Entering was no problem as Jessica told the reception beforehand about my visit. For a while, I’ve been walking aimlessly around the studio, searching for the particular area they’re holding her photo shoot.

 

I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere.

 

As I walked through the halls of the large studio, I’ve come across some of her framed pictures nailed to the walls.

 

Sometimes I forget she models too.

 

I found myself stopping just to admire them.

 

And she wonders why someone would vie for her affections.

 

Looking at the time, they were probably almost finished based on the estimate time she told me to come pick her up. If you’re wondering why I’m here, she agreed to my request to be my plus one to the company party. I was surprised it didn’t take much convincing.

 

I also felt relieved I wasn’t going alone.

 

I finally arrived in front of (what I think is) the door to her photoshoot.

 

I slowly opened the door, careful not to make any noise as I entered. I could hear the series of shutter sounds and the voice of the photographer giving instructions.

 

“Now move your hand a bit, Ms. Jung,” I heard the photographer say.

 

I smiled as it seems I got the right room.

 

I couldn’t fully see yet since my view was obstructed by staff members and equipment surrounding her.

 

I stealthily approached where they were, making sure not to get in anyone’s way.

 

Nothing would have ever prepared me for what I was about to see.

 

My jaw dropped at the sight before me.

 

My eyes.

 

HAVE BEEN BLESSED.

(Credits to Coridel Ent.)

 

Should I even be seeing this?

 

As much as one would expect me to take advantage of this situation, my heart is definitely not prepared for this.

 

I quickly covered my eyes before my brain overloads from the image of her posing on that damn couch.

 

I took a couple steps backwards. I wanted to flee somewhere where I could sort out my thoughts. I had to cleanse my head of all these impure thoughts I have running through my head.

 

This is so wrong. I’m such a bad friend.

 

As I was busy covering my eyes, I ended up bumping into a staff member causing him to drop some of the equipment he was holding. I immediately dropped down to my knees and began picking up the dropped equipment.

 

“I’m so sorry!” I apologized.

 

Fortunately, he was kind enough to tell me it was okay, that at least nothing got destroyed. He thanked me for picking up the equipment. I felt guilty about it but he reassured me that it was fine. I felt relieved that that ended on a good note. The last thing I wanted was to cause trouble for Jessica.

 

“Soo?” came a voice I knew all too well.

 

I flinched at the mention of my name.

 

I refused to turn around.

 

“Hey,” I greeted.

 

“Hi.”

 

“...”

 

“Is this some sort of strange greeting I don’t know about?” she asked me.

 

I let out an awkward chuckle.

 

“What do you mean?” I feigned ignorance.

 

I sensed her approaching me from behind.

 

I remained still.

 

“Turn around,” she told me in a rather commanding tone.

 

Squeezing my eyes shut, I replied, “I can’t.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Just because.”

 

“...”

 

“...”

 

“I’m wearing a robe.”

 

Hearing that, I opened my eyes and quickly turned around.

 

But I quickly covered my eyes.

 

True to her words, she was wearing a robe but she had it wide open so I still had a full view of her leotard clad body.

 

I heard her laugh at my reaction.

 

“I didn’t take you for being a prude,” she said.

 

“You make it sound like I’m used to seeing half people,” I said, still covering my eyes.

 

“Yah! How am I half ?” she argued.

 

“You’re enough.”

 

I get her point but the form-fitting leotard, her bare legs, and slightly dishevelled hair was just too much for my eyes.

 

My heart isn’t prepared for this at all.

 

I can imagine her rolling her eyes at me.

 

She sighed.

 

After a moment, I heard a rustling sound.

 

“There. You can open your eyes now,” she told me.

 

“You’re not tricking me, are you?”

 

She groaned.

 

She forcefully pulled my hands down, revealing that she had indeed closed her robe much to my relief.

 

“Oh my god. You’re blushing,” she teased, clearly amused at my reddened face.

 

“It’s not like I was expecting I’d arrive here seeing you like that,” I reasoned.

 

She giggled and made a move to open her robe.

 

I quickly covered my eyes again.

 

“I’m kidding,” she said, her voice full of mirth. “You can put down your hands.”

 

“I don’t believe you,” I said.

 

“I swear. I didn’t even open my robe.”

 

All the while, she continued to laugh at me.

 

At least someone’s having fun with this.

 

I then heard someone call her name. It seemed like they had to resume shooting again.

 

“I have to go,” she told me. “Don’t worry. We’re almost done.”

 

“Okay,” I answered.

 

“You can wait in the dressing room,” she instructed. “Just ask around or let someone show you. Tell them you’re with me.”

 

“Okay,” I answered again.

 

I heard her giggle once more before she walked away from me.

 

After a moment, I made a quick exit. I took a deep breath as I focused on calming my heart and trying to cool down.

 

---

 

“Sorry for the wait,” she told me as she entered the dressing room.

 

I paused the game I was playing on my phone and looked up at her as she entered the room.

 

“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” I said, smiling up at her.

 

At least this time, she had her robe on properly, closed. Wait....she walked around like that?

 

“Let me just change out of this and we can go,” she told me.

 

I nodded.

 

“I’ll be outside then.”

 

“You do-”

 

I pretended not to hear and quickly stepped out of the room only to be pulled back into the room moments later as per her request. She wanted me to help pull down the zipper at the back since she could only pull the zipper down halfway.

 

I gulped nervously as my shaking hands reached for the zipper. It was a good thing she had her back to me because I could feel my face burning up once again.

 

As I pulled it down, the back of my fingers grazed her smooth skin. I made a sudden intake of air at the slight touch. I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination, but I felt her shudder. I pulled the zipper all the way down to her waist area.

 

I gulped.

 

Her whole back was now exposed.

 

I took a step back.

 

I could feel myself getting light headed.

 

This was all too much.

 

She was still so close. She was within my reach. How would it feel to have my fingertips slide down her back? Her skin seemed so smooth.

 

But.

 

I had to restrain myself.

 

She wasn’t mine to touch.

 

“Done,” I managed to squeak out. “I-I’ll leave now.”

 

I quickly rushed out of the room, closing the door quickly behind me. I released a sigh of relief as I leaned my back against the wall opposite the door, slowly letting myself slide down until I was sitting on the floor.

 

Squeezing my eyes shut, I covered my face with my hands.

 

“Damn it.”

 

--------------------

 

Once I heard the door close shut, I released a shaky breath I didn’t even notice I was holding. I brought a hand to my face and was surprised how warm my cheeks had gotten. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and saw my cheeks tinted with a pinkish hue.

 

I replayed what occurred earlier in my head, how my body reacted earlier at the slight touch.

 

Was I always that sensitive?

 

It was just a slight graze, but I felt my whole body shudder.

It’s not the first time I’ve had anyone touch me. My stylists help me get dressed and undressed all the time.

I found myself a bit in a daze as I looked at my flustered reflection.

I shook my head.

I reminded myself that I shouldn’t keep her waiting. I quickly stripped out of the leotard and changed into a long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. To complete my outfit, I put on a pair of low heels. After slightly fixing my hair and makeup, I got my bag and left the room.

As I opened the door, I saw Sooyoung sitting on the floor.

Shooting her a questioning glance, I asked, “Are you okay?”

I saw her look up at me and gave me a small smile.

“Yeah. I’m good,” she replied. “You ready?”

I nodded.

She quickly stood up from the floor and dusted off her backside. She offered me her arm which I gladly took. It’s become such a normal thing between us now, walking around while I cling on to her arm. I remember how flustered she was the first time I did it. I was about to let go, worried that she was uncomfortable with it. But, she pulled me closer instead. I took that as a signal not to let go.

Despite what others think of me, I’m actually quite clingy.

I sneaked a glance.

She was acting quite differently from her flustered self before. Now, she was being her usual self.

Once again, I felt a familiar feeling.

Disappointment.

Ah. I feel so confused.

---------

Is god playing with me?

Or is it the devil trying to tempt me?

The moment she pulled me into the small confines of the changing room, was the moment that I felt my self control put to the ultimate test.

I didn’t think much of it when she innocently poked her head out from the curtain of the changing room and gestured at me to approach.

When I was within her reach, she quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me in. Unprepared, I stumbled inside and had to find a way to somehow keep myself from colliding into her.

That was how I found myself with both hands up against the mirror wall and with Jessica in between.

I was staring at her wide-eyed and so was she.

I quickly backed away.

“S-Sorry,” I stuttered.

“No. It was my fault,” she disagreed. “I’m sorry.”

We awkwardly stood there avoiding each other’s gaze.

I cleared my throat to somehow break the tension.

 

“Did you need help with anything?” I asked.

“Ah. Right,” she finally said. “I think the zipper got stuck.”

She pulled her hair up with her hand and turned to show me her side.

Good lord.

Exactly how much skin am I allowed to see today???

With the zipper wide open, it showed her bare side where you could faintly see her ribs and then down to her hip.The only reason why the dress wasn’t falling off was because her other hand was holding it up.

I gulped.

“Umm...I’ll see if I can pull it up,” I said.

Using every ounce of self restraint and willpower within me, I focused on the task at hand. I bit down on my bottom lip in concentration as I fidgeted with the zipper.

I was so happy when I was able to zip it up.

“There.”

Dropping her arms to her sides, she then turned to me and thanked me.

“So what do you think? Does it look okay?”

She presented herself in front of me, moving from side to side and even did a little twirl.

I looked her up and down. I wasn’t able to look at the dress clearly earlier since my mind was busy thinking of other things.

She looks great. Of course she does.

However, I couldn’t help the frown forming on my face.

“Not good?” I hear her say.

“What? No!” I said quickly. “You look great!”

“But your face says otherwise,” she shot back.

How do I explain it to her?

“I swear you look great,” I said. “I just don’t feel comfortable thinking how much attention you’re going to get.”

“And that’s bad?” she questione, quirking an eyebrow at me.

“Well...you know,” I began, dropping my gaze to my feet. “They’ll probably flock all over you and bother you because you look so...you. Then they’ll probably try to talk to you all night and ask for your number or ask you out and...and...as your friend, I don’t want you to get involved with stiff suits. Especially the snobby ones.”

 

I was rambling.

 

“You know what? Don’t listen to me. You should wear what you want. I’ll be there to swat away the flies all night so they won’t annoy you.”

 

I was getting all riled up as I felt myself getting protective. It’s not the first time I was invited by my sister so I was a bit familiar with what guests would be attending. A lot of them were rather unpleasant. And annoying.

 

I stopped with my rambling when I felt her palm on my cheek and made me look up at her.

 

“Hey. If you’re not comfortable with me wearing this, then I won’t,” she told me. “I get what you mean. I’ve had my fair share of encounters.”

 

I was relieved and happy when I heard that.

 

“Besides,” she continued. “I don’t want my date to worry I’ll get snagged by a ‘stiff suits’ all night.”

 

She then winked at me.

 

I looked at her in shock.

 

“D-D-Date?” I stuttered.

 

“Well, technically, I am since I am your plus one,” she said nonchalantly. “That makes me your date.”

 

I continued to stand there in shock. I know it doesn’t really mean anything to her. But the thought of her being my date…

 

She was ping her dress, but before she could pull it all the way down, she faced me.

 

“Well, aren’t you going to get out?” she said. “Or do you plan on watching me change?”

 

I grew flustered at that.

 

She didn’t even wait for me to get out as she continued to pull the zipper down and was about to pull off the dress.

 

My eyes widened.

 

I quickly got out before she could completely take it off.

 

 

Thank god.

 

Be calm, my heart.

 

I took deep breaths. And fanned myself with my hands as if that helped. But I’d like to think it does.

 

One of the sales ladies passing by asked me if I was having an asthma attack. I smiled awkwardly and told her I was fine.

 

Moments later, Jessica appeared, fully clothed.

 

“I guess there’s no point looking for a dress then,” she told me.

 

We went to quite a few shops already.

 

I then felt guilty.

 

She made an effort to do this despite being busy today. I actually overheard her talking to the photographer about continuing the shoot some other time tomorrow as we left.

 

“Sorry,” I said.

 

“It’s fine. I was actually considering wearing a pant suit instead.”

 

Well that would be a sight to see.

 

“A suit?”

 

She nodded.

 

“I figured being in a room full of men, I’d want to look more assertive.”

 

I hummed in understanding.

 

Well that’s something to look forward to.

 

---

 

We decided to drop by the cafe to get something to eat.

 

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” she told me.

 

“Okay. I’ll get us some food then,” I said.

 

While Jessica went to the bathroom, I headed to the counter. I furrowed my brows as I saw Yuri who was resting head on her palm, staring dreamily. Taeyeon, on the other hand, had a silly grin and was shaking her head at Yuri.

 

“Hey, Taeng,” I greeted.

 

She turned to me and smiled.

 

“Hey, Soo,” she greeted back.

 

I told her that I was with Jessica today and that we wanted something to eat. She got right to it and headed to the kitchen.

 

That left me alone with Yuri who seemed to be still unaware of my presence. She still had this dreamy look in her face.

 

I followed her gaze and I couldn’t help but let out a snort.

 

“Yuri-ah, you might scare the new hire if you keep staring at her like that,” I joked.

 

Snapping out of her dze, she shot me an annoyed glare. That only made me want to further.

 

“It really makes me wonder if you only hired her so you could stare at her.”

 

“Wha- I would never!” she defended. “I’ll have you know, Taeng and I made sure we hired someone qualified.”

 

I sighed.

 

“Just talk to her,” I said. “Where did all that confidence of yours go?”

 

“Shut up,” she said.

 

“Come on, Kwon Yuri. I thought you were better than this,” I gestured at her. “Creeping on a girl doesn’t suit you at all.”

 

She raised an eyebrow at me.

 

“Like you didn’t do the same thing with Jessica?”

 

She got me there.

 

“Okay. You’re right. Truce?” I said while holding up a peace sign with my fingers.

 

“Truce,” she said with a sigh.

 

I sat on one of the stools and continued to watch as Yuri continued to stare at the oblivious girl across the room.

 

“Just talk to her,” I said once again.

 

She glared at me in response.

 

“I’m just saying...she’s really nice,” I told her.

 

I heard her sigh.

 

“I know that. I’ve watched her long enough to know that.”

 

Wow. Not creepy at all.

 

I bit back the urge to say that out loud. But like she pointed out earlier, that would be like the pot calling the kettle black.

 

“Then what’s stopping you?”

 

“I...I don’t know. I suddenly get shy or act all awkward like an idiot whenever I try to,” she explained. “And that never happened before.”

 

That’s true. If there’s one thing that defines Yuri, it’s her confidence. Apparently, it’s failing her now when she needs it the most.

 

Maybe I’ll try to help her out a bit.

 

“Hey! Yoona!” I called out to the girl across the room.

 

She looked up at me from across the room and greeted me with a bright smile.

 

“Unnie~” she greeted. She then started walking towards us.

 

I felt Yuri pinch my arm and I winced.

 

“What are you doing?” she growled.

 

“I’m trying to help you out,” I said while I tried to soothe the pain from where she pinched me.

 

“Unnie, I didn’t know you were working today?”

 

We both turned our attention to the girl. I smiled at her in greeting.

 

“I don’t. I’m here with a friend. We got hungry so we came here since it was close by,” I explained.

 

She visibly perked up at what I said and she gave me a knowing look.

 

“Are you here with the pretty unnie?” she asked. “The one I always see you with on the train?”

 

I chuckled.

 

There’s only one person she’s referring to.

 

“Yes. That pretty unnie,” I confirmed.

 

That’s right. I haven’t formally introduced her to Jessica yet. I greeted Yoona one time while on the train and Jessica inquired about her. I told her how she’s a university student and often rides the same train as us as well.

 

“How have you been coping with things here?” I asked.

 

“Ah! I’m really thankful to unnie for suggesting this place to me. Taeyeon and Yuri unnie are really good to me so it’s all okay on my part. I really like it here. I love the food and sometimes, they even let me in the kitchen and watch them cook so that’s a plus. I’m learning a lot from the unnies,” she said as she smiled prettily. “So far, I haven’t made any mistakes. Not yet anyways.”

 

The way she was animatedly telling me about her work experience here, I couldn’t help but be enchanted at this beautiful dongsaeng. I can’t really blame Yuri for staring. Heck, I bet the sudden influx of male customers are because of her too.

 

Seriously. This kid would better off as a model. Maybe I should’ve referred her to Jessica instead.

 

“That’s good to hear,” I said. “Anyways, Yuri told me she plans on cooking something for you as a reward for doing a great job.”

 

I saw Yuri glance at me in my peripheral but I ignored her and just continued to face Yoona. The girl clasped her hands and is obviously excited at what I said. She faced Yuri and grinned at her.

 

“Really!? I love the food here! Will unnie really cook for me?” Yoona said excitedly.

 

“Uh..Umm yeah. Is there anything in particular you want to eat?” Yuri asked.

 

Although itsoundeda bit awkward, at least I got them talking.

 

Yoona excitedly talked about all the food she likes and the food she wanted to try. Since the topic was about food, Yuri seemed to be conversing with her well. She even had a big grin on her face right now.

 

Seeing as I’ll just be in the way, I retreated and walked over to our table.

 

“What took you so long?” she asked me.

 

I gestured to the counter.

 

“I was helping out a friend,” I replied.

 

Whether she understood or not, she nodded at me.

 

Yoon came with our food came in a few minutes. I thought this was the right opportunity to introduce them.

 

“Sica, I want to formally introduce our new hire,” I said.

 

“Oh. She seems familiar,” Sica said focusing her attention on Yoona.

 

Yoona bowed to her and proceeded to introduce herself.

 

“Hello, unnie. I’m Im Yoona and I just started working here recently.”

 

I saw a sense of realization on Sica’s face.

 

“Hi there. I’m Jessica,” she greeted. “You ride the train with us, don’t you?”

 

Yoona nodded.

 

“Yeah. I always see you and Sooyoung unnie together.”

 

Is it my imagination or did she just looked knowingly at me?

 

“Unnie is so pretty,” Yoona commented as she leaned closer and looked at Jessica. “More so up close.”

 

Jessica got flustered as she avoided her gaze.

 

“Thank you,” Jessica replied. “But honestly, I think you’re way prettier than I am.”

 

I saw Jessica eye Yoona’s features as well and hummed in approval.

 

“Have you ever thought about modeling?”

 

Yoona seemed shocked at that. So was I.

 

Straightforward. That's Sica for you.

 

“Umm...I-I no. I’ve received some offers but I declined. I’m not really interested.”

 

“Is that so? That’s too bad,” Sica said with a rather sad look.

 

Yoona had a panicked expression on her face.

 

“Not that I’m saying that modeling isn’t good or anything. I’m just more interested in food and cooking,” Yoona said.

 

Jessica smiled.

 

“I see. I didn’t mean anything bad about earlier. I’m just sad to have lost someone like you as a potential model,” Jessica explained. “Well, I’m glad you’re working here. The food’s really great.”

 

Yoona agreed.

 

“I’m glad too,” Yoona said. “I’ll be excusing myself now. Please enjoy, unnies!”

 

Yoona bowed at us then quickly resumed to serve the other customers.

 

“She’s a nice kid,” I said.

 

“She is,” Sica agreed.

 

---

A/N:

 

Oh my god, guys! This week has been great with all the SNSD promotions. Sadly, it's only for a week. If you haven't listened to their album, GO! LISTEN!

 

And also, JESSICA!!! I love Summer Storm! Not that I'm saying the other songs in the album is bad or anything because they're good too. I just really really find Summer Storm so catchy. And Jessica is so beautiful in the MV. If you haven't listened to it yet, you should.

 

I've been playing both their albums on repeat this past week.

 

Btw, if you haven't noticed yet, Yoona's that girl in the first chapter ;)