Chapter 30 – Rekindling the Past

 

“What? But I thought you said you’ve given me two months of vacation?”

 

As Jessica listened to her friend’s explanation, a frown began to become apparent on her face.

 

Heechul is asking her for a favor. She really doesn’t want to do it, but Heechul’s not giving her much of a choice at the moment. In the end she relented. She let out a defeated sigh. “Fine, but only for two days. No more than that.”

 

“Okay. See you tomorrow. Bye.” She placed her cell phone back on her desk and scooted next to Taeyeon on the bed.

 

“Who was that?” Taeyeon asked as she turned to her side and draped an arm over Jessica’s stomach.

 

Jessica placed her hand on Taeyeon’s forearm and began running her fingers over Taeyeon’s smooth skin. “Just Heechul. He…uh…wanted me to come back to work.” She said carefully as to not alarm Taeyeon, but it made Taeyeon spring up from the bed immediately.

 

Taeyeon looked at her with wide eyes. “What? I thought you were free for the rest of the month?”

 

Jessica sat up as well. “I am. He just asked me to cover for my colleague for two days, that’s all.” She explained further.

 

“Two days?” Taeyeon exclaimed. Even though it was only for two days, she’s still not fond of the idea of being away from Jessica, especially not in their current situation where they barely have enough time left together before she disappears from Jessica’s life forever.

 

It was evident Taeyeon wasn’t in favor of the idea. Jessica knew why. She is kind of upset about it too. They barely have time left together and Heechul’s shortening it even more by making her go back to work. But she can’t really neglect her work either. She has a responsibility. She is a doctor afterall.

 

Taeyeon’s expression was sullen. She hated the idea of not having Jessica around for that long.

 

Jessica reached up to Taeyeon’s face and caressed her cheek comfortingly.

 

“I promise this is the last interruption. If he asks me to go back to work for another day, even just for an hour-no-even if it was just for a minute I’ll refuse him.  So don’t sulk anymore okay? I promise we’ll still have plenty of time together.”

 

Taeyeon sighed. “Promise?”

 

“Yes pinky promise.” Jessica smiled.

 

The tip of Taeyeon’s lips curved up in a small smile.

 

Seeing that smile, Jessica couldn’t help but lean in to kiss her.

 

After pulling away, Jessica tugged on Taeyeon’s arm coaxing her to lie back down with her.

 

“Come on, let’s lie back down on the bed.”

 

The two settled back in their previous position with Jessica’s head nuzzled in Taeyeon’s neck and Taeyeon’s arm draped around Jessica’s abdomen.

 

Jessica could tell Taeyeon was still tense about the two of them being apart from the still rapid beating of her heart.

 

“You know, it won’t be that bad.” Jessica assured.

 

Taeyeon pouted. “How are you so sure?”

 

“Well, with me not around, this’ll give you the opportunity to hangout and bond with Yuri.” Jessica said trying to find a silver lining in their temporary parting.

 

Taeyeon immediately stiffened at her suggestion. Jessica didn’t seem to notice as she went on to explain.

 

“Plus, she is your third mission. Might as well help her and get it over with quickly so that we’ll have more time to ourselves later.”

 

Taeyeon bit her lip.

 

I know I’m supposed to be helping Yuri with her problem, but I don’t think spending time with her would be such a wise idea. She mulled.

 

“I’m sure she misses her friend dearly.” Jessica added.

 

Taeyeon frowned at those words. If only you knew.

 

“I’m sure you’d miss her too if you still had your memories, right?” Jessica asked innocently as she looked up at Taeyeon.

 

Taeyeon smiled down nervously.

 

“Y-yeah. Sure.”

 

It was a good thing she doesn’t have her memories then. Even though she is guilty of her true relationship with Yuri, at least she doesn’t need to feel guilty about harboring romantic feelings for her. That thought calmed her down a bit.

 

======

 

“Taeyeon-ah.” Yuri flashed a radiant smile at Taeyeon as she leaned forward and egulfed Taeyeon in a warm embrace.

 

“G-good morning.” Taeyeon greeted back stiffly as she held her arms loosely around Yuri’s form. She still felt uncomfortable being touchy-feely with Yuri.

 

“So, uh, what’s the plan for today?” Taeyeon asked, pulling away swiftly without the other girl noticing.

 

Yuri grinned widely, seemingly oblivious from Taeyeon’s discomfort. “I was thinking we could visit your most favorite place in the world.”

 

Taeyeon quirked a brow. “Most favorite place in the world? What’s that?”

 

Yuri’s smile grew tenfold. “Ooh, you’re going to love this.” She said, tugging at Taeyeon’s wrist. “C’mon let’s go!” She pulled Taeyeon along with her towards the car.

 

======

 

Taeyeon was trying to figure out what was so great about this place that it became her most favorite place in the world. Sure it was bigger than any house on the block and she did once considered it her home, but she didn’t really find anything interesting in it when she visited the place the first time around.

 

Yuri noticed the skeptical look on her face. “I know what you’re thinking. But it’s not really the house itself that’s special. There’s a room inside that you treasure most. Come. Once I show you the room, you’ll understand what I mean.”

 

Yuri opened the door to the house and led Taeyeon down the hall, pass the living room, and pass the kitchen.

 

Yuri stopped in front of two metallic swinging doors. She turned to Taeyeon and motioned for her to open it. “Go on. Open it.”

 

Taeyeon hesitantly placed her palms on both doors.

 

She glanced back at Yuri. Yuri just smiled encouragingly.

 

Taeyeon returned her attention back to the doors. Slowly, she pushed them open.

 

Upon setting her eyes around the room, she froze.

 

“Omo.” She gasped, her eyes wide, mouth agape, and arms still stretched out holding the doors open.

 

Her eyes wandered around the entire room in amazement.

 

The room she just stepped into was a kitchen, but not just any kitchen at that, it was like a replica of some sort of five star restaurant kitchen. It was gigantic! From what she can see, this kitchen probably housed every possible kitchen ware and appliances known to the world! And not just any kitchen ware and appliances either, they’re most likely high class kitchen ware and appliances too!

 

Wow!

 

Everything was made of stainless steel. They were glistening! She can even see her reflection through the dark marble floors!

 

“You like what you see?” Yuri asked as she stepped beside Taeyeon.

 

Taeyeon nodded robotically. “This is such a pimped out kitchen.”

 

Yuri couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Well, this is your special place. Your haven. So of course this place has to be beyond exceptional. Do you like it?”

 

Taeyeon gave her an incredulous look as if she just asked the most absurd question ever.

 

Yuri chuckled some more. “I’ll take it that you love it.”

 

Taeyeon nodded nonstop making Yuri laugh some more.

 

“Well, we’re here at your favorite place, are we just going to stand here and stare at the room the whole day, or do you want to make something delicious?”

 

Taeyeon turned to her, gaping like a fish as she couldn’t believe what Yuri just suggested.

 

“A-are you kidding me!? Oh my goodness, let’s go cook!”

 

======

 

They spent the entire morning and afternoon baking and cooking random food from one of the recipe books they found stacked in the kitchen shelves.

 

Taeyeon’s not gonna lie. She actually enjoyed her time cooking with Yuri. She was apprehensive at first, thinking that she’d have an awkward time with her, but she couldn’t be anymore wrong. The minute they started, they clicked right away.

 

The way they talked and teased each other, it was like they’ve been friends forever. Which shouldn’t have been much of a surprised to her considering they were married. But the thing is, she was surprised. She didn’t think she’d feel so comfortable with her right away.

 

Why did she feel so surprised? It boggles her.

 

“Wow, this velvet cheesecake is heavenly. It just melts in your mouth.”

 

She awoke from her thoughts upon hearing Yuri’s voice.

 

“Well, it was made by the two most amazing chefs in the world.” Taeyeon replied haughtily.

 

“True that.” Yuri nodded. “Seriously, this kitchen is state of the art. I never imagined you’d have such a place in this house.” She added.

 

“Eh? You’ve never been inside this kitchen before?” Taeyeon inquired.

 

Yuri shook her head. “Nope. This is only the third time I’ve ever been here. You never let anyone in here. Ever. Not even me.”

 

That took Taeyeon aback. She understands not letting anyone else inside, but for sure she’d let Yuri in right? She wasn’t that cold hearted to not even let her loved one into her most precious place in the world. If she had the chance to show this place to anyone now, she’d definitely show it to Jessica. So why not Yuri?

 

Yuri noticed the confusion in Taeyeon’s expression so she quickly explained herself. “D-don’t misunderstand, you—uh—were just very protective of this place that’s why you never let anyone in here. Uh…you were a…very private person…is all.”

 

Her explanation sounded very suspicious, but she decided not to delve too much in to it.

 

“Oh, okay.”

 

“So, um, would you like me to give you a tour of the house? You’ve never seen it before right?”

 

She nodded.

 

“Alright, c’mon, I’ll show you to your office, your second home after this kitchen.”

 

======

 

As they were walking down the hall towards Taeyeon’s office, the two of them passed a couple of doors.

 

“What’s this room for?” Taeyeon pointed towards the door on her right.

 

“Uh…um…that’s you bedroom.”

 

“And that door?” Taeyeon pointed on the door right across from her bedroom.

 

“Uh, that’s my bedroom.”

 

Taeyeon found it odd that they slept in separate rooms considering they were spouses.

 

She was about to raise the question when Yuri tugged on her arm.

 

“C’mon, your office is this way.”

 

The question left her mind as quickly as it entered.

 

======

 

It was a plain room. A desk filled with stacks of papers and folders sat on one side of the wall with a PC right next to it. A gigantic bookshelf—the one with a moving ladder—sat on the wall adjacent to the desk. A couch and a coffee table sat on the opposite wall. It looked like your typical home office except twice as large.

 

Taeyeon circled the desk, her fingers lightly tracing the cold surface.

 

She noticed that there weren’t any photo frames sitting on the desk or hanging on the walls. It was a little weird to her that there were no photos of them anywhere in the room. Most people would have at least a photo of their family on their work desk but she didn’t. Odd.

 

She then walked over towards the book shelf and eyed the various stacks of books on the shelves.

 

“You loved to read.” Yuri said when she noticed Taeyeon eyeing the books.

 

Taeyeon took a book out and flipped through it randomly. Then she put it back and turned to face Yuri who was standing in the middle of the room.

 

“Hm. So this is where I spent the rest of my time other than the kitchen, huh?”

 

“Yup. This is where you worked.” Yuri said. She walked towards the desk and stared at it. Then something in her eyes changed.

 

Yuri stared at the empty desk longingly.

 

“I remember, every time I visited you in here, I always saw you slumped on that old leather chair typing away on your computer and signing away paper works. I always thought you looked cool when you were working diligently.” She said smiling at Taeyeon.

 

Taeyeon smiled back genuinely.

 

“You were a busy person, but you always took your work very seriously. Whenever you were busy with work, you’d always forget to eat. That’s why I took it upon myself to always bring you food in here. Some times you were just so stubborn that I’d have to force feed you just so that you wouldn’t starve yourself.” Yuri chuckled as she recalled a distinct memory of the time she force fed her to eat spaghetti. “You’d always whine and pout, and do everything in your power just to make me stop feeding you…but in the end…you’d always relent to me.”

 

The smile on Yuri’s face dropped as quickly as it came. A pained look crossed her face.

 

“After the accident…I’d always find myself in this room…just sitting on that couch and staring at you’re your empty desk. Then the pain and the guilt would creep up on me and I’d find myself crying in this room until I fell asleep.”

 

“Yuri…” Taeyeon sympathized.

 

Taeyeon walked towards Yuri and pulled her into her arms. Yuri immediately clutched on to her for dear life and it pained Taeyeon even more. Her heart goes to Yuri. She went through a lot.

 

“Ssh…it’s okay. I’m here now, right?”

 

Yuri nodded on her shoulder.

 

“I’m so sorry, Taeyeon. For everything.”

 

Taeyeon could feel the sincerity and the guilt in Yuri’s voice.

 

“I know.” Taeyeon said with a sad smile.

 

======

 

After Yuri finished giving Taeyeon a tour around the rest of the house, the two of them settled in the patio where they enjoyed themselves with hot tea and a light snack.

 

The awkwardness between the two has long left the air. They continued getting to know each other. They spoke comfortably and joked around with one another without hesitance.

 

“I’m really glad you came today, Taeyeon.” Yuri said sincerely.

 

“Me too, Yuri.” Taeyeon smiled. “I better get going.”

 

“Taeyeon wait—”

 

Taeyeon paused and looked at Yuri. “What’s up?”

 

“Uh…do you think we could go out on a date sometime?” Yuri asked all of a sudden.

 

Taeyeon’s eyes went wide. “A—a date?”

 

Yuri’s cheeks turned bright red. She looked very bashful. “Uh yeah, if that’s not too much.”

 

Taeyeon was conflicted. Part of her didn’t want to, but she felt bad refusing Yuri when she has been so hospitable to her today. But she also worries about leading her on and hurting Jessica.

 

Yuri’s expression was starting to sink as the seconds flew by. She feels like Taeyeon is going to decline her offer.

 

“You know what it’s okay. Sorry I asked.” A frown was etched on Yuri’s face.

 

Seeing that frown, Taeyeon felt the gult rising within her.

 

“Uhh, let’s do it! How about tomorrow?” Taeyeon blurted out without thinking.

 

“Are you sure…? You don’t have to if you don’t want to…” Yuri said not wanting her to feel obligated to spend time with her.

 

“Yeah! It’s, uh, okay. I want to.”

 

Yuri’s face instantly brightened.

 

“Really?! Thanks Taeyeon! I’m looking forward to it!” Yuri said excitedly as she threw her arms around Taeyeon.

 

Taeyeon just wore an awkward smile.

 

What did I get myself into??

 

======

 

After that, Taeyeon bid Yuri goodbye and headed for home. She arrived at Jessica’s apartment around 5PM.

 

With all of the activities they did today, Taeyeon was exhausted. She went straight to bed to get some rest.

 

By the time she awoke it was already 7PM. Jessica wasn’t home yet.

 

She got up from bed and walked towards the kitchen.

 

She poured herself a glass of water and drank it.

 

As she turned around, someone popped in her line of sight. She screamed and spewed out the water she was drinking towards the intruder.

 

“Ahhhh!” The intruder screamed in a high pitched tone. “Taeyeon! What the heck-?”

 

“Sooyoung??” Taeyeon was surprised to see the angel standing before her. “What are you doing here!? And why are you creeping on me!?”

 

The drenched angel gave Taeyeon a death stare. She was about to pounce on Taeyeon in an attempt to kill her when her angel buddy Sunny latched onto her torso from behind and pulled her back.

 

“Let me go Sunny! I’m going to murder this midget! Let go!” Sooyoung screamed as she tries to get away from Sunny’s stronghold.

 

“Sooyoung! Stop! We’re not supposed to kill her! We’re gonna get in trouble if we harm her!” Sunny was panicking. Sooyoung is a lot stronger than she looks.

 

“I don’t care! I’m going to kill you Taeyeon!”

 

Taeyeon was horrified. She looked behind her to find a weapon to defend herself with. She found a unused pan on the counter and grabbed it. She held it out in front of her to defend herself from Sooyoung’s attack.

 

“I’m sorry! It was an accident!” Taeyeon pleaded.

 

“Sorry my ! Your spit is all over me! It’s disgusting!!!”

 

“You were the one who showed up out of nowhere! You scared me!” Taeyeon defended.

 

“So you’re blaming me!?” This angered Sooyoung even more. “Come here midget! Let’s settle this now!” Sooyoung started clawing towards Taeyeon with her sharp nails.

 

“Sooyoung stop!!” Sunny was trying her best to hold on to Sooyoung. But she’s slowly losing her grip due to Sooyoung’s force.

 

A thunder clap came rumbling from the sky, catching the trios attention.

 

The three instantly froze and paused all of their movments in shock.

 

After a few moments, Sooyoung proceeded towards Taeyeon again. And as she did, another thunder clap came, this time a lot louder than the first. It sent chills down everyone’s spine.

 

Sooyoung knew this was her goddess’ way of warning her. To make her stop her nonsense.

 

She gulped.

 

Afraid of what her goddess would do to her, Sooyoung reluctantly gave up.

 

The rumbling stopped and it became quiet again inside the house.

 

“See what you did Sooyoung.” Sunny scolded.

 

Sooyoung pouted and crossed her arms.

 

“I’ll let you live this time midget.” Sooyoung sneered at Taeyeon.

 

Taeyeon released a sigh of relief. At least the fuss was over.

 

======

 

The three gathered on the sofa of the living room. They were all sipping their freshly made teas as they discussed Taeyeon’s predicament.

 

“I don’t know what to do guys.” Taeyeon said after a while of silence.

 

“We can’t really help you with this one Taeng.” Sunny confessed.

 

“You can’t give me any hint whatsoever? Shouldn’t you know what I’m supposed to do?”

 

“How are we supposed to know what you need to do? We’re just here to check up on you.” Sooyoung spat.

 

“It’s true Taeng. We really don’t know what you need to do. Only the Goddess knows what’s going on. She said it’s solely up to you whether you’re future is stale or bright.”

 

“Up to me? But I don’t even have the slightest idea of how I can fix my dilemma with Yuri. She feels so guilty about what happened to me. And the worst part is, she seems to be genuinely in love with me.”

 

“What’s so bad about that?” Sooyoung asked.

 

“It’s bad because I don’t feel the same way towards her…” Taeyeon confessed. “She loves me romantically but I only deem her as a good friend.” And it looks like Yuri is falling in love with her all over again.

 

“You are in a sticky situation Taeyeon. I’m sorry but we can’t do anything to help you.” Sunny said regretfully. They were given specific instructions to not help Taeyeon in any way.

 

“I know. I guess it’s up to me to to settle things with Yuri…and Jessica…”

 

“Well good luck midget.” Sooyoung said with a mocking smile and two thumbs up.

 

Taeyeon could only groan in response.

 

======

 

When Jessica arrived home, Taeyeon was on the sofa sleeping with the TV still running. She tried to be as quiet as she could when she walked past the couch as to not disturb Taeyeon’s sleep but Taeyeon still noticed and woke up instantly.

 

“Jessica?” She called out groggily.

 

Jessica grimaced. She turned towards Taeyeon with an apologetic look. “Hey. Sorry I woke you. I tried not to make any noise but these floors are really creaky.”

 

“It’s alright. I was waiting up for you. I guess I fell asleep. Are you hungry?”

 

“Yeah, a little.” Jessica confessed.

 

Taeyeon smiled. “I’ll go whip something up for you while you go change.”

 

Jessica nodded and quickly went into the bedroom to change. As soon she was finished, she returned outside to the kitchen where Taeyeon was finishing up.

 

Jessica ate her dinner happily while Taeyeon sat quietly watching her. She was still weighing the invasive thoughts in her mind, whether she should tell Jessica about her and Yuri’s relationship.

 

“What’s eating you Taeyeon?”

 

Taeyeon was taken aback by her question. “Huh? Nothing’s eating me.”

 

“C’mon Taeyeon. I’ve known you for a while. Just spit it out.”

 

Taeyeon sighed. “This is going to be hard to tell you Jessica but I have to confess something.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Taeyeon inhaled deeply before beginning. “You see, there’s a reason why Yuri knows me so well and why she lives in my house. Our relationship is not just that of close friends, but something more." She let out a sigh. "It’s because…it’s because we're married.”

 

There she said it.

 

Jessica’s face contorted in confusion. “What?! You're married?! That can't be!” 

 

Jessica was freaking out.

 

Taeyeon grabbed her hand to calm her down. “A-apparently, before the car accident, Yuri and I got married. It's true! She showed me the wedding pictures and the wedding certifacte—”

 

“Wait, what car accident?!”

 

“Uhh-I also found out the cause of my death today. Apparently, it was a car accident. We were drinking and driving—well I was...uhhh...we were both drunk and  so we got into a car accident from there and I passed away.” Taeyeon explained further. She decided not to tell Jessica the part about her being alive yet because she’s not sure how Jessica would react if she found out the truth. At least not yet.

 

Jessica’s face was livid.

 

“Sooyeon…” Taeyeon rubbed soothing circles on the back of Jessica's hand.

 

Jessica was quiet. But her face said it all.

 

Taeyeon knew this was going to happen. Surprisingly, Jessica is not going as crazy as she thought she would. She's thankful for that.

 

“Does she know about us?” Jessica said out of nowhere.

 

Taeyeon shook her head. “No.”

 

“Well are you planning on telling her?”

 

“Uh…”

 

Jessica’s brows furrowed in middle.  

 

Taeyeon panicked. “O-Of course I will!” She sputtered out nervously.

 

Jessica sent her an icy glare that froze her entire being. “You better or I will have your head on a chopping block.” Jessica said threateningly while she gripped the knife tightly in her hand.

 

Taeyeon could only nod furiously at her fuming girlfriend.

 

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A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you're all well! I'm not sure how many of you are still waiting for an update on this story, but to those who still stuck around, I want to thank you all for still reading my story. I appreciate it deeply. Your comments and encouragement are amazing and they are boosting my spirit! I will try my best to update this but I can't make any promises as to when. But I definitely do plan on updating and finishing this story, as well as my other story Secret Lover. Again, thank you very much to all of the fans of this story! 

 

As usual, thank you for commenting and subscribing! I truly appreciate it! 'Til next time! =]