"I mean you were amazing. You always are."

That was a sudden blow for Jessica. Her heart isn't capable of such strong and sudden emotional attack. 

She was taken aback. No. That's even an understatement. She was beyond speechless. Her brain wasn't even capable of absorbing the said words, but slowly, as if trying to understand each and every uttered word, she was processing them-- one by one, word for word. 

Her brain was still buffering when Hae showed his boy-next-door smile that could definitely light up a whole town, and most certainly made her situation a whole lot worse. 

It was as if all her blood came rushing to her face, she felt her whole face heating up, and no doubt, turning red like Rudolf's nose. 

"Uhh. Thanks. Yeah. Thanks." was all that she was capable of saying. 

They were quiet for quite a while, only the repetition of the background music for Jessica's song serenades the two of them. With a timid cough, Donghae attempted to lessen the oddness, and spoke,

"I think it's my turn. To sing to you. I mean to practice. Yes, practice.", if you thought that it was only Sica who was feeling frantic, then you thought wrong. He was also panicky, his heart and lungs seem like they're not coordinating with one another-- one functions faster than usual and the other struggles maintaining its natural pace. 

Jessica was still stunned, so she only nodded in response. She felt very lame at the moment, even conscious. Her weirdness might appear unappealing to Hae, so, even at the last second, she forced herself to think of something to say to Hae-- which only made her regret more.

"Sing."

'Seriously. Sing? That's all? Stupid fool, you should've just kept quiet if that's all your going to say.', she thought to herself.

Before she could further embarrass herself, luckily, Hae made a move and started preparing for his turn. With only one hand, he managed to do it, since his other hand is still entwined with hers-- and this fact appears to have slipped their minds. 

The music began and she was surprised as to how upbeat the song was. She thought that maybe he was trying out a different genre, maybe inline with the modern, fad songs that are usually played in parties or for just good vibes. She didn't judge him, no. She just expected him singing something like a love song or mellow.

You are completely beautiful
I just can't live without you, girl
You are completely beautiful
I just can't be without you, girl

She really doesn't know what to do. Every word that left his lips made their way directly to her heart and permanently embedded on her brain. 

At first, he felt scared. Maybe the words of the song may appear too strong for her and would cause her to rethink, and possibly, turn away. But she didn't. He was still looking at her, holding her, singing to her. That was when he gained courage to continue singing-- continue speaking his heart out. 

I think of what we were like when I first met you
Your bashful smile, your shy words, your cold hands
I thought of you every day
I couldn't do anything (almost going crazy)

Unable to turn my gaze away
Like a fool, I could only lose myself in you
I want to walk together with you for a lifetime
I will protect you, I love you, oh love

He remembers the day they first met. How she looked so fragile, and how he felt helpless. It was an incident that started it all. He never regretted helping her, never regretted developing feelings for her. He was happy-- contented, in fact.

Cause you are so beautiful
Let me gasp against your lips, to say this phrase, "I love you"
Cause you are so beautiful
Just stay by my side (you belong only to me)

My beautiful, my beautiful, oh oh
It's fine if time stops like this; it's fine if we grow old
I love you, I love you, thank you, thank you
Occasionally, when there is a quarrel
I will cry as I kiss your lips

Cause you are so beautiful
Let me gasp against your lips, to say this phrase, "I love you"
Cause you are so beautiful
Just stay by my side (you belong only to me)

I've only given her my everything
I will love you forever, oh

Cause you are so beautiful
I want your lips to belong only to me
Cause you are so beautiful
I will never let go of these hands I hold so tightly  

The song ended as he squeezed her hands tightly to emphasize the lyrics, to make sure she understands that the words he said weren't just part of the song, but the actual words he badly wanted to relay to her.

She can't help but be red in the face after the semi-confession he did. He saw it and considered it a good sign, so he mentally patted his shoulder. However, no matter how much he wanted to do it, he was still embarrassed. Instead, he just scratched the back of his neck. 

Another set of silence engulfed the two of them.

With a sudden jolt, he was brought back to reality. She just squeezed his hand back, causing him to look at her straight in the eye, the same way she is looking at him. They smiled at each other like they're mentally communicating, mentally making an official arrangement. 

Maybe they unconsciously wanted to spend their lives inside the practice room, but unfortunately, they had to leave because their friends are starting to knock violently on the door. Shouting nonsense like "We know we always say that you should go get a room, but we never were serious about it and, technically, this isn't a room. So get your bottoms out of there!" .

.

.

The group was done with their practice for the day. It was not as tiring as other people say it usually is, not when you're having fun with other people, that is.

The amazing thing about this set of people is that they work together, helping each to further improve themselves. They weren't selfish, self-improvement wasn't a priority. As much as possible, to them, helping one another should come first. 

It was such a sight to see.

Those whose fortes were dancing helped those who had trouble with dancing, while those who were good with singing, helped those who asked for help. It was the type of situation that you would restore your faith in humanity. 

 The day was spent like that. And when it was time to go home, they all made their way into their cars. The last ones to leave were the couples-- Taeyeon & Leeteuk and Jessica & Donghae. The boys walk to the girls car along with them and stay there. 

 Somehow, it felt obligatory that they remain. They like to treasure small stolen moments like these. No conversations required, just the presence of each other is enough to make it worthwhile. 

 After a few minutes, they bid farewell to one another. Wishing for a safe trip and reminding each other to leave a message when they reach home. You get the usual drill. 

 While driving, Jessica received a phone call. She smiled to herself, thinking that maybe it's just Hae being impatient and calling her while they're both on the road. 

However, it's not. It's Jun. The guy she ate with the other day and drank with in her dark days. The smile remained plastered on her lips, of course, it's the person who stood, or got drunk rather, with her when she needed companion. 

 "Hello?", she answered. 

 "Heeeey! Got any plans tonight?" 

 "No. None. Why?" 

"I'm thinking something like a chill night. I don't really trust my friends with this. There's no such thing as drinking with a chill vibe with them. They prefer getting wasted and passing out." 

Jessica laughs at this because she met some of his friends before and they were exactly like that. 

 "So, are you up for it?" 

 She was about to answer yes right away but she remembered that she can't be like that anymore. Her relationship with Hae has created limitations to her actions. She can no longer decide based on impulse, she needs to think and ask for permission. 

 Wait. Relationship. Are they really in a 'relationship'? She was once again eaten by her lack of knowledge regarding their status. But she knows for certain that asking him first is the right thing to do. So she responds, 

 "Uhmm. Let me think about it first. Can I contact you later? And that means ASAP. Is that okay?" 

"Of course of course busy young lady. Bye~" and then he hangs up. 

 It was a short drive from school to home, so she reached it not too long after. Just as she stepped inside her room, she dialed Hae's number. At the third ring, Hae picks up. 

 "Hey. That was fast." 

"Yeah. What about you? Are you still driving. Omo. Sorry. I'm gonna hang --" 

 "Crazy. I'm already home. In our garage actually.", and then his wonderful laughter serenades her ear. 

 For a moment, she just stood there, in awe of how amazing he sounded. She was only drawn away from daze when he started speaking on the line again.  

  "So what are you doing? Any plans for the rest of the day?" 

That's only when she remembered the reason for calling him in haste. 

"Listen. A friend of mine asked me if I could go out tonight. Just a chill night. I'm not getting drunk if that's what you're worried about. Or I'm assuming that you are getting worried. Not that I don't want you to worry about me. Uhmm no. I mean I don't want you to worry about me. What am I even saying? I'm sorry.", she incoherently muttered. 

On the other line, Hae couldn't help but smile at how adorable she sounds. It made his heart warm that it even crossed her mind to let him know, somehow asking for his permission.  

 Not minding other details regarding her night out because he was still distract with the pleasing thought that they were starting to develop a relationship-- the confession and confrontation about their status being the only thing that hinders them from proclaiming their official relationship--, he just laughed again and said, 

"Really? Have fun, okay? Enjoy and take care of yourself. If ever you get tipsy, which I honestly wish you don't, just message me and I wouldn't mind picking you up. Okay?" 

Her heart flutters due to his sweetness and she couldn't help but blush on her own. She nodded her head in response, and when she realized that he couldn't see her, she replied with 

"I sure will. I promise not to go beyond my limit, and if I do, which I also wish wouldn't happen, you'd be the first person I'd call." 

Their conversation continued with her asking him about his plan also and him responding that he's just going to rest since practice out his energy. It lasted for a while as Jessica wandered through her closet with one hand, and the other holding her phone on her ear. 

When they ran out of topics to talk about, he just hummed some melody that, even though she didn't had any idea what it was, she totally loved. 

 Not long after, they ended the call because she felt like he really was too tired. With a "Okay. Take care and don't go home too late" and "Don't forget to text me when you get home" from him, they hung up.  

With that problem aside, she sends a message to Jun telling him that she's going. A few seconds after it was sent, he replies with the name of the bar and a "see you! I'm already on my way."

She made her way to her car, inputted the location of the bar to the GPS installed in her car and leisurely drove.

She searched the place, looking fie him and she didn't have trouble spotting him. He was definitely easy to find. His blonde hair stands out along with his height that makes him very much visible.

He was looking at her the moment she spotted him. He waved his hands ecstatically and she responded with a smile as she continued walking towards his direction. 

What he said about the place was right-- the ambiance of the place was really serene. The jazz music in the background, dim lights and amazing interior is to be credited. 

A beautiful acoustic melody serenaded her as she hugged and took as seat beside Jun. She was happy to see him, and so was he. Him appearing more than her. 

"What made you contact me? And don't say none because I know you, Jun. There must be something bothering you or something relevant going on with you.", she looked at him with her eyes in tiny slits, trying to look intimidating, but failing miserably because it only made her all the more adorable. 

Jun laughs at her attempt and at the fact that she knew him quite well. He nodded and said, "You are correct about that, and I'm damn proud for you because you caught on fast."

Jessica gave him a proud smile showing that she, too, am proud of herself. 

"So what is it?", she asked.

Jun looked hesitant for a moment as he internally debated whether to tell her or not. But he scolded himself saying "you can do this. Just tell her. You made her come her for that, don't waste her effort. Just say it."

He made up his mind-- he's gonna say it. He asked her to come closer so that he can whisper it to her. As she leaned enough for him to speak to her ear, he started talking.

It was a long story, so they stayed in that position for quite some time.

However, beyond their knowledge, someone was already watching them, capturing the moment, and plotting a scheme that could ruin a just-established relationship-- someone who was willing to do everything to get what he/she thinks belongs to him/her. 

They stayed for 3 hours with drinks and talks that accompanied them. They forgot to take note of the time, which always happen when they stay together. When they actually checked the time, they decided to leave. They walked side by side on the way to the parking lot with small talks. 

Jun felt relieved that he finally let it out and Jessica was happy that her friend confided to her. So when they reached their cars which were actually parked side by side, they both engulfed each other in a hug. Both happy for having each other.

When she entered her car, she immediately contacted Hae saying that she's not drunk and she's on her way home. They didn't drink strong drinks that's why they were still capable of driving their way to their each and respective homes. 

A smile crept its way to her lips when her phone rang the moment she stepped foot on their house. It was Hae.

"Hey. I'm guessing you're already home..?", he hesitantly asked.

A giggle escaped her lips due to his cuteness, and she answered, "Your timing is truly amazing. I just got through our door when you called."

"Is my timing the only thing amazing about me?", Hae asked. And Jessica blushed for some reason and was speechless. "I'm just kidding, Jess.", he continued.

"Of course your entire being is amazing for me", she quietly spoke over the phone. 

Hae's laughter was put to a halt when he heard those sweet words from a sweet voice.

"You're amazing too. Always."

There was silence that came after. But it was not uncomfortable. It was them trying to absorb each other's sweetness-- trying to absorb the fact that they're already starting to open up to each other. 

It was when Jessica closed her room's door that Hae spoke again.

"Are you tired? Do you want to rest?"

He wanted to talk to her, but he was willing to let her rest if she needed to.

She was tired, but she wanted to talk to him, so she's willing to stay up a little longer.

They both were willing to sacrifice their wants over each other. It was the sweetest thing. 

Have you ever had a pointless conversation with someone that didn't seem pointless just because the person you're having it with is someone special and someone who can turn any dull and pointless conversation into something special? (Wow that was mouthful)

But that's the kind of thing they had. It was all about anything under the sun. Anything, just anything. 

--------------------------------------------------

I as an author. I apologize.