Chapter 7

“Yuri…”

Yuri had made her choice. It was Jessica. It had always been Jessica. All these years, Jessica had never left the back of her mind. She was certain of what she was saying. She wanted Jessica to hear those words properly now. Those words which were 3 years overdue.

As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Jessica wrapped her arms around Yuri’s neck, leaned forward and kissed Yuri on the lips gently. She knew she didn’t need alcohol this time. Yuri’s words were the best courage-booster.

Strawberries…

Both girls were exploding inside at the contact. It was as if they had been waiting for this for years. The sweet kiss seemed to last for an eternity, before Yuri felt water dripping down her arms. Realizing that she was embracing a semi-naked Jessica, she hastily broke off the hug and immediately turned away, back-facing the girl.

Almost instantly both faces turned red.

“S-Sorry! Bad timing!” Yuri stammered while mentally slapping herself in the face.

Jessica clutched onto her towel, slightly embarrassed. “It’s okay. Give me a moment while I get dressed. Make yourself at home yea?” she said as she hurriedly trotted into the bedroom. Jessica had a habit of not dressing up right after a bath, which wasn’t a problem because she was living alone anyway.

“Alright, t-take your time.”

After hearing a click of the door, Yuri figured it was safe to turn around. What awesome timing, Kwon. she thought as she fanned her burning face with her hand.

When Yuri finally cooled over the ‘semi-naked Jessica’ incident, she began surveying the apartment. Though Yuri had been here twice before, she never had the time to inspect Jessica’s home. It was a rather spacious one-bedroom apartment, perfectly sized for someone like Jessica, who had tons of things, and the space allowed her to spread her mess around. However, it wasn’t fully furnished; only a single couch, a television, and a filled bookshelf. There were boxes scattered around the house. Jessica had after all, been back only for a week and she had barely settled in. Moving on into the kitchen, Yuri found only a few bottles of water and two frozen dinners in the refrigerator, a microwave and several disposable utensils. The cabinets were empty; not a single pot or pan, nor any cooking equipment in sight. She sighed inwardly. Jessica was obviously not eating well, and it was a great sin to Yuri.

“Yuri?”

“You’re out!” Yuri peeked out of the kitchen, but blushed upon seeing the girl. She was gushing over a girl clad in t-shirt and shorts aka Jessica Jung’s very casual sleep attire. The blonde could make a dress made out of trash bags haute couture.

Yuri, Yuri! You’re hopeless!

Jessica walked towards her. “I was thinking, it’s late, why don’t you spend the night here?”

Yuri gulped. The thought of spending the night didn’t cross her mind; she had literally ran here after making that life-altering decision in the park. She wondered if she should. There was a risk that something might happen again, and after all, she hasn’t broke off with Hyomin. That, would be cheating.

Jessica held onto her hands. “Don’t worry, I’m sober tonight. Just stay, I insist.”

She. Did. Not. Just. Read. My. Mind.

“And besides, you could help me with some unpacking.” Jessica added, smiling.

Yuri went soft in the knees upon seeing that smile. It was that very same smile from years ago which made Yuri do her bidding, and also, it was Jessica’s secret weapon.

Yuri nodded, dazed. “Okay...”

“I’ll get you something to change into.”

She disappeared into the bedroom and came back shortly after. “Here, these should fit you. Now go wash up!” Jessica ordered.

“Y-Yes Ma’am! Right away!” Yuri playfully saluted and ran into the bathroom.

In the bathroom, Yuri was smiling excessively again. She would have been in denial if she said she wasn’t excited about staying over at Jessica’s. Despite the 3 year absence, despite already having Hyomin, her feelings for Jessica had not changed a single bit. The moment Jessica came back, all those feelings resurfaced. All those years of being depressed over Jessica’s departure were replaced with a whole new ecstasy when she saw her again. She had thought it through and through during her time at the park. The relationship with Hyomin would have to end, but she still had to keep within her boundaries for now, at least, just so she could face her conscience.

And also, there was the part of coming clean to Jessica tonight. Yuri wondered how the girl would react to the news.

When Yuri was done and dressed in Jessica’s clothes, she couldn’t help but take a whiff. Yikes, strawberries everywhere! The shampoo, the soap, and now her clothes! The scent had inevitably roused memories of that night.

“Yuri Yuri, remember not to go out of line tonight.” she lectured herself in the mirror.

Exiting the bathroom, she noticed Jessica seated on the floor, going through the items in a particular box. Yuri settled down beside her, prepping herself to drop the bomb. She coughed a little, and began, “Sica, there’s something I haven’t told you.”

“Hmmm?” Jessica turned her attention to Yuri.

“You might not like what you’re about to hear.” she said, fiddling with the edges of the box. “I… uhhh… I already have a girlfriend.”

Jessica’s eyes immediately widened and her expression turned dark.

Yuri felt as if the world was going to end at that moment. She hurriedly continued,“B-B-But, I have thought it over and over. I am ending things with her. I already have been considering it--”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Jessica interrupted, she was visibly upset.

Yuri looked down. “I’m sorry.”

“So you moved on…”

“I thought I did.” Yuri said, solemnly. “But you never left the back of my mind. All these years I’ve been depressed over your sudden departure, and when I thought that you didn’t even want to contact me anymore, she appeared. I thought I was in love with her, but when you came back, I realized how dead wrong I was. Nobody’s ever made me feel the way you do.”

Jessica kept silent. Yuri held onto her hand, and said, “I mean it when I said those words to you, Sica. I hope you believe me.”

Gazing into Yuri’s deep dark eyes, Jessica couldn’t help but melt, again. She always knew she could trust Yuri, but the fact that she was involved with someone else brought an immeasurable amount of discomfort in her chest.

She looked down at Yuri’s hand which was holding onto hers tightly. “What are you gonna do now, Yuri?”

“I am gonna end things with her.” Yuri said, also looking down at their entwined hands. “3 years, Sica. It wasn’t easy. Now that you’re back… I cannot afford… to lose you again… I just can’t.” Yuri said, her eyes getting wetter upon recalling the countless days and nights she spent pinning for Jessica.

Jessica brought up a hand and wiped off the single tear on Yuri’s face, “Okay.” and then hugged her tightly. “I believe you.” she said as Yuri sobbed in her arms. “I won’t go anywhere now, I promise.”

Breaking off the hug, Jessica looked into Yuri’s eyes. “Is she… gonna be okay?”

“I don’t know.”

There was a moment of silence as both girls pondered on the situation. Finally, Jessica exhaled, and then turned her attention back to the items in the box. Taking out a few books in the box and placing them in the bookshelf, she asked, “So how did Kwon Yuri take a liking to that girl?”

Yuri looked up at her, still teary eyed, but incredulous. Is she seriously asking me this, NOW?

“I just want to know. Is she pretty?” Jessica added, pouting and trying to reach the top shelf. Deep inside, the girl silently wished she wasn’t. It's a girl thing.

“Uhhh…” Yuri rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “I didn’t want to believe Sooyoung and Yoong all this time, but she does resemble you in ways…” she paused a little, before adding, “You might know who she is, T-ara’s Hyomin.”

Jessica paused, hands still on the bookshelf and her mouth hung open. “Hyomin??” She didn’t know if she should feel jealous that Yuri was dating a pretty celebrity, or relieved that she was dating her just ‘cos they looked alike. Jessica had received many passing comments regarding their semblance before. “How in the world…”

Yuri nodded and got up to help the girl. “I guess it just happened.” she said as she slotted the book in the top shelf. Alarms were sounding inside Yuri’s head; she could sense that the Ice Princess was slowly morphing into the Sour Princess as she continued slotting the books in the top shelf. To salvage the situation, she quickly said, “Sica, you’re the prettiest in the world to me.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Kwon Yul.” Jessica stated, while she switched her focus to scrambling the rest of the items in the box. It was obvious that she was as sour as a grape.

Yuri giggled a little while joining in Jessica’s mad scramble. Her eyes caught onto something. Picking it up in her hand, she exclaimed, “And I thought I lost it! You’re a thief, Sica!”

Jessica immediately snatched the item back. “I didn’t steal it. You didn’t take it back so it’s mine.”

“Wow, the 22 and 21 are still here too. You didn’t use it at all did you, you thief?” Yuri said, observing the eraser in Jessica’s hands.

Jessica shook her head. “I’m not a thief, Kwon Yul!” she said as she smacked Yuri’s arm.

“Oh yes you are.” Yuri leaned closer to Jessica’s face. “You stole my heart.” she said, smiling cheekily.

Her words made Jessica blush, but she quickly slapped Yuri on the arm to hide it. “And you’re not gonna have mine until you settle things, Kwon Yuri.”

Yuri sat up straight and composed herself. “Y-Yes, Ma’am.”

Jessica stretched a little. “Ahhhh I’m sleepy. I’m going to bed.” She walked towards the bedroom, and stopped in front of the door. “Aren’t you coming?”

Yuri gulped. B-bedtime?? It suddenly dawned on the girl that this was going to be the first time she was sleeping together with Jessica. In the same room… On the same bed…

“Yea… Coming.”

On the way to the bedroom, Yuri made quick mental notes to remind herself not to do anything stupid tonight.

Mental Note 1: Stick to your side of the bed.

Mental Note 2: Keep your hands to yourself.

Mental Note 3: Keep your eyes away from Sica’s awesome body.

Going through the 3 mental notes one more time, she entered the bedroom and found Jessica already lying on her bed. The girl glared at her as she walked in. “Sleep now.” she ordered and closed her eyes. Yuri sat by the bed, and smiled at the sight of the girl’s adorable sleepy face, before noticing how her beautiful blonde locks trailed down to her heaving chest. She lightly slapped herself on the face after remembering Mental Note 3.

It would be a good idea to sleep now before my thoughts go wild, she thought.

Thankfully, it was a queen sized bed. While remaining loyal to Mental Note 1, she laid down and pulled the covers over the both of them. Just then, she felt an arm over her waist, which sent another round of electric jolts through her body.

Mental Note 2! Mental Note 2! Mental Note 2!

In the midst of chanting, Jessica had pulled her closer, positioned Yuri’s arm around her own shoulders, and then comfortably buried her face in the nook of Yuri’s neck. Yuri could see Mental Notes 1 and 2 being torn to pieces in front of her eyes.

“Hmmm… This is so comfortable.” the girl mumbled.

Yuri gulped, still stunned by the proximity and the physical contact.

“Thank you for being honest with me, Yuri.”

Yuri glanced at the girl, with the intention to check if she was still sour. But from her angle, all she could see was blonde hair. “I was afraid you’d be angry at me for telling you only now.”

“I was.” Jessica paused, before continuing to say, “But I really want you so much, Kwon Yuri.” she buried herself deeper into Yuri’s neck.

Yuri couldn’t help but smile like a dork after that. She felt extremely relieved that Jessica took it pretty well. “Me too.” She stroked Jessica’s hair.

Jessica chuckled. “And too bad for you, Kwon Yul,” she ran a finger up and down Yuri’s neck. “Something might have happened tonight if you didn’t say anything…”

Yuri gulped, she was about to scribble a Mental Note 4 in her head until she felt Jessica’s lips on her neck.

“Good night, Kwon Yul. Now sleep. And get your mind out of the gutter.”

-----

After having been asleep for a few hours, Yuri arose upon feeling something on her neck. She opened her eyes to find Jessica on top of her.

“S-Sica…???”

Jessica put a finger to Yuri’s lips, and gazed deep into her eyes. Yuri gulped. She looked at the girl on top of her. Her blonde tresses were slightly messy, and her face glowed beneath the moonlight that streamed in through the windows. Seeing it made Yuri extremely vulnerable, the girl was beautiful.

The words ‘reject’, ‘stop’ and ‘no’ suddenly seemed to disappear from her dictionary. Mental Note 3 had also been shredded into millions of pieces. She felt an unexplainable burning sensation in her body. It was making her hotter by the second.

Heck my conscience.

“Yuri…”

Wait. That voice…??

Yuri immediately turned her head to the side where the voice came from. Lying beside her, on the same bed, was Hyomin. Turning her head back, she realized that Jessica was still on top of her. They didn’t seem to notice each other.

OHMYGAWD. I’m in an extremely lucid dream. Wake up Yuri, wake up!!

She shut her eyes tightly. “Wake up wake up wake up wake up wake up” Yuri muttered continuously.

When she opened them, Hyomin was gone, much to her relief. Looking ahead, she noticed that Jessica was still straddling her, looking absolutely gorgeous.

Okay don’t wake up don’t wake up don’t wake up don’t wake up

Jessica leaned forward, still keeping her gaze on Yuri. As Jessica came closer and closer, Yuri gulped and her hands gripped onto the covers tightly. Suddenly, she spotted Hyomin at the corner of the room, staring at them, visibly upset. Yuri watched as she approached them, quietly, and Jessica didn’t seem to notice. By now, the blonde was already a millimeter away from Yuri’s lips. Hyomin stood by the bed, like a ghost, watching as Jessica made her way down. In a flash, she raised a hand up, ready to strike.

No friggin way! But this is a dream, so I shouldn’t feel a thing.

“Owww!!” Yuri exclaimed as the impact of the hand struck. Her eyes shot open to find Jessica beside her on the bed.

“CUCUMBERS!! DIE!!!” Jessica yelled audibly as she raised an arm, and then bringing it down to Yuri’s face.

The Ice Princess’ Ice Punch!! Dodge!!

“Owwww!” Yuri managed to dodge the falling arm in time, but consequently rolled off the bed and fell on her bum. Rubbing her behind, she looked around the room. No Hyomin, just a sleeping Jessica. Everything was back to normal.

What a creepy dream. Yuri sighed. I bet it’s karma.

“DIE CUCUMBERS!!!” Jessica yelled again.

Yuri heaved the biggest sigh of relief. Crap, my cheek really hurts. Holding her precious face in her hand, her frown turned into a smile when she took another glance at the sleeping girl. She didn’t move anymore. Her arm was back in its place, raised behind her head, aka Jessica’s usual sleeping position. Climbing back onto the bed, she pushed Jessica’s bangs away and stroked her cheek.

Jessica stirred in her sleep. “Kwon… Seobang… My hero…” she said and reached out to hug Yuri.

Yuri chuckled as she wondered what the girl was dreaming of. She imagined herself saving Jessica from humungous cucumbers complete with hands and legs.

“Tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll be yours and yours alone.” Yuri whispered and kissed Jessica’s forehead, before falling back to sleep with Jessica in her arms.