Chocolate Pt. 3
Title: Chocolate Pt. 3
Author: limnological
Rating: PG
Pairing: JeTi
Description: AU, Fluff
Chocolate Pt. 3
“Oh, you’re awake today.”
Jessica looked towards the direction of the voice.
“Hi Tiffany.”
Tiffany smiled and made her way towards Jessica. She sat down in front of her.
“How come you’re not sleeping?”
Jessica turned to look at the window.
“I didn’t feel like it.”
“Ah.” Tiffany replied.
There was a longing silence after.
“Jessica?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you tired?”
Jessica averted her gaze off the window and smiled softly at Tiffany.
“No.”
“Is there something on your mind?”
What you said yesterday.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
And what happened this morning.
“Positive.”
It wasn’t in her nature to lie, but it was in her nature to not involve others in her problems.
“Did…” Tiffany started. She let the word hang in the air.
“Hmm?”
“Did anything happen today?” Tiffany continued.
Jessica shifted her eyes back to the window.
“No.”
**
Would she lie to me?
Tiffany twirled the pen in hand with her fingers. She set it down on the desktop after a few moments.
It's possible.
Tiffany blew out a breath tiredly. She tilted her head back and massaged the bridge of her nose with her fingers.
I really hope this isn't what I think it is.
Tiffany straightened her posture. With a push from her foot, she rolled the chair to the left side. She pulled open the top drawer and picked up two photographs.
I can't lose more friends like this.
She scanned the photographs of her former friends and sighed.
I wonder how Taeyeon and Seohyun are doing.
**
“See her? She’s the girl who thinks she’s too good to talk to us.”
Jessica walked down the hallway, heart being stabbed by the painful words.
“Why would Tiffany be friends with her? She’s so stuck-up.”
With each step, she dreaded the next.
“What’s her problem?”
Jessica entered the classroom and quickly sat in her desk.
She didn’t want this.
Whatever this was.
The rumors.
The attention.
The hurt.
If the words were anywhere near the truth, then she wouldn’t have minded it.
But they were nowhere near close.
And that’s what hurt her the most.
**
Is it so wrong for me to be here?
“You’re awake again today.”
This time, Jessica didn’t even hear Tiffany enter the room. She was so lost in her thoughts that she sub-consciously answered with all honesty.
“Ah… yeah, I couldn’t sleep.”
Tiffany sat down before her.
“Chocolate?”
Jessica looked down at the chocolate.
“Tiffany…”
“Yes?”
“Am I being selfish if I take that chocolate?”
Am I being selfish for wanting your company? was what she really wanted to say.
But she couldn’t really ask that.
Tiffany gestured the chocolate in hand towards Jessica to grab.
“No. I’m giving it to you after all.” She answered without hesitation.
Jessica took the chocolate from her hand and tucked it away into her pocket.
“Okay.”
But is it really okay?
**
Another note, another threat.
Jessica crumpled the note and tucked it into her pocket.
Maybe this whole thing will blow over.
She needed to get out the classroom and take a breather.
But she couldn't go outside, so she settled for the option of splashing some water on her face.
"Mrs. Lee." Jessica raised her hand in class.
"Yes Jessica?" She turned away from the blackboard to face her.
"May I use the restroom?"
"Sure. Be quick."
Jessica nodded and grabbed the hall pass on her way to the door.
**
When Jessica returned to her seat, she frowned.
Her books were missing.
I'm positive I left them on the desk.
"Jessica. Please read from page 374 from your green textbook."
Jessica gulped.
"... I don't have my books with me."
Some students snickered.
Mrs. Lee frowned.
"Be sure to bring them next time." She scolded Jessica. "Sooyoung, please read then."
Sooyoung nodded and started to read the passage.
Jessica bit the inside of her cheek and stared out the window.
Maybe not.
**
"How was your day?" Tiffany asked.
"Okay." Jessica responded.
Why am I still here?
"I see. You haven't been napping lately, have you?"
Jessica shook her head.
I can't sleep.
"Is there something on your mind keeping you awake?"
You.
"Jessica?"
And this whole... whatever this is.
"No."
It was getting easier to lie.
And that's what scared her the most.
**
“Wooyoung.”
“Oh, you’re not sleeping yet?”
Wooyoung looked up from his accounting book and then glanced at the clock on the table.
12:42 A.M.
Jessica shook her head.
“Is there something wrong, Jess?” He asked worriedly.
“Can I ask you a question?” It was a soft whisper.
“Sure can.” Wooyoung patted the seat next to him on the couch. “Sit.”
“It’ll be quick.” Jessica responded.
“Okay. What is it?”
“If… some people told you to stay away from a certain someone, would you?”
Wooyoung gave her a questioning look.
“That’s kind of odd to ask.”
Jessica turned around quickly.
“Sorry to bother.”
“Wait!”
Jessica stood still, back still turned to her brother.
“I think… that they have no right to tell you what to do. It’s your life after all.”
**
5th Period was not Jessica’s favorite class.
It was gym.
Jessica panted heavily as she leaned onto the bleachers. She and her classmates had just run 5 laps for their daily warm up.
“Alright girls. I want to see some participation today.” Ms. Hong, the PE teacher barked at the students.
Everyone in the gym groaned.
“Complain again and I’ll make you run five more laps.”
Everyone in the gym shut up.
“Good. Today we’re playing indoor soccer. Yes, I know our gym is small for it, but do what you can. Get in line so I can count you off!”
Jessica leaned off the bleachers and stood last in line.
“1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2…” Ms. Hong started counting off the students.
It took Ms. Hong about 5 minutes to get to Jessica.
“…1, 2. Alright, get in your teams and let’s go. 1’s on the left and 2’s on the right.”
Everyone scrambled to their sides. Ms. Hong set the ball in the middle of the gym. She ran over to the sidelines and blew her whistle.
“Let’s go girls!” It was more of a bark than a command.
The competitive girls started the game while the lazy ones stood still.
Before Jessica knew it, the soccer ball had been passed to her. She raised her leg to give it a swift kick.
Just as her foot made contact with the ball, her body lurched forward.
THUD!
Jessica fell onto the wooden floor, scraping her knee. Someone skid along, body sliding against the floor, with a sly smirk on her face.
“HEY! CHAE RIN! I SAW THAT. MY OFFICE NOW.” Ms. Hong barked.
Chae Rin got up and walked towards Jessica. She bent down on one knee and looked straight into Jessica’s eyes.
“I told you to stay away from Tiffany, bitch.”
Upon hearing the threat again, Jessica realized the assault was intentional.
“CHAE RIN!” Ms. Hong ran towards Jessica and Chae Rin. Once she was near enough, she yanked Chae Rin by the arm and led her to her office. Without looking back, Ms. Hong called over her shoulder.
“Someone get Jung to the infirmary!”
Jessica hissed as she pushed herself up.
No one helped her.
She limped across the gym as she made her way to the infirmary.
**
Tiffany chewed on the truffle slowly as she walked down the hallway, box of supplies in hand. School had ended a few minutes ago, but she still had errands to run as Student Body President. She passed a couple of students without looking at them.
But their gossip caught Tiffany's attention.
"I heard Chae Rin nailed that new girl in gym."
"No way! What'd she do?"
Tiffany dropped the box of supplies in hand and whipped her body around.
"What did you say?"
**
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
What am I still doing here?
Jessica stared at the clock as if it would answer the question for her.
This needs to stop.
Jessica gathered her belongings and staggered to the doorway. She slid the door open, and limped down the hallway.
"Wait."
Jessica bit her lip, back turned to Tiffany.
Tiffany spotted the bandage on Jessica's knee. It stood out on Jessica's flawless leg. She clenched her teeth together in realization that Jessica was really being targeted by bullies.
"I need to work." It was a quiet whisper.
And also a lie.
And Tiffany knew it was a lie.
She still had time to spare to talk with Tiffany before she had to get to the bus.
Jessica continued to limp down the hall way.
Tiffany wanted to follow, wanted to move her legs.
But they wouldn’t budge.
She watched Jessica’s figure disappear. She clenched her hand into a fist.
This needs to stop.
**
Two girls walked into the Study Hall classroom attempting to be sneaky, but utterly failed at it.
"Shh! Be quiet." Chae Rin shushed the freshman.
"She's not here today." The freshman pointed to the empty desk.
Jessica Jung's desk.
"Whatever. Let's trash it anyways. She'll see it in the morning."
The freshman nodded. Both she and Chae Rin walked towards the desk, markers in hand. They uncapped the markers and brought their hands down to start writing -
"What are you doing?"
Chae Rin and the freshman jumped up, frightened by the voice.
"T-Tiffany." The freshman stuttered.
Tiffany walked out from the shadows and slowly made her way to the two girls.
"I said, what are you doing?" Her tone was sharper than before.
Chae Rin and the freshman stood still, frozen in fear.
Tiffany was a foot away from them both now.
She gripped onto the freshman's wrist, pulling it up to get a closer view.
"Vandalism isn't tolerated."
With her other hand, she tore the marker from the freshman's hand.
"Childish bullying isn't tolerated either."
The two bullies gulped.
"I know what you're doing and I want you to stop." Tiffany knew her grip on the freshman's wrist was getting tighter, but she couldn't control her anger.
"O-ow." The freshman winced.
"T-Tiffany. Please let go of her." Chae Rin stuttered.
“Did you hear me?" Her eyes were like daggers that pierced the bullies. Her tone was unknown to them. They had never seen Tiffany in this manner, but she was pushed to her limit."This needs to stop!" Tiffany exploded.
The two girls winced in fright.
"Stop. Before it escalates." The words escaped from her gritting teeth and came out as a low frightening threat.
Chae Rin and the freshman quivered.
"Before I won't be able to stop myself."
**
“Jess, you shouldn’t be here! You’re injured, for God's sake.” Wooyoung shouted at her.
“I’m fine Wooyoung. Please, let me work.”
If I don’t work, then all I’ll do is think about it.
Wooyoung grunted.
“No means no, sis. Sorry. Go home.” He reached into his pocket, grabbing money for the bus.
“Wooyoung, today is part of the Valentine’s special. You need me here.”
Wooyoung groaned.
That was true.
He needed every employee available tonight, tomorrow, and the day after.
“But you’re injured. What good will you do as a waitress with a leg injury?”
“It’s just a minor scrape.”
“No.”
“Then let me work the cashier. I’ll even sit on the chair the entire time.”
“Wooyoung! We need you back here!” One of the employees called from the kitchen.
Wooyoung hissed.
“Fine. Stay seated on the chair at all times.”
**
The next day at school was drastically different for Jessica.
No one whispered rumors when she walked by.
It wasn't like they just vanished into thin air.
But more as if - as if people dared not speak of them anymore.
Jessica was utterly confused. She sat down in her seat with a few minutes to spare before school started.
"J-Jessica?"
Jessica looked towards the direction of the voice.
Chae Rin.
Chae Rin sauntered forward, books in hand. Jessica glanced at them, recognizing them as her own.
"T-these are yours." She held them out for Jessica to grab.
Jessica stared at the action, bewildered.
Was this a ploy?
A trick?
Chae Rin gestured the books towards Jessica again and bowed soon after.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted so... childish." She choked the last word out.
Cautiously, Jessica took the books from Chae Rin’s hands.
"Why?"
Chae Rin straightened her posture and averted her eyes away.
"We were wrong to do that and we won't do it again."
"But why?"
Jessica could see the guilt wash over Chae Rin's face.
"T-Tiffany... she..."
**
The day played out fairly well for Jessica.
No threats.
No notes.
No snickers.
And she was so thankful for it.
She fidgeted in her seat restlessly as she waited for Tiffany in Study Hall.
29 minutes.
Jessica's eyes followed the ticking hand on the clock.
Each tick made her more nervous.
The sound of the sliding door made her heart skip.
She turned her head, perhaps too quickly, to check who had opened it.
A slight smile formed onto her face.
"Hi Tiffany."
Tiffany smiled.
"It's good to see you."
She walked over to Jessica, this time, not taking her usual seat. Jessica shifted her body to the right, moving her legs out from under the desk.
Jessica looked up at Tiffany with gratitude brimming from her eyes.
"Thank-"
Tiffany shook her head.
"What did I say about that word?" She said softly.
Jessica felt the corners of her mouth tug down a bit.
She wanted to express her gratitude so badly.
But she didn't want to go against Tiffany's wishes.
In one swift motion, Tiffany knelt down to get a closer look at the bandage.
"I'm so sorry."
Jessica became speechless at the drop of the apology.
Tiffany brushed her fingertips lightly over the white bandage.
"I'm so sorry. I let it go on for so long."
Tiffany applied some pressure onto the injury.
Jessica's leg jerked slightly in response.
She opened her mouth to speak, but the words died in her throat when Tiffany pressed her lips onto the injury.
"I'm so sorry."
**
"Do you like someone?"
Jessica blushed furiously and kept her gaze on the chocolate, avoiding her brother's eyes.
"W-what makes you think that?"
Wooyoung gave a hearty laugh.
"One, you're blushing."
Jessica blushed deeper.
"Two, we're making chocolate the day before Valentine's Day."
Jessica could feel her ears burning.
"Three, you're blushing."
Jessica looked up.
"Y-you a-already said that!" She tripped over her words.
Wooyoung grinned. He was done teasing her.
Jessica brought her gaze back down on the chocolate before her.
It's just a thank-you gift.
A gift to express my thanks.
She bit her lip as she stared deeper into the chocolate.
Right?
**
Jessica was sitting at her desk, right arm propped up with her head resting in her palm.
With her left hand, she traced the name tag on the white bag of chocolates in front of her.
Unconsciously, a smile started to form onto her face.
Her finger cautiously ran over the "T" then the "i" and the rest of the letters.
With each letter she traced, her smile grew wider.
**
I hope she likes it.
Jessica stared at the bag in front of her as she waited for Tiffany to arrive.
She likes chocolate a lot so-
“I’m sorry I’m late.”
Jessica’s heart raced faster at the sound of the voice.
She turned to look at Tiffany.
Her heart stopped for a second.
Tiffany was holding boxes and bags of chocolates in her arms.
“I got attacked by some girls a few minutes ago.” She walked over to Jessica’s seat.
Of course everyone would give her chocolate today.
“I didn’t want to run to my locker-"
Jessica glanced back at her own bag of chocolates and then looked at the ones in Tiffany’s arms. Some stood out among the simple ones. The elegantly decorated brand of chocolates mocked Jessica's simple home made one.
How stupid of me.
"-and risk the chance of missing-“
There were so many boxes and bags that Jessica couldn’t count them all.
That's right; I'm just like one of those many bags of chocolate.
The realization struck her hard. It was something that she wanted to avoid, but could no longer ignore. She was just like the others. She was not special... she was like the others.
Jessica abruptly stood up.
“Hey. Where are you going?”
Jessica grabbed the white bag of chocolates on her desk and her backpack.
“I have to go.” She tried to mask the hurt in her voice, but she couldn’t.
Without waiting for an answer, Jessica bolted for the door.
“W-what? Jessica, wait!”
But Jessica kept running.
Tiffany dropped everything in her arms and chased after her.
“Jessica, wait!”
Jessica pushed her legs harder as she ran down the corridor. She made a sharp turn at a corner.
Tiffany did not give up. She turned the same corner and continued calling after Jessica.
“Hey! Wait!”
Tiffany hissed.
Jessica was nowhere in sight.
She ran forward again, down the hallway, and called out her name.
Once Tiffany’s footsteps became fainter and fainter, Jessica let out a sharp breath. She stepped out of hiding behind the lockers and glanced down the hallway, making sure Tiffany wasn’t there.
She was gone.
“Ow...” Jessica hissed.
The scrape on her knee was burning. She hobbled to a nearby staircase and sat down on the steps, panting heavily.
She set the bag of chocolates down and examined her knee.
“Ugh.”
Jessica let out a sigh.
She was physically and emotionally hurt.
She glanced at the bag of chocolates.
Stupid chocolate.
She picked it up, ready to crush it with her hands.
But she couldn’t bring herself to.
Out of frustration, she grabbed the chocolates inside and stuffed them into her mouth one by one.
Each one made her heart feel heavier.
Each one tasted bittersweet.
Each one -
“Hey.”
Jessica stopped chewing.
She knew who the owner of that voice was. She looked down at the floor.
Tiffany kneeled down in front of Jessica with her face full of worry.
“You shouldn’t be running when you’re injured.”
But Jessica wanted to run away from Tiffany. She didn't want Tiffany to notice why she was mad. Because Tiffany did nothing wrong. She just expected too much. She expected Tiffany to happily take and eat her home made chocolates.
Only her chocolates; no one else’s.
Tiffany brought her hand onto the bandage on Jessica’s knee.
“Does it hurt?”
She ran her fingers over the knee softly.
Jessica froze on the spot, blushing at the touch.
“Of course it does.” Tiffany whispered. She continued to caress it lightly with her fingers until she glanced down at the white paper bag.
The tone in Tiffany's voice was so sincere that the anger in Jessica just slowly collapsed. The girl was kneeling down with such an incredibly apologetic tone; Jessica couldn't help, but forget the pain she felt.
“Whose chocolates are these?” Tiffany tenderly asked. She assumed chocolates were inside.
Jessica realized that Tiffany was not holding the chocolates she had before.
Where are they?
Jessica did not reply.
“Did you get it from someone?”
She couldn't lie to Tiffany.
Jessica shook her head slowly with chocolate still in her mouth.
“Did you make them?”
Jessica shyly looked away.
Tiffany read the label on the bag.
“Did you…”
Please don’t ask.
“…make them for me?”
Jessica blushed deeply.
Tiffany smiled and reached out for the bag of chocolates. Once she got a hold of it, she could tell that there were none left.
Jessica sat still, unsure of what to do.
“Oh,” Tiffany frowned, ”They’re all gone.”
Jessica started to panic. She felt very embarrassed and ashamed that she ate all of the chocolates she made for Tiffany.
“Will you make some more for me?”
Slowly, Jessica nodded and swallowed the chocolate that was still in her mouth.
“But you know what?” Tiffany asked softly. She put the bag of chocolate down, focusing all of her attention on Jessica. “I actually want you more than the chocolates.”
Jessica looked at Tiffany, caught off guard by the confession.
“Y-you do?”
Tiffany nodded with a contented smile on her face, "I like that you're shy. I like it when you laugh..." She paused, seemed to be amused by something, "I find your drool cute." But then, her smile faded, "But... But when you ran away earlier... my heart ached." Tiffany leaned closer. "Because I like you, Jessica."
Jessica could feel her face getting hotter and hotter.
“I-I…” She stuttered softly.
“What?” Tiffany didn’t hear what Jessica said.
“…I like you, too.” It was almost inaudible.
But Tiffany heard it.
She smiled and leaned closer, landing her lips on Jessica's. It started out soft and sweet, but led to a deeper and more passionate kiss. Tiffany could taste the chocolate that still lingered in Jessica's mouth.
When Tiffany pulled back her lips, they were both breathless. Tiffany placed her forehead on Jessica's, grinning.
"Thank you for the chocolate."
Author: limnological
Rating: PG
Pairing: JeTi
Description: AU, Fluff
Chocolate Pt. 3
“Oh, you’re awake today.”
Jessica looked towards the direction of the voice.
“Hi Tiffany.”
Tiffany smiled and made her way towards Jessica. She sat down in front of her.
“How come you’re not sleeping?”
Jessica turned to look at the window.
“I didn’t feel like it.”
“Ah.” Tiffany replied.
There was a longing silence after.
“Jessica?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you tired?”
Jessica averted her gaze off the window and smiled softly at Tiffany.
“No.”
“Is there something on your mind?”
What you said yesterday.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
And what happened this morning.
“Positive.”
It wasn’t in her nature to lie, but it was in her nature to not involve others in her problems.
“Did…” Tiffany started. She let the word hang in the air.
“Hmm?”
“Did anything happen today?” Tiffany continued.
Jessica shifted her eyes back to the window.
“No.”
**
Would she lie to me?
Tiffany twirled the pen in hand with her fingers. She set it down on the desktop after a few moments.
It's possible.
Tiffany blew out a breath tiredly. She tilted her head back and massaged the bridge of her nose with her fingers.
I really hope this isn't what I think it is.
Tiffany straightened her posture. With a push from her foot, she rolled the chair to the left side. She pulled open the top drawer and picked up two photographs.
I can't lose more friends like this.
She scanned the photographs of her former friends and sighed.
I wonder how Taeyeon and Seohyun are doing.
**
“See her? She’s the girl who thinks she’s too good to talk to us.”
Jessica walked down the hallway, heart being stabbed by the painful words.
“Why would Tiffany be friends with her? She’s so stuck-up.”
With each step, she dreaded the next.
“What’s her problem?”
Jessica entered the classroom and quickly sat in her desk.
She didn’t want this.
Whatever this was.
The rumors.
The attention.
The hurt.
If the words were anywhere near the truth, then she wouldn’t have minded it.
But they were nowhere near close.
And that’s what hurt her the most.
**
Is it so wrong for me to be here?
“You’re awake again today.”
This time, Jessica didn’t even hear Tiffany enter the room. She was so lost in her thoughts that she sub-consciously answered with all honesty.
“Ah… yeah, I couldn’t sleep.”
Tiffany sat down before her.
“Chocolate?”
Jessica looked down at the chocolate.
“Tiffany…”
“Yes?”
“Am I being selfish if I take that chocolate?”
Am I being selfish for wanting your company? was what she really wanted to say.
But she couldn’t really ask that.
Tiffany gestured the chocolate in hand towards Jessica to grab.
“No. I’m giving it to you after all.” She answered without hesitation.
Jessica took the chocolate from her hand and tucked it away into her pocket.
“Okay.”
But is it really okay?
**
Another note, another threat.
Jessica crumpled the note and tucked it into her pocket.
Maybe this whole thing will blow over.
She needed to get out the classroom and take a breather.
But she couldn't go outside, so she settled for the option of splashing some water on her face.
"Mrs. Lee." Jessica raised her hand in class.
"Yes Jessica?" She turned away from the blackboard to face her.
"May I use the restroom?"
"Sure. Be quick."
Jessica nodded and grabbed the hall pass on her way to the door.
**
When Jessica returned to her seat, she frowned.
Her books were missing.
I'm positive I left them on the desk.
"Jessica. Please read from page 374 from your green textbook."
Jessica gulped.
"... I don't have my books with me."
Some students snickered.
Mrs. Lee frowned.
"Be sure to bring them next time." She scolded Jessica. "Sooyoung, please read then."
Sooyoung nodded and started to read the passage.
Jessica bit the inside of her cheek and stared out the window.
Maybe not.
**
"How was your day?" Tiffany asked.
"Okay." Jessica responded.
Why am I still here?
"I see. You haven't been napping lately, have you?"
Jessica shook her head.
I can't sleep.
"Is there something on your mind keeping you awake?"
You.
"Jessica?"
And this whole... whatever this is.
"No."
It was getting easier to lie.
And that's what scared her the most.
**
“Wooyoung.”
“Oh, you’re not sleeping yet?”
Wooyoung looked up from his accounting book and then glanced at the clock on the table.
12:42 A.M.
Jessica shook her head.
“Is there something wrong, Jess?” He asked worriedly.
“Can I ask you a question?” It was a soft whisper.
“Sure can.” Wooyoung patted the seat next to him on the couch. “Sit.”
“It’ll be quick.” Jessica responded.
“Okay. What is it?”
“If… some people told you to stay away from a certain someone, would you?”
Wooyoung gave her a questioning look.
“That’s kind of odd to ask.”
Jessica turned around quickly.
“Sorry to bother.”
“Wait!”
Jessica stood still, back still turned to her brother.
“I think… that they have no right to tell you what to do. It’s your life after all.”
**
5th Period was not Jessica’s favorite class.
It was gym.
Jessica panted heavily as she leaned onto the bleachers. She and her classmates had just run 5 laps for their daily warm up.
“Alright girls. I want to see some participation today.” Ms. Hong, the PE teacher barked at the students.
Everyone in the gym groaned.
“Complain again and I’ll make you run five more laps.”
Everyone in the gym shut up.
“Good. Today we’re playing indoor soccer. Yes, I know our gym is small for it, but do what you can. Get in line so I can count you off!”
Jessica leaned off the bleachers and stood last in line.
“1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2…” Ms. Hong started counting off the students.
It took Ms. Hong about 5 minutes to get to Jessica.
“…1, 2. Alright, get in your teams and let’s go. 1’s on the left and 2’s on the right.”
Everyone scrambled to their sides. Ms. Hong set the ball in the middle of the gym. She ran over to the sidelines and blew her whistle.
“Let’s go girls!” It was more of a bark than a command.
The competitive girls started the game while the lazy ones stood still.
Before Jessica knew it, the soccer ball had been passed to her. She raised her leg to give it a swift kick.
Just as her foot made contact with the ball, her body lurched forward.
THUD!
Jessica fell onto the wooden floor, scraping her knee. Someone skid along, body sliding against the floor, with a sly smirk on her face.
“HEY! CHAE RIN! I SAW THAT. MY OFFICE NOW.” Ms. Hong barked.
Chae Rin got up and walked towards Jessica. She bent down on one knee and looked straight into Jessica’s eyes.
“I told you to stay away from Tiffany, bitch.”
Upon hearing the threat again, Jessica realized the assault was intentional.
“CHAE RIN!” Ms. Hong ran towards Jessica and Chae Rin. Once she was near enough, she yanked Chae Rin by the arm and led her to her office. Without looking back, Ms. Hong called over her shoulder.
“Someone get Jung to the infirmary!”
Jessica hissed as she pushed herself up.
No one helped her.
She limped across the gym as she made her way to the infirmary.
**
Tiffany chewed on the truffle slowly as she walked down the hallway, box of supplies in hand. School had ended a few minutes ago, but she still had errands to run as Student Body President. She passed a couple of students without looking at them.
But their gossip caught Tiffany's attention.
"I heard Chae Rin nailed that new girl in gym."
"No way! What'd she do?"
Tiffany dropped the box of supplies in hand and whipped her body around.
"What did you say?"
**
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
What am I still doing here?
Jessica stared at the clock as if it would answer the question for her.
This needs to stop.
Jessica gathered her belongings and staggered to the doorway. She slid the door open, and limped down the hallway.
"Wait."
Jessica bit her lip, back turned to Tiffany.
Tiffany spotted the bandage on Jessica's knee. It stood out on Jessica's flawless leg. She clenched her teeth together in realization that Jessica was really being targeted by bullies.
"I need to work." It was a quiet whisper.
And also a lie.
And Tiffany knew it was a lie.
She still had time to spare to talk with Tiffany before she had to get to the bus.
Jessica continued to limp down the hall way.
Tiffany wanted to follow, wanted to move her legs.
But they wouldn’t budge.
She watched Jessica’s figure disappear. She clenched her hand into a fist.
This needs to stop.
**
Two girls walked into the Study Hall classroom attempting to be sneaky, but utterly failed at it.
"Shh! Be quiet." Chae Rin shushed the freshman.
"She's not here today." The freshman pointed to the empty desk.
Jessica Jung's desk.
"Whatever. Let's trash it anyways. She'll see it in the morning."
The freshman nodded. Both she and Chae Rin walked towards the desk, markers in hand. They uncapped the markers and brought their hands down to start writing -
"What are you doing?"
Chae Rin and the freshman jumped up, frightened by the voice.
"T-Tiffany." The freshman stuttered.
Tiffany walked out from the shadows and slowly made her way to the two girls.
"I said, what are you doing?" Her tone was sharper than before.
Chae Rin and the freshman stood still, frozen in fear.
Tiffany was a foot away from them both now.
She gripped onto the freshman's wrist, pulling it up to get a closer view.
"Vandalism isn't tolerated."
With her other hand, she tore the marker from the freshman's hand.
"Childish bullying isn't tolerated either."
The two bullies gulped.
"I know what you're doing and I want you to stop." Tiffany knew her grip on the freshman's wrist was getting tighter, but she couldn't control her anger.
"O-ow." The freshman winced.
"T-Tiffany. Please let go of her." Chae Rin stuttered.
“Did you hear me?" Her eyes were like daggers that pierced the bullies. Her tone was unknown to them. They had never seen Tiffany in this manner, but she was pushed to her limit."This needs to stop!" Tiffany exploded.
The two girls winced in fright.
"Stop. Before it escalates." The words escaped from her gritting teeth and came out as a low frightening threat.
Chae Rin and the freshman quivered.
"Before I won't be able to stop myself."
**
“Jess, you shouldn’t be here! You’re injured, for God's sake.” Wooyoung shouted at her.
“I’m fine Wooyoung. Please, let me work.”
If I don’t work, then all I’ll do is think about it.
Wooyoung grunted.
“No means no, sis. Sorry. Go home.” He reached into his pocket, grabbing money for the bus.
“Wooyoung, today is part of the Valentine’s special. You need me here.”
Wooyoung groaned.
That was true.
He needed every employee available tonight, tomorrow, and the day after.
“But you’re injured. What good will you do as a waitress with a leg injury?”
“It’s just a minor scrape.”
“No.”
“Then let me work the cashier. I’ll even sit on the chair the entire time.”
“Wooyoung! We need you back here!” One of the employees called from the kitchen.
Wooyoung hissed.
“Fine. Stay seated on the chair at all times.”
**
The next day at school was drastically different for Jessica.
No one whispered rumors when she walked by.
It wasn't like they just vanished into thin air.
But more as if - as if people dared not speak of them anymore.
Jessica was utterly confused. She sat down in her seat with a few minutes to spare before school started.
"J-Jessica?"
Jessica looked towards the direction of the voice.
Chae Rin.
Chae Rin sauntered forward, books in hand. Jessica glanced at them, recognizing them as her own.
"T-these are yours." She held them out for Jessica to grab.
Jessica stared at the action, bewildered.
Was this a ploy?
A trick?
Chae Rin gestured the books towards Jessica again and bowed soon after.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted so... childish." She choked the last word out.
Cautiously, Jessica took the books from Chae Rin’s hands.
"Why?"
Chae Rin straightened her posture and averted her eyes away.
"We were wrong to do that and we won't do it again."
"But why?"
Jessica could see the guilt wash over Chae Rin's face.
"T-Tiffany... she..."
**
The day played out fairly well for Jessica.
No threats.
No notes.
No snickers.
And she was so thankful for it.
She fidgeted in her seat restlessly as she waited for Tiffany in Study Hall.
29 minutes.
Jessica's eyes followed the ticking hand on the clock.
Each tick made her more nervous.
The sound of the sliding door made her heart skip.
She turned her head, perhaps too quickly, to check who had opened it.
A slight smile formed onto her face.
"Hi Tiffany."
Tiffany smiled.
"It's good to see you."
She walked over to Jessica, this time, not taking her usual seat. Jessica shifted her body to the right, moving her legs out from under the desk.
Jessica looked up at Tiffany with gratitude brimming from her eyes.
"Thank-"
Tiffany shook her head.
"What did I say about that word?" She said softly.
Jessica felt the corners of her mouth tug down a bit.
She wanted to express her gratitude so badly.
But she didn't want to go against Tiffany's wishes.
In one swift motion, Tiffany knelt down to get a closer look at the bandage.
"I'm so sorry."
Jessica became speechless at the drop of the apology.
Tiffany brushed her fingertips lightly over the white bandage.
"I'm so sorry. I let it go on for so long."
Tiffany applied some pressure onto the injury.
Jessica's leg jerked slightly in response.
She opened her mouth to speak, but the words died in her throat when Tiffany pressed her lips onto the injury.
"I'm so sorry."
**
"Do you like someone?"
Jessica blushed furiously and kept her gaze on the chocolate, avoiding her brother's eyes.
"W-what makes you think that?"
Wooyoung gave a hearty laugh.
"One, you're blushing."
Jessica blushed deeper.
"Two, we're making chocolate the day before Valentine's Day."
Jessica could feel her ears burning.
"Three, you're blushing."
Jessica looked up.
"Y-you a-already said that!" She tripped over her words.
Wooyoung grinned. He was done teasing her.
Jessica brought her gaze back down on the chocolate before her.
It's just a thank-you gift.
A gift to express my thanks.
She bit her lip as she stared deeper into the chocolate.
Right?
**
Jessica was sitting at her desk, right arm propped up with her head resting in her palm.
With her left hand, she traced the name tag on the white bag of chocolates in front of her.
Unconsciously, a smile started to form onto her face.
Her finger cautiously ran over the "T" then the "i" and the rest of the letters.
With each letter she traced, her smile grew wider.
**
I hope she likes it.
Jessica stared at the bag in front of her as she waited for Tiffany to arrive.
She likes chocolate a lot so-
“I’m sorry I’m late.”
Jessica’s heart raced faster at the sound of the voice.
She turned to look at Tiffany.
Her heart stopped for a second.
Tiffany was holding boxes and bags of chocolates in her arms.
“I got attacked by some girls a few minutes ago.” She walked over to Jessica’s seat.
Of course everyone would give her chocolate today.
“I didn’t want to run to my locker-"
Jessica glanced back at her own bag of chocolates and then looked at the ones in Tiffany’s arms. Some stood out among the simple ones. The elegantly decorated brand of chocolates mocked Jessica's simple home made one.
How stupid of me.
"-and risk the chance of missing-“
There were so many boxes and bags that Jessica couldn’t count them all.
That's right; I'm just like one of those many bags of chocolate.
The realization struck her hard. It was something that she wanted to avoid, but could no longer ignore. She was just like the others. She was not special... she was like the others.
Jessica abruptly stood up.
“Hey. Where are you going?”
Jessica grabbed the white bag of chocolates on her desk and her backpack.
“I have to go.” She tried to mask the hurt in her voice, but she couldn’t.
Without waiting for an answer, Jessica bolted for the door.
“W-what? Jessica, wait!”
But Jessica kept running.
Tiffany dropped everything in her arms and chased after her.
“Jessica, wait!”
Jessica pushed her legs harder as she ran down the corridor. She made a sharp turn at a corner.
Tiffany did not give up. She turned the same corner and continued calling after Jessica.
“Hey! Wait!”
Tiffany hissed.
Jessica was nowhere in sight.
She ran forward again, down the hallway, and called out her name.
Once Tiffany’s footsteps became fainter and fainter, Jessica let out a sharp breath. She stepped out of hiding behind the lockers and glanced down the hallway, making sure Tiffany wasn’t there.
She was gone.
“Ow...” Jessica hissed.
The scrape on her knee was burning. She hobbled to a nearby staircase and sat down on the steps, panting heavily.
She set the bag of chocolates down and examined her knee.
“Ugh.”
Jessica let out a sigh.
She was physically and emotionally hurt.
She glanced at the bag of chocolates.
Stupid chocolate.
She picked it up, ready to crush it with her hands.
But she couldn’t bring herself to.
Out of frustration, she grabbed the chocolates inside and stuffed them into her mouth one by one.
Each one made her heart feel heavier.
Each one tasted bittersweet.
Each one -
“Hey.”
Jessica stopped chewing.
She knew who the owner of that voice was. She looked down at the floor.
Tiffany kneeled down in front of Jessica with her face full of worry.
“You shouldn’t be running when you’re injured.”
But Jessica wanted to run away from Tiffany. She didn't want Tiffany to notice why she was mad. Because Tiffany did nothing wrong. She just expected too much. She expected Tiffany to happily take and eat her home made chocolates.
Only her chocolates; no one else’s.
Tiffany brought her hand onto the bandage on Jessica’s knee.
“Does it hurt?”
She ran her fingers over the knee softly.
Jessica froze on the spot, blushing at the touch.
“Of course it does.” Tiffany whispered. She continued to caress it lightly with her fingers until she glanced down at the white paper bag.
The tone in Tiffany's voice was so sincere that the anger in Jessica just slowly collapsed. The girl was kneeling down with such an incredibly apologetic tone; Jessica couldn't help, but forget the pain she felt.
“Whose chocolates are these?” Tiffany tenderly asked. She assumed chocolates were inside.
Jessica realized that Tiffany was not holding the chocolates she had before.
Where are they?
Jessica did not reply.
“Did you get it from someone?”
She couldn't lie to Tiffany.
Jessica shook her head slowly with chocolate still in her mouth.
“Did you make them?”
Jessica shyly looked away.
Tiffany read the label on the bag.
“Did you…”
Please don’t ask.
“…make them for me?”
Jessica blushed deeply.
Tiffany smiled and reached out for the bag of chocolates. Once she got a hold of it, she could tell that there were none left.
Jessica sat still, unsure of what to do.
“Oh,” Tiffany frowned, ”They’re all gone.”
Jessica started to panic. She felt very embarrassed and ashamed that she ate all of the chocolates she made for Tiffany.
“Will you make some more for me?”
Slowly, Jessica nodded and swallowed the chocolate that was still in her mouth.
“But you know what?” Tiffany asked softly. She put the bag of chocolate down, focusing all of her attention on Jessica. “I actually want you more than the chocolates.”
Jessica looked at Tiffany, caught off guard by the confession.
“Y-you do?”
Tiffany nodded with a contented smile on her face, "I like that you're shy. I like it when you laugh..." She paused, seemed to be amused by something, "I find your drool cute." But then, her smile faded, "But... But when you ran away earlier... my heart ached." Tiffany leaned closer. "Because I like you, Jessica."
Jessica could feel her face getting hotter and hotter.
“I-I…” She stuttered softly.
“What?” Tiffany didn’t hear what Jessica said.
“…I like you, too.” It was almost inaudible.
But Tiffany heard it.
She smiled and leaned closer, landing her lips on Jessica's. It started out soft and sweet, but led to a deeper and more passionate kiss. Tiffany could taste the chocolate that still lingered in Jessica's mouth.
When Tiffany pulled back her lips, they were both breathless. Tiffany placed her forehead on Jessica's, grinning.
"Thank you for the chocolate."