Chapter Six: Brewing Tae

“Come on. Cheer up!” Taeyeon flashed a smile at Jessica. She had been trying to cheer the blonde up but she had not successfully accomplished her goal. “I got this instead.” Taeyeon raised her hand forward to show a small keychain that the booth attendant gave her. “I like this better than---“

“You don’t have to lie.” Jessica eyed the plastic keychain that she got as consolation. It was a tiny keychain that had a picture of the carnival on it and an engraved ‘Thank You’ on it. She felt ashamed that she couldn’t get the unicorn plushy that the kid wanted, and the person looking after the booth felt pity and give her that instead. The blonde tried her best to get what the kid wanted, but sadly, her best wasn’t good enough. She spent more than fifty tries to knock all the unicorn’s teeth out, but there was always one or two that she missed.

Jessica looked past Taeyeon and eyed the booth she was at, and there proudly hung the unicorn plushy. She walked back towards the booth and then spoke to the attendant, “Can I just buy that?” she pointed at the unicorn. The attendant simply shook her head. “I would pay no matter how much you ask me.”

“I’m sorry ma’am. We can’t sell our items.”

“I already spent so much on the game to get the plushy. I don’t want to go home without my friend having it.” Jessica’s eyes held the attendant’s.

The attendant frowned, “If I can decide on it, I would. But we have cameras installed so I can’t just give you the item.”

Jessica sighed. “How about let me talk to your mana---“

“Jessica,” Taeyeon grabbed Jessica’s arm as she called for the blonde. The kid then looked at the booth attendant and said, “Sorry. My friend here’s really persistent. Have a good day.” She then dragged Jessica out of the premises. 

“I was only going to ask the manager to give me a price so I can buy the unicorn.” She looked at Taeyeon. “I should go back. I’m really close to convincing that person.”

Taeyeon sighed and held Jessica’s arm again, stopping the blonde from going back to the booth. “You shouldn’t trouble yourself and that lady. She might lose her job.”

Jessica’s shoulder dropped as she sighed. “Fine.”

“Okay, so what do you want to do now?” Taeyeon said with a huge smile on her face, but she noticed that the blonde was no longer as ecstatic like she was earlier. “We should get some ice cream!”

Jessica smiled; her teeth still left hiding. “Okay.” She nodded. “If I remembered correctly…” She then looked around, “It’s that way!” She pointed towards the west part of the carnival.

They had been walking for a couple of minutes now. Taeyeon had been seeing the same booths over and over again. “Are you sure you know where we’re heading?” Taeyeon asked. Hearing thunder, she looked at the sky that was starting to turn gray. “I think it’s going to rain.” 

Jessica looked back just to see the kid looking up. “Well, that was thunder. I think it’s going to rain.”

“You just repeated what I said.” Taeyeon teased as she slapped Jessica’s arm.

Jessica looked at her, “Well, it’s what I can tell. It will rain soon.”

“We should probably go.” Taeyeon frowned, “I was having such a good day, too.”

Jessica sighed, “Sorry you had to stand by that stupid booth for about an hour just to watch me fail.” She ended her sentence with her brows furrowed. 

Taeyeon shook her head, “It was really fun watching you try. You were very animated.” Receiving a glare from the blonde, Taeyeon then said, “It’s the thought the counts.” The kid then flashed an irresistible smile. “I really had fun. Maybe next time, the weather will be more cooperative.”

Jessica smiled, “I’ll take you home now.” And Taeyeon simply nodded in agreement. They reached the parking area in no time since they were walking faster compared to earlier as they were merely strolling the carnival. 

Jessica handed the helmet to the kid as she was about to get on the bike. 

“Thanks.” Taeyeon reached for the helmet.

“Be careful.” Jessica held out her hand to assist Taeyeon as she got on the huge bike, and put the helmet on. Jessica then started her engine and drove off. Soon after they reached the main road, it started pouring heavily. Jessica decided to slow down and park her bike by the side walk. She kickedthe bike’s stand down and got off the bike, leaving Taeyeon the only one on it.

Jessica quickly removed her leather jacket, revealing her curvaceous body as she wore a white tank top on. She then gave it to Taeyeon, “Here.” She said, not realizing that the helmet’s windshield was shut, leaving the intercoms .

Hearing Jessica’s voice, Taeyeon’s eyes widened. “There’s an intercom connected!?”

Jessica chuckled and handed the jacket to Taeyeon once again, and this time, it was closer. “Yes. So this time, don’t feel my waist that much.” Jessica teased as she heard a slight whimper coming from Taeyeon as she grabbed the jacket from Jessica. “Put it on.” Jessica commanded as she got back the motorbike again.

“B-b-but h-h-how about y-you?!” Taeyeon said quickly.

Jessica giggled once again, “I’m fine. Hold on to me.” A smirk formed on Jessica’s face as Taeyeon’s hands nervously crawled on her waist. “Hey, I don’t want to take you home when you’re drenched.”

“What?”

“My parent’s house is really near. I’ll take you there so you can get changed.”

“What?!”

“I know it sounds wrong, but it’s my parent’s house, hotel, or my condominium. You pick.” Jessica actually had thought of bringing Taeyeon to a hotel to get changed and have their clothes dry cleaned, but that would scare the kid. Taking her to her own condominium would also scare the kid. If it was her parent’s house with their helpers there, she thought Taeyeon would feel more comfortable. “There are other people there.”

“W-why c-can’t you just take me h-h-home?” Taeyeon asked nervously. Jessica wasn’t sure if it was because of her teasing or the fact that she was taking the kid home, or maybe even both.

“I can do that. But is your place really close by?”

Taeyeon sighed, “About twenty minutes away.”

“Then we’re going to my parent’s house. No buts.”

****
 

Jessica smiled as she nodded, “Yes. You have vast knowledge of every student: former and present. You know my cousin, me, Tiffany, Yuri. And I’m guessing a lot more.”

“Wel---“

“What are you, a stalker?” Jessica laughed her hearts out, not noticing that Taeyeon was already pouting. “Oh gosh, that was a good one.” She wiped the sides of her eyes after praising her own joke.

“You’re really…”

“What?”

“You’re really different. I mean, contradictory really spells all over your body.” Taeyeon pouted.

Jessica laughed again, and as equally loud as the one before. She couldn’t help but laugh at the kid who was ranting in front of her. The look on Taeyoen’s face was priceless as she was scowling, and pouting in front of Jessica. Noticing that Taeyeon was no longer having ‘fun’ as the blonde came back to her senses, Jessica then shook her head to brush all those funny things in her mind. “Okay, sorry. I won’t laugh again.”

“Good.”

The blonde laughed again, but held with both of her hands, preventing her laughter to be heard. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop.”

“Sure you will…” Taeyeon mumbled.

“I will. I promise. I’m done teasing you.” 

Silence then took over again. Taeyeon was very busy eating and looking around the kitchen, looking at every piece as if it was a priceless art. “Your house is really gorgeous.” She said as she felt eyes on her.

“You’ve seen my house?” Jessica smirked. She would pull another stalker joke but decided not to and continued, “My parents’ house.”

“Yes. It’s really lovely and huge.” Taeyeon then looked at Jessica after browsing around, “It seemed so proper and organized. You grew up here, right?”

“What? Just because it seems proper and organized, it’s now questionable that someone like me grew up here?” Jessica wasn’t offended but was more curious to why the kid thought so. Or maybe she simply wanted to tease the kid some more to make the kid less tense.

Taeyeon shook her head in a panic, thinking she just offended Jessica.“I-I-I d-d-d-didn’t mean for it to b—b--be like that.”

“Oh really?” Jessica raised her brow.

“I was simply wondering if your childhood was mostly spent in this mansion.” She spoke when she was more collected.

“Mansion? It’s a house.” Of course the house was huge, but Jessica didn’t want it to be called a mansion. 

“Well, it’s really spacious. Therefore, I call it a mansion.”

Jessica shrugged to avoid any discussion. “Anyway, did you simply ask if I grew up here because you were curious? Or did you imagine ‘the great Jung Sooyeon’ living in castle? Or maybe it was because a rebel looking girl grew up in this type of environment?” Jessica laughed.

“Huh?”

“In school, if you hear ‘Jung Sooyeon’, you’d automatically think that this person’s really good for what she’s done and all that old stuff, like how you acted when you first found out that I’m Sooyeon. Outside of school, if you see me with my normal get-up, you’d think I’m a rebel. Truthfully, I’m not a rebel or anything great. I’m just me.” She then shrugged, “You know?”

“I’m sorry.” Taeyeon frowned.

“Oh no! No! No! No!” She said the ‘no’ in a fast tone and then continued her explanation, “I didn’t mean for you to apologize or feel down. I just want all your assumptions of me to vanish. You know what I’m saying?” Taeyeon nodded in response, “Just like right now, you’re not what everyone says or sees you as. You’re not collected at all. You’re really dorky. You’re too animated. So you don’t have to really think you’re boring. I mean, who would ask the Jung Sooyeon a plushy in the carnival earlier?”

“Which you didn’t get by the way.” Taeyeon tried to joke.

“You mentioning that is below the belt by the way.” Jessica joked back and then continued, “I honestly tried getting it for you.” 

“You started it… I’m sorry.” Taeyeon mumbled her last words.

“I was doing that so you won’t have the ‘she’s President Jung. She’s an alumnus; I have to treat her well’.” Jessica got up, carrying her plate. “I’m me, Taeyeon, as you’re you. I won’t take other’s words to what you are because that’s not you.” Taeyeon remained silent and so Jessica continued her speech. “In order for our friendship to work out, you need to erase everything you know about me before you even met me, and I won’t think you’re a boring kid like everyone else says. Okay?”

“Okay.” Taeyeon carried her plate towards the counter island, where Jessica was. “I won’t think highly of you. And think that you’re just a tease.”

“Hey!!”

Taeyeon smiled, “I was kidding.”

“Ready to go home?”

Taeyeon nodded, “I think I had so much fun that I should get back to reality.”

“Right.” Jessica smiled. “I’ll take you home then.” Jessica then headed over the telephone on the wall and pressed the intercom button, “Miss Han, we’ll be leaving. I’ll meet you by the front.”

Taeyeon grabbed her things that was laid on the table and followed Jessica out the kitchen and to the main entrance of the house. The house was gorgeous, by the entrance, people would be welcome by an elaborate foyer made of the finest, sturdiest wood. The marbles that they had used on the floor was of its finest class. Some pieces of furniture were classified as Victorians as they were scattered around the place. Theme wise, it seemed like a palace or a villa that was owned by royalty. 

“Miss Jessica.” Miss Han called as she was slightly bowing as both Taeyeon and Jessica approached. Behind Miss Han, stood a maid carrying two stainless steel tumblers on a silver platter. “I knew you were going to forget about the tea, but I prepared it in these tumblers.”

“You’re too kind, Miss Han. Thank you.” Jessica smiled as the maid stepped forward and politely offered the drink to her. “Thank you.”

Miss Han then looked at Taeyeon, “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Taeyeon flashed a smile at the old lady as she grabbed the tumbler Jessica passed on to her. 

“I hope this won’t be the last.”

Taeyeon awkwardly laughed and didn’t know how to answer that.

“We should take you home.” Jessica said to Taeyeon.

Miss Han then looked at the maid, and the younger girl then raised both of her hands forward, giving Jessica the car keys. “Thanks.”

“Are you sure you don’t want the driver to take you?”

Jessica shook her head, “I’m fine. Plus, it’s my old car anyway. I’m sure mom and dad won’t mind. I bet they won’t even notice it’s gone.”

Miss Han then answered, “Actually, that car was already donated to a charity organization.”

“Oh really? Well, they did buy me another one.” Jessica then looked over her shoulder, to see if Taeyeon was still there, and her eyes then went back to gazing at the old lady. “I’ll just return it tomorrow.”

The old lady then shook her head, “I already called your father and he said that you should keep the car and use it. He also asked for me to pass on a message.”

“What did he say?” Jessica asked since the old lady stopped and eyed Taeyeon.

“May I disclose such matters with your guest in the room?”

Jessica nodded, “Yeah. We’re rushing anyway.”

“He said, ‘Tell that spoiled daughter of mine to use the car and to dress more appropriate. She’s already an entrepreneur; she shouldn’t be dressing like a gangster. And also, tell her to stop by at the house when her mother and I are there.’ And that was all.”

Jessica laughed, “That old man never seems to change. Tell him I’ll think about it and thank you for the present.”

“I’ll pass on the message.” The old lady said.

Jessica then started to head towards the exit, and Taeyeon followed along. 

“My father’s always so funny.” Jessica said with a contented smile on her face.

Taeyeon then went by the passenger’s seat of the new white sedan Acura TL that was in front of them. 

“He does seem like it.” 

“Well, he’s fine with my choice of profession, but I don’t know why he never learns to accept my choice of wardrobe.” Taeyeon opened but Jessica suddenly said, “Don’t answer that. I already know why.”

“Then why ask?”

Jessica shrugged, “I know it. But it’s just… whatever. It’s nothing important. Let’s take you home.”

Taeyeon got in the car and Jessica soon followed. 

“Address?” Jessica asked as she the built-in GPS in the car. Taeyeon then gave her the address. The blonde started to maneuver the car, and moments after, the kid was finally napping. It must have been a tiring day for her to be able to sleep at that hour, Jessica thought.

Even though Jessica didn’t really expect anything this day, it still somehow turned out to be enjoyable to her and she liked it. At least it wasn’t her usual day spent riding her bike heading to God knew where.

Jessica then looked at the kid’s face as she slowly parked her car in front of Taeyeon’s house. “Taeyeon…” she shook the kid. “Taeyeon. We’re already here.”

“One times one…Two times two… three times three…” The kid began to mumble.

Jessica tried her best to make her laughter soundless. How could a kid mumble math problems? This kid was really unique. “Taeyeon.” Jessica shook the kid once again.

“Eight times eight…” She mumbled again.

Jessica then giggled, “You’re good at stating the problem, how about answering them too?” Jessica shook Taeyeon once again, and this time, it was more forceful. “Taeyeon, wake up.”

The kid’s eyes slowly opened “Are we…”

“Yes. This is your gate, right?” Jessica nodded once towards the highly gated house. Jessica couldn’t even see the house from where she was since the fence was too high. Well, Jessica would only expect it since Taeyeon was from SSA international and the president of the council after all. 

“Thank you very much.”

Jessica shook her head, “No. Thank you.”

Taeyeon then opened the door, “I’ll see you around, Jessica.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

“At the restaurant.”

“Oh. For sure.” 

Taeyeon was about to shut the door when Jessica called for her, “Taeyeon, your drink!” Jessica grabbed the tumbler from the cup holder and reached it out to Taeyeon. “Han brews the best tea. And you can keep the cup too.”

“Thank you.”

“Quit thanking me. Now go inside. It’s still drizzling.” 

“Jessica, I had fun.”

Jessica flashed a smile at Taeyeon, and the kid then walked towards her gate. There was already a female dressed in suit waiting for Taeyeon. 

She’s really different. They both thought as they parted with smiled on their faces.

--------------------------


A/N: Well, since the Jessica and Taeyeon here and the usual Jessica and Taeyeon that most people know are different, I had to build their characters to make them ‘my characters’. That’s the very reason of this very awkward chapter. LOL!