[Jessica’s POV (previous chap)]

{Flashback/Dream}

“Looks like we’re gonna have to teach ya a lesson huh?” He reached for me and Sooyoung swatted his hand away.

“Don’t you dare lay your dirty hands on her.” She threatened in an angry tone.

------

Sooyoung roughly pulled me from his grasp, and then kicked him in the abdomen causing him to fall backwards.

“Why you little b****!” The guy she kicked got up and charged at Sooyoung hitting her against the brick wall.

------

“Ergh, get off me!” He pushes me down roughly.

“Didn’t I just say not to lay your dirty hand on her?” Sooyoung growls at him.

He laughs maniacally. “Sorry, I musta not heard ya chicky.” Sooyoung smirks at him.

“Well let me tell you again so this time you can hear.” She twists his arm causing him to wince in pain and kicks his stomach, causing him to falter, bending down grabbing his stomach.

------

The light illuminating from the curtains painfully blinded me as I rubbed my restless eyes. I take a glance at the clock. It read 7:12am. Strange. I wasn’t used to waking up so early on a weekend. Still, I got up and acknowledged the sleeping body in the bed next to mine. I couldn’t help but observe her closer. I noticed a light purplish bruise formed on her cheek. I frowned. I was the reason she got that bruise but I couldn’t help but smile remembering her heroic act… and when she put her arm around me…I somehow felt…safe. I shake my head vigorously. I’m probably still dazed to be thinking such things.

After my shower, I was bored so I walked out towards the lounge room. Hyoyeon was happily watching T.V, when she took a glance at me.

“Oh, good-morning, did Sooyoung wake you up early today?” she questioned my presence.

I shook my head. “She’s still sleeping.”

Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”

I nodded. “Stop looking at me like that.”

Hyoyeon immediately closed her hanging jaw and curved it into a smile. “Want to watch some T.V?”

I shrugged. “Sure, I don’t have anything better to do.” I took a seat beside her.

We sat watching some drama. I wasn’t really a fan of dramas so I stayed zoned out most of the time. Hyoyeon seemed pretty interested though, she hardly blinked and the emotions could clearly be seen on her face. I think she called it “Oasis” or something like that. It sounded a little odd though. After the show was over, I stretched my arms and stood up.

“Where are you going?” Hyoyeon asked me, finally peeling her eyes away from the television.

“I’m going to go out for awhile… I need some air.” I respond bluntly reaching for my sweater.

“Oh hey, wait.” Hyoyeon followed me towards the door. “If you’re not doing anything, why don’t you join me for dance practice?”

I thought for a moment. “I can’t really dance though …” I modestly replied.

She didn’t want to take no for an answer. “It’s not that you can’t dance… I’ve seen you dance… actually now that I think of it… remember the time we went to the club for your birthday…” She began and I quickly closed with my palm.

“Okay, I get it… I’ll go with you.” I knew her tactics all too well. Once she gets started on something she won’t stop.

I could feel her smile underneath my hand and I let go of her. With that, we left towards the studio.  

---------

Hyoyeon playfully skipped ahead of me humming a cheerful tune. “What a choding.” I joked to myself.

When we arrived she immediately headed towards her music player and turned it on. The room boomed with the hip-hop beats and smooth synthesizers. Her hips began to sway and her arms flowed along. She looked over at me and motioned me over. I resisted, but I quickly gave in and began to move my stiff limbs. I was a little rough, but the atmosphere was great as we danced along with the upbeat music.

I hadn’t realized that an hour had passed and our body’s dripped with beads of sweat.

“I gotta admit Jessica, you got some mad moves!” Hyoyeon chimed at she gulped down some water.

I giggle softly, “Thanks, but nothing special compared to you.”

She flipped her hair dramatically. “Well, it’s only natural.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head smirking. “Whatever you say.”

That’s what I liked about Hyoyeon, she was always so comfortable to be around. She’s the type of person you’d go to if you felt down.

She gasped slightly excited. “Hey! I need a partner for my dance battle at the festival. Why don’t you be my partner?”

“You must be joking.” I scoffed.

Hyoyeon pouted her lips. “Why not?”

“Well first of all, I’m not that great of a dancer, and secondly, I don’t even go to festivals.” I replied

She shakes her head at me. “You’re way too modest Jessica, you’re good!”

I sigh heavily.

“Come on! It will be fun!” She tried to convince me adding a hint of aegyo into her voice.

“No.” I sternly reply, holding my ground and she gives me a sour look.

“You really hate festivals that much huh?”

I simply shrug and I could hear my phone buzzing, I quickly check it.

[From: Fany

 Hey Jess! I don’t know if you’re up yet, but I was just wondering what you were doing?]

I smile and reply.

[To: Fany

Hey Tiff! I’m up! I was just... hanging around the campus. What’s up?]

A few seconds passed and I got another reply.

[From: Fany

Nothing really… hey, want to play a game?]

[To: Fany

What kind of game? Not like those ‘Saw’ movies right?]

[From: Fany

Haha, no silly! Figure out this puzzle: Go to the place where my color blooms. It’s somewhere hidden from the moon and carved secrets etched in wood. ~ Don’t reply until you figure it out! Oh, and it’s in the campus area ;)]  

I look carefully at her message. What is she thinking? Oh well, I guess I’ll play along. Hyoyeon looked at me curiously wiping her face with her towel.

“Uh, I gotta go. I’ll catch you later.” I said hastily grabbing my things and leaving before she could question.

I walked slowly down the halls staring at the message.

“A place where my color blooms? What does that mean?” I scratched my head taking a glance out the window. Suddenly something pink fluttered by. Oh, the cherry blossoms are in bloom already...

“WAIT A MINUTE!” I shouted stopping in my tracks. Tiff’s favorite color is pink… cherry blossoms are pink! Where do they bloom though? I took another look at the campus. Darn, they’re everywhere! 

I took another look at the message. Hidden from the moon… well that must mean some enclosed area… secrets etched in wood? What the heck…

“Argh!” I grabbed my hair frustration. Why is she getting me all worked up so early in the morning?

“Are you okay?” I heard a voice behind me. Startled, I turned around.

“Ah yes, I’m fine Yul…” I replied to the taller girl. I continued. “What are you doing here?”

She raised her hand to reveal a large stack of papers and folders. “I just went to the Student Council room to get these… I need to sort them out.” She obviously didn’t look too excited. “The real question is what are you doing here Sica?”

I open my mouth as if to explain but I merely shook my head. “Kind of a long story but, could you help me with something?”

Her eyes brightened nodding. “What can I help you with? Something to do with Sooyoung perhaps…” she smiled mischievously.

I throw her an icy expression. “What? No!”

“Okay okay, I was just joking. What can I really help you with?”

“Uh well, do you know anywhere on campus where there are “secrets etched on wood”? I asked cautiously.

“Etched in wood? Hmm…” She rubbed her chin in thought. “Oh, maybe the courtyard? You know where that big Gazebo is? A lot of people etch their crush or something on it.”

((This type of thing))

I lifted my head in thought as well. “OH! THE COURTYARD! OF COURSE!” I yelled a little too loudly.

Yuri stepped back a little. “Uhh… what do you need to know that for?”

I shake my head. “It’s nothing, thanks. See ya!” I wave her off leaving her in a strange daze.

I reach the courtyard and there were 3 cherry blossoms trees surrounding the gazebo. It had a long bench in it as I approached. I took a look at the structure. A bunch of acronyms and even full names were etched in. I couldn’t help but spot Yuri’s name mentioned a few times.

“That player…” I smirked suddenly remembering and reaching my phone.

[To Fany:

Hey! I think I found it… is it the courtyard?]

I waited a few moments taking a seat on the small bench just outside the gazebo, next to a flowerbed.

All of a sudden I feel two arms wrap around my shoulders from behind.

“Yep, you got it.” An all too familiar voice whispered in my ear.

Surprised by the sudden contact, I spin around and see the voice’s owner. My heart nearly stopped as my eyes widened with shock at the person standing behind me.

“T…T..tiff?!” I exclaim turning and returning the hug.

“How did you find out so fast Jess? Did I make it too obvious? I didn’t even have time to finish my surprise!” Tiffany pouted jokingly.

“You being in front of me are surprise enough! What are you doing here? How long were you here? When did you get--?” I flustered her with questions but she hushed my lips with her forefinger.

“I’ll explain it all later…  for now, I brought some food. You hungry?” She asked still smiling.

Before I could answer my stomach growled and we both let out soft giggles.

We continued to chat and catch up with each other. It’s been awhile since I’ve talked like this.

“So, when did you get back?” I asked taking a sip of water.

“Well, to make a long story short, after much persuading… I managed to convince my dad to let me come back!” her enthusiasm died a little. “Under some circumstances though.”

I look at her curiously. “…And those circumstances would be…”

“I have to stay at my grandparent’s house, and help them run their flower shop…” she replied.

“Well that doesn’t sound too bad…” I replied taking a bite out of my tuna sandwich. Memories filled my mind of the time Sooyoung and I made tuna sandwiches, where she learned of my cucumber-phobia and taunted me since. I shake my head and turn my attention back to Tiffany who is poking at her sandwich.

“It’s not bad, but I really wanted to move back into the dorms…with you.” Her last words were hardly audible.

“You probably don’t want to go back to the dorm now… that place has become a complete mad house after you left.” I sighed referring to the recent chaos that’s erupted lately.

Tiffany giggled. “That reminds me… how’s your roomie? She still driving you crazy?” she teased.

“She’s…” I hesitate for a moment. I still didn’t know what to think about that tall shikshin girl. She still drives me crazy at times, but at other times I feel this sudden urge to be near her. “She’s something else… that’s for sure.”

“You’ll have to introduce us… she seems like an interesting person from the stories you told me.” Tiffany suggested while packing away our dishes.

“If you insist... I’ll warn you ahead of time though, she’s not very good at first impressions.“

“I think I can manage… anyway, we can worry about that later. I was thinking we should go see a movie later, are you doing anything?” she asked.

“Not really, what movie?”

She thought for a moment. “There is this romantic comedy, it’s supposed to be really good.”

“Sure, why not?” I smile at her. “I’ll just let the girls know at the dorm.”

I pull out my phone and scroll through my contacts. I scroll over Sooyoung’s contact number and I click on it.

[To: Choi Shikshin

Yah Choi Sooyoung! I might be late tonight, so tell the others if they ask.]

*Click* I hit send.

She suddenly grabbed my wrist. “Oh my god! What happened to your hand?” she blurted out in English, while observing a long red mark on my palm,

I hadn’t even realized my scraped hand. It must have been from last night.

{Flashback}

I tried my hardest to pull the man’s arm away that had Sooyoung’s neck firmly grasped.

“Ergh! Get off me!” He grunted before pushing me hard to the ground. I felt a small jolt of pain come from my hand but ignored it, watching Sooyoung furl her brows then twist the guy’s arm and kick him to the ground.

 Ah… that’s right. “Uh…this…” I still hadn’t told Tiffany about what happened. If I did, she would likely go freaked/worried mother mode on me. I DEFINITELY didn’t want that, especially after she just came back. “I burned my hand on the stove.” I said coolly as possible hoping she’d buy it.

She continued to observe my hand. “Burn? But that doesn’t look like---“

“Hey, want to go get some ice-cream? There is this nice little stand nearby.” Before she could answer, I grabbed her hand and made my way out in a desperate attempt to change subjects. It seemed to work as she kept quiet most of the way there.

----Ice-cream stand---

“I’ll have 2 scoops of chocomint!” I exclaimed rather excitedly.

“That’s still your favorite?” Tiffany questioned.

I nod profusely. “Want some?” I offered her my cone holding it near her. Her face reddened slightly before accepting and trying it.

Tiffany pulls away from the cone and she got some on her nose.

I laugh out loud. “You… got some… on you.” I explained in between giggles.

She laughs with me before wiping it off. “Thanks Jess.”

“Ouch!” I heard someone yelp, naturally looking in the direction of the noise. I looked behind Tiffany but there were only some bushes and trees.

Tiffany waved her hand in my face. “Something wrong Jess?”

I turn my attention back to her and shake my head. “It’s nothing. Thought I saw something.”

She just shrugs before taking hold of my hand, intertwining our fingers together. I blushed slightly at our sudden contact.

“I really missed you Jess, it seriously felt like we haven’t done this in ages!” She eye-smiled at me.

I smile back. “It has been ages, I missed you too!”

“Do you want to head to the theatre now? I think it starts soon.”

I nod and we head towards the theatre.

---Theatre---

We enter the dark theatre and take our seats in the middle row. We shared a bag of popcorn as the lights dimmed. The movie began and we were entranced. Watching a particular scene felt like déjà vu. A guy threw his arm and jacket over the girl and scared off some drunks. After that, he took her home and then an intimate scene ensued with some “mood” music. I felt Tiff’s hand brush over mine. Confused, I look at her. Her eyes stared directly into mine. I wanted to ask her what was wrong, but no words came out.

She leaned a little closer. “Jess…” she whispered in a low, husky voice. Her gaze pierced through me, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Right at that moment, I could feel a strange aura emit from behind me that seemed to take me out of my paralyzed state. “Y…yes Tiff?” I say as calmly as possible.

She lowered her gaze to my shirt and pointed. “You got some popcorn on your shirt.”

I quickly turn away brushing away the crumbs. “T..thanks.” I fluster out. She only giggled and turned back to the movie.

----Hour later----

The movie ended and we made our way towards the exit. “Pretty good movie, huh?” she asked smiling widely.

“Ah, yeah…” I respond bluntly. Honestly, I had a hard time concentrating because I kept having this strange feeling like someone was watching me. I shivered.

“…”

“You want to come visit the dorm? I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you again.” I offer trying to lighten the mood.

Her expression brightened. “I would love to!”

---The dorm---

I unlocked the door and entered with Tiffany following.

“Wow, I hadn’t realized how much I missed this place…” Tiffany exclaimed, casually walking in.

“It’s definitely been different without you here.” I smile at her and she smiled back.

“Jessica is that you?” a voice could be heard from the kitchen. I was about to respond but Tiffany hushed me. She motioned me behind the corner.

“Hello? Who’s there?” The voice continued. I nod my head and realize what she’s trying to do.

“Hello! Is anyone--“ We cut her off jumping from behind the corner, causing the older girl to scream loudly and tumble backwards, holding her rapidly beating heart.

“YAH! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! Aish…” Taeyeon held her chest breathing heavily. We only giggle while high-fiving each other. The older girl recuperated herself and looked closer at us.

“Omo… Fany-ah!” Taeyeon jumped up and gave the latter a hug. “Why are you here? Didn’t you go to America?” She asked happily.

“I moved back a couple days ago, I was a little jet lagged, but wanted to see you guys again!” she responded with just as much excitement.

“Waah! I’m so glad your back! These kids have been such a handful lately!” Taeyeon pouted.

“So I’ve heard…” Tiffany giggled. In the past, she had always been like the “Umma” of the dorm, taking care of everyone. Her warm personality is one of the things that drew me to her. “But I’m only visiting…” She frowned.

Suddenly another short girl burst out of her room. “Taengie… are you coming to bed now?” she complained in her aegyo voice, which caused me to wince slightly in annoyance.

“I’m coming, I’m coming…” Taeyeon called back, turning to us. “It was nice to see again Fany. Please come by anytime you like!”

“Thanks Tae Tae!” She replied cutely. I pouted a little. Perhaps it’s a little childish, but I’ve always wanted a cute nickname. All I’ve been called was ‘Jessi’, ‘Sica’ or ‘ice/sleeping princess’. I sighed.

“Can I meet your roommate now Jessi?” Tiffany glanced at me.

“Uh…sure.” I head towards our room. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you though.”

She giggled. “You’re just exaggerating Jess.”

I shrug and knock on the door. I don’t know why I didn’t just walk in, but if that shikshin was doing something, I wanted to be courteous.

I hear light steps at the door. The tall figure opened the door with a shocked look on her face.

“Yo.” I greeted playfully.

She turned her glance to Tiffany. “Wait…you’re…”

She didn’t get to finish her sentence. “I’ve heard a lot about you, I’m Tiffany!” she eye-smiled.

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Just a question, do you prefer the text double spaced or like this?