➲ cafe

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Wheein softly nodded and smiled, "yeah if we were roommates that would be fun~ helping each other and being present in one another's lives." She hummed as her mind wandered off thinking about how nice it would be to have someone who looked forward to seeing her. She had thought of how warm it would be to have her friend again. Her attention once again drawn back to Shiyu when she had mentioned her work. "Working now and cooking and cleaning on your own now hm? Wahh so responsible." She teased before humming in thought; "Maybe I could make you make me food for all the times I've spoiled you. Whenever you have free time of course." Wheein softly laughed, her laughed soon died down as the conversation turned more serious.

Once Wheein had confided in Shiyu, she couldn't help but feel her heart fall in her chest when her friend had pulled away from her. Thinking that she should have just changed the subject or tried to havd lied instead of coming clean. She didn't want Shiyu to look at her any differently. "Of course....I get it... I would be worried too but I'm okay. I'm not some patient who needs help. My mom managed it on her own with some help from the doctor. It got worse after dad....but that's to be expected. Mom was under a lot of stress. Just help me by treating me normally. I go through stress every day so don't hold back your typical bratty self." She softly teased to try and lighten the conversation as she leaned back against her chair as she took her drink to take a sip, humming quietly.

@♈ Jung Wheein "Roommates, huh?" For a moment, Shiyu allowed herself to entertain the idea, the two of them living together, sharing the most mundane moments of life. It was a sweet and homely picture she painted in her head, one she knew was most likely just a fairy tale fantasy, too good to be true. After all her lifestyle didn't allow her to spend a lot of time at home, her work hours being all over the place. But, it was what she liked to do and there was no way she would give up her profession anytime soon. Though, coming back home to Wheein didn't sound all too bad either. "You're lucky I've got a job, or else I'd really just stick to you 24/7, letting you pamper me. To be honest, you wouldn't actually have to spoil me that much. After years of living on my own I've gotten pretty good at taking care of myself, cooking and cleaning and all that. I'd actually make a pretty good roommate. When I'm home, that is."

As Wheein opened up about her medical condition, Shiyu could only sit there in silence, attentively listening to the other's every word, the worry in her eyes growing by the minute. And how could she not, at least partly, blame herself, when Wheein herself had pointed their fallout as the catalyst for all the emotional stress that followed in her life? The more she listened, the more Shiyu could feel the upset bubble up inside of her once again, the anger directed at everyone and nothing at the same time. "I....don't really know what to say. That's a lot to take in." Pulling back from Wheein, her shoulder blades pressing into the metal frame of the chair, she lifted her now free hand, delicate fingers running through locks of dark brown hair before she breathed out in a soft sigh to keep her brooding emotions at bay. "I can't promise not to worry from time to time, it's about you after all. But I'll try not to make a fuss over it. You have to promise me that you tell me when it gets worse again, okay? I'll do my best to help you in any way."

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Wheein felt relieved and warm again. This feeling was a constant around Shiyu and despite her own issues with memories these feelings could never be forgotten. She had remembered what it was like to genuinely like someone based on their connection. Of course Shiyu was beautiful but it was more of their connection that it was easy to fall into a friendship that was more than just friends. Their fingers gently rubbing and stroking against one another's, she hummed out in thought, "I guess you'll just have to stay with me 24/7. Maybe you can be my roommate and make sure I clean. And that way I can keep an eye on your spoiled princess nature while feeding it at the same time. Heh. But at least I'll be the only one doing so. I like how that's reserved for me." She softly smiled.

Wheein felt warmth returning to her cheeks at the care and warmth behind Shiyu's actions and words, she closed her eyes for a moment and rested against her palm. Her memory loss was something she was living with and she was concerned about it but scared to figure out what it was but it got to a point where she had to go to a doctor. She had never told anyone this and kept it to herself. She knew she couldn't keep anything from Shiyu so she wanted to tell her. "I was so upset after everything that happened between us that I was depressed for a long time. I was recklessly trying to fill the void in my life. I would party, sleep around, I was straining my body too much. I became obsessed with work and wouldn't sleep for days....until one day my memory loss turned into not remembering what had happened for hours at a time....so I went to the doctor and they did all the tests and scans. I'm okay physically. But they referred me to a psychiatrist and they said I have dissociative amnesia. I found out that my mom had it too so they said with the stress I put on my body and the stress of losing a close friend of mine and the genetic link...it was triggered. I'm getting help for jt now so it's okay but my mind is still kinda forgetful. Don't treat me any different okay....there was a lot of reasons why I couldn't remember your face....but that condition that I have probably didn't help. " Wheein hated seeming like a victim so that's why she had kept it to herself all of these years. But she couldn't lie with Shiyu. "It's not your fault so don't blame yourself. They said it was because my mom had it that my chances were very high to begin with. And I've gotten better at managing it...that's why I try not to work hard anymore but I think I may start to slow down and open a cafe....that's why I joined this show and came back...I want to settle down with someone and open a little cafe and live out my days with them. I love fashion but I don't think I can do it forever." She hummed softly and brought Shiyu's hand to her lips and kissed the inside of her palms. "Don't go crazy and worry okay? I'm fine just some memory loss from time to time in stressful situations so I've been limiting some stress from my life, hence the end of my promiscuous ways. The women. I tend to go for are crazy and will literally break my cameras and rip my work up if I blow them off. So that's why I'm over it. I think it's time for me to focus on the current people in my life and keep my heart open for the one who I can settle down with" she smiled softly at shiyu and brought her hand back down on the table and played with her fingers, a little nervous that Shiyu would treat her like a mental patient or like she was fragile.

@♈ Jung Wheein Thankful that Wheein so easily went along with her remark, responding in an equally playful manner, Shiyu was once again reminded of how simple everything had always been between them. How their energy just seemed to match perfectly, how they just seemed so attuned to each other in action and reaction. Back then being with Wheein had just been so easy, rarely had she ever had to worry about anything as the older girl just got her like no one else. As worried as she was that the five years apart had pushed them into opposite directions, this little moment alone gave her hope that, despite them growing up into different people, the synergy of their deep down cores was still the same. "And how are you going to take responsibility for it, if I may ask? You'd have to keep me by your side 24/7 to make sure I'm not acting spoiled in front of other people beside you."

Hearing the other talk about her bad memory, Shiyu almost felt a bit guilty for being so upset when Wheein hadn't recognized her at first glance. They had talked about it before, just in a passing as back then it hadn't seemed too serious, easily being passed off as someone just being a little more forgetful. But if it had only worsened over the years...Not wanting to finish that thought, she slightly leaned over the table, her free hand reaching out for the older woman. Gently cupping her cheek, she tenderly brushed her thumb over the soft skin, worry so evident in her eyes. "Have you consulted a doctor? Are you okay, though?" As happy as she was to hear how determined Wheein seemed to be to keep her in her life this time, there were more important matters that needed to be addressed right now. Her friend's current health condition being one of them. "And don't even try to play it off or anything. I've always known when you didn't tell me the entire truth."

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Those warm familiar feelings all returned at the smallest feat of reconciliation. They still had things to talk about and make right but just from one little misunderstanding being made right meant such a huge difference in their friendship. She could remember all of the times of comfort and warmth in this moment. She would never forget it. Wheein always had troubles with her memories but when it came to remembering feelings and warmth, it was as if no time was lost between them. The softness of her skin, she remembered it well but it felt new to her all over again. She knew this was Shiyu now but she seemed like a whole other person. It was like meeting her and remembering her all at once. These conflicting feelings were all so confusing, everything made sense but didn't make sense.

Wheein felt relief when Shiyu made a playful Remark. Gently squeezing her hand and smiled warmly, "how could I not spoil a cute brat like you hm? I should take more responsibility for making you this way." She played with her fingers a bit before watching as they curled around her own, smiling a bit at the unconscious actions of their hands and fingers before looking back up to meet her gaze.

"I am not as naive as I was back then....I do still have a ty memory and if anything I've lost more of my mind now....but I am much more aware. I won't let someone influence me and tear me from you again. We got everything wrong last time....I for sure did at least....my perfect match is someone who can recognize that you are someone who will always be important to me....if not then she isn't obviously my perfect match. Plus the perfect match doesn't exist. It's about recognizing that our partners have faults and accepting them for who they are. I hope my partner can accept my stupidity and my need to be close to you just as I'm sure I'll have to accept some things about her. We will be okay....we can't separate now that we've met again...." She hummed with a warm smile and took Shiyu's hand and held it up to her cheek. "Still so soft and warm~ I'm going to be totally weird these days so excuse me now." She softly chuckled as she took her time to take in her friend and everything about her as if she was seeing her for the first time and getting reacquainted with her all at once. It was a bit of both.

@♈ Jung Wheein She could see the relief in Wheein's eyes at her clarification, knowing that despite how difficult it had been for her to say it, it had been well worth it. Still, there were so many things between them that needed to be talked out, years of lost time that needed to be caught up to, changes in both of them that she perhaps needed to come to terms with. After all how could one go back to being best friends after such a fallout, after years of radio silence. It just seemed sheer impossible. And part of her was ready to accept that there was a huge probability that they would never be able to go back to how they used to be, but a tiny part of her, the one that had remained locked in the past, frozen in time, wanted just that. The simplicity in communication, the talking without talking, the comforting touches and secretive smiles, hours upon hours spent by each other's side, living in a world that was only theirs.

The moment Wheein took her hand, it was almost as if she was pulled back into their own little bubble, as time seemed to slow down, their surroundings fading into a blur of colors in the background as the only thing that mattered was the woman in front of her. Yet Shiyu couldn't help but feel conflicted at the same time, the once so natural touch feeling so foreign to her. "Only to you....growing up, you've spoiled me so much. You're the only person tolerating me at my worst, even when I throw all those angry, ridiculous things at you. You know, life would be so much easier for you if you didn't have to put up with someone acting so spoiled like me." Despite meaning every word she said, Shiyu simply played it off as a joke, a soft chuckle easily rolling off her lips, a playful glint in her eyes. It was better not to spoil the mood by being too serious.

Looking down at their hands, she shifted in her seat, lost in thoughts as she let everything the other had said run through her mind. Unconsciously, Shiyu spread her hand out, dainty digits naturally finding their way between the gaps of Wheein's fingers until they were interlocked. "Do you mean it?" Speaking up again, she once again locked eyes with her former best friend, searching their grounds for even the tiniest hint of doubt. "No one will get between us this time? How can you know? You're here, doing this show to find your perfect match...what if she doesn't like us being...friends?"

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Wheein felt this overwhelming feeling of being whole again. As if shiyu was the reason she couldn't be emotionally vulnerable with anyone else. It was as if that spot was always reserved for Shiyu. It would stay like that for as long as she lived. No one could ever forget their crush, their best friend whom took care of one another for a couple of years. She didn't want to see her gone.

Wheein watched as Shiyu sat down in front of her. She felt surreal in this position as she stared at Shiyu. Her eyes widened at her words and it made her feel more comfortable to hear that. "I know you are but still...we had a big fight and you were so angry earlier. We both were..." She hummed quietly as if any louder they could both Shatter. "You are stubborn so I believed you. It's okay to.hate me but now it's been so long. I wanted to try. If you don't.mind....we can hang out more often...no one will get in the way this time....now that I know you don't hate me...I feel relieved" she whispered softly with a sheepish smile. Still unsure if it was a good idea to be friends again but she knew she needed her in her life. The thought of her being gone again made her feel uneasy and as if she felt more daring and more confident she reached over and took her hand. She gently squeezed it and gave her a soft smile. "You're such a princess...you expect me to know you even after you've changed so much. But yes. I still know you somewhat." Wheein hummed out as she stared at Shiyu for a while. The warm feelings crept in again and she felt like she was back in high-school, looking at the cutest and most stubborn girl she had ever met. Thinking of all those sleepovers and moments they shared together....

Wheein looked down at their hands and she played with those fingers that she had loved to feel in her hair as they would spend days relaxing in one another's arms sometimes talking or just remaining quiet. Maybe that's why Wheein had become much softer these days....because she used to have that softness with Shiyu. That's what Wheein had yearned for and that's why she had stopped messing around so easily.

@♈ Jung Wheein [] ouch. that //patpat// no stress though, take as much time as you need bub

@♈ Zhou Shiyu My rey deleted so I have to retype it;;

@♈ Jung Wheein "I don't really..." Not finishing what she had wanted to say, she faintly shook her head, as she herself was unsure what she was feeling. One thing she knew for sure, though. As strange as it had felt to once again share an act of intimacy with Wheein, Shiyu didn't quite like the feeling of being let go either, afraid that perhaps this was all just a cruel dream, a false reality she had conjured in her mind. Perhaps she was going mad after years of suppressed feelings, secret wishes and regrets. So when she was sure that Wheein wasn't looking, she took a moment to pinch her arm, right underneath the inside of her wrist, with all her might. Almost letting out a squeak in pain, she quickly let go, a red mark now marring her pale skin, trying her best to pretend nothing happened. "Yeah....I'll see you out there in a moment...."

Letting out a soft sigh when Wheein left the bathroom, she turned back towards her reflection, taking in the rather pitiful sight. It wasn't hard to tell she had been crying not too long ago, but then again, if she went out there, no one but the older woman would pay attention to her anyway. So all Shiyu did was take a few deep breathers, fighting back the slowly rising urge to run away now that she had let out all her anger, before she headed back out again, walking straight back to their table.

Carefully, she settled opposite of the older woman, arms propped onto the table's surface, as she leaned slightly forward. After a moment of gathering all her courage and another set of deep breathers she looked up into Wheein's eyes, knowing that she needed to get over her own pride, no matter how hard it was, to bring closure to a chapter of her life that had been haunting her for way too long. Still, it was harder said than done, her voice bearing no confidence at all as she all but whispered. "Just so you know....I don't...I don't hate you. Sometimes I act in a certain way, say certain things when I'm angry. You of all people should know it all too well. But...when I told you I hate you....I...I never meant it for real...."

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Wheein held Shiyu tightly; as if by instinct she was so open and vulnerable with her. Wheein was never one to cry in front of anyone but being around her old friend again, it was as if she was back in the old days where she could confide in her about anything. She couldn't help but chuckle at the awkwardness of the pat on her head and pulled away before sheepishly smiling. "I'm sorry~ when I saw you crying everything told me to hug you." She hummed as she cleaned Shiyu's remaining tears. "I'm just happy you didn't leave...I know you really don't like me, and that's totally fine but I really want to be your friend again. I don't know how much we can salvage but it would be nice to have you in my life again...." The older woman admitted and gently brushed Shiyu's hair to behind her ear with a hum.

"Maybe we can talk and clear up some misunderstandings? Or for now we can just catch up and maybe later have a talk about what happened? I think that may help with your anger and my sadness." Wheein nodded before checking the mirror of her teary reflection. Then she hummed out, "I'll give you a minute in here. I'll wait at our table. Our drinks are there waiting for us.....you can act all hard but you still have remnants of your princess side in there somewhere" Wheein softly teased before gently squeezing Shiyu's shoulder with her hand before walking out of the bathroom to their seat. She sat down in her original seat. Wheein began to feel a little sheepish by how she acted but the instincts were raw and how she had felt so she can't deny or make excuses but she did apologize for hugging a little too tightly. But she was still a little embarassed because it had been a while since she acted kinda desperately. But the thought of Shiyu being gone was a little all too real and would have hurt her again

@♈ Jung Wheein Closing the bathroom door behind her with a soft thud, Shiyu let out another string of curses, not caring if anyone else was currently present in the room. But as it remained silent around her even after several seconds, she figured that for once she was lucky and no one was there to witness her in a moment of weakness. With long strides, she stalked over to one of the sinks, her own reflections staring angrily back at her. Although she used to be quite a big crybaby when younger, she had managed to outgrow it, becoming much better at keeping her own emotions under control. Yet somehow, just a few minutes of sitting face to face with Wheein had put her whole being into a turmoil, turning her back into a little child.

With the paper towels she had ripped out of their designated dispenser, she started to angrily dab at her eyes, trying to salvage the meticulously applied makeup. At least she wasn't full on bawling, her watery eyes remaining at just that, tear drops delicately coating her long lashes like morning mist clung to wisps of grass. Slowly breathing in and out, she did her best to calm her mind, silently reciting old poems to keep her thoughts from running back to unwanted places. So focused on the task at hand, she didn't even notice the clicking of the door as it once again swung open. Only when she saw another figure entering from the corner of her eye, she turned around, eyes widened in surprise as she saw Wheein standing there, streaks of tears glistening on her cheeks.

Her already round eyes only grew larger when she felt a pair of arms slip around her, warmth radiating from the smaller body that was pressed against hers. Stunned, Shiyu tried to think of something to say, her mind going at a mile a minute, yet in the end all she could offer was a shaky sigh. Slowly, too afraid to do anything wrong, to do anything that would only hurt the older woman further, she brought her arms around the latter's small frame, one hand reaching up to awkwardly, but gently pet her head. There were a lot of things she wanted to say, questions she so desperately sought answers for, yet somehow all she could manage was play it off. "Uhm....it's....kinda hard to breathe when you squish me that tightly...."

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Pain and sadness clouded Wheein's usual level-headed nature. But seeing Shiyu again and hearing her harsh tone, made Wheein sad. The older woman, no.matter how angry she was, was always more sad than angry. She had lost her best friend. Someone that made her feel safe. To she that safe space full of anger...Wheein didn't know how to act.

Shiyu was still as stubborn as ever. She thought it was endearing but when she was upset it was hard to understand a stubborn and angry Shiyu. The venomous words were all Wheein needed to understand where Shiyu's head was at. The older woman was angry but more mature with her emotions. She wanted to let it go but the venomous stubbornness of Shiyu's words had struck the wrong chord in her. Both too stubborn, Wheein knew that she had forgiven her a long time ago but it was obvious that Shiyu still.had anger in her heart. Wheein was more sad than angry. After having gotten up to get the drinks, she came back to the table to see a missing Shiyu, Wheein felt her heart ache and tears sting at her eyes. That's how it's going to be.....she thought and looked at the strawberry drink in front of her, thinking of all the cute times they had spent together getting little drinks after studying and spending time together talking about anything and everything.

She needed a moment to recollect herself so she stood up and went to the restroom. Once she opened the door she saw Shiyu. She must have just gotten in there because there they both stood looking stunned at one another. Wheein saw tears in Shiyu's eyes and everything went white. As if by instinct she walked over and hugged Shiyu. No matter if she pushed and shoved at her, she would hold her tight. Her own tears running down her face as she felt a sense of relief that Shiyu didn't run away. Wheein knew she didn't have to say any words to express how relieved she was to see Shiyu still here, the warm embrace said jt all.

@♈ Jung Wheein Perhaps if she had just taken a moment to take a few deep breaths, letting the more logical part of her take the lead, it wouldn't have come this far. But now that her emotions had gained the upper hand, it became more and more difficult to see everything with rhyme and reason. Instead, every little thing Wheein said just added more fuel to her rage, making it impossible not to take offense at each and every word. Still, she let the older woman say her piece without interrupting. Intently staring at her former friend, she made no attempts at concealing the myriads of emotions she was feeling at the very moment, a dark storm brewing in the usually calm chocolate colored orbits, turning them almost jet black.

But as easily as her words could rile her up to no end, all it took was for Wheein to mention her favorite drink to calm the most blazing flames, turning the raging inferno into a small wildfire. It was quite silly, but just something about the fact that she remembered such a minuscule little detail when she couldn't even recognize her earlier tugged at just the right heartstrings. Not wanting to let it show, though, Shiyu just stubbornly jutted out her jaw, muttering a "Whatever." in response before averting her eyes, making a great effort to look anywhere but Wheein who had gotten up from her seat at this point.

The little physical distance did help further to clear her mind, albeit the anger remained, though part of it was now rightfully directed at herself. Of course she knew. Knew that she wasn't the only one hurting. But it was just so much easier to focus on herself alone, as selfish and self-absorbed it may sound. Now, with a glimpse of the other involved party's point of view thrown at her, Shiyu knew she couldn't continue like this, didn't want to continue hurting both herself and Wheein. If she were a better person, she would have swallowed her pride, trying her best to right the wrongs. But stubborn as she was, how could she do it when even Wheein herself didn't seem to believe that they would ever be able to make up again.

'I think we both don't and won't ever forgive each other.'

Thinking everything the older woman had said over elicited another wave of upset, her heart stinging as the underlying message settled in. Because underneath all that anger and resentment, there was still the little fifteen year old girl, wishing so desperately to turn back time, to do just anything to make everything right. But with how matter of factly Wheein had spoken those words, all of her hopes, as tiny as they were, were crushed in an instant. "." Muttering the curse word under her breath as she felt a familiar prickle behind her eyes, her vision gradually blurring as her dark orbs became misty with tears, Shiyu quickly rose from her seat, turning her back towards the older woman, her body moving on autopilot as she headed for the only hiding spot she could think of. The women's restroom.

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Wheein had felt so stupid for not noticing who she was sooner...how could she forget the girl that made her heart soft. No.matter what troubles she had Shiyu had always been a beacon back in grade school. But with the societal pressures and friends who whispered in their ears they had a falling out and couldn't reconcile. Both too stubborn to say sorry and just come together. But it was years ago, although the pain and thoughts lingered, Wherin had moved on. The only way to move on was to convince herself it was all just a crush that would never amount to anything, of course she had always hoped it would have developed into more....sleepovers and playful hugs that would always linger a little too long to be considered friendship...all those memories of the softer days came flooding her brain all at once. She was stunned to see how much the soft faced beauty had changes. Of course still beautiful but her face was less round and she was taller too. A woman.

Shiyu of course still as childish as ever. Playing the victim and selfish; wheein had thought it was cute and endearing and harmless but now, it was pissing her off. Shiyu wasn't the only one that suffered. They were friends before the feelings had developed. She had suffered a real blow as well. Wheein couldn't truly open up intimately and be vulnerable with anyone. Her high-school love had taken all of that vulnerability that there was none left for future relationships. Wheein knew she was upset, the venom in Shiyu's voice stung but she pressed on, not wanting to lash out, "I'm sorry~ it was a reflex. Left you behind...funny how you phrase that" wheein shook her head to keep the sadness and anger at bay. "believe and say what you want, you're too stubborn to believe me anyways. I truly don't want to fight with you. I think we both dont and won't ever forgive each other but can we please at least be cordial since we both will be living at the mansion. Let me get you your milk tea....I think they have strawberry flavor here...at least stay for the drink okay? You can stay mad at me forever~ but now that we've met again...can't I stay with you a little longer. I have missed you...despite all the anger and sadness I feel....I missed you a lot so just stay for the drink okay?" Wheein looked at Shiyu with a soft sad expression. The anger she felt was always outweighed by the sadness from their falling out. "I never thought of you as an innocent pure fragile person....you were always my safe space. You will always be that person for me even if we both harbor negative feelings for one another." She whispered before getting up to go order their drinks, "I'll be back okay? Just cool off a bit. I know you hate me I can tell...but did you ever stop to think how much pain I went through too? I lost someone I cared for too you know?" She added before leaving to the counter to place an order.

This whole thing threw her off guard. All that pain she felt rushed back but happiness as well. She saw someone who was so.important to her....even now Shiyu still had a strong hold over Wheein. Wheein was never one to be vulnerable around anyone but with Shiyu, her guard was always down. Shiyu just was that person for her, someone she really loved.

@♈ Jung Wheein She knew it was childish, knew that it was perhaps her worst character trait, but Shiyu just couldn't help it. As passionate as she was about the things she adored, she could be just as cold and indifferent about what she disliked. And right now Jung Wheein definitely fell into the latter category. The first few months after their fallout there had been nothing but anger, burning flames of hatred raging inside of her, but with time they slowly died down on their own with nothing more to fuel them. After two year, when she had graduated high school and left the environment that reminded her so much of the older woman, she had finally managed to come to terms with everything, banishing any thought of her from her mind. And little by little the ghost of one Jung Wheein haunted her less and less in her dreams, images of dimpled smiles fading away. After three years of thoughts revolving around the first person she had ever loved, she had finally been clean, rinsed of all the memories and feelings towards the older woman.

And usually, with the few relationships that followed after, it remained that way. Whether a breakup had been messy or not, Shiyu had always been able to draw a line after, detaching herself and any feeling towards her exes. Yet here she was. Beautiful, brilliant miss Jung Wheein, smiling so innocently, oblivious. Riling her up to no end, reigniting the embers of resentment and bitterness she had once believed to be forever extinguished. So as much as she wanted to stay calm and collected, she just couldn't.

Despite her cold demeanor as she simply watched as realization finally dawned on the woman sitting opposite of her with frosty eyes, the words spilling from her lips in response were dripping with venom. "Oh? So we've finally figured it out, huh? Congratulations. Really, ing good job." Fighting the urge to lash out, knowing that raising her voice in anger would only drawn unwanted attention on them, Shiyu tightly clenched her fists under the table, a faint tremble in her voice as she tried her best to stay calm. "Do you know how happy I used to get from a simple thing as you just calling my name? Funny how time changes everything, don't you think? Me too. I've changed as well. Your sweet, innocent little bun. Don't ever call me that again. The day you left me behind, she left as well."

@♈ Zhou Shiyu There was something in Shiyu's eyes. That stare was fierce and her demeanor was slightly distant. She would be a liar to say she didn't notice how differently she talked to moonbyul. Wheein found that thought interesting, why would she care? The possessiveness and old wheein crept in her mind. She shook her head and mentally swatted that thought from her head. She had a really bad tendency of being possessive of even her friends and new friends. Why would she care if Shiyu talked to her different than she did with Moonbyul. Wheein mentally warned herself, maybe it was because this woman kept her up at night with thoughts of familiarity.

"Well I thought it could represent our friendship. And white does match you nicely." She hummed not really having thinking too much on the meaning. She just thought it matched Shiyu well. But now that she thought of it, innocence and purity...it was what wheein wanted. Not in a person but the innocence of love and just beginning. She had spent so much time in the passionate dark red side of love that it hardly worked out for her.

Looking at the menu then back to Shiyu, she was caught and Wheein smiled sheepishly, "I....I'm sorry~ I just- you look so familiar and if I'm to be honest. I've been thinking about you a lot these days. My memory is so once I try to remember someone it keeps me up at night and I become obsessed over trying to figure jt out. For your face used to be more rounder? And maybe were you shorter?" She asked obviously slowly putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Before ding. Wheein felt like she was punched in the chest and the realization had hit her. "Shiyu...Zhou Shiyu... little bun...." She accidently had said the nickname she had called her outloud instead of in her head back in school. "I mean- god- how long has it been- Wow shiyu I'm sorry I didn't recognize you sooner- my mind is really bad these days." Wheein was just happy and surprised to see her that their falling out kinda melted away and the feelings reignited.

@♈ Jung Wheein Seated close to the wide windows, she had a good view on the streets outside, silently watching people pass by, some strolling leisurely, some rushing down the streets in a hurry. Yet somehow, time seemed to slow down when she caught sight of an all too familiar small figure. Well, in her memories, the older woman had always been, even though just by the slightest inch, taller than her, leaving her to quite literally look up to her. But after a much welcomed growth spurt in her last year of high school, Shiyu was now fairly certain that she had outgrown her. Adding a few inches from the heels she wore, she would easily tower the petite woman. Not that it really mattered.

Watching through the window, she only took her eyes off the approaching woman when she had reached the door, not wanting to get caught staring. Which she wasn't. Definitely wasn't. Closing her eyes for a moment, Shiyi tried her best to remain calm, forcing herself to focus on slowly breathing in and out, which proved much more difficult when she could so easily pick up the well memorized rhythm of her foot steps between all the humming and buzzing noises around her. It was, as if even after all these years, her body was still so attuned to the older female, unconsciously reacting to her mere presence. Just like how her skin would tingle, her heart beating a little faster at the sound of her voice. Oh, that voice. Soft as velvet, sweeter than honey. The very thing that had once captivated her, drawing her closer and closer to the brilliantly shining woman.

Silently cursing herself for letting her past get to her, she turned to look up at the woman, her gaze fiercer than intended. "Hi...." Remaining seated, she once again just watched the woman, taking the few seconds to get her emotions in check, before she settled for a polite smile. "Thank you. For the...daisy. Innocence and purity, no? Its meaning in flower language." Adding the last part for clarification, she then turned her attention to the mentioned menu, slightly shaking her head. "Not yet. I..."

Don't think I'll stay long enough for a drink. But of course she couldn't say that out loud. Angry or not, she wasn't that rude of a person. "...have only arrived a few minutes before you." A blatant lie, but that Wheein didn't need to know. Turning to the menu for a moment, she soon noticed the little glances thrown her way and in the spur of a moment, she waited, intently staring back when she once again caught the older one's eyes on her. "What?"

@♈ Zhou Shiyu Wheein really didn't venture our on dates much. She was tired of the games and back and forth. She was looking for something more these days. Wheein was much more tamed after having been gone for months. She wanted the soft romantic moments and for holding hands to even be a big step. She was so used to being used and using others for her pleasures but these days she turned a new leaf and decided that she wanted a softer love that burned slowly and carefully. She was much more interested in soft smiles and lazy talks. All that empty meaningless took its toll on her. She eventually had to take a step back and evaluate what she wanted. Here she was, finally making an effort with a beautiful girl who seemed all too familiar. Wheein had a bad memory and didn't remember much and would often get in trouble for her lack of memories but something about this woman struck something in her chest. Was her mind hiding a painful memory that this woman happened to be associated with? The familiarity killed Wheein. She would often think of Shiyu and why her name was familiar. Because if this she reached out and asked for a coffee date to see what it was that had captivated her. She walked to the cafe, humming with as she carried a small daisy. She thought since she was the one asking, she wanted to bring a small token to thank her. Once she arrived her eyes searched for the familiar face that kept wheein up at night. Finding her she smiled and waved before walking over to take a seat opposite of her. "Hey Shi shi~ I brought you a daisy~ I thought it would suit you well." Wheein smiled kindly before handing her the flower. "Have you had a chance to look over the menu?" She hummed as she looked down at the menu with a hum., her eyes would glance up to take in how Shiyu looked, Wheein's eyes still as curious as ever as to who this beauty is.

@♈ Jung Wheein Looking rather glum, Shiyu ventured down to the nearby cafe, already regretting having agreed to this. Of course at first when her phone had lit up, notifying her of new matches, she had been exhilarated. But all feelings of excitement dwindled the moment she saw an all too familiar name, piercing eyes staring right back at her from her phone's screen. It only became worse as not too long after she received the first message, suggesting a meetup. A question so innocently asked without any sign of malice that she couldn't imagine it to be just pretense. And perhaps that was what hurt the most. Where the mere thought of the girl, woman she corrected herself, whom she had once considered the most beautiful person inside and out walking earth, had haunted her for years, the past still occasionally holding her in its grips, especially during those lonely nights when she would have a drink too many, it seemed like she had been completely erased from the other's memory, so easily forgotten as if she had never mattered at all.

She had been mulling over this, running through all stages of grief in a matter of hours. Denial first, her trying to convince herself that maybe this was just a lookalike with the same name. Which, of course, was complete bull. There was no way she could ever forget those beautiful onyx eyes. So then came anger, at herself, the world, everyone. But even that quickly subsided as her thoughts all circled back to HER, their past. And for hours all she could wonder was what if? What if, what if, what if. Question upon question filled her mind, to which none she knew the answer. Because reality was, one could never turn back time, relive the past, change it, no matter how much one wished for it. One thing she could do though, Shiyu eventually realized, was make a choice in the present.

So here she was, seated at a table in a small cafe, waiting for the person responsible for her first ever heartbreak, hoping to get the closure she had denied herself all those years ago.

@♓️ Lee Soodam Yeah, it’s something I like to have on the in background as noise, cause it’s not something you have to sit still at and pay attention to.
*nods as i takes the last bite of my cake*
that’s fair, cyber safety is important, especially for individuals like yourself who are a public figure..
is that why you came in with masked earlier?

@♓️ Lee Soodam Ahh that's nice! I mean I'm not so into playing the games myself, but i do enjoy indulging in a few streams once in a while..
Mostly watch Valorant streams though
*rubs the back of my neck*
You must meet a lot of people online when playing games right?

@♓️ Lee Soodam It just would be nice to be able to talk to the other person, right?
To get some kind of closure with what happened? Cause I'm an overthinker and would be wondering what happened.
But I get it, and its good to take your time and work on yourself and things before trying to get into another relationship.
*nods as i take another bite of my cake*
So about your job, I'm just curious, what type of games and things do you play?

@♓️ Lee Soodam *nods as I listen to you, taking another sip of my coffee*
I mean yeah, most importantly though is for the two people to communicate.
Things left unsaid can lead to miscommunication and frustration.
*pauses to take another sip of my coffee, using the opporunity to word out what I want to say*
It's important to talk it out with the other person if you feel uncomfortable or are unsure of a certain situation.
If that person is really who you want to be with for the rest of your life, you'd want to work out these tiny bumps in the road.

@♓️ Lee Soodam That's fair actually, I can understand that. I feel like its better for relationships if they are blossomed from a friendship.
So you're just here for friends at the moment and it'll become a plus if you get a partner too?
*tilts my head as i cut another piece of cake and take a bite*
That's good that you're over it, I would still be self-blaming if that was me.
*lets out an embarrased chuckle, putting her fork down*

@♓️ Lee Soodam I'm always down to make friends! Why would it be a problem for me?
*chuckling, I take a small bite of my cheesecake*
And i'm sorry your last date ghosted you, that's horrible.. can't believe people would do that to another person sometimes...

@♓️ Lee Soodam Maybe you'll meet her one day!
*doesn't start on my cake just yet, taking a sip of my coffee first*
That's okay that you haven't heard of it! If you have no intention of getting lingerie, then you wouldn't have come across it~
So why did you join the app?

@♓️ Lee Soodam Ah I see! There is someone else on the app that streams! Her name's Jennie!
*leans forward a little, leaning on the table as i rest my head in my hand*
Ah, I'm a CEO of a lingerie company, Red Silk Lingerie.. Don't know if you've heard of it...

@♓️ Lee Soodam I'm sure, honey. Don't really mind what you call me, just drop the formality!
*smiles as i lean back a little in my chair to cross my leg over the other*
*the worker comes over at this moment and I place both our orders together*
... yep just those for now. Could you please leave one of the menus here? I might want to order more later. Thank you.
*smiles as the worker goes to put our orders in*
So what exactly do you do Soodam?

@♓️ Lee Soodam You can drop the formalities, don't like them very much
*i say as i wave my hand out dismissively*
Just Hyolyn or unnie is fine!
That's good you're doing well! I've been good as well, works been quiet~