24 | on the move

***

I won't be able to see you today because my friend Tiffany needs some backup friends for the party later.

Don't worry, I've requested your favorite food to be served and I'll call you tonight.

Don't ever skip your meds. Love you~

Jessica ♥

A sweet smile is apparent on Yuri's face after reading the letter he received early in the morning. He knew his girlfriend was always so supportive of her friends, which he had no problem with at all. It makes him proud of her instead rather than whining. And the fresh new basket of fruits that goes along with the letter is enough for him to have a good morning. 

Reaching for his phone on the table, he opened it and swiped to their conversation to type a response for her. 

Good luck and take a lot of photos there. I know my friends will be with you guys as well.

Enjoy the party babe ♥ Love you too~

His smile never left his face as he waited patiently until he received her response.

Jessica ♥ your message.

Jessica: Listen to some songs while you're eating. I'm listening to this.

He didn't respond. Instead, he plays the song and finally opens the food before him as the song plays while he's eating. It brings a more radiant atmosphere to his ward. 

***

As the car pulled over, Seohyun and Jessica, who were wearing black suits, immediately stepped out of it and went to open the door for their friend in the back seat. Tiffany took Jessica's hand as she stepped out of the car wearing a blue dress while her hair was being curled. 

"Remember, it's not a private party. Anything can happen." Jessica said to her friend. 

"I know, thanks for driving me and for... being my bodyguard, guys." Tiffany replied as she giggled. She loves how her friends play along with her. 

"Enjoy the party Ma'am." Seohyun smiled sweetly at her as she tapped the earpiece on her right ear which all their earpieces.

"And where's that Kim Taeyeon?" Tiffany smiled briefly to the younger then began to make her way to the entrance of a grand opera house overlooking the Han River. 

Jessica and Seohyun walk behind her, looking around, making sure there's no suspicious person, especially the detectives Mr. Kwon hired to keep an eye on them. They assume they would be in the place since the party is known to the public.

Taking her phone out from her small bag, Tiffany was about to call her boyfriend when his caller ID flashed on the screen. "Ugh." She didn't hesitate and answered it. "I thought you were here? I haven't seen your car yet." 

"I got stuck in traffic. Looks like the party has a lot of guests."

"Yeah, I can see it. We'll wait for you in a cafe then." She said and hung up before she turned to face her friends. "In a cafe, girls, he'll be here in a while." she announced and led her friends inside. 

"What do you want to order Unnie? I'll pay for them." Seohyun hastily grabbed the chance and told them.

"Whoa, chincha? Hmm, just iced coffee and macaroons for me, Seohyun-ah." Tiffany smiled brightly and headed to an empty table for four.

"You know what I love, Hyun." Jessica winked at the younger as she patted her back and followed Tiffany.

"Okay." Without a doubt, Seohyun approached the counter and ordered her friends' orders first before hers.

Meanwhile, Jessica finally checked her phone as well after hours of not touching it since she replied to Yuri and she's happy to see a photo of himself, enjoying the food delivered to his ward and a photo of him enjoying the sunlight from the window.

"You're not really planning him to visit tonight?" asked Tiffany as she had a glimpse of her best friend's phone screen.

"Nope. And I think it's best since I've got more plans for the remaining days." Jessica casually replied as she put her phone back in her pocket.

"Whoa, that's good for you. Meanwhile, I'm still struggling to make a letter for my resignation from the company I'm working for."

"Isn't Seohyun helping you with that?"

Tiffany scoffed. "She had a problem with Yoong too, I don't want to stress her out more."

"Wae? What's happening?" Jessica glanced at their younger friend at the counter.

"He couldn't find time with her, so she's not answering any of his calls since yesterday."

"Ah, no wonder she slept early last night."

"Here you go guys." Seohyun suddenly announced as she approached their table with a tray of their orders. "I especially ordered strawberry muffins for you Jessica Unnie." 

"What the, she's really special?" Tiffany chuckled in disbelief.

"Unnie loves these more than you, Unnie." The younger reasoned and stuck her tongue out.

"Thanks, Hyunnie." Jessica couldn't help but kiss the younger girl's cheek before she took a bite of it. 

"She's your favorite, just admit it." Tiffany pretended to sulk as she enjoyed her macaroons as well.

Seohyun giggled. "I love you both."

"By the way, did you tell Yoona you are here?" Jessica asked curiously.

"Nope. Why would I?"

"Whoa, you are really going a cold war with him, eh?" Tiffany softly chuckled.

"If he loves me, he will find the time to see me but he doesn't. I think I will leave Seoul without even seeing him, tsk." Seohyun shrugged her shoulders before she sipped her caramel latte. She sighs afterward.

Jessica and Tiffany were both speechless as they eyed each other quietly. Both can feel their maknae is hurting although she wasn't saying it. Her face says it all.

"Do... you want us to do something? I mean, help you with Yoona?" Jessica offered.

"Nah, I'm fine, Unnie." Said Seohyun as she faked a smile.

"You sure?" Tiffany creased her brows.

"Let's not talk about me, let's talk about Taeyeon Oppa. How is he still not here?" The younger looked outside, hoping to spot him but only guests were coming in and out. "We only have an hour before the party starts."

"Nah, I don't mind if he's late." Tiffany said as she looked outside as well and spotted Ji Eun with Do Hwi. "Omo. They're invited as well?"

"Hmm?" Jessica and Seohyun looked at her confusedly.

"Ji-Eun and... Taeyeon's cousin is here. They just passed the cafe." Tiffany can't believe her eyes but it makes her more excited to see known people she recently became friends with.

"Oh, should we get inside now?" Jessica suggested.

"Not yet, let's wait for at least 30 minutes, Unnie." Seohyun however disagrees.

"Right, I have to do some retouch too after this macaroon." Tiffany agrees with the younger girl. She's enjoying their time in the cafe with her favorite snacks.

After a while, Taeyeon finally came and was surprised to see Seohyun and Jessica wearing black suits. "I thought you guys were joining the party as well? It looked like you were here to work or something." 

"Nope, we're here to party as well, Mr. Kim. But... at the same time making sure the place is safe." Jessica said as she smiled.

"Aish, let's get inside. The party's about to begin." Tiffany grabs Taeyeon's hand and gently drags her with her, not allowing her boyfriend to ask more about her friends.

Seohyun and Jessica followed them behind as they joined the other guests entering the ballroom.

***

"What?" Tiffany chuckled softly when she realized Taeyeon had been staring at her since they sat down at their table.

"You look extra beautiful tonight," Taeyeon said with a charming smile. Although it was only their second party together, he was always awed by his girlfriend's beauty.

Blushing and speechless, Tiffany leaned in to kiss his cheek and whispered, "You look gorgeous too, baby." Her voice was quiet and seductive.

Taeyeon smiled in a unique way and asked, "Shall I get our food?"

Jongsuk hasn't arrived yet. Let's wait." Tiffany replied as she looked around and spotted her friends near the table of Ji-Eun and Dongwhi. "By the way, did you invite Ji-Eun?"

"Oh, she has an Auntie working in the hotel, it's not a surprise she's here as well." 

"I see." She slowly nodded. 

"Have you caught up with your colleagues?" Taeyeon asked, noticing a group of guests staring.

"I'm not very close to them," Tiffany said softly.

"I'm sure they're curious why I'm sitting with you,"

"Do you know? They know we're dating."

Taeyeon slightly widened his eyes. "Chincha? I thought you kept it from them."

Tiffany chuckles and pinches his cheeks. "I'm proud of you. Why would I keep it? It also deters bullies in the office though."

"But didn't they accuse you of nepotism?" 

"Nah, they know I got in without knowing the hotel is related to your friend, Yuri."

"I'm so happy to hear that!" Taeyeon exclaimed, genuinely thrilled for her girlfriend despite the usual presence of envious coworkers.

"I'm thrilled that the hotel has the best employees," Tiffany said, praising her coworkers. Despite the occasional stress, she never had any issues with them.

Taeyeon reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, sharing a sweet smile with his girlfriend. 

Moments later, Jongsuk finally came and was welcomed by the hotel's directors and guests. 

Taeyeon scoffed as he watched Jongsuk arrogantly brag about his previous work achievements, saying "He hasn't changed at all."

"Yuri will be back in a few months, I doubt he will have a long-term leading the hotel." Tiffany is somehow relieved to know that Jongsuk is only temporarily leading the hotel, as Yuri will be returning in a few months.

"I know, right? Let's not stress and enjoy the party," said Taeyeon as he affectionately kissed her forehead. "I'll get our food now," he added before casually walking to the buffet.

—

Yoona attended the welcome party despite his girlfriend's tardiness. When he finally found her and her friends, she ignored him.

"I have my reasons, but I apologize. Please forgive me," he said. Seohyun got up and left.

"Aish." He tried to follow her but Jessica grabbed his arm, preventing him.

"If I were you, I'd wait until she speaks first." Jessica gave him advice. 

"Tsk, I hope she does. It's been 2 days." He replied with a sad pout. 

"I'm confident that Seohyun won't keep acting that way for too long," Jessica said assuringly.

"Are you certain?" He expressed doubt, as he had never seen Seohyun behave in such a manner before. It appeared as though she wouldn't communicate with him for an extended period, or even permanently.

"I know Seohyun better than you, Im Yoona. Believe me, you're just wasting overthinking." Jessica replied like she knew what her friend was thinking at the moment. She turned her head to her left and found her talking with Dongwhi. "Ooh..." 

He immediately turned his head and widened his eyes briefly. "Dongwhi is here?"

"Oh, you know him."

"Of course." Without a doubt, he got up and approached them. "What's up, Dongwhi?" He interrupted their conversation as he smiled at him and Seohyun. 

"Hey Hyung! It's so great to see you here!" Dongwhi exclaimed with excitement as he warmly greeted him.

"I don't want to skip this event, my girlfriend is here," Yoona said as she took Seohyun's hand, which she automatically pulled away.

"Omo, so you guys are dating?!" Dongwhi chuckled. "I thought you were single, Noona." 

Seohyun exhaled loudly as she turned to leave, but the doe-eyed person grabbed her hand and wouldn't let go.

"Excuse us for a moment, Dongwhi," said Yoona with a polite tone as he took her arm. They walked away before Dongwhi could respond.

As the couple exited the ballroom, Dongwhi was left speechless and wide-eyed.

Meanwhile outside, in the lounge, Yoona finally let go of Seohyun and as he faced her, she gasped to see her death glares. "Look, I'm so sorry. But what I told you was true. It's hard to find some time for the past two days because of the stuff I have to finish. But from this moment on, you have me all yours." he said proudly. 

Instead of an answer, Seohyun coldly turned but once again the doe-eyed turned her. 

"Aren't you going to say anything?"

"You didn't even tell me you missed me." She finally speaks seriously. "How do you expect me to forgive you easily?"

Yoona was surprised and couldn't say a word.

"You know how much I've missed you? I've been thinking about you a lot lately, whether you are eating on time or not... or have you been taking vitamins and it hurts that you don't seem to care. I feel like you forgot about me because you weren't answering my calls and texts as if I didn't exist." Seohyun continued to share what she truly felt. 

"I... didn't know I got you worried—"

"So do you miss me too or not?"

"Of course I do. That's why I'm here. I miss you so much, okay?" He said and pulled her for a tight hug. "I miss you more for the past 2 days." he whispers. He felt so bad for her but at the same time, he promised himself to never do it again in the future.

Seohyun finally let her tears drop as she returned the hug and quietly sobbed on his chest. Her frustrations for the past two days were truly unbearable, and she couldn't hold back her tears any longer. 

But out of a sudden, Jessica's voice came over her earpiece, saying "Mr. Kwon's detectives are here. They may have been here without us noticing."

She stopped crying but took her time to breathe to calm herself first and then pulled back. "I need to go to the restroom." 

"Out of a sudden?" Yoona was amused. 

"Yeah, go back inside, I'll follow later." Without waiting for his response, Seohyun hastily leaves.

Yoona was flabbergasted but soon he followed what she said and returned to the table where Jessica was sitting. "You were right, Noona." he told her.

"About what?" Jessica creased her brows.

"It won't take that long. I think we're good now." He smiled happily.

"I told you." She giggled and her right to talk to Seohyun on her earpiece. "They're standing in the right corner. Wearing blue tuxedos." Her voice is low but clear enough for the younger girl on the next line.

'Copy.' Said Seohyun.

"Jongsuk really invited a lot of performers, didn't he?" Yoona commented when he realized there wa