|4|

Taeyeon had helped Jessica to the toilet before assisting her to sit on her bed, placing a tray full of food before the Jung – the sort of food that Jessica would love to ingest. And setting herself on the bed beside the Jung, Taeyeon made sure to feed the patient, carefully blowing on the spoonful of warm cream soup before placing it before Jessica’s mouth, who graciously took the mouthful without question.

It was a memorable sight because it was one of the rarest moments where the eldest of the nine would outwardly show her love and care for her dongsaeng, since Taeyeon was infamously known as an unnie who shies away from showing too much affection for her members back in their era as top stars.

Taeyeon noticed the growing smile on Jessica’s face as she stirred the warm soup. “Jessica?”

“Yes?”

“You’re smiling.”

“Happy to be finally home. Happy to be with you.”

Jessica was delighted that she still had it in her to make people flustered with her words. Her smile widened upon seeing those pink tints surface on Taeyeon’s cheeks. God, she was glad to be alive to see this once more!

“You’re blushing.” Jessica poked Taeyeon’s cheek.

“And you’re planning on teasing me for it.” Taeyeon riposted, as she offered Jessica a warm mug of chocolate which the Jung gladly took.

“I can’t believe I still had it in me.” Jessica said amidst her chocolate moustache when she handed back the mug to Taeyeon.

“And I cannot believe you’re still as playful as ever. It’s like you haven’t been groomed for the US army at all.”

Taeyeon gingerly wiped the moustache with a napkin.

“The army wasn’t as bad as it seemed.”

“Tell me, how many men have you petrified with your glare and beauty?”

Jessica smiled at Taeyeon’s query. She realized how much she missed matching wits with the leader.

“Oh, they admired me for my beauty but they also feared me for my skills.”

“Skills of seduction?”

“No.” Jessica tried keeping herself from bursting into laughter, ignoring the nagging pain she could still feel from her wounds whenever she would giggle. “Not that way, silly. My skills in combat!”

Taeyeon was delighted to see that playful smirk again. She was happier to know that she was the cause of Jessica’s laughter alt