Almost two weeks had passed by since we had the group outing. All of us were caught up in our own revision and also the futsal practices. After her ankle was bandaged during the first therapy session, Jessica had to stay in the dorm for an extended 3 days before she was allowed to remove the bandage and go to school. I was spending a lot of time with Jessica lately, with me accompanying her in the dorm for that 3 days. Even when she was able to go back to school, both of us will still hang out together, at the library or the cafetaria. Of course at times, Tiffany, Taeyeon and Sooyoung will join us. After the 2nd therapy, the doctor informed her that her ankle is having a good progress of healing. The doctor reminded her, along with Tiffany and Sunny who accompanied her there, to be always careful so that it won't delay the recovery.

We had just changed into our training kit when Tiffany and Jessica approached us. Jessica was able to walk as per normal but she still need to be careful.

"Sica? How come you are here? You are still not allowed to participate in the cheerleading right?" Sunny asked as she looked confused.

"I'm just here to watch all of you. I'm getting bored being left alone at the dorm when you guys go for your practices." Jessica explained as she smiled at me. I smiled back at her and nodded my head.

I guess Taeyeon saw the exchange looks between me and Jessica when she voiced it out. "Wait a minute. Both of you.. Jae, why didn't you look surprise to see Jessica here?"

"I was the one who gave her the idea to come down and watch us since she's been complaining about being lonely."

"And how come Jessica only complains to you, Jae? I've never heard her complain about anything to me or Tiffany when both of us are her dorm mates. Is there something going on between the two of you?"

Before I could say anything, I heard Ms Lee calling us to get ready for our practice. As I walked away, I looked at Jessica and saw her looking back at me too. She mouthed the word 'mianhae' to me but I just smiled and waved at her, signalling that it was okay.

We were in the midst of our practice match when Ms Lee asked us to take a short 10 mins break. I saw her calling Hyoyeon to the side and was talking to her as I walked to the bench to grab a drink for myself. I heard someone calling my name and turned around to look. Jessica was seated at another bench and was calling me to go over. I jogged over to her side,

"Jae, I thought you were part of the first team. Why are you wearing the reserve bibs?"

I wasn't expecting her to ask me that. I couldn't say out the reason as to why I was dropped out from the first team. My brain was trying to search for a good lie to cover up my story.

"Ahhhh.. I was dropped because.."

"Hyun Jae, Ms Lee wants to see you." In my head, I kept thanking Hyoyeon for coming over to save me. I bowed slightly to Jessica, saying sorry and left to talk to Ms Lee. As I walked away, I noticed Jessica talking to Hyoyeon. Oh .. Why did I forget to drag Hyoyeon along? She must have tell Jessica almost everything by now. Aigooo..

"Ms Lee, you were looking for me?"

"Hyun Jae, I had a talk with Hyoyeon earlier when I saw the improvement in her game and she told me that you've been training with her every Saturday morning so that she can improve her skills." I nodded my head as Ms Lee continued talking. "I can see that you've learnt your lesson and I thanked you for helping out your team members. Hyoyeon suggested for me to reinstate you back to your position in the first team. What's your opinion on that?"

"Ms Lee, I don't agree with that. Hyoyeon had really worked hard to improve her game. Even though she's the one who suggested it, I think she thinks too hightly of me. We are all here for the team so no matter whether I'm in the first team or not, what really matters is the contributions of each and everyone of us. So please let Hyoyeon stay on the first team. I want her to learn to appreciate her own capabilities."

"That's good to hear, Jae. It's rare to find someone like you. Anyway, call the others. We'll resume our practices"

20mins later, all of us were gathered at the bench after ending our practices. Jessica came over and sat with us while we waited for the cheerleaders to finish.

"Hey, Jae. I can't come for the practice tomorrow because I have to go back home. My mum has been nagging at me for not going back for almost a month already. But then, I still want to go for extra practices since we'll be busy for the exam next week."

"Okay. In that case, can you spare an hour? We'll have the extra practice now. That is if you're not tired." Hyoyeon agreed as the rest of the girls also wanted to join in. While we were putting our boots on, Taecyeon came over and stood in front of Jessica. As usual, the rest of us are invincible to him.

"Jess, how come you're here?" Before Jessica could reply him, he continued talking. "To see me play is it? You don't have to worry. I'm the best player out there." I saw the girls  rolled up their eyes as I just smiled at their reactions.

"Since it's been some time that we went for a date, let me bring you to a posh restaurant tonight. My Aunt just bought it a week ago. You must have been stuffing yourself with low quality food from the school cafetaria all this while. You need expensive and nutritious food to get well faster."

"I thought you said that you don't eat after 8pm because you're afraid that you'll gain weight. Furthermore, I've got a therapy session tomorrow so I don't intend to sleep late."

"No worries. It's just a light dinner and I'll drive you back to the dorm. You know how fast my car is right? And about tomorrow, don't have to worry too. I'll send you to the hospital so you can sleep longer. So no more excuses okay. Let me get my stuff and I'll see you at the hall entrance."

When I heard Taecyeon offering to send Jessica to the hospital tomorrow, I sighed. Actually, it has already been planned that I'll accompany Jessica tomorrow since Tiffany and Sunny will be on a date with Taeyeon and Sooyoung. I've even borrowed Yuri's car to use for tomorrow and her driver had already send her car over to our dorm's carpark that evening. I looked at Jessica and she had the apologetic look on her face. Before she could say anything, I heard Taecyeon shouting out her name from the hall's entrance.

I saw her walking away into his arms. Not the first time. Maybe won't be the last time. I felt someone tapping my shoulders. Turn around to see Taeyeon smiling at me.

"Hey, don't give up. One day, she'll realise what she's been missing on."

I nodded to her and tried to smile as I continued on with my practice. One day. Will I be able to wait until that day?

After an hour, we ended our practice. As we walked out from the hall, Sunny and Tiffany were discussing about how they find Taecyeon's behaviour weird. Sometimes he won't bother about Jessica and sometimes he'll act like the sweet boyfriend he is.

"But Fany, did you notice that he will usually act all nice to Jessica after he came back from a visit to his family? And he will only bring her out to places where his family or relatives are around?" Sunny asked.

"Maybe Taecyeon family is keeping an eye on them and making sure that they are still together. So that's why he will treat Jessica well after he returned from home or bring her to places where his relatives are around." Sooyoung replied.

"Girls, let's not speculate about it okay. Isn't it good that Taecyeon is treating Jessica well?" I looked at them and smiled.

"It'll be good if he treats her well all the time and not when he feels like he had to do so." Tiffany looked at me with a frown.

"Then what about you? Are you going to just keep your feelings for Jessica to yourself?" Taeyeon suddenly said with an angry tone as I heard gasps comimg from the other girls. 

I faceplamed myself as Taeyeon just realised that the girls were still there when she released her frustration on me. She kept apologising to me with a guilty face as I just stood rooted to the spot.

Yuri walked towards me and put her arm over my shoulder. "Don't be angry with Taeng. She didn't do it on purpose. " 

I looked at Taeyeon and sighed. "Since everyone already know about it, please do me a favour. Keep this a secret from Jessica. Please.." I looked at everyone as they nodded their heads. My eyes stopped at Taeyeon who was looking down, with remorseful eyes as I walked towards her.

"It's okay, Taeng. Don't feel bad. I know you are frustrated about me but please understand that I'm thinking of Jessica's situation too. I don't think it's a good time to confess my feelings when everything looks to be going smoothly for her. Let's just hope for the best for her even if t's not with me, okay,"

Taeyeon nodded her head and with one last apology, I gave Taeyeon a pat on the back to show that everything is fine. Yuri and Hyoyeon then left for the bus stop with their girlfriends.

********************************

It was already 1:20pm when I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I grabbed my phone but before I could answer, the ringing stopped. I saw that I had 7 messages and 1 missed call. All of it was from Jessica.

10.30am - Morning, Jae. I'm already at the dorm lobby, waiting for Taecyeon. I didn't manage to apologise to you about the last minute changes of today's arrangement. I'm so sorry. I didn't expect him to volunteer to send me so suddenly yesterday. Forgive me?

11:10am - Are you still sleeping? I'm inside the consultation room waiting for the doctor. Taecyeon was late at picking me up so now I've to wait for the doctor who had went to atted to another patient.

11:20am - Wake up sleepyhead. I'm going to the therapy room now. The doctor said that everything is progressing as plan and by next week, it should be totally healed. I'm nervous actually. Even though this is my 3rd therapy session, I'm not sure what kind of exercise I'll be doing. Previously, Sunny and Tiffany were always by my side but I'm alone today since Taecyeon said he wanted to take a nap in his car.

12:05pm - Taking a short break. You must be really tired if you're not awake by now. Did you all train until so late last night?

12:15pm - Guess what? Taecyeon just called me and said that he had to go somewhere urgently. He promised to come back to fetch me later. I'm starting my therapy again now.

1pm - I'm done for the day but it seems like Taecyeon is still not back yet. I'll wait for him at the lobby.

1:15pm - Tired of waiting. I really feel like crying right now. Can I give you a call?

As I read through the messages, I started to panic. I checked the missed call and it was at 1.20pm. I quickly gave Jessica a call while I grabbed my towel and dashed to the bathroom. She didn't picked up my call and I kept calling her. All this while, I quickly took a shower, changed my clothes, grabbed Yuri's car keys and ran to the carpark. She finally answered my call when I just drove out from there.

"Sica!! Where are you now?!!"

"At the hospital cafetaria. Why do you sound...."

"Just stay there! Don't move until I arrive!" I didn't let Jessica finished her sentence as I sped off to the hospital. I checked the time and it was already 1:45pm.

I saw her seated at a corner just staring at the window when I arrived 15mins later. I walked towards her and grabbed a chair. "Gwenchana? Why did you take so long to answer my call?"

She was shocked to see me. "That was fast. I thought it should take at least 30mins to reach here. I was in the bathroom earlier. By the way, did you speed?"

"A bit but there was not much traffic so it's okay."

"Even so, it's still dangerous for you to be speeding. I don't want you to endanger yourself like that."

"Mianhae. I panicked thinking of you, all alone here. And you even said that you feel like crying. With you not answering my call, my brain was like a spinning top."

"I only said I feel like crying but I didn't. I'm sorry for making you anxious. Let me treat you to lunch then but not here." She smiled cutely at me as I nodded.

We ended up going to the mall and ate at a korean bbq shop after walking around for a while. While we were eating, Taecyeon called to ask Jessica where she was. It seems that he's now at the hospital, looking for her. I looked at my watch and it was already 4pm. I was thinking to myself that this guy is really full of himself. Did he really expect Jessica to wait for him at the hospital since 1pm? I didn't want to eavesdrop on their conversation so I concentrated on the food instead. I noticed Jessica switching off her phone and even removing the batteries before she leaned back on her chair.

I looked up and saw Jessica having her eyes closed. I tapped her on her thigh. "Gwenchana?"

She nodded her head and opened her eyes slowly. She smiled at me but there was a tint of sadness in her eyes.

"Jae, you still owe me a wish right?" I nodded my head. "Can you bring me to a place where it's peaceful and relaxing?"

I agreed to her request. I asked her to finish up her food before we proceeded out.

*********************************

While I was driving to our next destination, I notice that Jessica was lost in her own thoughts as she keep looking out the window. I'm not sure how to approach her so I just let her be by herself for the moment. It was almost 5.30pm when we reach the place. I exited the car and went to the other side to open the door for Jessica who was still unaware that we've arrived.

"Banpo Beach?" Jessica asked as I nodded my head and put my hands out.

"Hold my hand and I'll bring you to another world." She arched her eyebrow as I laughed at my failed cheesiness.

I brought her further down the beach where it was more secluded and with less crowd. We sat down at the edges of the beach as Jessica looked straight to the water. She was hugging her arms as I removed the jacket that I was wearing and put it over her shoulder. She turned and looked at me as I smiled.

"Let me guess, you're going to say that you're thick-skinned, right Jae?" I nodded my head and both of us chuckled.

"But you'll need to return that jacket to me later. Because it was given to me from someone very special in my life."

"Your girlfriend?" Jessica frowned as I noticed a slight change in her tone of voice.

I shook my head. "It's from my late mum for my 16th birthday. Her last gift for me before she died in an accident."

"I'm sorry, Jae. I didn't mean to bring up such a sad and sensitive topic. Come to think of it, I don't really know much about your past. Since I've already told you mine, would you mind sharing yours with me?"

"Of course I don't mind. Let me see, where should I start?" I thought for a while before telling my story to Jessica.

"I was born and grew up in LA until I was 5yrs old. My mum is a Korean who grew up in an orphanage in Seoul while my dad is an American-Korean. Both of them met each other while studying in our university and fall in love. My mum followed my dad home to LA after marriage and we stayed there until we return back to Korea when I was 5yrs old. My mum wanted to come back to Korea to work as a volunteer. When I was 16yrs old, my mum met with a fatal accident which devastated my dad so badly to the point that he didn't want to stay in Korea any longer. So after finishing my first year of high school here, I joined my dad in LA to complete my high school education there and also my first year of university. I requested to return to Korea due to bad experience while studying there. Furthermore, I feel at ease when I'm in Korea especially when my friends are here with me. I've known Taeyeon and Yuri since middle school. So that's about all it is of my life so far." I smiled at Jessica who seems lost at the moment.

"I didn't know that your mum also grew up in an orphanage. Just like my dad. So, you came back to study at your parent's old university. That's so cool. Are you hoping to find love here too like your parents?" I saw Jessica grinned at me cheekily.

"Well, you'll never know since love can hit you when you least expected it. Anyway, just for your info. I've never been in a relationship before. I'm still single and available at the moment." I grinned dorkily to her as she punched me on my arms. I pretended that it was hurting me as she rolled her eyees at me.

"Jae, what's your ideal type?"

I was taken aback from her question. I pretended to think as I put my fingers on my chin and looked up. I turned to look at Jessica who was waiting for my reply.

"Someone who can make me smile just by reading her messages." I saw Jessica nodded her head.

"Someone who can make my heart beat faster without having to do anything." I smiled as I saw the confused look on Jessica's face as she tilted her head to one side.

"Someone who looks cold on the outside but actually a warm and caring person inside." Jessica eyes suddenly widened as she pointed to the rainbow fountain show that has started.

She got so excited that she keep tapping me on my thighs as she concentrate to look at the colorful scene in front of her. I looked at her from the back and smiled.

"Someone like you." I whispered to no one in particular as I joined her to watch the show.

We reached back at the dorm around 9pm. I send Jessica right up to her dorm and bid her good night as she closed the door. I was smiling non-stop as I took the lift up to my floor. Seems like the rest of the girls were not back yet so I took my own sweet time to shower. When I went back to my room, I saw my phone blinking, indicating an incoming message.

From Jessica:

Thanks for a wonderful evening Jae. I've been in Seoul for 10yrs already but that was the first time that I saw the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain Show. I really enjoyed myself tonight so I hope you do too. Have a good night rest then.

********************************

Jessica's POV:

The girls were not home yet. I had just finished my shower when I decided to drop Jae a message. I really enjoyed myself tonight. Well, I seem to be always enjoying myself whenever I'm with Jae. She's just too sweet.. and cute.. and funny.. and caring.. and.. Oh my god. She's just too good to be true. I was giggling to myself when I received a reply from her.

From Hyun Jae:

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I know I did. You have a good night rest too. Remember to take care of your ankle. Sweet dreams. Dream of me tonight okay. :P

After reading her message, I was suddenly reminded of the incident earlier. Even though it was a faint sound, I clearly heard what Jae said and for no reason, I find myself smiling again as the words "Someone like you" keeps playing in my mind.

********************************

 I yawned as I walked out from my room with my eyes half-closed. I was very sleepy but had to wake up when Taeyeon and Sooyoung keep banging on my door. I sat on the couch, stretching and yawning away when a voice made me jumped up straight.

"Good morning, Jae." Tiffany's loud voice could be heard.

I turned my head to look at the dining table and saw Tiffany, Sunny and Jessica seated there along with Sooyoung. Taeyeon was just walking out from the kitchen carrying a plate of pancakes out. My eyes widened and I could feel my face turning hot instantly. The thing is I didn't realise the other girls were there and with my messy hair and morning face, I wasn't ready to actually show them this side of me.

"Nice pajamas, Jae." Jessica giggled after Sunny gave that comment.

The rest of the girls then broke into laughter as I froze on the spot. I looked down to see what I was wearing and that's when I felt like asking the ground to open up and swallowed me in. I ran to my room, grabbed my towel and dashed to the bathroom. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I return to the dining table and shyly sat down beside Sooyoung.

"She even has the Superman version of those." Sooyoung grinned at me.

I faceplamed myself as the girls continued laughing at me. The thing is, I was wearing my Batman pajamas to sleep last night. (Example below) 

"Where's Yuri?" I asked, trying to divert their attention away with another topic.

"She went for her morning jog and should be back soon. Don't try to change the subject, Jae." Taeyeon meronged at me as I gave her a deadly stare.

We continued talking as we ate our breakfast. Yuri came back about 15mins later and joined us at the dining table. Once everyone was done eating, I had to clear the dishes since I didn't help with the breakfast. I was hyperly protesting about it until Jessica volunteered to help me out, causing me to agree to it instantly. The rest of the girls were mocking my change of attitude as I sheepishly went to the kitchen with Jessica.

We spend the rest of the day, revising on our studies and helping out each other in anyway possible. We only stopped studying at around 6pm when Sooyoung complained that her stomach was making too much noise that she can't concentrate. So we decided to call for a chinese food delivery and had our late lunch early dinner before we continued our study until around 9pm. Since the exam week will start tomorrow, everyone wished each other good luck as the girls left our dorm. Each of us took turn to shower before we went off to sleep. This time round, I was lucky to win the game so I took a shower first and was the first one to fall asleep.