*RIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG*
Tiffany's eyes shot open in shock causing her to immediately sit up.
Crap! I overslept and I have to turn in to work early too!
Slapping her alarm clock shut, Tiffany rushed into the shower and preceded to do her none-existing morning routine.
Can I really last the whole day with only 3 hours of sleep and energy Jello for breakfast again?
Today is...the one day a year when the entire editing team dresses up formally...
Finally finished getting ready, Tiffany opened her door only to hear the door next to her open too.
"..."
"What are you glaring at me for first thing in the morning?" Taeyeon asked while yawning.
"Good morning...umm, I would rather not go to work together, so would you mind leaving after me?"
"What the hell is that?" Taeyeon squinted at her.
In the end, Tiffany was forced to walk with Taeyeon.
A woman that lives somewhere in the building caught up with them as the elevator reached their floor.
"Good morning." Tiffany greeted with a polite smile as all three of them entered the elevator.
"Oh my, you two sure are early today..."
"Eh? Umm...yeah." Although a little weirded out, Tiffany tried to stay polite nonetheless.
Today? Is she from our floor...? I don't think I have ever done more than say hello to her once...
The women looked like she was an office lady in her mid 40's, which is the usual residents of this apartment building.
"Gonna be chilly today." The woman said.
"Indeed." Taeyeon smiled slightly to not come off as rude.
"Oh, that reminds me! I have been wondering this for some time, so do you mind if I ask...?" The woman said awkwardly.
"Yes...?" Tiffany raised an eyebrow.
"What sort of line of work are you two involved in?"
Taeyeon and Tiffany froze in their place and looked at the women, a bit surprised. Taeyeon knew that the women did not live in their floor and each of them only greeted her once.
How in the heavens...?
"What?" Tiffany chuckled...
"Well, you two always leave for work early in the morning and don't get back until late at night!"
How does she know?!
"And this being such a dangerous world these days, I thought I would just check...hohoho."
Crap
She thinks we're involved in something fishy...
Tiffany was as always quick to clear any misunderstandings, "Oh...well, you see, we're actually- " Tiffany stopped talking when Taeyeon stepped forward and smiled softly at the woman.
"Please forgive us, did we disturb you by making noise or something, perhaps?" Taeyeon asked.
Now Tiffany is definitely suspicion of this woman. Taeyeon wouldn't put up the act for no reason.
"Oh, no! It's nothing like that...hohoho." The woman laughed nervously.
"Please don't worry!" Tiffany said, "We're not involved in any unsavory business. It's simply that- "
*DING*
Upon seeing that their chance to clear the misunderstanding was gone when the elevator door opened, Taeyeon smirked and gave the woman a suggestive look, "Our work is best done after dark...so next time, by all means," Taeyeon flashed the women her most charming smile, still keeping her cool demeanor and pulled Tiffany out of the elevator in the progress.
Tiffany's jaw dropped when she saw that right before the elevator closed, there was a look of falling in love on the woman's face as she blushed. She was completely smitten.
"Wa- Wait just a minute! Taeyeon!" Tiffany chased Taeyeon down the street, "What are you doing telling lies like that?! We're proper salaried employees after all!"
"But we still do our work after dark, right?" Taeyeon said while yawning.
"It's not like we do all of our work after dark, it's that we also do our work after dark! and what did you mean by next time, by all means?! Be clear when you speak!"
"I meant: next time, by all means, please check out monthly Emerald, which goes on sales at the end of every month."
There is no way she got all that from just those few words!
"Stop dragging your feet. We've got the new years party this evening. I assume you will have all your work tied up by then, right?"
Tiffany glared at the look of expectation on Taeyeon's face, "I will get it all done even without you telling me!"
"I see." Taeyeon nodded.
The new year's party is held once a year as an opportunity for the authors and other staff to deepen their relationships. We used to have an awards party for the literature authors at my last job, but this is my first time attending a party that focused on comics' authors. Though it's probably not that different.
Tiffany facepalmed as she took a seat on her desk and stared at a sheet.
Guess I will hurry and get my work taken care of and then head to the hall...
Her screen lit up and she picked it up wondering who might it be. An incoming call from MOM was flashing on the screen.
"Hello? Tiffany?"
"Ah! J- Just a minute!" Tiffany looked at Sunny and Yuri apologetically as she got up, "I'm sorry, I will be right back!"
Sunny and Yuri looked at each other and then back at Tiffany who was already leaving the office.
"Her boyfriend again?"
"Beats me..."
The two went back to work, missing the unexplained look on Taeyeon's face.
"How could you not give Kanggunie any consideration the other day? Is it true that you didn't invite him inside to warm up?"
"..."
"Mom, I'm at work right now, I'm hanging up." Tiffany faced palmed as she heard what her stepmother said.
"You wait for just a minute young woman! What if something happened to him?! Making him walk back in that cold weather!"
"Where did you hear that anyway?!" Tiffany asked in frustration. This really was not the time nor the place for this kind of conversation.
"From Kanggunie's mother."
"Just so you know, I did stay out and chatted with him until he decided to go back! And why are we still keeping up with this fiancé thing?" Tiffany sighed stressfully, "Haven't I made myself clear that I'm not going along with that?"
"Then just who are you planning to marry?"
"What do you mean who?"
"You need a suitable partner for when you eventually take over the company, right?"
Tiffany grimaced, "You're still going on about me taking over the company?"
"You can't possibly have any objections on his family's background or to Kanggun himself. That's why your father chose him in the first place."
"Well, I know that, but..."
"Or are you saying that you have someone else you love, then?!"
Tiffany's heart immediately jumped up when the image of Taeyeon suddenly appeared in her brain, "I...well, no, but..."
"Now see here, you are never going to find someone better than Kanggun!"
"...So, what do you want? Don't tell me you called me up just for that." Tiffany sighed.
"Oh, Kanggun is off to a friend's wedding this evening, it seems. So make sure you meet up with him and apologize about last time, okay?"
"What?! I can't! I'm attending a new year's party for my company this evening and with all of the authors too! Who knows when will I be able to leave!"
"And where is that?"
"At the lotte hotel."
"Well isn't that convenient! That's the same hotel Kanggun is going to! How perfect!"
"What?!"
"I have told him you will be there, so be sure you go, okay? Bye!"
"Wa- Wait! Mom?" Tiffany's phone screen flashed orange, the call had ended.
I can't believe this. How could she decide like that?
Sighing tiredly, Tiffany tried to call her mom again.
The number you have dialed is not in service or is-
Shit! She did this on purpose!
Please leave a message after the beep
*be~ep*
"Mom? I seriously have work and can't make it! Please let him know I can't! Okay?!"
Tiffany looked at the window she's standing next to and felt the urge to throw her phone out of it.
I better text Kanggun too and let him know I can't make it.
Argh geez
Texting in her phone violently, Tiffany grimaced.
I can't possibly have a fiancé at a time like this, but...is he perhaps taking this discussion between our parents seriously...? He did confess to me back in high school, but...I rejected both him and the idea of being engaged, but we have known each other since we were kids...and it's not as if I hated him, so I continued to interact with him like normal, but...is it possible that he's still holding on to the idea of us being engaged...? But I...
"Are you saying that you have someone else you love, then ?!"
"Tiffany."
Snapping out of it, Tiffany looked behind her at a poker-faced Taeyeon staring at her. She felt her cheek slowly warm up as she remembered her conversation with her mom, "Ah! Yeah? Did you need something?" She asked casually.
"Seeing as this is a company policy, I feel like I have to say something, but...keep your personal phone calls to a minimum," Taeyeon said in a cold manner.
"Ah right. I'm sorry."
What's with me? What am I blushing for? Why did just the sound of her voice...
Tiffany looked down at her phone nervously as she passed by Taeyeon.
"You can chat up your cutesy little boyfriend at home"
...
"I told you he's not my boyfriend!" Tiffany snapped and looked back at Taeyeon who was walking away.
"Uh-huh, sure."
"That was my Mom just now! And also..."
Taeyeon raised an eyebrow and looked back at Tiffany who stopped mid-sentence, "What?" She asked.
"...Nothing. Just wondering what I need to do to drag you off your high horse that's all..." Tiffany looked away nervously.
"...Is that so?" Taeyeon stared at Tiffany for a moment and continued her way, "I was gonna tell you what to look out for at the party, but I changed my mind now."
"What?! Wait-...Taeyeon!" Hearing that come from Taeyeon triggered Tiffany's attention, work switch is on, "Umm, excuse me!" Hurriedly following Taeyeon back to their office, Tiffany panicked after not seeing Taeyeon show any signs of stopping, "I would, uh...really kind of want to hear that...umm...Taeyeon?!...Taeyeon!"
Fine! It's not like I have to have you tell me!
"Excuse me! Could someone please tell me what to be careful of at the new year's party?" Turning back to the rest of the office, Tiffany looked at them in high hopes.
"Hmm...I wonder about that." Sunny and Hyoyeon replied in sync with mischievous smiles on their faces, clearly not planning on telling Tiffany anything.
"There are two or three really important points, aren't there...?" Hyoyeon asked Yuri who's beside her.
"Wasn't it four?" Yuri frowned, apparently having a short term memory loss out of stress.
"I don't mind telling ya, but what do I get in return?" Sunny crossed her legs and put her arms under the back of her neck pretending to be all high and mighty.
"What? In return...?" Tiffany raised an eyebrow.
"Hahahahahahaha you didn't think we would tell you for free, did you?!" The three of them laughed uncontrollably at Tiffany's face.
In return Tiffany stared at the three blankly, losing all hope in humanity .
Ugh...god I can't stand this company!
"Welcome! I will take your invitations over here." Tiffany flashed her best fake smile to the people coming in through the hotel entrance to the party hall, "These ribbons are labeled with your name, so please wear it during the event." Handing one of the guests a ribbon, Tiffany smiled again, feeling like her cheeks are gonna rip from smiling throughout the evening.
"Tiffany-ssi, I will switch with you now. You can go join Taeyeon-ssi and the others at the back." A woman came in from behind her and Tiffany recognized her as someone who works in their company.
"Thank you!" All the while rubbing her cheeks in pain, Tiffany walked to the back room where the others were secretly still getting some work done before Tiffany joins them. Her whole being froze the moment she opened the door.
Taeyeon who was on the other side was about to open the door before Tiffany did it and they ended up having very close eye contact.
Tiffany couldn't take her eyes off Taeyeon who had a black dress along with black heels on and her natural black hair swept to one side revealing her elegant neck (Click to see how Taeyeon looked) Oh how gorgeously petite she looked.
"Hey Tiffany, come get ready!" Sunny yelled from the back, snapping Tiffany out of her trance.
Looking down with a deep blush on her face, Tiffany went inside the room as Taeyeon stepped aside for her. She immediately changed her name tag to a one that says;
Emerald Editing
_
Editor
Tiffany Hwang
She looked at everyone else and frowned. Taeyeon's card looked the coolest because it was in a different color and instead of Editor it says Editor-in-chief.
"Let's go," Taeyeon announced and the five of them went in the party hall together.
Halfway in the hall, Tiffany started feeling uncomfortable. As to why? Well...
Why are people looking at us like that?
They were being stared at and people were whispering to each other while looking at them. Only then did Tiffany realize that the path Taeyeon was leading through was actually in the middle of people and they were stepping aside for them to walk.
"There they are!"
"It's the Emerald Editing Team from Im's Publishing!"
That was all Tiffany could catch from what people around them were saying, but what she didn't hear;
"They're even more dazzling this year, huh?"
"We're (The Authors) supposed to be the ones being celebrated here...so why are the editors outshining us?"
"I heard they have a new member this year!"
"Ah, but they're just so beautiful!"
Tiffany looked right and left, feeling extremely uncomfortable. It was similar to what she felt on her first day of work in her Father's company. Stared at, envied, hated.
"Yah...why are people staring at us like that?" Tiffany asked Yuri with a nudge.
Yuri looked at her blankly for a moment before shrugging.
"Go with the flow Tiff...go with the flow." Sunny smiled cheekily at Tiffany, making her grimace.
"Good evening! It's been a while!"
Before Tiffany could retort back, a bunch of people walked over to them, interrupting anything that Tiffany could have said.
"Hello, It's certainly been quite some time." Tiffany grimaced again when she saw Taeyeon resort to her fake personality that she only uses for business.
"Please enjoy yourselves tonight. We will have to chat again later in this evening." Even Yuri smiled while Hyoyeon and Sunny waved at the people who just were so smiting over them.
Am I...one of them?
Oh god, I don't want to seem like I'm with them!
Ugh I feel tired all of a sudden.
I wanna go home.
The party went on, Tiffany managed to gather enough willpower to greet all her authors.
When she was finally done, she rested her back on a wall and felt a bit uncomfortable by her now dry throat.
"Yah."
Hearing a familiar voice behind her, Tiffany turned around to see Taeyeon holding out a bottle of water for her.
Could Taeyeon read her mind or something?
"Thanks." Tiffany could feel Taeyeon's stare at her as she took off the cap and proceeded to satisfy her thirst.
"You look very beautiful tonight." Taeyeon said.
Tiffany almost spat the water from her mouth on Taeyeon's face.
*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*
"What's wrong with you?!" Tiffany snapped. After coughing a few more times, she looked up at Taeyeon who looked at her blankly.
"Aren't you going to say that back to me?" Taeyeon asked.
Tiffany was pissed, "A- And why did you assume I think you're beautiful?! Ahahahaha." She laughed nervously while looking away.
Get out of my mind, Taeyeon!
Feeling awkward after it got silent between them, Tiffany looked down hesitating whether or not she should tell Taeyeon the truth or not.
"Tiffany!"
Looking up at the person who approached them, Tiffany sighed in relief when she saw that It was Yuri.
"Have you greeted all your authors?" Yuri asked.
"Yes, I'm done now." Tiffany nodded.
"Also, Taeyeon, do you have a moment?"
Taeyeon frowned "What is it?"
Yuri gave Taeyeon a certain look in which Taeyeon nodded in reply.
"Oh...okay."
"Wait a minute. I will be right there." Yuri said and turned around.
The moment Yuri left, Taeyeon got extremely close to Tiffany that Tiffany thought she was going to kiss her, but...
"Listen, I'm gonna introduce you to a really big author now, so don't say anything stupid." Taeyeon whispered, making Tiffany's heart quicken not just because of the close proximity but also because of the pressure she felt upon hearing that she's going to meet a big author.
"What should I say?" Tiffany asked. Nervousness visible on her face.
"Think of that on your own."
Hearing that, Tiffany was annoyed by Taeyeon again.
"Oh, thank you so much for joining us this evening."
Looking up at the person Taeyeon is greeting right now, Tiffany was stunned yet again. This world...so many beautiful faces exist in it. But by far...this girl in front of her is the most beautiful person she had ever seen in her life, well aside from Yoona that is. (Click to see who the girl is)
"Good work with the storyboard the other day too, the story is really getting interesting. I'm looking forward to it as a fan myself." Taeyeon said.
"Ahh...well, thank you..." The girl smiled shyly.
Taeyeon smiled back a comfortable smile that wasn't forced at all. It seemed genuine which surprised Tiffany.
Taeyeon must really like this girl's story.
"We have actually added a new editor to our ranks. I'm taking her around for introduction at the moment." Taeyeon gestured at Tiffany, giving her the cue to introduce herself.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Tiffany Hwang." Tiffany bowed.
...Okay, so I greeted her, but...who is this girl?
"Ah...thank you for your hard work...I'm Jung Sooyeon," The girl said shyly as she bowed back to Tiffany.
"..."
"..."
Wait...WHAT?!
A girl?!
Jung Sooyeon is a girl?!
"Thank you as well for your hard work." All Tiffany could do was force a smile despite the tornado that is happening inside of her mind right now, "I'm looking forward to a good working relationship with you" Tiffany bowed yet again.
"Oh- no, the same goes for me!" Jung Sooyeon bowed again.
"Our apologies for having to cut and run. Please enjoy yourself this evening." Taeyeon said with a last nod to Jung Sooyeon before turning around and leaving.
Tiffany followed Taeyeon away from Yuri and her author who seemed to be fighting right now, "Um...Jung Sooyeon...is a girl...?" Tiffany whispered to Taeyeon while they were still walking.
"You had better not tell another soul." Taeyeon muttered.
"Ah, yes. Of course. But it sure did surprise me...she's the best at writing from a male's perspective than any other author in the nation, after all..."
"Doesn't matter if it's a guy or a girl so long as their comic sells."
"Is Jung Sooyeon her pen name?"
"I heard from Yuri that it's actually her real Korean name but she doesn't go by it in public so...other than that, I don't know anything further."
Just when Taeyeon finished saying that, a bunch of people surrounded them again
"Taeyeon-ssi! Is this the newbie editor?" One of the women asked enthusiastically making Tiffany smile bitterly after realizing that there is no escaping from this.
"Where did you hear that?" Taeyeon asked coldly.
"Sunny-ssi mentioned it earlier!"
For god's sake Sunny!
She knew this was going to happen!
"Pleasure to meet you!" One of the female authors smiled at Tiffany and suddenly Tiffany was secluded from Taeyeon and surrounded with a circle of authors she had no idea who they are.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Taeyeon giving her a death stare that definitely says, Be nice, or else. And so...Tiffany forced a smile not quite reaching her eyes.
"You're Tiffany? 3"
"Ah, yes..."
"What's your last name?"
"What? Ah, it's Hwang." Tiffany pointed out the ribbon on her dress that has her name card on it.
"Wow, so you're a mix? 3"
"...Yeah."
"How old are you?"
"Umm...25."
"So young! Are you married?!"
"Eh? Ah no, not yet..."
"Any partners?"
"Umm, that's kind of private...ha...ha..." Tiffany laughed bitterly. Suddenly she got the urge to look at Taeyeon who was standing outside the circle smiling at her playfully as if she's about to laugh.
"Oh god, look! She's blushing! 3 3"
God damn it Taeyeon!
"Taeyeon-ssi definitely hired you for your looks didn't she?"
"Like hell I did." Taeyeon crossed her arms with a glare.
"Hey hey! You're coming to the next party hall too, right?" One of the authors asked as she put her hand on Taeyeon's shoulder.
Tiffany looked at the two and felt alerted by the flirty attitude the woman having skinship with Taeyeon was carrying.
"I have an idea! Let's drink the night away for Tiffany-ssi's welcome party tonight!"
"Great idea! I'm totally on board!"
Oh hell no.
"I can't really..." Tiffany tried to refuse but not come out as rude..
Wai-...Taeyeon! Back me up here!
When Tiffany looked at Taeyeon...she was looking away feigning ignorance.
Yah!
"Are you hungry?"
"Here! Drink this!" One of the male authors offered Tiffany a glass of what smelled like alcohol.
"Ah...the editors aren't supposed to eat or drink anything..." Tiffany tried her best not to glare and yell spiteful things at all of the authors of men and women surrounding her about pride, privacy and personal space but remembering the death look Taeyeon gave her earlier gave her chills.
"Come on! Just a sip! Though well, this is wine..."
"If you don't drink, we will hold our next manuscripts hostage!"
For god's sake!
"I really can't though..." Tiffany smiled apologetically, trying to push the hand with the glass of wine away from her.
"Yeah, yeah. Now drink up!"
What am I supposed to do at a time like this?!
Thankfully, Taeyeon finally butted in and took the glass from the man's hand letting Tiffany sigh in relief.
"Yah~" The man whined.
"This girl is a horrible drunk so none for her."Taeyeon explained with a charming smile.
"What? Seriously?!"
"We're still doing our introduction, so we will see you later." Taeyeon gave the man back his glass of wine and held Tiffany's wrist, pulling her out of the circle.
As they walked away, Tiffany could hear the threats behind them such as; you better be at the next hall!
"Wait, Taeyeon! I'm begging you, back me up in those kinds of situations! You saw what was happening and just ignored me!" Tiffany pleaded.
"Nah, it was fun watching the newbie get flustered." Tiffany heard the smile in Taeyeon's voice.
Tiffany clenched her teeth out of stress. Taeyeon isn't making her life any easier here, "Wh- Why do you have to have such a horrible personality?!"
Tiffany's eyes widened when she realized that one of the guys who was rotating around the hall to serve wine was about to crash into her. The hall was crowded and The guy just came out of nowhere. It's too late now to dodge.
Crap!
I'm gonna hit it!
Tiffany shut her eyes tightly, anticipating the crash. Next thing she knew was a comforting warmth around her. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at herself, nothing painful whatsoever..
"Watch it! It's dangerous." Taeyeon scolded the poor guy while still not letting go of Tiffany's waist.
The guy walked away shamefully.
The coldness that was in Tiffany's heart towards Taeyeon suddenly turned into warmth when she realized that Taeyeon had just saved her from getting a bunch of glasses break on her.
"Hold on to me, okay?" Taeyeon said softly but it still rubbed Tiffany off the wrong way.
"Do- Don't treat me like a child!" Pulling away from Taeyeon's hold, Tiffany bumped into someone who was behind her.
"Watch it." And it just had to be Kangin.
Of all people, why Kangin?!
"I- I'm sorry." Tiffany moved away from him awkwardly and stood on the side.
"Kangin?" Taeyeon raised an eyebrow, "What's the sales department doing here?"
"My boss told me to come to represent the sales department. He couldn't make it tonight so I'm here in his place" Kangin rubbed the back of his neck with stress visible on his face, "For now, let me go greet our top author Choi Junghun and Jung Sooyeon. Are they here?"
"Ah, Junghun-nim was just over there...and Jung Sooyeon-nim is right over there..." Taeyeon answered by pointing out the author's locations.
Kangin was about to walk to where Taeyeon gestured over but stopped, much to Tiffany's misfortune, "And while I'm here...you're comic is having an additional print run. An extra 5,000 for now." He said to Tiffany.
"And I told you that's too low, didn't I?" Taeyeon mocked.
"Let's just see how it plays out, idiot." Kangin said smugly.
Tiffany looked down, feeling left out as the two started talking about work as usual.
I wonder if I should leave them alone...
"I will go greet the other authors..." Tiffany was about to walk away but a yah coming from Kangin stopped her.
"I need to have a word with you," Kangin said making, Tiffany's full attention turn to him.
"You were pretty full of yourself at that planning meeting the other day," Of course he had to start with his signature glare, "If you're seriously about putting forth an effort, then get me a proposal or something."
What?
"Sitting on your ass but saying, I'm doing my best, no one is gonna believes that." He continued.
"Uh, umm...but that's"
Kangin glared, stopping Tiffany from continuing, "You're making it hard for us in sales by pushing books on us you don't have any urge to sell."
But...that's...
"Wasn't it your boss who shelved that plan?" Taeyeon interrupted, also looking quite angry.
"What?" Kangin crossed his arms.
"This girl said she wanted to have a fair, so I made her write up a proposal, but then your boss made some excuses like this author isn't good enough to hold a fair, and the whole thing fizzled out!"
"...I never heard anything about that..." Well, let's just say that Kangin was quite shocked, not by Taeyeon's outburst but by his boss's asshole move to shelve a good idea like that.
"When did you submit it?" Kangin looked at Tiffany.
"Last Wednesday." Tiffany gulped.
"I was on a business trip that day. Why wasn't I told about that?" Kangin squinted.
"Like I know? Whatever goes on in the sales department is your business!" Taeyeon tapped her index finger on his chest, "Anyway, are you not even looking closely?"
Tiffany was surprised when Taeyeon continued and all Kangin did was lower his head.
"I told you I didn't see the proposal!" Kangin tried defending himself but it was no use. The damage's been done and Taeyeon had been ticked off.
"Not that! I'm asking you if you're even paying attention to this girl's work at all!"
"I'm doing what I'm supposed to do just fine! Stop doubting my every move." Kangin shot back.
Tiffany had never seen Taeyeon this angry before, and she looked extra scary because she was keeping low as they are in a public event after all.
Ah...Taeyeon...she's...
She's...accepting me...
"You know Taeyeon-ah-...!" Kangin immediately stopped talking when he saw one of his acquaintances walking over to them.
"Kangin-ssi and Taeyeon-ssi too!" A man smiled and waved as he approached them.
Tiffany looked at Kangin and Taeyeon weirdly when both of their faces turned from demons to angels.
"Hello Hongdae-ssi" Taeyeon smiled her gorgeous fake smile that everyone believes.
"Good evening! Always a pleasure working with you." The man bowed to the three of them, "Geez, as expected. it's nerve-wracking for the publishers being surrounded by authors..."
"Oh, here let me introduce you." Taeyeon gestured to Tiffany out of being cautious, "This is our new editor, Tiffany."
Tiffany immediately took out her card and exchanged it with the smiley man's card who turned out to be someone from an animation company. Although Tiffany's mind has drifted somewhere else a while ago.
She's really...seriously...paying attention to me.
She was still think about how Taeyeon is actually paying attention to the work she's doing.
After the man left, Kangin was not pleased. He noticed how Tiffany and Taeyeon were having deep eye contact the whole time.
Tension. That is.
Eventually, the party came to an end and it was announced that those who want to attend the after party should go to the next hall that was prepared for it.
Tiffany walked out of the hall with a deep stressful sigh.
Phew...well, that's one down. Better take this chance to check for texts.
The moment Tiffany turned on her phone, a ton of messages from the same person came in.
Wow, they're all from Kanggun...
The last text said; I will be waiting for you in the hotel lounge.
Waiting for me?
And after I flat out told him I couldn't do it during work!
This isn't solving anything...I will just call him...
"Tiff! Show all the authors to the next hall, would you?" Sunny who popped up from nowhere, requested in a hurry.
"Eh?! Ah! Just a moment! I'm...!" Tiffany panicked as she already had her phone against her ear ringing.
"We're making them waiting so make it snappy!" Sunny said.
"Right! I understand!" Tiffany huffed and ended the call even before Kanggun picks up
I really can't get out of work today
I'm sorry
That was the text message she sent to Kanggun before turning off her phone again and going back to work. By the end of the after party, Tiffany looked almost as pale as Taeyeon normally is. Which isn't that healthy in Tiffany's case.
"Well then, thank you for today!" Tiffany bowed to the group of authors she accompanied with a polite smile.
"Whaaat? Tiffany-ssi, come drink with us in our rooms!"
Tiffany got even paler at the thought that after all those drinks these authors had consumed, they're still planning on drinking more.
"I'm sorry, but I really must be getting back to the office." Tiffany flashed the last fake smile she could pull off for tonight.
"Next time, then!"
"Sure..."
"We're holding you to that!"
That was the last thing Tiffany heard before the elevator closed and the last of the people were gone. Finally finished, Tiffany literally collapsed on her knees and started massaging her aching cheeks.
I'm sooo tired...
I feel like those older authors were holding me all night...
It was pretty rough...
Tiffany grimaced and felt like crying when she remembered what those authors did to her. Surrounding her and leaving her nowhere to escape.
Where do you live?
So you have a boyfriend? A girlfriend?
Well?
Hey, hey.
So?
Heeey!
Their voices are still in her head. They would probably hunt her forever. It felt more like being surrounded by cougars than authors.
My cheeks are cramping. I guess it's because I forced a smile for so long.
"Ah! Tiffany-ssi!"
Tiffany looked up with yet another fake smile only to relax again when she saw that it was one of her authors, Ranmi, "Ah! Ranmi-ssi! Will you be staying here as well?" Tiffany stood up and relaxed a little. After all the meetings and the fights they had. Ranmi had become more like a friend than just an author.
"No, I'm staying with a friend. I'm actually headed out now." Ranmi said with an awkward smile.
"Oh! Then I will escort you to the lobby." Tiffany smiled. Genuinely this time.
"You don't have to do that..."
After a little bit more chatting, Tiffany slumped down again, feeling like she could collapse any moment.
Whew. I wonder if that's enough. I will check and see if it's okay for me to leave now.
Then again...just going home in and itself is a hassle.
"Tiffany!"
The angry familiar voice made Tiffany look back in surprise, "Kanggun?!"
Kanggun was standing right there, holding his coat and looking quite upset.
"What? You haven't gone home yet?" Tiffany ran to where Kanggun was standing in a hurry.
Looking at Tiffany's face made Kanggun soften up and relax and now looked more sad than angry.
"Umm...I'm sure you could tell by looking, but I really have been doing work up until now." Tiffany explained to Kanggun who looked down.
"You have been texting me all day since this morning, haven't you? Why didn't you call me?" Kanggun asked softly.
"I told you I had work...and you said you were going to a wedding, so I figured it would be bad if it rang during the ceremony." Tiffany facepalmed and sighed..
"Tiff. I want to be clear here."
Tiffany looked up at Kanggun who suddenly used a serious tone
"I know we don't have a lovers relationship...but it's fine for us to stay engaged, right?"
Tiffany suddenly felt very uncomfortable and looked away from Kanggun. As she thought. Kanggun is taking the engagement seriously, "Ah, that's...well everyone else around us seems fine that way..."
"I feel the same way. Is that not okay?"
Tiffany looked up at Kanggun who again, looked quite upset
"Did...did my mother say something to you?" Tiffany asked carefully.
Kanggun did not say anything but only looked down and clenched his fists, "I have dated lots of girls...but I can't be with anyone but you, Tiffany."
Taeyeon who had been wondering around for a while now looking for Tiffany finally found her. The moment she called her name, her body froze at the things she was hearing.
"I know you turned me down before, but I really love you, Tiffany!"
Taeyeon who's eyes widened. She decided not to say anything to interrupt and just stood there.
"I-...I do like you, Kanggun, but..." Tiffany was looking down again. Puzzled on how they ended up like this and quite upset, "I'm sorry, I don't love you in that sense..." Saying that, Tiffany looked up at Kanggun who was blushing and looking very sad, "I know I mentioned this to you before, but...I have told my parents I won't go through with this engagement. If you didn't quite understand that...then I apologize."
Everything stayed still for a few seconds
"So do you have someone else you love, then?" He asked. He clearly was on the verge of crying but was holding it in to not seem more pathetic as he already is.
"What?" Tiffany's heart jumped in its place at the mention of someone she loves.
"Like that person you loved back in middle school?"
Taeyeon's face and old memories flashed through Tiffany's mind making her face as red as a tomato, and tomatoes seemed to suit Tiffany's face, "Wh- Why are you bringing up something from so long ago?!" She snapped.
"Well even when you were dating other people, it never lasted all that long. I thought maybe you were in love with me, but that doesn't seem to be the case either...so then, maybe..." Tiffany didn't want to hear Kanggun's next words, "Maybe you're still hung up on that person..."
Taeyeon who was resting on a wall waiting for the two to finish their conversation looked up, anticipating what Tiffany has to say.
"Ah! No!...That's..." Tiffany looked down and face palmed again.
Kanggun had the courage to tell her all this and waited for her for all those years, he deserves to know the truth.
After a minute of consideration. Tiffany decided to come clean. Not just to Kanggun. But to herself too, "...Yeah...that might be what it is..."
It was an awkward silence for a while.
"Tiffany!"
Both Tiffany and Kanggun looked up only to see Taeyeon approaching.
"T- Taeyeon?!" Turning around, Tiffany's expression immediately turned soar upon seeing Taeyeon interrupting this conversation.
"Stop your chitchatting and get back to work!" Taeyeon scolded.
Kanggun was obviously confused, "You're the neighbor from the other day..."
"Ah...actually she's also my boss..." Tiffany said awkwardly.
"They need help cleaning up the hall. Hurry it up." Taeyeon ordered.
"Ah, right. I'm sorry."
Hearing a sigh, both Taeyeon and Tiffany looked at Kanggun who already turned around, "I'm leaving."
"Ah! Kanggun! Wait!" Tiffany was about to follow him out but Taeyeon holding her wrist prevented her from doing so, "What are you doing?" Tiffany glared.
"Because you keep being half-assedly nice to him, he can't give you up." Taeyeon said sternly.
Tiffany stared at Taeyeon for a moment. Feeling embarrassed of what Taeyeon might have heard.
"How-...How much of our conversation did you hear?" Tiffany asked with a red face, praying to all the gods that Taeyeon will say none.
"...Most of it..."
Tiffany cursed herself and shut her eyes tightly.
Taeyeon had heard her say that she's still hung up on her middle/high school crush.
A.K.A Taeyeon back in high school.
"So how was your first new year's party?" Taeyeon glanced at Tiffany who's sitting next to her in the passenger seat of her car.
"Ugh...I think I have had enough..." Tiffany answered in a deathly voice.
"You don't have to be that honest..."
I really wish I had gone home alone...but Taeyeon practically forced me to leave with her. Shut up and get in! She said. And I don't exactly have good memories associated with this car...
Plus...
Just look...
It's happening again...
Tiffany took a quick glance at Taeyeon who was driving seriously with her specs on, her specs that she only wears when she's reading or driving.
Whenever I'm alone with Taeyeon...
The silence is almost deafening...
*Ring* *Ring*
Great! My phone!
"Excuse me."
"Go ahead."
The moment Tiffany pressed the phone to hear ear...she wished she didn't.
"Tiffany! What did you do to Kanggun?!"
Tiffany's soul might have left her body for a moment because of the shock she got the moment her mom screamed in the phone.
"I just talked to him on the phone and he sounded like he was crying! What did you say to him?!"
"Ah! I'm sorry I will call you back later!" The moment Tiffany shut her phone, it was an awkward silence again, "...I'm sorry..." Tiffany felt like she had to apologize for disturbing Taeyeon like that because she's sure as hell that Taeyeon heard what her mom screamed to the world.
"Looks like you have got it rough." Not like Taeyeon was bothered by it anyway, "Though, well...when I learned that you had a fiancé...I didn't exactly take it well myself."
Tiffany stared at Taeyeon with a slightly open mouth before speaking, "How many times do I have to tell you that it's not how it seems?"
"Sounds to me like you're the only one who feels that way."
Tiffany looked down at her lap, not knowing what to say, "...So how long have you known?" She asked slowly.
"About what?" Taeyeon glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.
"You know-... about him."
"..."
"...It was after you left to study abroad. There was a guy attending the same prep school as me, who happened to know about you. Though it turned out all he knew was that some rich girl who had run off abroad had a fiancé. He didn't know any specifics. I tried digging into it myself, but the school wouldn't tell me any of your personal information..."
Tiffany stayed silent as they pulled up in their apartment building's underground parking lot.
"But who just goes and completely disappear like that, though, huh?" Taeyeon glared.
"And I have told you that was all because of you in the first place!" Tiffany glared back. Feeling triggered that the conversation was turning on her, Tiffany immediately unbuckled her seat belt and proceeded to get out of the car, "Thank you very much! Good night!"
"Tiffany!"
Tiffany didn't know why but she stopped in her place when she heard Taeyeon calling her.
"Do you have someone you love right now?"
Taeyeon's question turned Tiffany red.
"L- Like I told you! Please stop eavesdropping! I just had to say that because of the circumstances!" Tiffany brutally lied.
I have to hurry...
I have to get back to my apartment...
If I don't...
Tiffany went in the elevator and excessively pressed the button wanting to get away from Taeyeon as soon as possible. Completely forgetting that they live next to each other on the same floor
"Let me on, Idiot." Taeyeon hurriedly got in before the elevator door closed on her.
If I don't get away...the...just like last time...I will get washed away...
"T- Taeyeon..." Tiffany called softly not daring to look at Taeyeon who was watching the floor number goes up.
"What?"
"I will-...I will be straight with you...there is no one that I love right now." Tiffany lied again. The elevator finally reaches the destined floor and Tiffany rushed out to her apartment door then stared rustling with her bag for the keys, "All I want is to do my job. The whole reason I transferred was to move my career ahead. I don't have time to get caught up in needless Ideas like romance."
"Uh huh." Taeyeon was just walking at her own pace which intimidated Tiffany even more.
"So please stop teasing me for stupid reasons like this!" Because of her frustration, Tiffany dropped her wallet along with her keys. She leaned down to get it but Taeyeon had already beat her to it.
"That sounds nice and all, but...why are you shaking?"
I have got...to get back to my apartment...
"So?"
The mere sound of Taeyeon's voice set Tiffany's heart pounding over the limit.
"I will ask again. Who do you lov ?"
And the mere Idea of Taeyeon looking right at her set her body on fire.
Hearing no answer from Tiffany, Taeyeon knew she would have to take action again. She stood straight and opened Tiffany's door for her. Only to pull her inside and hold her against that same door after closing it.
"Wait! Ta- "
Taeyeon's lips locked with Tiffany's, preventing her from saying any further.
Tiffany looked for something to hold but Taeyeon's grip on her arms was tight. Her legs were already numb from the intensity of the kiss she's sharing with Taeyeon.
After some time, Taeyeon finally broke the kiss to take a much-needed breath.
The moment Tiffany regained her normal way of thinking, she immediately shoved Taeyeon to the side and ran further inside her apartment, "Taeyeon! You can't just barge into other's apartments like this!" Tiffany stood in front of Taeyeon and tried to push her back to the door but it was no use, it was an incredibly long tiresome day and the kiss just now weakened her even more, "Just because you're my boss doesn't mean you can just come into a privet residence like this..." The more Tiffany pushed the more she felt like she's going to break down.
Taeyeon sighed and held Tiffany's arms preventing her from pushing any further, "It's because you're always running away from me, you know."
Hearing that, Tiffany stopped.
"It doesn't matter what you want. To keep you from disappearing like before...I'm not letting you go this time." The intensity of Taeyeon's gaze Made all of Tiffany's muscles give up.
Having the same design for her own apartment, It was easy for Taeyeon to find where Tiffany's bedroom is.
Next thing Tiffany knew, she was laying under Taeyeon with her heart about to pop out of her chest and her body hot as hell.
It's no use...I'm getting swept away...
"...That reminds me..." Taeyeon pulled away in the middle of making out, "You couldn't do it before, but...I see you have learned to kiss with your mouth open." Taeyeon smiled.
Why? Why do you remember all of these little things?
Unlike the fake polite smiles at the party earlier...this looked real.
When Taeyeon started stripped her, Tiffany didn't know how to protest and just let Taeyeon do what she's good at. Once they were both naked, Taeyeon continued kissing her. And slowly...Tiffany found herself responding to every touch Taeyeon gave her. And did everything Taeyeon said, whether it was open your mouth or don't hold your voice or turn around.
Tiffany started wondering
How is it that...my body is this hot just from her kisses?
When she touches me...It feels like my whole body is on fire...I just freeze up...and lose all my strength...and then there is a ringing deep within my ears...all I can hear is my own heartbeat...the sound of her kisses...the sound of bed sheet rustling...and the sound of Taeyeon's ragged breath...calling my name...
"Tiff...maybe you're still hung up on that person." - Kanggun.
Kanggun's words echoed in her mind as Taeyeon looked at her with the most gentle loving eyes. There is no way that can be true...but......but what if it is...? Then...yeah...just maybe...that's what it is after all...
Looking back at Taeyeon, Tiffany pulled her in closer. She wished that last kiss they shared that night would never end.
"Taeyeon. Please wake up already!" Tiffany yelled at Taeyeon who was wrapped like a sushi in Tiffany's own bed and blanket.
Taeyeon opened her eyes and glared at the morning sun that Tiffany let in by opening the window.
"How long do you plan on hanging around here? It's already passed noon. I'm going to the conveniences store. So please get up." Tiffany nagged and tried to pull Taeyeon out of bed.
Taeyeon slowly sat up like a zombie with the blanket still wrapped around her and looked around the room, "You know...I wondered this yesterday too, but..." She squinted at Tiffany's couch as she got up and grabbed her underwear, "How about folding your clothes after washing them?"
"Th- This isn't what it looks like!" Tiffany blushed. Embarrassed at the state of her apartment, "I take them out of the drier in the morning and fold them when I get home!"
"Then how about tidying up a bit?" Taeyeon said as they went out of the bedroom to the living room that was a total wreck.
"It just happens to look this way now! Usually, I'm super clean, you know!"
"Uh huh. That smells like bullshit..." Taeyeon chuckled as she buttoned up her shirt.
"It's cause you came over without asking! If I had known you were coming I would have cleaned up!"
Taeyeon didn't answer that and just yawned following Tiffany to the doorway before realizing what Tiffany just said.
Tiffany who was about to open her door was surprised when she felt Taeyeon's arms go around her in a back hug.
"Hmm...so you're saying I can come over again?" Taeyeon said with a smirk.
Tiffany blushed when she realized that herself. She did just give Taeyeon permission to come over on the condition of telling her before hand without realizing it.
"It's my first time...in your bedroom..."
Tiffany's heart jumped when she heard the smiled in Taeyeon's voice right next to her ear.
"...I'm really happy.."
Tiffany knew...Taeyeon is genuinely happy right now. She could tell from her voice.
"A- Absolutely not! Please don't come over ever again!" Tiffany snapped and ran out of the back hug by opening the door and escaping to the hallway.
"Oh there you are!" The same woman from yesterday morning's elevator ride approached them, "Tell me where your club is, would you?"
"Good morning." The two bowed to the middle-aged women, "What club?" Tiffany asked, a bit confused.
"Oh come on now! You said yesterday that you worked after dark remember? You two work at a hostess club, don't you?" The women said with a creepy smile on her face, "So tell me where it's located?"
Tiffany turned to Taeyeon for help, she had never felt so betrayed in her life when she realized that Taeyeon had just closed her apartment door the moment she heard hostess club.
"Taeyeon you treater!"
But why hostesses?! I just want to be a great editor. Sure I might have gotten a little moved by her affection, but this is definitely not love.
Not love!
"..."
"..."
At least I'm pretty sure it isn't!
Days Until Tiffany falls in love: 194