(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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"You're quite intimidating right now, I won't deny that. One moment you're ready to tear someone apart, and now you're smiling at me as if nothing happened." 

 

Yoona's grin stretched almost from ear to ear as she savored the aftermath of her conversation with Jennie. She had expected resistance from the idol, considering Jennie's consistent efforts to evade her. Reflecting on her own patience, Yoona found a sense of satisfaction in having broken through Jennie's defenses.

 

Though known for her short temper, Yoona had mastered the art of concealing her emotions when required. Her recent interactions with Jennie had tested her self-control, but in retrospect, she realized that Jennie's avoidance might have been a defense mechanism born out of Yoona's own absence. This understanding fueled Yoona's determination to weather Jennie's avoidance strategy.

 

Then there was this guy, V, who was rumored to be Jennie Kim's boyfriend. Their initial encounter in Paris had been civil, or so Yoona thought. Generally, she preferred not to invest much attention in people unless they were integral to her mission. However, V seemed to possess a talent for getting under her skin. Despite her strong urge to strangle him for his arrogant displays, Yoona had managed to restrain herself, unwilling to reveal her true feelings in such a way.

 

Despite having the choice, Yoona was well aware of the repercussions and penalties she would face if she harmed an innocent human being. Yet, her thoughts kept drifting back to V. To her, he didn't appear as innocent, not after successfully managing to provoke her. It seemed like he was intentionally testing her limits. While rules constrained her, there was an undercurrent of anticipation for the day when she could finally see fear etched across his face — a moment she secretly longed for.

 

Yoona shrugged, "You managed to make me feel foolish. It ignited a fiery anger within me, unlike anything I've experienced. The fact that I put in effort, only to be met with dismissal, drove me to the brink of madness."

 

Jennie found herself unable to break eye contact with Yoona. Slowly, she was adopting a newfound approach to embracing her emotions, choosing sincerity over stifling her feelings. This change was aiding better communication between herself and Yoona, a development she held in high regard.

 

"As I mentioned before, now you understand how I felt," Jennie remarked, her attention momentarily diverted as her brown Pomeranian dog, Kuma, suddenly appeared. "Come here, Kuku." With a joyful leap, the dog hopped onto the couch and settled comfortably in Jennie's lap.

 

"Didn't know you had a dog," Yoona commented, observing Jennie as she affectionately pet her dog, Kuma. "I've been here before, but I didn't notice any sign of that furry creature."

 

Jennie's surprise was evident as she glanced at Yoona, taken aback by the term "creature" that Yoona had used instead of the usual "dog." Shaking her head slightly, she refocused on Yoona, captivated by the intense gaze in the older woman's doe-like eyes. The intensity of their eye contact made Jennie's breath catch in .

 

Engaging in a conversation with Yoona like this, alone, face to face, was something Jennie cherished deeply. It was among her favorite things to do with the older woman, a moment of connection that she held close.

 

"Well, it seems you're not too interested in the details of my life. You're so focused on... well, everything else that I guess my furry creature here went unnoticed."

 

Yoona held back her words, realizing they wouldn't make a difference. Jennie's clever remarks surprised her, and she hated being on the receiving end. At times, Yoona even considered silencing Jennie by pulling her tongue, but the potential consequences stopped her. Just to clarify, I might be joking... or maybe not.

 

The memory of her mission flickered in Yoona's mind, her mission held the key to her return to Hell, a place she missed for its twisted satisfaction in tormenting sinners. The memory of torturing sinners tugged at her, and the lingering resentment from Jennie's recent action, including her involvement with the idol's boyfriend, only fueled her eagerness to return to Hell and unleash her anger.

 

"So, Jennie," Yoona began, her tone casual, "how's everything going with your boyfriend, V?" She shot a quick glance at Jennie, curious to see her reaction.

 

Jennie's demeanor shifted subtly, a fleeting shadow darting through her eyes before she masked it with a modest smile. "Oh, he's fine. We're doing well."

 

Yoona arched an eyebrow, the vague response failing to satisfy her curiosity. It was the kind of answer that hinted Jennie's reluctance to discuss the topic, yet Yoona's eagerness to know outweighed any potential annoyance.

 

"Come on, Jennie. 'Good' doesn't tell me much. You're usually not one to dance around your life like this."

 

A wry smile tugged at Jennie's lips. "Maybe there's just not much to say."

 

Yoona leaned in, her curiosity growing.  "Hmm, I'm not buying it. You were practically parading evidence by posting photos in the exact same clothes you wore in that video with him, walking hand in hand in Paris."

 

"Well, that's just a coincidence."

 

Coincidence, my .  Yoona thought to herself, growing more certain that Jennie was hiding something. Determination ignited within her. She was resolute in uncovering whatever secret Jennie was holding. A knowing smile played on Yoona's lips. "A rather convincing coincidence, I must say."

 

Jennie shot her a look, a mix of frustration and amusement in her eyes. "You're not fooling me with your tactics." 

 

Yoona raised her hands in mock surrender, her expression innocent as she met Jennie's gaze. "What? Me? Just genuinely curious."

 

"You're trying to pry something out of me, but there's truly nothing to pry. Just drop it, okay? I'm not dwelling on it, so you shouldn't either."

 

Huh? Yoona's inner thoughts raced, confirming her suspicion. "Now you're acting suspiciously defensive. What's so significant about him that you're dodging this topic?"

 

"You're blowing this out of proportion."

 

As Jennie stood and headed to the kitchen, Yoona followed. Jennie's Pomeranian, Kuma, remained on the couch, watching her intently, almost as if assessing her. Jennie's odd behavior seemed mirrored in her pet's gaze.

 

Shaking her head, Yoona trailed Jennie into the kitchen.

 

"You avoiding the topic is what's making it a big deal," Yoona pointed out, leaning against the counter and playfully nudging Jennie's shoulder. "Listen, just so you know, the idea that I'm interested in him is pretty repulsive."

 

Jennie couldn't help but roll her eyes at Yoona's response. "Why would I think that way when you have a lover who is a woman?"

 

"Touché," Yoona replied with a casual hum, her shoulders lifting in a nonchalant shrug. "What I meant is that, as your friend, I want to make sure he treats you well."

 

Something in Yoona's words seemed to strike a chord within Jennie. Yoona watched her intently, looking for any signs of a reaction. Jennie's grip on the glass tightened, and her jaw clenched, her posture growing tense. It was clear that Yoona's statement had triggered something in her, although Yoona wasn't sure what.

 

"I'd appreciate it if you could stick to your own business, Yoona," Jennie's tone turned firm, her demeanor shifting abruptly. "I really don't want to talk about it," she added, offering a forced smile before retreating back to the couch.

 

Left standing in the kitchen, Yoona pondered the sudden change in tone and Jennie's cryptic reaction. Rolling her eyes, she couldn't fathom why Jennie was being so secretive, especially considering their shared history of opening up to each other. She sighed inwardly, realizing that pushing further might not yield the answers she sought.

 

It dawned on her that this might not be as straightforward as she initially thought. As she reflected, Yoona understood that prying more information from Jennie wouldn't be easy. While she had hoped that face-to-face conversation would unveil the truth, Jennie's guardedness proved otherwise.

 

Yoona shook her head with a bemused smile, trailing after Jennie as they moved back to the couch. Without really thinking about it, Yoona settled down closer to Jennie, a small but unintentional shift that seemed to surprise the latter.

 

As Yoona sat, a memory sparked in her mind, prompting her to reach into her pocket. Her fingers closed around an engraved bracelet, the letter "J" elegantly etched onto it. She had picked it up during her trip to Hawaii with her fiancée, a token of that time. Now, she had a different intention for it.

 

Without a word, Yoona extended her hand toward Jennie, offering the bracelet to her. Jennie's eyes widened in surprise, and for once, she was rendered speechless.

 

"Do you like it?"

 

Jennie stared at the bracelet, her gaze lingering on the engraved initial. Slowly, a gummy smile spread across her lips, a sight that momentarily stole Yoona's breath. The smile transformed Jennie's face, illuminating it in a way that was enchanting to witness, especially after the arguments they had shared earlier.

 

"Is this a customization?"

 

Yoona chuckled, "Oh, definitely. That "J" stands for... extravagant. Cost me a fortune."

 

Jennie's laughter bubbled forth, a genuine sound that brought warmth to the room. She reached out, her fingers brushing over the bracelet as if it were a precious treasure. Her eyes sparkled with an unspoken emotion as she traced the engraved letter.

 

A moment later, Jennie attempted to put on the bracelet herself, but her struggle was evident. Without a second thought, Yoona leaned in closer, adjusting the bracelet for her. The proximity made their breaths mingle, a charge in the air that wasn't just from the bracelet.

 

As Yoona adjusted the bracelet, she didn't realize that Jennie's gaze was fixed on her, her cheeks dusted with a soft blush. Jennie's eyes traced the contours of Yoona's face, watching her with an intensity that held a depth of emotions Yoona wasn't prepared for. 

 

"Ta-da!" Yoona beamed with pride as she revealed her handiwork. Her gaze locked onto Jennie's, and to her surprise, Jennie was already watching her with those cat-like eyes. "We're practically matching now, you see? I've got one too." She raised her left hand, displaying her bracelet with a prominent 'Y' engraved on it, proudly showing it off to Jennie.

 

"Couple, you mean?" Jennie's lips curved into a mixture of amusement and surprise, taking in this unexpected side of Yoona – carefree and unabashedly showy.

 

Yoona couldn't help but mentally curse herself. The memory of how she had actually struggled to visit that very store in Hawaii resurfaced.

 

Flashback...

"We should check out some stores and pick up some souvenirs," Jessica suggested, her arm linked with Yoona's as they strolled around the area.

 

Yoona glanced down at Jessica, raising an eyebrow. "Who exactly are you planning to give souvenirs to?"

 

Jessica shot her a playful look, tugging Yoona toward various shops as they walked. She knew that this wasn't exactly Yoona's favorite pastime – wandering around and buying random items. "My friends, you know. But you wouldn't understand, given your lack of a social life."

 

She stuck her tongue out at Yoona, a teasing smile on her lips. Yoona rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but detect the playful tone in Jessica's voice.

 

"I've got a tight-knit circle of friends, and that's all I need, thank you."

 

This woman thinks I lack friends, which is ridiculous. Even Eve, the first woman on Earth, and Lilith, the daughter of Hatred, are part of my circle.

 

As they entered a jewelry store that had caught Jessica's eye, Yoona found herself inexplicably captivated by the shimmering gems and delicate pieces on display.

 

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into an amused smirk. "Yoona, darling, I believe we were in search of souvenirs, not lost treasures from sunken ships."

 

Yoona's gaze remained fixed on the jewelry, her fascination undeniable. "But, look at these pieces. They're like little pieces of paradise."

​​

Jessica sighed dramatically, playfully rolling her eyes. "Please, let's not go overboard and spend our vacation fund on gemstones."

 

"Tell you what, babe. Why don't you go explore on your own for a bit? I'll catch up with you soon."

 

Jessica let out an exasperated huff, feigning annoyance but secretly entertained by Yoona's determination. "Alright, Your Highness. I'll be at the nearby stalls, don't take forever."

 

As Jessica wandered off, Yoona turned her attention back to the jewelry store. A friendly staff member approached her with a welcoming smile. "Welcome! Anything in particular you're interested in?"

 

Yoona's eyes gleamed as she pointed at an intricately designed bracelet, its Hawaiian motif reflecting the beauty of the island. "That one." As the staff retrieved the bracelet, Yoona couldn't resist asking, "Do you offer customization?"

 

"We mainly focus on couples' jewelry."

 

Yoona's eyebrow quirked up. "Why not individual pieces?"

 

The staff chuckled softly. "Well, this shop is all about celebrating connections. It's kind of our thing."

 

"But could I still request customization?"

 

The staff raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "For couples?"

 

"For myself and my fiancée."

 

"Your fiancée?"

 

"Y and J engraved on each bracelet and make another with just the name 'Jessica' on it."

 

"But isn't the 'J' already for Jessica?" As the staff processed Yoona's request, their eyes widened in realization. "Wait, you mean the other 'J' is for someone else other than Jessica?" 

 

A mischievous grin tugged at Yoona's lips, her amusement evident. "You're a nosy one eh."

 

The staff's eyes widened even further, and they let out an exclamation. "Oh, I see now. We have a strict policy against cheating, you know. Our themes are all about genuine connections."

 

Yoona couldn't help but roll her eyes, a slight huff escaping her lips. "Look, I'm a customer here, not a relationship counselor. If you can't do it, just say so." 

 

A nervous gulp escaped the staff as they stared at Yoona, clearly taken aback by her blunt response. "Of course, ma'am. We'll do our best to accommodate your request."

 

As Yoona stood there, waiting for the staff to finalize the customization of three bracelets, she couldn't help but feel a sense of impatience creeping in. It was taking longer than she had anticipated, and she knew that Jessica might be wondering where she was.

 

Just as her thoughts drifted to Jessica, her fiancée suddenly reappeared by her side. "Honey, what's taking you so long?"

 

Yoona blinked, slightly startled by Jessica's sudden presence. "Oh, I was just finalizing something. It'll be just a moment."

 

As if on cue, the staff emerged from the back of the store, holding a paper bag in their hands. With a smile, they announced, "Bracelets for Y, Jessica, and J—"

 

Jessica's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the exchange between Yoona and the staff. She had an uncanny ability to sniff out deception, and this situation seemed to set off her alarms.

 

Swiftly, Yoona intervened, "Sorry, there seems to be a mix-up. It's just for Y and Jessica."

 

The staff's eyes widened as they realized their mistake, quickly correcting themselves. "Apologies for that. Here are the bracelets for Y and Jessica."

 

Jessica turned to Yoona, "Were you buying a bracelet for Jennie?"

 

Yoona's eyes widened in mock innocence. "What? No, why would I do that?"

 

"Uh-huh, sure."

 

Jessica crossed her arms, clearly waiting for an explanation. She seemed ready to voice her frustration, but before she could do so, Yoona's swift reaction surprised her. With a sense of urgency, Yoona grabbed the J bracelet from the paper bag, swiftly concealing it in her pocket before Jessica could glimpse it. Holding the bag up, Yoona displayed the remaining bracelets.

 

"See? Just two bracelets, like I said."

 

Jessica's annoyance seemed to abate slightly as she assessed the situation, her guard lowering for a moment. "Alright, alright. Let's just go."

 

As Jessica's temper cooled, Yoona shot a final, warning glance at the staff, communicating a clear message: 'You're dead if she finds out.' With that, she gently grabbed Jessica's arm, guiding her away from the store's entrance.

 

End of Flashback...

 

Jennie's eyes held genuine gratitude as she admired the bracelet, but she fought to hide the emotions threatening to well up inside her. She couldn't afford to let her vulnerability show to Yoona. "Thanks, Yoona. It's really lovely."

 

Breaking the brief sentimental moment, Jennie glanced at the clock, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, it's getting pretty late. Shouldn't you be heading home by now?"

 

Yoona, lounging comfortably on Jennie's couch, shrugged nonchalantly. "Nah, I've got some time. Besides, I'm in no hurry."

 

A hint of a smile played at Jennie's lips as she couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Well, you better not be keeping