Krystal dragged herself through her routines, eyes lifeless and tired. She felt like a zombie walking about aimlessly in a cruel world. The day had passed like a breath and soon, she found herself sitting at the bar, drowning over a shot of liquor. Such was her typical day and it always ended with her spending the night with someone she barely knew.

The morning that followed would repeat once more. She would wake up noticing the absence of her companion for the night. Then, she would lead her miserable self to the shower and from there, her mindless routine would replay itself. It had been the same routine ever since she had landed on this side of the planet and despite its tedious repetitions; Krystal had never felt more alive…

…Or so she thought.

+++

Jessica had opened her eyes to find herself in a warm, calming embrace. Those arms weren’t strangers to her and they have never failed to provide her with comfort ever since she got acquainted with them. The other person’s bare body was pressed against her, protecting her from the cold world. Yes, Jessica was protected from everything. Everything but her inner turmoil.

Ever since Krystal had kissed her that fateful day, Jessica’s mind and heart had been torn in half. She felt responsible for Krystal. That simple kiss initiated by her younger sister lit a spark that battled against another flame within her.

Jessica remembered telling Taeyeon about it, back when they were twenty and Krystal was fifteen.

+++

“Taeyeon…”

“Yes, Sica?”

“Soojung confessed to me.”

“About what?”

“She said she loves me. Not the sisterly love kind, but you know, like how we love each other?”

“When did this happen?”

“Just a few hours before you came, Taengoo…and…”

“And?”

“S-She… She k-kissed m-me…on…the…lips.”

Jessica watched as Taeyeon’s eyes widened at her. “WHAT?!” Taeyeon exclaimed, una