(no subject)
Title: Stain
Author: KaoruJin
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: First thing’s first, this ain’t real in the slightest.
Summary: You try to wash away the pain but it stays with you like a stain.
A/N: The summary is misleading. This is all fluff. Real author’s note at the end. Also, Vanderly is the real MVP.
The smell of detergent and fabric softener was everywhere as the sound of water swishing and swirling filled the air. It was a bright, Wednesday afternoon and people were bustling about outside. The bell chimed every so often indicating someone’s entrance or departure. Wheels squeaked and coins clanked in pockets. On the window by the door, read a sign that said: “Cleanest and cheapest in town!”
Jessica didn’t mind working at a laundromat. It was enough to pay for her small apartment and put food on the table. It’s been in the family for generations so why not. Giving change and washing clothes was fine with her, as long as her cousin took care of the tedious business part. Life was simple and that’s all Jessica wanted.
---
It was just an ordinary day at the mat. Jessica sat behind the counter, monitored the shop, and dispensed change. It was easier this way since the coin machine was cursed to be broken for the rest of eternity.
It was past lunch when a boisterous ball of pink entered the previously quiet shop. She was singing along to a teeny bop song that blared from her headphones as she exchanged five dollars for her laundry. Luckily the shop was vacant or else Jessica would have had to deal with angry customers. The girl went on her merry way of washing her clothes as Jessica returned to reading. Just as she found her spot, the brunette was back.
“Could I help you?” Jessica asked monotonously.
It was a Monday afternoon and Jessica so did not need this. She was drowsy and had better things to do, like reading and catching up on dramas.
“Umm, how much soap should I use for my laundry?”
The brunette seemed almost shy with her question. It was kinda cute actually.
Okay, maybe she had time to spare for cute brunettes. Jessica looked up from her book.
“Depends. How much are you washing?”
The brunette gestures to her clothes in an almost embarrassed way. Jessica couldn’t help but smirk at how cute the girl was being. She closed her book and spoke.
“Here. I’ll just do it and you watch me since no one is here right now. I’d rather not have my laundromat flooded, but I expect retribution. You’re cutting into my spare time,” Jessica teasingly added as the brunette eagerly agreed.
Jessica spent about 10 minutes teaching the brunette how to adjust the dials and how to determine the ratio of soap and detergent to clothes. By the end of the lesson, the brunette was cheering at their accomplishment and Jessica was smiling in amusement.
---
Two days after the encounter, Jessica is sitting behind her counter as she flipped through a magazine when the bell chimes indication a customer has entered. Looking up, she noticed it was the brunette donned in a pink and white uniform completed with a mock sailor’s hat.
“Jessica! Are you thirsty?”
The brunette smiled and held up the cup in her hand as she approached the counter.
“I brought you a thank-you treat for helping me out last time. I hope you like strawberry and banana!”
Jessica was slightly stunned that the girl actually took her teasing seriously. She was also taken aback that nice people like this girl still existed in the world.
“Yeah, I love smoothies. By the way, how did you know my name?”
The girl giggled before pointing at Jessica’s shirt. Jessica quickly looked down hoping that the girl wasn’t laughing at a stain on her shirt. She worked at a laundromat for crying out loud!
Instead, there on her chest was a sticker. Oh right, name tags.The thing that tells people your name.
Jessica wanted to facepalm so badly if not for the giggling that filled her ears. Not only was the girl cute, but she had a nice laugh too. Life was unfair.
“Sorry, dumb moment. I seriously think the blonde dye is seeping into my skull,” Jessica continued softly while the tips of her ears started to redden, “Anyways, Tiffany, you didn’t have to do this. I was just kidding.”
“I just felt bad for making you go through all that trouble. I work at the cafe down the street so I thought why not just bring you something. Plus I was hoping we could be friends or something, if that’s okay with you. I just moved here so I don’t know many people and-- wait. How did you know my name?”
Jessica couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the rambling girl whose cheeks were now prettily coded in light pink. Jessica could barely gasp out “name tag” before doubling over in laughter at how red Tiffany turned.
No, Jessica didn’t mind having a friend like Tiffany in the slightest.
---
Tiffany was back a week later with a bag of what Jessica presumed to be clothes.
“Hey Jessi, can you do me a favor? I’m a little late for work but I need to wash my clothes. Can you do it for me?”
She slapped down a five dollar bill and ran out of the mat before Jessica could protest.
Jessica shook her head at the girl before she got up and picked up the bag. She wasn’t one to do favors for others but Tiffany looked cute flustered.
Tiffany returned approximately five hours later full of apologies for her abrupt request. Jessica waved off her apology, reassuring Tiffany that it wasn’t a problem and that she’d be happy to do it again. She honestly didn’t mind, especially since Tiffany brought food with her. They talked and joked until closing time.
---
It was an early Sunday at the mat. Jessica was watching her dramas on her laptop, earphones plugged in, pausing only to assist customers. She was so engrossed with the screen that she failed to notice that Tiffany had walked in to pay her a visit.
“Hi Jessi! Woah, you have wifi here?”
“Welcome to the twenty-first century. Don’t be alarmed but we have machines to wash our clothes too,”Jessica replied with an edge to her tone as she kept her eyes on the screen, slightly annoyed.
Tiffany was a little hurt by her tone of voice but she shook it off. Maybe Jessica was doing something important.
“Sorry, it’s just I’ve been to this place so many times and I never knew. So what are you doing?”
Tiffany bended over the counter trying to see what was so interesting that Jessica failed to acknowledge her. When she saw the screen she could barely hide her squeal.
“Oh my god! I love My Love From the Stars! Do Min Joon and Cheon Song Yi are so cute together. Did you get to the part where he--”
“Shhh! No spoilers in my laundromat!”
Jessica glared and quickly quieted Tiffany so she can redirect her attention to more important matters.
Satisfied with Jessica’s good tastes and knowledge what was distracting Jessica from her, Tiffany took a seat besides Jessica as they spent the next hour watching the show together.
After finishing the video, they conversed for a bit before Tiffany left to run some errands. Just as Tiffany was about to leave Jessica delivered a joke that just popped into her head.
“Tiffany, are you from the stars?”
“I’m pretty sure I don’t have superpowers.”
“Are you sure? You’re pretty out of this world.”
Jessica could barely finish her line as she laughed at the absurdity of her lame joke. Tiffany couldn’t help but laugh too, shaking her head in amusement.
---
Tiffany walked into the laundromat expecting the blonde to be at her counter reading or on her laptop. Never in a million years did she expect Jessica Jung to shouting at a pinball machine as the girl pushed buttons on the side with vigor.
“Jessica? What are you- JESSI!”
“Can’t you see I’m busy with something?!”
It was then that Jessica lost, the tiny metal ball rolling easily between the two prongs despite Jessica’s efforts to block it. An audible sigh was heard as Jessica bent down onto her knees looking completely devastated.
At this point, Tiffany was not only extremely confused but extremely concerned. Twenty-three year olds should not be this affected by arcade machines.
But then Jessica took out a key and started to open the small door on the side of the machine. Jessica took the coins and placed one into the machine and resumed her fun. Tiffany was appalled at the blonde’s shameless act.
“Jessi! That’s stealing! You can’t do that!”
The blonde shrugged.
“Why not? It’s my machine. It’s not like I’m earning a profit or anything.”
Tiffany shook her head in exasperation before walking closer to watch.
“You know. You’re pretty good at this.”
“Of course I am. I’m good at many things. Here, I’ll teach you,” Jessica said before she pulled Tiffany over, trapping Tiffany between the pinball machine and herself.
Tiffany was blushing by how close Jessica was. Her face grew even more red when Jessica held both of her hands. Her hands were really soft. She seriously thought she was going to pass out when she felt Jessica’s breath on her neck.
Pinball was the best game ever.
---
Tiffany was running late for work again. She rushed into the mat and almost ran Jessica over.
“Whoa there buddy. Watch where you’re going.”
“Sorry Jessi! I’m late. Help me out? I’ll be back with food!”
“Alright, just don’t forget my smoothie this time.”
Jessica took the bag of clothes from Tiffany and saluted her as Tiffany ran out of the store.
While putting in Tiffany clothes into the washer, Jessica felt something heavy in one of the sweaters. Unzipping the pocket, Jessica found a pink smartphone. Recognizing the sweater as the one Tiffany wore yesterday, Jessica concluded that Tiffany left her phone in the pocket and threw the sweater into the bag. Shaking her head, Jessica slipped the phone into her own pocket and continued with her chore, forgetting about it for a while.
An hour later, Jessica reached into her pocket in search of her own phone when she pulled out Tiffany’s pink one. She was amused by the amount of pink in Tiffany’s life. Her shoes, a majority of her clothes, even her phone. Holding the phone in her hand, Jessica realized that they never exchanged phone numbers in the time span they knew each other.
A lightbulb went off in Jessica’s head. She’ll just enter her phone number into Tiffany’s phone and surprise her later. Activating the phone, Jessica saw a cute white dog before being prompted to unlock the phone. Pondering a little bit, Jessica smirked as she confidently entered the 4 digits.
P-I-N-K
Jessica heard a click as the screen changed to show all of Tiffany’s apps. So predictable. Jessica entered her phone number and left her name as “Pizza Guy” in case Tiffany looked through her contacts. Locking the phone, Jessica reached into her own pocket to check her messages. She smiled seeing there was one from someone so dear to her.
From: Bae
Hey bae! I’ll be in town this week. Hope you missed me <3
Grinning from ear to ear at the message, Jessica sent a reply. It’s been so long since they’ve met up and there was a lot to catch up on.
---
Tiffany returned during her lunch shift. Actually she sprinted. Jessica looked up and was about to speak when Tiffany blurted out in a panicky tone.
“Jessi! Oh my gosh! I lost my phone. I remember I had it with me last night but I’m not sure where I left it this morning. And I was in such a rush I just left and I can’t remem-”
“Tiffany! Fany-ah!!”
“Wha- what?”
Jessica pulled out the pink phone and waved it in front of Tiffany. A wave of relief washed over Tiffany when she saw the phone between slender fingers.
“You idiot. You should always check your pockets before you wash your clothes.”
Tiffany set the food and drinks that were in her hands down on the counter and took her phone before looking up suspiciously at Jessica.
“You didn’t take any pictures or anything right?”
Jessica put her hands up in mock surrender.
“Do I seem like the type?”
Tiffany quickly unlocked her phone and checked her photos to make sure. She closed it when she found nothing out of the ordinary. Jessica was already opening the containers that Tiffany brought when it occurred to Tiffany.
“You know, we’ve known each other all this time and we’ve never exchanged phone numbers?”
“Is that your way of asking for my number?”
“I- well- I thought we were close enough to- nevermind.”
Tiffany blushed at her assumption, thinking that Jessica would feel the same.
Jessica chuckled at her sheepish look.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get it in time. You just have to earn it.”
Tiffany pouted in confusion at what Jessica meant, but Jessica had already changed topics, and she didn’t want to seem pushy.
When Tiffany got home her phone vibrated. Opening the text, she stared at it confused and slightly creeped out before it clicked in her mind.
From: Pizza Guy
You should really think of a stronger passcode.
Tiffany laughed at Jessica’s audacity. She changed the name and sent a reply before going to shower.
To: Laundry Girl
Pizza Guy? Seriously??
---
“Jessi! Jessi! You have to help me please!”
Tiffany came running into the laundromat shrieking effectively waking Jessica up.
“Huh what? What’s going on? Was I robbed?” Jessica asked in a sleepy tone completely unaffected by the possibility of her last inquiry.
“You idiot why do you even sleep on the job? What if you really were robbed? What if- that’s not what’s important here! Look!”
Tiffany pointed to her chest with a pout on her lips. Jessica gulped while looking away, a slight blush colored her cheeks.
“No you pervert! Look at my shirt!” Tiffany commanded disregarding the burn on her own cheeks.
“My co-worker dropped a smoothie and some of it splashed on me. Can’t you fix it? Use some of your special laundry magic or something.”
“I’m not a pervert! It’s just I- Magic? Seriously Tiffany? Okay yeah I can try to do something. It doesn’t look that bad. Just take it off before it sets even more.”
Flustered, Jessica walked over to the back room gesturing for Tiffany to follow. Jessica started to rummage from the supplies while Tiffany started to unbutton her shirt. Halfway through Tiffany stopped realizing something important.
“Uh.. Jessi.”
Jessica looked up at Tiffany before quickly looking away.
“Huh? Oh, umm, do you want me to leave the room?”
“No it’s not that! It’s just I- I don’t have another shirt with me,” Tiffany said sheepishly.
Realizing her mistake, Jessica stood up facing away from Tiffany and quickly unbuttoned her own shirt. She tossed it over her shoulder to Tiffany before exiting the room in her undershirt. Tiffany didn’t even have time to protest.
Returning in her jacket, Jessica saw Tiffany had laid the soiled shirt on the counter. She couldn’t help by admire how nice Tiffany looked in her own shirt. She looked cute.
Tiffany turned around forcing Jessica to avert her eyes. Tiffany smiled before running up to hug Jessica. She gave a quick thank you before taking off after looking at the time.
With Tiffany gone, Jessica picked up the shirt and inspected it. Just a small stain. Nothing she couldn’t fix. She smelled the shirt enjoying Tiffany’s scent. Leaning back on the container, Jessica smiled admitting to herself that she may like Tiffany. Really like her. Or at least she liked the way Tiffany looked in her shirt.
A chime rang snapping Jessica out of her thoughts. Putting the shirt down, Jessica went out to attend to her customer. The second Jessica saw who it was she ran and practically jumped the person.
“You’re here!”
---
Tiffany walked over to Jessica’s laundromat after work with food in one hand and a smoothie in the other, a thank-you for Jessica. She had texted Jessica but no reply. It was a little unusual since Jessica was typically quick to respond. She didn’t mind though. Nothing could ruin her mood with Jessica’s scent lingering around her. It was a really comfy shirt.
Turning the corner, Tiffany was smiling in glee contemplating on asking Jessica on a date. Just as friends. As long as it was somewhere else besides the laundromat. Just the two of them.
Almost skipping into the mat, Tiffany stopped right before opening the door. Peering in, she confirmed that she saw someone behind the counter with Jessica. The girl was insanely pretty with long black hair and pale skin. Jessica and the girl were sitting really close to each other talking and laughing.
Tiffany felt jealousy burning in her stomach. The she saw Jessica turn and kiss the girl on the cheek and that’s when Tiffany walked away.
Two hours later she got a text from Jessica.
From: Laundry Girl
Hey where are you? I’m closing soon. Don’t you want your shirt? I got the stain out \o/
To: Laundry Girl
I’ll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks.
Tiffany threw her phone and it landed on the shirt that Jessica let her borrow.
---
Little did Tiffany know that she misunderstood the situation.
“You’re here! Oh my gosh I missed you so much!”
Jessica hugged the taller girl and kissed her cheek. The girl laughed before wiping the spot Jessica kissed.
“Gross, Unnie! Don’t slobber on me!”
Jessica smacked her arm.
“Yah! Krystal Jung don’t deny your love for your Unnie!”
Krystal Jung was visiting her older sister for the weekend before going back to college.
“Here come help me with this special request,” Jessica said as she lead them to the back room.
“Why do you always make me work whenever I visit you? This is supposed to be my break. You’re a terrible unnie,” Krystal whined before following her.
“Shut up, Dummy. It’s from that girl I told you about. She’s such a klutz.”
“Ooh, you mean your girlfriend,” Krystal teased while poking Jessica’s cheek, exaggerating her tone on the word “girlfriend”.
“No, she’s not my girlfriend,” Jessica mimicked while her ears burned, “Not yet at least.”
“Unnie, you’re so cute! Ask her out already!” Krystal pinched her cheeks while Jessica squatted at her hands, the two of them laughing and squealing.
---
Jessica was texting on her phone when Tiffany walked in. Her eyes lit up and she smiled at Tiffany while putting her phone on the counter.
“Tiffany, there you are. Wait, let me go get your shirt.”
She went to the back room and returned with the cleaned and stain-free uniform. Handing the shirt to Tiffany, she decided to take her sister’s advice. Working up her courage, Jessica asked Tiffany out.
“Hey, Tiff, I was just thinking that maybe we could- you know since we’ve known get other for while I was thinking that we could-”
Just then an elderly lady interrupted Jessica, demanding her to help. Rudely rejecting Jessica’s request for just a minute to talk to Tiffany, the lady dragged Jessica away while Jessica desperately called out for Tiffany to wait.
Tiffany laid Jessica’s shirt on the counter and in the process saw Jessica’s phone light up. She wasn’t one to eavesdrop but the notification sent another wave of jealousy through her body.
She got up and left, telling Jessica that she had to go, despite Jessica’s protests. However, Jessica couldn’t stop her as the lady was still heckling her.
After finishing with her task of assisting the lady, Jessica dejected walked back to the front desk and unlocked her phone. There was a text from Krystal.
From Bae:
I love you too <3 I’ll be there soon
---
When Krystal got the to laundromat, Jessica told her about her the failed attempt on asking Tiffany out.
“So she just left?” Krystal looked up from her phone and asked, a little shocked.
“Well no she waited a bit. But there was this lady who needed my help, and I guess she was busy so she just left,” Jessica sighed as she laid her head down on her arms, pouting.
“Maybe she’s just busy. Just ask her out later.” Krystal went back to looking at her phone.
“Should I do it through text or maybe call her?”
Krystal put her phone down and gasped.
“No! Oh my gosh, Jess. That’s so lame. I don’t know what’s worse: breaking up over phone or asking a person out. No, you have do it in person.”
But how? She seemed kinda mad,” Jessica whined.
“Just go find her stupid,” Krystal said, shaking her head at her pathetic sister.
“You’re right! Come on let’s go!”
With a sudden burst of energy, Jessica got up and dragged Krystal out of the building. She flipped the sign to “Closed” and locked the doors.
“Yah! Where are we going?”
Jessica’s grip was seriously strong.
“Just follow me, stupid.”
---
Jessica had dragged Krystal to the bistro Tiffany worked at.
Krystal looked around, completely perplexed as to why Jessica was so avid on coming to this ship themed restaurant.
“We’re having lunch?”
“No, shh, we’re here to see Tiffany.” Jessica craned her neck trying to spot the brunette.
Krystal observed the quiet place and tacky decor.
“Jess, you really live in a small town. There’s like no one anywhere.”
“Huh,” Jessica replied, still busy trying find the girl. “Oh there she is! Tiffany!”
Jessica waved at the waitress. Tiffany smiled and waved back before noticing the black haired girl. She quickly turned away and walked out of Jessica’s range of sight.
Jessica’s smile slid off her face. “I wonder what’s wrong with her.”
A different waitress came and catered to them much to Jessica’s disappointment.
“Was she always liked this?” Krystal asked as she flipped through the menu.
“She’s usually sweet and bubbly. I don’t know what’s wrong lately.” Jessica was concerned. Maybe something bad happened.
“Hmm. When did she start to act weird?”
“Well, she usually comes over to the mat after work. She didn’t yesterday. And this morning she left so quickly. I didn’t even get to ask her out.”
“So you mean since I came over. Do you think she’s jealous?”
“Jealous? Do you think she thinks we’re a couple?”
“I was under the impression that we were, bae,” Krystal teased as she dodged Jessica’s attempt to knock her head.
“You should clear that up. She might think we’re seriously a couple. I mean this isn’t the first time. Remember New York?”
They laughed at the memory until Jessica spoke up again.
“Does that mean she likes me too?”
Jessica’s face glowed with her conclusion.
Krystal shook her head at Jessica’s slowness.
“Yes, so hurry up and ask her out. I want to meet her on my next visit. Maybe I can show her that her taste in women is horrible.”
Jessica raised her fist again.
“Hey! I thought you were playing cupid here!”
Their food came but Jessica was constantly trying to find Tiffany but the girl was no where in sight. Jessica got up and tried to ask for the girl but Tiffany had already left on her lunch break.
They waited for an hour before Krystal forced her to leave, stating that she had to pack and leave before the sun sets.
---
Tiffany was actually hiding in the kitchen, waiting for the blonde to leave.
“Tiffany, they’re gone! The coast is clear,” Tiffany’s co-worker said as she entered the kitchen with dirty dishes. “Was she the girl you always talked about?”
Tiffany sighed.
“Yeah. That’s her.”
Her co-worker whistled as she patted Tiffany on the back.
“I’m sorry, girl. That chick was all over the dark haired girl. They even call each other bae.”
Tiffany forced a small smile at the pet name. “It’s alright. I kinda figured they were close. Thanks for covering for me.”
“Don’t worry. There are other fish in the sea. Don’t hang yourself up on one girl.”
“Yeah…”
Her co-worker gave Tiffany a final pat on her back before they both left the kitchen to finish their shift.
---
It’s been days since Krystal left. Jessica was still trying to get in touch with Tiffany. But Tiffany was just as good at disappearing out of Jessica’s life as she was at appearing.
She sent multiple texts.
Where are you?
Are you busy?
I have something important to say. Can we talk?
I miss you…
No reply.
---
She visited the bistro Tiffany worked at in hopes of catching her there.
“Sorry, she’s on her break.”
“That’s okay. Can you tell her Jessica came to see her?”
She left with a strawberry and banana smoothie that didn’t taste as sweet as the ones Tiffany brought. In fact, it almost tasted bitter. Jessica threw it in the trash before she went back to the mat.
---
She opened early and stayed late for the slight chance Tiffany might show up. The way her head snapped up at the chime of the bell only to taste disappointment at the back of her throat was pathetic.
Krystal sent her a text asking on her progress. When she replied with “no luck”, Krystal replied with the words that Jessica was just thinking.
From Bae:
It’s been less than a week. You’re pathetic
Life without Tiffany was pathetic.
---
Tiffany was stubborn and apparently a great hide-and-seek player.
She ignored all the texts and whenever anyone blonde entered the bistro she hid in the kitchen. She’d have to treat her co-worker for helping. Maybe they could go watch a movie.
She changed her route so that she’d never have to pass the blonde’s laundromat. She even went scouting for a new laundromat but to her disappointment and repulse one was terribly disgusting and had horrible service and the other was so far away she’d be late for work. She sighed as she rummaged through her closet. As much as she didn’t want to face Jessica, she also didn’t want to catch a disease or get fired.
TIffany was stubborn but she also needed clean clothes. Her humiliation was starting to outweigh her pride. Especially when she found the ugliest sweater at the back of her closet.
She shuddered at the image of green and pink splotched together. Whoever thought that was a good idea must have been drunk. No, whoever bought it for her must have been drunk.
She thought back to her birthday party three years ago. A drunk Hyoyeon had given her a box and exclaimed, “You like pink right?” before going off to the bathroom. She shivered at the memory of opening gift.
Damn this small town for having only three laundromats. Stupid Jessica Jung with her nice, clean laundromat.
But what if Jessica does something sweet and stupid again? What if her willpower broke?
She looked over at the sweater again.
Stupid stupid stupid.
---
Jessica had been miserable. No matter how many books she tried to read or how many dramas she tried to watch nothing caught her attention for long. Not even the pinball machine got her blood going like it used too. Jessica was bored and she didn’t know what to do.
It wasn’t until well into the evening that the bell chimed and Tiffany walked in with two bags. Tiffany completely ignored Jessica and walked over to the machines. Jessica stood up and approached her.
“Tiffany! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I wanted you to meet Krystal.”
Tiffany refused to look at Jessica as she concentrated on her task but she couldn’t deny the pang of hurt at the knowledge of the pretty girl’s name.
“Who? You mean your bae.”
“Actually she’s- wait. How did you know I call her bae?”
Jessica withheld her confession. She needed to confirm something first.
Tiffany froze, her eyes widening. She slipped up.
“Okay fine I saw your notifications. But I didn’t read your messages. I promise!”
Jessica smirked.
“Are you jealous? Do you want a nickname too?”
Tiffany finally turned and met Jessica’s eyes.
“I- what- no. I don’t want a stupid nickname.”
Jessica couldn’t stop her grin.
“So, you are jealous?”
Tiffany’s jaw dropped at the question. She blushed then turned away again.
“No! No, I’m not jealous. Why would I be?”
She winced a little at how her voice came out, squeaky and rushed.
Jessica cheered on the inside while she walked closer to Tiffany. Placing her hands on Tiffany’s shoulder, she leaned closer and whispered, “That girl was my sister. She was visiting for the weekend.”
Soaking in the words, Tiffany turned, surprise and embarrassment evident in her expression.
“The girl- she- sister?”
Jessica chuckled as she lightly traced her fingers down both of Tiffany’s arms then gently held her hands.
“Yeah. My sister. She was helping me ask a cute girl out on a date. But that cute girl kept avoiding me for a week. I haven’t even seen her face until today.”
Tiffany couldn’t believe her ears. She was trying to process everything but she was still in morbid shock at her jealous assumption. Jessica was also extremely distracting as she rubbed her thumbs across Tiffany’s knuckles. Tiffany snapped out of her reverie when Jessica softly called her.
Looking in to Tiffany’s eyes, Jessica sweetly asked, “Tiffany, will you give me the honor of taking you out on a date?”
Tiffany stared at the girl and blushed. She opened her mouth and sucked in a breath of air before releasing Jessica’s hands and returned to doing her laundry with vigor.
Jessica’s arms dropped back to her sides and swayed a little. Jessica stared at Tiffany’s back with her mouth hanging open slightly before scoffing. She walked over and proceeded to help Tiffany. She leaned over and quietly asked, “Was that a no?”
Without looking at her, pushed Jessica away, causing the girl to lose her balance slightly.
“Yes, I’ll go out with you, you idiot! Now leave me alone!”
Jessica steadied herself as she smiled in amusement. Deciding to tease the testy girl, she raised a brow and cheekily asked, “So you were jealous?”
Tiffany screamed in anger at Jessica’s harassments and threw her totoro pajamas at the laughing girl.
---
For once, they weren’t surrounded by the sound of fabric whirling in metal.
Jessica and Tiffany were walking down the street holding hands. They were having their first date and Jessica refused to tell Tiffany where they were going. They turned the corner and entered a very familiar restaurant.
“Seriously Jessi? Your idea of a first date is my workplace?” Tiffany looked around at the tacky displaces on the walls.
“What? I like the food. At least it’s somewhere else besides the laundromat.” Jessica led them to a table as a waiter brought over menus. He left to cater to the other couple that walked in.
Tiffany gave the blonde a look before scoffing. “Don’t lie, you cheapskate. I should have known from the pinball incident.”
The blonde looked up and smirked in response. The waiter came back and asked what they wanted to drink.
“Two strawberry smoothies please.”
The waiter bowed slightly and promised to return shortly to take their orders.
Tiffany nudged Jessica’s shin with her foot. “Smoothies? Again? Your sugar levels are gonna skyrocket.”
Jessica stuck her tongue out childishly before teasing back, “What? Am I too sweet for you?”
It resulted in another kick from Tiffany. The waiter returned with their drinks and then Jessica ordered for them. They sat quietly for a bit, just sipping their smoothies and enjoying each other’s company. The silence was broken when Jessica mused her thoughts aloud.
“You know you’re like a stain. In a good way. You’re like a cute stain on my favorite white shirt. I can’t get rid of it but I guess it’s cute. Kinda like… erm… a stain from a strawberry and banana smoothie. You bring flavor into my life.”
Tiffany groaned at the cheesiness but smiled nonetheless. She tried to jokingly flick some of her smoothie off her straw but knocked the drink over on accident causing it to spill across the table and onto Jessica.
“Oh my gosh! Jessi, I’m so sorry!”
Tiffany grabbed some napkins and got up, moving over to help Jessica.
Jessica laughed at the forever clumsy Tiffany.
“You’re such a klutz.”
Jessica and Tiffany both tried to wipe as much of the smoothie off of Jessica’s shirt when the waiter came running over with towels. They apologized for the accident but the waiter waved it off. He smiled and gestured them over to a booth nearby before going back for the food.
“Wow that guy is nice. We gotta tip him a lot. You should refer him to your boss too.”
Jessica looked over at Tiffany after noticing how awfully quiet the normally loud girl was. She smirked when she saw Tiffany’s pout.
“Awww is my girlfriend jealous?” Jessica cooed before scooting closer to the girl.
Tiffany pushed her away in disgust.
“No go away, you jerk.”
Jessica chuckled before looking down at her wet shirt. Her grin fell into a pout.
“Aww this will stain.”
She heard Tiffany mutter out, “The irony.”
Her eyes flashed and then she reached her arms out and pulled Tiffany into a hug.
Tiffany squirmed, trying to break the embrace.
“Jessi! You’re gonna stain my shirt too!”
Jessica loosen her grip while laughing.
“Karma’s a bitch, Fany-ah!”
Life was simple and she was happy. That’s all Jessica needed.
Real A/N: I actually wrote this a while back hence some references are dated, like the drama Jessica was watching. Thank you for reading!
“Bae”= Before Anyone Else
Author: KaoruJin
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: First thing’s first, this ain’t real in the slightest.
Summary: You try to wash away the pain but it stays with you like a stain.
A/N: The summary is misleading. This is all fluff. Real author’s note at the end. Also, Vanderly is the real MVP.
The smell of detergent and fabric softener was everywhere as the sound of water swishing and swirling filled the air. It was a bright, Wednesday afternoon and people were bustling about outside. The bell chimed every so often indicating someone’s entrance or departure. Wheels squeaked and coins clanked in pockets. On the window by the door, read a sign that said: “Cleanest and cheapest in town!”
Jessica didn’t mind working at a laundromat. It was enough to pay for her small apartment and put food on the table. It’s been in the family for generations so why not. Giving change and washing clothes was fine with her, as long as her cousin took care of the tedious business part. Life was simple and that’s all Jessica wanted.
---
It was just an ordinary day at the mat. Jessica sat behind the counter, monitored the shop, and dispensed change. It was easier this way since the coin machine was cursed to be broken for the rest of eternity.
It was past lunch when a boisterous ball of pink entered the previously quiet shop. She was singing along to a teeny bop song that blared from her headphones as she exchanged five dollars for her laundry. Luckily the shop was vacant or else Jessica would have had to deal with angry customers. The girl went on her merry way of washing her clothes as Jessica returned to reading. Just as she found her spot, the brunette was back.
“Could I help you?” Jessica asked monotonously.
It was a Monday afternoon and Jessica so did not need this. She was drowsy and had better things to do, like reading and catching up on dramas.
“Umm, how much soap should I use for my laundry?”
The brunette seemed almost shy with her question. It was kinda cute actually.
Okay, maybe she had time to spare for cute brunettes. Jessica looked up from her book.
“Depends. How much are you washing?”
The brunette gestures to her clothes in an almost embarrassed way. Jessica couldn’t help but smirk at how cute the girl was being. She closed her book and spoke.
“Here. I’ll just do it and you watch me since no one is here right now. I’d rather not have my laundromat flooded, but I expect retribution. You’re cutting into my spare time,” Jessica teasingly added as the brunette eagerly agreed.
Jessica spent about 10 minutes teaching the brunette how to adjust the dials and how to determine the ratio of soap and detergent to clothes. By the end of the lesson, the brunette was cheering at their accomplishment and Jessica was smiling in amusement.
---
Two days after the encounter, Jessica is sitting behind her counter as she flipped through a magazine when the bell chimes indication a customer has entered. Looking up, she noticed it was the brunette donned in a pink and white uniform completed with a mock sailor’s hat.
“Jessica! Are you thirsty?”
The brunette smiled and held up the cup in her hand as she approached the counter.
“I brought you a thank-you treat for helping me out last time. I hope you like strawberry and banana!”
Jessica was slightly stunned that the girl actually took her teasing seriously. She was also taken aback that nice people like this girl still existed in the world.
“Yeah, I love smoothies. By the way, how did you know my name?”
The girl giggled before pointing at Jessica’s shirt. Jessica quickly looked down hoping that the girl wasn’t laughing at a stain on her shirt. She worked at a laundromat for crying out loud!
Instead, there on her chest was a sticker. Oh right, name tags.The thing that tells people your name.
Jessica wanted to facepalm so badly if not for the giggling that filled her ears. Not only was the girl cute, but she had a nice laugh too. Life was unfair.
“Sorry, dumb moment. I seriously think the blonde dye is seeping into my skull,” Jessica continued softly while the tips of her ears started to redden, “Anyways, Tiffany, you didn’t have to do this. I was just kidding.”
“I just felt bad for making you go through all that trouble. I work at the cafe down the street so I thought why not just bring you something. Plus I was hoping we could be friends or something, if that’s okay with you. I just moved here so I don’t know many people and-- wait. How did you know my name?”
Jessica couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the rambling girl whose cheeks were now prettily coded in light pink. Jessica could barely gasp out “name tag” before doubling over in laughter at how red Tiffany turned.
No, Jessica didn’t mind having a friend like Tiffany in the slightest.
---
Tiffany was back a week later with a bag of what Jessica presumed to be clothes.
“Hey Jessi, can you do me a favor? I’m a little late for work but I need to wash my clothes. Can you do it for me?”
She slapped down a five dollar bill and ran out of the mat before Jessica could protest.
Jessica shook her head at the girl before she got up and picked up the bag. She wasn’t one to do favors for others but Tiffany looked cute flustered.
Tiffany returned approximately five hours later full of apologies for her abrupt request. Jessica waved off her apology, reassuring Tiffany that it wasn’t a problem and that she’d be happy to do it again. She honestly didn’t mind, especially since Tiffany brought food with her. They talked and joked until closing time.
---
It was an early Sunday at the mat. Jessica was watching her dramas on her laptop, earphones plugged in, pausing only to assist customers. She was so engrossed with the screen that she failed to notice that Tiffany had walked in to pay her a visit.
“Hi Jessi! Woah, you have wifi here?”
“Welcome to the twenty-first century. Don’t be alarmed but we have machines to wash our clothes too,”Jessica replied with an edge to her tone as she kept her eyes on the screen, slightly annoyed.
Tiffany was a little hurt by her tone of voice but she shook it off. Maybe Jessica was doing something important.
“Sorry, it’s just I’ve been to this place so many times and I never knew. So what are you doing?”
Tiffany bended over the counter trying to see what was so interesting that Jessica failed to acknowledge her. When she saw the screen she could barely hide her squeal.
“Oh my god! I love My Love From the Stars! Do Min Joon and Cheon Song Yi are so cute together. Did you get to the part where he--”
“Shhh! No spoilers in my laundromat!”
Jessica glared and quickly quieted Tiffany so she can redirect her attention to more important matters.
Satisfied with Jessica’s good tastes and knowledge what was distracting Jessica from her, Tiffany took a seat besides Jessica as they spent the next hour watching the show together.
After finishing the video, they conversed for a bit before Tiffany left to run some errands. Just as Tiffany was about to leave Jessica delivered a joke that just popped into her head.
“Tiffany, are you from the stars?”
“I’m pretty sure I don’t have superpowers.”
“Are you sure? You’re pretty out of this world.”
Jessica could barely finish her line as she laughed at the absurdity of her lame joke. Tiffany couldn’t help but laugh too, shaking her head in amusement.
---
Tiffany walked into the laundromat expecting the blonde to be at her counter reading or on her laptop. Never in a million years did she expect Jessica Jung to shouting at a pinball machine as the girl pushed buttons on the side with vigor.
“Jessica? What are you- JESSI!”
“Can’t you see I’m busy with something?!”
It was then that Jessica lost, the tiny metal ball rolling easily between the two prongs despite Jessica’s efforts to block it. An audible sigh was heard as Jessica bent down onto her knees looking completely devastated.
At this point, Tiffany was not only extremely confused but extremely concerned. Twenty-three year olds should not be this affected by arcade machines.
But then Jessica took out a key and started to open the small door on the side of the machine. Jessica took the coins and placed one into the machine and resumed her fun. Tiffany was appalled at the blonde’s shameless act.
“Jessi! That’s stealing! You can’t do that!”
The blonde shrugged.
“Why not? It’s my machine. It’s not like I’m earning a profit or anything.”
Tiffany shook her head in exasperation before walking closer to watch.
“You know. You’re pretty good at this.”
“Of course I am. I’m good at many things. Here, I’ll teach you,” Jessica said before she pulled Tiffany over, trapping Tiffany between the pinball machine and herself.
Tiffany was blushing by how close Jessica was. Her face grew even more red when Jessica held both of her hands. Her hands were really soft. She seriously thought she was going to pass out when she felt Jessica’s breath on her neck.
Pinball was the best game ever.
---
Tiffany was running late for work again. She rushed into the mat and almost ran Jessica over.
“Whoa there buddy. Watch where you’re going.”
“Sorry Jessi! I’m late. Help me out? I’ll be back with food!”
“Alright, just don’t forget my smoothie this time.”
Jessica took the bag of clothes from Tiffany and saluted her as Tiffany ran out of the store.
While putting in Tiffany clothes into the washer, Jessica felt something heavy in one of the sweaters. Unzipping the pocket, Jessica found a pink smartphone. Recognizing the sweater as the one Tiffany wore yesterday, Jessica concluded that Tiffany left her phone in the pocket and threw the sweater into the bag. Shaking her head, Jessica slipped the phone into her own pocket and continued with her chore, forgetting about it for a while.
An hour later, Jessica reached into her pocket in search of her own phone when she pulled out Tiffany’s pink one. She was amused by the amount of pink in Tiffany’s life. Her shoes, a majority of her clothes, even her phone. Holding the phone in her hand, Jessica realized that they never exchanged phone numbers in the time span they knew each other.
A lightbulb went off in Jessica’s head. She’ll just enter her phone number into Tiffany’s phone and surprise her later. Activating the phone, Jessica saw a cute white dog before being prompted to unlock the phone. Pondering a little bit, Jessica smirked as she confidently entered the 4 digits.
P-I-N-K
Jessica heard a click as the screen changed to show all of Tiffany’s apps. So predictable. Jessica entered her phone number and left her name as “Pizza Guy” in case Tiffany looked through her contacts. Locking the phone, Jessica reached into her own pocket to check her messages. She smiled seeing there was one from someone so dear to her.
From: Bae
Hey bae! I’ll be in town this week. Hope you missed me <3
Grinning from ear to ear at the message, Jessica sent a reply. It’s been so long since they’ve met up and there was a lot to catch up on.
---
Tiffany returned during her lunch shift. Actually she sprinted. Jessica looked up and was about to speak when Tiffany blurted out in a panicky tone.
“Jessi! Oh my gosh! I lost my phone. I remember I had it with me last night but I’m not sure where I left it this morning. And I was in such a rush I just left and I can’t remem-”
“Tiffany! Fany-ah!!”
“Wha- what?”
Jessica pulled out the pink phone and waved it in front of Tiffany. A wave of relief washed over Tiffany when she saw the phone between slender fingers.
“You idiot. You should always check your pockets before you wash your clothes.”
Tiffany set the food and drinks that were in her hands down on the counter and took her phone before looking up suspiciously at Jessica.
“You didn’t take any pictures or anything right?”
Jessica put her hands up in mock surrender.
“Do I seem like the type?”
Tiffany quickly unlocked her phone and checked her photos to make sure. She closed it when she found nothing out of the ordinary. Jessica was already opening the containers that Tiffany brought when it occurred to Tiffany.
“You know, we’ve known each other all this time and we’ve never exchanged phone numbers?”
“Is that your way of asking for my number?”
“I- well- I thought we were close enough to- nevermind.”
Tiffany blushed at her assumption, thinking that Jessica would feel the same.
Jessica chuckled at her sheepish look.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get it in time. You just have to earn it.”
Tiffany pouted in confusion at what Jessica meant, but Jessica had already changed topics, and she didn’t want to seem pushy.
When Tiffany got home her phone vibrated. Opening the text, she stared at it confused and slightly creeped out before it clicked in her mind.
From: Pizza Guy
You should really think of a stronger passcode.
Tiffany laughed at Jessica’s audacity. She changed the name and sent a reply before going to shower.
To: Laundry Girl
Pizza Guy? Seriously??
---
“Jessi! Jessi! You have to help me please!”
Tiffany came running into the laundromat shrieking effectively waking Jessica up.
“Huh what? What’s going on? Was I robbed?” Jessica asked in a sleepy tone completely unaffected by the possibility of her last inquiry.
“You idiot why do you even sleep on the job? What if you really were robbed? What if- that’s not what’s important here! Look!”
Tiffany pointed to her chest with a pout on her lips. Jessica gulped while looking away, a slight blush colored her cheeks.
“No you pervert! Look at my shirt!” Tiffany commanded disregarding the burn on her own cheeks.
“My co-worker dropped a smoothie and some of it splashed on me. Can’t you fix it? Use some of your special laundry magic or something.”
“I’m not a pervert! It’s just I- Magic? Seriously Tiffany? Okay yeah I can try to do something. It doesn’t look that bad. Just take it off before it sets even more.”
Flustered, Jessica walked over to the back room gesturing for Tiffany to follow. Jessica started to rummage from the supplies while Tiffany started to unbutton her shirt. Halfway through Tiffany stopped realizing something important.
“Uh.. Jessi.”
Jessica looked up at Tiffany before quickly looking away.
“Huh? Oh, umm, do you want me to leave the room?”
“No it’s not that! It’s just I- I don’t have another shirt with me,” Tiffany said sheepishly.
Realizing her mistake, Jessica stood up facing away from Tiffany and quickly unbuttoned her own shirt. She tossed it over her shoulder to Tiffany before exiting the room in her undershirt. Tiffany didn’t even have time to protest.
Returning in her jacket, Jessica saw Tiffany had laid the soiled shirt on the counter. She couldn’t help by admire how nice Tiffany looked in her own shirt. She looked cute.
Tiffany turned around forcing Jessica to avert her eyes. Tiffany smiled before running up to hug Jessica. She gave a quick thank you before taking off after looking at the time.
With Tiffany gone, Jessica picked up the shirt and inspected it. Just a small stain. Nothing she couldn’t fix. She smelled the shirt enjoying Tiffany’s scent. Leaning back on the container, Jessica smiled admitting to herself that she may like Tiffany. Really like her. Or at least she liked the way Tiffany looked in her shirt.
A chime rang snapping Jessica out of her thoughts. Putting the shirt down, Jessica went out to attend to her customer. The second Jessica saw who it was she ran and practically jumped the person.
“You’re here!”
---
Tiffany walked over to Jessica’s laundromat after work with food in one hand and a smoothie in the other, a thank-you for Jessica. She had texted Jessica but no reply. It was a little unusual since Jessica was typically quick to respond. She didn’t mind though. Nothing could ruin her mood with Jessica’s scent lingering around her. It was a really comfy shirt.
Turning the corner, Tiffany was smiling in glee contemplating on asking Jessica on a date. Just as friends. As long as it was somewhere else besides the laundromat. Just the two of them.
Almost skipping into the mat, Tiffany stopped right before opening the door. Peering in, she confirmed that she saw someone behind the counter with Jessica. The girl was insanely pretty with long black hair and pale skin. Jessica and the girl were sitting really close to each other talking and laughing.
Tiffany felt jealousy burning in her stomach. The she saw Jessica turn and kiss the girl on the cheek and that’s when Tiffany walked away.
Two hours later she got a text from Jessica.
From: Laundry Girl
Hey where are you? I’m closing soon. Don’t you want your shirt? I got the stain out \o/
To: Laundry Girl
I’ll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks.
Tiffany threw her phone and it landed on the shirt that Jessica let her borrow.
---
Little did Tiffany know that she misunderstood the situation.
“You’re here! Oh my gosh I missed you so much!”
Jessica hugged the taller girl and kissed her cheek. The girl laughed before wiping the spot Jessica kissed.
“Gross, Unnie! Don’t slobber on me!”
Jessica smacked her arm.
“Yah! Krystal Jung don’t deny your love for your Unnie!”
Krystal Jung was visiting her older sister for the weekend before going back to college.
“Here come help me with this special request,” Jessica said as she lead them to the back room.
“Why do you always make me work whenever I visit you? This is supposed to be my break. You’re a terrible unnie,” Krystal whined before following her.
“Shut up, Dummy. It’s from that girl I told you about. She’s such a klutz.”
“Ooh, you mean your girlfriend,” Krystal teased while poking Jessica’s cheek, exaggerating her tone on the word “girlfriend”.
“No, she’s not my girlfriend,” Jessica mimicked while her ears burned, “Not yet at least.”
“Unnie, you’re so cute! Ask her out already!” Krystal pinched her cheeks while Jessica squatted at her hands, the two of them laughing and squealing.
---
Jessica was texting on her phone when Tiffany walked in. Her eyes lit up and she smiled at Tiffany while putting her phone on the counter.
“Tiffany, there you are. Wait, let me go get your shirt.”
She went to the back room and returned with the cleaned and stain-free uniform. Handing the shirt to Tiffany, she decided to take her sister’s advice. Working up her courage, Jessica asked Tiffany out.
“Hey, Tiff, I was just thinking that maybe we could- you know since we’ve known get other for while I was thinking that we could-”
Just then an elderly lady interrupted Jessica, demanding her to help. Rudely rejecting Jessica’s request for just a minute to talk to Tiffany, the lady dragged Jessica away while Jessica desperately called out for Tiffany to wait.
Tiffany laid Jessica’s shirt on the counter and in the process saw Jessica’s phone light up. She wasn’t one to eavesdrop but the notification sent another wave of jealousy through her body.
She got up and left, telling Jessica that she had to go, despite Jessica’s protests. However, Jessica couldn’t stop her as the lady was still heckling her.
After finishing with her task of assisting the lady, Jessica dejected walked back to the front desk and unlocked her phone. There was a text from Krystal.
From Bae:
I love you too <3 I’ll be there soon
---
When Krystal got the to laundromat, Jessica told her about her the failed attempt on asking Tiffany out.
“So she just left?” Krystal looked up from her phone and asked, a little shocked.
“Well no she waited a bit. But there was this lady who needed my help, and I guess she was busy so she just left,” Jessica sighed as she laid her head down on her arms, pouting.
“Maybe she’s just busy. Just ask her out later.” Krystal went back to looking at her phone.
“Should I do it through text or maybe call her?”
Krystal put her phone down and gasped.
“No! Oh my gosh, Jess. That’s so lame. I don’t know what’s worse: breaking up over phone or asking a person out. No, you have do it in person.”
But how? She seemed kinda mad,” Jessica whined.
“Just go find her stupid,” Krystal said, shaking her head at her pathetic sister.
“You’re right! Come on let’s go!”
With a sudden burst of energy, Jessica got up and dragged Krystal out of the building. She flipped the sign to “Closed” and locked the doors.
“Yah! Where are we going?”
Jessica’s grip was seriously strong.
“Just follow me, stupid.”
---
Jessica had dragged Krystal to the bistro Tiffany worked at.
Krystal looked around, completely perplexed as to why Jessica was so avid on coming to this ship themed restaurant.
“We’re having lunch?”
“No, shh, we’re here to see Tiffany.” Jessica craned her neck trying to spot the brunette.
Krystal observed the quiet place and tacky decor.
“Jess, you really live in a small town. There’s like no one anywhere.”
“Huh,” Jessica replied, still busy trying find the girl. “Oh there she is! Tiffany!”
Jessica waved at the waitress. Tiffany smiled and waved back before noticing the black haired girl. She quickly turned away and walked out of Jessica’s range of sight.
Jessica’s smile slid off her face. “I wonder what’s wrong with her.”
A different waitress came and catered to them much to Jessica’s disappointment.
“Was she always liked this?” Krystal asked as she flipped through the menu.
“She’s usually sweet and bubbly. I don’t know what’s wrong lately.” Jessica was concerned. Maybe something bad happened.
“Hmm. When did she start to act weird?”
“Well, she usually comes over to the mat after work. She didn’t yesterday. And this morning she left so quickly. I didn’t even get to ask her out.”
“So you mean since I came over. Do you think she’s jealous?”
“Jealous? Do you think she thinks we’re a couple?”
“I was under the impression that we were, bae,” Krystal teased as she dodged Jessica’s attempt to knock her head.
“You should clear that up. She might think we’re seriously a couple. I mean this isn’t the first time. Remember New York?”
They laughed at the memory until Jessica spoke up again.
“Does that mean she likes me too?”
Jessica’s face glowed with her conclusion.
Krystal shook her head at Jessica’s slowness.
“Yes, so hurry up and ask her out. I want to meet her on my next visit. Maybe I can show her that her taste in women is horrible.”
Jessica raised her fist again.
“Hey! I thought you were playing cupid here!”
Their food came but Jessica was constantly trying to find Tiffany but the girl was no where in sight. Jessica got up and tried to ask for the girl but Tiffany had already left on her lunch break.
They waited for an hour before Krystal forced her to leave, stating that she had to pack and leave before the sun sets.
---
Tiffany was actually hiding in the kitchen, waiting for the blonde to leave.
“Tiffany, they’re gone! The coast is clear,” Tiffany’s co-worker said as she entered the kitchen with dirty dishes. “Was she the girl you always talked about?”
Tiffany sighed.
“Yeah. That’s her.”
Her co-worker whistled as she patted Tiffany on the back.
“I’m sorry, girl. That chick was all over the dark haired girl. They even call each other bae.”
Tiffany forced a small smile at the pet name. “It’s alright. I kinda figured they were close. Thanks for covering for me.”
“Don’t worry. There are other fish in the sea. Don’t hang yourself up on one girl.”
“Yeah…”
Her co-worker gave Tiffany a final pat on her back before they both left the kitchen to finish their shift.
---
It’s been days since Krystal left. Jessica was still trying to get in touch with Tiffany. But Tiffany was just as good at disappearing out of Jessica’s life as she was at appearing.
She sent multiple texts.
Where are you?
Are you busy?
I have something important to say. Can we talk?
I miss you…
No reply.
---
She visited the bistro Tiffany worked at in hopes of catching her there.
“Sorry, she’s on her break.”
“That’s okay. Can you tell her Jessica came to see her?”
She left with a strawberry and banana smoothie that didn’t taste as sweet as the ones Tiffany brought. In fact, it almost tasted bitter. Jessica threw it in the trash before she went back to the mat.
---
She opened early and stayed late for the slight chance Tiffany might show up. The way her head snapped up at the chime of the bell only to taste disappointment at the back of her throat was pathetic.
Krystal sent her a text asking on her progress. When she replied with “no luck”, Krystal replied with the words that Jessica was just thinking.
From Bae:
It’s been less than a week. You’re pathetic
Life without Tiffany was pathetic.
---
Tiffany was stubborn and apparently a great hide-and-seek player.
She ignored all the texts and whenever anyone blonde entered the bistro she hid in the kitchen. She’d have to treat her co-worker for helping. Maybe they could go watch a movie.
She changed her route so that she’d never have to pass the blonde’s laundromat. She even went scouting for a new laundromat but to her disappointment and repulse one was terribly disgusting and had horrible service and the other was so far away she’d be late for work. She sighed as she rummaged through her closet. As much as she didn’t want to face Jessica, she also didn’t want to catch a disease or get fired.
TIffany was stubborn but she also needed clean clothes. Her humiliation was starting to outweigh her pride. Especially when she found the ugliest sweater at the back of her closet.
She shuddered at the image of green and pink splotched together. Whoever thought that was a good idea must have been drunk. No, whoever bought it for her must have been drunk.
She thought back to her birthday party three years ago. A drunk Hyoyeon had given her a box and exclaimed, “You like pink right?” before going off to the bathroom. She shivered at the memory of opening gift.
Damn this small town for having only three laundromats. Stupid Jessica Jung with her nice, clean laundromat.
But what if Jessica does something sweet and stupid again? What if her willpower broke?
She looked over at the sweater again.
Stupid stupid stupid.
---
Jessica had been miserable. No matter how many books she tried to read or how many dramas she tried to watch nothing caught her attention for long. Not even the pinball machine got her blood going like it used too. Jessica was bored and she didn’t know what to do.
It wasn’t until well into the evening that the bell chimed and Tiffany walked in with two bags. Tiffany completely ignored Jessica and walked over to the machines. Jessica stood up and approached her.
“Tiffany! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I wanted you to meet Krystal.”
Tiffany refused to look at Jessica as she concentrated on her task but she couldn’t deny the pang of hurt at the knowledge of the pretty girl’s name.
“Who? You mean your bae.”
“Actually she’s- wait. How did you know I call her bae?”
Jessica withheld her confession. She needed to confirm something first.
Tiffany froze, her eyes widening. She slipped up.
“Okay fine I saw your notifications. But I didn’t read your messages. I promise!”
Jessica smirked.
“Are you jealous? Do you want a nickname too?”
Tiffany finally turned and met Jessica’s eyes.
“I- what- no. I don’t want a stupid nickname.”
Jessica couldn’t stop her grin.
“So, you are jealous?”
Tiffany’s jaw dropped at the question. She blushed then turned away again.
“No! No, I’m not jealous. Why would I be?”
She winced a little at how her voice came out, squeaky and rushed.
Jessica cheered on the inside while she walked closer to Tiffany. Placing her hands on Tiffany’s shoulder, she leaned closer and whispered, “That girl was my sister. She was visiting for the weekend.”
Soaking in the words, Tiffany turned, surprise and embarrassment evident in her expression.
“The girl- she- sister?”
Jessica chuckled as she lightly traced her fingers down both of Tiffany’s arms then gently held her hands.
“Yeah. My sister. She was helping me ask a cute girl out on a date. But that cute girl kept avoiding me for a week. I haven’t even seen her face until today.”
Tiffany couldn’t believe her ears. She was trying to process everything but she was still in morbid shock at her jealous assumption. Jessica was also extremely distracting as she rubbed her thumbs across Tiffany’s knuckles. Tiffany snapped out of her reverie when Jessica softly called her.
Looking in to Tiffany’s eyes, Jessica sweetly asked, “Tiffany, will you give me the honor of taking you out on a date?”
Tiffany stared at the girl and blushed. She opened her mouth and sucked in a breath of air before releasing Jessica’s hands and returned to doing her laundry with vigor.
Jessica’s arms dropped back to her sides and swayed a little. Jessica stared at Tiffany’s back with her mouth hanging open slightly before scoffing. She walked over and proceeded to help Tiffany. She leaned over and quietly asked, “Was that a no?”
Without looking at her, pushed Jessica away, causing the girl to lose her balance slightly.
“Yes, I’ll go out with you, you idiot! Now leave me alone!”
Jessica steadied herself as she smiled in amusement. Deciding to tease the testy girl, she raised a brow and cheekily asked, “So you were jealous?”
Tiffany screamed in anger at Jessica’s harassments and threw her totoro pajamas at the laughing girl.
---
For once, they weren’t surrounded by the sound of fabric whirling in metal.
Jessica and Tiffany were walking down the street holding hands. They were having their first date and Jessica refused to tell Tiffany where they were going. They turned the corner and entered a very familiar restaurant.
“Seriously Jessi? Your idea of a first date is my workplace?” Tiffany looked around at the tacky displaces on the walls.
“What? I like the food. At least it’s somewhere else besides the laundromat.” Jessica led them to a table as a waiter brought over menus. He left to cater to the other couple that walked in.
Tiffany gave the blonde a look before scoffing. “Don’t lie, you cheapskate. I should have known from the pinball incident.”
The blonde looked up and smirked in response. The waiter came back and asked what they wanted to drink.
“Two strawberry smoothies please.”
The waiter bowed slightly and promised to return shortly to take their orders.
Tiffany nudged Jessica’s shin with her foot. “Smoothies? Again? Your sugar levels are gonna skyrocket.”
Jessica stuck her tongue out childishly before teasing back, “What? Am I too sweet for you?”
It resulted in another kick from Tiffany. The waiter returned with their drinks and then Jessica ordered for them. They sat quietly for a bit, just sipping their smoothies and enjoying each other’s company. The silence was broken when Jessica mused her thoughts aloud.
“You know you’re like a stain. In a good way. You’re like a cute stain on my favorite white shirt. I can’t get rid of it but I guess it’s cute. Kinda like… erm… a stain from a strawberry and banana smoothie. You bring flavor into my life.”
Tiffany groaned at the cheesiness but smiled nonetheless. She tried to jokingly flick some of her smoothie off her straw but knocked the drink over on accident causing it to spill across the table and onto Jessica.
“Oh my gosh! Jessi, I’m so sorry!”
Tiffany grabbed some napkins and got up, moving over to help Jessica.
Jessica laughed at the forever clumsy Tiffany.
“You’re such a klutz.”
Jessica and Tiffany both tried to wipe as much of the smoothie off of Jessica’s shirt when the waiter came running over with towels. They apologized for the accident but the waiter waved it off. He smiled and gestured them over to a booth nearby before going back for the food.
“Wow that guy is nice. We gotta tip him a lot. You should refer him to your boss too.”
Jessica looked over at Tiffany after noticing how awfully quiet the normally loud girl was. She smirked when she saw Tiffany’s pout.
“Awww is my girlfriend jealous?” Jessica cooed before scooting closer to the girl.
Tiffany pushed her away in disgust.
“No go away, you jerk.”
Jessica chuckled before looking down at her wet shirt. Her grin fell into a pout.
“Aww this will stain.”
She heard Tiffany mutter out, “The irony.”
Her eyes flashed and then she reached her arms out and pulled Tiffany into a hug.
Tiffany squirmed, trying to break the embrace.
“Jessi! You’re gonna stain my shirt too!”
Jessica loosen her grip while laughing.
“Karma’s a bitch, Fany-ah!”
Life was simple and she was happy. That’s all Jessica needed.
Real A/N: I actually wrote this a while back hence some references are dated, like the drama Jessica was watching. Thank you for reading!
“Bae”= Before Anyone Else