Addictive Romance [Yuyan X Jiaqi]

24

"You don't have to come you know? We can always arrange agai-" The redhead's soft and worried voice got cut off when Jiaqi placed a hand over hers, cutting in.

"I don't wanna bother you. Besides, my fever is almost gone." Flashing a bright smile, the short haired girl then looked around the restaurant. The brick walls were a creamy white colour, the place was decorated with vintage equipment and mini plant pots. It was extremely aesthetically pleasing to the eye, at least to Jiaqi.

As her gaze darted back to Xueer, the short haired girl grinned warmly, "I like your taste in things." The latter who had her eyes fixed on Jiaqi the entire time blushed slightly before clearing her throat. Forcing herself to stop looking at the girl, Xueer turned back to the menu and mumbled.

"Thank you..."

It was Wednesday and like promised, the two had went out for a friendly date. Xueer was wearing a pastel blue shirt tucked into a pair of white jeans while Jiaqi had a maroon turtleneck and black stylish pants on. Though the redheaded had asked Jiaqi to stay home because she had just recovered from a fever, the other was still persistent, not wanting to let Xueer down. Yuyan on the other hand was nagging at Jiaqi for not listening to her and Xueer before going out with her other friends.

While waiting for the food to arrive, the pair started chatting about all sorts of topics, from favourite food and colour to childhood life.

When asked about how the two best friends had first met, Xueer laughed as she gazed out the window, "You know, if it weren't for Yuyan I might not even be here?" Curiously listening with her head resting on her palm, Xueer then continued.

"When I was younger, I-I was in a really dark place. Both my parents were an alcoholic and my sister had passed away due to cancer...E-Everyday I had to deal with constant abuse from my mom and dad." Beads of crystal started forming in Xueer's eyes as she sniffed quietly. Jiaqi's forehead creased in worry and sympathy.

Jiaqi leaned forward and gently caressed the area right below Xueer's eyes to wipe her tears as she muttered reassuringly, "You don't have to continue if you feel uncomfortable." Reaching down to her wrist, she then rubbed circles around the redhead's pulse, calming her down instantly.

With a slight smile on her face, Xueer shook her head and replied, "It's alright. It's not fair if you shared your childhood and I didn't, is it?" Treasuring every inch of her soothing touch, Xueer took a deep breath and continued.

"I was about 13 years old when I ran away from home. I ran as far as my legs could carry me and stopped at a park. Nobody was there since it was raining heavily...that's what I thought when Yuyan approached me with an umbrella. She had a worried expression as she asked me if I was alright. Too stunned, I didn't answer. So she dragged me into her home and there was when our friendship started."

Jiaqi bit down on her lip, controlling her urge not to shed a tear as she listened on, her heart aching for her new friend. Wiping her excess tears away, the redheaded then smiled as if she hadn't just said anything. Patting the taller's head, Xueer then did what Jiaqi had done for her when she had cried. She wiped a single tear from her cheek with her thumb as she teased the girl.

"Don't you dare shed a tear, it'll make me feel worse. That was in the past and now in the present, I'm happy with my life." Jiaqi pouted and was about to open her mouth when their food arrived, instantly diverting both the hungry girls' attention to it.

As time passed by, the two girls had finally finished their last course which was some delicious waffles topped off with caramel ice cream. Moaning in delight and satisfaction, Jiaqi rubbed her belly then begun laughing with Xueer who cracked up after seeing her action. They were already full but who could have said no to desserts?

"Would you care to go for a walk with me, milady?" Xueer bowed as if treating Jiaqi as a queen. The taller laughed at how silly yet cute the girl seemed before agreeing with a huge smile on her face. Not wasting any more time, the two begun window shopping, admiring the beautiful variation of clothes and accessories.

Seeing Jiaqi smile was enough to make Xueer's day. The redheaded knew that this was the first and last time she would be able to spend quality time with her. She knew that there was no point trying to win her heart over as it would just complicate things. She knew that this much happiness was only sufficient to ease her beating heart, but not enough to ease her blooming feelings.

Cherishing every second of time with her first love, it was clear to her that once the clock strikes midnight, all would be forgotten. Though she still savoured her warm touches and her love filled embraces, the thought of it lasting only today haunted her. From her stunning side profile, ethereal eyes, nose and lips, to the little mole right besides her left eye, she loved it all.

As the red sunset dawned upon earth, there was Xueer and Jiaqi standing outside of her dorm. Grinning widely, Jiaqi stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, "Thank you so much for today. I really had an amazing time with you! It really is a blessing to have you as my friend, Xueer."

Pulling away from the hug, she then stared at her, not exactly sure what to say. This might be the last chance I could come clean about my feelings. Was I really going to hide it from her? As she bit on her lip, the redheaded gathered all her courage and grabbed Jiaqi's hand.

"Before I leave, I have something to say." Her voice was laced with uncertainty and hesitations, arousing the taller's curiosity.

Humming as she smiled at the girl, Jiaqi patiently waited for her response while admiring her beauty. As seconds passed by, Xueer finally decided to talk to the girl about it. Her heart was pounding wildly against her ribcage as she spoke.

"I have feelings for you."

Jiaqi's eyes slowly widened after letting her words sink in.

"Before you say anything, here me out. However, I know that you love someone else who's none other than my best friend. I just wanted to tell you this because today might be the last time we could ever have a conversation like this and I don't intent on keeping this to myself for eternity. Hope this doesn't ruin our friendship."

Scratching her nape as she flashed a sheepish grin, Xueer studied Jiaqi's expression nervously. The short haired girl licked her slightly chapped lips before pulling the girl into a comforting hug. As she leaned on her shoulder, she muttered in a calm voice, "Why would it ruin our friendship? I'm actually glad you told me this...after all, carrying all the burden on your shoulders aren't comfortable, is it?"

She then continued with a small smile on her face, "Thank you for liking me, Xueer. I would never forget your words." Her tone was laced with affection that soothes her mind and soul but causes her heart to palpitate faster. How I hate this feeling...

As the two pulled away from the hug, Xueer kept back her tears and held her gaze with Jiaqi's. Her mind was then thrashed back into a dilemma of whether she should go for it or ignore. In the end, she followed her heart.

"I have a last request...You're probably not going to allow it but I'm just gonna shoot my shot." Leaning in as she spoke, Xueer's strawberry and vanilla scent invaded Jiaqi's nostrils. That oh so familiar fragrant scent made her feel like she was surrounded by all sorts of sweets. It was fairly addicting, just like sugar.

"Could I perhaps kiss you for a second?"

Silence passed by as the two stared at each other. Jiaqi couldn't tell what was wrong and right in that moment. They were friends, so isn't it weird to kiss? However, there was another thought in the girl's head. Why do I feel the need to hug and kiss her? The need to protect her...and to take care of her? Not in a lover way but more like...a sisterly one? Besides the kissing part cause that's just weird.

Feeling awkward, Xueer cleared her throat, "Ok you know what this is such a bad question, I'll be leaving now just pretend you have never heard what I-"

She was interrupted when Jiaqi closed the gap between them, their soft lips colliding together.