Jessica and Key was still in the sushi restaurant, eating and talking among themselves. Although Jessica still felt uncomfortable and uneasy with Key as they were not so close, She enjoyed her meal with him.
He may still have a small impression of her as the spoilt princess, but he can’t deny the fact that she’s beautiful. He had seen her before, in the news or on the internet, but when in person; She looked even more beautiful. Princesses are pretty and Jessica Jung was beyond pretty.
“ So what do you do in the mansion? Sleep and play?” He asked, assuming that Jessica would have nothing to do since everyone else does all the things for her. Jessica shook her head, slightly offended by his words. “ No, I actually study. I have meetings as well because one day, I will have to be in charge of something.” Jessica answered then reached out for her glass of water. “What do you study?” Key asked, being more curious. ‘ So she’s a smart princess.’ He thought.
“ Business. Appa said I have to study business for future uses.” Jessica replied, her expression told Key that she didn’t like it. “ Aw, Daddy’s girl doesn’t like it?” He joked. Jessica scrunched her nose at him before commenting. “ Actually, I don’t like it. I have more interest in dancing.” She smiled proudly. Once dancing was mentioned, Key’s full attention was on her. Because, his passion is dancing too. However, because of economic issues, Key was not able to go to Dance University to fulfil his dreams, But even without the classes Key could still pull off as an amazing dancer.
“ You dance?”
Jessica nodded, smiling while popping a piece of salmon sushi in her mouth. “ Ballet, popping and locking. I’ve been secretly learning for the past 5 years now.” She answered truthfully. Key was amazed to hear that the elegant princess was learning how to do popping and locking, while ballet was reasonable for a princess to learn. “ Secretly? Why?”
“ Appa just approves me learning ballet, So I have to secretly learn popping and locking. Appa is too busy to even know if I eat my meals on time. He’s always out of the country or having meetings.” Jessica replied.
Key nodded, understanding. “ You know, I know how to dance too. Maybe sometime you can show me your skills.” Key spoke, putting on a small smile. Jessica felt as if she was finally being accepted by Key, but then his next statement made her thought fall apart. “I always thought princesses wouldn’t go against their fathers wishes.” He let out a soft chuckle, not aware that he had offended Jessica again. He didn’t know his remarks were offending her.
Jessica forced out a smile. “ If I follow appa’s wishes all the time, I wouldn’t be here anyways.” She mumbled. “ Oh, look. There’s Yoona.” Key suddenly pointed outside the window. Yoona saw the two and waved at them before entering the restaurant . “Great.” Jessica muttered, secretly rolling her eyes. Yoona came into the restaurant and approached their table. “ Hey, Do you mind if I join?” Yoona asked nicely. Key shook his head, gesturing to the empty chair beside him. “ Of course not.” He smiled. Yoona returned the smile and sat down beside him.
Yoona totally ignored Jessica's presence and Jessica did the same. Jessica ate her food quietly while Yoona and Key chatted. “ So oppa, What are you doing tonight? If I’m correct, you’re off at 8 today.” Key nodded with a smile. “ I’m just going to go home.” He replied. “ I’m anticipating to taste Jessica's cooking skills.” Key smiled. Jessica almost choked on her rice. “ I have to start cooking dinner tonight? But Minho oppa and Jonghyun oppa said they are taking me out for something to eat when I’m off work.”
Yoona saw the disappointment on Key’s face. She did not like it at all. “ Oh, Oppa. How about we have dinner together then. I’ll go over to your place and cook you something delicious.” Yoona decided to make a move. Key nodded, thinking it was nice of Yoona do to so. “ Well, I’m finish eating now. I’m going back.” Jessica knew Yoona disliked her presence, therefore she decided to be nice to her for once and just leave the two alone. Jessica grabbed her bag and coat then walked out of the restaurant.
Yoona pouted as she turned to face Key. “ Jessca seems mean.”
Key shook his head lightly. “ I guess she’s just not used to this lifestyle.” He didn’t know why he had defended her, but he just knew he had to. He wanted to. “ It was really rude of her when she left.” Although Yoona was bad mouthing Jessica, she still pulled it off nicely.
“ Jessica is trying so hard to adapt this. She wanted to give up but I think she really wants to give it a try.” He once again defended her. “ What’s going on with her and Minho oppa ? Are they dating? They seem really close.”
“ I don’t know. But it’s not surprising that they’re close, Minho’s mother which is my auntie, is Jessica’s personal maid since she was born.” Key commented casually.
Meanwhile, Jessica had left the restaurant and was walking down the streets of Seoul. Her lunch break will be over in 30 minutes, she still had 30 minutes to kill before going back to hell.
Jessica let out a sigh as she absorbed her surroundings. Everything seemed so unreal to her. Jessica flinched once she bumped into someone. “ Sorry.” The person muttered and kept on walking ahead. Jessica groaned silently as she massaged her left shoulder. She hated the place, not to mention the sloppy people. Some were okay, for example ; Minho, Jonghyun, Kyuhyun, Onew, Bom and Nicole. While some like Yoona and the rude people on the streets, Jessica disliked them.
Jessica then thought. ‘ What about Key? What group should I put him into?’ She questioned herself. Jessica shook off the thoughts of Key when someone across the streets caught her eye. “Seul gi unnie?” Her eyes widen when she saw her sister in law with a big scarf around her neck and big sunglasses along with a hat. Jessica crossed the street and tapped her shoulders, wanting to confirm if it was her.
“Sicaaaae!” Seul gi turned around with a bright smile. Jessica squealed before hugging her sister in law. “ What are you doing here?” Jessica asked, linking arms with her. “ Your brother got worried so he sent me out here to look for you. He wanted to come himself but he had a sudden meeting to attend.” Seul gi pinched Jessica’s nose lightly. Jessica hugged her arm, happy to see her sister in law. “ Your disguise is really.. Interesting.” Jessica chuckled as she flicked her scarf. Seul gi pouted. “ It was the only solution. If I don’t disguise myself, people will recognise me. Then King Jung will find out that I snuck out without any bodyguard or maids with me. Most of all, he’ll know I came out to look for you.”
Jessica gave Seul gi a wide smile. “ So, I heard someone is bullying you.” Seul gi and Jessica began walking with arms linked together. Even though Seul gi was her sister in law and was older, they were particularly best friends. Her, Seul gi and Princess Tiffany were known as the three best friends in the mansion and to everyone else in the public.
“ She’s actually your friend, It’s Yoona.” Jessica spoke, sighing. Seul gi was surprised to hear at first but she somehow knew Yoona was that type of person. “ Yoona is the type that doesn’t like to lose, She gets what she wants.” Seul gi commented. Jessica nodded, agreeing. “ She likes Ahjumma’s nephew and she thinks I’m going to steal him away from her or something. I mean I don’t even like Key that way so I don’t understand why she’s all worked up about it.”
Seul gi raised a brow. “ So his name is Key. Ahjumma Choi told me about him before. He seems really nice.” Jessica let out a sarcastic chuckle. “ Nice? My first day here, he seemed like he wanted to kick me out of his condo. I think he dislikes me cause I took his bed.”
Seul gi chuckled at the younger girl. “ Jessica, Have you even tried to be nice to him? Prove him that you’re not those spoilt stubborn princesses?”
Jessica heaved out a heavy sigh. “ I am trying. He just doesn’t believe that I’m actually.. Normal.”
Seul gi patted her head gently. “ Jessica ah, Treat him like a friend, don’t make him think that he has to be a servant just because you’re a princess.” Seul gi’s words seemed simple, however it had a strong meaning and Jessica understood it. Jessica nodded with a small smile. “ Oh and have you seen that Seungho guy? I read the newspaper today.” Jessica mentioned about Seungho. Seul gi nodded, smiling. “ We all had dinner with him yesterday. The day after you left. He’s currently staying at the mansion for 3 weeks.” Seul gi replied. Jessica’s eyes widen. “ What? Why?”
Seul gi shrugged her shoulders. “ He said he wants to stay longer to know more about Seoul, Korea.”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “ He wants to meet you too.” Seul gi added. Jessica shook her head, making a cross with her arms. “ No way.” She refused. Seul gi chuckled as she ruffled her hair. “ Don’t worry. Tiffany said it won’t be right for him to see you now since you’re on your deal with King Jung.” “ Thank god unnie helped me out.” Jessica thanked her sister. Seul gi then looked at her watch. “ Well, Now that I know you’re fine, I have to go back now. Be safe, okay?” Seul gi gave Jessica a farewell hug. Jessica nodded, smiling. “ I’ll see you later, hopefully.” Seul gi nodded with a smile then walked away.
Jessica turned back around and began walking back towards the Im’s restaurant. Once Jessica got back to the restaurant, she noticed that Key and Yoona weren’t back yet. She walked up behind the counter bar and tied the apron around her waist. “Is Key and Yoona not back from their lunch break yet?” She asked Onew who had switched jobs with Kyuhyun. Onew nodded while wiping the glass jug dry. “ Yoona called and said they’re taking the afternoon off.”
Jessica showed confusion in her facial expression. “ Are they always like that? How can Key just leave work though?” Nicole then joined in the conversation. “ Yoona is always dragging Key oppa out. She’s the boss, we can’t do anything about it.” Jessica rolled her eyes, not fond of Yoona’s actions.
\./
8pm had finally came and Jessica was off from work. She stepped out of the restaurant and saw the already darkened sky. She then realised something, She didn’t know how to get back to Key’s condo nor did she know where her exact location was. She bit her lower lip and she reached for her phone in her bag. “Minho oppa?” She was delighted that he answered. “ Sica?”
“ Oppa, I’m off work now but.. I don’t know how to get back to Key’s place.” She was embarrassed of being so clueless. Minho’s chuckle was heard on the other line. “ I’m just finished with my work at the company, I’ll come collect you.” With that said, they hung up. Jessica was relieved to have Minho's help.
While waiting outside the restaurant, Jessica grasped onto her handbag tightly. She was afraid someone would steal her bag. Jessica watched as different cars drove past one by one. Just when she was getting tired of waiting, Minho’s car had parked in front of her by the path.
Minho stepped out of the car and opened the door for Jessica. Once they both got onto the car, Jessica rested her head on the side. She then realised that Jonghyun was at the back seat. “ Anyong, Jonghyun oppa.” Jessica turned around to greet Jonghyun. Jonghyun returned back the smile. “Jonghyun said he wanted to come collect you too.” Minho explained, smiling. “ Thanks.” Jessica thanked the both. “ From now on, when you’re off work just call me. It’s better and it can help you save money by not getting a taxi.” Minho spoke. Jessica was thankful for his considerations. “ Where’s Key anyways? Isn’t he off at this time too?” Jonghyun asked from behind. “ Yoona and Key took the afternoon off. They didn’t come back since our lunch break.” Jessica replied tiredly.
“ So any suggestions on where to eat tonight? My treat.” Minho suddenly said, eyes on the road. “ Can I ask a question?” Jessica asked causing the two boys to chuckle. “ You just did.” Jonghyun teased her. Jessica pouted before continuing on. “ I’ve only been here not even two full days and you guys have already bought me food and treat me things. Do you guys pity me?” She asked, not wanting to be pitied. Jessica felt as if she was a beggar and they were pitying her.
Minho and Jonghyun was taken back by her question. “ Of course not, we don’t pity you.” Jonghyun assured her. “ Then why are you guys giving me free food? Key is even not asking for rent money.” Jessica commented, feeling upset. “Sica ah, We’re not pitying you. We just want to help you.” Minho said gently. Jessica let out a sigh. “ How about I pay for tonight?” She suggested. “ Jessica, you have so little money to use in 3 months. Let us pay.” Jonghyun tried to convince her. Jessica shook her head, pouting. Minho and Jonghyun then gave him and agreed on letting Jessica pay.
“ Thanks.” Jessica smiled once she knew they gave in. Once they all arrived back at Key’s condo, Jonghyun opened the door as Jessica still doesn’t have the keys yet. The three of them entered Key’s condo and saw Yoona there with Key. They were both in the kitchen, cooking. From the back view, they seemed like a married couple cooking. “ Oh, You’re back.” Key smiled while wiping his hands off his apron. “ Yeah.” Jessica gave him a small smile for a split second. “ Hello, Yoona.” Minho and Jonghyun both greeted her with a smile. “ Anyong oppa. Hi, Jessica.” Yoona waved at Jessica, smiling brightly at her. “ Hi.” Jessica greeted back, knowing that she had to at least greet her.
“ I’m going to go in and change. I’ll be quick.” Jessica said to Minho and Jonghyun. Jessica then quickly entered Key's bedroom to change. “ Key ah, Can we talk to you?” Minho and Jonghyun had pulled Key away from the kitchen. “ We’ll just take a second.” Jonghyun said to Yoona with a smile. Yoona nodded as she continued on cooking. Key, Minho and Jonghyun were then standing outside of Key’s bedroom door. Away from the kitchen as Minho didn’t want Yoona to hear their conversation.
“ You shouldn’t have left Jessica at the restaurant by herself.” Jonghyun started off. Key made a confused expression. “ Why?”
“She doesn’t even know the way back to your place. Luckily, she has my number or else she could have gotten lost.” Minho spoke. “ Jessica could gave gotten into come kind of danger.” Jonghyun pointed out. Key shrugged his shoulders as if it was nothing. “ Guys, We don’t have to protect her just because she’s a princess.”
“ This isn’t because she’s a princess or not Key. She’s our friend now, we have to care about her.” Minho said firmly. “She’s old enough to look after herself. If she gets lost she can just ring one of her millions of maids and tell the king to bring her home.”
“ Key, We’d appreciate it if you try and help her out too.” Jonghyun spoke softly, not wanting to anger anyone. “ Why are you two so worried? I just left early. That’s all. Jessica is a princess, she’ll be back in her mansion in 3 months time living her princess lifestyle. This isn’t where she belongs and she’ll never adapt to this lifestyle.” His words were harsh and cold. Minho and Jonghyun heaved out a heavy sigh. “ Yeah, I don’t belong here. I’ll leave if it makes you happier.” The three boys turned around, surprised. Jessica had opened the door and her eyes were piercing through Key's. “One tip, Next time when you’re talking, don’t stand in front of a door. I can hear you inside.” She said before walking past the three angrily. Jessica rushed out of the condo furiously and slammed the door closed.
“ Look what you did.” Minho said, eyebrows knitting together. “I’ll go get her.” Jonghyun spoke before leaving the condo too. “ What’s wrong?” Yoona appeared while holding onto a spatula.
Key faced his palms and sighed heavily. He wanted to take back his words. He didn’t know why he had said those words but he knew he didn’t mean it.