The 3 girls came out with 8 bowls of patbingsu with Sooyoung's bowl the biggest among all. We sat on the floor as we enjoyed the dessert. Even though Sooyoung's bowl was the biggest, she was the first one to finish as she quickly sat on the couch, smirking to everyone. Soon everyone started to compete so that they could fight over the couch. I was the 2nd one to finish so I sat beside Sooyoung.

"Yah, Kwon Yuri. You don't have to eat so fast since you'll need to clean the bowls later anyway." Sooyoung said as I gave her a high-five. 

Yuri who had just realised that fact then slowed down as she complained that if Yoona was around, she wouldn't have been bullied right now. The 3rd person to finish was Hyoyeon as she joined me and Sooyoung on the couch. When the rest of the girls saw that the couch was fully occupied, they started to slow down until they were done eating. Yuri took all the bowls and carried it to the kitchen.

"Sicababy..." Jessica stood up and walked towards me when I called her over. I then took her left hand with my right hand and turned her around as I made her sit on my lap. "I'm full and sleepy." I said as I tilted my head and lean against her back while my arms wrapped around her waist.

Unknown to me, Jessica was blushing hard as she bite her lips and smiled awkwardly towards Sunny, Tiffany and Taeyeon who were grinning at her.

"Yah, Choi Sooyoung!! Why can't you be as sweet as Jae? See how loving she is towards Sica." Sunny threw a pillow at Sooyoung which she caught it. Sunny pouted and rolled her eyes at Sooyoung.

"Hey, Jae. Do you really have to be all sweet to Sica in front of us?" Sooyoung said as I just meronged at her. By then, Yuri had joined us after clearing the kitchen.

"It's actually nice to see Jae and Jessi together. I used to think that Jessi will never be able to find her ideal type when we talked about it before. Sunny, did you remember what Jessi said about her ideal type before?" Tiffany asked Sunny who frowned as if she was in deep thoughts.

"If I remember correctly, Sica wanted someone who's gentle, smart, outstanding and charismatic. Someone who does their work well and can take care of her."

"She wanted someone who gives comfort right from their first impression. Like a person whom she feel like she has known them for a long time. She said her heart moves towards someone who is considerate and has humor and wit whenever they see each other so as to not have any uncomfortable moments." Tiffany added on.

"It seems like Sica really has high expectation on her ideal partner but why does it sound so much like Jae?" Yuri grinned at me. "Jae fits the description perfectly, don't you think so, Taeng?" Taeyeon nodded her head in agreement.

"There was one last thing that I wanted my partner to have. I wanted someone who is richer than my family. Ever since my parents had to divorce because of their difference in wealth status, I've always hope that my partner would be richer than me. I'm so scared if I've to go through the same experience as my mum. Even though, Jae is not as rich as Taecyeon, as long as she's rich, I guess that's fine." Jessica said as I saw everyone had a confused look.

"Wait... Jae, you said you told Sica about the money and the orphanage right?" Hyoyeon asked as I nodded my head.

"Let me ask Sica first." Taeyeon said as she turned to face Jessica." Sica, what exactly did Jae told you about the money and the orphanage?"

"She said that for her to get the money to pay back my family debts, she had taken up a renovation project from her dad for an orpahange here in Korea." Jessica replied as she suddenly became curious as everyone seems to be in deep thoughts. "What's going on? That's the truth right?"

Jessica turned her body behind to face me as I just nodded my head to her. She was about to say something when Taeyeon suddenly intercepted.

"I understand the picture now. Sica, you did mentioned before that you assumed Jae to be as rich as Yuri right. So you thought that Jae's family is in-charge of the renovation project which Jae's dad gave to her to handle in exchange for that 500million won. Am I right?" When Jessica nodded her head, Taeyeon had a smirk on her face. "You didn't actually knew that the orphanage belongs to Jae's family, right?"

When Jessica had her jaws dropped atfter hearing what Taeyeon told her, everyone finally understood the whole situation as I just chuckled at Jessica's cute reaction. I was about to tighten my hug around her waist when she suddenly turned sideways and slapped me on my left shoulders.

"Wae?" I rubbed my shoulders as I pouted at Jessica who was frowning at me. "Aisshhh... It's not my fault that you thought of it that way."

"It's because you didn't explain it properly to me, Park Hyun Jae." Jessica shoved my shoulders as I just grinned dorkily at her. "If the orphanage belongs to your family, that means your family is richer than Yuri's?"

"10 times richer." Yuri replied as Jessica just looked at her blankly. "Jae's family is 10 times richer than mine."

As Jessica slowly realised what Yuri had said, she covered and looked at me while I just gave her a dorky grin. I then explained to her about my family background in terms of our wealth. Jessica was shocked when she found out that my grandparents owned a few hotels in the States while my dad has a few properties here in Korea and will be venturing into the hotel business with Asian market soon starting with Japan. I told the girls about my conversation with my dad yesterday and Jessica looked worried when she heard that my dad will ask me to go back to the States again if something bad were to happen again.

"But Jae, it won't be easy for you to take a dual degree from next year onwards. Will you be able to manage all that?" Sunny asked.

"Well, I need to give my best shot. Anyway, Sica's here with me now so she'll be my inspiration to do well." I smiled widely as the girls just shook their head while Jessica just turn red.

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

Even though within the 10 of us we were all aware that both me and Jessica were together, I didn't act all lovey dovey to Jessica when we're in school. I would still hang out with them at the library and the cafetaria. I would still tease and joke around like I always do with them in the past. But since I was still busy with the orphanage and also my school project, I will usually spend my free time in the dorm. Jessica was very understanding and will sometime come over to my room to bring food or just to accompany me.

It wasn't just me who was busy. Everyone was preparing for their final exam and to finish up their projects to be submitted by first week of November which is in 2 weeks time. Tiffany and Jessica were almost done with their project and they kept thanking me for arranging the meet-up with Boa.

"Hey Jae. Is everything okay between you and Sica?"

I turned around to see Taeyeon standing at the door of my room. I gestured her to come in as Taeyeon walked in and sat at the corner of my bed.

"We're fine. Wae?" I replied as I continued to face the computer.

"It seems that you've not been spending a lot of time with her and even in school, it doesn't look like you both are a couple."

"That's because we're not officially a couple yet." I turned around to see a frowning Taeyeon. "Even though both of us had confessed our feelings to each other, I've not officially ask her to be my girlfriend. I've been wanting to come out with a plan to do so but my hands are full at the moment. I need to complete my project soon, the orphanage and lastly the application for the dual degree."

"I understand your situation but try not to neglect her too much. I notice that she's been making an effort to spend time with you and also to ensure that you don't skip meals by coming over to our dorm. You should atleast do something for her in return." I nodded my head at Taeyeon."By the way, my Appa called yesterday to inform that the house ownership deal has been settled. He was asking if you'll be free this weekend to come back home for dinner. He wanted to thank you for everything."

"I'll be going to the orphanage this weekend. Maybe I'll stop over once I'm done there." I replied to Taeyeon.

Taeyeon nodded her head as she got up to leave my room. "I'll be bringing Tiffany home this weekend. Come and join us if you can." I nodded my head to her as she walked out from my room.

I took out my phone and typed a quick message to Jessica.

To Sicababy:

Sicababy, are you asleep already? Did you had your dinner?

I put my phone aside and looked at the time. It was almost 11pm so I wasn't putting my hopes up for a reply from Jessica but I smiled when my phone beeped.

To Jaegi:

I've eaten with the girls earlier. We bought food from the cafetaria and ate in the dorm. How about you? Are you still doing your projects? Don't sleep too late, Jaegi. By the way, I couldn't sleep yet. Was thinking of you when your message came in.

To Sicababy:

Couldn't sleep? Did you miss me too much? In that case, are you free this weekend? I want to bring you somewhere.

As I waited for Jessica's reply, I finished up my work and off the computer. I was already on my bed when I received her message 20mins later.

To Jaegi:

Mianhae, Jaegi. I accidentally doze off. This weekend I'm free. Where do you want to bring me to?

To Sicababy:

I thought of bringing you to the orphanage and since you're already dozing off, we should get some rest. I'm already on my bed, getting ready to sleep. So good night, Sicababy. Dream of me tonight, okay. :P

 I was about to close my eyes when my phone rang. Looking at the unknown number, I was a bit reluctant especiallly when it's almost midnight. But when I notice that the number seems like it's from the States, I answered the call.

"Hello."

"Is this Jae? It's me, Uncle Ken."

"Uncle Ken!! How did you get my number? I almost didn't want to answer your call." I laughed on the phone.

"Sorry. Was I disturbing you? I asked for your number from your Appa when I heard you were hospitalised. Are you okay now, Jae?"

"I'm fine now, Uncle Ken. Thanks for your concern. How are you by the way? Appa told me that you are thinking of expanding your business by opening a branch in Korea."

"I'm doing fine, Jae. It's true that I was thinking of doing so but I've not made up my mind yet. It was just something that I thought of out of the blue."

"Uncle Ken, do you have a Korea-phobia like Appa too?" I unintentionally.

"How did you know?"

I was shocked that my teasing was actual true. "I was actually just teasing you, Uncle Ken but come to think of it, I don't actually know much about you except for your connections with Appa and Omma."

"Would you like to hear my story, Jae? I know it's already late and I'll understand if you'll prefer to rest."

"It's okay, Uncle Ken. I don't have a morning class tomorrow. I'm actually excited to listen to your story."

As I listened to Uncle Ken's story, I couldn't stop the tingling feeling at the back of my hand of the familiarity. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't realise Uncle Ken had stopped talking. When he called out to me to grab my attention, I had to apologise for not listening well.

"It's okay, Jae. I understand that my story might have bore you out. Maybe it's time for you to get some sleep. Good night, Jae. Remember to take care of yourself well."

I said good night to Uncle Ken and hang up the phone. As I lay down on my bed, a lot of things were going through my mind and I didn't  even know when I actually fall asleep.

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

I was having my breakfast with Sooyoung, Yuri and Taeyeon when our doorbell rang. Taeyeon went to open the door and I could hear Tiffany's loud voice greeting her from the door. The rest of us continued eating and I was shocked when someone hugged me from the back.

"Morning, Jaegi." I received a peck on my cheeks as Jessica took a seat beside me.

"Morning, Sicababy." I smiled at her as I fed her a spoonful of the fried rice that Sooyoung had cooked and I saw her frowning.

"This isn't cook by Taeng, right?" I nodded at her and showed an eye signal, pointing to Sooyoung. "No wonder it taste weird."

The rest of us laughed out loud as Sooyoung frown. I explained to Jessica that Sooyoung had been jokingly complaining about Taeyeon cooking the same kimchi fried rice most of the time for our breakfast so today, Taeyeon didn't want to cook at all. Yuri and me were nagging at Sooyoung about her selfish action which resulted in her having to cook for us.

"Taetae, you shouldn't have taken to heart about what Sooyoung said. You knew she was just joiking right?"

"I know, Fany-ah. I just don't feel like cooking today." Taeyeon grinned at her girlfriend.

"Are you all going out today?" Yuri asked as she looked at me and Taeyeon.

"I'm bringing Tiffany to meet my parents today at my house." Taeyeon said with a big grin.

Hearing Taeyeon saying it out confidently about the house and how happy she looked at the moment, made me feel relieved. She's been through a lot, growing up with me and I hope that it was just a beginning of better things for her and Tiffany. I felt a nudge on my arm as I realised that I was daydreaming. I chuckled to myself as I smiled at the girls.

"Yah, Jae. I know you're with Sica now but you don't have to follow her habit of being at lost most of the time." Sooyoung teased.

"Mianhae. I'm just happy looking at how happy my bestfriends are. Anyway, I'm bringing Sica to the orphanage today and if there's time, maybe I'll drop by Taeng's house later."

"Our house." Taeyeon corrected my sentence as I just smiled and nodded my head at her while the rest of the girls just stared blankly at us.

After breakfast, me and Jessica left the dorm first at around 10am. Taeyeon said that she will only be leaving for home around 1pm so she, Tiffany and Yuri decided to watch a movie to kill time. Sooyoung had went down to look for Sunny at her dorm. We took a cab to the orphanage and reached there in 30mins time. Uncle Kwon greeted us at the entrance as I introduced Jessica to him.

"How's everything, Uncle Kwon?"

"So far everything is going as plan. Since in the early stages, you suggested for us to concentrate on doing the rooms first, it's all done now. Feedbacks from the caretakers are that the kids really love the new layout of their rooms. We're only left with the study room, mini library and the music room. "

"That's good. Shall we walk around then?" Uncle Kwon nodded his head as I turned to face Jessica. "Sicababy, do you want to follow us or do you want to linger around the 1st floor living room?"

"I want to look around so I'll just follow you." Jessica smiled at me.

"Okay but if you're tired, tell me. We'll take a break." I grinned at her as she hooked her arms around mine.

Uncle Kwon brought me around the dining area and laundry room that they had recently completed. I also wanted to do a final inspection on the indoor playground which I didn't manage to do so previously. I've already inspected the girl's rooms, the boy's rooms and the nursery room on my previous trips there. As I walked beside Uncle Kwon to listen to his explanation, I also discussed and gave suggestions to improvement that I felt needed to be done so as to ensure that the kids have a comfortable living enviroment.

Jessica's POV:

Looking and observing the way Jaegi did her work, makes me feel so attracted to her. The way she frowned at times, standing at a thinking pose and biting her lips made her look so charismatic. The way she gave suggestions and discussed things over with Uncle Kwon showed a different side of her that I rarely see. Her serious and focus look when she tried to think of a way to make things better and the way she showed her authority but in a subtle manner makes me looked at her in awe. The most important part is that she would always ask me once a while if I was okay since we've been going round the orphanage for almost an hour now. Jaegi-ah, I'm falling more in love with you.

"Uncle Kwon, I think we need to add some safety measures here since kids sometimes might get injured while playing." I informed Uncle Kwon as I pointed at the sharp edges of the indoor playground. Uncle Kwon noted down the suggestions that I made. "Can we go up to the mini library and the study room now?"

As we walked to the stairs to go up to the 2nd floor, I turned behind to look at Jessica. Initially, she had her arms hooked around mine but I had to do some inspections at the dining area earlier so she just stood at a corner. "Sicababy, are you tired?" The reason as to why I kept asking was because I knew she didn't have enough sleep last night since we were on the phone until around 2am. I was actually shocked when she came to my dorm so early since I was expecting her to still be sleeping at that hour.

"I'm fine, Jaegi. Why do you keep asking?" Jessica pouted at me.

"Because I knew that you're tired. You just don't want to admit it. Come, I'll give you a piggyback." I bend down as I saw Jessica hesitated. "Sicababy, palli."

The moment I felt Jessica leaning her body on me, I quickly grabbed both her legs and adjusted her position on my back. Jessica was shocked with my abrupt actions as she gave out a dolphin scream and hit my back repeatedly. I just chuckled at her and climbed up the stairs. Uncle Kwon had already made his way up earlier and just smiled at us when he saw us coming up.

I didn't put Jessica down when we reached upstairs. Since the construction of the mini library and study room were still on-going, there wasn't really much for me to comment or discuss about. I just walk around the 2nd floor as Jessica kept asking me to put her down. When I told her that I'll be upset if she continued asking to be put down, she suddenly became quiet.

I continued walking aound with Uncle Kwon and Jessica on my back. As I listened to Uncle Kwon explaining to me about the process that will take place soon, I heard soft snorings from my back. I tried to look behind but it was impossible since Jessica's head was leaning against my shoulder.

"She's asleep, Jae." Uncle Kwon helped to answer my doubts as I nodded my head. "It's almost noon. Maybe we should stop for today. Do you want me to drop you both back to the dorm?"

"Uncle Kwon, is it okay if you send us to my house? I'll be meeting Taeng and her parents for dinner there."

I thanked Uncle Kwon after he agreed to do so. We left the orphanage 10mins later after Uncle Kwon met with the caretakers to update them about the renovations. I asked Uncle Kwon to switch on his car aircon first before I placed Jessica slowly at the back seat. I then quickly sat beside her and let her head rest on my shoulders.

Taeyeon and Tiffany had not arrived when I reached home. Uncle Kim had already open the gate to allow Uncle Kwon's car to enter since I've already informed him beforehand. I carried Jessica up to my room bridal style and placed her on my bed. I smiled while looking at my sleepy princess. 'You must have been really tired'. I covered her with my blanket since Aunt Kim had already on the aircon as I had requested earlier. I left the room and decided to take a shower.

I was standing in my walk-in closet when I heard Taeyeon's voice shouting from the outside. I rushed out from the closet because I was afraid that her shoutings will wake Jessica up but I didn't expect to see only Taeyeon and Tiffany in the room.

"Wow.. Nice abs, Jae." Tiffany said as I quickly pulled down my t-shirt. I was half-way through, wearing my t-shirt when I was rushing out from the closet.

"Where's Jessica?" I asked in a panic tone.

"She's downstairs with my mum. How long were you in the shower anyway? Sica told me that she was already in the kitchen with my mum for the past 10mins." Taeyeon replied.

I turned to look at the watch and saw that it was already 1.30pm which means that I was in the shower for almost an hour. I told Taeyeon that I had accidentally fall sleep in the bathtub and had only came out from the shower 15mins ago.

"Jessi might not have noticed your walk-in closet since it looks like a normal wall from the outside. I was also shocked when you suddenly appeared from behind but your abs gave me a bigger shock." Tiffany grinned cheekily at me.

"Yah, Fany-ah. I also have abs." Taeyeon pouted and frowned at the same time.

"I know, Taetae. That's why I like to rub your tummy everytime we watch a movie together. The feeling of those tight muscles...."

"Eheeemmmm." I purposely coughed to stop Tiffany from continuing her sentence. "I'm going off to look for Sica. You two lovebirds can continue admiring each other's body parts." I laughed out loud as I ran out from my room.

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

I found Jessica in the kitchen, leaning over the counter as she watched Aunt Kim prepare for dinner later. Hugging her from the back, I carried her away from the counter and brought her outside to the poolside. As always, Jessica was giving her dolphin scream until I put her down at the reclining chair.

"Yah, Park Hyun Jae. Do you want to die? How could you do that to me in front of Aunt Kim? It's so embarassing." Jessica covered her face with her hands as I just chuckled out loud.

"Incoming!!!"

I turned around and the next moment, I was already in the pool as I heard Yuri's and Sooyoung's laughter.

"Yah!!! I just showered." I glared at the two girls who were laughing their heads off but their laughter were shortlived when Hyoyeon and Taeyeon pushed them in.

Now it was Sooyoung's and Yuri's turn to shout at Taeyeon and Hyoyeon as I quietly swam to the sides and climbed out of the pool. Taeyeon and Hyoyeon were too busy laughing at the two girls who were still nagging at them that they didn't realised I was already behind them.

"Annyeong!!" I said before pushing both Hyoyeon and Taeyeon into the pool.

While the 5 of us were busy playing around with each other, our girlfriends went in to look for Aunt Kim after watching our childish behaviour. I sat down at the edge of the pool as I watched the 4 dorky girls, splashing water at each other. When they realised that I was not among them, they turned around to look for me.

"Jae, what are you doing there? Come in and join us." Yuri said as she gestured me to join them with her hands.

"Before that, how come all of you are here?" I asked.

"Are we not welcomed here?" Sooyoung asked as she tried to say it in her aegyo voice.

"Yah!! Stop trying to imitate your girlfriend, Soo and you know that's not what I meant." I replied as I showed her my fist.

"Me and Soo were having our double dates with our girlfriends at the mall earlier when she kept complaining that she can't stop thinking of Taeng's mum cooking so she suggested for us to ask Taeng's permission to come over for dinner." Hyoyeon explained.

"After receiving Soo's message, I called my mum to ask her if it was okay for me to bring the rest of the girls over and she agreed. I actually came over with Yul just now." Taeyeon added on.

"You did? How come I didn't see Yul and Yoona when I came down earlier to look for Sica just now?" I frowned as I tried to remember what happened earlier.

"I think you came down when we went out to open the gates for SooSun and HyoHyun just now. Enough of the talking. Let's have a swimming competition. Losers need to take of their shirts for 30mins." Yuri said with a smirk.

"CALL!!!" The rest of us shouted in agreement as I jumped in to join them at the starting point.