Kai's disappointment and anger were palpable as he shook his head. His eyes bore into Yoona's, a silent warning that she should brace herself for his disapproval. However, Yoona met his gaze with an air of unconcern, unshaken by his reaction. He pivoted sharply, slamming the front door behind him in a display of his frustration, leaving the two women behind, abandoned once more to the tension-filled room.

Jennie's expression twisted into a grimace as she watched him go and Yoona couldn't help but comment on the situation, her voice laced with a mixture of incredulity and amusement. "You're not going to chase after him?"

Jennie rolled her eyes, "You expect me to go and chase him with this outfit?" 

Yoona looked at her shamelessly, and the latter didn't mind at all; in fact, she enjoys the way Yoona looks at her. Why can't Yoona just devour her right now, right beneath her?

"That's your boyfriend, I'm pretty sure you don't mind chasing him even without clothes on --" Yoona's exasperated groan echoed through the room as her body met the unforgiving floor, a result of the forceful push. "Go ahead and chase after your precious baby before he starts crying for his lost mama and regret leaving his small junior."

"For your information, he more than satisfies my needs. Don't be so quick to judge him without knowing him. Why are you so judgmental, anyway?"

"We all have our judgments, don't we? But let's be real, sometimes they're just painfully accurate observations." As the tall figure of Yoona moved toward their room, Jennie following suit, Yoona couldn't resist the urge to add a playful jab. "Now, if only your boyfriend was as mature as you are."

"How did you say so? As far as I remember you're into women more and you're no fond of their juniors. Did he show you his or did you have a glimpse to it?" 

Yoona look at her as if she had grown three heads. "Are you out of your mind?" The stern glare sent her way only made Yoona chuckle. "You're seriously losing it, Kim. Your questions are beyond absurd. The mere thought of it makes me want to hurl. Move aside, I need a shower."

"Oh and Kim,"

When Yoona addressed Jennie by her surname, the cat-eyed girl turned around, uncertainty clouding her expression. She wished she could return the endearments in the same manner they were exchanged, but the thought alone made her want to facepalm in embarrassment. Recognizing the need to defuse the situation before it escalated into a full-blown argument, she decided to head off before things got worse.

However, before Jennie could make her escape, Yoona's hand shot out and grasped the nape of her neck, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together. A shiver coursed down Jennie's spine as she felt the proximity, her knees growing weak as she entertained the forbidden idea of submission.

"There are a lot of things I want to do with you, and all it takes is one word from you for me to make them a reality," Yoona's smile grew wider, delighting in the sight of Jennie's priceless reaction. She reveled in teasing the woman, savoring every moment of it. She knew, however, that Jennie would never yield to her demands. After all, there was her boyfriend to consider, and as far as she knew, Jennie identified as straight. "So, Jennie, what's your desire?" she inquired, a wicked gleam dancing in her doe-like eyes as she awaited Jennie's response.

There was a moment of suspended tension between them, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air. Summoning her courage, Jennie let a strained smile tug at her lips. She leaned in closer, the gap between their lips narrowing. Another inch, and they could share a fervent kiss. Yet, a memory of Yoona's penchant for control held her back. She wouldn't give Yoona the satisfaction of always being the initiator. This time, it was Yoona's turn to grasp the message that Jennie Kim wasn't one to beg for attention. And she was prepared to ensure Yoona got that message one way or another.

"Are you afraid?" Jennie exhaled, her smile genuine this time, radiating confidence. "Why don't you for once skip the TED talk, just shut up, and kiss me? Is it really so challenging?"

It was an intriguing question. Yoona hadn't anticipated Jennie's boldness in expressing herself. The question could only be answered by exploring two distinct possibilities.

First and foremost, Yoona held a level of respect for Jennie and her relationship with her boyfriend. She didn't want to be the catalyst for a potential breakup between two people who cared for each other deeply. However, that didn't stop her from continuing to tease and provoke her roommate. Her ego and arrogance outweighed any consideration for Jennie's boyfriend's feelings. Somewhere within her, a desire for them to break up lingered. She simply didn't think the guy was right for Jennie.

Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, Yoona had an innate need for Jennie to give in, rather than the other way around. If she were the one begging for attention, she couldn't maintain her reputation as the charismatic Yoong. Jennie wouldn't be an exception, just as no one else would be.

Sensing that her provocations had fallen flat, Jennie scoffed, fixing a smug gaze on Yoona. "This isn't like you at all," she uttered each word with a rolling cadence that sent shivers down Yoona's spine. Why did her voice have to be so tantalizing? Before leaving, she gave Yoona a glance that held a hidden meaning, something the latter couldn't quite decipher. Her departing words, however, stoked a fire within Yoona. "Maybe...no, not maybe, the truth is, you're just scared," she teased, her hips swaying as she clearly enjoyed getting under Yoona's skin.

Yoona could only scoff at Jennie's parting words, frustration evident in her voice. "Scared my ," she muttered, watching Jennie walk away with a mixture of irritation and desire.

---

"Proposition?" Yoona's brows furrowed in confusion. She had just stepped out of the shower with Jessica, and they were supposed to discuss the message from the previous night. "Are you serious about this?"

Jessica's tone wasn't sarcastic; instead, she wore a teasing smile as she prepared plates of food. "Do I look like I'm joking?" She chuckled softly, pouring wine into glasses. "Was it too forward? Let me know, and I'll come up with another approach for you to consider."

Deep in thought, Yoona bit her lower lip, her gaze fixed on Jessica as the older woman moved around the kitchen. A spread of steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus adorned the plates. "From a different perspective, maybe it was a bit much," she admitted honestly, eliciting a chuckle from Jessica. "Did you really have to label yourself as my sugar mommy? Are you serious about this?"

"My name in your contacts already carries that label," Jessica responded nonchalantly. Her laughter filled the air as she observed the slight discomfort on Yoona's face. "You've already shared that your parents, particularly your father, have cut off your financial support. Is your café job sufficient to cover your expenses? Or am I mistaken? There are numerous ways for you to earn money, but I'm suggesting one that might be more convenient. The decision is yours."

"So, basically, you're my sugar mommy?"

"Yeah, I did mention that a minute ago," Jessica replied with a shrug. 

"If you don't mind me asking, what made you want to do this? Unless I'm your last resort because your previous sugar babies didn't meet your expectations or didn't work out." Yoona spoke with a hint of humor, though her expression turned serious when she realized that Jessica wasn't responding to her playful comment. She let out a sigh and began to focus on her meal.

"I'd like to have more of your attention, Yoona."

Isn't that what they're doing right now? Yoona found herself pondering. Jessica should feel special, she thought, reflecting on the fact that she never spent extended periods of time with the women she'd been involved with before. She never entertained thoughts of returning to them, even if they persisted in trying to contact her. On weekends, she was usually with her family or her friends from her circle. Simple and straightforward.

"You intrigue me for reasons I can't quite comprehend," Jessica began, her gaze steady as she locked eyes with Yoona. "Maybe it's the way you displayed so many red flags." Jessica chuckled as Yoona looked a bit taken aback, but she didn't argue, that could be accurate. "Yoona, you're significantly younger than me. We're worlds apart in many respects, and we seem to simultaneously despise and adore various things. You emit a sense of trouble, something I wouldn't typically engage with at my stage of life. But what I do know is that I'm drawn to you, and I want more of you." Jessica paused, biting her lip before flashing a warm smile at Yoona. She moved closer, standing beside her, and tenderly cupped Yoona's face in both hands. "I want you there when I reach out, this confession might scare you off, but isn't it a win-win situation for us both? You'd be there for me when I need you, and you'd receive what you desire."

For the first time in her life, Yoona found herself utterly speechless. There was so much to process, and she wasn't sure if this confession could truly be labeled as love. She hoped Jessica wouldn't press the matter further, as that's something she would likely brush off and evade. She wasn't prepared for this, but if this was simply about giving and taking without any emotional strings attached, then so be it. After all, Jessica was right – it seemed like a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"Are there no strings attached?" Yoona's question carried a note of skepticism. She hoped that Jessica's intentions weren't solely based on her being a fallback option due to disappointments with her ex-husband and previous ual partners. "I'm not into that kind of thing." Her tone was firm, indicating her stance on such matters.

Jessica straightened up and returned to her seat, leaving a gentle kiss on Yoona's cheek. "I'm open to that," she replied. Yoona let out an awkward cough and reached for her glass of red wine. "If you're not interested in that kind of arrangement, that's perfectly fine. I only mentioned it as a possibility if you were interested."

Yoona let out a sigh of relief, as if she had just released a pent-up breath. It would be a shame to let things end with Jessica because she ticked off all the boxes – she was Yoona's type, a great cook, had an excellent fashion sense, and, as Yoona put it, was skilled in bed. To put it simply, Jessica was the whole package.

"Do I get financial support from you?" Yoona asked.

"Would you like that?" Jessica responded.

Yoona pondered for a moment. "The offer is tempting, but if I agree, I'll feel like I'm turning into a call girl or a e. Frankly, it doesn't sit well with me right now."

Jessica giggled. "You're neither of those, so no need to worry." She bit her lower lip, watching Yoona enjoy the food she had prepared. Just seeing Yoona like that made her feel content. Unbeknownst to Yoona, Jessica was slowly developing feelings for her. "Or consider it a way to make you more comfortable about receiving financial assistance. If you ever find yourself short on funds or want to buy something, just let me know. Send me a text with what you need, and I'll be more than happy to provide it."

"That sounds like a reasonable idea, but I'm curious why you want to be my 'sugar mommy'."

"Isn't it obvious? I don't want this to be a one-time thing; I want it to continue. I'd like you to be available for me when I need you ually. I want you to be there when I message you. Just keep doing what we're doing, and I wanted to ensure that this arrangement lasts as long as possible. That's all I'm asking. Does everything make sense now, or would you like me to elaborate further?"

Yoona chuckled and shook her head, as if to say, "That's enough explanation." She also playfully apologized for needing time to grasp the situation and for processing everything in just a few minutes, suggesting that her hunger might be the reason for the confusion.

Yoona remained oblivious to Jessica's plans to make her fall in love. Unbeknownst to her, Jessica was prepared to go to great lengths to win Yoona's heart and make her own. This was the reason Yoona had caught Jessica's attention in the first place.

"It's too bad you're leaving already; my friends are on their way here," Jessica mentioned.

Yoona was taken aback by this revelation. She had no idea that Jessica intended for her to meet her friends. Today was the day she had planned to watch a movie with her friends in her dorm. Additionally, she was feeling overwhelmed by their conversation. Given the choice, she would prioritize her friends over staying to meet Jessica's friends. After all, Jessica wasn't that significant to her; she needed to step away to think things over. This moment was perfect, especially since Jessica's friends were on their way. Meeting them wasn't a priority for her.

"I've got a Gang Emergency," Yoona quickly excused herself. As she was about to leave, Jessica suddenly grabbed her face and pressed her lips against Yoona's. Once they broke the kiss, Yoona said, "I'll head out now." With a wave, she left, leaving a smiling Jessica behind.

"This is the second time we've seen Jessi this worried. The first time was when she was afraid her stepdaughter wouldn't like her, but that all worked out. So why are you so tense?" Tiffany, one of Jessica's best friends, asked.

"This is different, Tiff. A stepdaughter and someone I'm interested in are clearly not the same," Jessica argued as she poured herself a glass of red wine and settled onto the couch between her two best friends.

"As always, Jess, your charm will solve this. Did you forget that in the first place?" Minyoung, her other friend, chimed in.

Jessica rolled her eyes at Minyoung's comment. "If that were the case, I should have her wrapped around my finger by now." Her friends laughed, and she sighed dramatically. "You're all so heartless for laughing at my predicament. Why did I even become friends with you two?"

"Because if it weren't for us, your foolish self would've been kicked to the curb a long time ago, girl," Tiffany teased. She was right