(a/n: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. All characters, places, and incidents are either imaginary or used fictitiously.)

 

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"!" The intensity of the pain caused Yoona to clutch her heart, her chest feeling like it was being squeezed in a vice.

 

Stumbling, she fell to her knees, her eyes tightly shut in a desperate bid to ease the agony.

 

"Are you okay, Yoona? What's happening?" Beside her, Jennie's voice was a frantic buzz, worry and panic lacing every word.

 

Her eyes, deep and mysterious, drew Yoona in like pools of enchantment. They held a certain allure that seemed to beckon with every gaze.

 

As Yoona gazed into those captivating eyes, a feeling of daring surged within her. Taking a chance with this woman in front of her felt not just accurate, but almost irresistible.

 

The woman extended her dainty hand, urging Yoona to take it. Her smile was so enchanting, it left Yoona breathless. Yielding to the allure, she accepted the woman's hand, intertwining their fingers. The touch was tender and comforting, leaving Yoona speechless in its gentle embrace.

 

She felt herself willingly drawn in by this beauty, unable to put into words the spell it cast over her.

 

In the midst of the pain, Yoona's mind raced. Is this something serious? Is there an underlying health condition I don't know about? This can't be happening now.

 

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Keep calm, Yoona. You can handle this. But if there's something wrong with my health, it could be bad...

 

Refusing to worry Jennie further, she clenched her teeth, summoning every ounce of her willpower to fight through the pain. With a deep breath, she decided on a different course of action.

 

"I'm sorry, Jennie," she finally gasped out, forcing a smile. "It's... it's just a prank. Gotcha!"

 

Jennie stood frozen, eyes wide with shock, clearly caught off guard by Yoona's unexpected stunt.

 

"Hey now," she quipped, noticing a glint of concern on the idol's face. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you're worried about me just now," 

 

Jennie's initial worry shifted swiftly to annoyance. She shot Yoona a sharp, disapproving look. "That's not funny, Yoona. You scared me!"

 

The playful facade Yoona had adopted quickly crumbled, leaving an awkward silence hanging in the air. She watched as Jennie avoided eye contact, clearly upset by the situation.

 

"Hey," she called out, scratching the back of her neck, her uncertainty palpable. "I'm sorry, Ruby Jane. I didn't --"

 

"Just take me somewhere far away from here."

 

A smile tugged at Yoona's lips. She shook her head, opening the passenger door for Jennie. With a pointed glare, the latter climbed in, showing a hint of playful irritation.

 

Yoona chuckled and settled into the driver's seat and glanced at the idol beside her. Jennie had her arms crossed, and it was clear she was still upset, to say the least. "Jennie--"

 

"Don't speak, it's making my ears hurt."

 

Yoona clicked her tongue in playful annoyance. Being cut off always irked her. "Keep doing that, and I might just pull your tongue out," she muttered, keeping her voice low, not wanting Jennie to hear.

 

"Did you say something?"

 

Yoona forced a smile and shook her head. "You must be overhearing things, Ruby Jane." She watched as Jennie continued to roll her eyes, unable to resist scanning her over with a subtle curiosity.

 

They approached a red light, and Yoona couldn't help but steal a glance at Jennie. The idol seemed lost in her own thoughts, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. But Yoona's keen eyes caught something – Jennie hadn't fastened her seatbelt.

 

Without a second thought, Yoona acted on instinct. She reached over, her fingers deftly clasping the seatbelt and securing it across Jennie's chest. The sudden touch caused Jennie to inhale sharply, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment, a silent understanding passing between them.

 

The traffic lights transitioned to green, and Yoona withdrew her hand, settling back into her seat.

 

"It's funny," Yoona remarked, a mischievous glint in her eye, "how you talked about valuing your life that night in Paris, but right now, the idea of wearing a seatbelt seems to have slipped your mind. Don't worry, I got your back." 

 

She couldn't help but laugh when she saw Jennie playfully roll her eyes in response.

 

The famous ramen spot came into view, and Yoona expertly guided the car towards there. Opting for a VIP parking space, she was determined to keep Jennie out of the public eye. Unwanted attention was the last thing they needed.

 

With the car securely parked, Yoona turned to Jennie, a reassuring grin on her face. "This place is a go-to of mine when I'm famished. Believe me, their ramen is out of this world. No exaggeration. Ready to dive in?" She switched off the engine and stepped out.

 

As Jennie moved to open her door, Yoona beat her to it. "Being a gentleman is in my DNA. Can't help it," she quipped, sharing a chuckle as Jennie shook her head.

 

"Why are we entering through the back?" Jennie questioned as Yoona guided her towards one of the rear entrances.

 

Inside, they were greeted by the bustling kitchen.

 

The chefs, staff, and kitchen crew remained entirely engrossed in their tasks, paying the unexpected guests no mind amidst the controlled chaos of clinking pots and sizzling pans.

 

"Just trust me," Yoona assured, her left hand resting on Jennie's lower back, though she noted the look of slight surprise in the idol's eyes. She would step back if she's uncomfortable. Her gaze honed in on the person she was seeking. "Yuji-san!"

 

An elderly Japanese man, appearing to be in his sixties, greeted them with a warm smile upon recognizing Yoona.

 

"Yoona, watashi no tomodachi.(Yoona, my friend.)" He extended his hand in a fist, and Yoona met it with a bump without hesitation, earning a grin from him. "It's been quite some time since your last visit. Ogenki desu ka? (How are you?)"

 

"I'm still as charming as ever, as you can see."

 

"Well, that's the Yoona I know."

 

A smug expression played on her face before she remembered her companion at her side. "Pardon my manners, Yuji. This is Jennie Kim, a friend accompanying me today."

 

Yoona observed as Jennie's demeanor shifted to shyness, though she managed to offer a polite smile to the Japanese man, shaking hands.

 

"Jennie, this is Yuji Toyashi, a dear friend of mine who owns this renowned ramen restaurant."

 

"She must be quite special for you to bring her here, Yoon," Yuji remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's the first time I've seen you with company. Usually, you're here on your own."

 

The statement prompted Jennie to glance at Yoona, clearly puzzled, while Yoona's attention remained fixed on Yuji.

 

"You could say that," Yoona replied with a nonchalant shrug, catching the side-eye glance from the idol. "Anyway, we're absolutely famished. Let's just hope you won't disappoint us like you always do, Yuji-san."

 

Yuji chuckled and shook his head with a playful glint in his eye. "Don't underestimate me, Yoon," he teased, giving Jennie a quick, appraising look before turning his attention back to Yoona. "Why don't you go ahead and take your special one to the VIP room while I prepare something special for both of you?"

 

Yoona nodded in agreement. "Very well."

 

Yuji offered a gracious bow to them both, and Yoona gently guided Jennie towards a door that led to the private VIP room Yuji had mentioned earlier.

 

The door opened to reveal a small corridor that led them deeper into the restaurant. Soft lighting cast a warm glow on the walls adorned with traditional Japanese artwork.

 

Yoona led Jennie through the elegant space, the tatami mat flooring giving a traditional touch to the otherwise modern interior.

 

The hushed murmur of conversations from nearby diners added to the atmosphere of exclusivity.

 

Servers in crisp uniforms glided past, attending to the needs of the patrons with grace and efficiency.

 

As they walked, Yoona glanced at Jennie, noticing the way her eyes darted around, taking in the refined surroundings. She could tell that the idol was impressed, and it brought a sense of satisfaction to Yoona. 

 

Finally, they arrived at the VIP room, marked by a sliding wooden door intricately painted with cherry blossoms.

 

Yoona slid it open, revealing a serene, private space. The low table in the center was set with delicate porcelain and lacquerware. The traditional decor, coupled with the modern amenities, created a harmonious blend of old and new.

 

"Here we are," Yoona announced, gesturing for Jennie to enter. "Our own little haven for the evening. Make yourself comfortable, Ruby Jane. This is your night."

 

Jennie took in the sophisticated surroundings, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. After a moment, she mustered the courage to meet Yoona's gaze. The older woman sat across from her, a hint of mystery in her eyes.

 

"I couldn't help but notice that you often associate with older people," Jennie ventured, noticing the brief furrow of Yoona's brow. She quickly added, "No offense, of course. It's completely understandable given your position in the business world. But it made me wonder just how close you are to these people. Mr. Yuji earlier seemed like more than just a casual acquaintance."

 

Yoona chuckled at Jennie's observation, her eyes gleaming with a mysterious twinkle. "Well, you could say I've lived a long and eventful life," she replied with a playful grin, leaving Jennie to assume it was a joke. 

 

"You know, sometimes age has little to do with the depth of a connection," Yoona mused, her gaze fixed on the table before them. "Some people come into our lives and leave an indelible mark, regardless of the years that separate us. They offer wisdom, perspective, and a different lens through which to view the world."

 

Jennie watched Yoona, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected depth of her words. It was a side of Yoona she hadn't seen before, a glimpse into a world beyond the confident, sometimes cheeky exterior.

 

"That's... beautiful," Jennie admitted, her voice softer now, touched by Yoona's insight. She realized that there was so much more to Yoona than met the eye, layers upon layers waiting to be discovered.

 

Yoona locked eyes with Jennie, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Life sure has its surprises, doesn't it?" She gave Jennie a knowing look. "I mean, who would've guessed we'd end up here, building a connection like this." She gestured between them. "Certainly not you, and definitely not me."

 

Jennie was left momentarily speechless, unable to find the right words to respond. It dawned on her just how unpredictable Yoona could be. From entering her life out of nowhere to building this unexpected connection, it was all beyond anything Jennie could have foreseen.

 

Yoona's words rang true. Neither of them could have foreseen this turn of events. But in a strange way, Jennie found herself appreciating the unpredictability of it all.

 

A phone rang, breaking the silence in the room. Jennie stayed in her spot, knowing the call wasn't for her. She observed as Yoona smoothly retrieved her phone from her tailored pants pocket and answered without checking the caller ID.

 

"Jessica."

 

The name hung in the air, and Jennie found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Yoona's eyes. She knew she should look elsewhere, but there was a magnetic pull that kept her locked onto Yoona's gaze. It was a strange, unspoken connection that seemed to defy reason.

 

"Yes, I'm in the middle of lunch," Yoona continued, her attention still fixed on Jennie. The two of them engaged in a silent, intense staring contest. "I can't say for certain how long this will take, but I'll keep you updated. Alright... see you soon."

 

Yoona ended the call and set the phone down beside her instead of returning it to her pocket. Then, she turned her gaze back to Jennie, offering a soft smile that sent a warmth through the room.

 

"Surprised she didn't ask you who's with you, or did you choose not to tell her I'm with you?"

 

Jennie couldn't suppress her unease about the situation. She had a sinking feeling that she might become a significant obstacle between Yoona and her fiancé, fueling her doubts about pursuing a relationship with Yoona.

 

"It wasn't necessary. She trusts me enough not to inquire about my company," Yoona replied casually, her hand reaching up to adjust the sleeves of her polo. "Are you worried again?"

 

Jennie let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She briefly considered fibbing, but they had established a foundation of honesty between them. "Yes, and you can't blame me for feeling this way."

 

"I understand. Trust is something that should be hard-earned, and right now, there's nothing I want more than to earn your complete trust."

 

"Tell me, does she not get jealous of us? Because if you say no, I hardly believe it."

 

Yoona paused for a moment before a smirk played on her lips. "Well, of course, she'd get jealous. I mean, just look at me, Ruby Jane. I'm the epitome of a goddess. People, especially women, practically kneel down to worship me."

 

Jennie shook her head, amused and a touch exasperated. It was amusing because she never would have pegged the businesswoman Yoona Lim for having this kind of boastful, cocky side. Yoona was full of surprises.

 

"Jokes aside, Jessica is a mature woman. She doesn't easily get jealous unless I give her a reason... and I haven't."

 

"Surprised she wasn't the jealous type. If I were your fiancee, I would punch the dayl