After hearing about her step mother being in Daejeon, Taeyeon stayed in her room and didn’t show herself to the others for the rest of the day.

 

Everyone on the table during dinner including Jessica was silently staring at the food in front of them, hoping Taeyeon would come out of the room and join them.

 

While Sooyoung was sneaking in a potato chip and silently chewing it, Sunny was breathing loudly through her nose. It’s what Taeyeon taught her to do every time she feels angry which is pretty much all the time.

 

All the girls flinched and turned their heads towards Sunny’s direction when the girl slammed her fist on the table.

 

“That’s it. I’m going to talk to her.”

 

“Unnie, you aren’t exactly the most comforting person to talk to,” said Yoona.

 

“I’ll do it.”

 

Sunny glared at Jessica and although the latter was used to getting that from the girl, she still cowers every time she sees it.

 

“I mean, I may have only known her for less than two days but I know what it feels like running away from someone.”

 

Before Sunny could object, she stood up and made a bee line towards Taeyeon’s room.

 

“Taengoo?”

 

The girl looked up when she heard her name being called and was surprised to see that it wasn’t one of the seven jewellers.

 

“Jessica? Shouldn’t you be eating with them?”

 

“We couldn’t eat knowing that you’re sulking here.” She sat down beside her and sighed. “I understand that you’re scared. I would be, too if someone was out there trying to kill me but being here alone and pondering about it won’t help either.”

 

“Besides, Soo said she was just here because she was looking for something to throw her money on. Your money.”

 

“But what if she finds out that I’m here? What if she hurts you guys, too? It’d be my fault.”

 

“You’ve never even tried leaving this house.”

 

“How’d you know that?”

 

“Yoong told me and that’s kind of sad. You’ve been here for three years and you’ve never gone sight-seeing.”

 

“I can’t afford to be seen by anyone. They might recognize me.”

 

“I know what that feels now but that still doesn’t mean you should stop living. You could still go outside if you wanted to. You could wear masks or any other form of disguises.”

 

Taeyeon kept mum so Jessica did what she does when she wants to comfort someone, knowing very well that it’s probably what Taeyeon needed. She inched closer to the girl and embraced her tiny frame.

 

“Uh…what are you doing?”

 

“Hugging you. What? You’ve never been hugged.”

 

“I have but why are you doing it?”

 

“Because you need it. My mom would hug me every time I’m scared.”

 

“My dad used to do that to me, too,” she mumbled as she finally returned the hug. “The hugs I’ve received after he passed away didn’t really do anything to comfort me. They just felt empty.”

 

“Does my hug feel like that?”

 

Taeyeon shook her head and said, “It feels comforting. Thank you.”

 

“I actually needed one, too.”

 

Jessica hesitantly pulled away, immediately missing the warmth. “Listen, we’re all here for you and we’re not going to let that step mom of yours to hurt you. I know we’ve only known each other for two days but just know that I care about you a lot. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have had place to live in and I wouldn’t have had met all the other girls. I’m thankful for that.”

 

She smiled and held Taeyeon’s hand. “We should definitely go sight-seeing once we’re sure that that step mother of yours is gone.”

 

“But—“

 

“Trust me. I’ll take care of you.”

 

“We’ve only known each other for two days.”

 

“True but that didn’t stop you from letting me stay in this house when we first met.”

 

Jessica’s smile grew wider when Taeyeon couldn’t think of anything to say for a moment.

 

“You’re very charming and persuasive.”

 

“Do you have a problem with that?”

 

Taeyeon shook her head and stared at Jessica in amusement.

 

“Are you like that with everyone you meet for the first time?”

 

“Just the interesting and attractive ones.”

 

Taeyeon frowned and tilted her head to the side. She couldn’t believe Jessica was actually doing this. “You’re flirting with me, aren’t you?”

 

“In my defense, I was just being friendly but if you’re going to take it that way then I guess that’s fine.”

 

A scoff was emitted. “You’re unbelievable.”

 

“What? I was just trying to cheer you up.” Jessica chuckled as she followed Taeyeon who was on her way to the dining area.

 

“Are you against flirting?”

 

Taeyeon bit her lip to hide the smile that was creeping up her face. She couldn’t understand why she was feeling really comfortable with someone who was practically a stranger.

 

“Hey, you’re really going to ignore me?”

 

The girls had finished their dinner and Taeyeon was still keeping up her act of ignoring the new girl. It wasn’t until Jessica has devised a plan to get noticed by her once again.

 

She sat on Taeyeon’s bed and conjured up all the aegyo she has in her in one pout. That broke Taeyeon’s act because you can’t simply ignore the girl’s ‘lost-puppy’ look.

 

Two weeks after the news of Park Gyuri being in Daejeon, Jessica and Taeyeon figured that that she would’ve gone back to Seoul by now and they both could go out and take a look around the city. They were still careful not to be seen by anyone so they decided that wearing a pair of wayfarers and a cap would do.

 

The two of them have also done a hair make-over with the help of Tiffany and Yoona. The once blonde hair that Jessica had was now a lighter shade of brown and the once black hair that Taeyeon had turned into the same shade as Jessica’s. Needless to say, the two looked identical with their new hair especially when it’s styled the same way.

 

They looked at each other and laughed at how similar they looked. Both were wearing a dark blue shirt and with their new hair, they almost looked like twins. The other girl being shorter, of course.

 

“So I was thinking of going to an amusement park. I looked it up last night and it seems decent.”

 

“Fine by me.”

 

 

---

 

 

“So you’ve really never gone out of the house for three years?” Jessica asked, pinching the cotton candy and sharing it with Taeyeon.

 

“I have. I’ve been to the grocery store nearby but that’s it.”

 

“Oh my god, I don’t have to go through that, do I?”

 

“Well, we’re already out of the house.”

 

“And that’s all thanks to me.” Jessica smiled smugly.

 

The cotton candy that was on Taeyeon’s hand ended up on the space between the other girl’s lips and nose, serving as a moustache. Jessica swatted Taeyeon’s hand away and ran away.

 

“We should see their zoo.”

 

“How come you know so much more about Daejeon than I do?”

 

“Oh come on, Taengoo, we’re in Daejeon. This is Korea’s Silicon Valley. How can you not know about this thing called the internet?”

 

“I liked you more when you were being all flirty.”

 

“Really now?”

 

“Nope,” she answered as she headed for the zoo.

 

The two were inside the tour bus that was going to go around the place for them to see the animals. Taeyeon squealed when she saw the bears.

 

“That bear waved at me. Look!” She kept tugging on Jessica’s sleeve even when she already had the girl’s full attention.

 

“Do you think their meat tastes good?”

 

Taeyeon stared at her, judging her.

 

“What? I’m hungry.”

 

Taeyeon rolled her eyes and watched as the bears eat the food that was thrown their way.

 

They were halfway there and Jessica wouldn’t stop whining about being hungry. When Taeyeon reminded her that it was her idea to check out the zoo, Jessica answered, “I thought we were going to eat first. Did you honestly expect me to be full by eating cotton candies?”

 

She only stopped whining when Taeyeon finally took out the chocolate bar she was saving for later. From that point on, Jessica also joined her in watching the animals being fed. She wasn’t sure but she could only guess that the girl was now suffering from sugar rush.

 

But that was only one goddamn bar!

 

When the tour ended Jessica insisted on going to a restaurant that served tasty ramyun and so they did. Taeyeon ordered a lot of food but Jessica ended up eating most of it. She only did it since Jessica insisted on paying for their meal but she didn’t think Jessica could eat like a guy. Like two guys who haven’t eaten in days.

 

“You really like ramyun, huh?”

 

“Mmhmm, before I didn’t even know you should chew it. I just swallow it like I’m drinking water.”

 

“How come I’ve never seen you eat like this back at the house?”

 

“Sunny glaring at me distracts me from devouring all the food. She’s still giving me the evil-eye. It’s been weeks for crying out loud.”

 

“She’s just naturally like that. Is that how you’re able to eat a meal intended for five people? Because you haven’t eaten so much these past few weeks?”

 

“Not really. I guess I’m just used to eating like a dude because I hang out with them a lot. Almost all my good friends are guys.”

 

Taeyeon looked up from her plate and asked, “Why? You don’t like hanging out with girls?”

 

“I’m just more comfortable hanging out with guys. They’re not picky-eaters. I can tell them I despise eating cucumbers and they won’t tell me what the benefits of those icky things are. I’d occasionally be pranked but I honestly don’t mind. I get back at them when it gets too much.”

 

Jessica shrugged and added, “Girls are too much of a hassle to hang out with.”

 

Taeyeon raised an eyebrow and stared questioningly at Jessica.

 

“Not you though,” Jessica quickly backpedalled.

 

“Are you saying you don’t think I’m a girl?”

 

“No, no, no! You’re getting this all wrong.”

 

“You consider me as a boy, is that it? I’m one of your guy friends?”

 

“No! I didn’t say anything like that.”

 

“You don’t like girls?”

 

“I like girls! In fact, I like them more than I like dudes. I’d rather go out with them on a date than go out on a date with a man.”

 

“Oh.”

 

Jessica sighed.

 

“So is this a date then?”

 

Jessica opened but closes it right away. Taeyeon guffawed and when Jessica realized what Taeyeon was doing, she picked up a clean spoon and hit the girl’s forehead with it.

 

“Ouch! That hurts. I was just doing what you were doing for the past few weeks, you flirt!”

 

She tried hitting Jessica’s forehead with her own spoon but Jessica dodged it. That resulted in Jessica hitting the back of her head against the chair and Taeyeon laughing her head off.

 

 

---

 

 

“Yes, Miss Gyuri, I’ve talk to the people and they’re already fixing it. Yes, Miss Gyuri.” She ended the call and entered the restaurant across the street.

 

Hara has been running around Daejeon trying to purchase the properties that her lady boss wanted to develop into a business establishment and she was famished.

 

She just really wanted to eat and go back to Seoul as soon as she’s done but she got more than what she wanted. Right across the booth that she sat on were two girls. Same hair color and she almost thought that they were twins but as she stared at them even more, she found out that the other one had a taller nose and a weird set of teeth.

 

The other girl had a dimple on her chin as she smiled at the other girl and when she laughed, that’s when Hara recognized her.

 

Hara gasped silently and covered her face with the menu. They knew the girl was still alive but she wasn’t expecting to see her there out of all the places they’ve searched for her.

 

She forgot about being hungry and immediately called the driver to pick her up. She was sure that her lady boss was going to like the news she’s got for her.

 

She did a tiny mistake though. One mistake that Gyuri found unacceptable.

 

“You saw her and you didn’t even bother following her? You, useless being!”

 

“I’m sorry, Miss Gyuri. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

 

When the woman has finally calmed down, she scoffed and put on the most evil grin Hara has seen yet. “She must’ve thought she could hide from me forever. Hara, I want you to pay someone to find her and also, clear my schedule. I’ll be handling that little brat myself.”

 

 

---

 

 

The two went out together more frequently and there were times when the other girls would go with them during their day off from work.

 

In the span of five weeks, Taeyeon and Jessica have grown closer and maybe it was the faux flirting but Taeyeon thinks that she actually feels something for Jessica. Tiffany teased them about going out on dates and Taeyeon could’ve sworn that she saw Jessica blushing. Every time the innocent Yoona would ask if they were going to go out on a date, Jessica kept mum and looked down while she would wave off the curious younger girl.

 

They would go out and eat during the weekends and go to places on Daejeon that they haven’t seen yet. They did all that thinking that no one would ever recognize them but just a few days ago, the men that Gyuri has hired to look for Taeyeon have finally found her.

 

Just as Gyuri instructed, the men just followed her and Jessica home and reported where she was staying at. It was a Sunday morning when Gyuri decided to take out Taeyeon while the two girls were grocery shopping. Like her men said, Taeyeon and another girl usually would go out during Sunday so they waited for that to happen.

 

Gyuri’s plan was to eliminate her once she was alone so she told Hara to distract the girl that was with Taeyeon any way she could. There was no option for Hara but to obey and do everything she possibly could to get Jessica’s eyes away from Taeyeon. When that happened, Gyuri grabbed the opportunity to come face to face with her pesky step daughter once again.

 

“Nice to see you again, dear.”

 

For a second, Taeyeon froze as she heard that wicked voice again but then she got back to her senses and took the chance to get out of there. Despite having such short legs, the one advantage about being small is that she could hide in tiny places.

 

She didn’t stay there for long though and when she regained her strength, she ran again. She headed for what seemed to be like a forest, thinking that it would be harder for them to find her there. She kept on running but ended up having nowhere to go to.

 

She turned around but stayed rooted to her place when she heard the barking dogs and she soon found the two dogs standing in front of her. How she wished her own two dogs were there.

 

“Your death is inevitable, dear. I congratulate you for extending your life for three more years. Do you know how much wrinkles you’ve given me for disappearing like that?” Gyuri was coming closer and Taeyeon kept backing up.

 

She looked back and saw that she was nearing the edge of the cliff. Before she knew it, her step mother already had a deathly grip on her forearm.

 

“Be careful, dear. We don’t want you to fall down there now, do we? On second thought.”

 

Gyuri shoved Taeyeon strong enough for the girl to fall over the edge of the cliff. She then walked away along with her two bodyguards and Hara. The huge grin on her face could be seen a mile away.

 

“That was easier than I thought.”

 

“Miss Gyuri, aren’t we going to make sure that she’s actually dead this time?”

 

“How dare you question—no. Never mind. I shouldn’t even be angry. This is a good day for me.”

 

She patted Hara on the back, albeit a little too rough, and once they got back to the car, Gyuri looked back one last time. “Goodbye, dear. Ugh! Like finally.”

 

 

---

 

 

“Why would you let her out of your sight?!” Sunny asked as she along with the other girls looked for Taeyeon. They let The Cardinal and Buckingham sniff Taeyeon’s scent and follow it.

 

“I’m sorry. There was this girl and she was asking me stuff and I swear to god that didn’t even take more than a minute.”

 

Yuri and Sunny pulled on the dogs’ leashes when they saw Gyuri getting inside her car.

 

“Oh no, Taengoo-unnie.”

 

Once the car was out of sight, they let the dog lead them to where Taeyeon hopefully was. They ended up in the same cliff and that’s when they started panicking.

 

“Where is she?”

 

“What did that witch do to her?”

 

“We-we’re probably too late.”

 

Everyone looked at the youngest.

 

“No…no! We can’t be too late,” Jessica bellowed and she fell on her knees, hands covering her face as she cried her heart out. She couldn’t help but think that it was indeed her fault.

 

“If something really happened to Taengoo then this would all be on you, Jess—“

 

“She’s right there!” Hyoyeon was standing at the edge of the cliff and pointing to the shore. The girls looked at where she was pointing her finger at and true enough, they saw Taeyeon on the shore.

 

She lying down on her stomach and the girls couldn’t tell if she was conscious or not so they ran as quickly as they could to get to where she was. The first ones to arrive were Sunny and Hyoyeon, the last one being Jessica.

 

“Taengoo.”

 

“Is she alright?”

 

“Taengoo-unnie.”

 

The first thing Taeyeon did when she regained her consciousness was to touch her . She grunted as she caressed it. “My …”

 

“We were worried for nothing.” Sunny rolled her eyes as Taeyeon continued to touch her .

 

“What’s wrong with your , Taengoo-unnie?”

 

She looked up and saw Yoona crouching down in front of her.

 

“Gyuri pushed me off the cliff and I fell first into the water so now my hurts.”

 

Hyoyeon was the first one to ask the question that was on everyone’s mind. “Did Gyuri think you were a goner when you fell off the cliff? She looked ecstatic when she left.”

 

“I think so. I’m not sure. I was too busy hoping that I would survive the fall and have the energy to make it back to the shore.”

 

Sunny clucked her tongue. “Your step mom is as stupid as Jessica here.”

 

Taeyeon looked at the girl who had her head bowed down in shame and she tried to stand up to get to her. With much effort, she was finally able to do so.

 

“Jessica, don’t listen to grumpy Sunny. If you’re thinking it’s your fault, then stop because it isn’t. You didn’t do anything—“

 

“Exactly! I didn’t do anything to—“

 

“You didn’t do anything to harm me.”

 

“That’s not true and you know it. If I didn’t insist on going outside then they wouldn’t have known you’re here. I let you out of my sight even though I promised that I would take care of you.”

 

“I’m only small for my age but I’m certain that I can take care of myself. I’ll repeat, you aren’t at fault.” She cupped Jessica’s cheeks and said, “Look at me…di-did you cry? Were you crying just now?”

 

“I was very worried about you.” She tried to look away but Taeyeon’s hands kept her head in place.

 

“We were very worried, too, Taengoo-unnie but we didn’t cry.” Yoona was now standing beside her, grinning like a child and moving her head like a puppy asking to be petted.

 

Taeyeon smiled and ruffled the young girl’s head but shifted her attention to Jessica once again. “It’s not your fault, okay? Plus, I’m alive and oddly enough I think that fall shook my head a bit and I think now my fear of Gyuri has lessened. I think I actually needed that scare to shake me up a bit and realize that I can’t be hiding forever.”

 

“But you could get hurt or…or worse…”

 

Taeyeon couldn’t help but smile and she knew it would be a weird thing to be doing at that time so she tried really hard not to show it. How could she not though? The girl she’s spent time with day in and day out possibly has feelings for her as well.

 

“I’ll be alright. I have you to protect me, don’t I?”

 

“We are clearly not needed here.”

 

The two girls looked at Soo and the other girls and took in the different expressions on their faces. Others were indifferent, some were smiling and Sunny was, as usual, scowling.

 

“That’s not true, Sooyoungie. I need you to give me a piggyback ride because my hurts. My back, too.”

 

“Noooooo. Go get one from your girlfriend.”

 

Taeyeon and Jessica could feel a blush creeping up their faces. They both turned away from each other but after a few seconds, Jessica decided that it was fine giving Taeyeon a  piggyback ride if she really needed it.

 

The shorter girl refused at first but after she got rejected by the other seven girls, she had no choice but to get on Jessica’s back as they headed home. She was worried that the frail-looking girl was going to hurt her back too but Jessica was surprisingly fit.

 

It was awkward for a bit but when they started talking again, the awkward atmosphere went away and it the two went back to how they would act every time they went out.

 

“I’ve made up my mind. I’ll be getting back what’s mine and I’ll make sure Gyuri will pay for what she did to my father.”

 

“Easy there. Let your heal first, okay?”

 

Taeyeon chuckled as if she didn’t fall off the cliff earlier. “Will do. Thank you for worrying about me.”

 

“We were all worried.”

 

“You’re the one who cried.”

 

“Does that equate to worrying more?”

 

“I don’t know. Does it?”

 

“Maybe. I just know that I was scared that something bad might’ve happened to you. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if that was the case.”

 

“Because you would feel guilty that you weren’t able to protect me?” Taeyeon felt something tugging at her heartstrings. She started loosening her hold around Jessica but was stopped when the latter moved one hand from her the back of her knees to her arm.

 

“It would kill me if I lose you.”

 

When Taeyeon looked up and caught sight of Jessica’s ears, she noticed how red they’ve become. She was going to about it but let it go. She’s currently on cloud nine hearing those words coming out of the girl’s mouth.

 

Later that evening when Jessica was already asleep, Taeyeon woke up the girls she’s been living with for the past three years and told them, “I’m going back to Seoul.”

 

 

____

next chapter would be the last part. i'm really not satisfied with this one. i usually write a chapter in one go but with this one, i completed it within three days so the thought's a bit unorganized and it didn't go as smoothly as i hoped it would be. writing multi-shots and one-shotsis seriously going to be the death of me. it feels like i'm being limited and being rushed or smth

but yeah, here's what my brain has come up with lol

will proofread later