Chapter 18  One 

 

 

“Tell me that you turned down the man,

Who asked for your hand,

‘Cause you're waiting for me.

 

And I know, you're gonna be away a while,

But I've got no plans at all to leave.

Would you take away my hopes and dreams?

And just stay with me ?”

 

(“One” - Ed Sheeran)

 

 

Wendy has been staying in her home lately.

 

Not only because of her “composing project”, it’s also because of the worsening condition of her grandfather.

 

 

Irene, on the other hand, continues her busy life packed with schedules, meetings, shootings, and practice.

 

As a rookies star with strength, she has gained huge popularity within the country already.

 

SM has a high expectation on her.

 

And she has been preparing for the drama too.

 

 

The couple barely keeps contact everyday through Skype, phone calls and texts.

 

 

 

The day after their first fight, Irene has mailed something to Wendy.

 

 

It was afternoon when the mailman came to Wendy’s door.

 

Her mom cheerfully answered the door and called our Olaf, who was accompanying her grandfather, to come down and get her package.

 

 

Wendy took it back to her room and carefully opened the packings.

 

It was a small box with a “fragile” label sticked on it.

 

 

She opened the paper box and there were another small wooden box, and a hand-written letter.

 

 

So she read the letter first.

 

 

“To my Olaf, 

 

        Finally I’ve got something for you :D I know things will get harder for us, but my heart 

 

for you will never change

 

know, the male-lead Do Kyungsoo is totally NOT my type XD (he’s nice though) Here is a 

 

necklace of mine. I brought it when I was 16. I used to wear it as a lucky charm. Now I give 

 

it to you as a token of love. Wear it everyday, so that I can be close to you heart anytime.

 

 

Love, 

 

Your one and only cabbage.”

 

 

Wendy’s vision was blurred by her own tears and she quickly wiped them away, since she was afraid they would smudge Irene’s writings.

 

And she was smiling ear to ear at the same time.

 

 

Pabo …… I will love you no matter what you do.

 

Even her pen is purple lol………

 

 

She moved on to open the wooden box.

 

There was a silver necklace with a unicorn pendant. 

 

 

Wendy caressed the unicorn with her fingers, trying to feel Irene’s warmth from it.

 

Then she put it on.

 

 

It has become Wendy’s little ritual that she would kiss the unicorn hanging from her chest, as the first thing to do when she wakes up, or as the last thing thing to do before she goes to sleep.

 

 

 

 

As for Jessica and Taeyeon, they met at a cafe near Taeyeon’s studio.

 

 

A lot of business orders have come to Taeyeon after the “success” of Irene’s debut promotion pictures.

 

 

Luckily, she’s got her crew and Seulgi and Joy helping. 

 

 

 

They sat face-to-face and ordered their drinks separately.

 

Jessica was the first to speak.

 

 

“Well, Taeyeon……  I don’t know if you know the reason why I asked you out this time, but there’s something serious that we need to talk about.”

 

“I don’t know if you don’t know I know that the first and last time we had a serious talk, we broke up afterwards.” Taeyeon teasingly sipped on her latte. 

 

“Tae….  This is serious.” Jessica rolled her eyes so hard that she could almost see her brain.

 

“I’m all ears.” Taeyeon sat right up.

 

 

“Tiffany is my childhood friend. And she is ……. “competing" for you.” Jessica avoided eye-contact with Taeyeon and said.

 

“Correction — She is competing me with you.” Taeyeon smirked.

 

“Yes.” Jessica looked at her cup of expresso, still not at Tae.

 

“Do you think you can win ? I mean, the Jessica Jung Soyeon I know, doesn’t participate in a war that she ain’t going to win.” Taeyeon asked as if it didn’t have anything to do with her.

 

 

Jessica expressionlessly stared at Taeyeon for some seconds.

 

“You tell me. You are the one who make the call.”

 

“Haven’t I said I am trying to start all over with you ? Ms. Jung ?” Taeyeon bended herself towards Jessica.

 

“It didn’t mean I could win. Maybe Tiffany and me both lose.” Jessica mindlessly stirred her expresso.

 

“You’re right. If someone wins, it has to be you. Or you both lose.” Taeyeon crossed her arms.

 

“Tiffany is like my best friend in the States. I can feel she really likes you. I… I just can’t bare to see ….” Jessica frowned a bit.

 

 

“So you don’t love me ?” Taeyeon stared right into Jessica’s eyes. 

 

 

“I love you, Jung Soyeon. I have waited 4 years and abandoned nearly everything after you left. I have started a whole new life but I still love you.” 

 

“I met a girl 2 years ago and I really liked her. However, when I kissed her, I always thought it was you.”

 

“And yes, I have suffered a lot from you…… From our break up. So I wanna make it clear here…… I think we should prove to each other that “I am your freaking one and only soulmate”.”

 

“I am very serious. If we can get together and make it through, I am so going to marry you this time. I mean it.” 

 

Taeyeon finished her speech and leaned her back on the chair.

 

 

Jessica was stunned. 

 

 

She recalled that one time, Taeyeon told her that she would propose to her on her first runway showcase, encouraging her to pursue her dream as a fashion designer.

 

But they broke up before Jessica got to establish her career.  

 

 

 

“Taeyeon-ah……. Why do you still love me ?” Jessica was holding her tears back.

 

“Love cannot be explained, Soyeon-ah. I guess I let you took my heart long time ago.” Taeyeon saw the watery sparkles in Jessica’s eyes.

 

 

“Take my hand and my

Heart and soul, I will

Only have these eyes for you.

 

And you know, everything changes but,

We'll be strangers if, we see this through.

 

You could stay within these walls and bleed,

Or just stay with me……..”

 

 

“You don’t have to worry about Tiffany. Leave it to me. If it has to ruin your friendship, I rather it’s me to do it.” 

 

Taeyeon bended forward again and used her thumb to wipe a tear from the corner of Jessica’s eye.

 

 

Jessica smiled through tears when she felt the long-lost touch again.

 

 

“Let’s date tomorrow.”

 

 

“So are you asking me out ?” Taeyeon chuckled.

 

“Are you willing to go out with me ?” Jessica raised her left eyebrow. 

 

“Sure, Jessica-xi.” Taeyeon didn’t forget their “start-again-as-new-friends” thing and addressed her formally.

 

“Good. Pick me up at work. Taeyeon-xi.” Jessica giggled.

 

 

 

The older pair has started “dating” again.

 

 

 

And Taeyeon has been brushing off Tiffany again, on the other hand.

 

 

Sometimes, the eye-smile star would sudden pay a visit to Taeyeon’s studio.

 

And Taeyeon is always hiding behind her working desk.

 

Letting Hyoyeon or Yuri to look after the guest.

 

Or Seohyun to nag her about the importance of heathy lifestyle.

 

 

Taeyeon has also stopped attending any dinner invitation with Tiffany.

 

Unless her gang is there too.

 

 

 

 

For Tiffany, it isn’t that she doesn’t know Taeyeon loves Jessica.

 

It is that she believes she could love Tae better than her childhood friend.

 

And she is eager to prove it to Tae.

 

 

 

For all this time, Tiffany could surely notice there’s someone in Taeyeon’s heart.

 

But she can’t help but still falling for this caring gentle friend.

 

 

As a well-known artist, Tiffany faces extreme pressure and is indeed lonely under the beautiful smile of hers.

 

People can only see how she shines on stage but not the pain she endures along the way.

 

There ain’t much people who could be understanding for this and befriend with her, not the star Tiffany, but Hwang Miyoung.

 

Taeyeon is one of a few.

 

Which makes Tiffany feels very attached to her.

 

 

So she’s not going to give up that easily.

 

If she can’t have Taeyeon, she would still stay by her side.

 

Looking at her from afar.

 

 

 

 

*Back to present*

 

 

Wendy receives a text when she’s randomly playing piano in her room.

 

It’s no one other than her 94-line buddy Kang Seulgi.

 

 

Everyone seems to be troubled by love now.

 

 

Two days ago, the stubborn bear walked her friend Kai to see the doctor.

 

Since he twisted his ankle while dancing, Seulgi had to support him being putting his arm around her shoulder.

 

Joy saw that from afar and was furious.

 

 

Suddenly, the all-time clingy big baby disappeared from the bear’s life.

 

 

Seulgi heard Joy has stayed in her classmate’s dorm.

 

She hasn’t seen Joy or received any messages from her, not even a note.

 

 

At first, Seulgi felt relieved.

 

Then, she started to feel worried….. and empty.

 

 

Insensitive as Seulgi, she has no idea what’s going on.

 

So she seeks help from her Canadian buddy.

 

 

 

Wendy looks at the clock and calls the stupid mono-lid bear.

 

 

 

“Kang Seulgi.” Wendy coldly calls out.

 

“Nae ? Wendy-ah….. ” Seulgi is helplessly wandering in her dorm.

 

“Do you know what’s wrong ?” Wendy wants to smack her head through the phone.

 

“I don’t know ….. That’s why I texted you.” Seulgi whines.

 

“How are you feeling right now ?” 

 

“Worried ?” 

 

“Do you feel something is missing ?” Wendy tries to guide the bear to the answer.

 

“Yeah, Joy …. I can’t find her anywhere…. Should I call the Police ?”

 

“You know why she leaves, right ?” Wendy face-palms with one hand.

 

“Hmm….. Because I helped Kai ?” At least she gets one right.

 

“Why would she leave just because you helped Kai ? I’m sure it’s not because she wants him dead.” Wendy wants to tell her the answer directly but it’s better to let her realizes on her own.

 

“Because she doesn’t like me to be close with Kai ? And she’s angry ?” Seulgi is making some progress.

 

“Then why she hates to see you being close with Kai ?”

 

“Maybe she has a crush on Kai ? Oh I see …. It’s common for a 18-year-old to like a senior at school. She knows me and Kai are just friends, why is she mad at me ?”

 

 

Wendy clutches her fist so hard and 100% would punch Seulgi if she could. 

 

 

“Kang Seulgi. Ask yourself. How will Joy and Kai even be close to each other ? You are their only common friend. And are there any other hints suggesting she likes him ? Why didn’t she just tell you if she really likes him ? You two are close since primary school……”

 

 

 

“Wendy-ah…… Are you saying that Joy likes …. Me ?” Seulgi freezes.

 

“Putting all the pieces together and it’s a yes for me.”

 

“What should I do ?” Seulgi has never imagined the joyful giant likes her. She thought if Joy doesn’t like Kai, she would probably like Taeyeon instead of her.

 

 

“Find her. Call her. Go after her. Text her. And get her back.”

 

“What do you mean by get her back ?” Seulgi senses something fishy.

 

“Didn’t Joy just make a clear statement ? She thought you are with Kai and she left. That means if you doesn’t like her back, she rather leaves you and stay out of your life for good.”

 

“So you are now saying I like Joy too ?” Seulgi feels dizzy ‘cause there are too much going on.

 

 

“You want to fix this, don’t you ? It means you care. And how did you react when Joy was still clingy to you ? You took it for granted and accepted it. Of course Joy would expect you like her back. It’s beyond friendship, Seulgi.”

 

“Now she’s gone. Do you feel empty ? Lost ? Sad ? Regretful ? Wishing she’s still there to annoy you ?”

 

Wendy is no love expert but she wants to work things out for her best friends.

 

 

“I-I ….. How to find her now ? She has been missing for almost 2 days. Even Taeyeon-unnie starts to worry.” Seulgi is facing the problem now.

 

“Send a text like “I wanna talk to you.” or “I have something to tell you.”…… Not typical “Where are you” …..  Show that you has figured things out. She will reply.”

 

“I don’t know what to say when I see her ……..”

 

“ “I like you too” ? I’m not sure if you really like Joy, it’s up to yourself. You will know what to say when you see her face again……” 

 

“Wendy-ah, I—”

 

“Just do what I said. Thank me later. Bye.” Wendy hangs up before Seulgi can react.

 

 

Stupid bear.

 

 

Wendy then thinks of Irene and calls her.

 

 

“Have you slept yet ?”

 

“I have.” Irene grumbles.

 

“Sorry. I just wanna see how’re you holding up.”

 

“Fine. Regular. Drama officially starts 3 days later…….. How’s your grandpa ?” 

 

“Not that good. I am staying with him, like anytime …….”

 

“I’m sorry to hear that.” 

 

“It’s okay……” 

 

“Wendy-ah, don’t worry about me. Take care of yourself and your family.” 

 

“I will…. Irene-ah, I’m so happy that I have you.” Wendy says as she is thinking of her unnies and friends.

 

“Me too.” Irene yawns and smiles.

 

“Pabo. Want me to sing you asleep ?”

 

“Yes please.”

 

 

“All my senses come to life,

While I'm stumbling home as drunk as I,

Have ever been and I'll never leave again,

Cause you are the only one.

 

And all my friends have gone to find,

Another place to let their hearts collide.

Just promise me, you'll always be a friend,

Cause you are the only one…….”

 

 

Wendy hangs up again when Irene is dozing off.

 

 

 

Taeyeon has updated things with her too.

 

And Wendy would say how much she misses the big dorky sister looking after her.

 

Taeyeon would just smile and tell her that she has Irene now.

 

 

Wendy hopes Taeyeon would have Jessica back soon.

 

 

 

Thus, she goes back to her composing.

 

But her mom barges into her room.

 

 

“Seunghwannie. Your grandpa……. ”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue 

 

 

Seulgi storms out from her dorm, while texting a certain giant baby.

 

“I have something to tell you……”

 

 

She runs through every place they used to hang out.

 

It’s dark. And Joy is afraid of darkness.

 

The bear anxiously hurries to every bright places she could think of.

 

 

“I am at the park.” Joy does reply like Wendy said.

 

 

Seulgi then uses her slender legs rushing to the park next to their school in her fastest speed.

 

But the park is freaking huge.

 

 

 

The fountain. It is the brightest spot in the park.

 

 

 

When she gets there, she sees a tall figure sitting by the waterside.

 

“Joy. It’s me.” Seulgi pants as she speaks.

 

“What do you wanna say ? Say it then you can go.” It is rare that Joy isn’t smiling at all. Her hair is messy. Her nose is red. Her eyes are puffy. 

 

“I-I …. I know why you left…..” Seulgi steps closer.

 

“Why ?” Joy cheerlessly asks and backs away.

 

“Argh…… It’s because you l-like ….M-me ?” The rational Seulgi is stuttering.

 

“Yes. I like you and so what ? You happy now ? Wendy-unnie has Irene-unnie. Taeyeon-unnie is with Jessica-unnie now. And…… And you have Kai-oppa, don’t you ? Just leave me be. Please. Let me go, Kang Seulgi.” Joy hugs herself and curls into a ball. 

 

 

It’s the first time she addresses Seulgi in her full name.

 

 

And Seulgi finds it quite hot.

 

“I don’t like Kai….. He’s just a friend. That day he was injured and I was just carrying him……”

 

“I don’t care !!! I don’t wanna see him touching you !!!! I want nobody else to touch you except me !!!!!!” Joy shouts as she is punching the air.

 

 

It looks incredibly cute in Seulgi’s eyes.

 

 

She grabs the crybaby’s wrists and stops her from moving.

 

 

“I’m touching you right now.” Seulgi awkwardly states.

 

“I-I… You can go now.” Joy struggles and blushes since Seulgi’s face is so close to hers.

 

 

“Why do you like me, Park Sooyoung ? I need to know.” The older girl doesn’t let go.

 

“‘Cause you are the only one really value me…. Although you still treat me like a kid, you respect me and care for me. You always think of me first…..” Joy turns her head away. “But I’m 18 now…. I’m no longer a child. Why can’t you see ?”

 

 

Th 20-year-old just gazes at the 18-year-old’s face. It’s her first time to examine her face in such a close range.

 

She only thought the giant baby has a cute face. Lovable when she smiles.

 

 

Now she realizes Joy has a nice facial feature too. 

 

She's all grown up now.

 

Tall, slender figure.

 

Big round eyes glint so brightly in the night.

 

Captivating.

 

 

Joy turns her head back curiously since her unnie is in complete silence for the last 4 minutes.

 

If it isn’t Seulgi’s hands are still gripping on her wrists, she would think the bear has fled back to her cave.

 

 

“Seulgi ?” Joy calls confusedly.

 

 

Seulgi is brought to reality and wraps her arms around Joy. 

 

 

Without any reason, simply it’s her instinct tells her to.

 

Maybe she wants to protect and adore the innocent girl who has been standing behind her.

 

 

“What are you doing ? Let me go !! I hate you now. I have done playing with you…..” The young girl pleads within the bear’s tight embrace.

 

She doesn’t know what’s in her mind.

 

Her hug makes her perplexed.

 

 

 

“I like you too. Please go out with me.” Seulgi mumbles on Joy’s shoulder.

 

 

And Joy’s reply is holding up the bear, cuddling, and running around.

 

 

 

“YESSSSSSSS~~~~~~” Echoing in the whole park.

 

 

 

And Seulgi doesn’t mind.

 

She just loves to see the big smile on Joy’s face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another update :)

So I made Seulgi and Joy together lol

And Wendy's grandfather is ....... not a cliffhanger, you already know

(btw I wanna see some comments >.<)

I'll be back soon~~~

xo