Time passed, Jennie and Chaeyoung have been married for 3 months now. And when Chaeyoung told Lisa that nothing changed she meant it because even though the two were married Chaeyoung avoided Jennie like the plague. She would come home late at night, once she’s sure Jennie is asleep and leave before the sun has fully risen. The two also sleep in different rooms. The only time they have been seen together was at the wedding.

 

“How are you and Jennie?” Alice asked Chaeyoung. The two were having lunch together before Alice returned to Australia. 

 

“Like I told you and Lisa, nothing has changed. She’s free to do what she wants and I am too. We’re only bound together by paper.” Chaeyoung replied, losing the cheerful tone in her voice.

 

“Chaeyoung…..I know how much she hurt you. But in her defense, you were the one that walked away first.” 

 

“Unnie..think about what you like the most in the world? Not just liking it, but loving it the best in this world. Now close your eyes.” Chaeyoung paused, watching Alice close her eyes playing along with her sister, “Now pretend that you can never see it again, do you think you can live through it?”

 

“I think so yes.” Alice replied, opening her eyes, “How about you?”

 

“No.”

 

“Why would you not be able to see the thing you like the most in the world? You can just buy it.” Alice laughed lightly.

 

“Because she liked someone other than me most in the world and I didn’t want her to keep being sorry.” Chaeyoung smiled and Alice realized what her sister was trying to say.

 

“Chae...I…”

 

“I know that I’m being insensitive towards her, but this is the only way I can protect my heart. It’s been 5 years since that happened and I can’t seem to let her go.”

 

“It’s different now Chae...you two are married. I know you did it for business, which I don’t agree with but….”Alice paused, contemplating on what to say next...because honestly, she doesn’t know how to make this better. She knew about Chaeyoung and Jennie, of course because Chaeyoung never hides anything from Alice and vice versa. Alice wants her sister to be happy and she knows this marriage will most likely ruin Chaeyoung’s heart again, but she can’t just tell her sister to divorce Jennie. Afterall, Chaeyoung agreed...so all Alice can hope for is her little sister’s heart to come out of this whole mess in one piece.

 

“But what?”

 

“I think that you should talk to Jennie. You know she’s been trying right? She makes breakfast for you two, she packs you lunch, and she even waits for you to come home before sleeping herself. She does all this even though she too has a company to run.” Alice tried to give her sister a hint.

 

“How do you know that?” 

 

“I have my ways. Now, promise me that you’ll talk to her.” Alice gave her sister a look that tells the younger that she will now if she doesn’t keep her promise.

 

“Okay I will, now we need to get you to the airport.” 

 

That evening Chaeyoung came home and found Jennie asleep on the living room couch. It was only 9PM way earlier than the time Chaeyoung usually comes home.

 

Carefully, Chaeyoung knelt down and watched Jennie sleep. Tucking a stray strand behind her ear, “Why would you sleep here. You’ll catch a cold.” Chaeyoung whispered, before grabbing Jennie’s duvet from her room and draping it over the smaller girl. Jennie immediately snuggled and pulled the blanket tighter around her. Chaeyoung smiled at the sight before heading upstairs.

 

The following morning Jennie woke up with Chaeyoung in the kitchen, “Good morning.” Chaeyoung greeted Jennie for the first time.

 

“Hi..uhm do you need help?” Jennie asked, mustering the courage and taking closer steps to Chaeyoung.

 

“No I’m fine. Just uhm set the table for us.” Chaeyoung took a step away from Jennie, which didn’t go unnoticed by the brunette.

 

Honestly, Jennie feels just as awkward about the whole situation as Chaeyoug, but she’s thankful that her parents arranged it with her instead of someone else. Jennie knows how Chaeyoung treats her loved ones, afterall she too was one, before. And the guilt of stringing Chaeyoung along and breaking her heart still haunts the shorter girl, which is why she’s trying to at least be a good wife for Chaeyoung...of course all her efforts have been wasted. But Jennie Kim doesn’t give up and it looks like her perseverance is paying off.

 

“Sure.” Jennie smiled, not wanting to destroy the happy morning she’s having.

 

“So...I...I think we need to talk.” Chaeyoung spoke halfway through their silent breakfast.

 

“Talk about what?”

 

“Us.”

 

“Us? What about us?” Jennie asked, this is the first time the two are having a decent and sincere conversation since the wedding...which in all honesty was filled with fake smiles and fake pleasantries.

 

“I thought this would be easier if I was in front of food…” Chaeyoung lightly chuckled and it made Jennie feel it again...that feeling from 5 years ago when Chaeyoung turned her back on her, “I had lunch with Alice unnie yesterday...she told me to talk to you and I honestly don’t want to. As much as possible I don’t want to see you or talk to you. Even living in the same house is making me feel like I’m suffocating.” Chaeyoung revealed, and Jennie had to look away at the honesty in Chaeyoung’s eyes when she said those words.

 

“Rosie I…”

 

“No..you don’t get to call me that anymore.” Chaeyoung interrupted Jennie, hearing that nickname she only used brought back those bitter memories again, “You..you don’t.” Chaeyoung sighed and Jennie nodded in understanding and continued before Chaeyoung could let another word out, “Chaeyoung...I’m sorry...I’m sorry that I kept it going when I should have ended it sooner. I’m sorry that I couldn’t return your love. I’m sorry... if I could I would go back in time and stop myself from lying to you, but that day...when you blurted out that you liked me I just didn’t have it in me to turn you down completely because you already looked so heartbroken even before I could respond...and I just couldn’t handle how broken you looked. But Chaeyoung you have to believe me when I say that I did try, I tried to fall or maybe even see you in a light as more than my childhood friend...but you were right...you can’t force your heart to love someone. I’m sorry Chaeyoung...I really am and I know you haven’t forgiven and you don’t have too, but I hope you do so that we can at least be more comfortable around each other or maybe even be friends again.” Jennie finished, wiping the lone tear from her face, because finally after 5 years she was able to properly apologize to her little Rosie. 

 

“I was the one that walked away 5 years ago, because I wanted to make you happy.” Chaeyoung spoke after almost 10 minutes of unbearable silence for Jennie, who just stared at the blonde girl waiting, “So you don’t have to apologize for anything. In hindsight, I should be the one apologizing for keeping you by my side even though I had no right to. Jennie unnie I’m sorry that I...”

 

“Chaeyoung it’s all my fault. I should have saved you from heartbreak...you don’t owe me an apology. Please. It was me...it was all me, I shouldn’t have led you on. I’m really sorry Chaeyoung...I’m so so sorry.” Jennie interrupted, apologies coming out of her like a waterfall.

 

“I forgive you Jennie unnie.” With those words Jennie stopped apologizing and smiled but Chaeyoung wasn’t done, “I forgive you, but I don’t think we can be friends.”

 

“Why?” 

 

“Because….it scares me.” Chaeyoung sighed, grabbing her plate and taking it to the sink; her back turned to Jennie while she said, “I’m scared that’s why I built a wall around us, that’s why I keep my distance. I’m scared of history repeating itself. I’m scared of letting you in, because I don’t think I can handle it if I’m forced to let go again. I’m scared I might fall for you again while you still won’t be there to catch me.” Chaeyoung turned around her eyes, meeting Jennie’s.

 

“I’m scared of it all, but yet I agreed to marry you. It baffled everyone that I did. All my friends asked me why and if it’s true. Honestly….I don’t even know why I agreed, arranged marriage in this day and age…” Chaeyoung chuckled, “But we both did and here we are. I know that you don’t have any romantic feelings for me and honestly right now, I don’t either… but I’m still going to keep this distance between us. I can’t take any chances and I hope you understand. I know you’ve been trying and I appreciate I do...but if this thing between us is going to last...it’s better that we keep living life like strangers. We’ll both live in this house of course...but I’d like to keep our lives as separate as possible. We’re only bonded to each other on paper...but our hearts are free to choose. I hope you enjoyed breakfast.” Chaeyoung finished and left the kitchen before Jennie could get a word out.

 

A new year has passed in the Park household. Jennie respected Chaeyoung’s wishes and the two really have been living a married life like strangers.

 

“CHONG-AH! GUESS WHAT!” Lisa loudly barges into the recording studio while Chaeyoung was in the middle of work.

 

“This better be important Lisa.” Chaeyoung sternly replied, not even bothering to look away from the monitors in front of her. She hates it when people bother her while she’s in the studio, especially since it’s the new group that her company is about to debut.

 

“Wow, didn't know CEO Park could be so scary.” A familiar voice spoke, and Chaeyoung spun around and beamed widely at the familiar face.

 

“Jichu unnie!” Chaeyoung quickly hugged the older girl tightly, “I missed you.” She whispered and Jisoo chuckled and hugged the younger girl just as tightly, “I missed you too Chae.”

 

“So what are you doing here? You didn’t even come to my wedding you meanie.” Chaeyoung whined, while the trio sat at the cafe in the building to catch-up.

 

“I know I know, Jendeukie already scolded my ear off for that, but you guys have to understand I’m a doctor and it’s not like I can say no to a patient that was literally bleeding out in the emergency department. It was a complex surgery and it took hours….so I’m sorry little Chaengmunk.” Jisoo playfully ruffled the blonde girl’s hair.

 

“Fine...I guess..tch.” Chaeyoung was still pouty and Jisoo playfully rolled her eyes at the sight, “Stop being a baby Chae. You should be happy you guys are the first ones I saw since moving back.” Jisoo admitted.

 

“Wait you’re moving back here?!” Lisa’s eyes shined brightly and she looked like she was ready to bounce off the walls with the giddy look on her face.

 

“Yes, I am. My sister decided to take care of the North American portion of our hospital, so my dad asked me to help out here.” Jisoo explained, both Lisa and Chaeyoung squealed and hugged the older girl tightly with the good news.

 

“YASSSSS” Lisa yelled out, not minding the stares from the other employees.

 

“Oh gosh, maybe I shouldn’t have moved back.” Jisoo teased Lisa who was turning red from embarrassment. 

 

The three girls were enjoying their time, when Joy came down,“I turned my back for one second Chaeng! And somehow you and Lisa end up disappearing for two hours! Now let's go.” Joy literally pulled both Chaeyoung and Lisa away to get back to work. Both were late for a concept meeting about their new group.

 

“You two idiots. Let’s all have dinner later.” Jisoo laughed at her two young friends.

 

“Those two...it’s good they haven’t changed.” Jisoo smiled to herself, before calling her best friend.

 

“C’mon Jendeuk...are you seriously going to just ignore me here?” Jisoo whined, the girl had called Jennie and told her she was back in Seoul. But Jennie was being a little cold on the phone, luckily she knew where she and Chaeyoung lived and forced her way inside.

 

“I’m mad at you.” Jennie huffed arms crossed, sending her signature glare at Jisoo.  

 

Jisoo chuckled at the childish behavior, “You and Chae really are a match, she whines just like you.”  

 

“Chaeyoung? You saw her?” Jennie frowned, “before me!” and whined even more.

 

“I didn’t mean to, Lisa and I met coincidentally and the girl dragged me with her before I could protest.” Jisoo explained, not wanting to anger the tiny dumpling even more, “Wait, she didn’t tell you I’m here?” Jisoo was confused.

 

“Why would she?” Jennie deadpanned.

 

“Well….you guys are married?” Jisoo stated...or more like questioned. 

 

“Married.” Jennie chuckled, the word leaving a bitter taste in .

 

“Jennie…” Jisoo looked at her best friend carefully and realized how..unhappy she is, “Are you okay?”

 

“Honestly….I don’t know..” Jennie trailed off, hugging her arms, tears starting to fall from her eyes.

 

“Jendeukie...what happened?” Jisoo immediately went to Jennie’s side and comforted the girl.

 

Jennie thought she was okay. She thought that the arrangement Chaeyoung wanted would be okay. ‘It’s what she wants Jennie..it’s what she wants.’ Jennie would think to herself everyday as she goes home to an empty house. And for two months it seemed to be working, but as time passed...Jennie realized that this isn’t the kind of life she wants.

 

“I...I’m not happy…” Jennie admitted, tears already streaming from her eyes.

 

“Why?” Jisoo asked, she thought the two had moved on from the past since they agreed to marry each other, especially since Jennie hasn’t mentioned anything at all.

 

“We’ve been married for almost 2 years now and nothing has changed. Chaeyoung still treats me like a stranger. The only decent conversation we had was like a year ago when she basically told me that she wants nothing to do with me.” Jennie sniffled.

“Jennie...I..why don’t you get a divorce?” Jisoo asked, and Jennie just shook her head no.

 

“You know that I swore to myself that when I get married that will be it. Just one time. One love..for life.” 

 

Before she could stop herself, Jisoo landed a solid smack on the back of Jennie’s head, “OW! Chu!” Jennie rubbed the back of her head.

 

“You idiot. If you’re not happy then why stay? It’s not fair for you and for Chae.” Jisoo scolded her best friend, but Jennie didn’t speak.

 

“Jen...you can’t just force yourself to love Chae. If you didn’t love her then, you probably won’t ever love her.” Jisoo spoke the cold heart truth.

 

“I…” Jennie trailed off, fiddling her fingers.

 

“Jen?”

 

“Chu...I…”

 

“I like her you know.” Jisoo suddenly cut Jennie off, her eyes avoiding Jennie’s at all cost.

 

“What?”

 

“Chaeyoung...I like her. I liked her even then.” Jisoo gave Jennie a small smile.

 

“huh?” Jennie looked at Jisoo like she was crazy.

 

“Surprised?” Jisoo chuckled, “It was our sophomore year in university and Chae was a freshman. I was having trouble grabbing a book and she offered help..and yeah we became friends and..well...it wasn’t hard for me to fall for her.” Jisoo laughed, remembering the time she spent with Chaeyoung in the library. Be it studying or just watching the girl nap after consuming a lunch for two.

 

“Why didn’t you ever tell her?” Jennie asked, she didn’t know how to feel about her best friend having feelings for her wife.

 

“Really Jen?” Jisoo gave her a you-should-know look.

 

“What?”

 

“How could I ever confess to her, if she only ever looked at you.” 

 

“Chu…”

 

“God...I was really jealous of you...She was always only ever talking about her unnie from New Zealand and how she promised her that she’d find her again...so I was very surprised to know that you were that unnie. So imagine how shocked I was when you guys started the fake dating thing...and how much I had to bear when you guys got together for real.”

 

“Jisoo I’m...I’m really sorry.” Jennie apologized, she didn’t know that she hurt two people..

 

“It’s okay...you didn’t know. But since you do know, I just want to say that I was mad at you for hurting her. I know that she left you first, but she did it because she loved you so much Jen. And that made me more upset because the person that I love, had to love my best friend. It would have been fine if you loved her too...but you didn’t Jen. You didn’t and I..I just...I just wished she chose me instead.” Jisoo cried, finally letting the burden she’s been carrying all these years out and all Jennie can do is try apologize and be there for her friend.

 

“Jisoo...I...God I..is that why?” Jennie sniffled, “Is that why you left so suddenly after Chaeyoung did?” Jisoo didn’t answer, but her silence gave Jennie the answer.

 

“Is that why you came back?” Jennie asked and Jisoo avoided her stare, “Jisoo answer me...did you come back because of her?”

 

“No. I came back because of work...but after seeing her today…”

 

“Jisoo...she’s my wife!” Jennie stood up, her voice raising.

 

“I know she’s your wife...I know...but you don’t even love her Jen and she doesn’t either…”

 

“So what? Are you going to court her? She’s my wife Chu and…”

 

“That’s fine with me. She can go home to you every night, but I’ll be fine because I know her heart is with me.” Jisoo interrupted Jennie, a new light in her eyes.

 

“A mistress Chu! You want to be her mistress?!” Jennie didn’t know what hurt more...being married without love..or your so called wife and best friend having a romantic relationship and having to be okay with it.

 

“Jennie...I love her.” 

 

“Jisoo you can’t...please not with Chaeyoung.” Jennie pleaded.

 

“Look Jen...I came here to catch-up with my best friend not to fight with her. I know that I dropped a lot on you just now...but I hope you understand...I love you both...and last time I couldn’t fight for her, but this time Jen. This time, I’ll fight for her with everything I’ve got.” Jisoo looked at Jennie apologetically before seeing herself out.

 

After Jisoo left, Jennie felt like all the energy in her body was out. How could she have missed it? How could she not have known that Jisoo is in love with Chaeyoung? Especially since Jennie would always claim to know Jisoo better than the girl knows herself.

 

“God what kind of best friend am I.” Jennie buried her head in her arms, deciding that for once she needs to let everyone be happy.

 

I won’t divorce Chaeyoung...but if she chooses you and leaves me...then I won’t fight it. 

 

Jennie texted Jisoo and the girl responded with all the heart and love emojis possible.

 

~ 

 

It was the night of their second anniversary where Jennie’s life changed. Chaeyoung had texted the girl telling her that she needed to tell her something important and once again had that weird feeling in her stomach, but she still agreed. She kind of missed the girl in a way.

 

“Hi.” Jennie awkwardly sat down at the restaurant Chaeyoung had rented out for their dinner.

 

“Uhm Hi.” Chaeyoung, smiled..a genuine one Jennie noted, “ How are you unnie?”

 

“Fine. Been busy at the office. I saw that your new group is sweeping the charts. Congratulations!” Jennie smiled at the girl.

 

“Thanks...uhm I already ordered your favorite by the way.” Chaeyoung changed the topic, and soon the food came out. 

 

Of course, it was korean food...Korean BBQ to be exact.

 

“Is the meat cooked to your liking?” Chaeyoung asked, placing another piece of kalbi on her plate.

 

“Yeah it’s..it’s perfect.” Jennie smiled and she swore she would do anything to keep the bright smile that Chaeyoung showed her.

 

After the two ate and even, for once had a decent conversation, Chaeyoung changed the conversation to a more serious note, “Unnie there's something you need to know.”

 

“What is it Rosie?” The nickname, escaping her lips unknowingly. But feeling glad that Chaeyoung didn’t say anything. Maybe things are changing for them.

 

“I..I..I don’t know how to say this, but...uhm..”

 

“It’s okay just tell me.” Jennie spoke softly, placing a hand over Chaeyoung’s hand on the table, silently celebrating when she didn’t pull back.

 

“Okay uhm...Jisoo and I...we...uhm..I….I confessed to her..” Chaeyoung trailed off, her eyes unable to look at Jennie’s.

 

It was at that moment, when Jennie realized that Chaeyoung’s sudden change in mood wasn’t because of her or their anniversary, but because of Jisoo.

 

“What did she say?” Jennie asked, pulling her hand back, although she already knew the answer.

 

“She said she likes me too.” Chaeyoung smiled, and Jennie just wanted to run out of there.

 

“That’s..uhm..that’s great..I’m happy for you.” Jennie forced a smile.

 

“Thanks...so with that..I…was thinking that maybe we should..” 

 

“It’s okay with me that you and Chu are dating, but can we not separate?” Jennie asked, Jisoo words from months ago coming back.

 

She can go home to you every night, but I’ll be fine because I know her heart is with me. ‘God why do those words feel so bitter?’ Jennie thought to herself, while Chaeyoung looked at her like she was crazy.

 

“What? I’m not making her into my mistress.” Chaeyoung frowned.

 

“She can’t be your mistress if we don’t love each other. We’re only bound by paper Rosie..but until you..until you decide that you want to be with her forever, let’s keep our marriage valid.” 

 

“Why Jen?” 

 

“I’ll tell you one day...but please. I’ll move out of our house and we’ll live life even more as strangers than before but please Rosie. Give me this.” Jennie begged and Chaeyoung like always, couldn’t say no to the brunette.

 

“Okay. I’ll let her know.” 

 

“Thank you.”

 

~~

 

“Hey Jendeukie! Let’s have lunch together.” Jisoo barged into Jennie’s office.

 

“Chu..hey..sorry I don’t think I can.. I have a full schedule today and…”

 

“I know you’ve been avoiding me Jennie.” Jisoo interrupted Jennie’s attempt at making an excuse to avoid hanging out with her.

 

“I’m sorry..I just..it’s a little weird that’s all.” Jennie forced a smile.

 

“I know it is and I’m sorry but we’re here now. It’s been like 6 months Jennie...can’t I get the girl and my best friend as well?” Jisoo held back her tears.

 

But Jennie wasn’t able to respond, because suddenly Yeri, her executive assistant, was barging in her face as pale as a sheets.

 

“Unnie! Chaeyoung unnie she was in an accident she’s at Seoul National University Hospital.”

 

With those words, both Jisoo and Jennie raced to the hospital together.

 

When they got there, Jennie’s head was in a mess, but her heart broke when she saw Chaeyoung bandaged up laying still on the hospital bed.

 

“Mrs. Park...it seems that your wife was in a hit and run accident. She’s stable for now. We just need for her to wake up.” Chaeyoung’s doctor explained before leaving Jennie and Jisoo.

 

“I’ll just call her family.” Jennie excused herself, she felt the air in the room being out and her knees felt like they were going to collapse underneath her any second.

 

Chaeyoung was in a coma for 3 days, when she finally woke up.

 

“Chae?!” The Park family, Jisoo, and Lisa all crowded around her bed when they noticed her fighting the intubation. Quickly, Lisa went to call her doctor...and one other person.

 

“Oh my baby!” Chaeyoung’s parents were crying and Alicd held tightly onto her sister’s hand.

 

The doctors removed the tube and Chaeyoung was smiling and breathing on her own.

 

“Wh…”Chaeyoung spoke her voice hoarse, “Where’s my wife?” Chaeyoung asked, her eyes roaming the room. But the person she wanted to see isn’t there.

 

“Chae?” Jisoo looked at Chaeyoung, feeling her heartbreak that Chaeyoung wasn’t looking for her.

 

“Why are you here?” Chaeyoung suddenly turned cold towards Jisoo which surprised Alice...again only the parents were kept out of the loop of Chaeyoung and Jennie’s real status.

 

“Mom..dad..maybe we should grab some food and talk to Chae’s doctor about things. Jisoo come with us.” Alice spoke up, giving Lisa a look which the dark haired girl nodded knowingly. 

 

“Hey Chae, why are you so cold towards Jisoo unnie?” Lisa carefully asked after everyone left the two of them alone.

 

“Why would I be nice to her Lis? Remember college? When we were together but only I was the one that had any real feelings towards her.” Chaeyoung answered and LIsa was stunned.

 

“Chaeyoung..tell me exactly what happened in college.” Lisa demanded and Chaeyoung told her how she met Jisoo in the library and her ex was being an so she stood up for her. Jisoo called Chaeyoung her girlfriend and they pretended to be together. How she confessed and how Jisoo said that they should give it a try….but Jisoo couldn’t love her so she left her. Graduated, took over their entertainment company, and married Jennie.

 

After disclosing all that, Lisa immediately texted Jisoo and Alice what Chaeyoung believed happened in the past. Thankfully, Alice was able to privately discuss it with Chaeyoung’s doctor, who explained that Chaeyoung may be projecting those memories on Jisoo as a defense mechanism...but the doctor isn’t sure why..

 

“He said that we shouldn’t force the truth on her and let her remember slowly and on her own.” Alice explained to Lisa..Jisoo already knew what the doctor would say being one herself...but that doesn’t mean it makes things any easier.. Lisa nodded and decided to head back inside Chaeyoung’s room where the girl was eating with her parents.

 

“Hey Jisoo..I’m sorry..” Alice apologized to the younger girl who gave a small understanding smile.

 

“It’s okay...unnie...I’l..no..we’ll be fine. We can make it through this.” Jisoo replied, trying to convince not only Alice but herself.

 

~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Here's part two....and the angst that everyone seems to like and also the Chaesoo that two of you wanted. Enjoy and let's go to part 3 hopefully soon