EDITED

The lights flickered back on and the audience gave its round of applause after the spectacular musical the cast presented. Hyoyeon blinked repeatedly to dampen her dried eyes. She remained calm and collected but she knew from the devious stares Taeyeon and Sunny had plastered across their faces, they had already found out. She gave them a small, pitiful grin and bid them a temporary farewell as she made her way backstage to congratulate the cast on their successful show.

She went to each and every room giving her comments on each of their performances, deciding to leave Jessica's room until last. They all thanked her for her hard work these past few months of teaching them. After she greeted and said her goodbyes to everyone, she made her way to Jessica's room. Expecting a nicely dressed & pretty roommate, she opened the door after knocking but to her amazement, Jessica was sprawled out on the couch in a hoodie and sweats with her arms above her head. Hyoyeon smiled at her and sat on the coffee table next to her.

"Tired?" Hyoyeon asked.

"Soooooo tirrreeddd." Jessica let out a sigh and stretched her arms out wide.

"Yah! Don't go to sleep yet!" She poked the latter's forehead.

"Why? I'm tired!" She complained.

"We're gonna go out to eat with the gang. Come on and get your lazy off the couch," she pulled on Jessica's arm to no avail.

"Carry me then," Jessica boldly said.

"Are you kidding me?" She didn't believe what she just heard.

"Nope," she looked at her.

"I'm crippled, Sica!" Hyoyeon pointed at her leg.

"You can walk." She gave her a toothy smile.

Hyoyeon looked at her awestruck at how immature the girl on the couch could be but inside she enjoyed this side of her. Caving into the princess' demands, she let out a sigh and turned her back towards the couch. Jessica smiled at Hyoyeon's obedience and climbed onto her back. Little did Hyoyeon know, Jessica wasn't tired at all, she just wanted Hyoyeon to carry her.

Hyoyeon stumbled a bit went she got off the couch but regained her balance soon after. She hopped on her right leg a bit to adjust Jessica's position. Jessica wrapped her arms around Hyoyeon tighter than necessary. Her face brushed against hers and both of them turned a brighter shade of pink. Hyoyeon quickly walked out of the room but was stopped when Jessica yelled at her.

"My purse!" Jessica nagged her.

She rolled her eyes and went back to the couch. She leaned down and Jessica grabbed it only to put it around Hyoyeon's neck. Hyoyeon sighed at Jessica's act and headed out the door once again. Am I you're mule? First you make me carry you and now you sling your purse around my neck?

Taeyeon and Sunny were waiting at the front door of the theatre when Hyoyeon walked out the doors. Sooyoung and Tiffany had left for a last minute urgent photoshoot. A smile crept on Taeyeon's lips while Sunny giggled.

"How sweet of you, Hyo. Carrying the princess after her long day of work," Taeyeon teased.

Her leg slipped off the floor and landed on Taeyeon's shin in revenge for her sister's remark while her face flourished into another intense pink color. Jessica giggled along with Sunny.

"Let's go I'm hungry!" Jessica pointed towards the car.

"I thought you were too tired to eat!" Hyoyeon complained.

"I changed my mind. Now let's go!" She annoyingly patted Hyoyeon's shoulder to continue walking.

"Okay okay! Chill your horses down!"

"You are my horse! Now go!"

"You say that one more time and I will drop you!" Hyoyeon threatened.

Jessica kept quiet and buried her face in her shoulder to prevent provoking the latter again. Taeyeon and Sunny trailed behind laughing at the violent couple's antics.

"You think Sica knows?" Taeyeon silently asked Sunny.

"Nahh but I don't think Hyoyeon likes her though. I think she's just infatuated," Sunny responded.

"Could be but I hope it turns into something more. She deserves to have someone to take all that pain she has inside away." Taeyeon's expression darkened at the thought of Hyoyeon's pain.

"Hey, brighten up babe," Sunny cupped Taeyeon's face in her small hands, "she'll be fine. She's a strong girl just like you," she smiled.

"Thanks." Taeyeon kissed her in appreciation and they both resumed walking to the car.

***

Dinner ended quicker than expected. The four of them dragged their tired and exhausted bodies up the stairs to their designated rooms. Hyoyeon went to her side of the closet and grabbed a change of clothes to bring to the bathroom. She turned around to grab her phone to charge but before she could leave it alone, her screen lit up indicating an incoming message. 

[Unknown number]: Hey! It's been a while Noona! How've you been?!

She furrowed her eyebrows at the mysterious sender. Her clothes were put on the bed and she texted back.

[Hyoyeon]: Who is this?

She grabbed her clothes but her phone lit up again and she let out an annoyed grunt.

[Unknown number]: I can't believe you don't have my number anymore! That hurt's Noona! ): I guess I'm not special enough… It's Junho, Noona!

Oh my god! Her eyes widened but she quickly followed it with a smile. It's been a while since she last talked to her high school and college friend. He and Hyoyeon had a great past together. So great that those around them thought they were meant to be. Flashbacks of the old times played across her mind and she couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. She would always get into trouble when it came to other men and her one night stands but Junho would always save her by claiming the title of "boyfriend" whenever they asked. Even though Hyoyeon never thought more of their relationship, Junho had other beliefs. He adored her and everything that made her, her.

It was the last year of college that made their relationship drift to the other ends of the ocean. Hyoyeon had everything planned out for her future. Her studio was in the midst of completion and she couldn't wait until she escaped the grasps of college. Her smile faded when the sad memory she had with him surfaced again.

"Noona! Wait up!" He called after me as I exited the gate.

"What's up? I have to go home quickly for some errands." It was the last day of college and we were all busy preparing for everything.

"I- I just wanted to give you this." He opened his backpack and took out a beautiful bouquet of roses. He smiled at me with eyes of admiration. "Thank you for being a part of my life for seven years."

I took them in gratitude. I've never received flowers from him before. I wonder what the special occasion is today. I'm going to miss this boy. "Thank you Jun. They're beautiful."

"And so are you!" His eyes smiled again. He sure has a way with words. "Listen. I don't really want to part ways with you," he frowned, "you're leaving me alone for my last year of college."

"Me either," I spoke a bit saddened by the thought, "but you'll do fine without me."

"No I won't," he complained.

"Why do you think like that? That's bad Jun!"

"Be-Because… I really like you." He looked up from the ground. "I like you more than what we have right now. I've always wanted to tell you, but I could never find the right time," his right hand rubbed the back of his neck in nervousness.

"But… how could you? You know my lifestyle very well, Jun. I'm awful," I tried to reason with him.

"I don't think you give yourself enough credit, Noona. You the most beautiful and perfect girl I've ever met; inside and out," his words made their way into my heart.

His eye smiling told no lies. His words were true but I didn't know what to do. I never looked at him as anything more than a friend. Sure we've had some great times together, but I'm afraid if I do, I'd only end up hurting him.

"I don't know what to say… but I've never looked at you that way."

"I knew you'd say that," he came towards me and stood inches away, "but could you try and only look at me from now on?"

"Even if I say yes, I don't trust myself. I'm afraid I'd just end up hurting you. I'm sorry."

The memories made her smirk in guilt. Hyoyeon put her clothes down once again replied to her long lo