As Faye and Yoko stepped back into the lively bar, the energy in the room seemed to shift. The music thrummed warmly, laughter and conversation intertwined, but the instant their return was noticed, all eyes turned toward them.
"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence!" P'Lookmhee's voice rang out, a mix of humor and mock indignation. Raising her glass dramatically, she waved them over. "Did you two need GPS to find your way back?"
Yoko rolled her eyes, though a small smile betrayed her amusement. "Relax, we were just outside talking," she said, trying to brush it off.
"Wow, they just met today and already needed space for themselves," Orm chimed in mischievously, earning a ripple of laughter from the group.
"Orm, don't start," Yoko warned, but her blush betrayed her embarrassment.
Before the teasing could escalate further, Sonya stepped forward with an elegant grace, her smile warm yet mischievous. "Alright, give them a break. They've had a long day." Her knowing look made Yoko's cheeks burn brighter as she extended her hand to her. "Yoko, it's wonderful to finally meet you in person."
"Nice to meet you too," Yoko replied, shaking her hand nervously, though her gaze briefly shifted to Sonya's impeccable outfit and commanding presence.
Another woman stepped forward, her expression friendly. Yoko realized it was the same woman she'd seen in New York with Faye. "Hi, Yoko," she said, her tone light and teasing. "We haven't been properly introduced yet. My boss here can be a little slow with intros." She shot a playful look at Faye, who chuckled softly. "I'm Namtan, Faye's childhood friendâand her overly efficient executive assistant."
Faye rubbed the back of her neck, her ears tinged pink. "Namtan, you really don't have to make it sound so dramatic."
The group dissolved into laughter, and as the introductions continued, Yoko was startled to see her mom walking over to Faye with a warm hug. "Thank you for coming," her mother said, her voice gentle but heartfelt.
"It's an honor to be here, thank you for having me." Faye replied sincerely, her politeness immediately endearing her to Yoko's parents. Her dad offered a firm handshake, his approving smile growing wider by the second.
Yoko's shock only deepened when she noticed Dr. Lingling Kwong, their school doctor, and Ms. Engfa, her professor, chatting animatedly with P'Lookmhee. Apparently, they were former classmates and had been invited to the party as well.
She also noticed Orm had gone quiet as Ms. Lingling approached Faye to introduce herself. At the same time, she saw Ms. Engfa stealing glances at Charlotte, who seemed the most distractedâher eyes locked on Faye. Charlotte leaned toward Orm and whispered loudly enough for Yoko to hear, "You didn't tell me she was this gorgeous. Like, who looks this good in real life?"
Orm and Charlotte, meanwhile, seemed completely taken with Faye.
"She's like... perfection incarnate," Charlotte whispered loudly to Orm, who nodded in exaggerated agreement.
"Is it even legal to look that good?" Orm added, fanning herself dramatically.
Yoko groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Can you two not?"
"Not possible," Orm replied with a cheeky grin. "By the way, Faye, are you accepting applications for a fan club?"
Faye, who had been engaged in conversation with P'Freen, turned to them with a bemused smile, tilting her head slightly. "I've never had a fan club before, but... sure?" Her playful response sent another wave of laughter through the group, the lighthearted exchange adding to the evening's easygoing atmosphere.
"Don't encourage them," Yoko muttered, glaring at her friends, though the corners of her lips twitched upward.
P'Freen raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile as she turned to Orm and Charlotte. "I thought I was your only idol," she said with mock offense, placing a hand dramatically over her chest. "How could you betray me like this?"
Her tone was light, but the playful glint in her eyes made it clear she was just as amused by the situation as everyone else.
Orm and Charlotte exchanged a quick glance , then both turned to P'Freen with feigned guilt.
Charlotte shrugged dramatically, putting on a mock-serious expression. "What can I say? Faye's got that charm." She threw a playful wink toward Faye.
Orm nodded with exaggerated solemnity, placing a hand over her heart. "I swear, P'Freen, you'll always be my number one... in the most certain way. But Faye's just... impossible to resist." She gave a sly grin, clearly enjoying the banter.
P'Freen's smile widened, clearly relishing the playful banter. "I see how it is," she said, shaking her head with a mischievous grin. "Well, I guess I'll have to start accepting applications for my new fan club... and begin terminating traitors!" Her voice held a hint of mock-seriousness, but it was evident she was thoroughly enjoying the lighthearted exchange. Her effortless charm and easygoing nature made the moment all the more infectious, drawing even more laughter from the group.
As the evening went on, the teasing gave way to genuine conversations. Yoko noticed how seamlessly Faye fit in, chatting easily with her parents and her siblings, Nana and Bam. At one point, Yoko overheard Nana admitting that Faye had been the one to plan the surprise party, though she'd let them take credit.
"Wait, seriously?" Yoko asked, turning to Faye.
Faye shrugged with an easy smile. "It wasn't a big deal. Your siblings handled the hard part."
Yoko shook her head, a mix of surprise and admiration filling her voice. "You're... amazing."
Faye leaned closer, her tone teasing but warm. "Stick around. There's more where that came from."
Orm and Charlotte, of course, couldn't resist chiming in.
"She's not just gorgeousâshe's thoughtful, too? Yoko, you're living the dream," Charlotte teased, clutching her chest dramatically.
Yoko groaned again, shaking her head. "I can't believe I'm friends with you two."
Faye chuckled, leaning closer to Yoko. "They're fun," she murmured.
"That's one way to put it," Yoko muttered, though the corners of her lips quirked upward.
Throughout the evening, Yoko couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Faye blended into her world. Whether she was engaging in polite conversation with her parents or patiently fielding the barrage of questions from P'Chai and P'Freen, Faye handled it all with grace and ease. Her laughter was genuine and infectious, especially when P'Lookmhee launched into one of her borderline outrageous stories. It wasn't just the casual interactions that caught Yoko's attention; when she slipped away to the bathroom, she returned to find Faye deep in conversation with Dr. Lingling and Ms. Engfa, speaking seriously, yet with a tone of ease and confidence that only furthered Yoko's growing admiration.
As she entered the room, Yoko found Faye already looking at her with a warm, welcoming smile. Without hesitation, Faye stood and gently guided Yoko to sit beside her. The entire evening, Yoko was aware of how close they were, their arms brushing every so often, their hands nearly touching with every subtle shift. It was a constant reminder of how in sync they seemed to be, and Yoko couldn't shake the flutter of excitement in her chest. Faye's scent lingered in the air around her, delicate but intoxicating. Yoko was a connoisseur of fine perfumes, well-versed in the most expensive and rare fragrances, but she couldn't place what Faye wore. It frustrated her, because it was all she could think aboutâhow the scent seemed to make her knees weak, how it seemed to fill the space between them and make everything feel even more intimate. And somehow, she had the distinct feeling she wasn't the only one who noticed.
Orm and Charlotte, too, seemed particularly captivated by Faye.
"Is it just me, or is she like a real-life rom-com lead?" Orm whispered loudly to Yoko, nodding toward Faye, who was busy helping Nana adjust her Faye City leather jacket. Yoko hadn't even noticed the jacket before, but now that it caught her eye, she couldn't help but admire the way Faye effortlessly styled it. She was a natural when it came to fashionâoffering casual yet expert advice as she showed Nana how to wear the jacket properly, her every movement exuding a laid-back confidence that was impossible to ignore.
"Right? The outfit, the confidenceâit's just unfair," Charlotte added, shaking her head in playful frustration.
Yoko shot them both a pointed look, her voice firm but laced with a hint of pink creeping up her cheeks. "Okay, enough. You've both officially lost talking privileges for the rest of the night."
Orm and Charlotte exchanged amused glances, each mouthing "jealous" with exaggerated gestures, which only made Yoko roll her eyes in response. Their teasing, though playful, only heightened the warm flutter she felt every time she looked at Faye.
As the evening wore on, Faye's thoughtful planning became more evident.
Ms. Engfa and Dr. Lingling were caught in a playful argument, with Dr. Lingling insisting that Ms. Engfa couldn't leave in her drunken state and offering to book her a room. But then Namtan chimed in, her voice light and matter-of-fact. "Faye booked rooms for everyone."
Yoko blinked in surprise. "You did what?"
Faye shrugged casually, a small, easy smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Just in case anyone had a little too much to drink or needed a place to crash. It's all taken care of."
Yoko stood there, momentarily stunned, her mind racing to process the gesture. "That's... that's really kind of you."
Faye's gaze softened, and she gave a small, reassuring smile. "It's nothing. I just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves without worrying."
Yoko stared at her, a mixture of awe and disbelief flooding her chest. The more she got to know Faye, the more her actions revealed just how thoughtful and considerate she was. It wasn't just a random act of kindnessâit was Faye's nature to care for the people around her in quiet, unspoken ways.
As the night drew to a close, and everyone began heading toward their respective rooms, the atmosphere in the bar shiftedâlighter, quieter, as though the evening was gently winding down to its inevitable conclusion. Faye walked with Yoko toward her family's suite, and the air between them felt warmer, more intimate, the earlier teasing replaced with a quiet camaraderie.
When they reached the door, Yoko paused, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "Thank you," she murmured.
Faye turned to her with a raised eyebrow, her tone light but curious. "For what?"
Yoko swallowed, the sincerity in her voice evident. "For everything. The surprise party, the flowers, the rooms, being here... just, everything." Her words carried more weight than she intended, and she suddenly felt vulnerable for saying them aloud. But there was no going back now.
Faye's expression softened, her gaze filled with a gentle warmth as she reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from Yoko's face. "Anything for you," she replied, her voice steady, confident, and full of sincerity.
The warmth in Faye's words caused Yoko's cheeks to flush, her heart fluttering at the depth of the affection she could feel in that simple response. A light blush spread across her skin, and her usual shyness began to resurface, making her fidget nervously with her hands. Yet, despite the sudden rush of uncertainty, she gathered the courage to speak again, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Um, do you... want to come in?" she asked, the words tumbling out. "I mean... if you're not too tired yet," she added almost apologetically, her gaze falling to her hands as she anxiously twisted her fingers together.
Faye's smile was effortless, her eyes lighting up with something warm and affectionate as she met Yoko's gaze. "I'll never get tired of being with you," she answered simply, her tone gentle, but with a quiet certainty that made Yoko's heart skip a beat.
Without another word, Faye stepped forward, her presence radiating a comforting warmth. She walked past Yoko and into the suite, the air between them charged with an unspoken understanding. The door clicked softly behind them, and suddenly, the outside world seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them in the serene, soft glow of the room.
---
The hotel suite was quiet, the warm light of a bedside lamp casting a soft glow over the room. Yoko stood by the window, gazing out at the city lights. The evening had been a whirlwindâemotionally charged but also grounding in a way she hadn't expected. Faye's presence had been constant, reassuring, and for the first time in a long while, Yoko felt like she could breathe easier.
Behind her, Faye leaned casually against the doorframe, her gaze fixed on Yoko with quiet admiration. She hadn't planned for tonight to unfold like this, but she wasn't complaining.
"Hey," Faye said softly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.
Yoko turned, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Hey."
Faye pushed off the doorframe and took a few steps closer. "You've been standing there for a while. Everything okay?"
Yoko nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah. I was just... thinking. About tonight. About you."
Faye's brow lifted, and a playful smile spread across her lips. "Me? Well, I hope they're good thoughts."
"They are," Yoko admitted, her voice softening. "I guess I just wanted to say thank you again, and let you know how grateful I am for you. For being here. For... showing up for me."
Faye's teasing demeanor softened into something gentler, more earnest. "You don't have to thank me, Yoko. I'm here because I want to be."
Yoko crossed her arms loosely, her eyes dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting Faye's again. "It means a lot. You being here. I don't think I've told you that enough."
Faye stepped closer, the gap between them narrowing. "You don't have to say it, you know. I can see it. But it's nice to hear," she added with a grin.
Yoko rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "You're impossible."
"Impossibly charming," Faye quipped, her tone light but her eyes warm. She reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Yoko's face. "And impossibly glad to be standing here with you right now."
Yoko felt a warmth creep into her cheeks, but she didn't shy away from Faye's gaze. "You really have a way with words, don't you?"
Faye tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm, maybe. But I mean every single one when it comes to you
Yoko laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're something else, Faye."
Faye took a step back, feigning offense. "Something else? I was hoping for 'irresistibly swoon-worthy.'"
Yoko laughed again, the sound filling the room and easing whatever tension lingered. "Don't push your luck."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Faye said with mock seriousness before her tone shifted, quieter now. "But seriously, Yoko, I'm really glad we're here. Tonightâit feels... right."
Yoko's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Faye's voice. She reached out, letting her hand brush against Faye's. "It does," she agreed softly.
"And again, I wanted to apologize for keeping you in the dark, I don't want us to start something with half-truths or omissions. If there's even a chance for us, I need to be upfront about everything."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the quiet between them filled with unspoken feelings and possibilities. Faye's fingers gently curled around Yoko's, her touch warm and steady.
Yoko finally exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "It hurt," she admitted quietly. "Not because you had an exâI'm not naive, Faye. I know people have pasts. But because you didn't think you could tell me. I wanted us to be... honest with each other. To be real."
"I want that too," Faye said quickly, her voice urgent. "I know I messed up, but I'm here now, and I want to do better. I will do better, if you'll let me."
Yoko looked at her, searching for any sign of hesitation or insincerity. All she found was earnestness, a vulnerability that was rare for someone as confident as Faye.
"You mean that?" Yoko asked softly.
"With everything I've got," Faye replied without missing a beat.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Yoko's mouth. "You're pretty convincing."
Faye let out a quiet laugh, some of the tension in her posture easing. "I mean it, Yoko. I don't want to mess this up. You're... too important to me."
Yoko felt a warmth spread through her chest at the sincerity in Faye's words. She shifted slightly closer. "I believe you," she said after a pause.
Relief flickered across Faye's face, and her smile softened. "Thank you," she said simply. "Do you have any idea how amazing you are?" Faye asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yoko looked down at their intertwined hands, her voice quieter now. "You're too good at this, you know."
"At what?" Faye asked, tilting her head.
"Making me feel like I'm... special."
Faye's expression softened further, and she took a half-step closer. "That's because you are," she said simply.
Yoko's breath hitched at the sincerity in Faye's tone, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond. Instead, she tightened her grip on Faye's hand, letting the touch speak for her.
Faye smiled, a quiet, knowing smile that spoke volumes. "I guess this is the part where I say goodnight," she said reluctantly, her tone playful yet gentle. "I know you're tired, so I'll let you rest."
Yoko glanced at the clock on the nightstand, surprised by how late it had gotten. The soft glow of the numbers seemed to emphasize how much time had passed since they first walked into the room. "I guess so," she replied, her voice carrying the same reluctant undertone as before. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking to Faye before she continued. "And I know you're probably exhausted too, with the flight and everything you've done since you got here." There was a quiet sincerity in her words, a gentle acknowledgment of everything Faye had put into making the evening special.
Faye, however, was unfazed by the idea of rest. She raised their joined hands, her fingers warm against Yoko's skin. With a tender smile, she pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Yoko's knucklesâan intimate gesture that made Yoko's heart skip a beat. "Sleep well, Yoko," Faye murmured, her voice low and soothing, as if the very words were meant to ease any lingering tension in the air. There was something in her tone, something undeniably sincere, that made Yoko feel safe and cared for, as though Faye's simple wish for her rest was a promise of more quiet, comforting moments to come.
Yoko's heart fluttered again, and she felt a smile spread across her face. "Goodnight, Faye."
As Faye turned to leave, she paused by the door, glancing back with a grin. "Don't stay up too late thinking about me."
Yoko rolled her eyes, laughing softly. "Go, before I change my mind about how charming you are."
With one last smile, Faye slipped out of the room, leaving Yoko standing by the window, her heart light and her mind buzzing with everything that had just happened. Yoko leaned against the window, her gaze lost in the soft glow of the city lights below. The night felt peaceful, yet her heart raced with a quiet excitement she hadn't expected. A soft smile played on her lips as she stared out into the distance, still in disbelief that Faye was hereâthat she could talk to her, touch her, and look into those eyes that seemed to hold her in a way no one else ever had.
Everything felt different, almost surreal, like something out of a dream. She had imagined this moment so many times, but now that it was real, it felt more fragile, more precious than she could have ever anticipated. The mere thought of Faye being so close, of sharing this space together, made her chest tighten with something unspoken.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
(This is going to be a long ass message, I'm sorry! I just wanted to point something out and also acknowledge my super pretty SG babe âyou know who you are. You're one of a kind, and I miss you so much! This story was created because of you and inspired by you!  ð)
Hey there, my amazing babes! I missed you all so much, and I was honestly shocked when I opened my Wattpad earlier and saw all the notifications for your votes and comments. It really warmed my heart. There was even a comment from two people saying that my updates have been the highlight of their days, (@kTDOTC @OhCrap6 )and I may be overreacting, but I actually got teary-eyed reading them.
Publishing this has been so difficult for me because I didn't want it to turn into another heartbreak. I used to be a JenLisa shipper, and I wrote stories about them. But then, life happened, and I realized they might not be real. Since they were my first GL couple, I was really hurt by the realization. In the end, I decided to delete my account and all my stories.
But in March, at a Taylor Swift concert, I unexpectedly met someone. She was alone, and I was with my sister. With no available hotels, we planned to stay at the airport for more than 24 hours before our flight. While seated next to her, she asked where we were staying. When she heard our plan, she was so kind and offered to let us stay in her hotel room at least until our flight, so we'd be comfortable and able to sleep and shower. Long story short, we stayed there, and we ended up talking a lot. I mentioned writing AUs on Wattpad, and to my surprise, she was a fan of my work. She'd been wondering why I hadn't been writing anymore and unable to find me on Wattpad, so I explained what had happened.
She said something that really helped me, and I'm quoting it because it stuck with me: "I read your AUs because I was a JL shipper too, and like you, I was heartbroken when I realized they might not be real. But then I came to terms with it and realized the best part of those stories wasn't just about shipping, it was about believing in a love like that. It inspired faith in love itself. We believe in something uncertain, and that's what faith is. So don't be discouraged if they aren't real. Shipping something uncertain is powerful, it's about the journey, the connection, and the hope that love can inspire."
So when I read that someone is truly looking forward to this story, it hit me hard, and I felt incredibly grateful. People have so many important things going on in their lives, yet they choose to spend a little time reading a story that isn't real, simply because it brings them happiness.
So thank you to everyone who voted, commented, and added this story to their reading list. As promised, this chapter is dedicated to @kTDOTC, @OhCrap6, @thirlwallslvr, BelindaRea8, @GrumpyOmega, and @meegraceee. I love you all, truly. ð
We are nearing the end! I think? ð¤ð