I couldn’t help but look her up and down as I approached her. She had her back to me so she still hadn’t seen me enter the building. I approached her quietly, thankful that the carpeted floor muted my footsteps. I walked slowly, taking my time to trace my eyes over her tall figure.

 

She was wearing this black dress that stopped mid-thigh, showing off her long legs. But that wasn’t all that got my attention. I had a full view of her , as her V neck backless dress hung on her shoulders, hugging her slim figure perfectly.

 

If it weren’t for my self-awareness of where we were, I would probably have spent some more time looking.

 

Feeling a bit playful, I traced my index finger up her spine.

 

Her body jerked at the touch.

 

She suddenly turned around a shocked expression on her face.

 

“Who-”

 

I giggled.

 

“Hey,” I greeted.

 

She composed herself and smiled at me.

 

“Hey.”

 

I glanced at her from head to toe one more time before clicking my tongue.

 

“You were the one who told me not to wear a dress and you show up in one?” I said.

 

I saw her smirk at me.

 

“They wouldn’t dare touch me,” she said haughtily.

 

I raised a questioning brow at her remark. Before I could ask her what she meant by that, she was already pulling me by my arm and dragged me towards the elevator.

 

“So, are we going to stay ‘til it’s over?” I asked.

 

She snorted.

 

“As if. We’ll just stay long enough until we’ve stuffed ourselves with food. And then we leave,” she told me.

 

“You’re such a foodie,” I said, shaking my head amused.

 

“Hey, it’s free food,” she shrugged. “It’s the least I should get for keeping my sister company long enough to keep her entertained.”

 

Speaking of, she’s mentioned her older sister worked in this company. I was a bit surprised when I learned we were attending a party at XXXX Industries. It’s one of the leading tech companies in the country.

 

Once we entered through the double doors of the event hall, we were met with numerous curious eyes. Sooyoung didn’t pay them any attention and continued leading me through dozens of people.

 

We stopped in front of a woman whom I assumed was her sister. I immediately notcied the resemblance.

 

“Youngie! I knew you’d come for me!”

 

She immediately hugged Sooyoung.

 

“I think you’re mistaken. I’m here for the free food,” Sooyoung responded.

 

Her sister pulled away from the hug and pinched her side.

 

“Yah. You really-”

 

Her sister stopped mid-sentence when she met eyes with me. She pushed Sooyoung aside and approached me.

 

She smiled at me.

 

I felt a sudden rush of panic come over me.

 

“Hi. I’m Choi Soojin,” she introduced herself. “And you are?”

 

“I’m Jessica. Jessica Jung,” I introduced myself. I held up my hand in a business-like manner, offering a handshake. “I’m a friend of Sooyoung.”

 

She moved my hand away. And suddenly pulled me into a hug.

 

She surprised me.

 

“If it’s a friend of Youngie, there’s no need to be so formal,” she told me.

 

“Oh. O-Okay.”

 

Wait. Choi Soojin? Isn’t she…

 

She broke away from our hug seconds later.

 

“Well, aren’t you a pretty one,” she said.

 

As if like art put on display, she scrutinized me, making me feel somewhat conscious.

 

I wanted to look perfect in front of her. I could feel myself trying to put on as much grace and elegance in my stance and movements. I tried to keep my composure as she continued to look over me.

 

“I really don’t understand. Did Youngi bribe you?”

 

I couldn’t help but be a bit taken aback by the accusation.

 

“Yah. Watch what you're saying! Don’t you know who she is?” Sooyoung said as she quickly got in between us.

 

She says it like everyone knows me.

 

I mentally rolled my eyes at Sooyoung.

 

Her sister furrowed her brows at Sooyoung then turned her gaze back to me.

 

“Jung...Jung...Jessica,” she murmured my name in contemplation. “Jessica Jung. That’s right! You own B & E!”

 

I was flattered. I couldn’t help but smile at the recognition.

 

I nodded in affirmation.

 

“Co-own,” I corrected.

 

“Aww. She's so pretty,” she said. She then faced Sooyoung and said, “Can’t I keep her? She's so pretty like a doll I just want to dress her up. I wish I had a sister like you.”

 

"Hey, aren't I your sister?" I heard Sooyoung say.

 

Her sister ignored her though. Instead, she then started patting my head and combing her fingers through my hair.

 

I wasn’t sure how to react so I just remained still, glancing at Sooyoung with questioning eyes.

 

“Yah! Stop that,” Sooyoung said, an annoyed expression on her face. “You can’t keep her.”

 

The next thing I knew, Sooyoung stood beside me then placed her arms around me, pulling me closer in a possessive manner.

 

“I saw her first,” Sooyoung hissed at her sister.

 

I really had no idea how to react in this situation. But they were getting on my nerves.

 

I escaped from Sooyoung’s grasp and got between the two.

 

“Stop. Please be mindful of the guests,” I said with my most authoritative voice.

 

They stopped immediately and finally realized how they were both acting in public.

 

“I apologize.”

 

“Sorry, Sica.”

 

I sighed.

 

“And just to be clear, if you’re going to fight over me, at least let me have a say in it,” I said, crossing my arms. “I’m not a toy.”

 

Even if they’re just joking around, I can’t just let them manhandle me. I still have my dignity to uphold.

 

I saw both of them look at one another, a silent conversation between them.

 

“I like her~” her sister said. “Good job.”

 

She slapped Sooyoung on her back, albeit too hard from the sound of her palm meeting Sooyoung’s .

 

I wonder if there’s a handprint.

 

Sure enough there was a glaring red handprint on her back.

 

Sooyoung groaned in pain and looked angrily at her sister.

 

“Ow! That really-”

 

“Sooyoung,” came a deep gruff voice.

 

The three of us all faced whom the voice belonged to.

 

I felt Sooyoung become rigid beside me.

 

“Father,” was Sooyoung’s curt greeting.

 

I was surprised.

 

This man was Soo’s father? That would mean she really is…

 

“What are you doing here?” her father asked.

 

From the way the atmosphere had completely changed, I could tell they were not in the best of terms.

 

“What are you doing here?” he asked again.

 

That hit a nerve. The way he said it, it rubbed off the wrong way. It’s as if he didn’t want her to be here. Doesn’t even bother hiding it.

 

“I invited her,” Soojin told him.

 

Their father turned to Sooyoung’s sister, a frown apparent in his expression.

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Yes, dad. I wanted her to keep me company,” she said. “Please be mindful of where we are.”

 

She said the last statement in a low voice only the four of us could hear.

 

“I see,” he replied.

 

The whole time, his gaze never left Sooyoung. Sooyoung stared right back at him.

 

She was standing tall and firm. And yet, she also seemed so vulnerable. This was my first time seeing her like this. The tension between them was becoming unbearable that I was itching to drag her out of here.

 

“We’re actually just about to leave,” Sooyoung said.

 

Soojin unnie looked wide eyed at her.

 

“But you just-”

 

“We’ll be going now,” Sooyoung cut her off. "Thanks for the invite, sis."

 

She grabbed my hand and without much of a glance at her father and sister, she led us out. I quietly followed as we quickly exited the building.

 

She was still holding my wrist and continued to drag me along. Her grip was hard and it started to hurt.

 

“Soo,” I called.

 

She didn’t look back.

 

“Soo!” I called louder. “Stop!”

 

“What?!” she snapped at me.

 

This was my first time hearing her raise her voice so I was really surprised. But I quickly shook it off and let out a breath.

 

“You’re hurting me,” I said.

 

I gestured at how hard she was holding on to my wrist . She quickly let go.

 

“I’m so sorry!” she apologized immediately. “I didn’t mean to.”

 

I sighed and gave her a small smile. Things were pretty tense back there. That much I could tell. I could see how much it had affected her so all I can do is try to understand.

 

I held her cheek and made her look at me.

 

“Let’s get to my car,” I said. “Why don’t we go for a drive?”

 

---

 

“I can’t believe I didn’t even get to eat before we left,” I grumbled.

 

We just walked out of a convenience store and continued to walk towards a park nearby.

 

We sat on the swings, munching on our food and sipping on our drinks.

 

“I’m sorry this night didn’t turn out as planned,” I apologized..

 

I felt embarrassed at my actions earlier too.

 

“I don’t mind. This is better than spending a whole night with a bunch of suits anyways.”

 

“This?” I asked.

 

“You and me,” she pointed out. “In an empty park, eating, drinking, and a sky full of stars. I like this better.”

 

I looked up.

 

She was right.

 

I rarely get to see so many stars in the city..

 

“So...when were you planning on telling me your family runs XXXX Industries?”

 

I turned to her.

 

I was expecting she might ask.

 

I sighed.

 

“I wasn’t exactly hiding it,” I said. “I just...it’s something I don’t really want to talk about.”

 

“Soo, if you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to,” she told me.

 

“It’s alright. You’ll know at some point,” I said. I took a deep breath. “I’m not exactly on good terms with my father as you can tell from earlier.”

 

“I figured,” she remarked.

 

“My father doesn’t exactly approve of…,” I paused, thinking carefully of my next words. “...me. And my choices. He wanted me to take business and help run the company with my sister. But, obviously, I didn’t. I didn't want to.”

 

I heard her laugh beside me.

 

“So you’re pretty much living one of those tv dramas, huh.”

 

I cringed.

 

I can see why she’d say that.

 

“I still took Business in college to ‘appease’ my father but I also double majored in graphic design. It was the only way I could mooch off from my dad's money while studying what I liked. I left home soon after finishing my degrees. I can only imagine how angry my father might have gotten that time,” I said the last part with a laugh. “I feel apologetic to my mom and sister who got the brunt of it. I felt like such an ungrateful daughter for leaving just like that.”

 

I continued.

 

“I didn’t contact my family after that. And they didn’t either. Well, except for my sister. At first I told her it would be better if we didn’t since father wouldn’t like that. But she didn't care and insisted we keep in contact. For some time, after graduating, I did a lot of small jobs, saved up, and took loans to start my business. It was hard doing that all on my own. My sister wanted to help but I refused. I didn’t want any more money from my family.”

 

“I felt so lonely that time. A lot of times, I thought about up my pride and going back home. But, I remembered how suffocating it felt at home and stopped myself. I worked myself to the bone, project after project, I barely did anything but work. I was so exhausted. Then one day, Sunny barged into my office and splashed cold water all over me.”

 

She chuckled.

 

“She lectured me for a whole hour and appointed herself as my assistant. Can you believe that? She hired herself to be my assistant? Then afterwards, Taeyeon and Yuri came in holding all of my favorite foods.”

 

“They’re the main reason I managed to get this far. And for that, I’m grateful. But they can be so annoying,” I grumbled.

 

“That’s what friends are for. You press each other’s buttons,” Jessica commented.

I laughed at that.

“Once I made enough money, I sent my dad a check to pay off all he spent on my education. With interest of course. I didn’t want to owe him anymore,” I finished.

After a moment of silence, I heard her clapping.

 

She got up from the swing and stood in front of me.

 

She then reached out her hand and ruffled my hair.

 

“Well, I’m not sure if this will mean much but,” she began. “I want to say that I’m proud of you. You’ve worked hard, Choi Sooyoung.”

 

This made me look up at her.

 

She had this smug and proud smile on her face as she gazed down at me.

 

“Thanks.”

 

My voice cracked.

 

I felt a lump in my throat as tears began forming in my eyes.

 

I never realized how much I’ve been wanting to hear someone outright say those words to me. I’ve always been carrying that weight of being such a big disappointment in my family.

 

She wiped the tears that had begun falling.

 

“Why are you crying?” she asked, concerned.

 

“Because...I’m just happy,” I sniffed. “It means a lot hearing you say that.”

 

I sobbed.

 

She hugged me.

 

“You’ve worked hard,” she repeated.

 

I’ll probably remember this night. Just you and me. Under the stars, embracing me while whispering praises and compliments my way.

 

“You’re not a disappointment.”

 

“Be proud.”

 

“Stand with your head held high.”

 

“Your success and achievements are all yours.”

 

“It’s fine to be a bit selfish and doing what you want to do. It’s your life.”

 

“You have friends to support you.”

 

“I am here to support you.”

 

I felt even more tears coming.

 

“Is your goal to make me cry a lot tonight?” I asked.

 

She giggled.

 

“It’s not my fault you’re a cry baby,” she teased.

 

I hurriedly wiped my tears and shot her an annoyed glance.

 

She just laughed at me.

 

Suddenly, a cold breeze passed by.

 

I felt myself shiver.

 

Jessica took off her suit jacket and placed it on my shoulders.

 

“Don’t even think about refusing,” she warned.

 

“I wasn’t. I just wanted to say how gentlewomanly of you,” I cheekily replied.

 

We spent a bit more time in the park, chatting and finishing our food.

 

At the end of the night, we were both wearing smiles.

 

I wish I could spend more nights with her like this.

 

---

 

Tiffany’s been coming to the cafe all week, watching me like a hawk in the guise eating her lunch.

 

As innocent as she seemed with her smiles, I knew that behind that pretty face is a guile cat trying to corner a mouse.

 

Unfortunately...

 

I’m that mouse.

 

“She’s here again,” Yuri said to me.

 

I sighed.

 

“I can see that.”

 

The others have been helping keep Tiffany’s attempts to corner me at bay. For that, I was really thankful. She got close a couple of times, thankfully having locks on the bathroom door proved effective. And then all I had to do was wait it out.

 

At first, it was amusing seeing her come here everyday and get me to talk. It was cute seeing her get frustrated whenever I managed to get away. The way she huffed and stomped her feet, it was cute.

 

But now, her persistence has been a bit troublesome.

 

I couldn’t work properly because I had to always watch my back.

 

I sighed.

 

At the moment, I found myself alone in the kitchen, busying myself with the new set of orders. It was the lunch hour rush. Yuri was out serving too to compensate for one of our waiters calling in sick today. Yoona was still getting used to it and needed help. I’d help too but someone has to work full time in the kitchen.

 

I knew Tiffany could come into the cafe anytime but I wasn’t too worried about it. She never bothered us when we were this busy. It was nice of her for being considerate which was a relief.

 

I hummed as I cooked swaying my hips to the beat of the song playing in my head.

 

I plated the food.

 

I heard someone walk in.

 

Good timing.

 

“Yuri, I just finished the second batch of orders,” I said while turning around.

 

I almost dropped the plates in shock.

 

“T-Tiffany...wh-what are you doing here?” I stuttered. “You shouldn’t be back here.”

 

“I saw the chance and I took it,” she said as she walked towards me.

 

I was too optimistic she wouldn’t bother me when we’re busy.

 

I placed the plates of food on the counter, fearing I might drop them somehow.

 

“We’re finally alone,” she said.

 

“This is not the time.”

 

“Oh? Then when?” she asked, crossing her arms. “You don’t think I’m not aware how you’ve been avoiding me? Let’s just cut the crap already, Taeyeon.”

 

“What is it that you want from me?” I asked.

 

“You know what.”

 

“Know what?”

 

She heaved a sigh.

 

“The truth.”

 

“Truth? About what?”

 

I was trying my best to keep a straight face.

 

She groaned at me.

 

“Stop answering me back with questions and just answer me,” she said. “Was it you?”

 

She was looking at me with pleading eyes. She looked so desperate at this moment.

 

“I...I...Tiffany, why do you keep asking me this?”

 

“Won’t you just give me an answer?!” she snapped at me.

 

Realizing she just raised her voice at me, she looked at me wide eyes and covered .

 

I was shocked as well.

 

I suddenly felt myself getting angry

 

Here she was, cornering me in my kitchen and getting in the way of my job.

 

“Why are you so hell bent on proving it was me?” I asked. “What is it to you? You’ve been trying to corner me all week in my workplace and disrupting me from my work. Tell me, why does it matter to you?”

 

I felt bad when I saw the guilt in her eyes. But I tried not to let it get to me. This was getting too much.

 

“I...I...I don’t know,” she said. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

 

She slowly walked backwards and then walked out the door.

 

I released a relieved sigh. I turned back, ready to pick up the plates and take them out when I suddenly heard the clacking of heels quickly approaching.

 

As I turned around Tiffany was right in front of me. She had this unsure look in her eyes but then it was gone and she locked eyes on me.

 

The next thing I knew, she cupped both sides of my face with her hands and pulled me closer.

 

Her eyes flicked down at my lips, her face getting closer to mine.

 

An inch.

 

A centimeter.

 

Then I felt her lips on mine.

 

I felt my body shut down.

 

The feeling of her lips on mine.

 

It all felt like a dream.

 

She pulled back a bit, her forehead resting on mine.

 

I looked at her in shock.

 

She had her eyes closed, as if she was thinking.

 

“Yeah. This is it,” she murmured.

 

She kissed me once again, her lips moving against mine. I didn’t move because I was still in shock.

 

But just as she was about to pull away, all my hidden desires and feelings began to surface and take over.

 

I pulled her in and kissed her back.

 

When we pulled away from the kiss, we just stared at each other. We were both breathing heavily.

 

“I lied,” she spoked. “I do know.”

 

“Know what?” I asked.

 

“Why I care. Why it matters to me,” she replied. “The thought of you giving Jess flowers, I don’t like it.”

 

I stayed silent. My brain was busy processing her words.

 

“I like you.”

 

Again I stayed silent, as I just looked at her with wide eyes.

 

Is this really happening?

 

“And I think you like me too,” she continued to say.

 

“I…,” I tried to say. “You just broke up with someone.”

 

“God. You think I don’t know that?” she sighed to herself. “But I also can’t deny that I like you.”

 

“Really?”

 

She nodded.

 

“There must be a reason why you’ve been avoiding answering my question so I won’t pry anymore. Just at least answer me this,” she said. “Do you like me?”

 

Instead of answering her, I kissed her again.

 

It was just a peck on the lips but I hope that was enough of an answer.

 

When I pulled away, she had this big grin on her face. Suddenly it disappeared and she pulled away from me.

 

“Oh my god. I can’t believe I just forced myself on you.”

 

It was an amusing sight seeing her panicking in front of me. She then started apologizing and bowing her head profusely at me. A stream of apologies left as well as depreciating words targeted towards herself.

 

I giggled.

 

I placed both of my hands on her shoulders and tried to calm her down.

 

“Look, I forgive you okay. Just be sure not to do that next time.”

 

“I won’t!”

 

“Well then, good.”

 

Just then, I heard the sound of the bell. That broke our little bubble. I had to get on with the orders soon.

 

“Sorry for disturbing you. I’ll go ahead.”

 

“Okay.”

 

She pulled me into a hug before she walked away.

 

“See you later, boo.”

 

I was left standing in a daze.

 

Did all of that just really happen?