"You know Saturday and Sunday are my only free days this week. Which means that your re-birthday party is gonna be today and tomorrow." Taeyeon said while looking stoic as usual.
"There is no way." Tiffany grimaced.
"Why not?" Taeyeon asked.
"Why not?!Because today is..." Tiffany looked down, "...today is the autograph event!"
"Are you alright, Tiffany-Noona?"
Tiffany turned around only to see Taeyeon accompanying her new author, the third one that is, "Hm?" She frowned.
"Ah, it's just that you seem more nervous than me." Her short author chuckled nervously.
"What?! n- no, I'm...ACK..."
The little guy was right, Tiffany was so nervous she has been knocking down books here and there from every shelf she passed by. This little guy was something special. Kim Sookyung, 18, a third year in high school, one of the best and youngest artists there is. He was basically a shy gay little guy who's very good at what he does since he was young and Tiffany is glad she got assigned to such talent.
"Dragging your feet, as usual, I see.".
Tiffany who was picking up the books she knocked down recognized that voice, "Ka-...Kangin-ssi..."
Kangin looked at her coldly but let out a breath and relaxed just a second later.
"Nice to meet you!" Sookyung bowed excitedly at Kangin who smiled at him.
"Sookyung-ssi, this is Kim Kangin from sales. Let's head to the waiting room for now." Taeyeon said.
Kangin led Sookyung to the waiting room as Taeyeon has said.
"Geez, what are we supposed to do if the editor in charge gets this nervous?" Taeyeon sighed as she whacked Tiffany's head softly with one of the comics.
"M- My apologies!" Tiffany blushed in embarrassment and continued picking up the comics she knocked down.
Not like I can help it. This is my first autograph event since becoming an editor after all. Today is the promotional autograph event for Sookyung-nim's first new comic release. There had been a talk of doing this sort of event when I was working in literature, but Bae Joohyun-nim didn't like the idea, so it never went through.
"Wow!" Sookyung's and Tiffany's eyes sparkled upon seeing the display behind the table Sookyung is supposed to sit at.
Over the pink display, it says; Kim Sookyung's Autograph Event
"They really made it beautifully for this event, didn't they?" Tiffany said, examining the big teddy bear that was holding a print of the new comic book.
"And so many flowers! Thank you so much!" Sookyung had the biggest smile on his face as he smelled the flowers they placed around his seat.
"Excuse me. If you wouldn't mind going over the procedures?" Yuri said as she went over some papers.
"Sookyung-nim, you will sit here." Yuri opened the chair for Sookyung who immediately took a seat.
"Tiffany will receive the comic books and pass them to you. Please sign them on the inside cover. the customers will have bought the books beforehand."
"Right! And I will pass out fliers at the exit." Tiffany stood beside Sookyung and picked one of the comics.
"All presents are to be placed in the box in the back"
"Right!"
Ah...with 200 people, I will get tired fast...
"GAAAAH"
Tiffany gasped in pain when she felt something bump into her knees from behind. When she looked back it was only Taeyeon who's stoically looking down at her, "Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" Tiffany yelled angrily
"Wow, to think that there are people nowadays that still fall for that knee bump."
"What?!"
This jerk!
"And take your coat off already" Taeyeon glared.
"What?"
"You can leave everything in the waiting room, you know."
Hearing that, Tiffany looked at Taeyeon a bit shyly
"What?" Taeyeon raised an eyebrow.
"Ah...it's...nothing." Tiffany looked down and slowly took off her coat.
Taeyeon's eyes widened when she saw the red sweater Tiffany was wearing, "Oh..."
Tiffany glared when she saw that Taeyeon was staring at her with a dumbfounded look, "Is-...Is there a problem?" She asked.
Taeyeon's face went back to normal, stoic that is, "...not really."
"I will go put my things away." Tiffany cleared her throat and walked away.
Once Tiffany got to the back room, Kangin was there on his phone.
"Oh! Thanks for your help. Did you get introduced to Sookyung-nim...?"
"Took care of that earlier". Kangin sighed in stress.
"Oh, I see..."
The conversation died and they were left in awkward silence.
"Um...thank you."
Kangin looked up from his phone with a sleepy expression, "Huh?"
"It's just...this autograph event couldn't have happened without your help..."
Kangin stared at Tiffany's shy face for a moment before looking back at his phone
"Don't bother. I'm just doing my job. But I think...you know, you're really..." Kangin paused.
"What?"
"Nah. Never mind..." Kangin sighed again and got up.
"You're going to have more of these plans to make for the comics you're in charge of in the future. You better not slack off after this"
"I won't! Of course not!" Tiffany looked at Kangin seriously.
"Oh, right. While we're here, I will introduce you to the girl in charge of the romance comics area. She was milling around here a minute ago. Where would she go?" Kangin looked around right and left but settled down when he didn't see her, "Oh...and one more thing. While we're at it...are things going well with you and Taeyeon?"
Tiffany's heart dropped to her stomach, "Eh?! No- Not at all!"
"What?" Kangin squinted in confusion.
"Uh-...I mean...see-...umm...we're not...particularly...or rather...ah...umm..." Tiffany panicked. What in the heavens should she tell him? She didn't know and ended up stuttering.
Seeing Tiffany stutter like that, Kangin huffed in annoyance, "Just as I figured. You're as annoying as ever! Stop fucking around!"
Tiffany looked at Kangin with an open mouth as he glared at her.
F- Fucking around...he says...but, going well is out of the question. We have just been so busy with work, and Taeyeon is the same as always. We still don't know hardly anything about one another. What can I possibly do more than I am now?
Crap, Crap!
I have gotta focus on work!
The autograph event started smoothly and it was more crowded than expected. Probably because of all the pretty people there
It was all going smoothly, until...
"Oh no!" Sookyung face palmed.
"What's wrong?" Tiffany asked, a little panicking.
"I-...I'm so sorry! I made a mistake on the name!" Sookyung apologized to the girl in front of him. He had accidently written one wrong letter in the girl's name as he was signing her copy of his comic.
"Ah, umm...what should we do..." Sookyung looked at Tiffany in panic.
Before Tiffany could even reply, she was pushed to the side by Taeyeon and Yuri A.K.A the hostesses.
"Would you mind if we write your name on a fresh copy?" Taeyeon offered with a small smile.
"We deeply apologize, it seems like Seosang-nim is a bit nervous today." Yuri smiled apologetically.
"Thank you so much for attending in such chilly weather." Taeyeon held the girl's cold hand.
The girl was very flustered that she was literally shaking in place.
"Ah...um, of course!" She exclaimed as if it was obvious.
Tiffany stared with her mouth agape at the two who had the fakest charming smiles on their faces. It not like their smiles looked fake. It's just that Tiffany knows how these two usually are, and it's not even close to this.
What the hell is with you two?!
"I'm so, so sorry!" Sookyung bowed to the girl.
"Not at all!" The girl waved back at Taeyeon and Yuri, apparently having a change in her sex preferences.
The author is supposed to be the main attraction here!
Still...I'm glad we had a decent turnout.
Seeing how happy these fans are to meet the author...it really hammers home the fact that there are actually people out there buying our books...and it's not as if I did anything particularly special. Sookyung-nim looks so happy...but as his managing editor, I'm really simply happy.
And I realized again how much I love making books.
"Great work today!" Tiffany patted Sookyung on the back.
They already had their coats on and their stuff on hand as the event finished not long ago. They are currently at the airport accompanying Sookyung until his flight departs
"Thanks for all your help!" Sookyung bowed to Tiffany and Taeyeon with a big smile.
"All of the presents from the readers were shipped out to arrive at your place tomorrow, it seems," Taeyeon announced.
"Gotcha!"
"It seems like the flight, had arrived."
Sookyung left with a big smile and a wave. Thankful for all the hard work the two did for the event to go smoothly.
"Whew!" Tiffany sighed in relief.
"Guess that's it for now. Good work." Taeyeon's shoulders slumped down to relax.
"Umm..."
Seeing that Tiffany's shy demeanor is back, Taeyeon looked at her, eyes and ears listening, "What is it?"
"This was...my first time doing this sort of thing, so I'm sure I caused a lot of trouble...but thanks to you, we were able to pull it off safely. So..." Tiffany bowed politely, "...thank you very much."
Taeyeon stared at her for a moment before opening her mouth, "You know, I may have been the one to tell you to do this in the first place, but you were the one who actually pulled it off."
Hearing Taeyeon's compliment, Tiffany got flustered, "Oh, well, yes, that's true...I just...figured I made a lot of errors so...I apologize if I caused you some inconvenience..." Tiffany looked away, seemingly bothered by how she's doing at work.
"I'm pretty sure I mentioned this before, but...You're doing just fine." Taeyeon put her hands in pockets and sighed, "So just...don't you think you should have a bit more self-confidence?...is what I'm trying to say."
If Taeyeon...says so, then...
Tiffany's heart fluttered upon hearing that coming from Taeyeon, "Ah...yes, of course...that's...thank you" Taeyeon rarely ever compliments something so this is meant a lot to Tiffany, and it would mean a lot to anyone in her shoes.
"You're birthday party..."
"Huh?!" Tiffany was shocked upon hearing Taeyeon mention that, she had thought that Taeyeon forgot about it.
"Work is finished, so it's personal time now." Taeyeon pulled Tiffany by the hand.
"Oh, um, I'm actually pretty beat..."
Taeyeon ignored Tiffany and continued walking, "What do you wanna do? I don't mind just picking up a cake and eating it at home."
"Wai- "
"Or we could head for dinner."
"I told you to stop deciding things on your own!"
Taeyeon suddenly stopped. Tiffany looked at her back, wondering why but she continued what she was going to say nonetheless, "Besides! I have work I bought with me, so I can't..."
"Yeah, how about we go to Jeju-do?" Taeyeon said stoically as she stared at a promotional poster for Jeju island, "Man, I'm a frickinggenius! I'm gonna buy our tickets. You wait here."
"What?!"
Tiffany panicked when she saw Taeyeon in all seriousness letting go of her hand and going over to buy tickets.
"Umm, that's seriously impossible! I don't have the cash on me, so..." Tiffany followed Taeyeon desperately.
"I will cover you," Taeyeon said without looking back.
"Wait, that's not the issue here!" Tiffany protested stubbornly.
"Tiffany." Taeyeon stopped and looked back at Tiffany sternly, "This is an order from your boss."
This jerk!
That's abuse of power, you asshole!
"I'm gonna go buy us tickets, so wait here." Taeyeon turned around leaving Tiffany flustered
What the hell?! She gives me a compliment, then immediately does this!
A trip to Jeju-do?
Now?!
I will head home while I can...and just pass off an apology via text...
"Ah! Tiff?!" Just as Tiffany took out her phone, a familiar voice interrupted the progress of sending Taeyeon a text. She turned around to see the smiling face of her friend, "Shindong!"
"It's been a while!" Shindong waved enthusiastically.
"Wait, is your place near here?" Shindong frowned, looking around, they were indeed in an airport.
"On my way home from work. We had an autograph event today, and the author lives overseas, so we were seeing him off." Tiffany explained with a smile.
"What a coincidence! Me too!" Shindong put a thumb up, "Oh, right! There is a drinking party I'm on my way to. Would you like to come?" He asked.
"What?" Tiffany rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly while looking for Taeyeon with her eyes.
"I'm actually meeting someone here. Some super famous editors from other companies will be there! I will introduce you!" He said.
"Ah sorry. I'm actually kind of in a hurry..." to run away before Taeyeon comes back.
"Ooh, there he is! Over here!"
Tiffany looked over her shoulder and there was a pretty good looking guy walking over to them.
"Sorry, I'm late!" The guy smiled apologetically.
"Tiff, this is the editor-in-chief of Jang's publishing' 'weekly earth' Lee Donghae."
Jang's Publishing's weekly earth? Isn't that the rivaling magazine of one of my company's magazine?
"Were you waiting long?" The guy named Donghae asked.
"Nope. Seems like everyone else is already at the bar." Shindong replied.
Donghae stared at Tiffany with wonder, "Oh, is this one of today's newcomers?" He asked.
"This is a former co-worker and a friend, currently working at Im's publishing, Tiffany Hwang."
Tiffany slightly bowed to not come off as rude.
Donghae stared at Tiffany with the same look again before gasping, "Oh, right right! The famed heir to the empire! Huh?" He smiled.
"Yup!" Was Shindong's reply.
"Shindong! What are you saying about me?!" Tiffany frowned upon hearing what Donghae called her.
"Oh, come on!" Shindong patted her back.
"Nice to meet you! I figured it must have been fate or something that led us to meet here today, so..." Donghae searched for something in his bag and smiled as he presented her his card, "I'm Donghae. Pleased to make your acquaintance!"
"I'm Tiffany from the editing department of Im's publishing's Emerald." Tiffany fidgeted as she also took out her card and passed it to Donghae politely.
Wow, he's a really an outspoken person.
"Emerald...?" Donghae's eyes widened looking at Tiffany's card.
"Ah, yes...we're a romance comics magazine." Tiffany looked at her right where Shindong patted her again.
"So you really think you can't make the drinking party?" Shindong asked.
"Ah, yeah...sorry. I have just got plans today...some other time!" Tiffany smiled at him apologetically. Putting the stuff inside of her bag in place, Tiffany zipped it close, "Well, please excuse me! I'm off now!" Tiffany bowed slightly to Donghae and turned around to leave before Taeyeon comes back.
"Hey, Tiffany-ssi!"
Tiffany stopped and looked back at Donghae who had a smug smile on his face, "How is Taeyeon doing these days?"
Huh?
"Taeyeon? You mean the editor-in-chief of Emerald? You know her, Donghae?" Shindong asked in surprise. Donghae just smiled in reply to Shindong, giving him a second or two to realize what he's talking about, "Wait...oh riiiight!" Shindong snapped his fingers.
"Yup yup!" And Donghae nodded, leaving Tiffany in confusion.
"Umm...are you...an acquaintance of Taeyeon's?" Tiffany tilted her head to the side.
Donghae put a hand on his chin after hearing that and looked to the side wondering what to tell Tiffany, "Acquaintance? Well, we definitely aren't friends, so I suppose you could call us that."
Tiffany frowned upon hearing that.
"Isn't she running you into the ground?" Donghae asked.
"What?"
"That girl...she's always looking down on everyone, right? I just figured she's causing you trouble again."
Tiffany frowned again, "No, she's..." She looked down.
"No, I mean...there is no way that girl could work well with others..." Donghae said in a mocking manner.
Tiffany felt the anger inside of her rise. Who is this guy to Taeyeon and why is he judging her like this? "Excuse me, but...Taeyeon is an extremely capable worker !"
Hearing that Tiffany yelled something like that, the smile on Donghae's face vanished. Mainly because he spotted Taeyeon herself approaching them, "Well...if it isn't Taeyeon." The smug smile was back on his face.
"...Donghae." Taeyeon was not affected by it.
Tiffany, however, took a step back in surprise upon seeing Taeyeon right beside her, "Taeyeon!"
Shindong started fangirling looked excited upon seeing Taeyeon in flesh and very close to him, "Oh, my god! Tiff ! Introduce us! Introduce us!" He whispered to Tiffany.
"It's been a while! How long?" Donghae smiled smugly again at Taeyeon who ignored him and looked at Tiffany instead.
"What are you doing with this guy?" She asked, pointing at Donghae with her thumb.
Tiffany was confused, Taeyeon looked as stoic as usual but an unsettling aura was surrounding her, "I was just introduced to him by coincidence..." Tiffany looked down, feeling a bit scared.
"Heeey! Why don't you come drinking with us, then?" With a friendly smile, Donghae put an arm around Taeyeon.
"Sorry, but we're in a hurry." Taeyeon brushed Donghae's arm roughly and grabbed Tiffany's hand, ready to leave. Seeing that Taeyeon had no room to negotiate anything, Tiffany obliged and walked with Taeyeon with no resistance whatsoever
"Oh, right. Taeyeon. Just how long are you gonna waste your time in romance comics?"
Taeyeon stopped upon hearing that. When she looked back, Donghae had the smuggest smile on his face. In the end, Taeyeon resorted to ignoring him and continued walking on her way with Tiffany in hand.
"Aww. she left! Ugh, I failed once again in exchanging business cards with her!" Shindong whined.
Donghae put a hand on his cheek and chuckled, "I wonder if the little heir hates me now?"
"Well, you certainly did not make a good impression saying those kinds of things at your first meeting." Shindong frowned at him
"Still...I would never have thought she would come back at me by calling that girl capable." Donghae smirked.
"That reminds me..." Shindong snapped his fingers, "Tiff was super pissed about being placed in the romance comics division...but now it seems her spirits has lifted." He crossed his arms and nodded with a smile, pleased to see his friend cheerful again.
"Really, now?" Donghae chuckled and looked at Tiffany's card in wonder.
"Umm...so why am I in an airplane?" Tiffany looked like she regrets everything in her life while Taeyeon was looking at Donghae's card coldly. They are currently on an airplane heading to Jeju Island. How lucky Taeyeon was to see that there was a trip departing in 30 minutes.
"This guy...we were co-workers at my last company."
Tiffany looked at Taeyeon, interested in hearing what Taeyeon had to say, "You used to work at Jang's Publishing?"
"Yup."
"With the editing department for weekly Earth?"
"Right. I had always liked books, so I figured if I got hired I would do well. I got hired...and I stayed there for a while, but...I just didn't click with my superiors policies. I wasn't allowed to do anything I wanted to or was even capable of doing, so I got pissed and just quit." Taeyeon shrugged.
Wow..
"Then when I was bouncing around, Kangin reached out to me for Im's publishing."
Tiffany frowned, "But why Romance comics?"
"During my interview, before I could state my preferences, Yoona said..." At the mention of Yoona's name, both Taeyeon and Tiffany grimaced, "She said; we have got this magazine that is a wreck, so if you were in charge of it, what would you do? And when I told her my honest opinion. She shipped me off to Emerald. Telling me good luck."
"Woooow..." Tiffany chuckled bitterly.
I see. So she was an editor for an action comics magazine.
"But...weren't you confused, suddenly being place in romance?" Tiffany asked.
"Not really. Even if the audience is different, the goal is still the same." Tiffany glanced at Taeyeon, she was leaning on her palm while looking out the window, "Plus...isn't it kind of fun?...romance that is. And even if I didn't think I could do it. I would never come out and say it."
"I see..."
I sometimes find myself...really jealous of her self-confidence. Though I suppose being compared with others is inescapable.
Hearing the sound of a paper ripping, Tiffany looked at Taeyeon, her eyes widened when she saw Donghae's card being ripped to pieces.
"Wait! What are you-?!"
"You probably won't meet him again, but just in case...don't get involved with that. He's a troublesome guy...in more ways than one." Taeyeon said with a grim expression.
"Troublesome...?"
"Just...in a lot of ways."
Tiffany looked at Taeyeon, feeling a little sorry for her and wondering what in the heaven happened between her and that Donghae guy.
"Oh. Right, I made us a hotel reservation. Luston hotel. Given the hour, dinner will have to be room service, though. And we're in a double-bed room."
"What?!" Tiffany's jaw fell open, "Wait, why a double bed?!"
Taeyeon looked at her sideways, "What do you mean why?"
Tiffany was speechless.
"Well, whatever. I ordered us both dinner, though, so you had better at least eat it with me. Then tomorrow we can get in some sight seeing."
"I told you; please stop deciding everything on your own! And hey...didn't we just go to the Jeonnam region?!" (Check Chapter 17)
"That was for work. Though if you wanna call it a honeymoon..."
"What?! Enough with the teasing, please!"
Taeyeon sighed, "I'm not teasing you. I'm always serious when it comes to the girl I'm in love with."
Tiffany looked down, not knowing what to say back. She took a deep breath to calm her heart but it was no use, "Are-...Are you an idiot or something?!"
"Where did you go?" Taeyeon asked as Tiffany came back to the room. They had just arrived at the hotel and Tiffany disappeared the moment they stepped foot in the room.
"I booked myself a single room. Please enjoy a good night's rest alone in your double bed, Taeyeon." Tiffany said as she sat on the arm chair next to Taeyeon's, in front of the coffee table.
"Wow, you're a dick." Taeyeon looked at her, not believing what she just did.
"Like you're one to talk!" Tiffany yelled. Just then, Tiffany noticed the beautiful pink cake resting on the coffee table. It says; Happy birthday in red in the middle.
"Umm...youdo know it's 11 at night, right? We're gonna eat this now?!"
"How could comics editors function if they couldn't eat in the middle of the night?" Taeyeon asked as if it was the most normal thing in the world to do.
Tiffany sighed in defeat and watched Taeyeon who is currently opening a champagne bottle.
"You're fine with a little booze, yeah?"
"Sure, I will have some..."
My stomach is definitely going to be upset tomorrow.
And again, Tiffany shyly took off her coat revealing the red sweater.
Taeyeon was staring at her with that unexplainable look which got Tiffany flustered.
"Wh...What is it?"
Taeyeon proceeded to pour the champagne into the glasses with a little smile on her face, "That...I just didn't expect you to actually wear it."
"Th- This is just..." Tiffany got flustered, "All of my other clothes just happened to be in the wash is all!" She looked away.
In reality...
On her birthday night. When she woke after doing several things with Taeyeon. She found a fancy paper bag inside of her bag. A red sweater was inside. That was a present from Taeyeon, even though she didn't say anything.
"I thought it might be weird...giving you clothes for a present. But...I'm relieved now. As I thought, red suits you best." Taeyeon smiled and cleared her throat, "Once again. Happy birthday, Tiffany."
Tiffany looked down with a blush, "Thank you...very much."
Both of them took a sip of the champagne that indeed tasted very good.
The...The conversation...I have to say something.
"You know, it's actually my first time in Jeju-do...past the airport that is," Tiffany said, looking at Taeyeon sideways.
"Seriously? Me too." Taeyeon looked back at her.
"Really? So you never went on school trips or anything?" Tiffany was a little surprised upon hearing that.
Taeyeon shook her head, "I did, but both my middle school and high school trips were to other regions."
"Wow..."
Taeyeon's eyes widened a tiny bit, "Wait...you mean you didn't go?"
Tiffany chuckled awkwardly, "Oh, well...I went abroad to study right after I entered high school, so..."
"Oh...right." The stoic look on Taeyeon's face immediately vanished along with Tiffany's smile.
I'm such an idiot! Of all the topics, of conversation, why did I have to go with the worst possible one?!
"Wooow! This cake sure is delicious!" The cake was chocolate on the inside, it indeed was very delicious but out of nervousness, Tiffany was eating too fast to even let the taste sink in her mouth, "Ummmmm, sooooooo..."
Taeyeon put her elbow on the table and leaned on it, "You know, you don't have to force yourself to make a conversation."
Tiffany sighed, "I'm sorry..."
Taeyeon also took a bite of the cake, and just like that, the conversation died.
Wh- What do I do? The atmosphere is...
"That reminds me...you studied abroad in...California, was it?"
Tiffany looked at Taeyeon in surprised, "How did you...?"
"Your resume."
"Oh...yes, that's right. I wound up staying there until I graduated..." Tiffany nodded.
"I see..."
Tiffany was a little suspicious. Did Taeyeon not know? Come to think of it, she never told her, "You-...You know that I'm not completely Korean right?"
Taeyeon glared at her, "I figured as much from your name. Did you live in America at all?"
"Ah...um...yeah...I moved here when I started middle school."
"Heh...I see..."
Tiffany looked down a bit nervous, "Umm...so...what about you, Taeyeon?"
"Hm?" Taeyeon tilted her head to the side a little not understanding what Tiffany implied to.
"Oh, well...before, you mentioned you lived in North Jeolla for a while. I was just...wondering whereabouts in Jeolla..."
"Jeonju. Like you, I moved right after the first semester of my third year and spent the rest of my time until graduation there. Then I came back to Seoul for college."
Taeyeon was already a third year when Tiffany was in her first year.
I see...Jeonju, huh.
"My hometown...it's way out in the boonies, see. But I thought it was a really nice place." Taeyeon smiled a little.
Ah!
Am I...actually having a none-work-related conversation with Taeyeon?
"What?" Taeyeon raised an eyebrow upon realizing that Tiffany was staring at her.
"Huh? Oh! Nothing! No, I just...uh...umm..." Tiffany immediately looked away and took a deep breath, "Wh- What's your favorite food?"
Taeyeon frowned, "Why do you wanna know that all of a sudden?"
"No, I mean...you don't have to say if you don't want to." Tiffany took a bite of the cake to silence her stupid babbling.
"I don't really mind I guess...what do you mean favorite? I guess maybe meat, then?" Taeyeon grimaced for some reason.
"Meat! oh, meat is great, huh! It's so tasty!" Tiffany laughed awkwardly.
"What about you?"
"Oh, I...I have been enjoying wagashi lately since Sunny told me about it!" And because some of them are pink.
"I see...mind if I ask you something, then?
"G- Go right ahead!"
What is this...? It's a completely pointless conversation. And yet, strangely enough...it makes me happy.
"Tell me the name of the person you love."
"Wh-..." Tiffany looked at Taeyeon who was re-filling her glass.
"Their full name."
"Why would you bring that up?" Tiffany clenched her teeth and looked away with the heat creeping up on her. Surprisingly, Tiffany was calmer than usual about Taeyeon's request.
"Well, it's just...I was just wondering what sort of relationship you and I have." Taeyeon looked down at her crossed legs, "Are we fuck buddies or...?"
"Fu-..." Tiffany stood up, flustered with what Taeyeon just said, "Of- Of course we aren't!" She pointed at Taeyeon, "Gah! We're not even buddies at all, so we can't possibly be...!"
"That'swhat you take issue with?" Taeyeon frowned.
It was an awkward silence again, both of them not daring to look at each other.
"Ugh...I'm sorry" Taeyeon face palmed, "We were finally having a proper conversation...there's so much I want to talk about with you...so why can't I get it out, I wonder."
Hearing that, Tiffany's breath hitched.
"I want to reach you...but the harder I try, the worse it winds up going...this is how it always is for me...when it comes to you."
Well...I feel the same...
"Ah...umm..." Tiffany clenched her fists, "I'm going to head to my room now...today was a really tiring day after all." Tiffany walked over to where she placed her bag and blazer and proceeded to get out of the room
"Tiffany."
"Good night!"
"Yah!"
Tiffany yanked the hand that touched her and then she realized the mistake she made when she saw the look on Taeyeon's face.
"Um...Ex-...Excuse me!"
"Hey!"
It was no use, Tiffany had already left the room and was now standing outside of Taeyeon's door, looking down in regret.
I knew it. Things just don't work out. This is how it always is.
What should I do? Is it fine as it is? Even though she did celebrate with me. I haven't even thanked her probably.
Tiffany cursed herself and took out her phone with a heavy heart
Taeyeon who had walked out to the balcony took out her phone from her pocket upon hearing it ringing.
"Hello?" She picked up.
"U- Um, this is Tiffany."
"What?" Taeyeon frowned, even though it didn't show on her face nor her voice.
"Umm, I'm sorry...I forgot to tell you before...ah...umm, really, thanks for your hard work today. And I know I mentioned this last time as well, but...thank you for the present."
Taeyeon could hear Tiffany taking a breath on the other side of the phone, or rather...Tiffany was on the other side of the door, hugging her knees and leaning her back on the door.
"Also...this outing was really sudden, and I honestly don't know what to make of it...but, it's my first time in Jeju-do, a- and I don't think it's so bad...and it's not like I don't think things like this might be nice now and then."
"So what are you trying to say?" Taeyeon asked coldly, making Tiffany more flustered.
"L- Like I said, I'm trying to thank you! Ah...I mean, just...see...I...I'm glad I'm here...with you." Tiffany panicked when she realized what she had just said to Taeyeon, "Ah! Wait, no! I didn't mean...it just felt kind of good, I meant..."
Tiffany couldn't even continue what she said as the door behind her opened, causing her to fall backward with a thud. When she opened her eyes, Taeyeon was looking down at her while holding the door.
"Say that kind of shit to my face you idiot!" Taeyeon was not even holding the phone to her ear anymore.
Tiffany was immediately pulled off the floor and inside of the room. Next thing she knew, she was held in an embrace. Her ears pounded as she felt Taeyeon's arms around her.
"I'm also...really glad I got to come here with you."
Tiffany's breath hitched.
"And, I really...want to know more about you." Taeyeon closed her eyes and hugged Tiffany tighter. A hand on her back and another on her hair, "Going at it like this, we will wind up fucking the order again...so it will probably be a little confusing."
"Th- Then...just do things in the proper order!" Despite saying that, Tiffany was enjoying the heat coming from Taeyeon's body.
"No can do. I love you...so I want to sleep with you." And so...Taeyeon whispered, "What about you ?"
Tiffany was forced to look at Taeyeon. And once their eyes met, Tiffany couldn't look away. Both of them leaned in. They kissed. Then again And again. And yet, again. And the rest was history.
I feel like I'm getting greedier and greedier. With each new detail, I learn...I want to know even more. Even though I haven't got the first clue how to speak to her properly. No matter how small...or insignificant...or trivial the detail. I still want to know her more.
But it's kind of scary because I feel like Taeyeon is becoming a bigger and bigger part of me.
Still...I want to know. I want to hear more about Taeyeon.
Monday
"Pick up the pace!" Tiffany yelled at Taeyeon who was walking like a zombie behind her, "We have to get home, change clothes, and then head straight to the office!" They are currently at the airport, back in Seoul.
"It's no big deal if we come in late..." Taeyeon yawned.
"I can't have that attitude! I'm a new hire after all! Geez! This is why I tried to get us to come back yesterday." Tiffany said in frustration.
"Well someone slept until past noon and wouldn't get out of bed," Taeyeon said.
"Exactly! And it was all your fault! Argh!"
Taeyeon yawned again and just followed Tiffany, "...Is your body okay?" She asked. Anyone would be concerned after having sex for two days in a row including that morning when they woke up.
"I- I'm fine." Tiffany blushed.
Taeyeon nodded, "I see. We should get some proper sightseeing next time."
"No thanks. I'm never going again."
Taeyeon shrugged, "Though I don't mind where we are, so long as it's together. I'm even fine staying home"
"Absolutely not!"
"It's a work related order."
"What?!" Tiffany grimaced.
That reminds me...
In the end, I wound up not being able to ask her. Where in Jeonju did she live? And she said she likes meat, but...does that mean beef? or pork? chicken? which is it?...but I can hardly ask her those things now of all times. I wonder how I could bring it up. Though I learned one thing, it only brought up more questions...
"Well if it isn't Taeyeon!"
They were already walking to their apartment building when they heard someone call for Taeyeon.
"Gooood morning! Been a whole two days, huh? Don't tell me this is your nearest station?" It was that Donghae guy from the airport.
"Oh, good morning. It was nice meeting you the other day." Tiffany bowed politely.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Taeyeon asked with a frown.
"Whadya mean what? I live an 8-minute walk from here!"
Taeyeon looked like she was about to murder someone, "Are you fucking serious?"
"Though heeeey, why are you two wearing the same clothes you wore on friday?" Donghae looked a bit confused.
"Huh?! Oh, uh, we actually just took a little trip to Jeju-do." Tiffany immediately said to cover up for their clothes.
"Oh? A business trip?" Donghae smiled smugly.
"Yes! We went there for- "
"Pleasure." Taeyeon cut her off.
"..."
"Oh..." The smile on Donghae's face vanished and was replaced by an awkward look.
"No, Donghae-ssi! It was for work! Hahaha, what are you going on about Taeyeon?" Tiffany panicked.
"It was a pleasure cruise" Taeyeon insisted as she took a step ahead.
"Don't-!" Tiffany was trying her best to hold Taeyeon back.
"Man that sure was pleasurable, wasn't it, Tiffany?"
"Wait- no, it's not- "
At this point, Donghae was backing away as Taeyeon proceeded ahead.
"She's lying! It was for work! Work!"
I definitely don't understand you one damn bit!
Are you an idiot?!
Are you an idiot?!
Are you an idiot?!
What the hell are you trying to do?!
Days until Tiffany falls (Completely) in love: 125