Yah Kwon Yuri! Why did you run all the way here? Was there a snatch thief you were trying to catch?” Seungyeon asked out of nowhere. Yuri had no idea when she got there.

She glanced at Yuri and saw a huge grin on her face.

“Did something happen? Or you simply have gotten crazy?” Seungyeon asked, curious.

Yuri looked at her and smiled. 

“Seungyeon-ah, it’s still not over. There’s still hope.”

“What is not over? Your acting?”

“Me and Yoda.” Yuri replied, smiling.

**

When Jessica finally gained consciousness, she was quite surprised that she was not in her house. She looked around and noticed that she was in her old bedroom at her parent’s house. Slowly she pushed herself up with her hands.

“Sooyeon, you’re awake.”

Her mother was by her side, staring at her with teary eyes. She seemed really worried.

Jessica stared blankly at her for a while.

“Mom, I wanna go home..” She said.

Julia wasn’t expecting her daughter would say that the moment she woke up. But Jessica was serious and she was already got off the bed. Julia grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving.

“You are home. I’m not letting you go anywhere.”  

Jessica shook her head. “No..I mean, my home is where Tiffany is.”

Julia’s face stiffens immediately. Jessica pulled her hand away and grabbed her purse before heading to the door.

“Don’t test my patience.” Julia suddenly said, firm.

Jessica stopped.

“You think you can do anything you want huh? It was only because I let you.” Julia continued.

Jessica gulped.

“That girl left you when you’re down, yet you’re still crawling back to her.. Don’t you have any pride?”

“Oh please, my pride?”

Jessica bit her lip and turned around.

“Mom, you don’t know what really happen between us. I’ll be lucky enough if Tiffany would still want to talk to me..”

Jessica shook her head and turned to the door again.

“If you walk out of this house, I will make sure your wedding with Tiffany won’t happen.” Julia said, threatening.

Jessica quickly looked at her mother, shocked.

Julia scoffed. “Maybe it’s good if it’s cancelled.”

“MOM!” 

“This is all my fault. I accept you being ‘like this’ and date a girl ‘like that’..”

Jessica gritted her teeth, holding back her anger. 

“Mom, Tiffany is not-

“I thought she can be your support and protect you from harm but now she’s the one who’s causing you pain!”

“IT’S NOT HER FAULT!” Jessica snapped.

“You never drank that much, you even hated it but now, because of her you’re turning into an alcoholic!”

“THAT’S NOT TRUE!”

“You cut your wrists when she left you! Is she all that matters to you now? Don’t you care about how I felt if anything bad happens to you?” Julia asked continuously with tears falling down her cheeks.

Jessica was speechless.

“Is your family not important to you anymore?” Tears rolled down her cheeks and she was sobbing badly that she can’t continue to argue with her daughter. She sat down at the chair nearby and buried her face in her palms.

“Do-Don’t you care about your mother anymore?” Julia added, sobbing.

Jessica stared at her mother, as the guilt slowly hit her. She had been selfish to her family, her friends and even to Tiffany. 

Tiffany’s words echoes in her head.

“J-Just when..

..will you grow up?”

Chapter 67

This Whole Thing That’s Happening Between Us

“Fany-ah! Open the door!” Sooyoung said, almost shouting. 

She was standing in front of a room at Yoona’s house; with her face was close to the wooden door. She knocked the door repeatedly with her hand.

“You’re gonna be late for your own engagement! Open the door!” Sooyoung continued; her voice was firmer this time.

“She’s still not gonna open the door?” Yoona asked as she walked to Sooyoung. 

Sooyoung shook her head, frustrated.

“Did you call the makeup studio?” She asked to Yoona.

The younger girl nodded. “They’re on their way here as we speak.”

Sooyoung let out a heavy sigh and leaned her back against the door.

Yoona creased her eyebrows. “What exactly happened? I was surprised when she came and sleeps here last night. She never spends a night without Sica unnie since they moved in together.”

Sooyoung shrugged. “I don’t know either. What could they possibly argue about that it got this bad?”

“Maybe it has something to do with Sica unnie’s job demotion? I don’t know..” Yoona guessed.

“Jessica is epic fail in managing her love life.” Said Sooyoung.

“Actually, they both are.”

Suddenly the door creaked open. Both girls were startled and stared at the doorway in anticipation. Tiffany walked out of the room with a miserable look on her face. She looked at her friend and her cousin alternately.

“Guys..”

Sooyoung and Yoona stared at her, waiting for what she was about to say.

“I really love Jessica.” Tiffany said with a faint smile.

Sooyoung and Yoona stared at her in concern. There was a crack in her voice like she was about to cry.

“Of course you love her.” Sooyoung said, reaching for her hand.

Tiffany looked down.

“And I don’t want to lose her..” She mumbled.

“You won’t, unnie. You won’t.” Yoona said, patting her shoulder.

“Which is why I’ve decided to do this..” 

“Do what?”

“It’s not going to be easy but it has to be done.” 

**

It was 7 pm and a lot of guests had arrived at the party. It was scheduled at 8:30 pm that the couple will exchange rings and officially announce their engagement. The event that evening was held at the grand ballroom of Millennium Hilton Seoul Hotel, as expected from the Jung family. Though it was a private event for close family and friends, a few reporters did show up at the entrance, snapping photos of the celebrities that came on that evening. Famous celebrities and well-known business figures turned up, like entertainment mogul Park Jin Young, fashion designer Lee Juyong and singer Kwon BoA. 

Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was luxurious. Classical music played in the background, added with the clinking sounds of wine glasses every now and then. The tables were filled with guests as they were having light refreshments before dinner. A few of the Jung family members were seen greeting the guests.

Albert Jung and the new Glitter’s Editor-In-Chief, Oh Jiho were engaged in a serious discussion with Park Jin Young at a table as if they were discussing an important business matter. Joanna was escorted by her rarely seen husband, Kim Jae Hwan, catching up with their relatives at another table. She looked pale as she was slowly recovering from her poor health conditions. Julia and her husband, Michael was in a heated conversation with one of the shareholders of Glitter magazine. Julia’s face seems uncomfortable and at times Michael had to rub her shoulders, probably to calm her down. The topic was most likely about Jessica’s recent demotion. 

And the one who was having all the fun observing the party was the youngest Jung, Krystal. She sat at a table near the main stage with her sister’s friends, Taeyeon and Sunny. The married couple was one of the earliest arrived, as they came along with Jessica and her family. 

“Ah! Not that!” Sunny suddenly said. 

She took away a glass from Taeyeon’s hand and put it at the edge of the table so that Taeyeon can’t reach it.

“Hey, I want to drink that!” Taeyeon complained.

Sunny shook her head.

“You can’t drink wine!” 

“And why is that?!”

Sunny puffed her cheeks.

“Have you forgotten?” She asked.

Taeyeon stared at her wife, dumbfounded.

“Do you want to kill little TaeSun?” Sunny asked, angry.

It took Taeyeon a few seconds to realize what she meant. 

“Ah, you’re right.”

“Aigoo! How could you forget that you’re pregnant? Do I have to watch you the whole time?”

“I’m sorry..” Taeyeon said sheepishly.

“That’s it. You’re coming with me to work starting tomorrow.” Sunny said, firmly.

“What? Yah that’s too much! Sunny-ah!”

“Who knows what you might consume when you’re alone! These days you eat anything that is chewable!”

Krystal who overheard their conversation can’t help but chuckle. She turned to look at the happy bickering couple.

“You know unnies, I’ve always been curious about something lesbian related.” She suddenly asked.

Taeyeon and Sunny looked at each other, puzzled.

“Can I ask you two about it?”

“Sure.” Sunny replied with a warm smile.

Taeyeon gulped, in the back of her mind the worst possible questions had come up. She had seen a lot of movies and TV shows where teenagers usually ask adults about certain rated topics out of curiosity.

“Krystal, I think you’re too young to know about things like that..” She said.

“Eh? Too young? I’m turning 17 this October.” 

“You’re too young and I don’t feel comfortable talking with an underage about things like that. It’s best you ask your sister about it since she’s very er..active.” Taeyeon added, embarassed.

Sunny chuckled.

“Active? Eh?” Krystal paused, and her face turned pale.

“Tae-Taeyeon unnie what are you talking about?”

“You know..lesbian sex..” Taeyeon replied, whispering.

The youngest Jung froze for a moment. And suddenly her cheeks turned pink.  

“YAH I WASN’T GONNA ASK THAT!” She shouted. 

Sunny laughed. “I knew you got it wrong, Taeyeon-ah! Aha! What a byun!” 

Taeyeon raised an eyebrow, confused. “Aigoo..then, what is it that you’re trying to ask us? I thought you wanted to experiment with your girlfriend, what’s her name..

“Jiyoung.” Sunny continued, teasing.

Krystal’s face felt like her face was burning. Suddenly the image of her and Jiyoung flashes on her mind, doing the so called ‘experiment’.

“SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND! AND I WASN’T GONNA DO ANY EXPERIMENT ON HER!” She shouted.

Then they paused and noticed that the guests at the next table were staring at them. Krystal quickly faked a cough and smiled at them. 

“Then what was it that you want to ask?” Sunny asked.

Krystal sighed. “I just..want to know what your child will call you both, since you’re both are moms.” 

“Oooohhh. Why didn’t you ask that earlier?” Taeyeon asked casually.

Krystal shook her head. “You were the one who jumped onto conclusions!”

Sunny smiled. “Our child will call me mommy. Mommy Sunny.” 

“And Taeyeon is the umma. Umma Taeng.” She added with a chuckle.

Krystal smiled. “Aww..that’s cute.” 

“Soojung.” Suddenly someone called.

It was Jessica.

“Hey sis, you’ve finished your makeup? Wow, you looked gorgeous girl!” Krystal said, excited.

Jessica was wearing a white dress with her hair loose, giving her the goddess-like look. She nodded nonchalantly at her sister and took a seat next to her.

“Have you seen Tiffany? Has she arrived yet?” She asked, impatient.

Krystal shrugged. “No. Haven’t seen her yet. What time did she say she’s arriving?”

Jessica shook her head.

“I thought you two had scheduled for makeup together?” 

“She..had her makeup done at home.”

“Why? Isn’t it easier if she had it done at the studio?”

“I don’t know why so please don’t ask me.” Jessica replied, annoyed.

“I haven’t met her in two days.” 

Krystal was shocked with that statement but she didn’t dare to ask more. Her sister seems a bit unstable.

“Didn’t she come to our house yesterday? I saw her car leaving when I returned from school.” 

Jessica looked at her sister, shocked.

“She came?”

**

Hara was sitting on the sofa in the living room of Nicole’s apartment. She switched through the channels with the remote control in one with a bored expression on her face. Nicole is out buying dinner and Hara was home alone. 

There were lame variety shows and old drama reruns but all the programmes failed to catch her attention. So she continued to switch the channels again. 

Suddenly,

“The heiress of Jung’s Glitter Magazine, Jessica Jung is getting engaged today.”

 The news reported.

“Their wedding will take place 2 months from now.”

Hara’s expression suddenly changed. She put down the remote control and stared at the TV screen eagerly. It was an entertainment news show on KBS. There was a picture of Jessica displayed as the news continued. 

“The young heiress shocked the nation with her bold decision to tie a knot with a woman. That woman is none other than Tiffany Hwang, who is widely known as famous model Lee Minho’s ex-fiancé.”

Hara was speechless. She don’t like where the news was going. 

“The two young women decided to marry after 3 years of romance. Though it was said that the Jung family opposed their relationship but Jessica determined to be with Tiffany.”  

“Then it was soon confirmed when Jessica’s position as Editor-In-Chief in Glitter being stripped off her just two days ago by her own grandfather, Chairman Albert Jung. This has raised a lot of speculation on the Jung family’s condition.”

“Jessica was demoted?!” Hara said to herself, shocked. She felt like she’s been living under a rock.

“Just 2 months ago, Joanna Jung’s youngest daughter, Hara made a scene at her birthday party and has since run away from her family.”

“Following the event, Hara’s mother, Joanna fell sick and had to leave her position as Editor-In-Chief at Glitter Magazine which was soon given to Jessica.”

Hara bit her lip. 

Mother..

“Anyway, we’re congratulating Jessica and Tiffany on their engagement.”

 The newscaster said with a smile before moving on to the next topic about a female actress secret marriage to a famous singer.

Hara turned off the TV and stared at the blank screen, speechless. So many things had happened in these past months she was away from home. 

Mother was hospitalized..

Jessica lose her job..

And I missed her engagement party..

Suddenly she heard the door knocked, pulling her away from her deep thoughts. She walked to the door and opened the door dully. 

“You’re still here?” A male voice said.

Hara looked up and noticed that the man who claimed to be Nicole’s brother, Jaejoong was staring at her. 

She was dazed for a moment. The man walked passed her and entered the house without being invited. He looked around and stepped into their living room. There were 2 cups of hot chocolate and a blanket on the sofa. Jaejoong could tell the level of intimacy of the girls’ relationship. He scoffed.

“Cole is not here now but she’ll be back soon. Do you want to wait for her?” Hara asked politely.

Jaejoong turned around and stared at Hara. Hara was startled.

“This cannot happen.” He said, firm.

“What?”

“You can’t be with Nicole.”

Hara felt threatened and crossed her arms. “And why is that? Because we’re girls?” 

“I don’t give a damn if it’s other girls all over each other but not..you and Nicole.”

“Oh really? Why? Suddenly you’re a protective brother? At least I won’t knock up your sister.”

Jaejoong scoffed.

“You don’t understand..”

“Then tell me about it.”

“I can’t tell you! But you can never be with Nicole, not like this!”

“There are no reasons, right? You just don’t like me.”

“You can’t handle the truth.” Jaejoong said.

“Stop talking bullshit.” Hara said.

Jaejoong gritted her teeth.

“She’s your sister.”

Hara looked at Jaejoong, dumbfounded.

“Excuse me?”

Jaejoong sighed.

“You and Nicole are sisters.”

Hara stared at Jaejoong, shocked. Her heart sunk into the deepest ocean. 

How this man could come and said that she can’t be with the only girl that made her happy? 

The girl who had healed her broken heart with her love..   

The girl who she slowly begin to love..

There’s no way she could believe this. 

“You’re lying..”

“Cole has no idea about this, but that is the truth. You two share the same father.”

Hara finds it hard to breathe.

“Th-that makes no sense..”

“Then ask your father yourself. Ask him about a woman named Marissa.”

**

“Congratulations!” Said a man in suit to the celebrated girl, excited.

But Jessica just gave him a weak nod and turned around to flee quickly from him, not caring how he might think. His face seems offended as Jessica turned her back on him. He is after all one of the shareholders in Jung Corporation.

Julia who was standing by saw what happened and charged to her daughter. She grabbed her arm. Jessica looked at her mother with zero expression.

“Can you smile more to the guests? It’s your engagement day. They’re gonna be talking bad about you-”

“I’m at my engagement without my fiancé. I don’t have anyone to exchange rings with. Tell me what’s there to smile about?” Jessica asked back, irritated.

Julia sighed. “Tiffany will be here soon. I’m sure she will.”

“I doubt that.” Jessica replied, pulling her arm away.

Julia was shocked to see her daughter acting like that to her, yet again. Jessica bit her lip and stared at her mother.

“Krystal told me that she saw Tiffany came yesterday.” Jessica suddenly said.

Julia gulped.

“But she never made it to my room. She never got to see me. She must’ve bumped onto someone.”

Jessica looked at her mother, serious. “What did you said to her, mom?” 

Julia kept silent.

“Tiffany is not going to come. Isn’t she?” Jessica asked; her eyes sparkled with tears.

“She-

Suddenly there were commotions in the crowds.

“Who is that beautiful girl?”

“She looked like a princess. Is she Tiffany Hwang?”

Jessica turned her head immediately as soon as she heard that name mentioned. 

And then she saw a girl standing on the top of the stairs, wearing a pale pink dress. Her hair was tied up, making her look more elegant than usual. Jessica almost didn’t recognize her.

“Tiffany..”

Her heart beats faster as the latter was making her way down the stairs. At that moment, everything moves in slow motion in her eyes. She only sees Tiffany and everyone else suddenly became irrelevant. 

It’s been two days, two long torturing days since they last meet each other. And in their last encounter, they didn’t leave each other with pleasant feelings before they separated. Jessica had hurt Tiffany that night, both emotionally and for the first time, physically. And that was why Jessica was engulfed with her mixed emotions. She misses Tiffany but she was not sure how to react. 

Should I run up there and hug her? 

Kiss her? 

But she must be angry at me. 

Maybe she hates me.

Wh-What should I do if she hates me?!

By then Tiffany was already standing in front of her. And they were only a few steps away from each other. Jessica breathed the air and she smelled that sweet scent. Tiffany’s personal odour blended with her favourite perfume. 

Though they tried to avoid each other’s eyes, like it was being magnetized, their eyes met. But the moment their eyes met, Jessica froze and finds it hard to breathe. She can’t believe how nervous Tiffany made her feel. She thought she could pass out any second.

“You’re late, Tiffany.” Julia said, breaking the silence.

It was awkward, but Tiffany bowed to Julia. “I’m sorry, mom.” 

“It was our fault, er..we were the late ones. It’s not her fault.” Sooyoung said, pointing at her and Yoona. Only then Jessica noticed that they were also there.

Julia stared at Sooyoung and her expression turned serious.

“Choi Sooyoung? I don’t think Joanna will be pleased seeing you here. She’s still dealing with Hara’s missing.” She said.

Sooyoung looked down and gulped.

“Mom, she’s our friend. She has the right to be at our engagement party.” Jessica said, firm. She purposely emphasis on the word ‘our’ and glanced at Tiffany. But Tiffany wasn’t even looking at her.

Julia sighed. “I just don’t want anything bad happen. Plus Joanna is still recovering from her illness. I think it’s better if you stay out of sight.”

Suddenly Sooyoung felt embarrassed to be there. She was only there for her friend, but her presence is causing problem for the family again.

“Mom, please stop it. Or I’ll be the one who’s making the scene.” Jessica said, boldly warning her mother.

Julia looked at Jessica and realized that her daughter was serious.

“Okay, whatever. You and Tiffany should go and greet the guests now. Put aside whatever problem you two have for the night and hold hands.” Julia said, pulling their hands together and clasped them.

Jessica and Tiffany were shocked when their hands were forcedly put together. Jessica looked at their joined hands and secretly thanked her mom for joining their hands together. Tiffany’s warm palm was warming Jessica’s nervous and cold hand.

Even their hands belong together.  

**

“I will definitely support you both no matter what people say.” A classy looking middle-aged woman said.

Jessica and Tiffany flash their fake smiles and nodded. The woman was one of Jessica’s distant aunts who live in Japan. Their family had flown in especially for the event. 

“Don’t you think they’re perfect for each other, darling?” She asked a man next to her. 

“Yes, they’re both er..suits each other, I guess.” He replied, rolling his eyes.

“Ignore him. This old man is a bit old fashioned.” She said to the couple.

Jessica and Tiffany responded with awkward smiles.

“Let’s get to our table, my feet is killing me.” Jessica’s uncle said, walking away but obviously asking his wife to follow him.

“That old man is old. Well, I guess I see you two lovebirds for the ring exchange soon.” She said before tailing her husband.

As soon as they were out of sight, Tiffany let out a sigh and let go of Jessica’s hand. Jessica was stunned for a while. She thought the warmth of Tiffany’s palm won’t leave her that soon. Tiffany put a hand on her hip and glanced at her watch. And then she looked at the beautiful prepared stage. There were two diamond rings placed on an ice carved love statue on the table. 

“When is the ring exchange? I’m tired of waiting.” Tiffany mumbled with a disgruntled face.

Jessica stared at the girl who was obviously been avoiding her eyes. 

“I’m sorry, but you don’t really look like you want to be here right now.” She said with an arrogant tone.

Tiffany looked down in silence.

“Honestly, I was thinking of not coming.” She replied, bitter.

Jessica tried to control her emotions but Tiffany’s attitude right then wasn’t helping. She gritted her teeth.

“THEN WHY DID YOU CAME?!” She shouted.

Tiffany was startled and stared at her in shock.

Her emotional burst had caused the guests to stare at them with their curious looks. Julia noticed them arguing and hurriedly making her way to the couple. Tiffany noticed her walking towards them thus she quickly grabbed Jessica’s hand by surprise.

“You and I need to talk.” She said.

“Let’s go somewhere without these.. stares.”

**

Jessica and Tiffany moved out of the ballroom and stood at the balcony, away from the guests. They stood there, facing each other as the cold night hit them. 

“Let’s talk then!” Jessica suddenly said. She didn’t know why, but she was angry.

Tiffany sighed and looked away. “You’re doing it again. I can’t talk to you if you’re angry all the time.”

Jessica gulped. “I’m-I’m not angry. It’s just.. frustrating, this whole thing that’s happening between us..”

Jessica paused and looked at Tiffany’s left cheek. Then she remembered about the other night. Her heart sunk.

Suddenly Tiffany took a step closer to Jessica and to the latter’s surprise, she held her hands. They looked at each other in silence for a while, as if they were trying to read minds through eye contact. 

“Jessi..”

“I really love you.”

 Tiffany said it gently.

Tiffany’s confession caught Jessica off guard, and her anger suddenly faded away. Her expression turned soft as she stares into Tiffany’s eyes.

“To me, you are the one. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Tiffany continued.

“I want to wake up in your arms every morning, and feel your kiss before I close my eyes at night..”

“You are my forever.”

 Tiffany said.

Jessica was left speechless.

“And in the future, there will be more fights and arguments between us. Probably way worse than what we already faced until now.”

“And seeing how we are now, I begin to wonder how long can we last.” Tiffany added gently.

“Honey..”

“Can we really spend the rest of our lives together? Can we be together forever?”

“Of course we can!”

“But I might ran away again when we fight, and we will shout at each other and you..

..you might hit me again..”

“Tiffany! You know I didn’t mean to do that to you. It never crossed my mind to ever hurt you! I wasn’t thinking straight-

“It doesn’t matter. It didn’t hurt when you slapped me.” Tiffany said.

“What hurt was seeing you hurting yourself because of me.”

Jessica bit her lip.

“I can’t bear seeing you getting drunk and attempting suicide every time we fight.”

“I-I told you I can’t live without you.” Jessica replied, stuttering.

Tiffany shook her head. “Don’t be childish.”

Jessica stared at her, shocked.

“We’re not a couple of teenagers, but we’re acting like we are.”  Tiffany said.

“You and I both are immature.” She continued.

“And I don’t think we can take our relationship till forever. Not when we’re acting like this.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Jessi, let’s take a break..”

Jessica gulped.

No.

“Let’s take a break from each other.” Tiffany said, serious.

Chapter 68

Too Late To Apologize

The engagement party that evening was going smoothly with all the guests enjoying themselves with the food served before the ring exchange ceremony. The live music instrumental performance added the calming ambience for the event.

Choi Sooyoung was standing at the back of the ballroom near the entrance door with a bored expression on her face. She tried to stay unseen throughout the event. She agreed that Julia has a point; her presence there could start an unwanted commotion. 

That’s why though she was placed at one of the VIP tables along with Yoona, Sunny and Taeyeon, she decided to take a seat at the back of the ballroom where the guests looked like some staffs from Jung Corps. She thought she saw Siwon there. 

“Enjoying the party so far?” A male voice asked.

Sooyoung was slightly annoyed; the last thing she wanted was to talk to a random guy at this kind of event. But still, she looked up to reply to him politely.

But when she finally saw him, she startled. 

It was Kim Hyunjoong.

**

Hyunjoong and Sooyoung took a short break from the party and breathe the night air outside the hotel’s entrance. Sooyoung pulled her coat tighter as the cold night hits her. Her dress was quite short; the length of her black dress fell above her knee, exposing her beautiful thighs. She begins to regret wearing a short dress on an evening event.

Hyunjoong glanced at the girl beside him and smiled. Sooyoung noticed him checking her out and scoffed.

“What?”

The man shrugged.

“You look beautiful tonight.” He replied.

Sooyoung smiled weakly. 

“I have to dress accordingly; this is a Jung family party after all.” 

“Hm..but I wasn’t complimenting the dress.” 

Sooyoung gulped and quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze. 

“I heard you’re working at Glam now.” He said suddenly.

“Yeah. Sica helped me to get a job there.” She replied with a nod.

“I’m just happy you finally moved on. I know I haven’t.” He said with a faint smile.

Sooyoung stared at him, can’t help but noted that there was something different about the man in front of her. He’s not the Hyunjoong she used to know.

“Sooyoung-ah..

He slowly turned to his side and met the girl’s gaze.

“The memory I had with you will always be my bittersweet memory.”

“It was sweet because you make me experience love like never before..

..but it was bitter because I lose my only sister.”

Sooyoung stared at him as he continued.

“I will continue to look for Hara and help my family to build what we’ve lost.” 

“Even if it means I have to do things against my will.” He added, bitter.

“Oppa, what do you mean?” Sooyoung asked, curious.

He sighed and looked at Sooyoung. 

“Sooyoung-ah, I’m getting married.”

**

“So you’re Tiffany’s cousin, huh?” A woman asked to Yoona.

Yoona smiled and nodded. “Yes I am.”

“Wow, I guess the good genes runs in the family.” She said, smiling.

The young model smiled sheepishly.

“So are you..er..you know, the same as your cousin too?” 

Yoona raised her eyebrow. “The same? I’m sorry, I don’t get what you mean..”

“Because if you’re straight I would like to introduce you to my nephew.” She said.

“Ah, that?” Yoona looked away, uncomfortable.

“It’s such a waste if..

“Excuse me, but I got to take this call.” Yoona said, showing her phone. Then she bowed and leaves the woman hanging with her questions.

“Ah hello..” She said to the phone receiver.

She walked away from the woman and continued to talk like she was in an important business conversation when actually her phone wasn’t even ringing. 

“Yes, Tokyo, Seoul, London, New York-

“AHH!”  

She had accidentally bumped onto someone. 

“I’m sorry, are you hurt-

She paused and stared at the woman in front of her in shock.

“Gyu-Gyuri?” Yoona asked, stuttering.

Gyuri was staring at her with her eyes wide, surprised. Her face looked pale.

“Yoona?”

“I thought you’re in States.” Yoona said, awkward.

“I was. But my family couldn’t miss this event. The Jungs and Parks are very close.”

“And about to get closer.” She mumbled.

Then the awkward silence set in.

“Anyway, you look great.” Gyuri quickly said.

“Thanks. You too.” Yoona replied short. 

The atmosphere was extremely awkward. 

“Is that from Yeojin Bae’s new line?” Gyuri asked, referring to the dress.

Yoona nodded. “Yeah, my favourite designer.”

“It’s my favourite too!”

“Oh?”

“We have similar taste huh? As expected.” She said with a smirk.

Suddenly the atmosphere turned more awkward than it already was.

“Please, don’t even start..” Yoona said, serious.

Gyuri gulped.

Yoona was about to leave when Gyuri called her. 

“Im Yoona.”

The girl paused and turned around. She wonders what Gyuri wanted to say.

“I’m sorry.” Gyuri said, slowly.

Yoona could feel her heart suddenly gets heavy with her tone.

“Yuri, she..really loves you. It has always been you.” Gyuri added.

Yoona shook her head. “I can’t..”

“You took away someone very important in my life.”

Both girls stared into each other’s eyes as their hearts throbbing with pain.

“I can’t forgive you. Not yet.”

**

Nicole was smiling cheerfully with two bags of sushi in her hands. She entered her passcode and opened her apartment’s door.

“Hara-yah, I’m home.” She called sweetly. 

She closed the door behind her and moved to the kitchen.

She put the bags on the dining table. 

“I bought you your favourite sushi. We have unagi, and salmon, and tuna with eggs and cucumbers..” She said, taking out the contents from the bag.

“And your favourite! Caviar sushi!” She said, excited.

But there was no response. Just echoes of her own voice. She looked around and noticed that Hara wasn’t there. 

“Hara, I’m in the kitchen!” She called. 

But again there was no response.

With a box of caviar sushi in her hand, she walked to the living room and looks for Hara. There were cups of hot chocolate on the coffee table and a blanket on the sofa just like how she left it earlier. She has a bad feeling about what was going on.

“Maybe..she’s in the bathroom..” She mumbled, to comfort herself. She walked to the bathroom only to find it was empty. 

She bit her lip.

“Ma-maybe she went to the mini market..” She said with a faint smile. She slowly walked back to the empty living room with a heavy heart. 

Something is not right. 

Suddenly she saw a piece of paper lying on the coffee table, just under the mug. She moved closer and pulled it gently from the mug. It was a note. From a glance, she knew it was Hara’s handwriting.

As her heart beating fast, she read the note.

My Dear Cole,

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You healed my broken heart with your unconditional love. I wonder what I did in my life to be blessed with you. 

But.. we can’t be together. 

No matter how much we want to, we can’t.

So please don’t look for me in the future, because I can’t look at you without feeling sad. 

I’m sorry, goodbye.

The girl who finally fell in love with you,

Hara.

The sushi box fell on the floor simultaneously as the tears runs down Nicole’s cheeks. She read it again and again but she still can’t understand why. The note was Hara’s first love confession but it was also her last goodbye. 

Nicole folded the note and shoved it in her jeans’ pocket. Then she rushed to the kitchen to grab her car keys.  

“I must find her..” She mumbled to herself.

I can’t let you go.

**

At the balcony, two girls were staring at each other with teary eyes. Tiffany pressed Jessica’s hand gently. 

“Let’s take a break from each other.” Tiffany said.

Jessica stared blankly for a few seconds. Her mind can’t comprehend what Tiffany said as if it wasn’t in her vocabulary. The word break never was in their vocabulary.

“A-Are you breaking up with me?” She asked, stuttering.

Tiffany’s expression turned softer. 

“It’s just a short break until the wedding day, so that we both can fix what’s wrong with our relationship and have some time to..grow up.”

Jessica bit her lip and tears starting to pool in her eyes. Tiffany moved closer and cupped her face with her hands. 

“Let’s do this..for the sake of our love.” Tiffany said gently.

Jessica looked away from Tiffany’s gaze.

“Jessi, please.” 

“Me..without you..how..” Jessica mumbled.

“We have to try.” 

Jessica kept mum to hold back her tears.

“The Jessica I knew before is strong, she don’t have to depend on anyone.” Tiffany said.

“But that was before I met you..” 

“Yeah, but that was the girl who captured my heart the first time.”

Jessica looked at Tiffany. Suddenly she reached for her left cheek. She caressed it tenderly with her palms.

“This is the hand that hit you.. How could I do that to you?”

“Ho-Honey, I’m so sorry.” Jessica said, her voice cracked.

“I’m sorry for being such a weak person. I can’t even protect you from myself.. What an idiot..” 

Tiffany shook her head.

“It’s okay Jessi, I know you didn’t mean to.”

Jessica looked down for a few moment, thinking.

“Maybe we do need a break..” She said.

“It’s just temporary..”

“Okay..” Jessica said, nodded reluctantly.

They looked at each other without saying anything. 

I love you, Tiffany.

I love you too, Jessica.

Forever and a day.

As they looked at each other’s eyes, the emotions soon took over them. Their gazes traced down each other’s face and then landed on each other’s lips. Like there was a force pulling them, their faces moved closer towards one other. For one last kiss before their separation. Their faces were so close that they could feel each other’s warm breath. 

“I love you.” Jessica whispered before pressing their lips together. 

Tiffany closed her eyes as soon as their lips found each other. This kiss was different than any of their kisses. It embarked their first mutual separation. 

It was bittersweet.

A tear rolled down Jessica’s eyes as they kissed. 

Suddenly Julia came out from nowhere. 

“There you are! Girls, hurry up it’s almost the ring exchange cerem-

She paused.

Jessica and Tiffany were kissing like they’re the only ones in the world. 

Her mouth slowly crept into a smile.

“They’re okay as long as they don’t hurt each other.” She mumbled to herself.

Then she looked at the couple.

“I can delay the ceremony if you girls want.” She said.

**

Sooyoung sat on the steps in front of the hotel entrance, ignoring the stares on her. Hyunjoong had returned to the ballroom, to keep the guests entertained. The girl stared blankly at the street before her as various cars passed by. 

She was confused.

“Sooyoung-ah, I’m getting married.”

Hyunjoong’s voice echoes in her head. 

“My parents decided to marry me off with a girl from a conglomerate family like they always planned to.”

“And..you agreed to it?” Sooyoung asked, nervous.

Hyunjoong gave her a faint smile. “I have no reason to decline.”

“Bu-But you don’t love that girl. Heck, you don’t even know who that girl is!” Sooyoung said in protest.

“Love?” He smiled bitterly.

He looked at Sooyoung with his clear eyes. There was sadness hidden behind his smile.

“I don’t care about love anymore.” 

“Ah!” Sooyoung let out a grunt. 

She scratched her hair in frustration. Her own feelings were confusing her. 

She was sure before that she was in love with Hara. But then her feelings swayed to Hyunjoong. And after Hara had left, she also pushed Hyunjoong away. 

She was convinced that she was never in love with Hyunjoong.

But she wondered why does it hurt when he said he wanted to get married?

Sooyoung waited for her every day at the donut shop though she knew she’ll never turn up. She wanted to express her apology to her. The fact that she broke the girl’s heart haunts her since the day she left. 

And with each day passing by all she wanted to do was to apologize.  

So was it love? 

Or was it guilt?

“Isn’t it cold out here?” A voice asked.

Sooyoung turned around and unexpectedly saw a familiar face. 

Park Gyuri. 

She was stunned for a while, but the girl then took a seat next to her.

Gyuri let out a sigh and blew warm breath into her balled fists. She acted casually though Sooyoung finds nothing normal about sitting at the steps with Gyuri - out of all people. They never really know each other.

“I’m surprised you got invited.” Sooyoung said, amused.

Gyuri chuckled. 

“It’s the family thing. Why?” 

Sooyoung shrugged. “It’s just I’m surprised to see you at Tiffany’s engagement when you single-handedly ruined her cousin’s love life.”

Gyuri smiled. “I take that as a compliment.”

Sooyoung chuckled and shook her head. “You have issues.”

Sooyoung finds Gyuri’s cheery attitude was really amusing. At least it took her mind off her own problems for a while.

“I just met Yoona by the way.” 

Sooyoung stared at her, shocked.

“And…?”

“I apologized to her, of course.” 

Gyuri looked at the impressed Sooyoung. 

“I swear she looked at me like she wanted to kill me.” Gyuri added, serious.

Sooyoung looked blankly at her for a while before laughing. And then they both laughed.

“What’s your story?” Gyuri asked suddenly.

“I thought you’re banned from the Jungs after the threesome drama with Hara and Hyunjoong.”

“Haha. That’s funny.” Sooyoung said dully.

“Well, I am banned. What else is the reason for me to sit out here in the cold?” 

“Really? Wow, it must be sucks being you.” 

Sooyoung glared at Gyuri.

“Well, you can’t like two people at the same time, and worse, siblings and..of different gender.” Gyuri said.

“Of course, take it from the psychotic home wrecker.” Sooyoung rolled her eyes.

Suddenly a yellow taxi pulled up right in front of the entrance. A tall girl with long hair came out of the taxi and slammed the taxi door, seemed like she was in a rush.

Sooyoung’s eyes were fixed on the girl. There’s something really familiar about the girl. But she can’t tell who she was since her long hair was concealing her face.  

“Keep the change!” The girl said to the taxi driver. 

She hurriedly turned around and flipped her long hair to her back. That’s when her face was fully revealed.

Gyuri gasped. “Isn’t that Hara?” 

“Yah..” She tried to nudge Sooyoung next to her but then she realized that she was alone.

Sooyoung was running towards Hara.

**

Hara was rushing towards the entrance door, not caring about the stares around her. All she cared about was to get to her father as fast as she could and find out the truth. She was wearing a casual outfit, just a pair of jeans, t-shirt and a grey knitted cardigan. It probably appeared inappropriate to enter a high class place but Hara doesn’t even care.

Suddenly,

“Wa-Wait!” Someone called her from behind.

The voice sounded so familiar that it gave her goose bumps. She stopped and turned around.

Choi Sooyoung was standing in front of her, panting.  

Hara stared at her for a while with no words spoken. 

“Ha-Hara where have you been? Do you know how your family has been looking all over for you?” Sooyoung asked continuously.

“I’ve been looking for you all over the place too.” She added.

But Hara kept staring at her, silent.

“We’re all really worried about you. Especially your mother, she became sick since you left.” Sooyoung continued.

Hara stared at the girl before her. And slowly the pain in her heart returned. It was a slight throb at first but then it became more rapid and it felt like her heart was being torn into pieces. It took her two months to cure the pain, but now everything came back. She felt the pain like how she felt that night. 

Sooyoung was stuttering as she continues, “I-I just want to apolo-

“I hate you.” Hara cuts in.

Sooyoung paused and gulped. Hara was staring at her furiously with tears in her eyes.

“If there is one thing I could change about my life, it would be about you.”

“Hara..”

She grits her teeth and continued.

“I wish I never knew you.” 

“I wish I never kissed you.”

“I wish you never existed in my life.”

Sooyoung felt like a bullet just went straight through her heart.

Hara looked away and tears escaped her eyes. 

“I gave you everything, but you treated me like some kind of test subject to discover your own sexuality.”

“I loved you, but you never loved me.”

Sooyoung shook her head. “That’s not true.”

Hara shook her head and turned around. She rather leaves than being in the same place as Sooyoung.

But Sooyoung quickly grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving.

“Don’t go. Let me explain.” She urged.

“I don’t want to hear anything you have to say!” Hara said, pulling her arm away. She walked down a step towards the street.

“Please hear me out!” Sooyoung said, desperately.

“Let me go!” Hara shouted.

“Please forgive me!” Sooyoung pleaded, almost crying.

Hara grits her teeth. 

“I will never forgive you. I hope you live with guilt until you die.”

That stabbed Sooyoung’s heart like a knife.

“LET ME GO!” Hara shouted before pulling her hand harshly from Sooyoung’s grip. 

Sooyoung was stunned and she loosened her grip on Hara’s arm.

It was all happening too fast. Hara pulled her hand and ran down the steps. She rushed towards the street. 

She didn’t notice the car coming.

Chapter 69

I Rather Sinned

"And now we continue with the ring exchange ceremony. Announcing the celebrated couple arrival to the stage,Jessica Jung and Tiffany Hwang!" The event MC said, followed by a round of applause from the guests.

Julia glanced warily at the edge of the stage, waiting for the girls to come out. Michael held her hand gently and pressed it, to make her feel at ease. Julia looked at her husband and nodded to tell him that she's fine. 

Jessica and Tiffany walked onto the grand stage, hand in hand with smiles on their faces. Though they were crying earlier, their swollen eyes weren't too obvious, all thanks to the skilled makeup artistes Julia hired. 

The couple stopped once they reached the table in the centre of the stage where there was an ice sculpture in the shape of a heart. It was such a beautiful piece of art. Jessica turned to look at the audience and gulped. She only realized that there were so many people turned up that night, and the hall was filled with guests. She was shaking, nervous.

"Jessi." A soft voice called.

Jessica turned to look at Tiffany and their eyes met. Tiffany gave her a faint smile and pointed at the rings, signalling her not to keep the audience waiting. Jessica looked at the woman she loves and suddenly all her nervousness gone away. Only Tiffany can do that to her. 

Only you.

Jessica picked up the silver ring and slowly took Tiffany's hand. Gently she put the ring on Tiffany's finger where the ring belongs. They looked at each other and soon the emotion took over. Tears begin to fill Tiffany’s eyes. The latter then took another ring and inserts it into Jessica's finger, a bit hurried. She just wants the ceremony to end before she broke down and cry in front of the guests. These past few days had been emotional for the both of them.

The audience gave the couple another round of applause. Tiffany smiled at the guests and wanted to turn to them and bow, but Jessica grabbed her arm by surprise. 

She looked at Jessica, puzzled.

Suddenly Jessica leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her left cheek. Tiffany gulped as she felt Jessica’s soft lips on her cheek. The kiss was tender and brief, but it was filled with love. Jessica pulled away and looked into her fiancé’s eyes deeply.

I love you, Tiffany.

Tiffany's cheeks turned pink; embarrassed. No matter how many times Jessica kissed her, it still took her breath away.

The audience applauded again and cooed in response of their public display of affection. Tiffany looked down shyly, and bowed 90 degrees, avoiding everyone's eyes on her.

Julia can't help but to sob lightly and her husband comforted her by gently patting her back. Her daughter is all grown up now. 

Joanna smiled and glanced at his son meaningfully. But Hyun Joong pretended not to notice her and looked away. It’s like they were speaking language only them understands.

Krystal let out a relieved sigh.

"Whew, I thought they were breaking up.."

Taeyeon and Sunny looked at each other and smiled.

"It's them. Soulmates don’t break up easily." Yoona added casually.

Suddenly,

"SOMEONE WAS HIT!!" A voice shouted.

The audience begin to look at each other and whispered to each other.

"IT'S HARA!" The voice continued.

“Hara unnie?” Krystal said, shocked.

They all looked at each other, dumbfounded.

"M-MMy Hara?!" Joanna said from the other side of the hall, her face pale.

**

"WATCH OUT!!!" A voice shouted.

The voice caused Hara to turn to look at the road and only then she saw the car approaching. Though she tried, she was too shocked to move her feet. At that moment she thought she could’ve die. The light from the car was blinding her sight, so she closed her eyes. 

Everything happened too fast, and she felt a force on her body, dragging her towards the ground.

She fell. 

She felt pain at the back of her head, and right side of her body as if she had just landed on a hard surface. But she also felt the strong grip around her shoulders and the warmth over her body.  It was firm and strong reminds her of a human safety jacket. 

She slowly opened her eyes and saw a familiar face. Her vision was blurry but she know who that person is. 

"Ha-Hara, are you o-kay?" The girl who was still holding her her asked.

Hara's vision slowly turned clear and soon she saw the face of her saviour clearly. 

"Nicole.." 

Hara gasped and her eyes widen, shocked with Nicole's condition. The girl’s head was bleeding and she seemed weak. Her arms were covered with fresh wound and wet with blood.

Nicole was using her body to protect Hara. 

Hara sat up straight immediately and put Nicole's head on her lap. And instantly tears rolled down her face.

"Cole.."

"Wh-why did you left?" Nicole asked weakly.

"Don't say anything and hang in there. I'll get help for you!" Hara said, ignoring her question. 

“Can somebody call 911?! She’s badly injured!” She shouted to the people around her.

Nicole tugged her arm weakly to get her attention. They looked at each other.

"Di-did I do something wr-wrong to make you leave?"

Hara bit her lip and shook her head, as her heart felt heavier and heavier. "No you didn't. You didn't.."

"Hey, are you two okay?!!" A male voice asked as he kneeled next to them.

Hara shook her head and then looked up.

"Ha-Hara?!" The man asked, shocked.

"Dad?"

It was Hara's father, Kim Jae Hwan.

Nicole eyes widen as she saw the man came kneeling beside her. She wanted to run but she was too weak to move.

Sooyoung was trembling as she was witnessing what just happened. 

“I really didn’t see that coming. What did you said to her?” Gyuri asked, panicked.

But Sooyoung ignored her and ran to the road. "Oh my god, Hara!" 

"Hara, are you alright-     

"HARA!!" But another voice called. A woman was running to them, crying. 

It was Joanna Jung.

She saw Sooyoung and their eyes met for a moment. Joanna seemed surprised to see her there, and she stared at Sooyoung with her annoyed look. Sooyoung quickly looked away and took a few steps backward to give way for her. She never get the chance to check on Hara. She simply froze in that woman’s presence. 

"Mo-mom.." Hara said, awkward.

"My baby.." Joanna said, sobbing. She kneeled down and threw her arms around her daughter like they have been separated for years. All her anger towards her daughter had disappeared. She’s just grateful enough to see her daughter again.

Nicole became even more nervous seeing Joanna and her heart was beating fast. She know she shouldn't be there, surrounded by her mother's enemies.

I can't be seen here..

"Mom, dad, we must take her to the hospital now! She saved my life!" Hara said, putting her arms around Nicole's shoulder's protectively. 

"I already called the ambulance; they'll be here any moment." Jae Hwan said.

Hara looked at the girl on her lap and caressed her cheeks, ignoring the stares around her. Sooyoung looked at them and creased her eyebrows in confusion. She felt uneasy with the whole thing.

Are they..

"Cole, hang on. Help is on the way. I’ll make sure you’ll be fine." She said gently.

But there was no response form Nicole. Her eyes were closed shut.

Hara gulped. "Cole-ah."

But there was still no response. 

Hara shook her head.

"No, no, no!"

"NICOLE!!"

**

An ambulance came just minutes later and they took Nicole to the hospital. Hara insisted to accompany Nicole. Her parents and her brother followed them since they just reunited with her. They don't want to let Hara out of their sight too soon.

The event that evening ended after the accident. Julia Jung and her husband were busy sending off the guests.

"Thank you for coming, Mr Lee. Have a nice journey home." Michael said to the last guest for that evening. Julia who was standing beside him smiled and bowed along like a loyal wife she is.

After the last guest left, Jessica walked to her parents.

"Mom, dad."

"Yes Sooyeon?"

"Why don't you both go home and rest? You must be tired." 

Julia smiled and nodded. "How about you? Let's get your sister and go home together..

..also bring Tiffany along." Michael added.

Jessica gave them a faint smile.

"You both go first. There's something I need to take care of."

**

Choi Sooyoung was sitting at one of the empty guests table, burying her face in her palms. No matter how many times she wiped her tears, they just can’t stop rolling. There were two women with her, trying to comfort her with their words and gestures, Park Gyuri who accidentally dragged into the mess and her friend Tiffany.

"It's all my fault.." Sooyoung sobbed.

Gyuri sighed. 

"She could've been killed because of me.."

Tiffany shook her head.

"It's not your fault, Sooyoung-ah. Don't say that."

"No.. It's my fault.."

"Aish, really. If there was someone to blame, it was the reckless driver or the hotel staffs who didn't manage the traffic properly. It's not your fault." Gyuri said.

Sooyoung shook her head and looked at Gyuri. 

"But we got into that fight because of me! I made her ran towards the road! Because she can’t even look at me!” 

“Because..she hates me..” She added sadly.

Gyuri and Tiffany looked at her, speechless.

"Stop it Sooyoung." A voice said.

It was none other than Jessica who was standing behind her. She was crossing her arms and looked annoyed. She 

"It was her fault. She was stupid to run towards the road.”

“Sica, please..” 

"And hey, she's okay now. All thanks to Nicole, but still, what matters is that she's alright. So stop kicking yourself for it." Jessica added, cold.

Sooyoung hissed.

"Sica! Yo-You don't understand. Just leave me alone.."

Jessica scoffed. "Great! Just do what you're good at and push away everyone who cares about you!"

"Hey Jessica, that's too harsh." Gyuri said.

"Maybe you'll be forever alone!" Jessica added, pissed.

"SHUT UP!" Shouted Sooyoung all of the sudden.

"I never asked you to care about me! So just leave!" She added, angry.

Jessica and Sooyoung stared at each other. The atmosphere was tense. Gyuri rubbed Sooyoung's back to calm her down while Tiffany pulled Jessica's arm gently. 

"Enough Jessi." She said.

"But she-

"Please, just try to control your temper for once and stop being childish." Tiffany said firm.

Jessica was shocked to hear that from her.

"Things are hard for Sooyoung right now, so please understand her." She added.

Jessica bit her lip and by surprise, she pulled her arm from Tiffany's grip. They looked at each other with no words spoken.

"I understand." Jessica said, slightly offended.

"Jessi..

"I understand clearly." Jessica said coldly before turning around and left the ballroom.

Tiffany looked at the back of her woman she loves until she was out of her sight. She bit her cheek, as she was trying not to spill tears. Though it was really painful seeing Jessica leaving.

She sighed and looked at Gyuri. "So..I'm gonna sent Sooyoung back. Yoona is waiting for me in the car outside.”

She patted Sooyoung’s shoulder gently. “Let’s go home Sooyoung-ah.”

“I’m okay, Fany. Just..go without me.” Sooyoung replied weakly.

Gyuri sighed. "Tiff, you just had a tiring engagement ceremony plus you just had a fight with your fiancé."

“I think that should be enough for a day. Why don't you go home and rest? I'll take Sooyoung home." She suggested.

Tiffany looked at Gyuri warily. She almost forgot that she's not really on a good term with her because of Yoona and Yuri's incident.

"Don't worry, just go home and clear up whatever misunderstanding with Jessica. And maybe have some hot make-up sex afterwards.” She added with a smirk. 

“I'll take care of your friend tonight." She added with an assuring smile.

**

Hara held tight to Nicole’s hand as she sat by her bed. She had never once left her after the doctor treatment. Luckily she was only passed out due to loss of blood. Hara felt relieved since she already thinking of the worst. 

“Ha-ra..” Nicole suddenly called.

Hara looked at her immediately and her eyes lit up seeing Nicole gained consciousness.

“Where am I?”

“Hospital. How are you feeling?” Hara asked. She tenderly stroked the strands of hair on Nicole’s forehead.

Nicole smiled weakly. “I’m better after seeing your face.” 

Hara chuckled and pressed Nicole’s hand gently.

“Why did you left?” Nicole asked suddenly.

Hara looked away.

“And what do you mean by, ‘we can’t be together no matter how much we want to’?”

“It’s..It’s complicated.” 

“Why? Just be honest with me.” 

“Then maybe you should tell me why did you foolishly hurt yourself to save me?” Hara asked back.

“That’s simple.”

“It’s because I love you.” 

Hara looked at Nicole and bit her lip, speechless.

“You know what? It’s not that complicated anymore.” She said.

She stood up and leaned closer to Nicole.

“I rather sinned and be damned in hell just to be with you.”

Nicole looked at Hara, confused.

“Or just to do this.”  

Hara leaned down and pressed her lips on Nicole’s. 

Chapter 70

Hot Coffee

“Thank you for sending me home.” Sooyoung said, smiling weakly to Gyuri.

Gyuri shrugged. “It’s nothing.”

“So, er..goodnight.” Sooyoung said as she entered her apartment.

“Are you going to be okay on your own?” Gyuri suddenly asked.

Sooyoung nodded.

“Really?” Gyuri asked, concerned.

Sooyoung nodded again nonchalantly.

“Because if you need anything-

But Sooyoung already shut the door.

Gyuri stood in front of the door and let out a scoff. 

“Aishh this girl. How dare she shut on me like that? Who does she thinks she is?”

Gyuri rolled her eyes and turned around.

“Well, at least I did my part. I did take her home. My work here is done!” She said to herself.

She walked away from the door, but her steps were small and slow as if there was something holding her back.

“She should be okay, isn’t she?”

She took a step forward.

“She’s not a little girl anymore to be doing something stupid..”

She took another step.

“But this is the 4th floor..” She paused.

She chuckles to herself. “Aishh, that’s impossible! Like she will jump out of the window..she’s not that depressed..

..right?”

Gyuri gulped.

“And I will be blamed for not checking on her..”

Suddenly she imagines herself being in the news and being blamed for Sooyoung’s death. Her hands will be cuffed and she will be forced to wear the ugly orange prisoner’s suit and no makeup on her face.

NO makeup.

She stopped walking. 

“Aishh! Choi Sooyoung!”  She grunted and turned around.

Gyuri knocked the door and pressed the bell. She waited.

“Sooyoung, open the door!” She called.

There was no response.

“Hey Choi Sooyoung!” She called again as she knocked the door another few times.

But there was still no response.

Soon she became impatient and twisted the door knob. To her surprise, it was unlocked. The door was pushed open easily. 

So she entered the apartment.

Gyuri walked carefully into the house, like a creep. Since she was there uninvited, she unknowingly tip toed as she walked as if she was committing a crime.

She glanced around for Sooyoung, but the living room was empty. She found herself staring at the living room and was pleased with the interior design. She secretly praised Sooyoung for having a great taste. At least it’s not all pink like Jessica and Tiffany’s love nest. She shuddered at the thought of being surrounded in pink colour.

Gyuri stood in the middle of the living room and look around.

“Sooyoung?” She called.

The house seemed empty. Odd.

Gyuri suddenly thought of the worst thing that could happen. She gulped.

“Sooyoung? Where are you-

She didn’t manage to finish her sentence when she was interrupted by the sudden noise coming from the balcony.

SCREECH.

Gyuri shook her head.

“No.”

She jumped over the coffee table and rushed to the balcony. 

And then she saw Sooyoung.

Sooyoung was standing by the balcony window, just how Gyuri imagined in her head.

“YAH! DON’T DO THAT! YOU’RE STILL YOUNG TO DIE!” She shouted all of the sudden, startling Sooyoung.

“What the-

To her surprise, Gyuri wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her away from the balcony.

“HEY! HEY! HEY! STOP IT!” Sooyoung tried to break herself free but Gyuri was persistent. She dragged the tall girl away from the balcony until they reached the living room. Then she finally let the girl go.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Sooyoung asked, pissed.

“SAVING YOUR LIFE!” Gyuri retorted.

“Huh?”

“I know what you planned to do! And I won’t allow it!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Committing suicide won’t solve any problems! Jumping out of the building won’t do anyone good!”

Sooyoung rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t trying to jump!”

“You’re not?”

“Of course not!”

Gyuri suddenly became mute for a moment. 

“Th-Then what were you doing by the window?”

“I was closing it, since it’s already at night and its freaking cold. You thought I was attempting suicide?”

Gyuri’s cheeks turned red; embarrassed. She looked away and pretended to glance at her wrist to check her watch when there was nothing on her wrist.

“Well I was..just..you know..

Sooyoung crossed her arms. “How did you get into my house? I thought you already left.”

“You didn’t lock the door. I was leaving but then I got worried-

“Stop it. You’re giving me goosebumps. Just leave. I want to be alone tonight.” 

Sooyoung finished her demands and slumped herself on the couch.

“Lock the door on your way out.” She said, confident that Gyuri will leave.

But to her surprise Gyuri sat next to her, like nothing happen.

Sooyoung sighed, slightly annoyed.

“It’s not your fault, you know.” Gyuri suddenly said.

Sooyoung kept mum.

“Accidents happen, alright? So don’t punish yourself for it.” Gyuri added.

Sooyoung scoffed, but she was still ignoring Gyuri.

Gyuri continued, “You can’t keep blaming yourself for everything that happened to Hara. I understand that you’re feeling guilty for betraying her, but you can’t stop living your life.”

“Stop acting like you understands me, Park Gyuri. We barely know each other.” Sooyoung said, bitter.

Gyuri nodded.

“I know that you didn’t mean to betray Hara.”

Sooyoung gulped and glanced at Gyuri.

“You didn’t mean to fall for her brother, but it happened anyway.” Gyuri added.

“It’s so stupid that sometimes we can’t even control our own feelings. Sometimes I just hate some celebrity without reason, or someone I met on the streets. Have you ever felt like that before?”

Sooyoung looked away, irritated.

“And for the same reason, we can like someone though we didn’t want to. Like..

She paused and smiled.

..you think I want to fall for Kwon Yuri?”

Sooyoung slowly turned her head at Gyuri and their eyes met.

“I know she already has a girlfriend when I met her at Bali and I know I shouldn’t mess with her, but..

“It happened anyway.” Sooyoung cuts in.

Gyuri leaned her back at the sofa and sighed.

“The things you did to get Yuri were crazy. I heard about the secret affairs, the threat, and the pictures..” Sooyoung suddenly said.

Gyuri chuckled. “Yuri made me crazy.”

“You really like her that much eh?”

Gyuri looked down. 

“I..was in love with her.” 

The atmosphere turned silent, as the two girls sat on the couch. Unknowingly, they’re getting more comfortable in each other’s presence. 

“She ran in front of a car for Hara.” Sooyoung suddenly said; her voice slow.

Gyuri looked at Sooyoung, waiting.

“Nicole, she..just pushed Hara out of the way without hesitation even though she know she will get hurt..”

Sooyoung bit her lip.

“It seems like she really care about Hara..” 

Gyuri stared at her, thinking.

So is that why?

Sooyoung looked at Gyuri. 

“Gyuri..the only reason I’m blaming myself is for hurting her and letting her go.”

“She trusted me, but I betrayed her. Her love for me was sincere and real, I can feel it, but me, I was still unsure of our relationship and not willing to commit..and I disappoints her so many times..”

“I never told this to anyone before, but at that time, I wasn’t sure if I really like girls and when I met Hyunjoong, which is like the male version of Hara, my feelings swayed.” Sooyoung added.

Slowly tears gathered in her eyes.

“And for that I can’t forgive myself..I just can’t move on.. Not until Hara give me forgiveness.” 

Tears rolled down Sooyoung’s cheeks. And she can’t handle her emotions any longer. She wiped her tears with her hands but it only caused her to cry even harder. 

Gyuri looked at the crying girl, and without realizing, tears begin to pool in her eyes as well. 

She moved closer and pulled Sooyoung into her embrace. Sooyoung was shocked but at the same time she felt relieved, a hug was what she really need. She rested her chin on Gyuri’s shoulder and wrapped her arms around her waist as if she was a teddy bear. It felt comfortable.

“I understand.” Gyuri whispered.

“Gyuri, th-this is too painful..” Sooyoung sobbed.

“Sooyoung-ah, I understand.”

**

Joanna and Jaehwan were standing outside of a hospital room that morning. They were both staring at their daughter through the clear glass from outside of the room. 

Hara was sleeping on a chair next to Nicole’s bed and she was holding Nicole’s hand. She had been there since last night, not once leaving her side. 

Jaehwan turned to look at his wife. He was surprised to see her calm expression.

“Are you okay with Hara liking that girl?” He asked.

Joanna shrugged.

“This is so unlike you.” Jaehwan said, crossing his arms.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, as long as she is happy and I can keep her by my side. If accepting that girl means I can fix my relationship with Hara, I’ll accept her.” 

“I can’t bare losing Hara again.” She added, slow.

Jaehwan glanced at the two girls again. Their hands were glued to each other. He noticed that Hara was smiling in her sleep and he can’t help but to smile too. 

And then he looked at Nicole who was lying on the bed. 

He gulped.

There’s something familiar about her..

**

Tiffany was at the office that morning. She was supposed to check something on the computer screen, but she kept glancing out of the huge glass window. At the opposite of her department was the office for the Creative Director, a.k.a Jessica Jung. The light in the office wasn’t even turned on, and it was obvious that it was empty. But Tiffany can’t help checking it every few minutes. 

She sighed again after checking the empty office. When she looked up, she noticed that Seohyun was staring at her weirdly. 

Tiffany faked a cough and grabbed the mouse to pretend like she was working on something. Truth is she was only clicking randomly on the desktop.

“Seohyun.” She called in her boss tone.

“Yes unnie?” 

“Er..have you seen Ms. Jessica anywhere in the building today?” She asked, casually.

Seohyun shook her head. “I don’t think she came at all.”

“Oh..okay.” Tiffany tried to hide her disappointment by clicking on the wallpaper rapidly.

Seohyun sighed. “Why don’t you just give her a call than glancing out of the window every five seconds?”

Tiffany gulped. “Eh? I did not..”

“Unnie, what happened? You don’t seem to focus on work like you always do.”

“Nothing happened..”

“Nothing? Gee, unnie you are clicking on your Jessica eating ice cream wallpaper.”

Tiffany panicked, “What?! What a ridiculous accusation is that?! It’s not Jessica eating ice cream anymore! I’ve changed my wallpaper to Jessica on bed-

Seohyun looked at her with shifty eyes.

Tiffany bit her cheeks, realizing that she just dug her own hole.

“Fine! I’m gonna call her now! See!” Tiffany said, showing her phone.

Seohyun smiled, “Good then. You’re about to destroy that mouse.”

Tiffany huffed and stared at her phone. She picked Jessica’s name in her contact list.

Blankie Jung<3

She stared at the name for a long time, thinking if she should call or text. Finally she decided to write her a message.

My boo boo blankie, how are you?

She quickly deleted the text.

Too intimate.

She typed again.

Hi Jessi, did you sleep well last night? I can’t.

Deleted.

Too desperate.

And then she begin again.

Jessica, why didn’t you come to work today? 

..I miss you.

Tiffany stared at the text that she just typed. She hover her thumb over the send button, contemplating whether she should send the text.

Deleted.

Too honest.

**

Sooyoung woke up when she felt the warmth of the sun on her face. She slowly rose from the couch and noticed that the balcony window was opened. 

She had been sleeping on the couch all night.

Last night..Gyuri..

Sooyoung looked around to check if Gyuri was still around. But the living room was empty, and there was no sign of anyone else. She was alone. Sooyoung felt slightly disappointed.

Just a tiny feel.

She tried to get up from the couch and then realized that there was a blanket on top of her, causing her to sit back on the couch. She paused and stared deep at the blanket, lost in her thoughts. Then she removed the blanket to her side and laid her back on the sofa. 

She can’t believe that she just told Gyuri everything last night, things that she couldn’t even tell her closest friends. It doesn’t make any sense, but it happened. She scratched her hair; feeling confused of what happened last night. She opened up to Gyuri like she never does. 

Suddenly she saw a cup on the coffee table.

She leaned forward. 

It was a cup of coffee. It looked fresh and hot, like it was made just minutes earlier. 

Sooyoung bit her cheek.

She made me a coffee?

Underneath the cup was a note, written on a piece of white paper. It looked like it was tore from some notebook.

I already called your office and get today off. Rest well okay? 

If you need anything, just call me.

P/S: Don’t jump out of the balcony! 

**

Krystal came home from school and that evening. She was tired from the drama practice at her school earlier. She walked passed her sister’s old room and she heard noises. She stood there, confused.

Is Sis’s home?

Curious, she barged into the room and find her sister lazing on the bed, watching TV with a case of ice cream in her hand.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” She asked to her sister.

“I’m watching TV. Go away! You’re blocking my view!” Jessica said, pissed.

Krystal took a few steps aside. 

“What happened between you and Tiffany?”

“It’s none of your business.” Replied Jessica, shoving a spoonful of Mint and Choc ice cream into her mouth.

“Gosh! Stop being such a b*tch!” Krystal grunted.

She grabbed the remote on the coffee table. And then she turned off the TV.

“Hey! What did you do?!” 

“Tell me what happened.”

Jessica stared at her sister and let out a loud sigh.

“We broke up alright! Satisfied?!”

Krystal stared at her, dumbfounded. “Broke up? You and Fany-unnie?!”

“It’s temporary, until the wedding.” Jessica replied nonchalantly and grabbed the remote.

She turned on the TV and laughed to Yoo Jae Suk’s antics.

“That’s for a month. Are you two serious about separating at times like this? So many things can go wrong!”

Jessica ignored her.

“It’s her idea, right? In other words, she dumped you.” Krystal said.

“She didn’t dump me! It was a mutual decision.” Jessica retorted.

Krystal let out a loud sigh and scratched her hair.

“Leave me alone. I want to catch up on Running Man.” 

“Aishh! I had enough problems at school and then you’re like this..

Jessica glanced at her sister, concern.

“How’s school?”

“Just fix your own problem first.” 

“Why do you think Tiffany want this separation?”

Jessica kept mum.

“You really think by watching Running Man you can forget about your problem? It’s still there, a big mess.”

Then she added. “If you’re still like this, you’ll lose Tiffany for real.”

“What are you talking about?!” 

Krystal walked to her sister and sat next to her.

“If I were you, I will take this opportunity to start again. I will show Tiffany what she’s missing.”

Jessica looked way defensively. She’s not in the mood to have a talk with her sister.

Krystal grabbed the ice cream from Jessica’s hand to get her attention.

“Hey!”

The younger Jung scooped a spoonful of ice cream. 

“Change yourself to be the woman that she wants and make her go crazy all over again.” She said.

She looked at her sister and their eyes met.

“Be that woman that she just can’t resist.”

Jessica gulped.

And then Krystal shove the ice cream into her sister’s mouth by surprise.

“UMMGH! YOU!” Jessica shouted. Her mouth was smudged with ice cream, making her look like a 3 year old.

Krystal ran out of the room, laughing cheekily.

Chapter 71

Empty Elevator

The short-haired girl crossed her arms and shook her head. She glanced at the rear view mirror to look at the woman sitting at the back seat of their van. The woman looked calm and quite in a cheery mood. She was flipping through a foreign fashion magazine with a smile on her face. The short-haired girl sighed and shook her head again.

"Are you serious about doing that photoshoot?" Seungyeon asked to the model she worked for, Yuri.

The woman looked up and met her assistant’s gaze. She smiled and nodded.

Seungyeon creased her eyebrows, "Really? Hmm, there's something fishy about this."

"Nothing. I just want to take part in one of the best summer spread coverage this year. I can't let this kind of opportunity pass away." She said, shrugging.

"No. I think there's more than just that."

Yuri rolled her eyes. 

Seungyeon crossed her arms and bit her lip; she’s posing in her typical thinking mode. Suddenly she turned around, startling Yuri.

“What?”

Seungyeon stared at her with her suspicious gaze.

“Stop staring at me like that, you’re scaring me..”

Then Seungyeon raised her eyebrows.

"Yuri, who is the other female model for that photo shoot?"

**

Sooyoung returned to her office the next day. Though she was still hurting over Hara incident, she figured it was best to act normal. Though there was nothing normal with crying randomly at her desk. And the cafeteria. And the toilet.

Sooyoung sat at her desk, ignoring the weird stares her colleague gave in the Glam Design Department. She opened a file on her desk, but she couldn’t understand a word. Her mind couldn’t process a thing. Frustrated, she closed the file that she had been staring for half an hour with a slam of her hand.

She accidentally knocked a bottle of ink. 

“Oh no!”

Panicked, she searched into her pockets for a handkerchief or a tissue. She grabbed something in her left pocket of her jeans. Quickly she pulled it out and ready to wipe the ink off her desk. 

Then she realized that the ink bottle had its cap on. 

Sooyoung scoffed at the bottle, at the file and herself. She put the thing she grabbed from her pocket on the desk. 

It was a crumpled piece of paper.

Curious, Sooyoung picked it up and laid it out.

It was Gyuri’s note from yesterday. 

Sooyoung sighed, realizing that she was wearing the jeans that she wore the day before.  

She thought she threw away the paper. Apparently she didn’t. 

If you need anything, call me.

Gyuri

Unconsciously Sooyoung picked up the phone and begin searching for Gyuri’s number. She frowned and scrunched her nose after fished searching in her phonebook. 

She doesn’t have Gyuri’s number.

She felt slightly disappointed.

Suddenly,

"Miss Choi Sooyoung." 

Sooyoung shoved the paper back into her pocket and looked up.

"Yes, Mr Song?"

It was her head of department.

"Our new creative director wants you to get this photographer for our summer photoshoot." He said, handing over a file.

Sooyoung took it reluctantly, "Ah, yes.."

"That boy. He’s young and new but he dared to boss me around..” He mumbled.

“Anyway, he wants you to join the summer's spread project team."

Sooyoung looked at her, shocked. “Me?”

"Yeah, I know right? Why did he picked you?” He said, rolling his eyes, annoyed.

“Anyway, your first task is to get in touch with this photographer." He said, opening the file.

Sooyoung looked at the page opened.

"She is a young talent and has built a name for herself in the States. She had 3 successful photo exhibitions in LA and was featured in various photography magazines there. But she had never worked with any local magazine yet." He said.

Sooyong nodded, impressed.

"He wants you to persuade her to work with us for the summer photoshoot. He wants our magazine to be the first that she worked with in this country."

Sooyoung flipped through the file. There were sample pictures taken and she immediately understood why their Creative Director wanted that photographer so bad. Though it was only photos of our everyday lives, but the way it was captured made it looked more meaningful. 

Amazing.

At the bottom right corner of each of the picture, was a white column. A column where there were titles of the photos, and the name of the photographer.

Suddenly Sooyoung’s eyes widen and gasped.

"Pa-Park Gyuri?"

"Yeah, her name is Park Gyuri. Do you know her?" Mr Song asked, nonchalant.

“I-I..” 

Sooyoung was speechless.

**

Tiffany checked her watch again, it was almost 10 am.

She was sitting in the conference room, waiting for the Glitter's weekly meeting to begin. All the Head of Department were present, including the chief editors. Tiffany glanced at the empty chair in front of her; the Creative Editor has yet to arrive. Though the chances are low, she was still hoping for Jessica to join the meeting. 

It's day two of their separation and there hasn't been any contact at all.

Tiffany is content if she could have a glance at Jessica. 

A glance should be enough.

"We shall start our meeting now." The new Editor-In-Chief, Mr Oh Ji Ho said.

Tiffany looked at the chair across her. It was empty. 

Jessica is not coming.

The meeting begun, and there was a presentation by the accounts department, showing a graph. He seemed serious and was enthusiastically elaborating the facts, but Tiffany’s mind was elsewhere. She viewed the presenter as if he was in a mute mode.

Amidst the presentation, suddenly the door was pushed open.

Everyone stared at the door, shocked. 

A young woman was standing by the door. She was wearing a white long sleeved shirt that buttoned over her chest, slightly revealing her glamorous body. She was holding an iPad in one hand with a pink smart cover and nothing else.

This time, the whole room had turned mute for real as they stared at the woman.

Tiffany’s heart was beating fast. And it was beating faster as the woman was walking to her seat.

You’re here..

Jessica Jung had arrived. 

Mr Oh's face expression turned dark. He noticed a few people in the conference room seemed brighter after Jessica came. He didn’t like what was happening.

Jessica wasn’t supposed to come. At least not until a few months, or a few years. The job demotion should make her feel so humiliated her so that she won’t ever step foot in Glitter again.

He didn't expect Jessica to return so soon.

Jessica sat at her seat, which coincidently was right in front Tiffany’s. As the others staring at her with their jaw dropped, she looked at Mr Oh.

“Continue.” She said, almost demanding.

Tiffany stared at the woman before her, speechless. 

Jessica crossed her legs and then crossed her arms. She took off her shades and fixed her bangs.

Tiffany just can't take her eyes off Jessica. There was something different about her, something that she hasn't seen in Jessica in quite a while. And it's making Tiffany nervous. In a good way.

Jessica knew that Tiffany was staring at her, but she kept her cool. After a while, she glanced at Tiffany and gave her a warm greeting smile.

I came.

Tiffany's heart almost burst with happiness when she saw that beautiful smile.

She smiled back.

Now I can see you.

**

"We are going to do the first ever joint photoshoot with ..Glam Magazine." Mr. Oh said in the meeting.

Jessica was dumbfounded for a while.

He continued. "They've agreed to do it with us and have arranged the best photographer for our summer spread-

"Excuse me?" Jessica said suddenly.

"Yes, Ms Jessica."

Everyone's eyes were on Jessica, waiting.

"I'm sorry, but did you just say a joint photoshoot?"

"Yes."

"With Glam?"

Mr Oh crossed his arms, annoyed. "Your point?"

Jessica scoffed.

"Why do we need to do a joint photoshoot with a rival company? Glitter is doing well by itself."

"Umm, I think you missed the first presentation. Or else you know that our magazine sales had decreased by 5% for the past 3 months, the effect of..you know, bad management and all." 

Jessica bit her lip.

"So? We can always think of something to boost the sales again like we always do. There are a lot of other ways for that, double promotions, through endorsements and anything but not this!" Jessica retorted, angry.

The atmosphere was tense.

"Doubling promotions? You mean spending more of company's money?" He said, with a mocking laugh.

Then everyone in the room except Tiffany begins to laugh as well. 

Suck ups.

"That's why our Chairman thinks you're too young for this." He said.

"Don't talk about him like you know him." Jessica warned; protective of her grandfather.

He scoffed.

"Ms Jessica, I think you're being out of the loop in this matter. Everyone in this room had discussed about this joint photo shoot since last week, but you weren't present. We have all agreed to do this. Oh yes, including Chairman Jung." Oh Jiho said, proudly.

“Even him..”

Jessica stared at the irritating man; she has nothing else to say to his face. She was too shocked knowing that her grandfather would approve on such proposal. That is so unlike him.

She looked at Tiffany and the latter was also staring at her.

Their eyes met. 

Tiffany looked apologetic on what happened. She pouted.

Are you okay, Jessi?

Jessica smiled weakly and shrugged.

Not really, honey.

**

Jessica and Tiffany walked out together after the meeting. Though they were walking side by side, they weren't saying a word to each other. There was still silence when they were waiting for the elevator. 

Ding.

The elevator arrived.

It was empty.

They entered and stood side by side. Jessica was busy with her phone, and Tiffany was busy watching her busy with her phone.

"How are you?" Tiffany suddenly asked after much hesitation.

Jessica looked at Tiffany and smiled.

"I'm just..like this." She said.

"You?"

Tiffany shrugged.

"I'm like this." 

Jessica chuckled.

"I heard you're staying with Yoona."

Tiffany nodded. "Yeah."

"I'm staying at my parent's house and have to deal with Krystal's nonsense every day." 

Tiffany laughed.

Jessica sighed. "It's a torture."

"What? Living with Krystal? That’s mean."

Jessica shook her head.

"Living without you."

Their eyes met. Tiffany suddenly finds it hard to breathe, staring into Jessica's beautiful brown eyes, and hearing that from her. She misses hearing to Jessica’s sweet words. 

And then the elevator door open.

Seohyun was standing outside. “Ah..”

Jessica broke their eye contact and gently touched Tiffany's right cheek.

"I have to go, take care." She said.

Tiffany can't say anything but replied it with a nod. Jessica left hurriedly with her phone pressed to her ear.

“Hello, Aunt Jo..” 

Tiffany stared at her until the elevator door closed.

She didn’t even notice that Seohyun was already in the elevator and was staring at her.

Seohyun saw the happy grin on her boss’s face and she felt relieved. 

"Unnie, Ms Jessica looked really sexy today, don't you think?" She asked cheekily.

Tiffany grinned wider. "I know..I really like the shirt she wore, it really compliments her body figure and..

.. it looked like it can be taken off easily.." She said, mumbling to herself. 

Seohyun quickly cleared her throat, uncomfortable with what was on Tiffany’s mind at that moment. Judging from the smirk on her face, it must be something dirty.

Seohyun cleared her throat.

"Umm..one thing about her was weird though."

"What? No, she's perfect." Tiffany retorted.

Seohyun shook her head.

"Why was she wearing sunglasses indoors?" 

**

Sooyoung drove to a building located in Samsung-dong to look for the photographer. Though she could just give a simple call, she came there to meet her in person. 

It’s because of the work.

It’s not like I came here to see her..

She kept telling herself.

She stood outside the building, checking if it was the right place. She was supposed to go to Gyuri's photo studio. She reached her front jeans pocket to get the address that was given by her boss earlier. She grabbed the paper and read it aloud.

"If you need anything just call.."

Sooyoung paused, realizing that it was the wrong paper. She thought she already got rid of the paper hat Gyuri left her, she had no idea how it ended in her pocket.

She reached for the other side of her jeans pocket to look for the address, but suddenly someone called her.

"Sooyoung?"

Sooyoung quickly turned around.

Gyuri was looking at her.

"Ah, so this is the Goddess Photo Studio?" Sooyoung asked.

"Of course, you're looking at the goddess now." Gyuri replied, half joking, half serious. Sooyoung couldn’t tell.

She chuckled.

"Are you here to see me?" Gyuri asked, hoping that Sooyoung would say yes.

Sooyoung stared blankly at her first then replied. "Yes."

Gyuri smiled.

"Come in."

**

Sooyoung sat at the small table at a corner of the large studio. Gyuri was somewhere preparing drinks for her guest. Sooyoung scanned the room as she waited. She noticed that there were boxes on the floor, seemed like Gyuri had just moved in there.

Then the host arrived with a tray in her hands. 

"Here, have some coffee." She said, putting the cups on the table.

The smell of the fresh coffee brought memories to Sooyoung and she suddenly felt awkward being there.

Gyuri took a seat opposite of Sooyoung and leaned her back at the chair.

"I'm sorry for the mess. This place is still not done." She said, tucking her hair behind her ears.

"You just opened this place?" Sooyoung asked, starting a conversation.

"Yes. Just 2 weeks ago. I'm still working on the interior design."

"Oh? Got any concept in mind?"

"I’m not sure yet. I have too many ideas.. But oh! I really like your living room." Gyuri suddenly said.

"My living room?"

"Yeah, when I spend the night at your place the other day, I can't help but admire the design of your living room. It's kinda retro yet modern at the same time. It’s very creative."

Sooyoung looked away, awkward. Why Gyuri did have to mention about that night again?

"Who's the designer? Maybe you can hook me up with them. Give me their number."'

"Then I have to give you my phone number." Sooyoung said casually. 

Then she bit her lip. Maybe it was too casual?

Gyuri looked at Sooyoung in wonder.

"When did I ask for your phone number?” She asked, awkward.

Sooyoung chuckled. "Because..I designed my living room."

Gyuri and Sooyooung looked at each other for a while, before looking away at the same time.

"Ah! That's why!" Gyuri said, clapping her hands.

"Of course, what were you thinking of?"

"Nothing at all! Just my mind messing with me! It does that sometimes.." Gyuri said, shaking her head.

Sooyoung looked at her, her eyebrows raised.

"Ah, nothing. Really." Gyuri said, smiling.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

"Are you okay now? About Hara and all?" Gyuri suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

Sooyoung nodded. "I'm acting like I'm okay. I'm a good actress, right?"

"Not really."

Sooyoung gulped.

"Thank you for the other night, and also for the coffee the morning after." She said.

"No problem. I kinda enjoyed having you in my arms..

She paused.

..though my arms hurts like hell! Haha!”

Sooyoung stared at her blankly.

Gyuri cleared her throat. “Uh..I hope you liked the coffee.” 

“I liked it.” 

“That’s good to know.”

Sooyoung cleared her throat.

"Er..Gyuri, actually..I'm here for a reason.”

"Our creative director has specifically asked me to ask you to be the photographer for our summer shoot." 

It took Gyuri a while before she nodded.

"So..you're here because of work..” She said, slightly disappointed.

"Would you like to work with us?"

Gyuri chuckled. "I'm not cheap though."

"We're willing to pay your price."

"Will you be there too? For this summer shoot?"

"Of course, I'm in the design department." Sooyoung replied.

"I don't know.."

"Oh come on, just do this okay?"

"I never did Korean editorials."

"There's first for everything."

"Hmm.."

"Just say yes, Gyuri."

"Just do this for me." Sooyoung said, bluntly.

Then she realized that she might be too far. Gyuri stared at her, thinking.

"If I do this, you have to promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise me you won't jump out the window."

Sooyoung laughed. 

"Okay, I promise."

Chapter 72

Glass

Tiffany was sitting at her desk. She seemed occupied as she was intently staring at her computer screen. Well, that’s what it looked like.

The young lady was actually looking at the office opposite hers, and specifically at the woman sitting at the desk. Jessica seems busy with work and not even once she glanced at Tiffany’s direction. Tiffany was slightly disappointed, she was hoping for a distant eye contact, or maybe a wave. She can’t concentrate on her work until Jessica gave her some kind of sign. 

Suddenly Tiffany’s head jerked up, and Seohyun who was doing her job diligently immediately noticed. Tiffany creased her eyebrow and begins to pout, her usual expression when she was worried. Seohyun glanced out of the window and saw Gyuri entering Jessica’s office.

She smiled.

Tiffany unnie must be jealous now.

And she was right. Tiffany stood up and paced back and forth restlessly. 

Jessica glanced at her friend who gave her a surprise visit. And then she resumes her work and let her looked around the office.

Gyuri scanned the room from corner to corner and then nodded. 

"This office is not bad. It's not as big as your previous one but..it’s okay."

Jessica smiled at her friend’s effort of trying to cheer her up. It’s been a while since she and Gyuri spent times as friends. It’s always Gyuri hitting on her, Gyuri hitting on her friend’s girlfriend or both. 

Gyuri walked to the huge glass window and look out. She could observe two different departments from Jessica’s office through their clear glasses. She saw a few staffs from Fashion Department headed out with a rack of clothes.  Then she noticed the other department and saw someone standing by the window.

“Wow, is that the Design Department?” She suddenly asked.

Jessica glanced and then nodded. “Yes, why?”

“I think Tiffany is staring at you right now.” 

Jessica chuckled. “I know.”

“And you’re acting like..you didn’t know?”

Jessica smirked.

“Wah Jessica Jung..I’m impressed.” Gyuri said as she sits on the chair opposite of Jessica’s desk.

"I heard you moved back to Korea.” Jessica said, changing the topic.

"Yeah. I’m planning to stay. I bought a place that is a house and also a studio. You and Tiffany should visit me."

"Sure. Maybe after the wedding. Things are a bit complicated these days."

"Still fighting?"

Jessica shrugged.

"I can't believe you guys can refrain from doing ‘it’ for so long." Gyuri said with a smirk.

"Shut up. It's not always about ‘it’. I hate it when people think my relationship with Tiffany is all about lust and not love."

Gyuri rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah.."

Jessica cleared her throat, "I heard you accepted the offer to be our photographer for the joint shoot. Thank you."

Gyuri smiled. "You should be honored."

"What made you agree? I asked you many times before but you said that Korean magazine is not your standard."

"Well, I agreed to Glam, not Glitter." She replied cheekily.

Jessica scoffed. "Are you saying that Glam meet your standard, but not Glitter?"

Gyuri laughed.

"Get out of my office then!"

"Haha, you're still so easy to tease!"

"Wait, you must have agreed to Sooyoung then, since she's the Glam representative."

"Um..yes."

"So..how's Sooyoung?"

"Wh-Why are you asking me about her?" Gyuri asked back, avoiding her gaze.

"Because you recently met her."

"She's fine, don’t worry."

Jessica sighed. "I felt really guilty for shouting at her that night. I’m such a terrible friend."

"You just realized that?"

Jessica gritted her teeth.

"Just get out of here Park Gyuri!"

"HAHAHA!"

"Well, at least I don't fall for anyone I met and go psycho over them unlike..someone." Jessica retorted.

Gyuri looked away and the atmosphere turned silence for a while. Jessica realized the awkwardness but she continues to concentrate on her paper work.

Finally Gyuri let out a sigh.

"I'm changed now." She said suddenly.

Jessica looked at her friend, curious.

"I..don't care about love anymore." Gyuri continued.

Jessica gulped, a bit shocked.

"In fact I will be married to someone my family fixed me with soon."

"To a man?"

"Of course."

"But..you don't like men."

Gyuri shrugged. 

"It doesn't matter what I like or who I love. I had..enough.”

“I rather give up on love than kept falling for to someone who never loves me back. It's..tiring to be heartbroken over and over again."

Jessica shook her head, "But, what if you suddenly fall in love with a girl prior to the wedding?"

"Not gonna happen."

"Someone out there could be your true love."

"True love only exists for people like you and Tiffany. Not me." She said, bitter.

Jessica looked at her friend, feeling sorry.

"Don't say that, you'll never know."

She sighed. "You have Tiffany who loves you unconditionally, and Yuri only loves Yoona – 

She paused and looked down for a moment.

“Who want to love me? No one." She continued.

Jessica stared at her friend, trying to find something to say.

Suddenly the door was flung open, startling the two young women. Jessica was especially shocked since no one dares to enter her office without knocking. She was about to shout at whoever did that until she saw the young lady by the door.

Tiffany was standing with a file in her hand. Her face was a bit flustered, and her lips were slightly pouted. Jessica can’t help but smile seeing her that way.

Tiffany is..jealous?

"Oh, hey there Tiff!" Gyuri greeted, waving her hand.

"Hello Gyuri, what are you doing in Ms Jessica's office?" Tiffany asked, cold.

"Uh..just dropping by to say hi to my long time friend.." Gyuri replied with a smile to Jessica.

Jessica shrugged. 

Tiffany stared at her with her suspicious eyes. Jessica suppressed a smile.

She’s just visiting, honey.

Really?

You know you can trust me.

"Is there something you want to show me, Ms Hwang?" Jessica asked, quickly changing the topic.

"Ah yes.." Tiffany walked a few steps closer to Jessica’s desk.

She handed a file to Jessica. "Here are the finalized details for our upcoming photo shoot. This is the complete list with the venue, staffs, models and photographer. I think you might want to check it."

Jessica took the file and flipped through the pages.

"Hmm, we're going to Guam.."

"Oh, I love Guam." Gyuri cuts in.

"Photographer, Park Gyuri." Jessica read aloud.

Gyuri grinned proudly.

Jessica read through the list.

"The models are..er-" Jessica paused and glanced at Tiffany.

Gosh, is this real?

Pretty much.

Gyuri looked at them exchanging glances, couldn’t help but feeling curious. 

"Hmm Ms Hwang, who is in charge for the model selections?" Jessica asked.

"It's Mr Oh himself."

Jessica frowned.

Gyuri looked at them, dumbfounded.

"And the models agreed to do it?" Jessica asked.

Tiffany nodded.

"Looks like it's going to be a problem.." Jessica said, glancing at Gyuri.

"Who are the models?" Gyuri asked, no longer could contain her curiousity.

"But I believe you are a professional, right photographer Park?" Jessica said, not really replying to the question.

"Hey, tell me who are the models?" Gyuri insisted.

Jessica gulped.

"Im Yoona and..

..Kwon Yuri.."

**

Gyuri was driving from Jessica's office. She bit her lip, thinking of what happened earlier.

"Im Yoona and..Kwon Yuri.."

Gyuri gulped.

There's no way..

There’s no way..

“There’s no way I can do that job!” She shouted to herself.

“I-I can’t even look at Yuri anymore! And her and Yoona together?! I rather die than capturing their sweet moments with my eyes! I-

Gyuri maneuvered her car to the road side and stepped on the brake pedal until her car stopped. She pulled the hand brake and then rested her forehead against the steering wheel. 

And soon tears rolled down her eyes.

“I rather die..”

She looked up and realized that she just stopped her car near the city park. A little boy was staring at her crying from outside. She forgot to close her window. She quickly wiped her tears and acted cool so that the boy leaves. But he didn’t.

Gyuri sighed.

“Okay boy, I know that you’re stunned at my goddess-like beauty, but enough staring already.”

The boy continued to stare at her.

“Fine. Do you want to take my picture?” She asked.

“A panda.” The boy suddenly said.

“Excuse me?”

“You look like a panda.” 

Gyuri was dumbfounded for a while. No one ever compares her extraordinary beauty to an animal, she could accept it if it were phoenix or unicorns but panda? 

She scoffed.

“How could you-

She was about to scold the innocent boy when she saw her reflection in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were swollen and her mascara was all smudged, forming black circles under her eyes. 

She does look like a panda.

She turned to the boy and smirked. “I do look like a panda, goddess panda.” 

The boy laughed and it somehow lighted up Gyuri’s mood for a bit. Then his mother called and he waved goodbye at Gyuri before leaving.

Gyuri waved back at him and looked at the boy until he was out of her sight. She leaned her back on the seat and let out a sigh. 

Suddenly she saw a familiar looking young woman walking alone through the park. 

“Sooyoung?”

**

Two young women were sitting on a bench in the park. One of the girls was petite with long straight hair. Her attractive facial features made a few male joggers that were passing by turned their heads. Her companion was nothing short from her. The cheerful smile on her face brightened up the atmosphere. People won’t even notice her bandaged arm. They were acting like they were the only ones there, not bothering to hide their affection. 

Nicole rested her head on Hara’s lap and closed her eyes. She could feel Hara gently stroking her hair and slowly her mouth crept into a smile. 

There’s nowhere else I want to be but here..

Hara ran her fingers through Nicole’s short hair tenderly. She stared at Nicole as if she would disappear if she looked at other place. 

I don’t want to lose you. 

Suddenly, Nicole’s eyes were open and they stared at each other for a while.

"Are you okay? You seem gloomy." Nicole asked.

"I'm okay. Just..close your eyes." Hara said, gently closing Nicole’s eyes with her hand. Nicole obeyed her and shut her eyes.

Hara bit her lip, what happened earlier in the day flashes on her mind again.

"Dad, are you being honest to us all this time?"

Kim Jae Hwan was quite surprised with his daughter’s question. 

He cleared his throat and grabbed the glass on his desk, acting casual. 

"What are you talking about? Of course I am."

Hara stared at him, not satisfied with the reply. 

"Are you being honest to mom?" She asked another question.

Jae Hwan let out a sigh. "You came into my office to ask such ridiculous questions? I’m very busy right now.."

"Then tell me about Marissa Kim." Hara said, firm.

Jae Hwan gulped.

"Or, is it a ridiculous question too?"  

Jae Hwan shook his head and looked away. 

"I-I don't know anyone with that name."

"You're lying."

Jae Hwan almost dropped his file on the floor.

"Why don't you tell me about your affair with her?"

"HARA!" Jae Hwan suddenly shouted. 

Hara looked at her father, shocked. His eyes were furious yet nervous, but he was really angry. 

"Stop it. I don't know where you heard that rumor but it's not true. I don't know anyone with that name!"

“Hara..” 

“Hmm.. What is it?”  Nicole’s voice brought Hara back to reality.

Nicole looked at her and smiled.

“I love you.” She said slow, almost whispering.

Hara stared at the girl in her lap, and a smile slowly formed on her face. She leaned down and to Nicole’s surprise; she planted a soft kiss on her lips. 

Nicole was shocked, since Hara was kissing her in public. They could get in trouble for being so affectionate in the open air, but Hara didn’t seem to care one bit. 

After a while she broke the kiss and stared deeply into Nicole’s eyes.

“They’re looking at us.”

“So?” Hara shrugged.

Nicole smiled.

“Nothing.” She said before pulling Hara for another kiss.

**

Choi Sooyoung was staring at the young lovers in a distance. She can’t explain how painful she felt when she saw them kissing. Not just once, but twice. And they’re doing it in public without caring about the eyes that were judging them, and their whispers. Something that she can never do for Hara.

Hara and Nicole are so in love.

This hurts..

Tears flew out of her eyes, and she knew she can’t longer stand there and watch. She felt as if she might die if she stood there for another second.  She turned around and walked fast through the park. She regretted following them. How she wish she could erase what she just witnessed.

She kept her head down, trying to hide her swollen eyes and the tears that couldn’t stop running down her face. She walked as fast as she could towards the car park. She just wants to get into her car and cry her heart out. 

Suddenly..

"AH!"

Sooyoung accidentally bumped onto someone.

Without lifting her chin, she bowed, "Sorry!"

That person scoffed.

"Just ‘sorry’? You ruined my jacket! It's wet now! What are you going to do about it?" 

Sooyoung looked up and saw a familiar face. Park Gyuri was wiping her shoulder that seemed wet, resulted from their collision. It must be her tears.

Sooyoung looked at her, surprised. "Gyuri? What are you doing here?"

"Aishh, this is a special edition designer jacket. I bumped into you and its wet now, gosh is this drool?!"

Sooyoung shook her head. "Yah! It's not drool!"

Gyuri looked at her, and their eyes met. She saw her eyes. The tears had stopped now, but her eyes were still red.

"So.. is it tears?"

Sooyoung looked away. "N-No, it's just some dust got into my eyes.."

"This park is dusty?" Gyuri asked suspiciously.

Sooyoung scoffed. "Yes! It's a dusty park! Do you have any problem with that?"

"Aigoo..What is happening to our country? Even the park is dusty?! What is the government doing?!" Gyuri said in an exaggerating tone.

Sooyoung chuckled.  "You're such a drama queen."

"Yes, and you have to compensate for my jacket."

"If it's that much of a deal to you, then I'll take it to the dry cleaners.."

"And let you destroy my jacket? No way!"

"Then what? You want money? Are you a gangster?"

Gyuri laughed. Their conversation has gotten even more absurd.

"Treat me to coffee. That'll be enough."

**

Sunny’s Café was busy as usual that evening. Sunny were seen sitting behind the cashier counter and pressed the phone to her ear. She was probably talking to her wife, Taeyeon, considering that she wasn’t there at the café with her. She’s very protective of her pregnant wife. 

At a table for two in the corner of the cafe, Sooyoung and Gyuri were relaxing with their two cups of coffee.

"You're so sneaky." Gyuri suddenly said.

"Excuse me?"

"You took me to your friend's cafe so that you don't have to pay."

"I wish I don't have to pay. Sunny might even charge me double. That cheap midget." Sooyoung said, rolling her eyes.

Gyuri laughed and glanced at Sunny. She was still busy on her phone.

They don’t talk about anything else after that. They just sat there, enjoying their coffee and or course, each other’s company.  Their eyes would meet a few times, and when that happened, they just smiled at each other or laughed awkwardly.

Sooyoung reached for a glass of plain water on the table. She took a sip and put the glass back on the table, but her hands were still holding the glass tightly. 

Gyuri looked and her and her expression turned soft. She knew she was sad. She saw Sooyoung at the park, and she also saw Hara and Nicole kissed at the bench. She must be wounded, but she kept it all in.

"You'll get hurt..” Gyuri suddenly said.

Sooyoung looked at Gyuri, curious. 

..it hurts now, but you will hurt even more later."

"Sooyoung, you have to let go."

Sooyoung gulped.

"I-I..

"I'm talking about the glass you're holding." Gyuri cuts in.

Sooyoung looked at the glass in her hands.

"That glass is beautiful, nicely decorated with its crystal pattern, and it's useful to put our drinks in. But if you hold to it with too much force, it will break. And your hand will bleed." Gyuri added.

Sooyoung kept mum and looked down.

"So let go of her." 

They both know they’re no longer talking about the glass.

"Sooyoung, you have to let her go." Gyuri repeats.

Sooyoung shook her head. 

"No. How am I supposed to let go if she didn't even forgive me? I can't forgive myself okay?! I hate myself.."

"I know what you mean.." Gyuri said, soft.

"No you don't!" Sooyoung replied, shouting.

"I did a lot of bad things in my life too. Far more worse than you..but we're not trying to compete about who's worse here.."

"GYURI STOP IT!”

“I think that's enough. Yo-You don't have the right to interfere into my life like that! You're getting too deep into my life and I don't like it!”

Gyuri was speechless.

“You kept appearing in front of me when I’m like this and you always know what to say to make me feel better and it’s confusing me! I have enough trouble already and I don’t have time to think about you!”

“You..think about me?” Gyuri asked, shocked.

They looked at each other for a while, with no words spoken. 

Sooyoung quickly looked away and stood up. 

"I gotta go."

"Sooyoung wait!"

But Sooyoung was already walking towards the door.

"Sooyoung, I have something to tell you!” 

That managed to stop Sooyoung from leaving. She turned around and looked at Gyuri, waiting.

Gyuri bit her lip, 

"I can't work for the summer photo shoot.  You have to find another photographer." 

Sooyoung looked at Gyuri, speechless for a while. And then she scoffed. 

“Fine. Is that all you want to say?” Sooyoung asked, arrogant.

“Yo-you..

Sooyoung turned around and leave Gyuri stumble for her words. She went out the front door and Gyuri can finally finish her sentence.

“You’re not the only one who’s confused.”

Chapter 73

Let’s Do It Now

It’s another day at the Glitter’s office.

Everyone was busy doing their work routine, staffs from the fashion department with their tray of new clothes, the new interns was being pushed around doing stuff for everybody, and the female receptionist was too busy on..Facebook.

The design department was not any different, with the meticulous Seohyun was seriously doing her editing on the newly taken photos and their Head of Department, Tiffany had developed a new routine of staring at the opposite office.

She was well aware that her new habit is affecting her work performance, but it became impossible not to look at Jessica when she was wearing a new sexy outfit every day. Tiffany had also noticed Jessica’s new hair color, a lighter shade of brown and she really like it on her. But she didn’t get the chance to compliment her yet.

Your hair looked amazing, Jessi.

As Tiffany doing her routine of 

creepy stalking

 staring at Jessica, she saw her stood up and headed out of the office. Tiffany knew this is her chance to casually bump into her. She immediately stood up from her chair, startling Seohyun.

“Going somewhere, Ms Hwang?”

Tiffany replied it with a nod and an awkward smile.

“Can I borrow that file? I can’t seem too obvious..” Then she grabbed a file from Seohyun’s table and hurriedly went out of the office.

Seohyun looked at her, puzzled.

“Why did she take my book?”

Tiffany thought she took a file, but she  accidentally grabbed a motivational book next to the files ithat Seohyun was currently reading.

**

Ding

.

The elevator arrived. Jessica waited until everyone made their exit before entering. It was empty as everyone exited at the 8th floor. She entered the elevator and pressed for ground floor.  But when the door almost closed, someone stopped it by putting a hard cover book in between the door.

Jessica wasn’t amused, thinking that this fella just wasted her time.

But when the door opened, her expression changed. Tiffany was the fella. She entered the elevator and stood next to Jessica without saying anything.

And then the door closed.

The atmosphere in the elevator was hard to describe, but it is safe to say that it was a mixed of everything. Nervous, excited, giddy, bashful, and awkward and anything else that estranged lovers are going through.

Jessica turned to her side and smiled at Tiffany.

“Hi Tiffany.” She greeted.

"Hi." Tiffany replied with her smiling eyes.

Jessica gulped and looked away, hiding her stupid grin.

TOO CUTE

Jessica took a deep breath to control her emotions again. And then she glanced at Tiffany. She saw the book that she was holding.

"Let’s do it now." Jessica read the title.

Tiffany stared at Jessica, her face red.

“Now?” She asked as if Jessica just said something bad.

"We can't do it now, we’re in the elevator.." Tiffany said, whispering. Her cheeks were blushing.

Jessica looked at her reaction, puzzled.

Did I say something wrong? Or..

Tiffany then continued. "But if you insist maybe we can..”

Jessica gulped. She knows immediately what Tiffany was thinking about. She quickly cuts in.

"Er..I was reading the title of your book."

“Book? What book?”

Tiffany stared blankly at Jessica for a while and then she glanced at the ‘file’ she was holding and saw the title.

'Let's Do It Now: A New York bestseller motivational book. Now In Korean!’

“Oh, so you were talking about the book..” Tiffany mumbled. She looked down and wished she could make a hole to escape from the elevator. To think that Jessica was referring ‘it’ to something hot and steamy was so embarrassing.

It’s as if she had just announced to Jessica that she was always thinking about her and the ‘activities’ that they do when they’re together.

It was sooooo embarrassing!!!!

Jessica cleared her throat.

"Er..what was the 'it' that you were thinking of?" She teased.

Tiffany turned around so that she was facing the elevator's wall, to hide her blushing cheeks. She pretended not to hear Jessica and began plotting the ways to destroy the book that caused the misunderstanding in the first place.

Why on earth would Seohyun bought such book?!

Jessica let out a small chuckle.

Ding

.

The lift arrived at the ground floor. They both made their exit. Tiffany held tight to the book and quickly looking around for an escape route. She walked the opposite way from where Jessica headed.

"Tiffany.." Jessica called sweetly.

Tiffany turned around almost immediately. She totally forgot about the escape route.

"What are you doing tonight?" Jessica asked.

Tiffany panicked.

Is she asking me out?

Then what should I say? Saying that I’m free might make me look desperate..

I gotta play hard to get.

"Uh..I think I need to check my schedule first.." She replied.

Jessica was a bit shocked by her answer. "Well okay then. I understand that you're busy. I’ll just find someone else to-"

"I'M NOT BUSY!" Tiffany suddenly shouted.

"You’re not? But you said that you’re gonna check your schedule first.."

“I-I’ve checked it..”

"That was fast."

"I remember my schedule, I have it all in my head and that’s why I was able to check it on the spot. Why do you ask?" Tiffany replied arrogantly.

"I’m just thinking..umm let's have dinner together.”

Tiffany’s heart was popping in joy.

YESSSSS!

YESSSSSS!

YESSSSSSS!

But she can only expressed her feeling with a smile.

Jessica continued. “I..miss..

YOU

..ed..my lunch and I'm very hungry.”

"Okay, that's perfect because I also miss..

YOU SO DAMN MUCH

..ed..my lunch."

They looked at each other, smiling.

"Let's meet at Sunny's Cafe after work." Jessica said.

"Oh, Sunny's?" Tiffany was a bit disappointed. She was hoping that Jessica will take her to an intimate dinner date at a restaurant that is in a hotel.

"You two going to hang out after work? Can I join?" Someone suddenly said.

It was Park Gyuri who came out from nowhere and jumped into their conversation.

Tiffany stared at Jessica, hoping her to say no. Jessica was torn.

"Er.."

"But Gyul..

"Great, I'll meet you guys tonight!" Gyuri said before leaving.

Jessica and Tiffany looked at each other and Jessica received Tiffany's angry glare.

**

It was 4 in the evening and Choi Sooyoung was sipping tea at Sunny's Café. She has been there since half an hour ago, all alone. But not so long after, her friends, Sunny and Taeyeon came to join her at the table. The three of them chat and gossip about everything that crossed their minds. Their topic jumped from fussy customers to the government to Jessica and Tiffany and finally about Taeyeon's pregnancy.

"How many months is it now?" Sooyoung asked, pointing at Taeyeon's cute baby bump.

The couple's eyes lit up when Sooyoung asked.

"Five month and a half. Actually, I still can't believe that this is really happening.." Sunny replied, with a grin.

Taeyeon was glowing as she nodded in agreement to what her wife just said. Sooyoung now know it's true that people said pregnant woman have their certain glow. They looked so blessed.

"I don't know if I'm ready to be a mother.." Taeyeon said. Her nervousness was reflected in her tone.

Sunny patted her wife's back gently.

"You are ready, Taengoo-ah. I'm gonna be with you along the way. Hwaitaengoo~" Sunny said sweetly and it brought smile to Taeyeon's face. They looked so happy as if nothing in this world could affect their love.

Sooyoung didn't realize that she was also smiling, overwhelmed by their bright atmosphere.  

"Is it a boy or a girl?" She asked.

Taeyeon and Sunny looked at each other and smiled.

"We've decided not to check the gender before birth." Taeyeon replied.

"But I have a strong feeling that it's a baby girl." Sunny added.

Taeyeon shook her head.

"Uh..no. It's a boy."

Taeyeon and Sunny looked at each other intensely. Tension slowly filled the atmosphere between them.

Sunny removed her hand from Taeyeon's shoulder and crossed her arm.

"And how do you know that?" She asked, demanding.

Taeyeon put a hand on her tummy and replied. "Well, the baby is in my tummy, not yours. He kicks me often. So it must be a boy."

Sunny rolled her eyes.

"Just because it kicks doesn't mean it’s a boy. All babies does that."

"I just know it's a boy. My motherly instinct told me so..ahh.." Taeyeon suddenly caressed her tummy.

"He just kicked. What's wrong, Taesun-ah.."

Sunny puffed her cheeks, dissatisfied. "Hey, we decided the name is Sunyeon!"

"I never agreed to that. Plus it's a boy, I need a boy name."

"It’s a girl!"

"It's a boy!"

"Girl!"

"Boy!"

Sooyoung looked at the couple in front of her bickering. Just minutes ago they looked like the happiest married couple in the world, and now they're arguing about their first born gender.

Marriage seems..scary.

"Yah yah! Why don't you two just get it checked at the hospital?! Problem solved!" Sooyoung cuts in.

The both of them turned to Sooyoung and shouted. "NO!"

The atmosphere turned silent after that. Sooyoung gulped and slowly moved away and leaned her back at her chair. They're scary.

Sunny and Taeyeon looked at each other and their expression turned soft again.

"We're very sorry Sooyoung, you’re not supposed to hear that." Sunny said apologetically.

"Well, how about free drinks and a meal then I'll forget that it ever happens." Sooyoung said cheekily.

"Hahaha! Fine. How about a plate of our special Carbonara?" Sunny suggested.

"I'll eat anything from your menu as long as it's free."

Sunny stood up and gave Taeyeon a small peck on top of her head before heading to the kitchen to prepare Sooyoung's free pasta.

Taeyeon smiled. Seems like their fight is over. Sooyoung was impressed.

Marriage seems..amazing.

"Sooyoung, did you left the office early today? It’s not even 5 yet." Taeyeon asked, glancing at the clock on the wall.

Sooyoung looked down and kept mum for a while. Her expression changed. Taeyeon looked at her, feeling worried if she just asked the wrong question.

"I just got fired." Sooyoung suddenly said.

Taeyeon didn't expect that as an answer. She was so shocked, she was speechless for a few moment.

"A-Are you serious?"

Sooyoung nodded slowly. "Why else do you think I have the time to listen to you two bickering in early evening?"

Taeyeon moved her chair closer to Sooyoung so that she can held her hand.

"I'm so sorry to hear that.."  

Sooyoung gave a faint smile.

"But why? Didn't you just start working there by Sica's recommendation?" Taeyeon asked, curious.

"Because..I was asked to do something, but I failed."

“Something?”

“Apparently, if I force that person to do it, she'll ended up getting hurt. She'd already went through so much, so..I guess losing the job is the uh..acceptable.”

Taeyeon looked at Sooyoung, puzzled.

“I really don’t know what to say..”

"It's okay, I can get another job. Maybe it's time for me to change my career since magazine editing is kinda boring..haha.."

Taeyeon knew she was only trying to make herself feel better.

"I could be a..cook like Sunny, or a model like Yoona, yes I have the perfect height and look to be a top model!

“Aigoo..” Taeyeon sighed.

"Or maybe I'll just use Sica's connection again and get a job in another magazine company. I mean, that's what friends are or, right?" Sooyoung said with a heavy sigh.

Suddenly,

"Hello girls!"

Taeyeon and Sooyoung turned to look at the direction they were greeted.

Jessica, Tiffany and..Gyuri had just arrived. Based on their clothes, it looked like they went there straight from their office.

"Eh, hi Sooooo!" Tiffany greeted cheerfully. She waved her hands like a little girl. She can't contain her excitement of meeting Sooyoung there, it’s been a while since she met her.

Sooyoung saw them coming, and she waved back to Tiffany. Then she met Jessica's gaze and they exchanged warming smiles.

But when she saw Gyuri, her expression changed. Gyuri felt uncomfortable seeing Sooyoung there and the feeling was mutual. Sooyoung begin to turned on her chair, restlessly. She really didn't know how to deal with Gyuri after what happened.

Suddenly she stood up and grabbed her bag. Leaving seems like the best option.

"Eh, where are you going? Your free pasta is here!" Sunny said after emerging from the kitchen with a large plate of hot creamy pasta.

"Uhh..I just remembered that there's somewhere I have to go. I'll come for the free pasta some other time okay?" Sooyoung said before hurriedly leaving her seat.

Tiffany grabbed Sooyoung's arm, stopping her from leaving. "Sooyoung-ah, you're leaving? I was hoping we could have dinner together."

"Maybe some other time. I'm sorry Fany-ah, I have to go." She gently removed Tiffany's grip from her arm.

Jessica stood in front of her with her displeased look. "Is it that important that you have to leave? Tiffany misses hanging out with you.."

"And me too, miss you." Sica added, mumbling the last part.

"I'm sorry Sica, but you can have my pasta. You like carbonara, right?"

Jessica shrugged. "Tiffany can have it."

"Good, then I'm leaving now. See you guys soon!" She said, waving the others goodbye.

Gyuri stared at Sooyoung who obviously ignoring the fact that she was there. She passed by Gyuri but she wasn't even glancing at her.

Gyuri sighed.

"What is wrong with Sooyoung? She looked nervous." Tiffany asked to Taeyeon.

"She must be upset right now, that poor girl." Taeyeon mumbled.

"Why? Did something happened?" Jessica asked.

Gyuri suddenly paying attention to the conversation.

Something happened to Sooyoung?

"She said that she was fired today." Taeyeon said.

Everyone gasped.

"Glam fired her?!" Jessica asked, shocked and angry.

Taeyeon nodded. "She said something rather losing her job than letting someone get hurt.. I don't know what she meant though."

Gyuri gulped.

Did she lose her job because of me?

"Eh, where is she going?" Sunny pointed at the door.

Gyuri was running out of the cafe. She pushed the door open and look around her.

"Where is she?" She mumbled, panting.

Sooyoung had left. And she stood there, feeling even more confused.

Why did you do that?

**

"Okay, why don't you two link arms and smile brightly?" A male photographer said to his models.

The models for his photoshoot that evening were Im Yoona and Lee Minho. He can't stop feeling satisfied with each photos snapped. It was for a French outdoor brand, 'Eider' and the two models were doing a great job thus far. They looked extremely suitable together, and possess good chemistry as if they're real life couple. They make the job easy for him.

"Okay good job guys! That's all for today!" Shouted the photographer after snapping the last pose.

Yoona and Minho let go of their hands immediately and the bright smiles were replaced with uncomfortable glares.

"Good job, Yoona." He said.

"Yes, you too." She replied short.

Hyoyeon came scurrying to Yoona.

"You did a great job!"

Yoona grinned. "I know."

Hyoyeon looked up and saw her former model, Minho was staring at her. They ended up exchanging awkward smiles. It's been a long time since they met.

"Unnie, let's go. I'm tired." Yoona whined and dragged Hyoyeon to the dressing room.

In the dressing room, Yoona threw herself on the couch nearby and yawned.

"Oh my god, my mouth is tired from all the fake smiling!"

Hyoyeon laughed. "Your acting has improved. Acting lovey dovey with Minho was surely hard."

"Tell me about it. I had to held his hands and link arms with him when in reality I just want to punch his face..that jerk.."

"Hahaha! Well, if you don't like him why did you accept this photo shoot? I didn't force you to do this one." Hyoyeon asked.

Yoona smiled.

"It's called being professional. I'm a pro, you know?" She boasts jokingly.

Hyoyeon rolled her eyes. "Yes you are."

"Is that why you accept the photo shoot offer with Yuri? To showcase your overflowing professionalism?" Hyoyeon teased. She was hoping for a witty comeback from Yoona, but that didn't happen.

Instead Yoona's expression changed.

After a while she shook her head.

"No. That one is simply called.. being stupid."

Chapter 74

Sharing Bed with Ms Jung

A young lady wearing designer sunglasses was pulling her pink suitcase across the airport departing hall. She looked busy with her phone pressed to her ear. Jessica Jung stopped in front of the departing gate and glanced around the airport like she was looking for someone. Then she kept her phone in her Marc Jacobs handbag and continued to wait.

Suddenly two young women walked hurriedly towards her and they stopped right in front of Jessica. They were slightly panting as expected for the person who was running late. Jessica pressed her lips tight, annoyed by their lack sense of punctuality.

Seohyun bowed apologetically, her long straight hair were waving up and down as she did.

"We're really sorry for being late. I don't know why Tiffany unnie wanted to change her clothes so many times. It's not like we're-

Tiffany Hwang nudged the younger girl's arm, hard, and she almost lost her balance. Seohyun got the message and stopped talking. Jessica raised her eyebrow.

"You must've waited long. We're so sorry." Tiffany said to Jessica, tilting her head to the side, hoping she'll let it go because of her aegyo.

Jessica sighed and nodded. She wanted to scold at them, but she can't bring herself to raise her voice at the eye-smiling woman that she adores.

"I've waited for you guys for half an hour. The others had already entered the plane." She said, her tone firm.

Tiffany can't help but feeling guilty. It was her fault for taking such a long time picking a suitable dress for their journey that day. So much for attempting to impress Jessica, now she seems pissed at her. Though she didn't show it, Tiffany knows Jessica is angry.

"Let's go, we're already late." Jessica ordered.

**

The three of them boarded onto the plane joining the rest of the staffs for the photo shoot. As Tiffany was walking to her seat, she saw her cousin, Yoona who was covering her eyes with an eye mask, dozing herself to sleep. Next to her was her manager, Hyoyeon who was also sleeping and even snored. They must be tired running from one photo shoot to another, Tiffany thought. In front of the sleeping duo was the other model for the shoot, Yuri and her manager, Seungyeon. Contrary to Yoona, Yuri was seen chatting lively with Seungyeon. Tiffany's eyes met Yuri and the latter stop talking. She seemed nervous, but she smiled and politely bowed her head slightly at Tiffany. But Tiffany ignored her.

She arrived at her seat, which she was supposed to sit next to Seohyun. Seohyun already took her seat and checked the safety aids there were all working without being asked. Tiffany sighed. Sitting four hours next to her is no different than sitting alone. Even if she's lucky to get an interesting topic to talk about, she'll end up hearing a lecture from Professor Seo about flight safety.

Tiffany stood still by her seat. Jessica was sitting in front of her and she could see that the seat next to her was empty.

It's..empty.

Empty?

And Tiffany’s mind begin to imagine how great it would be if she could sit next to Jessica for four straight hours. 

Four straight hours.

So many things can happen in four hours when they’re together. She could pretended to fall asleep and then casually rested her head on Jessica's shoulder. Oh how she missed Jessica's shoulder. And all Jessica's body parts. Just by the thought of it turned Tiffany’s cheeks pink.

Seohyun felt weird that Tiffany was still standing.

"Unnie, why are you still-

Seohyun paused when she noticed that Tiffany was staring at the empty seat next to Jessica. She smiled and let Tiffany be.

Tiffany stood behind Jessica, like a shadow. In her head she's plotting ways to sit next to Jessica without looking desperate. She has to do it in a cool way. So cool that Jessica will fall head over heels for her again.

Oh yes, this might work..

I will sit there like it's my seat and then Jessica will..

"Tiffany?"

I will turn to her slowly..

"Ah Jessica?"

"Wow, I didn't know that I'm sitting next to you.."

"Well baby, it's what they called fate."

"Oh Tiffany.."

Yes, that'll work like a magic!

She took a deep breath and determined to take the seat. But when she was about to stepped forward, someone came from nowhere and took the seat.

Tiffany froze.

There's a teenage girl who looks like Yoona sits there like nothing happened. And then she turned around and their eyes met.

It was none other than the mischievous Krystal Jung.

She was grinning happily, contrary to how crushed Tiffany's heart was.

"Hi Tiffany unnie! Why are you standing there?" She asked.

Jessica turned her head around as that name mentioned. Her eyes met Tiffany's.

Tiffany was too shocked to reply.

Jessica's brown eyes..

"Ah..

"Oh, do you want to next sit to my sister?" Krystal asked the obvious.

"Haha no. Why should I? My seat is just behind you guys." Tiffany replied, shaking her head like it was a ridiculous thing to ask.

She took her seat, and trying to feel content sitting just behind Jessica though her heart was in despair.

"Why do I want to sit there? Pffftt.." She mumbled.

Seohyun chuckled seeing Tiffany like that.

Tiffany sits straight, and act casual though her grumpy face failed to hide her disappointment. She glanced to her left and to her right, letting out huffs restlessly. Finally she leaned forward and tapped Krystal's shoulder. The younger Jung turned around with her innocent looking face.

“Unnie?”

"Soojung, I didn't know that you're coming with us to Guam." Tiffany said, bitter.

"We have 2 weeks of summer holidays. Since Sulli is spending her summer break with Taemin, I have nothing to do." She replied.

Tiffany can't hide her disappointment. She crossed her arms and pouted. There goes her chance of spending more time with Jessica.

Suddenly Jessica jerked her head to look at Tiffany. Tiffany was startled.

"Don't forget to fasten your seat belts." Jessica said sweetly.

"Ah, okay." Tiffany replied, immediately checking her seat.

Jessica smiled.

"You look nice today."

Tiffany's heart fluttered.

"Thanks, er..you too." She said, flashing her eye smile.

**

Their flight arrived at Guam airport about four and a half hours later. Jessica’s secretary, Narsha was waiting for them at the airport and took them to the arranged vans that will send them to the hotel.

The journey was short though Hyoyeon did manage to doze off for a while. They all gathered at the hotel lobby once they arrived, waiting for the room arrangement that was sponsored fully by Jung Corp.

Yoona acted like Yuri wasn't there while the latter can't help but glancing at her every few minutes. Tiffany sat on the sofa and rested her head lazily on Seohyun's shoulder. Jessica glanced at her and smiled.

Adorable.

A few minutes later Narsha walked to them with sets of key cards with their room number on them.

"Did the crews from Glitter arrived yet?" Jessica asked.

"Yes they did. The Glam photography team and representatives had also arrived earlier today." Narsha replied.

Jessica nodded.

"Are those the keys? Hurry up, I think some of us really need a good rest." Jessica said, glancing at the sleepy Tiffany.

Narsha nodded and took out a set of key.

"Ms Im and her manager Ms Kim Hyoyeon." She called. Hyoyeon stood up and took the key. Yoona was too busy ignoring Yuri.

"Ms Kwon Yuri and Ms Han Seungyeon.." She called and Seungyeon took the keys.

"Next is, Ms Hwang..." Narsha paused.

Tiffany's eyes lit up as her mind starting to go wild.

..please say with Ms Jung, please say with Ms Jung..

"..and Ms.."

JUNG!

JUNG!

JUNG!

"And Ms Jung." Narsha continued.

"OH YEAH!! JUNG!!" Tiffany shouted aloud with a fist pumped into the air.

And then she paused when she realized that everyone was staring at her with shocked expression. Jessica was looking at her with a smirk on her face. Tiffany could feel her cheeks slowly heating up. She's must've looked like an idiot. How she wished she could just disappear into thin air right at that moment.

EMBARRASSING..

Narsha cleared her throat. "Er, it's Ms Jung..Krystal."

"Eh?" Tiffany raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry." She added.

"Oh yeah! I'm roomie with Tiffany unnie!" Krystal said with a fist pump, obviously mocking the adult.

Tiffany stared at Narsha dumbfounded.

YOU. HAVE. GOT. TO. BE. KIDDING. ME.

**

What have I done in my previous life to be punished this way?

..Why do I have to spend my nights on this romantic island with ..an annoying teenage girl on a..double bed?

..Why does it have to be Jung Krystal?

..Why it's not Jung JESSICA?

Why?

Why?

"WHY?!" Tiffany shouted.

"YAH UNNIE!" Krystal shouted back.

Tiffany looked at the girl who was lying on the bed with an iPad on her lap. She looked relaxed.

"Stop talking to yourself. You're an adult for god's sake." She said, rolling her eyes.

Tiffany sighed.

"Aren't you tired? You should take a nap before going to the location check this evening." Krystal suggested.

Tiffany shook her head.

"How am I supposed to take a nap when you're lying in the..MIDDLE of the bed?"

"Well, there's a couch over there." Krystal replied casually, pointing at the brown sofa. 

Tiffany stared at her incredulously.

"Hahaha! I'm just joking! Come on and join me in bed.." Krystal said as she was shifting to the side before patting the bed seductively.

Tiffany stared at her blankly. "Join you in bed? What the-

"Okay, that just sounds wrong.." Tiffany said before grabbing her purse.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna take a walk for a bit while you can rest in the middle of the bed." She replied before leaving Krystal alone.

**

Seohyun was relaxing at the hotel's cafe as she was reading her motivational book, Let's Do It Now. But it's hard to concentrate when Tiffany who was sitting in front of her letting out a sigh every few seconds.

In all honesty, she was annoyed. She thought she could have some peaceful time alone until Tiffany came and join her for tea thus ruined her plan for that afternoon.

Seohyun cleared her throat.

"Unnie, you look tired. You should go back to your room and take a good nap." She sublimely asking her to leave her alone.

Tiffany shook her head. "Don't remind me of room and nap.." 

Seohyun sighed, it's not working.

Then suddenly Tiffany let out a loud huff.

"It's not supposed to be like this!"

Seohyun was startled.

"Unnie, are you okay?" She asked, worried.

Tiffany slammed her hand on the table and looked at the younger one with her eyes opened wide. 

"Seohyun-ah, when I said to Jessica that I wanted a break until the wedding..I thought it will only last less than a few days but now it's been more than 2 weeks!"

Seohyun looked at her, dumbfounded. "O..kay.."

Tiffany showed her 3 fingers. 

"3 days! That's how long I thought Jessica could last without me, and then she's supposed to beg me to be together again! But-

"But it didn't happen." Seohyun continued.

"No, it didn't. Instead she's turning into this cool and sexy woman that pulls me in like a magnet."

"In our relationship, it's always her who leads, the one who clings and wants me so badly but I don't see that happening now." Tiffany continued sadly.

"Why am I the one who's chasing her? It's supposed to be her role! All she have to do is ask me to get back together again and I'll agree in a heartbeat, but she didn't!"

Seohyun cleared her throat. "Okay, then why can't you just tell her that you want to get back together?"

"Be-Because it's supposed to be her role! I can't tell her that.." Tiffany mumbled.

"According to this book, one of the factor that made people held back is that they're just too proud say it." Seohyun added.

Tiffany bit her lip.

It's true.

She looked up. "What book is that?"

Seohyun showed the huge cover of her book. 

‘Let's Do It Now’

Tiffany gasped. 

"Why is it that dirty book again?!!"

"What's wrong with this book? And what do you mean by dirty?" Seohyun asked, puzzled.

"I'm not gonna listen to advice taken from that book!" Tiffany retorted as if that book contained some anti-christ piece.

Seohyun shrugged and continued to read chapter 20 of her motivational book while Tiffany was staring into space. For a moment it was peaceful. 

“Seohyun!” Tiffany suddenly called, destroying Seohyun's serene moments.

“What?! You're startling me, unnie!" She asked, angry.

"You have to help me. I want to create a chance to get close to Jessica again. Any ideas?"

"Create chance?"

"Yes! You know, like how they do it in the dramas!"

Seohyun sighed again. 

"How if I act like I'm about to faint in front of her?"

Seohyun looked at the older girl incredulously.

"I'll faint and she will catch me with her arms! Ah so romantic!"

"These rocks are slippery..but we have to check the location..Ahhh!!"

A pair of arms will catch me from behind.

"Honey, are you okay?"

"Oh Jessi, I think I sprained my ankle!"

"Oh my Honey! This is all my fault! If only I wasn't being too harsh on you! This thing won't happen!"

"No don't blame yourself my love! It's my fault for not being careful!"

"Oh Tiffany my love!"

"Jessi!"

"And then we will kiss and leave everyone to finish the location check. We'll be busy in the hotel suite.." Tiffany said, blushing.

Seohyun stared at her, speechless.

"What do you think?" Tiffany asked.

Seohyun shook her head. "I really don't know what to say.."

How can hurting ankle led to kissing and..more??

"It'll work, right?! I'm a genius!"

Seohyun shrugged and stood up from the chair.

"Hey, tell me I'm right! Right?"

"Unnie, how about you get ready for our next schedule? We have to check the shooting location this evening. I don't think Sica-unnie will tolerate if we're late again."

"Heh, I doubt that. No matter what, I'm still her Napkin, and she will never scold me because of something so small like being late. Sheesh, get real." She said with a confident grin.

**

It's 4:45 pm and everyone from Glitter team has gathered at the hotel lobby for their location check. Jessica, Seohyun, Narsha and also Krystal who wanted to tag along. 

Well, everyone except Tiffany. 

Jessica glanced at her watch and shook her head. No one dares to talk to her as she looked pissed. Seohyun sighed, she had a feeling that Tiffany will purposely came late just to prove that Jessica will let her go again. 

Five minutes later a young woman was rushing towards them.

"Guys!" She called cheerfully. 

Jessica raised an eyebrow when she saw Tiffany's clothes. She was wearing a flower pattern one-piece dress that fell just above her knee. In one hand, she was carrying her Channel bag. She also completed her summer look with a pair of pink flip flops and a huge hat. Looks as if she was the one dressing up for the photo shoot.

"I'm sorry I was late! Did you guys waited long?" Tiffany asked, panting.

Jessica scoffed and everyone was shocked.

"What exactly are you thinking?!" She shouted.

Tiffany was startled and took a step backward. She didn't expect this at all.

"How can you keep us all waiting like this? How could you make ME wait? Have you forgotten that I am your boss?" Jessica continued.

Chapter 75

The Wrong Foot

It was already 5 in the evening.

Jessica, Tiffany, Narsha, Seohyun and Krystal were at the Two Lovers’ Point, the famous landmark that will be their location for the photoshoot for the next day.

On the surface, everything seems normal; Jessica was seen talking to the local ahjusshi about the place with Narsha, who's taking notes by her side. Seohyun and Tiffany were busy snapping pictures of the location from various angles for future references. No one could tell that they're actually in an awkward atmosphere.

Jessica couldn't stop glancing at Tiffany every few seconds. Only she knows how guilty it felt for scolding her in front of others earlier.

Why did I do that?

She's been mentally kicking herself again and again. She's invisibly bruised all over her face.

The only happy person at the scene was the youngest Jung, Krystal. She was smiling and humming most of the time, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the soothing wind.

Jessica glanced at Tiffany again.

I'm sorry, but this is the new Jessica.

She thought to herself. She kept her serious boss-like expression the entire time to maintain her image. She can't look weak in front of Tiffany.

I want to be someone you can rely on.

Suddenly Tiffany put down her camera and glanced at to her side. She saw Jessica and their eyes met. Jessica wanted to look away but she couldn't. As if she was struck by Medusa's eyes, she froze. They look at each other from a distance, both longing for each other but none of them brave enough to say it aloud.

Jessica could see the sadness and loneliness reflected from Tiffany's eyes. It ripped her heart apart seeing that look in her angel's eyes.

"Oh honey..." She mumbled.

Unable to hold herself back, she took a step forward towards her beloved fiancé. But suddenly someone grabbed her arm.

It was Krystal.

"You can't do that," she said, firm.

The sisters looked at each other.

"She needs me," replied Jessica.

"It's too early for reconciliation."

"I don't care!"

"Oh so you want to screw all your hard work of being that charismatic and dependable woman now? Just wait a bit longer."

"Why should I wait?" Jessica asked, pissed.

"Hmm… because the sex is gonna be good," Krystal replied with a sly smile.

"What the-"

"Just imagine the days and weeks being apart from each other, added with all that pent up anger..."

"Ar-Aren't you too young to be talking about that?"

"Yeah because I'm 6 years old and live in the 70’s."

Jessica sighed.

"Fine. I don't know why I'm even listening to you, really..."

Krystal smiled in content.

"Ms. Jessica," Narsha called.

"Yeah?"

"We should be heading back now. You have to attend the meeting with Glam tonight," she said.

**

Yoona couldn’t finish her coffee. She’s been sitting at the café for half an hour and her coffee has become cold. She touched her cup every now and then, but couldn’t lift it up and take a sip. 

She was uncomfortable. 

She could feel the eyes watching her from behind and it’s pricking her like a pair of sharp needles. 

What is she doing here?

Yoona let out a loud sigh and put an amount of money on the table to pay for the coffee. It was more than the coffee’s price but she was too annoyed to care. She grabbed her bag and left. 

Kwon Yuri watched her leave. 

She put down her cup of cold coffee that she was holding. 

It was full.

She didn’t drink even one sip. Part of the heart pattern on her coffee was still visible. Another part was ruined when she was putting it down. 

Just like a part of her heart that went along with Yoona when she left. 

** 

Yuri knew it wasn’t proper for her to follow Yoona around like this. But she’s only looking for a chance to talk to her. They’ve never talked about their relationship after what happened.

Yoona never gave her a chance. She changed her number and avoided her at any cost. 

While Yuri kept punishing herself for what happened, she didn’t have the courage to face Yoona, until now.

At the hotel lounge, Yoona noticed that Yuri was standing by the wall, acting as if she was there by chance. She could just leave again, but this time she decided not to. It’s enough.

She turned around and walked with her head up towards Yuri. Yuri began to panic and tried to lean against the wall so that she won’t be visible. But it’s too late.

Yoona stood in front of her with her arms crossed. Yuri froze.

“It seems like you have a lot of time in your hands and it looks like you’ve developed a new hobby. Enjoy being a stalker?”

Yuri gulped and replied. 

“Yoona? Wow, I didn’t know that you’re here at the er... island too!” She tried to be casual, but it came out nervous.

“Oh please, we were in the same flight,” Yoona rolled her eyes.

Yuri laughed awkwardly, “Hehe, anyway, since we’ve accidentally met here… maybe you can let me buy you a drink?” 

Yoona stared at her, and scoffed.

“Accidentally? Is that the term you used for following me? Well, no thanks. I really appreciate it if you could just leave me alone.”

Yuri bit her lip and looked deeply into Yoona’s eyes. 

“Yoona-yah, just one drink. Like two old friends.”

**

Jessica can’t help but worry.

Tiffany…

She, Tiffany, Seohyun, Krystal and Narsha were heading down the long stairs from their location. She purposely wanted to walk behind the others so that she could watch over Tiffany.  Her clumsy fiancé was walking down the steep stairs dangerously. She was wearing high heels, holding her large pink bag in one hand and a hat in another. 

If they were not fighting, Jessica would have offered Tiffany her sneakers and would rather walk barefoot instead. And she would hold her bag and wipe the sweat on her forehead with her hands.  

Jessica sighed.

Suddenly,

“AHHHH!” 

The one thing that Jessica was most afraid of happening occurred. Tiffany shrieked in pain and Jessica’s heart was pounding like crazy. 

“Are you okay, unnie?!” Seohyun asked, concerned. She held Tiffany’s shoulder to support her.  

Jessica quickly rushed to her side in an instant with a worried expression. 

“What’s wrong?!” She asked, her hands were in the air, not sure where to hold Tiffany.

Tiffany swiftly removed herself from Seohyun and grab Jessica’s arm. The latter put her arms around her shoulders protectively. 

“My-My ankle!” Tiffany said, with watery eyes.

“Your ankle?!” 

“I think I sprained my ankle…”

“Oh gosh... why weren’t you more careful?” Jessica mumbled.

Tiffany looked down like a kid who’s just being scolded. But it’s only making Jessica felt even guiltier.

**

“Oh god, it hurts!” Tiffany shouted.

She was sitting on a bench by the beach, after Jessica and Narsha helped her walked down from the stairs.  Seohyun couldn’t stop worrying about her and giving multiple advices about climbing stairs, while Krystal just looked at her without saying anything. 

Jessica was kneeling in front of Tiffany and holding her right foot carefully in her hands. 

“It hurts!”

“Where does it hurt?”

“Ahhh Jessi, it’s painful!!” Tiffany continued to whine.

“Aww, poor baby. There must be something I can do for you...” Jessica said as she caressing the foot. 

Tiffany looked to her side, not wanting Jessica to see her smirk. A smirk that she’s been trying so hard to hide. 

But someone saw it. 

That one girl who never misses anything.

“Oh, I can’t just sit here and do nothing!” Jessica said, panicked.

Tiffany bit her lip, continuing faking her injury as her mind wildly wandering.

Take me to the room.

The room.

Jessica sighed. 

“I’m gonna have to take you to the

..hospital.”

“Hospital? No!” Tiffany retorted.

“Tiffany, you’re injured...”

Tiffany shook her head vigorously. “It’s not that serious! I just need to rest for a while.”

“Tiffany, it could get worse if it’s not treated now,” Jessica said sweetly, hoping she will agree.

“But I’m good! Really!” 

“You don’t have to pretend. Let’s get you checked now.” 

“B-But how about the meeting with Glam! You have to be there. We don’t have time for th-

Jessica snapped. 

“I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT GLAM OKAY! ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME RIGHT NOW IS YOU!”

Tiffany looked at her with her sparkling eyes and smiled. 

“Re-Really?” She asked with blushing cheeks. 

Jessica bit her lip. “Er…”

“Wow, I’m impressed,” Krystal said suddenly.

The two women turned and looked at her.

“I thought you’re afraid of bugs. I guess you’ve overcome your phobia? Good for you, unnie,” Krystal continued.

“B-B-Bugs?” 

“Yeah. There’s one near your feet,” the little Jung said, pointing at Tiffany’s right foot.

They both looked down and saw it. A cockroach circling around Tiffany’s feet.

Her face turned pale immediately.

“BUGS! BUGS! BUGS!” She shrieked and begins to jump around before settling into Jessica's embrace.

She didn’t realize that she was jumping onto Jessica. She buried her face in the crook of Jessica's neck as if it was her haven from all evil bugs.

Jessica was shocked at first but then she put her arms around Tiffany in response.

"Tiffany, the bug’s gone," she whispered.

"Really?"

Jessica caressed her fiancé's hair gently, "Yes, trust me."

"What if it comes back?" Tiffany asked, scared.

"I will kill it for you," Jessica replied like a hero in some cowboy movie.

Tiffany pulled away from Jessica but she still put her hands on her waist, reluctant to leave her body.

"Hahahaha!" Krystal, who was watching them all this time, suddenly laughed.

Jessica stared at her sister, annoyed.

"What's so funny?"

Krystal scratched her hair and then pointed at Tiffany's feet.

"Fany unnie, I thought you sprained your ankle and you hardly can stand on your own. But now you're standing perfectly… and just now you were jumping-

Krystal paused and shrugged, "I just found it miraculous."

Jessica looked at her sister and she saw her mischievous face. Then she knew immediately. Tiffany was faking it.

Tiffany's face turned red. How was her perfect plan uncovered by this teenager? She bit her lip for a while, thinking of what she could do to save the situation. She can't drop the act now. What will Jessica think of her then?

"OOOUUCHHHH MY FOOT!" Tiffany shrieked suddenly. She held to Jessica's shoulders for support as she stood with only her right leg.

"Tiffany, be careful!" Jessica said as she held Tiffany's arms.

Tiffany felt so comfortable in Jessica's arms.

Can you let me hug you a little longer?

Stay as long as you want, honey…

"Er wait… isn't it your right ankle that was hurt?" Krystal suddenly asked.

Tiffany stopped shrieking and stared dumbly at Krystal. Her face paled.

Was it my left ankle? Or right?

Damn it! I can't remember which one!

"AHH I JUST FORGOT THAT I HAVE SOMETHING URGENT TO DO! OH GOSH!" Tiffany said, slapping her forehead.

The others looked at her, shocked.

"I'LL SEE YOU GUYS LATER AT THE MEETING! HAHAHA!" She said as she hurriedly leaves.

Everyone was stunned as she walked fast with her supposedly sprained ankle towards the hotel building.

"Hahaha that was classic!" Krystal laughed.

Jessica suppressed a smile and glanced at her sister.

"Krystal, stop it."

"It's just soooo funny!" She continued to laugh with teary eyes.

**

In the hotel’s bar, two young women were talking to each other at one table.  

"We were best friends first before we were lovers," Yuri said, starting the conversation.

"Maybe we never should've become lovers," Yoona replied.

Yuri felt crushed.

"Looking back, the happiest moment when I was with you were while being your best friend," Yoona continued.

"When we were dating, I can only remember feeling sad and lonely... You didn't know that right?"

"The bad thing about being your best friend is that I know it when you're lying to me. Sometimes I wish I didn't know and let you cheat on me so that I won't get hurt, but I can't do that."

Yoona laughed.

"The funny thing is that I even tried lying to myself to believe whatever you said to me... how stupid..."

Yuri bit her lip.

"I knew about Gyuri all along," Yoona added.

Yuri looked at her, surprised.

"It's too obvious, Yul."

"But why didn't you say anything? Did you know that I had to go through all that because she threatened me to tell you about it?"

"Is that supposed to be an excuse? You're getting deeper into your sin to protect our relationship? Yuri, seriously I can't even..." Yoona shook her head.

Yuri kept silent.

"And I know you have feelings for her too."

"That's not true! I have always stayed true to you-

"You're not the kind who just sleeps around, Yuri. I know that. You might have flirted around with other girls but you never slept with them... until Gyuri. Am I right?"

"Yeah but that doesn't mean that I have feelings for her! All that time was just meaningless to me!  I may be a jerk but there was never once I love someone... other than you."

Yoona looked at Yuri and shook her head.

"Save your sweet nothings for your future girlfriend." She stood up.

"Other than the cheating part, you were a great girlfriend...”

“I was happy once."  

Chapter 76

The First Session

If there was one thing Glitter was known for, it was their punctuality. It was five minutes before 8pm and the staffs were already gathered in the meeting room located at the first floor of their hotel.

Tiffany was the first to arrive, with her pink iPad and pink notebook in hand. She was wearing glassless spectacles; obviously aiming for the professional look for the meeting. Seohyun joined her not long after and she seemed annoyed that she wasn't there first. Jessica came with her secretary, Narsha at exactly 8.00 pm and she purposely took a seat next to Tiffany.

Tiffany was fidgeting the entire time. What happened earlier at the beach was beyond embarrassing and she wish she could wear a mask of someone else's face and pretend that she's not Tiffany Hwang. The fact that Jessica was sitting beside her wasn't helping. She looked to the opposite side of her the whole time, avoiding any eye contact with Jessica. She must not look desperate. Or so she thinks. 

It was five minutes past eight and there was still no sign of the Glam representatives. Those five minutes felt like an hour to Tiffany. Sitting next to Jessica is a mental torture to her as the scene of her faking her ankle injury kept replaying in her head. 

How embarrassing.

"What took them so long?" Tiffany suddenly complained.

She glanced at Jessica and noticed that the latter was also looking at her. Their eyes met for a brief second before Tiffany looked away quickly and grabbed the water bottle on the table.

"Why is it so hot in here?" She said while trying to open the bottle.

But she couldn’t.

Her hands were sweating thus it made it hard for her to open the bottle cap.

"Darn it." She muttered in frustration.

Suddenly a hand held hers and she looked up.

"Let me open it for you." Jessica said coolly.

Tiffany nodded without saying anything.

Jessica smiled and took the bottle from her sweaty hands. With one turn, she was able to open the cap and handed it to Tiffany.

"Th-thank you, Ms. Jessica..."

"Relax, Tiffany. Why are you so nervous?"

"I am not..."

"You're sweating." Jessica said as she took the napkin from the table and wiped the beads of sweats on Tiffany's forehead.

Tiffany froze.

She blushed even more.

Narsha and Seohyun looked at each other and exchanged smiles. They looked away and gave the pair some privacy.

But the moment didn’t last long when the door was suddenly opened from the outside. All four Glitter representatives stared at the door, curiously waiting for Glam’s staffs.

A man in suit stepped into the room with a young woman by her side.

Tiffany gasped, while Jessica raised her eyebrow.

This was shocking.

The representatives from Glam are Sooyoung and... Jaejoong.

**

The meeting ended about 45 minutes later. Both sides were being professional and straight to the point. They easily agreed on all the important details of the photoshoot as if they wanted to end the meeting as soon as possible.

"Nice working with you," said Glam’s Creative Director, Kim Jaejoong. He and Jessica shook hands. Jessica stared at him, amused. He replied it with a smirk.

"See you tomorrow." He added before leaving the room.

The atmosphere turned awkward after he left. Everyone was staring at Sooyoung, who was still standing by her seat. She looked as confused as everyone else.

"Okay, guys, I know this is shocking but I just found out that Jaejoong is our Creative Director like... a few hours ago," she begun the conversation.

Tiffany rushed to her friend with Jessica walking steadily behind her.

"How can he be the Creative Director? I thought he worked in a coffee shop!" Tiffany asked, no longer remembering her embarrassing episode.

Sooyoung shook her head, "I had no chance to ask him anything."

"We thought you lost your job," Jessica suddenly asked.

"I was fired, and then re-hired. It's crazy, I mean they called me this morning and said that I have to fly to Guam."

"Really? But why?" Jessica asked.

"I... heard it's something to do with the original photographer," Sooyoung replied, mumbling.

Jessica seems shocked.

"You mean Gyuri? She's back doing this photoshoot?"

"Well... that's what I heard from my colleagues."

"But why? I thought she refused to do this because of Yuri and Yoona..." Tiffany cuts in, puzzled.

Sooyoung sighed.

"That is something that I would like to know too-

She paused when a young woman suddenly stepped into the meeting room.

It was Gyuri.

"I'm sorry, my flight was delayed. Is the meeting over?" She asked casually.

**

"I thought you refused to do this job," Jessica said to her friend.

Gyuri stared at her glass of juice and kept mum. They were sitting at one of the table in the hotel's restaurant later that evening.

"What made you agree?" Jessica urged.

"Hmm... fat paycheck," Gyuri replied nonchalant.

Jessica scoffed.

"You're rich enough that you don't have to work for the rest of your life."

"Hmm... because i like Guam but I haven't got the chance to visit it."

"Like I'm gonna believe you're here for a vacation. Come on, Park Gyuri..." Jessica rolled her eyes.

Gyuri sighed. She knew that her friend is not going to let this go easily.

"It's not going to be easy for you to work with the models so I'm sure you have a good reason to come here."

Gyuri looked away and stared at the random couple sitting across the restaurant, ignoring Jessica.

"Don't tell me that you want to get close to Yuri again..."

Gyuri looked at Jessica immediately upon hearing that name and then laughed.

"You know Jess, if I could, I want to be somewhere I can't see her ever again!"

"Okay, then why are you here?"

"Why does it matter? I can help you capture pretty pics."

"Yah Gyuri.."

"Don't ask too much," Gyuri replied with a faint smile.

**

The team from both magazines set up their equipments at the shooting location early in the morning. Sooyoung was busy making sure everything was working out right for the shoot. She went from one side to another and checking up with the staffs to see if there's any problem.

Tiffany came, joining her later, as the representative from Glitter magazine. Tiffany was yawning a few times and complaining how she couldn't get enough sleep the night before because of her future sister-in-law’s bad sleeping habits. She became less cranky after Sooyoung gave her two cups of coffee.

Sooyoung left Tiffany when Seohyun came. They exchanged awkward smiles when their eyes met. Things were still not smooth between them after all.

Half an hour later, when Tiffany became hyper from the caffeine and Seohyun had a hard time calming her down, the photographer stepped into the set.

Sooyoung looked at Gyuri, shocked at how early she came to the set. Their eyes met and Gyuri looked away. After greeting the hyper Tiffany who was talking in a high-pitched voice and a few other staffs, Gyuri entered the preparation tent to get her equipments ready.

Sooyoung let out a loud sigh. She stared at the tent where Gyuri was, contemplating whether she should meet Gyuri.

And then she entered her into the tent.

Gyuri wasn't shocked when Sooyoung came as if she expected her to be there.

They looked at each other with no words spoken.

"You told me that you don't want to do this job," Sooyoung started.

Gyuri ignored her question and grabbed her bag. She took out her SLR camera and put it on her lap.

"Why are you here? You know you'll get hurt seeing them again, then why-

"Can I ask you for a favor?" Gyuri cuts in.

Sooyoung slowly nodded.

"Stay with me until the end of the photoshoot." She stared at Sooyoung, and gave her a faint smile.

"I don't think I can do this alone," Gyuri added, her voice low.

Sooyoung gulped and nodded.

"Don't worry, I... will be with you until the end."

**

"Ah unnie, that's very nice!" Kwon Yuri exclaimed to the makeup artist.

She smiled sheepishly hearing the compliment and continues to apply the blusher on Yuri's cheeks. It's a bright day for everyone.

Yuri's personal assistant, Seungyeon was standing behind her with a tight expression. Yuri glanced at her through the reflection on the mirror and saw her worried face. She couldn't help but wonder.

"Seungyeon, is everything okay?" She asked.

"Eh? Ye-yes it's all fine!" Seungyeon replied, stuttering.

Yuri knew she was lying. Her assistant was never a good liar.

"It's okay, you can tell me. I'm in such a great mood today, I won't be mad at you if you screw up something," Yuri said jokingly.  

Seungyeon seemed more restless and sighed a few times like an ahjumma. It only made Yuri more curious. She turned around from facing the mirror and stared at Seungyeon face to face. The makeup artist stepped back and gave them space.

"What is it?" Yuri asked again, serious.

The latter bit her lip and took a deep breath.

"I just found out that the photographer for your photoshoot is...

She couldn't finish her sentence.

"Is..?"

"Park Gyuri."

**

The first session was Yuri's solo shots.

And things can't get any more awkward than this.

Park Gyuri was adjusting her camera lenses on the model, or at least trying to. Yuri was sitting on the rocks; she was wearing a casual long summer dress with a scarf wrapped around her bare shoulders. She was also trying to pose and smile naturally as Gyuri snapped her photos. The lights were flashing and it was okay so far.

Tiffany and Sooyoung checked the raw photos on the computer screen.

"Er... Photographer Park, can you ask Yuri-shi to smile a little brighter?" Tiffany asked. It was her job to get the photos right.

Gyuri seemed reluctant but then nodded.

"And also, I think her hand position is a bit awkward. She's so stiff that she looked like a robot." Tiffany continued.

She glanced at Sooyoung, "Don't you agree, Sooyoung? We expect natural summer look for our magazine, not fake smiles and-

Sooyoung glared at Tiffany causing the latter to stop.

"Sorry, but this is our job..." She said slowly to Sooyoung so that only she could hear it.

Sooyoung sighed and looked at Gyuri.

"Photographer Park, could you help us to direct Miss Yuri? It's okay if-

Gyuri bit her lip and nodded. "Sure."

Yuri looked at Gyuri as she walked towards her and her heart was beating rapidly. She wished that this is just a nightmare and she's still in her bed. This can't be happening.

"Miss Kwon, could you please smile a bit brighter?" She said, gesturing a wide smile over her mouth.

"What are you doing here?" Yuri suddenly asked, harsh.

"I'm just doing my job..."

"I thought you've done ruining my life."

Gyuri was too shocked to say anything.

"No matter what you plan to do, it's not going to work. So you better stop now."

Gyuri scoffed. "I think you've misunderstood something..."

"I won't let you use my weakness against me. Not anymore." Yuri added.

Gyuri rolled her eyes and let out a sigh.

"Yuri, you're so full of yourself that I don't even know what to say to you. Can you please focus and cooperate because all I want right now is to finish this shoot quickly."

"Great, because I can't stand looking at you." Yuri replied, bitter.

Gyuri bit her lip and stared at Yuri is disbelief. That hurts.

"Do-Do you hate me that much?" She asked, her voice cracking.

They look at each other and Yuri suddenly felt guilty. She gulped.

"I-I...

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

“Is everything okay? We should continue our shoot now; we’re running on tight schedule.” Sooyoung suddenly came.

“Yes, it's okay! Le-let's continue...” Yuri replied and acted normal.

"Smile brightly." Sooyoung ordered, serious. Almost threateningly.

Yuri was startled but then she nodded and smiled.

Sooyoung grabbed Gyuri's arm and pulled her.

“Let’s get back to work!” She said to cheer Gyuri up.

Gyuri looked at Sooyoung and smiled.

"Thank you." She mouthed.

**

The shooting continued, but it was never quite smooth enough. 

There was almost zero communication between the model and the photographer and as a result, all of the photos captured were not quite up to standard. Tiffany kept complaining about the poses that her side wanted, and every time Gyuri directed Yuri to do it, she pretended not to hear anything. 

Tiffany sighed, thinking how much easier things could be if Jessica was there at the set. Jessica and her secretary were attending another important meeting at the other side of the island. Tiffany missed her already.

It was ten minutes past 11 and the first session was not finished yet. A few minutes later, the model for the second solo shoot, Yoona arrived at the set. She stood behind the camera and crew with her arms crossed, observing the current session. 

Yuri has never been in a photoshoot this hard. She has always been praised for her natural moves and known as the model that all photographers want to work with. But right now, she felt like an amateur all over again. 

“Miss Kwon, please lean your back against the rock like no one is watching! Right now you look like a stick on a rock! Are you a stick?!” Gyuri shouted. She had reached her limit. 

Yuri shook her head and sighed as she lean herself against the rock. She tries to focus and keep her top model image. She almost successfully did it, until she saw Yoona standing across from her. 

Yoona is here already? And Gyuri is here too...

And she started to panic. She became stiff.

Tiffany nudged Sooyoung who was standing beside her.

“Our bosses are going to be mad at us if they saw these pictures.” Tiffany said to her friend as they watched the photos on the screen.

“Gyuri tried her best, but I can’t say the same about Yuri. I guess we should just be content with these,” Sooyoung replied, pointing at the photo set.

But Gyuri wasn’t satisfied at all. She always expects perfection in her works. Suddenly she put her camera down and marched to Yuri. Yuri was startled when she saw her coming. She glanced at Yoona and their eyes met. 

Yoona... this is...

“Is it so hard for you to understand the term ‘lean your back’?” Gyuri asked, pissed.

Yuri scoffed. 

Suddenly Gyuri pushed her down on the rock, putting her in the desired pose. But Yuri panicked. Her gesture just brought back the memories that she wanted to forget. And Yoona was watching...

Get off me.

Don’t touch me.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” She shouted. 

With one strong force, she pushed her away.

Chapter 77

The Reason I’m Angry

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” Yuri shouted. She instinctively pushed Gyuri away forcefully.

And the latter fell on the ground.

Everyone at the scene were shocked. They were staring at both girls with no words spoken.

The atmosphere quickly turned tense.

Suddenly Sooyoung rushed up to Gyuri’s side. She grabbed her arms and gently gave her a pull to help her up. Gyuri obeyed Sooyoung and even though her legs were shaking, she found strength through her friend’s care. She stood up and Sooyoung immediately caught her gaze. She was unable to hide her tears from her.

Kwon Yuri stood still on the rock and her hands were shaking. She looked around and noticed that the crews were staring at her with disgusted looks. She saw Tiffany and Seohyun, who were shaking their heads.

And then she saw Yoona.

Their eyes met briefly.

And then she looked away.

Embarrassing.

This is embarrassing.

Yuri didn’t know what else to do. She couldn’t stand being there for another minute. The look from everyone’ eyes were suffocating her, as if they were attacking her with their gazes.

She looked down and saw Gyuri.

She was crying.

This is just...

Yuri turned around and ran away from the shooting location. With her bare feet, she ran as fast as she could to the nearest makeup tent. She just wanted to be away from everyone else.

Sooyoung hissed under her breath, seeing the girl fled.

Coward.

She turned around to the girl beside her.

“Gyuri, are you okay?!”

Gyuri nodded slowly, “I’m fine.”

“How dare Kwon Yuri do that to our photographer?!” One of the lighting guys said angrily.

“Yeah! She thinks she’s a diva?!” said another staff.

Tiffany clasped Seohyun’s hands and sighed in despair. All she could think of is an angry Jung boss.

“It-It’s not her fault,” Gyuri said suddenly.

Yoona stared at her, shocked.

“I bet she’s just tired,” Gyuri added to Yuri’s defence.

Yoona rolled her eyes and scoffed.

“We’re all tired! We’ve been here before she came!” another staff added.

“Relax. Let’s just take a break and continue with the other model afterwards,” Gyuri said, faking a smile.

Sooyoung looked at her in disbelief.

Gyuri looked back at Sooyoung and smiled wider in response.

“Have you eaten yet? I’m hungry.”

Sooyoung looked down and noticed that there were red liquid dripping from Gyuri’s left hand. Her palm was bleeding.  Noticing that Sooyoung was staring at her hand, Gyuri tried to hide her hands and put it behind her back.

“It’s nothing, really...” Gyuri mumbled.

Sooyoung shook her head vigorously, “No. This is not nothing!”

“Someone needs to teach that girl a lesson!!” She said, pissed before heading to the makeup tent where Yuri is.

“Sooyoung, wait!” Gyuri tried to stop her by pulling her arm.

But it was too late.

**

Yuri paced back and forth in the empty tent. She pulled the hem of her dress as she was pacing.

What have I done?

To her, I shouldn’t...

Suddenly, someone barged through the entrance. It was none other than Sooyoung, who was glaring at her furiously. Yuri was shocked, and she was unable to react when Sooyoung unexpectedly pushed her to one of the makeup table. The makeup cases fell on the ground. Some of them shattered across the floor.

“HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO HER?!” Sooyoung asked, shaking Yuri’s shoulders angrily.

“Soo-Sooyoung, calm down!”

“What did she ever do to you to be deserved to be treated that way?! You hate her so much huh?! It’s not fair for her to get all the hate when everything was your fault! You’re the one who got yourself into the mess!”

Yuri stared at Sooyoung in disbelief.

“HEY!” She shouted.

“Stop talking as if you know everything! And don’t judge me! I don’t think you’re any better than me!”

“Why...” Sooyoung paused and gulped. Yuri took the opportunity to remove her friend’s grip from her shoulders.

“That woman ruined my life! How do you think I can act like nothing happen?! And Yoona-

She sighed.

..Yoona was there. What am I supposed to do?” Yuri added slowly.

Sooyoung scoffed.

“You weren’t thinking about Yoona when you slept with Gyuri.”

And that made Yuri snapped. She marched a few steps toward Sooyoung, forcing the latter to take a few steps back.

“DO YOU HAVE TO REMIND ME?! I KNOW WHAT I DID WAS WRONG!” She shouted.

Sooyoung was startled and speechless.

Tears suddenly burst out of Yuri’s eyes. It rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably and she wiped it with the back of her hands.

“I don’t hate Gyuri...The only thing she did wrong was...

..falling in love with me,” she added, sobbing.

“And I know it’s my fault for leading her on. I just hate myself... for doing this to Yoona, who’s been loving me through that time..”

“Sooyoung, the reason why I’m so angry is not because I hate Gyuri... it’s because... I...

..I liked her once,” Yuri said with a sigh.

Sooyoung stared at Yuri, shocked. “You... what?”

Yuri kept mum.

“I knew it.” A voice said.

Sooyoung and Yuri turned to look and to their surprise, they saw two women standing by the tent entrance.

It was Yoona and Gyuri.

Yoona was crossing her arms and stares weakly at Yuri.

“I knew it.” She repeats.

Gyuri stared at Yuri in disbelief. She never knew Yuri actually liked her back then. She’s unsure how to feel.

Yoona shook her head and continued holding back the tears that were pooling in her eyes.

“I don’t care anymore.” She said bitterly, before leaving the tent.

Yuri saw her leave in despair. She felt as if there was nothing she could say to stop Yoona from leaving.

Is this the end?

Sooyoung stood awkwardly in the middle of the tent and glanced at Gyuri. But the latter wasn’t even looking at her; her eyes were fixed on Yuri as if Sooyoung was invisible.

She bit her lip and let out a sigh. For some reason she felt like her heart was trampled over and crushed. She couldn’t stay there anymore and withstand this torture. She walked passed Gyuri and gave her one last glance before leaving the tent. But Gyuri was still had her eyes fixed on Yuri.

Sooyoung left, leaving the two in the tent. The two women looked at each other in silence for a while.

“Gyul, I’m sorry.” Yuri said.

**

“Can someone tell me what is going on here?” Jessica asked with a firm tone.

She had just returned from a meeting and was not pleased at seeing the photo shoot being halted. She stood in the middle of the set with her arms on her hips, demanding a logical explanation. The staff present exchanged glances with each other, but none of them were willing to face their lion-like boss.

Jessica looked at the camera that was left on the desk, can’t help wondering where Gyuri is. Somehow she felt worried for her friend.

Suddenly, someone came forward and held her hand. Jessica was startled and almost shouted at whoever touched her, until she realized that it was Tiffany.

Tiffany seems to be panicking.

“Aww... what happened?” Jessica asked with a gentle tone, surprising everyone.

Seohyun chuckled and rolled her eyes.

Tiffany shook Jessica’s hands, “Jessi! Yuri pushed Gyuri away when she was trying to correct her poses.”

“Wh-what?”

“And then Yuri ran away. Gyuri injured her palm and it was bleeding. Sooyoung was pissed and she chased after Yuri! And soon Gyuri and Yoona followed her!” Tiffany continued like a class monitor reporting to her teacher.

Jessica sighed and glanced at Jaejoong who had just arrived to the set.

“That’s why I said that we can’t use them for the photo shoot!” Jessica said to him.

“They ought to be professional,” Jaejoong replied nonchalantly. He sat on one of the chairs and crossed his legs as if he’s enjoying a show.

Jessica stared at him, but he pretended not to notice her and was busily checking the photos on the laptop screen. She scoffed and turned to Tiffany again, and realized that they were still holding hands.

She suppressed a smile.

“What are we going to do? If we don’t finish this shoot, we won’t have any picture for the cover!” Tiffany said, panicked.

“Relax, we’ll think of a way...” Jessica said, calming her down.

The young boss glanced at Seohyun, “Do we have enough Yuri photos?”

Seohyun checked it on the computer screen and nodded.

“Though not all pictures are great, but there are definitely a few that we can use,” she replied.

Jessica nodded, “That means we only need Yoona’s part to complete our shoot.”

Jaejoong suddenly sniggered.

“What’s so funny?” Jessica asked, annoyed.

“Hear yourself. You’re saying it as if it’s an easy thing to do. Don’t you realize that we don’t have the model or the photographer?” He replied with a smirk.

Jessica shook her head, “I’m trying to save our asses and you’re mocking me?! Seriously, why are you even here?!” She said, almost shouting.

He smiled slyly and looked away.

“Calm down Jessi...” Tiffany whispered.

And it worked. Jessica smiled at Tiffany and nodded. She looked around the set, thinking.

Where can I find a model and a photographer now?

“Darn it. The shoot is finished?” a female voice said.

Everyone on the set turned to look at the direction of the voice.

A young girl wearing a floral pattern dress and a fashionable straw hat was standing by with an ice cream in one hand.

Krystal Jung has arrived.

“I was planning to watch,” she said with a pout.

Jessica and Tiffany stared at the girl from head to toe without saying anything. And then they turned and looked at each other.

Krystal raised an eyebrow, “Er... what are you two looking at?”

“And even holding hands...” She added with a chuckle.

Jessica and Tiffany looked at their clasped hands and then at each other. Their eyes met and suddenly it turns awkward. They let go of their hands simultaneously.

“Jessi, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Tiffany asked, while her eyes were still on Krystal.

Jessica nodded. “Yes.”

“Krys, such long legs you have,” Tiffany said.

She laughed, “Er... thanks?”

“Soojung, such clear skin you have,” Jessica added.

“You jealous? I take care of it all the time... wait, why are you saying all this?”

Jessica and Tiffany grinned at each other.

Krystal gulped, “You’re both weird. Has the pent up sexual tension driven you mad?”

Tiffany almost choked on her own saliva upon hearing that. Not to mention her pink cheeks.

Jessica cleared her throat, “Well, my baby sister...”

**

“Gyul, I’m sorry.” Yuri said with her slightly cracked voice.

She closed her eyes and let the tears roll down.

“Everything that happened was all because of me. If there is anything I could do to undo everything, I would do it. But now the only thing I can do is to ask you to forgive me...” She continued.

“I can’t forgive you.” Gyuri said, firm.

Yuri stared at Gyuri, surprised.

“We-well, I guess-

“Because...” Gyuri quickly cuts in.

“..to me, you didn’t do anything wrong,” she continued, avoiding Yuri’s gaze.

Yuri looked at Gyuri, shocked with her reply.

And then she smiled, “I don’t deserve to be loved by someone like you. You deserve so much better...”

“I know,” Gyuri replied, cold.

Yuri bit her lip.

“Yuri-ah...” Gyuri called softly.

It feels so good saying Yuri’s name. She was almost swayed by her emotions as she was looking into her eyes.

Almost.

She cleared her throat, “I want you to know that you don’t have to worry anymore...

..I will never interfere with you again in the future.”

Yuri was left speechless.

Gyuri looked at her and smiled weakly. “It was nice knowing you. The times we spend together were the...

..sweetest memories that I’ll never forget.”

**

“ARGHH!! YOU AND JESSICA TRICKED ME!!!” Krystal shouted at the older girl in her room. She even threw a pillow towards her in anger.

Tiffany managed to dodge the deadly pillow hence saving her face from impact.

“Krys, calm down! It’s not like it’s something bad!” Tiffany said.

“I don’t want to be a model! And you guys made me!” She retorted.

“Aww come on, it’s because you’re sooo pretty and also we have no one else to replace Yoona. You actually look a lot like her...”

“My beauty is not to be exploited for the profit of some magazine!”

“Excuse me, but we’re talking about a magazine that uh.. belongs to your family. So technically, it’s for your own profit...”

Krystal stared at Tiffany for the longest time, as her mind tried to find a witty comeback. But this time the older girl was right.

“ARGGHH!” She shouted in frustration and threw another pillow at Tiffany. And this time around, it hits her face.

“OWWW!” Tiffany shrieked.

Krystal gulped, “Opps? Unnie, you’re supposed to dodge that...”

“What is it with you and your sister?! Always hitting my face! It hurts, you know! How about I throw a pillow to your face instead? Do you want to know how it feels?!” Tiffany shouted, angry.

Krystal grabbed her phone by the desk and turned towards the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?! Come back here!”

“You should sleep Fany-unnie, you look tired,” she said before switching off the lights.

“YAH KRYSTAL!!”

“GOOD NIGHT!!” Krystal said with a chuckle before exiting the room.

**

Krystal let out a relieved sigh as soon as she shut the door. She left her room leaving Tiffany to rant alone in the dark. She smiled. Actually she enjoyed every moment arguing with her soon to be sister-in-law. Tiffany was just too easy to tease.

She stood outside her door and glanced at the opposite room, her sister’s room. How she wish she could have a nice sleep that night. Sharing a bed with Tiffany was nothing but nightmare, when the older girl kept moaning Jessica’s name in her sleep. It was very disturbing.

If only she gets to sleep in a room all by herself...

And that’s when Jessica returned to her room. Krystal looked at her sister, walking weakly towards her room with a card key in one hand. She looked really sleepy and tired.

“Why are you not sleeping yet?” Jessica asked as she walked.

Krystal leaned her back against Jessica’s door like it’s her room.

Instead of replying, Krystal asked. “Sleepy?”

“Urghh, I might collapse as soon as I find my bed,” Jessica replied and headed to the opposite room. She was too tired to remember which room was hers. She inserted the key card but the door won’t open.

“Eh? Why can’t I open the door?” she mumbled.

“Need my help?” Krystal asked.

“Yes please... I just want to sleep right now...” Jessica said, handing over the key card to her sister.

Krystal cheekily grabbed the card and switched it with hers that she kept in her pocket. She opened the door with ease and the door flung open.

“There you go,” she said, giving Jessica the new card.

“Has Tiffany slept yet?” Jessica suddenly asked, thinking that her fiancé was sleeping in the other room.

“Er... yeah! She’s so tired that she’s sleeping like a baby.”

Jessica smiled and nodded.

“Okay then, go to sleep. It’s dangerous wandering out here alone,” she said with concern.

“Don’t worry sis, I’m going to bed now.” Krystal said, opening her new room’s door.

“Alright, good night,” Jessica said, before shutting the door.

Krsytal watched as her sister closed the door and waited for a few minutes to make sure she didn’t come out.

She smiled.

“I get my own room and I managed put the horny couple back together,” she said to herself.

“I’m such a genius.”

Chapter 78

The Lucky Woman

The sun shone through the curtains as the morning arrived. Tiffany Hwang felt the heat on her face and slowly opens her eyes. She glanced at the window.

"It's already morning..." she muttered to herself.

She pulled away the blanket to get ready to start her day but then, she realized something.  

There was an arm wrapped around her shoulders.  

"Arghh this kid," she whined, thinking it was her roommate, Krystal Jung.  

She pushed away the hand harshly and oops, her hand accidentally landed on the left side of the girl's chest.  

Tiffany was shocked. For a teenage girl, Krystal's body was fully developed, Tiffany thought to herself. And suddenly it hit her.

The size felt familiar. Tiffany wasn't promiscuous and in her experience, there was only one person's body that she knows in and out about.  

She gave it a tiny little squeeze to confirm it and then she gulped. It's the same feeling.

"It can't be..." she mumbled.  

She turned to her side and was up for a surprise.  

"Ah Jessi!" She gasped.  

Her fiancé, Jessica was lying next to her in her lazy girl morning pose. There were drool all over the pillow. Typical tired Jessica.  

"Awwwww..." Tiffany cooed. For some reason, her hand was still on Jessica's left boob.

Tiffany wasn't sure how to react. She was ecstatic to be in the same bed with Jessica after such a long time, but at the same time, wondering how she got in.  

Suddenly,

"Oh honey… you woke up..." Jessica mumbled, with a silly smile on her face. Her eyes were half-opened and she looked at the latter blankly.  

Tiffany froze.

Jessica looked at her chest and saw Tiffany's hand clutching her left boob. And she slowly gained consciousness and stared at Tiffany with her eyes widened. She finally realized that this was not a dream.    

"You..." Jessica said.  

Tiffany quickly removed her hand and jumped off the bed.  

"THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS!" Tiffany shouted like a person at fault.

Jessica also climbed down the bed, puzzled.

"What are you doing in my room?" She asked.

"Hey Jessi, this is my room! I'm the one who should be asking you that!" Tiffany replied, blushing madly.  

Jessica scratched her hair and glanced around in a daze before noticing her sister's LV luggage. This is indeed NOT her room. Everything that happened the night before came back to her, Krystal was unusually helpful with the card key. It was obvious that she was up to something.

"Soojung tricked me… darn," Jessica mumbled.

"Soojung?" Tiffany asked.

Jessica nodded and looked at Tiffany. They stared at each other as the awkward atmosphere began to set in.

"Ti-Tiffany..." Jessica called.

"Yeah?" Tiffany replied, nervous.

Jessica can't seem to look at Tiffany properly. She shook her head and looked down.

"That white t-shirt you're wearing is so thin… and you're not wearing any bra…" She said, mumbling.

"Eh?" Tiffany looked down and realized that.

"Please cover yourself with something… it's so-" Jessica added, her cheeks red.

Tiffany smiled cheekily, "Distracting?  

"But, this is the one I always wear. Don't you remember?" She said, as she walks towards the blushing Jessica.

"St-stay where you are! Don't come closer..." Jessica said, taking a few steps back.

"Why? You always said that you like my fresh morning look..." Tiffany said, still inching closer to Jessica.

Jessica took a few steps back until she realized that there was a wall behind her. She was trapped.

"Well, I do like your morning look a lot… but..."

"But?" Tiffany asked, teasing. She stood in front of the nervous Jessica, who has her back glued against the wall.

"Bu-but..." Jessica said, stuttering.

Tiffany inched closer until their noses were almost touching. Jessica gulped. In her head, she was wondering if this is the right time to throw away her cool image and just grab Tiffany's face to taste the lips that she has been longing to.  

"Jessi, can we… do something?" Tiffany suddenly said. Jessica could feel her breath on her face.

"Do something? Are you sure?" Jessica asked, her eyes lit up.

"It's been a while since we did that." Tiffany said with her husky voice.

Jessica gulped.

"Definitely."

"Breakfast." Tiffany said.

"Hmm… I miss having you as breakfast..." Jessica purred as her heart raced. She was ready.

Tiffany creased her eyebrows.  

And suddenly she broke out laughing. She took a few steps away from Jessica and smirked. Jessica stood there, puzzled.

"I mean literally. Having breakfast as in… eating food together. We can at least do that, right?"

Jessica could feel her cheeks heating up.  

Did she just trick me?

"Su-sure! Let's go downstairs and have our breakfast together!" Jessica replied, blushing. When she meant breakfast earlier, it has nothing to do with real food.

And then they just stood there, staring at each other. Well, Jessica was specifically staring at the latter's chest. In her mind, she was already ripping it off.

"Jessi, don't you have to go change?" Tiffany asked innocently.

It took Jessica a few seconds to digest what Tiffany meant. "Ahhh yes! Of course! "

"I'll wait for you outside because this is not my room, this is your room! And I should go change in my room!" Jessica sprouted randomly.

"Exactly," Tiffany replied, chuckling.

"I'll see you in a while."  

"Yes."

"Okay."

"See you."

"Later."  

As soon as Jessica left the room, Tiffany let out a loud sigh.

"OH MY LORD WHY DIDN'T I JUST SAY YES TO THAT BREAKFAST?!"

She threw herself on the bed and buried her face in a pillow.

"My stupid pride," she mumbled to the air.

While outside of the room, Jessica leaned her back against the closed door. She slowly calmed herself after what happened in the room.  

Suddenly, she saw Krystal coming out from the opposite room with her handphone in one hand, looking cheerful and energized. She was wearing Jessica's clothes. She saw her sister and smiled.  

"Hey unnie, did you get lucky last night?" she teased.

Jessica didn't say anything.

"You should feel grateful to have a smart younger sister like me!"

Jessica rolled her eyes and walked towards the annoying teenager. She purposely bumped onto her shoulder and made her dropped her phone.  

"UNNIE!"  

"Nothing happened alright! In turn, she teased me and now I'm all..." Jessica snapped.

"Hot and bothered?" Krystal raised her eyebrows.

Jessica sighed.

"Oh really? She did that? Way to go, Fany unnie."

Jessica scoffed, "You're on her side now?!"

Krystal shook her head and pats her sister's back.

"I think it's time."  

"Really? No more acting cool?"

"Just go with the flow, sis. Trust me, she's as bothered as you are," Krystal said with a wink.  

**

Things were extra mushy at breakfast that morning.  

Krystal and Seohyun kept exchanging weird glances. They regretted joining Jessica and Tiffany at their table that morning. They can barely eat peacefully.

Jessica kept sipping her glass of cold milk and leaving the moustache on her lips like a kid. If that wasn't annoying enough, Tiffany will be wiping the grown woman's mouth with napkin every now and then with shy grins on both their faces.    

Jessica was enjoying all the attention. Krystal was right, this was so worth it.  

"Aww, there's milk again..." Tiffany cooed.  

Jessica acted like she didn't know and leaned forward. Tiffany wiped her upper lips with a napkin gently.

"Thank you," she said, smiling.

Seohyun couldn't help but look away. She might throw up anytime.  

"URGHHH PLEASE STOP," Krystal suddenly said.

"Stop what?" Jessica asked nonchalant.

"Go get a room and release whatever you guys were holding in for so long. I think it's been translated into something worse. I can't take this anymore!" Krystal said, hitting the table.

"Hey Soojung!"  

But as Jessica tried to educate her sister, suddenly,

"Hey you guys! Emergency! Emergency!" Sooyoung called, panting. Gyuri was trailing behind her, with her face pale.  

"What's going on?" Jessica asked, curious.

"It's Yuri! We can't find Yuri anywhere!" Sooyoung explained, shouting in panic.

"What do you mean?" Tiffany asked, worried.

"I went to look for her in her room, but she wasn't there," Gyuri replied.

"We're just worried that she might do something stupid after what happened yesterday!" Sooyoung added.  

"Gosh… where's Yoona?" Tiffany asked, no longer caring about her fresh waffles.

Gyuri shook her head, "At her room. We went there and asked her, but she told me to er... fcuk off and that Yuri has nothing to do with her anymore."        

"Maybe she's taking air by the beach," Seohyun said.

"Or maybe she's by the cliff…" Krystal added, serious.

Everyone looked at Krystal, as if the youngest had just said something bad.  

"What? She's heartbroken, I'm not being negative but… Two Lovers’ Point was where the couple in the local legend committed suicide," Krystal explained.

"Hate to say this, but Soojung might be right..." Jessica said, gulping.

Suddenly, Gyuri grabbed Sooyoung's hand.

"Eh?" Sooyoung startled.

"What are you waiting for?! We can't let that happen! Let's go!" Gyuri said, with tears in her eyes. She pulled Sooyoung with her and ran out of the cafe.

Tiffany looked at Jessica, worried.

"What should we do?" Tiffany asked.

Jessica stood up from her seat and offered her right hand to Tiffany. The latter was puzzled but she took her hand and stood by her side.

"Let's go save our friend," Jessica said coolly.

Tiffany couldn't hide how impressed she was with Jessica's tone and grinned.  

"Okay!" She nodded. They walked out of the cafe, hand in hand like a superhero and her sidekick.

Krystal and Seohyun looked at each other, still shocked.  

Krystal saw someone walking into the cafe and stared at him intently. Jaejoong walked into the cafe with a phone glued to his left ear and laughing cheerfully. He was wearing an expensive suit and designer shoes. He looked completely different than the Jaejoong who worked as the barista.  

Who are you really?

**

Kwon Yuri sat on a large rock by the cliff at Two Lovers’ Point. She looked down at the sea below her; somehow, the sight of the waves hitting the rocks calmed her.

She stared weakly at the sky, as the birds flew in flocks towards their own destinations. Yuri wished she could join them in the sky and leave all the troubles behind. She let out a sigh, thinking that she was probably losing her mind. She looked back at the sea, and at the back of her crazy mind, she did think of doing it; to jump off the cliff.  

She shook her head, throwing away all the messed up thoughts and stood up on the rock. She took a quick glance at her wristwatch and gasped.

"I'm gonna be late..." She mumbled.

When she was about to turn around and climb down, she saw two women rushing towards her. One of them she did not wish to meet. Yuri gulped.  

It was Sooyoung and... Gyuri.

"YAH YURI! GET DOWN HERE!" Sooyoung shouted, panicked.

Yuri stared at her blankly and froze, shocked.

"Don't do anything harsh and please come down!" Gyuri said, worried.

Yuri looked at them, dumbfounded. And then it slowly hit her.  

Did they think that I was... trying to commit suicide?

What the-  

"Guys, it's not-

"Hey Kwon Yuri! Come down here! You're making everyone worried!" Jessica suddenly shouted. Yuri had no idea when did she and Tiffany get there too.  

Yuri sighed.

"It's not-

"I know it's not easy for you! But please, you're still too young to die!" Tiffany cuts in, with tears already runs down her cheeks. Yuri had no idea that Tiffany cared about her. Or maybe she just showcased her feelings to make Jessica hug her. It worked.

Yuri shook her head vigorously.

"Stop it!" She shouted.

Everyone stared at her, shocked.  

She let out a heavy sigh.  

"Guys, I know my life sucks, my career is probably ruined by now as there are already articles online about me acting like a diva on set... I cheated on my girlfriend, and blame it all on someone who innocently fell for an idiot like me..." She paused and glanced at Gyuri.

She bit her lip as she tries to explain that she wasn't trying to die.  

"I broke the heart of the one girl that I love… and it does look like I've no reason to live. I have nothing left but-

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!" Someone suddenly shouted. Everyone shifted their attention to a petite young woman who stood behind them.  

Tears were running down her cheeks and she tried to wipe it with her hands. She was sobbing as she made her way towards the rock where Yuri was.

Yuri was startled.

"Yoona-yah..." She mumbled.

Yoona boldly climbed onto the rock and stood face to face with Yuri.

"Kwon Yuri… how could you do this to me?" She asked again.

"I-I'm not-

"How could you even think of leaving me alone? You're so cruel..."  

Yoona looked away and wiped her tears.

"It's true that you've lost your girlfriend but..." She paused and stared at Yuri.

… you never lose your best friend."  

Yuri gasped, "Yoong…”  

"Don't you remember? We've promised to be best friends forever and that we will stay together no matter what happens..."

"This, is no matter what," The younger girl said, pointing at the ground.

"If I'm mad at you, then you should apologize. If I didn't forgive you, then you should just try again and again! As if you didn't know how stubborn and egoistic I am!" Yoona continued, stomping her feet on the rock.

"To think of something stupid as jumping off a cliff is not who you are, Yuri-ah," Yoona added.

Yuri shook her head.

"But I wasn't gonna jump..."

Yoona stared at her, dumbfounded. "Excuse me?"

"I wasn't gonna jump..." Yuri repeated.

"Then what are you doing at the edge of the cliff?"  

"I was... clearing my mind. Looking at the sea and the birds..." Yuri replied, awkward. She pointed to the sky as if there were birds flying.  

The atmosphere suddenly turned silent. Everyone looked at each other, puzzled. Tiffany wrapped her hands around Jessica as if they were watching a horror movie, a reaction that wasn't necessary.  

"I've told you she wasn't gonna jump..." Sooyoung whispered to Gyuri.

"What? When did you say that?"  

"I did..."

"No, you didn't."    

While on the rock, Yoona and Yuri were still staring at each other awkwardly.  And soon, Yoona's cheeks slowly turned pink. She looked away to hide her blush while Yuri suppressed a smile.

"The-Then why are you standing on the rock as if you're going to jump?!" Yoona shouted angrily.

"I was trying to climb down, what do you expect? I can't slither down like a snake!" Yuri retorted.

Yoona gritted her teeth, "UGHHH! WHY DID I EVEN CARE ABOUT YOU?!"  

"You care about me?" Yuri asked cheekily.

"JUST GO JUMP OFF THE CLIFF WITH GYURI AND DIE TOGETHER!"  

Yoona turned around and climbed down the rocks, her feet stomping angrily.  

"Aww, I won't leave you alone! Yoona, wait!" Yuri climbed down to follow her furious friend.

"YURI, GO AWAY!"

Gyuri overheard them and shrugged. "Uh… thanks for the suicide offer, but I have other things to do."

Sooyoung laughed, "Hahaha really? I thought you're in love with Yuri."    

"I've decided not to chase someone who doesn't love me back."

Sooyoung nodded, "You deserve better."

"Exactly," Gyuri added, smiling.

**

Jessica and Tiffany walked back to their hotel rooms together after watching the cheap drama by the cliff. They didn't talk much, just a few comments on how stupid Yuri was and how loyal Yoona was to friendship. Tiffany added that loyalty runs in her family in which Jessica responded with a smile.

They've arrived in front of their rooms and stood facing each other.  

"So, loyal Hwang huh? Whoever gets to marry you is so lucky," Jessica said cheekily.

Tiffany laughed. "Yeah, I wonder who that lucky woman will be."

"Too bad that woman didn't realize how lucky she is and... made a mistake," Jessica said, her voice slow.

Tiffany looked at the woman before her and saw how vulnerable she was. No more the cool image, just Jessica standing in front of her. That sight just touched her heart.

"Everyone makes mistakes. That lucky woman should stop blaming herself," Tiffany said gently.

"It's hard not to, when the lucky woman's fiancé still hasn't forgive her."  

"She had forgiven her long time ago," Tiffany replied.

Jessica looked at Tiffany as her heart started to beat rapidly.  

"Really? But why does she keep pushing the woman away?" Jessica asked.

"She's just trying to act cool, just like the lucky woman," Tiffany replied with a chuckle.

Jessica let out a small laugh.

"The lucky woman misses her fiancé soooo much."

"How much?" Tiffany asked.

"So much that she's talking to her pillow again."  

"You're still talking to Pillow Fany?!" Tiffany asked, shocked.

"Well, since I can't talk to the real Fany..."

Tiffany creased her eyebrows. "Er.. that's kinda creepy Jessi.."  

"Well, the lucky woman misses her girl so much that she’s starting to lose it."

They both broke into laughter and like magnets, their hands found each other and intertwined.

"So we're officially back together now?" Jessica asked, gently pressing Tiffany's hand affectionately.

Tiffany nodded, "I think so."

Jessica smiled and pulled the other girl in an embrace. She buried her face at the crook of Tiffany's neck and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"We should do something now," Jessica whispered.

Tiffany blushed and chuckled.

"There's one thing that never changed. Breakfast?"

Jessica slowly pushed her to the door and inserted the card key.  

"Honey, it's already lunchtime," she said, pushing the door open.

As soon as they closed the door, Tiffany grabbed Jessica's face and kissed her passionately. Jessica was gasping for air. They moved towards the bed with their lips still intact and hands were already unbuttoning and unzipping each other's clothes.

Suddenly,  

"OH MY LORD! STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!" Someone shouted in terror.

Jessica and Tiffany parted their lips and glanced at the bed.  

Krystal Jung was covering her eyes and shaking in fear.  

Tiffany and Jessica immediately released each other though they didn't want to.

"Soojung, what are you doing here?!" Jessica asked, disappointed.  

"Hey unnie, first of all, this is my room! I'm packing my bag! We're supposed to leave for airport in half an hour, don't you remember?!" Krystal replied, angry.

"Where did you get the key card?" Jessica asked.

"The counter! Well, my luggage is in this room, can't you see?!" Krystal replied, pointing at her bag and clothes on the floor.

"Ah, yes. We need to leave," Tiffany said weakly.

"Jessi, I need to pack my things too… maybe we can postpone it till later..."  

Jessica sighed, "Ahhh.. postpone? In flight?"

"EW EW EW GROSS GROSS STOP IT!" Krystal cuts in, disgusted.

Tiffany looked at Jessica and pouted.  

"Sorry blankie…"

Chapter 79

The F Word

It was 8am on a Monday morning and the students of Hanlim Multi Art School were already sitting in their respective classrooms, waiting for their teachers to come.

Krystal Jung propped one elbow on the table and lazily rested her chin on her palm. Her seat mate, Sulli, was telling her stories about her recent vacation but she wasn't really listening. She did catch a few phrases like, 'fish', 'hug' and 'sexy'. In her mind, Krystal summed it up as, 'a sexy fish hugged Sulli on vacation'. No wonder she likes Taemin. He looks like a fish. Fish fetish.

The young Jung's eyes glanced at the seat two tables ahead from her, where Kang Jiyoung was sitting. Unlike Sulli's story, she overheard Jiyoung's conversation with another classmate Sohyun quite clearly.

She now knew about her family holiday trip to Jeju.

Krystal also noticed Jiyoung's new hairstyle. From the beautiful long locks to a cute shorter hair. Krystal couldn't help but to admire her adorable new look.

"Aren't you excited for the prom! It's in two weeks!" Sulli suddenly said, excitedly tugging Krystal's arm.

Krystal turned to look at Sulli, disinterested. "Oh?"

Sulli hits her arm, hard.

"Ouchh! Why?"

"What kind of reaction is that? Aren't you excited about prom?! Come on, it's gonna be fun choosing the dress and getting ready for the event!" Sulli said, still hyper.

"Yayyy...” Krystal replied sarcastically.

"You're no fun Krys...” Sulli said, crossing her arms defensively.

She looked at her friend and sighed, "Who cares? I'm not going to the prom."

"Whatt?! Why on earth do you want to miss prom?! It's the highlight of our high school year! And if you don't come, then I can easily get crowned as prom queen! I need some serious competition!" Sulli said jokingly.

"I don't have... a date. You're gonna go with Taemin, but I'm all alone."

"Pshh. That is not an excuse. I'm hearing rumors about all these guys wanting you as their date."

Krystal rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious! The football captain, the cute guy that plays piano, the captain of the baseball team and even the cheerleader captain have the hots for you!"

"Cheerleader captain, Park Jiyeon unnie?" Krystal asked, shocked.

Sulli nodded.

"Ever since the news about you no longer dating Jiyoung spread, seems like your fans have increased. Especially girls...”

Krystal bit her lip as Jiyoung's name was mentioned.

"Is Jiyoung going?" Krystal asked casually. She tried to make it as if she didn't care.

Sulli paused. Though Krystal tried to hide it, it was written on her face that she still cares about Jiyoung.  

"I think so. Recently there's... someone who's interested in her," Sulli said, hesitantly.

Krystal looked at her, worried, "Wh-Who?"

Sulli paused and noticed that their homeroom teacher just walked in.

"Teacher's here," she gave a short reply to end their conversation.

**

Kang Jiyoung walked fast along the hallway. She couldn't believe how clumsy she was to leave her science practical book in class. She had to go back to get it and as a result, she was the last one to arrive at the lab.

"I'm sorry teacher!" Jiyoung said, bowing to their science teacher.

The young female teacher smiled.

"Ah Jiyoung, it's okay. Hurry up and take a seat, we're about to start. Hmm... you can sit beside er.."

She glanced across the lab and noticed that all students already paired up, except one.

..Krystal."

She said, pointing at Krystal's table by the window. Krystal was startled. All she did was staring blankly out of the window. She looked at Jiyoung and the latter was looking at her too. She quickly looked away and grabbed a random pen from her pencil case before gripping it, as if she was ready for class. She couldn't look unprepared in front of Jiyoung. The least she could do was to keep her cool.

Jiyoung stared at her teacher in disbelief. She stood in front of the class and did not move an inch.

"Okay, hurry up Jiyoung," the teacher urged and gave the girl a slight push on her shoulder.

She looked at Krystal who has been staring at her since only god knows when. She gulped.

How could I..

**

Krystal looked intently into the microscope to examine the slide that their teacher had provided them with. And then she nodded and moved aside, giving way for Jiyoung to look.

It was undeniably awkward and Jiyoung tried as hard as possible to avoid any eye contact with her. Their longest eye contact was probably a mere two seconds and that caused Krystal to drop her pen to the floor.

"Hmm... this is weird..." Jiyoung mumbled as she was looking into the microscope.

"What is it?" Krystal asked, curious. She walked closer to Jiyoung and stood closely behind her. So close that she could smell her hair. She liked her choice of shampoo.

"I can't really tell what this is...” Jiyoung said. Krystal moved closer to take a look and Jiyoung moved back. As a result, their heads touched.

They looked at each other and broke their eye contact record for a new record of four seconds.

Jiyoung quickly stepped back and looked away.

"I'm so sorry," she said with honorifics and bowed.

Krystal looked at her with mixed feelings. She was bothered at how Jiyoung was treating her like a stranger. They're not strangers.

You're not a stranger in my heart...

**

The bell rang and the students rushed out of their classrooms for a break.

Krystal dragged her feet lazily through the school halls, ignoring the groups of admirers who stared at her as she passed by. Sulli was right, the numbers had increased.

She entered the canteen and glanced through the crowd of hungry students to find her best friend. It wasn't hard to find her after all. The freakishly tall girl with a boy with bleached blonde hair. Sulli and Taemin.

She walked to them, planning to tease Taemin on his new girly hairdo when she suddenly she saw another familiar face.

Choi Minho.

He was sitting with them as well. Krystal smiled. She always liked Minho as a guy friend. He was one of the rare boys who always agreed on the same things as her. Maybe it's because they knew each other since elementary school.

She quickened her pace, excited to catching up with Minho. At least this can take her mind off what happened in the lab earlier, she thought.

But then she saw a girl sitting next to him. The girl with a strawberry bun in her hand.

She gulped.

Jiyoung?

He was telling a joke and she laughed as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard. Krystal realized that Jiyoung never laughed like that when she was around her.

Only god knows how much Krystal despised Minho at that moment. She was burning with jealousy.

"Having fun?" Krystal said suddenly, interrupting them.

All four pairs of eyes turned to Krystal.

"You finally came! Come sit beside me!" Sulli said, patting the bench.

Krystal sat opposite Jiyoung and stared at her, making the latter feel uncomfortable. She found it hard to swallow her bread.

"Did you get a haircut Jing? You looked like... a dog." Krystal said, bitterly.

Her statement shocked everyone at the table.

"Yah, Krystal..." Sulli whispered to her.

Minho looked at Krystal and shook his head.

"No, I think it looks nice on her. She looks even cuter."

Jiyoung looked down the entire time, again avoiding Krystal's gaze.

She fixes her bangs nervously and slowly put her bun back into the paper bag.

"I-I gotta go. I just remembered that I haven't finish my math homework…" she said, as she picked up her things and left.

Minho stood up.

"Wait! Let me help you. You can borrow mine!" he said, following Jiyoung and left.

"What just happened?" Taemin asked, puzzled.

"Here," Sulli passed a glass of drink to her boyfriend and let him drink quietly.

"What is it with that guy?" Krystal said, angry.

"Let me help you! You can borrow mine!" She added with a whiny voice.

Sulli stared at her friend, worried,

"Yah Krystal, are you okay?"

Krystal didn't answer her; instead she grabbed Taemin's drink. He looked at her gulping down the drink helplessly.

"I should go..." he mumbled.

Sulli nodded in response and watched him go, leaving only the two girls at the table.

"Hey, that wasn't a nice thing to say to someone. I thought you and Jiyoung parted peacefully. What did you do to her in the lab earlier?"

"What do you mean?"

"She asked me if I can switch my lab session with her."

Krystal scoffed, shocked.

"She did? Wow, I'm speechless."

"What's going on, Krys?" Sulli asked, concern.

"Ssul, I didn't do anything to her…" Krystal said, her voice slow.

"I can't do anything if... my presence itself bothers her," she added before standing up.

"Awww... where are you going? Don't forget drama practice this evening!" Sulli said as her friend walked away from the table.

**  

Krystal didn't forget the drama practice that evening. She went there early to rehearse her lines as the glamorous role of the evil queen. She even wore the evil looking pointy hat to get into her character. The teacher praised her for being committed in which Krystal replied with a humble smile.

Ten minutes later, the cast gathered in the auditorium, including the princess, Jiyoung. Sulli, who was excitedly reminded her about the practice, was absent since she had to take Taemin to the hair salon suddenly. Krystal sat by the side of the stage and tried to not get noticed by her. But she watched her reciting every line and smiled when she made mistakes. She was perfect.

"Okay, now, this is the scene between the princess and the old woman! Krystal, you're up!" The teacher called.

Krystal gulped. She didn't expect her turn to be up so soon. Slowly, she emerged from the dark and stepped into the middle of the stage. Jiyoung looked uneasy when she saw her, the expression was clearly written on her face.

Krystal bit her lip.

Do you dislike me that much?

"Okay, let's begin! 1, 2, 3… action!" The teacher shouted like a director of some teen soap drama.

Krystal, who posed as an old woman, stepped forward with an apple in her right hand.

"Dearie! Apples for sale! Lovely, red, juicy apples. Fresh off the tree!"

Krystal came closer.

"Apples for sale my dear, sweet and ripe. I know you're in there."

Jiyoung blanked out; she looked at Krystal but not without saying anything.

"Uh... er...”

She momentarily forgot her lines.

"Er... go-go away! I'm not allowed to...” She paused.

..to.."

The teacher sighed, "To answer the door!"  

Jiyoung bowed her head, "I'm sorry teacher, it won't happen again."

Krystal shook her head thinking, how she could recite her lines perfectly with other cast members but became like this when it was with her. It was as if she didn't want her there. It hurt.

"Okay, let's do it again. One more time! 1, 2, 3... action!" The teacher said enthusiastically.

Krystal took a deep breath and grabbed her apple again.

"Dearie! Apples for sale! Lovely, red, juicy apples. Fresh off the tree...” She repeated.

She came closer and Jiyoung took a step back.

"Apples for sale my dear, sweet and ripe. I know you're in there," Krystal added.

Jiyoung gulped again. "Er...”

"I am not...”

"Go... away, I...” Jiyoung kept pausing.

She was sweating, "Go away... er..."  

Krystal couldn't take it anymore.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Snow White?! Do you hate me that much?!" Krystal suddenly snapped.

Everyone was stunned. No one expected the Queen to blow up.

"You're avoiding me when... er.. I came to sell you apples. What did I ever do wrong?!"

"Krystal-ah...” Jiyoung mumbled, worried.

"You know what? I don't care about this anymore! I don't care about you... Snow White and I don't care about this play!" Krystal said, waving her hands around.

"Krystal Jung, calm down! Are you okay, dear?" The teacher said as she walked to her.

"I'm sorry teacher, but you have to find a new Queen," Krystal said, taking off her evil hat.

"I quit."

**

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Julia Jung was laughing so hard that tears starting to came out of her eyes.

"So she wasn't going to jump? And everyone thought she was going to? Hahahaha! your friends are funny!" Julia added, even hitting the table.

She was not crazy or drunk, but she was just truly happy to have dinner with Jessica and Tiffany again. It was the first time since their reconciliation. She invited the couple over to have dinner that night and offered them to stay overnight.

"Yeah, our friends are... funnily dramatic," Jessica replied with a chuckle.

Tiffany just nodded enthusiastically. She has not really gotten into terms with Julia after the last incident. It was still awkward to be around her. She kept tugging Jessica's arm, telling her not to leave her alone with her soon-to-be mother-in-law.

Krystal, on the other hand, was in her own world. She continued cutting her steak but hasn't eaten any. The conversation with Sulli earlier still bothered her.

"Minho asked Jiyoung to the prom?!"

Sulli nodded.

"And she said yes?"

"That's what I heard. I'm just telling you this so that you can move on. If she found herself a new date, then you should too. Do you want Jiyeon-unnie's number?"

"Fcuk!" Krystal suddenly shouted.

The whole table stared at her, shocked. Even the maids stopped and stared.

"Jung Soojung!" Julia scolded.

Jessica shook her head.

Krystal gulped, "I meant FORK! This fork is… too big! I can't fit it into my mouth! Fork!"

The atmosphere turned even more awkward after she explained it.

She slowly stood up and put her napkin on the table.

"I'm full. I'm going to my room. Enjoy your meal," she said before hurriedly leaving for the second floor.  

Jessica stared at her sister until she was out of her sight. She couldn't help but worry. Her sister rarely curses, especially during family dinners. She glanced to her plate and saw a lot of meat cutlets. She knew that Krystal didn't eat.

She held Tiffany's hand that had been tugging her arm and smiled.

"Honey, I think you and mom should discuss more about the wedding," she said sweetly.

Tiffany's eyes widened.

"But Jessi, there's nothing left to discuss! We've discussed everything to the smallest details!"

They looked at each other.

Don't leave me Jessi! Your mother is scary!

I need to go check on Soojung. Please hang on for while.

But..

Do this for me?

Tiffany let out a small sigh, "Okay, I think we haven't decided on the napkin color...”

Julia nodded. "Oh yes! The napkin!"

"Have fun, ladies."

Jessica smiled and lovingly patted Tiffany's hair before leaving the two women that she cared for at the table.

Tiffany and Julia looked at each other awkwardly. Tiffany just grinned without saying anything.

Julia suddenly turned serious, making the younger woman gulped.

"So, Tiffany, I need to talk to you about something...”

**

Jessica knocked on her sister's bedroom door.

"Can I come in?"

"I'm busy. Go away," Krystal replied from inside the room.

"Okay, I'm coming in," Jessica said, ignoring her sister's order.

Inside the room, she saw her sister lying on her bed with a novel in her hand. She seemed so keen on reading the book and ignored her sister, but the book was upside down.

Jessica snorted.

She walked to the bed and sat beside her younger sister. Though Krystal was ignoring her, she gently stroked her hair. Krystal didn't flinch so she continued.

"Mom said you're not going to the prom," Jessica said, starting a conversation.

"True," Krystal replied short.

"Why?"

"No dress."

"I can get you one right away. Just name me any designer you want."

"No date."

"I can... find you one, I think...”

Krystal sighed, "No mood for it."

Jessica raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong? You always like dressing up and going to the balls."

Krystal kept mum.

"If there's anything troubling you, you can tell me. You've done so much for me and Tiffany, I just want to help you."

Krystal scoffed, "Help? What a joke. You can't even help yourself."

Jessica suddenly felt flared up with her retort. She childishly pulled her sister's hair.

"AHHHHH! HEY STOP IT! I’M GONNA GO BALD!"

Jessica let her go and stood up from the bed.

"Yah! I'm being nice and you're saying such thing!" she said, angry.

Krystal rolled her eyes.

"Fine! Don't go to the prom then!" Jessica said before storming out of the room.

As soon as Jessica slammed the door, Krystal sat up straight on her bed and stared at the door.

"Unnie...”

"Can you tell me why Jiyoung hates me?"

"Can you tell me what she sees in Minho?"

"Can you tell me how to undo these feelings?"

"You can't help me."

Chapter 80

Masquerade

Krystal Jung was lying on her bed. She stared at the ceiling as if she could see through it. She wasn't sure how long it had been since she was there. She remembered climbing onto the bed to sleep, but her eyes were wide open until now . 

The sun shone through the gap of her curtains, and the ray of light fell on her face. She sighed.

"It's already morning. It is today." She mumbled to herself.

Lazily, she pushed herself up and crossed her legs on the bed. She opened her arms and stretched as she let out a small yawn. And then her eyes searched the wall for the ugly yellow clock that her sister bought for her on her business trip. 

"It's only 7:30...” she muttered. 

Suddenly, she heard the sound of something moving, or more accurately, vibrating. She saw something blinking under the covers and warily took it out. It could be some weird 'toy' that her sister misplaced. Krystal pulled the covers and let out a relieved sigh. It's just her phone.

6 missed calls

Sulli 

4 messages

Krystal ignored the missed calls and opened her inbox instead. 

'Sstal, are you really not going to the prom?' - Sulli

'Just come, I'll find a date for you! Would you like a boy or a girl?' - Sulli

'Don't come home too late. I miss doing things to you <3' - Tiffany

Krystal gulped. "Er... what the?"  

'Sorry Soojung! I accidentally sent that message, please ignore it! I'm still new with iPhone!' - Tiffany

"WHAT THE HECK?! UGHH!!" Krystal shouted in disgust before throwing the phone back under the covers.

She shook her head vigorously, trying to get the mental image from Tiffany's message out of her head. Her soon-to-be sister in law abandoned her blackberry to have a couple white iPhone with her sister. Krystal couldn't understand the two. Sometimes, she regretted helping them get back together.   

But one thing wouldn’t get out of her head.

Prom.

It will happen tonight and she is not going. Well, that's what she told everyone. 

Suddenly,

she heard a high pitched voice from downstairs,

"HELPPPP! FIREEEEEEEEE!"

**  

Krystal stood by the kitchen, shocked. There was a strong burnt smell all over the place and it was filled with grey smoke. As minutes passed, the smoke began to clear and she saw two figures standing by the sink. It was her sister, Jessica and her fiancé, Tiffany.  

Inside the sink was something that looked like a burned pot.  

The young girl let out a loud sigh. Her mornings are no longer peaceful since the two moved in. It was all her mother's idea to keep the horny lovebirds in their house in order to avoid them from breaking up. She couldn't trust them living by themselves and forced them to live there, at least until the wedding. But Krystal had a feeling that her mother wants them to live there even after they got married. The thought made her feel like moving out.  

They looked at Krystal, with panicked expression. The young girl couldn’t unsee Tiffany's half-unbuttoned shirt and Jessica's messy bed hair. That, combined with the burned pot could only mean one thing.  

Krystal shook her head.  

"Let me guess...” Krystal said.

"Tiffany unnie wants to get to my mother's good side and decided to make breakfast. She probably asked the family cook to leave her alone in the kitchen. She was brewing something in the pot when my sister came in and you guys can't help but make out… probably on the counter… ugh…" Krystal looks disgusted.

Jessica gulped while Tiffany looked down guiltily.

"Then both of you forgot about the pot until it almost burned down the house..." Krystal added.

"That's not true." Jessica said firmly.

"Oh really?" Krystal said, sarcastic.

"We didn't made out on the counter, it was against the fridge..."  

Krystal's eyes widened and she quickly covered her ears.  

"OH STOP IT! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO?!"

She shouted before stomping out of the kitchen angrily.

Tiffany and Jessica looked at each other.  

"Jessi, is she really not going to the school prom?" Tiffany asked, worried.

Jessica looked at her fiancé but she didn't answer anything. Slowly, she pulled her close and wrapped her arms around her. And then she planted a kiss on her forehead.    

Suddenly,

"What happened in the kitchen?!"  

The lovers were startled and reluctantly let each other go because of the intruder.

Julia Jung looked at the messy kitchen, shocked.

"Mom, we can explain... what happened was... er..." Jessica said, struggling to find the right words.

"Mom, they made out against the fridge and almost burned the house," Krystal said as she suddenly appeared behind her mother.  

Jessica stared at her sister in disbelief; the younger girl smirked at her.

That Soojung is such a tattle tale!

Julia gasped. "They what? Against what? Okay, that's it!"  

"Mom...” Jessica and Tiffany said in unison.  

"When you're in my house, you both are not allowed to make out in the kitchen! That includes the fridge, the counter and everything! We cook food in here for god's sake!" Julia said firmly.  

"Then you should let us go back to our house." Jessica muttered.

"And risk you two to fight over stupid things and call off the wedding?" Julia scoffed.

"There is no way I can let that happen! I've already sent out invitations to the VIPs and booked their flight tickets and hotel rooms just so that they can attend your wedding! Don't even try to fight!"

"Then you should let us make love!" Jessica added.

Tiffany's face turned red immediately and she looked down, embarrassed. Jessica was so bold.  

Julia cleared her throat. "Miss Romeo Jung Sooyeon...”

Jessica rolled her eyes.

"There's a place for that, and it's called the bedroom."      

Krystal can't help but snort.  

**  

Kang Jiyoung was sitting in front of her makeup table. She looked at the girl in the mirror and noticed how gloomy she was. Even though she was wearing a beautiful dress and make up, it couldn’t take away the frown on her face. Jiyoung wished she could ask the girl in the mirror to smile. It was prom night after all.

"Do you really have to wear the mask?" asked Park Gyuri as she kneeled down beside the little princess.

Jiyoung nodded, "I have to, unnie. The theme is masquerade ball. It'll be weird not to wear it."

Gyuri sighed, "But I don’t think you need it. You shouldn't cover your pretty face with a mask."  

Jiyoung smiled.  

"Maybe a mask is what I need to get through tonight..." she mumbled.  

The older girl overheard her and raised an eyebrow in response. She put an arm around her shoulder and patted it gently.

"What's wrong, dear?" she asked.    

Jiyoung kept mum and looked down.

Gyuri moved closer and held her hand before squeezing it tenderly.  

"Jing, you're wearing a pretty dress and you're going with one of the cutest guy in school, then why…"

Jiyoung looked up and shook her head.

"I'm okay, unnie. Don't worry," she said, faking a smile.

She picked up her mask and put it on.  

Gyuri knew she's not okay.

**

Krystal glanced at her watch again. It's already 8:10 pm. She looked at the door in front of her and raised her knuckle to knock on the door. But when it's about to reach the wooden surface, she stopped. She let out a loud sigh and stepped away from the door again. She's been doing this for the past ten minutes.

She looked at the door again. It was her sister and Tiffany's bedroom door. It was not easy for her to knock it; who knows what's going on inside. But still, Krystal stood there, waiting for one of them to come out. There was something very important she needs to say.

She glanced at her watch again, and five minutes already passed. She bit her lip.

I can't wait anymore.

Suddenly the door opened. Krystal's eyes lit up when she saw her sister and luckily, she was fully clothed.

The two sisters looked at each other in silence as they're both waiting for one of them to speak.

"Unnie..." Krystal said hesitantly.

Jessica looked at her and waited.

Krystal wanted to continue but she couldn't bring out the words out of her mouth. Something called pride stopped her.

"Never mind..." She said with a sigh. She turned around and wants to leave.      

"Hey, Soojung." Jessica called. Krystal stopped walking and turned to her sister.  

Jessica smiled.

"If you want our help, all you have to do is ask."

**  

"Look at the camera… and smile!" said a girl with a dSLR.  

The glowing couple on the small set up stage smiled brightly, showing their teeth as if they're in some toothpaste commercial.  

"Beautiful! Okay, next!" she said, signalling the pair to step down.

It's a crucial job for the photography club on the prom night, taking photos of each of the couples for their school yearbook.

Sulli and Taemin hurriedly stepped onto the stage and got into their rehearsed couple pose. Sulli fixed her date's newly bleached hair with her fingers, to make sure everything looks perfect. Taemin slid his hand behind her waist as she moved closer to him. They looked at the camera readily, like a Hollywood couple on a red carpet.  

The photographer was stunned for a while, at how pretty they look together. Yes, a pretty couple.

Sulli continued to smile as the light flashed on her, but she can't help but worry. She sighed as they walked down from the set and her eyes glanced around the hall.

Krystal, are you really not coming?

**  

The night continued with a mix of pop songs playing in the hall with the volume allowed by the principal. The students were getting into disco fever with T-Ara's Roly Poly.                

At a corner of the hall stood a couple who were very awkward with each other. Choi Minho had ran out of topics to talk to his date, Jiyoung, who was unusually quiet that evening. All his charming lines were replied with either yes or a simple nod. She didn't even remove her mask, as if she was hiding her expression. She was probably crying at his bad jokes behind her mask and he would have no idea.

"Er... Jiyoung..." He said, breaking the silence.

Jiyoung looked at him.  

"Would you like a drink? Let me get you a glass of fruit punch," he said, pointing at the table filled with drinks across the hall.

"Yes, sure," Jiyoung replied with a nod.  

"Okay, wait here. I'll be back in a flash," Minho smiled as he leaves.  

Jiyoung let out a loud sigh as soon as he left. Being with him was like being imprisoned underground; it was suffocating. There was nothing wrong with him. He was so charming and nice, but Jiyoung couldn't pretend like she was enjoying her time when she wasn't at all.  

She looked across the hall, her eyes searching wildly for someone. Though she knows that someone wasn't coming, but she couldn’t help but hope.  

She missed the sight of her.  

Unknowingly, a tear rolled down her left eye. She removed her mask and wiped her cheek with her fingers.

That was when Minho suddenly came back, wearing a mask. Jiyoung was startled with his presence and dropped her mask to the floor.    

"Oh… where's the drink?" Jiyoung asked when she noticed that he wasn't bringing anything with him.

But he didn't reply, instead he took her hand and pulled her towards the dance floor.

"But-I don't really feel like dancing!" Jiyoung said as they arrived in the middle of the dance floor.  

Roly-Poly had ended by the time they arrived, and as if it's on cue, a slow romantic ballad begins.

He bowed and offered his hand to her without saying anything. Jiyoung don't know why, but she took his hand and dance. He pulled her closer and put an arm behind her as they swayed along to the music.

You're in my arms

And all the world is calm

The music playing on for only two

It was ‘So Close’ by Jon Mclaughlin.    

That was when Jiyoung realized that he had suddenly become shorter. He was only about her height, which was impossible.  

How could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now?

They looked at each other. Jiyoung could feel her heart beating faster as she stared deeper into his eyes.  

She gulped.

This is not Minho.

Minho doesn't make her feel like this. There was only one person who could.  

"You're not oppa-  

Suddenly, a finger landed on her lips to silence her. The masked stranger's face was so close to hers. Jiyoung found it hard to breathe.

"Wh-Who are you?"