“What are you doing here?” Jessica eyed her best friend and her lover as she entered her loft apartment. Those two were cuddling on her couch, not minding that Jessica was already there as if it was their own unit. “Can you please go back to your own condo? As far as I remembered, Tiffany kicked me out of my own condominium because of you, Yuri. So I had to buy this unit.” 

Tiffany then pouted at Jessica, “Awwe, come on. I didn’t even throw you out. You moved out because you love me and Yuri and you wanted to give us space.”

“No. I moved out to this condo unit because I can’t listen to the things you do inside your room. I needed out!” She said as she sat on the chair adjacent to where the couple was. “How did you get in my unit anyway? I don’t remember giving you a key”

“I own the building.” Tiffany said as she coolly the sixty three inch TV in front of them.

Jessica shook her head, “I will sue your dad’s company. You may own the building but I bought the unit. As far as I know, it’s already mine so they shouldn’t be giving you my home’s key.”

“Well, Popo misses her mama so I brought her over. I thought you were just sleeping so I asked someone to open the unit for me.”

“My baby’s here?” Jessica then looked around her condo. 

“I left her in your room. She loves your scent so I left her there.”

“What?!” Jessica exclaimed. “That dog poops on all the white things she sees!”

“And? You purposely have darker floors so she won’t poop inside the house.” Tiffany said as she pulled Yuri closer.

“Are you stupid?! I have a white area rug there!” Jessica grunted as she ran towards her room on the second floor. She opened the door and the aroma of bowel rushed in her nose as she inhaled for air. “Eeew!” She shrieked as she saw the bowel on her white carpet. “Hwang Tiffany!!!” She yelled, “You better clean your daughter’s poo!” She then walked inside the room, pinching her nose. She saw the little monster hiding by the corner, knowing that she was in trouble for pooping inside the house. The white teacup Maltese looked Jessica in the eye. Jessica sighed; she couldn’t be mad at this dog. She was just too lovely. Popo was Tiffany’s and Jessica’s dog when they still lived together next door, but when Jessica moved out to her own unit, the dog was left under both of their custody. Even Jessica thought it was funny how it seemed like she and Tiffany had a kid and were sharing custody over it. 

“Oh god it stinks in here!” Yuri said loudly as she pinched her nose.

“Clean that thing.” Jessica said as she carried her daughter towards her bathroom. 

Yuri entered the bathroom and then looked at Jessica. “Where are your cleaning products?” She asked as she peeked under the sink.

“It’s in the storage. Just ask Tiffany to buy me a new rug and just throw that one. I don’t want to have that in my room.” Her gaze then met Tiffany’s as the jet black haired girl entered the bathroom, following the three that was already in there. “You know our baby poops when she sees anything white especially if it’s laid on the floor and yet, you still brought her to my room.”

“I’m sorry.” Tiffany pouted. It was as if she was about to cry. She then walked back to Jessica’s room without saying another word.

“Jessica, Tiffany just really thought you miss your baby so she insisted on coming over. She did yell at you at the restaurant earlier so she was kinda feeling guilty.” Yuri tried reasoning with Jessica to shed the blonde some light. Truly, Tiffany just brought the puppy so she would have a reason to check up on her best friend. Jessica walked the dog every morning that it couldn’t really miss Jessica that much as to what Tiffany claimed.

Jessica sighed. Feeling guilty, Jessica gave Yuri Popo and followed her best friend to the room. Tiffany was pinching her nose as she grabbed the bowel on the carpet with plastic. 

“I’m sorry.” Jessica said as she approached Tiffany. “I didn’t mean to yell at you.” Tiffany looked at her, still pouting; her brows were still furrowed. “Let’s just throw the rug.” Jessica smiled at Tiffany. The blonde and her best friend rolled the rug and headed towards the drop where they throw their trash. These two were always mistaken as a couple when they attended New England Culinary Institute (NECI) in the United States or even when they got back to South Korea. Tiffany had always clung around Jessica that it was only natural for them to treat each other like sisters. Jessica’s protectiveness over Tiffany was really admirable. Whenever the blonde’s best friend shed her tears, Jessica will always be there to comfort her. Simple fights like these were something they over come just minutes after.

Tiffany wrapped her arm around Jessica’s. “I thought you were lying and just went straight home.” They both entered the condo. Yuri and Popo were on the couch, watching TV. Well, it was mostly Yuri watching and Popo was just staring at nothing in particular. “Well, where were you?” Tiffany and Jessica sat on the same couch and Tiffany sat between Yuri and Jessica.

“I feel like I’m the third wheel here.” Yuri joked as she hugged Tiffany, pulling her closer.

“Ew. Puh-lease. I’d never tap Tiffany even if she’s the last person on earth.”

Tiffany smiled, “Jessica’s just saying that, Yuri. In all honesty, she really wants to be with me forever and ever.”

Jessica removed Tiffany’s arm off her. “Ew. Please stop saying non-sense.” She got up and grabbed their dog. “The only reason I bear with you is because of our baby.”

“It feels like we’re a divorced couple, Jessica.” Tiffany laughed and Yuri joined along, too. That was the thing; Yuri had known these two since middle school that she knew nothing was really going on between them. They were just really close siblings. 

Of course, at the beginning of her relationship with Tiffany, she couldn’t help but feel jealous of the bond these two had when she was away in Italy while the duo was in the US, pursuing their passion in culinary. Jealousy was inevitable, but Jessica and Tiffany proved to Yuri that there was nothing going on between them but the love they have for each other as sisters.

“Jessica, where have you been anyway?” Yuri asked.

“Yeah, you didn’t tell me where you went.” Tiffany chimed in.

Jessica was playing with her baby, “Remember our fundraiser during High School?” 

“Which one?” Tiffany asked.

Then soon after, Yuri chimed in and said, “The carnival?”

“Well, I had a drink with the owner of the carnival this evening.”

“Oh? The son of the former owner? What’s that kid’s name…” Tiffany pressed her lips together, thinking to herself. “Didn’t he ask you out before?” Jessica rolled her eyes. Only Tiffany would remember something like that. Even Jessica forgot that the man once fancied her. “So you’re back to dating guys?”

Jessica threw pillow at Tiffany, “Don’t even remind me the last time I went on a date, okay? Or even all my failed dates.”

Tiffany laughed out loud, remembering that Jessica last dated a really cool girl, but someone who wasn’t able to tame Jessica. Or was it the other way around? “It was just funny that the reason you weren’t able to date was because they thought that you’re cheating on them with me or you’re cheating on me with them.”

“And no matter how many times I tell them we’re just best friends, they wouldn’t believe me. That’s just disgusting.” The blonde then faced Yuri, “No offense Yuri but your girl is not my type.”

Yuri flashed a smile and then shrugged, “Hey, one less person to watch out from.”

“I’m not your type but you’re all over that kid, Taeyeon.” Tiffany spat playfully.

“She’s not my type. I just find her interesting.”

Yuri was sensing another heated battle that may occur, she went back to the original topic and said, “How was your day? Why’d you meet Donghae anyway?”

“I needed this stuff animal from his carnival.”

Tiffany raised a brow, suspicious of her best friend. “Are you cheating on me?” She then got up and grabbed their dog from Jessica.

“It’s not cheating if we’re not in a relationship, stupid.” She said as she glared at the girl who took her kid. She then eyed Yuri, “Why can’t you control your girlfriend? She’s always spouting nonsense.”

Yuri just smiled. Like she could control Tiffany. The girl pretty much did whatever she liked and Yuri only followed Tiffany on all her whims. 

“Continue your story.” Tiffany said as she was brushing Popo’s fur with her fingers.

“There’s no story. I just needed the stuffed animal.”

Yuri nodded and asked, “You just went there to get a stuffed animal? How did you even know that he has one?”

Jessica then stood up and said, “I was there earlier.”

“You’re such a loner.” Tiffany said, giggling.

“I went with Taeyeon.” The blonde nonchalantly proclaimed as she headed towards her refrigerator, grabbing a bottle of water.

“Yo-yo-you what?! That’s !” Tiffany exclaimed. “She’s still in High School. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh!”

Jessica rolled her eyes, “It’s not like I molested her, pabo.”

“Don’t be such a party pooper, babe.” Yuri said and then eyed Jessica, “You finally made your move!” She raised her hand to hit Jessica’s hand; high five; when the blonde was walking back with her bottle of water. 

Jessica tapped Yuri’s hand with hers. “It’s not a move. We’re becoming good friends actually.” She plopped down the chair across the girls.

“Just don’t ever do anything that will put you behind bars, Jessica.” Tiffany warned. “I don’t want my best friend to be in that hideous place.”

Jessica rolled her eyes, “She’s eighteen, pabo.”

“Then go get her!” Yuri then bellowed.

Jessica eyed Yuri, “Is being in a relationship really that important? I don’t see her as someone I’d date. She’s just a nice friend to me.”

“So you went back to the carnival after… after not being able to impress the girl?” Tiffany was unsure of the situation so she tried stating her words in a questioning tone. Jessica shot her best friend a glare and her reaction made Yuri laugh. “So I was right! You always fail in those games anyway.”

“I so do not! That carnival was just a cheat!”

Tiffany giggled, “Come on now. Let’s not blame the carnival. That’s just rumors, Jessica. You just fail.” Her giggles turned to laughter. She couldn’t help but imagine Jessica failing so many times. It wasn’t the first time that Jessica failed at winning something from the carnival. Actually, during High School days in the same carnival, Jessica failed to win any price. Someone felt sorry since she wasted so much money, they gave her the very same keychain that they had given Taeyeon that day. 

Of course Jessica didn’t want the same key chain as consolation. She did drag Taeyeon to the carnival and the poor girl got soaked because of her. Which reminded her, she forgot her jacket at her parents’ house. That was her favorite jacket after all. “Whatever. At least Donghae-oppa gave me the unicorn.”

“He gave it to you, not to Taeyeon.”

Jessica shook her head, “I told him I’ll give it to my friend.”

“Oh? And he’s fine with that?” Yuri joined in.

“Yeah. Why not?” Jessica got a shrug from Yuri in response. “Well, whatever.”

Tiffany’s attention was on the dog that she didn’t bother replying to Jessica. Yuri was busy watching a variety show. And as for the blonde, she was simply just reading a fashion magazine. 

After a few minutes of silence, Tiffany then spoke. “Jessica, you’re off at three starting tomorrow. I’m training Hara to be my assistant at night. You and Yuri are the lunch chefs, while Hara and I will manage the evening shift. I’m interviewing another line chef tomorrow. Actually, two of them. One for each shift.”

“Oh? We’re expanding this much? Just make sure there are no overhead.” Jessica said as she still read her magazine.

Tiffany nodded and then yawned, “Well, we are making more than triple since we started our business. We just need more people to keep up with customers.”

“You gotta do what you gotta do.” Jessica then shut the magazine and stretched her muscles. “I’m gonna shower and head to bed. Just lock the door when you’re going.”

“Good night, Jessica.” Tiffany bid.

“We love you.” Yuri flashed a smiled. “Dream of the stuffed animal and Taeyeon, okay?” After finishing the sentence, Yuri was hit by an accent pillow on the face thrown by Jessica.

“Yah! Don’t hurt, Yuri!” Tiffany scolded Jessica but the blonde ignored her. She got Popo from Tiffany and headed upstairs. “That’s kidnapping! Give me back my baby.”

“You can stop tainting my kid’s eyes. I’ll keep her for the night. You and Kwon can do whatever you want.” She said nonchalantly. “Good night.”


*****

“Yes.”

“Oh, yes!”

“Yes.”

“She’s okay.”

“Nope.”

“No comment.”

“What?! Yes!”

Jessica eyed Yuri and some of the lines chefs and other male employees as the gawk at customers from the kitchen door. Yes meant that they found the customer attractive and no meant otherwise.

“Hot! Ohhh yes!”

“Hell no!”

“.”

“Felony.”

“I’ll date her in five years.”

“So what, she’s hot!”

Yuri then eyed who they were checking out, “Guys, she’s Jessica’s property.”

The blonde shot Yuri a glare. “Shut up, Kwon. What are you talking about?”

“Do you want them to make a move on Taeyeon?” Yuri’s eyes narrowed. She and Jessica were finally off the clock and Tiffany will come in any second. She better be away from the door or her jealous girlfriend will throw a fit.

“I don’t care.”

“Sure. That’s why you made her pasta in advance?” Yuri then walked towards to where Jessica was as the blonde placed the plate on a tray. Yuri grabbed the tray and grabbed Jessica on her free hand. “Let’s go say hello.”

The tan girl dragged Jessica towards Taeyeon. Yuri flashed a smile at Taeyeon. “Hi Taeyeon. Jessica’s off the clock already but she knew you were coming over so she made the dish for you.”

Taeyeon didn’t know how to react. She looked at Yuri and then Jessica, back to Yuri and then back to Jessica. “Th-thank you.”

Yuri pulled a chair out and shoved Jessica there. “I actually need to walk my girlfriend’s dog so just entertain Jessica, okay?” 

“Ugh…okay?” Yuri flashed a smile and hurried to get out of the restaurant. She knew Jessica would kill her. The only reason Jessica didn’t retaliate was because Taeyeon was there. “Thank you very much for the pasta. You didn’t have to.”

“Well, you don’t eat it when Tiffany’s cooking it. So I might as well cook it for you.” 

Taeyeon then eyed Jessica’s attire. “Not wearing leather today?”

Jessica chuckled, “No. I left my favorite jacket at my parent’s house so I decided to dress more feminine today.” Since she just finished changing back to her white hot pants that showed off her slender legs and her plaid long sleeve ruffled buttoned up top and a wedge for her footwear, she really did look different compared to her usual bad a$s look.

“It looks nice on you.” Taeyeon commented as she started to eat her food.

Jessica then remembered she brought something along with her that day. “Hey, stay put. I’ll just get something.”

“Okay?”

The blonde stood up and headed towards her car parked in the back of the restaurant. She opened the door and there proudly sat the unicorn that she tried winning yesterday. She grabbed the unicorn and walked back to where Taeyeon was. The kid didn’t realize that Jessica was carrying the plushy since she was busy eating her delicious food.

“Here.” Jessica sat the unicorn on the chair in front of Taeyeon. The kid’s eyes grew bigger; surprised by the sudden appearance of the stuffed animal. “Thank you for accompanying me.” Jessica flashed a smile.

Taeyeon then looked at Jessica, still surprised. “Did you buy that?!” Taeyeon asked in a loud tone. Some of the customers looked at her and then minded their own business.

Jessica giggled, “You can’t really say ‘you finally won that!’ but instead you asked if I bought it.”

“Well, I did wat--. Thank you for getting it for me.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You should join me.”

Jessica smiled and moved the plushy next to where Taeyeon was and sat in front of the kid. They started talking about how their day went, but they soon had to part ways. “Good bye.” They both bid each other as Jessica walked Taeyeon towards the kid’s ride.

“See you tomorrow.” Taeyeon said with a smile as she hugged the humongous plushy. 

Jessica flashed a smile and nodded, “You’ll see me around.”