HEALING

"Hey"

Yuri whispered softly as she walked into the room, carrying a tray of porridge and medicine into the room quietly,
only to find Jessica wide awake on bed.

"You're awake?"
"How are you feeling now?"

Yuri asked as she set the stuff down on the bedside table before sitting down on the side of the bed, holding onto Jessica's hands.

Jessica smiled and gave a small nod.

"Im fine"
"Don't worry"

Yuri frowned and landed a gentle playful knock on Jessica's head as she helped her remove the nasal canula over her nose,
giving her a forehead kiss.

"Don't scare me like this again"
"I doubt my heart will be able to take it again like that, Sicababy"

"What?"
"Now you mean your heart is weaker than mine?"

Jessica asked with a soft chuckle as she slowly sat up with the help of Yuri.
Yuri laughed, placing her palm over Jessica's forehead.

Maybe it is..
Just because im with you weakens my heart.

I guess so.
So please don't scare me any further okay?

"You're still having a fever"

Yuri said with a soft sigh, bringing the porridge over and started feeding Jessica.

"It's okay, don't worry about it"

Jessica replied assuringly.

"Yul.."
"I have a question.."

"Shoot"

"What is so good about me that makes you come after me despite the fact the numerous times i've pushed you away?"
"Why?"

"Why can't i go after you even though you pushed me away?"

"Well.."

I don't know..
Maybe i don't worth that much as you thought i would.

"Well, i think it's time for you to finish this porridge up and stop diverting the attention to some other subject"
"Don't you think so?"

Yuri teased with a wink.

Jessica stuck her tongue out cutely at Yuri.

"This porridge is too bland!"
"I don't like it!"
"I don't wanna finish it!"

She whined with a cute pout which made Yuri melt instantly at her pout.
Giving her nose a light pinch, Yuri smiled.

"Since my porridge is bland"
"What do you suggest?"
"You need something before you can eat your medicine"

"Me?"
"Well, i suggest.."
"We'll go out for breakfast!"
"Egg benedict, Scrambled eggs, pancakes-"

"Why are they all American dishes?!"
"Aren't you a Korean?!"

Yuri teased playfully as she casually pulled Jessica into her arms,
hugging her waist lovingly.

Jessica was initially taken aback by Yuri's sudden action but decided to let it go because she felt really comforting and safe in Yuri's embrace.

"You're half correct, im actually a Korean-American!"
"Im holding onto a US passport"

"Tsktsk"
"Korean-American"
"Im not bringing this Korean-American out for breakfast then"
"Such arrogance does not deserve a breakfast treat by the mighty Kwon Yuri!"

"YAH KWON YURI!"

Jessica hissed, throwing Yuri an upset glare as she attempted to pull the infus off her.
Yuri's hands immediately came in the way and smacked it away.

"YAH!"
"Who said you could touch that?!"
"You don't even know how much i did to save you yesterday!"
"And you're getting upset with me over those American breakfast?!"

Yuri scolded angrily as she got off from the bed, arms folded across her chest.

"You don't want this porridge right?!"
"Fine!"
"I'll throw it away!"

With that, Yuri took the bowl of porridge and went out of the room, slamming the door behind her which shocked Jessica.
Jessica sat there, taken aback by Yuri's sudden outburst.

I was just kidding..
Yul..

Don't be mad at me, please?
I've finally decided to accept you..

Don't leave me like this.
Yul..
You promised to bring me out of the pain Taeyeon has brought me..

Don't..

Im sorry.

"Don't.."
"Im sorry Yul.."

Jessica sobbed softly as she snuggled under the covers, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Slowly, as her tears wet the pillows, she fell back into a deep slumber while Yuri sat by the kitchen,
staring at the porridge she had cooked for Jessica.

"Is it that bad?"

Yuri muttered to herself, puzzled.

"But it doesn't look and taste that bad.."

Just as she was about to walk away, the housekeeper walked into the kitchen with a few bags of groceries in her hands.

"Ah, ahjumma"
"You're here"

"Oh, Yuri-sshi"

"Ahjumma"
"Is this porridge really that bad?"

Yuri asked, scratching the back of her head while handling the housekeeper the porridge she had cooked.
The housekeeper took a quick taste of it before giving Yuri a forced smile.

"Yuri-sshi.."
"Have you tried this before serving?"
"It's a little bland and too watery"

Yuri's eyes widened in shock as she quickly took a mouthful of it before spitting it out into the sink.
The housekeeper laughed and handed Yuri a cup of fruit juice.

"Here, drink some"

Yuri took a quick a gulp of the drink and gave the housekeeper an awkward smile.

"Maybe it did taste a little off"

Okay, it did taste a little bad.
But why can't you at least, appreciate the thoughts that i actually cook for you?

Im always being served since young and that was my first time in the kitchen cooking.
Cooking and serving someone i love.

But why?

"It's okay"
"This is your first time cooking, Yuri-sshi"
"Im sure it will get better as the time comes along"

"Get better?"

Yuri mocked sacastically, putting the porridge aside.

"Will i even get a chance for that?"
"Will she even give me a chance for that?"

"Why not, Yuri-sshi?"
"You just have to break through her heart"
"And barge in like a person who went haywire"
"Eventually, she will accept you after realising how sincere and serious you are about her"

"You know who am i talking about?"

"Of course"
"Isn't she the one you've brought back home last night?"
"How is she now?"

"She?"
"She woke up and criticised my porridge of love"

Yuri said bluntly with a disgusted look.

"But it's true that it taste awful, Yuri-sshi"
"I can help and teach you cook one if you need"

"I don't think it's necessary, ahjumma"
"I doubt she will want to eat anything made by me again"

"But she needs something to keep her body going to heal her up, isn't it?"
"She looks pretty ill last night"

Yuri nodded with a sigh.

"She's still sick"
"Her fever hasn't subsided yet, ahjumma"
"She has childhood asthma and a weak heart"
"And she never told me about that before!"
"She can't run, and i made her to!"

"Yuri-sshi, it's not your fault"
"I know you are not out to harm people"
"Your parents are always overseas and i've seen you grow up"
"Ahjumma knows you're a kind-hearted girl who grew up into a beautiful lady like now"
"Don't, don't push everything to yourself"
"Okay?"

Yuri reluctantly nodded with a sigh.

"I'll go make a call to her doctor and see how things are like"
"Ahjumma, can you help me make some American breakfast?"
"Like er.."

"Like?"

«°FLASHBACK°»

"Me?"
"Well, i suggest.."
"We'll go out for breakfast!"
"Egg benedict, Scrambled eggs, pancakes-"

«°END FLASHBACK°»

"Egg benedict, scrambled eggs and pancakes"

"Oh, sure"
"Pancakes, which syrup would you prefer?"
"Maple, chocolate or strawberry?"

"I think, prepare all three"
"Once you're done, give me a call in my room"
"I'll take a short nap"
"Haven't slept the whole night"

The housekeeper nodded understandingly with a smile as Yuri walked off,
with a phone over her ear.

"Yoboseyo"

"Dr. Jin, it's me"

"Oh, Yuri"
"How's Jessica?"

"Her fever has yet to subside"
"Why is that so?"

"Oh, it's okay"
"She will be better, don't worry"
"Maybe its because of her weak heart that causes it to recover slower"

"Really?"
"When will you come over and remove her infus?"

"Actually, im on my way here already Yuri"
"If you don't mind, i'll assess her condition in around, 15 minutes time?"

"Sure"
"I'll be waiting for you then"

Yuri then hung up the call and went to take a quick shower to freshen herself up.
Upon coming out of her room, she saw Dr. Jin entering the house with his brown leather medical bag.

"Hey Dr. Jin"

"Oh, hey Yuri"

"Jessica's here"
"Follow me"

Yuri led Dr. Jin into the room Jessica was staying but was shocked to see Jessica trembling under the thick warm silk covers.
Dr. Jin immediataely rushed to Jessica's side, instead of trembling, Jessica was actually wheezing under the covers.

"Jessica?!"
"Can you hear Dr. Jin?!"

Dr. Jin asked worriedly but Jessica couldnt stop wheezing and coughing.

"Yuri, pass me her inhaler!"
"Quick!"

Nodding panickly, Yuri handed Dr. Jin Jessica's inhaler that was given to her last night.
Dr. Jin then immediately put it over Jessica's mouth while she inhaled it, slowly calming her down.

Dr. Jin let out a relief sigh, caressing Jessica's face and brushing her wet fringe aside.

"Are you feeling better now?"

Jessica nodded weakly with a tired smile.

"Im here to remove your infus needle"
"But you have to promise me to take your medications on time"
"And come back to me whenever your asthma has a relaspe"
"Okay?"

"C..can.. i go.. home..?"

Dr. Jin frowned as he placed a plaster over Jessica's arm and sat down beside her.

"I don't think you're in the condition to leave, Jessica"
"Don't you feel weak?"
"Why do you still want to leave?"
"Do you want to aggravate your health condition?"

"B..but..-"

"Jessica, do you still remember the days you were confined to the hospital few years ago?"
"Do you want history to repeat itself?"

Dr. Jin's words were cold and harsh.

I don't want to..
But my asthma attack just happened..

I don't..
I don't want to stay in the hospital Dr. Jin..

My dad wouldn't approve it..

Jessica shook her head.

"Then stay here in bed"
"No where else for you to go"
"I'll only let you go after your fever is off"
"Yuri will be there to make sure you don't sneak off"

"But.."

"What is wrong?"
"Why don't you wanna stay here with Yuri?"

Dr. Jin asked as he prepared a set of antibiotics jab for Jessica while Yuri stood by the side and watch.
Yuri stood there watching worriedly, not knowing should she or not to approach Jessica.

"Yuri, what happened between the two of you?"

Yuri sighed and walked over to Jessica.

"Hey, im sorry, okay?"
"Listen to Dr. Jin"

"Jessica, i need you to turn around"
"These two jabs are intramuscular jab"
"Do you need my help or Yuri's?"

"Sor..ry.."
"Yul.."

"It's really okay"
"I've asked ahjumma to prepare you your American dishes"
"Listen to Dr. Jin first okay?"

Yuri cooed as she helped Jessica to turn over, Dr. Jin then gave Jessica the two antibiotics jab.
Whimpering in pain, Yuri tried to comfort Jessica by kissing Jessica on her forehead lovingly.

"There, im done"

Dr. Jin ended with a satisfied smile.

Yuri gently helped Jessica over and threw her a warm smile.

"Are you okay?"

Yuri asked, wiping away Jessica's tears.
Jessica nodded tiredly, letting out a sniff or two.

"I'll go get your breakfast and you'll take the medicine okay?"

Dr. Jin then left the room with Yuri after taking one last look at Jessica.
Outside the room, while Yuri was getting the prepared breakfast for Jessica, Dr. Jin spoke.

"Yuri, thanks for taking care of her"

"Why do you have to thank me?"
"I have to do it for her, isn't it?"

Yuri replied with a laugh.

"Im foolishly in love with her no matter how hard she pushes me away"

"Nevertheless, im thankful to have you taking care of her, Yuri"
"She grew up with no one taking care of her"
"Except for Taeyeon but, im sure you knew what happened"

Yuri nodded.

"I just want her to be safe"
"Even if it's like we are never meant to be, i still want to be by her side"
"And protect her, even if its at the cost of my life"

Dr. Jin laughed and gave Yuri a pat on her shoulder.

"What kind of words are those?"
"What at the cost of your life, Yuri?"
"Its the 21^st century now"
"Who would still go around killing with the strict laws out there?"

"I might?"
"Foolish lovers like me might"

Yuri laughed, shaking her head a little.

"Alright Yuri"
"I think i'll get going and you'll go and feed her with some food before she falls asleep"
"She's rather a sleepyhead when she's sick"

Few days later, Jessica had more or less recovered as the two latter were seated at an outdoor cafe in a greeny park,
listening to the soft calming piano melody coming from the pianist hired by the cafe's management.

They were sitting there in silent until Yuri started speaking.

"Sica..?"
"Can we talk?"

Yuri asked awkwardly, scratching the back of her head.
Jessica slowly turned towards Yuri, with an awkward expression hung over her face.

"Are you feeling better today?"
"The weather is turning colder. are you cold?"
"You can have my jacket"

Jessica shook her head, and threw Yuri a small awkward smile.

"Im fine.."

Jessica replied softly.

"Sica.."
"I've been thinking these past few days.."
"If.."

"If?"

"If you really hate me so much for interfering your life"
"It's okay, i will leave you alone"
"I don't want to be upsetting you"

Upsetting me..?
Yul, no..

Im sorry that i've been throwing tantrums over the past few days..
Im not upset with you..
Im just frustrated when i don't feel well..

Don't, please.
I'll try to forget Taeyeon, just give me some time..

Jessica sat there in silence as she watched Yuri, trying to hold back her tears.
She wanted to tell Yuri so much, so much to stop having the thoughts of leaving.
But she did not know where to start.

Deep inside her heart, she only wished for Yuri to stop wanting to leave and stay by her side.

Yuri sat there for a few minutes in silence after telling Jessica everything before she stood up with a soft sad sigh.
Grabbing Jessica's bag from her, Yuri fumbled it for awhile before getting something from her own bag and put it into Jessica's.

Maybe im just forcing you too much, Sica.

I love you, i really do.

But, i don't want to make you upset.
All i wish for is you to be healthy and happy forever.

Even if it means i have to leave and disappear from your sight.
You never wanted to accept me because of Taeyeon, i know that.
I shouldn't make your life difficult for you, Sica.

Sica, please remember to bring your inhaler with you at all times okay?
Im putting one into your bag now.

Dr. Jin told me that your childhood asthma came back and it is not going to be gone that easily.

I love you.

"Bye, Sica"

Yuri whispered before walking away from Jessica, out of the cafe.
Right after her she turned her back to face Jessica, her tears started rolling down her cheeks.

"Yuri!"

Jessica shouted as she got up from her seat and started running from the cafe.

"Yuri!"
"Don't, don't go!"
"Please!"

Nonono!

Im sorry Yul.
Please, please.

Don't leave me..
Please.

I need you, Yul.

Instead of turning back, Yuri started picking up her pace and ran,
she ran and ran, got even faster at every step she took.

Please!
Take it as im begging you, Sica. 

Don't, stop running after me.
You'll never be able to catch up to me..

Isn't me leaving what you've always wanted?
Isn't it?

You've been pushing me away and now, you're running after me.
What does this actually mean?

A/N: »»»
►Golden Rod - Jessica's thoughts
►Light Salmon - Yuri's thoughts
►Dim Gray - Dialogues

HELLO PEOPLE.
I.AM.BACK.

HAHA okay apologies!
I've delayed this update far too long!

Anyway, i don't know if this chapter even make sense since i've written it while multitasking.
BUT!

Don't worry, our YULSIC will be back in the next chapter^^
Need a bit of rough ride before they officially get together!

Nevertheless, i hope you all enjoyed this update.
I love you readers for being so patient and loyal towards me.
Thanks to the increasing amount of subbers to this story <3