So, back to school 🤦‍♀ Honestly, I'd choose being home over school any day. School feels like hell while I'm practically a saint, haha. Vacation ended way too soon for me 😩, which means I didn't get enough time to work on a draft. But, you know, since this is a priority for me, it's crystal clear that I'm committed to making it happen. I'm determined to write drafts for every chapter of this story. To achieve that, I need to find a balance. What I mean is, I have a passion for writing, and school might get in the way, so I have to juggle both. Now, here's the new chapter! xoxo

---

 

"Jen—"

 

"I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!" Jennie kept repeating those words, her smile b with affection.

 

Yoona found herself taken aback by Jennie's reaction; she hadn't anticipated this outpouring of emotion. She realized her mistake, that giving Jennie even a hint of hope had been a misstep. And she couldn't deny that she felt conflicted about her own feelings toward the shorter girl.

 

"I'll wait."

 

In that moment, it became clear to Yoona that Jennie was someone who wouldn't back down from anything she set her heart on.

 

---

 

"I overheard your talk with Irene Unnie."

 

"How long were you listening?"

 

"The whole thing."

 

Jessica lay on her bed, gazing up at the ceiling, while her sister sat beside her, watching her closely.

 

"It's alright to admit you have feelings for her." Jessica slowly sat up, meeting her sister's gaze. She continued, "I mean, who wouldn't like her? She's pretty, nice, and hot," she emphasized, clearly referring to the Detective.

 

A bitter chuckle escaped Jessica, "Yeah, can't argue with that."

 

"When did this start?"

 

Jessica took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself to confess. She wasn't opening up to her sister instead of her cousin out of bias; it's just that the topic had caught her off guard with Irene earlier, and she wasn't ready to be honest then. She assumed the matter would be left behind, but it turned out her sister had overheard their conversation. She realized that evading problems only lets them catch up to you. There's no escaping them.

 

"It began at the beach when she rescued me." Krystal nodded, urging her to continue. "I felt safe around her—she made me feel that way. Maybe because she's my personal bodyguard, and I trusted her deeply, that's why I felt safe."

 

Jessica crossed her legs and sighed, "Not long ago, I started having these strange feelings for her. She would act flirty, and it bothered me, especially since I have a boyfriend. But I found out that's just her nature, being flirty. I disliked every bit of it because it annoyed me. Yet, oddly, I began feeling a rush of excitement whenever she did it. Over time, I realized I was attracted to her." She finished with her head hanging low.

 

Krystal observed her sister and, instinctively, held Jessica's hands, drawing circles on the back of them.

 

"I've been so confused, Krys, and it's still going on. This isn't right, it feels so wrong," Jessica confessed.

 

Krystal's eyebrows furrowed, "Is it because you have feelings for a woman, especially one who happens to be her?"

 

Jessica shook her head, denying the implication. "No, it's not about her. It's about how I've been feeling, how I've been acting around her. The confusion is driving me insane. I have Tyler now, and just because I developed feelings for a woman, even if she's my bodyguard, doesn't mean I should abandon everything with Tyler and reveal my feelings to her."

 

"Tyler and I, we've faced countless challenges and hardships together. He stood by me during my lowest moments, you know that. Despite our disagreements and fights, even when I've contemplated breaking up, I've always taken my time with decisions because I don't want to regret anything later on. It's all part of our relationship, and I truly love him. I've envisioned a future with him, kids included." Jessica's voice trembled as she continued, "I don't want that to crumble just because I feel an attraction to another woman."

 

A tear slid down Jessica's cheek, and Krystal held her in a comforting embrace. "Don't worry, everything will be okay. You'll sort it out in due time. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

---

 

The next morning, (Saturday)

 

Yoona and Seulgi were at the precinct, working on the analysis of their current case - a homicide. Just like every other day, they approached their work methodically and efficiently. They didn't boast about their skills; they simply planned and executed their strategies meticulously to avoid mistakes. Unlike some officers who offered to help but were likely involved in the case, Yoona and Seulgi preferred to work on their own. It wasn't about judging others, but rather acknowledging that not everyone had good intentions. The reality was often harsh.

 

As they left the precinct, Seulgi's phone rang, prompting her to step aside to take the call. Curious, Yoona observed Seulgi's expression closely.

 

"What's with the frown?" Yoona asked when Seulgi ended the call.

 

Seulgi pouted and sighed. "Joohyun was angry with me."

 

"Huh? Why?"

 

"She's upset because I didn't keep her updated about my whereabouts today."

 

Yoona chuckled and shook her head. "That's why I'm not eager to have a partner. They start acting like our moms even though they aren't."

 

"You're saying that because you're still single," Seulgi retorted with a smirk.

 

Continuing their conversation, they walked towards the parking lot where their car was waiting.

 

"And I definitely don't want to go through that, seriously. It feels like being scolded by your mom when you're a kid."

 

Seulgi smirked, not fully believing Yoona's conviction, knowing that emotions could change unexpectedly. "If you say so~" she sang, sticking her tongue out playfully.

 

"I'm not skipping my wild phase. It'll come back to haunt me when I'm married in the future."

 

"Oh, so you want to get married someday?" Seulgi prodded.

 

"Of course, you !"

 

"You've already settled on Jennie in your mind, haven't you?" Seulgi teased, raising an eyebrow.

 

Yoona shook her head and changed the subject, "So, are we parting ways now?"

 

Seulgi nodded, "Yeah, I need to apologize to Joohyun and make it up to her."

 

"Whipped."

 

Rolling her eyes playfully, Seulgi said her goodbyes and got into her car.

 

As Seulgi's car disappeared, Yoona's phone buzzed. She checked the message and saw it was from Jennie.

 

From: tinylittle (2:30 pm)
Can't wait to see you again! 6 pm, okay? I'll see you later, babe. I love you!
Ps. (insert place)

 

Rather than cringing at the message, a small smile crept onto Yoona's face. Shaking her head, she got into her car, fastened her seatbelt, and was about to start the engine when she heard unfamiliar voices behind her car.

 

Yoona glanced at her rearview mirror and saw a couple engaged in what seemed like an argument. They were clearly shouting at each other.

 

"I'm sorry, okay? I never intended to hurt you. It was a horrible mistake," the guy's voice reached Yoona's ears.

 

"Mistake? You call that a mistake? No! That's a choice. And your choice was to cheat on me!" the woman retorted, her voice filled with anger and pain.

 

"Believe me! I only love you. Please forgive me,"the guy pleaded desperately.

 

"Forgiveness should be unconditional. But a continuous cheater like you must be willing to re-earn trust and meet standards of behavior agreed upon by both," the woman replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

 

Yoona's brow furrowed when she noticed tears streaming down the woman's face through the car mirror.

 

"So you're not going to forgive me now?" the guy questioned.

 

Douchebag, how could he expect her to forgive him so easily?

 

"No. We're done. Let's break up!" the woman's voice was resolute.

 

"Baby girl, wait! P-please, believe me, that was a mistake. I only love you. Please don't break up with me. You're my world, and I can't live without you," the guy pleaded, even dropping to his knees.

 

Yoona couldn't help but snicker at his desperate display. Suffocating. That's how it feels to be surrounded by a couple like them.

 

Yoona observed as the two continued to cry. The girl struggled to release herself from his grip while the man remained on his knees, begging for forgiveness. This is precisely why Yoona avoids getting entangled in romantic relationships. It's pitiful to be the one who loves more in the relationship.

 

Relationships are messy, and she doesn't see herself in one.

 

And she certainly has no intention of being in one.

 

Starting the engine, Yoona drove to her intended destination, putting the scene behind her.

 

---

 

Seulgi stood outside Irene's dorm, taking a deep breath as she held a bouquet of white roses in her hand. Her mind was racing with different ways to approach Irene and apologize.

 

Should I say, "Sorry, my love?" Ugh, that's so cringe! What about giving her my sweetest smile? Or maybe, "I'm sorry, I love you"? Ugh, this is so difficult!

 

Just as she was about to knock on the door, it swung open, revealing Irene with a piercing glare fixed on Seulgi. Nervously, Seulgi scratched the back of her neck and flashed her trademark "guilty with a cute smile."

 

Irene groaned, rolling her eyes at Seulgi's attempt to disarm her with that smile. "Stop giving me that smile."

 

Seulgi's grin only widened, pleased to see her strategy working. With open arms, Irene gestured for Seulgi to come inside, and Seulgi giggled as she was pulled into a warm hug by her girlfriend.

 

Irene took Seulgi's wrist, leading her towards her room, and Seulgi followed willingly. The other dorm members exchanged knowing glances, well aware that their leader might be getting a little intimate company today.

 

Irene accepted the bouquet with a beaming smile, making it clear that what she missed was simply Seulgi's presence – nothing more and nothing less.

 

Sniffing the roses, Irene leaned in and pressed her lips to Seulgi's in a passionate kiss. The two shared smiles within the kiss, their eyes locking afterward.

 

"Did I really upset you that much?"

 

Irene playfully rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, feigning nonchalance. "To be honest, yes. But it was silly of me to get upset, considering your job. I'm sorry. I just missed you, that's all," Irene admitted, her tone softening.

 

Seulgi couldn't help but smile even wider. She leaned in, capturing Irene's lips in another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate. Irene wrapped her arms around Seulgi's neck, allowing herself to sink against the headboard of her bed while Seulgi hovered over her.

 

"Seul," Irene moaned softly as Seulgi began to trail kisses along her neck, leaving soft, lingering marks.

 

"Hmm?"

Their moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud exclamation from the doorway.

 

"WHAT THE ACTUAL IS THIS?"

 

Seulgi immediately pulled away from Irene, looking over to see the three other members with their mouths agape.

 

Seulgi stood up quickly, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and awkwardness.

 

"Mother Joohyun is no longer a ," Joy quipped, earning herself a pillow thrown her way from Irene.

 

Joy laughed, grinning sheepishly. "Hey, that's mean!"

 

"What's mean is you daring to say that to your Unnie," Irene retorted with a sassy smile, crossing her arms defensively.

 

The other members teased and made playful comments, causing Irene to put on a tough exterior to cover her embarrassment.

 

Seulgi just shrugged, not minding their presence too much. "The door was open."

 

"We wanted to go out to eat, so we decided to ask you two," Wendy explained, chuckling awkwardly.

 

"We're going," Irene declared firmly, signaling the end of the discussion.

 

"Good," the other three chimed in unison before leaving the room.

 

Once they were alone again, Irene shot Seulgi a pointed look. "What did I tell you?"

 

Seulgi blinked in confusion. "About what?"

 

"If you hadn't kissed me, they wouldn't have caught us," Irene said coldly, walking away from Seulgi and leaving her standing there, dumbfounded.

 

Seulgi scratched her head in bewilderment. "Let's go," she heard Irene call from outside the room. With a sigh, she followed, unsure whether she should laugh or worry about Irene's mood swings.

 

It seemed Irene was attempting to get mad at her again. But with the way Irene acted, Seulgi couldn't help but find it all oddly endearing.

 

---

 

Yoona walked into McDonald's and stood at the counter, contemplating her food choices. As she pondered her options, she felt a gentle nudge on her left arm. "Your treat," a voice said, causing her to startle and look to her side.

 

Smirking slightly, she returned her attention to the counter. "And the catch is?" she replied in a sultry tone. It wasn't that she was flirting with Krystal, it was just part of her nature.

 

Krystal shook her head playfully, giving Yoona a knowing look. "Stop doing that. It's the reason why girls get annoyed when you act like that."

 

Confused, Yoona raised an eyebrow. "Act like what?"

 

Krystal scoffed in response, shaking her head. "Being flirty."

 

Yoona watched as Krystal claimed her order and then turned to face her. "Pay for it," she instructed, winking before walking away.

 

Yoona was left wondering about the meaning behind Krystal's words. However, she still offered a smile to the cashier and paid for Krystal's order.

 

After getting her own food, Yoona settled at a table near the window. She soon noticed a group of girls nearby whispering and stealing glances in her direction.

 

Frowning, Yoona didn't enjoy being the center of attention, especially when she was eating. She wondered what the commotion was about.

 

Shaking her head to dismiss the thoughts, she dipped her fries into ketchup and savored their taste. Fries were undeniably delicious.

 

Just then, an unfamiliar voice interrupted her thoughts. Looking up, she was met with a group of girls from the nearby table.

 

"Hi! We're fans of yours. Can we take a picture with you?" one of the girls asked, a smile on her face.

 

With a slow nod, Yoona agreed, causing the girls to smile even wider. "Who am I to decline a picture from the legendary girl group Girls' Generation?" she remarked, earning chuckles from all of them.

 

They posed together for the photo, and afterward, they thanked Yoona and returned to their own table to continue their meal.

 

As Yoona gazed out of the window, her thoughts drifted to the events of the past few weeks. So much had happened, leading her down unexpected paths. She questioned herself, her motives, and the decisions she was making.

 

Why am I doing this? Is it necessary? Is it what I truly want? I feel like I'm los