Smile and Smile Again 5 X 8 PDF

Smile and Smile
Again
This book is a work of fiction, the characters,
incidents and dialogues are products of the author’s
imagination and are not to be construed as real.
Copyright © 2012 by aienbest
First Printing, 2012
ISBN: 978 14774 8177 6
All rights reserved.

To the Nine Angels that always inspires.
CONTENTS
SMILE AND SMILE AGAIN 1
189
Smile And Smile Again
SMILE AND SMILE AGAIN

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments i
1 The New Neighbour 3
2 Who Are You? 21
3 Where Are You? 37
4 Breaking Your Heart 53
5 Her Last Wish 67
6 Like Yesterday 79
7 The Promise 89
8 Woman In The Elevator 99
9 The Nightmare 107
10 Like Two Strangers 117
11 The Wish of Tears 127
12 The Price 139
13 The Broken Promise 147
14 The Only Reason 157
15 The Day a Life Was Lost 167
16 The Falling Star 179

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to my fellow Wish and loyal readers

who continuously anticipating my stories and
supporting me to no end through your comments.
Also thanks to my friend, Angel who always helped

me edit even when she’s tired and old.
Most importantly to the Nine Angels who have been

a great inspiration and made me write stories that I
never thought I would.
.
SMILE AND SMILE
AGAIN
CHAPTER ONE
The New Neighbour
RINGGGGGG!!!!
An alarm clock started to rang as it struck 6:30 am.

"Gosh I hate alarm clocks<" said a voice from under
the blanket.
A girl with long blonde hair covering her face slowly
pushed away her blanket and yawned lazily.
"It's time for work<" She mumbled slowly under her
breath as she walked towards the bathroom, not bothering
to tuck her hair behind her ears.
She entered the bathroom and stared at her morning
look in the mirror. There was no expression on her face.
Should I smile?
She thought to herself as she continued to stares into

the mirror.
Nah. There's no reason to smile.
Meet Jessica, 23 years old, a fresh graduate from a

decent local university with a degree in physics. She just
recently started working as an English teacher in one of
the high school in Seoul. Why you’d ask? Well, after failed
terribly in a few interviews with major companies, she
decided to quit trying and work in the school where her
sister, Krystal is studying. Even though she hates kids and
teaching.
Jessica rushed finishing her breakfast, as she was
already late for work. She didn’t realize the time flies
when she stared at the mirror. Sometimes she's like that.
She shoved a spoonful of salad into her mouth, a bit
too hard.
"Ugghh!!" as expected, she choked. She gently hit her
chest, trying to relieve herself.
As she was still struggling to save herself, suddenly her
eyes lit up when she saw something outside of her
window.
A tall, handsome and muscular man was jogging
outside, the perfect guy, her neighbour, Daniel.
Jessica quickly wiped her mouth and grabbed her bag
before hurriedly went out of the door, in hope of
'accidentally' bumping onto her neighbour.
"Daniel!!" She greeted, excited.
Daniel, who was about to enter his house, stopped and
turned to look at where Jessica was standing and waving
awkwardly, with a straight face.
"Hey Jessica!" He replied as he walked towards his
neighbour.
"It's a< beautiful morning," said Jessica, awkward.
Daniel smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, are you going to school now?"
Jessica stared blankly at the hot stud.
"Err...yes."
He let out a chuckle.
"Well, you better get going now. You'll be late, teacher."
‚Eh? Late?‛
Jessica glanced at her watch and realized that it was

already 7:45am. He was right; she’s going to be late.
"Oh crap," She muttered.
She quickly looked at Daniel, hoping that he didn’t
hear her saying such thing, but he already left.
Jessica let out a loud frustrated sigh as she turned
around to walk to her car.
Suddenly,
"OH MY GOD!!" She screamed, shocked.
A young woman was standing so close in front of her,
their faces only inches away.
She was smiling widely as if she was shooting a
commercial. Arguably one of the most beautiful smiles
Jessica has ever seen.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Jessica asked as she took a
few steps backwards.
The mysterious person giggled and took a few steps
forward.
"I'm your new neighbour, Tiffany." She said as she
politely offering her hand for a handshake.
Jessica stared at her hand blankly for a few seconds.
"Uh<hi Tiffany," said Jessica as she grabs her hand.
"Nice to meet you," added Tiffany who was smiling
until her eyes are no longer visible as she held tightly to
Jessica's hand.
"Err< I'm Jessica," Jessica said as she pulled her hand
away from the tight grip of the stranger.
Jessica glanced at her watch one more time.
"Oh, no! I'm late," she said, panicked.
"Well, err<Tiffany it was nice meeting you. I really
have to go now, welcome to the neighbourhood!" added
Jessica as she rushed to her orange painted car.
To her surprise, Tiffany followed her to her car.
"Okay, I'll see you later, Jessi."
Jessica was shocked as she heard Tiffany called her
with that nickname. They’ve only known each other for
less than 5 minutes and she already gave her a nickname.
How odd.
But it was only going to get odder.
All of the sudden Tiffany walked to her and stopped
right in front of her.
Jessica looked at her, curious.
‚What are you-
She didn’t manage to finish her sentence when
suddenly Tiffany circled her arms around Jessica’s waist
and hugged her tightly.
Jessica froze in her new neighbour's embrace, unsure of
how to react. It was happening all too fast for her to grasp.
And then slowly Tiffany released her grip around her
and smiled.
"You should go now, your students are waiting,"
Jessica nodded.
"Uh<yeah< I should<"
With that she quickly entered her car and drives away
to school. From the side mirror she noticed Tiffany was
still standing by the sidewalk, staring at her car. It was
really weird.
Tiffany stood there and watched as Jessica’s car
disappearing from her view.
Tears begin pooling in her eyes.
"Jessi...‛
"Good morning Miss Jessica!" greeted the whole class.

"Okay class, good morning." Jessica said lazily as she
walked towards her table. She slumped herself lazily on
the chair and stared blankly at the class. She didn’t do any
preparations for the class.
"Teacher, you're late," said the class monitor, Taemin.
Jessica sighed.
"I have a lot of things to do, unlike you kids."
"Yeah, things like< sleeping till the afternoon and
stalking your hot neighbour," said another student,
Krystal who was also her younger sister.
Jessica looked at her sister who was also looking at her.
Their eyes met and they begin their staring contest.
"Shut up, Krystal. Show some respect, I'm your teacher
in here," said Jessica.
Krystal chuckled, amused with her tone.
"Well I'm sorry, teacher."
Jessica smirked at her sister before standing up.
"Okay class, today I want you to... finish the exercises
on pages umm< 15 to 20," She said as she flipped the text
book.
Another student, Sulli gasped as she realized the
amount of questions given.
"But teacher< that's a lot!"
Jessica walked towards her and slowly pats her back.
"That's why you should do it< so that you won't fail
your English paper again," she whispered, threateningly.
Sulli gulped and nodded. The lazy teacher can be scary
sometimes.
As her students struggled to finish the exercises, Jessica
continued to sit on her chair and stared out of the window,
lost in her thoughts.
That girl< was weird.
What was her name?
Tiffany?
The image of smiling Tiffany flashes on her mind.
She can’t stop smiling.

Was she on drug or something?
Smiling drug?
Smiling... just like an idiot.
Suddenly the memory of Tiffany’s warm embrace filled

her mind.
What a...weirdo!
"Geez< teacher, are you sick?"

A question suddenly heard, pulling Jessica back to
reality.
"What?" she startled and saw a girl staring at her.
It was Jiyoung, the student who loves to play prank on
her.
"You were blushing and< smiling," said Jiyoung with
a smirk.
"WHAT?!" Exclaimed the class in unison.
"She smiled?!" asked Taemin, shocked.
"Are you sure, Jiyoung?" Krystal asked in disbelief.
Jiyoung nodded.
‚I saw it.‛
"What was on your mind, teacher? Perverted things?"

She asked in her mischievous tone.
Jessica stared blankly at her student while her face had
turned red.
"I...I-
Jessica grunted.
"That's it, Jiyoung, stand outside!!" She shouted.
Jessica stopped at the supermarket to buy supplies

after work. She lazily pushed her empty shopping cart as
she was looking for something.
Salad...
Salad...
Where’s the mixed salad?
Suddenly she saw the last box of the mixed salad on
the rack.
A smile crept up her face immediately, she loves salad.
She reached her hand forward to take the last box, but
suddenly there's another person grabbing it at the same
time.
"Oh, sorry," said the person as she slowly retreated her
hand.
Jessica stared at the latter surprised, pleasantly
surprised.
"It's you...‛ Jessica said.
It was none other than Tiffany.
"We meet again, new neighbour," she said, smiling.
Jessica almost smiled.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Shopping for groceries, just like you."
"Do you want the salad?" asked Jessica.
Tiffany shook her head.
"I think you need it more than me."
"Thanks," said Jessica.
And then naturally, her mouth curled upwards.
Tiffany noticed the smile and let out a small chuckle.
"What?" Jessica asked.
Suddenly Tiffany grabbed Jessica's cart and push it
forward.
"Eh?"
"Let's buy some groceries for you," said Tiffany,
smiling.
"Milk," said Tiffany, taking a carton of milk and put it
into Jessica’s cart without asking her.
Jessica stared at her, amused.
"Ho-How did you know that I like milk?"
Tiffany shrugged and smiled wider but she refused to
answer her question.
"Let's turn that way," She said as she turned the cart to
the left.
"Umm< why?" Jessica asked, curious.
"You wouldn't want to go that way, trust me," replied
Tiffany as she continued to push the cart.
"But why?"
"Just trust me,"
Jessica looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
Tiffany chuckled, "You don't trust me."
Jessica shook her head and turned back, heading
towards the way that Tiffany forbids her to go.
"Still so stubborn," mumbled Tiffany, shaking her head.
After a few minutes, Jessica reappeared from the,
walking fast towards Tiffany.
"See. Still don't trust me?" Tiffany asked, smirking.
Jessica stopped and stared at Tiffany.
"There's a huge sale on fresh cucumbers back there!"
she shrieked.
"There were a bunch of cucumbers in big baskets and
various sizes and types!" She added.
Tiffany laughed.
"I've told you."
Jessica shook her head.
"But how did you know?!"
"What?" Tiffany asked, innocently.
"That I don't like cucumbers?!" asked Jessica, her eyes
wide.
Tiffany smiled and shrugged.
"I< guessed it."

"So< I’ll see you around," said Tiffany. Tiffany helped
Jessica with her groceries until she reached her front door.
Jessica nodded.
"Yeah, thanks for< guessing"
The latter chuckled.
"Anytime, Jessi," She said before turning around and
walked towards her house next door.
Jessica can't help but to kept looking at Tiffany until

she entered her house. There was something weird about
Tiffany, but she can’t tell what it was.
"You looked happy," said a voice.

Jessica was shocked to see her sister; Krystal was sitting
in her living room. She was looking at her with her usual
mischievous smile.
"Krystal? How did you get in?" asked Jessica,
surprised.
Krystal shrugged.
"When I came, the door was unlocked, so I came in. It
seems like you left the house in a hurry this morning,"
replied the younger girl.
Suddenly the thought of what happened that morning
flashed on her mind; when she first met the new
neighbour, Tiffany.
Jessica ignored her sister and put down her groceries
on the kitchen’s table.
"You smiled more today than you smiled the whole
week, what happened?" Krystal asked.
She shrugged, "Nothing happened."
Jessica’s mouth crept upwards even though she was
trying so hard to supress it.
"See! You smiled again!" said Krystal, pointing at her.
"I-I'm just a human like you, I smile too," said Jessica
nonchalant as she took out her groceries from the paper
bags.
"Yeah, but you< hardly smile. At one point I was
convinced that you were a robot from the future. You
always need a reason to smile."
Jessica looked at her sister.
"Well, today< I have a lot of reasons to smile."
Sometimes I hate myself.

Like really. There are times that my body just moved by itself
without me realizing, like that one time when I fell asleep while
teaching. Even though it was not my fault that the kids bores the
crap outta me. I only woke up after Jiyoung drew a long
moustache on my face, with a black marker pen.
Permanent ink. That kid.
Anyway, I’m doing another stupid thing right now.
Standing in front of my house and waiting for Daniel to pass by.
My highly intelligent brain kept telling me to stop acting like
such a desperate being and just go to work, but my feet wouldn’t
move. My day wouldn’t be complete without seeing him. Even if
it only from afar. Gosh, I’m pathetic.
Oh my god, here he comes...
‚Good morning, Jessica,‛ greeted Daniel as he walked

passed her. He was on his way back from his daily
morning jog.
Jessica stared at him blankly and waved.
‚Morning, Daniel!‛ she said, maybe a little too loud
considering he was only right in front of her.
Daniel smiled and showed his cute dimples.
‚Going to school?‛ He asked.
‚Yeah,‛
‚You looked nice. I bet your male students will have a

hard time concentrating in English class.‛ He said with a
cheeky smile.
Jessica could feel her cheeks turning hot upon hearing
that compliment. And it came from him.
‚Wh-What are you talking about<‛ She mumbled.
Daniel let out a small laugh.
‚Okay, I gotta get ready for work now,‛ he said.
Jessica stared blankly at him.
Smile, Jessica!..smile!
‚Okay,‛ she replied, flat.
Daniel smiled awkwardly before leaving Jessica and
disappeared into his house.
As soon as he closed the door, Jessica let out a heavy
sigh.
‚WHY?! WHY CAN’T I SMILE AT HIM?‛ She said as
she hit her own forehead with her hand.
‚Because you just can’t,‛ replied a voice out of the blue.
‚OH MY!!‛
Jessica was startled and quickly turned around.
She saw Tiffany was standing not too far from her with
her adorable smile.
‚Would you please stop doing that?‛ asked Jessica, still
shocked. She put a hand on her chest to calm herself
down.
‚Do what?‛
‚Suddenly appearing behind me like that! I could’ve
died of heart attack!‛
Suddenly Tiffany laughed.
‚You don’t have to worry about that dying of heart
attack, its not-‛
Tiffany paused and quickly cleared her throat.
‚Anyway, you just couldn’t smile at him no matter
how hard you try. So my advice to you is that you better
stop trying,‛ she said as she leaned her back on Jessica’s
car.
Jessica stared at her in disbelief.
‚What do you?? How did you?? I mean< who are
you?!‛
The girl just grinned and opened the car’s door for
Jessica.
‚Get in or you’ll be late to work,‛ she said.
Jessica glanced at her watch.
‚Oh no. Not again!‛
‚This is like< freaking rare to ever happen,‛ said the

class monitor, Taemin as he shook his head.
He along with Jiyoung, Krystal and Sulli were standing
in front of the teacher’s desk, staring at their teacher who
had lost in her own world.
‚I mean what kind of teacher falls asleep in class?‛ he
added.
‚It really confuses me, isn’t it always the students who
fell asleep in class?‛ asked Sulli, nudging Krystal.
Krystal shook her head and hides her face with a book.
‚Do something, she’s your sister,‛ said Taemin.
Krystal sighed.
‚This is so embarrassing<‛
‚Err< Jiyoung, what are you doing?‛ asked Sulli.
Jiyoung was holding a red marker pen, with the tip so
close to Jessica’s cheek.
‚Teacher needs some artistic touch on her face,‛ she
replied with a mischievous smirk while everyone stared at
her, speechless.
‚No-Not again, Jiyoung<‛ said Sulli, shocked.
‚The last time you drew something on her face; it took
hours to take it off!‛ Krystal said.
Jiyoung shrugged.
‚So?‛
She grinned and shoved the pen towards Jessica’s face.
But before she managed to doodle on her face, she was
stopped by a strong grip on her arm.
‚Ji< Young<‛ Jessica said, groggily.
Jiyoung gulped and looked at her teacher with half-
closed eyes.
‚Ahh, you woke up teacher!‛
Jessica’s eyes widen.
‚I will report about your behaviour to your< parents.‛
Sulli suddenly let out a small laugh.
‚Ha-ha...‛
Jessica glared at her.
‚S-sorry...teacher...I didn’t mean to...‛ Sulli said,

stuttering.
‚You too,‛ Jessica said.
‚Eh?‛
‚I want to meet your parents.‛
‚Oh come on, Jessica. She’s just a kid,‛

Jessica stared at the woman sitting on the chair right in
front of her and inhales deeply.
‚Okay Gyuri, where are Jiyoung’s parents?‛ she asked.
Gyuri scratched the back of her head.
‚They’re out of town. I’m the guardian now, since I’m
her sister. You can tell me anything,‛
Jessica sighed, ‚Okay.‛
‚Your sister is so difficult to handle. I want to report
her to the principal,‛
Gyuri shook her head, panicked, ‚Jessica! Don’t do
this! Think about our friendship!‛
‚She can’t keep getting away with anything just
because she’s my best friend’s sister!‛
‚But, Jiyoung is a nice girl! Sure she can be a bit
naughty at times, but she is still just a teenager. Don’t be
too hard on her,‛
Jessica scoffed, ‚She made my face her own personal
sketch pad! I don’t even know how what to do with her
anymore!‛
‚Hmm, stop sleeping in the class and teaching for
real?‛ replied Gyuri, grinning.
Jessica gritted her teeth.
‚That’s it! I’m going to report her to the principal!‛

‚Hey! Hey! Come on, I’m just kidding! You’re a great
teacher! You have no idea how much Jiyoung enjoys your
class!‛
Jessica looked at her friend, shocked.
‚Really?‛
Gyuri nodded, ‚She’s just really likes you. That’s why
she always abuses you.‛
‚Sulli, where are your parents?‛ Jessica asked to the

female student in front of her.
‚I’m sorry teacher but my parents are not here,‛ she
replied weakly.
Jessica raised an eyebrow, curious.
‚So is there anyone who came today?‛
Sulli nodded.
‚There is one. My sister is here to see you.‛
Suddenly the classroom’s door flung open, revealing a
familiar face behind it.
Jessica stared at the person with her eyes wide.
‚You!‛ she said, almost shouting.
Sulli’s sister was none other than her mysterious new
neighbour, Tiffany. She was smiling as she entered the
classroom and walked towards the teacher’s desk.
‚Aren’t you happy to see me again?‛ she asked as she

sits on the chair in front of Jessica.
The latter just stared at her blankly with no words
spoken. She tried to reply to her, but there were no words
that could came out from her mouth. She froze.
‚I’ll wait outside,‛ said Sulli to Tiffany.
‚Okay,‛
Soon she bowed and exited the classroom, leaving only
the two of them to discuss about her.
‚Okay teacher, what did my sister do?‛
‚You’re Sulli’s sister? I thought she’s an only child,‛

asked Jessica, glancing at Tiffany who was walking beside
her.
They were both walking on the school grounds after
the talk.
‚She’s my stepsister,‛ replied Tiffany.
‚Oh, that explains it,‛
‚Thank you again about that,‛ Tiffany suddenly said.
‚About what?‛
‚About you agreeing to give her home tutoring before
the upcoming test.‛
Jessica smirked, proud.
‚It’s okay; it’s always my pleasure to help my
students,‛
‚Whoa, you’re such a dedicated teacher.‛
Jessica laughed upon hearing that remark.
‚Not really. But I only make an exception for you- Uh, I
mean your sister,‛ added Jessica immediately.
Tiffany smiled at Jessica’s tongue slip.
Jessica bit her lip, wondering why such thing slipped
her mouth.
They both stopped walking as they reached a tall tree
in the middle of the vast grounds. They just stopped at the
same time, without planning to do so. Jessica glanced at
Tiffany and gulped when she noticed that she was staring
at her too.
‚You know, Jessica...
She paused.
..you’re so beautiful.‛
Jessica froze as she looked at Tiffany, shocked with her
statement.
‚But you’re even more beautiful when you smile,‛
added Tiffany with a gentle voice.
Their eyes met and they were engaged in an intense
eye contact. It was getting too serious, so Tiffany looked
away and chuckled.
‚I’m just saying that maybe you should smile more,‛
she added.
Jessica looked down as she could feel that her cheeks
eventually heated up and she didn’t even know why.
‚But you smile too much. Don’t you ever get tired of
smiling?‛ asked Jessica in attempt of lifting up the mood.
Tiffany chuckled.
‚Never, especially if my smiles makes you smile,‛
Jessica gulped before suddenly cleared her throat.
‚I-I gotta go now, I want to do some err< laundry at
home. Do you want to hitch a ride with me?‛
Tiffany grinned and shook her head.
‚Nah, it’s okay. You’ve already done so much for me.‛

Her words were puzzling, and Jessica felt like there
were something hidden in her tone. But even though
Jessica didn’t quite understand what it was, she nodded
anyway.
‚Okay then, see you around!‛ said Jessica before

quickly walked towards her car that was only a few steps
away from the tree.
Tiffany stared at her as she left.
‚Jessi!‛ she called.
Jessica paused and turned around.
‚Yes?‛
She was shocked seeing Tiffany’s expression. She
looked serious as if she was a different person.
‚Can you promise me something?‛ she asked.
Jessica stared at her, confused.
‚Sure, what is it?‛
Tiffany looked down for a moment before continuing.
‚Promise me that no matter what happens in the
future-
She paused.
‚Don’t ever fall in love with me.‛

CHAPTER TWO
Who Are You?
I have the weirdest neighbour ever. I’m not talking about

Daniel, it’s about Tiffany. She’s like a smiling machine; she
smiled too much that it’ll look weird if she suddenly stopped
smiling. I’m starting to think that she even smiles in her sleep.
And suddenly she is Sulli’s stepsister? I’ve known that kid
for years, but she never mentioned about having any sister or
stepsister.
She’s starting to creeps me out. She seems to know
everything about me.
And she even told me not to fall in love with her?
What the heck.
Even though I’ll never ever fall for her, her arrogance bothers
the hell out of me, as well as her smile.
Especially the fact that her smile is making me smile. Now if
only I could smile like that whenever I’m with Daniel. But I
can’t. With Tiffany, I can smile almost instantly. Just by the
sight of her from miles away. It’s weird.
Tiffany is a weird person.
A weird person who has the most beautiful smile...
‚Morning, Jessica,‛ greeted a voice.

Jessica’s train of thoughts were interrupted by that
voice. She looked to her side to see who it was that dared
disturb her weekly morning daze.
She gulped.
It was none other than the weird person on her mind.
Tiffany smiled as she made her way to the bench where
Jessica was resting.
‚May I join you?‛ She said, pointing to the empty side
of the wooden bench.
Jessica tried hard not to smile.
‚Yes, sure,‛
Tiffany took the seat next to her and then there were an
awkward silence between them. They exchanged glances,
but there none of them willing to start a conversation.
After a few minutes, Tiffany cleared her throat and
looked at Jessica.
‚Thank you,‛ she said as she handed over a white
envelope.
Jessica stared at the envelope, puzzled.
‚What is this?‛
Tiffany smiled, ‚Oh, it’s just a little thanks from me.
Because of your help; my sister finally passed her test.‛
Jessica looked away, embarrassed.
‚She did it herself. I was just helping.‛
‚But still, please accept my gift or else I won’t feel at
ease,‛ Tiffany insisted.
The two women looked at each other for a while.
Jessica was reluctant to take it, but Tiffany was very
persistent.
She gave up and took the envelope.
‚What’s this? I can’t take it if it’s money,‛
‚Open it,‛ said Tiffany, grinning excitedly from ear to
ear.
Jessica opened the envelope and had her jaw hanging.
It wasn’t money but a pair of tickets to watch the

musical that she always wanted to go. It was really hard to
get the tickets since it was sold out only within an hour.
She didn’t manage to get tickets in that crucial hour.
‚These are tickets to Legally Blonde the Musical!‛
shrieked Jessica.
‚You love musicals don’t you? Especially if it’s pink
and blonde,‛ she said with a laugh.
Jessica stared at her neighbour with wide eyes.
‚Stop freaking me out, seriously,‛
Tiffany chuckled.
‚So, would you like to go? It’s tonight.‛
‚Hmm, I don’t know. Who should I go with?‛
Tiffany grinned and pointed at herself.
Jessica looked away as if she didn’t notice what she
was trying to do.
But Tiffany pouted her lips and kept pointing at herself
and the sight was too cute to bear that Jessica finally gave
up.
Jessica let out a chuckle, ‚Okay, would you like to go to
the musical with me, Tiffany?‛
‚Oh my...Jessica, are you asking me out?!‛ Tiffany
pretended to looked shocked and fanned herself with her
hands.
Jessica laughed and shook her head.
‚Gosh, you’re so weird.‛
After the musical ended, Jessica and Tiffany walked together

around the park before heading home. It was Tiffany’s idea
but Jessica didn’t seem to mind as if she also didn’t want the
night to end too soon. They talked about the musical, the
cast and even the movie franchise, but soon the topic
diverted to something more personal.
‚It must be hard raising Sulli,‛ said Jessica all of the
sudden.
Tiffany glanced at her, confused.
‚What are you talking about?‛
Jessica looked at Tiffany, puzzled.
‚Aren’t you taking care of Sulli alone, because your
parents passed away?‛
‚They’re not gone,‛ Tiffany cuts in with a chuckle.
‚They’re just not in Korea right now. Our parents go
back and forth between here and States because of my
dad’s business,‛
Jessica stared at her, speechless and embarrassed. She
didn’t know why she assumed such thing.
‚Oh,‛
Tiffany broke into a laugh and shook her head. Jessica
couldn’t be more embarrassed. She wished she could hide
under a rock somewhere.
‚You should really stop watching those dramas, you’re
addicted to them and now you view everything in the
dramatic way,‛ added Tiffany.
Suddenly Jessica stopped walking.
‚What’s wrong?‛ Tiffany asked.
Jessica stared at Tiffany with a serious gaze.
‚Who are you?‛ she asked.
Tiffany gulped.
‚How could you possibly know everything about me?‛
Jessica continued.
‚My favourite food, my phobia, my hobby, my job,
everything! Come on, you can’t be that good at guessing,‛
Their gazes were fixed on each other and the
atmosphere turned intense.
‚Why does it matter?‛ asked Tiffany.
Jessica scoffed, ‚Because, you could be some creepy
stalker or< I don’t know. I can’t think of anything that is
making sense right now!‛
‚Who are you?‛ Jessica asked again.
Suddenly Tiffany took a few steps closer to Jessica and

stopped right in front of her. They were only inches away
from each other’s lips. She smiled and stared into Jessica’s
eyes, making the latter gulping nervously.
‚Do you want to know who I really am?‛ she asked.
‚Ye-Yes.‛
‚It’s a< secret.‛ She said.
‚Huh?‛
‚If I tell you, I might have to-
‚What? Kill me?‛ Jessica cuts in.
Tiffany smiled.
‚I might have to< kiss you.‛
Jessica stared at Tiffany, speechless. Her cheeks were
heating up in an unexplainable way, and she was sure she
blushed. It’s all because of this girl.
This girl.
Before Jessica was able to reply anything, Tiffany
laughed and stepped away from Jessica.
‚Hahahaha! I’m just your neighbour, who do you think
I am? An angel?‛
Jessica let out a relieved sigh as Tiffany walked away
from her.
‚But, how did you know about my job when we first
met?!‛ She asked.
‚Sulli told me.‛
‚And how about my favourite drink? Milk?‛
‚Sulli said you brought milk to classes.‛
‚Okay, but how about the cucumber?!‛
Tiffany sighed.
‚Sulli told me that you once passed out in class, when a
student put a bunch of cucumbers in your handbag.‛
Jessica stared at Tiffany, she was lost for words.
‚Okay, let’s say you found out all that from your sister.
But, how about Daniel? You said that I can’t smile at him
no matter how hard I try. There’s no way Sulli told you
about that too.‛
Tiffany paused.
‚Well, I-
‚How did you know about that?‛ Jessica asked again.
‚Well, I don’t,‛ replied Tiffany.
‚What?‛
‚I just don’t want you to smile at him,‛ said Tiffany,
looking away.
Jessica bit her lip.
She didn’t know why but she felt happy hearing that
from her.
I’m doing it again.

I’m standing in front of my house, waiting for Tiffany.
I mean, Daniel!
Damn what is wrong with me? It’s Daniel I’m waiting for.
Daniel.
Where is he?
‚Hey there neighbour,‛ greeted a familiar voice.
Jessica turned to the direction of the voice and saw
Tiffany was waving at her, smiling. She was wearing a
white top, with her long black hair loose.
It wasn’t Daniel, but Jessica can’t fight the excitement
in her at the sight of Tiffany.
Unknowingly, she smiled.
‚Is that your morning look?‛ Jessica asked, pointing at

Tiffany’s hair.
Tiffany chuckled.
‚Yeah, I just got out of bed. Like it?‛
Jessica cleared her throat before rolling her eyes.
‚Ahaha, wh-why should I like it? You’re so weird,‛

Tiffany grinned and made her way towards Jessica.
The latter nervously tucked her hair behind her ear as she
came nearer. She didn’t know why she was nervous.
‚I’m just checking, making sure that you’re not in love
with me,‛ she said casually.
Jessica let out a forced laugh.
‚Trust me, if I ever turn gay one day, you’re not the
type that I’ll like.‛
‚That’s< great to know,‛ replied Tiffany, weak.
Her response was rather unexpected. Jessica wondered
why.
‚You should go to work now,‛ said Tiffany, changing
the topic.
Jessica glanced at her watch.
‚But it’s still too early.‛
‚Just go.‛
‚Why?‛
‚Just, trust me.‛
It must be a coincidence. It must be.

Jessica held tight to the steering wheel as she stared out
of the window, lost in her thoughts.
She was stuck in the traffic jam caused by an accident
and she was going to be late to work.
Tiffany’s voice echoed on her mind.
‚Just, trust me.‛
Jessica gulped.
How did she know?

So she knew about my background from Sulli, fine. I can
accept that.
But how on earth could she predict the future? Does she have
super powers or something?
Okay, that’s just absurd. It must be a coincidence.
It must be...
It must be...
‚It must be...‛
‚What must be?‛ asked Jiyoung.
Jessica snapped back to reality, where she was in the
class. She opened her eyes and was greeted by a face of
her student. She was staring at her, with her face so close
to Jessica.
‚What are you doing? Go complete your homework I
gave you,‛ said Jessica, annoyed.
Jiyoung grinned before walking backwards to her seat.
‚But I’ve finished it, teacher,‛ she said in her innocent
tone.
‚Really? You’ve finished it?‛ asked Jessica in disbelief.
She was so amused that she stood up and walked to
Jiyoung’s seat to see it for herself.
Jiyoung nodded vigorously and handed a book to her
teacher.
‚I’ve finished it!‛
Jessica took the book and flipped it through.
‚Let me see...‛
She stopped as she saw a page.
A page with a huge word written on it.
‘FINISHED!! XP’
Jessica hands were shaking as she tried to control her

anger.
‚JI...
..YOUNG!!‛
Jessica felt so tired after scolding Jiyoung in class. She

walked by the school corridor with weak steps.
Weird student...
Weird neighbour...
And soon Jessica’s mind circled back to the thought of
Tiffany.
There was something so mysterious about her that
made Jessica curious and won’t stop thinking about her.
She must find out more about her, but she didn’t know
how.
At that time, she saw Krystal and Sulli walked out of
the girls’ toilet.
Yes, Sulli!
This is my chance.
‚Sulli wait!‛ She called.
The two girls paused and turned around.
‚Oh good afternoon, teacher,‛ greeted Sulli and bowed
politely.
‚Can I see you for a minute?‛ asked Jessica.
‚Why? Is she in trouble?‛ asked Krystal, worried.
‚No, I just want to ask her about something.‛
‚About Tiffany-unnie*?‛ Sulli asked.

Jessica nodded.
‚Yes, how long have you known her?‛
‚Since our parents introduced us to each other, it was
about 2 years ago.‛
‚Hmm, have you noticed if there is anything weird
about her?‛
‚Weird?‛
‚Yeah, things that are not normal, maybe a little
supernatural<‛
Sulli gave Jessica a weird look.
‚There’s nothing supernatural. If there’s anything
weird it would be her smiling habit. She can’t stop
smiling.‛
Jessica chuckled.
‚Yeah, even her eyes are smiling when she smiles,‛ she
added with a grin.
Sulli stared at her teacher, shocked. Being able to
witness Jessica’s smile was like winning a lottery ticket.
It’s rare and it gave a pleasant feeling.
‚You’re even more beautiful when you smile,‛ Sulli
said, admiring her teacher’s smile.
Jessica cleared her throat and turned serious again.
‚So...you’re saying that she’s completely normal?‛
Sulli nodded.
Jessica sighed.
‚It must be a coincidence. You may go back now.‛
‚Okay teacher,‛
Sulli bowed and turned around to leave for her class.
Suddenly she stopped and turned around.
‚Wait, I think there’s something quite odd happened
recently,‛ she said.
Jessica looked at her, curious.
‚What is it?‛
‚One morning, she asked me what day is it?‛
‚That’s not odd. I got confused with dates all the time,‛
Jessica said.
Sulli chuckled before her expression suddenly turned
serious.
‚Yeah, me too. But what weird was the thing she asked
next.‛
Jessica looked at her and waited.
‚She asked me, what year is it?‛ said Sulli.
‚How could you send my sister to detention?!‛ asked
Jessica’s best friend, Gyuri with anger.
Jessica ignored her rant and continued to sip on her

orange juice.
‚She’s just a child! You can’t-
‚Gyuri.‛ Jessica cuts in.
‚Ermm, yeah?‛
She glanced at her friend, serious.
‚Do you think time machine exists?‛
Gyuri stared at Jessica with no reaction. And then, after
a long silence Gyuri suddenly broke into laughter.
‚AHAHAHAHA!!! TIME MACHINE?!!!‛
Everyone at the restaurant turned their heads at
Jessica’s table, shocked.
‚Shh! Do you think this is funny?‛ asked Jessica,
annoyed.
‚IT’S FREAKING HILARIOUS!‛
Jessica bit her lip, trying to control herself from hitting
Gyuri’s face with the metal tray until she’s
unrecognizable.
‚IS THAT WHAT YOU TEACH TO YOUR STUDENTS
IN SCHOOL?!!‛
‚Okay, enough.‛
‚AND TO THINK THAT YOU HAVE A DEGREE IN
PHYSICS!!‛
‚Ha-ha, it’s funny. Can you stop shouting?‛
‚OMG! I KNOW, THIS MUST BE A HIDDEN
CAMERA SHOW!!‛
Jessica sighed.
‚WHERE’S THE CAMERA?! IS MY HAIR OKAY?!‛
Gyuri said as she looked around. Suddenly she pulled out
her mirror and checked herself.
Jessica rolled her eyes and stood up.
‚Eh? Where are you going?‛
Jessica didn’t say anything as she leaves Gyuri there,
alone with her mirror and their bill.
Jessica stopped by the bookstore after her lunch with
Gyuri. She walked to the counter with two bottles of ink
and a pink notebook in her basket.
The young male cashier smiled at Jessica, hoping to get
a smile in return. But all he received from her was a glare.
‚It’s 15,000 won,‛ he said.
Jessica looked into her handbag for her purse, but then
realized that she didn’t bring it with her. It was on the
passenger’s seat in her car.
The cashier gave Jessica a weird look.
‚I think I left my purse in the car,‛ Jessica said,
stuttering.
‚You must pay first,‛ said the cashier, pissed.
Jessica looked down, embarrassed. She was about to
turn away and leave when she suddenly heard a familiar
voice.
‚Here you go, 15,000 won.‛
Jessica looked at her side and noticed that it was
Tiffany paying for her.
She stared at her, frozen in shock.
How did she know?
What is she doing here?
‚You’re going to pay me back,‛ Tiffany said as she
walked passed Jessica, smiling.
‚Hey Tiffany, wait!‛
“Are you sure you’re not in love with me? Because you’re
asking me out again,” said Tiffany, glancing at Jessica who
was walking by her side. They went for a walk around the
park again that evening.
Jessica rolled her eyes.
‚I won’t fall in love with you, so don’t worry.‛
‚Good to know.‛ Tiffany said, smiling.
Jessica looked down, ‚Hey, can I ask you something?‛
Tiffany chuckled, ‚Are you going to ask about who I

am again?‛
Jessica stared at her, serious.
‚Yes, who are you?‛
‚This is getting boring,‛ Tiffany said, looking away.
She ignored Jessica and walked to a bench nearby
before sitting on it.
‚How could you predict the traffic jam?‛ Jessica asked
as she sat next to her.
‚What traffic jam?‛ Tiffany replied nonchalant.
‚This morning when you told me to leave for work
earlier than usual...‛
Tiffany shrugged.
‚I don’t know what you’re talking about.‛
Jessica scoffed, ‚Okay, how did you know that I was at
the bookstore and left my purse in my car?‛
‚It was a pure coincidence. I can’t go to a bookstore?‛
Jessica grunted as she was getting frustrated. So far she
had more questions than answers.
Tiffany looked at Jessica and gave her a crooked smile.
‚Jessi, there are things that are better left unknown,‛
Jessica could feel goose bumps all over her body as
Tiffany ended her sentence.
‚Are you an angel?‛ Jessica asked, serious. She can’t
believe she was serious about that theory.
‚Hmm, am I that pretty?‛ Tiffany asked, fluttering her
eyelashes.
Jessica sighed, ‚You...‛
‚I’m your guardian angel,‛ said Tiffany suddenly.
They looked at each other and for a moment Jessica
was going to believe her.
‚You’re kidding,‛ said Jessica.
‚Of course!‛ replied Tiffany, laughing.
Jessica sighed.
‚You’re just a weird person after all. I don’t know what
I was thinking.‛
‚Let’s talk about something else,‛ Tiffany suggested.
‚Sure,‛ replied Jessica who had given up interrogating
her neighbour.
‚Since you seem to know everything about me, I wish
to know more about you,‛ Jessica said.
‚What do you want to know?‛
‚Something I don’t know?‛
Tiffany chuckled, ‚Okay, my name is Tiffany. My dad
remarried with Sulli’s mom so that makes me Sulli’s
sister.‛
‚But I already know all that,‛ Jessica said, annoyed.
Tiffany giggled.
‚What’s your job?‛ Jessica asked.
‚At the moment I’m jobless.‛
‚Jobless?‛
‚Can’t go anywhere with my degree in music.‛ Tiffany
shrugged.
‚Music? You’re a singer?‛ Jessica asked, excited.
‚Not really, but I can sing.‛
‚Ohhhh,‛ Jessica said as she stared hopefully into
Tiffany’s eyes.
Tiffany let out a small laugh, ‚Do you< want to hear
me sing?‛
Jessica nods her head vigorously, ‚Yes!‛
‚Okay, but don’t complain if it suddenly rains. We’re
in a park now.‛ Tiffany said, jokingly.
‚I know it will always be a sunny day when I’m out
with you,‛ Jessica said bluntly.
Tiffany looked at Jessica, shocked.
Jessica gulped and looked away, embarrassed. She
didn’t know why she said that.
‚You know, because you can tell the future< or maybe

from the future< so you know when it will rain...‛ she
added to clear her accidental tongue slip.
Tiffany laughed.
‚So I’m either a time traveller or someone with super
powers now?‛
‚Since you won’t tell me, I’m going to keep assuming,‛
replied Jessica.
‚You’re the one who’s weird.‛ Tiffany said.
‚Whatever, hurry up and sing for me.‛
‚Okay, but don’t fall in love with me afterwards.‛
Jessica chuckled, ‚I’m willing to take that chance.‛
Tiffany cleared her throat.
And then she sings.
Just one mistake, just one regret

It’s selfish but it’s because love you
I’m going to embark on a time machine

If I would be able to go meet you again
I wouldn’t ask for more
Before it becomes a distant fleeting memory
I need a time machine
If I can jump through time and space

and be able to meet you
Say, even if we come to the same conclusion,
There wouldn’t be any regrets for sure.
Tiffany ended her song and smiled at Jessica.
Jessi, if you only knew...

CHAPTER THREE
Where Are You?
I am standing in front of my house. I don’t even know what

or who I’m waiting for. Is it Daniel? I don’t think so. Because he
already left the house 10 minutes ago, yet I’m still standing here.
And I don’t know why I’m staring at my neighbour’s front
door.
It’s getting annoying; I haven’t seen Tiffany for 3 days since
our walk in the park.
It’s not that I’m waiting for her, or missing her, it’s just< I
don’t know.
It’s something that I can’t explain.
But it’s nice having her around.
It’s just< a nice feeling.
Jessica sighed before turning around and walked

towards her car. It was Saturday, but she’s heading to
school for the annual school festival. Jessica was never
really into school activities or even school to begin with.
She was just going because she wanted to get her mind off
her mysterious neighbour.
‚Jessica!!‛ Gyuri shouted as she waved her hands to
Jessica.
Jessica covered her face in embarrassment as she
walked towards her friend.
‚I can hear you. You really don’t have to shout like
that,‛ Jessica said, tugging her friend’s hand.
Gyuri smiled and linked her arm with her best friend.
‚Let’s have some fun today!‛
Jessica rolled her eyes, ‚Have fun in school. YAY. Hey,
don’t you have dates today? You’re still dating that dude
are you?‛ Jessica asked.
Gyuri shrugged.
‚I broke up with him.‛
‚Huh? But why? You’ve only been dating him for 2
weeks.‛
‚He bores me,‛ Gyuri replied, short.
‚Right, everyone bores you.‛
‚Yeah, like seriously. Isn’t there someone out there
who won’t bore me?‛
‚You’re too picky, Gyul.‛
‚Of course I have to! It’s not easy looking for the one,‛
Jessica sighed as she and Gyuri walked along the
student’s booth. There were various booths opened by the
students clubs and student’s society, like the hot dog stall
by the Entrepreneur Club and the fortune telling booth by
the Mystery Club.
‚But people always said that once you fell in love with
the right person, you will never get bored of them no
matter what,‛ Jessica said.
Gyuri glanced at her friend, interested with the topic.
‚You will accept all their flaws, because in your eyes,
they’re perfect,‛ Jessica added, serious.
Suddenly Gyuri clapped her hands.
‚Wow, that’s a nice philosophy from the experienced
love doctor!‛
‚Ugh, don’t tease me. I know I’ve never been in a real

relationship before, but that’s what I heard from people.‛
Jessica said.
Gyuri laughed.
‚Then, I guess I never fell in love.‛
‚Yet,‛ Jessica added and naturally her mouth crept up
into a smile.
Gyuri stared at her friend, amused.
‚Jessica, are you in love?‛ She asked.
Jessica gulped and looked at Gyuri, speechless.
‚Wh-what are you talking about?! I’m not!‛
She grinned, ‚Oh my gosh< you are!‛
Jessica scoffed and walked away, leaving her friend
behind.
‚Me? In love? Nonsense!‛ she muttered under her
breath.
But suddenly Gyuri grabbed Jessica’s arm and pulled
her towards a booth.
‚Hey! Gyuri!‛ Jessica struggled.
But Gyuri quickly pushed her to sit on a chair.
‚What are you doing?!‛ Jessica asked, angry.
‚May I help you?‛ asked the old man with white long
beard who sits at the booth, smiling.
Jessica just realized that they were in the fortune telling
booth.
‚Oh, we’re sorry we<
‚Please read her future.‛ Gyuri cuts in. She pulled her
friend’s hand and gave it to the old man.
He held Jessica’s right hand and examined her palm.
Jessica sighed, ‚This is ridiculous, Gyul<‛
‚Let’s see if you’re really in love,‛ Gyuri said, smiling.
Jessica rolled her eyes, annoyed.
‚Hmm, your future<‛ said the old man all of the
sudden.
The two women stared at him, curious of what he was
going to say.
‚Your future meets your present,‛ He continued.
And then there was silence.
‚What does that mean? Future meets her present?‛
Gyuri asked, breaking the silence.
The old man shook his head.
‚That’s all I can say.‛
‚But is she in love?‛ Gyuri asked, smirking.
Jessica hit Gyuri’s arm.
‚What are you doing?!‛
The old man smiled.
‚She is in love but-
He paused as he suddenly turned serious.
..with someone she shouldn’t.‛
‚Unnie!! Teacher!!‛ Jiyoung shouted, waving her hands

frantically from inside her booth. She, Krystal and Sulli
were running the booth together.
Jessica smirked at her naughty but adorable student as
they walked towards their booth.
‚What are you girls selling?‛ asked Gyuri.
Krystal smiled.
‚We’re selling dedications.‛
‚Dedications?‛
‚Yeah, you can choose either flowers, cookies, or teddy
bears and give them to someone you like,‛ explained Sulli.
‚Who wants to waste money on something like this?‛
Jessica asked, shrugging.
‚People with feelings,‛ Krystal said.
‚Look at Miss Seungyeon, she got a bunch of them,‛
Sulli said, pointing at someone who was passing by their
booth.
It was the Science teacher, Seungyeon. She was walking

with a box full of flowers, bags of cookies and teddy bears.
She even asked a few students to help her carry her gifts.
‚Hi Jessica!‛ She said, as she saw Jessica stood by the
booth.
‚Hi.‛ Jessica replied, flat.
Seungyeon smiled.
‚Are you here buying dedications for yourself?‛
‚Err< what?‛
‚You see, this is my third box. How many dedications
did you get?‛ Seungyeon said proudly.
‚She got a lot too!‛ shouted Jiyoung.
She was holding a giant teddy bear.
‚This is hers!‛ Jiyoung said, shoving the teddy bear
into Jessica’s hand.
Jessica was shocked but she held the giant teddy
anyway.
Seungyeon looked at the size of the teddy bear,
surprised. It was as tall as her.
‚Well...that’s great. See you,‛ She said, before walking
away, muttering to herself.
‚Hahaha! Okay, what happened to the teachers these
days?‛ Gyuri asked, shaking her head.
‚Whatever. Can you put this giant teddy back please,
it’s heavy,‛ Jessica said from behind the teddy’s head.
‚But it’s yours,‛ Jiyoung said, smiling.
‚What? Who would give this to me?‛ Jessica asked,
confused.
Gyuri opened the small card on the teddy’s bow tie.
‚To: The Best Teacher in the world.‛ She read.
‚Sincerely, Jiyoung.‛ Gyuri continued, smiling.
‚Jiyoung?!!‛ Jessica asked, shocked.
Gyuri laughed.
‚I’ve told you, you’re like her other sister or in other
words, her punching bag.‛
Jessica put down the bear on the counter and looked at
the card, smiling.
‚Aww... thanks Jiyoung,‛
Jessica looked around for the girl, but she was nowhere
to be seen.
‚Where is she?‛
Krystal shrugged.
‚She just left, I think she’s shy. I don’t know what she
sees in you,‛ she said, rolling her eyes in annoyance.
Jessica chuckled.
‚Hey! Why don’t you get me anything? I’m your
teacher too!‛
Krystal looked around before picking up a bag of
cookies.
‚Here, for you sis!‛ She said, handing the cookies to
Jessica.
‚Thanks!‛ Jessica said, smiling.
‚You got two dedications today, not bad!‛ Gyuri said.
‚Make that three,‛ Sulli said, handing over a small box.
‚Oh, is it from you?‛
Sulli shook her head.
‚No, it’s from my sister.‛
Jessica felt a sudden rush in her body.
‚Fr-From your sister?‛
She quickly grabbed the box from Sulli’s hand and
opened it.
There was a picture of her and Tiffany at the park
along with a note.
Jessica reads.
‘for the teacher with the most beautiful smile.’
‘Missed me? (:’
‘PS - Nice teddy bear.
Gyuri stared at her as she continued to read the 3

sentences over and over again.
‘PS - Nice teddy bear.’

Ho-How did she know?!
‚Wow, you’re blushing?‛ She asked in disbelief.

Jessica ignored her friend and grabbed Sulli’s shoulder.
‚Where is she? Where is your sister?‛ She asked.
Sulli stared at her teacher, shocked.
‚Well<I don't know<‛
‚How did she give this box to you?‛ Jessica continued.
‚She gave it to me 3 days ago. Why?‛
Jessica let go of Sulli’s shoulder and sighed.
‚Where...is she?‛ She mumbled.
She looked around and noticed that Gyuri and Krystal
were staring at her.
‚I’m just worried about my neighbour. I haven’t seen
her for 3 days,‛ Jessica said before clearing her throat.
Jessica looked at the crowd of people in the field to
ignore the weird stares from her friend and her sister.
How did she know about the teddy bear since 3 days ago??
Suddenly she saw someone in the crowd.

Someone.
Someone smiling.
She knows that smile.
Tiffany.
She saw it clearly; it Tiffany in the middle of the crowd.

‚Tiffany...‛ Jessica muttered.
She walked into the crowd towards her, her steps were
slow at first, but soon her steps became faster and faster.
She ran to her.
‚Tiffany!‛ she shouted.
She ran through the field filled with people towards
Tiffany, pushing the people around her.
‚Tiffany, wait!‛
She reached till the end of the field, but the person she
was looking for was nowhere in sight. She looked around
her frantically, but still didn’t find her.
‚Where are you?!‛ Jessica shouted helplessly, her voice
shaken.
Suddenly someone grabbed her shoulders.
Jessica quickly turned around.
It was Gyuri.
‚What is wrong with you?‛ she asked, worried
Jessica looked at her friend as tears were brimming in
her eyes.
‚I...I...
Suddenly she fell on her knees.
‚Hey, Jessica! Are you okay?‛ Gyuri asked, panicked.
She kneeled down and hugged her friend to calm her
down.
Jessica wrapped her arms around Gyuri’s shoulders
and closed her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Tiffany, I’m sorry...

..I think I broke our promise.
I fell in love with you.
It’s been four days and Tiffany is still missing.

‚Good morning, Jessica,‛ greeted Daniel, flashing his
set of white teeth.
‚Morning Daniel,‛ Jessica replied nonchalant.

As usual, she was standing outside of her house, but
this time she wasn’t waiting for him to passes by. She
stared at the closed door of the house opposite hers.
‚Why are you staring at that house? Nobody lives
there,‛ said Daniel.
Jessica looked at him and creased her eyebrows,
confused.
‚There is. A young woman named Tiffany lives there,‛
Daniel shrugged.
‚Oh really? But I’ve never once seen her,‛
He said before pushed his door open and entered his
house.
Jessica continued to stand there as she was lost in her
thoughts.
Tiffany, where are you?
‚Okay class, that’s all for today,‛ Jessica said, closing

her textbook.
‚Thank you teacher!‛ The whole class said in unison,
bowing at their teacher as the lesson ended.
Jessica gave a small nod at them as they left the class
for recess.
‚Sulli, can I see you for a second?‛
‚My sister’s phone number?‛ Sulli asked, puzzled.

‚Yes. Can you give it to me? I need it to update your
profile on the school database,‛ lied Jessica. She was going
to use it for herself.
‚But I don’t know her number,‛ replied Sulli.
Jessica’s hopes fell. She bit her lip, trying not to look so
disappointed in front of her student.
‚I just thought you would have it since you guys are a
family,‛ she said.
The young student shrugged.
‚Yes, but she always changes her phone number so I’m
not sure which one she’s using now,‛
‚Oh, okay then, maybe you can give me her previous
phone number?‛
‚I think I have them at home, but what’s the rush
teacher? It seems so important for you to meet my sister
again.‛
Jessica kept mum.
Sulli smiled, ‚If my sister is a guy, I must think you’re
in love with her.‛
Jessica chuckled.
‚Is it that obvious?‛
It’s been five days and Tiffany is still missing.
I’ve never acted like this before.

I must be crazy.
‚Miss, you must pay first,‛ said the male cashier,

annoyed.
Jessica stood by the counter; pretended to look for her
purse in her bag though she knew it wasn’t there. She
purposely left her purse in the car.
‚Miss, can you please move? You’re not the only one
who wants to pay,‛ he said, pointing at the line of people
behind her.
‚I think I left my purse in my car,‛ said Jessica.
‚Yes. You’ve already told me that 3 times. And now
can you please move from the line, there are a lot of
people waiting behind you,‛ the cashier said, still trying to
be polite.
Jessica looked behind her and met the gazes of
disgruntled customers.
She slowly walked out of the line.

No Tiffany.
She was hoping that Tiffany would come and helped
her like she once did.
But she never came.
Where are you?
Jessica is now standing in front of the salad basket at

the supermarket where they first met. She’s been standing
there for 2 hours, waiting for Tiffany.
But she never came.
It’s been six days and Tiffany is still missing.
‚Hurry up Sica!! We’re late!!‛ Gyuri shouted from her

car.
‚Cominggg!‛ shouted Jessica from inside the house.
She hurriedly grabbed her backpack and quickly
locked her front door as she stepped outside.
Gyuri, Jiyoung, Krystal and Sulli were already waiting
for her in the car. They were going to the school for the
student’s motivation camp where Jessica was assigned to
work on the night shift with other teachers. Gyuri had
volunteered to help the school as they were short on staff.
‚I’m sorry, I’m late!‛ said Jessica, as she closed the
door.
‚As always<‛ muttered Gyuri as she drives away.
‚Miss Jessica, you’re late,‛ said her colleague,

Seungyeon.
‚Yeah, traffic jam,‛ replied Jessica, nonchalant.
Seungyeon rolled her eyes at Jessica, annoyed with her
attitude. She handed her a piece of paper.
‚Here’s the duty schedule. You’ll be guarding the
campers from 12:00am to 6:00am,‛
Jessica looked at the schedule, shocked.
‚I can’t sleep?!‛
‚Of course,‛
Jessica, Gyuri and a few other teachers and volunteers

were sitting around the table at the watching booth.
‚Stay up with me,‛ Jessica said, nudging the sleepy
Gyuri by her side.
‚Yeah, sureee...‛ Gyuri replied as she comfortably
rested her head on the table.
Jessica sighed and glanced at her watch.
1:00am.
5 more hours to go.
She leaned her back on her chair and crossed her arms.
‚Hey, you seems relaxed,‛ a voice said.
Jessica turned her head to the direction of the voice.
It was Seungyeon.
‚Why don’t you go check on the kids?‛ she said.
‚Why should I?‛
‚Because it’s your turn now. Mine is next, geez don’t
you check the schedule I gave?‛
‚Okay, I’ll go,‛ said Jessica, nudging Gyuri by her side.
‚Yah, come with me,‛ she said.
There was no answer.
‚Gyul!‛
Suddenly she snored, Gyuri had fallen asleep.
Jessica sighed. She picked up her flashlight and stood
up.
‚Wait, you’re going all by yourself?‛ Seungyeon asked.
She nodded, ‚I’ll be okay.‛
Jessica walked towards the students’ tents with a

flashlight in her hand.
‚Why do I have to do this?‛ she mumbled to herself.
Suddenly the light from her flashlight slowly turned
dim.
‚Eh? What’s going on?‛
And then the light was gone. Jessica hits the flashlight
with her hand in attempt to revive it but as expected,
nothing happened.
‚Oh, great.‛
She took a deep breath and walked forward in the
dark, hoping that she’ll reach student’s tent in no time.
The campsite was not that far from where she was. But she
didn’t know that there was a huge hole on the ground just
a few steps ahead.
She continued walking until she realized that there was
nothing that she’s stepping on. It was too late; her body
begin lost balance and she started to fall down.
‚Ahhhhhhh!‛
Suddenly a pair of hands grabbed her arms and pulled
her upwards. She closed her eyes and felt the warmth
around her body.
When she opened her eyes, she was up for a surprise. It
was dark but the moonlight was enough for her to know
who it was.
‚You shouldn’t walk in the dark.‛
It was Tiffany who wrapped her arms around her, and
saved her from falling into the hole.
‚Tiffany<‛ Jessica mumbled with tears pooling in her
eyes.
Tiffany smiled, ‚Are you happy to see me?‛
Jessica didn’t reply her; instead she wrapped her arms
around the girl’s neck and held it tight. The latter can’t
help but blushed at the sudden proximity.
‚You should check on the campers,‛ whispered
Tiffany.
‚But I don’t want to let you go,‛ said Jessica.
Tiffany smiled, ‚Let’s go together then.‛
Tiffany glanced at her intertwined hands with Jessica as

they were walking together. She was startled when Jessica
suddenly grabbed her hand. She didn’t expect Jessica to be
so bold.
I shouldn’t let this happen.

But it felt so good to hold your hand again, Jessi.
They walked through the rows of tents, making sure all

the students were asleep.
‚Where were you for the last couple of days?‛ asked
Jessica, glancing at Tiffany.
‚I wasn’t going anywhere.‛
‚But I didn’t saw you.‛
Tiffany smiled, ‚Just because you don’t see me doesn’t
mean I’m not there.‛
Jessica sighed, clearly not satisfied with her answer.
‚What are you doing here?‛ she asked.
‚I’m volunteering too.‛
Jessica stared at her suspiciously, ‚But I didn’t see your
name in the list.‛
‚I was just added in, that’s why my name wasn’t
there,‛
‚That sounds fishy,‛
Tiffany nodded.
‚Yeah, and that is why you should stay away from

me.‛
‚Just stay away, as far as you could,‛ she added, with a
heavy sigh.
Jessica glanced at her, ‚I wish I could.‛
Tiffany bit her lip, pretending not to hear anything.
They found a bench by the field that was not too far
from the campsite. It was small but it fit for two. They
rested there and gazed at the stars while enjoying each
other’s company.
‚Beautiful,‛ Jessica said.
‚Hmm?‛
‚The stars, they’re beautiful.‛
Tiffany looked up and smiled.
‚Yes they are.‛
Jessica stared at Tiffany as she gazes at the sky.
She smiled.
‚Beautiful,‛ said Jessica, again.
‚Yes, the stars are beautiful,‛ said Tiffany, nodding.
‚I meant you.‛ Jessica said.
Tiffany gulped and turned to look at Jessica. Their eyes
met and they looked at each other in silence.
‚I don’t know who you are but-
Jessica paused.
‚I can’t get enough of you,‛ she continued.
‚I can’t get enough of your smiles, your laughs, your
mysteriousness or simply your presence...‛
‚I don’t know how or when, but suddenly I feel so
hopeless without you.‛
‚Tiffany, I think I fell in love with you.‛

CHAPTER FOUR
Breaking Your Heart
‚You can’t,‛ said Tiffany.

Jessica was shocked with her response.
‚I can’t?‛
‚I’ve told you, Jessi. You can’t fall in love with me.‛
Jessica stared at Tiffany and gulped. She was being
serious.
‚But why?‛ asked Jessica, dissatisfied.
‚You just< can’t,‛ replied Tiffany, firm.
Jessica bit her lip and looked away, hiding her gaze
from Tiffany. She didn’t want to show her how she
heartbroken she was and how tears were already
brimming in her eyes. It was as if her heart was breaking
into a million tiny pieces.
She gathered her strength and looked up; meeting the
latter’s eyes again.
‚Okay. If I’m rejected, can I at least know why?‛ she
asked.
Tiffany looked at her for the longest time.
‚Because...I’m not good enough for you,‛ she said with
a heavy sigh.
‚Because I’m such a bad person, and I don’t deserve to
be loved by you,‛ she added.
‚Wh-What?‛ Jessica asked, puzzled.
Tiffany shook her head and gave a wry smile.
‚You know what funny though?‛
She paused and looked at Jessica.
‚Whether it was then or now, you still fell in love with
me,‛
She shrugged.
‚It just boggles my mind< why me?‛
Tiffany walked closer to Jessica.
‚Why the filthy, dirty, evil people like me?‛ she asked,
pointing a finger to herself.
Jessica creased her eyebrows in confusion.
‚Tiffany, I don’t know what you’re talking about...‛
Tiffany sighed.
‚Of course you don’t. If only you know...
..if only you know just how evil I am!‛ she continued
with a shaking voice.
Jessica stared at Tiffany, shocked with her sudden
outburst.
‚S-So tell me about it.‛
‚Tell me who you are< ‛
And then she can’t hold back her tears anymore.
‚Tell me< so I can stop falling for you at each passing
second.‛
‚Tell me< so that I can stop thinking of you every day
and night.‛
‚Tell me< so that I can finally breathe again without
you around.‛
‚Just, tell me,‛
Tiffany took a step closer to Jessica. She wanted to hold
her in her arms and comfort her, but something was
holding her back. She stopped when Jessica was already
within her reach.
‚I can’t,‛
‚You can’t?‛
‚I’m sorry.‛
‚Why?‛
‚It’s complicated.‛
‚Why is it so complicated?‛
‚I-I just can’t tell you about it!‛
Jessica looked away and tears continued to roll down
from her eyes.
‚You shouldn’t fall in love with me,‛ Tiffany said
suddenly.
‚Then you shouldn’t even appear in front of me,‛
Jessica replied, serious.
Tiffany gulped.
‚I fell in love with you after seeing you smile,‛ she
added.
Tears rolled down Tiffany’s cheeks as she was saying,
‚Jessi, I’m really sorry...
<for everything.‛
2 days later.
It was just another day when Jessica return home from
work and was greeted by her neighbour.
‚Hello,‛ said a deep manly voice.
Jessica who was already standing in front of her door
stopped and turned around.
It was Daniel.
‚Oh, hello Daniel,‛ replied Jessica politely.
‚You just got back from work?‛ he asked.
Jessica nodded, ‚Yeah.‛
As they were talking, suddenly someone rushed out
from the house opposite of them. It was Tiffany. She
marched across the road and stopped right in front of
them both.
‚Hi you must be the girl who lives across the street,‛
said Daniel to Tiffany.
Tiffany glared at him and looked at Jessica.
‚Jessica< ‛ greeted Tiffany, slightly panting.
But Jessica ignored her and fixed her gaze at the tall
man.
‚You’re home early today?‛ She asked, suddenly.
Daniel chuckled, ‚Yeah, I got a day off.‛
‚Wow, it’s so good to be the boss,‛ said Jessica,
flashing a brief smile.
It was the first time Jessica ever smiled at him and he
was stunned. He stood there, lost his words as he was
admiring the beautiful smile.
Tiffany gulped.
‚Hey Jessica,‛ she called again. This time her tone was
firm, as if she was warning her.
‚You look more beautiful when you smile,‛ said
Daniel.
Jessica chuckled, ‚Thanks.‛
Tiffany grabbed Jessica’s arm, ‚Hey, what are you
doing?‛
Jessica pulled her hand away and continued to smile at
Daniel.
‚So Jessica, I was wondering if< you are free tonight.
Maybe we can have dinner together,‛ asked Daniel
suddenly.
Tiffany stared at him, shocked.
‚Jessica< don’t,‛ She said.
‚Yeah sure,‛ Jessica said almost immediately.
Tiffany bit her lip. It was too late.
He smiled, ‚I guess it’s a date.‛
‚Yeah, I guess so,‛ replied Jessica.
With that he walked back to his house leaving the two
girls alone.
As soon as he left, Tiffany scoffed and stared angrily at
Jessica.
‚What was that? A date?!‛
Jessica nodded coldly.

‚Yes, a date. Why?‛
‚Ho-How could you? Right in front of me?‛
‚Why not? It’s not like we have any special
relationship.‛
Tiffany let out a loud sigh.
‚Jessi...‛
‚You’re the one who told me to look for someone
better and I’m doing exactly that,‛ said Jessica.
‚Yeah, but not him! Not that guy!‛ Tiffany said,
panicked.
‚Great. So everyone is evil now?‛ Jessica asked, rolling
her eyes.
She turned around and turned the door knob.
‚Jessica, just please don’t go to the date with him,‛
Tiffany pleaded before Jessica entered her house and
slammed the door.
She continued to stand outside of the door with tears
brimming in her eyes.
‚Something bad will happen if you go,‛
‚Please trust me...
She paused.
..I love you,‛ she whispered slowly.
Why< she didn’t let me go?

Tiffany< what did you mean?
‚Jessica, are you okay?‛ asked Daniel, noticing that
she’d been zoning out almost the entire time.
‚Ye-Yes, I’m fine,‛ replied Jessica, lying.
They were at an Italian restaurant in Apgujeong.
Jessica didn’t know that there was a lavish restaurant
there; it was Daniel who drove them there. The
atmosphere was nice and the food was delicious, and her
date was being charming, but Jessica can’t stop thinking of
Tiffany the whole time.
Jessica cleared her throat.
‚Umm...excuse me, I need to go to the restroom,‛
Daniel smiled and nodded.
‚Yeah, sure.‛
Jessica stood up and walked away from the table,
leaving Daniel who was staring at her as she left.
As soon as Jessica was out of his sight, Daniel reached
into his pocket and took out a bottle of pills. He put a pill
into Jessica’s glass of champagne. The pill dissolves
quickly and it looked like nothing was added into the
drink.
‚Jessica, we’re going to have some fun tonight,‛ he said
with a smirk.
Jessica stood in front of the mirror and looked at her own

reflection.
Wh-What am I doing here?

I don’t want to be with Daniel right now.
I just want to be in your presence, Tiffany.
A tear spilled from the corner of her right eye and

dropped on her palm.
‚Wh-Why am I hopelessly in love with someone I
barely knew?‛ she mumbled to herself.
‚This is so< stupid.‛
Daniel’s mouth crept up as he saw Jessica approaching their

table.
‚I’m sorry I made you wait,‛ said Jessica as she sat on
her chair.
‚No, it’s okay. I don’t mind waiting, especially if it’s for

you,‛ he said with a smile.
Jessica was a bit shocked with his words and avoided
his gaze. She cleared her throat, trying to break the
awkwardness.
Suddenly, she reached her hand for her drink.
Daniel stared at her intently as she held the glass and
picked it up.
She put the glass on her lips, as she was about to take a
sip while he was staring at her in anticipation.
Drink it, Jessica.
Be a good girl and drink it<
All of the sudden a hand pushed the glass away from
Jessica’s grip. The thin wine glass fell on the floor and
shattered into pieces.
Everyone in the restaurant stared at them, shocked.
Jessica looked at her side and saw a familiar face.
‚Ti-Tiffany?‛
Tiffany didn’t say anything as she grabbed Jessica’s
arm before pulling her up from the chair.
‚Hey! What are you doing?!‛ asked Daniel, pissed. He
tried to act heroic and stop Tiffany from dragging Jessica
away but the latter was standing up to him.
Tiffany stared at him with burning anger in her eyes.
‚YOU DARE YOU SPIKED HER DRINK! ANIMAL!!‛
she shouted at his face.
Jessica gasped, ‚What?!‛
The people in the restaurant stared at Daniel and begin
whispering upon hearing that.
Daniel gulped.
‚Let’s go, Jessica,‛
Tiffany glared at him before pulling Jessica out of the
restaurant.
‚What the hell did you just do?!‛ Jessica asked, angry.
Then she pulled her hand away from Tiffany’s grip.
Tiffany dragged Jessica until they were at the parking
lot, where no one was around but them.
‚You-you ruined my date!!‛ Jessica continued.
Tiffany looked away and bit her lip.
‚Tiffany, why are you doing this to me? You’re the one
who said that I can’t fall in love with you, or be with
you< then why are you stopping me from being with
someone else?!‛
Tiffany grunted.
‚Jessica! Open your eyes! That guy was going to do
something to you! He put something in your drink!!‛
‚Oh really? Then where is your proof?‛
Tiffany gritted her teeth
‚I...I-
‚What? Are you going to tell me that you can predict
the future? Or something simpler like, I can’t tell you!‛
Jessica said, angry.
‚I just know it!‛ Tiffany replied.
‚I know he’s a rapist!‛
‚What kind of bull is that?! You just know it? Just tell
me the truth!!‛
‚FINE! I KNOW IT BECAUSE IT’S ALL HAPPENED
BEFORE!!‛ shouted Tiffany.
They looked at each other in silence. Jessica was too
shocked to say anything.
‚It-It all happened before? How did you know? Who
are you?‛ Jessica asked, confused.
Tiffany stared at Jessica for the longest time.
‚I know it because, I came from the future. 3 years to
be exact,‛ replied Tiffany.
Jessica stared at her, dumbfounded.
‚So that’s how I know,‛ added Tiffany.
‚You-You’re from the future?‛ asked Jessica in

disbelief.
Tiffany sighed and looked away, ‚You know what?
Just ignore what I just said. I’ll be gone tomorrow
anyway.‛
‚Wait! I can’t ignore what you just said! And-
..what do you mean by< you’ll be gone tomorrow?‛
‚It’s the rules,‛ replied Tiffany.
‚What rules?‛
‚Once someone knows the truth about me, I’ll be taken
back to my real time frame,‛ replied Tiffany.
She took a step closer towards Jessica and reached
forward to hold her hands.
‚Listen to me, Jessi,‛ she said with a gentle tone.
Jessica stared at her with creased eyebrows, still
stunned about what she just said.
‚Starting from tomorrow, I won’t be here anymore. My
body is here, but it’s ‘me’ in this time frame.‛
‚She doesn’t know a thing about what we’ve talked,
and she< doesn’t even know who you are,‛ said Tiffany
as the latter was staring at her with tears brimming in her
eyes.
Tiffany bit her lip and continues, ‚But you have to
promise me one thing.‛
‚No matter what happen, you can’t fall in love with
‘me’,‛
Jessica looked at her, dumbfounded. And then she
shook her head.
‚Wh-Why?‛
Tiffany stared deeply into Jessica’s eyes and smiled.
Suddenly she pulled Jessica into her arms and wrapped
her tightly in her embrace. Jessica was stunned with the
sudden intimate hug but she returned the hug and
wrapped her arms around Tiffany’s waist.
‚I’m sorry...‛ said Tiffany all of the sudden.
‚Why are you sorry?‛
‚Jessi, I’m sorry...
..that I broke your heart.‛
‚Goodbye.‛
With that sentence, she let go of Jessica from her
embrace and turned around to leave.
‚Tiffany, wait!‛ shouted Jessica.
The latter stopped and turned around.
‚If you really came from the future then why are you
here? Is it only to stop me from falling in love with you?
But why?‛ asked Jessica, confused.
Tiffany smiled.
‚Jessica, you must remember that promise.‛
‚Don’t fall in love with ‘me’.‛
‚Tiffany...‛
This time Tiffany turned her back and walked away,
ignoring her.
‚Wait, Tiffany! Don’t go!‛ called Jessica as she quickens
her pace to chase her.
But Tiffany was too fast, Jessica didn’t know how, but
suddenly she was no longer in sight. She ran around the
parking lot and called out her name, but there were
nothing but cars around her and the echoes of her own
voice.
Tiffany had gone.
Flashback
Before Tiffany travelled back in time to meet Jessica in
2010
Year 2013
Tiffany wrapped her arms around the girl who was

sleeping soundly in her embrace. She studied her face with
a smile and then slowly traced her jaw with her fingers,
causing the latter to move a little.
‚Jessi, wake up< ‛ she whispered to her girlfriend.
However Jessica refused to wake up, instead she
continued to shut her eyes and buried her face at the crook
of Tiffany’s neck.
Tiffany chuckled and gently caressed her girlfriend’s
hair before planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
‚You will be late to work,‛ she whispered, again.
That did work. Jessica slowly opened her eyes.
‚What time is it, honey?‛ she groggily asked Tiffany.
Tiffany glanced at the clock on the wall.
‚It’s almost 7,‛
‚Oh...‛ Jessica replied, her eyes half-closed.
Tiffany sighed, ‚No, wake up. Jessi, you have to hurry
or< ‛
‚Or what?‛
‚Or< I will have to kiss you,‛ said Tiffany before
leaning forward to give her a deep kiss.
‚Have fun teaching today!‛ said Tiffany as she opened

the car’s door for her girlfriend.
Jessica stepped out of the car, and suddenly gave her
girlfriend a quick peck on her cheek.
‚Hey, your students might see that!‛ said Tiffany,
surprised
Jessica grinned.
‚Let them see. I don’t care,‛
‚You’re a naughty teacher,‛
‚Yes I am,‛ Jessica replied, smiling.
They looked into each other’s eyes and smiled.
‚Tiffany, you know what I thank god every morning
when I wake up?‛ asked Jessica suddenly.
‚That you have a gorgeous girlfriend in your arms?‛
replied Tiffany cheekily.
Jessica chuckled, ‚Well, that was close.‛
She reached forward and held Tiffany’s hands.
‚I’m thankful that you’re the one I fell in love with,‛
she continued with a shy smile.
But Tiffany’s expression changed. She bit her lip and
avoided her gaze as if there was something she was
hiding.
‚But you liked that pervert Daniel!‛ she said purposely
to divert the topic.
‚Don’t remind me of that serial rapist! I’m glad he’s in
jail now!‛ Jessica exclaimed as she was shaking her head
vigorously.
‚Hahahaha!‛
‚It’s not funny!‛
‚Hey teacher, you’ll be late to class,‛ said a voice.
Jessica and Tiffany looked at their side and saw the 19
year old Krystal and Sulli standing there with arms liking
with each other. They’re now freshmen at a college nearby
and passed by their old high school every day.
‚Okay, I’m going now,‛ said Jessica as she reluctantly
letting go of Tiffany’s hand.
‚Fany-unnie, don’t forget to come home this weekend,
mom wants us to have a family dinner,‛ Sulli said to
Tiffany.
Tiffany nodded, ‚Okay little sis.‛
Sulli smiled and shrugged before leaving with Krystal
to their college.
Tiffany leaned her back at her car as she watched
Jessica disappearing into the school’s office.
‚Stop acting like the perfect girlfriend. It’s disgusting,‛

a voice said.
Tiffany quickly turned around, pissed. But when she
found out that it was Gyuri’s younger sister, Jiyoung, her
anger dissipates immediately and was replaced with
anxiety. The younger girl was staring straight at her
‚O-Oh, hey Jiyoung,‛ she greeted, slightly stuttering.
Jiyoung replied her with a glare.
‚Someone like you doesn’t deserve her.‛
Tiffany bit her lip, ‚Don’t you have a class to go,
Jiyoung?‛
Jiyoung scoffed, ‚Wow, you can’t wait to get rid of me
so that you can meet my sister behind Jessica’s back.‛
‚Yah! Jiyoung!‛
‚You have to stop playing with her emotions!‛ Jiyoung
shouted.
Tiffany was startled.
‚You know why I can’t bring myself to tell her about
what you’re doing behind her back?‛ asked Jiyoung.
‚It’s because she loves you so damn much,‛ the
younger girl continued.
Tiffany looked at the ground, not saying anything.
‚She loves you so much that I think she can’t even live
without you!‛
‚I know that,‛ said Tiffany.
‚Then why are you still doing this to her?!‛
Jiyoung sighed, ‚You have to break up with my sister,
Gyuri.‛
‚I’ve talked to her but she refuses to let you go. So
you’re the one who should end this,‛ she added.
Tiffany kept silent.
‚I’m giving you one last chance, Tiffany,‛ said Jiyoung,
serious.
‚Because I know I can love Jessica better.‛ She added.
CHAPTER FIVE
Her Last Wish
Year 2013
Tiffany walked into the house that she shared with Jessica
after sending her off to work. She put down her bag on the
desk before heading to their bedroom. She just wants to lie
down after the tense conversation with Jiyoung earlier.
Suddenly, a pair of hands slid around her waist.
Tiffany gulped, she know who it was. She knows it all too
well.
‚Good morning baby,‛ a voice whispered.
‚Morning, Gyuri,‛ replied Tiffany.
Tiffany shivered when she felt Gyuri’s warm breath on
her neck before she gave her a gentle kiss on the same
spot. And then she pushed her onto the bed.
She gasped as Gyuri climbed on top of her, on the same
bed she shared with Jessica.
This is all so wrong...
‚Hey, Gyul wait! I need to talk to you,‛ she said,

holding Gyuri’s arms from taking off her shirt.
‚What? Hurry up, I missed you so much...‛
‚Well, it’s about Jessica.‛ Tiffany said, causing Gyuri to
stop.
Tiffany quickly pushed herself up and sat on the bed.
They looked at each other.
‚Gyuri, I’m tired of sneaking around behind Jessi like
this,‛ said Tiffany.
Gyuri sighed and nodded.
‚Well I know, me too. So you’ve decided?‛
‚Decided?‛
‚You have to tell her about us and then break up with
her,‛ replied Gyuri.
Tiffany gulped.
‚But I-I don’t want to let her go,‛
Gyuri stared at Tiffany, speechless. She knows what
she meant.
Then she scoffed, ‚Tiffany, I don’t want to let you go
either,‛
‚Gyuri I’m sorry, but I love Jessica,‛ said Tiffany.
Gyuri bit her lip.
‚But I-I-I love you,‛ she said with shaking voice.
Tiffany kept mum.
‚Don’t you love me, Tiffany?‛
Tiffany avoided her gaze and awkwardness filled the
atmosphere.
‚Gyuri, I’m sorry,‛ said Tiffany, breaking the silence.
The other girl can’t hold back the tears anymore, and it
rolled down her cheeks.
‚Let’s end this,‛ said Tiffany slowly.
‚No,‛ replied Gyuri, shaking her head.
‚I’ll just pretend that you never said that,‛ she added,
sobbing.
‚Gyuri, please...‛
‚I don’t mind being second! Just< let me stay beside
you!‛
‚Gyuri, you have to let me go,‛ said Tiffany gently.
The latter shook her head.
‚No. I can’t do that,‛

She pushed Tiffany towards the bed and pinned her
down. Tiffany was too shocked to react when the other
girl begin to undress her.
It was all begin with a one night stand that leads to a
secret affair. Tiffany had no one to blame but herself. She
knew she was the one who led Gyuri on and left Jessica in
the dark.
Jessica, the girl who loves her unconditionally and trust
her every word.
I am so... evil.
How could I do this to you?
Jessi< you shouldn’t fall in love with me.
I don’t deserve your love.
Suddenly,
‚Wh-What is going on?‛ said a voice.
Tiffany and Gyuri looked at the door and saw Jessica
standing there. She looked stunned, her face pale and her
body was slightly shaking.
‚Je-Jessi, I< ‛ muttered Tiffany as their eyes met.
Her heart sunk as she saw tears rolling down Jessica’s
cheeks. She was staring at her in the way that she had
never seen before. Her eyes were filled with hate as if she
was looking at the dirtiest thing she’d ever seen. Unable to
stay there any longer, she turned away and ran
downstairs.
‚JESSICA WAIT!!‛ Tiffany shouted.
She pushed the dumbfounded Gyuri off her and
chased Jessica.
‚JESSI I CAN EXPLAIN!!‛ she shouted as she followed
her.
Jessica continued to run out of the house as she wiped
the tears that won’t stop rolling down her face.
Tiffany<
I hate you...
How could you<
Tiffany runs as fast as she could to catch up to Jessica.
‚JESSICA, WAIT!!‛
But Jessica continued to ignore her and keep running
towards the road without even noticing everything else
around her. She just wants to get as far away from the
house, from Tiffany and from everything.
The dream they used to share, the love they used to
had, the trust that she gave<
She just wants to get away.
Suddenly, there was a black car approaching from the
right side of the road. Tiffany saw that incoming car, but
Jessica clearly didn’t since she was already on in the
middle of the road.
‚JESSICA, WATCH OUT!!!!‛ Tiffany shouted.
But it was too late.
It happened way too fast.
Tiffany could feel her heart stopped beating and her
world stopped turning. Everything else became mute and
dark as she saw Jessica’s frail body flying in the air before
hitting the ground.
She rushed to her as fast as she could. The girl she
loves is now lying on the road and covered in blood.
‚OH MY GOD! JESSI!!‛
She kneeled down and put Jessica’s head on her lap.
‚Jessica< Jessica< Please don’t leave me<‛ she
pleaded as tears were running down her face.
‚How could she just run like that?!‛ said the driver
who just hit her, panicked.
‚CALL THE AMBULANCE!!‛ shouted Tiffany at him.
The man nodded and pulled out his phone.
Tiffany caressed her girlfriend’s face as she continued

to cry.
‚Jessi< I’m sorry<‛
‚I’m such< a bad person<‛
Suddenly Tiffany felt a weak grip on her arm.
‚Jessica?!‛
Jessica was staring at her with her eyes half-closed and
held her arm with all the strength she had left.
‚I-
‚Ye-Yes, honey! What is it?!‛
‚I wish-
She paused again, but her eyes were never leaving
Tiffany’s.
‚I wish I never fell in love with you...‛ Jessica finished
her sentence.
After that sentence, her grip on Tiffany’s arm suddenly
loosened and her eyes were closed.
That was her last breath.
Tiffany froze as she held Jessica’s body. With that last
wish, Jessica had left her forever.
"I wish I never fell in love with you...‛
Tiffany was never the same person anymore after that

incident. She locked herself in her room, and sat by the
window of every night since Jessica passed away. She sat
there crying in regret of things that already happened.
It’s all my fault...

You< should never fall in love with me<
She bit her lip as she stared at the dark night sky,
‚I wish<‛
‚I could go back in time<‛
‚I wish I could protect you from me.‛
‚I wish I could warn you about me.‛
Suddenly, a star fell and passed by while Tiffany was
making her wishes, but she didn’t realize it.
‚I wouldn’t ask for anything else...‛
‚I wish< I could<‛
Soon she fell asleep by the window, mumbling her
wishes.
‚Hey, is your name Tiffany?‛ said a voice that woke

Tiffany up from her slumber.
‚Hmm?‛
‚Miss Tiffany?‛ the voice asked.
Tiffany opened her eyes and saw a tall young woman
standing before her.
‚Are you Miss Tiffany?‛ she asked again.
‚Yes, I am her,‛ replied Tiffany groggily.
‚Okay, Miss Tiffany, your wish has been accepted. So
you get what you wished for.‛
‚Huh?‛
‚My name is Sooyoung, an angel. And I will be
guiding you until you finished your wish.‛
Tiffany looked at her, dumbfounded.
Angel?
‚When you wake up later, you will be back to who you
were 3 years ago. I see here, your wish is to go back in
time,‛ said Sooyoung casually.
‚Wait, this is a dream, isn’t it?‛ Tiffany asked, puzzled.
Sooyoung rolled her eyes and suddenly slapped
Tiffany’s cheek.
‚OWWW!!!‛ the young girl shrieked.
‚Do you feel the pain?‛ Sooyoung asked.
Tiffany put a hand on her throbbing painful cheek and

nodded.
‚Then this is not a dream, it’s real,‛ Sooyoung said.
‚I’m tired of having to explain this every time...‛ she
mumbled.
Tiffany stared at her with creased eyebrows,
speechless.
‚You can go back and warn her as you wish. But you
must remember not to tell anyone about the time travel.‛
‚Wh-What will happen if I tell?‛
‚You will go back to the present time.‛ Sooyoung
replied.
‚Ca-Can I really change the past? Will Jessica still be
alive when I got back?‛
Sooyoung shrugged.
‚Well, it all depends on how you handle the past.‛
When Tiffany opened her eyes, she wasn’t in her bedroom

anymore. She was lying on a bed, and there was
something familiar about it.
Where am I?
Slowly she left the bed and looked around.
‚This is my old room. Did I really go back to the past?‛
she asked herself.
She stepped out of the room and noticed a young
teenage girl passed by her.
‚Sulli? Is that you?‛
The young girl stopped and looked at Tiffany.
‚Of course it’s me, unnie,‛
‚Wow, you looked< so young.‛
Sulli raised her eyebrow.
‚Well, I’m just sixteen.‛
Tiffany stared at her, confused.
‚Sixteen?‛
Sulli nodded.
‚Unnie, are you okay?‛
‚What day is it?‛ Tiffany asked.
‚It’s Friday.‛
‚What year is it?‛
‚It’s< 2010.‛
End of flashback.
The present time Tiffany slowly opens her eyes that

morning after. Her head was pounding and she didn’t
know why.
She gets up from her bed and put a hand on her
throbbing head.
The last time she remembered was moving in her
things into the new house. She was too tired that she fell
asleep without even changing her clothes.
‚Gosh...I feel like I’ve been sleeping for a long time<‛
she mumbled.
Slowly she walked towards her desk.
‚What time is it?‛
She glanced at the table clock.
It was 7:15 am.

She yawned lazily.
Suddenly she saw something on the desk.
It was a pair of one way plane tickets to the US.
Jessica was late to work again that morning. She was

about to enter her car when suddenly a voice greeted her.
‚Good morning,‛
Jessica was startled and she quickly turned around. But
when she saw who it was, she gulped nervously.
It was Tiffany.
‚Hi there,‛
There was an awkward silence. Jessica doesn’t really
feel like talking to her after all the things she said at the
parking lot last night. To her, Tiffany was just rejecting her
feelings with the weirdest excuse.
‚I’m your new neighbour. Nice to meet you,‛ said the
present time Tiffany, who was completely clueless.
And this made Jessica wonder if what Tiffany said last
night wasn’t just excuses.
‚I have to go to work, I’m already late,‛ said Jessica
before hurriedly entered her car.
Jessica drove away as she held tight to the steering
wheel.
Is this some kind of a joke?!
Is she really from the future??
‚Are you okay?‛ Gyuri asked her best friend who’d
been staring at a bottle of ketchup for a few minutes. She
was zoning out almost the entire time while they were at
the supermarket.
Jessica looked at her and shook her head.
‚Gyul, I’m not okay. I’m in love with someone who
came from the future to warn me not to fall in love with
her and then she’s gone back to the future leaving me with
the present her who has no idea what’s going on,‛ she said
fast, in a single breath.
Her best friend stared at her friend, speechless.
‚Wh-What language is that?‛ she asked, confused.
Jessica ignored her friend and continued to push the
trolley.
‚Where’s the salad?‛ She asked, annoyed.
‚Probably at the vegetable section...‛ Gyuri replied as
she was helping Jessica pushing the trolley to the right
direction.
‚Salad?‛ a voice said.
Jessica and Gyuri turned around and were greeted by
the sight of a smiling Tiffany.
‚There’s a major salad sale on that corner, if you’re
interested<‛ She said, smiling.
‚I’m not asking you,‛ replied Jessica coldly.
‚Also, please stop smiling. Your smile annoy me so
much,‛ she added before glaring at her and pushed her
trolley past her.
Tiffany was shocked by the way her new neighbour
was treating her. She doesn’t think they’ve met often
enough for her to get annoyed at her like that. They’ve
only met twice.
‚I’m sorry; she’s not always like that. I don’t know
what’s wrong with her today,‛ Gyuri suddenly said in
defence of her friend.
‚It-It’s okay,‛
Jessica was sitting in the classroom; she’s currently talking

to one of her students’ parents.
She faked a few smiles as she heard they complained
about how their son’s grades are falling and expressed
their worries about him. She nodded and agreed to the
concerned parents’ words but her mind was someplace
else.
‚It was really nice talking to you, Ms Jessica,‛ said the
mother, smiling.
The teacher nodded.
‚Yes, it is such a pleasure talking to you too Mr and
Mrs Lee.‛
‚We’re hoping that you can help our Taemin,‛ said the
father.
‚Yes, of course. He is after all a very bright boy,‛
replied Jessica.
They shook hands and bowed slightly at each other

before the couple finally leaves the room.
As soon as they left, Jessica let out a relieved sigh and
sat back on her seat. She leaned her back on the chair and
stared out of the window.
Tiffany...
Why can’t I fall in love with you?
She closed her eyes, trying to sort out her cluttered

thoughts.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
‚What is it now?‛ Jessica muttered, annoyed.
‚Come in,‛ she said.
The door creaked open, revealing a familiar face.
‚Hello,‛ greeted the person while Jessica stared her,
stunned.
While Jessica was staring at her in daze, Tiffany walked
into the classroom and sat on a chair opposite of the
teacher’s table.
They looked at each other awkwardly.
‚Wh-What are you doing here?‛ asked Jessica, bitter.
Tiffany wanted to smile, but since Jessica warned her
not to, she’d been refraining herself.
‚Teacher, I’m here because I want to talk about my
sister,‛ she said, serious.
Jessica sighed, ‚Okay fine. Let’s talk about your
stepsister...‛
Tiffany stared at Jessica’s face with a staggered
expression on her face.
‚Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say
something wrong?‛ Jessica asked, gulping.
‚How did you know that Sulli is my stepsister?‛ asked
Tiffany, still shocked.
Jessica froze; she wasn’t sure what to do.
‚Well, you’re the one who told me<‛
Tiffany raised her eyebrow and shook her head.
‚No I didn’t. I don’t even know your name,‛
There was a long silence after that. They just stared at
each other without saying anything.
Suddenly Jessica scoffed, ‚Is this some kind of a joke,
Tiffany?!‛
‚You even know my name,‛ Tiffany said, shocked.
Jessica gulped. She looked at the girl before her, and
realized that she was being real. The way she looked at her
wasn’t the same as before. This is not the same Tiffany
who swept her off her feet.
‚I have to go<‛ said Jessica before suddenly stood up.
She rushed out of the door, leaving the clueless Tiffany
alone.
She put a hand on her chest as she was walking fast
along the hallway, trying to understand the whole
situation.
So it’s all real?

This means< I can’t fall in love with the present ‘her’<
‚Wait!!‛ Tiffany suddenly shouted.

Jessica stopped walking.
‚Jessica, don’t leave me,‛ she said.
CHAPTER SIX
Like Yesterday
‚Jessica, don’t leave me,‛

Tiffany said softly from outside the classroom.
It managed to make Jessica paused for a while. She bit
her lip thinking that there was something familiar with her
tone. It’s almost feels like the Tiffany she used to know.
‚We have to finish talking about Sulli,‛ added Tiffany.
Almost, but it was not the same.
Jessica shook her head and walked across the hallway,
not bothering Tiffany who was staring at her as she left.
She had enough being played by Tiffany with her mind
games.
Tiffany stared at the young teacher as she marched
along the hallway. She didn’t quite sure why, but she
don’t like watching her leaving. Her leaving footsteps
tugged her heart. By the time Jessica was out of her sight,
her eyes were teary and she didn’t know why.
It was morning, and Jessica was having her breakfast.

She held her glass of milk and sipped it lightly.
She glanced out of the kitchen window where she
could view her neighbour’s house clearly.
The door was closed, and so does the windows.
It’s been a week now, where are you?
The moment her emotions were starting to take control,
she quickly looked away from the window. She stood up
and cleared the table.
‚It’s time for work,‛ she mumbled to herself.
It was just a statement to take her mind off things.
She knew it was just a useless statement.
‚And that is all for today. Class may dismiss,‛

Jessica said to her class of 25 students. There were
whines and thankful bows after the class ended.
‚Make sure you’ll finish your homework. I want it on
Monday,‛ she reminded once again as her students were
scurrying out of the classroom.
Jessica sighed and sat down at her desk. She picked up
her books and marker pens to get ready for her next class.
‚Hi teacher,‛ greeted a voiced.
Jessica looked up and saw a grinning face.
‚Ah, Jiyoung. What do you want?‛ she asked,
nonchalant.
The female student’s smile faded and was quickly
replaced with a cute pout.
‚Teacher, did something happen to you?‛ she asked.
Jessica looked at her in wonder, ‚Why you’d ask?‛
‚You looked really gloomy today. Did you break up
with your boyfriend?‛ asked Jiyoung asked with blushing
cheeks.
Jessica gulped. She didn’t think it was that obvious.
‚That’s ridiculous; I don’t even have a boyfriend to
break up with,‛ she replied.
‚Ah, does that means you’re single-
‚Jiyoung, where is Krystal and Sulli?‛ Jessica cuts in.
Jiyoung looked slightly disappointed.
‚Krystal is at the drama club. Sulli is absent today.‛
She replied anyway.
‚Sulli is absent?‛ Jessica asked.

Why is she absent? Is it related to Tiffany?
Jiyoung nodded. ‚Yes.‛
‚She said that she have to send off her stepsister to the
airport. She was boasting to us all week about how cool
her sister is and that she will be pursuing her master’s
degree in the States.‛ Jiyoung replied, rolling her eyes.
Jessica gulped.
‚Ti-Tiffany is going to the States?‛
Jessica rushed out of the school as soon as the bell rang.

Ignoring the crowd of students, she drove her car out of
the front gate like nothing else matters.
At that moment, nothing else matters.
She fixed her eyes on the road as she drove through the
busy streets in Seoul. There were so many things running
on her mind at that instant and she can't handle it all. The
only thing that she was sure of was that she was feeling
sad.
Extremely sad like she had never felt before.
Heartbroken.
The girl quickly parked her car in front of her house
and grabbed her handbag before she get off the car. She
walked to the door, impatient to get into the house and
stay indoors through the weekend. She needed sometime
alone to clear her mind.
Even though it would be hard to ignore her throbbing
heart.
Suddenly she stopped walking. She stood in front of
her house and bit her lip.
Slowly she turned her head, facing the empty house.
She stared at the pink wooden door.
Tiffany's house.
"I'm your new neighbour," she said, offering her hand for a
handshake.
Jessica stared at her hand blankly for a few seconds.
"Uh...hi," She said as she grabbed her hand.
"It's Tiffany," Tiffany said, smiling until her eyes are no
longer visible as she held tightly to Jessica's hand.
"Err...I'm Jessica." Jessica said as she pulled her hand away
from the tight grip of the foreign girl.
"Tiffany...‛ Jessica mumbled.
"Milk." Tiffany said, taking a carton of milk and put it into
the cart.
Jessica stared at her, puzzled.
"How did you know that I like milk?"
Tiffany shrugged and smiled.
‚Can you promise me something, Jessi...ca?‛ Tiffany
suddenly asked.
"Promise?"
"No matter what happen, don't fall in love with me."
"But Tiffany, I can't help myself...‛ Jessica said to

herself. Tears were filling her eyes.
‚I...don’t know who...or...what you are but...

Jessica paused.
..I can’t get enough of you.‛
‚I can’t get enough of your smile, your words, and your
mysteriousness or simply< your presence...‛ Jessica added with
blushing cheeks.
Tiffany looked down.
‚I don’t know how or when, but< suddenly I< feel<
hopeless without you.‛
Jessica said, slightly stuttering.
"Tiffany, I think I'm in love with you...‛
Jessica closed her eyes and soon tears escaped her eyes.
"Stupid, how could you just leave after everything that
happened between us?" Jessica mumbled as if Tiffany was
standing in front of her.
"I'm sorry I can't control my heart from falling for you."
She said, sobbing.
‚I still love you, and I will always do...‛
3 years later.
A woman was standing in front one of the lecture halls in

Seoul University. She looked stylish with her black leather
jacket and blue denim. A few students passing by can't
help but glancing at her.
"Hello Ms Jessica," a male student greeted her with a
smile.
Jessica nodded at him, "Ah you. You're in my class isn't
it?"
The boy nodded, slightly disappointed that his lecturer
didn't recognize him after one semester.
"We don't have class this evening; I have a personal
matter to take care of. Tell it to the others." Jessica ordered.
"Ah, okay...‛
Jessica then glanced at her watch restlessly, ignoring
the student who left puzzled. She looked like she was
waiting for someone.
"Sica unniiieeeee!" a sharp voice shrieked.
Jessica was startled, and almost lost her balance. And
suddenly a pair of arms circled her waist, pulling her for a
hug.
Jessica looked at the girl who was hugging her with
closed eyes. She chuckled.
"Yah Jiyoung, you'll be dead if she sees you like this...
Suddenly,
"Ji-Jiyoung! What are you doing?!" someone shouted,
angry.
Jiyoung immediately let Jessica go and hid her hands
behind her back like someone who just caught shoplifting.
"Ah...Krystal<" she said, busted.
Krystal marched to the girl and put her hands on her
waist like an angry girlfriend.
"I didn't do anything..." Jiyoung said with a pout.
"Liar. You were hugging her. I thought you have
stopped crushing on my sister!"
"No, Sica unnie hugged me first..."
"Can we stop this nonsense now? And Krystal, stopped
being a jealous freak. It's not like your girlfriend was
seducing me,"
Krystal glared at her sister.
"We're gonna be late. Gyuri said she'll be arriving at 3
pm. We should get going now." Jessica said, ignoring her
sister.
"Yes, let's go!" Jiyoung said, pulling Krystal's arm
excitedly.
The three of them hopped on Jessica's car. Krystal who
was sitting next to the driver's seat glanced at her
girlfriend at the backseat. She was still angry about what
happened earlier.
But Jiyoung winked at her.
Krystal can't help but smile.
Jessica sighed as she took a turn towards the main
road.
"Ah young love...‛
Krystal chuckled, ‚Sis, you should date someone.
Desperation is written all over your face."
"I'm too busy. And no one is good enough for me. And
no, I'm not desperate," Jessica replied
"Honestly I'm starting to worry about you. I haven't
seen you dating anyone, like ever. Are you trying to be a
nun?"
Jessica can't help but laugh.
"I'm serious!"
"The last time I heard were interested with someone
was with< Sulli's stepsister. But that was 3 years ago,"
Jiyoung suddenly added.
Jessica was startled and almost crushed the car in front
of her.
"Be careful!"
Jiyoung adds, "Sulli told me before she moved that Sica
unnie kept asking her about-
"Jiyoung hugged me first!" Jessica suddenly shouted.
The atmosphere turned silence.
"Yah Jiyoung!" Krystal suddenly snapped.
"N-No, I didn't!"
Then the two girls continue to bicker until they arrived
at the airport.
Jessica let out a relieved sigh that the girls finally
dropped that topic. She didn't want to be reminded of
something that happened 3 years ago. Since Tiffany left,
she had never spoken about her to anyone ever again.
But that doesn't mean she had forgotten about her.
"Jessica, don't fall in love with me<"
It still feels like yesterday.
"I can't wait to see Gyul unnie again!" Jiyoung said,

excited. She was almost jumping up and down and
Krystal had to hold her arm to control her from
humiliating them.
"You're just excited to see what she bought you from
Paris," Jessica said with a smirk.
"Of course! But I also missed her so much. It's been 6
months since she left..." Jiyoung pouted, and soon rested
her head on Krystal's shoulders. Krystal pats her head
playfully, enjoying her girlfriend overflowing aegyo*.
"I have a feeling she'll be bringing home some French
guy," Krystal said bluntly.
Jessica chuckled, "Exactly my thoughts."
"AH THAT'S GYURI UNNIE!!" Jiyoung suddenly
shouted.
"Where?" Krystal asked, clueless. Her girlfriend had
slipped from her grip and now running towards the
arrival gate where a group of passengers just arrived.
"UNNIEEE!!" Jiyoung shouted excitedly as she makes
her way to the crowd and soon wrapping her arms around
a woman.
Jessica noticed her friend and smiled, "She's here."
Gyuri was wearing a long grey cardigan, and
sunglasses covering her eyes as if she was a celebrity.
"Unnie, I miss you so much!" Jiyoung whined.
Gyuri took off her sunglasses and look closely at her
sister's face.
"Aww, our Jing. Unnie misses you too. Did Krystal
treat you nicely while I'm not around?" She asked,
glancing at Krystal who was standing by.
Jiyoung grinned and nodded, "She's the best."
Krystal smiled sheepishly.
"Hey chingoo, you look like an idol with that shades.
Are you trying to avoid the paparazzi or something?"
Jessica teased.
Gyuri turned to her best friend and smiled.
"Ah Jess! I miss you!" She said, walking towards Jessica

before pulling her for a hug.
Jessica returned the warm hug, "Welcome back."
Gyuri broke the hug and stared at Jessica for a while.
"What is it?"
"I've met someone."
Krystal laughed, "I knew it."
"Oh, who's the poor guy this time?" Jessica asked.
Gyuri shook her head.
"You're wrong. It's not a guy this time." She replied
cheekily.
Jessica stared at her dumbfounded. "Y-You mean.
"Hello," suddenly a voice greeted them.
Jessica froze.
The voice sounds so familiar to her.
It can't be...
Her heart was beating rapidly.

"Sica, I would like to introduce you to someone...‛
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
"..my girlfriend...‛
Thump.
Jessica gathered her strength to turn around. And

slowly she looked up.
Th-Thump.
She thought her heart had stopped beating.
She can't breathe.
"This is Stephanie," Gyuri introduced proudly as she
linked her arms with the other girl.
"Hi Jessica, nice to meet you." Tiffany said, smiling
widely.
Jessica stared at the girl before her, frozen like a statue
That eye smile...
Jessica's face turned pale.

And tears begin to fill her eyes.
"Ti-Tiffany...‛
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Promise
That eye smile...
Jessica's face turned pale.

And tears begin to fill her eyes.
"Tiff-Tiffany...‛ She mumbled, almost inaudible.
"Tiffany? Hahaha, you can call me Steph...‛ Tiffany
replied, smiling cheerfully.
But Jessica was still staring at her with her teary eyes.
"Or...call me Tiffany. I wouldn't mind that either. It's
been sometime since people call me that though." Tiffany
continued with a forced laugh, realizing the awkwardness
of the situation.
"Ah! Gyuri told me a lot of things about you! Nice to
finally meet you." Tiffany said, offering her hand for a
handshake.
But the latter continued to stare at her, with her face
pale.
Tiffany awkwardly retreated her hand.
Gyuri elbowed her best friend, "Hey, what's wrong
with you? Aren't you happy to see her?"
Jessica looked at her and nodded weakly, "I'm...
overjoyed."
"Well, let's get you home. I'll go get the car." Jessica said
before hurriedly leaves them.
Krystal watched her sister as she was walking to the
parking lot.
She saw her wiping her eyes.
"Is Stephanie-unnie going to move in with you?"

Jiyoung asked to her sister as they were headed home.
Jessica bit her lip in agony, but she focused on driving.
Gyuri laughed, "No! She's just here for a week of
holidays, and then she'll go back to LA."
Tiffany smiled, "I miss Korea. The last time I was here
was 3 years ago."
Jessica sneaked a look at her through the rearview
mirror, curious. Tiffany was smiling as usual when she
noticed Jessica was looking at her.
Their eyes met through the mirror.
"Unnie watch out!" Krystal suddenly shouted.
Jessica almost hit the car in front of her when they
reached the traffic light. Luckily, she was able to brake in
time. Her car was only inches away from the other car's
bumper.
"Be careful Jess! We've just arrived and you're already
trying to kill us?" Gyuri asked jokingly.
But the driver wasn't laughing. She wasn't even
smiling.
"Where do you want me to drop you both? Your
parents’ house?" She asked bitterly.
Gyuri hesitated, "Ah...about that...
She and Tiffany looked at each other.
Then Gyuri continued, "The thing is that, my parents
are expecting me tonight, but...
..they didn't know about Steph,"
Jessica kept silent.
Gyuri leaned forward to the driver's seat, "Jess, I heard

you're living at the apartment for the university staffs...
..I'm sure you have a spare room...‛
Jessica gulped.
"What are you talking about?"
"You see, Steph decided to come to Seoul on last
minute and she didn't manage to book any hotel rooms."
"S-So?"
"Jess, my eternal best friend, I would like to ask a little
favor from you." Gyuri said sweetly.
Jessica gulped. She has a bad feeling about this.
"Can you let Steph stay at your apartment for a week?"
Jessica scoffed and braked her car immediately to a
sudden halt, causing everyone to be thrown forward.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" Jiyoung and Tiffany cried as they
hit their heads on the front seat.
Gyuri bumped her head on the window.
"Heyyyy!"
"Unnie please be careful! Have you forgotten that you
have passengers?" Krystal shouted beside her.
But Jessica looked composed and calm.
"We're at your house." She said, unbuckling her seat
belt and get off the car.
"I don't think she will let me stay at her place. I think
she hates me." Tiffany whispered to Gyuri as soon as
Jessica left.
Gyuri looked at Tiffany and smiled, "It's okay, I'll take
care of this."
Jessica and Krystal helped them to unload the luggage
from the car. Krystal noticed that her sister seemed
unstable. Her hands were trembling as she was taking out
the bags.
"Hey, are you okay?"
But the older girl ignored her. She was too lost in her
thoughts to hear anything.
Suddenly, Gyuri came and she gently grabbed Jessica's
hand.
The two women looked at each other.
"I can't. No way," Jessica said.
"Jess, can you help me just this time?" Gyuri asked,
almost pleading.
"Steph isn't really familiar with Seoul and it's
dangerous for her to stay at some cheap hotel at this late
hour." She added.
Jessica shook her head, "I can't do that. I just... can't."

"Okay, if you can't let her stay all week then, at least...
just for tonight. Let her stay at your place just for tonight."
Jessica gritted her teeth,
"She's your girlfriend! Take care of her yourself! I have
nothing to do with this!"
Gyuri nodded, "Yes! And you are my best friend! I
trust you more than anyone else!"
"Please help me just this time, and I promise I'll do
anything you want." She pleaded.
Jessica sighed, "Why can't you let her stay in your
house?"
"My mom and dad will kill me if they know I'm dating
a girl. Please help me Jess, just let her stay with you for
tonight. I'll do anything you want to repay you...‛
"Gosh, Gyuri-ah I-
Jessica stopped when she noticed Tiffany standing by
with a pink luggage in her hand.
She looked like a lost little puppy that needed a place
to stay.
Jessica sighed, "Fine."
Gyuri's eyes lit up, "Awww thank you my friend!"
"But just for tonight." Jessica added firmly.
"Wow! Such a nice place you have!" Tiffany exclaimed.

She carried her own pink suitcase into the living room
and put it on the floor. Then she observed the interior like
a kid who had just entered a magic castle.
Jessica put a straight face. "Come here,"
"Yes!" Tiffany grabbed her bag and hurriedly followed
her from behind.
Jessica stood in front of a room and opened the door.
"You can use this room tonight." She said, turning
around to face Tiffany.
She gasped when she realized that the other girl was
only standing a few inches away from her.
Their eyes met.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Her heart was beating unusually fast today.

Jessica gulped, "The...the...
"The?" Tiffany asked, creasing her eyebrow.
Thump.
Thump.
"Th-The bathroom...‛
"Bathroom?" Tiffany asked, inching closer.
Thump. Thump. Thump.

"And... toilet is ov-over there." Jessica continued,
stuttering as she pointed at a direction.
"Oh, the bathroom and toilet is over there. Okay,
noted." Tiffany replied, smiling.
Jessica cleared her throat, "I'm...going to b-bed now."
"Wait!" Tiffany called, grabbing her arm.
Jessica stopped and turned around.
Tiffany was holding her arm.
Her heart was going to explode.
"Thank you for letting me stay here, Jessica." Tiffany
said, with her contagious smile.
But Jessica wasn't smiling.
Her heart was sunk with the memory that she had been
painfully hiding.
She knows deep in her heart that this is the same
person who stole her heart 3 years ago. She won't forget
her eyes, her smiles, and her voice.
She wants to embrace her and tell her how much she
missed her.
But something was holding her back.
A promise.
"Tiffany," Jessica called
Tiffany raised her eyebrow, "Yes?"
"I'm only letting you stay here tonight because of
Gyuri,"
"I know that." Tiffany replied, smiling.
"Can you stop smiling?!" Jessica suddenly asked,
pissed.
Tiffany was startled by her sudden outburst.
Jessica closed her eyes and looked away,
"Because if you keep smiling like that...
..you're making it hard for me to keep my promise."
Jessica was in her room, sitting at her study desk as she

was staring into her laptop screen. So many things were
running through her mind. But everything revolved
around Tiffany.
So did she really come from the future?

But why?
Was she trying to tell me something?
She made me promise not to fall in love with her.
What happens if I do?
Is it because of Gyuri?
Why did she turn up now?
Why three years later?
Does Time Travel really exist?
"Time travel...‛ She mumbled.

Jessica buried her face in her palms and grunted in
frustration.
"Arghhhhhh!"
Such science fiction is hard for her to accept. She's a
physics lecturer and she knew there are no possible ways
to travel time with current technology.
"Could it be that in the future...‛
She glanced at her computer and suddenly sat up
straight.
She typed something into the Daum search engine.
'Time Travel'
Thousands of search results came up, ranging from

science fiction movies to song lyrics.
But one particular link caught her eye.
'A young woman claimed to travel back in time.'
She clicked it and a news page loaded.

"A young woman who claimed to travel back in time
was released from the mental hospital today. She was
admitted 2 years ago after her best friend's tragic death in
a car accident." She read.
"At the time she claimed to have gone back in time to
stop the accident from happening but it still happened."
Jessica put down her glasses and creased her eyebrows.
She was deep in her thoughts.
She scrolled downwards and saw a name.
"L. Soonkyu...‛ She mumbled.
She glanced at her watch and realized that it was
already 3 in the morning.
She yawned and propped her chin on her elbow to rest.
And soon, her eyelids closed.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a place
where everything was pure white.
There was no boundary or limit in that place, just a
vast and endless white space.
Jessica looked around her to see if there was anything
else around her, but it was all white.
Then she saw someone.
A young woman standing not too far from where she
was, waving and smiling at her.
Her heart began to thump hard at the sight.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
She knew it was Tiffany.

Jessica walked towards the woman; her steps were

slow at first and soon she ended up running.
She missed her so much that tears were running down
her cheeks.
She couldn't wait to wrap her in her arms no matter if
it's right or wrong.
But suddenly she heard something.
It was a voice.
"Remember your promise."
The voice echoes.

Jessica stopped running.
The voice repeats.

"My promise...‛
Suddenly,
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Someone screamed.
Jessica's eyes shot open at the sudden scream. She
looked around and realized that she was in her room.
It was a dream.
"DON'T GOOOOO!!!" The scream continued.
She gasped.
The screaming was real.
It must be Tiffany who was sleeping at the opposite
room.
She shuddered at the thought of what could happen to
her.
Quickly, she stood up from her chair and dashed out of
her room towards the room opposite hers.
She turned the door knob and the door was unlocked.
She pushed the door open and quickly looked for Tiffany.
She was on the bed.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!" She screamed with her eyes closed.
She was having a painful nightmare.
Jessica's heart sunk at the sight of seeing her battling in
her sleep. She rushed to her side and kneeled by the bed.
She wanted to help but she didn't know what to do.
"NOOOOOOOO!!" Tiffany screamed again.
Feeling hopeless, Jessica grabbed her left hand and
rubbed it gently to calm her down. It worked.
"Don't leave me...‛ Tiffany continued to mutter.
Jessica slowly lifted her free hand to caress her
forehead.
"What happened in your dream?" She whispered.
Tiffany continued, "It was all my fault..."
"Please don't die...‛
Jessica creased her eyebrows.
Someone died?
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Woman In The Elevator
Jessica sat at the table that morning, all dressed up for

work. In front of her were a plate of fresh toast and a cup
of black coffee. She held the handle of her cup, but never
picked it up for a sip.
The incident from last night was playing in her mind.
It was obvious that Tiffany was having a nightmare.
But why?
But why was she having a nightmare?
Did someone she cared about died?
Suddenly, she heard the creak of the door. Jessica

repositioned herself on her chair and sat up straight. Soon,
Tiffany's face appeared in the kitchen, with her disheveled
hair and crumpled t-shirt.
Jessica could feel her cheeks heating up. She quickly
picked up her coffee to distract herself.
"Good morning Jessica." Tiffany said as she moved
closer towards the table.
"Gosh, your bed was comfortable. I haven't slept that
well in a long time." She added, smiling.
Jessica sipped her coffee, a bit too quickly. Soon, she
felt her tongue burning.
"Uhh-uhhhuk." She coughed.
Suddenly, she felt something warm rubbing her back.
She looked up and saw Tiffany smiling at her.
"Drink up slowly, what's the rush?"
She blushed even more.
Quickly, she cleared her throat and pushed Tiffany's
hand away to act normal,
"Uhh, what time will you be leaving today?"
Tiffany slumped her shoulders and pouted.
"Geez I just woke up and that's the first thing you ask?"
She sat at the chair opposite of Jessica and casually
grabbed the loaf of toasted bread.
Jessica stared at her, shocked.
"Hey, that's mine. Get your own breakfast."
Tiffany tilted her head and grinned, "Awww, can't I
have one? Gyuri always makes breakfast for me<"
Jessica felt a sudden anger building up as she
mentioned that name. With a frown, she leaned forward
and grabbed the bread from Tiffany.
"Hey!"
"I'm not Gyuri." She said bitterly.
Tiffany pouted, "Stingy."
"Yes I am stingy and that's why I want you to leave my
house today. I only agreed to let you stay here for one
night."
"Okay, Uncle Scrooge. I'll call Gyuri to pick me up."
Tiffany said, rolling her eyes.
"Good, call your girlfriend up." Jessica replied
sarcastically. She stood up from her chair and grabbed her
handbag.
"I have to go to work now. Just stay here until she
comes for you."
Tiffany looked at her, dumbfounded.
"Wait, you're seriously going to leave me alone without
food?" She asked in disbelief.
Jessica heard her but she chose to ignore her and left.
Tiffany watched as the girl slammed the door shut.
She scoffed, "Really??"
Tiffany paced around in the living room with a box of

milk in one hand. It was the only edible thing she could
find in Jessica's fridge.
She sat on the red velvet couch and looked around.
Jessica's apartment was nice and pleasant except for the
full basket of dirty laundry she found by the hallway.
She leaned her back on the seat and grabbed her phone.
As promised, she called up Gyuri.
There was dial tone.
And more dial tone.
But no answer.
"The number you're trying to reach-
Tiffany grunted cancelled the call. She sends a text
message instead.
'Pick me up today. Jessica hates me.'
"And sent!" Tiffany said cheerfully.
She looked around her again and let out a loud sigh.
"I'm bored."
Soon, Tiffany began to pace around the house and
looked at Jessica's things. She looked at the bookshelf and
scanned the titles.
"Cecilia Ahern, Sophie Kinsella, How to be lovely..
more novels-
She paused when she saw a photo album.
"She was a high school teacher?" Tiffany mumbled to

herself.
She stared at the photo of Jessica with her colleagues in
front of the school building.
She creased her eyebrows, "Wait.."
"Isn't this Sulli's old high school?"
Curious, she flipped through the album and saw more
photos of Jessica at school.
Then, she stopped at a photo.
It was Jessica in front of the house she used to rent.
Tiffany gulped, "This house< this house-
"Ackkkk.." She suddenly hissed under her breath and
pressed a hand on her head.
Her head suddenly throbbed with pain. She gritted her
teeth, trying to endure the ache.
Before it got worse, she rushed to her room and
rummaged through the bag in a panic.
She found what she was looking for. A bottle half-filled
with pills. She hurriedly opened the cap and took out two
pills before throwing them down her throat without
hesitation.
She was breathing heavily and wobbling as she made
her way to the bed. She lay down on the white covers and
closed her eyes.
Jessica went to the library right after she finished her

lectures. She sat at a table behind the advanced physics
shelf, where there were least people.
She stared into her laptop screen intently; her eyes
weren't even flickering.
"L. Soonkyu," She reads.
She scrolled down to read the rest of the article.
"She was admitted to the mental hospital after multiple
suicide attempts."
"She also suffered from having a delusion of travelling
back in time to stop her best friend's death."
Jessica creased her eyebrows.
"What if she..
..really went back in time?"
"I think she's just crazy," a voice said.

Jessica looked up and saw her sister, Krystal. She
casually took a seat beside her sister and looked at the
laptop screen.
The older girl folded the laptop screen to close.
"Hey, I was reading that!" Krystal exclaimed.
"It's rude reading other people's screen."
"You're not just any other people, you're my sister."
Krystal said with aegyo, linking her arms with Jessica.
Jessica chuckled, "You looked bored. Where's Jiyoung?"
"It's her father's birthday. She said her relatives are all
gathering at her house so she can't spend time with me
today."
"That explains it."
Krystal glared at Jessica, "What is that supposed to
mean?"
"Why are you reading about crazy lady and time travel
anyway? You worry me." She asked.
Jessica gulped, "Oh, it's er.. for a research paper I'm
working on."
"Research? On time travel?"
"Umm..yeah."
"You know that's just science fiction.. right?"
Jessica shrugged, "Well, I think I'm going to find out
about that soon."
"Hmm, you seem serious about this. Need my help?"
"Huh?‛
"Time travel and crazy lady is much more interesting
than your lectures. Let me help you then.. you can give me
extra credits!"
Jessica rolled her eyes, "My lectures are boring?"
"You fell asleep while giving lectures. That's how
boring it is."
She hit her sister's arm on impulse.
"AHHHHH!" Krystal shrieked.
"Shh, we're in a library."
"Yo-You hit me!"
"You want extra credits? Find out more about L.
Soonkyu for me."
Jessica reached her apartment building late that evening.

She was sure that Tiffany had left her house, thus she had
no reason to be home early. By now she was probably in
some hotel with Gyuri.
Jessica shook her head, trying to eliminate her
thoughts. It has done nothing but hurt her.
She stood in front of the elevator and pressed up.
The elevator's door opened.
There was a young woman in there, someone Jessica
had never seen before. She had model's height with silky
long black hair that fell just below her shoulders.
"8th floor, right?" The stranger suddenly said without
turning around.
"Yes, thank you." Jessica replied politely.
And then she gulped.
..how did she know that?
The elevator stopped at the 8th floor and the door
opened.
Jessica quickly stepped out of the elevator. She just
wanted to get out of there.
"Jessica," The woman suddenly called.
Jessica stopped but she didn't dare to turn around.
..ho-how did she know my name?!
"Remember your promise," she said.
Jessica gasped and turned around immediately, but the
elevator's door had closed.
She didn't get to see her face.
Jessica ran into her house and immediately locked the

door behind. She leaned her back against the door,
panting.
What just happened?

Who is she?
How did she know my name?
and..
"How did she know about.. the promise?" She

mumbled, confused.
Jessica walked into the living room and threw her
handbag on the coffee table. Accidentally, it knocked over
a box of opened milk and it spilled on the floor.
Jessica scoffed, "Who put milk on the table-
She paused when she saw her photo album on the
table.
She picked it up.
It was opened at the page where there were photos of
her in front of her the house she used to live 3 years ago.
Where she first met Tiffany.
Suddenly,
"AHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Jessica dropped the album to the floor.
"Ti-Tiffany."
She rushed to the guest room.
She saw Tiffany on bed, screaming with her eyes
closed.
"DON'T LEAVE ME!!"
Jessica ran to her side and held her hands tightly.
"Tiffany, calm down.."
"DON'T GO!!"
Jessica caressed her face tenderly.
"I'm not going anywhere." She whispered.
Soon, Tiffany became calmer; the tense expression
slowly gone as if all the pain from the nightmare were
magically removed by Jessica's touch.
"Don't.." Tiffany mumbled with her eyes closed.
Jessica held her hands tighter.
"It's okay, Tiffany. I'm here.." Jessica hushed.
She stared at the sleeping girl and her lips curled
upward.
She smiled.
"I love you," She whispered.
Soon, tears were brimming in her eyes.
"But I can only say that to you when you're sleeping."
Unknowingly, she leaned closer to her face.
Their noses touched.
Jessica moved upward to plant a gentle kiss on her
forehead, but then she paused.
Tiffany had unexpectedly woken up.
And their eyes met.
CHAPTER NINE
The Nightmare
They looked at each other for the longest time. Jessica

froze; she didn't know what to do in this situation. No
matter how she looked at this situation, she was the weird
one creeping on her guest while she was sleeping.
"I-It's not what you're thinking.." Jessica said,
stuttering.
She quickly stood up and left Tiffany's bedside.
Tiffany kept mum as she was shocked in her bed.
"It-It's because I heard you scream! I was worried that
it might wake up the neighbors!" Jessica continued to rant.
"They might call the police and report me! And the
way you screamed, people might think that I'm beating
you up or that we were.. er.. doing things together.." She
mumbled the last part.
At that point, her cheeks turned red and whatever she
said sounded even more suspicious. Like a creeper
making up stories. Which she was.
Tiffany slowly pushed herself up and sat on her bed,
looking at the nervous Jessica.
"Anyway-
Jessica wasn't able to finish her sentence when she
realized that Tiffany was staring at her. She quickly looked
away, hiding her blushing cheeks.
"An-Anyway-
"Jessica.." Tiffany suddenly called.
Jessica looked up, "Hmm?"
"Do you have warm milk?" Tiffany asked.
Jessica and Tiffany sat on the sofa in the living room,

opposite each other.
Tiffany had a blue blanket wrapped around her. She
was holding a cup of warm milk that Jessica had prepared.
Jessica sipped her drink slowly and glanced at her
guest. She was caught by surprise when the latter was also
looking at her. She gulped.
"I'm sorry, you must've been shocked." Tiffany
suddenly said.
Her voice was gentle as if she was trying to calm the
other girl.
Jessica put down her cup and shrugged.
"Can't say that I'm okay with people screaming in the
middle of the night. But it's not like you did it on purpose.
So, it's okay." She said, as casually as she could.
Jessica was hoping for a reply, but instead Tiffany
looked down, not saying anything.
"Tiffany.." Jessica called gently.
Tiffany looked up, "Yes?"
"If you don't mind me asking.. what happened in your
dream?" Jessica asked.
Tiffany gulped.
"I mean your nightmares; it must be something
terrifying for you to scream like that." Jessica added.
Tiffany paused for a while before letting out a loud
sigh.
"It's the same dream over and over again," she began.
Jessica leaned her body forward, listening.
Tiffany continued, "A car accident.. and a woman dies
before my eyes.."
"I don't know who she is, I never get to see her face
but-
She paused.
"But my heart feels like it was ripped apart every time
it happens."
"Though I don't know who she is, but in my dreams..
she's someone I really care about."
"As if.. I would die without her.‛
"Sometimes.. I'm afraid to sleep. Because I don't want
to lose her again."
Jessica stared at her, nodding.
"How long have you been having these dreams?"
"Since I left to States 3 years ago." She replied.
Jessica gulped. That was around time when Tiffany left
her.
"Usually, it will wake me up in the middle of the night
and I will cry."
"But.. I didn't have a nightmare last night," she said,
looking at Jessica.
"What is it that you're sooo busy with?" Jessica talked

into the phone.
She was walking to her car in the parking lot that
morning and was heading to work.
The person on the other end replied, "I have to help my
cousin with her last wedding preparation today. I really
can't leave."
It was none other than Gyuri.
"Then you want your girlfriend to spend her time alone
again? You said you would pick her up yesterday." Jessica
said, annoyed.
"Ahh I'm sorry. It was my dad's birthday!"
"Your dad, your cousin, what's next, your
grandmother?" Jessica asked sarcastically.
Gyuri laughed, "Anyway, I already asked Jiyoung to
take her around in my place today. And you can go too!"
Jessica scoffed, "What the-"
"Please Jess, just for today. It's easier because you can
drive them in your car!" Gyuri continued.
"Am I some kind of a babysitter to you?"
"You're a girlfriendsitter," Gyuri replied sweetly.
"Don't use that tone with me. I am not going to do this-
Suddenly, she paused and took the phone away from
her ear.
She reached her car but there were already people
waiting for her.
Jiyoung and Krystal were waving at her, all geared up
in their couple hot pants and plaid shirts. Also the straw
hats.
"Sica unnieee!" Jiyoung called in her aegyo way. She
rushed to Jessica and comfortably linked her arms with
her.
"What is going on?" Jessica asked, puzzled.
"We are going to the beach!" Krystal replied as she
pulled Jiyoung away from Jessica.
Jessica looked at the hyper couple, dumbfounded.
"Err.. we?"
Jiyoung nodded, "We! Me, Krys, you and.. Steph
unnie!"
"Steph.. Tiffany?"
"Hey everyonee!" A voice called. It echoed in the
parking lot.
Jessica turned around and saw Tiffany wearing a baby
blue dress that fell just below her knees. Her ginger-ish
long hair was let loose, making her look like someone who
came out from a commercial.
Jessica wanted to say no.
She wanted to say that she can't skip work.
Any excuse at all, as long as she didn't have to go with

them.
But then what came out from her mouth was,
"Let's go to the beach."
Jessica sat lazily on the sand by the beach, enjoying the sea
breeze.
Tiffany, Jiyoung and Krystal were playing volleyball
together. Though they had asked her to join, she insisted
to sit on the beach and watch instead.
Jessica's eyes were on Tiffany the entire time. Watching
her laughing and smiling happily like a kid with no
worries.
She couldn’t explain it.
Do you really have no memories of how we used to be?

Did you really come from the future to warn me?
But why can't I fall in love with you?
Why?
Suddenly, Tiffany turned to Jessica and their eyes met.

"Jessica! Don't just sit there and watch! Come join my
team! These two are bullying me!" Tiffany said, with her
hands waving around.
Jessica scoffed.
"No way."
Suddenly a ball came from nowhere and it hit Tiffany's
arm.
"Oowwww!" She shrieked, rubbing her arm.
"I'm sorry unnie! But you should pay more attention to
the game!" Jiyoung said, from across the net.
Jessica glared at the young couple, giving hi-five to
each other for scoring points when Tiffany was caught off
guard. It was an unfair game. It was two against one.
"I'm in!" She suddenly said.
Tiffany's eyes immediately lit up when she saw Jessica
coming towards her.
Jessica looked at her with her pair of determined eyes,
"Let's kick their asses off."
"You should've paid more attention!" Jessica shouted.

The game ended with Jessica and Tiffany's team
winning against the college couple with big points
difference.
Jessica showed her skills like never before and pointed
each throw at her opponent's bodies.
The poor girls were bruised all over.
They sat on the mat and ate the food that Jiyoung and
Krystal had prepared. At first Jessica was impressed at
their housewife skills for preparing the kimbap. But then
she found out that they were bought.
"Unnie, I've never thought you were good at
volleyball." Jiyoung said to Jessica as she picked up a slice
of kimbap.
Tiffany glanced at Jessica who seemed proud with that
statement. She smiled.
Krystal scoffed, "Hey that was nothing. Anyone could
do that!" She retorted with obvious jealousy.
"Then why didn't you do it?" Jessica asked.
Krystal bit her lip.
"We obviously let you guys win on purpose! If..
mummppphh<
She couldn't continue when Jiyoung shoved a slice of
kimbap into her mouth.
"You were great too, Krystal-ah." She said with a
chuckle.
Tiffany laughed, "Aww, you two are so cute. Let me

take a picture!"
She took out her pink polaroid camera and pointed at
the young couple. They were already linking arms and put
their cheeks together, ready for a shoot.
"Jessica, you too." Tiffany said, gently pushing Jessica's
arm.
"No. I don't want to." She replied coldly.
So, Tiffany went on and took a few snaps of photos
with Krystal and Jiyoung while Jessica munched on
kimbap.
"JESSICA! SMILE!" Tiffany suddenly exclaimed at
Jessica.
Jessica was caught off guard when suddenly the
camera flashed on her face.
"Hey!"
Tiffany grinned as she shook the photo in one hand.
"Let me see!" Jiyoung said, moving closer to her.
Then they both broke into laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHA! GOSH SICA UNNIE!" Jiyoung
laughed, with tears in her eyes. She showed the picture to
Krystal, and in a matter of seconds, she broke out laughing
too.
Jessica looked at them, feeling uncomfortable.
"Hey, is it that bad? It can't be that funny!"
Tiffany moved beside her and their thighs were
touching each other. Jessica was still adjusting herself with
the proximity when she was shown her photo.
In the photo, her eyes were opened wide, and her
nostrils looked bigger than usual. Her cheeks were full
and her mouth was slightly opened with some seaweed
stuck on her teeth.
It was the worst photo of her she'd ever seen.
Jessica's face turned red.
"Th-That's not fair! I wasn't ready! Give me that photo!"
Jessica said, embarrassed.
But Tiffany quickly put the photo behind her back.
Jessica wasn't going to give up easily. She was determined
to destroy that piece of photo that could ruin her cool
image.
She reached her right hand to Tiffany's back but the
latter put it on another hand.
"I'm not going to give it to you." She said, grinning.
"Oh yeah?" Jessica asked, challenged.
She slid both hands around Tiffany's waist and pulled
her close. Tiffany was startled with the embrace and
Jessica took the opportunity to snatch the photo away
from her grip.
"Hahaha! I got it!" She shouted in victory.
Then only she realized that she was hugging Tiffany.
The atmosphere turned awkward. The college couple
was also shocked; they couldn't make a sound.
Jessica and Tiffany looked at each other, but none of
them were going to let go.
Their hearts were beating fast.
They could feel each other's heartbeat.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Maybe they were beating in unison.

But the two were too engrossed in each other's gaze to
notice.
"I-I wasn't ready.. I mean in the photo." Jessica said,
awkward.
"It's okay.. I'll take another one." Tiffany replied,
blushing.
They eventually let go of each other, though it was

quite hesitant. Tiffany picked up her camera again and
pointed at Jessica.
Krystal and Jiyoung looked at each other.
"Wh-What just happened?" Jiyoung asked.
"I sense upcoming drama. Love triangle." Krystal
replied, creasing her eyebrows.
Tiffany adjusted her position to take a photo, "Okay
Jessica, smile."
Jessica stretched her mouth awkwardly.
"She looks... constipated." Krystal said.
Jessica glared at her sister.
Tiffany chuckled, "I mean, really smiling. Not forcing
to show your teeth. Smile like how you just did when we
were.. joking around just now."
"You mean flirting." Jiyoung muttered.
Krystal nudged Jiyoung to keep her mouth shut.
Tiffany looked at Jessica and said,
"You know Jessica, you are beautiful.."
Jessica gasped; she had heard this before.
"But you'll look more beautiful when you smile,‛
Tiffany continued.
Jessica froze. Tiffany just said the exact same words she
said three years ago.
Deja vu.
Suddenly, Tiffany's expression's changed.
Her smile had faded.
She creased her eyebrows and stared at Jessica.
"You.." She said, her breathing heavily.
Jessica raised her eyebrow, "Tiffany, are you okay?"
Tiffany didn't say anything; all of the sudden she
pressed a hand on her head and gritted her teeth.
"Ahhhh.." She cried, as if she was in pain.
"Steph unnie, are you okay?" Jiyoung asked, worried.
But Tiffany cried even more, "Ahhhhhhhhh!!"
Jessica rushed to her side and grabbed her arms,
"Tiffany, are you hurting? Where? Your head?" She
asked, panicked.
But Tiffany just stared at Jessica,
"Who.. are you?"
"Eh?"
Suddenly, Tiffany fell in Jessica's arms.
She fainted.
CHAPTER TEN
Like Two Strangers
Jessica held Tiffany's hand tightly with her eyes fixed on

her as the unconscious girl was lying on her bed. They
brought her back to her apartment after the doctor
informed them that it was nothing serious. It was just the
heat.
Krystal and Jiyoung were also there in the room with
them, exchanging glances with each other. The way Jessica
looked at Tiffany was something that they’ve never seen
before.
"Jiyoung," Jessica suddenly called.
"Yes unnie?" The younger girl replied, startled.
"Did she get in touch with her?" She asked, cold.
Jiyoung shook her head, "She turned off her phone<"
Jessica scoffed, "What is she doing? Her girlfriend just
fainted and she’s not around.‛
‚Try calling her again." She ordered.
Jiyoung nodded and immediately dialed her sister’s
number.
After a few seconds her face lit up, ‚Ah, unnie! Where
are you? We’ve been-
She didn’t manage to finish talking when Jessica
suddenly grabbed the phone and left the room.
The two girls were left confused.
‚She seemed angry.‛ Jiyoung said, still shocked.
Krystal nodded, ‚I’ve never seen her like that. I wonder
why?‛
But there was no response from Jiyoung. Krystal
glanced at her and saw her staring at Tiffany’s face
intently.
‚What are you doing?‛ Krystal asked, feeling uneasy.
Jiyoung looked at Krystal with her eyebrows creased,
"Hey Krys.."
"Yeah?"
"You still remember Sulli, right?"
Krystal nodded, "Of course. Though I never heard from
her anymore since she left to States with her family.. Why
are you asking?"
"Remember that she used to say that she has a pretty
stepsister?"
"Oh, the one you said my sister was crushing on?"
Jiyoung nodded, "Have you seen her before?"
"Who? Sulli’s stepsister? Nope. I always heard about
her, but never met her in person." Krystal replied
nonchalantly.
Suddenly, Jiyoung pointed at Tiffany, "She's here."
Krystal sighed, "Don't joke around."
"I'm not joking."
"Sulli shown me her family photo before, and I'm sure
this is her." Jiyoung added.
Krystal stared at Jiyoung incredulously, "If this is
Sulli’s sister, then you're saying that my sister and her
used to have something between them in the past?‛
Jiyoung nodded vigorously.
‚But that's impossible! They don't look like they know
each other before." Krystal said, shaking her head.
"Krys, we don't know what exactly is happening, but I
have a feeling that they're just acting like they don't. I
mean why was Sica unnie looking so worried for someone

she had just met?"
Krystal bit her lip.
Jiyoung has a point.
‚YAH GYURI!‛ Jessica shouted furiously through the

phone as soon as she left room.
‚Je-Jessica?‛ Gyuri asked, shocked.
‚WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!‛
"I-I've told you that I have some matters to attend to,"
Gyuri replied, stuttering.
She gritted her teeth, "What matters?! Get your ass here
right now! Your girlfriend is sick and you’re out running
errands?!"
"Steph wh-what? Where are you guys? I'll be there!"
Gyuri said, panicked.
Krystal and Jiyoung left the apartment, because Jessica

insisted that she could watch over Tiffany by herself
before Gyuri comes.
She sat by Tiffany's bed, never once letting go of her
hand. Her gaze never leaving Tiffany’s face, observing her
facial expressions. She was worried that she might
experience another nightmare.
But she wasn’t. Her face was calm and serene.
She was smiling.
Watching over someone made Jessica thirsty. She
looked around the room and saw a bottle of mineral water
on the table. But the table was quite far and she has to get
up to reach it.
Slowly, she let Tiffany’s hand go.
Suddenly,
"Don't leave me.." Tiffany muttered with her eyes
closed.
Jessica quickly grabbed her hand again, no longer
cared to quench her thirst.
"Don't go.." Tiffany continued.
She held Tiffany's left hand with both her palms and
then gently brought it up.
Tenderly, she planted a soft kiss at the back of her
hand.
I'm not leaving you<
Suddenly,
"Jessica.." a voice called.
Jessica gulped and carefully glanced at Tiffany’s face.
She was looking at her.
Tiffany stared at Jessica with an intense gaze.
"Who.. are you really?" She asked.
Jessica immediately let go of her hands and stood up,
"Wh-What do you mean?" She asked, nervous.
"I think.. we've known each other before." Tiffany
replied.
Jessica kept mum and acted like she wasn't listening.
"How are you feeling? You passed out at the beach.."
She said.
She walked to the table nearby and grabbed a bottle of
water.
Tiffany wasn't satisfied with her answer and climbed
down the bed.
"I saw your photos in the album yesterday, and there's
one where you were standing in front of a house. I.. used
to live in the same neighborhood for a short while."
Tiffany said.
Jessica opened the bottle and grabbed a glass, still
ignoring her. Truth is, she didn't know what to say to her.
Tiffany walked to her, "If we were neighbors, I’m sure
we’ve at least met once back then. I also found out that
you were Sulli's homeroom teacher. Why didn't you say

anything when we first met?"
Jessica took a sip from the glass and cleared her throat,
"Oh really? I-I don't really remember." She lied.
Tiffany continued to stare at her, making the latter
feeling nervous and uncomfortable. Beads of sweat
formed on Jessica's forehead, and her heart was thumping
rapidly.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Should I tell you everything?

Should..I?
Soon, she was no longer able to face her and turned

around, grabbing random things on the table.
"So, were we really just two strangers living next door
to each other?" Tiffany suddenly asked, moving closer to
her.
Jessica bit her lip, "Of course. I-I barely remember
you<
"Would you like a drink?" Jessica asked, avoiding the
topic.
"I don't think we were just strangers." Tiffany said,
ignoring the question.
She continued, "Because, for the first time in 3 years-
Tiffany paused.
Suddenly, Jessica found it hard to breathe.
In 3 years..
That sentence itself gave her goosebumps.
Tiffany continued, "For the first time in 3 years..
..I am able to sleep without waking up crying in the
middle of the night.‛
"And it was all because of you were by my side."
Jessica gulped.
"How could a stranger be able to chase away my
nightmare?" She asked.
Tiffany creased her eyebrows and shook her head, "No,
you're not a stranger."
"I don't know why, I feel so close to you.."
Jessica's hands were shaking, "I-It was just a
coincidence.." She said, stuttering.
Jessica turned around and looked at Tiffany. The other
girl was also staring at her, her eyes were filled with
confusion.
"Was it just a coincidence?" Tiffany suddenly asked.
Jessica is just a human.
She had tried to hide her feelings since the first time
she met Tiffany again, because of a promise she made 3
years ago.
And a human can only hold back this much.
I don't care about that promise anymore.
"Tiffany, we-
She paused as tears slowly filling her eyes.
Tiffany waited eagerly.
A smile crept up Jessica's face, "You and I-
Suddenly,
"Jessica, I'm here!" A voice called from the front door.
Tiffany and Jessica looked at each other with glances
that only they understand.
It was Gyuri.
"Here you guys are!" Gyuri said, as soon as she entered
the room.
"Oh, you're here." Jessica said, weakly.
But Gyuri ignored her and walked straight to Tiffany

who was standing next to her. She immediately wrapped
her arms around the latter's shoulders and pulled her in a
tight embrace.
Jessica felt like a knife had just stabbed through her
heart.
She quickly looked away. It was too painful to watch.
Tiffany was startled and stood stiffly as Gyuri buried
her face at the crook of her neck. She couldn't help but
glanced at Jessica.
"Baby, I'm sorry I'm late." Gyuri said as she let go.
Tiffany forced a smile, "I-It's okay."
"Plus, Jessica took good care of me so you don't have to
worry." She added.
Gyuri wasn't even listening, instead she cupped
Tiffany's face.
"I missed you." She whispered.
And suddenly pressed her lips on hers.
Jessica gasped.
Her heart can only take this much.
She left the room, leaving them before they saw the
tears on her face.
"I can't thank you enough for letting Steph stay here
these past few days." Gyuri said to Jessica.
The two were sitting in the living room with tea on the
table. Tiffany had fallen asleep.
"No problem." Jessica replied nonchalant.
"You're awesome, Jess." Gyuri said, grinning.
Jessica cleared her throat.
"So, does she always pass out like this?"
Gyuri shrugged, "I'm not so sure."
Jessica scoffed, "She's your girlfriend, you must know
more about her."
"Yes, but she's not the type to open up about herself. I
only know about this after she passed out when we went
out eating at a restaurant." Gyuri replied.
"She passed out in a restaurant?"
"Yeah. It was weird. She suddenly stared at my meal
before passing out."
"What were you eating?"
"Hmm.. I don't really remember. It was a bowl of salad,
I think." Gyuri replied.
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
Salad?
"Oh my, it's already late. I need to leave." Gyuri said,
glancing at her watch.
"You're not staying?"
"I can't. My cousin needs me. Since I'm the maid of
honor, there's so many things that needed to be done
before the weekend. To say that I'm busy is an
understatement."
Jessica nodded.
"Is it okay for Tiffany to stay here? I can find a hotel for
her if-
"It's okay," Jessica cuts in.
"I don't mind her staying here." She added.
Jessica wanted to distract herself.
She kneeled down by the coffee table to picked up the
dirty cups and put them onto the tray. She wiped the table
with a wet cloth and then picked the tray up.
That's when she saw a bag on the floor.
She put down the tray and took a closer look at it.
It was Tiffany's bag. Krystal must've thrown it there
when they brought her home earlier.
She grabbed it, and suddenly something fell down
from the half-zipped pocket.
It was the polaroid photo from the beach.
Jessica picked it up look at it closely.

It was her embarrassing photo.
Her lip curled upward, but then her expression
changed.
There was someone else in the picture.
At the back, behind a tree.
A tall woman with long black hair.
She gulped.
And her hands were shaking.
A voice echoed in her head.
Though it was not clear, but she was certain.

The woman in the photo, was the same woman from
the elevator.
"Jessica, you're still up?" Someone suddenly asked.
"AHHHH!" Jessica was shocked, she almost dropped
the bag.
It was Tiffany.
Jessica hurriedly hid the photo at her back.
Tiffany walked closer to her.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
Jessica was too shocked to react. She just looked back at
Tiffany with her nervous gaze.
Suddenly, Tiffany caressed her right cheek by surprise.
Jessica's eyes shot open.
Her heart was beating like crazy.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
"Your cheeks are hot. Are you feeling sick somewhere?"
Tiffany asked, concern.
Suddenly, Jessica pushed her hand away.
Tiffany looked shocked.
"What do you think you're doing?" Jessica asked,
angry.
Tiffany was confused, "Wh-What?"
"Tiffany, I think you're way over your head now." She
said harshly.
She scoffed, "Just because I'm being nice to you doesn't
mean that you can do this to me."
"I'm not an easy girl whom you can flirt with using
such nonsensical pickup lines. What? I chase your
nightmare away? Oh please." She said, rolling her eyes.
Tiffany shook her head, offended.
"Excuse me? You thought I was lying about that?‛
"Listen, Tiffany." Jessica cuts in.
Tiffany gulped when Jessica stared at her.
"You are dating my best friend. I think you should at
least know your boundaries."
"So you must remember this one thing."
"No matter what happen..
..you can't fall in love with me."

CHAPTER ELEVEN
The Wish of Tears
Jessica hurriedly sipped her coffee though it was still hot.

After she finished it, she put the cup on the table and
grabbed her bag. She glanced at her watch as she walked
to the door.
"Jessica?" A voice suddenly called.
Jessica turned around and saw Tiffany standing behind
her in her pyjamas, groggily rubbing her eyes.
She could feel her cheeks turning hot.
She cleared her throat and act casual, "I gotta go to
work. I've prepared some toast and coffee on the table for
breakfast.."
"And there's warm milk too," she added.
"You made breakfast for me?" Tiffany asked, touched.
"Then let's have breakfast together before you leave!"
"I already ate," Jessica replied coldly.
‚Oh..‛ Tiffany looked down, feeling dejected.
"How are you feeling?" Jessica suddenly asked.
"Better," Tiffany replied with a smile.
Jessica quickly looked away, "Where are you planning
to go today?"
"Hmm, Gyul said she'll pick me up today. I'm not sure
what she's planning though," Tiffany replied.
"That's.. great," Jessica replied short.
Then the awkward silence fell between them.
‚I have to go now,‛ Jessica said, breaking the silence.
She turned around and pushed the door open.
"About last night.." Tiffany suddenly said.
"I-I really have to go now." Jessica cuts in, ignoring
whatever she was about to say.
"Okay, then. See you later, Jessica," Tiffany said, with a
faint smile.
Jessica came too early to work that morning. She didn't

even have a lecture that day, but she came early just to be
away from Tiffany.
She sat alone in her office, as her conversation with
Tiffany the night before played on her mind.
"Does it mean that she remembered it?" she mumbled
to herself.
"No, I don't think so." She said, shaking her head.
"If she remembers, she won't be asking me about the
old house. But why.."
She buried her face in her palms.
"This is ridiculous."
"Wow, you're talking to yourself? Has the time travel
research driven you nuts?" A voice suddenly asked.
Jessica was startled; she almost fell off her chair.
Then, she saw a girl standing by her door with a
mischievous grin on her face.
"Krystal! Can't you knock before you enter my office?!"
She shouted.
The younger girl shrugged.
"You're my sister. I didn't think I have to."
"I'm also your lecturer!" Jessica retorted.
Krystal rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah whatever."
"Anyway, Jessica Songsaeng-nim*, I'm here to collect
the extra credits you promised," she said with a wide grin.
Jessice raised her eyebrow, "What extra credits?"

"Hey, don't act like you don't know it! You said that
you'll give me extra credits if I dig about that crazy lady
Soonkyu!"
Jessica's eyes widen upon hearing that name.
"You found out about her?"
Krystal smiled widely, showing almost all her teeth.
"I even know where she lives."
Jessica gulped.
"Is it far?"
"About an hour drive from here."
Jessica immediately stood up and grabbed her jacket
and handbag.
"Give me the address.‛
"You're going to meet her now?" Krystal asked,
shocked.
Jessica nodded.
"Great! Then I'm going with you!"
"What? No. Just give me the address."
Krystal shook her head,
"No way. If you want it, you have to take me with
you."
An hour later, they arrived in front of a house. It was a

nice house with green front yard.
Jessica and Krystal looked at each other.
"What are you going to ask her?" Krystal asked,
worried.
"Well, stuff."
"What stuff? Don't tell me you didn't prepare questions
for this interview."
Jessica ignored her and sighed,
"Okay, here we go."
She pressed the bell.
L. Soonkyu was nothing like the sisters expected her to
be.
She was a young woman about Jessica's age with a
bright personality. She had short hair that she dyed to pale
blonde and a comforting smile on her face.
Jessica and Krystal sat silently on the couch in the
living room as Soonkyu brought a tray filled with tea and
biscuits. Jessica noticed a few photos in frames of Soonkyu
and another girl. The girl was about the same height as her
and has a fair complexion.
Is that her best friend?
Jessica wondered.
"So.." She said as she sat on the sofa opposite them.
"You two said that you're from Seoul University?" She
asked.
Jessica and Krystal nodded in unison.
"What brought you here?"
Jessica cleared her throat,
"Soonkyu-shi..‛
"Yes?" She asked, curious.
"Well, we are-
Jessica didn’t manage to finish her sentence when her
sister suddenly interrupted.
"Wow... you went to Paris before! Do you like
traveling?" Krystal suddenly exclaimed, pointing at a
photo on the table.
It was a photo of two girls posing in front of the Eiffel
Tower. One of them was Soonkyu.
Soonkyu smiled and nodded, "Yes. But that's from a
long time ago,"
"It was Taeyeon who likes to travel," She added.
Jessica looked at her, "Is Taeyeon your best friend?"
Soonkyu stared at her for a while before letting out a

small laugh.
"Best friends? We're not best friends. My parents insist
on using that when they were interviewed by the media.
Taeyeon and I were more than that..."
"We were lovers," She added.
Jessica nodded, "Oh, that's completely fine,"
"I mean, my sister is gay too." She said, pointing at
Krystal.
Krystal smiled and laugh awkwardly, "Hahaha yes. I'm
sooo gay."
But, it only doubled the awkwardness.
Soonkyu smirked and crossed her legs,
"Why exactly did you two come here? Don't tell me
you want me to join some varsity lesbians club.."
Krystal chuckled, "Is there such clubs in our uni?"
Jessica nudged her sister and glared at her to keep her
quiet,
"No. We're not from any clubs." Jessica said, serious.
"I came here just to ask you one question."
"How did you do it?" She asked.
Soonkyu raised an eyebrow. ‚Do what?‛
"How did you.. travel back in time?" Jessica continued.
Soonkyu’s expression changed. She seemed shocked.
The awkward atmosphere turned tense.
"Wow. No one asked me that before." She suddenly
said, breaking the silence.
"Usually it's 'are you out of your mind?' or 'what have
gotten into you?'" She added.
"Except for my doctor, of course. He listens to
everything I said, but then it's his job." She said with a
chuckle.
Krystal grabbed her sister's hand, scared. The sound of
Soonkyu’s laugh was creeping her out.
"You must be a mad scientist or something." Soonkyu
said, looking at Jessica.
Jessica looked back at her, "Yeah, maybe I am."
Krystal gulped and stared at her sister, shocked with
her reply. Now they were both creeping her out.
Soonkyu smiled, "Very well then. Do you really want
to know?"
"It's what I came here for."
"Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, Professor. I didn't
use any machines." Soonkyu began.
‚You didn’t?‛
Soonkyu shook her head, "They were the ones who took
me back in time. ’They' come to those who wished really
hard for something. But it's not just any wish.‛
"It’s the wish of tears on the night when the star falls."
"So, one of them came to me that night after I was
crying for days and night in the form of a young female. A
very beautiful young female. She was tall, with long black
hair."
Jessica gulped,
Tall with long black hair?
"I only wished for one thing." Soonkyu said.

"I just want to be with Taeyeon again." She said,
glancing at one of the photo on the table.
"So, what happened?" Krystal suddenly asked. She
seemed more interested now.
"My wish was granted. For a while." Soonkyu replied.
"'They' didn't tell you what to do, they just tell you the
rules. I was so happy to be with Taeyeon again, I didn't
spend even a minute apart from her. I thought nothing
could separate us but..
..I forgot what I was supposed to do and why I was

sent back in the first place."
"An-And I.. ended up losing her again." Sunny
continued, slightly stuttering.
Jessica looked down.
"I-I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's okay, I've gotten over it now. I think." Sunny said,
smiling faintly.
"At least I didn’t try to commit suicide anymore like I
used to do." She added.
Krystal gulped.
Soonkyu continued, "I used to try to kill myself. Not
once, but a few times."
"I slit my wrist when I was at home alone. Then, my
neighbour found me when she came to give some fruits. I
was saved."
"I ran in front of a busy road. Four cars were badly
damaged because they tried to avoid me. But I was left
untouched."
"I hung myself with a rope. But the rope ripped and I
fell on the floor, unharmed."
Soonkyu sighed, "There are things that you just can't
control. No matter what you planned to do<
<in the end it's all up to Him."
"Maybe it's not my time yet." Soonkyu added.
Jessica leaned forward, "May I ask another question?"
Soonkyu stared at her and replied with a nod.
"Who are.. 'they'?" Jessica asked.
"You said they are tall with long hair.. I saw someone
like that before." Jessica added.
Soonkyu's face turned pale; shocked.
"Yo-You saw one of them before?"
Krystal stared at her sister, shocked as well.
"I think so." Jessica said, calm.
"Wh-What did you do?" Sunny asked, terrified.
She gulped, "They don't usually show themselves
unless-
Soonkyu paused and stared at Jessica.
"Unless what?" Jessica asked.
Suddenly, Soonkyu stood up.
"I think you two should go."
"Eh?"
"But I still have questions to ask.."
"I don't know anything." Soonkyu suddenly said.
"I'm just a crazy woman."
Jessica sighed, "But Soonkyu-shi.."
"Now please leave."
Jessica drove back to town that evening with more

questions on her mind. Krystal was sitting next to her, not
saying anything. She glanced at her sister at times,
wanting to start a conversation but didn't know how to.
Jessica seemed to be lost in her own thoughts.
Krystal cleared her throat.
Jessica glanced at her sister for a bit, and then kept her
mind on the road.
"Time travel." Krystal suddenly said.
"From the way you handled the creepy interview just
now, I don't think you're doing this for academic
research."
The older girl kept driving, as if she wasn't listening.
"There's something you're not telling me, Sis." Krystal
said.
Jessica shrugged, ‚It really was for research.‛
"Do you still remember back in high school, Jiyoung
used to have a huge crush on you?" Krystal suddenly said.
Jessica smirked and nodded.
"She likes you to the point where she knows everything

about you, like a creepy but cute little stalker." Krystal
added.
The older girl chuckled, "Yes, but then she fell for your
charms and got over me completely."
Krystal smiled, "Jiyoung is too cute. I love her so
much."
Jessica rolled her eyes, "Okay, okay, I know that. Why
are you talking about this? You missed her that bad?"
Krystal shook her head, "It's just that I suddenly
remembered something that she told me about you."
"About me?"
"She said you used to spend a lot of time with Sulli's
stepsister."
Jessica gulped.
Krystal stared at her sister, intense. "Sulli stepsister is..
Stephanie, which is Gyuri unnie's current girlfriend."
Jessica bit her lip nervously.
"You know her, don't you?" Krystal suddenly asked.
"But why are you acting like you're meeting her for the
first time? Not just you, her too, you two are both acting
like strangers when you used to be close. Why?" She
added, confused.
Jessica shook her head,
"What are you talking about? I-I don't remember being
close to her, I barely remember her.‛
‚Come on, it was 3 years ago. I met so many students’
families at that time. You think I remember everyone's
faces?"
Krystal sighed, "Okay, let's say that is true."
"It is." Jessica said, firm.
‚But I can still feel that there’s something you’re
hiding.‛ Krystal said.
"I don't know what it is, but don't keep it all bottled up
inside."
"Remember that you have a pretty younger sister
whom you can trust." She said.
Jessica arrived at her apartment later that evening and saw

Tiffany watching TV in the living room.
"Oh, you're back!" Tiffany said, excited at the sight of
Jessica.
"Yeah." Jessica replied short and unenthusiastically
even though her heart was beating so fast like it was going
to jump out of her chest.
"How's your day?" Tiffany asked, still hyper.
Jessica didn't know what to answer. She ignored that
question and asked her instead,
"Did you eat your medicine yet? For your headache."
Tiffany smiled, "I'm okay now. I don't have to take the
pills if I'm not in pain."
"Oh< so did you had fun with Gyuri today?" Jessica
asked casually.
Tiffany's expression suddenly changed. Her smile was
replaced with a frown.
"What? Don't tell me she stood you up." Jessica said,
pissed.
"No, she did come and we had lunch together. But she
had to leave early and we didn't manage to go anywhere."
"But I did go to the mall by myself and shop!" She
added, hiding her disappointment.
Jessica bit her lip, "Gyuri.. I seriously don't understand
her."
"If it was me, I would never leave you alone-
She paused when she realized what she had just said.
Her cheeks were burning hot and it became worse when
she noticed that Tiffany was staring at her.
She cleared her throat, "An-Anyway, have you ate?"

Tiffany pouted and shook her head, "Dinner? Nope."
"Do you like.. kimchi fried rice?"
"Oooh, yes I do! Are you going to call and order?"
Jessica scoffed, "What? Order? Pshh. I will cook it
myself."
Tiffany's eyes widened, "You can cook?"
Jessica glared at her, "You think Gyuri is the only one
who can cook?"
"That wasn't so bad." Tiffany said as she was carrying

the dirty dishes to the sink.
Jessica was washing the plates like a good housewife.
She even wore a pair of yellow gloves as she was getting
the stains off.
"I know." Jessica replied proudly.
"Go take a rest. I'll finish this up." She added.
Tiffany nodded and almost walked out of the kitchen,
but then she stopped. She didn't want to leave just yet.
Quietly, Tiffany leaned her back against the kitchen
counter, observing Jessica's from the back as she was
cleaning up.
There was something familiar with this view.
And with this person.
She took a step forward,
and then another step,
and another.
Then only she realized that she was only inches away
from Jessica's back. So close that she could smell her scent
and even after a long day, she still smelled so sweet.
But, the latter didn't realize her standing there. She was
too engrossed with the dirty dishes.
Suddenly, Jessica felt a pair of arms circling around her
waist.
She almost dropped the plate she was holding.
She froze as Tiffany rested her head on her back.
Her heart was pounding so fast.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
"It's familiar." Tiffany suddenly said, breaking the

silence.
"This feeling feels familiar." She added.
Jessica closed her eyes and gulped, "You can't-
Tiffany cuts in.
"The thing you asked me to promise yesterday, I'm
sorry but..
..I can't promise you that."

CHAPTER TWELVE
The Price
Jessica gasped and froze while Tiffany continued to lean

her head on her back and tightened her arms around her
waist. Everything feels like a dream. She took off her
yellow rubber gloves and put it by the sink.
Slowly, she held Tiffany's hand that was around her
waist and turned around.
They looked at each other, waiting for one of them to
break the silence.
Tiffany bit her lip,
"I know this is wrong," She said, her voice cracked.
"But I can't fight these feelings that I have for you, the
one that's getting stronger every time I look at you."
"My heart beats uncontrollably when you're around,
and I don't even know why. Even Gyul never made me
feel this way..."
Jessica gulped.
Tiffany stared deeply into Jessica's eyes,
"Jessica... who are you?"
"And what have you done to my heart?" She asked,
almost pleading.
They both looked at each other.
"Tiffany..."
Jessica stuttered, "I-I am...
Suddenly, the bell rings.
DING DONG
Someone was at the door.

But they continued to look at each other with no words
spoken.
DING DONG
"I have to get the door." Jessica said, slowly letting go

of her grip on Tiffany's hands.
Tiffany nodded and looked down.
Jessica opened the door and greeted with a familiar
face.
"Hi Jess!" Gyuri greeted cheerfully.
Jessica gulped. "Oh, Gyul you came?"
"Is Steph sleeping yet?" She asked as she casually
entered the apartment.
Jessica was still shocked, "Uhh... no-not yet."
"Steph!!" She exclaimed as soon as she saw Tiffany
emerged from the kitchen.
Tiffany's eyes widened, shocked. "Gy-Gyul..."
She didn't manage to finish her sentence when Gyuri
immediately wrapped her arms around her shoulders and
hugged her tightly. Tiffany was too shocked to react, she
ended up standing stiff in her embrace.
"Hey, did you miss me?" Gyuri asked.
"We did meet earlier, didn't we?" Tiffany replied
reluctantly.
Gyuri broke the hug and glared at her, "Sounds like
you didn't miss me that much."
"Don't tell me you're cheating on me with Jessica!" She
said, glancing at Jessica.
Jessica and Tiffany looked at each other, awkwardly.

"Do-Don't be ridiculous!" Jessica said, serious.
Suddenly, Gyuri let out a small laugh.
"I'm just kidding. I trust you." Gyuri said, glancing at
Jessica, but the latter was avoiding her gaze.
"Anyway, Steph, I'm sorry that I left early today. So to
make it up to you.." Gyuri took out a pair of tickets and
showed it to Tiffany.
"Movies?" Tiffany asked, uninterested.
"Yes! Late night screening! We can just cuddle and
make out in the theater!"
Tiffany looked hesitant and glanced at Jessica, as if she
was asking for her permission. Their eyes met.
Jessica bit her lip and sighed.
"You should go." She said, weak.
Tiffany nodded, "I'll go get my jacket."
The two of them were left in the living room as Tiffany
went into her room to get her things.
Gyuri looked at Jessica, "You can lock the front door
tonight."
"It's okay, I'll wait till you send Tiffany home." Jessica
replied.
Gyuri smirked, "We're not going home tonight, if you
know what I mean."
Jessica froze.
She felt like her heart was being torn and ripped into
pieces.
"Let's go." Tiffany said when she emerged from the
room, with her dark blue jacket and a pink purse in one
hand.
Gyuri took her hand and lead her to the door, but
Tiffany's eyes were still on Jessica as she walked.
"I'll be home soon." Tiffany said.
Jessica looked away, avoiding her gaze.
"I don't care. Just go. I want to sleep." She muttered.
But Tiffany saw her face.
And the tears in her eyes.
Jessica lied.
She didn't go straight to bed that night.
She sat in her living room, finishing a bottle of wine
that she got as a birthday gift last year.
There were crumples of used tissues on the floor. She
had used up all the tissues on the coffee table yet her tears
were still running down her eyes.
"I've only loved one person in my life..." She muttered
to herself.
"But why.."
"Why can't I tell that one person how I feel for her?"
Her head was pounding, so she laid down on the couch
to make herself feel better.
"I was in love with her... way before Gyul even know
her... and I still do."
"This is not fair." She mumbled.
Soon, she fell asleep.
When Jessica opened her eyes, it was still dark. She

glanced at the clock on the wall and noticed that it was
only 3am.
Her neck felt uncomfortable, from not sleeping
properly. She pushed herself up with her elbow, wanting
to get up and continue to sleep on her bed, but that's when
she realized something warm on her right palm. Someone
was holding her hand.
Her eyes widened when she saw someone with long,
wavy ginger hair by her arm.
It was Tiffany.
She had fallen asleep while kneeling by the couch.
Jessica blinked her eyes a few times, and even pinched

herself to check if it was a dream.
But it was real.
Slowly, tears were brimming in her eyes.
"You came back." She whispered.
She laid back on the couch and pretended to sleep until
Tiffany woke up in the morning.
It was another day at work. Jessica had just finished giving

lectures for a group of students in the hall and was
packing up her laptop when one of the students suddenly
approached her.
She was tall, with long black wavy hair that fell below
her shoulders. Jessica didn't think she saw her in her
classes before, but then she never remembers her students.
So she shrugged the thoughts away.
"Excuse me, Ms Jessica. If you have some time, can I
ask you something?" She asked politely.
Jessica looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure. What's your name?"
The girl chuckled, "I am Sooyoung."
"Sooyoung-shi, what is it that you want to ask?"
The student named Sooyoung smiled, "Ms. Jessica, do
you think...
...Time Travel is possible?"
Jessica almost dropped her laptop upon hearing her
question. She looked at her, but she only replied with a
meaningful smile.
"Well?"
Jessica looked away and cleared her throat.
"Uh..I won't deny it, since there are theories that
support Time Travels, though there are no evidence as we
speak. Bu-But with our current technology, that kind of
thing can only exist in movies and novels." Jessica replied.
"Are you sure?" Sooyoung asked, in a tone that sent
shivers to Jessica.
Jessica looked at the girl, curious. There was something
weird about her.
"Okay, let's say that Time Travel exists in our current
world, what do you think humans will do with that um...
privilege?" She suddenly asked.
"Hmm, there are so many things that we can do. We
can avoid a huge war or an accident. We can repent. To fix
a mistake, so that there won't be any regrets." Jessica
replied.
She nodded.
"That is such a big privilege, don't you think?"
"Yeah, but Time Travel, or Time Machine don't exists
so.."
"Are you sure?" She asked, smiling.
Jessica gulped.
Sooyoung continued, "If humans were given the
privilege to turn back time and fix their mistake then it
must come with a price."
"I mean, everything in our world comes with a price.
You have to lose something in order to gain something. So
it's not fair to gain back what you lose after getting what
you wished for. You can't have both."
"If that happens, there will be consequences."
Jessica gulped, "Consequences? What are you talking
about.."
Sooyoung suddenly laughed.
"What do I know? I think I've been reading too much
science fiction novels these days."
"I'm sorry for interrupting you, Ms Jessica. Thank you
for your time." She said, and walked to the door.
"Wait." Jessica called.
Sooyoung stopped and turned around.
"Are you a new student? I've never seen you before."

She smiled, "Are you sure you've never seen me
before?"
With that, she left Jessica with the sound of the door
closing echoing in the empty lecture hall.
She stood there, confused.
She knew the girl looked familiar.
And then it hits her.
"Wait, it's her..."
"It's the woman in the elevator!"
She rushed to the door and pulled it open. She stood in
the hallway and looked around, her eyes wildly looking
for the girl.
But nobody was there.
"Krystal, where are you?" Jessica asked through her

bluetooth device as she drives.
"I'm at the usual cafe with Jiyoung. Why?" Krystal
asked through the phone.
Upon hearing that, Jessica quickly made a U-Turn on
the road since she had already passed that cafe.
"Ask Jiyoung to go home, there's something I need to
talk to you about. Just you." Jessica said, her voice
desperate.
"What? I can't ask my girlfriend to leave. What is it?
You can just ask me on the phone now, she'd went to the
restroom." Krystal said, annoyed.
Jessica hissed, "Okay fine. Well, do you know anyone

named Sooyoung in your class?"
"Sooyoung? What's her full name?"
"I don't know her full name! She's tall, with long black
hair and long legs, pretty smile.."
"Hmm, I don't think there's anyone that pretty in my
class except me." Krystal replied casually.
Jessica hit the brake when she reached a red traffic
light.
"Right? I don't think she's a student too. She looked
mature." She said.
"Why are you asking about a non-existent student?"
Krystal asked, puzzled.
Jessica sighed, "Call me crazy, but I believe in Time
Travelling."
There was a long pause. "I knew it."
The older girl continued, "I will tell you more when we
meet, it's about Tiffany-
She paused.
"Yes, sis? What about Tiffany?" Krystal asked.
But she never got the reply.
Jessica had pulled off her bluetooth device and ended
the call.
Jessica couldn't believe what she was seeing. Gyuri was

standing in front of a building with a man. They seemed
overly friendly, with their arms wrapped around each
other and exchanging sweet smiles.
Suddenly, Gyuri leaned forward and pressed her lips
on that man.
They kissed passionately.
She turned off her car's engine and slammed the door.
And walked to her in fury.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The Broken Promise
Jessica gasped. She couldn’t believe her eyes. But this is

happening. She saw Gyuri locking lips so passionately
with a man in suit in front of a hotel just opposite the road.
She continued to watch the couple as Gyuri hugged the
man before he entered a black car.
Jessica gritted her teeth and her face turned red. She
was boiling with anger.
Gyuri was smiling shyly and waved her hands at him
as the car left.
And then Jessica couldn't hold back any longer.
Suddenly, she got out of her car and slammed the door
shut.
She marched out of the car and crossed the street with
her eyes fixed on Gyuri, ignoring the cars that came
towards her. The street became chaotic for a while with
the sound of cars honking and people swearing.
Gyuri also stopped and looked at the street, curious of
the chaos.
How she wished she didn’t.
She saw Jessica walking towards her, staring with eyes
filled with anger.
She stood frozen in the middle of the busy sidewalk
and soon Jessica was in front of her.
‚How could you do this?‛ she asked as soon as she got
there.
‚Ah Jessica, how nice to meet you here<‛ Gyuri said,
ignoring her question.
Jessica snapped,
‚HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO TIFFANY?!‛
Gyuri was shocked; she had never seen her friend that
angry before.
She gulped.
‚Jess, I can explain.‛
‚Explain what?! I think this is pretty clear. You’ve been
lying to Tiffany and meeting that man behind her back!!‛
Gyuri shook her head, ‚Not just any man. He’s the
man I’ll be marrying.‛
Jessica stared at her, stunned.
‚Yo-You’re getting married?‛
Gyuri nodded.
‚Then what about Tiffany? So you’re just< playing
with her?‛ Jessica asked, pissed.
Gyuri sighed, ‚Look at the reality. There’s no future for
me and her.‛
‚You don’t really think I will marry her, don’t you?‛
Jessica stared at Gyuri and gritted her teeth,
‚You bitch.‛
And by impulse, she raised her right hand.
It landed on Gyuri’s left cheek, followed with a small
cry from the latter and a throbbing pain on her palm.
She stared at Gyuri, who was pressing her left cheek.
Their gazes met and it suddenly became intense.
People walking by were staring at them but they didn’t
care.
‚If you don’t have any intention of being serious with
her, you shouldn’t even start it. Is it that fun playing with
people’s emotions?!‛ Jessica asked.
Gyuri hissed, ‚I was curious about dating a girl, is it

that wrong?‛
Jessica balled her fist, trying her best to contain her
anger, ‚Curious?‛
‚Is Tiffany an experiment to you? She’s also a woman
with feelings!‛
‚Jess, what’s wrong with you?! Why are you furious
about this?! This is between me and Steph!‛ Gyuri
shouted, angry.
Gyuri raised an eyebrow, ‚Wait. Don’t tell me that<
you like her?‛
Jessica stared at her friend for the longest time, not
saying anything.
And then she nodded.
‚Yes I do.‛
Gyuri’s eyes widened and she gasped.
‚It’s not just like.‛
‚I love her.‛ Jessica continued.
‚I love her so much that sometimes I feel like; my heart

is beating because of her.‛
Gyuri scoffed, ‚Wh-What?‛
‚I thought I could let her go and endure the pain. I
thought I will feel content just to see her happy, but you-
‚You just made me change my mind.‛ Jessica
continued.
With that last sentence, she turned around and walked
away, leaving Gyuri alone at the sidewalk.
Jessica parked her car as fast as she could, pulled the keys
and slammed the door.
She ran to the elevator and pressed the up button
impatiently. Not once but she pushed it repeatedly until
the elevator arrived.
Ding.
She quickly entered and pressed for her floor.
She wanted to get home as soon as possible and meet
Tiffany.
There’s something she wants to tell her.
No, she must.
No matter what the consequences are.
Today, she must tell her how she feels.
Ding.
The elevator door opened.
Her right foot was already out the door when suddenly
someone grabbed her wrist.
Jessica was shocked; she turned around to see who
dared to stop her.
She was up for a surprise.
It was the mysterious beautiful tall girl, Sooyoung.
Jessica gulped; she was certain she was alone just now.
How did she..
‚You...‛ Jessica muttered, shocked.
‚Jessica, you don’t want to do this.‛ Sooyoung said.
‚Wh-Who are you and why are you following me?!‛
Jessica asked, scared.
‚It doesn’t matter who I am.‛
‚You and Tiffany are not fated together.‛ She
continued.
‚What are you talking about?‛ Jessica asked boldly.
‚Don’t try to fight fate. That promise was made for a
reason.‛ She replied, serious.
Jessica gritted her teeth and stared at the lady
furiously.
‚SCREW THAT PROMISE!‛ She shouted, pulling her

hand away from her grip. Sooyoung was startled.
Jessica stepped out of the elevator and stared at the tall
lady intensely.
‚I don’t know who you are, but remember this.‛
‚I will do anything to be with Tiffany,
<even if it means I have to go against fate.‛
Sooyoung seemed shocked with her statement, her
eyes were wide.
"I've told you everything came with a price!" Sooyoung
suddenly shouted.
She continued, "If you try to fight it, a life will be lost."
Then the elevator's door closed.
Jessica stood in front of the elevator, staring blankly
into space.
She bit her lower lip, thinking.
"A life will be lost?" She mumbled.
Cold beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and she
finds herself shaking and she didn't know why.
Thousands of unanswered questions filled her head.
Who is Sooyoung?
And why does she know everything?
Her voice echoed.
‚You and Tiffany are not fated together.‛
Jessica reached her apartment and pushed the door

open.
Breathing heavily, she entered her apartment and stood
in the hallway.
Then she saw her.
Tiffany.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Her heart was pounding fast as she made slow steps

towards her.
‚You’re home early.‛ Tiffany said, smiling.
She was watching news on the television.
"Jessica, you just missed a very important newsflash!
There was a woman who tried to commit suicide by
jumping from a building but funnily enough, she fell on a
truck carrying used mattress-
Tiffany paused when she noticed Jessica staring at her.
She cleared her throat and stood up, ‚Have you eaten?
I took your ramen, I hope you don't mind.‛
Jessica didn’t say anything as she walked towards
Tiffany, staring at the latter with a soft gaze.
Tiffany creased her eyebrow, ‚What’s wrong?‛
Jessica looked at her.
She wished she could tell her everything.
Tiffany,
I'm confused.
I'm scared.
Scared of losing you.
And at that moment, she pulled Tiffany by surprise

and wrapped the girl in her arms.
Tiffany immediately blushed.
‚Je-Jessica, what’s wrong?‛ She asked, stuttering.
Jessica didn’t reply anything; instead she tightened her
arms around her shoulders.
"Don't say anything," she whispered.
Tiffany stood awkwardly in Jessica's embrace. She

lifted her hand a few times to return the hug, but was
hesitating.
Then she did.
She circled her arms around Jessica's waist and held
her tight.
It just felt right.
"Do you know where I can play piano?" Tiffany asked

while they were having breakfast.
Tiffany had requested for Jessica's kimchi fried rice
again. Suddenly, it became her new favourite food.
Jessica looked at her, thinking while the other girl
waited in anticipation.
"Hmm, I'm not sure." She replied nonchalant.
Tiffany slumped her shoulders in disappointment.
"Oh, okay then."
"Actually, I may know a place." Jessica said.
The other girl's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Really?"
Jessica chuckled.
"But you have to follow me to work.
"Wow, this is a great auditorium!" Tiffany exclaimed.

She walked through the rows of seats with her eyes
roaming around like a kid who entered a newly opened
theme park.
Jessica was walking behind her, staring at the girl in
front of her.
You're so close yet so far.
There was a piano on the stage, as used by the music
faculty in the university. Jessica just snuck them in when
they weren't using it.
Tiffany was already on the stage, sitting in front of the
piano.
"Come here Jessica, sit with me!" She called, patting the
stool next to her.
Jessica shook her head,
"It's okay, I'll be your audience, your group of fanboys."
She said with a smile before sitting on a seat at the first
row.
Tiffany grinned widely and stood up. "Okay."
She took a few steps forward and bowed politely at her
only audience.
"This is a solo performance for my dear friend, Jessica
who has been very nice to me during this whole trip."
Jessica clapped her hands and make cheering sounds as
if she was one of many audience, although her cheers then
echoed in the empty auditorium.
"Pretty Tiffany noona*! Sing me a song! Do a sexy
dance!" Jessica cheered playfully.
Tiffany laughed.
"Hahahaha! What does a sexy dance have to do with a
piano performance?"
Jessica shrugged.
"Tiffany noonaaaaa!" She continued, as if she was a
teenage boy.
Jessica watches as Tiffany played the notes on the piano,

creating beautiful enchanting melodies that could melt
even the people with a stone cold heart.
Jessica knew she was.
The first song ended.
Then the melody changed.
Tiffany glanced at Jessica and smiled.
"This is not a self-composed song, but still, I dedicate it
to you."
"Jessica, the stranger that is close to my heart." She said

with a smile.
Jessica gulped.
Then she begins.
"As the light dims by the clouds,
the memories that are as cold as the raindrops that are

pounding down the window,
are grabbing onto my heart.."
"Sunk in the longing that gets heavier as time passes,
Can I travel back in time?"
"It scatters, the times you were with me, the memories you
were with me.."
"Can I travel back in time and hug you just like before?"
"Just for once, even if it's the last."
Tiffany ended the song with one last note.

She looked at Jessica and smiled.
Jessica was still shocked; she just stared at her with
tears brimming in her eyes.
"Don't I deserve an applause?" Tiffany asked, pouting.
"Ye-Yes, of course!" Jessica replied, stuttering.
She stood up and clapped her hands.
"Tiffany noona you're the best!" She cheered.
"There's no one better than Tiffany noonaa!"
Tiffany laughed, enjoying her group of fanboys that is
Jessica.
Suddenly, Jessica's expression turned serious and
stared at her.
"Noona!!" She called.
"What is it this time?" Tiffany asked with a chuckle.
Jessica smiled.
"I love you."
Tiffany stared at Jessica, shocked. There was something
in her tone that told her that it wasn't a joke. Or maybe
that what she was hoping for.
They both continued to look at each other in silence.
A tall woman with long black hair was sitting at the

farthest seat in the auditorium, away from them.
She looked at the two ladies and sighed.
"Her parallel memory will return soon." She mumbled
to herself.
"And it'll be too late then," She added, sighing.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The Only Reason
Jessica and Tiffany took a late night stroll together around

their apartment block after returning from the university.
They were only exchanging a few words with one another.
Their range of topic was limited, pointing out the obvious
such as the cold weather and the crescent moon. But most
of the time, they just looked at each other and smiled in
bliss.
‚We should get inside, it’s getting late.‛ Jessica said,
putting her hands into her coat’s front pockets.
Tiffany nodded, ‚Yes, we should ah-
She paused.
‚What’s the matter?‛ Jessica asked, concerned.
Then she saw Tiffany’s right shoe. The shoelaces were
untied.
‚It’s okay. You can go ahead, I’ll be right behind you.‛
She said, wanting to kneel down to tie it quickly.
But before she was able to do so, Jessica was already
down on one knee in front of her. Tiffany was surprised
when she saw Jessica tying up the dirty laces carefully into
a bow knot.
No one other than her mother ever did this to her
before.
‚There you go.‛ Jessica said, standing up.
Tiffany was staring at her.
‚Le-Let’s go now.‛ Jessica said, stuttering. Tiffany’s
intense stare was making her nervous.
They were about to leave when they noticed a woman
standing in front of the building.
‚Gyuri?‛ Tiffany said, shocked.
Gyuri walked to them. Jessica looked at her friend and
their eyes met.
"Ah, Gyuri. Did you come to see me?" Tiffany asked
when the older girl reached them.
Gyuri nodded, "I need to talk to you."
Jessica looked away, annoyed.
Suddenly Gyuri glanced at Jessica, "If that's okay with
you."
Jessica was caught off guard with her unexpected
statement.
"Sure." She replied, nodding.
"Let's break up," Gyuri suddenly said.

It was so straight to the point and Tiffany stared at her
in disbelief. She wanted to respond, but she wasn’t sure
what to say.
‚Honestly, we have both seen this coming,‛ Gyuri
added, sighing.
‚Bu-But why so sudden?‛ Tiffany asked, still in shock.
‚Because<‛
‚You deserve much better.‛
Tiffany had been through a few breakups before, but this

was the first time she felt relieved after ending a
relationship. In fact, they both felt relieved.
She made her way into Jessica’s apartment and locked
the door behind. The living room’s lights were turned off,
and the space was only lit by the moonlight that peeked
through the curtains. She saw Jessica asleep on the couch

in the sitting position, still wearing the clothes she wore
earlier.
She was waiting for her.
Tiffany’s mouth crept up into a smile and it got wider
once she sat next to the sleeping girl. She tucked the hair
that covered Jessica’s face behind her ears, and chuckled
when she saw drool stains on the edge of her mouth.
She leaned her back on the couch and slowly put her
head on Jessica’s shoulder.
Jessica’s presence by her side made her felt so safe.
Even if the world came crashing down that night, she’ll
be alright.
Even if it was her last day to live, she’ll be satisfied.
And soon she fell asleep.
A figure suddenly appeared in the living room as soon as

Tiffany drifted to sleep by Jessica’s side.
It was the mysterious beautiful woman that has been
following Jessica, Sooyoung.
She stared at Jessica and then to Tiffany with a
sorrowful expression. There were tears in her eyes that
were waiting to come out.
She walked closer to them.
Slowly, she lifted her left hand and directed it at
Tiffany's head.
"You both< left me no choice." She said.
Her fingertips were only inches away from Tiffany's
head but they never touched. She was hesitant with what
she was doing.
"You can't do that." A voice suddenly said.
Sooyoung was startled; she retreated her hand quickly
and turned around. She was greeted by the sight of
another young lady with long hair.
"Seohyun-shi, wh-what are you doing here?" She
asked, nervous. She put her hand behind her back.
But the lady named Seohyun wasn’t answering her
question.
"You know that you'll be punished if you erase her
memories without permission." Seohyun said, serious.
Sooyoung sighed.
"Then what else can I do? Tiffany is slowly gaining
parallel memories that she's not supposed to have! All the
memories that she had before she made the wish are
coming back; this has never happened before! Why is this
happening?‛ She said, frustrated.
Seohyun looked at the sleeping pair on the couch.
‚Their feelings.. for each other are too strong.‛
‚There’s nothing us angels could do to stop them from
finding each other. Their love is too< powerful.‛ She
added.
"Bu-But they're not fated to be with each other! If
Tiffany remembers everything, the deal will be broken."
Sooyoung retorted.
"The only reason why Jessica's heart is still beating is
because Tiffany traded her memories and love for Jessica
to let her live." Sooyoung added.
"In other words, if they try to fight fate and choose
love< Jessica will die."
Seohyun kept silent.
‚So tell me how I could just stand and watch, when a
life is at stake?‛ Sooyoung asked.
‚And the fact that Jessica is able to see me, could only
mean one thing<‛
Seohyun gulped.
‚She’s going to die soon.‛
Suddenly, Jessica moved.
The two angels looked at each other, shocked.
‚We can’t be seen here.‛ Seohyun said.
Jessica slowly opened her eyes and realized that it was still
dark. She felt the weight on her left shoulder, and then
noticed that it was Tiffany.
She studied the face of the sleeping angel as her heart
began to beat rapidly.
She intertwined her right hand with her left. What a
perfect match, she thought. She stroked the latter’s hair
gently and then caressed her face. What a beauty, she
thought.
And then she slowly planted a tender kiss on her
forehead.
I love you.
Suddenly, Tiffany moved.
"Don't..." She mumbled in her sleep.
Jessica caressed her cheeks. ‚Just sleep, I’m here.‛ She
whispered.
But then Tiffany continued,
"Don't die, Jessi."
Jessica froze
‚Don’t die, Jessi.‛ Tiffany repeated in her sleep.
Wait, so the woman who died in her dreams... is me?
"I've checked the all the student's names and there was
only two Sooyoungs in our university. But none of them
fit your description. One is heavily pregnant and another
one is a... guy." Krystal said to her sister who was driving.
"I knew it,‛ Jessica said.
Krystal raised her eyebrow, "Umm< where exactly are
we going?"
"To see L. Soonkyu."
"Why?"
"Because I’m sure she's the only one who knows who
Sooyoung is."
"Why is this Sooyoung person is sooo important?"
Krystal asked, frustrated.
‚If I tell you, you’ll think I’m crazy.‛
Krystal laughed, ‚I’ve always thought you’re crazy
anyway; just tell me.‛
Jessica sighed,
"Krystal, do you believe in fate?"
Krystal creased her eyebrows, "Wow, this is deep,‛
‚Umm, yes. I guess I do. I believe that everything had
been determined even before we were born. We're just
living according to the plan, the fate."
"Why are you asking about all this?"
"I don't want to follow the plan."
Krystal stared at her sister blankly.
"I want to be with the person I love, no matter what."
Jessica added.
‚You’re in love? Is it Steph unnie?‛ Krystal asked,
shocked.
There was a long awkward silence in the car.
"Then maybe you are fated to be with her," She added.
"But someone told me that we're not made for each
other." Jessica said.
Krystal gulped.
‚Is it this tall lady Sooyoung? Why listen to her? We
don’t even know who she is.‛
‚That’s why I must find out about her. She keeps
mysteriously appearing in front of me, like< magic. I’m
not even sure if she’s human.‛
Krystal was speechless.
‚Okay, I don’t know about that. But about fate<
"No one knows about their fate, do you know when

you’re going to die? Well, me neither. Only He knows. So
stop worrying about it."
"Maybe all of this is also part of the plan." Krystal
added.
That last sentence caught Jessica’s attention. She took a
quick glance at her sister.
Suddenly, Krystal shouted,
"THERE'S SOMEONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE
ROAD!!"
Jessica immediately looked ahead and saw a figure of
person just meters away; she panicked and on impulse
maneuvered her car to the side of the road before pressing
the brake. Her car hit the border and was slightly dented.
The sisters looked at each other, panicked.
"Di-Did we hit that person?" Jessica asked, stuttering.
"There's only one way to find out..." Krystal said,
before exiting the car.
They both left the car to check the scene, but there was
no one on the road. Not even a trace.
"There's no one here." Jessica said, puzzled.
"But I'm sure I saw someone standing right there!"
Krystal said, pointing at the road.
‚I know, I saw it too.‛
Krystal was pacing around nervously, "I'm not sure if it
was a man or a woman, but that person has short blonde
hair-
She paused and looked at her sister.
They both agreed by just that eye contact.
Jessica nodded, "We gotta get to Soonkyu's house."
‚Anybody home?!‛ Jessica shouted in front of the

locked gate.
‚I don’t think she’s home, sis.‛ Krystal said, eyes
wandering around the neighbourhood for any sight of
Soonkyu.
‚Anyone home?!‛ Jessica asked for the nth time.
Suddenly, an old woman wearing a straw hat and full
floral clothes came out from the house next door.
‚Stop shouting young lady, I am trying to knit!‛ She
said, annoyed.
Jessica and Krystal looked at each other before bowing.
‚We’re really sorry for disturbing your evening,
Granny. We just want to meet Soonkyu; do you know
where she is?‛ Jessica asked politely.
‚Ah Soonkyu? I haven’t seen her for 3 days now.‛ The
old woman replied.
‚Three days? Where did she go?‛
‚I don’t know. What so you want to meet her for?‛
The old woman’s tone suddenly changed. ‚To seek
answers for the questions that’s running in your mind?‛
Jessica gulped.
‚Young people these days. You really think that you
can go against anything and win?‛ She added, serious.
‚Gra-Granny, what do you-
‚Ah! I have to go! I am boiling soup in the kitchen!‛
The old woman shrieked before running back into her
house, leaving the two confused sisters.
"What a weird granny.‛ Krystal said.
‚Now the question is, where is Soonkyu? Was the
person on the road, her?"
Jessica shrugged. "Who knows?"
"But why was she standing there? It's like she was
trying to get hit on purpose."
Krystal gulped and stopped walking.
"Was she... trying to kill herself? She told us that she
tried to do so multiple times before."
Jessica gulped, "Wait, 2 days ago."

"What?"
"There was a woman who tried to jump from a
building but fell on a truck of mattresses. I remembered
that because Tiffany told me,"
"You think that was Soonkyu?"
"I'm not sure but-
She paused.
"But?"
Jessica's eyes widen as she stared at something down
the road.
"What is it?" Krystal asked and turned around to see
what she was staring at.
There was nothing on the road, except for their car that
was parked by. She turned and looked at her sister, who
was still staring at the road with a pale face. As if she just
saw a ghost.
"It's her..." Jessica mumbled.
"Who?
"That's Sooyoung! She's looking at us now!"
Krystal gulped.
"Si-Sis, there's no one there."
Jessica looked at her sister, shocked.
"You can't see her? She's right there, wearing black!"
Jessica wasn't lying.
She saw Sooyoung staring straight at her from the
road. But for some reason, her sister wasn't able to see her.
"You're freaking me out! I don't see anyone!" Krystal
said, confused.
Jessica scoffed, "I can't let her get away! I have to ask
her directly!"
With that, she ran towards the road as fast as she could
to get to Sooyoung. There were so many questions on her
mind and she was determined to find out the truth right
there and then.
Sooyoung saw Jessica coming towards her but she
didn't run away. As if she was waiting for her, she stood
on the spot with a solemn expression on her face.
Krystal came after her sister from behind.
"Are you out of your mind?!"
Suddenly, she saw a black car coming towards the
road, exactly to where her sister was running to.
"SIS!! WATCH OUT!!" She shouted with all her might.
Jessica stopped and turned to her sister, puzzled. Still,
she didn't notice the car that was coming towards her with
no sign of slowing down.
Sooyoung closed her eyes and looked down,
"This is it. It's fate."
Out of nowhere, a pair of hands grabbed Jessica's waist
and quickly pulled her aside. They both fell on the road,
but in each other's embrace.
The car sped away, after missing Jessica by only an
inch.
Sooyoung opened her eyes.
She couldn't believe it.
Jessica was still alive.
And she was saved by Tiffany.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The Day A Life Was Lost
Jessica held tight to the stranger’s body in front of her and

breathing heavily. She tightened her grip around the
person’s body as if she was hanging on for her dear life.
Everything was happening too fast. She was still in
shock over the whole situation; she was shaking.
"SIS!! ARE YOU OKAY?!" Krystal shouted as she ran to
her side.
Her sister’s voice made Jessica slowly regain her
consciousness. She looked up and saw the face of the
person who just saved her life.
Their eyes met.
She gulped, "Tiffany?"
Tiffany was also breathing heavily as she stared at
Jessica.
"Don’t.." She muttered, as tears were rolling down her
face.
"Don’t die again, Jessi..‛
Jessica's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing the
way she called her name. Tiffany called her 'Jessi'. As
though it was three years ago, Jessica still remembered
that tone. It was the same.
Again?
"Tiffany-
Jessica never managed to finish her sentence when
Tiffany suddenly fainted in her arms.
‚Ti-Tiffany! Are you okay?!‛ Jessica asked, panicked.
‚Steph unnie!‛ Krystal exclaimed.
‚Let’s take her to the hospital!‛ said another voice.
The sisters looked to their side and saw Gyuri.
‚Gyul, what are you doing here?‛ Jessica asked,
shocked.
‚I’ll explain it all later. Now, let’s get Steph to the
hospital.‛
"Gyuri unnie, how did you know we were there?"

Krystal asked as they were waiting in Tiffany's room in
the hospital.
Tiffany was still lying on the bed, unconscious while
Jessica was sitting on a chair by her side.
Gyuri looked at the younger girl.
"Steph called me earlier this morning and< she was
panicking over the phone, shouting and crying to me,
asking me where Jessica was. She tried calling Jess but she
didn’t pick up her phone.‛
‚She was panicking? Why?‛ Krystal asked, curious.
‚I don’t know. But she was acting really weird; she said
that she must see Jessica, no matter what, and that she
needed to be by her side. Anyway, after that I asked
Jiyoung about you, and she was the one who told me that
you two came to that house for a special research. We
came there as soon as we could."
Gyuri moved her gaze at Jessica, ‚Hey Jess<‛
Jessica looked at her, ‚Hmm?‛
"You should've told Steph where you went; I mean
why did you make her worry like that?"
They looked at each other awkwardly.
"Sh-She was still asleep when I left. I couldn't wake her

up." Jessica replied after a while.
‚She really cares about you. I did the right thing by
letting her go.‛ Gyuri said.
Jessica and Krystal looked at Gyuri, shocked.
‚We broke up last night.‛ Gyuri said before clearing
her throat.
‚But it was no big deal; I mean you two are so into each
other that even a blind person could tell. Why should I get
in between?‛
Jessica was speechless.
Gyuri turned and looked at her best friend.
"Jess, she charged forward in the middle of the road
when that car almost hit you. She was determined to save
your life, without caring about her own safety."
Tears were brimming in Jessica’s eyes.
And then Gyuri added,
"It was like she was ready to die for you."
That evening, Jessica stayed back at the hospital until the

end of the visiting hours. Gyuri and Krystal had both gone
back but she insisted to stay.
She tried to stay awake but her mind and body was
exhausted from the long day. And soon she fell asleep by
her side. Her head was on Tiffany’s arm and her hand was
holding tight to hers.
A few minutes after Jessica drifted to sleep, Tiffany
slowly opened her eyes. She looked around her and
realized that she was in the hospital. And then she saw
Jessica sleeping on her arm. A smile immediately crept up
her face.
She raised her free hand and gently caressed Jessica's
face.
"Jessi...‛ She whispered.
‚...I remembered everything."
She studied the girl’s face intently, as if it was her first
time seeing her in years. Her eyes were filled with
emotions as she touched the tip of her nose with her
finger, and soon it landed on the sleeping girl’s lips.
Tiffany gulped.
She leaned closer and closer to her face until their noses
were touching, and until she could feel her breath.
Suddenly, something hits her and she pulled back. She
sat up straight on her bed and stared at Jessica with tears
in her eyes.
‚I can’t< not again.‛
She quickly climbed off the bed and began pacing
hopelessly around the room. When she finished pacing
around, she stood by the window and stared at Jessica
from a distance.
"Jessi, why are you still with me?" She said.
"Even after I undid everything with that wish, why did
you still fall in love with me? I've clearly warned you not
to..."
She bit her lip and wiped the tear on her left cheek.
"And why... am I remembering all this? I'm not
supposed to remember any of this."
"No, you're not." A voice suddenly said.
Tiffany looked at the direction of the voice. Slowly, a
figure of a woman emerged from the corner of the room.
"You< Angel Sooyoung." Tiffany said, surprised.
‚Hello Tiffany.‛ Sooyoung said.
Tiffany shook her head, "I don't understand why this is
happening.‛
‚You said that I won’t be able to remember or feel
anything for Jessica again. But why am I still having these
feelings for her? Why am I still deeply in love with her
after making that wish? You said we’re not meant to be<"
She asked desperately.
Sooyoung kept silent.
"Please tell me why I have this feeling that's tugging
my heart." Tiffany continued, with tears in her eyes.
She gritted her teeth, and stared at Sooyoung. She was
starting to lose her patience.
"If Jessica and I are not fated to be together...‛
"THEN WHY DID YOU MAKE US FIND EACH
OTHER AND FALL HELPLESSLY IN LOVE LIKE
THIS?!!" She burst.
Sooyoung sighed.
"I've sent you halfway around the world and yet you
two still managed to find each other. And we can't control
love. That's up to the both of you."
"The deep love you have for her, and her unconditional
love for you, has overcome the magic. Thus, your parallel
memory returned." Sooyoung continued.
Tiffany was speechless.
"And like we agreed before, when you fully recovered
your parallel memories like you have right now,"
"A life will be lost."
Tiffany stared at the angel, gulping.
"A life will be lost? Do-Don't tell me..."
She paused.
"Jessi?"
Sooyoung kept mum.
"N-No! You can't do this! Not my Jessi! Not again!"
Tiffany pleaded frantically.
"It's her fate." Sooyoung said, looking away to hide her
gaze.
At that moment, tears were running down Tiffany's
cheeks like a waterfall. She shook her head vigorously and
grabbed Sooyoung's hand.
The angel was startled, not just because it was by
surprise, but also the fact that a human was able to touch
her.
"Please! Help me! There must be something you can
do!" Tiffany said, shaking her hands.
"No. There's nothing."
"Please!" She pleaded, sobbing.
"I'm sorry."
All of a sudden, Tiffany kneeled down in front of her.
Sooyoung's eyes widened, shocked by her action.
"This won't change anything. You can't change fate!"
Tiffany looked up and her eyes met Sooyoung's.
"If a life is fated to be taken away today,"
She put a hand on her chest.
"Take my life instead."
"Wh-What?" Sooyoung asked, shocked.
Tiffany continued in tears,
"Since everything that happened was because of me, so
please take my life and let her live."
Sooyoung stared at her, speechless.
"Yo-You would trade your life for hers?" She asked,
shocked.
"Yes." Tiffany said without hesitation.
"Human, don't you cherish your life? You don't have to
do this!"
"I'll do anything for Jessica!"
"Even if that means you will disappear from her life,
forever?"
"Anything< for her."
Jessica woke up to find the hospital bed empty, and she

was all alone in the room. She immediately got up and
looked for Tiffany in the bathroom but she wasn't there.
She stormed out of the room and grabbed one of the

nurses passing by.
‚Excuse me, do you know where the patient in room
418 is? Her name is Tiffany, beautiful, long orange-ish
hair<‛ She asked, panicked.
The nurse shook her head, ‚I’m not sure. She’s
supposed to be in her room.‛
‚But she is not in the room right now!!‛ Jessica shouted
causing the poor nurse to startle and walked away.
‚Hey Jess what are you doing?‛ A voice suddenly
asked.
It was Gyuri who came back with Krystal.
"I-I can't find Tiffany." Jessica said to them hopelessly.
‚Aww Sis, calm down.‛ Krystal said before giving her
sister a hug.
"Have you asked the nurses? Maybe she went for
check-up?" Gyuri asked, holding her best friend’s hand.
The poor girl was shaking.
‚She’s supposed to be in her room, but she’s not there!‛
"She has to be somewhere. She can't just disappear..."
Krystal said.
The three of them exchanged glances.
"Let's see if she had returned to your apartment." Gyuri
said.
"Sh-She left without telling me?" Jessica asked, sad.
"Calm down. I'm sure she has her reasons.‛ Gyuri said.
‚Did you know Tiffany before?‛ Gyuri asked Jessica as

she was driving them back to her apartment.
‚It’s impossible for two people to be tangled up deep in
emotions if they only known each other for less than a
week.‛ Gyuri added.
‚You have to tell us everything.‛ Krystal said, glancing
at her sister through the rear view mirror.
Jessica sighed.
‚Okay.‛
Gyuri cleared her throat, awkwardly.

"Th-That was one interesting story. Why didn't you tell
me before? If I knew she was your girlfriend-
Jessica cuts in, "What would you do? She didn't even
remember who I was and all the memories we shared
together."
"Okay sis, based on everything you just told us, I can
only come up with one reason why Tiffany left the
hospital without telling..."
"And that is?" Jessica asked.
"I think she just recovered her memories." Krystal said.
"I'm sure there's a reason why she kept telling you not
to fall in love with her 3 years ago. And now that she
remembered everything, she wants to stay away from
you." She continued.
"But.. how could I let her leave?"
"She is the first person that I love, and maybe the only
person I will ever love in my life..."
"Then we are going to find her and stop her from
leaving." Gyuri said with an assuring smile.
"Everything’s gone!" Jessica exclaimed as she came out

from the room Tiffany was staying in her apartment.
"All her luggage’s gone? I guess she took away her
passport too." Krystal said.
‚Passport? No<‛ Jessica said, sobbing.
Gyuri looked at them and nodded, "To the airport."
Tiffany looked out of the window of the taxi she was

in. She was trying her hardest not to cry, but the tears
escaped her eyes.
The only way for Jessica to be alive is if she was away
from Tiffany. And now she was heading to the airport to
send herself away from Jessica as far as she could. It hurts
so much and she felt as if her heart was torn pieces by
pieces as the distance between them enlarged.
Suddenly, it was raining. It was only drizzling at first,
but then it turned into a downpour.
The taxi stopped abruptly.
Tiffany looked out and saw so many unmoving cars
around her.
‚Ahjusshi*, what happened?‛ She asked the driver.
‚Hmm, it seems like there was an accident ahead.
What a bummer, we’re not that far from the airport.‛ He
replied.
Tiffany nodded, ‚Oh, but I need to hurry though. I
have a flight to catch.‛
‚What the hell is going on?‛ Jessica fretted.

She looked out of the window and saw the unmoving
traffic around their car.
‚Probably an accident.‛ Krystal replied.
‚I need to get to the airport. It’s not that far from here.‛
Jessica said impatiently.
‚What? Don’t tell me you want to walk all the way
there.‛ Gyuri asked incredulously.
‚Jess, it is raining outside! And I don’t have umbrella
in my car!‛
Krystal nodded, ‚Just wait for a while, maybe the
traffic will-
She never managed to finish her sentence when Jessica
suddenly exited the car and ran on the highway.
The rain was pouring and she was soaking wet. But Jessica
continued to run by the road, passing by the unmoving
traffic towards the airport that was only a few meters
ahead.
Then suddenly she saw a young woman getting out
from a taxi in front of the airport entrance.
She gasped, ‚Tiff-Tiffany...‛
"TIFFANY!!" She shouted.
Tiffany turned around and saw Jessica soaked in the
rain at the other side of the highway.
And then she turned around to leave.
"DON'T GO! PLEASE DON’T GO!" Jessica called again.
Tiffany wanted to leave but she was weaker than she
thought. She turned around and saw the woman she loves
crying.
"JESSI, FORGET ABOUT ME!" Tiffany shouted back.
"WE'RE NOT FATED TO BE TOGETHER!" Tiffany
added, at the brink of tears.
"SCREW FATE!" Jessica shouted, angry.
They looked at each other from the opposite sides of
the road.
"If we're not made for each other then why-
Jessica paused.
<why are we feeling this way?" She asked.
Tiffany bit her lip.
"I love you, Tiffany." She added.
Tiffany looked at Jessica, shocked with her sudden
confession.
"I loved you ever since the first time I saw you smiling
at me outside my house three years ago."
"And this feeling just became stronger with time."
Tiffany didn’t say anything; instead she just stared at

Jessica with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I don't care what ‘they’ say. My heart tells me that I'm
made for you, and that's enough.‛
Jessica looked to each side of the road, making sure
there was no car passing by before she crossed. And then
she took a step forward and at that moment, suddenly a
figure of a woman suddenly appeared not too far from
them; it was none other than Sooyoung. But the two of
them were too immersed in their conversation to notice
her there.
‚DON’T!" Tiffany said, panicked.
Jessica stopped.
"STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
"Why?" Jessica asked, puzzled.
"Because I love you." Tiffany said.
"And because I was the reason you died!"
Jessica gasped.
"I broke your heart once." Tiffany added.
"I don't even deserve to be loved by you again."
"And if you chose to be with me now, the same thing
will happen. I can't let history repeat itself." Tiffany added.
"So please, leave me and lead a happy life with
someone else. You deserve so much better."
Jessica bit her lip and tears rolled down her cheeks,
"Tiffany..."
"I don't know, and I don't care about what you did to
me in that parallel life. That was in the past."
"What I care about is right now, in this moment."
"If, right now, is my last moment on earth, I want to die
by trying to hold you in my embrace."
"If, this is my last breath, I want it to be me telling you
how much I love you."
Tiffany stared at Jessica, speechless.
"Jessi..."
"I’d rather die fighting for our love than letting you
go."
Sooyoung stared at Jessica, shocked.
‚What?‛
With that last sentence Jessica ran towards the clear
highway, to get to Tiffany on the other side.
Her heart was thumping hard with each step she took
nearing Tiffany.
She was almost there.
Suddenly,
A van came out from the side with full speed. The van
who wished to beat the traffic by taking the emergency
lane. Little did the driver know, a woman was crossing the
street at that very moment.
At that very moment..
The van crashed onto a frail human body.

The body was thrown a few feet in the air before it
landed on the cold hard road.
The van then crashed to the road divider and smoke
came out from its braking tracks.
And then, there was blood.
A lot of blood.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The Falling Star
Sooyoung stood from afar as she watched the panicking

Tiffany rushing towards the body lying on the ground.
And then she saw another person kneeling by the
body.
Sooyoung gasped.
"Je-Jessica?"
It was Jessica.
"Sh-She's still alive?!" Sooyoung exclaimed, shocked.
"OH MY GOD!! IS SHE OKAY?!" Tiffany shouted,

panicked. She was referring the woman who was hit a
moment ago.
Jessica looked at Tiffany and shook her head
vigorously. Her hands were shaking and tears were
streaming down her face. But even in that shocked state,
she put the woman's head on her lap and tried to wipe the
blood on her face.
She was someone she knew.
"Soonkyu-shi..." She said, helplessly.
Soonkyu was barely alive, yet she looked at Jessica and
managed to muster the energy she had to smile.
"Th-This.. is.. my time.. Finally.." She said, struggling.
"Don't say anything! We'll get help for you!" Jessica
said.
‚Tiffany, call them!‛ She shouted at Tiffany who was
already seeking help from the nearby paramedic team.
They were there by coincidence for the previous accident.
"Hey.." Soonkyu suddenly said.
"Yes?" Jessica said, holding her hand.
"No-Now you do-don't.. have to worry anymore..‚ She
continued.
Jessica creased her eyebrows. "Wh-What are you
talking about?"
"You mu-must continue.. to live with the one... you
love..ugh-
She coughed and blood came out from her mouth.
"Soonkyu-shi!! Stop talking and stay strong!" Jessica
said, shaking.
"Now... I ca..n be-be with.. Taeyeon." She added,
smiling widely while her eyes slowly closing.
"No! Hang in there!" Jessica shouted.
"Make way! The help team is coming!!" Tiffany
suddenly said as she arrived with the group of medical
help.
All of a sudden, Soonkyu found herself at a vast grass

field. The weather was warm and comfortable, which was
odd since it was not summer yet. But she didn’t care about
that. In fact, she didn’t care about anything. It was as if all
her worries and pain were lifted off her shoulders. For the
first time in years, she felt so peaceful and calm.
She closed her eyes and opened her arms, letting the
warm breeze blow against her.
When she opened her eyes, she gasped.
She saw the one she’d been longing to meet again,

Taeyeon. She was standing some distance away from her,
smiling and waving at her.
A smile crept up on Soonkyu’s face. And soon, tears
were brimming in her eyes.
‚Tae-Taeyeon<‛ She mumbled.
She made her way towards her; starting with little
steps and soon it became a sprint. She ran to her as fast as
she could, and her heart beating faster as she was nearing
her.
"We're losing her!" said one of the men in the

paramedic team.
They were on the ambulance, and on their way to the
hospital. Jessica and Tiffany were also in the vehicle,
accompanying the victim.
"Soonkyu-shi! Hang on!" Jessica said as she held tight
to her hand.
Though Soonkyu was barely breathing, a smile crept
up her face as she looked at Jessica.
"Je-Jessica.." She said.
Jessica nodded vigorously, "Yes?!"
"Thank... you..."
Earlier that day
"There really was someone on the road!!" Krystal

exclaimed, pointing at the middle of the road.
"I know, I saw it too." Jessica replied, nervous.
The younger girl shook her head, "I'm not sure if it was
a man or a woman, but the person has short hair.."
In a bush not too far from where they were standing,
someone was watching them. Soonkyu kneeled behind the
thick bushes, not wanting to be seen. She watched the two
sisters panicking about almost hitting a person on the
road. That person was none other than her.
She was hoping that Jessica would run over her, but
the latter managed to divert her car to the side just in time.
She couldn’t have been more disappointed. It happens
every time.
It was not her time.
Suddenly, she saw a human figure not too far from the
sisters. A young woman, tall with long black hair and she
knew it by a glance; it was an angel. She was staring
straight at Jessica.
Soonkyu gulped.
She had been through this before. She saw an angel
staring at Taeyeon the day she died. It was still fresh on
her mind.
She knew it then. It was Jessica's time to go.
But not if< she took her place.
"Soonkyu-shi!!" Jessica shouted.

"Three, two, one!" said the man with the defibrillator in
hand.
And then he put it on the victim's chest. Her body was
jolted upwards, as the result from the shock but her eyes
were still closed. And her heartbeat rate was still
decreasing.
Tiffany put her arms around Jessica to calm her down
and let the paramedic team do their work.
"Okay, once more!"
In the grass field, Soonkyu ran as fast as she could

towards Taeyeon.
"Taeyeon-ah!" Soonkyu shouted, with tears in her eyes.
Taeyeon wasn’t saying anything; instead, she was

smiling and waiting with open arms.
As soon as Soonkyu reached her, she circled her arms
around the latter's waist and hugged her tightly. They
embraced each other like never before.
"Soonkyu-ah.." Taeyeon said gently, as she was
caressing her hair.
Tears were rolling down Soonkyu’s face. "Finally,
we’re together again.‛
"She's gone." The man said.

He put the defibrillator back in its place and exchanged
hopeless glances with the girls. Jessica stared at him in
disbelief.
"Try again!" She asked.
But he shook his head. "I’m so sorry, but there's
nothing we could do. Her heart stopped beating."
Jessica looked down and cried. Tiffany pulled her for a
hug and rubbed her back to make her feel better.
"Tif-Tiffany, is it because of me?" Jessica asked as she
buried her face in Tiffany’s embrace.
Tiffany bit her lip. "No, no, don’t say that."
She tightened her arms around the latter’s body. They
continued to hug until they reached the hospital, not
saying anything else, only finding comfort in each other’s
arms.
Sooyoung let out a loud sigh before glancing at her

colleague, Seohyun.
‚Did you know about this beforehand?‛ She asked.
Seohyun didn’t reply; instead, she gave her a calming
smile.
‚But I still don't understand. How come Jessica is still
alive? Tiffany recovered her memories thus Jessica was
fated to die today." Sooyoung said.
‚They just received the word from the higher ups, and
Jessica’s ‘date’ has been changed.‛ Seohyun said.
‚But how did that happen? I thought everyone’s fate
has always been set in stone."
"It's because of Soonkyu, who suddenly barged in and
ruined the whole plan. She gave her life away for Jessica
and Tiffany’s second chance to change their fate." Seohyun
said.
‚She ruined her wish before. She just didn’t want the
same thing to happen to them.‛
Sooyoung nodded, finally getting it.
‚She took Jessica’s ‘date’ and replaced it with hers.‛
Three years later
Ding Dong
‚I’ll get the door!‛ said Krystal as she rushed to the

front door.
She opened the door and was greeted by the sight of a
couple.
"We're so sorry. Are we late to the party?" asked Gyuri.
Beside her was a man, dressed in a white shirt and
pants. He looked like he had just got off from work. He
smiled awkwardly at Krystal.
"No, not at all! Come in!" Krystal said, welcoming the
guests.
"Seungho ended his work late and I had to drag him
here." Gyuri said as she walked into the house, glancing at
the man beside her.
"She took a long time to get ready so don't blame this

all on me!" The man retorted jokingly.
"Seungho oppa*!" Jiyoung suddenly exclaimed.
She wrapped her arms around her brother-in-law like a
little girl. Krystal glared at her, annoyed. But Jiyoung
ignored her stares.
"Jiyoung-ah, you're getting taller each day. What did
Krystal feed you?" He said, patting Jiyoung’s head.
She grinned and glanced at Krystal, but the latter
wasn’t in the mood to joke around.
"You two should go home sometime. Mom and dad
kept asking me about your wedding. Decide on a date
quickly!" Gyuri said, glancing from Krystal and Jiyoung
alternately.
But both girls only smiled uncomfortably.
‚Now, where are the birthday girls?‛ Seungho said,
showing a bag filled with boxes of gifts in his hand.
‚Oh, they’re somewhere inside.‛ Krystal replied,
pointing at the living room that was filled with guests.
"Hey best friend!" Someone suddenly called.
Gyuri turned to the direction of the voice and smiled as
soon as she saw her. It was her best friend, Jessica.
"Hey Jess!‛ Gyuri exclaimed eagerly as she walked to
her with open arms.
The two girls hugged and looked at each other.
"Happy birthday Jess." Gyuri said.
"Thank you. Wow, I thought you’re not coming. You
said that your husband is working late tonight. I’m so glad
you could come." Jessica said, smiling from ear to ear.
She’s always smiling these days.
‚I made him come. No big deal at all. Now, where's the
other birthday girl?"
Jessica smiled and turned around.
"Honey, Gyuri is here!" She called.
"Coming!" said a voice from the kitchen.
And then out came a woman from the kitchen holding
a little girl in her arm. Jessica's eyes lit up at the sight of
her wife, Tiffany. Their eyes met and they exchanged
loving smiles.
"Ah, little Soonkyu, you're all grown up! Happy
birthday!" Gyuri said as she saw the little girl.
‚Tiffany, may I?‛ She asked permission to hold the
baby in her arms.
‚Yes, sure!‛ Tiffany said, letting Gyuri hold her
daughter.
Little Soonkyu was cheerful that evening, staring at
Gyuri with her big eyes and letting out chuckles every
now and then.
‚Gosh, she’s so cute!‛ gushed Gyuri.
‚Of course, look at her mother.‛ Jessica said proudly.
Tiffany laughed as she linked her arms with Jessica,
"She's turning two."
"And she shares the same birthday as her Mommy
Jessi. I have to buy double birthday gifts for the same date
every year. Goodness." She added, sighing.
"Are you complaining?" Jessica asked Tiffany, jokingly.
Tiffany laughed and gave Jessica a peck on her cheek
playfully.
‚Oh no, I think she’s going to cry!‛ Gyuri said,
panicked.
Little Soonkyu’s eyes were brimming with tears. She
was going to cry at any moment.
‚What did you do? She was alright just now.‛ Tiffany
asked.
‚I didn’t do anything!‛
Jessica chuckled at Gyuri’s reaction.
‚It’s okay, let me hold her.‛ She said, taking her
daughter from Gyuri.
She looked more comfortable in Jessica's arms. Her

frown disappeared and was replaced with more cute
chuckles.
‚She didn’t like you.‛ Tiffany said jokingly.
Gyuri sighed.
"I still can't believe that you two are married with a
baby." Gyuri said, looking at them alternately.
"Going straight into pregnancy a year after marriage?
You're missing the honeymoon part!"
Jessica and Tiffany looked at each other and smiled.
"When we're together, it's always honeymoon." Jessica
said bashfully.
Gyuri rolled her eyes, "Gawd, you two are still this
annoyingly romantic after 3 years? What pills are you on?"
They looked at each other and laughed. Even Little
Soonkyu joined them laughing.
After the party was over, Tiffany stood by the window by

herself as she stared at the dark night sky. So many things
were running through her mind.
"What are you doing?" asked a familiar voice from
behind.
Tiffany turned around and smiled at Jessica.
‚Are you stargazing?‛ Jessica asked, puzzled.
"Come here, Jessi." Tiffany said, as she grabbed
Jessica’s arm and pulled her closer.
She linked her arm with hers and rested her head on
her shoulder.
"Where is Soonkyu?"
"With her favourite Aunt Gyuri in the living room."
Jessica replied.
There were no further things to say afterwards. They
both just stood there and continued to look out of the
window, enjoying each other’s company. It felt so right.
Suddenly, they saw a light emerging down from the
sky.
"Ah, a falling star!" They said in unison.
"Hurry up, make a wish!" Jessica said, glancing at
Tiffany.
Tiffany looked at her wife and smiled.
"No." She said.
"I don't have to make a wish anymore."
She reached a hand forward and caressed Jessica’s
cheek tenderly. Jessica blushed at the contact.
"You're my wish came true." Tiffany added.
Jessica could feel tears pooling in her eyes. Slowly, she
turned to Tiffany and cupped her face. And then they
inched closer until their lips met and poured their
emotions in a passionate kiss.
CONTENTS
1 She is 191
2 Beautiful Stranger 201
3 Afraid To Love 215
4 Unstoppable Tears 225
5 Missing You 239
6 You Are My Spring 249
7 Hello 259
8 I’ll Protect You 269
9 Time Machine 281
10 Already Gone 297
11 It Hurts Here 309
12 Truly 319
CHAPTER ONE
She Is
I am not the typical romantic kind of girl who believes in

love and fairy tale. Me, Yuri had lived for 22 years and
proud to say that I've never fallen in love. My friends said
that I was too picky or just too slow to notice the affection
I have from the men around me.
"You're not my type."
Is probably the most common line I used to reply to
their cheesy pickup lines.
"Nobody is her type."
Is what my friends labeled me with. Some of them even
thinks I'm a lesbian. I don't know, I think I just have a
really high standards to actually like anyone in that way.
But Sooyoung said,
"One day you'll meet that one person who will make
you believe in love. No matter how hard you tries to deny
it, that person is your type. And you will fall head over
heels for this fella and willing to sacrifice anything in the
world just to make your loved ones happy. Even if it
means you're bleeding inside."
Yeah right, anything in the world. Maybe that one day
will arrive in another 10 years or so.
That is my over the top dramatic best friend, Sooyoung
who is a total opposite of me. She had loved and being
heartbroken so many times and yet she's still searching for
her so called Mr. Right. She said that experience will make
a woman stronger and wiser in the search of finding their
soul mates. And yet she came to me crying about another
douche. I think she watched too much dramas.
Just thinking about love and relationship makes my
head spin. And being surrounded with all these mushy
love artworks is not helping. I won't be here if it's not
because of my job.
*ka cha*
I snapped another photo. It's a photo of a huge painting
of a heart shape. The painting looks a bit bizarre, but I
can't put my finger on it. Then I saw a faint white line in
the middle of the heart, the kind that you can't see it with a
glance. It's hidden. The heart breaks? Hidden heartbreak?
"Yuri-ah!" A voice called.
I turned around and saw Sooyoung's happy face
hurrying towards me.
"Have you finished taking pictures at this area? I just
met the artist and he agreed to do an interview with us!"
She said, excited.
"Oh really? He wants to do the interview now?"
"Yes now! Hurry up before other reporters took our
chance!"
I held tight to my camera as I followed Sooyoung who
lead me through the crowd at the art gallery. It's the
opening week of the famous artist, KJ's latest work with
the theme 'Love'.
"I can't believe we just met the famous KJ! He's so good
looking!" Sooyoung gushed.
"Meh, he's alright, but quite cocky." I replied
nonchalant.
I realized the deathly glare that Sooyoung shot at me,

but I choose to ignore it. I was too busy checking the
photos I took earlier. I hope I have enough usable shots for
the article. I must give a good impression on my first
article.
I was lucky to get a position as a photographer for
Korean Marie Claire magazine. I thanked Sooyoung who
recommended me to her superiors. She's luckier to get the
job as a journalist as soon as she graduated while I was
wandering without a proper job for a year. It's hard to
land a job with a degree in photography. I spend that one
year working in various places to pay my education loan
and bills. I've worked in the fish market, supermarket,
cafes, wore animal costumes and yoga instructor. All at
the same time. Life was hard back then.
"He is soooo talented! I mean look at his artworks! All
those love themed paintings and sculptures..ahh I'm sure
he's a sensitive man! I want to marry him." Sooyoung
continued.
"Good luck with that." I replied with a chuckle. I really
hope she could just concentrate on her driving instead.
She glared at me.
"Ah, I forgot who I'm talking to. It must be a torture for
you to be in that art gallery and surrounded by all the
overflowing emotional feelings of love all over you."
I rolled my eyes. Sooyoung is being dramatic again.
"I think you should come to those places more often so
that you can shed some light and expose the warmth of
love to your dark frozen heart."
Sooyoung poked one finger on my chest as she held the
steering wheel.
"I know somewhere in there, is a romantic, mushy part
of you just want to come out. After all you're a girl who
watches Disney movies and love Mickey Mouse." She said
with a wink.
I shuddered.
"Yah! Can't you just concentrate on the road?!" I
retorted, pushing her hand away.
Sooyoung shook her head.
"I'm waiting for the day you came to me and say, 'Soo, I
think I fell in love<at the first sight."
"In your dreams! Love at first sight doesn't exist! It's
like Vampires or< Santa Claus!"
Sooyoung sighed.
"One day you'll see. Just wait for it."
Though Sooyoung is such an annoying Juliet, I just
couldn't hate her. Maybe I've gotten used to it.
I continue to check the photos taken at the art gallery,
one at a time. I took quite a lot of good shots of the mushy
paintings unconsciously. I must be brainwashed. I shook
my head and go through the photos roughly until I saw
that one picture.
It was the picture of the hidden broken heart. I don't
know why but I can't stop staring at it. There's something
on the picture. Wait, who is that?
I didn't noticed it earlier but there was a young lady in
red standing in front of the painting. She was smiling, but
I find the expression on her face was nothing but sorrow.
As if she was portraying the painting. There were no tears
on her face but I could feel her emotions. She's
heartbroken but she's trying to hide it with her bitter
smile.
"What are you staring at? Is that a hot Jiyoung's
picture?" Sooyoung suddenly asked.
I startled and almost dropped my precious Nikon.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?"
"Ssanta claus.." I mumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Hey, what do you say we hit Youngbae's club after
this? Had a drink or two to release our work stress?"
Sooyoung suggested, though I know she's only interested
with Youngbae's abs.
"Yeah..club sounds good."
Me and Sooyoung likes hanging out at the Solar Club.
This exclusive club located in Apgujeoung belongs to one
of our good friend since college, Youngbae. His rich
businessman father financed the place. If it's not for him, I
don't think I could afford coming here. A drink alone cost
my salary for a day. But since he has a little thing for me,
we got to drink anything for free.
This club is a great place to find a guy, either if you're
looking for a potential husband or just to have someone
for the night. It's a place filled with high rollers and
chaebul's sons and daughters. Sooyoung claimed that she
came here for the first reason, as her quest for true love
continues. But I'm here just to enjoy the heavy bass sounds
and grooves my body to the music.
The DJ played a Britney's song that I don't remember
the title. Soo is getting wild on the dance floor as she
showcases her dancing skills and flaunting her glamorous
body. I rested my elbows on the bar and stirs my drink.
Now I looked like a loner. But I know it won't be long till
someone joined me at the bar. I'm not bragging but that's
what happened every time Soo leaves me alone.
"Yuri, why are you not on the dance floor?" Youngbae
suddenly asked. I didn't even realized he's coming.
I smiled warmly at the guy with spiky hair. He had
that hairstyle since I first met him.
"Maybe later. Soo is conquering the dance floor right
now. I don't want to steal her spotlight.
Youngbae laughed and nodded.
"Hey how about your new job? Does working at Marie
Claire is as exciting as you pictured like?"
"Not bad, except that rookies like me had to do the
articles that no one else wants to do. I almost puked
rainbows after going to that mushy art gallery."
"Hahaha!" He laughed, mocking me.
"I don't know what's next, articles on fancy cat shows,
candy factory?"
"Hang in there. It's not easy to land that job you know.
You'll get more important articles in the future."
"I know, and I'm not complaining. It's better than
wearing a Chicken costume and danced to cheesy idols
songs."
He laughed even harder. This guy. I once worked at a
chicken restaurant.
The DJ suddenly played a slow number by Clazziquai,
She Is. The couples on the dance floor slowly embraced
each other while the singles moved aside for drinks. I
noticed Youngbae stares at me with 'that look'. I know
'that look'. All I can wish right now is for Sooyoung to
interfere us before he said something like..
"Wanna dance?"
Too late.
I looked at him blankly, not sure what to say. The last
time we danced together, he almost kissed me
'accidentally'. I was lucky to moved away in time. No
offense, but my first kiss is very special. It's for someone I
want to give it to. And that person is not him.
"Er..I..
He waited. He stares at me as if his eyes could make
me say yes. His hypnosis may work on other girls, but not
on me.
"Guys! Don't make babies on the bar stool!" Sooyoung

suddenly came and sat beside me, she looked a little tipsy.
Saved by the drunk best friend.
"Are you alright?" Youngbae asked, supporting her
body from falling.
"Bae! Show me your chocolate abs! Show me!"
Sooyoung demanded before she pulled Youngbae's shirt
up.
"Yah! What are you doing?! Sooyoung stop it!"
I took the opportunity to get away. Sooyoung will be
okay as always but I can't say the same thing about Bae.
Poor Bae, but he'll get over it. It's not the first time
Sooyoung attempted to rape him.
The DJ played my favorite body shaking song, Ciara's 1,2

Step. Like a boss I moves my body to the beat, just letting
the rhythm to take control of me. I could feel the crowd's
eyes on me, some awed and some jealous but I just love
the attention. I feel like a superstar when I'm on the dance
floor, someone you can look at but can't touch.
The music then changed to a hip hop number by Akon,
and by that time I was already drenched in sweat. I could
really use a drink. People around me applauded,
impressed at my sexy moves earlier. I smiled at them and
shot a few sexy glares at the drooling men. They looked
like they're gonna burst. Haha.
I went to the bar but there was no sign of Bae or Soo. I
can't help but smiled thinking of what they might be
doing.
"Where are you going afterwards?" I heard a man's
voice from beside me.
I was about to came back with my usual snobby reply
when I realized that he wasn't talking to me. There was a
woman next to him, but I couldn't see her face clearly.
"How about we go somewhere more..quiet. Just the
two of us." He continued.
Ohh..I know that line. I know that tone. Another
douche.
"Here's your drinks sir!" The bartender handed the man
two glasses of martini.
"Thank you." He said and put both glasses by him.
I raised an eyebrow. I think I know this move.
The poor woman didn't notice it, but I saw it clearly.
He hid a small packet in his sleeve and casually put
something into her drink. What a pro.
"Here, have a drink. Oppa's treat." He said charmingly
to the unalarmed victim.
I gritted my teeth and balled my fists. Oppa my ass.
Here I am knowing what he's about to do and the poor
woman will wake up the next morning on a bed of some
cheap hotel not knowing what happened to her. What
should I do?
The man gently pushed the glass to the woman beside
him and I can't longer hold myself. I might get in trouble
for what I'm about to do, but I can't just sit here and
watch. Blame me for watching too much superhero
movies..
"There you are baby!" I called to the woman intimately.
The douche turned around, looked a bit nervous when
I came to them. The woman in red also looked at me and..
I froze.
As if my heart had just stop beating.
It's the same woman from the art gallery. The one I
captured in my picture. It's hard to forget that milky skin
of hers, her dark long hair and the sorrowful look in her
eyes.
"Excuse me?" The douche asked, snapping me back to
reality.
I turned at him and casually put my hands around the

woman. When my hand touches her bare shoulders I
could feel the unknown tinge of sensation all over my
body. Cold sweats mysteriously rolled down my forehead.
But I still kept my cool. I need to get rid of this jerkface
first.
"Baby, do you know this guy?" I asked to the confused
woman.
She was speechless. "Uh..I..
"Wait a minute, what's going on here?" He asked,
shocked. I enjoyed seeing the look on his face. It's like I
just said, dude, you just got punk'd.
"I'm the one who should be asking that. Were you

trying to hit on my woman?!" I asked, fierce.
My woman. Sounds nice.
He stood up and shook his head. "She's your
girlfriend? You two are..? It can't be.."
"Do you have any problem with two hot women
dating?"
He creased his eyebrows in disbelief.
"You don't? Then leave!"
Oops, did I just destroyed his pride?
He scoffed. "How dare you!"
Being a douche he is, as expected he raised his hand,
trying to hit my face. I had no idea where all the courage
came from, but I didn't even blink once. Maybe because I
could feel the woman's tight grip on my arms. She's
scared. I must be brave for her.
"Hey! Don't try messing in my club!" Youngbae
suddenly shouted. He came just in time.
The douche stopped as Bae arrived. Bae is an
influenced man in this area. Cross him and be prepared to
suffer. Bae grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the
bar. He tried to explain but it was too late. I reckon he was
thrown out of the club for good. I should thank Bae later.
"I don't remember dating you." The woman suddenly
said. I swear her voice sounded like a sweet lullaby. I
looked at her and awkwardly removed my arms around
her shoulders.
I'm never nervous when I talked to strangers, but with
this woman I stumbled on a simple reply. If she's any
other guy, I've already came back with at least 3 witty
lines. But here I am, mute and staring at her like a fool.
"I'm ss-sorry.."
Oh damn, did Yuri just stutter? What the-
"I only said that to save you from that dou.. er.. man. I
saw him put something in your-
Too late. The woman was already sipping her spiked
martini. She drank the full glass and looked at me.
"Something in my?"
"-drink."
"My drink?"
I saw her wobbling left and right as the drug begin to
take effect. The douche must've used some super drug. I
reached for her shoulders to support her body from
falling.
As soon as I held her in my arms, she fainted.
CHAPTER TWO
Beautiful Stranger
Am I dreaming?
I blinked my eyes a few times to check if this is real.
But no matter how many times I opened my eyes, the fact
still doesn't change. There was a beautiful stranger lying
on my small single bed.
It's the lady I saved from the bar last night, the same
one in the picture I captured at the art gallery. Her long
dark hair spread across my pillow and her white milky
skin rested comfortably against my bedsheet. Her sleeping
face looked so serene, made me wonder what she was
dreaming about.
I hope I'm in her dream.
Suddenly I feel my cheeks heating up. It's not even
warm but my palms are sweating. What is happening to
me?
I looked at her beautiful face again, trying to look for
an explanation. But the more I stare at her, the faster my
heart beats.
How can there be someone this beautiful?
I ignored my rapid heartbeat and my sweating palms
and moved closer to her. I just can't take my eyes off her.
The unknown feeling inside me continues to grows and
I'm letting it taking over me.
I like staring at her face.
I like her.
"Oh my, what am I thinking?" I said, shaking my head
vigorously.
My mind begin to look for an excuse for me feeling that
way. All I can think of is because of my lack of sleep. I
barely slept at all last night and my brain has now fried
like pieces of nuggets in the pan. That must be the reason
I'm acting weird<but..
The reason I can't sleep last night was her. I sat by her
side and guard her while she was sleeping. I didn't even
realize it when the morning came. The sun suddenly pried
through the windows.
I glanced at the clock by my bed and noticed that it was
already 7:30 am. She will wake up anytime soon. Just
thinking about it made me nervous.
What should I say to her when she woke up?
I scratched my hair, thinking.
I should.. introduce myself first, then maybe explain to
her about last night. I must explain to her that I had to
brought her home since I don't know who to call. She had
no handbag or phone with her, so how would I know? I
don't even know her name. She should be able to
understand it, right?
She won't think of me as a pervert, will she?
I shook my head, brushing off my tendency to over

analyze things.
"I should buy her breakfast..yeah." I said to myself.
"Arghhh my head is killing me!" Sooyoung whined.

She just entered the office with a hand over her head.
She's half an hour late to work that morning.
"Yuri, do you have any more of that hangover pills? I

could really use one right now." She said to her colleague
at the opposite desk.
But there was no response.
"YAH YUL!" She shouted.
I startled at Sooyoung's sudden intrusion.
"Oh, Soo, you're..early." I said nonchalant.
Sooyoung looked at me with creased eyebrows as if I
just said something wrong.
"What?"
She walked to me and leaned against my desk before
putting a hand on my forehead like a caring mother.
"What happened to you last night?" She asked
suddenly.
I was shocked at Sooyoung's instinct.
I looked at her without saying anything and then she
nodded.
"You met someone isn't it?"
She's just very sharp. Sometimes I think she has
psychic powers.
I sighed. "Yes, well..not exactly. It's pretty
complicated.."
"Oooohh! Tell me! Tell me everything! I want to know
every detail!" She gushed. She pulled her chair
immediately and sat closely next to me.
"Is he hot? Is it someone I know?" She asked
continuously.
I shook my head. "More like..beautiful."
"Did you guys..you know, do it? Did you get his
number? Will you two meet again?" She asked in one
breath. I wonder how she did it.
I stared at her, shocked. "That's not what happened! It's
not even close to that kind of stuff.."
She let out a loud sigh. "Really? Ah, that's
disappointing. I thought you finally letting someone into
your bed, er.. i mean your heart."
I rolled my eyes and told Sooyoung everything that
happened last night. She stared intensely at me as I unveil
my story starting from the art gallery until how it ended in
my apartment.
"That's what happened." I ended my note.
"Ohhhh, wow. So you saved her from being raped?
Like a hero?"
I nodded.
"And then she left without saying anything? Not even a
thank you note?"
"I went out to buy her breakfast, since you know there's
nothing edible in my apartment. But when I came back,
she's no longer there. Not even a single trace of her was
left. Just her.. scent lingers in the air."
"Hmm, scent huh?"
I nodded weakly.
"And I'm guessing now you can't stop thinking about
her?"
"Well, I..
"No matter what you do, her face appears and
wherever you go, you can't forget her sweet scent. I bet
she even appeared on your laptop screen."
..yeah." I replied sheepishly.
I can't hide anything from Sooyoung anyway.
Suddenly she grabbed my shoulders and stared deeply
into my eyes.
"OH MY GOD, YURI!" She said, loudly.
"Wh-what?"
"Looks like you're in love." She said, whispering.
I stared at my best friend, dumbfounded. I wanted to

deny that statement, but my body just froze hearing her
accusation. As if it was true.
"And I think..you're gay." She added, her voice even
lower.
I gulped. I'm..what?
Then she grinned, "No worries! I already expected that!
I knew there's something off with you when you didn't
show a bit interest in Youngbae! That man is one sexy
beast!"
"Sooyoung, I don't think I changed my sexual
orientation and fell in love with a stranger that I barely
knew in one night. That's just not logical. And I do think
Youngbae is cute."
"LOVE IS NEVER LOGICAL!" Sooyoung suddenly
shouted and I was almost thrown off my chair. I could get
heart attack if she keeps this up.
"And you think Bae is cute, means that you only like
him as a friend or as a cute pet with spiky hair but nothing
more! You don't have that desire..that kind of deep
passion with him or any other man you've met! But! With
this mysterious beautiful stranger..you just want to make
babies with her!"
I could feel my face heated up immediately. Sooyoung
looked at the flustered me with her annoying grin. I shook
my head repeatedly.
"I-I don't have that kind of intention with her!"
"Of course you don't." Sooyoung replied. I know she's
just being sarcastic. This girl.
"Plus..I don't recall girls can get pregnant by having sex
with each other-
She pointed at me with her index finger, causing me to
stop talking.
"SEE! YOU DO WANT TO DO THAT WITH HER!"
"What the- I DON'T!"
"Okay enough! Why are we discussing about this in the
morning? Are you still drunk?"
I opened the top drawer of my desk and grabbed a
bottle of pills. I handed the bottle to Sooyoung.
"Eat this and sober up."
Sooyoung took two pills and threw it down her throat
before she swallowed it with a glass of water that I gave
her. She looked calmer now.
"The thing is.." She suddenly said.
I looked at her and waited.
"..you can't stop thinking about this girl. This never
happened to you before, like ever. You're opening your
heart to her.." She continued.
I shook my head. "I'm just weirded out by her right
now, that's all. I'm sure I'll get over her tomorrow."
"I don't think so. I think she'll still be on your mind
tomorrow and the day after. And by the end of the week
you'll find yourself still thinking about her no matter what
you do."
I laughed awkwardly. "No way. That's bull!"
"We'll see about that."
"Okay, fine.‛
Sooyoung was right. I hate to say it, but Sooyoung was

right. It's already Sunday and I can't get that beautiful
stranger out of my head. I simply can't stop thinking about
her. Her face appeared everywhere I look and I smell her
scent in the air. I had a hard time sleeping on my bed, as
she once rested her beautiful figure there. It will make me
feel as if we were lying on the same bed.
I ended up sleeping on the floor.
It's stupid.
This feeling is stupid. But you know what's stupider?
The fact that I went to Solar every night just hoping to

see her again.
And I'm doing it again tonight.
I sat at the bar, the same spot where I first met her. I
sipped my drink when I'm not even thirsty as my eyes
wanders around the club. The DJ played my favorite song,
but I didn't even have the urge to dance.
I just..want to see her again.
"Any luck tonight?" Sooyoung suddenly asked.
I shook my head weakly.
She sat next to me, accompanying me going through
this misery. It's so nice of her, but I think she's just
enjoying every moment seeing me like this. She said it's
like watching a real life drama series. She even made her
own synopsis.
'A cold hearted woman who finally opens her heart
and falls in love with a beautiful stranger. Will she meet
her first love again? What will be the ending of this love
story?'
Yes, I'd like to know that too. Thank you so much
buddy for turning my life into a drama.
"Are you sure what happened that night was real?"
Sooyoung suddenly asked.
I looked at her and raised my eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't take this wrongly, but when I think about it, it's
getting a bit suspicious."
"Suspicious?"
"Your story was too good to be true. You snapped her
picture in the art gallery, then you saved her from a jerk
and became the hero. It's like a scripted drama."
"Are you saying that I'm making it all up?"
"I didn't say that. Maybe you were drunk and
imagining things.."
"I wasn't drunk!"
"But you didn't even know her name."
"She passed out before I could even ask her!"
"Maybe all these years of being single finally gotten to
your head and you subconsciously created an imaginary
perfect girl like in that Rain oppa movie I watched the
other day."
"Rain movie? The one where he's in the mental
hospital?"
Sooyoung nodded.
"That movie is about crazy people."
"Yes." She replied casually.
I felt like smacking her face with a bottle of wine. Or
the bar's stool. Whichever I can grab first.
Suddenly,
"Excuse me."
I turn around and..
..it's her.
She stood before me, like an angel came to earth just to
make it brighter.
Am I dreaming again?
"Yo-you." was the only thing I could say. And I
stuttered again.
She smiled and bowed her head slightly.
"I don't think we've introduced each other properly."
She said with her sweet voice.
"No we don't.."
I swear she was glowing in her brown coat and pink
dress. Seems a bit polite for a club attire but it doesn't
matter. Her hair was let loose and she tucked one side
behind her left ear. She looked absolutely gorgeous.
"I'm Tiffany. Nice to meet you again." She said, offering
her hand for a handshake.
So her name is Tiffany. I can finally put a name on this

beautiful stranger. I grabbed her hand and once again I
could feel that tinge of sensation as my skin brushes
against hers.
"I'm Yuri. Nice to meet you again."
She smiled again and her eyes were smiling too. I'm
trying so hard not to show my stupid grin. I need to keep
my cool.
"Is this the woman you talked about? She's real?"
Sooyoung suddenly interrupted our moment.
Reluctantly I let go of her hand.
"Yes. This is the woman I helped the other day."
"Awww..you finally come."
Did Sooyoung just cooed?
"I'm Sooyoung by the way, Yuri's best friend and also
colleague."
"Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Tiffany."
They shook hands.
"It's good that you came." Sooyoung said with a
friendly tone. She sounded like the gossiping ahjummas*
near my apartment.
"You don't know how long Yuri have waited for yo-
AHHHH!"
Opps. I might have stepped on Sooyoung's foot with
my heels. Sorry buddy but you're ruining my cool and
charming image.
Sooyoung sat at a stool and rubbed her left foot. That
should keep her busy for a while.
Tiffany looked at her, worried. "Is she alright?"
"She'll be fine. She just have a bit problem with her
long legs. It's a rare genetic disease." I reply nonchalant.
"So< can I buy you a drink? What would you like? I
promise it'll be drug free." I said as I leaned my body at the
counter.
She chuckled and it sounded like melodies to my ears.
"I can't." She replied short.
"Oh, well then< maybe some other time?"
"Yuri."
"Yes?" I startled.
"I'm here to thank you for saving me that night. I can't
imagine what could've happen to me if it wasn't for you."
"It was nothing. I was more than willing to help you." I
said coolly.
"I'm sorry I didn't show my gratitude to you earlier. I
didn't know how to find you. I'm glad we could meet
again tonight. I am so thankful for what you did. You are
my hero."
"Hero? Ahaha! I'm not a hero.." I said, scratching the
back of my head. It's hard to act cool.
"But, why did you left that morning? I was so
worried.."
Tiffany looked away.
"I just< don't want to trouble you anymore. You have
done so much for me so ..
Then she grabbed my hands and looked straight into
my eyes. I froze.
"Thank you so much once again, Yuri."
I gulped.
"It's okay, Tiff..Fany."
We continued to look at each other and I swear it felt as
if the world had stopped turning. I want us to stay like
this forever. Can we?
"I guess I should get going now. It's getting late." She
let go of my hands again.
"O-okay." I was a bit shocked.
She bowed slightly at Sooyoung and then at me,
making her leave. I bit my lip. I don't want to let her go
that easily. Not again.
"If you're thankful you should at least treat me to

lunch." I said boldly.
She looked at me, surprised.
"Lunch?" She asked. And I saw a look in her eyes. She
seems kinda< worried?
Okay, I'm nervous now.
"I'm not letting you go easily.. without my free lunch.
What's your number?" I asked casually. In reality my heart
was beating so fast it could burst out of my chest.
And Tiffany seems to hesitate. She looked at me
without saying anything. I can't imagine how nervous I
felt. This is more nervous than waiting for my final
semester result.
I can't afford being rejected this fast.
"Then maybe..your email? So that I can I add you on
FB? Twitter?" I know I sounded desperate but I am.
"Give me your number." She replied.
I swear my heart was jumping in joy. That little fella is
throwing a party in my body with the blood cells and
pancreas. I've never felt like this before.
I gave her my number and she saved it in her phone.
"I'll be waiting for your call."
She replied to me with a smile. She never stops smiling,
does she?
"Thank you for everything Yuri, my hero."
I was speechless. She called me her hero again.
And then she leaves. Leaving behind her footsteps all
over my heart. Eww. Since when did I became this corny?
I took out my phone from my handbag and held it in
my hand. I won't miss any calls from now on.
Sooyoung laughed.
"That was interesting! You were so nervous around
her, it's hilarious! Where did all your confidence and
overflowing charms had gone to?!"
I smiled at her.
"I’ve told you that she's real."
"Okay I admit you're haven't gone 'cuckoo' yet. Wow, I
understand why you're all over this chick. Even as a girl, I
find she's hot! So this is the Yuri's 'type'? You really set
your bar high."
I can't stop smiling.
"I've told you love at first sight exist."
Sooyoung put a hand on my shoulder. "And you my
friend, you have officially fallen in love with Tiffany.
Deep."
"I'm not in love with her." I denied.
Sooyoung rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah? Of course I'm
wrong again."
I sighed.
"I just< like her.."
"Really, really like her."
"Truly like her.."
I never thought liking someone would be this torturing.

I couldn't stop checking my phone, even when it's not
ringing. I panicked every time it rings even when it was
only my mom calling. I replaced my 'Hello?' with
'Tiffany?' in all my calls. Everyone had become Tiffany.
A week gone by and she still hasn't called. Sooyoung
said that I shouldn't wait by the phone and let the nature
take its course. She said that fate will bring us together if
we're meant to be.
I hope fate stop lazying around and do its job faster.
"We will have another event to cover this weekend."
Sooyoung said.
I glanced at her from my desk.
"Oh yeah? What event?"
"A fancy cat show."
"Tell me you're kidding."

"I'm serious. They have the fancy dress competition
and we're there to cover the fashion aspect of the..er..cats."
I buried my face in my hands. Great. Exactly what I
needed to make myself feel better. I put my chin on my
desk and stared at my phone again.
"Fany-ah, now would be a good time to call." I said to
the phone.
Yes, I call Tiffany with a nickname now.
Sooyoung looked at me and sighed.
"Poor Yuri. It's her first time liking someone and she's
like this. Talking to inanimate objects. Where is that
Tiffany anyway?"
Then suddenly, my phone rang. My ringtone, Shoujo
Jidai's Beautiful Stranger filled our small office space. Me
and Sooyoung looked at each other.
"Answer it!"
I grabbed it and pressed it to my ear without checking
the caller.
"Tiffany?"
There was no reply. There were silence for a while, but
continued to wait.
"Yes, is this Yuri?" A female voice asked.
I know that beautiful voice. It's her. Finally.
"Yes, this is her. How are you?"
"I'm great. You?"
"Never better."
"So about that lunch I owe you.."
Since she's not in front of me, I grinned like an idiot.
"Are you free today?"
Yes. Yes. Yes!
"Hmm..let me check my schedule first." I said, and then
glanced at Sooyoung.
Sooyoung gave me two thumbs up and mouthed,
'Daebak'. I chuckled.
I kept her waiting for a few more seconds then
continued.
"Well, you're lucky. I'm free today."
CHAPTER THREE
Afraid To Love
I was surprised when she wants to meet me again after

our first lunch date.
On that day I tried too hard to act cool, I ended up
being clumsy. I spilled my drink twice on the table and
even the waiter was complaining. Though I spend hours
memorizing the useful jokes with Sooyoung to charms her,
but my mind became blank when I'm in front of her. In the
end I told her a story about drunken Sooyoung that
doesn't even funny. But she laughed at it as if it was
absolutely hilarious.
She's not very fluent with Korean and tends to call me
Yurree with emphasized R. She told me she grew up in
America and asked me to call her English name, Tiffany. I
insisted calling her Fany anyway.
I told her a lot of things about myself, like my current
job, my friends and my family back home. But the only
thing I know about her is her job. She's an art graduate
and currently working on personal projects.
But I'm okay with that since I know I have plenty of
time to get to know her. I want us to take things slowly.
We met again for lunch the next day.
And the day after.
Sooyoung told me that I shouldn't rush dates and when
I told her that I've already went out with Tiffany 3 times,
she gave up giving advice to me.
Today is our fourth meeting. We've both agreed to
watch a movie after work. I punched out of my office on
time and skipping my way to the building's entrance.
When I reached there, I stood there and contemplating
whether I should take the bus or the taxi. Bus is cheaper
but Taxi is faster. I'm saving to buy a car so I'm quite
careful about the money I spend.
But in the end, I’ve decided to the take the taxi. I don't
want to keep Tiffany waiting for me. I rather be the one
who waits.
I arrived at the theatre an hour early. It’s okay, I can
buy the tickets and snacks while waiting for her. I sat by
the theatre’s entrance with my pair of couple's seat tickets
and a jumbo sized popcorn. I sipped on the cola as I wait.
I've finished my drinks and she still hasn't arrived. The

movie will start in 5 minutes and I'm starting to worry.
Not worrying if we missed the movie, but if something
happens to her on the way here. I stood up and glanced
around the theatre. There were people everywhere, hence
making it difficult for me to look for her.
I took out my phone and called her number. I don't
want to rush her but I'm getting worried by the second. It's
like pieces of my heart slowly dies. She need to appear
before me before I..
"Yuri!" A voice called.
The pieces of my heart came back to live.
Her face emerged from behind the crowd and my heart
was beating fast. I pushed a few people just to get to her
faster and as soon as I'm in front of her, I stopped.
"I'm sorry! I was stuck in the traffic earlier!"
She's alright. I just want to wrap my arms around her

tightly but I didn't.
"Did you wait for me long? I'm so sorry!" She
apologized repeatedly.
"Hey, it's okay. I also just got here." I lied.
"Ah really? I felt bad for making you wait<
I can wait for you forever.
"If you're really sorry, then maybe you can treat me to
movies next time." I said, slyly securing another date.
She smiled. "I see what you did there, Yuri.‛
‚Okay fine, the next movie is on me."
I grinned.
"Let's go, we're already late." I said as I casually
grabbed her hand. I feel she's clasping onto my palm in
response. I couldn't hide my happiness. We looked at each
other and smiled.
It was the first time we're holding hands and it felt so
right.
"You held hands? That's a good progress.." Sooyoung said.

"I know right? I don't want to wash my hands
anymore."
Sooyoung laughed and rolled her eyes.
"What happened after the movie? Did you walk her to
her house?"
"We took a taxi and then I sent her home."
"Where does she lives? Big house, apartment,
bungalow?"
"I don't know."
"You said you send her home."
"I walked her halfway, but then she insisted me to
leave since it was getting late."
Sooyoung didn't say anything, but I saw that look in
her eyes.
"Why? Does it matter where she lives?"
"Yeah. Especially if you're serious with her. You should
at least know that. Is she living alone or with her family?
You can tell a lot from someone's house."
"Well< I will know about that eventually. We've only
been seeing each other for a week. You're the one who said
that I should take things slowly."
Sooyoung sighed.
"Alright. Do you know what she does?"
"She's an artist."
"A singer?"
"No, I meant a painter."
"Is that why she was at the art gallery that day, to check
out paintings?"
"Ah< I think so." I forgot to ask Tiffany about the art
gallery.
Sooyoung nodded. "You know Yul, I'm just worried
about you."
"Trust me, there's nothing that you should worry
about."
"Okay, then maybe you can bring Tiffany to the club
sometime and hang out with us. Bae is dying to meet the
girl who stole you from him."
I laughed.
"Alright. I'll ask Fany about it."
"That movie was so sad! I can't stop crying!" Tiffany said

as we walked out of the movie theater. She was holding a
piece of tissue that was already wet with tears.
"Yes, it was." I said, glancing at her.
Aww..her eyes were still wet. My heart was tugged as I
saw her sad expression, even if it was only because of the
movie.
"Wait." I grabbed her hand so that we stopped walking.

We stood by the sidewalk.
"What is it? Did you forget something?" She asked.
I took out a handkerchief from my handbag and then
cupped her face. She gulped as I looked into her eyes. We
stayed like that for a moment.
"Yuri what-
Then I wiped the remaining tears on her face with the
handkerchief. She stopped talking and let me do my job.
Her cheeks turned pink.
"Though I find your watery eyes attractive, other
people might think we just had a fight." I said with a
smile.
She blushed even more. I let go of her face and then
held her hand again.
There was an awkward silence between us for a while.
We just continued walking.
"Do-don't you find that movie sad at all?" She suddenly
asked, attempting not to talk about what I just did. I
cringed at the fact that she stuttered.
"It was sad.." I replied casually.
"But you didn't cry, you're just making that fake sad
look on your face to make me feel better." She said with a
huff.
I melted.
"Haha, I'm sorry, it's just that I hardly cries."
"Really?"
I nodded.
"Even at your graduation?"
"I didn't even cry, just my mom weeping."
"What about past relationships? You've never been
heartbroken before?"
"How can my heart breaks when I've never been in a
serious relationship before.."
I glanced at her and she avoided my gaze. She did that
sometimes, I wonder why.
"It's just really hard for me to spill tears. Maybe there's
something wrong with my tear duct or something." I
continued.
"One of those rare genetic disease again?" She teased.
"Yeah." I replied as if it were true.
We laughed.
As we walked, she let go of my hand and then linked
our arms together. I figured she was cold as she suddenly
moved closer to me. I blushed. I hope she didn't saw my
pink cheeks. That would destroy my cool image.
"Hey, I just have this awesome idea!" She suddenly
said, excited. She looked like a cute kid wanting to appear
smart in front of her friends.
"What is it, our genius Fany?" I teased.
"You!" She hit my left arm gently to show her
annoyance. It's too adorable. It makes me want to tease her
even more.
"I dare myself to make you cry." She said suddenly.
I looked at her, amused. "Fany, nobody dares
themselves."
"Then I'm the first!" She replied proudly.
I shook my head and let out a small laugh.
"Don't waste your time. I don't think you can make me
cry.."
"Oh yeah? Why?"
I gaze softly at her and then we stopped walking. I
gathered my strength and gave her my reason.
"Because I'm feeling happiest when I'm with you."
We looked at each other for the longest time. I couldn't
read her expression; she seemed shocked, nervous,
worried and touched all at the same time. I'd give
anything in the world to know what she's thinking at that

moment.
Slowly she looked away and we resume walking.
"Okay, what will I get if you failed?" I asked, trying to
brighten up the situation again.
She grinned.
"If I win, I will admit that Mickey Mouse is cooler than
Totoro."
"Just that?"
She smiled and nodded.
"But if I win, I want you to be my Totoro."
"Huh? How? Do you want me to stuff myself until I'm
fat?"
She laughed and suddenly the world seems like a
better place.
"Hahaha no silly!" She hit my arm again.
"Then what?"
"I want you to grant me a wish."
"Because I'm feeling happiest when I'm with you."
How could you say that so casually? Did you know that you
were shaking my heart with your words? I'm barely hanging on
a thread. Because of you I..
Tiffany sighed.
"Yuri..what am I supposed to do with you?" she
mumbled to myself.
She sat by the window of her room, staring out at the
droplets of rain that fell on that night. After a while, the
coldness hits her and she closed the window shut. She
walked towards her large bed in the spacious bedroom.
Lazily she threw myself on her bed and tried to close
her eyes.
But she can't.
Lately she felt that her bed was too fluffy and the bed
sheet was too soft. The bed was too big and the room was
too huge. She pulled herself up and sat on her bed.
For some reason she’s only comfortable in one bed. The
small bed in Yuri's apartment.
Should I just go to her place?
She shook her head immediately.
"What am I thinking?"
She sat there in the dark and stared blankly into space.
She’s scared.
Scared of the feeling she have for Yuri. In such a short
amount of time, she was scared of how easily she became
attached to her, addicted to her charming smile and her
sweet words when she knew she shouldn't.
This is wrong.
She grabbed her phone and searched for Yuri's
number.
'Hero Yul'
Once she found it, she pressed delete.
There, I will never call her again..
Then something popped out.
'Are you sure you want to delete this contact?'
She stared at the screen for the longest time. She

wanted to press 'yes' but she couldn't move my finger.
'No'
She didn't delete her number.

She couldn't.
Not now.
Suddenly tears rolled down her eyes.
"How could I do this? This is so unlike me.."
"I'm sorry that we have to take the bus. But I'm currently
saving money to buy my first car so.." I said sheepishly to
Tiffany. We had just finished our dinner and I've offered
to take her home but bus is all I can afford.
She looked at me and chuckled. "It's okay. Don't you
think it's romantic for couples to take the bus at night?"
Couples? Did she mean us? I tried my best to hide my
blushing cheeks.
I put an arm around her shoulder and she naturally
moved closer to me. Like in the dramas, we're sitting at the
back seat of the bus and then..she rested her head on my
shoulder. I glanced at her, fighting the urge to kiss her
forehead.
"Yuri-ah.." She suddenly called.
I gulped.
"Yes, Fany?"
I just like saying her name.
She plugged in an earphone into my left ear and
another into hers. I looked at her in wonder.
"I want you to listen to this song." She said sweetly.
I nodded. "Okay.."
The violin instruments played. And then the male
vocalist sang.
I realized it's Bobby Kim.
'I might go crazy

No, actually I already might be
already crazy about you'
'A love that can't happen in this world
A person that I shouldn't fall in love with'
It's a tragic ballad. I glanced at her and she was staring

at me. I became nervous. What are you trying to do, Fany?
'I should have just passed you by

I should not have fell in love with you’
'But the more I turn my back against you
I miss you even more’
The melody was so sad and as we're listening to the

song together, I saw tears slowly pooled in her eyes.
‘I'm getting scared, I'm scared of love'

CHAPTER FOUR
Unstoppable Tears
‘I'm getting scared, I'm scared of love'
She stared deeply into my eyes until the song ends. The
music had stopped now but we’re still looking at each
other. How I wish I could read her mind. What exactly is
she trying to do?
Wait, is she telling me that she’s..
..in love with me?
No way.
I must be losing my mind to think that she’s fallen in
love with me. It’s only been 2 weeks, and according to the
love doctor, Sooyoung it’s only the warming up phase of a
relationship. Though, I can’t really tell the difference
between the phases. How many phases are there anyway?
‚Yuri..‛ Tiffany suddenly called.
Her sweet voice sent a jolt to my heart causing it to beat
rapidly as if it’s been hit by a defibrillator. I could hear it
thumping in my chest like it’s going to burst any moment.
My cheeks are heated up, and I'm sure my cheeks had
turned pink. I want to maintain my cool image but there's
nowhere to hide.
She continued to stare at me with her sparkling eyes.
Wait, is that tears?
Suddenly my cool image became irrelevant. I cleared
my throat.
"Fa-Fany, are you-
I paused. I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do at this
moment, but I want to ask her about her feelings for me.
That is if she has any. This could be the turning point of
our possible relationship.
I gulped and gathered the strength to continue. I’m
putting my pride on the line as I continued.
"Are you saying that you..er..we -
"HAHAHAHA!" Suddenly she bursts out laughing.
Other passengers in the bus were startled by her and
all were glancing at us with their annoyed looks. I slightly
bowed my head at them and mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ from my
seat.
Tiffany finally stopped laughing when I held her
hands. She seems to calm down a little when I gently
rubbed her arm. She was laughing so hard that tears were
running down her cheeks. I'm not sure if she was crying or
laughing.
‚Oh gosh, Yuri-ah..‛ She mumbled.
I took out my handkerchief and gently wipe the tears
on her cheeks. She looked at me and smiled, enjoying the
way that I’m treating her.
I’d wipe your tears away anytime, Fany-ah.
"Why are you being so serious?" She asked.
"Eh?"
She let out a sigh.
"As expected, it doesn't work on you."
I creased my eyebrows in confusion.
"What? I'm kinda lost here. What doesn't work on me?"
"Hmm..do you still remember our bet?"
"Bet?"
I shook my head. My mind was blank.
"I'll win if I can make you cry?‛

‚Oh! That bet?‛
She nodded excitedly. ‚Yes that one!‛
‚That song you just heard is my favourite sad song. I
let you listen to it hoping that you’ll be moved to tears, but
as expected it doesn't affect you one bit.‛
‚Ah..really?‛
To be honest, I was disappointed.
‚Maybe there’s really something wrong with you and
your tear duct. You only looked at me with your
handsome stiff face." She explained, slightly pouting.
I can’t help but chuckled.
"You think I'm handsome? It's the first time someone
thinks of me that way.‛
She replied it with a cheeky smile. I died.
"So this is all because of the bet?" I asked before I’m
drowned in her charming eyesmile.
"Of course. What were you thinking?" She said as she
moved closer to remove the earphone from me.
Her face was so close to mine I could smell the mint
gum in her breath. I glanced at her and my eyes
immediately focused on her lips.
I gulped.
Only god knows how hard I’m trying to fight the urge
to kiss her lips.
"I thought..oh well..
I looked away quickly.
..nothing. Anyway, you lost it."
I am so nervous tonight. Tiffany and I were sitting at the

small dining table at my apartment. I watched her
munching down a spoonful of rice with dish anxiously. It
was the first time she tastes my food and it’s also the first
time I cook for someone other than my family or
Sooyoung.
She swallowed it down and looked at me with no
expression. I gulped.
Darn it. Did I put too much salt on the meat? Or is the
rice too hard to chew?
‚DAEBAK.‛ She said suddenly. She even gave me a
thumb up.
I let out a loud sigh of relief.
‚Ahh really? You scared me. I thought it tastes bad..‛
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THIS IS SO DELICIOUS!!"
She shrieked.
My mouth crept up, and I’m unable to contain how
happy I am. I smiled wide and proud. At times like this
that I want to hug my mom and thank her for all the
cooking lessons she gave.
"Wow, you're a great cook Yuri-ah! I’m a terrible cook
to the point of being shooed out of the kitchen!‛ She said
as if it’s a proud thing.
I chuckled. She’s cute bragging about things she
shouldn’t.
Actually she’s cute at doing anything.
"It must be good if someone can cook me delicious
dinner like this every day." She said, smiling.
"You can. If you marry me I’ll cook you not only dinner
but breakfast and lunch too. I’ll cook you anything you
want." I said spontaneously.
We looked at each other and suddenly the atmosphere
turned awkward.
Darn it. Did I just propose to her?
I wonder why I said that to someone I’m just seeing for
3 weeks. I can’t simply jump to the last phase of dating
this quick! Sooyoung had warned me about taking things
slowly. Gosh, I want to hit my head on the wall!
"HAHAHAHA! YOU'RE FUNNY!"

She bursts out laughing again. I felt so relieved that she
wasn’t taking what I said earlier seriously. I don’t want
her to think of me as a marriage obsessed woman or
something like that.
I smiled awkwardly.
"Ahahaha yes, I’m only joking.."
But still, I’d love to have her by my side for the rest of
my life.
We planned to watch a DVD after dinner. We look

through my DVD collection to choose a title and Tiffany
picked Titanic in a heartbeat with the attempt of making
me cry. It was actually Sooyoung’s. She left it here and
since she never asked, I forgot to return it back.
We sat on the only couch in my apartment while
watching the movie. Ten minutes into the movie and
we’re already sharing a blanket. Half an hour later I slid
my hand around her waist and she inched closer. An hour
later she rested her head on my shoulder and we crossed
our legs together.
Honestly I barely paying any attention at the cheesy
movie, instead I glanced at Tiffany every five seconds to
make sure she was still there. I was so afraid that this is
only a dream.
‚Oh Jack..‛
I looked at the TV screen and just noticed that it was
the romantic scene between the leads characters. I don’t
have problem watching these scenes with my friends but
right now I’m with someone that happens to be the girl I
truly like and this is just plain awkward. I could feel my
whole body heated up again.
Oh no.
‚Hahaha!‛ Tiffany laughs all of the sudden.
Too late. I looked at her and she’s smirking.
‚You’re blushing!‛ She teased.
‚I-I am not!‛
‚Yes you are! Are you embarrassed? Gosh how old are
you?!‛
She grabbed my cheeks and pinched it lightly.
‚You’re too cute, Yuri-ah!‛
I blushed even more.
‚Fany..‛
She glanced at the TV and then looked at me.
"Hmm<should we do it too?" She asked cheekily.
I gasped.
"Do wh-what?!"
I panicked. The first thing that came to my mind
involve naughty actions and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it
yet.
Tiffany leaned to the right and grabbed her bag. And
then she pulled out a sketch pad and a pencil.
‚Let me draw you.‛ She said gently.
Just when I’m about to let out a sigh of relief, I glanced
at the screen and saw Jack sketching the naked Rose. Rose
was naked. Does this mean..
‚Can you look at me and tilt your head a bit to the left?
You look really beautiful from this angle.‛ She said, gently
pushing my chin down to the angle that she wants.
‚But honestly, you’re beautiful at every angle.‛ Tiffany
muttered under her breath but I heard it.
I grinned.
She removed the blanket and sat at the coffee table
opposite of me, all prepared with her sketch pad and
pencil. She looked like a true artist.
‚Wait, do I have to take off my clothes and lie on the
couch too?‛ I asked.
‚HAHAHAHA!‛ Tiffany laughed before she threw a

cushion at my face.
‚Ouuch!‛
‚You just showed me that side of you, Yul.‛
‚What side?‛
‚Keep quiet, pervert. I’m trying to sketch your
handsome face.‛
‚So am I beautiful or handsome?‛
‚You’re both.‛
Tiffany put down her pencil on the table.

"I'm finished with the sketch!" She said excitedly.
‚Let me see!‛ I asked impatiently. I’ve never seen
myself in the form of paintings before so this is quite
exciting.
‚No you can’t! It’s not fully finished yet! I want to add
colors to it first then I’ll show it to you.‛ She said, quickly
closing her sketch pad.
‚Aw, just a glance!‛ I pleaded with aegyo that just
came out of nowhere.
She pats my head and shook her head. ‚Not yet.‛
I raised my eyebrow. ‚Wait, did you draw me naked?!‛
She gasped before hitting my arm. ‚NO!‛
‚Then why can’t you show it to me? You probably
imagining me with no clothes on and sketch whatever you
think is underneath...‛
‚Gosh, why would I do that?! If I want to see you
naked I’ll just ask!‛
We looked at each other in silence. And then we both
burst out laughing. Who knew nudity could be so
amusing?
She glanced at her watch and stood up.
"I have to go. It's getting late."
My heart sunk. I want her to stay.
‚Fany-ah, can’t you just stay here for the night?‛ I
asked bluntly.
And then I realized that question might imply to
something else. Darn. I want to hit my head against the
wall.
Tiffany looked at me and smiled sweetly. She held my
hand and pulled me with her to the front door.
‚Maybe next time.‛ She replied.
‚Yeah, next time.‛
"Hmm...Yuri-ah, I had a great time. Thank you for the
delicious dinner and the movie that we didn’t finish
watching." She said with a chuckle.
"I’m good at making breakfast too, you know.‛ I said,
still not wanting to let her go.
She laughed. ‚You’re so sly, Yuri.‛
‚Only when I’m with you.‛ I replied.
And then we didn’t say anything else. We only looked
at each other’s eyes with the warm fuzzy feelings. I can’t
help but moved my gaze from her pair of mesmerizing
eyes to her pair of luscious lips. I’m gathering my senses,
trying to fight my urge to kiss her. But then,
..I did it.
At that moment, my heart took over my senses. I
grabbed her face and gently pulled her closer before I
pressed my lips on hers.
I...
..kissed her.
The kiss didn't last long but it felt magical. It was
everything I imagined my first kiss to be like. I felt like I
was just given wings and flew up to the sky.
And if I was meant to die tonight, I have no regrets.
She looked at me with her sparkling eyes. But then she
creased her eyebrows and then looked away. I couldn't tell
what she was thinking.
I’m nervously waiting for her reaction.

"Yuri-ah, I'm sorry...‛ She suddenly said.
I was so shocked. Out of all response, she...
apologized?
"Why?"
She smiled and shook her head.
"I have to go. Thank you for the beautiful evening." She
said, letting go of my hand.
I didn’t know how to react. She turned around and
stepped out of my apartment. I can’t just let her leave like
this...
I wrapped my arms around her from the back and
embraced her. She was shocked with the back hug but
then she tightly held my hands that were around her
waist. We stayed like that for a few moments before I can
finally let her go.
She turned around and looked at me.
"Goodbye."
That was all she said before she turned around and
walked away from me. I stood there and watched her from
afar until she was no longer in my sight.
I put a hand on my chest. There was a heavy feeling in
my chest and it’s also suffocating me. I can only think of
one thing.
Tiffany< I think I’m in love with you.
"Sooyoung, why? Why?" I asked to my best friend who

was driving.
It was in the evening and we're on our way back from
work. Sooyoung talked me into following her to the club.
"Why didn't she pick up her calls? Did something
happen to her?" I continued to ask.
Sooyoung glanced at me.
"How long has it been since your last date with
Tiffany?"
"3 days ago.‛
‚And after that she didn’t call or message you at all?‛
I nodded.
"She also didn’t pick up my calls or reply my messages.
What do you think is going on? It doesn’t make any sense!
Everything went well that night. We even had our first
kiss!"
"Maybe you're a bad kisser and she was traumatized."
Sooyoung teased.
"Hey!" I retorted and hit her arm.
"Okay, relax! I'm driving here! Do you want to kill us
both?!"
I looked away and crossed my arms defensively.
"Yul...‛
Suddenly the mood turned serious.
‚Why do you think she didn't contact you anymore?"
Sooyoung asked.
"Maybe she lost her phone...‛ I replied nonchalant.
Sooyoung sighed. "That's what most people want to
believe."
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah, yeah... maybe she lost her phone...‛
"Hey, be honest with me! What is it?"
"Relax; you're acting like it's the end of the world if she
didn't call you."
"It is the end of the world for me."
She glanced at me with an eyebrow raised.
I looked at her and continued. "I feel like there's a
heavy thing tugging my heart each day thinking about
her...
..thinking of what would happen if I can't see her
anymore. It’s so...‛
She shook her head.

"I can't believe this is happening to you."
"What?"
"Yuri-ah, you're in love with her."
I sighed. It’s true.
"Aissh...and it’s only making it harder for me to say
this...‛
"Say what?"
"Nah nothing. Let’s just assume that she lost her
phone."
"Hey, tell me!"
‚It’s nothing, forget it.‛
‚If you really are my best friend, you’ll be honest with
me.‛ I said.
She rolled her eyes and gave up.
‚You want me to be honest?"
"Yes."
She sighed. ‚It’s nothing, just a wild hunch of mine. So
please don’t take it seriously.‛
‚Your hunches are always correct though.‛
‚But I hope I’m wrong this time.‛
‚What is it?‛
"Actually, I have a bad feeling about Tiffany...‛
I bit my lip. I have a feeling that I won’t like what she’s
going to say.
"But since you like her that much, I just couldn't bring
myself to tell you about it. I don’t know why but I kept
having this feeling that...
She paused and glanced at me.
‚..you're not the only person Tiffany is seeing."
There was silence.
I gasped. "Yo-You mean...‛
"Yeah."
"N-No way. She's not that type of girl!" I retorted,
angry.
"You don’t know her that well. You’re only seeing her
for 3 weeks!"
"But that was long enough for me to know that she's
not like that! She won't do that to me! I know she likes me!
How could you accuse her, Sooyoung-ah! Do you have
any proof?!" I asked continuously. My face had turned red
from anger.
"Hey hey! Why are you shouting at me? I've told you
that it's only my hunch! I was only being honest!"
"Well yes, but to say that she's playing me is just-"
"It's just an assumption." Sooyoung cuts in.
I creased my eyebrow and shook my head. I looked out
of the window, not wanting any eye contact with
Sooyoung. I might punch her face. How could she say that
about Tiffany?
"For your sake, I hope she lost her phone." She
continued.
"I hate you right now, Sooyoung."
"Think about it. You barely know anything her. She
refuses to let you walk her to her house and< what is her
last name again?"
I bit my lip. "I don't know, I just call her Fany...‛
"Exactly." She said as if she was right.
As Sooyoung drove past a junction, I saw the road
leading to Tiffany’s house.
"Take the left turn." I ordered.
"Why?" She asked as gave the left signal.
"We're going to Tiffany's house."
‚Now?‛
‚I’m curious about her too.‛
Sooyoung parked her car by the road because the path we

were going was too small for vehicles. We continue our
journey by foot.
"You said you don't know where she lives." Sooyoung
said.
"I always drop her here, so she must be living
somewhere near." I replied.
We walk along the small path and when we reached
the end of the path, we’re up for a surprise. There was a
huge mansion built inside the gated perimeter. It was the
only house there.
"So she lives here? Wow she must be filthy rich...‛ My
best friend mumbled.
I didn't say anything as I was also too shocked to
respond. The house, no, the mansion was about ten times
the size of my parent’s house. The entrance was guarded
by two security officers. I thought luxury residence like
this only existed in movies and dramas.
‚So Tiffany is a chaebol’s* daughter? Who knew...‛
Sooyoung mumbled.
I froze. My mind was cluttered with so many things
about Tiffany and I don’t know who she is anymore.
When she’s around me she don’t seems like someone from
a rich family. Everything just doesn’t feel right.
Suddenly we saw a headlight heading towards the
mansion. We took a few steps back and stayed in the dark
like ninjas who does not want to be found.
A luxurious white car stopped in front of the entrance.
The driver’s door opened and a beautiful young woman
came out of it. Sooyoung and I looked at each other in
wonder. She walked to the other side of the car and
opened the door for her passenger like a gentleman.
Suddenly a woman walked out of the passenger’s door.
It was Tiffany.
Sooyoung gasped and glanced at me. I froze.
The woman held Tiffany’s hand and they stood face to
face by the car.
They were seen talking and seems very close together.
The other woman fixed Tiffany’s hair and tucked it behind
her ear affectionately. I balled my fist in jealousy. Who is
she? How dare she touch Tiffany like that?
Suddenly the other woman leaned in closer to Tiffany’s
face.
Slowly I find it hard to breathe.
No way.
Please don’t.
‚Fany, please...‛ I muttered.
She kissed Tiffany. I witnessed it with my very own
eyes how the woman I love being kissed by another.
And my heart was crushed into a million pieces.
Suddenly I felt something wet on my cheek. I wiped it
with the back of my hand and realized that it was tears.
Am I crying?
I am.
‚Yuri-ah, are you okay?‛ Sooyoung asked. She seemed
shocked to see me with tears rolling down my face.
Unable to stay there any longer, I turned around and
ran as fast as I could down the small path. I heard
Sooyoung calling me from behind but I keep on running
with tears that can't stop rolling down from my eyes.
Congratulations Tiffany. You won the bet.
CHAPTER FIVE
Missing You
Jessica pressed her lips against mine by surprise. She was

holding my cheeks with her hands and poured her
emotions into this kiss. I closed my eyes and savoured the
taste of her sweet lips.
Everything felt so right, and so in place until...
..Yuri-ah...
My eyes shot open and I realized that I am kissing
Jessica.
This is Jessica.
I pushed her away immediately, causing her to be
thrown a few steps away from me. I didn't mean to push
her that hard.
She looked at me, and I could see through her eyes
how shocked and hurt she was by what just happened.
I know I have a lot of explaining to do. I'm just not sure
if I'm ready for it.
"What's wrong with you?" She asked and I could sense
her anger.
I looked away and crossed my arms. She walked
towards me, demanding an explanation. But I kept my
cold expression and avoided her gaze.
Seeing me that way, she let out a loud sigh and began
to calm down. She held my arms and stared into my eyes.
"Are you still mad at me?" She asked gently.
I scoffed.
"I've told you I'm sorry," she continued.
"This is not something that can be solved with a simple
apology!" I snapped.
Jessica was startled.
"You left me, Jessi."
Her expression turned soft and I could see that gentle
look in her eyes.
"You went to Paris and left me alone for a month! How
do you expect me to act like nothing happened?!"
"You knew that my mom dragged me there and it
wasn't easy for me to get in touch with you..."
"Stop giving me excuses! Can't you just send me a
simple email? I waited for you for a week but there was
nothing!"
"Well okay, I was wrong for not contacting you. I had
to think about things..."
"Think about things?!" I shook my head.
"Tiffany, I came back... that's all that matters, right?"
"You came back a month later and.... that made all the
difference! If only you called me the first week... things
won't be< this complicated."
"What are you talking about?"
"Everything had ended when you left me that day."
Jessica shook her head vigorously.
"Wh-what has ended? Stop talking nonsense!"
"Just go, Jessi."
"Don't say that, Tiffany!"
I kept mum.
"You know that we are meant to be..." Jessica mumbled.
"While I was in Paris, I realized that I can't live without
you. You're the only one that I want to be with..."
I closed my eyes. This is too much for me to take.
I scoffed and looked at her.

"You kept changing your mind, Jessica. Why should I
trust you again? If you really are sincere with me, then
why do we have to lie in front of your family? Why am I
just your best friend?"
"It's< not that simple, you should be able understand,"
she said, pointing at my house.
I rolled my eyes.
"Because of the inheritance?"
Jessica kept mum.
"I want someone who can hold my hand in the crowd.
Someone who's not worried about what people think and
wipe my tears in public, or ride a bus with..."
"What are you talking about? Bus?"
"You never once cooked for me!"
"Cook? If you want, I can-
"Just... go. I want to be alone," I said as I turned around.
"Tiffany, I'm sorry that I keep hurting you. But honey,
you know how I feel for you. For these five years we've
been together, there's only you in my heart and...
‚I love you."
I bit my lip and turned around.
And then I started running towards the gate. I could
hear her voice calling me, but I keep on running. I just
couldn't listen to another word from her. Because it can
only make me even more confused.
I've loved Jessica for so long but now... I don't know
anymore.
"I. Am...so...damn...tired..." Sooyoung said, panting.

I glanced to my friend who's running on the treadmill
beside me. She has only been running for five minutes
with the flat 3 km/hr. speed but she's already out of
breath. I smiled at her and shook my head.
"You don't have to do this if you can't. Take a rest at the
lounge and drink, you look terrible," I said to her as I
continued my exercise.
"It's okay, I'm good... haha..." Sooyoung said as she
decreased her speed.
I was surprised that a lazy bum like her offered to join
me at the gym after work. I know it was not because she
suddenly became a health conscious person; she was just
concerned about me after what happened last weekend.
Even though I repeatedly told her that I'm fine and there
was nothing she should be worrying about, she still
insisted on following me around, worrying if I do stupid
things.
I guess seeing her tough friend break down crying
really made her worry.
"Yuri-ah< good job<" she suddenly said with a
thumb up.
I knew what she meant and nodded.
"It was our effort together. We make a great team." I
replied.
Our art exhibition article gained high praises from the
head editor of Marie Claire. She was so pleased with it that
we were assigned to cover the final day of the Seoul
Fashion Week this coming Saturday.
I'm so happy that Sooyoung and I got to do something
major like this. There are so many things to be done and
I’m so busy at work. It helps me to get my mind off things.
Actually it’s just a person.
..Tiffany.
Work seems like the best way to distract myself from
thinking about her. I gave my full attention to my job at
work, and while I was there, I was able to smile and laugh
with my colleagues. I even enjoy being scolded by my
boss.
I would head to the gym after work and stayed there

until 10 before going home. The sound of the crowd and
the exercise machines helped me a great deal from
thinking about Tiffany.
But when I get home, all alone in my room, I cry.
And I would spend the whole night thinking about her.
I wouldn't know if I was sleeping or awake.
It was pathetic, but I'm not over her.
I don't want to get over her.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated. Sooyoung noticed it and
glanced at the phone next to my tumbler.
Incoming call...
Tiffany
My heart almost stopped beating. I pressed the

emergency stop button on my treadmill and stood still,
staring at my phone.
Am I dreaming?
Tiffany is calling?
Sooyoung seems as surprised as I am. We looked at
each other, stunned.
The phone was still vibrating.
I reached my hand towards it, not even hesitating to
pick it up.
"What are you doing?" Sooyoung asked, serious.
"It could be important..." I mumbled.
‚Yuri, where is your pride?" Sooyoung asked, shaking
her head.
I paused and pulled my hand away from the phone.
And suddenly it stopped.
"You wanted to pick it up."
I gulped.
"I'm just curious and maybe she wanted to say
something to me<"
"She didn't contact you in a week and we saw her that
night with her girlfriend, yet you still want to give in to
her?"
"I didn't mean that-
"You still want to be with her after what she did? Gosh,
Yuri..." Sooyoung cuts in.
I sighed and shook my head. I didn't like the way
Sooyoung judged me right now. She didn’t understand
how I felt. I was not in the mood to argue with her, so I
pushed the quick start button and resumed my run. I
increased the speed and ran.
I want to ignore Sooyoung.
Just leave me alone.
‚Yuri, look at me.‛
I didn’t even glance.
‚Yah, Yuri!‛
Sooyoung looked at me and shook her head.
‚Fine,‛ she said with a heavy sigh.
She left after her attempts of trying to talk to me failed.
After she left, my eyes automatically glanced down at
my phone again< and again.
Tiffany, why did you call me?
Did you know how much I miss you?
This is the first major event that Sooyoung and I had the
chance to cover. We were given the exclusive all-access
press passes for the job. Our first time. We wore it around
our necks as if it were the Olympic gold medals just to
show off to people.
The fashion show ended about three hours later and all
the VIPs and designers headed to the hall for the after
party.
At this point I was quite content with the photos I took.

The head editor had high expectations of us so we
couldn’t take this task lightly. We were hungry for stories
the whole time and conducted interviews with all the big
name designers we met. Sooyoung was really good with
words and was able to make them feel comfortable to talk,
so we're a great combo.
"There's just one more person we need to meet,"
Sooyoung said to me as we were sipping our cocktails at
the party.
"One more? Who?" I was tired, but since Sooyoung
seems enthusiastic, I just couldn't say no.
"The woman who built the Jesstina empire," she
replied.
"You mean, Madam Jung? I didn't know she's here."
"I saw her sitting with the VIPs earlier. And I heard
from other reporters that she even brought her daughter."
"The one who's studying in Paris?"
Sooyoung nodded.
"We must get this scoop."
"Yeah, but where is she? Finding her among these rich
people is hard; they are all dressed so grandly-
"Give me a drink," A woman suddenly asked to the
waiter near us.
We looked behind us and saw a beautiful middle-aged
woman at the bar. I gulped and looked at Sooyoung. She
had her jaw dropped.
It was Madam Jung.
We were panicked at first and paced back and forth as
she waited for her drink. She raised an eyebrow at us
before looking away, probably thinking about how weird
we were.
"Excuse me."
I didn't know when did Sooyoung mustered the
courage and stepped forward to talk to her. I scurried next
to my friend with my camera.
"Yes?"
"We're from Marie Claire...
Madam Jung was surprisingly friendly, despite how cold

she looked from the outside. She answered all the
questions that we asked with a smile, making us feel more
comfortable. We were sitting at one of the couch at the
venue, casually sipping our drinks during the interview.
"We heard you brought your daughter to the party.
We're wondering when we'll be able to meet the future
face of Jesstina," Sooyoung said slyly.
"Hahaha, yes. She's here," she replied.
I tightened my grip on the camera, immediately
prepared to snap photos of her mysterious daughter. No
magazine has ever featured the young successor, so we're
practically jumping at this chance.
"Oh, there she is," Madam Jung said with her head
jerked forward.
We turned our heads and saw a young woman in a
blue dress walking towards us.
I almost dropped my camera.
It was the woman I saw with Tiffany.
It had to be her.
The same walk, the same look in her eyes.
It was her.
I could feel Sooyoung staring at me in concern, but I
was too shocked to glance back.
"Come here, Jessica," Madam Jung called.
Jessica lazily walked to the couch and crossed her
arms. She glanced at Sooyoung and me before glaring
away.
"What is it mother?"
"This is my daughter, Jessica Jung," she said proudly to
us.
I saw Jessica rolling her eyes at first before forcing out a
smile.
"Hi."
Sooyoung cleared her throat.
"Ah, it's really a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss
Jessica!" She said, faking a cheerful smile.
"Of course you would," Jessica replied arrogantly.
Madam Jung seemed embarrassed with Jessica's
attitude. Her expression turned dark.
"Mother, have you seen Stephanie?" Jessica said to her
mother, ignoring our existences.
Stephanie?
"I think she's taking some air outside."
"Okay, see you later," Jessica said as she hurriedly
leaves.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she walked towards
the left door. It was so hard for me to accept how beautiful
she was in that dress, which I'm sure was worth at least
three months of my salary. She even wore a tiara, like a
princess in a ball. I sniggered to myself, can't help but
compare. Me, I was just wearing a black dress I borrowed
from Sooyoung, because I don't even have a proper dress
for this occasion.
The gap was too big.
I was jealous.
"Honey!" Suddenly Jessica called.
It seemed like there was someone at the door. I waited
in anticipation, as my heart raced. Somehow I have a
feeling that I know that person.
Is it you?
A young woman in pastel pink dress came in and
Jessica reached forward to grab her hands gently.
I gulped.
The woman turned around, revealing her face.
I froze.
I saw her face and suddenly everything else became
irrelevant. As if the room was pitch dark and there was a
light surrounding her, she was the only one I saw in the
room.
It is you.
Fany-ah...
..I miss you

CHAPTER SIX
You are My Spring
I froze as I watched Jessica reached forward to grab

Tiffany's right hand. I felt as if a needle just pricked
through my heart and god, it hurts so much. I saw
Tiffany's mouth crept up, forming a sweet smile as they
walked hand in hand into the hall and my heart just sunk
deeper.
"Hey, that's Tiffany, isn't it?" Sooyoung asked, slightly
whispering beside me.
I nodded weakly in response. In my mind there were
hundreds of questions I wanted to ask Tiffany.
Who is she to you?
Who am I to you?
Then why did you make me fall in love with you?
How could you-
Unknowingly I paced forward towards them.
"Yuri, where are you going?" I heard Sooyoung asked.
I didn't reply her, instead I kept my steps steady and
firm, determined to confront them. I was sick of running
away and crying in my sleep, thinking about all the
questions without answers.
Sooyoung followed me.
"Yul, what do you want to do?!" Sooyoung asked,
panicked. She tugged my shirt, attempting to stop me.
But I didn't say anything.
And soon we caught up with them.
"Excuse me, Miss Jessica," I said, as polite as possible.
Jessica and Tiffany stopped walking and they slowly
turn around. I held my breath, waiting for them to face me
and then our eyes met.
Tiffany and I.
Her expression changed tremendously as our gaze
finally met. Her sweet smile was gradually replaced by a
pale and shocked face.
"You-
THUD
She paused when she dropped her purse to the marble

floor.
Jessica shook her head and looked at Tiffany
incredulously, as if it was a crime to be clumsy. I bit my lip
and kneeled down to pick up her purse without hesitation.
I could feel their eyes on me as I got up with Tiffany's
purse. But I simply didn't care.
"Here you go," I said, handing the expensive purse to
Tiffany.
Even though I was hurting, I still managed to smile at
her. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a fake smile. Truly, I'm
just so happy to see her on that night.
Yes, I missed her that much.
"Th-thank you," Tiffany said.
She let go of Jessica's hand and reached forward to take
her purse from me. Our eyes met again, and I could see
the guilt hidden behind her eyes.
I gulped.
"My pleasure," I replied short.
Our eyes were still fixed on each other even after she
took her purse. There were so many unspoken things
between us and it can't be resolved by just staring at each

other like this. I was determined to find the answers
tonight.
"Yuri, let's go," I heard Sooyoung whispered from
beside me. She pulled my arm.
"It was nice meeting you both<" Sooyoung said,
pulling me away. But I stood still, not moving an inch
from where I was, like a statue.
"Steph, we should go," Jessica said, grabbing Tiffany's
hand.
I bit my lip. I can't explain how much it hurts seeing
them holding hands. It just<hurts.
To everyone's surprise, Tiffany pulled her hand away,
leaving Jessica's hand to touch nothing but air.
"Steph-
I suppressed a smile.
"Can I ask you two a few questions?" I boldly asked.
Sooyoung stared at me, worried if I might do something
stupid to the Jesstina heiress.
"Didn't I already answer you back there?" Jessica
replied, annoyed.
"Yeah, but we'd like to get to know you better, Ms.
Jessica. I'm sure people want to know more about the
beautiful heiress of one of the most successful jewelry line
in South Korea," I said with deliberate emphasize on the
'beautiful' part.
It didn't take long until Jessica shrugged before
nodding, "Okay, but hurry up."
I smiled, amazed at the power of flattery.
"First things first, can you two move a bit closer for a
photo?" I said, with my camera ready in my hands.
"Wh-Why?" Tiffany asked, puzzled.
"Because you two look good together," I replied
bitterly.
Tiffany bit her lip, speechless.
Then Jessica put her arms around her waist and posed
for a friendly picture. I smiled and pressed the shutter,
even though my fingers were shaking. I wonder how
much longer I can fake this.
I cleared my throat, "So you two are...
"Best friends," Jessica quickly replied.
"Of course," I nodded.
Tiffany looked down.
"So... how long have you two been 'best friends'?" I
asked casually.
"We've been best friends since high school. It's been
almost< 5 years now," Jessica replied proudly. Casually,
she turned to her side and adjusted Tiffany's bangs with
her fingers though the latter seems uncomfortable with
her actions.
I let out a small laugh to prevent the tears that's been
building up in my eyes from falling. I don't think I take
this anymore.
"Oh... that's a really long time< I'm guessing you two
were still best friends say like...
< a month ago?" I asked as the tough wall around me
slowly falls apart.
Sooyoung gasped at my rather obvious question.
‚What are you talking about?‛ Jessica asked back,
puzzled.
"Wh-what she, err meant was err..." Sooyoung
scrambled for words to salvage the situation.
‚She left me a month ago,‛ Tiffany quickly cuts in.
Jessica seemed shocked with Tiffany's reply, ‚Steph-
Tiffany stared at me as she continued,
‚And we didn’t contact each other at all in that span of
time. I may-
‚I may have met a new friend<‛
‚I left to Paris to study, but then I came back... so that is

out of the question,‛ Jessica added, her tone firm.
She glanced at Tiffany, but the latter avoided her gaze.
She looked at me instead. The atmosphere quickly turned
tense and awkward. I couldn't hold back the tears that's
been pooling in my eyes any longer.
I looked down, ‚Go-good. You two look great together
anyway<"
"Thank you for your time.‛
I turned my back on them and walked away with a
pain throbbing in my chest. My steps were slow at first,
but soon I end up running just like the tears that fell down
from my eyes.
I splashed the water to my face again and again. I let the

water run down the sink and stared into the mirror in
front of me.
"Yul, are you okay?!" Sooyoung called as she entered
the restroom. She was panting; I figured she followed me
here.
"I don't know<" I replied short. It was the truth. I don't
know if I'm okay or not.
She came by my side and handed me a few ply of
tissues from her bag. Weakly, I took them and wiped my
face. I feel a bit better after crying.
Sooyoung shook her head.
"You look terrible, let's go. I'll drive you home..." She
said, picking up my camera bag.
I nodded and turned off the water tap.
Suddenly,
"Yuri..." A voice called. There was someone by the
door.
It was Tiffany.
I stared at the beautiful lady and gulped. I didn't expect
her to come and seek me. I mean why would she want to
leave her princess' side?
I was shocked when suddenly Sooyoung let out a scoff
and walked to Tiffany.
"What do you want?! How dare you turn up after what
you did to her..."
Tiffany's eyes were fixed on me, as if I was the only one
there. I wonder if she noticed Sooyoung at all. She walked
in and paced towards me, ignoring Sooyoung who was
standing by with her hands on her waist.
She stood in front of me and looked into my eyes. I was
too shocked to react. Her presence simply took my breath
away.
"Yuri, can we talk? I can explain everything..." She said,
her tone seemed desperate.
Sooyoung shook her head vigorously, "There is no
need for explanations! We get it, you have a beautiful and
rich girlfriend, and Yuri is just someone you happen to
stumble upon when you're bored. Was it that fun playing
around?"
"I WASN'T PLAYING AROUND!" Tiffany snapped.
She stared at Sooyoung in anger, as if she could hit her
face there and then.
And tears were pooling in her eyes.
"Soo, could you wait for me outside?" I asked.
She seemed displeased with the idea, "What? You're
not gonna listen to her, right?!"
"Please<" I pleaded gently.
Sooyoung shook her head before hesitantly leaving the
two of us in the room. We looked at each other with no
words spoken. There were so many things that we wanted
to say, but we both didn't know where to begin.
Tiffany took a step forward towards me and looked

straight into my eyes.
"Yuri-ah, I<
She bit her lips before continuing. I waited.
..I want you to know that I really enjoyed the time that
we spend together<"
She smiled.
"I'm not the type who calls first, but I can't stop myself
from dialing your number."
"I don't like crowded places, but I enjoy going to the
cinema with you."
I shook my head.
"But you're dating an heiress," I added, bitter.
Tiffany gulped and then nodded.
"Jessica and I have been together for a long time and
our relationship has always been complicated," she sighed.
"But, during that time we were seeing each other... she
left me. I did wait for her, but I kept bumping into you
and that's how it began<"
"I drew a line and thought we can be just friends, but
the more time we spend together, I was drifted away from
that line< and after that kiss, I-
‚I'm confused," she said, as tears started running down
her cheeks.
It hurt me so much seeing her cry. But I understood
why she didn't contact me after the kiss. She was still in
love with Jessica.
"Yuri, all I wanted was to let you know that I was
sincere during the whole time we were together. It was
never my intention to hurt you, because honestly, I
truly..." she paused and looked at me with the tears in her
eyes.
‚I truly like you."
I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I froze.
Tiffany quickly looked away and wiped her wet cheeks
with her hands.
"I know there's no use for me saying all this. You must
hate me and I understand it if you don't want to see me
anymore..." She said as she was looking down at the floor,
avoiding my gaze.
"Yuri, I'm really sorry..." she added, sobbing.
My heart was already hurting from seeing her with
Jessica, but now it hurts even more when I see her crying
like this.
Please don't cry Fany...
On impulse, I walked to her and wrapped my arms
around her shoulders. Gently, I pulled her in closer for an
embrace. Tiffany was stunned by my actions and
suddenly stopped sobbing. She looked at me with creased
eyebrows. Her confused face looked adorable. I chuckled
and cupped her face.
"Yuri what-
She stopped talking when I tenderly graze my fingers
across her cheeks to wipe away the remaining tears. I
smiled and stared into her beautiful pair of dark brown
eyes.
"Fany-ah, listen to me," I said.
‚Even though I know that you’re with another person,
‚Even though I know it’s foolish of me to be doing this,
even though I know that it’s wrong and even though you
broke my heart but-
‚All that reasons are not enough for me to fight my
feelings for you.‛
She seemed surprised by my words. She must have
thought that I would yell and shout at her, but what
happened was anything but.
She was too fragile for me to shout at. I just couldn't.
I took a deep breath to gather my strength before

continuing. What I was about to say was something I have
never said to anyone before. I might regret it but, I can't
leave these words left unspoken.
‚I know this is probably the most inappropriate time
and inappropriate place to say this but-
I paused.
‚Fany-ah, I have fallen in love with you,‛ I confessed.
Her eyes widened, "Yuri..."
I continued, ‚For the first time in my life, I finally know
how it feels to be in love. And that reason alone is enough
for me to keep holding on to you.‛
"Yu-Yuri-ah..." she said, utterly speechless.
‚Can’t you love me back?‛ I asked gently.
Tiffany gulped.
‚Only me and no one else,‛ I added, firm.
We stared into each other's eyes intensely for a while,
as I waited for her reply. I am ready to accept whatever it
is, because I have nothing to lose. My heart was already
broken into pieces anyway.
Suddenly she grabbed my hands. ‚I-I...
Yes.
"Yuri, I-
She hesitated.
At that moment, suddenly the restroom's door was
flung open, revealing Jessica.
"Jessi<" Tiffany mumbled, and immediately let go of
my hands. She even took a few steps away from me. I
don't like this feeling.
Jessica looked at us suspiciously.
"What is going on here?"
CHAPTER SEVEN
Hello
I stared at the beautiful woman before me, nervously

waiting for her reply. She looked back at me with her
round sparkly eyes, and her lips trembling as she was
struggling to answer.
"Yu-Yuri, I...‛ Tiffany began, stuttering.
I unknowingly nodded with each word that came out
from her mouth. The anticipation had driven me half-
crazy.
She continued. "I-
Tiffany never managed to finish her sentence, she
stopped when the restroom's door was suddenly flung
open, startling us both. I turned to the door and ready to
vent out my anger at anyone who disturbed us at such
crucial moment.
But I didn't.
In turn, I was frozen like a cursed statue when I saw
the person who came in.
It was Jessica.
She entered the restroom, alternately moving her gaze
from Tiffany and me with a displeased look on her face.
"Jessi..." I heard Tiffany mumbled, at the same time
letting go of my hands that she gripped tightly earlier.
And from the corner of my eyes, I saw her taking a few
steps away from me.
I don't know how to describe the feeling, except that it
hurts so much.
The young heiress crossed her arms and continued to
look at us suspiciously. She was scanning me from head to
toe, like a police that was about to question a criminal. I
am not a criminal.
"What is going on here?" She asked, with an eyebrow
raised.
"Nothing. I'm just about to leave." Tiffany replied
nonchalant as she turned around to face the mirror.
Jessica looked at her girlfriend for a few moments,
waiting for a better explanation but she received nothing
more than just silence. Tiffany avoided her gaze and
pretended like she was fixing her make up in the mirror.
All of a sudden, I became invisible. Jessica didn't look
at me, as if I wasn't there.
She sighed.
‚That's good. Everyone was looking for you. Let's go.‛
Jessica said, grabbing Tiffany's hand.
And that was my limit. I couldn't stand another minute
of being in the same room as her. It irritated me how
perfect and how better she was than me. I grabbed my bag
and walked to the door. I could feel Tiffany's eyes on me
as I made my way to the door and I chose not to look back.
If I did, I might run to her and drag her away with me.
The decision belonged to Tiffany and I won't do anything
to ruin it.
But I can't help but glance at Jessica. It was hard not to
notice her sharp glare on me when I was passing her.
Our gazes met.
Though it was only a mere second but I won't forget
the look in her eyes.
She was threatening me.
After Yuri left, Jessica turned to look at her girlfriend

with an eyebrow raised.
‚Do you know that photographer? You two seemed<
friendly?‛ She interrogates.
‚She’s err< a friend.‛ Tiffany replied short.
"Oh really?"
Tiffany ignored Jessica, she hurriedly walked past her
to leave the restroom and the topic once and for all but the
latter suddenly grabbed her arm. She stopped and gulped.
‚Should I worry?‛ Jessica asked, her tone serious.
Slowly, Tiffany turned to looked at Jessica,
"Jessi, can you send me home now? I don't really feel
like being here." She replied gently, diverting her from her
question.
Jessica let out a sigh and nodded.
"Okay."
Tiffany sat on a wooden stool in the middle of the room

with a white canvas in front of her. The room was
surrounded with paintings hanging on the wall and some
are neatly stacked on the floor. It was Tiffany's favourite
part of the house, her art workshop.
She was smiling as she lifted her brush to touch the
paint next to her, so carefully so that it won't be mixed
with another. And then she turned back at her canvas,
where a portrait of a woman was sketched on. Her smile
grew wider upon landing her eyes on the portrait, so wide
that her eyes were smiling along.
"You're so pretty, Yuri." She mumbled as she jerked her
body closer to the canvas. Then she brought the brush to
the portrait, and gently grazed the brush on it.
The young painter continued to smile as she gave
colour to the woman on her canvas. At times, she would
even hum a song, expressing her joy. Though it was only
her portrait, Tiffany felt as if she was really spending time
with Yuri. And it made her so happy.
Suddenly, she heard someone knocking on the door.
Tiffany's head jerked up, glancing at the door,
wondering who dared to disturb her while she was
working. She could only think of the maid. It was
impossible to be her father, as he rarely step into the
workshop. She chose to ignore the knock and got back to
finishing her painting.
And to her surprise, the door was opened, followed by
the sounds of footsteps.
Tiffany gripped her brush tightly in her hand, trying to
control her anger. She really hated being disturbed while
she was in the workshop. She stood up angrily to shove
out whoever that had just entered the room.
She grunted. "How many times I've told you-
But she couldn't continue, instead she swallowed her
saliva and froze.
The person who came to visit her late that evening was
Jessica.
Jessica walked into the room with her eyes briefly
scanning the workshop. Tiffany glanced at the Yuri
portrait and gulped. Just a few steps ahead and Jessica will
see it. Quickly, she grabbed a white cloth nearby and
casually put it over the canvas to cover it.
"You didn't reply my texts," Jessica said as she traced
her fingers on one of the painting on the wall.
"I< was busy, didn't notice it." Tiffany lied. She did
notice her phone beeping and read all the messages Jessica
left, but she just didn't reply it.
"You didn't pick up my calls either." Jessica added as
she slowly turned around to face Tiffany.
Tiffany bit her lip.
"Well, I've told you I'll be busy today. Why do you

want to meet me? Is there anything important?" She said,
nonchalant. She walked to the nearby window and pushed
it open, letting the cold night air enter the room.
Jessica scoffed.
"What? Do I need a reason to meet you?"
Tiffany shook her head, realizing that it did sound
harsh. "I didn't say that, it's just..."
She didn't finish her sentence; instead she leaned her
back against the wall and crossed her arms. She noticed
that Jessica was looking at her but she avoided her eyes
and checked her hands. She removed the plastic gloves
and threw it into the rubbish can by her foot. She looked at
her hands and saw some paint splattered on her arms.
Though she has been doing this for years, she's still a
clumsy painter.
Suddenly, a pair of arms circled waist and pulled her
forward.
Jessica wrapped her arms around the woman before
her tightly as if she'll disappear once she let go. She rested
her chin on her shoulder and smelled the scent of her tied-
up hair, as if it was the last scent she wanted to remember.
But the latter just stood there stiffly, not returning her hug.
Jessica was worried, so much she wanted to cry.
"I miss you." She whispered.
Tiffany gulped. For the first time, she was not feeling
anything while being in Jessica's arms. She didn't know
what to do.
"Can I stay here tonight?" Jessica asked gently.
The question was simple, and usually Tiffany was the
one who drove to her house late at night asking the same
question. But now she can't even give her a reply.
'Yes' or 'No' will change everything.
Tiffany hesitated for a while, the warmth of Jessica's
body did feel so good but she wasn't sure if this was what
she wanted right now. Initially, she planned to finish the
painting tonight and now...
"No, you can't."
Jessica was stunned by her reply, the words echoed in
her mind for a few moments and slowly, she pulled
herself away from Tiffany. She looked at her, no longer
hiding her worried expression. In fact she looked pale, as
if her last breath has been taken away from her with that
reply.
Tiffany cleared her throat.
"I'm just tired, and I plan to finish that painting by
tonight. That's all." She explained, though the latter wasn't
asking.
"What happened?" Jessica suddenly asked, her tone
serious.
"Nothing happened, I'm just tired and...
"Save your breath. I know it when you're lying to me,
Tiffany."
The two women stared at each other as the tension
between them amplified with that statement.
"Something happened." Jessica said bitterly.
Tiffany sighed and looked down, the last thing she
wants that night was to argue with Jessica but it looks like
it's impossible to avoid.
"You're right. Something happened when you're not
around." She said.
"You weren't there. That's what happened." Tiffany
added.
Jessica creased her eyebrows and shook her head, as if
it would block out the words from entering her mind.
"But I'm here now..."
"Jessi, I'm tired of this cycle. You're leaving me and

then come back as though nothing happened. You didn't
even care about how I felt, how lonely and scared I was
thinking that I might lose you every time you leave."
Jessica shook her head. "This is only temporary...
"Five years is not temporary." Tiffany cuts in.
"Tiffany, please give me more time." Jessica said,
desperate.
"It's not about time. It's just you." Tiffany said, looking
away.
"How could you-
Jessica paused when suddenly the wind blows from
outside the window, causing the drawing papers on the
desk flown and scattered around the floor.
Including a piece of white cloth that was covering the
canvas Tiffany was working on.
Both of them diverted their attention to the exposed
canvas, where a beautiful portrait of a woman was
halfway finished. Tiffany gasped and begin to panic, she
glanced at Jessica; wondering how she will react.
"It's not about time, or me, or all that crap...‛ Jessica
said, rolling her eyes.
She looked at Tiffany. "It's because... there is someone
else."
Tiffany didn't look away, but she kept mum. To Jessica,
her silence confirmed everything.
"Ho-How long has it been?" Jessica asked, trying to
stay composed.
"About a month. Since you left me and went to Paris."
Tiffany replied calmly.
Jessica scoffed and shook her head repeatedly; she
hated how calm Tiffany was as if her seeing someone else
was nothing big. There wasn't a bit of hesitation in her
voice, like she was prepared to tell Jessica the whole thing.
Jessica hated this.
She took a deep breath, and playing her game and be
calm.
"So did you< sleep with her?"
Tiffany was startled with the question and shook her
head immediately.
"No, I didn't!"
Jessica somehow felt relieved and turned around,
hiding the tears that was pooling in her eyes.
"Okay, I understand." She said, with her back facing
Tiffany.
"You were frustrated with me and had some fun with
the photographer girl. Okay. I can take that." She added.
Tiffany was shocked; she didn't expect her to be so
calm.
"But playtime is over now and you must break up with
her." Jessica continued.
Tiffany creased her eyebrows, confused with her
reaction.
"Jessica why...‛
"I SAID BREAK UP WITH HER!" Jessica shouted
furiously. Her voice echoed in the room.
A rush of guilt suddenly came to Tiffany, and at that
moment she wanted to hug Jessica tightly and told her not
to cry. Though she was only facing her back, she could
guess that tears were rolling down Jessica's cheeks right
now.
She was right.
Tears were running down Jessica's cheeks.
"Jessi, calm down<" She hushed.
But that only made her snapped.
She stomped her feet and shouted. "END
EVERYTHING YOU HAVE WITH HER! BEFORE-
She paused to wipe the tears on her left cheek with the
back of her hand.
"..before I change my mind." Jessica said before
walking out the workshop and slammed the door.
Tiffany ran to the door to chase her as soon as she left,
but stopped when she's about to turn the knob. Tears
begin to fall from her eyes, drop by drop until they
became a stream of sad waterfall.
She closed her eyes and leaned her back against the
door.
"I'm sorry, Jessi...‛
I took another sip of the drink on the table. I don't even

know neither what it was nor why I am here, Sooyoung
forced me to be here and 'meet new people'. I came along
with her, saying 'no' to all the new people that approached
me. I kept glancing at my watch, wondering how much
longer Sooyoung wanted to dance before going home.
"You're not gonna dance?" Yongbae asked suddenly.
I looked at him and replied with a shrug. I don't know
how long he's been staring at me to ask me that. He can be
creepy sometimes and I wonder when his infatuation on
me will end.
"Dance with me." He said with his charming smile.
I sighed. Not again. He looked at me with his puppy
eyes, hoping I will say yes.
"I'm sorry but I'm not in the mood right now." I replied,
crushing his hope once again.
He huffed. "No one comes to the club and not dance!"
"There is one!" I put up my hand and grinned.
He rolled his eyes and walked back to behind the bar.
Suddenly, I felt a tap on my right shoulder and I turned
around.
It was Tiffany.
She was standing so close to my face, my heart almost
stopped beating.
"Yuri, dance with me." She whispered.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I’ll Protect You
"Yuri, dance with me." Tiffany whispered to me.
She took my hands and gently intertwined it with hers

before pulling me away from the stool where I was sitting.
As if I was hypnotized by her eyes, I stood up and
followed her to wherever she was taking me to. I stared at
her beautiful bare back as she pushed through the crowd
on the dance floor, in her sexy green party dress that made
a few heads turn along the way. Soon, she stopped, as we
reached the middle of the dance floor and the people
around us moved, making a room for the two of us.
I was unable to say anything to her, when she was
gleaming under the disco ball; I suddenly became a fool.
She looked at me, with that pair of sparkling eyes of hers,
filled with hidden codes behind her gaze that a fool like
me can't decipher.
When she suddenly let go of my left hand, I felt as if I
lost my balance and almost fell. But she quickly slid that
hand around my waist and in turn, saving my life. I
wrapped my arm around her waist, tightening any gap
between us.
Only God knows how much I missed her.
We looked at each other, diving deep into each other's
thoughts without caring about our surroundings. We were
not even dancing.
"How are you?" I asked.
She smiled, but I could tell that she was faking it. Her
eyes weren't smiling along.
"I almost finished your portrait." She replied, not really
answering the question. I don't give a thing about that
portrait.
"Don't you miss me?" She suddenly asked.
I was surprised. But it was a pleasant surprise, and my
heart was leaping with joy.
"I see your face in my breakfast, lunch and dinner," I
replied.
She chuckled, and it quickly became my favorite sound
of the day.
Suddenly, she removed her hand from my waist and
threw it around my shoulders. I became stiff when she
buried her face at the crook of my neck. I was just glad I
washed my hair this morning.
I felt her warm breath on the sensitive part of my body,
and it sent tingles to my heart.
"Yuri< I'm tired," she whispered.
Though the club stereo was blasting, I felt as if I could
filter the noise and hear only her voice. Her whispers were
clear to me.
"You should rest-
"But I have to talk to you," she cut in.
There was something in her tone that made me scared.
She slowly looked up and stood straight in front of me.
We looked at each other.
She took a deep breath, like there was something
important she has to announce. I held my breath in
anticipation.
"Yuri, I came here today to tell you that I...

She paused and looked at me, as if I could help her
finish her words. I can't; all I could do was sensing
hesitation in her unfinished sentence. She didn't want to
say it, but she HAVE TO.
"That I..." she paused again.
I saw her eyes begin to fill with tears. This was
heartbreaking.
"I'm sorry, Yuri I..." She paused for the third time.
I took her hands and gently pressed it with mine. She
looked at me, like a little puppy in distress.
"Fany-ah, it's okay, you can tell me," I said, calming her
down.
I was ready to accept anything she was about to say, I'll
leave if she asked me and stay if she wants me. Though
I'm praying hard for the latter.
Tiffany stared straight into my eyes, and it was so
intense I could hardly breathe. That was when she said it,
the three magical words that changed my life.
"I love you."
The only thing that came to my mind was...

Am I dreaming?
I never knew hearing a confession from someone you
love can make you feel like you're floating ten feet off the
ground, and suddenly the world around you stop
spinning, and the crowded club turned into an open field
with green grass where there was no one else but us two.
The annoying hip hop song in the background changed to
a cheesy love song in my ears, and the disco ball above me
is the sun shining in the morning. I could list another 40
feelings I felt at the time.
"Yuri, I love you," Tiffany repeats as if the first time
wasn't clear enough.
I looked at her, who was blushing like it was her first
time ever saying those words to anyone.
There was no word that was enough to express my
feelings, so I followed my heart. I wrapped my arms
around her waist and pulled her closer before I pressed
my lips on hers with one swift move.
Our eyes were closed, and leave the world behind us as
we shared our passionate kiss.
When Tiffany opened her eyes that morning, she did not
feel like leaving the bed. She pulled the blue blanket over
her body, and tucked her hand under the pillow like a
little child preparing for bedtime. She missed the bed, the
blanket and the pillow so much she didn't feel like getting
up. The only thing that could take her away from the bed
was the owner, Yuri.
Tiffany could not stop smiling as she lay on the
mattress, recalling what happened the night before.
From the club, they shared a taxi and headed back to
Yuri's apartment. Yuri made a bowl of ramyun, which
they shared while snuggling in bed. The story finished as
they emptied the bowl and fell asleep in each other's arms.
Tiffany knew it could lead to so much more, but she was
holding herself back. Things are not yet final between her
and Jessica.
She wanted to hide under the blanket for a little longer,
but the smell of fresh pancakes lured her out of the bed.
She climbed down, making her way to the kitchen in
Yuri's oversized Mickey Mouse pajamas. There she saw a
beautiful young woman standing by the stove, busily
flipping the last pancake for their breakfast. Tiffany could
not help but flutter at the sight; Yuri with her hair was tied
up, wearing a white top with beads of sweat on her

forehead.
Sneakily, she tiptoed to her, making sure her presence
was unnoticed. She stood behind her before slyly slid her
arms around the other girl's waist.
"OMO!" I was startled.
"Good morning, Yurree~" Tiffany said cheerfully.
Realizing the person was Tiffany and not a perverted
intruder; I let out a relieved sigh and turned around.
"Morning Fany-ah," I replied, still in disbelief that this
girl was now in the kitchen with me.
I stared at the beauty in front of me, as the memory of
last night played back in my mind. The feeling of cuddling
her to sleep last night was still fresh on my mind. Even
though we were just sleeping together like two teenagers
having sleepover, it was by far the best moment in my life.
Suddenly, a strong burnt smell crept up my nose. And
judging by Tiffany's scrunched nose, I'm sure she smelt it
too.
"OH MY GOD! YOUR PANCAKE!" Tiffany suddenly
shouted, pointing at behind me.
I totally forgot that there was a last pancake in the pan.
I could not even differentiate the pancake and the pan
anymore; they were all charcoal black. I turned off the
stove immediately and threw the pan into the sink before
turning on the tap and let the water run on it. The pan
made sizzling sounds under the running water, emitting
another unpleasant smell.
"Ewww!" Tiffany shrieked, while pressing her nose
close with her fingers.
"Now that was a 'pan' cake." I said wittily.
We looked at each other and laughed.
Tiffany creased her eyebrows as she stared at the bottles in
front of her.
"Is there anything wrong?" I asked as I put down a
mug of hot chocolate by her side.
"Honey or Milk?" she suddenly asked.
I took my seat opposite of her at the small dining table
in my kitchen. Then I realized that she was referring to the
pancake toppings.
"Oh, honey or milk. The question of the century," I said,
exaggerating.
Tiffany smiled weakly, "Sometimes it's hard to make a
choice."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned
awkward. We both knew it was not just about food
anymore.
I cleared my throat.
"Okay, honey or milk?" I asked casually.
Tiffany shook her head, "I can't choose. I like them
both."
"But if you can only choose one, which will you
choose?" I insisted for an answer.
Tiffany gulped and looked at both bottles on the table.
"Then< I rather eat a plain pancake," She said,
dismissing the topic.
I wasn't content with her reply. She has to learn to
make up her mind; honestly, I don't like the feeling of
being the other woman.
I grabbed the bottle of honey and poured the content
onto her pancake. She looked at me, surprised and
confused by my actions. I ignored her and cut a small
piece of the pancake and picked it up with a fork. I smiled
at her and feed her the honey-coated piece of pancake.
She hesitated at first, but then she ate it.
"You deserve something sweet," I said.
She looked at me with an unreadable expression. And

worries tugged at my heart once again.
"I have to go," she said, standing up.
I was shocked; I didn't expect her to leave this soon.
I stood up and grabbed her arm. "Why, what's wrong?
Does the pancake taste bad?" I asked gently.
She smiled and shook her head, "No, your pancake is
so delicious."
"But... it's so good that I'm worried I might want more
of it," she added.
I looked at her, deciphering her hidden codes. I got
what she meant.
"You know you want more of it," I replied.
Tiffany gulped and looked away, and judging by her
reactions, I know I was right.
"A car is waiting for me, I have to leave," she said,
grabbing her bag on the sofa.
I couldn’t describe this feeling; it was like she just gave
me heaven and now she wanted to take it away. All I
knew was that I couldn’t let her go.
"Stay<" I said. I knew it sounded desperate, but I
didn’t care.
She turned around and looked at me, and her eyes
were brimming with tears.
"Yuri, I actually came to see you last night to tell you
that... we shouldn't meet each other anymore."
"That you should forget all about me..." she added.
I was shocked, but that explained her hesitation last
night.
"But that wasn't what you said..." I said, puzzled.
"I just couldn't bring myself to say those things to
you..." She said, trying hard to hold back her tears.
"I told myself again and again that< letting you go is
the best solution, but when I was in front of you...
..I was unable to lie to myself."
"So I told you the truth."
"I love you." She said, her voice weak.
Her voice echoed in my head like a beautiful melody.
"But Yuri, my love will only hurt you. I... don't want
you to get hurt." She said, at the verge of tears.
"Why would I get hurt?"
"Because< Jessica found out about us."
I gulped and my mind went blank for a moment.
Jessica knew.
"I don't want to drag you into this anymore. Yuri, you
don't know what she's capable of."
"So, it's best if we stop right now before we go any
further<" Tiffany continued, and this time she couldn't
hold back the tears from escaping her eyes.
I bit my lip, as my heart sunk seeing her cry. I stepped
closer to her and cupped her face with my hands. She
looked at me with creased eyebrows and I replied her with
a smile. Then, I gently wiped the tears on her delicate
cheeks with my fingers.
"Fany-ah, I don't want to stop."
"I want to go as far as I can, with you."
"I'm not scared of her."
"Huh...huh...huh...‛ Sooyoung panted as she was running

on the treadmill.
She glanced at her friend beside her, who has been
running at faster rate than her, yet hasn't showed any sign
of needing a break. Sooyoung shook her head; she knew
she can't ever compete with Yuri in fitness-related
activities. She decreased the speed of her track, slowing
down before she pressed the stop button that she has been
longing to hit.
I glanced at Sooyoung; she was sweating badly as if she

had just ran a 5km marathon.
"I...can't...do this...anymore...‛ She said to me.
"Oh come on, it's only been 15 minutes!" I said, teasing
her.
"I don't< want to die...‛
"Nobody dies from running on treadmill at minimum
speed!" I said with a laugh.
Sooyoung shook her head and made an X sign with her
arms, declaring defeat to the machine.
"I'm gonna hit the shower first; you can continue as
long as you want." She said, grabbing her towel.
"Fine, go."
I chuckled watching Sooyoung as she was making her
wobbling steps to the shower room.
Jessica crossed her arms as she observed the young

woman running on the treadmill. It wasn't hard finding
out about Yuri; she was a member of the gym that
happens to belong to her. It was a small world after all.
Yuri was wearing a tight sports top, slightly revealing
her cleavage. Jessica bit her lips; she couldn't deny that
Yuri is beautiful. Her mind unconsciously pictured Yuri
and Tiffany together and jealousy quickly took control of
her senses.
I checked the timer on the machine, and it showed that I

have ran for half an hour. I smiled in content and decided
to do other exercises for the rest of the hour. After
gradually slowing down my speed, I pressed stop and
stepped down from the machine.
"Leaving so soon?" Asked a voice.
I stopped and turned around. I gulped. There she
stood, in her classy outfit and arrogant gaze, Jessica.
"I think we have to talk, don't we Yuri-shi?" She asked
arrogantly.
"What's there to talk about?" I asked, nonchalant.
She rolled her eyes.
"I believe you took something that is mine.‛
Jessica brought me to an expensive restaurant in the same

building that I did not even know existed. A place where
only VIP members are allowed to enter. All this time I
thought this was an exhibition centre.
I sat awkwardly in my jeans and jacket opposite her; I
know I looked like I don't belong here. No one told me
beforehand that I was going to have evening tea with the
wealthy girlfriend of the girl I'm in love with.
"Leave her." Jessica suddenly said, without even
looking at me.
I don't know how, but she was really good at making
people feel like slapping her face repeatedly. Two words
from her mouth and that was all it took to make me
boiling inside. I planned to be nice, but the way she was
acting right now simply didn't allow me to.
I looked away.
"I can't." I replied.
My arrogant reply caught her attention and she turned
her gaze at me. She gritted her teeth, probably trying to
stay composed and preserve her image. She was in the
public after all.
"How shameless can you be..." She muttered under her
breath.
I turned to look at her and our eyes met.
She scoffed.
"Do you really think that you can be with Tiffany? A
girl like you? Have you checked yourself in the mirror? A
black duck wanting to be with a swan, you really make me

laugh," she said, followed by a small laugh.
I bit my lip. Did this woman just compare me to a
duck?
"Okay fine. Do you want money? That's what people
like you always want anyway," she said, taking out her
checkbook. She had prepared everything.
I could not describe how I felt, being treated like a
beggar. She pushed my patience to the limit.
"Now I know why Tiffany wanted to leave you," I said
suddenly.
Jessica raised an eyebrow, offended.
"What did you say?"
I smirked. "From the outside, you look so beautiful and
perfect but inside you're... ugly and rotten."
"How dare you...‛ She said, her eyes filled with anger.
We looked at each other, in an intense eye contact
battle. Her gaze was slowly suffocating me, but I refused
to look away.
"Tiffany will never leave me," she suddenly said.
She looked away and leaned back on her seat.
"Our five-year relationship won't be affected by some
petty girl like you. You're just a phase she's going through,
like a new toy. Once she's bored with you, she'll come
back to me-
"What if you're wrong?" I quickly cut in.
"What if I'm not just a phase? What if she really has
gotten tired of you leaving her and decided to move on?"
"Stop this crap! You're delusional!" Jessica said, pissed.
"Am I? Or is it you the one who's delusional?"
Jessica gritted her teeth, speechless.
"No matter what you say or do, I will never give up on
Tiffany," I said, my voice firm.
"Why?! Why is it so hard for you to just get out of our
lives?!" She snapped.
"Because... I love her." I replied.
Suddenly, I felt a strong push on my left cheek, almost
causing me to fall off my chair.
I gathered my strength, fighting the pain on my cheek
and in my heart to look at Jessica. She was staring straight
at me, furious; her right hand was still shaking from
slapping me.
"Don't you dare... say that again," she said.
"Yuri, I'm going to give you one last chance. I want you
to stay away from her."
I shook my head, "I won't."
Jessica nodded.
"Then, you're going to regret this."
CHAPTER NINE
Time Machine
"Ahh, I'm so tired," I whined as soon as I entered the

office.
It was already noon when I finally reached my desk
because of a meeting with the editors earlier. I couldn’t
help but notice my desk mate, Sooyoung looking at me
with mischievous grin plastered across her face.
I put down my notebook and pulled out my chair
before sitting on it.
I glanced at her, "Is there any good news? Why are you
smiling at me like that-
I paused as something suddenly crossed my mind
while Sooyoung continued to stare at me with her creepy
smile.
..gosh, don't tell me it'll be raining food this evening," I
said, a little terrified if it's real.
Sooyoung's grin changed into a frown, "Yah Yuri, you
think I'll only be happy if it's something related to food? Is
that how you viewed me? I'm disappointed in you, my
friend."
I chuckled and patted her arm, "Then, raining shirtless
men?"
She rolled her eyes, "No! Great, you've ruined my
mood, and now I don't want to tell you about it. Even if it
is about you."
I laughed and grabbed her shoulder, "About me? Hey,
Sooyoung-ah. Come on, I'm only joking tell me!"
"Tell me about it! Tell me, tell me, t-t-t-tell meeee~" I
said, shaking her shoulder as I annoyingly sang to her ear.
"Okay, okay! I'll tell you so stop singing that song!
Wow you really know how to get on someone's nerves...‛
Sooyoung said, finally giving in.
I smiled in satisfaction, knowing that Sooyoung can
never be angry at me for too long.
"So, what's the news?" I asked, impatient.
She looked at me and her expression was serious,
"There's a rumor going around the office."
"Rumor?"
She nodded, "I heard that our Head of Department
likes you so much and she wants to you to join the fashion
photography team,"
I looked at her, dumbfounded. "Huh?"
"You know... the elite ones in Marie Claire that gets to
cover high class fashion shows locally and
internationally," Sooyoung explained.
I know the elite team she was talking about but I
couldn't believe what she just said.
"Me? Joining the elite team? But I've only been working
here for three months, you're telling me that I'm receiving
promotion this fast? Yah Sooyoung are you tricking me?" I
asked in a breath.
Sooyoung laughed, "Why should I trick you? It's real
Yuri-ah. Everyone in the office has been talking about it
since this morning. One of our professional photographer
jumped to CeCi because of their hefty offer so there's an
opening now. There's a high chance that Madam Kang
will break the news to you today."
"So, you're not lying to me? Th-this is real?" I asked,
giving her a suspicious glare.
She sighed, "Just wait till she calls you then. There's
someone in her office now, but I bet she will call you
later."
I looked at Sooyoung, still in doubt.
Sooyoung nodded and smiled, "Believe it my friend.
Congrats! You'll be living your dream soon!"
I looked at my friend's face, I know her long enough to
know if she was lying and right now I'm sure she's not.
Her words were honest and sincere.
I couldn't contain my emotions and my mouth slowly
curled up into a wide smile. I got up and wrapped my
arms around Sooyoung's neck embracing her in a tight
hug.
"Yul! I can't breathe!" Sooyoung said, gasping for air.
But despite her pleads for freedom, I still didn't let her
go. My mood and confidence level was lifted tenfold by
this news, after it was crushed yesterday in the brief
meeting with Jessica.
Finally, good things are happening to me.
I let Sooyoung go after a while, when she said that she
was choking for real. Her face almost turned blue by the
lack of oxygen. I felt bad, so I promised to treat her to
buffet lunch to stop her from whining about her near-
death experience. She agreed in a heartbeat. Case closed.
"Eh, Yul, what happened to your face?" Sooyoung
suddenly asked.
I looked away, and pretended as if I didn't hear her. I
knew she was talking about my bruised cheek, the result
from the arrogant heiress slap yesterday. I don't want to
talk to Sooyoung about it, since I knew she will only nag
me to leave Tiffany.
But Sooyoung refused to take silence as an answer and
leaned closer to take a better look at my cheek.
"Looks like you've been hit. Did you get into a fight
while drunk?" Sooyoung asked, concern.
I nodded, "Yes! I've joined a gang and we beat up
people in the back alleys late at night." I replied
sarcastically.
Sooyoung broke into a laughing fit, as her imagination
ran wild picturing me with leather jackets and baseball bat
going around beating people up.
At least that distracted her.
Suddenly my phone beeped, telling me there's a new
message. I picked it up and checked my inbox.
'Tiffany'
My heart flutters just by reading her name.
'I've finished your portrait. Would you like me to drop it at

your office?'
My mind quickly thought of a witty reply.
I want to meet you. I can't let you drew a naked painting of

me and get away with it.
Send.
She replied it in less than a minute, and I was

impressed by her texting skills.
'Tiffany'
It's not a naked painting! Why would I draw you naked?
I grinned.
Okay, then we meet this evening, at 5 in the park.
A minute later she replied,
Okay, see you there.
I grinned.
It's a date.
Send.
"Hey hey hey! Stop texting at work! Don't you want to

join the elite team?" Sooyoung interrupted.
I shrugged, "Hahaha! Jealous? Go text with your
boyfriend then."
"Are you trying to rub it in my face? You know I'm
single now!" Sooyoung replied, offended.
Suddenly, the Head of Department's office door
opened, causing everyone in the department to act busy. I
stopped laughing immediately and begin typing gibberish
on my laptop that wasn't even turned on, while Sooyoung
was busily flipping an empty file.
"Let me walk you to the elevator," the Head of
Department, Madam Kang said to someone.
"It's okay," another voice replied.
The voice sounded so familiar, and curiosity was
getting a hold of me.
Could it be?
I slowly looked up from my blank laptop screen and

saw a stylish and elegant young woman talking with my
boss.
She turned around and looked at me. I had somehow
expected this.
It was Jessica.
She glared at me before walking away with a smirk
that was obviously directed at me. As if it was a warning
that something bad is going to happen.
"Isn't that Jessica? What is she doing here?" Sooyoung
asked, whispering to me.
I froze.
"Yuri-shi." Madam Kang suddenly called.
‚Ye-yes!" I replied, shocked.
"Come see me in my office now."
Madam Kang walked to her desk but she didn't sit down.
She turned to look at me with a serious expression.
Whatever it is she's about to say, I'm sure it isn't about the
promotion. I was preparing myself to be scolded anytime
now even though I didn't do anything wrong.
"Yuri-shi, starting today you won't be covering any
outside events." She said, firm.
I didn't know what to say. I looked at her, confused by
her words.
I gulped. "Madam Kang, what do you mean?"
"I will assign another photographer to help Sooyoung-
shi to cover events. You don't have to do it anymore," she
replied coldly.
I froze and for a moment I felt like my whole world
was crumbling down. I'm not stupid, and I understood
what she meant. What does it mean to be a photographer
but not allowed to take photos?
I've just been demoted.
"But why?" I asked boldly. The word just slipped from
my mouth.
She looked at me with creased eyebrows.
I gather my strength to continue, "Why is this so

sudden? What did I do? Madam, you even said you liked
my photos."
She nodded, "I do like your photos. In fact I like your
energy at work; you are exactly the person we need, but...
.. why did you mess up with Jesstina?" She asked.
"Jesstina? When did I-
I paused.
Jessica.
"It was your idea to conduct an interview with Jessica
during the Jesstina product launch, right?" Madam Kang
asked.
I nodded immediately, "Yes I did and it received great
responses when it was published in this month's issue,
you like it too. What's wrong with it now?"
"Jessica claimed that she didn't give us the permission
to conduct the interview. And so she was furious that
we're publishing her photos and words without her
consent."
"Th-that's ridiculous! She did give us the permission!
How could she say that now?" I retorted.
"SHE'S THREATENING TO SUE US!" Madam Kang
shouted.
I looked at her, shocked.
"I had to plead her not to make a fuss out of this issue,
because of you!" She continued, angry.
I looked down and bit my lip.
"Just be grateful I didn't fire you."
I left the office last that evening. Even though Sooyoung

offered to send me home, I refused. I just needed to be
alone to sort out my cluttered mind. I even switched off
my phone.
I dragged my feet through the sidewalk of the busy
Seoul with a camera hanging around my neck. My head
was empty, and I couldn't think of anything. I wanted to
cry but the tears wouldn't come out. My heart felt heavy
with emotions but no matter how hard I try, I still couldn't
let it out.
Sometimes I hate not being able to cry freely like
everyone else.
Carefully I picked up the camera that I was carrying
and rubbed it gently with my hands, as if it was a genie's
magic lamp. It was the thing that I treasured the most; the
first camera that I bought with the money I saved from
working several part time jobs in college.
To others it might be just an old camera, but to me it's a
symbol of hard work, hope and dreams.
Being a professional photographer has always been my
lifetime goal since I first flipped through my mother's
copy of Marie Claire. I was only 7 years old, yet I felt so
inspired by the colorful photos inside the fashion
magazine. Since then, editorial photography became
everything that I've been dreaming of.
I still remembered how ecstatic and excited I was when
I landed the job at Marie Claire. I called my mother and
broke the news to her through the phone. I heard the
sound of her sobbing as she congratulated me. My best
friend, Sooyoung celebrated it with me in her usual way
by partying all night.
And now, my dreams are slipping through my fingers
because of a woman.
My mind slowly wondered if this was all worth it.
If I let her go, then none of this would've happen.
If I hadn't been too stubborn, holding on to her, then

I'm probably promoted now.
If...
My trail of thoughts was interrupted when I realized
that I'm passing the park. There were kids playing around
and couples walking holding hands. I didn't know how I
got here, as if my feet had a mind of its own and brought
me there.
Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of someone familiar.
It was her.
Tiffany, sitting alone on the park bench just a few steps
away from me.
She was fidgeting on her seat and glanced at her
wristwatch every now and then, like she was waiting for
someone. Suddenly the wind blew, causing her hair to be
blown in the direction of the wind. The wind messed her
hair, so she fixed it with her fingers. Gently, she tucked
her hair behind her ears. The wind was cold in the winter,
and she pulled the edges of her brown coat closer to her
body to keep warm.
I was unable to describe how beautiful the scene in
front of me was. I wasn't sure if there was a word yet
invented in this world to picture that kind of beauty.
But I was sure of one thing; my aching heart began to
pound faster at the sight of her, as if it was healing by
itself.
Slowly, my frowned mouth crept up into a smile. For a
moment, I forgot the reason of my sorrow.
"I wonder what she's doing at the park...‛ I muttered to
myself.
Then I saw a huge square frame wrapped with clear
plastic beside the bench. It hit me instantly.
The portrait.
I forgot that I was supposed to meet her at 5.
I glanced at my watch and realized that it's already
5.35.
I walked to her with careful steps so that she wouldn't

notice me coming. I stood behind her as she was rubbing
her hands together to keep warm.
"How much is it for this painting?" I asked.
She was startled and turned to look at me. Her
expression was so adorable, she was smiling excitedly at
first but then she pouted.
"Yuree! You're late!" She said, grunting.
"I'm sorry!" I said nonchalant, to purposely annoyed
her.
I grinned and walked to the painting and squatted
down to take a closer look. It was a nicely done painting of
me. She used the right colors to suit my features, making it
look real. I couldn't put a price on it.
"Ahh, who is this woman? She is so gorgeous!" I
praised the girl in the painting.
Tiffany smiled and eventually laughed, "Whoa, how
can someone praise themselves that way? You're so
shameless!"
My heart fluttered seeing she's smiling and hearing her
laughs.
I picked up the painting and sat next to her on the
bench.
"I've never had a portrait of myself before. How much
do I need to pay for this, Miss Fany Da Vinci?" I asked
jokingly.
"It's a gift, you pabo.*" She replied, gently hitting my
arm.
I grinned, "Thank you, Fany-ah. Maybe I should draw
you too sometime."
"Please don't. Hmm, just cook me some food."

Suddenly, Tiffany looked into my eyes for a long time
without saying anything.
I gulped, "Wh-why?"
"Yuree-ah...‛ She called.
"Hmm?"
"Did something happen?" She asked softly.
I was shocked with her question. I tried hard to conceal
my feelings; I wondered how she was able to see through
me.
"Ahahaha! What do you mean? No-nothing
happened...‛ I said, faking my laugh.
"Nothing happened, really...‛ I added, looking away.
Suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed my cheeks by
surprise. It was Tiffany, cupping my face with her warm
hands, not letting me avoid her eyes.
"I don't know what it is, but...
..stay strong Yuri-ah." She said, smiling earnestly at me.
I looked into her sparkling eyes and suddenly I
realized something.
She is worth it.
There are no 'if's.
She is worth losing everything for. She is my
everything.
The emotions that were building up in me slowly
rushed out. Tears pooled in my eyes and soon it rolled
down my cheeks.
Tiffany looked at me with wide eyes, surprised to see
me cry. The cold, hard Yuri who hardly spill tears is
crying in front of her.
Gently, she wiped my tears with her fingers, just like
how I always wiped it for her.
"Just let it out." She said.
She pulled me into her arms and wrapped me in her
warm embrace.
Tears wouldn't stop falling from my eyes when I was
in her arms. I was sobbing like a little baby and cried like
never before.
She gently rubbed my back and it felt like the pain in
my heart was taken away with each of her stroke.
Someone was watching them from inside of a white car.

Jessica bit her lip, trying hard to stay tough and mustered
her strength not to spill any tears. The scene in front of her
was unexpected, as she thought she had done what it took
to make everything go her way.
But there they are, still together and embracing each
other. The more she stared at them, the greater the pain in
her heart became.
What else can I do?
Soon, tears escaped her eyes.
Jessica stood on the balcony outside of her room. Though

it was cold, she let the night breeze blow through her hair
and pulled the thin, grey cardigan tighter around her
body.
She leaned her body forward at the metal railings as
she gazed at the sky. She felt like the dark sky was
especially beautiful that night, with the constellations of
stars staring back at her from above.
They seemed so close yet so far.
Her mind ran through what happened that day. She
had ruined Yuri's career that day, and she thought she
would feel triumphed and proud but... she wasn't.
It felt as if all her effort was useless. Tiffany still didn't
leave Yuri. Nothing had changed.
Jessica let out a sigh and turned around. She leaned her
back on the metal railing and stared blankly into her room.
The sweet memories slowly came back to her and the
corner of her lips curled upward.
Like a movie played, she watched the images of herself
and Tiffany in that room. How they would spend hours
with each other and would never even feel bored. She
looked at the study desk where Tiffany always disturbed
her when she was working.
She remembered one time when she ignored Tiffany
because she was busy working, and her girlfriend pulled
out the computer's socket to get her attention. The incident
leads to a huge fight where she shouted at Tiffany and
slammed the door. Tiffany cried.
She changed her gaze to the door and her heart sank
deeper. This time, the image of her and Tiffany standing
by the door appeared. She was carrying a luggage with a
plane ticket in one hand. Tiffany was holding tight to her
right arm, begging her not to leave.
But she left, and Tiffany cried again.
Jessica bit her lip as tears were pooling in her eyes.
She knew she had caused so much pain to Tiffany, and
now she was ready to make amends. She reached into her
pocket and took out a small red velvet case. She put it on
her palm and slowly opened the case.
There was a silver ring with a pink diamond.
Suddenly, there was someone knocking on the door.
Jessica quickly closed the case and put it back into her
pocket.
"Come in." She said.
The door opened and Jessica was shocked seeing the
person that entered her room.
It was the one she's been thinking of, Tiffany. She had
to blink her eyes a few times to make sure it was real.
Tiffany walked into the room and closed the door
behind her.
She looked at Jessica and greeted, "Hello Jessi."
Jessica was still surprised with her appearance but she
greeted back, "Hello Tiffany."
They looked at each other as the tension sets in the
atmosphere.
Jessica cleared her throat, "What brings you here?"
"I have to talk to you about something." Tiffany
replied.
"Something?"
Tiffany nodded, "I hope you stop doing things to Yuri."
Jessica gulped and looked away, "I didn't do anything
to her."
"Jessi, she didn't do anything wrong. If there's someone
you want to blame, it's me." Tiffany added.
Suddenly, Jessica grunted, "Arghh! Stop talking about
her!"
"I told you to end things with her, but why are you still
seeing her? Are you...in love with her?" Jessica asked, her
eyes were burning with jealousy.
Tiffany gulped.
"Don't answer that. I don't want to know." Jessica
quickly added.
Tiffany stared at Jessica; she has never seen her so
distressed before.
"Honey, what happened to us?" Jessica asked, gently.
Tiffany looked down and bit her lip, "You know what
happened."
Suddenly, Jessica took long steps towards Tiffany and
in a matter of seconds she was right in front of her.
"I know I made mistakes, but nobody is perfect." Jessica
said as she was staring straight at Tiffany.
"If I have a time machine, I would go back in time to

unbreak your heart, and catch every single tear that you've
spilled because of me."
"And I would never be leave you alone even for a day."
She added.
Tiffany looked at Jessica as her heart was slowly
shaken with her words.
"All I'm asking is one more chance to make it up to
you." Jessica said.
Suddenly, she got down on one knee and held Tiffany's
hand. Tiffany was shocked with her action.
"Wh-what are you doing?" She asked, puzzled.
Jessica smiled sweetly at her and reached her left
pocket. Tiffany gulped when she saw a small red case on
Jessica's palm. She doesn't have to be a genius to guess
what that was.
When Jessica opened the box, Tiffany gasped as she
saw the beautiful silver ring.
"Tiffany, whom I've loved for 5 years. Let me continue
to shower you with my love for a thousand years more."
"Marry me."
CHAPTER TEN
Already Gone
‚Marry me.‛
Tiffany looked at Jessica who was kneeling down in

front of her.
She had never thought of seeing her this way, down on
one knee, proposing to her. She had waited years for this
day to come, and all the memories came to her at that
moment. She still remembered how Jessica used to avoid
talking about marriage and commitments.
‚Where do you see us in ten years from now?‛

Jessica looked away and sighed.
‚Tiffany, why are you talking about the future?‛
‚Jessi, I need to know where we are heading, where this
relationship is going...‛
‚Does it matter? I’m with you now, aren’t I?‛
‚You won’t leave me again< right?‛
Jessica never answered that question.
Tiffany felt like laughing, seeing the irony of the

situation. There were nights she spent crying, worrying
that Jessica will slip through her fingers but now, she’s
offering her a lifetime commitment.
‚Why now?‛ Tiffany asked.
Jessica was speechless.
‚I-I don't know...‛ Tiffany mumbled.
She took a step back away from Jessica and about to
leave when Jessica quickly grabbed her hand.
‚Think about it!‛ she said, desperate.
Tiffany looked at her and bit her lip.
‚Tiffany, at least think about it. Don’t give me the
answer now... I can wait.‛ Jessica continued.
She stood up and grabbed both of Tiffany’s hands.
She looked straight into Tiffany’s eyes,
‚Just think about the times we had gone through
together.‛
Tiffany looked away.
‚Though they’re not all sweet memories...
..give me one last chance to make it up to you, with the
rest of my life.‛ Jessica added.
Tiffany sat down on their usual park bench that evening,

waiting for Yuri after work. She gazed blankly at the green
field, as she was lost in her sea of thoughts. There were so
many things on her mind, all cluttered and tangled with
one another.
Suddenly, she saw a young woman in dark blue jacket
walking with rapid steps towards her. Their eyes met and
she waved at her.
‚I’m sorry I’m late!‛ I said, bowing apologetically to
Tiffany. I was almost half an hour late.
But she wasn't angry at me. She smiled ever so
adorably when she looked at me.
‚As expected of Yuri.‛ She said, teasing.
I sat down beside her and puffed, ‚Hey, it’s not like it
was intentional! They gave me too much work so I had no
choice to get off later than everyone else!"
‚Aww, bad day at work?‛ She asked with her sparkly
eyes.
I almost gasped, ‚N-No. Everything was okay, don’t
worry.‛
It was a lie.
Nothing has been okay since I was forced to put down
my camera. They've assigned me all the chores that no one
else want to do. I just spend the whole day photocopying
documents for others. For the first time, I hate going to
work.
‚Where’s your camera?‛ Tiffany suddenly asked.
She noticed that I was only carrying my small handbag.
I gulped as I quickly think of an excuse, ‚I-I didn’t
bring it to work today. Even though I’m a photographer,
I’m not taking photos every day.‛
She nodded in response, believing everything I just
said. ‚Ohh, it’s just weird seeing you without it since you
carry it with you almost all the time.‛
‚Enough with the camera! Do you miss the camera or
its owner?‛ I asked, trying to distract her from asking too
much.
Tiffany laughed and I forgot how stressful I was at
work earlier.
‚Of course I miss the owner.‛ She said and then
playfully patting my hair.
I grinned, in my head I wished I could be her pet so
that she would do that to me every day.
I smiled, ‚Okay, so what are we going to do tod-
I didn't manage to finish my sentence when Tiffany
suddenly plugged an earphone into my right ear. I looked
at her in wonder.
‚Let's listen to music together.‛ She said gently.
I can't help but chuckled at Tiffany’s hobby of forcing
other people to listen to her favourite songs. It was not the
first time she's plugging earphones to me.
A song played. It was an English ballad and it was
sung by a female singer. I think it was by Kelly Clarkson,
that is if I'm not mistaken.
Tiffany looked at me and I looked back at her with a
blank stare. I’ve never been really good with English since
I was in school. Even my teacher laughed at my accent and
awkward sentences. It’s just not my favourite subject.
‚Do you like that song?‛ She asked, smiling.
‚Ah...it was okay...‛
I liked the melody but I wasn't really sure what the
lyrics were about since I only caught a few lines.
Tiffany looked at me with shifty eyes.
‚You don’t understand it, don’t you?‛ She asked, an
eyebrow raised.
I gulped, ‚Wh-What? English? I do understand it!
What makes you think I don’t?‛
Tiffany laughed. ‚I think I can tell it when you’re lying.
You're so bad at lying!‛
‚Hey hey! I’m not lying!‛ I retorted.
‚Okay then prove it.‛
‚Prove...what?‛
‚Speak to me in English to prove that you’re not
lying.‛ She said, crossing her arms in demand.
I gulped.
‚Sure!‛ I said in English.
She seems impressed with my usage of ‘sure’ so I was
feeling confident.
‚Okay, go on.‛ She said, in English.
I took a deep breath.
‚Hi, nice to meet you. My name is...Yuree Kwon. I am-
Suddenly Tiffany starts laughing. I looked at her,

puzzled. I don't think I said anything weird yet.
"Your name is Unicorn?" She asked, still pressing her
stomach and laughing.
"It's Yuree Kwon!" I corrected, laughing along. It
doesn't matter if she was laughing at me, just seeing her so
happy made me feel like I just saved a country.
"Okay then, continue." She said, grinning.
I smiled, "Sure!"
"TODAY IS MONDAY!" I continued.
Tiffany laughed even more until people passing by
stared at us as if we're a couple of crazy ladies who
escaped from the mental hospital.
I stared at her as she continued laughing at my fail
English and I fell even deeper in love with the woman in
front of me. At that moment, I made two wishes.
I wish I could see make her laugh like this every day.
I wish she could stay by my side like this always.
It was another day at work. I used to feel excited going to

work every day but not anymore now.
This is not work; it was more like human slavery. As
usual, as soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a pile of
photocopied documents to be arranged and clipped
together. I felt like I was bullied but what can I do? I
should feel lucky to still be working in this company.
I was sitting at my desk, clipping the papers when
suddenly Sooyoung called me.
"Yul, someone is waiting for you at the lobby."
Sooyoung said.
I picked up the last sheet of the photocopied document
and looked at her, puzzled.
"Someone wants to see me? Who?"
She was a bit hesitant to tell me.
"Yo-You should go down and look for yourself."
It was Jessica.
I don't know why but somehow I had an idea that it will

be her.
She was waiting for me on the couch at the lobby,
wearing her expensive sunglasses indoor, looking like a
celebrity entering airport. I wonder if she thinks she's an idol
star.
I walked to her with my weak steps and she noticed me
coming. She took off her sunglasses and stood up as I came
nearer.
"Why do you want to meet me?" I asked as soon as I was
right in front of her.
She looked different this time; there was less arrogance in
her eyes as she looked at me.
"I need to talk to you about something. Can we go
somewhere and talk?" She asked.
We went to a coffee shop ten minutes away from my

office. She ordered a cup of Americano and sipped her
drink quietly as we sat. I gripped my cup of cappuccino as
the awkwardness set in between us. Her silence made me
nervous.
"Jessica-shi, what did you want to talk to me about? I
have to go back to the office, I'm a very busy person, you
know." I said in an arrogant tone, crossing my arms.
She looked up and stared at me. For a moment she
wasn't saying anything.
"I just...want to talk you, from a woman to another. I
hope you can listen to me for a while." She said.
I looked at her, as her gentle tone caught me off guard.
It's like I'm seeing a different person. There was sadness
behind her eyes; emotion, something that I thought a

woman like her doesn’t have.
"Yuri-shi, I never thought this would happen to me."
She begins.
"I really thought... Tiffany would never fall for anyone
else, and that she will wait for me no matter what
happen.‛
‚But, you came along and changed everything." She
added with a glance.
I quickly looked away and shook my head.
‚It was your fault since the beginning. You think
anyone will have that amount of patience to wait for
someone who leaves anytime they wanted to? She waited
for you long enough,‛ I said bitterly.
She clenched her fist that was on the table and stared at
me.
‚Try to be in my shoes for one day!‛ She said, almost
shouting.
I looked at her, shocked.
She bit her lip, ‚If you were in my position, I'm sure
you will understand.‛
‚Do you think its easy being a successor of my family’s
business and being in a secret relationship with Tiffany at
the same time? I have to try to live up to my parent’s
expectation every day... do you know how stressful that
was?!‛ She said, slightly slamming the table.
I gulped. Other people in the cafe turned and fixed
their curious gaze upon us. Realizing the attention she had
caught, Jessica sighed and leaned her back on her seat, as
she was trying to calm herself.
‚No matter what I had gone through with her, there
was never once I imagine living without her...
..and now she's slipping away through my fingers and
there was nothing I could do about it. I feel so hopeless."
She mumbled.
I cleared my throat, "What exactly are you trying to
say?"
She looked at me, "Until now, I’ve done everything I
could just to make things back to the way it was.‛
‚I threatened her so that she will leave you...
..I ruined your career...
I gasped.
..but that doesn't have any effect.
I became speechless with her honesty.
"I tried... to compete with you, but this has never been
a fair competition right from the start." She said with
cracked voice as she was holding back her tears.
"I'm obviously way better than you, whether in
background or financial status but those are not the
criteria that come into play in this. This is so unfair. I don't
know how to be poor and live carelessly like you!"
I scoffed, offended with her remarks, "That's not my
problem."
"Let's make this fair." Jessica said, her voice firm.
‚Fair?" I asked, an eyebrow rose.
She nodded.
"We will never have an ending if you keep holding on
to her, so...
..let her go."
I looked at her incredulously. I thought she was
kidding but her expression was serious.
"You have to let her go." She repeats.
I shook my head repeatedly, "Th-This is ridiculous!"
‚If that’s all you want to talk to me about, then I’m
leaving.‛ I said as I stood up and grabbed my handbag.
"Are you sure that she truly loves you?" Jessica

suddenly asked.
That question stopped me from leaving.
I scoffed, ‚Why should I tell you about it?‛
"If you’re so sure of it then, tell me why she still hasn't
let me go?" She asked.
I gulped. She had a point there.
Then suddenly she continued,
"Yuri-shi...
..actually, I proposed to Tiffany two days ago"
I turned to look at her immediately; to see if she really
said that. Her expression was serious as she was staring
straight at me, and I knew she meant every word.
I’ve never felt so intimidated and scared in my life
before. I stared at her, as my mind begin to play tricks on
me.
Did Tiffany say yes?
Or she said no?
If she accepted Jessica's proposal...
..then who am I to her?
There's only one way to find out.
With all my might, I moved my trembled lips to ask,
"And...what did she said?‛
"She said... she will think about it." Jessica replied
calmly.
I pressed my lips shut. However that wasn't the answer
I was looking for. A 'maybe' is worse than a 'yes' or 'no'.
We looked at each other with no words spoken. I
wasn’t sure how to react to the news. I want to scream and
shout at her, asking her why she proposed to Tiffany but
there’s no point in doing so. I will only look like a fool and
a lunatic.
Jessica sighed,
"Tiffany must be confused with this situation. She's
basically...dating us both."
"This is why we should let her sort her feelings and
make her own choice." She added.
I stared at her, trying to stay strong.
"Aren't you curious to know what she's feeling for you
is love or just...a mere fling?" She asked.
I can't answer her, I just can't.
‚So let her go.‛ Jessica said.
‚No-not gonna happen.‛ I replied, still putting up my
tough act.
But her gaze was still fixed on me,
"If she still chooses to be with you, even after you let
her go...
..I will admit defeat and I promise that I won't disturb
you anymore."
"But,
..if she chooses me, you have to get out of her life and
never see her again." Jessica quickly added.
I crossed my arms.
"How is that fair? Sounds like you're trying to make me
dump Tiffany then you will pick her up like a hero."
"Yuri-shi, if you are confident with her feelings for you
then there's no reason for you to be worried. People
always say that, if you truly love someone, you let them
go." Jessica replied calmly.
"So, do you love her enough to let her go?"
"You looked terrible. What did Jessica said to you?"

Sooyoung suddenly asked, with her mouth still full with
rice.
I almost choked on my salads, hearing that name. What
a topic to bring into lunch.
I shrugged. "Just stuff."
"She threatened you to leave Tiffany again, right? I

knew it. She’s not going to give up until she gets what she
wants. Such a princess." Sooyoung continued.
I kept mum and swallowed my food.
"But Yul, what are you going to do?" She asked.
"What?"
"Are you seriously going to carry on with Tiffany even
though you know that she's dating Jessica?" Sooyoung
asked in a breath.
I looked down and scooped another spoonful of salad.
"I don't know." I replied slowly.
Sooyoung sighed, "I feel sorry for you. The first time
you fell in love, and it's with the wrong person. Love is
cruel."
Suddenly, I jerked my head up, alerted with the song
played in the cafeteria.
"What's wrong?" Sooyoung asked.
"This song is by Kelly Clarkson, isn't it? What's the
title?" I asked, pointing upward.
"This song? It's Already Gone, one of my favorite from
her. Why do you ask?"
You know that I love you so, I love you enough to let you go
I bit my lip.
Is this what she was trying to tell me?
Suddenly Jessica's voice echoed in my head,
"So, do you love her enough to let her go?"

CHAPTER ELEVEN
It Hurts Here
There were so many paintings in Tiffany's workshop. But

they were all covered with white cloths. This is the first
time I entered her art workshop. She let me watch her
work and I was so impressed. She looked different when
painting, even more beautiful if that's possible.
She was painting the whole canvas in front of her with
bright red, like the color of the heart; while I stood up and
paced to look around. I walked closer to a huge painting
covered with cloth, tempted to take a peek. I glanced at
Tiffany and noticed that she was still concentrating on her
piece. Slowly, I lifted the cloth and saw something long
and black. I realized it was a huge painting of someone.
When I try to peek more to see who it was, someone
grabbed my hand, stopping me from doing so.
It was Tiffany.
She smiled and pulled my hands away from the
painting.
"I've told you not to peek on my unfinished paintings."
She warned, but with a smile.
"I'm sorry Fany-ah, it's too tempting. But, are all these
unfinished?" I asked, pointing at others in the room.
She smiled.
"I want to put them in my exhibition one day. I'll give
you a special invite and you'll get to see all of them."
"Ahh, that's a long time then."
"Well, you have to wait. Trust me, my artworks are
worth the wait." She replied with a chuckle.
I looked at her who was grinning proudly like a little
girl.
It's that smile that had me captured

so helplessly in love.
It's not just her smile, it's her whole existence.
I fell in love with every little detail about her,
her husky voice,
her pair of smiling eyes,
the way she flips her hair,
the sound of her laugh...
I could go on and on and on.

I noticed she was staring at me with creased eyebrows,
something she did when she's curious.
Even her eyebrows are attractive to me.
"Yuri, is everything okay?" She suddenly asked
concern.
"Hmm? I'm okay...‛
"But...‛ She moved closer to me and gently cupped my
face.
I froze as her hand touched my skin.
"But, why are you crying?" She asked tenderly.
I was startled, "Crying? I'm not-
I paused when I realized that my cheeks were wet. I
cried without realizing.
"What's the matter?" She asked.
I looked at her without saying anything. I could tell
that she was worried about me.
"Yuri, why-
"Fany-ah...‛ I cuts in.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry I can't afford a diamond ring."
She seemed shocked when I said that.
I took her hands from my cheeks and held it down.
"I work as a photographer and... was recently been
demoted."
"I took trains and buses every day because I don't have
a car."
"I borrow Sooyoung's clothes to attend lavish parties
because I don't even have a nice dress."
"Yuri, why are you saying all this?" She asked,
uncomfortable.
"If Jessica is a Titanic, then I'm just a small fisherman’s
boat... no, maybe just a raft." I continued, ignoring her
question.
"I don't have anything fancy to offer you, but...
..there is one thing that doesn't cost money I can give."
"My love."
"Too bad there are no tools in this world that could
measure how great my love is for you." I said with a
chuckle.
"If it could be measured in money then you are the
richest person in this world."
"If it could be measured with time then... it's more than
forever."
I looked at her as tears were brimming in her eyes. I
held her hands tightly as if she would disappear if I let go.
"Yuri, I love you too." She said.
I forced a smile, "But... I'm not the only one you love."
She gulped.
"And it's not fair for me." I added.
I looked down and stared at our intertwined hands as
if it's the last time we will ever hold hands.
Slowly, I let it go.
She was shocked when I let go of her hands and took a
step away from her.
"Yuri-ah, I-I just need some time to sort out my
feelings. You know that I'm not playing with your
emotions." She said, desperately.
"Yuri, I mean it when I said I love you." She added.
I nodded.
"But, who do you truly love?" I asked.
She looked at me, unable to answer.
"That's why I've decided to give you all the time you
need to think and sort out everything." I added.
"Yuri...‛
I nodded and mustered every ounce of energy in me to
say this,
"Fany-ah, let's stop seeing each other."
It was so hard saying those words, I felt like I just let go
of a part of myself.
I looked at her, expecting a response but to my surprise
she just kept mum. She agreed.
Suddenly, it felt hard to breathe.
She looked down and tears rolled down her cheeks.
My heart sunk seeing her shedding tears. It's too
painful as if my heart was being torn apart into pieces.
I turned around, unable to watch it any longer.
"If...it's me in your heart...‛
‚..you can come back anytime."
"Come back to this person who truly loves you."
"I will be waiting for you."
"Always."
I lifted my foot one by one, making my steps to the

door. It felt so hard to move, to leave her side.
I was hoping that she would stop me.
Yell at me and tell me how stupid I am.
Embrace me from behind and don't let me go.
But she didn't.
"YURI THAT'S ENOUGH!!" Sooyoung shouted at her

friend.
She grabbed the wine glass from her friend's hand,
though it was by force. She just couldn't bear to stand and
watch as her friend destroys herself with alcohol. Usually,
Yuri wasn't a heavy drinker, but tonight she's already on
her second bottle.
"Give it back!" I shouted at Sooyoung, without caring
about the stares from other people in the club.
"No! You already had too much! I'm not letting you
have more!" She said, quickly taking away the bottle in
front of me.
"Sooyoung-ah!" I grunted.
She came and sat beside me before grabbing my hands.
I know she was only trying to comfort me, so I let her do
so.
"Do you want to go home now? I'll drive you." She said
gently.
I know she just wants to take me away from there.
"It's too early to go home." I replied coldly.
"Yul, let's go. We have work tomorrow...‛
"Work?" I said with a scoff.
"All I do in the office was copying papers and staple
them!"
I stood up and pulled my hands away from Sooyoung.
"I don't need you to feel sorry for me...‛ I mumbled.
I glanced at the dance floor and saw Yongbae walking
towards me. I sighed.
"It's all because of her, isn't it?" He asked as soon as he
reached my side.
I looked away, ignoring him.
"How long are you going to act like this? It's been two
months since you last heard from her, it's time for you
move on!" He added though I kept ignoring him.
Unable to stay calm any longer, he grabbed my arm
and turned me around to face him.
"Hey Yuri look at me!"
I grunted, "Oh my god! What do you want?!"
He gulped.
"Youngbae, what do you want from me huh?!"
"Guys, relax... don't be like this.‛ Sooyoung said, trying
to save the situation.
"So what if it's been two months? You want me to
forget Tiffany and then what? Hook up with you?!"
"YES YURI, YES!"
"I don't know why I'm never good enough for you! I've
been waiting for the day you will accept me as a man in
your life! I want you to forget about her and give me a
chance! Is that too much for me to ask?!"
I stared at him, speechless.
He sighed, "If only you could give me a chance...
"I'm really sorry, Youngbae." I cut in.
"There's nothing wrong with you. I know you are a
good man, but to me you are a friend, and that's how it
will always be."
"Yuri-ah!"
I sighed,
"It doesn't matter if it takes two months, or two years
or two thousand years<‛
‚I will wait for her."
As the weeks and months passes, I've slowly picked

myself up.
Though the days at work was depressing, I tried to
make myself busy with the trivial chores so that I won't
think about her that much. I also no longer use alcohol to
ease my pain from missing her. Instead of going to the
club, I'd returned to the gym after work and exercise until
I became too tired to think of anything.
But I am still waiting for her.
On weekends I would go to the cinema we used to go
on our dates and watch a movie alone.
I would get on a bus and sit by the window at the back
seat like how we used to do. There was no clear
destination; I just let the bus take me around the city until
it reaches the last stop.
I would go to the park after work and sits on the bench
that used to be ours.
It's already been six months.
And today, it's also the same.
I sat on the bench in the park.
I plugged in my earphones and let the music runs
through.
It was Bobby Kim, Afraid to Love. The first song she
forced me to listen.
Memories began to play in my head like it has only
been yesterday she was sitting next to me, laughing at my
lame jokes.
Like it was only yesterday I was holding her hand and
bashfully told her that I love her.
It was the first time I ever said that to someone.
It was the first time I ever felt what it's like to be in
love.
And it's also the last.
"Yuri, I want you to cover the Jesstina new product
launch event this Thursday," said Madam Kang to me.
I stared at my boss for the longest time. I was worried
when she called me into her office earlier, thinking that
she was going to fire me, but now she's saying that I'm
back to taking photos? Is she joking?
"Here, the camera kit for the event." She added, putting
a bag on the table and pushed it towards me.
I looked at the bag, still in disbelief.
"Go on and take it." She said.
"Excuse me for asking, but Madam did you just asked
me to cover for... Jesstina event?" I asked.
She smiled and nodded. "Why? You're not happy with
this?"
"No, that's not what I meant! It's just that this is all too
sudden. I thought Ms. Jessica forbid me from entering any
Jesstina event."
"I'm not sure what happened between you two, but
looks like she'd already forgive you for the last incident."
I gulped.
"She called me as soon as she arrived from New York
yesterday and asked me if you could go to the event." She
replied.
"She...personally asked for me?" I asked, slightly
stuttering.
In my head I can't stop myself from wondering why
suddenly Jessica was being nice.
Could it be that...
No.
Jessica looked different. I haven't met her for six months

and now she looks like a new person.
Instead of the weak and sensitive woman who hid
behind her arrogance, the woman who's standing on the
stage now was oozing with confidence and grace. She

really looked like someone who could take over the family
business empire.
I snapped her pictures along with a group of other
photographers. I doubt she even realized that I was there.
But then she looked at my direction.
Her gaze was straight at me.
Here we go again, another one-on-one interview with Ms.

Jessica.
I didn't know when did Sooyoung arranged for an
interview with her, but here we are, the three of us, sitting
on the couch in a room.
At first we were being professional journalists, with
Sooyoung asking her standard questions taken from the
reporters’ handbook. And Jessica, though she seemed a bit
tired, answered all the questions with smiles, showcasing
her charms as a public figure.
I took her photos after the interview ended. Though it
was quite awkward, we pulled it through. I was itching to
ask her about Tiffany, but somehow I didn't.
I couldn't.
I was scared to know the answer.
Suddenly,
"Ms. Jessica, have you heard from Tiffany? Seems like
she had disappeared for the last six months." Sooyoung
suddenly asked.
I almost dropped my camera upon hearing that.
"Hey, Sooyoung-
"Yes." Jessica replied short.
I looked at her, shocked. "You do?"
Then Jessica continued.
"She was together with me in New York for the last six
months."
..together in New York...
Suddenly, the world around me turned dark.

There was no sound.
My hands were trembling so I dropped my camera.
I saw Sooyoung and her mouth was moving like she
was saying something.
While Jessica stared at me.
So Tiffany chose her.
All this while, I was waiting for nothing.
It hurts.
I put my hand on my chest.
It hurts here.
It hurts so much.
It hurts so much so I turn around and ran out of the
room.
I continued to run, pushing through the crowd of
guests in the hall.
I saw the main door of the hotel so I ran faster.
I need to get out of there.
I pushed the doorman too hard and he fell.
Once outside I continued to run.
I ran until I reached the main road.
And I stood still in the middle of the road.
Cars passed around me but I continued to stand in my
spot.
So this is how it feels.
So this is how it feels to have your heart ripped into
pieces.
Suddenly I saw a bright light coming straight towards
me.
But I don't care.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Truly
I saw Tiffany sitting in the middle of her art workshop.

She was wearing white and her hair was let loose.
Diligently she was working on her painting, stroking her
brush gently against the canvas.
I stared at her as my feet moved by itself and I find
myself walking towards her. Each step I took made my
heart beat faster. It felt like it was going to jump out of my
chest.
Suddenly, she put down her brush and looked at me.
I gulped. I couldn't bring my feet any further when her
gaze was fixed on me.
And I stood still like a statue.
We looked at each other in silence. There were no
words exchanged between us, just glances.
I bit my lip.
I want to tell her how empty I felt going through each
day without her for the past six months.
I want to tell her that the only reason I was able to live
was because I was waiting for her.
I want to tell her that she is the only person I truly love
in this whole world.
But, when I opened my mouth to speak there was no
sound coming out.
Suddenly, it became a world without sound.
Tiffany stood up from her stool and looked at me. She
opened her mouth to speak, but there was no sound. No
matter how hard I tried to concentrate, I still can't hear a
thing.
I felt like crying for not being able to hear what she
wanted to say. Tears were brimming in my eyes.
I felt so hopeless.
Suddenly,
"Yurree...‛
I gulped hearing her voice.
My mouth slowly crept up, and I ended up smiling
widely. Hearing her voice calling my name calms my
weary heart. Only god knows how much I missed her
voice.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake like there was an
earthquake. I looked around me and saw the wall around
the workshop begin to crumble. They all melted like
chocolate exposed to the sunlight.
I glanced at Tiffany and she was still standing there.
"TIFFANY!" I called, but there was no voice came out.
I tried to run to her, but both my foot were stuck in the
melted floor.
"FANY-AHHH!"
She didn't do anything; instead, she just looked at me
and smiled.
Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I struggled
helplessly to get to her side. But she was disappearing
with each passing second.
"FANY-AHHHHHH!"
"Hey Yul, calm down!" A voice said to me.

"FANYYYY!!" I continued to shout.
"Yuri-ah, relax. Tiffany isn't here," said another voice.
She isn't here?

I slowly opened my eyes and saw the white ceiling.
Confused, I looked around me and saw my best friend,
Sooyoung who was looking at me with tears in her eyes. I
was sitting on a bed, and I was wearing ugly white
clothes. I realized that I was in the hospital.
"Ti-Tiffany isn't here?" I asked.
Sooyoung didn’t reply anything; instead, she suddenly
threw her arms around my shoulders and hugged me
tightly.
"Thank god you're okay, Yuri-ah...‛ She mumbled as
she sobbed.
I was choking from her tight embrace and gasping for
air when I saw another person in the room.
It was Yongbae.
He looked at me without saying anything but I saw
something in his eyes. He was worried about me.
"Wh-What happened?" I asked them after Sooyoung set
me free from her embrace.
"You almost got hit by a car. Luckily, the driver was an
old granny who drove very slowly. She was able to brake
in time before hitting you. Then, you passed out."
Sooyoung replied.
I didn’t remember a thing.
"What were you thinking? Standing in the middle of a
busy road at night...‛ Yongbae suddenly asked, angry.
I looked down and kept mum.
"Were you trying to get killed?" He continued.
"Bae, stop it. The important thing is that Yuri is safe
now." Sooyoung said.
"SHE COULD’VE DIED!" He burst.
Sooyoung was startled and became speechless for a
moment.
He looked at me and gritted his teeth, ‚Is she worth
that much for you to give up your life?‛
‚How stupid can you be? What can you do if you’re
dead?‛
He sighed, ‚If you really love her you should continue
to live and try your best to get her back.‛
I was shocked hearing that from him.
‚If I can’t have you, at least I want to see you happy."
He added.
"Youngbae-
He turned around and left the room before I could say
anything.
I return to work a week later. Since the Jesstina event,

Madam Kang had reinstated my position as photographer
and I got busy again. I was thankful for everything,
because the work assignments kept me away from being
depressed.
Sooyoung was also very helpful; she was one of the
factors that keep me going strong. She always tried to
cheer me up with her crazy love stories every time I was
feeling down. She was still going around dating the wrong
men and went through multiple heartbreaks. I wonder
how she managed to do so and still live cheerfully like
this.
I'm not even over this one girl.
Still...
"Yul, let's go!" Sooyoung said, grabbing my arm.

"Err< where to?" I asked, puzzled. I was editing
photos in the office when she suddenly came.
"We have an event at the gallery to cover today, hurry
up or we'll be late!" She replied, panicked.
"What event? I thought Angel and Michelle are going

to work on that one...‛ I said, referring to our colleagues.
"Those two old people are stuck at Jeju airport from
yesterday's coverage. They overslept and missed their
flight. They won't make it in time so we have to do this for
them!" Sooyoung said, grabbing my camera and bag.
I sighed, "Seriously?"
We arrived at the gallery just in time for the start of the

launch; though we were the last press to arrive.
I didn't even bother hanging my camera around my
neck as we got in. I couldn't help but feel quite pissed for
doing the job for someone else. I was still tired from
covering two events from yesterday, and I will have a
fashion editorial photo shoot tomorrow.
"Cheer up! We'll ask them to treat us to expensive food
once they come back." Sooyoung said, cheering me up.
I glared at her, "Not everyone can be easily bribed with
food like you."
"Oh come on, get over it! We're here now. Since we’re
already here, why don't you look at the event's brochure
first?" She said, handing me a pink card.
"I don't want to. I'll just snap a few photos and then
we'll leave." I replied, uninterested.
Sooyoung was still prancing around cheerfully, and at
that time I don't understand why she was so happy about
working on that day. It's not even a party, just a boring art
exhibition filled with a bunch of boring looking people
with boring fashion sense.
I sighed and began to pay attention to the event.
Then I realized it.
This was the same gallery where I first saw Tiffany.
The memories that I tried to leave behind rushed into
my head. That day was still fresh in my mind.
I still remember the sorrow in her eyes when she was
staring at the painting of the broken heart.
That was the sight that first captured my heart.
"Yul, you should start taking pictures now." Sooyoung
suddenly said, interrupted my train of thoughts.
"Ye-yes, sure." I said, nodding.
I noticed that Sooyoung was still staring at me with her
creepy motherly gaze.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked,
annoyed.
She forced a smile and shook her head, "Nothing.
Hurry up and take photos, Yuri-ah."
"Especially the paintings." She added.
"Okay."
While Sooyoung was interviewing a few visitors, I
walked towards to the first painting where a few art lovers
were ogling at.
"She is so talented,‛ said one man.
"Though this is just her first exhibition but she'd
already won an award for one of her paintings while she
was in New York," replied a woman.
"Impressive."
I rolled my eyes at their praises for the artist and began
adjusting my camera lenses for a photo of the painting.
It was a painting of a white unicorn. They were right; it
was beautiful. There was something calming about the
painting, but I’m not sure what it was.
Suddenly, it triggered something in my memory.
Of that one fine evening when Tiffany and I were
sitting at the park bench.
I was trying to prove to her that I can speak English.
"My name is Yuri Kwon."

"You're Unicorn?‛
"It's Yuri Kwon!"
I smiled, but emotions were rushing to my heart and I

realized that my eyes were brimming with tears. I quickly
shook my head to pull myself together.
It was not the time to be strolling down memory lane.
After all, I was there for work.
And then I moved to the next painting.
But unlike the ‘Unicorn’, I couldn’t understand this
one. It was a painting of something round and dark brown
on a black round shape surface. I thought it was weird, as
it was completely different than the previous artwork.
How did the two paintings relate to each other?
I can seriously never understand art.
I turned around to check more artworks at the opposite
side of the room, but I was up for a surprise.
Almost all the guests and media present there were
staring at me.
I thought they were staring at the painting, but no.
They were looking at me as if I was a painting too.
I was worried and puzzled; wondering why they were
looking at me.
Did I do something wrong? Or maybe I ripped my shirt
without realizing and now they were all staring at my
exposed chest.
‚Is there something wrong...‛ I said, uncomfortable.
‚It’s her,‛ I heard someone said.
‚No doubt, that’s the woman,‛ said another one.
‚She looks prettier in real life,‛ one guy added.
I gulped, and creased my eyebrows in confusion. I
looked for Sooyoung but she was nowhere in sight, I
panicked.
‚That’s why you should read the brochure and do
research before coming to an event,‛ a familiar female
voice behind me said.
I turned around immediately and saw Jessica staring at
me.
In her hand was a pink card, like the brochure
Sooyoung tried to give me earlier.
‚Yuri-shi, you-
‚What are you doing here?‛ I asked, accidentally cuts
her sentence.
She shook her head, ‚You have a serious bad habit of
not letting people finish talking.‛
‚Excuse me?‛
‚Just like last week when you ran off when I tried to
tell you about Tiffany.‛ She replied, crossing her arms.
I shook my head, ‚Enough. You don’t have to explain
it, I think I know.‛
‚No you don’t.‛ She said.
I turned around and faced her again. Somehow, I feel
like I should hear what she was trying to tell me.
‚Tiffany came to see me a day after you broke up with
her.‛ Jessica began.
I waited nervously for her to continue.
‚She came to return the ring and rejected my
proposal.‛ She continued.
I gasped, shocked.
‚But I thought...‛
‚Well, I won’t lie; I was very, very devastated.‛ She
added coolly.
‚Wait, but you said you were in New York with her for
the past six months.‛ I asked, confused.
‚That’s true. At first, I thought she was going to meet
you and reconcile, but she didn’t.‛
‚Instead she told me that she promised you a special

invite for her first art exhibition, to show you her
collection of paintings. So she decided to go to New York
and make a name for herself as an artist first.‛
I became speechless.
‚And so I went to New York to help her fulfill her
dream because I thought... that was the least I could do for
her to make up for all the pain I put her through.‛
‚I just wanted to see her happy.‛ She added, smiling
weakly.
I looked at Jessica and saw the difference in her. It was
not the Jessica I used to know.
‚Anyway, she won an award for one of her paintings
in an art festival two months ago. It was a painting of a
young woman and though I beg to differ, everyone was
saying the woman is pretty and all that...‛ Jessica added,
mumbling the last part.
I was still frozen in shock and speechless. A part of me
still refused to believe that this was real.
Jessica handed me a pink card, ‚Here you go.‛
‚A special invite for her first art exhibition, though
you’ve already entered using your media pass...‛
I stared at it blankly at first, and slowly I took the card
from her hand.
She let the card go reluctantly and sighed,
‚I will keep my promise.‛
‚But if you ever break her heart, I’ll make your life a
living hell.‛ Jessica added, serious.
She walked past me after giving the card and went to
Sooyoung, who was standing by. I didn’t realize when
Sooyoung got there; she wasn’t around when I was
looking for her earlier.
‚Sooyoung-shi, would you like to have coffee with
me?‛ Jessica asked coyly.
Sooyoung seemed surprised.
She scoffed, ‚Coffee? That’s so lame. But, since you’re
insisting, sure.‛
I didn’t know when they got close enough to have
coffee together, but I have a feeling that Sooyoung tricked
me to be here.
They both left and I was still standing there with the
pink card in my hand. The visitors were still staring at me,
but all of that became irrelevant.
Everything became irrelevant except this pink card.
I looked at the card as my heartbeat increases.
‘Tiffany H’s first art exhibition: Truly’
My hands were trembling as I continued to read.
‘Dedicated to the one woman I truly love.’
‚Fany-ah...‛
I looked up and saw a painting in the middle of the
room.
‘Winner of New York Art Festival: Best New Artist.’
I gasped.
It’s the same painting that I tried to look at the day we

broke up.
"I've told you not to peek on my unfinished paintings." She

warned, but with a smile.
"I'm sorry Fany-ah, it's too tempting. But, are all these
unfinished?" I asked, pointing at others in the room.
She smiled.
"I want to put them in my exhibition one day. I'll give you a
special invite and you'll get to see all of them."
‘Title: Yurree.’
It was a painting of me.

Tears were brimming in my eyes.
I turned around to wipe my tears and saw the weird
painting of something round and dark brown on a black
round shape surface I saw earlier.
And then it hits me.
That morning when I made her breakfast for the first
time.
"OH MY GOD! YOUR PANCAKE!" Tiffany suddenly

shouted, pointing at behind me.
"Ewww!" Tiffany shrieked, while pressing her nose close
with her fingers.
"Now that was a 'pan' cake." I said wittily.
We looked at each other and laughed.
‘Title: Pan Cake.’

I chuckled, after realizing that the complex artwork
was just a painting of my burnt pancake.
I quickly paced forward to look at more of the
paintings in the gallery.
There was a painting of a bench in an empty park.
I remembered her warm and gentle hand caressing my
cheeks that evening.
"I don't know what it is, but stay strong Yuri-ah." She said,
smiling earnestly at me.
I bit my lip, trying hard not to cry.
I realized that all the paintings in the gallery were the
collection of all the things I did with Tiffany.
The back seat of the bus where she used to lean her
head on my shoulder,
a camera that I always carry,
a box of popcorn that we always bought when
watching movies,
a pancake with honey on top.
They were all our memories painted on canvas.
At that time, I was no longer able to hold back my
tears.
Suddenly,
‚You promised to wait for me,‛ said a voice behind me.
I gulped.
I know that voice.
I miss hearing that voice.
I quickly turned around and almost fell on my knees.
It was her, the one my heart was yearning for.
Tiffany.
She looked just the same since the last time I met her
six months ago.
She still took my breath away with her enchanting
smile and mesmerizing eyes.
"I hope six month wasn’t too long," She said, smiling.
‚Fa-Fany...‛ I tried to reply but my lips were trembling.
‚How could you-
I paused.
‚How could you showcase a painting of my burnt
pancake in a gallery?‛
We looked at each other in silence.
And then we both chuckled.
‚You’re complaining about that painting? I thought
you were going to yell at me!‛ She said, laughing.
‚I want to.‛ I said slowly.

‚I should yell at you for disappearing for six months...
..and made me cry at night for missing you.‛
‚But I just can’t.‛
She smiled.
Then she walked towards me and stopped when she
was only a few steps away.
‚Six months ago you asked me who I truly love.‛ She
said.
‚I’ve decided the answer right after you left me that
night.‛
‚It’s you.‛
‚Yuri, I love you.‛
‚Truly.‛
Glossary:
Unnie – older sister (female)
Noona – older sister (male)
Oppa – older brother (female)
Ahjumma – old married woman
Chaebol – rich family
songsaeng-nim - teacher
pabo - stupid
aegyo - cuteness

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Smile and Smile

Copyright © 2012 by aienbest

First Printing, 2012

ISBN: 978 14774 8177 6

All rights reserved.

SMILE AND SMILE AGAIN 1

SMILE AND SMILE AGAIN

1 The New Neighbour 3

2 Who Are You? 21

3 Where Are You? 37

4 Breaking Your Heart 53

5 Her Last Wish 67

8 Woman In The Elevator 99

9 The Nightmare 107

10 Like Two Strangers 117

11 The Wish of Tears 127

12 The Price 139

13 The Broken Promise 147

14 The Only Reason 157

15 The Day a Life Was Lost 167

16 The Falling Star 179

Special thanks to my fellow Wish and loyal readers

Also thanks to my friend, Angel who always helped

Most importantly to the Nine Angels who have been

An alarm clock started to rang as it struck 6:30 am.

She thought to herself as she continued to stares into

Nah. There's no reason to smile.

Meet Jessica, 23 years old, a fresh graduate from a

Jessica glanced at her watch and realized that it was

"Good morning Miss Jessica!" greeted the whole class.

The image of smiling Tiffany flashes on her mind.

She can’t stop smiling.

Suddenly the memory of Tiffany’s warm embrace filled

"Geez< teacher, are you sick?"

"What was on your mind, teacher? Perverted things?"

Jessica stopped at the supermarket to buy supplies

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I< guessed it."

Jessica can't help but to kept looking at Tiffany until

"You looked happy," said a voice.

Sometimes I hate myself.

‚Good morning, Jessica,‛ greeted Daniel as he walked

‚You looked nice. I bet your male students will have a

‚This is like< freaking rare to ever happen,‛ said the

‚S-sorry...teacher...I didn’t mean to...‛ Sulli said,

‚Oh come on, Jessica. She’s just a kid,‛

‚That’s it! I’m going to report her to the principal!‛

‚Sulli, where are your parents?‛ Jessica asked to the

‚Aren’t you happy to see me again?‛ she asked as she

‚You’re Sulli’s sister? I thought she’s an only child,‛

‚Nah, it’s okay. You’ve already done so much for me.‛

‚Okay then, see you around!‛ said Jessica before

‚Don’t ever fall in love with me.‛

I have the weirdest neighbour ever. I’m not talking about

‚Morning, Jessica,‛ greeted a voice.

It wasn’t money but a pair of tickets to watch the

After the musical ended, Jessica and Tiffany walked together

Suddenly Tiffany took a few steps closer to Jessica and

I’m doing it again.

‚Is that your morning look?‛ Jessica asked, pointing at

‚Ahaha, wh-why should I like it? You’re so weird,‛

It must be a coincidence. It must be.

How did she know?