Author’s POV:

 

“Are you feeling okay?” Tiffany asked, eying Jessica carefully. “You don’t seem like your usual self.”

 

Jessica seemed distracted and only looked up after Tiffany finished talking. “Hm? I’m sorry…I didn’t hear what you were saying.”

 

Tiffany squinted her eyes, finding it rather strange that her best friend wasn’t paying attention. “Now you’re really worrying me. What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?” she placed her fork down, giving Jessica her full focus.

 

“I’m fine.” Jessica replied rather blankly and half-heartedly, playing with the food on her plate with her fork.

 

“You haven’t eaten anything yet.” Tiffany pursed her lips. “I know something is going on. Tell me what’s on your mind and we can solve it.”

 

Jessica shook her head. “I’m fine. I’m just not that hungry right now.” She stopped playing with her food and took a tiny sip of water.

 

The two best friends were out on a lunch break. Tiffany had noticed that Jessica was being different ever since visiting Kris in Japan. She knew something had happened, but she wouldn’t know what was wrong until Jessica says something. Jessica’s blank look and short replies concerned Tiffany.

 

“Are you sure?” Tiffany was unconvinced even if Jessica nodded her head. “Are you sick?” she reached forward and felt Jessica’s forehead. “Why do you look so out of it?”

 

“I’m not sick.” Jessica replied quietly, resting her chin on her palm and staring out the window with vacant eyes. “Just deep in thought.”

 

“About what?” Tiffany pressed on.

 

Jessica only sighed somberly. “Nothing in particular.”

 

“You know you can tell me anything, Sica.” Tiffany comforted her, feeling worried for her best friend. “I better hope you’re not suffering from depression or something because if you were, I would’ve expected you to tell me already.”

 

“I’m not. I guess I’m just reflecting…on life.” Jessica shrugged soullessly, not even knowing what she was muttering about.

 

Tiffany took note of the time. “Let’s wrap up lunch. We have to get back to work.” She called a waiter over and asked for the check along with the packaging of Jessica’s untouched lunch. “If you need anything or anyone to talk to, you know you can just call or come to me, Sica.” Tiffany spoke as soon as the waiter walked off.

 

“I know.” Jessica blinked slowly at Tiffany before slumping in her seat.

 

“If it’s about Kris, I know you’ll be able to solve it together with him. You two had plenty of fights before and we all know that you two will always be with each other in the end.” Tiffany gave her some optimistic insight. “Don’t worry. I know you two. You guys always figure things out together.”

 

Jessica only hummed, not paying much attention. As Tiffany paid for the lunch, Jessica only fiddled with the black straw that was in her cup of iced water. The glimmer in her eyes was void, making her seem as if she was vacant and drifting off in her mind. Jessica didn’t seem like her herself anymore. She was always blank and lacking awareness and interest, almost as if she had no soul. It was unusual of Jessica to be like this.

 

“Kris is coming home tomorrow.” Jessica randomly blurted out, her voice practically monotone.

 

Tiffany gave her a smile. “That’s good news. You won’t have to be so lonely anymore. Maybe you’ll stop being so awkwardly distant once your husband comes back.” She playfully teased, laughing. “Oh, he’s just in time for the company dinner tomorrow night too!”

 

Jessica hummed half distractedly, as if the straw she was playing with was more interesting than talking about Kris. “His flight lands at night.”

 

Tiffany blinked and was quiet for a moment before speaking. “Oh…is that why you’re upset?” she questioned.

 

“…I guess.” Jessica shrugged, knowing that she was feeling this way because of other reasons.

 

“Sica, you shouldn’t even be sad over this. If he can’t make it, he can’t make it. It’s not his fault. You can always go to the dinner with me and Kai.” Tiffany tried to cheer Jessica up. “You’re not going to be alone. There’s also Chanyeol and Chen, remember?”

 

Jessica nodded her head. She actually wasn’t planning on going to the dinner at all and was yet to tell Tiffany, but now that Tiffany was trying to persuade her, she was having second thoughts. At first, Jessica just wanted to stay home and huddle under a blanket and watch a movie in solitude, that is, until Kris would come home. She wasn’t necessarily ecstatic to see Kris, nor was she sad. Jessica was just in the middle. Neutral. It was odd, but she didn’t know what she should be feeling when it came to Kris at the moment. Their fight had a big impact on her.

 

“I guess I’ll go tomorrow.” Jessica didn’t want to stay home and possibly get into another argument with Kris when he comes home.

---

 

 

Kris glanced at the time. 5:30 pm. He situated himself more comfortably in his seat and prepared himself for the hour flight back home. He stretched out his feet and sighed, feeling quite happy that he’d be going home to his wife, even though they haven’t made up from their fight yet. Kris was just joyous to return home to Jessica, no matter what.

 

“We’re finally going home.” Jihae relaxed in her seat, grinning from ear to ear. “It’ll probably be my last time on a plane.” She scrunched up her nose.

 

“Don’t worry,” Kris smiled. “Maybe your future boyfriend will bring you on a trip.” His comment made both of them laugh comfortably.

 

“Well they better,” Jihae playfully folded her arms selfishly.

 

“Well in any case, you can always plan them and drag him along.” Kris suggested mischievously.

 

Jihae blinked, nodding her head in agreement. “Good plan.” The two of them nodded at each other before laughing again.

 

The two have gotten closer and formed a nice friendship. Strictly friendship. There are absolutely no love-lines or feelings involved at all. Jihae learned to let go and obviously learned a lot more about how relationships and love work, thanks to Kris. As for Kris, he got more insight to women’s lives, especially during pregnancy. Throughout the rest of the stay in Japan, the two colleagues became buddies and got to know each other better.

 

The plane ride back was going smoothly in a comfortable silence, that is, until Jihae spoke up. “Can I stop by your place when we land?”

 

Kris looked at her with a questioning expression. “Why?”

 

Jihae blinked and twiddled with her fingers. “Well…I still have to apologize to Jessica, remember? I still feel bad for causing all this trouble between you two.”

 

“Oh right…” Kris nodded. “Sure. If anything, you could also apologize to her when we land. That’s if she’s there to pick me up…” Kris mumbled, silently hoping that Jessica would be there once he walked out.

 

The hour flew by and the plane had landed safely in Incheon airport. Going through the customs and baggage pick up, Kris was more than ready to head home. Jihae tailed right behind him and when they stepped out of the gate, Kris stopped for a moment to scan around. He was obviously searching for his honey-brown haired wife, but found no sign of her. Kris couldn’t help but frown. His Jessica wasn’t there.

 

“I don’t see Jessica anywhere…” Jihae spoke while she searching around, failing to see how down Kris looked. “Guess we’ll just have to take a cab.”

 

Kris only nodded and followed her out the airport. It didn’t take long to catch a taxi, since Kris was so tall and easily visible. Through the whole car ride, Kris couldn’t help but think about Jessica. His wife wasn’t there to pick him up. Kris expected her to be there, but she only let him down. Kris couldn’t blame her though. Jessica was probably still mad at him. Kris could accept that and saw where she was coming from, but he was disappointed. At least he would see her at home.

 

“Ooh, nice neighborhood.” Jihae commented, looking out the window when the taxicab turned into a residential area. “Is this where you live?” she spun her head around to face Kris.

 

Kris nodded his head. “Yeah. Jess and I bought our house here. We both liked how it looked, inside and out. The homes here are nice.”

 

“Expensive looking too.” Jihae puffed out her cheeks, but continued staring out the window.

 

When the car neared the house, Kris spotted a very familiar figure standing right outside his house. Even if it was quite dark out, Kris knew that was his wife. Before he could even wonder why she was standing outside, a dark male figure came up to Jessica and hugged onto her. Kris immediately squinted his eyes, wanting to know the male was. When he scrambled to get the driver to stop, so he could get out, it was already too late. Jessica had already gotten into the car with the unidentified male.

 

Still, Kris ran out of the car and reached the front of his house and stared at the leaving vehicle in the distance. He unknowingly clenched his fingers into a fist. Kris wanted to know what Jessica was up to. He wanted to know what she was doing with another man. Kris was building up with anger and worry. His finger immediately fumbled in search for his phone and within seconds pressed the device to his ear, calling Jessica’s cell phone. The ringing tone repeated itself until it brought Kris to the voicemail. Ending the call, Kris instantly redialed the phone number he remembered by heart. Just exactly what is Jessica doing? Kris didn’t want to believe that she was cheating on him.

 

Jihae lugged both her and Kris’ baggage out of the cab, huffing out of breath. Pulling two big suitcases was not as easy as she imagined. Once she got both of their belongings out onto the sidewalk, Jihae went ahead and paid the taxi driver and let him drive off. Seeing Kris run out of the car all of the sudden shocked Jihae, but she was relieved to know that he didn’t run off.

 

“Kris,” Jihae breathlessly huffed, pulling both their baggage towards him. “Why’d you run out of the car?” she exasperated, crouching down on the floor in fatigue when she reached Kris.

 

Gritting his teeth, Kris shoved his phone into his pocket. “Jess just went off with someone.”

 

With that, Jihae looked up at Kris with wide eyes. “What?” she exclaimed. “But I didn’t get to say anything to her yet!”

 

“She’s not picking up her phone.” Kris raked his hands through his hair in frustration. “God! Just who did she go with?” he sounded angry as he paced around.

 

Jihae winced at Kris’ irritation. To her, he sounded aggravated and annoyed over something completely normal. What’s wrong with Jessica going out?

 

“Relax, Kris.” Jihae finally stood up, eying him pivoting left and right. “She just went out. She’ll be back soon. It’s not like she ran off or anything. Why are you getting upset? She lives with you. She’ll definitely come back.”

 

Kris let out an airy sigh. “She left with a male. I don’t know who…but I know it was man. They even had the audacity to hug her.” He couldn’t keep still and started to call Jessica again.

 

Jihae only stood there stiffly. Oh. Now she gets it. “I don’t think she’s cheating on you though. Just because she left with a guy…” she shut once she got a glare from Kris.

 

Kris was on edge and all Jihae could do was stand still and watch him. Jihae didn’t know how to calm him down. The woman who defined his life literally left with an unknown man five minutes ago. The short five minutes turned into a boring ten minutes. Jihae had made herself comfortable on the concrete on the driveway, right next to their luggage as she boringly kept watch of a bothered Kris.

 

Growling in aggravation, Kris hung his head back to try and calm himself. It was his fifteenth time calling Jessica and she wouldn’t even pick up. What was she doing that was so important that she would ignore his calls? Kris hoped she wasn’t doing anything dangerous. He wanted to know where she was and what she’s doing so he knows he can rest assured. Her safety is everything to him and since he couldn’t even contact her, he felt at edge.

 

“Kris, you should relax. Jessica is a grown woman. She knows how to protect herself and be independent. She’s not going to run off and go wild. She’s not a child.” Jihae finally spoke up. “Didn’t you teach me that trust is key to a relationship? If you can’t trust Jessica to go out for one night, how are you going to trust her with anything else? I’m pretty sure that you two have a really tight and close relationship with plenty of trust, judging from what you’ve told me. She’s not going to cheat on you.”

 

Kris knew she was right, knowing Jessica. “…I guess I am being overprotective right now.” He felt a bit embarrassed that his own ‘student’ was teaching him.

 

Jihae only gave him a smile and finally got up off the ground, dusting off her jeans. “Well, I think I’m going to have to walk home now. There are no cabs around here and Jessica doesn’t seem to be coming back for a while.”

 

“If you want, you could come in.” Kris suggested, just realizing that she’s been sitting out here with him the entire time. “I’m sure Jess will come back soon. You’ve been sitting out here waiting for me for a while. I’ll give you a ride home when Jess comes back. It’s the least I could do.”

 

“Sure.” Jihae grinned, picking up her stuff. “But you’re grabbing your own stuff.”

---

 

 

“Here, noona.” Chanyeol handed her a drink while he took a seat next to her.

 

“What is it?” Jessica eyed the glass carefully, sniffing it.

 

Before Jessica could figure it out, Chen, who was sitting on her other side, told her. “Alcohol. It’s beer.” He pointlessly whispers the last part.

 

Jessica sighed. “But you guys know I have a low tolerance for alcohol.”

 

“There’s a perfectly good reason why we’re doing this though.” Chanyeol nodded his head, trying to defend both him and Chen.

 

“Yeah!” Chen piped. “We’re making you feel better!”

 

“Noona has been looking really sad and bitter ever since we picked you up earlier.” Chanyeol explained. “No matter what kind of hilarious things we did in front of you, you didn’t laugh at all or even get cheered up.”

 

Chen agreed. “Yeah, noona. We figured that instead of trying to have you explain it painfully, we might as well have a drink. That way it’ll be easier for you to talk.”

 

Jessica eyed the two trolls. Ever since they picked her up from her house earlier, she did see that their efforts to cheer her up were all in vain. It wasn’t a mystery as to how the duo found out how upset she was feeling. As expected, her dongsaengs do know how to look after her in return. She was glad that they were trying to help her. Maybe drinking a little of the beer might help her loosen up and stop feeling so uptight and hopeless.

 

“Don’t worry, noona.” Chanyeol held up his own cup. “You’re not alone. We’re drinking with you!” he flashed his pearly white teeth.

 

Chen even held up his own glass and encouraged her to do the same. Oh why not, Jessica thought and raised her glass of beer up as well. The three clinked their cups before gulping the liquid down their throats. When Jessica took a couple swishes and was about to set the glass back down, Chanyeol only lifted her hand back up to direct the cup back towards , signaling her to drink the whole thing in one short, as he did the same. When the three of them finished their drinks, Jessica let out a breath. She felt a bit better now that she feels her body tingling up with incoming energy.

 

“For every surprising fact you give us, we’re going to down a whole glass of beer.” Chen proposed the little so-called bonding time they were having at the corner of the dining hall.

 

“Yeah! Let’s do it!” Chanyeol cheered, trying to get Jessica to agree as well. “It’ll help you relieve stress, noona!”

 

Jessica glanced at her dongsaengs, who seemed to be determined to help her feel better. “Sure. Why not.” she shrugged, taking the chance as she knew that her dongsaengs would never take advantage of her.

 

“So, what’s bothering you noona?” Chen started the questioning.

 

“Is it Kris hyung?” Chanyeol guessed correctly.

 

Jessica hopelessly nodded her head. “Yeah. I caught him kissing his temporary secretary. Well, being kissed…”

 

Chen and Chanyeol was only shocked stared at her with eyes the size of golf balls. They were definitely not expecting that answer. Chen’s jaw actually slacked, for he had a lack of words. Jessica just looked down at her fingers on her lap, seeming as if she was going to become depressed any minute from now.

 

Both Chanyeol and Chen eyed each other before nodding their heads. “We’re gonna need a pitcher of beer for this.” They spoke in a synchronized manner, getting up and heading towards the bar quickly, after realizing that this situation was much more serious than they thought.

 

Once the two came back with a pitcher filled with beer, they filled the three cups and the three of them slowly gulped down all the contents in the glass. By now, Jessica was feeling almost as if the alcohol rejuvenated her. Jessica was starting to think that her tolerance level has increased somehow, as she feels fine after one glass of beer. Normally, she would start to feel some side effects after a couple minutes from one cup, but now she feels perfectly fine. Maybe it was a good choice that she came out to the company dinner with Chanyeol and Chen. She would get her emotions sorted out along with some helping alcohol.

---

 

 

“Are you sure I can stay over? I mean, I don’t mean to invade or anything…” Jihae didn’t want to cause any more trouble than she originally produced.

 

“Yeah, it’s late. Sorry I can’t give you a ride home. Jess still isn’t back yet…” Kris sighed, glancing at the time. I doubt there are any cabs out there to take you home.” he pulled out a duvet and a pillow out of the cabinet.

 

Jihae followed him into the guest bedroom. “Do you think Jessica will mind? I already caused so much chaos…” she felt more than apologetic.

 

Setting the items on the empty bed, Kris helped Jihae bring her belongings inside the room as well. “I’ll just explain to Jess when she comes back.”

 

“But what if she’s still mad at me?” Jihae proposed a very important question. “I don’t want to make her even more upset than she already is. I already feel apologetic.”

 

Kris sighed, “We’ll figure it out when Jessica comes back. I hope she’s okay…” he saw that the clock read 11:30pm. “It’s almost midnight…”

 

“Don’t worry,” Jihae yawned, feeling tired. “She’ll come back.” She patted his back. “I’m going to sleep now, if you don’t mind.”

 

Kris ushered himself out and gave her a wave before shutting the door behind him. Once he settled himself down on the couch in the living room, Kris tried phoning Jessica again. He only slouched on the couch when he was sent to her voicemail again. Of course, he left a worried message before ending the call. Where could Jessica be this late at night with some man? Kris just hoped she was coming home soon. Shutting his eyes, he tried to relax himself and stop becoming so stressed out. Where are you, Jess?

---

 

 

Tugging on Tiffany’s arm, Kai tried to garner his girlfriend’s attention. “Tiff…” he was ignored as Tiffany was still conversing with some employee. “Tiffany…”

 

Tiffany gave Kai a stiff smile, “Kai, I’m talking to someone.” She eyed him to stop being bothersome and returned to her conversation with the other lady.

 

Kai kept glancing near the bar where his friends and Jessica was seated and finally decided that he needed to get Tiffany away from the person she was talking to. “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Kai.” He rapidly shook the stranger’s hand. “I’m sorry, but I have to steal Tiffany from you. Is that alright? Thanks.” He didn’t wait for the woman’s response and dragged his girlfriend away in that very instant.

 

“Kai!” Tiffany gaped at him for doing such unprofessional actions. “I was talking to her!”

 

“I don’t think that really matters when there’s friends having fun at the bar.” Kai gave his reason for pulling her away.

 

Tiffany gave Kai an ‘are-you-serious’ look. “You dragged me away from the company’s accounting manager just so we could go to the bar? Really, Jongin?” she couldn’t deny that her own boyfriend could be so immature some times.

 

“No.” Kai elongated that simple word of denial. “I pulled you away because there’s three friends at the bar.” He raised his eyebrow.

 

Immediately, Tiffany’s eyes widened and darted towards the bar straight away, opened as she gasped in shock. “Oh my god. Jung Sooyeon, you are so dead.” Marching over towards Chanyeol, Chen and Jessica, Tiffany knew she had a new responsibility tonight. “Jung Sooyeon!” she grabbed onto Jessica’s shoulder and spun her best friend around on the chair.

 

Jessica only looked dumbfounded for a slow moment before she gave a hysteric smile. “Oh. It’s Fany Fany Tiffany~” she giggled, reaching up to play with Tiffany’s hair like a little kid.

 

“Yah! What’s wrong with you?” Tiffany patted Jessica’s reddened cheeks. “What happened?”

 

Jessica swayed her body side to side, still swinging Tiffany’s long hair left and right with entertainment. “It’s red…” she slowly gasped at Tiffany’s hair, hiccupping in the middle of her intake of breath.

 

“Are you drunk?” Tiffany exclaimed, seeing her so uncoordinated. “Hey!” she tried to get Jessica to focus and pay attention to her.

 

“Stop yelling~” Jessica scrunched up her face, cupping her hands over her ears.

 

“Hey!” Kai slapped Chanyeol and Chen in their heads, stopping them from laughing at whatever they were finding amusing. “What did you guys do to Jessica?”

 

Chen looked up and stared at Kai with a dumb expression, while Chanyeol started to hysterically laugh at Kai for no reason at all. Kai gave the two odd looks and knew immediately that they were drunk as well.

 

“What did they drink?” Tiffany asked Kai, still trying to prevent Jessica from falling off her chair.

 

Kai grabbed the cup from Chen’s hand and sniffed the half full cup. “Beer.” He scrunched up his nose. “Seems like they’ve been drinking a ton of it all night too.” Kai whistled, noticing the two empty pitchers of beer on the counter.

 

Tiffany’s eyes widened at the sight, becoming speechless as she glanced down at Jessica’s drunken self. “Just wait till your husband sees you…you are so dead meat.” She pinched Jessica’s cheeks.

 

Jessica pouted and whined. “Husband…” she blinked blankly.

 

“Yours.” Tiffany pointed at her. “Kris is going to be so mad at you.”

 

“Kris…?” Jessica’s voice pitched up, as if forming a question. “Mine…” she suddenly started to laugh amusedly. “Krissy. Krissypoo~”

 

Tiffany sighed and rolled her eyes at Jessica’s ongoing laugh. “Let’s just get you home. It’s almost midnight. Kris might be wondering where you are.” She stumbled to get Jessica to stand up. “Kai, get those two.”

 

Helping Jessica out of the building and into the parking lot, Tiffany was basically dragging her own best friend and helped her into the backseat of the car. Kai trailed helplessly far behind them, holding both Chen and Chanyeol, who were extremely heavy. Once Tiffany made sure Jessica was securely in the car, she went ahead and tried her best to help Kai with the duo. Buckling the three drunken people in the back, the couple plopped down in the front seats, taking a small rest while the three in the back were uncoordinatedly mumbling and laughing.

 

“When did we become babysitters?” Kai groaned, starting the car and couldn’t wait to drop off the wasted trio.

 

“Remind me not to leave Jessica with these two ever again.” Tiffany exasperated.

 

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll both remember. Who wants to babysit three wasted adults?” Kai started to drive the car towards a certain destination. “I bet it’s these two idiots who came up with the idea of drinking.” He was obviously referring to Chen and Chanyeol.

 

Tiffany sighed, “But Sica wouldn’t drink alcohol that carelessly. She’s been so out of it lately. I don’t really blame her for getting herself all drunk. At least she’s having fun right now.” She looked back to see Jessica giggling along with Chanyeol. “But one time is already enough. I hope she doesn’t do this again. I wonder what Kris will say about this.”

 

Kai quirked his eyebrows up with a mischievous smirk. “Now I’m curious as to how Kris will react.”

 

Tiffany gave Kai a strict glance. “We’re just dropping Sica off and then we’re leaving. We’re not going to see what Kris’ reaction will be. I don’t want to watch Kris get mad.”

 

Kai shuddered. “I don’t either. We can just find out another day to find out what will happen. Angry Kris is a terrible Kris. It’s like he turns into a strict teacher who lectures forever and ever. He’s so demanding. It’s almost as if he’s a drama queen or something.” He snorted, trying very hard not to laugh, knowing that Kris’ wife was sitting right behind him.

 

Tiffany tried her best to keep a straight face, but she couldn’t help but fail at keeping her composure. “It does seem like it…” she broke out laughing along with Kai. “But just a little.” She suddenly stopped and didn’t want to be rude since Jessica was in the same car.

 

“Okay, here we are.” Kai pulled up in front of the Wu residence.

 

“The lights are on…” Tiffany observed. “Kris is definitely home.” She got out of the car and towards the back seat, opening the side of the door where Jessica was sitting. “Let’s go Sica. You’re home.”

 

Jessica clumsily unbuckled the seatbelt holding her and yanked herself out of the car. Once she stepped out, her staggering was quite evident as her walking was uncoordinated. Tiffany held onto her closely and helped her best friend slowly walk towards the front door. Jessica would stumble off track from time to time and start giggling for no reason. It was quite cute, but Tiffany was more worried to even think about how adorable her best friend was.

 

“Are you okay?” Tiffany asked once they reached the front door.

 

Jessica gave a big grin and nodded her head, “Go~” she nearly fell trying to push Tiffany away, telling her that she could leave and that she could take care of herself from here on out.

 

“Take care of yourself! Don’t make me worry!” Tiffany called out, waving goodbye as she made it back towards the car.

 

A mumble hummed out of Jessica’s mouth as she leaned against the door to keep her balance. Jessica’s eyesight was getting blurry due to all the alcohol running in her system. The numbers on the number pad on the door became all warped and seemed as if they were moving. Jessica frowned and squinted her eyes, blinking several times. Once she pressed the set of numbers, a beep of denial sounded out from the door and Jessica winced at the unexpected sounded. With one more try, Jessica managed to open the door. Once she pulled on the door handle, her body tripped into the house, following in the direction of the door.

 

A squeak emitted from Jessica’s mouth as she staggered inside. Her momentary astonishment turned into amusement as she giggled like a baby. Sliding down onto the floor, Jessica didn’t even shut the door and started to try and pull off her heels with much effort.

 

Kris peeked out of the living room after hearing her familiar voice. “Jess!” he quickly ran towards her once he saw her on the floor, worried all over. “Are you okay? Where were you? Did you fall? Are you hurt?” Kris tried to get her to stand up, after shutting the front door securely.

 

Snaking his arms around her waist, Kris picked her up and set her on her feet. Jessica only whined when she was interrupted from trying to take off her shoes. Trying to get her to stand on her own, Kris slowly let go of her so he could examine if she got hurt or not. Not even three seconds after he let go of her, Jessica couldn’t hold herself up and unsteadily tripped forward. With quick reflexes, Kris caught her in his arms.

 

“Babe, are you okay?” Kris was truly concerned and held her close.

 

Jessica tried to register what was in front of her. “…Krissypoo~” she happily smiled when she realized it was Kris and threw her arms around his neck.

 

Kris arched an eyebrow up, taking note that Jessica was more than accepting of him at the moment. Maybe Jessica had forgiven him already. “Is that your new nickname for me?” he grinned at her.

 

Pouting her lips, Jessica only blinked blankly at him. Kris eyed her more than welcoming lips and had the urge to kiss them. Leaning forward, he lessened their distance and was about to connect their lips. Just as he advanced closer, Jessica’s body started to slide down. Kris’ was in state of perplexity when he saw that his wife was comfortably sitting on the floor, trying get her shoes off again.

 

Seeing her struggle, Kris took the initiative to help her take the heels off her feet. “You’re so clumsy today.” He told her, but still found her adorable as well.

 

Carrying her, Kris decided that it would be more efficient and safer. Jessica involuntarily clung onto Kris like a baby, unwilling to let go. Her head snuggled into the nape of his neck. Jessica’s body actually yearned for Kris’ loving touch and embrace, but her heart refused to think the same. It was contemplating, but Jessica was too intoxicated to know what was even going on. Her mind was having conflicting feelings.

 

“Krissypoo…” she mumbled, cuddling herself closer in Kris’ hold as he carried her to their bedroom.

 

Kris couldn’t help but smile at his new nickname. It was a cute nickname from a cute Jessica. Once they reached the bedroom, Kris tried to set Jessica down on the bed. Feeling Jessica still clinging onto him, he was forced to lie down on the mattress along with her. Lying face to face, Jessica looked concentrated as she stared into Kris’ eyes.

 

“What is it?” Kris wondered about her curious eyes.

 

Not speaking a word, Jessica darted forward and captured his lips with hers. Kris immediately responded to the kiss, moving his lips against hers. God, did he miss kissing her. Holding her chin in place, Kris deepened their lip lock and took control. A sudden hiccup from Jessica interrupted them. Jessica gasped before giggling, making Kris grin happily as well. Kris kissed the tip of her nose to compliment her on her cute ways. Abruptly delving his tongue inside Jessica’s mouth, she hiccupped yet again, but that wasn’t what made Kris stop kissing her. Jessica only drunkenly chuckled at the sound of her own hiccups.

 

“Babe…why do I taste alcohol in your mouth?” Kris narrowed his eyes.

 

Jessica unresponsively blinked up at him as she reached forward and pinched Kris’ cheeks. “Hehe~” she found entertainment with her husband’s face.

 

“Jess, stop.” Kris guided her hands away from him. “Why do I taste alcohol in your mouth?” he asked again, trying to keep calm.

 

Squirming around the bed, Jessica kept hiccupping as she rolled around under Kris. “Oh!” she seemed to have remembered something.

 

“What is it now?” Kris was at a loss for what his wife was trying to do.

 

Sliding off the bed, Jessica tried to run off but drastically tripped on her own legs and ended up falling onto the floor. A little whimper sounded from her when she landed unceremoniously.

 

“Jess, be careful.” Kris got up from the bed and picked her up to her feet.

 

As if she was a little kid at a candy store, Jessica ran out of Kris’ hold in a rush and stumbled towards the bathroom. Kris only stood there in complete perplexity. He had no idea what was going on, but he had a general idea that Jessica was drunk. Kris was getting mad that she would carelessly get herself intoxicated. Not to mention that she spent the night out with some man! Kris was thinking. What if the man drugged her? Did he do something to his Jessica? But Jessica didn’t seem to have been inappropriately touched. Kris sighed in frustration. How could his wife be so careless?

 

Hearing a squeal from Jessica inside the bathroom, Kris rushed in with alertness. He became relieved when he saw Jessica seated in the bathtub, struggling to tug her dress off her head. Jessica pouted her lips when she couldn’t pull her dress off. Kris’ gaze softened at the sight of his wife. How could he stay mad at someone this adorable?

 

“You forgot to your dress first, silly.” Kris grinned at her before walking in and helping her take off the dress. “Up.” With that simple word, Jessica raised her hands and let Kris slip the dress off and over her head.

 

After ten minutes of watching Jessica play with bubbles, Kris had taken the initiative to actually help her wash up and get her out of the bath to prevent her from looking like a prune. With Jessica standing there with a towel wrapped around her, Kris helped her dry her hair along with moisturizing her face. Taking off his own shirt, he pulled it over Jessica, instantly dressing her.

 

“Let’s go to bed now. We’ll talk about your drinking tomorrow.” Kris gave her a look of expectation before yawning. “It’s past midnight. I’m tired.” He trailed towards the bed with her in his arms.

 

Tucking her bed first, Kris got in right next to her after he turned off all the lights. Kris settled in and hugged onto her from behind. As Kris was about to relax and get some rest, he was disturbed. Jessica started to turn and twist around in his arms.

 

“Jess. Go to sleep.” Kris didn’t bother to open his eyes, as Jessica stilled.

 

It only lasted for a couple seconds before Jessica started to fidget around again. Her body wriggled around. It was clear that she was still filled with energy and was unwilling to go to sleep. A whine came out of Jessica and Kris could already see the pout on her face even if his eyes weren’t open.

 

“Stop it, Jess. Just close your eyes and sleep.” Kris spoke with finality.

 

Jessica frowned, not finding Kris any fun at all. Her body was filled with energy and she didn’t want to sleep. She wanted to move around and release all her energy. Being mischievous, Jessica slid out of Kris’ hold. Kris immediately felt her slip away and became frustrated at this point. He lay there for a moment to try and calm down. He shouldn’t get furious over the way his wife was acting when she was intoxicated.

 

Running free from the bed, Jessica wobbled in excitement until she slipped off balance and fell onto the floor in a crashing manner. “Ah…” she flinched from a pain that was felt in her hand.

 

Hearing Jessica fall down for the umpteenth time today, Kris groaned and sat up on the bed with flaring demeanor. “Jessica, would you just get back in bed?!” he roared, becoming extremely impatient at this point.

 

Jessica recoiled in fright at his sudden loud voice. “Stop yelling at me!” she squealed, clutching her ears.

 

Kris was getting serious as he got up from the bed and stood in front of her. “I’m not going to say it again, Jessica. Get back to bed.”

 

Jessica only defied and shook her head. “No!” she shouted. “I didn’t do anything wrong!”

 

Kris tilted his head back with aggravation. He just wanted to sleep right now. He was tired and yearning for some sort of rest. Jessica was pushing his buttons at this point and he had no choice but to raise his voice at her.

 

“You didn’t do anything wrong?” Kris reiterated with a cold voice. “Jess, you went out tonight for hours! I saw you leave the house with some guy and I tried calling you all night, but you never picked up! You got yourself drunk and came back home acting like nothing happened! How are you going to explain yourself? I don’t even know where you went, let alone know what you did with that damn guy!”

 

Jessica looked as if she was going to cry. She didn’t know what was going on due to the alcohol in her system, but she knew for sure that she was being yelled out for something. The alcohol was making her extra sensitive and confused.

 

“I hate you!” Jessica shouted.

 

Those three words stunned Kris, provoking him even more. “You hate me? Jessica, I have every right to be mad at you right now! If anything, I should hate you right now! I hate how you came home drunk. I hate how you went out with another man. And I honestly hate how you look right now. You’re so despicable and hard to level with at this point! I honestly don’t know if I should even look at you right now!”

 

Jessica sat frozen on the floor at his words. She might not be in the right mind to understand anything at the moment, but her heart felt it. Those words of hatred and detestation made Jessica’s heart suddenly clench. Kris hated her. Suddenly, her body felt weak and out of breath. Tears welled up in her eyes and she started to cry. Curling up in a ball, Jessica’s body shook as she poured her eyes out.

 

The instant he saw her cry was the moment he regretted what he had said. It hurt Kris to see her cry like this. He knew he didn’t mean what he said. It was in the spur of the moment. He didn’t mean to hurt her. He was just tired and was easily frustrated with Jessica. Kris shouldn’t have yelled at her. Jessica was just acting like this because she was under the influence of alcohol.

 

Seating himself on the floor right next to her, Kris felt extremely resentful. “Jess, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” He reached out to touch her.

 

Jessica only flung his arm away and sniffled. “Go away!” her cheeks were streaked with tears.

 

“I’m sorry, Jess. I really am. I didn’t mean those words I said.” Kris scooted closer to her.

 

“Stop!” Jessica kicked him as she pushed herself away from him. “I know I was wrong! I was being stupid!” she hugged onto her knees, as she spoke to him mindlessly.

 

“No, you weren’t. I was.” Kris felt more than apologetic. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things. I was just frustrated.” He reached out towards her. “Please…”

 

Jessica’s tears fell like waterfalls. “I was wrong and at fault! I know!” she had trouble even speaking due to the tears and sniffles. “It was my fault!”

 

Kris didn’t know what she was talking about, but all he knew was that he needed to comfort her. “I’m sorry.” He pulled her onto his lap and hugged onto her. “I didn’t mean to. I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry. I don’t hate you. I never did.” He kissed her forehead. “I love you. I always have and always will. I’m sorry I said those things.”

 

Jessica snuggled into Kris’ embrace and started to relax. Kris knew that he shouldn’t have taken his anger out on her. It was true that he didn’t know what Jessica was up to, but he should’ve waited until she told him what happened and how she got drunk before he became angry.

 

“Listen, Jess.” Kris caressed her cheeks. “We’ll talk about everything tomorrow when you’re sober, okay? We’ll fix everything. All the loose ends, all the fights and arguments, we’ll fix them tomorrow, okay?”  

 

Not getting any sort of reply, he glanced down to see that Jessica was asleep in his arms. Her breathing was still hitched when she breathed in and out. Kris was sorry that he made her scared and afraid. He finally realized that Jessica was just as tired as he was. Lifting her up, he gently tucked her in bed and wrapped his arm around her as she lay against his chest. Wiping the leftover tears on her cheek, Kris kissed the tip of her nose as a way of saying good night, knowing that things might be different the next day when Jessica would wake up sober.

 

“It was my fault…” Jessica started to murmur in her sleep. “I was wrong…for hitting Jihae…”

 

Kris’ eyes widened as he finally got an insight to what Jessica was actually thinking through her drunken slurs. A sympathetic sigh escaped his lips before he caressed the sleeping Jessica in his arms. His wife felt that it was her fault for being the cause of the whole fight. Kris knew for a reason that she wasn’t at fault. Jessica was blaming herself because Kris told her off. Hugging her closer, Kris knew that he was wrong for not picking his wife’s side. Jessica was being too hard on herself.

 

“It’s not your fault, baby.” Kris pecked the top of her head. “It was mine…” he simply couldn’t bear how pure Jessica’s heart is.

 

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{Author's Note}: I told you guys that the rollercoaster ride wasn't quite over just yet~ And it's still not quite finished either. We'll just have to be stuck on this crazy ride for a little longer! Hope you guys had a nice Halloween! ^^

Thank you lovelies for upvoting! ^^ I've reached 80 upvoters! Thank you all very much! <3
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