Chapter 19
Forever
Author’s POV:
“Let’s get ice cream!” Tao suggested, wanting to satisfy his own cravings while getting Jessica to feel better at the same time.
“Ice cream?” Jessica was feeling down and tired from crying twice in a row in one day.
Tao nodded his head with excitement. “I have yet to try all the flavors of ice cream! It’s my main goal. After I tried all of them, I can tell noona which one is the top best. That way, you don’t have to waste money buying the less sweet flavors.”
Jessica peeked a smile at Tao’s outgoing aura. She couldn’t help but grin at the cute panda, but even her smile seemed exhausted. Tao noticed how the normal bright glimmer in Jessica’s eyes was not present. The panda was truly worried for his noona, but still kept up his enthusiastic behavior, hoping it’ll help Jessica.
“And because noona is special, I will do the honors of driving there!” Tao’s face beamed as if he had won the lottery. “The grand panda chauffeur will be present for exactly fourteen days at any given time. Valid exclusively only for Jessica noona.” His hand gestures were animated and big.
Jessica couldn’t help but break out in a big smile from Tao’s high-spirited expressions. “And how am I supposed to validate this panda chauffeur?” she crooked an eyebrow up in amusement.
“Any time noona wants to go somewhere, you simply tell this amazing panda,” Tao pointed to himself proudly. “And this panda will take you via car.”
“That sounds lovely.” Jessica replied, reaching over to pinch Tao’s cheeks. “Noona is grateful to have a caring panda.”
Tao only grinned toothily. “Anything for noona!” he stood up and then got Jessica up to her feet. “Now let’s get ice cream! It’s calling for us!” he pulled his noona towards the front door.
“But the dishes…” Jessica was busy worrying over the abandoned lunch plates.
“That can wait. Ice cream is first priority!” Tao ushered her out the door when she had barely put on her shoes.
Jessica only then remembered she forgot her purse. “I left my wallet at home.” She voiced out when she was already situated in the car.
“That’s okay, noona. I’ll treat you!” Tao proudly announced, starting the car.
Jessica raised her eyebrows. “That’s okay, Tao. You don’t have a job yet, I can pay.” She proceeded to unbuckle her seatbelt.
Tao immediately stopped her from doing so. “No, it’s okay noona! I received my first paycheck three weeks ago!” he spoke honestly.
“Really?” Jessica’s eyes doubled in size. “When did you find a job? Where do you work?” her questions flew out of instantly.
“Hyung told me to find a job years ago, but I only finally got one a month ago. It’s at the local coffee shop.”
Jessica gave Tao a jovial look of amazement. “I’m so proud of you, Tao!”
Tao joyously nodded his head while concentrating on driving. “Thanks noona! I’m proud of myself too! I’ve learned how to make different types of coffee and even decorate them with cream! It’s really cool!”
“Our Tao is developing an amazing skill~” Jessica cooed, ruffling the panda’s hair lightly.
“I’ll show you how amazing I am, noona! You should stop by the café! I’ll make you a special cup of coffee myself!”
Jessica had a bright expression on her face. “I’ll look forward to that then.” She then recalled something. “Tao, I thought you wanted to get into business so you could work at the company.”
Tao pursed his lips. “I do, but I wanted to start off with an easier job first. Just have some time off before I get into an internship.”
Jessica nodded her head understandingly. “I’ll have to see if you’re any good at your barista job first.” She gave him a sarcastic glance, making both of them laugh.
Arriving at the ice cream parlor, the two shuffled out of the car and with Tao’s lead, they stormed right into the shop. Seeing that the parlor was quite popular, there weren’t many seats left. Being a frequent ice cream-goer, Tao told Jessica to grab a table first while he waited in line.
Jessica did so and managed to occupy a two-person table. When she glanced up to see where Tao was, she made herself comfortable in her seat when she noticed that the line for buying ice cream was long and Tao was at the near end of the line up.
Leaning forward, Jessica placed her elbows on the table. She fiddled with her fingers blankly, slowly entering her own world and zoning out the other voices inside the parlor. Her mind drifted off as she stared at the chair before her.
A deep sigh escaped from her lips. What is Kris doing? Nothing bad is happening between him and Jihae right? Jessica couldn’t help but feel possessive and selfish. Jessica just couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something about Jihae that made Jessica feel like she should hide Kris from Jihae. She hopes Jihae isn’t anything more than a simple secretary to Kris.
Worse thoughts floated their way into Jessica’s mind. What if Kris likes Jihae better? What if Kris is cheating on her? Perhaps Jihae had seduced Kris? Jessica’s eyes widened in fright. She quickly got a grip of herself. That would never happen. Kris loves her too much to do that. Their trust was strong. Jessica had to reassure herself, but she kept in mind that the impossible could happen.
Boy, being away from her husband for more than six hours is sure getting to Jessica’s head.
“Noona! Here!” Tao’s voice managed to penetrate through Jessica’s deep thoughts.
“Oh,” she glanced up to see Tao already sitting in front of her and handing her a cup of ice cream. “Thank you, Tao.”
“I got you chocolate and strawberry. Strawberry because pink is one of noona’s favorite colors. Chocolate because it makes everyone feel better.” Tao grinned happily at her.
A sudden wave of nostalgia hit Jessica like a storm. Her eyes lowered down onto the chocolate ice cream and her face fell. Chocolate. The cocoa flavored sweet had many memories installed for Jessica.
She remembered the first time Kris had ever cheered her up after she faced a hard time. Her angry bird had made her heart flutter for the first time, on the day they first met.
Flashback
“Let's go get some chocolate!” Kris suddenly suggested.
“Why chocolate?” Jessica questioned.
“You'll see." Kris grabbed her hand and led her up from her seat and into the mart nearby.
The two reached the candy section and Kris was contemplating which chocolate to buy. He grabbed his favorite chocolate bar and smiled at Jessica, which she blinked back at him. The two walked to the cashier still holding hands. Kris paid for the chocolate before they left the mart. They headed to the nearby park and sat on the swings next to each other. Kris unwrapped the chocolate bar and broke off a piece, handing it to Jessica. He popped another piece into his mouth as Jessica held the chocolate in her hand, wondering why he had suddenly bought chocolate.
“Eat it.” Kris said and took the sweet from her hand and placed it in front of . “Ahh~” he opened his mouth, gesturing Jessica to do the same.
Jessica opened slowly and he popped the chocolate into . The chocolate melted in . It was sweet and creamy, making her feel pleasant. Jessica loved it. She smiled towards Kris as he smiled back.
“Chocolate is actually supposed to make you feel better.” he broke off another piece for her.
Jessica’s heart warmed up. Kris was there for her when she was in pain and now he's here making her happy again. The heat rose up to her cheeks. Jessica was blushing again because of Kris.
--
Tao examined Jessica closely, inching his face forward with inquisitive eyes. “Noona…you’re ice cream is going to melt.”
Jessica snapped out of her trance and quickly picked up her spoon. Too many thoughts were going through her head, she felt like she was going to implode.
“What were you think about?” Tao asked, shoving a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
Jessica stayed silent for a moment before dropping her spoon and looking up at Tao. “What if Kris falls for Jihae?” she suddenly states her insecurities.
Tao was caught off guard at her sudden question. “W-What do you mean? Who is Jihae?”
Jessica didn’t bother answering Tao’s inquisitions, as she was busy having her own deep worried thoughts. “If Kris fell in love with me as quickly as he did back then, don’t you think he’ll fall for Jihae just as fast?” she bit her lip. “Jihae seems just like me…” Jessica hopelessly glanced down. “She looks so innocent and even cuter than me.”
Tao stared at Jessica in astonishment, taking in everything that she was saying.
“Kris likes innocent and cute girls…” Jessica’s voice was soft and bleak. “Jihae fits that description…even better than me. Kris is sure to fall for her. I probably won’t even stand a chance anymore.” She frowned in despair, her shoulders sagging down in response.
Tao slammed his fist on the table, making Jessica look up at him in response. “Noona! How could you talk about yourself so low?” he began strongly. “You’re one of a kind and no one could replace you. Sure, there are a million other females out there in the entire population that can be cute and adorable, but is there another exact replica of Jung Sooyeon? No. You shouldn’t even doubt yourself, noona. You’re extremely adorable and pretty, inside and out. If hyung chose you, then he’s going to stick with you till the end. Hyung loves you for who you are. Not because of your appearance. And if you still think you’re not as beautiful as this Jihae girl, then I will tell hyung because I’m one hundred percent sure that he’ll tell you every single day that you are beautiful. You don’t stand a chance against anyone else hyung meets, because if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be married to Kris right now if you weren’t.”
Jessica blinked, processing every single word that Tao had said.
“Noona, you don’t have to be so insecure. Kris hyung would never cheat on you. He loves you and trusts you more than anyone else. I’m speaking the truth…because hyung still doesn’t trust me…” Tao muttered the end, sheepishly. “But the noona I know would be faithful and strong! You should trust hyung just as much as he trusts you. Don’t worry about it, noona. No one can replace you.”
Having some sense talked into her, Jessica realized how foolish she was thinking. How could she question her relationship with Kris? It was completely insecure and stupid of her. She is married to Kris! She couldn’t help but feel that she was being irrational at the spur of the moment. Tao was right. She shouldn’t be so apprehensive and uneasy when she doesn’t have to.
“You’re right…” Jessica nodded her head with embarrassment. “I guess I’m just being anxious and uncomfortable because Kris is in another country with someone else.”
“It’s okay, noona. We all live and learn, right?” Tao gave her a gentle smile.
Jessica nodded her head, gaining another small grin on her face. “I can’t believe my dongsaeng is giving me a life lesson. Our roles have switched.”
Tao snickered, “This panda is an adult too. You can’t underestimate me~” he shook his finger teasingly.
The two laughed together, the mood brightening up again. Jessica ended up poking her dessert with a grin plastered on her lips.
“Thank you for making me feel better, Tao. You’re the best panda dongsaeng anyone could ask for.” Jessica sincerely expressed her thankfulness.
Tao let out a yawn before rubbing his eyes. “You want to play another round, noona?” the panda questioned after stretching his arms.
Jessica saw how droopy Tao’s eyes were becoming and instantly felt guilty. “We don’t have to play if you’re getting tired Tao. You should go home and sleep now. It’s getting late.”
After dinner, the two decided to play video games for hours. Tao was more than willing to do so, knowing that he’d be keeping Jessica company while playing his favorite pastime. Hours passed and it was almost 10pm. Tao was getting sleepier and sleepier by the minute, but hustled on and would always suggest another round of game playing. He didn’t want his noona to be sad or have the time to think about her loneliness.
Tao insistently shook his head. “No, it’s okay noona. We can play until you don’t want to play anymore.”
A worried expression was displayed on Jessica’s face. “I don’t want to play anymore then. You’ve already been with me the whole day. You should go home and get some rest.”
“But noona will be by herself…” Tao frowned, not wanting Jessica to feel down again.
A thankful smile coursed through Jessica’s lips. “I’m grateful to have you look out for me, Tao, but I think I can handle being by myself for the rest of the night now.”
Tao really didn’t want Jessica to stay by herself. He knew his noona too well to believe her words at the moment. Judging from the day’s worth of activities, Tao knew that Jessica was bound to feel lonesome if he left. Tao, of course, didn’t want Jessica feeling anything besides happy, so a little plan formed in his head.
“Noona! I’ll just sleepover!” the panda clapped his hand. “That way noona won’t be lonely and you’ll always have me!”
Jessica raised her eyebrows. The idea didn’t seem bad.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to.” Jessica inquired, not wanting Tao to dedicate his time all to her.
Tao nodded his head enthusiastically. “It’s no problem! I’ve been missing noona for a long time! It’d be just like old times when we used to live together! Plus, I’ll be getting good food in return!” the big grin on his face never disappeared.
Jessica giggled, “Okay, then. You can take the guest room and use Kris’ clothes, but we should get ready for bed now. I can tell you’re tired.”
The two more than happily cleaned everything up and joyously skipped up the stairs. Jessica started to gather a fresh duvet and pillows for Tao, while the panda elatedly went to choose his preferred guest room.
Tao ended up picking the guest room closest to the master bedroom and flung himself on the soft mattress. Jessica only grinned at him and placed the pillows and duvet on the bed before going to get him some sleeping wear from Kris’ side of the closet.
Once Tao made it into the shower, Jessica skipped out of the guest room and went back into her own room. Gathering some clothes, she also went ahead to shower. It wasn’t until she was in the midst of washing herself that she remembered that Kris was supposed to call her earlier in the day to see if he landed safely or not. Jessica decided that she’d have to find her phone after she finished washing up.
Pressing her phone onto her ear, Jessica listened to the voicemail Kris had left for her earlier in the afternoon. Sitting down onto the bed, Jessica listened attentively.
“Hey, babe. I called you twice, but you didn’t pick up. Hope you’re okay. I just landed in Osaka safely. Call me back as soon as you can. I love you.” Kris’ deep voice sent warm tingles throughout Jessica’s body.
Jessica grinned widely just from hearing Kris’ voice. She also felt apologetic for not realizing that he had called her. My angry bird must’ve been worrying about me all day. Jessica knew how concerned Kris could get just from the little things, especially about her safety.
“Noona!” Tao’s voice sounded out before a knock sounded on her door.
Jessica peeked a smile. Our Tao has finally learned not to barge into others’ rooms. “Come in.”
Tao opened the door and skipped right in. “I need a toothbrush~” he chimed, plopping onto the bed.
Jessica ruffled the panda’s dripping hair. “I’ll get you one after you dry your hair. You can get sick if you sleep with wet hair.”
Tao quickly used the towel around his neck to rub his hair dry to the point where it’s merely damp while Jessica took the time to retrieve her laptop from her vanity table and lie back down on the bed on her tummy.
Tao scooted right next to her in the same position. “What are you doing, noona?” he questioned, immediately interested.
“I’m going to video call my husband.” Jessica glanced at Tao with excited twinkling eyes. “Kris called me earlier and I wasn’t aware. He must be worried.”
“Oh…” Tao only nodded his head, acting innocent so he wouldn’t get scolded for not letting her know that he had heard her phone ring. The stubborn panda still thinks that Kris deserved it for making Jessica cry.
Clicking here and there, Jessica could see her and Tao in the screen as she proceeded to call Kris via webcam. The little rings of connection could be heard, as the two waited to see Kris’ face appear.
When the words on the bottom of the screen told Jessica that Kris had accepted the request, she perked up. Tao had noticed her cheeriness and smiled along as well.
“We’ll be seeing hyung! It’s been a while!” Tao scrunched up his lips before gasping. “He should buy me candy while he’s there! I want snacks!”
Tao looked at his noona for a reaction, but only furrowed his eyebrows when Jessica’s expression died down and a frown formed on her face. Tao tilted his head before following his noona’s sharp eyes towards the screen. The panda’s eyes widened when he saw an unfamiliar female’s face instead of Kris.
“Jihae…” Jessica voiced out in complete utter shock.
Jihae’s expression contorted into an amazed look. “Jessica? Whoa, we can see each other?” the female seemed as if she didn’t know what she was doing at all.
Jessica only blinked, stunned on the spot. She was confused and at disarray as to why Jihae is on Kris’ laptop. Jessica didn’t know what was happening at all. Why is Jihae there? Where’s Kris?
“Who are you? And why are you on Kris’ laptop?!” Tao interrogated Jihae before Jessica could.
Jihae’s eyebrows rose. “…Who are you?” she eyed Tao in curiosity.
“Don’t worry about that,” Jessica quickly butted in. “Where’s Kris?” she insisted on seeing her husband.
“Oh, he’s in the shower.” Jihae blinked. “We had a really long day. My legs are all sore and tired from the hard activities we did today. It was really fun and exciting though. Kris was really good in—”
Jessica’s face consisted of confusion, not even caring that Jihae stopped in the middle of her sentence. Just what did they do that made Jihae so sore and tired?
As if on time, Kris’ voice could be heard. “Jihae, what are you doing?”
Jihae whipped her head back. “Oh, Kris! Jessica…she’s on your screen…” she looked panicked.
Jihae stood up and from the screen. Jessica could only watch in disbelief as she saw Jihae in nothing but a robe and a Kris who only seemed to have a towel wrapped around his waist.
Tao noticed the scene as well and his eyes were double the normal size. As soon as Kris’ face was directly in front of the camera, the panda glanced over at Jessica. His noona’s facial expression was blank and Tao didn’t fail to notice her watery eyes.
“Jess…” Kris voiced out, noticing the look on her face. “What’s wrong?” his eyebrows arched. “And what is Tao doing there?”
Jessica’s lips quivered before she quickly got up off the bed and stormed her way towards the bathroom. “I’m going to get your toothbrush, Tao.” Her voice was shaky.
Tao watched in concern as his eyes followed Jessica. Before the panda could even say anything, Jessica shut the bathroom door behind her. Tao was about to get up and see if his noona was okay, but remembered that Kris was still on the other line.
“Is she okay? What happened to Jess, Tao?” Kris’ voice was filled with worry.
Tao whipped his head back to the screen and glared at him. “This is all your fault hyung! What’s wrong with you?! I shouldn’t even call you ‘hyung’ anymore!”
Kris’ face filled with an incredulous expression, not knowing what he was in trouble for. “I didn’t even do anything. I was just with Jihae all day. We’re both sore and tired—”
“You’re such a blockhead! I can’t even talk to you anymore!” Tao shouted at Kris. “How could you even do that to noona?! If I could literally touch you through this screen, I would use my fist and punch you in the face!!” Tao threatened, feeling furious towards Kris at the moment.
Kris didn’t seem to comprehend at all and Tao reached a new level of anger, cutting Kris off in mid-sentence. “What—”
“How could you cheat on noona?! You’re so unfaithful! I can’t even look you in the eye anymore! I hope you’re happy because you’ve officially made your wife cry for the third time today!! FROM TODAY ON, YOU’RE NOTHING TO ME!” Tao screeched, disconnecting the call and slamming the laptop shut.
The panda was fuming in anger. His breathing was heavy and he shoved the laptop under the bed to hide it. He couldn’t wrap the situation around his head. Tao has officially placed Kris under his hate list. After taking a few deep breaths, Tao was ready to go and comfort his noona.
Getting up and running towards the bathroom door, Tao urgently knocked on the door. “Noona! Are you okay?!” he quickly called out.
A silence followed and Tao pressed his ear onto the door. “Noona…it’s okay, you can come out now. I disconnected the call with that poop head.”
There was no response and Tao hoped nothing bad had happened to Jessica. “Noona…” he spoke up gently, becoming more and more worried each time he received no reply. “I’m going to come in…”
Even if he wasn’t granted permission, Tao opened the door slowly and peeked his head in. His eyes widened when he saw his noona huddled on the floor with her shoulders shaking badly.
“Noona!!” Tao frantically shouted, running to her side and quickly grabbed her to his embrace.
Jessica’s cries were muffled in Tao’s shoulder. “W-What…color…t-tooth…brush…” she huffed and hiccupped. “…do…you…want…Tao?” her many attempts to suppress her tears failed.
Tao frowned. Even when his noona was this broken and sad, she still was trying to look out for him. Tao couldn’t help but get even angrier with Kris. How dare Kris cheat on someone as selfless and kindhearted as Jessica? How could Kris even have the audacity? Here Tao had thought that Kris loved Jessica deeply. He was proven wrong after seeing what just occurred a few minutes ago. Tao let out a sigh of sympathy.
“Noona, now is not the time to be worrying about me.” Tao softened his voice. “You don’t need to hold it in. It’ll just be worse. Just let it out noona, I’m here for you.” He tightly held onto Jessica.
Jessica gripped onto Tao’s shirt and all her tears poured out. She felt every single thorn stab her heart. She couldn’t help but replay that scene in her head. Both Kris and Jihae were practically . How could Kris cheat on her? How could act like everything was normal? How could he even have the nerve to pick up the video call? Jessica felt betrayed, as if her heart was ripped from her chest and stepped on. She thought Kris loved her.
The love of her life cheated on her. Jessica felt as if her whole world has crumbled to pieces.
{Author's Note}: Please leave your thoughts in the comments! They really did motivate me to write this 4000 worded chapter. I loved every single commment that was placed for the last chapter. ^^
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