Hello readers! Special shoutout/thanks to LaizaL for giving me the energy and inspiration to update another chapter hehe ^^

 

[Jessica’s POV]

 

I hazily opened my eyes, finding a terrible cramp emitting from my lower back. Groaning, I slowly sat up and hazily observing my surroundings with my eyes half-closed. The familiar beeping and dank fumes reminded me that I was in the hospital.

 

“Good-evening sleepy head.” I heard a soft, but teasing voice call me.

 

I turned my head, rubbing my eyes to meet a familiar tan girl.

 

“S-Sooyoung!” I jolted up, finally remembering the situation I was in.

 

She chuckled and stared at me for a few moments.

 

I rubbed my head embarrassedly, still not believing that I fell asleep as soon as I got here... or more like passed out.

 

“W-what time is it?” I asked

 

She turned her head towards the clock on the wall. “Uh... 7:15pm.” She read.

 

My jaw dropped as I smacked my head. Was I really out for hours?!

 

“You look rather comfortable there, so I didn’t bother waking you.” she explained, seemingly answering my question.

 

I sighed deeply. “Aish...”

 

I noticed her leg was wrapped in a brace, with some bandages underneath.

 

“Omo... so are you okay now?” I asked rather dumbly.

 

She nodded and gave me her signature toothy grin. “Yep! All went well and I can leave when I’m ready.”

 

“Oh... well that’s good.” I bluntly respond.

 

Her grin twisted into a frown and she crossed her arms.

 

“W-what?” I asked, unsure of what was wrong.

 

“You were late.” She pouted.

 

“I... w-was not!” I sputter out, obviously having no excuse, knowing what she was referring to. 

 

She was still visibly upset, and turned away from me. “Were too.” She mumbled.

 

“Hey! I-I came as fast as I could okay?” I try to defend myself.

 

She was still turned away. “Yeah but you promised you’d be here when I woke up. You know how disappointing it was to wake up to a random, old nurse changing my bandages?”

 

I didn’t respond and just scratched the back of my head. “Uhh...”

 

“And right when you get here, you pass out right in front of me, not even greeting me.” She puffed out her cheeks.

 

I had to fight back a giggle at her childish attitude. It was kind of cute.

 

“To be fair, I ran here and had to go up five flights of stairs! FIVE FREAKING FLIGHTS! You know how tiring that is?” 

 

I was most definitely not a track athlete and just thinking about those endless flights of stairs made me tired. I wonder how I managed to make it...

 

I saw her crack a smile and suddenly burst out laughing.

 

I furled my brows and glared at her. “Yah! Don’t laugh!”

 

She held her stomach, still laughing. “S-sorry, but I really can’t imagine it...”

 

‘Wait, did she not believe me?’

 

“I did! The stupid elevators were broken and I had to go up the stairs! All because of you reckless shikshin!” I vented out angrily.

 

She finally turned to me and stared at me with a sincere expression. “So, you really ran here for me?”

 

“Well who else?” I mindlessly blurted out.

 

She smiled and reached out her hand, pinching my cheeks. “Awh, you’re so cute... thank you Sica~” she sang and I pulled away, rubbing my pinched cheek.

 

“Aish, why’d I bother...” I muttered under my breath, but her supersonic hearing seemed to have.

 

“Because you love me~” She teased.

 

I looked up and hit her shoulder. “Yah! I do not...”

 

“Awh, just admit it Sica... you like me...” she continued to tease.

 

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

“Do not!”

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

“HAH! So you do!”

 

I foolishly fall for her reverse psychology trick and throw my hands over my face.

 

“Why are you so childish!?” I yell and a passing nurse peeks her head in and shushes us.

 

We bow in apology and as she leaves, I sigh out.

 

“Forget it, you’re okay... so I’m going now... I have homework.” I lie, though I probably did have homework considering I haven’t been attending class for a little while.

 

“W-wait Sica! I’m sorry, I was kidding!” I hear her cry out and I continue to make my way to the door when I hear a pained groan from behind me.

 

I quickly turn to see the giant idiot trying to stand up and failing miserably.

 

“What are you doing?!” I rush over to here, just before she fell to the floor. Unfortunately, my feeble body could not support the tall girl and we both crashed to the floor.

 

It was my turn to groan as I was pancaked between the cold, hard hospital floor and the long body of Sooyoung.

 

“Choi Sooyoung, get off me!” I grunt, trying to stand, but her body pinned me down.

 

“Yah, Soo—“

 

I finally looked up and we met eye-to-eye. She was staring at me intensely and we were so close, our noses lightly brushed over each other. I could feel her breath, and I gulped unable to speak or move as if in some trance.

 

Her gaze soon reverted to my upper chest area. I tried to look down to where she was looking. Wait, was she looking at my...?

 

 She spoke, breaking the brief silence.

 

“Where’d you get that locket?” she asked, staring at the silver chained jewelry that was no longer tucked underneath my collar.

 

It was a rather random question considering the position we were in, but she seemed transfixed on it.

 

“T-Tiff gave it to m-me.” I squeaked, still fazed by our close proximity.

 

Before she could respond, a giggling could be heard from the door. We both raise our heads to find none other than our dorm mates standing at the door.

 

Why is it that they always come at the most awkward moments?

 

Sooyoung and I glanced at each other before instantly pushing away from each other with reddened faces.

 

“Oh do carry on, we were just coming to visit but we can come back~” Hyoyeon giggled.

 

“N-no! It’s all a misunderstanding...” I try to explain but Taeyeon of all people just shook her head.

 

“You guys sure have been having a lot of ‘misunderstandings.” She sighed.

 

“You just come at bad times!” I still try to defend myself. I don’t know why they insist there is something between that Shikshin and I. Besides, I wasn’t really interested in that kind of thing anyway.

 

‘Though, I didn’t mind the sound of that.’

 

Aish, what am I thinking?!

 

“Uh... can someone help me up?” Sooyoung asked weakly.

 

Everyone looks down at Sooyoung who was still on the floor with her non-functional legs and remembering that she hadn’t walked in a few days.

 

“Oh! Sorry!” We all apologize and help her back onto the bed with combined effort.

 

There was an awkward silence that breezed through the room as everyone threw each other glances.

 

“Well, we got you some flowers Sooyoung.” Sunny finally broke the silence and placed a vase of a colorful arrangement of flowers.

 

Sooyoung smiled. “Thanks a lot... you guys didn’t have to.” she thanked them and blushed.

 

She was really moved by some flowers? While I ran my up 5 flights of stairs and she just laughed? Hmph, that’s why I don’t bother rushing for anything.

 

I crossed my arms and put on my icy demeanor, which she didn’t seem to notice.

 

“Don’t be silly... we also brought... wait for it...” Yoona briefly left the room and we all stared at the door. “TA-DA!”

 

She returned and the strong scent of spices and cooking filled the room. She carried three bags of various take-out containers filled with food.

 

“FOOOD!!” she shouted excitedly and everyone cheered.

 

I glance at Sooyoung whose eyes instantly lit up and I could almost see the drool seeping from her open mouth.

 

‘Typical shikshin.’ I thought, smirking.

 

The same nurse walked by and shushed us again. Everyone bowed apologetically, instantly lowering their voices.

 

“Awh, thanks... you guys are the best.” Sooyoung gushed and was already digging into a plate of noodles. “So good...” she mumbled with a mouthful.

 

“I know, isn’t my Yoong such a good chef?” Yuri praised, hugging the younger girl tightly from behind.

 

“You made this?” Sooyoung asked, clearly surprised.

 

Yoona nodded proudly. “Yep, all from scratch.”

 

“Wow! You’re jjang!” Sooyoung smiled, still eating as if she hadn’t eaten in weeks.

 

My eye twitched at her appraisal towards the doe-eyed girl. I don’t know why.

 

“Hey Sica, you should take up cooking.” Hyoyeon nudged me and narrowed my eyes at her.

 

“Why should I? I can cook perfectly fine thanks.”

 

“Tuna sandwiches don’t count.” She giggled and I roughly punched her shoulder.

 

“Ow!” she gave a pained expression and turned to Seohyun, who was standing beside her.

 

“It hurts Seobaby...” she pouted, rubbing her shoulder.

 

I rolled my eyes as I watched Seohyun comfort and sooth the choding.

 

“That was delicious!” Sooyoung stated loudly, patting her belly.

 

I smiled a little. She really looked like a kid.

 

“Glad you liked it Sooyoungie.” Yoona put her arm around Sooyoung’s shoulders.

 

I threw daggers at her with my eyes and she widened her eyes fearfully, backing away.

 

Soon, everyone finished eating and it was getting late.

 

“It’s been so quiet at the dorm without you around. Recover quickly okay?” Taeyeon smiled, throwing her fist into the air into a ‘Fighting’ pose.

 

Sooyoung nodded. “Thanks Taeng, I really can’t wait to get out of here. I miss you guys.” She playfully cried.

 

“I miss my Shikshin buddy! Only you understand...” Yoona also ‘cried’ and hugged Sooyoung, causing them to both ‘cry’ on each other.

 

Everyone laughed at them but I couldn’t help but feel a small flame of jealousy burn within me as I watched them acting so close.

 

“Yeah, and I miss my dancing buddy!” Hyoyeon joined in the hug.

 

I bit my lip.

 

“I miss my prankster buddy!” Yuri also joined in.

 

I balled my hand in into a fist.

 

“I miss my gaming buddy!” Sunny even joined in.

 

The flame was slowly growing larger.

 

They all finally broke from the group hug.

 

“Hey Sica-baby, are you coming back to the dorm with us or staying?” Yuri asked, as they all looked at me curiously.

 

“Uh...” I look down at Sooyoung who seemed to have a pleading look in her eyes.

 

“I can stay with Sooyoungie, if Sica-unnie wants to go home and rest.” Yoona offered and I turned to her with the flame ready to burst.

 

“NO!” Everyone looked shocked.

 

“...”

 

I quickly lower my tone. “I-I mean, I’ll s-stay...” I muttered as blood rushed to my cheeks.

 

“You sure? You’ve been staying for the past few days.” Sunny asked a little concerned.

 

“It’s fine, I don’t mind.” I say honestly, glancing at Sooyoung who seemed to be happy with my decision.

 

“Okay then, it’s settled. We’ll see you girls tomorrow.” Taeyeon yawned.

 

“Awh, is my Taengoo tired?” Sunny giggled.

 

Taeyeon nodded childishly and leaned her head on Sunny who just giggled happily and lead the tired girl out of the room.

 

“Let’s go Seobaby. See you later Soo!” Hyoyeon grinned and intertwined her hand with the taller girl and pulled her away.

 

“We’ll see you around. You be good now... and hope we don’t run into anymore ‘misunderstandings.” Yuri winked and grabbed Yoona, running swiftly out of the room. I was about to chase her, but a soft hand wrapped itself around my wrist.

 

“Just leave her Sica.” Sooyoung grinned and I sighed, letting it go.

 

I sighed and sat beside her. “How’s your leg?”

 

She chuckled. “Never better. I’m really lucky to have such nice friends.”

 

“Yeah...” I muttered.

 

“Something wrong?” she asked, seemingly picking up on my change in

 

I shook my head. “Not at all.”

 

“Don’t lie.” She narrowed her eyes.

 

I wave my hands in protest. “It’s really nothing... just tired I guess.”

 

“Sica, I think your cooking is the best.”

 

“Huh?” I was a little shocked by her sudden statement. “I don’t remember ever cooking for you.”

 

She grinned. “Do you remember the first day we met? You made those tuna sandwiches.”

 

I scoffed. “You can barely call that cooking...” I muttered, remembering Hyoyeon’s words.

 

She shook her head. “You know, those were the best tuna sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.”

 

I blushed madly and turned away. “You’re just saying that...”

 

“I mean it.” She smiled sincerely.

 

I can feel my heart race as we exchanged glances.

 

‘Why do you make me feel this way?’

 

---- Meanwhile---

 

[General POV]

 

“Sica-unnie is seriously scary... you think the plan worked?” Yoona asked Yuri who was walking beside her, just behind the other girls.

 

“Oh yeah, I’ve never seen her so irritated...” Yuri grinned at the memory of Jessica looking as if she was about to snap.

 

“When do you think she’ll confess?” Yoona asked, now a little more serious.

 

“Well she needs to be honest with herself first. She’s a little dense with these things.” Yuri sighed.

 

Yoona just nodded. “I hope she finds out soon.”

 

“You and I both.” Yuri swung her arm over the latter’s shoulders as they left the building for the second time that day. 

 

---

 

Hello Readers! 

I'm back again haha a little strange considering I just threw this on hiatus. I'm not trolling I swear lol I just suddenly felt inspired to write again... 

This wasn't edited though, so if anything doesn't make sense or is out of place, do let me know! I'll fix it ASAP 

I'm still leaving this on Hiatus to stay on the safe side of things... I don't wanna disappoint u guys again T.T 

Thanks for all of your lovely comments, I wasn't expecting so many lol you guys are Jjang! (;_;)

Anyways, it's 3am and I'm tired now lol 

So, as always, 

Comments/Feedback is much appreciated! 

Until next time, 

~Rainey