West Branch

“He’s going to die.”

“Hey, Jessica, can you shut the fuck up?” Taeyeon drags you over to what could only be described as a massive jellybean sitting in the middle of a blindingly white room. “Just get out of here, you’ve already scanned your presence. Yoona can tandem.”

“Don’t even think about bringing him to the South Branch,” Jessica makes her way towards the sliding doors. “I’m not having you ruin my perfect record when I’m this close.”

With that, she steps through and the metal snaps shut behind her.

“Can you believe her?” Taeyeon turns to the other girl in the room while setting you down on the jellybean. “Explain something to me, Yoona. Why is she the only problematic one? You turned out fine.”

Yoona joins Taeyeon by the jellybean and laughs softly. “Seohyun’s a lovely neighbor as well, even if she’s occasionally a bit of a stickler for the rules.”

“I’d happily trade spots,” Taeyeon says as she starts tapping away on a screen. “You got so lucky being placed in the North Branch, you never have to deal with that mushroom bitch.”

“Only when I visit your lovely place,” Yoona teases with a smile. “It’s just one more week anyway, and I’ve heard amazing things about the new Leaf.”

“People talk about her like she’s perfection incarnate,” Taeyeon slides the screen away and sits down next to you. “Have you seen her yet?”

“Just in passing during my previous Stump visit,” Yoona guides the metal tube lowering from the roof towards your belly. “I can’t lie, she’s unbelievably gorgeous.”

“And her assets? As impressive as they claim?” Taeyeon swivels the jellybean until your head is in her lap. “Jessica is so fucking secretive about her, she won’t even let me meet her.”

“Understated, if I’m being honest,” Yoona locks the tube into place. “Is that why you’ve hidden your Stem away?”

“Why should I let Jessica see my Stem if she never let me see hers?”

Yoona laughs again. “It’s petty, but I understand,” she says, holding the button on the side of the tube. “It might make the transition next week rather awkward.”

“Right?” Taeyeon’s voice raises with frustration. “I never once met her Stem, and now she’s already a Leaf. I know she graduated quickly, but come on. That’s fucking ridiculous.”

“Quickest graduation in Essem history, they say. Even quicker than Boa.”

“And she already has a Stem!”

“Wait, really?” Seohyun gasps. “I thought they were joking! How can she have a Stem before taking over South Branch? That doesn’t even make sense.”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Taeyeon shrugs. “They’ve been getting desperate lately. I swear, every day there’s a new rule being broken.”

“They really have,” Seohyun agrees and purses her lips. “Especially after the Velvet fiasco.”

“Four new Branches was way too ambitious,” Taeyeon sighs, shaking her head. “Although, a Southwest Branch would have meant I’d never have to tandem with Jessica.”

“But a Northwest Branch would mean we’d only get to see each other in the Stump.”

“Yeah, fuck that,” Taeyeon laughs. “Although, we don’t have too much longer before our Stems take over.”

“How’s yours? Still on pace?” Yoona asks. “Ning’s doing quite well, and she seems to enjoy North Branch. I could see her promoting to Leaf in a month or so.”

“Winter’s doing alright, she’s been taking care of most of it just fine,” Taeyeon responds. “It’s just the initial jab that leaves her queasy.”

“I don’t blame her, honestly; I hated it at the start. She’ll have to get used to it,” Yoona nods. “He’s ready, by the way.”

“Go ahead,” Taeyeon unzips her top and flips out her breast.

“Seohyun would kill me if she caught me jabbing before nourishing.”

“I know that’s the official way, but it just feels so cruel,” Taeyeon looks down at you and caresses your cheek. “Why make them suffer unnecessarily?”

“Is it true that Jessica jabs her Wonbins twice?” Yoona presses her hand to the scanner.

“She claims she’s just being thorough,” Taeyeon says before switching her voice into an annoying whine. “South Branch’s Stem can provide full nourishment.”

“As if our Stems can’t,” Yoona shakes her head and laughs. “Ning has had no issues with nourishment.”

The two of them watch with blank expressions as a metal corkscrew spirals down the tube until the point presses into your abdomen. There’s a small click, and the metal tip lurches forward into your skin.

You feel nothing other than the tiniest bit of pressure, but you close your eyes tight – you’ve never been able to watch this part.

The machine above you hums, building up steadily. The two women watch intently to make sure nothing is malfunctioning. They stare as the humming gets louder and louder, right up until a loud squish echoes through the room and the corkscrew starts spinning, painting the entirety of the tube red.

Yoona winces and turns away, but Taeyeon stays focused on the whirling metal.

“Five… four… three…” she starts mumbling under her breath.

As the count hits zero, she lowers her breast to your mouth and presses her nipple past your lips. She uses one finger to stroke your cheek and trigger the rooting reflex. After a couple of tense seconds, your lips latch onto her and she sighs with relief.

“That part’s always a bit scary,” Taeyeon looks up at Yoona who’s squinting at the tube. “Yoona? You good?”

“It’s so vibrant.”

Taeyeon glances at the tube. “Oh, that’s right, you haven’t been here for his drops,” Taeyeon lowers her gaze to you. “He’s always this vibrant.”

“Taeyeon…” Yoona turns to her. “Do you think–”

“Surely not,” Taeyeon’s head snaps up and she raises her brows. “Do you?”

“I’ve never seen this shade, only ever in the scriptures.”

Taeyeon looks down at you again. “Is there a chance, Wonbin 9?” she starts softly. “Are you the Seed we’ve been waiting for?”