Chapter III.

---

"Krystal, is there anything you want for your birthday?"

"Yes,"

"What is it? Unnie will try and get it for you,"

"I just want mom and dad."

---

"Straighten your back, miss Jung."

"I—I'm sorry,"

"Your hands should be folded over your lap,"

"Sorry,"

"Is that how you hold your utensils, miss Jung?"

"Sorry,"

"Your posture is clumsy and that of a barbarian's,"

"I'm sorry..."

"You're slipping miss Jung. Have you forgotten the basics of proper etiquette?"

"...I'm really sorry,"

Jessica felt herself flinch when the woman in front of her sighed heavily, disappointment laced on her brows as she shook her head dismissively. She could see the older woman's jaw tighten and loosen repetitively; a method of self-control.

Jessica bowed her head in shame, "...I'm really sorry," she whispered again as the older woman dismissed her with a flick of her right hand.

"Come back when you finally decide to put some effort into being a proper young lady."

Jessica merely stood and bowed once more before timidly leaving, feeling regretful as she entered her car for her next lesson; piano.

---

"You're just playing miss Jung," Jessica heard her teacher say as she paused, her fingers lightly hovering over the black and white keys, "You know the song, but do you understand it?"

Jessica didn't know what was wrong with her.

Why am I so out of it today?

"Is something the matter, miss Jung?" Her tutor asked, her face expressing worry as Jessica gently hid behind strands of her hair. "Are you not feeling well?"

...Maybe that's it.

"Yeah," Jessica said quietly as she felt the cold surface of the piano's keys seep beneath her skin, "I'm kind of out of it today."

When her tutor kindly dismissed her with a weak smile and a nod of approval, Jessica returned the gesture warmly, feeling apologetic.

"Get well soon," Jessica heard her say as she stood from her stool, bowing before taking her leave.

Jessica knew she was currently disappointing her parents with the way she has been performing less productively.

But she also knew the reason why.

"Tiffany. Her name's Tiffany." She remembered Krystal say clearly, her revelation the reason she felt her plate slip from her fingers so quickly.

Was she really back?

And for how long?

Why didn't she contact me?

Jessica wasn't sure what to feel or do anymore. Should she look for her instead? Or what if it wasn't the same Tiffany that Krystal was referring to? That maybe the stranger at the bus stop just happens to have the same name as her ex-girlfriend?

I—I hope so,

But Jessica knew she really didn't mean it.

---

"Why are you home early, Sooyeon?"

Jessica cringed from the cold tone that's underlying her mother's voice. Jessica shut the door behind her as she contemplated on words to say. She could hear her key chain ring noisily as her keys dangled under her grip.

"I—I don't feel too well today mom," Jessica passively stated as she continued to feel her mother's burning gaze create holes against her forehead, "I can't seem to concentrate as well as I used to."

She meekly looked down at the tile floors of their home as she silenced the ruckus her keys were making with a tightened grip. 

Jessica heard her mother's disappointed sigh as she clucked her tongue in disapproval, and Jessica steeled herself for a punishment.

"As long as you'll do better tomorrow," she couldn't refrain from looking up as her mother sent her a concerned gaze behind dark brown eyes, "And convince your younger sister to come along to the dinner tonight, it doesn't matter to me."

Jessica could only nod shyly as she watched her mother stride away, her darker brown locks flowing elegantly over her shoulders.

The proud, confident, and stoic image her mother was exhibiting was exactly what her parents were currently molding her into becoming.

But Jessica didn't want to stray away from being the girl she wanted to be.

Herself.

---

"Krystal?" Jessica called out as she slowly made her way up the stairs.

Her steps became quieter when she realized her sister was talking to someone, Krystal's tone laced with tinges of joy and nervousness.

Jessica couldn't help but wonder who the younger girl was talking to as she sneaked near the doorway. Her back was pressed against the side of her sister's door as she peeked through the slight gap of the open entrance.

"But what if I don't want to go?" She heard Krystal complain over the phone as Jessica watched her younger sister lay back against her headboard, "Why should I go if it isn't me that they really care about?"

Jessica winced from her sister's weak tone and sharp words that she knew was referring to her. She kept still, controlling her breaths as she listened to the muteness of Krystal's room, unable to hear what the person on the other line was saying.

"You wouldn't know that," Krystal's voice rung again against the walls of her room as Jessica watched her younger sister cross her legs on the bed, "I don't think they even notice me half the time."

Jessica wanted to say that she cared, that she always noticed her.

But did Krystal know that?

"There is one person though," and Jessica held her breath as she watched her sister smile, "My unnie."

Jessica felt her heart lift and air come into her lungs as she felt her lips curve brightly into a smile.

Krystal knew.

"Fine, I'll do it for her..." She heard Krystal mutter under her breath as her younger sibling began to fiddle with a strand of her black hair, "... And I guess for you too,"

Jessica didn't miss the light pink that stained Krystal's cheeks.

Does she have a boyfriend?

Jessica couldn't keep a grin from gracing her face as she heard Krystal finally end the call with a light click, a smile still plastering her lips.

"Krystal?" Jessica began as she casually entered her sister's room, feigning ignorance as she watched Krystal jump from the sudden sound of her voice.

"U-Unnie?"

Jessica wanted to giggle from her sister's expression that resembled a deer caught in headlights. Krystal looked so cute and funny when surprised.

"Why do you look so startled Krys?" Jessica continued on, casually striding over to sit on the edge of her sister's bed, "Are you hiding something from me?"

Krystal merely shook her head frantically as she waved her hands defiantly, her actions triggering light chuckles from Jessica's throat.

"N-No! No way! What's there to hide?"

"A boyfriend."

Jessica grinned when she saw Krystal choke on thin air.

"I don't have one,"

"Then who were you talking to?"

"Talking to someone on the phone instantly implies that I have a boyfriend?"

"It instantly implies that this someone happens to have caught your attention."

Jessica smirked as she watched Krystal purse her lips, her brows crinkled as she continued to ponder on words to say. 

Truthfully, Jessica knew it couldn't be a boyfriend. Krystal wasn't exactly interested in romantic relationships. Krystal was rather pessimistic when it came to anything related to romance. 

Perhaps a friend?

That's good then, Jessica mused to herself inwardly, knowing that Krystal had a hard time making close acquaintances because of their family's status.

"...It was Tiffany," and Jessica paused as she felt a shift in elevation of her sister's mattress, "The woman I met at the bus stop."

This was her chance and Jessica knew it.

She could ask Krystal all about the woman she met at the bus stop. What she looked like and what her voice sounded like. Hell, she could even ask Krystal to dial Tiffany's number and allow her to speak to her.

Jessica could even get Krystal to do favors for her: to ask Tiffany questions about where she came from, what school she went to, how old she was...

But Jessica was afraid to.

Was this the same Tiffany? And what if she was? What would she do then? Would they get back together? Did she want to get back together with her? What about her parents? Her obligations as the heiress to her family's company?

"She was your friend, right?"

Krystal had initiated the start for her.

"Yes," Jessica replied, keeping her gaze on her fingers as she felt Krystal's bed shift once again.

...Ex-girlfriend.

"Why aren't you keeping contact with her?" Her left thumb paused as it hovered over her right palm, her mind thinking, "Why aren't you bothcontacting each other?"

Jessica didn't know.

"We drifted apart remember?" Jessica replied quietly as she combed a hand through her hair, "There's no reason for us to."

She heard Krystal hum gently as Jessica remained still on her spot; keeping her back facing her sister as she sat silently on the edge of Krystal's bed. She could feel her heart thump painfully against her chest, every word spilling from Krystal's lips forcing her to remain alert.

Jessica couldn't allow Krystal to find out.

I'm not a lesbian,

Jessica didn't want to lose her baby sister too.

"Why did you two drift apart?" She could feel Krystal loom closer from behind as the bed squeaked under the shift in weight, "Because she was a lesbian?"

And Jessica's eyes widened in disbelief as she whipped around to see Krystal's questioning gaze.

How did she—

"Tiffany told me," Jessica scanned the way her sister's eyes pierced through her, "About how she lost friends because of that," Krystal's brows were crinkled and despite her intense stare, Jessica could only see curiosity. Krystal wasn't blaming her. "And how she had a secret relationship with another girl."

The last bit of information she gathered from Krystal clinched it.

Krystal's Tiffany was her Tiffany.

"Did knowing that make your friendship fall apart?" Jessica let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding as Krystal settled beside her, her younger sister's gaze filled with genuine concern.

She was relieved that Krystal didn't know everything.

"Yeah," Jessica said as she began to play with the hem of her sleeve, "She was shunned and naturally everyone else just avoided her."

"You don't approve of homouals, unnie?" 

Jessica froze as she contemplated, heart racing as she continued to feel Krystal's steady gaze on her right cheek. Jessica couldn't help but voice out, afraid of her younger sister's answer.

"What about you Krys?" 

The pause made Jessica's head spin and her heart pound vehemently as she waited impatiently for her sister's reply.

She wanted to know if Krystal didn't mind about that. That Krystal was open about that. That she wouldn't lose Krystal to that.

Then maybe she, herself, wouldn't be as afraid of being one anymore.

"I don't mind them because that's who they are," and Jessica felt like a whole weight was lifted from her shoulders as she felt Krystal shift, "Nothing should change if they're being themselves, right?"

And Jessica felt like crying.

At least she knew that one family member didn't mind.

She didn't feel as afraid anymore.

"I love you Krys," Jessica whispered as she wrapped her arms around her younger sister, feeling Krystal stiffen in surprise before relaxing and returning the gesture. "I love you a lot, did you know that?"

Jessica nuzzled closer as Krystal tightened her hold.

"I love you too unnie, did you know that?" Jessica smiled as Krystal playfully nudged the top of her head with her chin.

Krystal's chuckles were soothing as her gentle tone lulled Jessica to sleep.

---

"Didn't I say to dress up for this dinner, Soojung?"

Jessica tightened her hold on Krystal's hand as she watched her mother stare down at her sibling disapprovingly. From the corner of her eyes she could see her father silently watch with his arms crossed stiffly over his chest, his tuxedo evidently ironed beneath the chandelier's light.

Jessica couldn't help but admit that her mother was indeed a woman worth admiring.

Her mother had adorned on a slick navy blue dress with an open slit on the left side of her leg, revealing a bit of her cream-like complexion. 

Her right shoulder was bare as her dress looped over the left one neatly, a suitable design that displayed her mother's overwhelming grace and elegant beauty. 

Her mother's hair fell like soft waves over her shoulders as she stood firmly in front of them.

"I have."

Jessica felt a cold chill run through her spine from her younger sister's ability to easily combat their mother's stern tone. 

Even if Krystal wasn't in a dress, she still had on a formal overcoat and black dress pants with brown high heels. She also had a matching pair of gold earrings that made her look much more feminine than her younger sister would actually like.

"We aren't going until you change, Soojung."

Jessica heard the several implications of her mother's emphasis on that single word.

The silence that enveloped the air was suffocating as Jessica watched her mother and sister stare at each other with overwhelming defiance. It surprised Jessica when she heard her father's deep voice crack the tense air as he cleared his throat for their attention.

"We're wasting time." His tone was stern as he pushed off against the wall, heading towards the doors with a cigarette in his hand.

When Jessica heard her mother sigh, defeated, Jessica knew they were saved by their father's interruption.

Jessica sort of wished her father would speak up more often after that.

---

"She isn't interested. Aren't you going to bother asking what Jessica actually wants? Not what you want?"

All Jessica wanted at that moment was to stop them.

The people at the restaurant were looking at them now, and Jessica wasn't sure what to do. She remembered how they entered the restaurant, their image evidently of higher status as onlookers stared with envy.

This was supposed to be a family dinner that their parents have planned, but of course, the topics introduced had always been about the family's business and setting things 'straight'.

They were arguing over her inheritance as the owner of Jung Corp.

"Is there something you want, Soojung? Is that why you're so easily irritated?"

"No! My problem is that you don't consider Jessica's point of view!"

The fact that they were arguing in English only increased the number of eyes observing them from the diner. Jessica wanted to do anything to stop them, but she couldn't seem to find her voice as she struggled with forming some sort of response.

"We want what's best for her, Soojung. And we know what it'd be." Her mother stated firmly as she eyed Krystal vehemently.

Krystal merely scoffed as she crossed her arms and leaned her back against the chair.

"Do you really?"

"If there's something you want Soojung, ask away and we'll get it for you."

"Stop treating me like I'm some sort of spare thing!"

"Aren't you?"

And Jessica froze as the heavy silence weighed against their table, watching her sister's fingers tremble as she gripped onto her arms tightly.

"You were our mistake, Soojung. Did you honestly not notice that before?"

"Mom!" Jessica finally found her voice as she shrieked, finally having the will to ignore the many gazes that were locked on them.

"Then what the hell am I still here for?" Jessica heard Krystal growl as she watched her younger sister clench her jaw.

"For Sooyeon of course." Their mother scoffed, "We noticed how well she took care of you and realized that you gave her responsibility. She learned the meaning of it thanks to you."

"Krys," Jessica began, wanting to steal her sister's attention away from their mother's.

Don't listen to them.

"That's all I'm here for? For Jessica's growth as a damn business leader?!"

"Krys," Jessica continued on as she reached for her sister's hand.

"The Jung Corporation is a very powerful and important business, young lady. So Sooyeon should very well be prepared to grow as a 'damn business leader'." Their mother replied sternly, emphasizing the last bit as she stared down at Krystal.

"What if she never wanted it in the first place? What if she wants something else completely?"

Jessica felt a chill as she watched her mother laugh heartily.

"What, are you suggesting you'd be a better candidate, Soojung?"

Jessica was startled when Krystal slammed her hands against the table, the plates and utensils teetering as Krystal seethed, leaning over as she glared intensely at their mother. Their mother remained still, not budging as Krystal hissed.

"Stop twisting the conversation!"

"Krys! Mom! Please stop!" Jessica stood from her seat as she tried to pull Krystal to sit back down.

"This is the whole reason we never bothered with you Soojung. You're too temperamental, hot headed, and emotionally driven to hold responsibility over our company." Their mother retorted calmly as Jessica continued to try and get Krystal to sit back down.

"The reason I'm like this is because you don't even bother to try and get to know your own damn daughters! Neither of us!"

"Krys..." Jessica called out weakly.

"Did you even ask Jessica if she wanted to lead your lame business to begin with?"

"Of course, Soojung." Jessica had to look away when her mother began to eye her intensely, "She said yes."

"Krys, it's true, but mom—" Jessica paused abruptly as she pondered on the right words to say, "—mom, she's just as important! There's no reason to shove her aside!"

"Sooyeon,"

Jessica held her breath when her father's voice called her name, his arms once again crossed as he gazed at her with disapproval.

"Dad," she breathed in response as she returned the gesture, choosing to do something for once.

"We did not raise you to object to us, Sooyeon."

"But mom," Jessica felt instantly cornered as her mother gave her a glance of disappointment.

"Is offering anything you want not good enough for you, Soojung?" Their mother's attention quickly returned to Krystal again as Jessica watched her younger sister stiffen.

"I don't want just anything." Krystal's quiet whisper barely made it to Jessica's ears as their mother continued to stare.

"Then what is it so we can resume our peaceful dinner?"

Jessica wanted to laugh there and then. Peaceful? Since when were family dinners peaceful with the Jungs?

"Krystal?" Jessica called out when Krystal suddenly stood from her seat and motioned towards the restaurant's exits. Jessica felt her heart tear to pieces when she heard Krystal's weak whisper that Jessica knew their parents never got to hear.

"I just want mom and dad," Jessica remembered a four year old Krystal say at her own birthday party. It only consisted of Jessica and the birthday girl.

"I just want mom and dad," Jessica remembered a ten year old Krystal say as snow continued to fall on Christmas.

"I just want mom and dad," Jessica remembered an eighteen year old Krystal say at her high school graduation ceremony.

"I just want mom and dad," Jessica heard twenty year old Krystal say as Jessica watched her younger sister sprint out of the restaurant and into the cold rain. Jessica immediately stood as soon as her mind registered what was happening.

Krystal was running.

Her little sister was running.

Her baby sister was running away.

Run Jessica, RUN!

Instinctively, her feet began to move as she motioned to follow Krystal, but a tight grip on her left wrist kept her from going any further; making her recoil and stagger as she turned her head towards the individual keeping her still.

"...Tell her I never meant a word I said."

And Jessica's eyes widened as she watched her mother nod weakly as she released her grip slowly, placing an umbrella into her open palm.

Jessica didn't need to be reminded twice as she ran, gripping the umbrella her mother had given her as she stepped outside and into the freezing rain.

"Krystal!" She shouted, ignoring the bewildered looks of bystanders as she chased after the dark, fading figure of her little sister. "Krystal!" She screamed again, but the harsh sounds of water slapping the concrete floor was masking her call.

Jessica hurriedly slipped off her heels and ran faster after Krystal, ignoring the pain shooting up her feet and legs as she continued to step on the rough surface of the sidewalk. Her chest heaved and breath was stuck as she forced herself to not lose sight of Krystal under the harsh weather.

Jessica could feel her whole body be drenched with cold rain as she struggled with breathing.

Her legs were going numb as she passed several people walking by, evidently stealing their attention from the way her dress is stuck tightly against her skin and her once-neatly-curled hair sprawled messily over her shoulders and face.

Jessica tried calling out again, but her voice was gone and was dry as she stopped to catch her breath. Her hands gripped her knees as she hunched over, breathing becoming difficult and vision beginning to blur as her head began to spin.

The rain continued to pour harshly against her freezing figure as she held her head.

Krystal...

"H-Hey, why aren't you using your umbrella?"

Jessica felt her heart pound painfully against chest, heard the thumps echo violently against her ear drums as she struggled to look up. Rain wasn't hitting her form anymore as someone loomed closer, their umbrella over her.

...I forgot I was holding one, Jessica inwardly answered the stranger's question as she struggled to open her eyes.

Their husky tone sent familiarity and nostalgia through her veins as her mind rattled to recognize its owner.

When Jessica stood straight once again, she stumbled, staggering into the person in front of her as she struggled to breathe; gasping for air against the stranger's collar bone. 

The position she was in felt familiar as she heard them speak, their skin tickling her left cheek as she felt an arm wrap around her waist to keep her from falling.

"...Jessica?"

And Jessica finally remembered whose signature voice that belonged to.