Chapter 34

There’s no way for me to get jealous. Why on earth? These girls are crazy. Sooyoung opened the television. A CF promoting coconut biscuits were shown.

“Wah! Those biscuits look yummy! Let’s try it sometime.” Yoona’s eyes glowed as if she found a treasure.

That instance, Sooyoung was reminded of Changmin who saved her from a falling coconut. “ANDWAE!” she shouted.

“Is this a miracle? You never rejected food like that before.” Jessica looked at her.

“Ah, I... I mean... there’s no way I’d share coconut biscuits with you.” The tall girl sneered. “Let’s change the channel.”

“No way too! The next show is our favorite!”Sunny protested.

Hyoyeon raised her hands, “Everybody QUIET! The show’s gonna start.”

The girls stuck their eyes on the TV screen as they watched Daniel Henney’s show “Men Can Cook”featuring male celebrities who reveal their cooking skills.

“Last episode’s guest is Song Seung Heon, who could it be this time?” Yuri can’t wait any longer.

Daniel Henney introduced his guest.”Our guest promised he’ll show us his cooking skills to the MAX. Please welcome, DBSK Changmin!” The fangirls among the audience cheered on as the guy waved his hand.

This is unbelievable. Sooyoung tried to get up from the couch but Yoona and Seohyun sandwiched her tight. There’s no way she could get off from these two.

“He looks handsome even when he’s wearing an apron, isn’t it Sooyoung?” Tiffany complimented.

The tall girl knew the girls won’t stop teasing her so she looked at them with stank eyes.

“You’re known as the biggest eater among DBSK.” Daniel Henney stated.

Changmin nodded and honestly spoke. “I really love food.”

“Did you hear that? He’s a SHIKSHIN too!” Taeyeon smirked.

Changmin skillfully prepared Seafood Spaghetti and Tiramisu. The girls never thought he has a knack in cooking, especially Sooyoung.

“Wah!” Tiffany was impressed when he expertly tossed the sautéing pan.

“May we know what’s your ideal type? I’m sure the ladies out there would love to hear from you.”

Changmin chuckled, “I want the clingy type. Usually I adore affectionate girls.”

“He’s absolutely referring to Miri. Happy now?” Sooyoung blurted. “We saw them with our two eyes earlier. They must really love each other very much.”

“Most of all I get really attracted to girls who love food just like I do. The type that would ask for two to three servings of Bulgogi just for herself, compared to goatlike girls who prefer salads and greens.”

“BINGO.” Jessica exclaimed with her Californian accent.

Sunny smiled.  “You’re fit for his ideal type!”

The tall girl tried to cup her face as she felt her heart pound faster. Yuri held her hands to keep Sooyoung from covering her face.

“Stop it. He already had Miri, and they’re happy together.” Her face turned serious, “I’m not jealous, end of discussion.”

Everybody was quiet; Sooyoung calmly walked into her room and gently closed the door.

Hyoyeon sighed, “Arasso...”

“Let her rest, I’ll prepare sweet strawberries for all of you.” Taeyeon waltzed to the kitchen.

Sooyoung ran back and sat on the couch. “I like strawberries too.” All the girls hugged her tight.

“How about me?” the kid leader carried a bowl full of fruits.

“Join us unnie!” Seohyun squealed.

“Ah...shikshin..” Taeyeon held Sooyoung’s butt as they hug.

The tall girl snatched a fruit immediately. “You’re the best ByunTaengoo!”

-----

It’s 3 in the morning and Jessica can’t sleep. She was reading a novel while her roommate Sooyoung went fast asleep.

Jessica heard faint cries from Sooyoung so she rushed on her bedside. She gently pulled the sheets to check and saw the tall girl crying on her sleep, but there were no tears from her eyes. The ice princess was surprised when Sooyoung suddenly sang.

[ENGLISH]

Only one thing crossed Jessica’s mind. She has known Sooyoung for over a decade, and throughout those times she remained jolly and lively. The tall girl wasn’t in a good mood at all before they went to bed. She was smiling yet her eyes were not shining like it used to be.

Jessica was aware of Sooyoung’s shyness when it comes to matters of the heart. Having experienced unrequited love during her high school days, she’s the type who would rather keep quiet about the guy she likes.

“I hope you can open up about your feelings more, we’re always ready to hear you out.” Jessica fixed Sooyoung’s messy hair.

The tall girl stretched her long legs and turned toward the ice princess. She was loosely holding a piece of paper on her hand. It was a picture of her and Changmin taken during their trainee days. Jessica felt sorry for Sooyoung. It must be very difficult for her.

-----

Hyoyeon asked the girls what they would like to eat.

“Dumplings?” Seohyun was unsure.

“Neh! Neh! Neh! And kimbap too!” Yoona’s puppy eyes tried to persuade her unnies.

“Sounds great.” Sunny nodded and slipped money to Yoona’s pocket. “You maknaes buy it.”

“I’ll buy it.” Sooyoung volunteered. “I need some fresh air, I feel stuffy.” She smiled and prepared to leave.

“Be careful.” Tiffany fixed the tall girl’s cap and escorted her through the main door.

“Don’t be fooled, she may be smiling but I know she’s hurt.” On that cue, Jessica told them what happened.

Taeyeon shook her head. “Our Sooyoung hasn’t changed.”

-----

Sooyoung missed taking long walks alone because she usually has someone with her when she goes out.  She took this time to clear her thoughts. A happy couple walked past her and she can’t help but envy. She never had a boyfriend and she sees herself way overdue to have one. Her older sister was happily married and her mother often asks her when she would ever introduce someone as her boyfriend. Total pressure.

She always thought of the supermarket as the second heaven here on Earth. As a child, she enjoyed buying groceries  with her mother and trying free food samples. My life was simple and easy back then...

The tall girl lined up on the cashier and noticed a familiar figure next to her, none other than SHINee’s Choi Minho.

The pretty boy waved his hand. “Annyeong noona! I just bought stuff for myself.”

“I see.” Sooyoung smiled. “The girls want kimbap and dumplings for lunch so I went all the way here.”

“How’s Yuri-noona?”

“She’s all well. Happy and kkab as ever.”

Minho grinned from ear to ear. He handed over a box of milk to the tall girl. “Please give this to her and tell her to stay safe.”

How I wish someone would do the same to me. She placed it in her bag and left. No matter how hard she tried to amuse herself, a feeling of emptiness remained in her. She felt so stupid. Why can’t I just admit the fact that I’m jealous?