First, you think the worst is a broken heart.

 

What's gonna kill you is the second part.

 

And the third is when your world splits down the middle.

 

And fourth, you're gonna think that you'll fix yourself.

 

Fifth, you see them now with someone else.

 

And the sixth is when you admit you might have ed up a little.

 

-6 Degrees of Separation by The Script

 

 

 

 

 

First, you think the worst is a broken heart.

 

 

"It hurts, Jessica."

 

The said girl could only sigh in defeat as she once again her friend's hair in what she would count as comfort. It's the least thing she can do for her friend who had her girlfriend end their two year relationship.

 

"It's okay, Tiffany."

 

The girl has been crying endlessly since she returned from a supposedly date with her now ex-girlfriend.

 

"So this is how it's like- to be broken hearted." Tiffany added bitterly.

 

It was very naive of her to think that her first relationship can be her last but it didn't turn out the way she wanted. She cannot blame anyone though. There was no other girl. It was just them.

 

It just didn't work out. That's what her ex, Yoona, had said. She said she's tired of making this relationship work when Tiffany herself don't have the time to adjust her schedules just so they can meet-up, talk and spend time together. They barely talked and when Yoona initiated a topic, Tiffany would be busy finishing her work.

 

They agreed to leave their work in the office because their house is the place the two of them can enjoy the stress-free environment. But Tiffany broke that rule many times.

 

Yoona then indulged herself to work as well. Was it payback for the lack of time by Tiffany? Maybe.

 

"I really thought Yoona's the one." Tiffany croaked through her sobs.

 

"Me too, Tiff." Jessica sympathizes. "You two were perfect together."

 

"Was it because I paid to my work more attention? But- But I just wanted to get that promotion so that Yoona can be proud of me. And after that promotion I will be given a week off. I planned a vacation for us."

 

Jessica sadly sighed when Tiffany went back crying. She once again rubbed her dejected friend's back for soft consolation.

 

"Tiff, I know this is hard for you. I won't tell you not to cry because you need to, that's what you need to alleviate the pain. But don't let this break-up bring you down. You're more than this."

 

Tiffany wiped away her tears, her eye liner staining her gorgeous face. "You know Jessica, you're right. I shouldn't cry over this. She's not the only girl in the world! Right?"

 

"Of course."

 

"I'll make her see that breaking up with me is her biggest mistake!"

 

"That's the spirit!"

 

 

 

What's gonna kill you is the second part.

 

 

 

"Goodness, Tiffany! You need to go out."

 

Taeyeon, Tiffany's cousin, entered the latter's bedroom only to be eaten by darkness. It was sunny outside but Tiffany's room bore no light because the curtains are drawn close.

 

"How long will you confine yourself in your room?"

 

She switched the lights on and quickly spotted the lump hidden under the thick blanket. Taeyeon sighed heavily. What has become of her cousin? Just because of a stupid break-up her cousin's bubbly personality vanished into thin air. What happened to that Tiffany who swore to be better, to make Yoona regret leaving a girl like her?

 

It disappeared as well as her social life. She hasn't gone out her house for more than a week. She indulged herself watching sad movies, listening to sad music and every freaking time she see or hear something which reminded her of Yoona, she would once again sob endlessly.

 

It kills her inside to realize Yoona is no longer by her side anymore, the first person she has ever fallen in love with. She actually wished she was the last because everything she did and said screamed love! It was a waste to let her go.

 

But eventually things don't go the way she wants. They ended, she and Yoona, and there was nothing she can do to stop the pain.

 

"Leave me alone Taeyeon." She mumbled.

 

"What? Leave you here and mop around the girl who won't care whether you cry blood? Stop this nonsense Tiffany. I get that you're hurt but stop torturing yourself, woman! You need to survive and live on."

 

Tiffany sulked further into the sheets of her bed. She didn't want to get out the comfort of her bed anymore.

 

Taeyeon sighed heavily. Sitting on the bed she gazed at her pitiful cousin with empathy. "Look, I know this kills you Tiffany. But come on. She's not the only girl in the world."

 

Taeyeon shook her cousin by the shoulder but Tiffany shrugged her off.

 

"It's killing me Taeyeon. Do you know that?" Tiffany brawled, burying her face in a mountain of soft covers. "I thought getting my heart broken was the worst it can get but no. It's killing me slowly, painfully and there is nothing I can do!"

 

Taeyeon looked at her cousin with sympathy. She really couldn't bear seeing Tiffany like this. The world has seven billion people living in it and there will be someone who is destined to be with Tiffany one way or another.

 

"I understand how you feel, Tiffany. But you can't let this bring you down. You're a strong, independent woman who has a stable job waiting for her and awesome friends she can always turn to." Taeyeon paused, frowning a little. "Speaking of friends... Where is Jessica?"

 

Tiffany sat up straight, a guilty look etched on her face. "I- I sort of lost it two weeks ago so I told her to leave. I may have hurt her feelings and I feel a lot more awful because of that."

 

"Don't worry Tiffany. I'll talk to her and explain. She'll probably understand you. You're her best friend after all. You on the other hand need to freaking get your together and get back to normal, okay? Your company is calling you already. What kind of cost controller are you who didn't attend her monthly audit?"

 

Tiffany maintained her sagged shoulders, feeling absolutely numb. She couldn't understand the pain she was feeling because this break-up swallowed her whole and brought her to the depths of hell. She was too naive to believe she can spend forever with Yoona. She honestly thought Yoona would be the one for her, the one she will grow old with, watching their grandchildren from the veranda while sitting on their own rocking chair with their hands intertwined.

 

Unfortunately that wasn't the case. She just lost the person she just hoped was her one true love.

 

 

 

 

iii. And the third is when your world splits down the middle.

 

 

 

 

"Ms. Hwang. I need this quarter’s report on my table before this day ends."

 

Tiffany nodded attentively to her boss, Seo Juhyun, the Director of Finance of the hotel Tiffany is working for. As cost controller, Tiffany is responsible for looking after the expenses and costs the hotel is spending and comparing it with the sales they are generating. If they have higher cost percentage then there will be less gross profit. They still have to pay the utilities, payroll, licenses and other miscellaneous fees. Tax isn't even added. To sum it all up, it is the duty of a cost controller to make sure there will be maximized profits over acceptable costs.

 

"Yes, Director Seo. I'll just finalize the financial statements. The balance sheets are equal and there are no discrepancies with the inventory." Tiffany replied confidently.

 

With the monthly general meeting finished, Tiffany joined her friends for dinner. They haven't seen each other lately especially after the bad break-up of Tiffany. They didn't want to meet and see Tiffany force a smile. According to Taeyeon, Tiffany has recovered tremendously. She stopped crying and returned to her normal routine.

 

Tiffany was glad to see her friends again. Sunny looked radiant despite her stressful work as a pet store owner. Hyoyeon looked different with her acorn hair color after changing her golden colored hair. Taeyeon, her cousin, still looked the same as the days she came to visit Tiffany and Jessica-

 

"Where is Jessica?" She asked.

 

"She said she's going to be late. She might have to revise a blueprint or something. She said the design is due soon so I guess she's finishing them up." Hyoyeon explained.

 

"I see." Tiffany nodded. "You can tell her not to come if we are bothering her. I don't want to interrupt her work."

 

"Who said you're interrupting?"

 

They all faced to the door where Jessica is. She waved at her friends and sat next to Tiffany.

 

"I won't miss this gathering, you know." Jessica said, giggling a little.

 

"What about your job?" inquired Sunny.

 

"The blueprints are done." Jessica answered. "Architect Jung is awesome like that."

 

The table was filled by laughter as the five friends shared different kinds of stories. They were all catching up especially Tiffany. She was sorry for being too lost with her suffering, with her heartache. She hasn't fully moved on yet but she's getting there. Yoona just split her world apart. Tiffany feels like there is a large void in the middle and she's struggling so much to pick up her feet.

 

"You look blue, Tiff." Hyoyeon commented truthfully. "I know you're still not over Yoona. Remember that as your friends, we are here for you."

 

Tiffany forced a smile, glad with the support from her friends. "Yeah, it's really depressing. I really thought Yoona was the one."

 

"You know, she's an for letting you go." Sunny added, trying to console her friend but it didn't make Tiffany feel any better.

 

"I don't even know why I am weeping over her." Tiffany added. "I should get over her. She's nothing to me anymore."

 

"Yoona's been a part of your life, Tiff. You loved her, you cared for her, and so it's understandable why you are heartbroken." Jessica consoled. "I'd understand your situation."

 

Tiffany clenched her teeth. She was really curious about one thing. Why did Yoona break up with her? Was that claim about lack of time true? Or was there a third party?

 

"Maybe she was cheating on me." Tiffany quipped. She was getting paranoid now. She didn't get a proper closure.

 

"She wasn't." Jessica defended. "I mean... You were her everything Tiffany. I doubt she will cheat on you."

 

"Whose side are you on?" Tiffany asked irritably. She was getting annoyed with how Jessica keeps on defending Yoona.

 

"I'm not on anyone's side." Jessica replied calmly. "I'm just giving Yoona the benefit of the doubt."

 

"You're my friend. You should be on my side." Tiffany reasoned. "You should be cursing that wretched woman with me."

 

Hyoyeon held Tiffany's arm to calm her down. Tiffany was glaring hard at Jessica but the girl remained calm.

 

"It seems like I came at a bad time." Jessica got her bag and hooked it on her shoulder. She stood up her chair. "I'll talk to you again when you're calm."

 

She nodded goodbye to Tiffany and her other friends and left the restaurant. Tiffany exhaled heavily through her nose. She felt guilty for bursting at Jessica like that but when it came to Yoona, Tiffany is really sensitive. She made a mental note to apologize to her dear friend.

 

"Sorry for the scene guys." Tiffany sighed heavily. "I'm just sensitive right now. I feel like my world has fallen apart." Another deep sigh and Tiffany can only grab her hair in frustration. "Gosh, I need closure right now."

 

"Then talk to Yoona, Fany." Sunny quipped. "You know better than us that you need a closure. Maybe then you'll get over her."

 

Tiffany looked at her friends seriously, internally thinking of what decision to make. But her friends were right.... She needed the closure. It's for her own good.

 

She only feared that if the main reason Yoona broke up with her is because of another girl, then Tiffany's self-esteem will probably plummet to the ground.

 

Yet she still needed to end this misery. She has to ing fix herself.

 

 

 

And fourth, you're gonna think that you'll fix yourself.

 

 

 

Tiffany sat anxiously while avoiding looking at the person seated in front of her. After a month of that chat with her friends, Tiffany finally decided to once and for all settle her riff with Yoona. It always bothered her. Tiffany always felt like she wasn't good enough. She was thinking maybe Yoona is laughing behind her back with her new lover. Tiffany wondered if the reason Yoona broke up with her was because Yoona had a one night stand with somebody. If Yoona told that to Tiffany that day when they broke up, Tiffany would have probably forgiven her and begged Yoona to return to her, to choose her instead. She was in love that much with Yoona but right now, even though she still has affection for Yoona, Tiffany doubts she will forgive Yoona or even beg on her knees to take her back.

 

What Tiffany needed was a closure. She wanted to know whether she lacked somewhere, if Yoona felt insecure over someone, if Yoona indeed cheated on her. All that Tiffany ever wanted is a closure so that she can bury her feelings for Yoona to find a new love. This bad break-up was actually the reason why Tiffany just couldn't bear to accept the blind dates her friends are suggesting. She felt that it was wrong for her to start a relationship with someone else when she is still not completely over Yoona.

 

"So... Do you want to order anything?" Yoona broke the ice.

 

Tiffany finally directed her eyes to Yoona and noticed that her cheekbones became prominent. She lost some weight, just like Tiffany.

 

"Caramel macchiato." said Tiffany.

 

Yoona smiled a little. "I knew you'll say that." Raising her hand, she beckoned a waiter over to their table. "We'll have one caramel macchiato and one mocha latte."

 

When the waiter left, once again Tiffany drifted her gaze away from Yoona. Until their drinks arrived, no one spoke. Finally, after sipping her latte, Yoona started to talk.

 

"Did you call me here just to stay silent?" Yoona asked jokingly. "We could have played mime games instead. You're really no fun, Tiffany."

 

Tiffany knew it was meant to be a joke but still she couldn't help but ask for the purpose of satisfying her curiosity. "Is being not funny the reason you broke up with me?"

 

Yoona paused. She knew the purpose of Tiffany's invitation. Yoona felt like she was indebted to Tiffany's. Aside from an apology, Yoona also owe her an explanation. Yoona wanted to give Tiffany that peace of mind. Yoona too wanted to clear everything for Tiffany. Knowing Tiffany, for sure the girl is blaming herself and for sure she has been sleeping anxiously. Yoona wanted to at least clear Tiffany's conscience, to clear everything once and for all.

 

"No." Yoona answered. "You're not good at making jokes, Tiffany, but that's not the reason I broke up with you. In fact I find you adorable struggling to make lame jokes."

 

Tiffany's eyes twitched. It was an action Yoona knows Tiffany does whenever she's uneasy. "Then what is it? What is the reason you ended our relationship?"

 

"I told you already." Yoona started. "It wasn't working..."

 

"How is it not working? We were happy." Tiffany refuted.

 

"Were." Yoona countered. That was the keyword. "Relationship is a two way exchange, Tiffany. How do you expect it to work when lately I was the only one who was making an effort?"

 

"What do you mean? Am I not making an effort?"

 

"It's not enough."

 

"Then what was enough? Cuddling with you every night? Going home early? Abandoning my workload?"

 

"Did you ever hear me complain about those things? I never once complained. I know you value your work and I respect that. You were my girlfriend and I should respect you and your obligations." Yoona reasoned. "But when I said it wasn't enough, it meant that it's not enough for love to be the only foundation of our relationship."

 

"We trust each other and we care about each other. It's not only love."

 

At that, Yoona couldn't help but scoff. "Trust? Care?"

 

Tiffany sat there quietly. She doesn't remember anything that might've suggested she didn't care or trust Yoona at all.

 

"You always ask me who I'm texting on my phone, who calls me in the middle of the night. You even went through my laptop and tablet to check my emails and folders." Yoona recalled. "You think that's trust? That even when I tell you that it's no one you don't believe me."

 

"You know I get jealous easily, Yoona. You could have told me-"

 

"I don't need to tell you to respect my privacy, Tiffany. Isn't that supposed to be a given? I respect you and your space. You never saw me touch your phone."

 

"So that's it? Because I was a nosy girlfriend you broke up with me?"

 

"No, it's not the nosiness." Yoona inhaled deeply before exhaling heavily. "It simply wasn't working out anymore, Tiffany. For me it wasn't - because I was tired. I know I can't always be your first priority, but I feel worst when I'm always the last. I thought I can handle it but I reached my limit."

 

"You know I love you. Wasn't that enough assurance?"

 

"Yes, Tiffany. You love me and I love you. But that shouldn't be the only foundation of this relationship. What about trust? Responsibility? Commitment?"

 

Tiffany sat silently. So those were the reason? She was a nosy, uncommitted and irresponsible ?

 

Yoona took a deep breath. "I'll be honest here now. I- I didn't cheat on you but I- I developed feelings for someone else."

 

Tiffany gazed at her sharply. "You what?"

 

"When- When I was down and craved for your attention, when you kept me as your last priority, Jessica was there to comfort me, to keep me company."

 

Tiffany gasped. Jessica? Her friend Jessica? So she was being played the entire time?

 

"Before you think of anything else, I just want to tell you we didn't make out, kiss or have . I- I couldn't do that to you Tiff. We were still in a relationship."

 

Tiffany scoffed. "Oh Really?"

 

"I wouldn't ask you to believe me but I'm telling the truth. The more I spent time with Jessica, however, the stronger I felt for her. I still loved you but you weren't there, Tiff. I needed you that time because I foolishly believed if you were with me, I may forget Jessica. Maybe I only felt that way because when I needed attention and affection she was there for me." Not to mention afer their break-up when their friends was all about comforting TIffany, Yoona only had Jessica. At Yoona's most fragile state Jessica was with her. It was that time when Tiffany pushed Jessica away but worried about Yoona, Jessica extended comfort to her as well. 

 

Tiffany rolled her eyes. She inwardly laughed pathetically at herself. Of course there was someone else but what made it all the more painful was the fact it was it her best friend. "You know, I would have rather you be honest with me since the very start than lie to me blatantly, Yoona. You could have told me you fell for someone else instead in making me believed I lack somewhere."

 

Yoona balled her fists. Honesty? That's what Tiffany want? Until now she worded everything carefully because she didn't want to hurt Tiffany's feelings.

 

"You want me to be honest? Fine." Yoona's chest constricted at what she is about to tell. "What I feel for Jessica is only part of the reason I broke up with you. I confessed to Jessica what I feel but she rejected me."

 

Yoona remember that rejection well but what made it painful was when she saw Jessica burst into tears. She felt the same way for Yoona but at that moment, she chose to be a good friend. She chose Tiffany. She wanted things to work again for the both of them. That's why she chose to not be with Yoona.

 

"She told me I had to work it out with you, Tiffany. And I tried. I tried reaching out to you, to rekindle what we once had. That's why I invited you for that camping trip in Busan."

 

Tiffany tried to contain the tears. She remembers the trip Yoona was talking about. It was a trip Yoona planned for a week. She made all the necessary preparations. She bought the equipment, bought two way train tickets, reserved a camping space and purchased all the food they needed. But on the day of trip, when they were ready to go, Tiffany had to cancel. There was a complication with the proposal she sent and so she had to rush at the company and fix it.

 

She remembered seeing that dejected expression of Yoona that day. She looked defeated, resigned as if she surrendered. She surrendered making their relationship work because- Tiffany swallowed- Tiffany herself didn't want to work it out.

 

"Eventually I gave up making our relationship work. Every time I pull, you push yourself away from me. I wanted to catch up with you but you always speed up just when I was about to catch up. You left me behind. All of the sudden it didn't feel like a two way relationship. I feel like I'm someone who has a one way relationship with someone who doesn't want to be with me. Do you know how that made me feel Tiffany? It's like unrequited love."

 

It was then when Tiffany was hit of the degree of pain she caused Yoona. No wonder Yoona sought comfort from someone else. Tiffany wasn't able to give that to her. But Jessica did. She didn't just give that comfort. She also gave the time and the affection Tiffany didn't.

 

"I tried to work it out, Tiffany." Yoona swallowed the lump in . Until the very end she didn't want to hurt Tiffany by telling the truth. Until the very end she at least wanted to make Tiffany believe that what they had was perfect. Unfortunately, with Tiffany demanding the truth, it turns out what they had was perfect- until Tiffany ruined it.

 

"I'm sorry..." Yoona said. "I know I should have been honest but a selfish part of me, the one who still loves you, doesn't have the guts to hurt you. But it's not entirely a lie. It really wasn't working out anymore, Tiff."

 

Yoona sighed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands. She had enough tears. She wasn't supposed to cry right now but she couldn't bear to see Tiffany take the truth. Standing up, Yoona trudged over Tiffany's side. She cupped her face and planted a kiss on her forehead.

 

"I love you, Tiffany, but I'm sorry. I can't take it anymore."

 

Tiffany closed her eyes, letting her tears fall when Yoona descended her lips and left a lingering kiss on Tiffany's trembling lips. It was the last time Tiffany will taste Yoona's gentle and sweet kiss.

 

 

 

 

Fifth, you see them now with someone else.

 

 

 

 

Ever since that talk with Yoona two months ago, Tiffany has slowly recollected herself. She was no longer scornful with Yoona however there was one problem. Tiffany still couldn't get use to the fact that Yoona is courting Tiffany's best friend Jessica.

 

Because of Yoona's revelation, Tiffany has been distant with Jessica for the past two months. Rather than blaming Yoona like she did before, the scorn was directed on Jessica this time. Tiffany can't help but think. If Jessica wasn't on Yoona's side when their relationship was in jeopardy, maybe Yoona wouldn't be driven to end things with Tiffany.

 

The feelings Yoona felt for Jessica were the driving force why Yoona had to re-evaluate their relationship. Everything was going well until Jessica came to the picture. If Jessica wasn't there for Yoona, she would have come to Tiffany instead. They could have worked on their relationship. They wouldn't have broken up.

 

That's what Tiffany has been thinking. She's been creating scenarios in which she shifts the blame to someone else so that she has someone to blame for her misery. Before they talked, Tiffany blamed Yoona for her misery, for the heartbreak especially. After they talked, however, Tiffany directed the blame to Jessica instead. There was no equation in which Tiffany had a fault. It was a natural human inclination to blame somebody else when we suffer.

 

However, lately, Tiffany will have to admit that she's really missing Jessica. Yes, she also has other friends, but no one connected with her well like Jessica. It was a waste for Tiffany to let their friendship go down the gutter. Maybe a small talk with Jessica can sort of fix their friendship. She heard from Taeyeon that Jessica is shunning Yoona from her life. She dumped Yoona because she didn't want to hurt Tiffany even further.

 

When Tiffany heard that, she felt sort of satisfied that Yoona was turned down. Tiffany was still in a misery so why should Yoona be happy? That's why Tiffany decided to talk to Jessica. If Jessica's resisting Yoona just to be a good friend for Tiffany, then she earned herself a good talk from Tiffany. Maybe they can work on their friendship again.

 

The thing that bothered Tiffany was not Yoona being happy again. It was just a little more complicated since Yoona's in love with Tiffany's best friend Jessica. Tiffany wasn't sure if she was ready to see her ex-girlfriend and best friend date for good. And maybe that's the reason why Jessica resisted Yoona's advances because she knew Tiffany's still hurting.

 

Tiffany took a deep breath once she got off the eighteenth floor. Jessica is probably inside her apartment on a Sunday afternoon. Taking nervous, unhurried steps, Tiffany stopped when she heard continuous knocks on the door. She looked ahead and to her surprise saw Yoona standing in front of Jessica's door. Tiffany instinctively hid at the corner. She didn't expect to see Yoona here. It was still awkward for her since there was a part of her who still loves Yoona.

 

"Jessica..." She heard Yoona call. It was a melancholic tone. Peeking from the corner, she noticed how hurt Yoona looks right now. "Please come out. I swear if you come out now this will be the last time you'll ever see me."

 

Tiffany heard her voice. Yoona sounded so broken. Who wouldn't be? First you broke up with your longtime lover and the girl who you just fell in love with keeps on rejecting you.

 

"Jessica... Please..." Yoona sank down the floor. She looked pitiful as she knelt down. She put her hands on her thighs, head bowed down.

 

Tiffany's heart ached at the sight. Yoona was giving an effort to talk to Jessica, to make their relationship work. Yoona never lacked effort. Tiffany remembered all those events Yoona prepared for her, that time she ran up the stairs to give Tiffany a file she forgotten since the queue at the elevator was long, that time Yoona didn't sleep to take care of Tiffany who was down with flu.

 

The door slowly creaked open. Jessica finally showed herself. She looked comfortable in her denim shorts and white polo shirt. She had her arms folded at chest, trying to put up a firm front.

 

"What do you want Yoona?" She asked softly. Tiffany noted that if pushed, Jessica's resolve will crumble.

 

Yoona looked up, tears staining her pretty face. "I just wanted to see you. I wanted to know if you're okay. You weren't returning my calls and messages. And... You refused to see me."

 

"I've already told you my stance Yoona." Jessica exhaled heavily. "We can't be together... I- I don't want to hurt Tiffany even more. She-She's my best friend."

 

Tiffany was touched to hear that. To know that Jessica's loyalty to her as her best friend tugged the strings in her heart. Jessica chose Tiffany, her friend, than the person she loves, Yoona.

 

Yoona pulled herself up. She was damn tempted to embrace Jessica tenderly, to finally kiss those lips, but Yoona knew her limits. She wouldn't do something against Jessica's will. If what Jessica wanted is for this to end, then Yoona will gladly follow even if it will break her already shattered heart even more.

 

She hoped Jessica will be the one to put those pieces back together but Jessica didn't want to touch the fragile pieces that once belonged to her best friend.

 

"I know." Yoona nodded. "I'm relieved to see you're doing well. I was worried."

 

Jessica moved her arms so that she's hugging herself now. Tiffany knew that gesture well. For sure, Jessica's stopping herself from running into Yoona's arms. For some reason it broke Tiffany's heart to see her best friend in such state. Jessica was dying inside.

 

"You see that I'm fine. Is that enough?" Jessica remarked sharply. It was obvious she was pushing Yoona and the hurt look on Yoona's face proved the act effective.

 

"Yes, now I know you're well." Yoona nodded like a robot.

 

"Satisfied? If you don't mind I better go inside-"

 

Yoona held her arm and Jessica's body jolted at the touch. The resolve to stay away from Yoona is quickly crumbling down.

 

"I won't be long." Yoona quickly released Jessica from her hold. She backed away, afraid that she might pull Jessica for a hug or worst a kiss. "I just wanted to tell you something before I leave."

 

"L-Leave?" Jessica croaked out.

 

"Since- Since we both don't want to hurt Tiffany and since we cannot be together because of that," Yoona looked at Jessica's eyes. "I've accepted my company's offer of a position in Melbourne. It's a two year contract."

 

Jessica held her breath. The thought of not seeing Yoona for two years took the air away from her lungs. "R-Really?"

 

"I realized if I stay here, I wouldn't get over my past with Tiffany." She cautiously reached for Jessica's hand. "And I wouldn't get over you. That's why I thought I will need the space and time."

 

Jessica stayed silent. She couldn't comprehend anything anymore. She got lost when Yoona mentioned leaving.

 

"I love you." Yoona confessed. "That's why I respect your decision to respect your friendship with Tiffany. We are mutual on the idea of not hurting her anymore. But- I think as long as I'm here you won't fix your friendship with her. Tiffany hates you because of me. And if the only way you'll be friends with her again is if I disappear from your life," She swallowed the lump in that was keeping her from continuing. "Then I'll gladly leave. I'll do it... For you. Because I respect that you chose your friendship over me. Because I don't want you and Tiffany to suffer any longer. Because I love you."

 

Jessica fought back the tears threatening to spill. Wasn't this what she wanted? What did she expect when she shunned Yoona from her life? But now that Yoona gave her what she wanted, Jessica wasn't sure if that was what she wanted in the first place.

 

"I'll be leaving tonight." Yoona continued. She squeezed Jessica's hand. She already missed the warmth it exuded. "Goodbye, Jessica."

 

Jessica's body shook. A part of her wanted to throw away this front and run into Yoona's arms and stop her from leaving but the other part that wants to stay loyal to Tiffany wanted otherwise.

 

Yoona moved closer, their faces inches apart. She slowly pulled Jessica by the hand until their chests touched and her lips ghosting over Jessica's upper lip. She thought the girl woul push her away but unbeknowst to her the girl was way too distracted and shocked to think.

 

"I love you, Jessica." She said one last time before pressing her lips on Jessica's.

 

The kiss lingered for a long time, neither of them wanting to pull away. For Jessica, if she pulls away, she was afraid she might no longer see the only girl she's ever loved this way while for Yoona, if she pulls away, she fear this will be the last time she'll fall in love.

 

After much difficulty of debating with herself, Yoona finally broke the kiss. "Goodbye, Jessica."

 

Retreating backwards, Yoona didn't break their eye contact. Then slowly, she turned her back and walked away. Once Jessica was sure Yoona was out of sight, she sank down the floor, leaning her back against her door. She hugged herself as she sobbed helplessly. Yoona is gone. She's succeeded in pushing her away.

 

Tiffany watched with a heavy heart as her friend cried in misery. Yes, Tiffany was hurting. But seeing Jessica's state, Tiffany knew the girl is having it worse than her. Jessica was there when Tiffany was in the middle of nursing her freshly broken heart. Even though they are in a difficult situation, they are still friends. If Jessica had the courage to push Yoona, the girl that she clearly loves, away then Tiffany should have the courage to get over the hatred she has for her loyal friend. Why did Yoona and Jessica have to suffer when it was Tiffany's fault from the very beginning?

 

 

 

 

 

And the sixth is when you admit you might have ed up a little.

 

 

 

 

Tiffany needed to get over herself. Why did she have to put the blame on Jessica? Jessica didn't do anything wrong. If anything she was there for Yoona when Tiffany couldn't. Yoona was right. It wasn't supposed to be a one sided relationship. All that Tiffany did was to take. Yoona gave her everything but the only thing Tiffany did in return is to reciprocate without giving back appropriately. She foolishly thought that love was enough. She foolishly thought Yoona will never leave her side because they loved each other.

 

But then again, Yoona was right. Love isn't enough. What about trust? Commitment? Responsibility? Yoona trusted her completely, she committed herself, body and soul, and as far as responsibility go, Yoona made it her duty to protect and care for Tiffany.

 

What did Tiffany did in return? Because of her greed to be the perfect girlfriend, she failed to notice the love Yoona had for her despite the imperfection.

 

If there was anyone to blame, it shouldn't be Jessica nor Yoona.

 

It was her fault. It was solely Tiffany's fault.

 

"Jessi?" She emerged from the corner where she hid and approached Jessica.

 

Jessica quickly looked up, hoping for a moment to see Yoona came back, but it was Tiffany. Standing up, Jessica wiped her tears and put her arms around herself protectively.

 

"Tiffany... You- You're here."

 

"I am. I wanted to talk to you about something when I saw Yoona." Tiffany raised her hands. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I promise."

 

Jessica shook her head. It's not like the things Tiffany heard were important. "Don't worry about it. What brought you here by the way?"

 

"I wanted to talk to you. I still want to be your friend Jessica." She admitted. "And as a friend, the best thing I can offer you now is a warm hug. I- I know what you're feeling."

 

Forgetting about her resolve, Jessica ran into Tiffany's awaiting arms and hugged her friend tightly. Maybe this is for the best. She may have lost Yoona but at least she has managed to keep the friendship she desperately tried to protect.

 

Once they got inside Jessica's apartment, they sat at the couch with Tiffany mostly comforting a sobbing Jessica. Tiffany didn't speak or anything. She just hugged Jessica and her back soothingly.

 

It took a few more minutes before Jessica stopped crying. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands, shaking her head disapprovingly.

 

"I'm sorry you had to see that, Tiff." She said. "Also you don't have to worry about Yoona and I. There won't be anything between us anymore-"

 

"Why don't you date her?"

 

Jessica stared at Tiffany with wide eyes. Words couldn't explain how shocked she is.

 

"Tiff-"

 

But Tiffany won't let her continue whatever she was going to say. Tiffany shook her head.

 

"I know now. It wasn't you fault nor Yoona's." Tiffany nodded her head in acknowledgement. "It's me. It's my entire fault."

 

Jessica tried to open but nothing came out. She didn't know what to say exactly.

 

"I've had Yoona all this time but I failed to treasure her." Tiffany added forlornly. "I've already made that mistake, Jessica. Don't do it too."

 

"Tiff..." Jessica started. "I'm doing this for you. You're my best friend and I don't want to hurt you. I made a sin agai