Jessica woke up the next morning with the smell of food filling her nostrils. She crawled out of bed and exited the bedroom with half-opened eyes. Her nose led her to the kitchen, where she was greeted with Yuri's warm smile before anything else.
"Good morning," the tanned girl said, wiping her hands on the apron. "I made breakfast. Didn't expect it to be so good that it could pull you out of bed, though."
Jessica stretched her neck and her eyes lit up at the sight of delicious waffles waiting for her on the table. Yuri chuckled, amused by Jessica's hungry look.
"I figured I should make you something nice before you go…" the tanned girl went to the table and pulled out a chair, indicating that the blonde should take that place. "Consider this my apology for forcing you to stay here. I won't do that again." Yuri's voice went softer as she continued, her expression adopted a shadow of guilt. "If you don't want to be with me… I guess there's nothing I can do. I hope I'm still allowed to come to Sooyoung's parent's restaurant to visit you, though."
"Yuri…"
"I just want you to know that you're important to me," Yuri said quickly, as if she was afraid this was her last chance to do so. "I know you have your doubts, but I swear, I can never love anyone—"
"I'll stay."
"—or anything more than—wait, what?"
"I'm staying," Jessica repeated, smiling at the baffled look on Yuri's face. "I’ll take your offer, Yuri. Show me that you aren’t leaving your grandfather not because you don't love me enough. Prove that your heart is with me, and only me."
It took Yuri a moment to process what she just heard. She broke into a smile, thankful for the chance she received.
"I will. I promise, I will."
Yuri spread her arms to hug Jessica but the blonde dodged the embrace.
"You have yet to prove your words," Jessica held up a finger, tilting her head. "Until then, the rule is no hugs. No touching. Nothing. Got that?"
Yuri stopped, sensing the determination in Jessica's voice. The girl was not going to give in easily this time round, that's certain. Yuri watched as Jessica took place at the table and began cutting the waffle. The blonde popped a piece into her mouth, chewed, swallowed, and gave a satisfied sigh.
Suddenly, Yuri had the funny thought that maybe all she needed to get the stubborn girl back was good food.
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After breakfast, they drove to the Kwon Enterprise with in Yuri's car. It didn't occur to Jessica until then how nervous this "mission" was making her feel. Even though she knew Yuri wouldn't let anything happen to her, she couldn't help but to feel more anxious the closer they got to their destination. She realized the problem wasn't Yuri or Jiyong. It solely lied with their grandfather. The thought of having to face Old Kwon daily sent shivers down her spine. She didn't know for how long she would be able to lie to him or if she could find out anything useful at all when he's being on guard. And then, there's this fear of getting humiliated while being in direct reach of the enemy, too. Yuri wouldn't be able to stand by her side all the time, and she wasn't sure how she would take it if Old Kwon attacked her with his sharp words when she was defenseless and alone.
Yet, she was determined about doing this. If the Kwons really had anything to do with her dad's disappearance, the main person behind it would be none other than the eldest. The only way to find out was getting as close as possible to potential sources of information. The risk would be worth it. Take the bull by its horns, they say.
