Chapter Twenty: Food For The Gods


“I’m sorry for calling so late.”

Jessica then slowly opened her eyes, moved her phone in front of her and read who the caller was. Taeyeon? Was it really Taeyeon? This was unusual. She then placed the phone back on her ear, and moved to a more comfortable position, readying herself to go back to dreamland. “Is there something wrong?” Jessica mumbled.

“Nothing,” Taeyeon said from the other line. “I just...”

Waiting for the kid to continue her sentence, Jessica became anxious. “Just?”

It took Taeyeon awhile, but she continued, “I just had a dream of you,” which caused a smile to creep on Jessica’s face.

“It was a good dream, right?”

“Mmmhmm” Taeyeon murmured. “It was nice.”

“That’s good.” Jessica was slowly drifting to sleep. “Really good,” she merely whispered.

“I called because...” With Taeyeon’s voice, Jessica became slightly more alert. She made a sound, encouraging the girl to continue. “It made me realize how much I miss you.”

It seemed as though the sleepiness that was hovering around Jessica vanished. She didn’t know if this was her subconsciousness simply fooling her. She hoped this wasn’t just a dream, making her hear things she wanted. But if the heavens were playing a cruel joke on her and this was a dream, she then wanted to wake up right away. She didn’t want to be the only one falling deeper and deeper in this relationship. She didn’t want to be the only one feeling this way.

“I---ugh....I’m sorry I haven’t come to see you.” Taeyeon mumbled softly.

Hearing Taeyeon’s voice again made Jessica want to wake up from this dream.The blonde knew she should have enough of this pretense. She lifted her free hand to pinch her cheek, hoping this would do the trick. But all it did was cause her pain. No one was playing tricks on Jessica. Taeyeon did say she missed the blonde. “I miss you, too.” Jessica bit her lower lip, trying to suppress her growing smile. She didn’t know why but when she said it, it was as though Taeyeon was just in front of her, and she felt like she needed to hide.

“I’m really sorry for----”

“You don’t have to apologize. It’s not like you have control over how busy you get.”

“But---”

“No buts. I understand. I want to give you your personal space, Taeyeon. That’s why I try to understand your position as much as I can.”

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“No, I do.” There was a long pause from the other end. “Thank you for always being so understanding.”

“You’re welcome.” Jessica then didn’t know what to say, but there was this urge to see the younger girl as soon as possible. It had been a week since she last saw Taeyeon, and she was sick then at that. “Uhm, Taeyeon,” Jessica mumbled. “I was wondering if....”

“Yes?”

“I was wondering... if you know...” Jessica once again bit her lower lip. But she couldn’t turn back now. She needed to do this, she needed to cease this opportunity. “If you can... if you have the time... to you know... come over?”

“Ri---right now?” There was uncertainty in Taeyeon’s voice.

“No! I mean, to eat! I’ll cook! I mean... yeah! When you’re free! Like later? Lunch? If you’re not busy anymore. Actually, when you’re free. Whenever you’re free is fine. Yeah...” Jessica laughed nervously. How stupid of her. She should be the older one here, and the more experienced, but it didn’t reflect at all. 

“W--we can.”

“R---really? You’re free?” Jessica didn’t bother suppressing her smile, she was grinning from ear to ear. Taeyeon couldn’t see how silly she looked anyway, so she didn’t bother. She let her heart race to its content. However red her face looked, she didn’t care at all. The only thing that she cared about was that she would see Taeyeon later. “So, around eleven?”

“Sure.”

“Good night, Kid.” Jessica said as she yawned.

Taeyeon giggled lightly. “Good night, Ahjumma. Sleep tight.”



*****


The sound of sizzling steaks and simmering soup filled the kitchen as Jessica switched her attention from one dish to another. She had been cooking for about two hours now. Since she was alone and didn’t have any of her prep-chefs with her, she had to do everything from scratch. However, she didn’t mind at all since it was all for Taeyeon.

The chef then counted all the dishes she prepared, sure it was excessive, a total of seven viands. How on earth would they finish that? But then, she didn’t know what Taeyeon wanted aside from the pasta the girl always ate, she didn’t know her other preferences. She didn’t want Taeyeon to simply eat pasta every day without giving her other options. So this would also serve as to what other dishes her new girlfriend liked. 

As she was mixing the soup, tasting if it was already the right flavor, she heard her doorbell ring. She then wiped her hands with the white cloth on her shoulder before she reached for the knob, and opened her front door. What greeted her was Taeyeon with a smile on her face. The blonde couldn’t help but feel her lips curve upwards as though they were meant to smile whenever she saw Taeyeon. “Long time no see,” Jessica said as she led the girl to the kitchen.

“I know.” Taeyeon looked down. “Also, I’m sorry for calling you so early.”

The blonde looked behind her as she laughed. Weird enough, she wasn’t upset that Taeyeon woke her up and caused her to lack sleep. It was actually the complete opposite. “Don’t worry about it.” She then looked at the food that was cooking on the stove, making sure she didn’t overcook any of them. “To be honest,” Jessica didn’t know if she should say this, but they were now dating, weren’t they? They should be more honest with each other. Looking back at how Taeyeon looked, anticipating the continuation to her words, Jessica couldn’t help but feel the need to continue. “I was really happy that you called me. I miss you, too, you know?”

Taeyeon gave Jessica a soft smile. “Well, I’m free the next three days since it’s a holiday.”

“Do you wanna do something fun?” Jessica then lifted the sizzling plates off the stove, onto the wooden underliner. 

“Like what?”

The chef then places some vegetables on the plates beside the viand, making sure it was also visually appealing. “Do you like riding horses?” she asked when she finished. “Since you have three more days, why don’t we go to my cabin? It’s three hours away from here and you can invite your friends to come with us.”

“You have a ranch?”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it a ranch. It’s more like a mountain with a cabin there, a pool, and some horses. The beach isn’t so far from it either. It was my grandfather’s.” Jessica smiled. “I go there at least once a year when I was younger, but since I went to America, I didn’t have much time to visit.”

“Then you must have a lot of memories there, huh?”

The blonde nodded. She then turned around, faced her stove and placed the soup in two separate bowls. “I do. I’d love to take you there. I think you’ll like it.”

“We can. I’ll go ahead and message my friends,” she fished for her phone in her bag. 

It would be good if there were other people in there as well. Jessica knew that she had to have invited other people so that things wouldn’t be very awkward. They just started going out, and this was Taeyeon’s first relationship. If they were left alone, what would they do? So having other people there would break the ice. 

Well, now that she thought about this, Jessica should be less worried about the trip and should try to kill the awkwardness that was building in her kitchen. “Let’s eat?” 

“Wait,” Taeyeon said as she looked Jessica in the eyes, confused. “It’s only us? There wouldn’t be any other people that would come?”

Jessica’s brow raised in confusion. “No. Why? Should there be others?” Now that made the blonde feel somewhat upset. Why? Should there really be others? Was her companythat boring? Or was it because she was awkward with the younger girl? Was it wrong for her to want to be at least alone, at least for now, with her girlfriend? Maybe Taeyeon wasn’t as adjusted as Jessica hoped she was. But then, why did she call in the middle of the night, agreeing to meet at Jessica’s house?

Whatever the reason was, things were clouding Jessica’s mind.

The younger girl shook her head, and pointed at the counter top where Jessica placed all her cooked meals. “I just thought you invited someone else. You cooked way too much food for just two people to be eating.”

Jessica gave her an awkward smile. True, she did cook a little too much, but she didn’t know what Taeyeon would want to eat. So she gave herself the liberty to wake up two hours earlier to cook all these. “I thought you’d be hungry.”

Taeyeon laughed heartily. “You’re really something, Jessica.”

The blonde simply bit her lip and lowered her head to hide her embarrassment. She couldn’t believe this. The kid was laughing at her. But then again, she did have a point. The chef did cook enough for at least six people. At least. “We can eat it for dinner?” Jessica gave a lame excuse.

Since the meals were still too hot, Jessica decided she needed to at least tidy up the kitchen a little. She then grabbed the dirty pans and placed them in the sink. To her surprise, Taeyeon was helping. “No, you’re a visitor. You shouldn’t.”

The younger girl smiled at her as she shook her head. “I wouldn’t like it if you did all the work. You should go ahead and take a seat. I’ll be the one cleaning.”

“Oh no, no, no, no, no.” Jessica took a couple of steps towards Taeyeon and grabbed the things from the younger’s hands. “You’re my guest, you shouldn’t be doing anything.”

“But I’m also your girlfriend...” Taeyeon murmured in a low tone, head hung low. The blonde didn’t know if she was supposed to hear it, or what, but she did. What was she supposed to do now? What was she supposed to say? Was she supposed to comply or was she supposed to treat her like a princess?

But they were equals. She should also give Taeyeon a chance to do whatever she wanted. The blonde then nodded. “We can wash the dishes together after we eat, okay?”

Taeyeon’s smile widen as she nodded enthusiastically. They both then sat on the chair and ate the soup first. “You’re really an amazing chef, Jessica.”

“No need for flattery, Taeyeon. You should know I’ll cook for you whenever you want.” Jessica laughed.

“Is that so?” Taeyeon laughed along. “I should take advantage of that. But I’m afraid I’ll end up gaining so much weight.”

“We’ll work out together then. No big deal.”

“Are you sure it isn’t a big deal?”

“Positive!” After that, they finished their soup and had their main course, a premium steak. 

Taeyeon looked at Jessica. “Wow. This cuts like butter.”

“The meat from Japan’s usually the best. It’s because they massage their cows and they don’t let them work in the fields, so their meat’s always tender with the right amount of fat,” Jessica explained. 

“I’ve read about those. I tried it in New York when I visited one of the restaurants there. It was good, but no one beats your cooking, Jessica.”

“Re---really now? You’re just being bias.” Jessica started eating her food, trying to hide her face from the girl.

“No, really. I do love your cooking best!”

“I’m happy to hear that.” That was the very reason why Jessica cooked pasta for Taeyeon despite her absence in the restaurant. She knew that Taeyeon always ate it, every single day, so she had to. “You got busy though. Thank goodness your driver didn’t mind picking your lunch up everyday.”

“Well, I’m free now. So I can eat my favorite pasta whenever I please since the chef’s with me!”

“Now, that shouldn’t be the only reason why you’re with me, is it?” Taeyeon simply shrugged. “That’s not fair.” The blonde whined. 

The younger girl simply laughed at the older girl, which caused the blonde to shake her head, muttering something about her cooking, and being taken advantage of.

“Hey! I didn’t tell you to cook for me,” Taeyeon said with a smile on her face, acting all innocent. True that Taeyeon never asked, and whenever Taeyeon was at the restaurant, she paid for her meals.

“So...” Jessica raised her brow. “Even if I don’t cook, you’ll still visit me?”

Taeyeon scoffed in disbelief. “You think I only come here to eat?!”

“I---I... I didn’t mean it like that!” Jessica panicked, hands waving in the air. “It’s not like that at all!”

Taeyeon laughed. 


*****


Jessica decided that they could leave around two in the afternoon to go one of her rest houses so they could be there before sunset. Yuri and Tiffany agreed to going since they were already in good terms; however, they wouldn’t be there until tomorrow morning and that was the same for Taeyeon’s friends. 

Taeyeon was watching some show, whilst Jessica was packing in her room. The younger girl had one of her maids pack her things, and would be delivered to Jessica’s house before they go. Finally, the blonde finished packing everything in her Louis Vuitton luggage. She then rolled it from her room, down the stairs and to the living room. 

“Ready?” Taeyeon asked.

“Yup.” Jessica answered as she sat down next to Taeyeon. She had her eyes on the television, trying to figure out the show the younger girl was watching. A documentary about ghosts? Was Taeyeon into this kind of things? It wasn’t like she minded. She actually loved these kinds of shows. After a few minutes of watching, Jessica then remembered this episode of Paranormal Witness. It was about an old house that had an angry male spirit residing in it. They even have actual footage of the scene. 

“Are you sure that you wanna watch something like this?” Jessica asked.

“Isn’t it cool?” Taeyeon asked, eyes lit up. “I love this show!”

“Well, do you believe in it?”

“Maybe.” Taeyeon shrugged. 

“As long as you won’t get scared.” Jessica then looked Taeyeon in the eyes, without any hint of emotions attached to it. “Because I’ve heard rumors that the cabin we’re going to stay at is hunted.”

“Wh--what are you talking about?”

“Well, when my mom was younger, the caretaker of that house ki---” Jessica then stopped and started laughing. She couldn’t even finish what she was going to say since Taeyeon looked too cute. “I’m kidding! I had to pull that card!” She continued to laugh, holding her stomach. Taeyeon then hit her face with the throw pillow that was closest to her. 

“You’re a jerk!” Taeyeon pouted.

Jessica continued laughing. “I just had to take that chance!” 

“Jerk!”

“Come on. You know it was funny!”

“No it isn’t.”

Judging by how it looked, Jessica did upset Taeyeon and now, the feeling of guilt was creeping in. “I’m sorry.” Taeyeon didn’t say anything, and she continued to watch the show. “I’m sorry, Taeyeon.” Jessica was hesitant on grabbing the younger girl’s shoulder, but the latter was ignoring her. “Really, Taeyeon. I won’t scare you again. I swear.” She was still ignored. She then decided to grab onto Taeyeon’s shoulder, shaking it a little. “Forgive me?”

Taeyeon turned her head to face Jessica with a smirk on her face. “You think you’re the only one who can act?” She then started laughing.

“You’re horrible,” Jessica said. Though she was relieved that Taeyeon wasn’t really upset with her. “But I must say, you’re a good actress. You fooled me there!”

“Thank you. Now you know you’re not the only one who can joke here,” Taeyeon said, still laughing in between her words. 

Jessica’s intercom phone rang, and she figured it was from the front desk since no one ever called that unless she had a guest downstairs. She then stood up and answered the phone. “Hello?”

“Hello Miss Jessica. This is the front desk, we have a guest waiting for you at the lobby.”

“Did they say who?”

“They said they were sent by the Kims.”

“Okay. I’ll be right down.” 

Jessica then informed Taeyeon that her things were there, and so they headed for the door, and to the elevator. Jessica then asked the valet to grab her Range Rover, whilst waiting for Taeyeon to finish talking to whoever that came. 



*****



Jessica and Taeyeon both packed their food from Jessica’s pantry and the leftovers from earlier so they wouldn’t have to cook later. The snacks they brought were all from Jessica’s stock at home, so there was no need to stop at a gas station. 

It was a bit too sunny for Jessica’s liking. She wore her darkest tinted sunglasses. Taeyeon wore her pair as well to protect her eyes from the sun. Taeyeon then reached the bag of Baked Lays from the backseat and opened it. “You want some?” she asked the blonde as she was holding a chip in her fingers.

Jessica contemplated if she should reach her hand out or if she should just have Taeyeon feed her since the younger girl’s hand was already inches away from her face anyway. Jessica looked at her side mirrors, pretending to act cool as though she wasn’t affected. She bit her lips, and then look at Taeyeon as she opened . The younger one smiled at her as she fed Jessica with the blonde’s favorite chips.

“Do you want anything to drink?” Taeyeon asked, realizing she’s been feeding Jessica way too much junk food. “We have water or apple juice?”

“Water’s fine.” 

If Jessica could pat herself on the back, she probably would. A road trip was a perfect way to bond with Taeyeon, and she couldn’t believe she didn’t really think of the perks it came with earlier. She just thought it would be a nice getaway, but seeing where they were and what they were doing, it seemed as though it was the perfect opportunity to get to know each other and get closer. 

Taeyeon handed Jessica a capless bottle of water with a white straw in it. Jessica could see shiny pink marks at the tip, it was probably lipgloss, Jessica thought.

Wait.

That was Taeyeon’s straw? They were sharing the drink? It wasn’t really a big deal though. She shared with her friends all the time, that wasn’t special. Yes. Not at all. While having this inner battle in her mind, Jessica remained calm on the outside, carefully maneuvering her car.

“Jessica?” Taeyeon called. “Do you not want to drink?” Taeyeon was about to reach for the bottle from Jessica, when the blonde noticed this, she quickly took a sip of the water. 

After the sip, she thanked Taeyeon and gave her the bottle. Jessica noticed that Taeyeon was looking at the straw, and it seemed like it bothered the girl. Maybe she didn’t intend for them to share it, that it was simply an honest mistake.

“Sorry I used your straw, shouldn’t there be another one?” 

Taeyeon looked Jessica’s way and shook her head. “Th--There’s no need. It’ll be such a waste to use another one when we can share anyway.” And the blonde simply nodded. She didn’t want to elaborate on the fact that they shared an indirect kiss. 

They didn’t utter another word after this. They let the car be filled with music from Taeyeon’s ipod since radio reception was getting worse. When they were somewhat near Jessica’s rest house, the blonde pointed at the beach and said, “That was the beach I was telling you about.”

“Oh? Why does it seem empty?”

“It’s a private lot. I don’t know if you noticed but about two miles ago, there was a security post.” Jessica then continued. “From there, it’s private property and I explained this to your parents. So I hope they trust that there wouldn’t be anything bad that would happen.”

“They trust you a lot, don’t worry,” Taeyeon said.

From where they were, Jessica pointed the cabin she owned that was located at the top by the cliff. “Jessica, that’s not even just a cabin. That’s a mansion.”

“Don’t exaggerate. It’s a cabin.” The structure was big, it would easily fit sixteen people to live there comfortably. There were eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. It was mostly made of big woods and glass. 

When they reached the front of the cabin, the building looked bigger and the yellow lights from the inside illuminated throughout the house. They were greeted by two elderly individuals around their fifties. When Jessica saw them approaching, she couldn’t help but smile at them as she hurried to their side, hugging them both - each was wrapped in her arms.

“I missed you guys!” Jessica knew of these two since the first time she was here, at least for how long she could remember. They were already employed even before Jessica was born, they they also took care of her mother.

“Young miss, it’s been so long!” James said as the embrace was broken. 

“I know! I’m really sorry that I haven’t visited.”

“We were already getting lonely,” Beth said. “We were beginning to think that you’ve forgotten about us.”

Jessica hugged Beth again, now with both arms. “Like that’s ever gonna happen!”

“But the last time the young miss was here was when she graduated at least five years ago with your friends here.” James said.

“Speaking of that, they’ll be here again tomorrow,” Jessica said as she looked at James and placed her arms to her side. She then walked back to Taeyeon’s side, and gently placed her hands on the younger girl’s shoulders. She knew better this time. Flashing a smile at Taeyeon, and then to the couple in front of them, Jessica then declared, “This is Taeyeon, and she’s...” She turned her head towards the girl, meeting her eyes. “she’s my girlfriend.”

The elder couple bowed formally at Taeyeon. “It’s nice to meet you. It’s an honor.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Taeyeon bowed lower, showing respect to the elders, which caused the two to be surprised. Not very many rich individuals greeted them with respect. It was only Jessica’s grandfather, mother, and Jessica that treated them like family. And they were happy to know that despite being Jessica’s girlfriend, their boss’ girlfriend, she was still down to earth. “Please don’t act so formal around me.” Taeyeon smiled at them as they were now standing straight. 

“James, could you have one of your guys carry our things inside.” Jessica then looked at Beth. “The rooms are ready, right?”

“They’re all clean, yes.” Beth then continued, “Do you wish me to lead Miss Taeyeon to her room?”

Jessica shook her head. “No need. I’ll be the one leading her.” She then instructed that there would be about ten people there tomorrow, so they would need to do some more grocery shopping. The blonde also apologized to her staff for coming there without notice. She knew that it was such a hassle to come there unannounced, they didn’t have enough supplies to accommodate the incoming guests tomorrow.

The blonde then led the younger girl in the house. She could remember the times she spent in this living room with her grandparents. Her grandfather and she would be riding horses until sunset, then he would talk about the business and how Jessica would all have everything he owned, they would swim with her grandmother as well at the beach. Jessica only had fun memories in there. She mentally thanked her grandparents for leaving her the best memories, and also, a place where she could create more great memories with other people.

“I mostly spent at least two weeks of my summers here before,” Jessica said as she led Taeyeon around the house. From the living room to the kitchen to the formal dining and finally, to Taeyeon’s room. “This actually used to be my room. Beside my grandparent’s.” Jessica pointed at the wall. 

Jessica then removed one of the books from the shelf halfway, which slipped a wall ajar. “That’s how you get to your private bathroom.”

“Cool,” Taeyeon said. “I’ve seen of hidden doors in movies before but I’ve never witnessed it in real life.”

Jessica laughed. “My grandfather was a bit weird. He likes these kinds of things.”

“He seemed like a great man.” 

Jessica smiled at Taeyeon. “He was.” She then walked towards the door. “Let’s go to the theater and watch some movies.”

They both climb down the stairs and headed to the theater on the first floor. Like Taeyeon’s bathroom, the door was hidden. Jessica needed to press an Oslo Norway Troll’s nose and then the wall slid open, revealing the room.

Like the entire house, there was a view of the ocean from where they were. “You can sit down and I’ll go ahead and look for movies to watch.” Taeyeon then watched the sun setting, it was an amazing view, and it was sad that they didn’t have this in Seoul. Some things were still best when at the right location.

Taeyeon, from the corner of her eyes, saw the projector screen sliding down slowly. And the curtains were automatically closing, darkening the room.

“Do you want to watch Gone With The Wind, Somewhere in Time, or Ice Castles? Sorry that I don’t have newer variety here.” Jessica looked apologetic. 

“Ice Castles’ one of my favorite movies of all times.” Taeyeon smiled, and she watched Jessica as she placed the DVD inside the blu-ray.

Jessica then grabbed a blanket from one of the cabinets and sat beside Taeyeon on the loveseat. She then raised her legs, resting it on the ottoman. “How many times have you seen this movie?”

“Nine?”

Jessica chuckled. “I can’t believe someone other than myself, at this age, would watch Ice Castles more than the norm.”

“It’s a great movie.” 

They both started and was too engrossed with the movie. Beth had brought them their dinner since they didn’t want to leave the room, and was grabbed soon after they finished.

Jessica pressed a button on the touch screen remote, curtains beginning to slide open. It was already dark outside, so it had little effect in the room -the ambiance was truly magnificent. From where they were, they could see the stars, thousands of them, glistening brightly. Another thing that they wouldn’t see from the city. Taeyeon leaned a little closer to Jessica as she ate the popcorn.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Jessica,” Taeyeon said as she looked at Jessica, faces inches away. The blonde couldn’t contain herself. The younger girl was just too cute, and so she wrapped her arm around Taeyeon, and finally placing her hand on her head. 

“Don’t mention it. I’m actually happy you came with me.” 

The younger girl’s head was on the blonde’s shoulder. They stayed in that position for awhile, as they were concentrating on the movie.

“Jessica,” Taeyeon murmured. 

“Yes?”

“I really missed this.” 

Where did this come from? Jessica thought they were already over this. “I know. I miss spending time with you, too. That’s why we’re here together, right?”

Jessica fixed the blanket so it wasn’t just covering her, and made sure they shared it equally. Taeyeon then shifted her body to a more comfortable position, snuggling beside Jessica. “Jessica,” the younger girl called once again.

“I’m very much convinced you like saying my name, that’s why you keep calling me.” Jessica giggled. She didn’t know what else to say. And plus, if Taeyeon moved a little bit closer to Jessica, she might hear the blonde’s heart beating.

“I feel guilty.” Taeyeon confessed, which confused the blonde. Why was she feeling guilty? It wasn’t like they ran away. Jessica even personally talked to her parents so they would allow her to go with her.

Jessica then rubbed her thumb on the girl’s shoulder. “Why must you feel guilty? It’s not like you did anything wrong.”

“Be---because...” Taeyeon paused and bowed her head a little. “Be---because you’re so nice to me... and...” the only thing that could be heard was the movie. Taeyeon swallowed her saliva and continued, “I lied to you about being busy.”

The blonde could feel Taeyeon tremble a little in her embrace. But why would Taeyeon lie to Jessica? It wasn’t like it was the kid’s hobby to lie without reason; Jessica trusted the girl this much. “Why did you?” Jessica’s voice was soft, caring.

Taeyeon bit her lip. 

“If you’re not ready to tell me, it’s fine.” Jessica sighed. “I just don’t want you to be scared. I’m not forcing you so please don’t be scared. Didn’t I say I’ll try to understand you the best I can?”

“Jessica,” Taeyeon then curled her hands into balls. “I---I...” the girl then sighed but continued. “It took me awhile to sort my feelings out... that’s why I was avoiding you.” The blonde was left without words she could utter. She didn’t know what to say now despite how honest the other girl was. “The feeling of liking someone’s new, so I didn’t really know how to deal with it. Then, I kinda...”

“I understand.” Jessica placed her hand on Taeyeon’s head, soothing it a little. She was happy that for the first time, they were actually talking, and were trying to communicate with each other.

“Well, I want to be honest with you, I really do since the beginning, but it’s hard, you know?” Taeyeon then looked at Jessica, and then looked down a little. “I wanted to tell you at your party that I was somewhat... liking you? That I can’t stop thinking about you and I look forward to seeing you everyday, and then I grew greedy. When you were with MinYoung-unnie, I felt this ugly feeling.”

Jessica then reached for Taeyeon’s hand, grasping it within hers. “I’m sorry about that. I neglected you. That was horrible of me.”

“It’s okay. You’re not the only understanding one here.” Taeyeon smiled softly at Jessica. Though there was guilt hidden behind it. “I just didn’t like that I got jealous of Minyoung-unnie when she was everything but mean to me. So I felt like I shouldn’t be there. That I didn’t belong there.”

“You deserved to be there, Taeyeon. Remember Jiyeon? She’s never close to anyone, and you helped her.” The blonde couldn’t help but pull Taeyeon closer, keeping her in her embrace. “Taeyeon, you shouldn’t feel bad. I know you lied to me, but isn’t that because you wanted to sort your feelings out?” Jessica felt the younger girl nod, and so she asked, “Then what was the conclusion?”

“Th---that I...” Taeyeon raised her hands, embracing Jessica as well. “I like you. I like you a lot.”

Jessica smiled, and out of impulse, she kissed the top of Taeyeon’s head. “I like you, too.”

“So---so you’re not mad at me?” Taeyeon pushed Jessica a little to have a better view of her.

The blonde then shook her head and said, “No. Why would I be? I like you too much to even be mad at you.”