Exchange Student [END] | Wenrene

Part 2/2

A/N:

italics meant they are speaking in English

normal font means they're speaking in Korean

Despite in her late 20s, Joohyun didn't feel any pressure to settle down unlike her colleagues at work. She's the type of person that won't go out there to date random people of the world. Imagining how her friends and colleagues go through series of forced interactions with strangers to find 'the one' just don't sit right with her at all. There's no way she could put herself in that kind of awkward situation. That's why she just hope that the one destined for her would be up for the challenge of finding her alone.

Joohyun just ignore her friends and colleagues' teases about how she'll grow up old without a partner with what she's doing. Aside from not searching for a partner, she kept turning down people who ask her out the first time. The list of her rejected people had been going on since elementary so yes, she's nbsb/ngsb despite her ethereal beauty. Joohyun is a straightforward person, if she doesn't like anything she'll say it outright regardless if that person get hurt or not. If there's just no spark at the beginning then there's no point of trying. She strongly believes that if she meets her other half she would know and feel it the first time. No matter what gender, if the right feeling and connection are there then she would know that person is the one for her.

Joohyun just never thought she would experience that to a certain exchange student. The people who Joohyun strongly not want to associate herself emotionally as part of a host family. She sighed for the nth time while she became absorbed with her thoughts as she starts the engine of her car.

"Are you sure you're okay? I think you're tired from work, we could still cancel it."  She heard Seungwan say with worry so Joohyun turned to the passenger seat quickly to make that go away. That didn't go easily as planned though, because she never expected how heartbreaking it was for her to see Seungwan's sad face until now.

"Oh no. I'm sorry, I was just thinking. I wasn't tired. I promise I won't leave you with my thoughts again."

"Are you sure?"

"Yup. Positive!" Joohyun said cooly with a smile, internally wishing that Seungwan's features would brighten up. 

"If you feel tired just tell me right away, we could take a rest for a while." Seungwan finally flashed a bright smile and Joohyun's heart skipped a beat.

Joohyun quickly averted her eyes and start maneuvering her car or they will stay in this parking lot forever with her just staring at Seungwan. She has to think and act properly this time and not add more embarrassing moments in front of her, she aims to salvage the remaining respect that Seungwan has left for her. 

Joohyun decided to bring Seungwan in the Lotte World, it's a tourist destination and recorded to be the largest indoor theme park in the world. She thought Seungwan might like it there. Despite hating rides as much as she hates being around a lot of people, Joohyun risked it all for Seungwan to enjoy herself and forget her loneliness even at the shortest time. 

Exchange Student | Wenrene

Part 1/2

A/N:

italics meant they are speaking in English

normal font means they're speaking in Korean

---

It's been 3 years now since Joohyun's family welcomed exchange students from different countries. She didn't know exactly how she put up with those years living with a stranger in their house when she had stated her disagreement to it from the very beginning. She couldn't remember how her parents convinced her to approve this at all but here she was preparing the guest room for a new exchange student that will start living with them today. Talk about contrasting thoughts and actions, Joohyun only sighed.

She cleaned the room and decorated it to suit a lady who's a majoring in music and who happened to like the color of blue. Her parents really do take background checking of their students on another level, they learned their lesson already. She was informed with details beforehand to do a make over of the room that the student would stay in. This was the only thing she wanted to take part in when she realized that there's no turning back anymore. Joohyun at least made it clear that she will never associate herself with strangers and that her only contribution as part of a host family was to clean and do make overs of the room, she's practicing interior design after all. Her parents and her sister Seulgi were already more than happy with it so maybe that's one of the reasons why she's been okay with it for years.

Speaking of Seulgi, who's now at her final year in college, she was the main reason why all of this happened. She applied and got accepted for an student exchange program with a duration of 6 months when she was in her 2nd year. And when she returned, there were no words coming out from her mouth other than how she felt happy and grateful for the host family that took her in when she was in Japan. For some reason, that's vague and shallow for Joohyun, it provoked her parents to apply to an agency for them to officially become a host for other exchange students as well. After some paper works, interviews and inspections, her family was already certified and that's one of the worst days in Joohyun's introvert life.

The first year was a nightmare to Joohyun and the family. They got a male exchange student from the US, she already forgot what was his exact location but it's meant to be forgotten. That student was supposed to stay for a 12 week student exchange program but they dropped him on the 4th week for rude behaviour and constantly breaking the house rules. Not only that, he tried to flirt with Joohyun when he got drunk for 2 consecutive nights. As much as Joohyun wanted to kick and smash his balls for being flirtatious towards her the first night, she still tried to be patient with him and gave him a verbal warning but the 2nd night, Joohyun already feel treathened by his drunk behaviour so she reported him right away. The family will not tolerate a student that turned out to be a danger for them. The agency coordinator understood them and quickly transferred the man to another host. They did their background checking on this person and even got to chat with him thrice while he was preparing to leave the U.S., he seemed really well behaved as per her parents and Seulgi but it all turned out to be just a front. 

That first one was a lesson to them so they made sure to step up their background checking. Joohyun, as usual, never joined the chat though.

The next ones they hosted were only females and surprisingly all of them were really interested in their culture even when the other 2 females were from western countries. They were polite to them too, for real. Joohyun was more than happy that her parents took her suggestion of hosting only female students, men are maniacs and useless to her after all, her dad's an only exception though. So far, everything went well after that first male student and her family seemed to be very pleased with it. Joohyun watched her parents love what they're doing so she let it be, Seulgi became attached to the females like she found another sisters and somehow those students didn't became a trouble for her as well. Perhaps, all of these are okay to go on. Joohyun swore not to grow attached to their guests though, unlike Seulgi and her parents. She'll remain neutral, if not avoidant, with them for as long as they do this.

"Joohyun unnie! She's here! OMG, she's so pretty in person!" Seulgi announced excitedly almost like a deja vu every year. Joohyun only smiled and did final touches to the new exchange student's room before she went downstairs and greet her only for formalities. Well, that didn't go as planned.

That 'pretty' comment from Seulgi was an understatement when she finally laid her eyes on the newcomer. Seungwan was a beautiful lady oozing with charisma despite her small built. Aside from the outstanding platinum blonde hair, Seungwan has soft looking fair skin, thin lips, pointy nose and she found herself captivated by her dreamy eyes. It felt like time stopped for Joohyun when their eyes met. If someone will ever ask her where Seungwan came from, she could answer quickly that she's a character from a story book. She's perfect until...

Blank Paper [END] | Wenrene

 

Part 2/2

"Unnie, let's eat outside for dinner? Mom and dad won't be home 'til late at night so it'll be convenient for us to just dine out." Yeri said walking home after school. Seungwan was a batch higher than Yeri but they often meet together with Joohyun every after school to have some fun and go home together, but lately, this routine drastically changed. 

Joohyun already flew to U.S., but even a week before it, the three of them never got to meet. At first, Yeri thought it was all because Joohyun was busy since her flight was just a week away, but Seungwan not talking about Joohyun in a day nor even look for her were enough clues to conclude that something had happened between the two.

Yeri met Joohyun to bid farewell at the airport, that was their first and last meeting since the two became distant to each other. Seungwan didn't came and Joohyun never said a word about it which was really odd. If Yeri would describe the two how often they speak about each other then it will be like, Seungwan speaks about Joohyun at least once a day and Joohyun speaks only Seungwan in a day. That was their usual get up which is why it's so deafening to hear only silence from them. She would like to press on Joohyun but decided not to in the end judging how she looked like she's on the verge of breaking down. 

Seungwan's bubbly personality that lights up everything everywhere she goes vanished too leaving no traces at all. After school, she always wanted to go home, lock herself in the bedroom and only get out when it's time to eat and go to school. Joohyun and Seungwan were classmates, she cannot imagine how the two were inside their class at all. She's used to their image of sweet, always having fun and are  intimately close with each other, so Yeri ponders what really went wrong. 

This new found habit of Seungwan also went extreme when Joohyun started appearing on the news having famous suitors asking her out. Newspapers having her as headline with someone suspected to be her lover kept popping out almost every month. At that point, they no longer knew what was a fact and a rumor considering the amount of news about Joohyun involving with different men in the showbiz world.

Even if Seungwan nor Joohyun didn't talk about it to her, Yeri knew how much the two liked each other. The feeling they have for each other was mutual, she could bet anything on it, and so even if they were miles apart and having misunderstandings, their feelings would still conquer all. That was what Yeri believed in, but as time goes by, Yeri was no longer sure about it anymore because all she ever saw was Joohyun having the time of her life in the U.S. while Seungwan barely lives without her here.

She had witnessed how Seungwan tried to hold onto her still, waited for her to be contacted, but ended up being devastated. Yeri prayed that Joohyun would finally remember, to explain or deny the rumors to them, for her Seungwan unnie to be okay in the end but there were no signs of Joohyun in their lives anymore. All they see and hear from her were about upcoming movies and numerous dating scandals. At that point, the Joohyun they knew, who grew up with them, was only a part of their past.

"I'll just cook for us both."

"Unnie, you rarely talk anymore. Do you want me to die out of boredom?" Yeri joked but she didn't expect Seungwan to get serious with it.

"Then, here." Seungwan stopped walking and turned to Yeri. She reached out for some money on her pocket and gave it to the latter. "This money should be enough for you to eat alone, right? Or has your appetite grew bigger already?" 

Seungwan smiled nicely at her. The smile was contradicting to what her eyes were wearing and it tore Yeri apart. This wasn't her unnie, it angers her that someone made her like this, a shell without soul in it. Why does Seungwan still hold onto Joohyun after so long like this? It's been 4 years already and they're soon to graduate college too? Why was she not moving on without her and only choose to hurt herself by waiting for someone they aren't sure if will come back?! 

Out of frustrations, she swung her hand tapping away the money that Seungwan was offering. Seungwan was surprised by the sudden outburst and it made Yeri regret her action right away. 

"If you don't want to eat outside, then I won't either." Yeri said as she refrain herself from expressing her anger to her. In the end, she didn't want to make her unnie sadder than she already was. If there's someone she has to vent out her anger to, then that should be at Joohyun. She hated her so much that she wanted to inflict the same pain Joohyun made her sister to suffer. Her tears were already edging her eyes so she immediately walked passed Seungwan. Her unnie didn't asked on what just happened and only followed her later on. Yeri knew that her unnie had the idea why but she chose not to talk about it to do not strain their sisterhood over an unrequitted love.

Yeri hated Joohyun so much since then, but after a few days from her outburst, she started seeing Seungwan having progress with her life. She started going out, meet new people, watch less of TV, listen less to radio and read less of newspapers. She was literally taking a distance from Joohyun's world and Yeri was so thankful for it. 

Over the years, her unnie regained herself. The energetic and confident self that shines on everyone around her. Giving the happy vibe like she used to before. Yeri was the happiest for this progress but then Seungwan talked to her one day and asked for a favor that made her admire her unnie even more. Yeri was moved to tears after hearing out her unnie the entire conversation.

"Yeri, I'm all okay now. So, can I ask you not to hate Joohyun anymore?" 

"She's an unnie you liked so much before. I don't want you to change that just because you saw me suffer. Your story with her is different from my story with her."

"You have suffered because I wasn't being myself, so it was my fault as your sister and not hers to you." 

"As your sister, I've changed my ways and came back to my old self now, Yeri. By now I wouldn't embarrass nor hurt you for seeing a messed up unnie anymore." 

Seungwan smiled at her like the old times, and it made Yeri crumble down and embraced her unnie that she missed so much. "I promise and I'm sorry, unnie! But I want you to know that you've never embarrassed me one bit! You're the best sister I could ever ask for, Seungwan unnie!" 

Blank Paper | Wenrene

Part 1/2

Irene finally came back in South Korea after 10 years. She never thought that she will be able to leave her homeland for this long, but she did. If it weren't beause of acting projects offered to her consecutively in Hollywood, she wouldn't dare to step outside South Korea other than short vacations. But because it was her dream to act and touch many people's heart with her works, she prioritized her career when an opportunity opened to her. Who wouldn't want to grab a one in a million chance like going to the Hollywood and act for big projects? This could possibly the best option there is in order for her to achieve the goal she has set for her acting career. 

It felt like she's in cloud 9 when she was able to live her dream. Seeing many people react positively to her movies in different nations was the best feeling she could ever ask for as an actress. In those whole 10 years, she managed to create a name for herself not just in South Korea and in the U.S. but all over the world. She's the only South Korean actress that portrayed leading roles in many blockbuster films in Hollywood anyways. She has become one of the A-listed actresses of this generation.

Joohyun started acting when she was in highschool. She was only 18 when she got offered to fly all over to Hollywood and act too. Everything was hard at first, her English ability was nowhere comprehensible back then so she had to double her hard work, study in the evening and act in the day. Her mind and body suffered from lack of rest that she got hospitalized several times, but Joohyun never gave up. 

She hold onto her dream and the thought that everything she had left in South Korea will be for nothing if she'll stop there and then. What will be the best excuse she could say to those people who believed in her if she went home without a progress? To those people she had painfully given up just for her failed dream? There will be none and she wouldn't dare to disappoint all of them.

"Ms. Bae, we're here." Joohyun's thoughts were halted when their car got to the destination she had asked to go. It's the first time she had landed in South Korea after 10 years and this was the very first place that she wanted to see. The most important one. 

"Do you want to buy some cake, Ms. Bae?" The chauffeur asked. 

Joohyun did not respond. Her mind automatically reactivated all the memories she had treasured in the depths of her heart. Gazing through her window, that Son Pastry Shop made her memories came back so vividly like it's set before her eyes. 

"Joohyun! This is where I was born so this is where I will die!" A girl with fair skin and short length hair said so confidently with a cheeky smile on her face. 

"This isn't really where you're born exactly, is it Seungwan? A pastry shop, really?" Joohyun teased and dismissed her friend's dramatic lines. 

"Aish! You never play along with me." Seungwan pouted and turned her back only to get a chuckle and a pinch on her cheek from behind.

"What's up with the silly line, anyway? Have you listened to a new song again or a movie maybe?" She said while she untangled Seungwan's crossed arms and turn her to look at her. 

"Didn't you hear what the humanities teacher said earlier in class before he left? He wants us to write an essay about what we wanted to be in the future." 

"And you don't know what it is so you acted like that just now."

Seungwan twitched, she got read again by Joohyun. What's new? 

"O-of course not! It's the truth! I'll stay rooted here. I'm not sure what the future holds for us but if you want to look for me, then just come here, okay?" 

Joohyun scoffed at her remarks. There goes Seungwan again with her giant words to aid from being caught wide open. She just shrugged it off, again.

"Fine, fine. I'll just ignore the fact that you wear your heart on your sleeves all the time." 

"I'm telling the truth, though!" 

"So you want to become a baker?" Joohyun played along. 

"Mmm... not really."

Joohyun raised an eyebrow. "You're just gonna pig out here then?" 

"What?!" 

Joohyun laughed at the big reaction she's getting. Seungwan really is easy to tease. 

"You didn't answer me though." She pouted. 

"Hmm?" 

"I said.. look for me here whenever you want to see me." She brightfully grinned that Irene thought it was the silliest but the cutest smile she had seen in her life yet. 

"It's not like we're going to get separated in the future seeing you stuck with me all the time." Joohyun laughed it off but when she saw Seungwan's face turned serious, she faked coughing and agreed to it. 

"Okay. I'll look for you here, but if you aren't here when I look for you then I'm really going to knock you out!"  

Seungwan immediately regained her bright self and smiled excitedly at Joohyun's response. Looking at it, it never failed to make her heart flutter. 

"Ms. Bae?" The chauffeur inquired when Joohyun hurriedly opened her door and get out of the car. 

"I'm just gonna greet someone in that shop. Wait for me here, it won't be long." 

"I'll accompany you then, Ms." He tried to stop her.

"No. Just stay here. I'll be okay." 

The chauffeur was hesitant to let go of her master because he was afraid to risk her safety. She's very popular after all and was afraid that she'll get mobbed by her fans. But before he was able to try and stop her again, Joohyun was already out of her seat. 

Joohyun was hopeful to see her again after 10 years and now that she's back there's nothing that could stop her now, right? She had been longing for Seungwan so much that all she could ever think of in that 10 years was only her when she's not working. Her mind was always occupied with only thoughts of her. 

She didn't notice how her feet was speeding up towards the shop, but then another memory came in that made her tracks slow down and finally stopped. 

"I like you Joohyun." 

Joohyun was totally astounded. She had been meaning to confess to Seungwan since they were in highschool but she's so afraid that she'll lose her friendship with her that she ended up backing away. But now that she's soon to leave the country for her dream, she has found the courage to do it finally today. She was so sure that Seungwan would reject her though, that's why she ready herself with it. Her, leaving next week was a great opportunity for her to escape from Seungwan after rejection too. Everything was well planned, all she has to do was to confess and get over this one-sided love so she could fully focus on her dream. That's what she had ironed out in her head.

But she's speechless how this day turned to be out of her plan. Her heart was beating so fast and her brain couldn't function normally when Seungwan confessed. She feels the same as her! But... what should she do?! She has to leave next week and doesn't know when to come back too. 

"Y-you.. you like me?" 

"Uhm.. yeah.. I know it's crazy, right? I didn't mean to fall for you... it just happened." Seungwan was facing the ground while confessing, afraid and shy in front of Joohyun. 

"I'm sorry, Seungwan." No. This isn't what she really wanted to say but it just went out from her. Probably because she already had set her mind on her dream, to go away and focus on her career. She didn't expect Seungwan to reciprocate her feelings for her, so she was sticking only to what she knew and had planned out from the start.

"I knew you'd say that." Seungwan said with a dejected look. 

Wait, no! Seungwan, this isn't how it should be. I like you too, a lot! Those were what Joohyun was thinking about but couldn't say out loud. She hated it, not being able to say anything. Why? Why can't she stop Seungwan from falling apart in front of her with her true feelings? Why can't she bring herself to tell her that she likes her for a long time now too? 

"I'm sorry, too. I know I shouldn't confess now that you're going away, but just so you know I did not confess to stop you or make you feel guilty for turning me down. I just thought that I want to let this feeling out because I don't know when I'll ever have the chance to in the future." Seungwan was trying her hardest not to cry but her tears were already overflowing. The tears were non stop no matter how many times she wiped it out.

This view of Seungwan in front of her hurts Joohyun so much that she felt like she's dying inside. But despite it, she stayed immobile for not knowing what exactly is the right thing to do. She wanted Seungwan but it fears her that all the plans and goals she had set her mind for her dream will all crumble down to nothing. She knew that if she chose Seungwan, she won't be able to leave even if her flight was set next week. 

"Why are you looking at me like that? Don't get hurt just because you turned me down. Aish.. that makes me look pitiful." Seungwan tried her best to smile and joke around but the tears just won't stop. 

"Seungwan." 

"Let's try to be friends though. Even if you're already in the U.S., don't forget to contact me, alright? Just forget about this confession of mine and treat it like those silly words I've been blurting out like the usual... but I'll also understand if you no longer want to connect with me either. I really do." 

Seungwan forced yet another smile to lighten up the mood between them. "Yah, Joohyun you still there?" 

"Seungwan, I'm really sorry." 

"Don't feel guilty about it. I just need to let it out, really. At least, I can fully move on now. Now that you wasted your chance with me." Seungwan laughed half hearted. She didn't want Joohyun to feel bad about her rejection.

Joohyun just played along, it's better this way for now. So they hugged and bid farewell, Seungwan wishing her to take care always.

Joohyun thought that she could think about the situation later, she still have time before her flight next week, right? But then she didn't expect, that it'll become their last conversation for the whole span of 10 years.

How did it went like that? Seungwan never left her mind but she couldn't bring to call or message her even if she wanted to. She thought that it'll be selfish and cruel of her if she contact her again knowing that it was her fault why they've become distant like this. The devastating look that Seungwan was sporting back then when she got rejected was haunting Joohyun even in her sleep and she cried after waking up to it. 

In that whole 10 years she was away from Seungwan, she was living in full regret and fear. She regretted that she didn't chose her when she finally realized that all her heart ever wanted was to love and to be loved by her. She fears that, Seungwan might have moved on now when she's stuck in the same love she has for her up until now. Moving on? Joohyun didn't know how to and she didn't know if she'll ever learn to.

"Is everything okay, Miss?" A voice called her out from her back. She noticed now that she had stopped exactly by the door of the pastry shop and completely hinders possible customers.

"Oh. I'm sorry." Joohyun moved slightly to the side but remained facing the ground in order to stay low key. 

"Wait.. is that you, Joohyun unnie?!" 

Joohyun flinched. She got discovered, did she? But wait, her voice sounded so familar so she looked at her face. 

"Yeri!" She excitedly claimed and both of them were jumping happily. It has been 10 years since they have seen each other anyway. 

"I knew it! Since when did the famous Bae Joohyun came back?!" Yeri asked when they were already seated inside the Son's shop. They talked in one of the private area of the place but still has great view of the outside. The shop's cozy interiors and the smell of the cakes and coffee that she grew accustomed before made Joohyun finally felt at home. 

"What are you talking about. It's just me. And.. I only got back today." She smiled at her which gained a teasing one from the other.

"Oh-ho! Excited to see Seungwan unnie?" 

Joohyun's heart skipped a beat. Is she allowed to say what's really inside her heart with Seungwan's little sister, Yeri? Is it okay to ask her about Seungwan too? But.. is she ready to find out details about her? What if... just what if... Seungwan already has someon--

"Why didn't you contact her though." Yeri said that stabbed Joohyun painfully straight to her heart.

She really wanted to contact her, God knows how much she wanted to. She thought, she'll only talk to Seungwan if ever she wanted to reconnect with her so she waited days, weeks, months and several years... but there was no signs of Seungwan. It only meant one thing to her, Seungwan didn't want her back in her life anymore. Why would she anyway? Just because she said they should remain friends after the rejection doesn't mean it was what she really felt. She broke her heart into a million pieces.

"It's okay. Past is past. I think both of you have moved on anyways." Yeri continued after Joohyun's long silence. "You with your career and I bet you've dated bunch of celebrities! So.. who did you date? Uh.. Did you happen to meet to Harry Styles or even Zayn Malik? OMG! Those two are blazing H.O.T!" 

Joohyun only looked at her amused. She get it that those two were immensely popular but they were both singers and she was too focused with acting to even look at them. Has she dated in that span of 10 years? Yeri might have seen so many rumors circulating her love life in the news, but no, she didn't date. There were many people including celebrities who tried to break in to her heart but Seungwan's occupying it fully that there's just no space for anyone else at all. 

"I don't date there. I already have someone." Joohyun claimed but was it okay to say such a thing? Who was she claiming? Seungwan? She must have been kidding!

"That's a scoop! Who on earth would that be?! That person is in Korea?! Wow, daebak!" Yeri displayed her amazed looks and clapped slowly upon hearing Joohyun's honest reply.

"No. You don't have to answer unnie." Yeri stopped her with a hand even though Joohyun was nowhere near saying anything at all. "I'm just glad that you'll be able to meet that person again. I'm glad both of you and Seungwan unnie are now happy with your respective love life."

Joohyun's chest tightened. Seungwan has someone?

Tears were already edging her eyes but she was trying to hold back. This is the thing that she feared so much that her heart couldn't take at all. She's so stupid to hold on to her for that long years without communication, who on earth would think that Seungwan would still feel the same? It was her fault in the first place... that she's hurting this much now. 

"Seungwan unnie's totally in love. I could say what they have is really true love. I admire Seungwan and her lover, they've been so strong through it all."

Why is she even listening to Yeri? Why isn't she leaving yet? Does she really want to torture herself?

"Talk about Seungwan more, and her lover" Joohyun requested with a painful smile that Yeri started to worry. 

"Unnie, are you alright?" She held her hand.

The tears already fell from Joohyun's eyes, but she was still forcing a smile. This must have been what Seungwan had felt when she tried to act that everything was okay in front of her. This must have been her karma with all the pain she had inflicted to her even if she didn't really wanted to. 

"Yeri. Talk more about Seungwan." Joohyun managed to say before she completely broken down. She covered her face with both of her hands, she wanted the tears to stop, but she had held it in for so long that she couldn't control now that it pours.

"Why are you making a customer cry, Yeri?" 

The voice that Joohyun haven't heard in a long time made her stop crying. No, it felt like everything else stopped. Even if she didn't turn around, she knew very well the owner of that voice because it's the same voice that spoke to her the sweetest and the kindest words. The voice that made her knees weak, the voice that filled her stomach with butterflies, the voice that she missed so much, it's the voice that belongs to the one that she truly love. Seungwan. 

a/n: 

I will cut this story into two parts. I'll see you on the next update. :)

Something We Share [END] | Wenrene

Part 2/2

"Wends, are you sure you don't want to hang out tonight? It won't be long so you'll still have plenty of time to rest later." Krystal offered again. The group usually hang out after school to relieve some stress, it's been their habit ever since they formed. Happiness is their number one priority, as Wendy herself always quoted.

"Nah, I'll pass tonight. I wasn't able to sleep well last night since we got guests at home and dad was super loud till dawn." Wendy said with a yawn and added. "But the guests went home early this morning so, it's time for me to recover some sleep."

"Let her be for tonight, Krystal. Didn't you see her got scolded by the teacher earlier because she wasn't paying attention in class? She needs some rest." Sejeong reminded her friends. Wendy is smart and has high grades but lack of sleep always has been her weakness.

"You should have come to my place last night and sleep peacefully, we're neighbors if you have forgotten." Rose said quite worried about her friend.

Each person in the group is fun to be with, they are full of energy and have different vibe to contribute to their fun, however, if one of them is away, they just couldn't stay happy for the longest time. Despite the teasing and bullying, their bond is real and it ignites longing without any other.

"Don't worry about me guys. It'll be just for tonight, and I'll be back to my energetic self again tomorrow to have some fun with you all. And okay, I'll consider that offer of yours next time Rose. Thanks!" Wendy turned her back from her friends and started walking towards the nearest waiting shed in order to catch some bus going home. She didn’t' bring her car with her because she thought it would be difficult to drive when she can't focus on the road. So, to prevent any unexpected accidents, it's better to just commute.

"I could lend you a ride though!" Krystal shouted for Wendy to hear, but the latter didn't bother to turn around, she just waved her hand stating that she'll be fine.

"You think she'll be okay?" Sejeong asked worriedly while her eyes still fixed at the back of Wendy's departing figure.

"She may look like a kindergarten but she's actually a big girl now. Let her be." Lisa finally spoke after her phone conversation. She was talking to her girlfriend, Jennie, asking her whether she would like to join them and she said yes. "Jennie will be joining us tonight, so.. she'll be Wendy's substitute." She joked, she knew her friends detest such remark.

"There's no way she's gonna fill in Wendy's spot. She's way too out of our league." Krystal rolled her eyes and finally walking towards the opposite direction of where Wendy went. Krystal's car was parked near the vicinity of their school, but they have decided to just walk towards the mall since it's near.

"What do you mean by that?" Lisa asked while the group moved.

"Wendy is always up and ready for everything. She always join us to whatever our crazy heads leads us to and she never complain, while Jennie is...." Krystal explained but stopped when she's about to describe Lisa's girlfriend.

"Jennie's what?"

"Jennie's not Wendy." Rose finished.

---

For whatever reason, Wendy felt guilty leaving her friends like that but she knows that she'll only cause them to worry more about her if she join them with a little to no energy left in her body. She'll just make sure to get some rest for tonight and make it up with them tomorrow. Good thing she bought some candies on her way and she'll share them with her friends, those people are simple-minded anyway.

Before she fully arrived at the waiting shed, she saw a child running fast while his arms were fully occupied with lots of things. Wendy knew this would cause an accident any time soon the way the child was moving. So, she sprinted towards his direction to stop him but someone suddenly came out to do that for her. Wendy didn't stop her tracks towards the child though, once she arrived beside them she could fully witness the happenings before her.

The new lady, who Wendy guessed to be around her age, caught the child in her arms. The child started panicking so she made her hold firm and started scolding him. The child who happened to be a boy finally stopped wriggling out of that embrace. However, fear was still shown on his face.

"If I didn't stop you there, you might have tripped and who knows how much bruise you'll have?"

Wendy heard the lady spoke in the softest tone. She was amused how angelic it actually sounded and she bet anyone would melt with that. And Wendy was proven right when the little boy finally look at his captor. A small but guilty smile appears on his face like it drawn to him what his captor meant.

"I'm sorry, noona. I won't run anymore." The boy said with pleasing eyes.

"You are forgiven. But where are your parents?"

"They are over there." He pointed at the cake shop near them. The two female looked to where he was pointing when they heard an old man's voice behind them.

"Ahh! Good thing you caught that boy! He stole toys from my shop! Wait, are you related to this boy?" The old man, probably in his forties from Wendy's observation, said with a huff. Both of the ladies shook their heads.

Upon hearing the old man's angry voice, the boy started wriggling out of his captor's arms and to no avail, he finally escaped and dashed to the cake shop he was pointing to earlier.

"Hey!" All of them reacted by surprise.

"That little brat!" Wendy commented before she even thought about it. That's when the other lady finally became aware of Wendy's existence.

Oblivious to the lady's eyes on her, Wendy was the one who apologized for the little boy's behavior and offered that she'll just pay for the toys that got stolen. The shop owner then smiled at the kind gesture and took Wendy's money even if knowing that she isn't related to the boy at all. "Thank you. My shop is only small, so I really need payment for every items. I'll gladly take this money, young girl." Those were the words of gratitude from the shop owner before he went away.

"Do you have to pay for that?"

Wendy was enthralled when she heard the soft voice again. She didn't expect that the other was still there beside her. That's when she turned to her and alas, she was completely mesmerized the moment her eyes laid on her. It only happens in movies, that's what Wendy thought when it felt like the time slowed down. The lady in front of her was so beautiful, even that word felt like an understatement to what she's really seeing right now. Just earlier, she thought about how her voice could melt anyone down, it sounded so pure and soft to the ears like a lullaby. And seeing her full appearance just make Wendy wonder if perfection doesn't really exist on this planet, because the lady in front of her is the real definition of it.

"W-wow..." Wendy blurted out shortly as her immediate reaction to which the lady left baffled.

"What?"

That's when Wendy perceived what she had spoken. "Ah! S-sorry! I-uhm.." She faked coughing for a few seconds to buy time and think of excuse, but she was completely dazed.

"You're strange." The god-like lady, as Wendy would describe her, stated.

"S-sorry.. " Wendy only scratched the back of her neck to somehow reduce the heat that's spreading to her face.

"I asked...if do you really have to pay for those toys?" 

"Oh! Well, you just heard him earlier too right? His shop is only small.. so..."

Wendy was uncertain how to finish her statement because she does kindness naturally even without reasons behind it. So it's a bit difficult to collect the right words, but the beautiful lady seemed like she have understood something and just nodded.

"I'll go ahead now."

"Okay. B-bye?" Wendy cringed at how stupid she had responded. Good thing the lady didn't bother to wait for Wendy's farewell and started walking towards the waiting shed which is almost near their location now.

"Excuse me, but are you following me?" The lady asked frowning when they both ended up sitting on the same waiting shed.

"I wasn't! I just want to go home and it just happened the bus stops here." Wendy said truthfully earning a blush from the latter. That's when Wendy realized how heart started pacing up like it's on a marathon. She did not know when it started, but she knew very well that this lady was giving her this reaction.

"I didn't know you commute." The other lady remarked.

Wendy took a few moments to calm herself before deciding to respond. This strange feeling she haven't experienced before, she mentally noted to search about it to her reliable companion for later, the internet. While trying to collect herself, Wendy looked at her clothes wondering if it gave this lady the idea that she's someone who doesn't commute and it dawned to her that she was still in her school uniform. Good thing she was wearing her jacket and so she immediately covered herself with it and even settled her backpack on her lap. Satisfied with her brainy self, she then glanced at her companion's dress and her eyes instantly widen as she noticed that the girl was wearing the same uniform as hers.

"She's from the same school but, who is she?!" Wendy thought to herself, she tried to recall whether she have seen her before but there really was nothing. How come she didn't notice her before, when she has an appearance comparable to the Goddess of beauty? This time Wendy made a mental note to ask her friends about this beauty tomorrow.

"W-what made you say that?" Wendy asked awkwardly, she realized the silence between them is becoming longer so she forced herself to finally speak.

"I use this route everyday to go home, and it's my first time seeing you... here."

Wendy observed the other, somehow, it felt like this lady was giving double meaning the way she picks her words. Wendy, being a brainy, she attempted to decipher what she had meant but it all halted when the other lady's eyes met hers. And just like that, Wendy malfunctioned and it felt like her heart wanted to come out from her chest. She blinked once, twice... her mouth slightly agape as her eyes begin to wander the other's godly facial features. Wendy was taken aback, she had never seen such beautiful creature in her life, she was enchanted by her. Out of nowhere, she became dreamy, her mind started to wonder if there has already been someone who fully appreciated this art? And if none yet, will she be damned if she do so?

“You fascinate me.”

Upon hearing Wendy, the lady froze and stared at her with wide eyes for a few good seconds. However, when Wendy saw her reaction, they both immediately averted their eyes away from each other. But that was after they saw each others face became fully flushed.

“Ah- I mean.. what I was really going to say was that.. you're right that it's my first time being here. I uhm... I did not drive my car 'coz uhm.. I didn't slept well last night and you know... It's safe to take the bus right? Hehehehe...” Her words were all over the place but it's better than to suffer in silent embarrassment.. Wendy laughed nervously, looking everywhere and scratched her neck for the nth time.

Wendy wished for the other to say something and don't make them dwindle in silence, but the other seemed to have no intention to speak again after Wendy's spur of adoration.

“Oh God! She might have thought I was a creep and perverted. She might have been scared! What should I do?!” Wendy thought to herself, she was regretting her outburst. So Wendy, being good natured as she is, decided to collect her remaining courage and apologize quickly.

“I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. I'm really sorry.” Wendy bowed apologetically towards the lady and the latter just pat Wendy's shoulder to stop her from doing so.

"Stop it. People are looking." The lady spoke worriedly and Wendy obeyed. Their eyes met once again but this time they tried not to hold each others gazes for too long.

"You shouldn't bother to explain and apologize. We don't know each other, anyway." 

That's when Wendy concluded that despite being in the same school, the girl seemed not to know her. She's thankful, and hopefully this lady haven't discovered that they are from the same school. Wendy is already contented with this brief interaction and maybe... just maybe... she'll just watch and admire her from afar once she discovered who this lady is. Wendy believed that this lady is way too out of her league, there's no way this lady would ever like someone as her. But truth be told, Wendy felt her heart aches at the self deprecating thoughts. 

“That's the point, we don't know each other and that's why manners are important. I'm really sorry." 

The other lady smiled and looked at Wendy like she was saying something through her eyes. "So you're apologizing because your compliments aren't sincere?" 

"No. I was apologizing because I said it out of nowhere and you reacted like you were frightened by a creep. But hey, I'm not a creep." 

The other lady chuckled. "So I looked frightened? Would you elaborate?" 

Wendy was liking the sudden change of atmosphere. It's strange how just one smile from a stranger could make her feel comfortable. And so Wendy returned the smile.

"Yeah.. you looked like you have seen a ghost and you're completely red! It feels like you're about to burst in anger like.. boom!" Wendy said with complete hand gesture and sound effects that made the other laughed. 

"I was frightened.. and now I'm angry?" She laughed again at the idea then she looked at Wendy who was puzzled at her reaction. "Have you ever liked someone?" 

The question caught Wendy off-guard. Her face heated up again and her initial thought was if she got busted. "W-what?! Ha-ha-ha-ha! What does that have anything to what we're talking about... ha-ha-ha!" Wendy continued with her fake laugh. 

"I guess not." This time, she giggled and that scene made Wendy zone out. She had never thought making someone laugh would be this fulfilling.

"You're weird." 

"I fascinate you because I'm weird?" 

"What? No!"

The laugh didn't stop not until Wendy blurted out some truth again, making the latter finally shut up.

"Go ahead and laugh all you want but don't blame me if I build the urge to kiss you."

Silence.

Wendy's eyes grew big at the realization. The lady looked at her but Wendy didn't dare to look back. Shit. Just earlier she was talking about manners and now... She shut her eyes afraid what reaction the other was displaying. There's no way it would be positive anyway so Wendy stood up hurriedly still not looking at her. 

"I'm really sorry! Please forgive me again. Just forget that this day ever happened. I'm so sorry!" She bowed multiple times again ignoring the other lady. Wendy dashed out away from the shed, she tried to look back once only to see the latter call out to her but Wendy was too embarrassed and scared to even face her. So she ran away and it's decided now that she'll go home late.

"W-what did you just say?" Wendy finally asked, she was rendered speechless the moment Irene confessed. There were several information she's currently sinking in, the first and the biggest to land her ears was Irene saying she's in love with her. To that alone, she does not know how to react. The second would be, the secret that she holds dearly to her heart, the existence of their encounter at the shed being mutually remembered. Third, the fact that she was mistreated all this while was due to being misunderstood only in one of her nonsensical conversations with her friends. All of these, it's impossible to absorb at once. Wendy doesn't know where to start.

"Do I have to repeat myself?" Irene said, she wiped the tears she didn't realized that escaped her eyes until now. She couldn't believe that confessing her realest feelings like that would actually lighten the weight she was carrying as of the moment. Irene felt somehow relieved but still haven't moved on from the reality that Wendy wanted to stop pursuing her, from loving her.

"I... I don't know, these all are huge to me.. Irene.." Wendy sighed deeply, still trying to generate the right words to say. "I honestly don't know what to say." She said truthfully. Her eyes looked straight at Irene's, silently pleading to give her more time.

"You don't have to say anything to that, Wendy. You said it earlier that you wanted to clear everything before we part, that was just my turn. And hopefully, with that... we're clear with everyth--"

"How could you say that after confessing you're in love with me?!" Wendy blurted out almost angry, she was in disbelief with Irene for belittling her own feelings, both of their feelings for this matter. How could Wendy just let everything pass, or say nothing as if no confession happened? "I've been working all this long to gain your trust and love, for your full attention...and now that I've discovered your real feelings for me, there's now way I could let that pass by Irene."

"Why not? You said you wanted to stop and part ways, why is it difficult to you now?"

Wendy has never been so frustrated at the same time in pain in her entire life until now. "Irene, do you really not understand my feelings for you all this time?"

"I'm no longer sure." Irene lowered her head.

That's how Wendy felt devastated at the sight before her. And as if her body has a mind of its own, she walked towards her and carefully held Irene's arms. "Look at me, Irene."

Irene did not hesitate to do so after she felt Wendy being so near her, the warmth was overpowering her own.

"I really am not good when it comes to words, and I admit I lack expressing my feelings for you in that area. I've always believed that my actions were enough for you to understand me. I didn't expect that you'll grow doubts over my sincerity because of that. But, Irene, my heart decides it's yours when we met in the shed the first time and it continued to be yours even now." Wendy took her time as she remembers the information of Irene being in love with her too. Tears begun to flow from her eyes and it was all because of the overwhelming joy she feels right now. "And I think it'll be forever yours." 

"Maybe you're doing something wrong, Wends." Lisa said while munching her rice. The whole group, as usual, gathered at the cafeteria to have some lunch. It has been 5 months now that Wendy begun courting Irene.

"What do you mean?"

"You're the type of person that acts out her feelings more than with words and if you'll ask me, I'd say I do prefer that. But, not all is like me. I don't know Irene, but what if she's the type of person that wanted words to reassure her?"

Wendy paused and think for a while. 

"Actions are best but communication is also important key for both of you to mutually understand each others truest feelings." Lisa added when she saw Wendy taking her time to respond.

"It's not really hard to know that Wendy's really in love with Irene, you know. Wendy literally go through hell for her, it's so obvious." Krystal butted in, scoffing. The thought was an absurd idea for her. She could tell what she had witnessed with her eyes all this time, and she knows anyone else could. So what's with Irene?

"That's easy for us to tell because we know Wendy very well." Sejeong said trying to understand both Lisa and Krystal's argument. However, she find herself agreeing with Lisa. Sure, Lisa's a joker but there really are times that her advises are on point.

"Tell me the truth, Wendy. Have you ever told her you love her?" Rose asked. She feels like digging more information before she pick a side between Lisa and Krystal.

"I did say I like her every time she tries to push me away before the courting even came in." She paused for a while and her face begin to heat up with the words she's about to say. "B-but saying I love her? I -I don't think so.."

Rose, Lisa and Sejeong cooed at the sight of shy Wendy. They did not expect Wendy to have such difficulty saying those three words when she's like one of the greasiest person they knew alive.

"Wow. This is unbelievable! The super Wendy who's cheesy and greasy, finding it hard to say 'I love you'?" Lisa laughed but she couldn't hide how she find Wendy so cute right now. The rest were also giggling at the discovery except Krystal who's trying not to comment so the teasing won't be pointed at her. Krystal is also like Wendy who can't say those words so easily. She's too dark for such things after all.

"Yah! Stop it! I don't often say those words to my parents too so... " Wendy defended herself miserably. "Aren't my actions enough to convey my feelings though? I never fail to express my feelings through actions!" She retaliated making her point. Wendy has always been a believer of famous sayings anyways.

"'To see is to believe', now 'actions are better than words'." Krystal quoted while rolling her eyes. "I told you to stop that, some quotes you find on the internet would ruin your life."

"Why are you so against quotations. Seriously, what's wrong with you?!" Wendy argued back but embarrassed even more.

"Alright, alright! Stop it kids, stop the teasing and let's go back to our main business." Rose finally settled the chaos.

"You say your actions never fail to convey your feelings?" Lisa asked, trying to get the group's attention again. She wags a finger and shakes her head disappointingly. "It's a no for me, Wends. I could tell that confidently when I see Irene everyday. She's like the living proof that you failed.." She thought her statement is still lacking to stress out her point so she added. "...and continue failing, in your case."

"You've gone through so much now Wendy. Don't you think it's about time to say the magic words?" Rose advised.

"They are right, who knows, maybe Irene's only waiting for you to reassure her that you still wanted her after all this time." Sejeong finally concluded for the team.

"And seriously Wends, we're already in the 21st century. People just confess right away, if they like each other then they make out, jump in the relationship and if they don't then they go their separate ways. It's as easy as that nowadays. Both of you are so old fashioned."

"Ew. That's gross." Krystal, as always reacted disgustingly to that make out remark.

"People got together so easily and so they will part easily as well. No. I'd rather take the long journey pursuing Irene if it meant we'll be together for a long time as well. Like you know, forever." Wendy stated as a matter of fact earning gagging sounds from Krystal, Rose and Sejeong while Lisa looked at her with pride.

Despite the way they joke around, Wendy looked at them appreciatively. The group had been nothing but supportive of her till now. There's not a day they don't think of tactics and give advise how she could win Irene's heart. It looked like the tables had been turned and that her friends already liked Irene for her now, but it wasn't the case.

The group was really stunned the moment Wendy announced to them that Irene finally gave her the permission to court her. They honestly didn't expect that one because what they just witnessed from the very beginning was Irene's strong reluctance towards Wendy's presence. The news was like a bomb dropped on them, they were caught off-guard and they felt ruined. How could they protect Wendy from that devil now? They knew that Wendy is head over heels in love with Irene, and knowing their friend's personality, she has the tendencies of getting easily fooled by people with bad intentions. They have seen the worst of Irene's treatment towards Wendy before that courtship even begun, how much more could they endure after that?

Despite voicing out their disagreement, Wendy calmly explained to them how much she really wanted and prayed for this. She constantly pleased the group and ask for their approval, and because the group has a huge heart for Wendy, they just let her be and helped her out. The group made it clear to Wendy though, that if Irene ever lay a finger on her or even embarrass Wendy again in public, that's the time that they will interfere and force Wendy to stop pursuing her. And maybe, just maybe, they could finally pull that hair of Irene and slap and punch and kick her on the face. They hated Irene with their whole being but because Wendy kept on talking about Irene happily like her life only revolve around her, they were left with no choice but to allow Wendy do her thing.

"What if she ran away, though? When I say the.. uhm.. uh.." Wendy asked uncertain.

Her friends look at her in horror, just earlier she was being greasy and now this...

"Do you really have to ask that??? If she ran away then that means she doesn't love you back or even like you a bit. Damn it, if that happens I'm going to kill that bitc-"

"Will you shut that foul mouth of yours?" Rose scolded, cupping Krystal's mouth. Despite being halted, Krystal's words already ignited an unforgivable grudge from the group towards Irene but they still try to become positive for the hopelessly in love Wendy. And thank God, there's a Lisa in the group.

"Don't focus on the negative, Wendy. I'm sure after all the things you have done and the greasiness you have displayed this entire time, I bet Irene had been swayed. Who knows she might have peed on her pants coz of too much happiness." Lisa reassured basing it over her own experience.

"Can you stop referencing to your dirty ways? Like Wtf?! That's so gross. Is that what you're doing with Jennie? Ew." Krystal disgustingly reacted and their cat fight begun again.

"You know nothing about such stuff. So will you be quiet? Remember, no love life, no comment!" Lisa mocked while realizing something when the others stared at her like it'll be her final moment. "Oops, sorry. I forgot I'm the only person who has a love life here." She laughed evilly earning a hard slap from Rose.

"Kidding aside now, just go for it Wendy. We'll be here for you no matter what happens." Rose smiled to Wendy and the latter did the same.

"I am not really good with words. I turned out to be a mess." Wendy said as she recalls her first encounter with Irene.

"Wends, the moment you decided to tail Irene everywhere, we already believed you're a mess. So what's stopping you now?" Krystal said nonchalantly.

Wendy gulped, Krystal really knows how to make someone shrink in shame, but she acknowledged it anyway.

"O-okay! I'll tell her the magic words later after school... and maybe ask her already to become my girl." Wendy said determined.

Later after school....

Wendy's group decided to make a short meeting first before going to Irene's classroom. She already texted Irene earlier to meet her after class, so she's sure that the latter would wait for her. A little talk with her friends is what she needed to calm her nerves before meeting her. Truth be told, she was already trembling nervously during the entire afternoon class. Her friends or anyone in her class can't talk to her for long because she was spitting non sense during breaks in between subjects. No words that came out from her mouth connected with whatever topic they were talking about. That's when Rose decided to gather up after class. There's no way they would let go a nervous and non sense Wendy free like that.

"Guys what should I do... my heart just doesn't stop. I think it's going to come out from my chest! W-what should I do?!" Wendy said panicking. That's when Lisa held Wendy's forehead with her one hand.

"Wendy! Stay still, will you? Calm down! Irene's not going to deliver your baby any time soon. Nothing happened between you yet."

"H-how?! Wha..w-what?!" Wendy asked even more confused.

"You stupid asshole!!!" Rose almost punched Lisa straight to her face, but the latter was lucky to dodge the sudden attack. Sejeong and Krystal watched the scene, they are always amazed by how Rose always lose her temper with Lisa all the time. They kinda feel bad that the punch didn't land on Lisa's face though, because it's what she deserved for such a lame perverted joke. It wasn't the time for that, not that Wendy needed them the most.

"H-hey!! Where are you guys going?!" Wendy shouted once Rose started chasing Lisa with her fist.

"Don't worry, Wendy. We're here, and don't wonder why your heart don't stop. It only means you're alive." Krystal said straight face. She really was trying to help, but since she's inexperienced and unknown to love, she just failed miserably.

Wendy blinked multiple times at Krystal's response and Sejeong just face palmed. That's when Wendy realized she's doomed.

"Sorry, Wendy. There's not much I and Krystal could say to help you now. But... just try to focus on your goal for today, and do whatever it is that calms you whenever you're nervous. Like, for me... I always pray whenever there's pop quiz announced in class and I happened to be away from you guys to even cheat. It never failed to make me calm... but I never pass though." She then laughed hysterically.

Wendy thought Sejeong's advice was already enough for her but her example just ruined it.

"Oh I got lots of ways to stay calm too! Like what happened when I was at--" Krystal was shushed immediately by Wendy.

"It's alright, Krystal. I'm already calm." Wendy lied, but she had to pretend or else she's gonna get another terrifying example. "I'm going now, tell Lisa and Rose thanks.. thanks for being useless."

Krystal and Sejeong laughed and celebrated their own victory.

Wendy took the stairs up to Irene's classroom, she was only 2 floors away from her anyway. When she reached the floor Jennie and Jisoo, who looked quite tensed at her arrival, blocked her way to go near the classroom. Just a few steps and she'll reach the room but these two are suspiciously stopping her.

"Uh.. Hi Jisoo! Hi Jennie! Now I said my greetings properly, uhm.. can I pass through you guys now? I mean, Irene's waiting."

"Why don't we talk for a moment? Irene's currently finishing stuff there. She'll come out soon though, so why don't we wait here?" Jisoo smiled nervously and Wendy's growing more suspicious.

"Is there something going on?" Wendy finally asked and this time it was Jennie who spoke for them.

"I told you, Soo, I should be the one to do the talk. You're easily read by Wendy." Jennie sighed loudly only to shy away when Wendy spoke again.

"Both of you were nervous though, I could really tell you guys are hiding something." Wendy scratched the back of her head, somehow she felt guilty for uncovering their plan to deceive her. "What's up with Irene?"

"Sorry, Wendy. We heard you're coming here from Irene so we didn't want you to see some other people confessing in front of her now. Seulgi advised me to do this too so..." Jisoo explained.

"A guy from another class suddenly came and wanting to confess his love for Irene. He's quite popular, so you might know him. His name is Jung Yunho and he's really handsome." Jennie said as she also stressed out the guy's popularity by pointing at the girls gossiping around the hallway.

Wendy tried to recall the name, but the name doesn't bring a bell. Jennie who's been looking at her, sighed in defeat. " Oh yeah. I forgot you're oblivious to trends. You didn't even know who Irene was before."

"Oh. Lisa might have told you." Wendy smiled trying to be friendly but deep inside she wanted to strangle Lisa by now.

"Don't worry, Wendy. I'm just like you, I also don't know the guy. I don't really care about him coz I'm on your side for Irene." Jisoo said kindly and Wendy thought that if she had someone else to thank aside from her friends, then it'll be Seulgi and Jisoo. The two friends of Irene really supported her all this time but Jennie was different.

Wendy thought that she'd also earn Jennie's support because she is Lisa's girlfriend and has the same vibe as Krystal. But to her surprise, Jennie was really distant to her. Seulgi and Jisoo kept saying to don't mind her and that she was just like Irene without elaborating some more, and Wendy has been wondering what it meant till this day.

"You said, Irene's waiting for you. Why don't you go now? I won't stop you anymore." Jennie dared once she saw Wendy relaxed for a moment.

"You seriously tell me that now?"

"Yeah. Go."

"Like I would. I'm not rude you know. And besides, I've already seen several people confessing to her already. I'm used to it by now."

"Tch. And you didn't dare to stop them?"

"Uh. No? I mean, I'm in no place to stop her or anyone who wants to confess to her, right?" Wendy admitted the painful truth. Up to this moment, she still feels like Irene would snap at her if she dared to interfere.

"Aren't you afraid? What if Irene accepts one of their confessions?!" Jennie is starting to get irritated by now.

"S-she would?!" That was the time Wendy remembered that she was supposed to do the same to Irene today. All this time she had witnessed Irene reject whoever confessed to her, be it a boy or a girl, heck she was denied multiple times back then. She honestly doesn't know if her confession of saying the magic words to her and asking for her to be hers would be in the same lane as the others' confessions. Wendy honestly thought that she is on the lead with all other competitors because she gained Irene's approval to court her. She never once asked Irene if there was someone else other than her that was given approval though. Wendy thought it would be better not knowing anything, because it'll be too painful to think that Irene's entertaining someone else.

"I said 'what if', right?" Jennie rolled her eyes upon seeing Wendy's mental breakdown shown on her expression. "Look at you. You're good at reading other people but you don't know how to read Irene."

"What do you mean?" Wendy asked.

"Oh, here comes Irene!!" Jisoo interrupted in between them and waved enthusiastically at Irene. "Over here! Thank God, you came out now!"

The tension building up between Wendy and Jennie has ended once Irene approached them. She greeted her friends first casually and finally gave her attention to Wendy.

"Sorry, I didn't know you're already here. You should have approached me inside the classroom." Irene smiled at Wendy and Wendy wasn't sure if she have to be happy with that smile or not. What did happen with the confession? Did she accepted the guy or what? What's the reason behind that smile? 

"I-it's okay. I.. uhm.. just got here anyway." Wendy lied earning a scoff from Jennie but she didn't say anything anymore. Maybe because Jisoo was pinching her side.

"Really? Well then.. let's go?" Irene's smile still didn't vanish from her face when they bid farewell to her friends and it makes Wendy even more perplexed.

For a few minutes, they walk side by side to their destination in silence. Wendy was tormented by the idea of Irene accepting someone else' confession and if her own would still be welcome. A grunt escaped from her mouth completely frustrated. 

"Is everything okay?" Irene stopped her tracks to examine Wendy. 

"Oh. Sorry, I uhm.. was just thinking of something.." 

"Care to share?" 

Wendy looked at her with worry. Is it okay to ask a question about her other suitors? Is it too private? 

"D-did you accept it?" She asked anyway.

"Huh? Accept what?" 

"The confession?" 

Irene looked at her like she was the strangest thing she had seen and Wendy immediately took it a negative reaction towards her inquiry.

"Uh. S-sorry! I didn't mean to intrude your privacy. You don't have to answ---" 

"No." Irene stopped her from ramblings but Wendy instantly felt her energy soared at the response. She smiled involuntarily at it. 

"R-really?" Wendy was ecstatic.

"You should know by now that I'm not into guys, right?" 

Of course! How Wendy could forget that? Jealousy surely makes you think differently. 

"Yeah. I didn't mean to but I'm glad!"  Her smile went from ear to ear, she was radiating happiness that even Irene couldn't shield from.

"Are there anything you're worried about?" Irene asked.

Wendy was surprised at the question but she took advantage at how Irene's becoming open to her right now. 

"Are there someone else like me?" 

"What?"

Okay, that sounded really non sense so she corrected herself. "I mean, other than me, do you entertain more suitors?" 

Wendy observed Irene's reaction closely, but she was displaying the same straight face like always. It's been hard for her to really read Irene, and that's why she kept guessing what the latter has been really thinking. She never dared to question her though, as she fears that Irene would be dismayed. 

"It's just you." Irene said shortly, she turned around and started walking again. Wendy guessed that it was a sign of disappointment, that maybe she wasn't contented with just her courting her? By that moment, Wendy decided to halt her plan to confess.

Sometimes, Wendy just really wished that one day the Irene she had met in the shed would just appear before her. That perfect first impression she had of Irene still stood out for her, and she was holding tight to that memory. The memory of falling for her the first time. Everything would have been easier for her if it happens. But Wendy understood that Irene from the shed and the Irene that stood beside her now are the same. 

Wendy loved Irene from the shed and continued to love her till this day despite the pain she was put through, her feelings for her still stood out the most. She may appear foolish and blinded by love from everyone's perspective but she didn't care, she's even willing to acknowledge whatever names people would call her if it means to stay by Irene's side. Why Irene? A lot have questioned, to which Wendy only smiled and shrugged. It's her way telling them that that's just the way things were and she just fell in love. To Irene's side, Wendy felt alive. 

"But why me?" As if a memory materialized before her, Irene asked the same question. 

In that moment, Wendy summoned her courage and caressed Irene's face with both of her hands. The tears from her face continued to stream, and Wendy tried her best to wipe it dry. She looked at Irene, like she was her world and that she should stop crying because it hurts her the most. "Because I love you." Wendy finally said and when she thought it would stop Irene from crying, she sobbed even harder but this time inside Wendy's warm embrace. "Because you're Irene." 

Both of them cherished each other's warmth, the warmth they didn't know they craved for until now. As much as Wendy didn't want to end this right now, she remembered that she still has an important question to ask Irene. She broke the hug which she was sure Irene protested with a little disappointed grunt.

"Irene, my love, will you be my girlfriend?" Wendy smiled like there was no tomorrow, she already knew Irene's feelings for her but she wanted formalities.

"Yes." 

Just a single word, Wendy was over the moon. She can't stop her tears, but she was so happy and yet... This is insane! She was about to hug Irene, but the latter distanced herself, and failed.

"Irene?" 

"But I have conditions."

"Conditions?" 

Irene nodded and Wendy looked at her in worry.

"First. Promise me you'll tell me whatever bothers you. Your truest feelings. I don't want to misunderstand you again and I'll do the same. Let's stop torturing ourselves from holding back."

Wendy didn't know if she had gained super powers when she asked for Irene to become her girlfriend but, it felt like she's able to read her now. Or was it because Irene fully opened herself for Wendy now? By this time, she felt Irene's pain and her regret. 

"I promise." 

"Second. Please bear in your mind that I love you so much and that you have every right on me. So stop thinking that I don't want anything to do with you when in fact..."

Wendy waited, why does it feel like she's about to hear another confession. 

"When in fact?..."

"When in fact that's what I've ever wished for even before I met you personally in the shed." 

Wendy's eyes grew wider, so Irene knew her even before that? But why she didn't realized it? How? 

"Y-you what?!" 

"I've liked you ever since, Wendy. I've heard a lot of good things about you. You're always smiling and spreading happiness to everyone and you never choose people to converse with. I've admired you for that from afar. But in the shed was when I fell for you and continued falling for you... but.."

"But you thought me and my friends were talking ill of you in the cafeteria."

"Yeah so I fought my feelings for you and remembered that people around me wanted me as a trophy and the other else just hates me. But despite that, my feelings for you kept growing especially when you started chasing after me.. and you stood strong after what I made you suffer. I was shaken by your perseverance that I finally gave in to you courting me, it was the time I let you in to my heart willingly." Irene lowered her head, still feeling regret over her actions.

"Trust me, Irene. That time in the cafeteria you were referring to was the time I've asked first about you to my friends that's why you kept hearing your name. Which we didn't really intended for anyone else to hear in the first place. It's just that my friends have this loud voice and bad habit of cursing that..."

"I believe you."

"You do?"

"I believe you.. at least now, I do... that's what matters, right?" 

"Y-yes. " Wendy nodded but the new discovery shook her. "I thought I was the one who only fell in love when I met you in the shed, I can't believe that it's something we share. So my instincts were right back then that the words you spoke has double meaning in it."

"Yes but you were slow back then to even understand."

"Wow."

"Third. It's not really a condition but, I just feel the need to say this to you upfront." Irene started crying again to which Wendy held her back into her arms and comfort her. "I'm sorry, Wendy. For hurting you."

"You don't have to think about it now that it's all in the past. Let's not bring that up anymore, alright? But at least now you know that I won't be going anywhere no matter what trials we may encounter in our relationship."

"Really? Says the one who wanted to quit pursuing me just earlier?"

"Hey! That's because I thought..." Wendy trailed off and wiped her girlfriend's tears. 

Irene pondered while gazing through her girlfriend's eyes, what did she ever do in her past life to deserve her. She can't find the words to say how much she appreciates her so she just made her hold firmer like her life depended now on Wendy. "I'm just kidding. I understand now, Wendy. I love you." 

"I love you too."

"So are you up for my conditions?"

"Yes. Only for you, my bae." Wendy returned the same gesture and held Irene tightly in her arms. 

Irene only chuckled when she heard her. "Where is that confidence coming from now?"

"From my Irene. My girlfriend." 

 

Irene laughed heartily and Wendy's happiness soared even higher. Thank God, she stopped crying. 

"I did say something about not holding back but I didn't know you're this cheesy romantic, Wendy." 

"Uh excuse me, you gals! I'm happy that finally you are now together like finally after all the drama but it's already late and mom who's oblivious Irene unnie's outside, ordered me to lock the door already so... can you both continue your lovey dovey moments tomorrow? And don't ask about the phone call unnie, it was long gone." Yeri appeared again before them.

That's when they separated from their hug and laughed at Yeri's antics. Wendy was about to bid farewell when Irene stopped her.

"Wait! I forgot something!" Irene cupped Wendy's face and the latter did not expect what happened next. Irene kissed Wendy on her lips. It was short and innocent but enough for Wendy's knees to buckle. 

"Eeeeew! Not in front of me! Ahh my innocence!" Yeri walked out from them and went inside the house again.

Completely dazed, Wendy admired her girlfriend dreamily. "W-what was that for?" 

"My present for you...In case you have built the urge to kiss me again." They recalled their encounter at the shed and Wendy gasped.

"S-stop that! Please don't say a word about that!" Wendy was reddened and Irene chuckled at the sight. 

"Why? You were so cute then and even more now." 

"W-will I get more presents in the future then?" 

"Always!"

"As much as I really want to spend more time with you, it's really getting late. I should be going now, Irene."

"It's dangerous now to drive this late, you might be sleepy by now. Why don't you spend the night here?" 

"W-what? I uhm.. but we just got into a relationship... you're my first girlfriend and I don't know how to do it... but i'm willing to explore...if you really wanted it now..."

Realizing why Wendy was flushed and the way she convey her words, Irene blushed and shied away. "YAH!!!" She started hitting Wendy in a girly manner for being way too honest with her. She can't believe she have gotten herself a greasy perverted girlfriend but deep inside she liked it anyway. Anything about Wendy that she'll discover in the future, Irene is excited and is determined to accept and love her even more. Now, it's time for Irene to prove her love for Wendy and she wouldn't really mind if it takes her forever. 

[END]