Chapter 81

The Opposite of Hate

The atmosphere inside the school hall was filled with music and exciting cheers from the students of Hanlim Art School.

The DJ played an upbeat dance track, causing the audience to groove to the beat with their date or friends. However, there was a particular couple who has been stealing the limelight since they entered the hall.

Choi Sulli pulled her dance partner closer, until their chests were almost glued to each other. Lee Taemin was seen gulping nervously, partly because of all the eyes that were on them, and also because of the close proximity with his girlfriend. It was hard for him to focus on the dance steps that they have rehearsed together for the past month when he could feel her warm breath on his neck. But Sulli was all about the dance, as she was determined to be crowned prom queen that night.

Sulli's lip curled up into a proud smile when she heard the crowd cheering and clapping.

"They must be impressed with our moves, right Minnie?" She whispered to his ear.

Suddenly, he stopped dancing and stood still. Sulli slowly loosen herself from his embrace to look at his face, confused.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

He didn't answer anything, instead, pointed at a direction. The young girl turned her gaze from her doll-like boyfriend to the direction he pointed. She gasped, shocked, seeing a bigger crowd circling someone or something with a louder cheer.

"Let's go take a look...” Taemin said, pulling the shocked girl over to the crowd.

They politely pushed a few friends aside to get a clear view of the fuss.

Sulli was speechless when she got there.

A couple in masks, dressed in fancy medieval prince and princess outfits were dancing under a spotlight that shone just for them. A rush of jealousy came to her; she just can't deny how good they were. They twirled around in sync and their eyes were locked passionately as they moved, as if they would die without the sight of each other.

Sulli bit her lip, thinking how her chance might slipped away because of them. In her head, she began to guess the real identity of the couple, going through all the famous couple in the school but failed to find anyone that fits them. The guy and the girl's heights were about the same, while most guys in her school are taller than their girlfriend.

Who are they?

Sulli turned to her boyfriend, "Who are they?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure… maybe seniors?"

Sulli sighed disappointedly and glanced back at the couple, only to find them gone.

"Hey, where are they?" She asked.

"I saw them leaving to the drinks table," he replied.

Suddenly, Sulli grabbed both Taemin's hands and stared at him, serious.

"Wh-what?" He asked, gulping.

"Let's dance and I don't want you to focus and not to make any mistake this time or...” she paused.

Taemin gulped.

"...or I'll break up with you."

"Are you serious?"

Taemin danced like a pro after that.

**

Choi Minho was at the fruit punch table, handsomely pouring a glass for his date. He creased his eyebrows as he did, like there was something bothering his mind.

"Excuse me...” A gentle voice suddenly called behind him, snapping him back to reality.

He turned around and almost had his jaw dropped when his gaze falls upon a girl before her. She was in a fancy princess dress and even though she was wearing a mask, her pair of beautiful eyes was enough to put him under her spell.

He gulped and looked around him to make sure he was the one she's talking to.

"Me?" He asked, confused.

"Yes you, silly," she said with a cute chuckle.

He stood at his spot like a frozen statue as she made her way towards him.

"Can I ask you for a favor?" she asked with her husky voice.

"Wh-what is it?"

"You see... I left something in the gym earlier and it's very important for me to have it back right now but..

She paused and begins to curl the end of her long black hair coyly.

..it's dark outside and I'm scared to go there alone.." She continued.

Minho nodded. "Uh-uh."

"So I'm wondering if you could... walk me there? It won't take long, I just need to take that thing and come back here...” said the girl in mask, with a cute tone in her voice.

Minho hesitated and glanced to look for Jiyoung at the place she asked her to wait. But he didn't manage to find her when the girl boldly grabbed his hand and caught his attention. Minho was startled but the feel of her soft hands soothed him and made him forgot about everything else.

She stared at him with her puppy eyes.

"Please? It won't take long, I promise."

**

Jiyoung let the mysterious boy dragged her out of the school hall without question. Once they reached the empty school ground, he stopped and turned to her.

They stood there and looked at each other, both not saying a word. Jiyoung stared deeper into his eyes, couldn't help but wonder where she'd seen that pair of mesmerizing eyes before.

Suddenly, the mysterious stranger removed his mask. Jiyoung waited nervously as he took off the plastic mask from his face.

And then she gasped.

The mysterious person was not a boy, but a girl.

And it was Krystal Jung.

Now that the mask is off, she looked much more dashing than before in her black tuxedo and a short haired wig.

Jiyoung could feel her cheeks heating up. She was handsome.

"Krystal...” She mumbled.

"Hi Jiyoung." Krystal greeted, arrogant as usual.

Jiyoung gulped, feeling intimidated by her presence and naturally took a step backward, but Krystal quickly held her arms. Not letting her leave her standing spot.

"Why are you running away from me?" Krystal asked, her soft gentle tone took the latter by surprise.

Jiyoung begin to stutter. "Be-because...”

"…you’re a chocolate cake."

Krystal seems shocked. "A cake?"

"Y-yes! I know you're bad for me but I can't help but want... just like a chocolate cake... That's why I have to keep a distance from you. I have to," Jiyoung replied, mumbling the last sentence.

"Bad for you? Is that why you avoided me? In the lab, the cafeteria and the play... " Krystal asked, puzzled.

Jiyoung bit her lip, hesitating. But Krystal continued to stare deeply at her and the latter knew she has no way out. She realized that maybe it is time to come clean about everything.

She sighed and looked away, straying away from her gaze.

"Krystal...” She began.

..In the science lab, I became an idiot when you're around. I was so nervous around you that I can't even differentiate animal cells and plant cells...I cou-could fail my exams," Jiyoung said, slightly stuttering.

Krystal looked at her, with her mouth gapped slightly. She didn't expect this coming from her.

"And when you're around... I can't swallow anything and I don't feel hungry. Be-because only with the sight of you... I feel full." Her voice slow, almost inaudible.

She looked down, avoiding any eye contact with the handsome girl before her. She knew one look at her eyes will make her stutter even more and fall on her knees.

"And during the play, even though I rehearsed the lines hundreds of times… everything was gone like a blank piece of paper when... you're in front of me," she said, ending her sentence.

Krystal Jung became dumbfounded, like a dummy she always called her sister. Everything that she just heard felt so surreal, and this was not what she expected Jiyoung to say. She nervously gulped as her mind finally took it all in and formed a conclusion.

Does this mean that she...

She looked at the blushing girl before her and her heart starting to beat faster. The shy look on her face was too adorable to bear. Krystal wants to pinch herself just to make sure that this is really happening. Her grip around the other girl's arm eventually came loose and to her surprise, Jiyoung immediately took a step away from her.

"I..I.." Jiyoung was stumbling to find the right words to say. She became even more nervous when Krystal hasn't said anything to respond to her bashful confession.

..I know it's so stupid for me to feel this way towards someone who hates me."

"That's why I decided to... forget everything and just stay away from you.. Please forget about everything I've just said and I'm sorry if I have offended you..." Jiyoung said nervously.

"How can I forget everything?" Krystal cuts in.

"You just compared me to a cake." She added, her voice firm.

Jiyoung gulped and stole a glance at her. She was startled when she saw her took a step towards her and moved a step back in sync.

The young Jung sighed; they are still in the same distance apart. And so she quickly took a long step forward, taking advantage of her long legs. Jiyoung was shocked and this time she didn't manage to move. She only realized it when Krystal's body was suddenly inches away from her. She flinched and about to move away when a pair of strong hands grabbed her arms, stopping her from leaving where she stood.

The girl in dress gasped when the other girl's skin brushed against her bare arms. And the drumbeat in her heart began.

"Jiyoung, you think I... hate you?" Krystal said as she stared straight at the other girl's face.

Jiyoung bit her lip before hesitantly nodded, but still unable to lift her head to meet Krystal's eyes.

Krystal's lip curled up, forming a sweet smile, which was very rare. Most of her smiles are either pretentious or a mischievous.

"If I hate you… then why do you think I go through the trouble of doing all this?" She asked.

Jiyoung slowly looked up, with a confused look on her face.

"Why did I ask my sister to borrow a suit from the fashion department? Or wear this short hair wig? Or lock up Minho in the school gym.." Krystal said, muttering the last part.

Jiyoung raised her eyebrow. "Minho… what?"

Suddenly, Krystal cupped her face and locked their eyes in an intense eye contact. She smiled when she noticed the color pink gradually filling Jiyoung's cheeks.  

"Jiyoung, I hated you."

"I hated how you were almost in my every thoughts, and I hated how I missed you when you're not around me..."

"I was so sure that it was hate,

..but then I realized that hate isn't supposed to make my heart flutter at the sight of you..

…or aching in pain when I see you being friendly with other people."

"That's when I knew that what I felt for you isn't hate,

..it's the opposite of hate.." Krystal said shyly.

Jiyoung gulped as she was hearing the indirect confession from the girl of her dreams, still unable to believe that this was really happening. Krystal looked away after expressing her feelings, no longer able to hide the blush on her cheeks. She loosened her grip on Jiyoung's cheeks and nervously shoved her hands in her pockets. The two girls continued to stood there as the seconds passed by, shaking in the cold, with the words unspoken.

The Jung was the first one to speak. "So Jiyoung...”

The latter slowly looked up upon hearing her name called. The two girls' gazes met and this time, none of them want to look away.

…can I continue to be your chocolate cake?" Krystal asked gently.

Jiyoung bit her lip as she stared deeply into Krystal's eyes. The latter was waiting for her answer.  

And then she nodded.

"Well… I love chocolate cake..." She said, with a shy smile.

They looked at each other before breaking into laughter, and followed by a long warm embrace.

**

While behind a bush nearby,

"Awwww, that was so sweet!" Tiffany cooed.

"I thought they were going to kiss though. Turned out to be only a hug." Jessica said, disappointed.

"Well Jessi, she's not you." Tiffany said with a chuckle.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Jessica asked, offended.  

Tiffany slid her hand around Jessica's waist to silence her.

"Now that the mission is accomplished, what should we do?"

Jessica looked at her fiancé and smiled.

"Honey, we're at a prom."

"So?"

"Let's put back our masks and continue to dance like teenagers and then..." She paused.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "Then?"

"…and then we hit.. a hotel afterwards." Jessica said with a wink.

Tiffany broke into laughter and hit Jessica's chest lightly. "You!"

"What? We can't get that kind of privacy at my parent's house." She replied innocently.

"And this is the woman I'm getting married to…" Tiffany mumbled, shaking her head.

"Don't pretend like you're not thinking about it." Jessica said, lightly hitting Tiffany's head.  

"Thinking about what?" Tiffany said, nonchalant.

Jessica laughed and intertwined their hands together. "Let's go honey."

"Wait."

"What is it?"

Tiffany creased her eyebrows.

"Jessi, aren't we forgetting something?"

**

Outside the school gym, Choi Minho was reporting to the teacher who found him locked in the gym. Luckily, he passed by and heard the sound of a boy crying and banging on the door.

"What were you doing in the gym, Choi Minho?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"There was a girl who took me here! She asked me to accompany her here and when I got in, she locked me from outside! I-I think there was another person with her!" He explained with his hands thrown in the air, panic.

"Who is she?"

"I don't know! She was wearing a mask!" Minho shouted, frustrated.

"Are you drunk?" The teacher asked with an eyebrow raised.

He shook his head vigorously.

"Teacher! I am not! You have to believe me!"

Chapter 82

Marrying Your Mother

Sunny's cafe was busy as usual that evening, all the tables were filled with customers and there were people lining up outside, waiting for their turn to dine.    

But no matter how full the cafe is, Sunny and Taeyeon always reserved a table for her friends to hang out anytime they want. That's how Jessica, Tiffany and Sooyoung were able to get a good table without waiting. The three women headed there right after work, to grab their free weekly dinner, courtesy of the married couple.

Taeyeon was forced by her wife, Sunny, who was busy going in and out of the kitchen with customers' orders or giving orders to her staffs to sit with their friends. At times, she would glance at Taeyeon, making sure her six-month pregnant wife stayed put.  

Though there were four people at the table, only three of them were engaged in conversation while Sooyoung was busy socializing on her phone.

"I heard the Guam photoshoot was quite chaotic," Taeyeon said before munching on nachos.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Ugh, don't even remind us about it."

Tiffany chuckled. "We were lucky Jessica's sister agreed to replace Yoona for the rest of the photoshoot or else, it'll be a Yuri solo."

"And her photos are not that good either." Jessica added, annoyed.

"Hahaha, poor you guys. The wedding is coming up and you still have to work hard." Taeyeon said, her face glowing with excitement. Maybe it's because of her pregnancy.

"So how's the preparation for the wedding coming along?" She asked, smiling.

Jessica looked at Taeyeon dumbfounded as if she has no idea what she was referring to while Tiffany's face suddenly turned pale, as if the blood has been sucked out of her.

"OH NO!" Tiffany suddenly shouted and slammed the table, startling everyone except Sooyoung who's still smiling at her phone.

"What's wrong with you?! My poor baby is shocked!" Taeyeon exclaimed, rubbing her stomach.

Tiffany bowed apologetically.

"I'm sorry Taeyeon-ah! But I just remembered something important about the wedding that hasn't been settled yet and we're running out of time!"

Jessica looked at her fiancé, concerned.

"What is it, honey?"

"The... napkin! We haven't chosen the napkin color for the guests!" Tiffany replied, panicked.

Jessica rolled her eyes.

"Seriously, napkin color?"

"Yes!"

"I thought you and mom had settled that with the people from the wedding planner.." Jessica replied nonchalant.

Tiffany was the complete opposite as she couldn’t even sit still on her chair.

"We told them that we will decide it… last Saturday! Oh my god! I totally forgot about it because we were busy with Soojung's prom! Oh no, how are we going to get married now?!"

"Relax, it's just napkins. Don't tell me you're gonna postpone the wedding just because of that..." Jessica said with a laugh.

But Tiffany's expression was so serious like she meant every word she said. They won't get married because of the napkins.

"Honey, it's just napkins!" Jessica retorted in disbelief.

"I want the wedding to be perfect." Tiffany replied, serious.

Jessica shook her head and gently caressed Tiffany's cheek. "Honey, it'll be a perfect wedding as long as we're marrying each other..."

"Aww, that's so sweet Jessi but no. The napkins need to be perfect too."

Jessica became speechless. She despised napkins for coming in between her and Tiffany.

"It can still be done, relax Tiffany, relax..." Tiffany said to herself.

Taeyeon just stared at them both with an amused grin on her face.

"Okay this is what we're gonna do. We're going to the agency to pick up the napkin color tomorrow." Tiffany said to Jessica.

"We? You mean you and me?"

"Of course. I'm marrying you, right?" Tiffany replied sarcastically.

Jessica looked away.

"Er..I don't think I can, honey. I have meetings. Can't you take my mom with you? I mean, both of you have been planning this all along, so why take me all of the sudden?"

Tiffany stared at her fiancée with the scary look in her eyes, making the latter gulp in fear.

"Exactly! You've been giving me excuses every time we need to do something wedding-related. You only showed up during the dress fitting and nothing else. I've been spending too much time with your mother as if I'm marrying her and not her daughter!" She snapped.

Somehow, Jessica finds the last sentence funny and starts laughing. "Oh come on, you can't marry my mother! Then you'll be my step mother!"

But she stopped giggling once her eyes met Tiffany's deathly stare.  

"I'm serious, Jessica." She said in a firm tone.  

Jessica gulped. "O-kay."

Tiffany turned her gaze at Taeyeon before continue ranting.

"Not to mention now that your mother hates me, she's been reminding me of the 'slap and run away' incident every time she got the chance. Imagine my pain forcing a smile when all I wanted to do was to shut her up!"

She felt satisfied letting that out, and seeing her pregnant friend nodding at her every word made her convinced that she was right. She turned to face her fiancée, only to be greeted with an empty chair. Then she noticed Jessica standing just a few steps behind her, with a phone pressed to her ear.  

Tiffany could feel the anger boiling up.

"Arghhh, I was talking to empty air!"

"Fany-ah, you need to cool down a bit." Taeyeon said gently, comforting her friend.

"It's normal to have these situations before a wedding. I was like that too, it was me who likes planning the wedding and Sunny was like... meh, just like Sica." She added with a laugh.

Tiffany sighed.

"I just want everything to be perfect, and I want her to be a part of this too."

"Maybe she's just busy with work. Look at her, that looks like an important business call." Taeyeon said, pointing at Jessica who's still on her phone.

"I know, but still... I can't feel her enthusiasm for this wedding like I do. Making me feel like I'm the only one who's serious about it."  

"Let me guess, she's only serious about honeymoon and wedding night?" Taeyeon asked jokingly...

That managed to make Tiffany smile.

"Well, you're right." She said with a small chuckle.

"Gosh you're blushing, what's on your mind Fany-ah?!" Sooyoung suddenly jumped into their conversation.

"I AM NOT!" Tiffany denied, blushing even more.

"Wow you're finally talking to us! Who's the lucky person that's been sexting with you all this time?" Taeyeon teased.

Sooyoung rolled her eyes.

"Hahaha, I'm going to the loo, can you both watch for my handbag for a bit?" Sooyoung said, standing up.

"Sure, let out your frustrations." Taeyeon replied and received a glare from the tall friend.

"Okay, Fany-ah. If Jessica can't come with you tomorrow, you can take me with you. I'm sure I can help, I have experience with wedding." Taeyeon suggested, rubbing her stomach to show it to her friend as if it's not that obvious.

Tiffany sighed and nodded. "Thanks, I'll try to make Sica agree tonight and if she doesn't, I'll call you."

"Call Taeyeon? Why do you wanna call her?" Jessica suddenly cuts in.

She had finished her phone call and resumed sitting next to Tiffany.

"I'm gonna go pick napkin color with Taeyeon tomorrow, since you're not interested to participate in this wedding. I might as well marry Taeyeon and be her second wife, that is if Sunny willing to share." Tiffany replied bitterly, glancing at Taeyeon.

"Sure, the more the merrier. 1, 2 , 3.." Taeyeon starts singing.

Jessica's face turned red immediately, as if she had just been possessed by a female hulk.

"WHO SAYS I’M NOT GOING?!" She shouted.

"Sica, tone down your voice, you're scaring the customers.." Taeyeon said, worried.

Jessica huffed.

"I was just on the phone, postponing the meetings so that I can go with you tomorrow." She said to Tiffany with a calmer voice.

"You… did?" Tiffany asked, touched.

"Don't you ever say anything like marrying other people. Even as a joke, it hurts," She added, pouting.

Tiffany can't hold back from watching her adorable fiancée, she reached her hands forward and pinched Jessica's cheeks playfully. Jessica looked at her, still pouting.  

"Okay baby, I'm sorry. I take that back." Tiffany whispered.

"Let's go home. We need to get up early to go to the agency tomorrow morning." She said gently, grabbing Jessica's hand.

Taeyeon smiled watching the cheesy couple. After all, a pouting Sica is such a rare sight.

Suddenly, Sooyoung's handphone buzzed, catching everyone's attention. Curious, Tiffany jerked her head to see the screen and saw a message popped up on her iPhone.

'I miss you too.' - Gyuri

The three of them exchanged looks in wonder.

**

Jessica and Tiffany went to the wedding agency at 10am sharp. As soon as they arrived there, they were seated at a consultation desk and were given catalogues of napkin samples and various fabric types. They're all pink, but of different shades. Jessica was yawning and stared blankly into space when Tiffany wasn't looking, but smiled cheerfully in response when the latter turned at her.

After more than an hour, they finally narrowed it down to two types of pink color.

"Help me Jessi, which one do you prefer?" Tiffany asked, nudging her loyal wife-to be.

Jessica stared at the two napkin samples in front of her, trying hard to spot any difference between the two shades of pink. It's all the same to her.

"Well?"

Tiffany's eager gaze made her nervous.

"Hmm… I think… this one." Jessica said, randomly pointing at the napkin on the left side.

"Right? I like it too! The pink seems loving and perfect for our guests." Tiffany replied, smiling.

Jessica let out a small laugh that was actually a relieved sigh. Luckily, she picked the right one or they might escalate into a meaningless argument again.

"So have you both decided?" Asked the middle-aged woman who's been patiently waited for them.

Because she's dealing with a Jung, she still managed to smile. Though she's been complaining to her colleagues about Tiffany's pickiness that made her work ten times harder than usual.  

"Yes! This one!" Tiffany said excitedly and handed her the napkin of their choice.

Jessica was sleepy and tired but the sight of her happy fiancée made her forgot all that. It was worth it.

"Jessi.." Tiffany called.

"Yes love?" Jessica replied, smiling.

"Thank you for coming with me today."

"You're welcome. You know I'd cross the ocean for you. This is nothing." She replied boastfully.

Tiffany grinned and pinched her arm playfully.

"So can we go now? I'm hungry." Jessica asked, already taking out her car keys.

"Yeah, that is all."

They stood up, hand in hand and was about to leave when Jessica saw someone and stopped.

"What's wrong?" Tiffany asked.

"Isn't that Mrs. Park? I mean, Gyuri's mom." Jessica said, looking sharply at another desk across the room.

Tiffany looked at the direction and her eyes widen.  

"Wait, that's Gyuri isn't it?"

"What is she doing at a wedding planner's office? With her mom...” Jessica muttered just enough for Tiffany to hear.

They looked at each other.

"Could it be...”

**

"Oh hi there Jessica!" Mrs Park exclaimed excitedly as she threw her arms around the girl for a warm hug.

Park Gyuri was standing by the side, smiling awkwardly at Tiffany.

"Mrs. Park! This is such a pleasant surprise, what are you and Gyuri doing here?" Jessica asked as she was freed from the motherly embrace, puzzled.

"We're doing a survey on a few wedding planners, still thinking of which that we like best." She replied casually.

Jessica glanced at Gyuri, but the latter avoided her eyes.

"Someone is getting married?" She asked, confused.

"Yes, Gyuri is!" Her mother replied, excited.

Tiffany and Jessica gasped in unison.

"I thought you already knew, Jessica. Didn't Gyuri tell you about it?"

"She did tell me about getting married, but I never thought that it's gonna be this soon.."

"Oh well, I don't see why we should wait for it any longer. She's all grown up." Mrs. Park replied with a laugh.

Jessica and Tiffany exchanged looks before glancing back at Gyuri who's been on mute mode.

"Well then, congratulations! That man is so lucky, er... who is it again?" Jessica slyly asked.

"Oh Jessica, you really have no idea about it? She'll be marrying your cousin, Hyunjoong!"  

Jessica and Tiffany gasped at the same time again but slightly louder this time. They really had no idea.

**

"You can't be serious about this!" Jessica said, still in shock.

She asked Tiffany to distract Mrs. Park with wedding topics and items while she talked to Gyuri.

"It's not that big of a deal so stop fussing over it." Gyuri replied, crossing her arms defensively.

"Not a big deal you say? Marriage is a lifetime contract and you're saying that it's not a big deal?!"

"Jess, you're being overly dramatic over this."

Jessica scoffed.

"Gyul, you don't even like men! How are you gonna spend the rest of your life with one?!"

"Hyunjoong looks like a girl, I can just close my eyes and pretend she's a woman." Gyuri replied jokingly.

"But you don't love him." Jessica retorted.

"I told you I gave up on love."

Jessica sighed.

"But I thought you and Sooyoung has something going on!"

That caught Gyuri off guard, she gulped nervously.

"Sooyoung and I are just friends...”

"Oh really?" Jessica asked back, rolling her eyes.

Gyuri bit her lip this time, unable to fire back a witty reply.

"It doesn't matter. It's too late anyway...” She mumbled.

"Too late for what? Gyul, don't make a decision that you will regret later on!"

Chapter 83

Surprises during dinner

Jessica Jung couldn’t stop staring at her watch.

It was already 8:30pm but there was no sign of her grandfather. The whole family was there at the VIP room of the restaurant that evening, after receiving calls from Albert Jung, who asked them to have a family gathering at 8pm.

The rest of the family members sat around the table, glancing at each other. Krystal was cheerful, because she was busy texting with Jiyoung.

Hara was back with her family and she seemed quiet. Joanna was giving extra attention to her only daughter, smiling and pouring the drink for her as if she was making up for the lost time. Hyunjoong, his father, Jaehwan and Michael chatted about football. Jessica was holding Tiffany’s hand, complimenting her smooth skin and all the things that could make people around them uncomfortable. Julia was one of the people who were annoyed, shaking her head at each of the cheesy line her daughter said. She regretted sitting next to her elder daughter.

Another five minutes passed and their grandfather still hasn’t arrived.

Krystal was crossing her arms defensively, “I’m hungry. Where is grandpa? Can’t we just eat before him?” She asked, serious.

“No. Be patient, Soojung-ah. I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” Julia replied.

Krystal pouted and looked away.

“Grandpa is late. He never did this before. I wonder if something happened to him?” Jessica asked, worried.

Tiffany shook her head, “Jessi, don’t say that. I’m sure he’s just stuck in the traffic and will be here soon.”

“I just hope he won’t cancel while we’re waiting like he did to a client today,” said Joanna.

“He cancelled on a client?” Julia asked, shocked.

Joanna nodded, “Well, he is behaving kind of weird lately,”

“What do you mean weird?” Jaehwan asked, curious.

“Well, why don’t you tell them, Jessica?” Joanna said with a sigh.

Jessica sighed.

“Hmm, he always leaves the office in the middle of the day, delaying meetings and cancelling appointments. It’s like he’s doing something outside.”

“Maybe he’s doing a market research,” Michael cuts in.

“On his own? He has staff to do those things. And even willing putting off meetings and appointments? I highly doubt it, dad,” Jessica retorted.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure he has a good reason. He won’t neglect his work for anything useless,” Julia said, confident.

The others seem to agree with Julia statement and nodded. And then they were back to doing things on their own as they continued to wait. Jessica glanced at Hyunjoong and bit her lip. She had been thinking of ways to interrupt his wedding with Gyuri since she found out about it. She had a strong feeling that the marriage will be as fake as the couples on variety shows.

“I don’t think Hyunjoong should marry too soon,” Jessica suddenly said aloud, attracting everyone’s attention. Tiffany looked at her fiancé in wonder.

Jessi, what are you doing?

Joanna raised her eyebrow, “Why not?”

Jessica sighed, thinking that she shouldn’t have blurted that out.

“Well… just because..” She mumbled and looked at Tiffany, hoping that she could help her out.

Tiffany got the message and cleared her throat, “Because..

..Jessica and I are getting married soon.”

Jessica nodded, “Yes! I don’t want to share the spotlight with him!”

Tiffany looked at Jessica, dumbfounded.

Hyunjoong chuckled, “Hahaha! What spotlight?”

“Can’t I be the only one who’s getting married in the year? There can only be one wedding of the year!”

Jessica replied, though she realized she sounded so ridiculous and childish.

“What? Don’t be ridiculous, Sooyeon-ah,” said Julia, shaking her head. 

“Okay, I think I understand,” Joanna said, nodding.

“Eh? Unnie you don’t have to listen to her.” Julia said to her sister.

“It’s okay, she’s right. Hyunjoong’s wedding date shouldn’t be too close to hers. We haven’t set the date yet anyway, so I’ll discuss this with the family bride’s when we meet next time.”

Jessica can’t help but smiled. She need more time to convince Gyuri not to marry her cousin.

At that time, suddenly the door was opened.

Krystal sighed, “Ah finally! Grandpa you-

She paused when her grandfather walked in with a middle-aged woman wearing shades beside him. The woman looked at everyone at the table and though she was smiling, the atmosphere in the room became tense and awkward.

“I’m sorry for being late, everyone,” Albert begins.

“I would like everyone to meet someone who is important to me,” he added.

The woman took off her shades and smiled,

“Good evening everyone. I am Marissa Kim.”

**

Gyuri walked into Sunny's Cafe that evening with weak steps. Usually she's very happy about hanging out with Sooyoung and the others but not tonight. Not after her conversation with Jessica earlier that day.

"You can't make harsh decisions! Do you think you'll be happy marrying someone you don't love?!"

"It doesn't matter, Jessica! I've told you that I don't care about love anymore. I'm old enough to make my own decision, and I don't need you to tell me what to do!"

"What about Sooyoung?"

"Wh-what about her? She's just a friend."

"What with all the mushy messages? Don't tell me you do that with all your friends."

Gyuri scoffed and shook her head.

"She's just a friend, Jessica!"

"Friend? I don't send sweet messages to my friends, I only do that to Tiffany. And we all know that Tiffany and I do a lot of things that friends don't do!"

"I don't know why you keep thinking that I have feelings for Sooyoung when I don't! What can I do to prove to you that she's just a friend?!" 

Jessica crossed her arms.

"Okay, if she's just a friend to you, tell her about this wedding."

"I'm planning to!"

"Fine, do it tonight, in front of her and the others. Just tell them that you're getting married to Hyunjoong."

"That's all? I was going to do it anyway, without you telling me to!"

She sighed as she walked over to the table where her friends were gathering. Taeyeon was laughing with her mouth wide open to her own jokes while Seohyun looked at her amused, not at all finding it funny. Gyuri felt a bit reluctant when she saw Yoona there sitting elegantly next to her manager, Hyoyeon. Her steps became weaker when she saw Yuri who was busy telling her funny story, flashing her charming smiles.

But she almost stopped and turned around when she saw Sooyoung. 

"Ah you're here? Come join us!" Sooyoung said, excitedly patting the empty chair next to her. It was as if she was reserving the seat for her.

"Er...” Gyuri gulped when her eyes met Yoona's.

"Come on unnie, sit with us," Yoona said with a friendly smile. Her tone was so polite, making Gyuri feel welcomed again.

Yuri glanced at her and smiled faintly, telling her it was okay to join them. Suddenly, the whole ordeal in Guam seemed like it never happened.

Gyuri smiled and took her seat next to Sooyoung. Her tall friend turned to her and leaned closer to her ear.

"Are you okay sitting with them? If you're not comfortable, I can try to get us another table." Sooyoung whispered.

Gyuri stared at Sooyoung and shook her head,

"It's okay Sooyoung-ah, you don't have to do that."

"Just in case you're not okay.." Sooyoung mumbled.

Gyuri smiled, "I'm okay."

**  

“What is she doing here?! Dating father? This doesn’t make any sense!” Joanna said, grunting angrily.

She and Julia were in the restroom, excusing themselves from the family after no longer able faking natural expressions at the dining table.

“I don’t even know what to say...” Julia said, hopelessly.

"I knew something is up when father strongly insisted to do the joint photo shoot with Glam Mag! Who wants to collaborate with their competitor? It's not a smart move at all!" Joanna added, angry.

"Do you think she's behind that? Since Marissa is one of the Director for Glam Mag?" Julia asked.

Joanna scoffed, "I'm sure she is. She probably persuaded father to do it. That’s why he wouldn’t listen to me when I strongly opposed the project!"

Julia paced back and forth in the limited space of the restroom nervously.

“Why is she doing all this? What does she want from us?!” She asked.

Joanna shrugged and shook her head.

Julia stopped pacing and stared at her sister. Her face suddenly turned pale.

"I-Is it because of that night?" She asked, her voice shaking.

Joanna looked at her sister with her eyes widen, “Don’t be ridiculous! It was an accident!”

"Yes, but if only I didn’t-

Suddenly, the door was pushed open, startling the siblings. They quickly turned to the sink without checking who came in, and pretended to wash their hands.

“Mom, Aunt Jo..” A familiar voice called.

They immediately turned to the direction of the voice. It was Krystal.

“Grandpa asked me to check on you both. What took you ladies so long? Mom, did you get constipated?” She asked jokingly.

“Stop talking nonsense, Soojung. When did I?” Julia retorted as if it were true.

“Then why? Hara-unnie went to the toilet after you both left and already came back..”

Joanna gulped, “Wh-What did you say?”

“What? Hara unnie?”

“She came to the restroom?”

“Yes auntie, didn’t you meet her? She just left.” 

**

"Yuri unnie, I can't accept this. Take it back," Yoona said it not quite discreetly. She handed a white envelope to Hyoyeon to pass it to Yuri.

Yuri took the envelope, her cheeks red, embarrassed. She secretly sent Yoona a pair of tickets to watch a musical and was rejected in front of their friends. Yoona just don't care. She was even calling her with honorifics, like they were strangers.  

Yuri noticed the eyes on her and quickly covered her disappointment with a fake laugh, "Hahaha! It's okay. I gave it to you because I got it for free from my friend who worked there. Since you like the actor... It's not like I was hoping for you to go with me or anything like that," she said, mumbling the last part.

"Good, ask someone else," Yoona replied, cold.

The atmosphere turned awkward because of the two and Gyuri felt like it's a good excuse to leave the table and postponing her wedding announcement.

Seohyun politely asked Yuri to look at the tickets, and she gave it to her. She gasped.

"Wow these tickets are so hard to get! If you're not going, can you give one to me?" She asked.

Yuri's heart fell. She didn't get the tickets for free. She had to bid for the tickets online and paid twice of the original price.

"Yeah, sure. Rather than wasting it.."

"Then can you give another one to me?! Seohyun let's go together!" Hyoyeon cuts in, excited.

Yuri smiled weakly, "Why not. Have fun."

Gyuri had been fidgeting in her seat since she got there. Suddenly Jessica's voice echoed in her head.

"Fine, do it tonight, in front of her and the others. Just tell them that you're getting married to Hyunjoong."

She glanced at Sooyoung, who was busy finishing Yuri's plate of spaghetti. Yuri's lack of appetite that evening seemed like a good thing for her.

Gyuri kept convincing herself that Sooyoung was just a friend, and that she does not have any feelings for her. But still, somehow she was feeling hesitant to tell her about the wedding. She was not quite sure why, maybe because she was worried that their relationship will change once she found out about it.

And Gyuri liked where they are now.

But no matter how she thought about it, Jessica has a point. If she really doesn’t have feelings for Sooyoung, then she should be able to tell her about her wedding.

"I have something to say," Gyuri suddenly said.

All eyes were averted to her, waiting for her words. Gyuri gulped.

"Uh.."

"What is it?" Taeyeon asked, impatient. Her pregnancy made her more impatient than before. Sunny had a hard time fulfilling her requests.

"Well, I want to tell everyone here that-

She paused. Sooyoung had stopped eating and stared at her.

"The thing is, I-

She paused again. It felt like a big lump was blocking her throat.

"I want to let you guys know that-

Suddenly, Taeyeon slammed the table, "WHAT IS IT?! AT THIS RATE I'LL BE IN LABOR BY THE TIME YOU FINISH TALKING!" she burst.

Sunny, who was behind the cashier counter, came running towards her wife, "Taeng! What's going on?!" 

Gyuri gulped.

"Well, I was just going to invite you guys to..

"What is it? Just hurry! Don't make my wife angry again," Sunny cut in.

"Invite you guys to... Jiyoung's school play tomorrow night," Gyuri said with a sigh.

She didn't know why that came out of her mouth instead.

"Ah the Snow White play that Krystal is also involved in?" Sooyoung asked.

No. This is not what I'm trying to tell you..

"Ye-Yeah, that one. I'm just wondering if you guys wanna come if you have nothing to do...” Gyuri replied weakly.

Seohyun shook her head, "But tomorrow is the musical, we can't go," she said, referring to herself and Hyoyeon.

Sunny sighed, "I also can't go. We have a lot of reservations tomorrow. I can't possibly leaving the cafe."

"I'm not going if Sunny is not going. It'll be hard for me to move around without her. Ah! I'll give Jiyoung a good luck gift instead," Taeyeon replied calmly, as if the outburst earlier never happened.

"I'll go," Sooyoung replied short.

Gyuri smiled at her. 

"Hmm... I'm free tomorrow night.." Yoona mumbled.

Yuri's eyes immediately lit up, "Me too! Let's go together!"

"I never said I wanted to go with you," Yoona said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh come on! I'll pick you up at 7pm!" Yuri said, excitedly while Yoona just scoffed and looked away.

Gyuri chuckled, "Jiyoung will be happy to see a lot of people supporting her...”

Fine..I'll tell her tomorrow..

**

"Honey, I'm tired... ahhhh," Jessica said with a yawn. She rested her head on Tiffany's shoulder and moved closer to the crook of her neck.

However, they were not on bed but at the backseat of a car. The couple and also Krystal took the same car to return to the Jung Residence after dinner. While the two love birds were snuggling together, Krystal was staring out of the window, deeply lost in her thoughts.

"Aww Jessi, it's okay. Let's sleep and rest when we get to our room," Tiffany said, patting her fiance's hair gently.

Jessica pouted, "But I don't want to sleep too soon."

"You said you're tired."

She smirked, "I'm not too tired for err.. you know.. THAT."

Tiffany's cheeks became red and she hit Jessica's forehead playfully.

"Ow! Honey, what was that for?" she whined, rubbing her forehead as if it hurts.

"Watch what you're saying. Your sister might hear us."

Jessica glanced at Krystal who was sitting beside her. She was still looking out of the window with a serious expression.

"I don't think she even realize we're here," Jessica mumbled.

"Soojung-ah," Tiffany called but there was no response.

Jessica cleared her throat, "Yah Krystal Jung Soojung!"

Her sister still looked out of the window.

She scoffed. "Hey stup-

Suddenly, the younger girl turned to face her sister and Tiffany. She looked at their faces alternately.

"Something is not right," Krystal said, her tone serious.

"Yes. Your head," Jessica replied, short.

"No, idiot. I meant Marissa."

"Marissa? She seemed alright and grandpa looked very happy with her," Tiffany replied, nodding to her own words.

"Yeah, she looks like a nice person," added Jessica.

"How did she meet grandpa again?" Krystal asked.

"Like they told us, they met at a charity event that Grandpa went with Mr. Oh," Tiffany replied.

"Hmm, I don't know why but I feel like there's something she's up to."

Jessica shrugged, "You're just over thinking about it. Grandpa has been single for a long time. Even though she was 20 years younger than him, it's just nice seeing him falling in love again. Let's just be happy for him."

"Yeah, love is blind," Tiffany added.

Krystal sighed and looked away, "I forgot who I'm talking to."

She crossed her arms and looked out of the window again. She couldn’t forget her encounter with her cousin, Hara outside of the restroom earlier.

She saw Hara outside of the restroom's door. She wasn't doing anything, just standing by the door.

"Ah! Hara unnie, what are you doing?" Krystal asked.

Hara seemed startled by Krystal's presence and shook her head.

"No-nothing. I just came out from the toilet and was just leaving," she replied, stuttering.

"Are Aunt Jo and my mom are inside? Grandpa called them," Krystal said, pointing at the restroom's door.

"Ah, yes they are. I'm gonna leave first. You call them," Hara said before hurriedly walking to the VIP dining room.

Krystal couldn't help but wonder what Hara was doing. Her mom and Aunt Jo said that Hara never entered the restroom, so why was she lying about it?

Unless she was hiding something. 

"Soojung-ah, are you okay?" Tiffany suddenly asked.

Krystal looked at her, blankly, "Ah, what? Yes! I'm okay, of course I am!"  

"What are you thinking about?" Tiffany asked, concern.

"Ah.. nothing.." Krystal replied, shaking her head.

Jessica chuckled, "She's probably thinking about Jiyoung. This kid is no less perverted than me."

Krystal stared at her sister, shocked with her accusation, "I-I am not! Don't ever compare yourself to me! We're nothing alike!"  

"Yeah right! I wonder who groped Jiyoung's melons in front of everyone..."

"That was by accident!" Krystal retorted, hitting her sister's arm.

"Hey, that hurts!" Jessica hit her back to make it equal.

"Girls, stop fighting!" Tiffany said, trying to break them up.

"Jessica why are you hitting back, aren't you her sister?"

They finally stop fighting when Tiffany grabbed both Jessica's arms. She looked at her fiancé and shook her head like a disappointed mother.

"What? She hit me first!" Jessica retorted.

"Anyway, Soojung, tomorrow is the school play, isn't it? Are you going?" Tiffany asked, ignoring Jessica.

Krystal nodded. "Yeah, but I'm not in it anymore. I'm still going to support my friends though."   

"You're just there to fangirl over Jiyoung! I bet she's going to bring banners and placard that writes 'LOVE JIYOUNG 4EVER' or something like that," Jessica teased.

Krystal snapped, "I AM NOT!"

And they continued to fight until they reached home. Tiffany had given up trying to calm them down.

Chapter 84

Mayonnaise Moustache

Krystal Jung stared into the large mirror in her room, turning herself around to check if her clothes were perfect. It took her almost the whole morning to choose the outfit to wear for that evening. After turning her closet inside out, she finally settled with a pair of jeans and a loose black t-shirt. She could’ve worn the newly-bought blue blouse hanging in her closet but then she thought that it might be overdoing it. After all, she’s only going to her school play, not a prom night.

She put on her lip balm and smiled in content at her look. She glanced at the clock on her bedroom wall and gasped.

“Oh no, I’m going to be late,” she mumbled to herself.

The tall girl grabbed her red, long velvet jacket and her black handbag before hurriedly leaving the room. She almost stumbled on the stairs when she walked down two steps at a time.

“Be careful Soojung-ah!!” Julia Jung shrieked in horror watching her youngest daughter wobbling on the steps.

“Don’t worry! I’m okay mom!” Krystal replied as she reached the last steps safely.

“You’re late sis,” said Jessica who was sitting on the sofa in the middle of the living room. Tiffany was sitting beside her, looking at Krystal with her signature eye smile.

Krystal was about to come out with a witty reply when she noticed that her sister and her future sister-in-law were all dressed up.

“You two are going somewhere?” she asked, puzzled.

Suddenly, her mother put a hand on her shoulder.

“They’re going to drive you to the school auditorium,” she said.

Krystal’s eyes widen and shook her head immediately.

“What?! Mom! I am fine going on my own, I don’t need a ride.. especially from them!” She retorted.

“Save the drama Jung Soojung, we’re already late. And we have to pick up Sooyoung along the way..” Jessica said, standing up from the sofa.

“Wh-Why are you guys going to my school play?!” Krystal asked, puzzled.

“Ah, that’s because Gyuri invited us. She wants us to be there to support Jiyoung.” Tiffany replied still smiling cheerfully.

“But still-

Suddenly Jessica grabbed her sister’s arms.

“No more buts. Let’s go.”

“Have fun girls.” Julia said, waving at them from the front door.

**

Kwon Yuri arrived in front of Yoona’s house about half an hour before the play starts. She parked her car by the road and turned off the engine. The house was dark, not even the porch light was turned on. It was obvious.

Yoona was not home.

Yuri knew she should have expected this. But yet, she cancelled all her appointments that evening just to attend the play with her.

The young lady sighed and leaned her back on her seat. She stared at the dark house, waiting for something to happen, or someone to come out.

Minutes passed by feels like hours to her and she almost fell asleep waiting. She shook her head a few times to stay awake and leaned forward to turn on the radio.

A song by FT Island was played.

Until when do I have to wait?

Until when do I have to hurt?

Even if I hurt enough to die and hurt even more, I’m going to wait

“

Until you come back..” She mumbled.

**

“Jing, are you nervous?” Gyuri asked to Jiyoung. They were at the backstage, where the teachers and students were busy rushing around doing final preparations for their play.

Jiyoung pouted and nodded vigorously. “Yes! What if I blank out and forget my lines while I’m up there?”

Gyuri patted the younger girl’s head.  And because she was taller than her, she had to stand on her toes to do so.

“We both know that won’t happen, since we’re talking about the smart and cute Princess Kang Jiyoung,” she said, smiling.

Jiyoung chuckled, “Unnie, that’s not really helping.”

“Then how about this? Hmm.. I know you will do fine because..

..Krystal is watching you in the audience,” Gyuri said, teasing.

Jiyoung’s cheeks turned red immediately.

“Unnie!”

“Hahahahaha!”

“I’m more nervous thinking that she’s watching me! Just go sit at the audience seat, you’re not helping!” Jiyoung grunted, pushing Gyuri out of there.

**

It was awkward at the audience seats.

When Gyuri got there, Jessica, Tiffany, Krystal and Sooyoung had arrived. Apparently Jessica found out that Gyuri hadn’t told Sooyoung about her upcoming wedding and wouldn’t stop glancing at her and signalling her to do so. Gyuri avoided her eyes and ignored her multiple fake coughs. Soon Jessica gave up and began teasing Krystal.

“Did you guys know that this girl took hours preparing to come here just to look good in front of Jiyoung?” Jessica asked randomly as she pointed at her sister.

Krystal gasped and stared at her.

“Ah really? Aww Krystal, that’s cute,” Sooyoung said, smiling teasingly.

Krystal shook her head, “That’s not true!”

“Honestly, I’ve never seen her like this. I bet she brought her handmade ‘JIYOUNG SARANGHAE’ placard in her bag and will begin screaming once she comes out,” Jessica added.

“You made a placard for Jiyoung?” Gyuri asked.

“N-NO I DIDN’T!” Krystal replied, stuttering.

Everyone laughed, causing Krystal to blush even more.

“Soojung-ah, it’s okay to show support for someone you care about. And don’t try to deny that because we know you always stays up late talking to her on the phone..” Tiffany added with a nudge.

Krystal looked at Tiffany in disbelief. She can’t believe that Tiffany is also teaming up with her sister this time.

“Tiffany unnie, you too?! You eavesdropped on my phone calls?!” She asked, angry.

Tiffany shook her head, “Er.. I accidentally heard you talking..”

“That’s it! I’m going to tell mom about you both!” Krystal said, threatening.

“About what?” Jessica asked, confident.

“About what you guys did in the kitchen last night.”

Tiffany and Jessica looked at each other.

“You guys made a promise with mom not to er.. make mess in the kitchen, but last night..”

Tiffany gulped. “How did you-

“Luckily, I didn’t see anything, I ran back to my room as soon as I heard weird noises from there.” Krystal cuts in.

Jessica shook her head, “Hey, we didn’t do anything in the kitchen last night! Tiffany was thirsty so we went there and sit down to drink milk-

“EWWW!” Gyuri and Sooyoung shouted in unison.

“What?” Jessica asked, clueless.

“Tiffany’s milk?” Gyuri asked, glancing at Tiffany.

“What the? I really meant milk! From the fridge! Not..whatever it is that you’re both thinking of!” Jessica retorted.

“Yeah right! I don’t believe you, I’d rather believe Krystal.” Sooyoung said with a disgusted face.

Gyuri shook her head, “Gosh you both please have some self-control. You’re living in your parents’ house with an underage sister. In the kitchen, really?”

Jessica scoffed. “That’s not what happened! Krystal was lying! If I were to do that with Tiffany, we would-

Tiffany quickly put a hand over Jessica’s mouth before she’s spilling their intimate stories.

“Jessi, I’m hungry. Let’s go grab some snacks at the students’ booths outside,” she said, successfully distracting her fiancé from the childish argument.

**

After Jessica and Tiffany left, the atmosphere turned peaceful again, but not for too long.

Krystal just realized that she’s sitting next to Gyuri, a person who is like a sister to Jiyoung. Sooyoung was there too but she was too busy munching her garlic flavoured potato chips. The young Jung didn’t know why but suddenly she felt nervous. She glanced at her watch and there was 15 minutes left till the play starts.

15 long minutes.

She glanced at Gyuri and their eyes accidentally met. She was trapped.

Gyuri smiled. “So Krystal..”

Here it goes, thought Krystal.

“Jiyoung talked a lot about you.”

“Ah..really?”

Gyuri nodded.

“It seems that she really likes you.”

Krystal can’t contain her joy hearing that and grinned weirdly.

“I’m not sure when it begins, but she had a crush on you for quite some time. It took you long enough to finally return her feelings eh?” Gyuri added, her tone serious.

Krystal looked down and let out a sigh.

“I didn’t realized it..” She said.

Sooyoung overheard her and put down her bag of chips. Gyuri looked at her, curious of what she was going to say.

Krystal looked at Gyuri and Sooyoung, alternating her gaze on their faces.

“I wasted my time chasing someone else while..

..the person I’m looking for was in front of me the entire time,” she said, smiling.

Gyuri gulped, and looked away. To her surprise, Sooyoung was staring at her.

They looked at each other in silence until the play starts.

**

“This hot dog looks delicious, right?!” Tiffany asked, pointing the hot dog in her hand to Jessica. They were walking outside of the auditorium with arms linked to each other. Jessica was carrying a plastic bag containing drinks and chips.

Jessica chuckled.

“Honey, are you that hungry?”

Tiffany nodded.

“Yes. This cold weather is making me hungry.”

“Let’s go back inside and eat.” Jessica suggested.

“No!”

“Eh, why?”

“Sooyoung is in there.”

Jessica sighed. “You’re right. She’ll eat our food.”

“Hey, I think there’s a bench over there.” Tiffany said, excitedly pointing at the back of a school building.

“But don’t you think it’s too dark..” Jessica replied doubtfully.

Tiffany smirked, “Why? You’re scared?”

**

“KANG JIYOUNGGGG YOU’RE THE BEST!!!” Krystal shouted as Jiyoung made her appearance on the stage.

Amidst the irritation, Gyuri and Sooyoung now understand why Jessica and Tiffany were teasing the girl earlier. Apart from the high pitch screaming, there was also the handmade A3 size yellow placard with Jiyoung’s name in glitter ink that was blocking other people’s view. And it’s also not helping when she was sitting in between them.

Gyuri and Sooyoung looked at each other in despair, thinking that it’s only been 5 minutes into the show.

**

Jessica and Tiffany sat at a bench behind the block of classrooms. It was not so dark like Jessica thought since the spotlights around the nearby field was switched on. Along with the moonlight shining on them, the atmosphere was actually quite romantic.

Tiffany was munching her hot dog hungrily while Jessica watched her future wife eating with the ketchup and mayonnaise splattered around her mouth. She chuckled and shook her head.

“Honey, eat slowly. Are you worried the hot dog will run away?”

Tiffany swallowed the piece in her mouth and looked at Jessica, “But I don’t want to miss the play! I need to finish this fast-

She never managed to finish her sentence as Jessica suddenly pressed her lips against hers. It was brief and sweet, and Jessica couldn’t wait to look at her fiancé’s reaction as she moved away shortly. Tiffany was flustered and almost dropped her hot dog to the ground.

“Wh-what was that for?” Tiffany asked, blushing.

“Your mouth was sloppy and I don’t have a napkin right now.” Jessica replied.

Tiffany chuckled. “What? Mayonnaise moustache?”

The latter smiled sweetly and nodded.

Tiffany shook her head, “That’s just cheesy and-

She was interrupted again, and this time not by Jessica’s lips, but her tongue. Tiffany held her breath as Jessica slowly licked the edges on her lips before moved to her left cheek. It felt so good, it makes her want to..

Tiffany gulped.

“St-stop it Jessi! We’re at Soojung’s school for god’s sake!” She said, giving Jessica a light push away.

Jessica licked her lips nonchalant.

“What? There was ketchup at your cheek too. I was just cleaning it up.”

“Yeah right.” Tiffany said, rolling her eyes.

Jessica gasped, “Oh no, you think I purposely did that to..turn you on?”

“Oh please Jessi, don’t act innocent.”

“Seriously, I wasn’t thinking about that at all! Geez, you’re the one who dragged me to this dark place to eat.. hot dog! Don’t act innocent, Tiffany Hwang.” Jessica retorted.

“Hey don’t make this about-

Tiffany paused again, but it wasn’t because of something that Jessica did. There was a large brown Jindo dog staring at them. There was a broken chain attached around its collar, like it was broken by force. Jessica quickly reached for Tiffany’s hand on impulse. She was being cautious but Tiffany on the other hand, wasn’t.

“Awww, cute doggy are you hungry?” Tiffany asked to the dog.

Jessica stared at her, shocked.

“What are you doing?”

“I think the poor dog is hungry, let’s feed him something.”

Jessica shook her head, “Tiffany, let’s just go..”

But Tiffany wouldn’t budge,

“Come here doggy, do you want some hot dog?”

**

Krystal’s excitement died down a little after 45 minutes when Snow White passed out because of the poisoned apple. Sooyoung and Gyuri finally let out a relieved sigh.

Sooyoung glanced at the two empty seats next to her.

“I wonder where Sica and Fany went.” She said.

“Knowing them, I’m sure they are hooking up behind some dark building.” Gyuri replied casually.

Sooyoung chuckled, “Hahaha! You’re probably right. You know, it amazes me how they’re still so passionate with each other after all these years. I wonder if I will ever found someone who will love me like that..”

She paused when she noticed that Gyuri was staring at her. It became uncomfortable all of the sudden.

“I’m sure one day you will find that someone.” Gyuri said.

Sooyoung smiled, “Yeah, hopefully.”

“Maybe that someone is right in front of you..” Krystal suddenly cuts in.

“Yes..” Gyuri mumbled.

Then she noticed that it was Krystal.

Krystal smirked at her. “Ah unnie, I know..”

“Wh-What?”

“You also like someone..”

Sooyoung raised her eyebrow. “Like someone? Who?”

Gyuri gulped, “HEY KRYSTAL! JIYOUNG IS GOING TO KISS THAT BOY!” she said, pointing at the stage.

Krystal turned her head to the stage immediately and her face turned pale.

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

Luckily, Gyuri and Sooyoung were there to stop her from jumping onto the stage.

**

Tiffany leaned her back on the wall while Jessica was in front of her, pinning her to the wall. They were breathing heavily on each other’s face and sweats were rolling down their forehead. Tiffany was barefoot, and her red high heels were nowhere to be seen. Jessica’s hair was tousled and part of her jacket was ripped.

“This is your fault.” Jessica mumbled.

Tiffany’s chest was still heaving.

“It looked friendly...how could..I’ve known..”

“The dog was on loose chain, anyone in their right mind could’ve guessed that the dog was dangerous.” Jessica added, pissed.

“Hey, at least we’re safe now..” Tiffany said, changing the topic.

“Well yes, after running around the field 7 times. I wonder where the dog went.” Jessica replied bitterly. She turned around and walked to the auditorium.

Tiffany knew it was her fault and now Jessica was angry. If only she had listened to her, they wouldn’t miss the play and run marathon with an angry dog.

She caught up with her and linked their arms together by surprise. Jessica looked at her with a straight face.

“You know Jessi, I am so impressed with you. Who would’ve thought you could run that fast? Were you an athlete back in school?” Tiffany asked, smiling.

“Well, I was in the football team before..” Jessica replied proudly.

“Aww, no wonder! My wifey was a football jock!” Tiffany gushed.

Jessica chuckled, “Hahaha! Wifey? Okay enough, I know what you’re doing.”

Tiffany smiled sweetly at Jessica and the latter was defeated.

“Honey, where’s your shoes?” Jessica asked, realizing that her fiancé was barefoot.

“I lost it while running.”

Jessica sighed, “Fany Hwang..”

She stopped walking and kneeled down. And then she took off her sneakers.

“Here, wear my shoes.”

Tiffany shook her head, “I can’t! Then how about you?”

“Just wear that so I can be a good wifey.”  Jessica said, smiling.

Tiffany looked at Jessica, touched by her simple yet caring gestures. She was falling even deeper in love with this woman.

Suddenly, they saw people coming out of the auditorium. The play had ended. Soon, they saw Gyuri and Sooyoung coming towards

them.

“Where were you guys?!” Sooyoung asked as soon as she got near them.

“There was.. something happened.” Jessica replied.

Gyuri shook her head, “Gosh, ripped shirts and your messy hair.. I can’t believe you guys did it rough, in school grounds.”

Tiffany and Jessica shook their heads vigorously.

“IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!” They denied in unison.

“It’s okay; we all know it, but at least save some for the honeymoon.” Gyuri added with a sneer.

“Seriously, we didn’t do that!” Jessica retorted.

“Okay, okay, I believe you.” Sooyoung said nonchalant.

Tiffany looked around and noticed that Krystal wasn’t there.

“Where is Soojung?”

“Ah, she’s with Jiyoung and their friends. They’re having a small gathering after the play.” Gyuri replied.

“Let’s just wait for them; I don’t think they will be long anyway.” Jessica said, crossing her arms.

She glanced at Gyuri, “And Sooyoung, Gyuri has something to tell you.”

Gyuri gasped, "Jessica!"

"Really? Gyul, what is it?" Sooyoung asked, impatient.  

**

The headlights from an incoming car woke Yuri up. She wasn’t sure how long has she been sleeping in her car as she was waiting for Yoona. Her neck felt tense from sleeping in the sitting position so she tried to stretch a little.

Suddenly, another car came from the opposite direction of the road and it stopped in front of Yoona’s house. Yuri immediately sits up straight, curious to see who was inside the car. A young woman came out of the car, and it was no other than Yoona.

Yuri saw Yoona smile as she waved goodbye to the yet to be seen driver from the passenger’s window.  The car passed by and Yuri saw the driver. It was the male model who worked with Yoona from a photo shoot some time ago, Nichkhun. So many questions were running through Yuri’s head and it was making her restless.

Unaware of Yuri’s presence, Yoona walked passed her car towards her house. Yuri couldn’t help but come out immediately.

“Yoona,” she called.

Yoona turned around, startled.

"Wh-What are you doing here?"

"We were supposed to go to the play together," Yuri replied weakly.

Yoona sighed and shook her head, "When did I ever agree to that? At Sunny’s café? I never said I would go with you."

Yuri stared at Yoona and then looked down, “I’m..sorry.”

"I never asked you to wait for me, now leave," Yoona said, harsh.

Yuri stared at Yoona who was turning her back at her, like she didn’t even want to see her face anymore.

It hurts.

Yuri nodded,

"Okay, I understand. Good night Yoona. See you tomorrow," she said.

It shocked Yoona. She didn’t expect Yuri to leave that easily. She turned around and saw Yuri already walking to her car.

She bit her lip.

Yul, why are you doing this to yourself?  

Chapter 85

Overheard

"So, what is it that you wanted to tell me?" Sooyoung asked Gyuri.

They were standing at the parking lot outside the school auditorium along with Jessica and Tiffany, waiting for Sulli and Krystal. 

That one question turned the cheerful atmosphere awkward almost immediately. Gyuri tried to get out of the situation by avoiding eye contact with Sooyoung, but Jessica wouldn't let her go off that easily.

"Yeah, tell her." Jessica said, nudging her friend. 

Sooyoung looked at them in wonder, "Wow, I'm getting even more curious now. What is it?"     

Gyuri looked at the tall friend standing before her who was staring eagerly at her, as if she was waiting for diamonds to fall from her mouth. She knew she had no way out this time. 

Jessica grabbed Tiffany's hand and slowly inched a few steps away from the two, giving them their much needed space.

"So?" Sooyoung asked, still waiting.

Gyuri gulped and looked down for a few moments, then she looked up and met Sooyoung's eyes. Now is the time to tell her everything. After all, Sooyoung is just a friend, thus there should be no reason why she's feeling hesitant about telling her about the marriage. So Gyuri thought.  

"Sooyoung-ah." 

"Hmm?"

"I-

She paused.

I don't have to hide anything. She's just a friend.

"I'm getting married next year." She continued.

And then begin the staring contest between the two, with no words spoken. Sooyoung stood still like a stone statue, and her eyes didn't even flicker.  

"Oh." Was the first thing that came out of Sooyoung's mouth.

Gyuri nodded in response to that word.

Sooyoung shook her head, "Oh, I mean.. congrats!"

Jessica and Tiffany looked at them, puzzled. 

"You're getting married before I do! Congrats Park Gyuri!" Sooyoung continued, with a stiff laugh. 

Gyuri smiled, "Thanks."

Suddenly, Sooyoung pulled Gyuri in for a hug. Gyuri gasped when Sooyoung wrapped her tightly in her arms. 

The feeling was.. like never before.

She slowly put her hands around Sooyoung's waist in response and rested her head on her shoulder. It felt so warm yet so cold at the same time. 

"I'm really happy for you. I really am," Sooyoung whispered.

"You.. do?" Gyuri asked.

There was no response from Sooyoung for that question.

**          

It all started with just another day at Jung Corporation. 

Jessica was walking with a glowing smile on her face towards the president's office, her grandfather, Albert Jung. Other staff couldn't help turning their heads at the continuous smile on the woman who will be getting married in just two weeks’ time. 

She arrived in front of the president's office, with a file in her hand. She was called to hand over Glitter Magazine’s sales analysis for the past few months. But when she was about to enter the room, she was stopped by the secretary. 

"The president is in discussion with someone. Please wait for a while." 

Jessica raised her eyebrow.

"Someone? May I know whom?"

"He's with Madam Joanna."

"Aunt Jo? Okay, I'll wait." 

Jessica smiled at the female secretary causing the latter to almost fall on her knees. She had somehow become more attractive lately with her pre-wedding glow. The blushing secretary looked away immediately and started acting busy with her computer while Jessica paced lazily in front of the door, waiting for her aunt to come out. 

Suddenly, she heard someone shouting from inside the room. 

“Why?! We are doing fine on our own!”      

Jessica creased her eyebrow. It was her aunt's voice.

“You think our company can withstand the loss we’re about to face after Jessica’s wedding?!” said another voice.  

Jessica gulped.

They were talking about her. She had a bad feeling about this. 

Curious, she inched closer to the door and held the knob. 

Nervously, she turned the door knob and looked into the room through the small gap of the door. She saw her grandfather and her aunt staring at each other intensely.

And then she overheard something.

Something she shouldn't.

She gasped.

She dropped her file.

And left without meeting Albert.

**              

"I want to eat melons." Taeyeon whined suddenly. 

Sunny, Tiffany, Yuri and Hyoyeon glanced at her, as they were sitting around their usual spot at the cafe.  

"Melons." She repeated. She looked at Sunny's face and pouted. 

Sunny sighed.

"Where can I find melons this late? It's already past 10pm. The markets are all closed." 

"Hmm, I think there are people selling fruits at the night bazaar downtown. That's where Jessi bought strawberries when we needed it late at night." Tiffany said, serious.

Everyone looked at her.

"What?" 

"Why do you two need strawberries late at night?" Hyoyeon asked.

Tiffany turned red and looked away, "Ah.. that." 

"Don't tell us, please." Yuri quickly cuts in before she can explain.

"Okay, Taeng, stay here. I'm gonna get you some melons," Sunny said, standing up from her chair.

Suddenly, Taeyeon grabbed her arm; she stopped and looked at her. 

"Yes? Is there anything else that you want?" Sunny asked gently.   

"Sunny-ah, I want melons from Jeju Island," Taeyeon said innocently.

Sunny bit her lip, thinking where she could find such melons.

"Okay, I'll buy the one that's from Jeju." She said, trying to stay calm with her wife's requests.

After planting a soft kiss on Taeyeon's forehead and tummy, she left for the night bazaar. 

"Fany-ah, where is Jessica? It's really rare to see you without her." Taeyeon suddenly asked. 

"She's at the office, finishing some work. She seems very busy lately." Tiffany replied.

"Even when her wedding is just 2 weeks away? She should rest more and give more attention to you." Taeyeon added. 

"Work is work. We will still get married in two weeks. I don't want to control her too much."

Hyoyeon chuckled, "I'm impressed. I've always thought you're the type who would control your spouse."  

Tiffany glared at her.

Hyoyeon gulped. "Which is a good thing; because you know what people say about 2 weeks before a wedding. It's the most crucial part, where anything could happen.."

Everyone looked at Hyoyeon causing her to press her lips together and looked down.

"What are you talking about? That could happen to other couples but it will never happen to Tiffany and Jessica." Yuri suddenly said, defending them.

Tiffany smiled.

Hyoyeon cleared her throat, "Speaking of which, Yuri remember the musical tickets that you gave me after Yoona rejected you?" 

Yuri gulped and nodded."Yeah, why?" 

"Well, I didn't go." Hyoyeon said casually.

"What?! That expensive tickets? Why?!" Yuri suddenly bursts. 

"You said you got them for free." Hyoyeon said, confused.

"Ye-yes it was but still.. I thought you went with Seohyun!"

"Oh Seohyun did go, only I didn't. I think she went with her boyfriend-

"Seohyun has a boyfriend?!" Tiffany asked, shocked.

Hyoyeon shrugged. 

"I'm not sure, but she went with a guy. Maybe they're just friends. Like Yoona.."

Yuri immediately turned her gaze at Hyoyeon upon hearing that name.  

"Although Yoona spends a lot of time with Khun lately, they're not dating." Hyoyeon continued, glancing at the anxious Yuri.

** 

Hara went to Nicole's apartment later that evening. Nicole was surprised to see Hara behind the door but she invited her in anyway. She served her tea as they sat in her small living room. She had a feeling that Hara has a reason to come there and she was right.  

But what Hara told her is something unexpected. 

Nicole almost dropped her cup on the rug, shocked hearing the news. 

Hara just told her that they were sharing the same father. 

“We’re.. sisters?" She asked, in disbelief.

Hara nodded, "That’s what I was told by your brother."

Nicole shook her head vigorously, "But th-that doesn’t make any sense!”

Hara sighed, “I know that, and I also think it’s impossible, but we don't know for sure.. maybe my father and your mother had a secret affair at that time.”

Nicole still shaking her head. "No, no way.."

Hara continued, 

"They are hiding something from us, I can feel it. Don't you find it weird that your mother is suddenly dating my grandfather?"

"Wh-what?" Nicole asked, shocked.

"My mother and aunt were nervous when she came during that dinner, and from their reactions, I'm guessing that they know each other before.” 

"And all this is happening only weeks before Jessica unnie's wedding. It's as if she timed this perfectly," Hara added, serious.

Nicole gulped and looked down.   

“Cole, what exactly is going on? What is it that they're hiding? Do you think that we are really sisters?” Hara asked continuously.

“I don’t know..” Nicole mumbled nervously. 

“Are you..hiding something from me?” Hara suddenly asked.

Nicole gulped again.

“Cole-ah..”

Nicole stood up.

“I DON’T KNOW!” She suddenly shouted.

Hara was startled. 

Nicole looked at Hara with anger, “This is.. too much for me to take!" 

"All I know is that we don’t share the same father! My father died in a car accident while I was still a baby!” 

Hara gasped.

“Even though I never got to know him, but he’s a great man and I’m proud to be his daughter. Don’t try to mess my head with this groundless accusation!” Nicole continued, furious. 

Hara bit her lip, “Calm down. I was as shocked as you are when your brother told me about it!”

Nicole shook her head and sighed, 

“I’m sorry Hara, but this is too ridiculous. So you're telling me that my mother cheated on my father? This is too much!”

Suddenly, Hara stood up and stared at Nicole with tears brimming in her eyes. 

"WHY ARE YOU BLAMING THIS ON ME?!” She snapped. 

“Do you think I like this? It’s not easy for me to accept the idea that my father is having a child with another woman either!"

Nicole was shocked to see her that way. She kept mum.

"And out of all people, it’s you..” Hara added weakly.

Suddenly, tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Cole, I’m telling you this because.. I can’t take this burden by myself anymore. But why are you acting like this?” She sobbed.

Hara's tears finally calmed everything down. Nicole moved closer to her and wrapped her arms around the petite girl's shoulders.

They both cried. 

** 

It’s already past midnight at the Jung’s household.

The house was quiet as most of the family members were already lost in their slumber land. 

Most of them.

Jessica and Tiffany were still up in their room, getting ready to sleep, though Jessica showed no sign of sleepiness as she was busy with her tablet while sitting on the bed. She leaned her back at the head of the bed and was reading something on her tablet intently. 

She was so into it that she didn’t see Tiffany who just came out of the bathroom. She was all prepared for bed, with her cute pink nightgown and fresh breath. 

“Jessi..” Tiffany called with a cute tone she only showed Jessica.

But Jessica didn’t even look at her, “Yes, honey,” she replied.

Tiffany knew she was being ignored but she wasn’t going to give up. She climbed on the bed and sat closely next to her fiancé. Her face was so close to her, she could smell her mint breath.

“Jessi, I think Seohyun has a boyfriend now.” She said, starting their conversation.

“Oh?” Jessica reacted, nonchalant. 

Tiffany nodded.

“Yes! She went to the musical with him! I can’t help but wonder who that person could be..”

“Hmm.” Jessica replied.

“Jessi, who do you think it could be? Is it Siwon?”

“Yes, sure.” Jessica replied bluntly.

Tiffany sat up straight and crossed her arms defensively. She stared at Jessica, but she was still busy reading the slide presentation for tomorrow.  

“Jessi, Taeyeon is actually pregnant with Yoona’s child.” Tiffany suddenly said.

“Oh, that’s great.” Jessica replied. 

That’s when Tiffany knows that Jessica still wasn’t paying attention to her. She bit her lip, trying to control herself from throwing a childish fit. After all, Jessica was busy with work.

“I think.. I’m pregnant with your child, Jessi.” She said, firmly.

Jessica nodded, “Yes, of course…

Suddenly, she paused and looked at Tiffany.

..wait, what?!”  

Tiffany grinned.

“Okay now you have to pay attention to me.” 

She grabbed the tablet from Jessica’s hand by surprise and put it on the floor. 

“Hey, I haven’t finished reading that!” 

But Tiffany ignored her and pushed the tablet deeper under the bed. When Jessica tried to stand and get the tablet, she pushed her down and straddled her. 

Jessica was completely locked down. 

“Fany Hwang..” She called, sighing helplessly.

Tiffany smiled, “Jessi Jung, you’re mine. Don’t even try to escape.”

Jessica chuckled. She’s already defeated. 

Tiffany cupped Jessica’s face so that she will only look at her. The latter just let her fiancé do whatever she wanted to her, happily being a prisoner.  

“Is there anything wrong? You seems.. quite distracted today.” Tiffany asked as she was stroking Jessica’s hair lovingly. 

Jessica smiled, “I’m okay honey, just thinking about work and.. our wedding.” 

“Aww Jessi, don’t worry too much about it. Everything has been taken care of.” 

“Ah, are you nervous that in two weeks you will be mine, forever and a day?” She asked, coyly tracing Jessica’s neck.

Jessica laughed, “I thought I’m already yours.”

“It’s such a relief seeing you laugh.” 

They both look at each other, just smiling.

“Honey.. let’s go to sleep. It’s already late, we have work tomorrow.” Jessica suddenly said, pulling Tiffany down into her embrace.

Tiffany didn’t protest and quickly nestled herself beside Jessica. She slid her arms around her waist and they pulled each other closer. Tiffany rested her head on Jessica’s chest and listened to her heartbeat. 

Tiffany didn’t know how, but she could sense that Jessica was worrying about something. But she tried to hide it from her.  

Tiffany wished she could say something to make her feel better.

“Jessi..” She suddenly called.

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

Chapter 86

Spill The Beans

"Ughhhh, I don't want to wake up.." Tiffany mumbled.

She knew it was already morning since she has already turned off her alarm clock twice. She reached to her side, hands and legs sprawled over, hoping to find another warm body. But there was nothing but pillows and blankets.

"Jessiiii?"

Her eyes shot open and she realized that she was alone on their bed.

She sat up straight and saw her beloved lady dressing up in front of the closet. She was wearing a short brown skirt. Her top was still exposed as she was picking her shirt, revealing her dark blue bra.

Tiffany tilted her head and smirked.

"All mine."

She climbed off the bed and walked to Jessica, to surprise her with a seductive morning back hug.

"I know what you're trying to do." Jessica said, before Tiffany managed to wrap her arms around her.

Tiffany pouted.

"You're such a spoilsport."

Jessica let out a chuckle and put on a white shirt around her body. She turned around and met Tiffany, whose hazy eyes were staring at her.

"Good morning, honey." She said as she was buttoning up her shirt.

"Ah! Let me! Let me! I wanna help button you up!" Tiffany suddenly said, excited.

"Oh, okay..."

But instead of buttoning her up, she was unbuttoning.

"Honeyyy no!" Jessica said, gently grabbing Tiffany's hands from unbuttoning everything.

Tiffany giggled.

Jessica chuckled, "I'm going to be late. What are you going to do if I miss my flight?"

"I'll take full responsibility." Tiffany said, suddenly serious.

"I'll let you ride on my flight instead, we can fly together..." She said, sneakily put her hand around Jessica's waist.

Jessica gulped and quickly buttoned up her shirt.

"As tempting as that sounds, I can't ride your plane right now. You know how important it is for me to go to this fashion magazine summit in Tokyo. Grandpa and Aunt Jo are waiting for me downstairs."

Tiffany pouted, "Not even if I let you control the plane? It won't take long."

Jessica stared at Tiffany, gulping.

"N-No Fany Hwang, no." She said, stuttering.

Tiffany scoffed, "Oh well, fine. See you in two days then."

"This is my life. Even though I have a hot fiancée, she leaves me for work. And here I am, lonely. Not even leaving me a parting gift." She added in a dramatic tone.

"It's just two days!" Jessica retorted.

"I guess I'm not attractive in your eyes anymore." Tiffany said, trying hard not to laugh.

"Oh come on! You know that's not true! Or else we won't do all the things we did last night! "

"But that was last night," Tiffany continued to pout.

Jessica sighed and glanced at her watch.

"Fine. I'll give you a parting gift you'll never forget."

**

Later that evening at Sunny's cafe.

Tiffany went there straight from work to hang out with her friends at their usual table. The attendance that night was Sooyoung, Yuri, Yoona, Hyoyeon, Taeyeon and also Sunny but she was busy managing the cafe.

"Eh unnie, where is Jessica?" Yoona asked, after noticing that her cousin came there alone.

Tiffany sighed, "She's in Tokyo right now for work. She'll only be coming back on Monday."  

She rested her head on Yoona's shoulder and pouted.

"Aww, you missed her, don't you?" Taeyeon said, smiling.

Tiffany nodded weakly.

"Aww..." Yoona patted her cousin's head gently.

"And your wedding will be next weekend?" Hyoyeon asked.

Tiffany nodded again. She was in no mood to talk.

Sooyoung's eyes suddenly lit up. She hit the table, causing the others to look at her in wonder.

"Hey, don't you guys think this is a great opportunity?" She asked, eyes darting from one face to another.

"For what?" Yuri asked, puzzled.

"While Jessica is away, we can throw a bachelorette party for Tiffany!" Sooyoung said, excited.

"Bachelorette party?" Tiffany asked, shocked. She hadn't thought of such thing.

"Yeah! All girls should have one before they tie a knot and be committed to just one person for the rest of their lives!" Sooyoung replied.

"Oh, that's actually quite a good idea." Yuri said, nodding in agreement.

"Of course, you love parties." Yoona said, glaring at Yuri.

Yuri's expression turned dark almost immediately.

"I'm all in!" Hyoyeon said, raising her hand.

"Did anyone invite you?" Sooyoung asked, teasing.

Hyoyeon awkwardly put her hand down.

"I think we can do this, I can ask just Sunny to work on the food." Taeyeon said, pointing at Sunny who was behind the counter.

"Wait, are we really doing this?" Tiffany asked.

"I don't think I need a bachelorette party, or at least, maybe we should wait till Jessica comes back..."

"Fany-ah, the whole point of bachelorette party is to have fun without your spouse around." Sooyoung replied.

"Okay, but how about the venue?" Yoona asked.

"How about a club? I know someone who could arrange this in short notice." Yuri asked.

Yoona rolled her eyes, "Why am I not surprised?"

Yuri stared at Yoona before letting out a scoff and looked away.

"Taeyeon is pregnant, we can't go to clubs." Sooyoung said, glancing at Taeyeon.

Taeyeon nodded and gently rub her stomach.

"Hmm, then how about this? Since Taeyeon unnie is pregnant, instead of throwing a party, how about going somewhere, just hanging out with close friends for one night." Yoona suggested.

"Like a sleepover?" Yuri asked.

"Oooh that's a great idea!" Sooyoung exclaimed.

"But where can we go?" Tiffany asked, raising an eyebrow.  

**

Jessica was sitting at a table in her hotel suite in Tokyo. She crossed her legs while holding a leaflet in her hands. It was the leaflet for tomorrow's event.

Only the representatives from leading fashion world in Asia were invited to the event. There were only two fashion magazines from South Korea that received the special invites; one was Glitter from Jung Corp and another one was Glam Magazine.

"Glam magazine's CEO, Marissa Kim..." Jessica reads.

She stared at the printed picture of Marissa in the leaflet with a grim expression on her face.

"We can't withstand the loss we're about to face after Jessica's wedding!" 

Her grandfather's voice echoes in her head.

"Merging with Glam is the only solution we have to survive!" 

Jessica bit her lip and closed the leaflet. She put it on the table and stood up from her chair. With weak steps, she walked over to the huge glass window and looked out to the beautiful night view of one of the busiest city in the world.

She creased her eyebrows and was lost deep in thoughts.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

She reached her phone on the desk nearby.

Honey

She smiled and picked it up.

"Hello honey, did you miss me?" She greeted.

There was a long silence.

Then,

"JESSIIII!!! I MISS YOUUUUUU!!!!"

**

Sooyoung, Taeyeon, Sunny, Yuri, Yoona, Hyoyeon and Tiffany exchanged looks with each other.

They were now at one of the Jung's family vacation houses. But there were suddenly extra participants in their little party.

Gyuri, Krystal and Jiyoung abruptly appeared on the front door with their bags.

Krystal cleared her throat, "My sister asked us to join. Apparently, she doesn't trust you guys alone with Tiffany."

Sooyoung and Gyuri looked at each other and exchanged awkward smiles.

"Who told Jessica about this?" Hyoyeon asked, looking at the others.

Tiffany scratched her head, "I can't hide anything from her. Sorry."

"How did you think we get to stay in her family’s vacation house?" Gyuri asked sarcastically.

"It's okay, the more the merrier!" Taeyeon said, cheering up the atmosphere.

"Sure. Where are our rooms?" Gyuri asked.

"There's only one room left, so one of you had to share with..." Tiffany said.

"With you?" Gyuri asked, smiling.

Tiffany shook her head vigorously.

"No! I'm already roomed with Yoona. Uh, Sooyoung is alone."

Gyuri and Sooyoung looked at each other.

Sunny nodded and smiled at them, "Why don't you three get changed and settled in your rooms first while we prepare for our dinner."

Sooyoung's eyes lit up, "Oh what's for dinner?!"

Sunny and Taeyeon looked at each other before replying in unison, "Barbecue around the campfire."

**

"Unnie, Seohyun isn't coming?" Yoona asked her cousin and also roommate for this trip, Tiffany.  

"She said she already has plans. She's definitely dating someone." Tiffany replied.

"Hmm, this feels familiar. Camping, barbecue and all. We've done this before, haven't we?" Yoona asked.

The older girl nodded, "Indeed. The only thing missing is Jessi." She said, pouting.

Yoona laughed and linked arms with her as they walked towards the campfire.

"Unnieeee stop sulking. Just enjoy yourself with us in these two days."  She said with a grin.

"You have the rest of your life to be with Sica unnie." She added.

**

All ten girls gathered around a small campfire just in front of the Jung's vacation house. Taeyeon was sitting on a chair, while the others sat on small stools.

The sound of their laughter broke the silence of the night.  

"HAHAHAHA! FANY YOU DID WHAT?" Sunny asked, with tears in her eyes. The others were laughing as well.

Tiffany smiled sheepishly.

"I was only trying to impress her family with my barbecue skills. I felt really bad for the burnt family tree." She said, recalling an episode when she went there for the first time.

"Oh yes, I couldn't forget that one." Krystal added with a chuckle. She was sitting next to Jiyoung and shared a blanket around them.

"Yeap, the Jungs are a bit peculiar. They even named their trees." Gyuri said before chewing a marshmallow.

"Hey, I'm Jung too. And I'm not peculiar!" Krystal retorted.

Everyone looked at the only Jung at the scene, making the latter feel uncomfortable.

"I'm actually the most normal one in my family." She added.

Tiffany nodded, "Agreed."

And with that followed by another round of laughter.

"You're saying that Sica is weird as well?" Hyoyeon asked casually, though she's been feeling uncomfortable with the staring contest between Yuri and Yoona.

She happened to sit right in the middle of the ex-lovers.

Tiffany smiled shyly. "Yeah, sometimes."

"Ooohhh spill the beans! Spill everything!" Sooyoung suddenly exclaimed. She was busy munching a piece of chicken earlier.

Taeyeon smirked, "Spill your... darkest bedroom secrets."

"Ooohhhhhh.." Said the others in unison. Except Jiyoung and Krystal, they looked puzzled.

Tiffany's face turned red immediately, she shook her head.

"I-I can't do that!"

"Why not? I've always thought you and Sica are far more experienced than us. Maybe you can share some sexy stories." Sunny added.

Tiffany shook her head, "There are underaged kids here!"

Gyuri laughed, "Jiyoung had turned 18, and Krystal will also turn 18 in a few months. No problem, just go ahead."

"We don't think we want to listen to this kind of stories, unnies." Krystal said suddenly.

"Right, Jing?"

Jiyoung looked at her.

"It's just stories. Why not?" She replied casually.

Krystal was shocked with her girlfriend's reply.

"You know what stories they're referring to, right?"

"Of course I do. But well, we gotta get to that someday."

Krystal's face turned red, and she quickly looked away.

"Okay, Fany. Let's begin." Taeyeon said, with a naughty smirk.

"Begin what?" Tiffany asked nervously.

"First question! If you could describe Sica in bed in one word, what would it be?" Sunny asked, using a drumstick as a microphone.

"This is fun." Hyoyeon mumbled.

The married couple was like a pair of experienced MCs for an adult tv show.

Tiffany bit her lip as her cheeks were burning red. The others were staring at her, waiting for her answer.

"Uh, a word..

"She's er..

"Addictive."

Tiffany buried her face in her palms in embarrassment while her friends made various teasing sounds that echoed in the woods.

The night continued with more embarrassing and shocking questions that caused Krystal and Jiyoung to run into the house in terror.

**

Sunny and Taeyeon were surprised to find someone in the kitchen that early in the morning.

"Hyoyeon, you're up early."  Sunny asked as she walked to her at the kitchen sink.

"Oh, good morning married couple!" Hyoyeon greeted them cheerfully.

Taeyeon grinned, "Morning Hyo."

"Are those mushrooms?" She asked as she saw the things Hyoyeon was washing.

"Yes. I can't believe I found these nutritional mushrooms just across the street. They’re everywhere. So I plucked some to make soup for us." She replied, excited.

"Are you sure this kind of mushroom is edible? We had bad experience with wild mushrooms before..." Sunny said, glancing at her wife.

Taeyeon nodded.

Hyoyeon laughed, "Hey, this is Kim Hyoyeon. I know mushrooms like it's the back of my hand."

"Trust me, and just enjoy my delicious soup."

Chapter 87

Extremely Honest

“Hahahaha! Yes, that one was the best, Tomochi-san!” Jessica said in fluent Japanese.

She surprised her grandfather and aunt that evening, flaunting and charming a group of corporate people like a natural. The scene was rare, as she usually only goes to these kind of events when a knife was pointed at her neck. And if she goes, she will give off her cold, unpleasant vibe to the people around her.

But this Jessica was different.

“I guess Jessica has finally grown up.” Albert Jung said to her eldest daughter, Joanna.

Joanna glanced at Jessica and nodded.

“She has a lot of potential, Father. She is a Jung after all.”

“Now, if only you could give her a chance.” Joanna added.

Albert cleared his throat.

“I gave her chances before and look what she’d done.”

“What? What exactly had she done?” Joanna asked with a firm tone.

“You know what.”

Joanna scoffed, “How is getting married to someone she loves a crime?”

Albert kept mum.

“You didn’t say anything before, but why now? I’m sure that woman had gotten into your head, Father. Just open your eyes. Jessica’s wedding is just an excuse she’s using to lure you into making the merge with their company.”

“If you insist on proceeding with the merge next week, she will take over Glitter completely until there is no place for me and Jessica.”

“Anna, Marissa is not that kind of woman. I’m only doing something that a wise businessman would do.” Albert retorted.

“Father, trust me. You don’t even know half of what Marissa is capable of.”

“You know her previously?”

Joanna cleared her throat, nervously. “Look at Jessica.”

“I believe she is capable managing Glitter when the time comes. Imagine how she would feel if she knows that you’re letting go of your company because of her wedding.” Joanna added, serious.

Jessica knew.

And the conversation that she overheard haunted her with each day that passes. It was the reason why she agreed to come to Japan and show what she was capable of.

She was not just Albert Jung’s spoilt granddaughter.

"Oh look, if it isn't Jessica Jung." A voice said.

Jessica gulped when she saw Marissa Kim joining her in the circle of corporate people. She didn’t know what it was, but there was something about Marissa that made her feel uncomfortable and intimidated.

“Hello, Marissa.” Jessica greeted, forcing out a smile.

The older woman smiled back at her.

"What is a bride-to-be doing here working? How could you leave your fiancé alone when it's only a week until the wedding?" Marissa asked, crossing her arms.

“Ah that-

“Jessica-san, you're getting married next week?" One of the men asked.

"Ye-Yes." Jessica replied, slightly stuttering.

Marissa quickly added, "She'll be marrying her lover, Tiffany. They are so romantic, fighting for their love after all these years."

Jessica looked at Marissa, shocked. She didn't think it was necessary to tell them about her upcoming wedding.

They all looked at each other, puzzled.

"Tiffany? A woman?" One of the ladies asked.

"Yes. They will be the first widely-publicised married lesbians in South Korea," Marissa replied, smiling.

Jessica bit her lip, speechless as Marissa did all the talking.

And then, the awkward silence sets in.

Soon, Jessica could feel their eyes on her with ‘that’ look, that judging look. She thought she had already gotten used to it by now, but she was wrong. She realized that being away from Tiffany made her feel vulnerable and weak. At that moment, all she needed, was to hold her hand.

"Oh, con-congratulations!" The lady suddenly said, breaking the silence.

And then the group of people slowly moved away, one by one until there was only Jessica and Marissa left.

Marissa sighed, "They are such hypocrites."

Jessica hissed and stared at Marissa.

"Why did you tell them about my wedding?"

Marissa looked at the younger woman and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh dear, I thought you wanted them to know. I mean, the whole world will know about it by next week anyway."

"Still, it is my wedding. Who are you to tell people about my personal life? You're just a woman who's dating my grandfather." Jessica said, pissed.

There was a long awkward silence.

"Sounds like you don’t want people to know about your upcoming wedding." Marissa suddenly said, smirking.

Jessica bit her lip, "Th-That's not it."

"Oh dear, don't tell me that you're having second thoughts?" Marissa asked, concern. She put a hand on Jessica's shoulder, trying to act nice.

“But I thought you and Tiffany are so in love. You can’t let the little thoughts stop your wedding.” She added.

Jessica glanced at her shoulder where her hand was and scoffed.

"You can save your nice little act in front of my grandfather because I don't believe it one bit." She said before pushing the hand away.

The older woman was surprised.

Jessica looked at her, serious.

"Also, I will protect Glitter. I won’t even let you touch it."

**

Krystal and Jiyoung went to explore the old vacation house before the unnies finished cooking dinner. They did come to help, but when they overheard their adult conversation topics, they stormed out of the kitchen immediately. Krystal felt sorry for Tiffany; her future sister-in-law was teased and bullied by her friends when Jessica wasn’t around.

The teenage couple walked together to the second floor, talking about random things along the way.

Krystal kept glancing at Jiyoung’s hand as they walked. She wanted to hold her hand so much, but she didn’t have the courage to do so. She knew how bold her sister was with Tiffany, but she was not like her sister. She almost passed out kissing Jiyoung the night she confessed to her. And up until now, they still haven’t had their second kiss.

"Eh, whose room is this?" Jiyoung suddenly asked, pointing at a door.

They stopped in front of a room with closed door.

"This is the reading room." Krystal replied, still eyeing Jiyoung’s hand.

"Oh can we go in?" Jiyoung asked, excited.

“Sure, why not-

She didn’t manage to finish her sentence when Jiyoung suddenly grabbed her hand and entered the room.

Inside the room, there were four shelves filled with books. They were all stacked nicely, making it look like a small library.

“Wow, this is nice…” Jiyoung said, still holding Krystal’s hand.

The shy, young Jung obeyed her like an obedient puppy.

“I like this smell, the book smell.” Jiyoung said, taking a closer look at the titles.

“Yes. Books smell nice.” Krystal said.

“But you smell nicer.” She added wittily.

Jiyoung chuckled and turned around to face her girlfriend.

“I like your smell too.” She said shyly. She leaned her back against the books and tilted her head adorably.

Krystal gulped.

She knew it was the right time to kiss her. Their eyes met, and they were at the appropriate distance from each other, and there was no one around but them. Everything screamed make out time.

Krystal couldn’t help but stare at Jiyoung’s lips. Her lips were slightly parted, as if she was waiting for Krystal’s lips to touch hers.

And soon, Krystal found herself leaning forward to put her lips on hers. Slowly but surely, she was heading to her pair of luscious lips. And then they touched and their eyes were eventually closed.

For a novice kisser, Krystal was quite proud of herself. Maybe it’s because she’d seen her sister kissing Tiffany countless times before, so she had become rather skilled.

The innocent lips on lips eventually became slightly wild, when Krystal inserted her tongue into Jiyoung’s mouth.  Their tongues found each other and hormones quickly took control of them.

It drove Krystal to push Jiyoung against the bookshelf, hard, causing a bunch of books to fall on the floor.

The girls broke their heated kiss reluctantly and looked awkwardly at each other.

“Le-Let’s pick up the books…” Jiyoung mumbled before kneeling down.

Krystal sighed; if it was up to her, she wouldn’t care about the books and she would just want them to continue where they left off.

"Soojung-ah, aren’t this your parents?" Jiyoung suddenly said.

She was holding a photo in her hand.

“It must’ve fallen out of one of the books.” Jiyoung added, handing the photo to her girlfriend.

Krystal kneeled down beside her and looked at the photo. The photo paper had turned yellow, and judging from their fashion, it was most probably from the early 80’s. There were 3 women and 2 men in the photo.

"Yeah, those are my parents. They looked so young back then. And this one here is my Aunt Jo.”

“Who’s the woman next to her?” Jiyoung asked, curious.

Krystal stared at the photo for a while and then she gasped.

“Who is it?”

Krystal looked at Jiyoung, with creased eyebrows. "Th-That is Marissa Kim..."

**

“There you are! I was worried about you guys!” Tiffany exclaimed when she saw Krystal and Jiyoung arriving at the dining table.

“Where were you?” Gyuri asked Jiyoung once she sat with them at the table. But Jiyoung only replied her with a smile.

Sunny chuckled, “Aishh Gyuri, do you even have to ask? They are teenage lovers, so you know…”

“Oooh!” The unnies gushed in unison.

“Baby put your hands on me, in my skintight jeans…” Yuri sang, teasing.

It was followed by a series of laughter from everyone at the table, making the teenage couple blush madly.

“Geez Yuri. You must really like putting your hands into girls’ jeans.” Yoona suddenly said, bitter.

Yuri stared at Yoona incredulously, “It was just a song...”

Gyuri looked away; she didn’t want to be a part of their little drama.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

“Wh-What’s for dinner?” Krystal suddenly asked to lighten up the situation.

Hyoyeon answered immediately.

“I thought you’d never ask!”

“It’s my super special mushroom soup! Made with fresh mushroom using my super special secret recipe!” She said before applauding herself.

“Super special secret recipe?” Jiyoung asked, puzzled.

“I am more worried about the ‘fresh mushroom’ part.” Krystal said, serious.

“Why is Hyo so excited?” Sooyoung asked.

“She’d been working on that dish since morning. It’s like her baby.” Taeyeon replied with a chuckle.

“So we’re eating Hyoyeon’s baby?” Gyuri asked.

Everyone looked at her, speechless.

“Who cares? It looks delicious and I can’t wait to eat it!” Tiffany said, excited.

**

The dinner ended and Hyoyeon couldn’t feel prouder when her soup was the star of that night. Everyone was praising her and kept asking for more, especially Yoona. She ate like she hadn’t eaten in days.

Taeyeon and Sunny, however, hadn’t touched the dish at all because, according to Taeyeon, their baby said not to. Hyoyeon also noticed that Krystal and Jiyoung didn’t have her glorious soup, with the excuse of a ‘no mushroom’ diet but it sounded like something they just made up.

After dinner, most of them gathered in the living room and continued the night with a karaoke session. All except Hyoyeon, who was in her room, writing down recipes.

And then came Yuri’s turn to sing. The song was ‘Troublemaker’ and Tiffany had offered to do a duet with her.

But then,

“What is wrong with you?” Yoona asked to Yuri, pissed.

Yuri looked at Yoona, puzzled.

“What?”

“She’s my cousin and she’s getting married next week! Have some sense!”

Everyone looked at Yoona, shocked.

Yuri scoffed, “It’s just a duet and Tiffany herself offered to sing! Did you see me making my move on her?”

“That is true, Yoona-yah.” Tiffany said.

“As if I don’t know what you’re thinking in your twisted mind!” Yoona said to Yuri, ignoring her cousin.

Yuri gritted her teeth.

“THIS HAS TO STOP!” She shouted.

Yoona was shocked with her outburst.

Yuri continued, “I know I made mistakes in the past! But do you have to remind me of it every single time?!”

“I understand it! You hate me, and I’m not hoping you would accept me again but… can you at least let me be a friend?”

Yuri and Yoona looked at each other, locked in intense eye contact.

“I don’t want to be your friend. I… hate you. I hate you so much that even being in the same room as you suffocates me.” Yoona suddenly said.

Yuri gulped, “Fine. Then I’ll… leave this house.”

“I don’t want to suffocate you anymore.”

With that last sentence, Yuri left the living room and headed to her room to grab her bag and keys.

“Yoona-yah, you don’t have to be so harsh on Yuri.” Tiffany said, gently.

Yoona remained silent before she suddenly followed Yuri upstairs and into her room.

Everyone in the living room looked at each other.

“That was intense.” Sooyoung said, with a sigh.

All of the sudden,

“AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

And then, it was followed by the sounds of rapid footsteps coming from upstairs.

Hyoyeon ran down to the living room, panting heavily. She had just sprinted from her room.

“What’s going on?” Sunny asked.

“Yoona… and Yuri.. they..”

“Yoona and Yuri, what did they do?” Tiffany asked, worried.

“Gosh, are they hitting each other?” Sooyoung asked.

“Pulling each other’s hair?” Gyuri asked.

“They…they…”

“Just tell us dammit!” Taeyeon burst.

“Ah, I’m gonna check them!” Tiffany said.

“DON’T!” Hyoyeon exclaimed.

“Why? What did they do?” Jiyoung asked, curious.

Hyoyeon sighed, “Yuri was packing her bag, then suddenly Yoona came in and-

“And?”

“She pushed Yuri down and kissed her.”

Everyone looked at Hyoyeon, speechless.

“Kissing? Bu-But they just had a fight.” Krystal said, confused.

“Not just kissing, and then Yoona she… removed Yuri’s pants and… and you know she…does how you girls do it…” Hyoyeon said, flustered.

“Yoona is not that kind of girl, I don’t know what happened… and why. It was very unlike her.” Hyoyeon added.

“I miss Jessica.” Tiffany suddenly said.

“Aww…” Taeyeon cooed, patting her back.

Then suddenly Tiffany sobbed, “Jessi…”

“Er, Fany-ah…”

And then suddenly tears ran down her face.

“I WANT MY JESSI!!!” She wailed.

“Fany, calm down! What is wrong with you?” Sunny asked, shocked.

But Tiffany didn’t care at all and continued to cry and even stomped her feet, asking for Jessica.

“I don’t want to get married.” Gyuri suddenly said.

She looked at Sooyoung and suddenly tears were brimming in her eyes.

“SOOYOUNG-AH I DON’T WANT TO MARRY HIM!!” She suddenly shouted.

Krystal gulped, “What the-

Sooyoung came to her side and held her hands.

“Gyuri, I don’t want you to marry him either.” She suddenly said.

“To me, you are not just a friend.” She added, shocking everyone.

“Sooyoung-ah. That’s exactly how I feel.” Gyuri said, wrapping her arms around Sooyoung’s shoulders.

“Oh Gyuri…” Sooyoung said in a mushy tone.

And then, they embraced each other in a tight hug with tears rolling down their faces.

Jiyoung panicked, “Okay, what the heck is going on?!”

“It’s the mushrooms!” Krystal replied.

“I knew there’s something wrong with the mushrooms. It must’ve caused some psychedelic effect!” She added.

“In this case, I think everyone who ate them is being extremely honest with their feelings.” Sunny said.

“That explains why Yoona is raping Yuri, Tiffany missing Jessica like a baby and er… I had no idea that Sooyoung and Gyuri have romantic feelings for each other!” Taeyeon said, shocked.

“Calm down, you will startle our baby.” Sunny reminded.

“This is all because of me.” Hyoyeon suddenly said.

She looked at them with tears in her eyes.

“Oh no, Hyoyeon unnie. Not you too!” Krystal sighed.

“IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF MY MUSHROOM SOUP!!!” Hyoyeon cried.

Chapter 88

The Hidden Note

The photo studio at Glam magazine was busy that morning. While the staff and cameramen were busy setting up the backdrop and props for the first shoot, the makeup artistes were busy preparing the models with layers of makeup to make them look perfect. They were being extra cautious because the models they were working for that day were the nation’s current most sought after pair, Im Yoona and Kwon Yuri.

Both girls willingly shared the same dressing room, much to others’ amusement since Yoona usually requested for a separate room.  But this time, she said she didn’t mind sharing. The young model was ready with her makeup. She sat on a chair at the back of the room, flipping the latest issue of Glam while glancing at the other model every now and then.

Yuri noticed Yoona glancing at her through the mirror and frankly, it was too obvious. The magazine she was reading was upside down.

Suddenly, one of the makeup staff who were working on Yuri gasped, “Omo! What is this?”

Yuri raised her eyebrow, “Is there any problem?”

Another staff came closer and let out a small laugh.

“You had fun last night, Miss Yuri?” she asked with a smirk.

Yuri creased her eyebrows in confusion before looking back into the mirror. That was when she noticed the multiple red marks around her neck and chest.

Her face turned red immediately.

“It-It was-

She paused and glanced at Yoona. Their eyes met but the latter quickly looked away and flipped her magazine as if she had nothing to do with it.

“It’s okay, we’ll cover it with makeup,” said the makeup staff.

Yuri bit her lip and looked at the floor, embarrassed. She should have known that Yoona’s aggressiveness from last night could leave her covered in love bites. It was worse in parts of her body that were covered with clothes.

**

“Let me drive you home,” said Yoona to Yuri after they finished the shoot.

Yuri looked at her, puzzled, “You’re asking me?”

“We need to talk.”

**

Yuri accepted the offer and let Yoona drive her back to her house as she promised. Through the journey, they didn’t exchange a word with each other and let the music from the radio fill the atmosphere. Though in reality, it was still pure silence to them no matter how loud the volume was.

When they finally arrived at Yuri’s apartment, Yoona parked her car outside and then they continued to sit in the non-moving car. Suddenly, Yoona turned off the radio.

“Yuri,” she called.

Yuri gulped and turned to look at the younger girl.

“I-I want to apologize for what happened last night at the vacation house…”  Yoona said, stuttering.

Yuri kept mum and waited.

“I wasn’t myself and I hope it won’t change anything between us,” she continued, flustered.

“How could you apologize for that?” asked Yuri with a sigh.

“You’re saying it as if it was a mistake for us to-

She paused when her eyes met Yoona’s. The two girls then continued to stare at each other.

“Yoona, you have to tell me the truth,” said Yuri suddenly.

“How do you really feel about me? Am I really that hateful to you, or do you still-

She paused.

“Do you still… love me?”

Yoona cleared her throat and looked away.

“Because, if you really hate me; I won’t bother you anymore. It’s the least that I could do for you after everything that I’ve done,” said Yuri.

But the younger girl still kept mum.

Yuri nodded, “I take your silence as yes then. Thanks for the ride.”

She turned to her side to exit the car.

“Wait!”

Yuri was shocked when Yoona suddenly grabbed her hand, not letting her leave the car.

“You want to know how I feel for you?” she asked.

Yuri looked at her and nodded.

The younger girl bit her lip, “They said that the mushroom made me do things that I always wanted to do, you know what that means… right?”

“Not exactly,” replied Yuri, asking her to elaborate more.

Yoona sighed.

“I don’t want you to leave, okay? I still have feelings for you, can’t you see that? Do I have to spell it out for you?”

Yuri gulped, shocked.

“But I can’t and I don’t know exactly how to tell you that. Not after what happened between us,” she added.

“Yuri, you hurt me in the way that I never thought you would, so tell me how am I supposed to trust you again? Every sense in me tells me that I should be with you again, but my heart is stopping me from doing so. My heart-

She paused as tears begun to fill her eyes.

“My heart isn’t ready for another break. Being with you is like walking on a thin layer of ice. I feel that I could get hurt anytime…”

After a while, Yuri nodded.

“Yoona-yah, there’s nothing more that I could say. I made a huge mistake and I can’t change what happened. I gave you countless of excuses before, and I think you’re already tired of hearing it all over again.”

“Just look at me,” said Yuri as she held the other girl’s hand gently.

They looked at each other.

“Time may have passed, but I’m still the same Kwon Yuri you know back in high school. I’m still the same person you used to call best friend and I’m still… the same person you fell in love with.”

She smiled, “Remember the time when I climbed over the high wall behind the canteen to skip school? I was chased by a crazy dog.”

Yoona chuckled, “How could I forget?”

“I still remembered you told me not to jump over that particular wall, but I was too stubborn and did it. You teased me for over a month for that,” added Yuri.

“Yeah, how could you be so stupid? Everyone warned you about the crazy dog, but you wouldn’t listen.”

Yuri chuckled.

“Because that is who I am.”

Yoona looked at her, not saying anything.

“Yoona-yah, this is who I am. I won’t learn my lesson until I get the punishment. I’m stubborn and stupid and tend to make bad decisions all the time. But-

“But, I’m also the kind of person who won’t repeat the same mistake.”

**

Tiffany was standing at the international arrival hall. She had offered to come with the Jung family’s driver to pick up the family members from the airport. She was grinning the entire time as she looked at each of the arrived passengers.

She was only waiting for that one special person, Jessica.

Suddenly, a group of people exited the arrival door. Some of them were wearing hats with Japan’s flags on it thus Tiffany concluded that they’re from the same plane as Jessica and other Jungs. She became extra alert and looked around more intently. The driver smiled and shook his head watching Tiffany, who looked like an anxious girlfriend waiting for her boyfriend getting discharged from the army.

“There they are! There they are!” exclaimed Tiffany all of the sudden.

The Jungs emerged from the arrival door with their entourage so it was impossible to miss them. The Director, Albert Jung came out with his eldest daughter by his side, who is also the first successor, Joanna Jung. They were escorted by the managers and a few other official staffs from Glitter and Jung corps. And among them was the granddaughter, Jessica Jung. She walked at the back, wearing her leopard-printed and a pair of shades. She was quiet and it almost seemed like she wasn’t part of the group.

But her fiancé noticed her first. She knew it from a glance because she was the one who chose that leopard coat for her; they have it in a couple set where Tiffany has a scarf that matches the jacket.

“JESSI!!!” exclaimed Tiffany as she set her eyes on her.

Her body began to move by itself, and so she ran towards Jessica as she was shouting her name.

“JESSICAAA!!” she continued.

Everyone stared at her as she was going towards her fiancé, running with open arms. She ran past other Jungs as if they weren’t even there. Jessica stood in the middle of the path, shocked watching the girl coming in her direction like a guided missile.

“Oh hey, honey-

She didn’t manage to finish her sentence when the latter suddenly jumped onto her and hugged her tightly. She almost fell backwards due to the impact.

“I missed you. Did you miss me?” mumbled Tiffany to her left ear.

Jessica couldn’t help but smiled and stroked the girl’s back lovingly.

“What would you do if I say I didn’t?” she teased.

Tiffany immediately released Jessica from her embrace and hit her shoulder.

“Fine! I don’t miss you too!” she said with a cute grunt.

“Hahaha, I’m just kidding! I almost died when I was in Japan for two days.”

“Why?”

“Because I can only breathe the same air as you.”

Tiffany chuckled, “Freaking cheesy!”

“Come here you, the person I missed like crazy,” said Jessica, pulling Tiffany’s arm.

Tiffany complied and flung her arms around Jessica’s neck. Then, by surprise, she pressed her lips onto hers.

Albert and Joanna were stunned by their public display of affection. They were indeed in the middle of the airport, with hundreds of eyes watching them. Jessica noticed from the corner of her eyes that her grandfather was glaring at them. Abruptly, she pulled away from the kiss leaving Tiffany puzzled.

Jessica looked at Tiffany and forced out a smile.

“We-Well, we should save some for tonight,” she said awkwardly.

Tiffany bit her lip, “Yeah, I guess…”

Jessica let out an awkward laugh and quickly pulled Tiffany out of the arrival hall.

**

It was quiet during the ride home with their driver. Jessica and Tiffany were sitting side by side at the passenger’s seat but they didn’t talk much.

“How was the bachelorette sleepover?” asked Jessica.

Tiffany smiled, “It was an unforgettable crazy trip.”

“Sounds like I missed out on so much fun.”

“Yes you did. Yoona jumped on Yuri while Gyuri and Sooyoung kinda confessed to each other. It all happened in one day.”

Jessica laughed and shook her head in amusement.

“How did that happen?!”

“Hyoyeon’s wild mushroom soup.”

“Mushroom soup again? History does repeat itself!” added Jessica, laughing.

Tiffany chuckled and pat the latter’s thigh.

“How was your trip? Was it fun?”

Jessica creased her eyebrows, “Honey, it was a business trip with Grandpa and Aunt Jo. What do you think?”

They both looked at each other blankly before they broke out laughing at the same time. The driver glanced at them through the mirror and smiled watching the two lovebirds.

Tiffany moved closer and circled her arms around Jessica’s waist. Jessica smiled when Tiffany rested her head on her shoulder as if she was the one who was tired from flight. She took Tiffany’s hand and intertwined their fingers.

“Tiffany…” she called softly.

“Hmm?”

“Let’s have dinner outside.”

“Tonight? But mom said that she wanted to have dinner with us. There are a few details about our wedding that’s needed to be look over one more time.”

Jessica shook her head, “I can’t. I have something to talk to you, tonight.”

Tiffany gulped.

“Something? What is it?”

Jessica looked away, purposely avoiding her gaze.

“We’ll talk about it over dinner.”

**

“The family is not at home,” said the middle-aged female maid to Krystal.

Krystal looked around the empty hall of the house and nodded at her. She had come to her aunt’s house that evening with her reasons, but they weren’t there.

“Where are they? Are they going to be back soon?” asked the young Jung, curious. The maid shook her head.

“Madam Joanna hasn’t returned from her Japan trip and Mr. Jaehwan is still at work. Mr. Hyunjoong won’t be home until the weekend while Ms. Hara is… out with her friend.”  

Krystal nodded again, “Is that so?”

“Is there anything that I can help you with, Ms. Krystal?” asked the maid politely.

The young Jung looked at her and smiled.

“Actually, I came here to borrow some books for school from Hara-unnie. I’ll just going to be at the reading room for a while, is that okay?”

The maid looked at her from head to toe, while Krystal played out her good innocent school girl card.

And then she nodded, “Sure, Ms. Krystal. Would you like anything to drink while you’re reading?”

“It’s okay, I’m fine. Thank you.”

**

Krystal made her way upstairs as the maid watched her until she entered the reading room. She closed the thick wooden door behind her and let out a relieved sigh.

Her aunt’s reading room was different than the one at her house. It had more modern artistic touches with white wallpaper and four tall book racks made from stainless steel. It actually looked similar to her aunt’s office at Glitter.

Krystal remembered coming there a few times when she was much younger. That was where the kids always gathered to read or play when the adults were talking about boring things.

She made her way to the first rack and scanned the titles. It was filled with fashion-related books with vibrant spine colors. She quickly moved to the second rack. She looked at the books closely as if she was looking for something in particular.

But after spending thirty minutes on the second rack, she sighed and gave up. She sat on the red couch in the middle of the room to take a brief break and to think.

“There must be something here…” she mumbled to herself.

Suddenly, she reached into her jacket and took out a photo. It was the photo she found at the vacation house a day ago, where her parents and aunt looked much younger. But the question was why Marissa Kim, who is her grandfather’s new girlfriend, was also in the photo. Everything just seemed suspicious.

But Krystal wasn’t sure where to start unveiling the mystery. Her instinct told her that her aunt’s house could be a good start. She leaned her back on the couch and sighed again as she looked around the reading room. And then she noticed something.

There was a door that joined the room to the room next to it. Krystal stood up almost immediately and wasted no time. She walked to the door and turned the door knob without hesitation. It was unlocked.

She peeked through the slightly opened door to check the room. There was a large desk by the window.

“Uncle JaeHwan’s home office?” she wondered to herself.

She entered the office cautiously and walked to the desk. The desk seemed cluttered, like it was being used on daily basis. Krystal made her way to the desk’s first drawer and was ready to pull it open. She paused and looked around to make sure that no one was watching.

She gulped. And then she opened it.

There was nothing unusual in the drawer. There was a bunch of office supplies neatly-placed in their respective slots plus a set of keys. Disappointed, she closed the drawer and moved to the second one underneath. The young girl kneeled down and pulled the handle, but it failed to open. It was locked.

The fact that it was locked made Krystal even more curious. Then she remembered the set of keys from the first drawer. She quickly took it out and began testing the possible keys. First try, failed. So did her second and third. But on the fourth try, she managed to open it.

She opened the drawer carefully to check the contents. There was only a notebook in the locked drawer. Krystal picked it up to take a closer look. The notebook had a damp smell when she opened it. And the pages already turned yellow. It was old.

She flipped it through and realized that it was a diary. There were dates and random jottings in the book that Krystal didn’t understand. Suddenly, she stopped at a page.

There was a piece of note slipped in the pages of the book. It was handwritten and the ink color was fading, but it was still readable.

I don’t think I can meet you anymore.

I’m sorry, but we both have our own family now.

It’s time to move on.

M

“Who’s M?”

All of a sudden, Krystal heard footsteps outside the door.

Chapter 89

Typical You

Krystal heard the sound of incoming footsteps from outside the door. Panicking, she shoved the piece of note into her jeans’ pocket and closed the drawer shut.

“Soojung is here to see me?” said a voice from outside.

The young Jung immediately got up on her feet and ran towards the joint door leading to the reading room. She entered the room and managed to grab a few books on the rack before the door was suddenly opened. 

The wooden door flung open, revealing her petite cousin, Hara.

“Oh, hey unnie!” greeted Krystal as normal as possible. She was trying to hide her rapid breathing as a result from her quick sprint just now.

Hara looked at her with a raised eyebrow as if she sensed something odd. It was weird enough for Krystal to come to see her, and furthermore borrowing books from her family’s reading room. The youngest Jung wasn’t much of a bookworm unlike her sister. 

“Soojung, what brought you here?” asked Hara as she walked into the room.

“I’m just borrowing a few books, is that okay?” replied Krystal with a smile.

Hara looked at her for a few seconds and then nodded.

“Of course.”

“Okay then, I gotta go. I’ll return these back when I’m finished.”

Krystal flashed a quick smile at her cousin as she walked past her through the door and left. Hara stood there watching as Krystal disappeared down the stairs with books in her arms. She looked around the reading room curiously to see what books she took with her. But then her eyes caught something else.

The joint door to the office next door was opened.

**

Jessica ordered the driver to take them to an Italian restaurant for dinner before heading home. Tiffany was ecstatic since it was one of her favorite restaurants in town. It was usually hard to get a table during this hour. When they arrived, there were already people lining up to get in. For some reason, they were allowed to enter immediately when they saw Jessica much to other people’s dismay.

They were seated at a table by the window that was quite far away from other customers. While Tiffany wouldn’t stop grinning the whole time even when she gave her orders to the waiter, Jessica was struggling to fake a simple smile.

“You don’t have to do this, you know? I’m content if I could just have YOU for dinner,” said Tiffany to the girl across her with a mischievous smirk. 

Jessica almost choked on her water upon hearing that. She blushed and immediately grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth, but someone already beat her to it.

She was stunned when Tiffany suddenly wiped her mouth with her napkin. When the girl retreated her hand, she smiled.

“I know, I know. What would you do without me?”

Jessica chuckled and nodded.

“I know right?”

Tiffany was smiling the whole time, mesmerizing her fiancé with her eye-smile and enchanting smile. It was such a loving moment when Jessica suddenly reached forward to hold the other girl’s hand.

“Tiffany…” she said.

Tiffany’s eyes lit up as her name was called.

“Yes Jessi?”

Jessica looked deeply into her eyes and smiled.

“Tiffany, you know how I feel for you, right?” she asked, slow.

“Of course, there’s no need to say,” replied Tiffany.

“And I know how you feel for me,” said Jessica.

Tiffany looked at Jessica and slowly sensing that something wasn’t right. She became worried.

“Tiffany, I love you so much.”

“And I love you too, Jessi.”

Jessica looked down and bit her lip.

“But, do we have to get married?” she said.

Tiffany’s expression changed immediately. She creased her eyebrows and looked at Jessica.

“Wh-What do you mean?”

Jessica gathered her strength and looked up. Their eyes met.

“Marriage is just a formality, isn’t it? It’s just an exchange of vows in front of people and signing a few papers to make it official. Do we have to do all that just to prove that we love each other?”

Tiffany was speechless. She couldn’t believe the words that were coming out from Jessica’s mouth.

“You and I are going to spend the rest of our lives together regardless if we get married or not. So why does it matter?” she added.

Tiffany looked down and bit her lip. She was trying hard to not let tears escape her eyes.

Suddenly, she pulled her hand from Jessica’s grip, startling the latter.

“Jessica, are you saying that you want to cancel the wedding? When it’s only a few days away?”

“It’s not too late to cancel everything.”

Tiffany shook her head.

“Why it matters, you asked?” she said, pissed.

Jessica looked away.

“It matters to me. I want to have an official relationship with you, and registered as your lawfully-wedded wife.”

“Official? Are we not official now?” Jessica argued.

Tiffany scoffed, “Jessi!”

Jessica was shocked.

“Why can’t you understand how I feel? Every girl wants to have a happy ending, a marriage. If you’re not interested in marrying me, then why did you accept my proposal back then?” asked Tiffany, her voice cracked.

“Was it all just a lie?”

“Honey, how could you say that?” asked Jessica, shocked.

“Then how could you say all this to me?!”

They both looked at each other and became silent when the waiter came to deliver their food. When the waiter left, Tiffany stared at Jessica with tears brimming in her eyes.

“I am so disappointed in you, Jessica.”

Jessica gasped.

“I thought you’ve changed, but I guess I’m wrong. I thought I could depend on you…”

Tiffany looked away.

“But I guess you’re not woman enough for me.”

Jessica’s heart fell upon hearing that.

Tiffany grabbed her purse and stood up, “I want to go home.”  

**

After a ride home that seemed so long, they finally reached Jessica’s house. As soon as the driver stopped the car in front of the house, Tiffany grabbed her purse and stormed out before slamming the door. Jessica held her breath as she watched her fiancé making her way to the front door with firm steps, without even glancing at her. She knew she made a big mess this time.

“Tiffany, where’s Jessica?” asked the curious Julia Jung. She was shocked to see the girl entering the house alone.

“Good night mom,” replied Tiffany, short. She wasn’t even answering the question.

Julia raised an eyebrow as she watched the girl making her way up the stairs. She was stomping her feet slightly along the way.

Suddenly, Jessica entered the house with a distressed look on her face.

“Is everything okay?” asked Julia, concerned.

“Good night mom,” replied Jessica before walking to her room upstairs.

Julia gulped.

“Did they fight?”

**

Tiffany threw her purse on the desk and quickly changed into something more comfortable. She was putting on a loose t-shirt when Jessica entered their room. Tiffany shot a glare at her before grabbing a towel and heading to the bathroom. And soon, she heard the sound of a slammed door.

Jessica let out a sigh. She walked to the bathroom and stood in front of the closed door.

“Tiffany, don’t be like this,” she said slowly.

But there was no reply, just the sound of water running from the tap.

Jessica bit her lip, “Honey-

But she didn’t manage to finish her sentence when the door suddenly opened. Tiffany walked past her as if she wasn’t even there and headed to the bed. With weak steps, Jessica moved closer to her and tried to start a conversation again.

“Honey, how long are you gonna ignore me?” she asked.

Tiffany glared at her and shook her head. Then she grabbed a pillow from Jessica’s side of the bed and threw it at her. The latter was startled but she was able to catch the pillow before it hit her face.

Tiffany stared at Jessica.

“Sleep outside,” she said.

The other girl stared at her blankly, as if she couldn’t comprehend a word she was saying.

“Either you sleep outside, or I will,” Tiffany added, firm.

Jessica gulped. She had never imagined Tiffany kicking her out of the room before.

“You’re being overdramatic-

“Get out.”

Jessica bit her lip and nodded.

“Okay, I understand that you’re angry with me right now. I’ll go. We’ll talk tomorrow. Good night Tiffany.”

As soon as Jessica left, tears slowly ran down Tiffany’s face. She sat down on the bed and wiped the tears with the back of her hand.

Jessica, how could you…

**

Krystal Jung was lying on her bed, with a phone glued to her ear. She was smiling the entire time as she was speaking to the person at the other end, while twirling her hair in the process.

“No, don’t say that,” she said coyly, rolling her body to the right side.

“Jiyoung, I really like your eyebrows, I mean it,” she added with a chuckle.

“No, don’t change a thing. I like your eyebrows just the way it is!”

Suddenly, her door was flung open, revealing her sister, Jessica who entered her room without being invited. She was carrying a pillow.

“Jiyoung-ah, wait,” she said gently to the phone.

Jessica shrugged at her sister before she put her pillow on the bed and lied down like it was nobody’s business. Krystal stared at her, speechless.

“What are you doing in my room?”

“Shut up and turn off the light. I’m tired and I need my beauty sleep,” replied the older girl, nonchalant.

Krystal smirked.

“Did Tiffany-unnie kick you out of the room? What stupid thing you do this time?”

“Shut up, Soojung.”

The younger Jung laughed before going back to her conversation with her girlfriend.

“I’m sorry, it’s just my sister, being stupid as usual.”

Jessica glared at her, but the latter didn’t even notice. She was too busy talking in her mushy tone that off goose bumps.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, kay?”

“Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“Dream of me,”

Krystal giggled.

Jessica rolled her eyes.

“Okay, I’m gonna hang up now.”

“No, you hang up first.”

“Okay, on the count of three, one, two, three.”

And then, there was silence. Jessica let a relieved sigh, thinking that they had finally hung up the phone. Now she can finally sleep peacefully.

“You lied!” shrieked Krystal all of the sudden. The older Jung was startled.

“I heard you laugh!”

“You have to hang up first.”

“Okay together, one, two-

Suddenly, Jessica grabbed the phone from her sister’s hand.

“JIYOUNG, GO TO BED! GOODNIGHT!” she shouted and hung up the phone.

Krystal looked at her sister, shocked.

“How could you do that to my girlfriend?!”

“Just sleep already.”

“Wow, I understand that you’re fighting with Tiffany-unnie but why did you let it out on Jiyoung?!”

“Shhh,” mumbled Jessica as she closed her eyes.

Krystal crossed her arms and scoffed, muttering the unfairness of the situation. She got off her bed and sat on her desk in agony.

“Turn off the light,” ordered Jessica from the bed.

“No I won’t. This is my room and I won’t take orders from you. Go sleep on the couch if you want.”

Jessica opened her eyes and glanced at her sister. The young Jung was sitting at her desk, intently examining a piece of paper in her hand. Curious, she climbed down the bed and walked to her sister.

“What is that?”

“None of your business. Go to sleep, you selfish sister,” replied Krystal, bitter.

“Okay, I’ll apologize to Jiyoung tomorrow.”

Krystal glanced at her sister.

“You should. And also, lend me your car. The white BMW.”

“Why should I? You don’t even have a license yet!”

Krystal scoffed and looked away.

“Fine. Just for one day,”

That managed to put a smile on the young Jung’s face. Jessica playfully patted her sister’s head and pulled another chair to sit next to her. She noticed an old photo on the desk and picked it up.

“Hey, isn’t this our parents and Aunt Jo?” she asked.

Krystal nodded.

“Look at the woman between our aunt and Uncle Jaehwan.”

Jessica’s eyes widened.

“Hey, isn’t this Marissa? What was she doing in the photo? They all knew each other before?”

Krystal looked at her sister and smiled.

“Intriguing, isn’t it?”

Jessica stared at her sister and gulped.

“There must be a history that we didn’t know of between them back then. Maybe something terrible happened that led to what’s happening today…”

“What’s happening today? What do you mean?” asked Krystal.

The two sisters looked at each other as the atmosphere turned serious.

“Marissa is planning to take over Glitter.”

Krystal gasped, “What?”

“She managed to make grandpa agree that my wedding will turn the shareholders away, so she proposed a merge with Glam right after my wedding.”

“Bu-But that’s just ridiculous!”

“I can’t let Glitter fell into that woman’s hands! So I even thought of canceling the wedding to save the company but-

“Ahh, so that’s why you’re kicked out of the room.”

Jessica sighed.

“Yes.”

“Typical you.”

“Shut up.”

They looked at each other.

“We can’t let Marissa take over Glitter,” said Jessica, firm.

“And yet we must make sure the wedding will go on as planned,” added Krystal.

Jessica nodded in agreement.

“I can’t lose Tiffany, or Glitter.”

She looked at her sister in despair.

“So what should we do?”

**

It was another peaceful morning at Sunny’s café. Gyuri was sitting at a table by the window, having her breakfast while busily texting and grinning at the same time.

Sunny and her very pregnant wife, Taeyeon were staring at her, couldn’t help but notice her glowing face. They walked to the customer and sat with her without being invited. They did this to their friends all the time.

“Morning Gyuri,” greeted the married couple in unison.

Gyuri glanced at them and smiled warmly, “Morning Sunny, morning Taeyeon!”

“How’s the baby?” she asked.

“Uh, good and healthy. Kicking and doing all the baby things,” replied Taeyeon, still shocked with the cheerful aura emitted from the girl.

“Who are you texting?” asked Sunny, curious.

“Oh, it’s just Sooyoung,” she said, smiling.

“Sooyoung? What did you guys talk about to make you smile like that?” asked the nosy pregnant lady.

Gyuri chuckled.

“Nothing. She just told me that she’s late to work and that she’s so hungry right now.”

Taeyeon and Sunny looked at each other.

“Are you two dating?”

Gyuri looked at them, shocked and slightly blushing.

“Wh-What are you guys talking about?”

“You two are acting like you’re dating.”

“What makes you think so?”

“You’re glowing.”

“Especially when you’re talking about Sooyoung,”

“Or talking to Sooyoung or anything Sooyoung-related,” added Sunny.

“What glow? Don’t be ridiculous, I’m getting married soon!”

“Sounds like you’re forced into it,”

“I’m not!”

Suddenly, her phone beeped. Gyuri picked it up in a heartbeat to check if it was a reply from Sooyoung. But she was wrong. It was a text from someone she didn’t expect.

Are you free for lunch? Can we meet?

Hyunjoong