Chapter 6


“Taemin.”


Taeyeon eyed the two back and forth. Who is this kid? She wondered. She stood awkwardly to the side contemplating on whether to leave and give them privacy or to just stay. In the end she just decided to stay just in case Jessica needed her.


The boy’s eyes narrowed immediately upon verifying that it was indeed Jessica who he saw while he was walking back to class. “What are you doing here?” He asked. His voice was stone cold and it hit Jessica hard.


“I…” Jessica didn’t know what to say. It has been a long time since she last saw Donghae’s younger brother.


“You knew I attended this school, so why? Why are you here?” He questioned again, his voice becoming harsher and harsher every sentence.


Jessica couldn’t form any coherent sentences in her mind. Everything she wanted to tell the young man was all jumbled up in a mess and she didn’t know where to begin. She wanted to explain herself, but at the same time she knew no matter what explanation she produces it wouldn’t satisfy the boy. She also wanted to make amends with him, but she knew it will take more than just an explanation to pacify the boy. It didn’t work before, so how could it work now?


“I’m sorry.” Jessica replied in a trembling voice. That was the only response she could think of without sounding stupid or insensitive. Her gaze darted to the ground hiding the tears that were forming in her eyes. Taemin’s presence had stirred something in her heart. All of the hurt from the past was starting to resurface and haunt her again. It was all too much. Her heart aches. She placed her hand over her chest, hoping to ease her aching heart.


“Sorry?” Taemin scoffed. He couldn’t believe what he just heard from her. “Do you really think a simple sorry would bring him back!? You ruined my family Jessica! I was coping well already and now you show up? Why do you keep coming back and ruining everything!?”


Taemin was fuming. He was hurt and it was Jessica’s entire fault. He was starting to heal and forget about the past, but seeing her again has forced everything to come back. To him, it felt like all of his efforts just went to waste. Just one glimpse of Jessica and all of the hurt came rushing back.


He balled his hands into a fist angrily. He was sick and tired of her ruining everything. He wants to lash out on her so badly. Unable to contain his anger, he raised his palm ready to strike Jessica across the face.


Taeyeon, who was standing off to the side during the entire confrontation, saw the oncoming palm.


Jessica just stood there frozen, her eyes wide at the sight of the palm coming towards her. She tried to move but her feet were glued to the ground. She quickly shut her eyes waiting for the impact. She waited. But nothing came. Nothing happened. She opened an eye and found Taeyeon’s back facing her. Both eyes shot open when she realized that Taeyeon had stepped in between them and grabbed Taemin’s wrist before it could make contact with her face.


“What do you think you’re doing!?” Taeyeon growled furiously. She was astonished and appalled to see him about to lay a hand on Jessica. It was a good thing she didn’t leave because if she did then Jessica would have had a red mark across her face right now. She definitely wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if anything happened to the brunette. They might not get along well, but she still cares for her.


“Let go of me!” Taemin demanded. He tried pulling his arm away from the girl’s tight grip but the she held on firmly.


After a few more struggle, Taeyeon let go of his wrist and grabbed him by the collar, slamming him hard against the concrete wall.


Taemin groaned in pain upon contact with the hard wall.


Taeyeon glanced behind her only to witness Jessica shaking feverishly.


Jessica had her arms wrapped securely around herself as if it was the only thing that was holding her together. If she lets go she might collapse right then and there. Oh was she was frightened. She never imagined in her life that the innocent, kind and shy Taemin would attempt to do such a thing. He was such a gentle boy when she first met him. That Taemin she knew was gone and was replaced by this violent one. She didn’t like it. She didn’t like it at all.


Taeyeon watched helplessly as tears uncontrollably fell from Jessica’s eyes. She was mad that she couldn’t do anything to prevent it. The sight of the distraught girl caused her rage to escalate even more. She gripped the boy’s collar tighter. She returned her attention back to the young man and pushed her arm across the young man’s neck. She didn’t care if she was hurting him. All she could think about was the traumatized girl behind her.


“Don’t you ever, try to hit her again! Do you understand me!?” Taeyeon raged.


Taemin gritted his teeth and attempted to push her away, only to fail miserably at his poor effort.


Taeyeon applied even more force on the boy’s neck, strong enough to make him gasp for air. She was furious that the young man was still trying to retaliate instead of just responding properly.


“Do you understand me!?” Taeyeon yelled again.


“G-go to h-hell!” Taemin spat in between breaths.


At this point, Taeyeon was completely pissed off. The young man was definitely trying to test her patience. She didn’t know what was going on and she didn’t know why the boy was so intent on trying to hurt Jessica, but she definitely doesn’t like the boy’s attitude. He was very reckless and ill-tempered.


She slammed the boy hard again on the wall. “Answer me! Do you—”


Before Taeyeon could finish her question, she heard feet shuffling behind her. She quickly glanced around and found Jessica running down the hallway. She wanted to run after her, but she still had the boy to deal with. She returned her attention back to him and glared at him. The boy glared back at her with the same intensity. She wanted to make him pay for what he did to Jessica, but she knew going after the girl was more important than her revenge. She bit her bottom lip and reluctantly let go of his collar, setting him free. The boy instantly collapsed on the floor upon the release, panting heavily, trying to regain his breathing. He glanced up at her and sneered.


Taeyeon pointed her index finger menacingly at the boy. “You got lucky this time kid.” She said in between gritted teeth before running after Jessica.


------


“Has it commenced yet?” Yunho asked from his throne.


Changmin walked over to his own throne and sat down comfortably. “Yes, hyung.”


“How was it?” Jaejoong asked curiously as he sprang up from his throne and looked over at Changmin’s direction.


“It went rather well. Jessica was hysterical during the whole altercation. Unfortunately Hyoyeon’s subject had to interfere half way through it though.”


“That Taeyeon girl?” Junsu piped in.


Changmin nodded in response.


“Tsk, tsk. Hyoyeon sure know how to interfere in things.” Junsu said shaking his head disapprovingly.


“It doesn’t matter what Hyoyeon does. Our plan will go accordingly without fail.” Yoochun said coolly as he fiddled with the velvet cushion on his lap.


“Yoochun’s right.” Everyone turned to their leader. “We don’t have to worry about her. We just need to make sure we’re on top of things. I’m certain nothing will go in between our plans.” Yunho stated confidently.


The four gods nodded in agreement.


Yunho crossed his arms and smiled evilly. “Kim Hyoyeon, let’s see what you’ve got.”


Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu and Changmin could only stare at their leader amusingly. This is going to be interesting. The four thought simultaneously.


------


Aish! Where is she?


Taeyeon had just finished checking the cafeteria for any glimpse of the girl. She had also checked the classrooms on the first and second floor, as well as the gymnasium and the auditorium in the next building. But still no sign of the girl. She had also asked a couple of students from her class, including random students loitering around the hallway, if they saw the brunette, but no one has spotted her. She was nowhere to be found. It’s as if the girl had just vanished from the face of the earth. Where could she be?


“Ah, I see. Thank you.” Taeyeon politely bowed at the two female students. As soon as they turned to walk away she frowned. They didn’t see her either. Where did she run off to?


Taeyeon speed walked down the west side of the third floor corridor to check the rest of the classrooms.


“Yeah, I don’t know why she was crying either.” Said a male voice.


Taeyeon immediately stopped on her tracks. A girl crying? She walked back to the room she just passed by a second ago and spotted two boys sitting on the desks near the window smoking cigarettes. As she looked closer, she realized it was Jiyoung and Youngbae from her class. The two turned to her direction when they heard her footsteps.


“Hey guys.” Taeyeon waved awkwardly.


“What’s up new kid?” Youngbae nodded at her direction.


Taeyeon bowed back politely. “Erm, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help but overhear you two talking about a crying girl. Did that girl happen to be the new girl from our class?”


“Now that I think about it…yeah, it was the new girl! See! I told you it was her!” Jiyoung nudged his friend playfully.


“Ah! No wonder she looked oddly familiar!” Youngbae acknowledged as well.


Taeyeon brightened at their recognition. “Did you happen to see where she ran off to?” She asked the two boys hopefully.


“Aish, where did we see her again?” Youngbae asked Jiyoung. The latter scratched his temple trying to remember where they saw the crying girl.


“It was outside…erm…”


“Ah! I remember now! She ran off to the courtyard at the back of the school!”


“Courtyard?” Taeyeon asked puzzled. I didn’t see any courtyard when I was running around the school.


“It’s that small secluded area that leads to the forest. The school closed it off because students often sneak out in to the forested area.” Youngbae explained further. “I’m pretty sure that’s where she went.”


“Ah! Thank you so much!” Taeyeon bowed earnestly. She turned around and was about to reach the doorway when Jiyoung called out to her.


“Shortie!”


Taeyeon stopped and turned around to face him. She looked at him curiously.


“I don’t know how close you two are, but take good care of that girl. She seemed really upset when she bumped on to us. Actually she was hysterical. But anyway, find her quickly. I have a feeling she might do something reckless, especially in that state.”


Taeyeon nodded in understanding. “Don’t worry, I will.”


With that, Taeyeon ran off. She ran down the hallway and down the three flights of stairs to the first floor. As she ran, she couldn’t help but worry about what Jiyoung had just informed her.


“She might do something reckless.”


Jessica is depressed right now. If she does something reckless…


Taeyeon’s eyes widened at the thought. She pumped her legs faster.


Jessica, please don’t do anything stupid!


------


“Those buffoons! I can’t believe they’re at it again!”


Sunny and Sooyoung glanced at each other nervously. They had just informed the goddess about Taemin’s sudden emergence. They reassured her that they took care of the current situation, but the goddess was still furious. He wasn’t supposed to appear during Taeyeon and Jessica’s rendezvous in school. Sunny and Sooyoung arranged it so that the three will never cross paths during the mission. But for some odd reason the occurrence of this event has once again bypassed Sooyoung’s vigilant visions just like the “kiss” incident. In addition, Sunny has once again confirmed that she had nothing to do with Taemin’s unexpected appearance as well.


Hyoyeon slammed her fist hard on the armchair. She was completely irate at the sudden turn of events. The only difference this time around was that she knew who was responsible for this incident.


“Those Dong Bang Shin Ki Gods dare think they can fool around with me?” Hyoyeon scoffed.


Steam was coming out of the goddess’ ears. Sunny and Sooyoung took two steps back cautiously just in case the goddess decides to unleash her wrath on them.


“They’ll see what I’m capable of. I will show those guys they can’t take advantage of The Goddess Hyoyeon!” She snatched her golden staff roughly and snapped in half with her bare hands.


The two angels gulped.


“Sunny! Sooyoung!”


The duo stood alert at the sound of their names. “Yes, your highness!” The two angels responded at the same time.


“Fix this problem now! Make sure Taeyeon is on the right path again. Got it?”


“Yes, your highness! We are on it!” The two angels exclaimed at the same time.


Hyoyeon watched as the two angels disappeared behind the golden doors.


“Dong Bang Shin Ki, just you watch. I will make sure your plans will go down the drain, because Kim Hyoyeon is declaring war.”


------


Taeyeon came upon a tall black gate covered with long, winding vines. The gate was slightly open, big enough for a person to squeeze through. From the way the chain and the lock dangled loosely made it obvious that someone forced it open.


So Jessica did come here.


She squeezed through the small opening between the gates and made it to the tiny courtyard. She eyed the place with fascination. The place was still in good shape despite it being closed off for a long period of time. The school was probably keeping it in good shape.


When she didn’t find the brunette anywhere in the courtyard, she instinctively followed the cobblestone path that lead to the forest. As soon as she was inside the forest, she felt a weird aura envelope her. The tall trees covered most of the sunlight so the place was slightly dark. The variety of sounds resonating around her created an eerie vibe. Actually, everything about the forest gave her the goosebumps.


Not wanting to stay in the dark forest any longer, Taeyeon speed walked towards the source of light behind the tall trees ahead.


Once she made it out of there she came upon a small pond. This part of the forest was slightly shaded, but it had enough sunlight emitting a warm and soothing ambiance. As she walked towards the pond, Taeyeon heard the sound of someone sobbing nearby. She followed the sound and clawed her way through the bushes. As she expected, behind it was the girl she had been searching for all afternoon.


She let out a sigh of relief. She was glad to see she was okay. Thank god she didn’t do anything reckless.


She slowly walked over to Jessica stopping just a few feet before her. Her heart wrenched at the sight of her. Jessica was huddled underneath the trunk of a willow tree with her arms wrapped around her legs that were pulled close to her chest. Her face was buried in her arms, concealing the tears that flowed seamlessly from her delicate eyes.


Taeyeon cautiously walked closer to Jessica, kneeling beside the girl. She wanted to comfort her but hesitated to put her hand on her shoulder. She was afraid she might startle the crying girl.


Instead she opted to softly calling out her name. “Jessica.”


Jessica’s once shaking body froze. She slowly lifted her head from the comforts of her arms revealing half of her tearstained face. She stared at Taeyeon with wide eyes surprised to see her kneeling beside her. Her startled expression quickly diminished and was replaced with a scowl. She furrowed her brows, curious as to what Taeyeon was doing there.


“W-what are you d-doing here?” She questioned, her voice shaky from all of the crying.


“I’m here for you silly.” Taeyeon gently smiled.


“I don’t need your pity.” She spat angrily.


Taeyeon flinched at her harsh words but, honestly, she wasn’t surprise at the brunette’s reaction at all. Honestly, she sort of expected it already.


“I’m not here out of pity. I’m here because I’m worried about you.” She said earnestly.


Jessica scoffed. “I’m a big girl,” she stated. “I can take care of myself so you don’t need to concern yourself with my well being. We’re not friends remember?” She said sadly, looking away to hide the tears that resumed flowing. “So just…just leave me alone.” The last part of her sentence became muffled as the girl buried her face back in to the comforts of her arms and cried some more.


Taeyeon, who was still on her knees, scooted over to Jessica and wrapped her arms tenderly around the girl’s small frame.


Jessica froze again.


“What do you think you’re doing?” She mumbled without bothering to look up from her arms, afraid that if she sees the girl’s concerned gaze once more, she might actually fall for it.


When she saw Taeyeon kneeling beside her not too long ago, she was shocked. She didn’t know how the older girl had found her. At that moment, when she gazed in to Taeyeon’s eyes, she was surprised to see pure concern and affection within her round brown eyes. She actually thought that the girl was honestly concerned for her, but then something clicked in her mind. She realized that the older girl’s concern had an underlying motive. She wasn’t here because she really cared about her, she was only here so she can complete her mission.


Her stupid mission. She thought bitterly.


That’s all she cares about. That’s why she refuses to look up. She doesn’t want to get deceived by her fake concern.


“What am I doing?” Taeyeon repeated. She wasn’t sure if she heard her correctly.


“Yeah, what do you think you’re doing?” She muttered again.


“I’m hugging you of course.” Taeyeon smiled widely. “That’s what you do to comfort your friends when they’re upset. You hug them. A friend of mine once told me, ‘hugs are the best cure for sadness.’ She said it takes away the cold feeling in people’s hearts and replaces it with the warmth of the person hugging you.” Taeyeon wasn’t sure when and where she heard that from. It sort of just popped up in her mind like some kind of nostalgia. “Don’t you feel warm right now?” Taeyeon asked.


Jessica blushed. She hated to admit, but she does feel warm in the inside. It didn’t fully take away the pain, but it helped ease it. It feels nice to have someone hug her like this after such a long time. It was nostalgic actually. She hadn’t felt this type of comfort and security from other people’s embrace since…since Donghae’s passing.


She frowned. Of course she had to be reminded of him again. Why is it whatever Taeyeon does, it always reminds her of him? First the kiss, now this? Stupid Taeyeon! Isn’t she supposed to be helping me move on? She gripped her arms tighter in frustration.


“We’re not friends, so stop acting like you really care about me!” Jessica cried out.


Taeyeon frowned.


Acting? Does she really not believe I care for her?


Taeyeon slightly pulled away from the hug, her arms hanging loosely around Jessica’s shoulders.


When the warmth from Taeyeon’s body vanished, Jessica couldn’t help but peek from under her arms. She immediately caught Taeyeon’s tender gaze. She tried to divert her gaze but before she could turn her head away, Taeyeon lifted her chin up, forcing her to look at her. The tenderness that Taeyeon’s eyes once held vanished and was replaced with sadness.


“You really don’t think we’re friends?” She asked dejectedly.


Jessica’s gaze casted downwards. Her heart constricted painfully at the sight of Taeyeon’s sad expression. She felt bad for making her sad. It’s not that she didn’t want to be friends, it’s just…it’s really hard and painful to be with her. She reminds her too much of him.


The brunette’s lack of response brought Taeyeon’s spirit down even more. She let out a disappointed sigh. “I see.”


Jessica awoke from her thoughts and gazed up at Taeyeon’s eyes.


“Fine. You can deny our friendship all you want, but please, please don’t doubt my honest concern for you. I really do care about you. I’m not just saying this because it’s my mission to help you, but because I care, just like how every other human being out there would. You’re probably wondering what I know about being a human when I’m just a lone spirit. Believe it or not, I was once alive and I did live a life just like you. My memories may have been erased, but my feelings are still here. So please. Please rely on me. If you don’t want to treat me as a friend then treat me however you want. But don’t forget I’m here for you. I genuinely care for you so don’t hesitate to lean on me.”


Jessica stared longingly at Taeyeon’s eyes. She felt her eyes becoming watery again. She really does care for her. She thought that she was just putting up an act, but what she failed to see was the girl’s sincerity. All this time she has been with her, Taeyeon has been nothing but honest. It was so stupid of her to doubt her. She was truly touched by her honesty.


Her tears were flowing down freely again.


Taeyeon cupped her cheeks with both hands. One by one, she gently wiped away the oncoming tears with her thumb. As she gazed in Jessica’s eyes, she could feel the relief and the gratefulness emitting from them. She gave Jessica a warm smile and before she knew it, the girl had lunged herself at her and buried her face at the crooked of her neck. Taeyeon smiled at this. Although her shirt was getting soaked with tears, that didn’t bother her at all. She was just glad that the girl has finally started to trust her.


She wrapped her arms around Jessica’s petite waist and held her gently. She rubbed the girl’s back affectionately as she hummed soothingly in her ears.


------


While Jessica was crying in her arms, she had unconsciously drifted off to sleep. Taeyeon didn’t wake her up and she didn’t want to wake her up since the girl looked so serene. So she sat there on the grass with her back leaning against the tree throughout the whole afternoon with Jessica resting peacefully in her arms. By the time Jessica awoke, the sun was already setting. The two walked home together in a comfortable silence.


It was already late in the afternoon when they got back to the apartment. Jessica set down her keys on the counter by the door and wearily walked inside with Taeyeon trailing right behind her. She glanced behind her and saw how exhausted Taeyeaon looked. She felt bad.


Then she remembered their conversation in the forest.


“…don’t forget I’m here for you. I genuinely care for you so don’t hesitate to lean on me.”


She stopped on her tracks causing Taeyeon to stop as well. She turned around and faced her. The blonde stared at her expectantly.


Jessica bit her bottom lip nervously. She wanted to tell Taeyeon something but she doesn't know where to start.


Taeyeon just watched Jessica curiously as the brunette looked off to the side thinking thoughtfully about something. She wondered what she wanted to say.


Jessica looked up abruptly starling Taeyeon.


“Um, t-thank you. Thank you for what you did this afternoon.” She said shyly.


“You’re welcome.” Taeyeon said smiling at her.


Jessica smiled hesitantly as well. “And—uhh…” She started fiddling with the hem of her shirt.


“Hmm?”


“I’m not ready.”


Taeyeon arched a brow puzzled. She wasn’t sure what she meant by that. “Huh?”


“I-I want to tell you about him. About what happened. B-but I’m not ready yet. So please wait. Wait a little bit more. I’ll definitely tell you all about him.”


Taeyeon smiled. “I’ll wait. I’ll wait until you’re ready to tell me so don’t force yourself. When you feel like talking, I’ll be here.”


Jessica smiled timidly.


“Goodnight.” She said before turning around and walking off to her room.


“Goodnight.” Taeyeon whispered. She couldn’t help but grin wider. She was relieved that the girl was slowly starting to open up to her. She might not be able to tell her now, but Taeyeon is certain she’ll be able to tell her someday. And she’ll wait patiently until she can. That she promise. 

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A/N: There you go! I hoped you enjoyed the Taengsic moment ^.^ Finally, they're on speaking terms again! Yay! So who do you think wants Taengsic together and who do you think is against it? Just a warning though, not everything is what they seem. Don't get deceived by the Gods 

Oh yeah, I'm just wondering but what do you guys think of the pace of the story? Is it going to fast? Too slow? Is it confusing? I feel like I'm throwing so much information at you guys that you might start getting confused. Please tell me what you think. If there's something you need me to explain further please let me know. I'll try to answer them as much as I could without revealing too much.

Anyway, thank you for reading! As usual, comments are appreciated! =]