100 Minus 1 Day Married to Her

100 minus 1 day married to her Starring Taeyeon, Tiffany, Yuri & Jessica Supporting cast: SNSD members

“Do you Kim Taeyeon, take Tiffany Hwang to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and promise to be faithful until do death do us part? The Taeyeonʼs throat was feeling dry but she tried to swallow hard on whatever that came down her throat. The words she tried to force to come out of her throat was stuck and couldnʼt find its way up. “I...I…” Her stuttering made the audience curious at what was going on, why was she not answering? Their faces filled with questioning looks and they peering at one another to find an answer. Taeyeon looked over to the person next to her, and millions of questions went through her mind. The woman was focusing to the front; she did not even turn to look at her. Was this woman she the destined? Was this the right choice? Was she ready to get married? Her heart couldnʼt find answer to her thoughts. Taeyeon took a huge breathe in and then breathe out again before swallowing whole of whatʼs left of her anxiety. “I …” Chapter 1: Starting from now “Taeyeon!” A girl called out from a far; as she came closer her smile shone even more brightly excluding the strong sunlight rays in early morning. “Hey Jessica” Taeyeon greeted as she pulled her luggage out and down the never-ending stairs. Taeyeon could have gotten a servant to take it down for her but she thought it wasnʼt that heavy until she tried to take it out herself. It was harder than she had imagined. Jessica rushed up the stairs to help poor Taeyeon drag the luggage down the stairs. “Yikes! What is in here? A stone?” Jessica said heaving with all her might. “Not really, just a few things my mother packed for me” Taeyeon rolled her eyes. “I see, a few alright” Finally they reach the last step of the stairs. Taeyeon pulled out the handle and started pulling it behind her toward Jessicaʼs car. Yuri then came rushing out after seeing the two from her reverse mirror. “What took you so long?” Jessica whined

“I was parking” “It takes only a minute to park, Taeyeon has plenty of room for even 20 cars to park” Jessica said “It is a brand new car! I have to take good care of it” “I donʼt see you taking care of me like that…” Jessica mumbled. “What?” Yuri couldnʼt hear what Jessica had just said. “She said help me!” Taeyeon was getting cranky with the heavy luggage she was trying to pull all by herself since Jessica was too busy whining at Yuri. “Okay okay” Yuri said and lend out her helping hand. It took the three of them to carry the luggage into the bulk of the car. “Careful, careful, careful!” Yuri said as they leveled it in and Jessica shut it with a bang. “Ouch! My baby!” Yuri cried out. Jessica rolled her eyes and headed towards the front door. Taeyeon took the backseat and Yuri kiss her car better before taking the driverʼs seat. “To the airport!” Yuri exclaimed “Shut up and drive” Jessica said “Yes maʼam” It was a speedy drive because Yuri loves speeding, she speeds so much she had gotten at least 5 fines within a month. Luckily for her she didnʼt get her license taken away because she bribed the police with a decent amount to shut them up. Once they reached the airport Yuri parked her car in the rent car-park section before taking down all belongings.

_____ “I wouldnʼt be going to California if it wasnʼt for you two, if you two werenʼt my best buddies I would have been skiing at snowy mountain or sightseeing in Egypt” Taeyeon complained as the three sat waiting for their plane to depart. “You will love it in Cali” Jessica said as she placed the sleeping eye mask on even before the plane departed. “Jessica knows best, she lived there,” Yuri said reading the menu she stole

from the seat opposite of her. “Iʼll trust you two this time, if anything goes wrong watch out. Iʼll ditch you two in Cali” Taeyeon warned. “Oh Taeyeon, mostly likely weʼll ditch you in Cali than the other way around” Yuri chuckled. _____ 12 hrs later _____ Welcome to California, I hope everyone had a great flight, hope to see you again. The three felt jetlag as they got off the plane, all three of them were already wearing sunnies before even stepping a foot outside the building, they were all expecting sunshine and nice warm air. Everything was the exact opposite, it was pouring rain and the sky was dark and filled with clouds. “And you were saying Jessica?” Taeyeon could not spot where it was warm. “Bad weather today, it might be better tomorrow” Jessica said while she held onto her sunhat tightly as the wind blew strongly from all different directions. “Well this is fun” Yuri yelled out. The three of them caught a taxi and headed to their booked hotel. When they finally reached the grand hotel they were happier than ever to see it. They were all exhausted from the trip and the weather worsened their condition, even energetic Yuri was tired. The girls had booked a large bedroom with three king single beds, they rather stick together than stay in separate rooms, it was much more fun that way. When they got to the bedroom Taeyeon slopped onto the bed and laid there like a dead fish, she could even budge, same with the other two. The next morning Taeyeon woke up the earliest, she pulled the curtains open to let in the morning light. The other two yelp like helpless puppies and rolled in their beds to avoid the sunʼs rays. “Rise and shine!” Taeyeon paced over to them and stood in between the beds and removed the covers with her hands. It took about half an hour before Taeyeon got the two to get up and wash up. Taeyeon headed down to the restaurant on the 2nd floor first to wait for the two to finish washing up. There was a perfect spot in the corner just by the side of

the windows; it had the view of the beautiful city. Just went she was about to sit down another person rushed over to the seat and sat down with a thump. Taeyeon looked up to see whom this outrageous person was. The person in front of her disgusted her eyes, this rude girl stare back at Taeyeon without guilt. Her stare was fierce and piercing back at Taeyeon. She was wearing a leather jacket; she has black straight hair and some piercing n her lips and nose. Her ear has at least 5 earrings, and her hair was ruffled and messy like scene hair. Taeyeon watch in disgust as she was chewing on gum and then stuck her index finger into her mouth to remove it form her teeth. It was the most disgusting thing she had ever seen. Taeyeon was a clean freak and this person had at least cross out 10 not to do thing on her list. “Excuse me, I saw this table first” The girl smirked and tilted her head to right. “Would you please leave and find another table?” Taeyeon tried to be polite as possible. The girl stuck a finger into her mouth ad removed the chewing gum with her index finger and thumb, she stretched and stuck it onto the table. Taeyeon watch in disgust, she was on the verge of throwing up. “That isnʼt going to make me leave, I saw this spot first” The outrageous girl then crossed her arms and sat back and rested her black boots onto the table. She waits for petite girl to react. Taeyeon lifted her shoes up as well and rested on the table, she wasnʼt about to give up that easily. Taeyeon had a very prideful attitude and she wasnʼt scared to put up a fight. “Fine weʼll sit here and see who leaves first”. Jessica and Yuri just came down from their room and they scanned around the restaurant to find their short friend. Jessica eyes are quick and sharp as she saw Taeyeon in the far corner near the windows, she noticed there was another punk looking girl who was sitting opposite of her. Jessica wonder who it was, by the looks of her she might be a stranger because Taeyeon hates making friends that is down dressed.

Jessica and Yuri made their way over to Taeyeon as fast as their heels could bring them. Upon the arrival Jessica check out the girl as she gotten closer, looks like this girl was trouble. “Who is this?” Jessica asked

“Some rude person who wonʼt leave” Taeyeon said with a grudge The girl smirked and laid her head back. “You little!” Jessica tried to hold back, she hated people who smirk because only she could do that. “Hey girls we need to get going, we have booked the city helicopter at 9 oʼclock, it will be here soon” Yuri said checking her watch. “Well that can wait I arenʼt going nowhere” Taeyeon was angry; she was going to be persistent to claim what belonged to her. “I think Yuri is right, let this punk off, we need to hurry and eat” “You two go eat over there Iʼm going to stay here” After 5 minutes of trying to persuade Taeyeon the girls gave up and went to the table beside them and ordered their luxurious breakfast. Taeyeon ordered a large breakfast the ones where you mouth would water just by looking at it. She took a spoonful of the rice and a small piece of egg and spooned it into her mouth in the toughest way possible. Her eye did not leave the eye once; she was still having the staring competition with the girl. The girl started retreating her leg and boots back down onto the ground. Taeyeon stayed focus to see what she was up to. She bend down and was doing something Taeyeon couldnʼt see under the table. But the girl was bend down low enough to reveal her cleavage, Taeyeonʼs eyes bulge like a the type of odd looking goldfish. Taeyeon thought the girl was pulling a seducing move but oh boy she was wrong. The girl placed her bare foot onto the table again after removing her boots. “What the hell do you think youʼre doing?” Taeyeon yelled drawing the attention of the whole restaurant. Taeyeon triple in thoughts and anger, she was flaming because she couldnʼt take it anymore, this girl had no manners what so ever. Taeyeon stood up and accidently knocked her knee on the corner of the table when she was trying to get over to the girl. Due to Taeyeon cripple leg she fell onto the hard ground face first. Jessica and Yuri was so shock they froze on in their seats. Taeyeon lay there until she found the strength to pulled her self back up. The two girls then rushed over to her to help out. Taeyeon anger almost blew the roof off, she was about to tackle the girl for giving her that smirk again. Jessica and Yuri stopped Taeyeon in time and dragged her out of the restaurant before

anything could have happened. It would have ended badly.

Chapter 2: Tattoo After a bad morning Taeyeon had started to forget about what had happened, she decided to let it go and pretended it was a nightmare. “Tae come over here!” Yuri called out enthusiastically. “Coming!” Taeyeon hurried over as fast as she could get through the sandy ground. The beach wasn’t where she desired to go but her friends insisted it would be fun. Yuri was holding volleyball and she was juggling it in her hand, Yuri threw underarm over to Taeyeon. Taeyeon made it rebound over to Jessica over the net. They continued playing for an hour before Taeyeon gave up; she was sweating a litre of sweat. She lied under the big umbrella and put on some sunscreen over her red skin, it was burning hot. It was an exhausting day but they had fun touring California, they went around to the prettiest places. It was getting dark but that didn’t stop them from finding fun. Jessica and Yuri dragged their lazy friend to the club that night; Taeyeon was forcefully dragged into the doors of the club. She was too tired to go to a noisy club; even so she didn’t have the strength to dance. “My father called me to come home quickly, I hid from him to go out with you two, now the club? If someone sees me at the club in California I will banish. My parent might have sent someone to spy on me” Taeyeon whined. Taeyeon’s mother thought that she was going to sleep over at Jessica’s house and go to the vacant holiday house in Jeju with her other friends so she packed a whole lot of equipments and Taeyeon’s favorite items. The other two heard everything but it all came out the other ear because they have heard it a thousand times since morning. “Lets sit here” Yuri gestured at the empty table, on the right side where there was less people. “Hey beautiful, would like to come out and play?” A girl dressed in a thin dress that revealed her cleavage, Yuri’s eye shot open and her mouth was leaking out some liquid. “Sure” Yuri eye gawked at the view. Yuri followed the girl onto the

dance floor ignoring Jessica’s glare. “You stay here I’m going to find myself a dance partner” Jessica told Taeyeon who was half asleep. “Alright” Taeyeon mumbled. Taeyeon’s eyes closed for about a minute before she started to feel like she needed to go to the toilets, Taeyeon hurried to the corridor to find the restroom. She quickly did her business and headed out. Out of nowhere she heard a screeching noise coming from the room down the dark corridor. It was a busy corridor; there were couples making out and people drunk on the floor. Taeyeon got closer and closer to the door, she heard a girl calling out for help. Taeyeon slammed the door open she found a group of girls who were drunk and drinking frantically. “Sorry, I went into the wrong room” Taeyeon apologies when she realized there was no danger occurring. Two of the drunken girls rushed over and dragged Taeyeon in. “Come drink with us, the more the fun” One of the girl with wavy short hair said. They pushed Taeyeon down near to another girl seemly looks familiar but were drunk as the others. They were all speaking gibberish. Taeyeon tried to free herself from their grip but they held onto her tighter. “Drink drink!” The girl forced a bottle toward Taeyeon’s mouth; Taeyeon continued to back her head until she reached the coach behind her. The girl forced more and more alcohol down her throat, only within 15 minutes of seating. Taeyeon’s face became red like a tomato; her eyes could barely see anything clearly. The amount of people seems to have multiplied because of her blurry vision but she enjoyed every bit of it. ____ The morning light made the girl’s eyes cringe, it brighter than the other morning because of the white curtains not far away from the king size bed. Her vision soon gotten clearer, she rubbed her eyes to get even better vision of her surrounding. “Ah, where am I?”

Taeyeon head ached and she wasn’t feeling too good, she was drenched in the smell of alcohol. Her body felt numb especially her legs; it felt like they had fallen off because of the heavy weight pressing down her body. She was surprise the naked body under the cover was not moving an inch, that person must have drank more than her self. Taeyeon could not see the face because the girl was faced down on the pillow; she trembled as she moved the body. Gently and quietly she got off the bed, being as careful as she could she grabbed the scattered clothes on the ground. Taeyeon hurriedly dressed herself and quickly escape through the door, Taeyeon huffed and puffed after closing the safely. She avoided waking the girl because she didn’t want to witness the awkward moment between them two, she knew that they had did some thing last night after witnessing the nakedness right up in the morning. The girls were to meet up the airport that noon, since yesterday night they had lost contact so Taeyeon called them and they said they would take her luggage to the airport therefore she didn’t have to worry about it. “Hey Tae, where did you go last night?” Jessica asked curiously “I don’t know but I felt sick” “You must have been drunk, I can smell alcohol from you shirt” Jessica sniffed Taeyeon’s collar. She discovered a red lipstick mark on the edge of the collar, it was smeared but it was recognizable. “You slept with someone?” Jessica raised one eyebrow. “No, not really…” Jessica kept her eyebrow lifted. She didn’t believe Taeyeon’s words. “I might have, I don’t remember” Taeyeon stuttered. “And someone said no sex before marriage.” Yuri added. “Whatever, let get on the plane before it leaves us here” Taeyeon pulled her suitcase with her and avoided the two eyes that were questioning her. ___ 12 hrs later

___ “Oh darnit! I lost my wallet!” Taeyeon exclaimed whens he reached into her pocket, it was empty and completely clean. “Well, it happens when you get drunk” Yuri commented “Nothing is important in it right?” “No just some cash and business cards, and credit cards” “Well cut those credit card asap and then everything will be fine” Jessica suggested flickering her hair away from her face. “Yeah I guess” Taeyeon headed out with the other three to where Yuri had left her car. ___ After their short trip to California everything went back to normal like it never happened. Taeyeon went on with her studies at University, forgetting all the things that happened in Cali. There was barely anything Taeyeon could have remembered. Taeyeon was a very structure person; she scheduled her personal time and her study time so it would fit the time in one day exactly. About 2 month had passed, and her life was going well until this one day a person popped up in front of her door. “Despicable!” Taeyeon heard her dad yelled as she entered the front door. This didn’t sound too good, Taeyeon swallow down her salvia. “Wait until she gets home I’m going to give her a life lesson” “Calm down honey” Taeyeon’s mother said calmly. Taeyeon took all her courage to walk through the living room where her father and mother were present. But strangely enough there was a young girl sitting in the most obnoxious posture. As she entered the room all 3 pairs of eyes were on her excluding the maids who stood quietly to the side. Her father’s eyes were in flames, she could feel his anger just by looking at them. Her mother eyebrows crossed, she looked upset, which she rarely does show. It took quite a while for Taeyeon to register the familiar face in front of

her, her black messy hair and her leather jacket triggered Taeyeon’s memory. “It’s you!” “What are you doing here?!” Taeyeon yelled out. The girl smirked, that familiar that was imprinted in Taeyeon’s memory. “You sit down now!” Her father ordered “Look at this for yourself” He handed her a piece of paper. It read, Certificate of marriage and under the title it had Kim Taeyeon and Tiffany Hwang and her signature was found underneath. Taeyeon fell back in shock. “This must be fake!” Taeyeon exclaimed “It is real, I’m Tiffany Hwang by the way,” The black haired girl said in a mocking yet truthful way. “Explain to me now, how did you get married without telling your mother and I?” “I don’t know…” “How could you not know?” Taeyeon’s father erupted like a volcano. “I… I was drunk” “Drunk?” “You better take responsibility of your irresponsible actions, fix it yourself I am not going to do this for you” Taeyeon father said burning with flames, he got up and walked out of the living room. “Taeyeon I think you handle this, you’re a big girl” Taeyeon’s mother left the living room without saying another word. “This is a copy? It must be fake then” Taeyeon noticed “Yes, this is a copy, I kept the original just in case you wanted to tear it” Tiffany said feeling satisfied at Taeyen’s reaction. “Then how do I know you’re not lying?” Taeyeon blurted.

“Well that is easy, do you have a mirror in your room?” Tiffany asked oddly as it sounded. “Why?” “Just lead the way” Tiffany stood up and fixed her tight shorts. She was wearing those trashy clothes Taeyeon first saw her in. Does this girl ever change her style? Taeyeon thought in disgust. “Here” Taeyeon walked through the door and into her room and pointed at the mirror in her wardrobe room. Tiffany followed Taeyeon inside the small room where all Taeyeon’s branded clothes were stored. Each and every one was iron to perfection and folded neatly in their draw. Tiffany had a feel of everything as she waked by. “What is it that you need a mirror for? To looked at yourself?” Taeyeon asked. Tiffany lowered her eyes to Taeyeon’s level, her smile changed dramatically. It was like a vampire locked on its prey. Taeyeon backed up a few steps. Tiffany kept moving forward locking in her target. “Don’t come near me!” Taeyeon yelled Tiffany kept getting closer and closer with each footstep; it wasn’t long until she had her cornered. She licked her lips and devoured her bottom in her most seductive way. She was so close Taeyeon could feel her hot breathe on her cheeks. Taeyeon held her breath in but it didn’t last long until she needed to catch her breath again. Tiffany distracted Taeyeon’s attention before she reach down to the belt on Taeyeon’s jeans. She unbuckle it without trouble, Taeyeon froze and didn’t know how to react. She then pulled down the jeans slightly. Taeyeon’s eyes enlarged as she felt her pants being tugged. “Here is the proof,” Tiffany said pulling on Taeyeon’s pants and revealing a tattoo on Taeyeon’s bottom. Taeyeon peer into her reflect and looked at what Tiffany was talking about.

“OMG when did this happened?” Taeyeon stared at the tattoo that said Kim Taeyeon and Tiffany married 27.09.11. “My beautiful bottom!” Taeyeon was worried why was there words imprinted on her body more that the message that was on there. Then Taeyeon realized the serious message in the tattoo, it was real after all. That must have been the night she gotten so drunk she couldn’t remember. Why was this happening to her? Why couldn’t it be player Yuri? That girl needs to settle down rather than herself. Flashback ["Do you do you want it?" Right here Taeyeon slurred, she pointed to her behind and smile drunkenly at Tiffany. Taeyeon yelped painfully as the needles went in, but she endure it until the end. Tiffany held her shoulder out and half opened her eyes to see the needles go onto her flesh. Tiffany got hers tattooed behind her right shoulder] End “Well we are married baby” Tiffany affirmed, turning back to show her right bared shoulder where the tattoo was imprinted. “Married?” Taeyeon face expressions were full of shock and confusion. Her heart felt like it stopped pumping blood, the circulation of blood through her system was suddenly corrupted. The thought of being married was like her worst nightmare. The juxtaposition of fear and anger were stirred together, she could not get the idea of being married through her mind. Slowly registering what had just happened in the last 20 minutes she slapped herself awake. “This must be a dream” Taeyeon slapped so hard her cheeks were red. ___ “Let’s get a divorce” Taeyeon said in her most serious tone. “I don’t want too” Tiffany rejected They were both in a classy café that Taeyeon came to often, it was a nice pleasant luxurious café for the wealthy people in the suburb. “You want money?”

Taeyeon took out her check and a pen “Just tell me how much and I’ll give it to you” Taeyeon was ready to scribble the number of zero down. “I don’t want your money, I just need 100 days” Tiffany chewed on her new piece of gum “100 days?” “We can stayed married for 100 days and I’ll retreat after that, and you will receive my divorce letter after 100 days” Tiffany explained “Why 100 days?” Taeyeon asked “Not particular reasons, I like to do what I feel like” retorted Tiffany “You are a weird girl,” Taeyeon said taking back her check. Taeyeon could not tell what this girl was thinking, this girl gave no signs and no clues to what her plans were. “You have two choices, it is either you move out into my house or I’ll move into yours?” Tiffany said naturally. “We have to live together?!” Taeyeon thought it wasn’t going to get worse butt hen it did. “Yes, that what married couples do” “I’ll move out into yours then, my parent would be extremely angry with me right now, and I don’t think they would like to be reminded why I got married drunk” Taeyeon stated. “Okay good, move in tomorrow” “Why so soon?” Taeyeon asked “Because I like it that way, don’t ever ask me why” Tiffany said standing up and left before she could say anything. __ “What?!!” “Your married?”

“When?” Why?” “How?” Her two friends were on the verge of exploding. They had millions of questions in mind but they could not ask them all at once. Taeyeon was attacked in all directions; the questions were continuously thrown at her like meteors. “Shut up!” Taeyeon finally yelled. “I don’t know the answer either all I know is that, that night I got drunk and it happens so that I got married” “Look here” Taeyeon lift her pants down enough for the two girls to see her tattoo. “You even got a tattoo!” That is so cool!” Yuri said “Not cool at all” Taeyeon retorted. “You really got married, even earlier than me” Jessica laughed. “Does she want your money?” “You could pay her to get divorce” “Pishh like I didn’t think of that” money was Taeyeon’s answer to every thing, it was her number one problem solver weapon. “But she said she wants us to stay married for 100 days before she agrees to getting divorced” “Wait who is this girl? What is she like?” “It is that rude girl we met in California that morning” “What?! Her? You have the worse of luck girl” Yuri said was surprised as Jessica was. Their jaws dropped a metre at about the same time. “I can’t believe my life ended up like this, why me?!” Taeyeon asked herself.

“Poor Taeng” Jessica patted her friend’s back to give a little comfort. “I have to move in with her for the next 100 days” “This is going to be fun, by the looks of her I figure she must be living in an apartment” Yuri added to Taeyeon’s grief “Take it in as an experience” Jessica chuckle, she was feeling sorry for Taeyeon but she couldn’t help but laugh because she knew Taeyeon so well, she never lived the life of a normal citizen. “How am I going to survive the next 100 days?” Taeyeon cried out. ___ Chapter 3 Moving in “Let me go! Why are you tying me up?” The girl shouted in fear, her hands were dangling from rusty chains in a dark basement, she culd see nothing but an evil smirk, which appears to be the person she dreaded most. “Stay quiet or else I suck your blood dry” The evil girl laughed The poor chained girl struggle to stand up straight, she wriggling herself to see if she could get the heavy chains off. It was hopeless; they were secured onto her wrists. “For 100 days Iʼll lock you in this basement, you will endure it all” The girl laughed another evil echoing laugh. “This is prejudice!” “Oh Taeyeon, you got yourself into this, no one forced you” Tiffany lift Taeyeon chin as she spoke, and poked Taeyeonʼs nose. Tiffany went to the table situated in the middle about 1 metre and half away from her; she grabbed a whole pack of chewing gum and unwrapped each one. She slid each one into her mouth and chewed it engrossingly. “No, no, no!! Donʼt you dare” Taeyeon exclaimed Tiffany came over to Taeyeon and then she dug into her mouth to remove the large piece of chewing gum that excreted a slimy substance, called saliva. Tiffany played with it to enlarge the piece she then held it up to Taeyeonʼs face.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” Taeyeon screamed.

“Wake up already!” The girl pushed Taeyeonʼs body slightly. Taeyeonʼs eyes shot open, and she saw that evil person again but this time in her room. “Donʼt, please donʼt, Iʼll do anything” Taeyeon pleaded helplessly clinging onto Tiffanyʼs waist. “What are you talking about? Wake up already, Iʼm here to pick you up” “Huh?” Taeyeon gazed up at Tiffany. “It was a dream?” Taeyeon retracted her arms quickly, rubbed her eyes and checked out vision. She was in her room not in the dark basement; it was a nightmare after all. “Iʼll be downstairs, when you finish come down” Tiffany said and left the room “Is she my mum or what?” Taeyeon watched the girl leave In about 10 minutes Taeyeon came downstairs, Tiffany was sitting in her usual careless posture in the living room. She was wearing her usual leather jacket, but this time she had denim jeans on. They were partially ripped from the usual style. Tiffany was twirling her hair and observing the painting on the wall as she waited. The house peered to be made out all shades of gold, the rim of almost everything is a gold color, and it looked rather expensive. “Iʼm done” Taeyeon said dragging along. Taeyeon didnʼt bring anything because she was going to get it delivered to Tiffanyʼs house. “Cool, lets get going then” Tiffany chewed on her piece of gum. Taeyeon followed behind and paced towards the front door, she had told her parents last night that she was moving with the girl, she didnʼt go into details but because she felt she was responsible for this mess. Her parents was angry so they told her that they will cut all her credits cards and she wonʼt be allowed to come back. Taeyeon had no choice but to accept her fate. Taeyeon looked back at house for the last time, sheʼll be missing it for the next coming months. “Where is your car?” Taeyeon looked around to see where this car was but there was no trashy car in sight. “Get on” Tiffany said as she got onto her bike and held the helmet out to

Taeyeon. “What? Youʼre expecting me to ride on two wheels? Never had Taeyeon ever rode a bike, this was even more shocking than anything. “Hurry up, you whine too much” Tiffany arm was getting tired because of the heavy helmet. Taeyeon took the helmet and balanced it with her two hands, it was heavier than it looked. She put it on but couldnʼt find the buckles. “Help” Taeyeon yelped “Youʼre so bothering” Tiffany said turning to her right where Taeyeon was, and fiddled with the buckles. Taeyeon looked away because she felt pathetic not knowing how to buckle a helmet. Tiffany tightens it making Taeyeon let out a cry. “There, now get on” Tiffany ordered Taeyeon managed to get on but she struggled a bit due to her disadvantage in height. The seat was long enough for a passenger and it felt more comfy than Taeyeon had imagined. “Hold on tight” Tiffany warned. “What?” Taeyeon couldnʼt hear what Tiffany was saying because the helmet was blocking her hearing. But Taeyeon soon realized why. Tiffany flew off like a torpedo; she raced out the front entrance in 2 seconds. Taeyeon managed to wrap her arms around Tiffanyʼs waist in time, she held on tight as possible almost suffocating Tiffany. In less than 10 minutes they arrived at a block of buildings. Tiffany parked her motorbike swiftly and smoothly into the adjacent parking along when the other cars parked. She turned off the key and removed and then tucked into her pocket securely. Taeyeon followed Tiffany off and unbuckled her helmet, she handed the helmet over to Tiffany who was waiting for her. Tiffany put inside the motorbike seat. “Follow” Tiffany ordered. Taeyeon followed closely behind Tiffany, Tiffany went up to the front door and entered some numbers before the door allowed them to go through. Taeyeon scanned the inside; it wasnʼt like any building she ever went too. The lights at the top were blinking constantly and the smell of the place reeked. It was almost like the houses she saw in the down town movies. With each step Taeyeon heard an echo, and it creep the backside of her hair, they were standing on it own.

They enter the elevator; the gloomy light in the elevator was creepier than the light on the main floor. Taeyeon stayed closer behind Tiffany, it felt like she was going to be possessed any minute. Bing the elevator alerted, the elevator stopped at the 6th floor and it opened with a thud causing the elevator cubicle to shake from wall to wall. “Is this really where you live?” Taeyeon whispered. “Is there a problem?” Tiffany took the keys out of her pocket and dug its way into the keyhole. The security door was pushed to the side and then the main door was slammed in. Taeyeon was astonished at Tiffanyʼs roughness, she thought it was the out appearance but she was tough inside and out. “No, no problem” Taeyeon eyes almost dropped out of eye socket when she saw the mess in the house. The clothes were found everywhere and in every inch of the house, they looked like they have been there for weeks. Tiffany kicked the piece of rug, which seems to be a shirt out of her way as she walked in. “The room is in there” Tiffany pointed into the dark room on the left of the entrance. “Only one room?” Taeyeon exclaimed, she at least there were two rooms she never shared a room with anyone before. “You can sleep on the floor or share the bed, it is your choice” Tiffany said chugging down the water bottle she had taken out of the fridge. Taeyeon kicked the objects on the ground as she passed through to the room; the room was horrendous it was even worst than outside. The curtains were closed and the bed was not made. “Ahhh!” Taeyeon screamed Tiffany ran into the room to see what Taeyeon was screaming about, Tiffany Taeyeon standing the bed looking down at a crock coach. “What is that?!” Taeyeon yelled out in fear. “That is a crock coach scaredy-cat” Tiffany step on top of it without showing any fear. Taeyeonʼs face squinted, she felt like spewing after seeing the squashed crock coach. “Get use it, you will see many more species habituating here” Tiffany smirked.

“There is more?” Taeyeon fainted onto the bed. Tiffany was amused at Taeyeonʼs reaction, so far it this was the only thing that made her smile all day. Once Taeyeon was awake her nose led her outside to the kitchen, she smelt something and it was food. “Hungry?” Tiffany moved the pan over to the table and used the spatula to scoop out the scrambled egg. Taeyeon gulp, she was hungry but the food one the table was not the type of food would have eaten daily. “Sit down” Tiffany ordered “Iʼm not going to eat that” Taeyeon sat down opposite of Tiffany with arms crossed “Fine then donʼt” Tiffany didnʼt care if Taeyeon ate or not. Taeyeon watched Tiffany eat, she swallow down her salvia. Her stomach started to growl, she held onto her stomach in embarrassment. “Eat, stop holding it in” Tiffany said pushing the bowl over to Taeyeon and continuing consuming her portion. Taeyeon eyes started to sparkle, the food turned out to be not so bad. Taeyeon took one bite after another. After having their breakfast Taeyeon realized that it was almost time to attend her lecture. Taeyeon had some classes to attend to. “I have to go to class, Iʼm almost late” Taeyeon said rushing out the door. She hurriedly got outside to the elevator and then down to ground floor. Taeyeon waited on the side road; she decided to take the taxi to school because her parents didnʼt allow her to have a driver after choosing to move out. Taeyeon pulled out her wallet to check how much money she had, it turns out she didnʼt even have a penny. What was she meant to do now? Taeyeon tucked it back into her pocket. There was a loud broom noise that came from behind; Tiffany came out with her bike. She lifted her helmet covering revealing her flawless features. “Get on Iʼll take you Uni” “Iʼm fine” “Are you sure?”

Taeyeon wasnʼt fine at all, she had no cash and no car to get to Uni, and so she eventually gave in and climbed on the bike. The loud motorbike noise attracted the attention of the people surrounding, it was usual to hear motorbike noises around the university, the students all had cars and V8 engines. Jessica and Yuri were wandering why Taeyeon wasnʼt at Uni yet until they saw the familiar body figure getting off the black motorbike. They hurried over to confirm it was Taeyeon. Taeyeon took her helmet off and gave the helmet back to Tiffany. “Thanks” Taeyeon said before Tiffany flew off without a word. “Wow, she rides a bike?” Jessica was almost speechless for words. “Yes apparently” Taeyeon answered fixing her clothes. “She is more wild than I thought, I like!” Yuri said jokingly. “Yeah you can have her” Taeyeon said not interested. “Really?” Yuri asked excitedly “No I was kidding, sheʼs is my wife” Taeyeon claimed. “Yuri would you stop being so…” Jessica was angry at Yuriʼs behaviours. “What? What did I do?” Yuri asked “Never mind” Jessica led the way to their class. Yuri followed Jessica like a lost puppy, why was Jessica always picking on her? She always gets angry at everything she did. How come Taeyeon never gets treated like that? She could never find the answer why, she tries to be extra nice to Jessica always trying to make her smile being a dork from time to time. But it just makes her angrier. Yuri lips pout following by Jessicaʼs side. “Would you stop giving me that face” Jessica scolded. “Smile then” Yuri said giving her the eye-smile “Hmm” Jessica smiled for a second and when conformed to her ice princess look. “Yah!” Yuri yelled out trying to catch up to Jessica. Taeyeon doesnʼt know how those two continue to be friends when they are like that every day.

Chapter 4: Devil may cry “Jessica lend me some cash, I need to take the taxi home because my parents cut all my credit card and I have no cash left” “Poor you, here take this” Jessica handed Taeyeon some notes. “How are you going to survive without money?” Jessica asked. “I have no clue yet, I have never been so lost” Taeyeon said looking down at the ground and kicking the pebbles. “And that is why I wouldnʼt get married” Yuri said satisfied with her words. Jessica glared at Yuri. “Stop adding salt onto my wounds Yuri” “Taeng are you sure the girl isnʼt doing this for money?” Jessica hesitated to ask. “I donʼt think she is after my money because I have nothing now, not even my car. She had to even drive me to Uni, you two witnessed it this morning” “What is she after then?” “I donʼt know, my looks?” Taeyeon said posing with her infamous V sign under chin. “Hahaha you crack me up Taeng, you wish! She might be after me rather than your looks” Yuri laughed hard. “I know! She is a pervert! She wants your body… Just imagine this… One dark stormy night a shadow swoop passes you while you were sleeping on bed. A shadow hover over you and your eyes slowly opens just in time as she launches her body on yours and then...” Jessica gave Yuri a knock on the head. “What kind of story is that? Are you telling a ghost story? It is giving me goose bumps all over!” Jessica yelled. “Hey that hurt!” Yuri expressed. “You deserve it, telling such a creepy story. I think it would have been rated MA 18+ if I let you continue” “Hey I got to go my driver is here,” Jessica said waving farewell to her two

friends. Jessica gave Yuri her usual Icey look and then left. “Why is she always like that?” Yuri asked Taeyeon “Are you blind girl?” “No” “Canʼt you see she is infatuated with you” Taeyeon socked Yuri, her jaw dropped and she became speechless. “How come you donʼt notice this?” “How? She always acts so mean to me, almost everything I say gets on her nerves.” Yuri finally found words to say “She is jealous thatʼs why, every time you talk it is about someone else and you never relies that she likes you and cares for you secretly” “But I donʼt have feelings for her. Jessica is a nice girl, she is our close friend, that is why I have never thought of her that way” Yuri confessed “Jessica!” Taeyeon saw Jessica standing behind them. Jessica ran away with tears in her eyes. “That did not just happen” Yuri didnʼt know if she should chase after Jessica or let her go. “What are you waiting for? Go after her” “I think I should let her clam down, theirs is no point chasing after her, I wouldnʼt know what to say anyways” Yuri held tightly on bag strap. She really wanted to run after but the other half of her doesnʼt want too. Jessica tears kept coming out, she sniffed and sniffed, and walking along the unknown road she wiped her overflowing tears. Her mind was blank; she allowed her feet to take her anyway, just away from Yuri. She pulled away her brunette hair; I was sticking to her face due to her tears that wet her cheeks. Why, why doesnʼt she like me? Is there something wrong with me? Jessica kept on questioning herself. “Hey” A soft voice from behind made Jessica stopped on the spot, she knew who it was. “Jessica, listen to me” Yuri placed her hand on Jessicaʼs shoulder so she wouldnʼt run away.

“I think you would have heard what I said to Taeyeon, I have really have no feelings for you. I feel we are good as close friends, youʼre like a sister to me” “Is there something wrong with me? Can you give us a chance?” Jessica sniffed. “I … youʼre just not my type” “Not your type? But I can change!” Jessica insisted “Changed? How are you going to change? You are who you are. To be honest, Iʼm a player and I like the sexy girls, the ones with long legs and the ones with cleavage you know. I donʼt take dating seriously and I donʼt date any one for longer than a month. By the way I called your driver, so you should go home take a rest. Forget about everything I have said today and we can be good friends again” Yuri smiled her heart-melting smile and led Jessica over to the car. Jessica didnʼt say a word and went into her car because she was in deep thoughts. Yuri watched the car leave into the far distance. __ That night Tiffany wasnʼt home, she could be late but Taeyeon was stomach was growling, Taeyeon doesnʼt know how to cook at all but her stomach persuading her to try out. Maybe she should try to cook something for both of them to eat, Tiffany was kind enough to share her breakfast with her, she should repay her. Taeyeon ended her thought and went over to the kitchen and checked around for something, she found a can of Tuna near the microwave, Taeyeon looked through the draw and found the can opener to open the can lid. The Tuna smell was so strong, Taeyeon never smelt Tuna with that strong flavor. She tried to pick the pieces of Tuna out of the can. She accidentally slit her finger against the sharp edge of the lid. “Ouch!” Taeyeon dropped the can on the ground and held onto her finger, she need a band-aid, she went through the draws in the kitchen but there wasnʼt any. Taeyeon traveled from the kitchen to the living room, she looked through the draws to find a bad aid, but unexpectedly she found a familiar item. It was the wallet she lost in Cali, she opened it up and nothing was missing. She wandered, was this how Tiffany found out where she lived? Taeyeon had her license with her address and personal details on it. “Open up!” Someone banged at the door. Taeyeon freaked out at the loud bang, why would someone be so loud at this time of the day? Taeyeon took the bat she found on the ground, why was a

bat in the house? There was no time to investigate. Taeyeon came over to the door and peeked through the hole. It was Tiffany. She opened it up the several locks on the inside and Tiffany entered with a grumpy face. “What took you so long?” She then chucked her bag onto the coach. “Can you ring the bell? I thought it was a group of gangster outside the door” “Donʼt be ridiculous” “Ridiculous? How can a human live in a place like this?” Taeyeon thrown the bat down and dropped herself onto the coach. Tiffany went over to the kitchen to get ready to cook dinner but when she stepped into the kitchen she found a can of Tuna on the floor and chunks of Tuna scatter everywhere and oil spill made the ground exceptionally slippery. “What did you do to my kitchen?” “I was…” “You are such a spoiled kid, you didnʼt clean up this mess” “Hey!” “Hey what?” Tiffany glared back at Taeyeon “Nothing..” Tiffany looked really stress out so Taeyeon didnʼt bother arguing She came over to the kitchen facing her back to Tiffany and picked up the Tuna and put it into the can. Taeyeon hid her bleeding finger, it was stinging causing her a lot of pain but she ignored it. Tiffany took a rag and bend down to wipe the oil off the floor before she notice some red drops mixed with the oil. Taeyeonʼs finger was dripping blood, Tiffany rushed to the cabinet in the bathroom and took out the band aid. “What are doing still?” Tiffany yelled at Taeyeon who was cleaning up the mess. “Cleaning up what else?” Taeyeon was wiping the ground Tiffany went over and grabbed Taeyeonʼs hand and put it under the taps to clean the blood away. “Ahh! It stings!”

“Quiet!” She then dried it clean and dragged Taeyeon over to the coach to stick the band-aid on her index finger. “You idiot, you could have told me you were bleeding. I would have gotten a band aid for you” Tiffany scolded. “I forgot about” Truthfully Taeyeon forgot about her bleeding finger because of how stressed out Tiffany looked, she looks like a person with a lot of thoughts and worries. Taeyeon observed Tiffanyʼs features, she never been this close to see clearly of Tiffanyʼs features. She was actually really pretty, well when she is not being her usual self. In a split second Tiffanyʼs attitude became her self again. “Donʼt be an idiot again” Tiffany went to the bathroom to take shower. “I just wanted to make you dinner,” Taeyeon mumbled. Taeyeon touched the band-aid on her finger; she hadnʼt cut herself for a very long time, maybe even since a childhood. Everything was done for her, and she didnʼt need to do anything for herself. It felt different. After taking a shower Taeyeon laid in bed, she was in deep thoughts again. Tiffany was lying with her back facing her. They didnʼt even exchange a word. [Flashback] Tiffany ate quietly and Taeyeon consumed the food without complaining a word. Taeyeon was chewing on a piece of chicken that was spiced and fried. It was simple but tasty and it smelt delicious even better than the food the maids cooked for her. She heard some sniffing and Tiffany was looked down when Taeyeon peered over. Was she crying? Taeyeon saw some tears dropping into the rice bowl. Tiffany was crying. Why was she crying? Taeyeon didnʼt know what to say to comfort her. She never witnessed anyone crying in front of her before. Tiffany was the first. Somehow watching her cry made her heart throbbed; it was making her sad too. This was only their first day as a married couple; what was going on? [Ends] Taeyeon turned over to face Tiffanyʼs back, her hand wanted to reached over to the girl but she instead she hovered above the shoulder. Tiffany made a sniffing sound and her hand immediately retreated by her side. She closed her eyes and counted numbers until she fell asleep. ___ One week had pass since that night, Taeyeon forgot about and didnʼt ask. It was Tiffanyʼs private life. She has no rights to interfere.

The rustling morning noise interrupted her dream. She woke up feeling a bit upset. From the bed she could recognise the figure walking around from one end to another. Was Tiffany cleaning the house? Taeyeon illusion was kicking in; in reality Tiffany was changing into her outfit and was moving between the closet and the bathroom to check her self in the mirror. “Do you always have to dress like that?” “Like what?” “Like a gangster” Taeyeon said trying not to be offensive as possible, she still couldnʼt get use to Tiffanyʼs style. “Well get use to it” Tiffany couldnʼt careless about the comment. “What do you do?” Taeyeon hesitated to asked Tiffany came over to where Taeyeon was sitting, she put one foot up onto the bend and lowered to Taeyeonʼs eye level with vicious look “Youʼll be afraid if I told you” Taeyeon pulled back, the hairs on her arms lost its gravitation and stood upon its roots. The black hair girl smirked and then pulled away; she stood there tampered with the gloves in her hands before putting it on. “I slaughter people as a hobby,” Tiffany sarcastically added The girl on the bed refrained herself from shaking, she tightened her fist until it became numb. She had never met anyone like Tiffany, this girl was serious business, and how did she get herself into this state? The petite girl slid off the bed and glued her self to the walls, staying far away from the black air girl. She progressed to the nearest exit along the walls of the room. “I need to go toilets” She excused herself in the quickest way she could deliver. “I saw a crock coach giving birth on the rug in the toilets this morning!” Tiffany said laughing on the inside; she was satisfied with her teasing game. The petite girl swallowed hard, upon hearing her dreaded enemy that was habituating the small area she had just step in. She checked every corner carefully and there were no bugs in sight, the evil girl was teasing her to sweats. She was doing her business peacefully until the door slammed open. Taeyeon covered herself with two hands.

“What in the world?” Taeyeon screamed “Donʼt worry Iʼm not interested in watching you pee” The rude girl reached to the top shelf to get a toilet tissue roll. “You could at least knock!” She was furious and embarrassed “Thanks” she slammed the door shut making Taeyeon almost bounce off the toilet seat. That girl is weird; one moment she makes you feel like you want to protect her, and the next thing you know she makes you want to pee in your pant and finally her typical rudeness could be made into a collection ʻnot to dosʼ. Stepping out from the toilets, she forgot about what had happen earlier, but to her surprise there was soaked toilet paper on the floor when the carton of juice was spilt. “Bacon or bacon?” Tiffany asked as she fried it in the pan. “Bacon?” That was the only choice after all. Taeyeon leaped over the toilet tissues and the split mess, she misses the maids who kept her house clean. She wished she could have kept one of them in times like these. She went over to the table and sat down waiting for the bacon to be fried. “Hey, clean the mess on the ground up, donʼt sit there like a statue” “I donʼt clean” Taeyeon never did chores in her life; yesterday the tuna spill was her first time. “Donʼt eat, simple as that” “Why donʼt you get a maid?” “Little rich brat” Tiffany rolled her eyes. “I am serious, then you wonʼt have to do it and your house would be clean” “Do you know how much it cost to hire one?” “No” “Obviously more than youʼre worth” She doesnʼt know she was going to put up with this spoilt brat for months, which seemed like a decade now. “I am worth a lot, then it must cost a fortune to hire a maid” Taeyeon thought.

Tiffany gave up. “Clean it up or no bacon for you” Considering her state she couldnʼt object, Taeyeon went over to the floor pinched the soaked tissues like it was infested. She picked it up and threw it into the trashcan. She then rolled out more tissues and wiped the floor. “Good enough for you?” Taeyeon came over and sat down at the table. “Okay” Tiffany observe the wiped up mess. “You should be honored, I never cleaned in my life. Not everyone can make me clean” She was getting overboard with her self-praising. “Eat before I shut you up,” Tiffany warned clenching her fist tightly. Taeyeon quickly made the food on her plate disappear leaving no trace of its existence. “Do you need a lift today?” The girl peered over to Taeyeon; she diligently drank the juice without taking a breath. “I can take myself” Taeyeon was too scared to bother Tiffany; she couldnʼt put her life on risk again. “Alright Iʼm off” Tiffany rolled down her sleeves and took her bag off the coach walking out through the front door. “Phew” She was scared Tiffany was going to make her ride the motorbike again, it had been a week but for the pass days she avoided by asking Yuri for a ride but today Yuriʼs car broke down so she had to get it fix and wouldnʼt be able to pick her up early. Taeyeon used the elevator to get to the ground floor. Down on bottom ground the creepy lights greeted her as of every morning. Why was it consistently blinking, where was the manager of the building how come it hasnʼt been fixed yet? Taeyeon thought to herself. Taeyeon ducked passed it and ran to the exit. In the inside it was dark, the fatal contrast from the indoors and outdoors made her eyes almost blinded. The shimmering of the white objects causes her eyes to squint like a like a mischievous rat in those kids cartoons. She raised her hand up to shield the lights out of her eyes. She stayed standing at the gates, because she hadnʼt figure out she could get to University yet. “I donʼt bite you know” Tiffany said appearing slowly from the side road. She was waiting for Taeyeon to come down. She knew Taeyeon had no ride to get to University. She had overheard Taeyeon talking on the phone with Yuri in the morning.

“Here get on, donʼt make me wait” Tiffany handed the helmet to Taeyeon forcefully. “Iʼm fine, really” Tiffany shot a death glare at Taeyeon which worked perfectly as planned, Taeyeon hopped onto the bike without another word. The bike smoothly entered the front entrance leaving a black tire mark; the skid mark is the result of strong braking. The sudden entrance draw attention form the other students, they were whispering to one another looking at them, they appeared to be scared of Tiffany. “If anyone messes with you tell me” Tiffany said eyeing the other students. “They wouldnʼt dare” Taeyeon answered slinging her backpack over her right shoulder. Taeyeon fear of Tiffany died out in front of others; she extruded her coolness that whimpered away at home. Taeyeon was the type of person that liked to makes other stand in awe and praise her for her attractive aura. She did have a handful of followers at University, those that had little crushes on her and beg her to give them a glance once and a while. Tiffany was very different to the usual people she had met, she was tough on the exterior and extremely intimidating at times. They became a bit closer than before but there was this distance between them, she couldnʼt understand Tiffany well enough to get close. She was too scared to ask. Tiffanyʼs eyes fixated on the slim figured with the curly long hair, seducing exterior, heart melting smile and the darting eyes approaching their way. She witnessed the girl taking Taeyeon by surprise into her embrace from behind. The girl laid pecked Taeyeonʼs lip, Tiffany fingers clutched onto the handle with extreme force. “Taegoo!” The girl sweetly greeted. Taeyeon pulled away; to her surprise it was her ex girlfriend. “Sunmi?” “Youʼre back, I heard people say you went to Cali for a month” “No just a day” Taeyeon held onto Sunmi to refrain her from wrapping her arm her. “Ahem” Tiffany let out

“Oh Sunmi, let me introduce Tiffany, my wife” Taeyeon said looking in the Tiffanyʼs direction “Your wife?” Obviously Sunmi didnʼt know. The news was spread around the school the first day Taeyeon was seen riding on Tiffanyʼs motorbike. “Hello, nice to meet you Tiffany…” Sunmi said and smiled. “Hi” Tiffany greeted coldly. “Umm Yeah, I better get to class, see you later Tiffany” Taeyeon felt the awkwardness between the three; she excused herself from the intense situation. “Right, bye” Tiffany U-Turned with a swift move and rode off into the distance. “She seems cold” Sunmi commented “She is cold” Taeyeon agreed “We broke off not too long ago and you already gotten married” Sunmin pouted. “It was unexpected” Taeyeon kept walking, she refrained herself from looking directly at Sunmin. They used to share a special relationship, it made Taeyeon believe that they were destined but not until that one time she saw an unpleasant sight. Sunmin cheated on her. They remained as friends after but they could not be the same. Taeyeon couldnʼt stand anyone being dishonest, lying is a lying there is no excuse to make up for it. ___ “I saw Sunmin before, she just came back from Japan. She asked me about you and Tiffany” Yuri said “Tell me something I donʼt know” Taeyeon wasnʼt interested; once the trust is broken there is nothing to mend it. “She still cares for you” Yuri commented “I donʼt give” Taeyeon replied coldly, it didnʼt shock Yuri at all, Yuri predicted Taeyeon to react that way. “Hmm so how are you and Jessica?” “I donʼt know, I havenʼt seen her since the last time we talked” Yuri felt guilty

for rejecting Jessica, but there was nothing she could do to mend their friendship. “I hadnʼt been able to contact her either. Jessica had had a crush on you for a long time, I think it is hard for her to face you, but maybe time will erase the pain” Taeyeonʼs words made Yuri felt a bit better but she was worried why Jessica didnʼt come to school for so long. There was a sudden hurdle of people heading towards one particular direction. They were pushing and shoving, but what was going on? Yuri pulled back on of the guys to ask. “There is a foreign student that just arrived the school, it was rumored she was runner up for Miss Pageant but she dropped out. Another added “She is extremely beautiful and has a became the new icon in the model industry” “I think she is a student at this school” The guy flew off after finishing his last words Another kid said “No, it just a stick” “What is all the unnecessary fuss? I bet it just another Barbie doll” Yuri joked The two friends gather to where the crowd was, everyone was trying to get an autograph so it was hopeless to see her face. But they managed to get glimpse of her from afar. She had long wavy hair, branded sunglasses, a floral dress yet revealing dress, and crème colored heels, a slim tall figure, and an essence of elegance with a sexy appeal. It was predicament sight; the crowd was pushing and shoving crazily. It was getting out of control. It was like a movement of the century, the way people followed her. The endangering stimulus crowd closed in on the poor girl, she dropped her sunglasses and it broke into two parts. “Goddess” Yuri expressed “Jessica?” Taeyeon mouth opened wide.

Chapter 5 – Love lockdown Love is blind, and lovers cannot see, The pretty follies that themselves commit

“Goddess” Yuri expressed “Jessica?” Taeyeon mouth opened wide. It has been a while since she had seen Jessica. Jessica eyes looks lifeless, blank, dull, tired. She stood parallel the two. Taeyeon could see glimpse of Jessica through the little gaps the crowd spared with each movement. Yuri was too mesmerized by the appearance of the new student to notice Jessicaʼs presence. The petite girl looked down after having a long gaze at her crush, her shoulders drooped along with her head. Within a blink of an eye Jessica disappeared. “Yuri! I saw Jessica!” Taeyeon tugged onto her friend “What?” Yuriʼs eyes still followed the beauty “I said I saw Jessica!” Taeyeon shouted into Yuriʼs ears “Jessica? Where?” Yuri mildly looked around; there was no sight of the friend she had heartlessly rejected “She was there a minute ago, she disappeared now” Taeyeon pointed to the opposite direction Jessica had disappeared around the corner, her eyes filled with tears. The moment before had caused her heart to detain constant percussion. It jittered her lips, made her eyes water. Her mind deceived herself at the sight of her crush awing over another. She knew she hadnʼt gone back that day, she knew she shouldnʼt have eavesdropped on them, now it had made her heart bleed. “Jessica!” A familiar voice called out “I know youʼre still here” She wondered on the same ground in circles. “I know you can hear me, donʼt run away please” She begged in her heart for her to come closer. “I know our friendship cannot be mended…but I have got something to say” Her walls surrendered. Openness emerges when the individual themselves become willing to suspend their certainty in otherʼs presence. If openness is the quality of a relationship then building a relationship is characterized by openness.

Jessica crept out of her hiding ground, her head still lowered and her eyes still wet. Something within those eyes held some truth behind it. She believed Yuri had something important to say; after all she got nothing to lose anymore. “There you are!” Yuri slowly stepped closer. Taeyeon had left quietly; she figured they needed time alone. “I have been thinking for the past week, I really wanted for us to be friends again, but I think that isnʼt possible” “Enough…” Jessica wept. She was scared Yuri was going to say they were to treat each other as strangers. “Wait…” She gripped herself tightly. “I havenʼt finished yet…would you… be my girlfriend?” Yuri calmly asked Jessica immediately looked up, stunned of what she had just heard. “I mean it, you asked me, why didnʼt I give us a chance? I figured, why not? Maybe you would think differently once we dated. I will change your mind. You might get sick and tired of me and then we can be friends, friends with benefits. Iʼm kidding on that last part, the benefit part” Yuri laughed it off. The brunette girl wept even harder, she tears came out non –stop; her body couldnʼt hold herself standing. “Wait donʼt cry, did I say something wrong? Donʼt cry please, please I beg you” Yuri bend down to where Jessica was kneeling. “No, Iʼm just overjoyed” Jessica said breaking from her crying. “Gezus, if I knew you were going to cry this much I would have brought a box of Kleenex with me” Yuri wrapped her arms around Jessica who nested her headed onto Yuriʼs shoulder, soaking the shirt she was wearing. ___ The coming afternoon Taeyeon took a bland nap, she was a little tired that afternoon. In the distance two girls held hands walking towards the napping girl. “Taeyeon ah, it is class time” One out of the two nudged “Er..Huh?” Taeyeon opened her eyes meeting the lights that made her squint

“Taeyeon, itʼs class time” Yuri repeated Demised being awoke she was overjoyed at the sight; her two friends were hand in hand. It made her smiled unconsciously. “You two are together?” Taeyeon asked “Yeah, weʼre together now” Yuri smiled as she held up their intertwined hands. Jessica blushed revealing her red cheeks. “Alright love birds let get going” Taeyeon said leaning the bench she rested on. ___ “Wae!” Tiffany shouted “Because I want too,” Taeyeon said in her most ignorant tone “I donʼt want to invite anyone over” Tiffany like her personal life to be private. She doesnʼt want anyone to enter her territory “Jessica and Yuri are my closest friend, they have the rights to come visit me. I invited them so discussion is over” Taeyeon ended “You,.. You” Tiffany gave up, she couldnʼt stop Taeyeon or change mind, it was hopeless. “Knock knock!” “Theyʼre here!” Taeyeon said excitedly. She rushed over to the door to unlocked it and let her friends come in “Wow, this is one creepy building” Jessica commented “This is a like a junkyard, did you get hit by a hurricane that we didnʼt know of?” Yuri examined the interior. The faded color walls, the dimly lit inside, the barbarian and tacky objects called furniture, that should be substituted by the word obstacles, was no help to finding her way through. Broken pieces of furniture laid on the floor like it hadnʼt been touch since a hurricane hit the place. “Thanks for saying nice things about my house” Taeyeon agreed it looked messy but she wasnʼt happy that her friend had to witness it. Tiffany told her not to touch it, because one it was Tiffanyʼs, two it was dangerous, and there could be anything in that mess. The only place she seen Tiffany clean up was the kitchen, that was it. But for her friends to add onto her midst theory of why the house ended up looking like this was upsetting.

“Youʼre welcome” Jessica laughed. “Sit down” Taeyeon said picking the clothes on the coach to make space for the two to sit. Yuri pulled Jessica over to the coach and did as they were told. “What is this?ʼ Yuri said feeling something under her ass, an item that she was far too familiar with. “Tiffanyʼs bra” Taeyeon chuckled as she reached over and grabbed it by the strap. “Wow, Iʼll love to find treasure in your coach every day” Yuri joked. “She is very open, so you might find things you donʼt want to see” Taeyeon warned. She was use too it, by far she had experienced worst cases. But how can you define worst? That is that question left unanswered. “Donʼt tell that is a G-string your fiddling with” Jessica eyes widened Taeyeon had a habit of fiddling with these when she is a bit nervous; she wondered what her friends were thinking. They were all from the upper class, with huge mansion, fancy cars, and very strictly organized environments but this wasnʼt anything like that. “What? Noooo” “Or is it?” Taeyeon stared at the item in her hand. She immediately threw it hitting Yuri in the head. “Thanks, I needed that” Yuri said sarcastically. “Well, it is nice to know you are living well” Jessica examined the kitchen; the place looks like it was falling apart. Jessica was being humble at her utter most. She had changed progressively after she dated. “Where is Tiffany?” “She is in the room I think, Iʼll go get her” Before Taeyeon could move Tiffany came out with a movie case in her hand. “Hello Tiffany” Jessica and Yuri greeted Tiffany smiled in reply. Taeyeon felt she was up to no good with that smile. ʻ”You two want to watch a movie?” Tiffany held up the cover and strutted over to the front.

“Sure why not” Yuri loves movies “What kind of movie is it?” Jessica asked, she was feeling awkward because of their first meeting back in Cali. “It is fun, Iʼm sure youʼll love it” Tiffany turned on the TV, and placed the disc into the DVD player. After she done her deed, she turned around to find a place to sit, there was only a spot left to sit, and it was beside Taeyeon. She came over beside Taeyeon and uncomfortably sat down. Some time had passed. The smiling faces that were seen earlier had now turned pale. The two friends who had been dragged into this were gripping tight onto each other and could not gain the courage to say a word. Only screaming was heard throughout the movie and the echoing voices that gave then goose bumps down the spine. Yuri and Jessica were clinging onto each other without room to breath; they both were sweating cold sweats. It turns out that it was a horror movie, and Tiffany was having fun watch them freak out. Suddenly a ghost appeared behind the doors, it popped on scene making the three scream their lungs out. Taeyeon groped onto anything she could find, and that was Tiffany, she held onto Tiffany and buried her face into Tiffanyʼs jacket. “Ahem, watch where your hand is groping” Tiffany warned Taeyeon who was frightened from the sudden ghost appearance “Sorry” Taeyeon took her hand off Tiffanyʼs chest but Taeyeon hid her head behind Tiffany for the rest of the movie. The girl was annoyed and tried to pull away from the whimpered girl, but somehow she unsuccessfully retreated because the adorableness made her lay off her strength. She couldnʼt help but smile. ___ “Iʼll make sure the next we watch a movie from Tiffany, itʼs not going to scared the shit out of me,” Yuri said after wiping her sweats. Jessica who was cuddled up beside Yuri nodded in agreement. “That was fun” Tiffany commented mischievously. “I only watch horror movies, and this one is not even scary” Tiffany planned to scare off the two with her movies, but it didnʼt work well enough. They were still there. “Let watch another!” Tiffany exclaimed “No, no... I mean no thank you. It is really late we better be off” Yuri rejected

the idea and pretended to look at the clock, it was almost 10 oʼclock “Yeah we better get going” Jessica grabbed tightly on Yuriʼs arm. “Okay, then bye” tiffany was glad they were finally leaving The girl beside Tiffany released her grip and checked the time. “Ten already? Time sure goes by fast, I thought it had only been 15 minutes. I guess I shouldnʼt be keeping you two, see you two tomorrow” Taeyeon waved to her friends after she escort them to them to the door. ___ Taeyeon was lying on the bed alone; the cold shivers came down her spine. Her hairs were standing on its roots. Tiffany was still in the showers, Taeyeon was terrified; she hid herself under the blanket. She heard the water stopped, and movements leading back into the room. Tiffany was finally done showering. The foot steps had gotten louder as she gotten closer. Tiffany dried her hair thoroughly before lying down onto her side of the bed. Immediately two arms caught her by surprise. The arms wrapped around her like sticky tape that could not be pulled off. “Let go! What are you doing?” Tiffany yelled struggling in Taeyeonʼs arms “Iʼm scared” Taeyeon whispered under the blanket. Tiffany could barely hear her. “Scared of what?” Tiffany harshly questioned “The ghosts” “It was only a movie!” “But still… Iʼm scared” Taeyeon buried her head onto Tiffanyʼs bare skin. It was soft and it smelt nice, she smelt like rose petals, endearing and fresh. “How am I going to sleep if youʼre suffocating me?” Tiffany asked grumpily “Pretty please, just for tonight” Taeyeon begged. She tightens her grip on Tiffanyʼs body. “Are you sniffing me?” Tiffany exclaimed, at the strange sounds. “Nooooo, why would I be?” Taeyeon was obviously lying. “Omg, let go, let go, you strange kid!” Tiffany kept on struggling to find her way out in the dark. She tried to wriggle her body to loosen the grip but it didnʼt do any good; it only made the grip on her even tighter.

“When I get scared Iʼll pee in my pants, and you donʼt want to be sleeping in a wet bed do you now?” Taeyeon revealed her dirty, embarrassing secret. “You are such a kid!” The trapped girl complained. “I am a cute kid then” “Aish…” Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. “Youʼre are doing it again!” “No, am not!” Sniff. Sniff. “Stop it.” Sniff. “….” Snifffffffffff “Youʼre taking advantage of me arenʼt you?” Tiffany mumbled. “….” Taeyeonʼs little head peeked through the covers “Never mind go to sleep” Tiffany had forfeited. She lay still like a log, and she barely could move. “Thanks” the tiny, whispered could be heard with a hint of shakiness. Tiffany swore on her soul, she would not watch another horror movie with Taeyeon. 12: 36 am “Tiffany” Taeyeon whispered. No answer. “Tiffannnnny” Still no answer

Tiffffffffaaaaaaaannnyyyyyyyy” “Ugh” “TIFFAAAAAAAANY!!” Taeyeon shouted in one ear. “Ahhh! What do you want?” “I need to pee” “Go, you donʼt need my permission” She tried to close her eyes again. “But but… Iʼm scared. Can you come with me?” “Youʼre an adult” “You donʼt want the bed wet do you?” “Omg... come on” Tiffany was released from Taeyeonʼs embrace and got down to the side of the bed. Taeyeon grabbed onto Tiffanyʼs hand and held it tightly. Tiffany loosely allowed Taeyeon to hold her hand because she wanted to go back to sleep badly, she couldnʼt bare to argue all night. “Hurry” Tiffany beckoned 10 minutes passed. Tiffany leaned against the wall to find her dreamland again. “Okay Iʼm done” Taeyeon poked Tiffany gesturing her to wake up. “Finally! Though you fell asleep in there” She sluggishly dragged herself on her two feet again to progress back to the bedroom, she mindlessly grabbed Taeyeon hand to lead her back. Hey got back into the bed and Taeyeon cozily cuddled tightly onto Tiffany like she had before. Tiffany eyes closed automatically due to her sleepy body were too tired to retaliate. ___

That morning Taeyeon woke up early; she was still embracing the black haired girl. She peered at the girlʼs sleeping face, peaceful, calm, and sweet and it was giving her butterflies feelings in her stomach just by looking at her. The piercing on her face was distracting but it could not completely divert the attention from the beautiful face. The type of feeling that wonʼt go away no matter what you do. She wish that the girl could stay in her angelic

appearance all the time, only when she sleeps makes her feel that Tiffany could be nice. Tiffany head slightly moved she was about to wake up. Taeyeon managed to close her eyes in time, she didnʼt want to get caught gazing at the girl. Tiffanyʼs body felt numb all over due to her limited movement during the night, by the pair of arms bounded around her body. Her eyes met the adorable face, the milky white skin, the messy fringe, and slowly her eyes traveled down to the timid pink soft lips. Taeyeon is like a premature adult, she had a baby face, and the stubborn personality of a kid but she still could capture hearts with her exterior. Tiffanyʼs heartbeat increased by 100 beats. She raised her hand to feel her chest. This wasnʼt good, wasnʼt good at all she thought. Tiffany starts to feel some weird tumbling feelings in her stomach. It was doing turnovers. Her breathing got heavier with every breath, she started to pant. She breathed in and out. In and out, trying to stabilize it back to her normal pace. She had stop observing the sleeping girl to refresh her thoughts before it took a wrong turn. Tiffany pushed the girl face away with one push on the side cheek, away from her bare shoulder. She felt relieved. “Owww!” Taeyeon cried out in pain. She rubbed her now pink cheek. “What was that for?” “You deserve it, itʼs better than me Iʼm numbed all over and I couldnʼt move at all, I was locked down all night because of you” Tiffany massaged her arms and legs. “You make it sound like I raped you” Taeyeon humph Tiffany wrong thoughts came back in that instant, her cheeks were forming into red plums, and she used her cold hands to cool her burning cheeks. In that instant she was speechless, Tiffany needed to get out and fast too. Tiffany ran to the exit like a flying arrow, she did not even dare to look back. Taeyeon hand soothed her sore cheek in confusion, “Did I say something wrong?”

Chapter 6 Grinding the night Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind The pen tapping repetitively on the desk, causing vibration to the surface and her foot tapping in sync with the rhythm against the ground. The lecture was boring her bit by bit as time goes by. The clock ticked, the sound of the clock could be heard vaguely throughout the room, tick, tock, tick, and tock. When was class going to end? Taeyeon thought to herself. She checked the clock 50 times per minute, and it didnʼt help one bit. Unexpectedly her mind wondered to the beauty she had woken up with this morning, the pleasant eye catching features she could not forget. With every tick the image of the beauty became a puzzle piece put together in front of her, she keep working on the pieces of puzzle that she could remember accurately. The closed eyes with long eyelashes that curved upward, the thin nose that matched perfectly with her face frame, the luxurious lips, so kissable. The more she thought about it the more detailed it became. She started to wonder why she could remember such details when it was only a short moment; the fluttering feelings came back inside her. It was travelling around in circles inside her stomach. The answers she came up with didnʼt do her justice. Two hours had passed. The lecture had ended, all Taeyeon did throughout the lecture was daydream about the beauty. The name of that person subconsciously wanders through her mind. She couldnʼt retaliate but neither does she want too. A few metres away from her class, a familiar backside caught her eye in the crowded corridor, she wasnʼt daydreaming this time, but she wasnʼt definite that it wasnʼt her illusion playing up on her. “Tiffany?” Taeyeon blinked twice, she doubted her eyes, because it didnʼt feel right. Why would tiffany be at Uni? She shuffled through the crowd to get to the familiar person. Tapping on the familiar shoulder the person turned around and it turned out to be the person she didnʼt expect to see at University. “Tiffany? What are you doing at University?” Taeyeon was curious to why Tiffany unexpectedly appear at the University. “Oh hey, nothing… Iʼm just here to pick you up” Tiffany is anxiously. Why did Taeyeon feel like Tiffany was lying? She didnʼt know why but the way Tiffany spoke felt different to her usual assertiveness. “Okay… We can go now” ___

Back at home. “Weʼre going to a party” “We and together?” Tiffanyʼs eyebrows rise as she turned around to face Taeyeon. “Yes, well apparently we need to take a partner and I think youʼll be the most suitable.” “You have no one else to take?” “Hmm…” “I assumed itʼs null then” “False, I have a lot. Just that I have uh… ah… But theyʼre busy” She tried to make a convincible excuse. Taeyeon slid both her hands in her pockets; she was getting sweating in palms. She had no idea why. It was like back in high school when she first asked her crush on a date. “What is in this for me?” “Me?” Tiffany gave her seriously questioning expression “I was joking. But it will be fun” Taeyeon tried to convince “No” “Please just for tonight” Taeyeon consistently urged “No is no” “Pretend you are babysitting me” The baby face pouted “Donʼt give me that look, I donʼt give in to it” Tiffany straighten her fringe and her jacket. “Where are you going?” “Iʼve got plans” Tiffany pulled her gloves and adjusted her posture “What plans? With who? Where?” “When did you become so whiny?” Tiffany groaned.

“It what you get after getting marriage” The girl shoveled around the living room and reached the draws to find the keys to her motorbike. “I learnt it from my parents” Taeyeon shrugged “You talk way too much, Iʼll be home by midnight” Tiffany took the metal club that she left by the side of the door and exited without another word. “Well you look like youʼre going to have fun…” Taeyeon mumbled just after Tiffany left. That night Taeyeon went to the party with her other two close friends. The party house was filled with people from left to right. They were all in very nice elegant clothes. Each and every individual glowed in their own way, they were having conversations to each other and some enjoying their own thing. “Taeyeon youʼll find a partners here for sure” Yuri checked the girls out. Taeyeon looked over to the girls Yuri was checking out, they were not her taste at all. “See them hot girls, lean and mean” Yuri licked her lips and made some prowling noise. “That is overboard” Taeyeon commented “But theyʼre gorgeous asses you have to admit” “Um… Those skanky Hoes?” Jessica butted in. “But those are my people” Yuri pouted adorably. “Poor taste” Jessica jealousy was noticeably shown, she knew what she had gotten herself into but she could not get herself out. “So now letʼs go meet the person whom invited us to this party” “The person you despised most?” “Not necessarily, I do not hate her because I do not know her. But my parent seems to love her for some reason. I have never once visited them and apparently we have been family friends for sometime, for business relation otherwise” Taeyeon cringed at the thoughts. Family friends never gave great thoughts. All their ʻfamily friendsʼ are rich spoiled brats. One hundred times worst than Taeyeon had been.

“And as a result we were also dragged along” Yuri whined. “Yes, and so we shall meet her together” Taeyeon led the way towards the main room. The elegant figure in a short silky red dress was found surrounded by many other guests seem to be the one they were looking for. The guests surrounding the person slowly moved away. The girl in the silky dress attention drew towards the new faces that were waiting aside. “Hello, Iʼm Kim Taeyeon” Taeyeon approached the girl to give her greetings “Oh hello Taeyeon, I heard a lot about you. Iʼm Yoona” “I heard more about you, Yoona” Taeyeon smiled “Well that equals out” Yoona laughed it off. “Maybe. I guess they were right that you resemble an angel. Very beautiful I must say” Yoona looked pleased being praised so upfront. “Why Thank you, I hope you and your friends enjoy this party” “We will” Taeyeon smile and look at the other two and nodded. “Alright I got to go greet my other guests, enjoy” Yoona said “Okay, talk to you later” Taeyeon said watching the girl leave the carpet platform. “Did you just flirt with her?” Yuri said in astonishment “That was not flirting, I was being nice” “I guess she was pretty though” Yuri searched her memory block. “My parents werenʼt bluffing after all, she seems nice” “I guess youʼre right about that one” “Where is your girlfriend?” Taeyeon asked after realizing that Jessica had not been presence since they began talking. “I donʼt know” “How can you not?”

“Maybe she went to get drinks or the toilets or something” “Hmm maybe” “Let go have some fun! There are so many pretty ladies here to keep me company” Yuri eyes sparkled The dangling chandelier located in the central of the room sparkle prettily along with the matching interior decorations. Taeyeon and Yuri headed over to the wine bar to grab a glass of wine each. An elegant figure approached Yuri as soon a she took her first sip from the glass. “Hey there would you like a drink with me?” The pretty girl laid her hand onto Yuriʼs arm. “Yeah sure, but a little later” Yuri seductively replied. The pretty girl left with a wink and swiftly took off towards another direction. “It like youʼre some sort of bitch magnet, no offence” Taeyeon said taking a sip from the wine glass. “No offence taken” Yuri smirked. She liked it. “I know your game very well Yuri” Taeyeon took a sip. “Butt, boobs, face are the requirements to enter the game” Yuri laid down the glass of wine. “You make it too easy to judge you” “I know. I prefer it that way. But Iʼm unpredictable you know it” “No apparently youʼre very predictable according to me” “That is because you know me too well, but they donʼt know my game” “Hmm really? Iʼm not the exclusive one here. It looks like your girlfriend is cheating on you” “What are you talking about?” Yuri became lost after Taeyeonʼs last line. “Look there, she is flirting with some stranger and it looks like theyʼ are pretty close” “I donʼt care” Yuri laughed awkwardly “Really? She is grinding her body against the stranger now”

“I donʼt, I told you I had no feelings for Jessica”

[Flashback] “Wait so you asked Jessica out because you felt sorry for her?” “Yes, I told you I only think of Jessica as a friend” “Why did you accept her then? You ʻre giving her hope and hurting her at the same time” “I donʼt know… Maybe because she resembled someone I use to know” [End of flashback]

“No, I think you are jealous” Taeyeon observed her friendʼs posture. She was stiffening and her hand was holding onto the glass with extra force. “I am not jealous okay? I am going to find my own partner to grind with. And no, I am not staring at her boobs right now, I am just looking at her necklace.” Yuriʼs voice changed from her casual tone to her angry tone. “Alright, please yourself” Taeyeon watched her friend make her way to the crowd. It looked like she was going to have a grinding battle. Taeyeon left the wine bar to find something else to do. It was getting lonely by herself after watching the grinding battle turn out to be a make out battle between her two friends. It was changing from entertaining to mind scarring. The lonesome girl wondered upstairs and she found a room with a special doorknob, it had little diamond embedded around it. The door was fancy like any other door. She pushed it open slightly to wait for any reaction before entering. She reached out for the light switch on the wall and turned it on. She the room that was covered in pink interior it must have been a girlʼs room. Slowly entering the room she observed the furniture inside. Nothing in particular special about the furniture design or layout, they were the expensive brands she had seen often. Something that caught her eye was in the far corner, a few photo frames. Taeyeon embarked towards the photo frames. There was a family photo; it had Yoona and all the family members. The other one beside the family photo was one of two people. This was one of Yoona in when she was still in her teens; she still looks the same now. Taeyeon eyes opened wide as she tried to magnify the person next to her. “Tiffany?” She was unsure if her eyes were playing up on her. She observed it at a closer distance; the girlʼs hair was combed up and neatly

tied in a pleasant looking bundle. She had no piercing, no dark make up. She was really beautiful, in a short floral dress and pearls around her neck. This wasnʼt a casual photo but a professional taken photo, like the one you take on a family photo day. Why was Tiffany in the photo? That was the question she needs an answer to. Taeyeon carefully placed the photo down and creped out the door without anyone knowing. It wasnʼt right in the first place to go in preposition of permission. She needs to find a chance to ask Yoona about it. “Taeyeon?” A soft voice called out. Taeyeon turned around to see the girl she greeted earlier. “Oh hey Yoona” Taeyeon moved towards the girl. “Where are your friends? Why are you hanging by yourself?” Yoona leaned back in interest. “They are having their fun time, I decided to find my own” “You can come chill with me and my close friends” “Itʼs okay” Taeyeon tried to run away. She knew if she gotten into it she couldnʼt get out. But then it hit her. She remembered she needed to find out why Tiffany found in photo she had seen earlier. This was the perfect chance. “Come on it will be fun” Yoona surprisingly grabbed onto Taeyeonʼs wrist and dragged her towards one of the rooms. “You brought a friend,” A girl said as she raised her drink. “This Taeyeon my family friend that Iʻve just met today” Yoona introduced “Hello everyone” Taeyeon nervously bowed. “Here join us,” The girl offered Taeyeon a glass of wine. Taeyeon cheerfully accepted the offer. “Thanks” “Taeyeon we are playing truth or dare, are you gamed?” Yoona sat down beside Taeyeon. “Sure, I am gamed” It wasnʼt like she could say no, they were all focused on her. The empty wine bottle started to spin on the table. It went round and round in 4 to five spins. It landed on a girl wearing some sort tight black dress that cling to her body. “Hyuna truth or dare?” Yoona said with her admirable daring smile

“Truth” “When was the last time you had sex, be honest” “1 week ago next!” Hyuna spun the bottle. It unexpected landed on Yoona, the head half missed Yoona. “Truth or dare” “Dare” Yoona said daringly “I dare you to drink all for this” Hyuna gave Yoona one whole bottle of alcohol. Yoona choked it down like it was nothing. She licked her lips deviously. The next spun it landed on Taeyeon. Taeyeon needed them to get drunk before she could ask anything. “Truth or dare?” “Truth” She said knowing her fate. “What age did you lose your virginity?” Taeyeon thought about it for a while, she could not recall her first time encounter. From what she remembered she had woken up naked beside another cloth less body. She had her ʻfirst timeʼ in California with Tiffany. She wasnʼt into the stage 3 whenever she dated. It was uncomfortable to say she had only lost her virginity at 22. But she could lie. “uh… 18” “With who?” “Only one question allowed” Taeyeon nervously stated. “Awww, right next!” The game went for over hours until everyone was completely drunk. Taeyeon turned out to be one of those. She had too many to remember her plan. The drunken bodies laid everywhere in the room. One found slouching over the coach, the others on the floor and on the table. Taeyeon blacked out after having too much to handle, she lay knocked out on the floor. ___ The next morning, Taeyeon found herself in a familiar room. It turns out to be

her bedroom. She wondered how she had gotten home. Her head was aching and her body felt like it had gone through a battle of the survivals. “Ah!” Taeyeon felt a lump on her forehead; her stomach didnʼt feel too good too. “Why is there a lump on my forehead?” Taeyeon got out of her bed and rose towards the mirror on the wall. “Ouch! What did I do last night?” “You vomited all over me,” Tiffany said entering the room “Really? Iʼm sorry, but why is there a lump on my head?” “That… well” [Flashback] 1:45 am Tiffanyʼs phone rang while she was dozing into her deep sleep. She picked up her phone and to her surprise Taeyeonʼs number appeared. Why was Taeyeon ringing her at this time? “Hello?” “Hey Tiffany can you come pick Taeyeon up?” Yuri asked. “Where is she” “At the party, Iʼll text you the address. She is a bit drunk so be careful. She a bit of a handful when she is drunk” “Okay” That was the last thing on her mind to do. Pick up a drunken person after midnight. Why couldnʼt she just sleep over or something? As she arrived at the party she found Yuri and Jessica holding onto the drunken body. Taeyeon was swaying from one side to another. “Thanks Tiffany” “Great.” Tiffany was left with the petite girl. She struggled to balance the girl on her own two feet. She rocked back and forth falling here and there as they walked to the motorbike. “Tiffany?” Taeyeon hiccupped

“I am impressed. You still recognise me” “Of course I do” “Thatʼs great, now get on” Tiffany dragged Taeyeon onto the motorbike. “Youʼre my wifey, wifey” Taeyeon hiccupped again. “Hold on tight, itʼs your fault if you fall” Tiffany said trying to balance herself with the weight on her back. “Awww youʼre so cute” Taeyeon said tightening her arm around Tiffanyʼs waist. Within another second Tiffany accelerated her speed to 100km/hr. She hit the road without excess effort. In 10 minutes they reached the familiar roads and building. The night roads were clear and quiet, most people would be sleeping or partying hard like Taeyeon did. Tiffany carefully climbed off the bike and following her was the heavy body. Taeyeon leaned onto Tiffany to get off the bike. She toppled while standing on flat ground, her vision were multiplied causing her to see double of everything. “Youʼre so troublesome” Tiffany complained as she helped support the drunken girl “Thanks” “Next time Iʼll let you sleep on the road” “Youʼre so niccee, I think I like you” Taeyeon slurred “Huh?” It took the black hair girl by surprise. She known the girl was drunk but for her to so to her so directly it made her stomach tumble. “I I likee youuu” Taeyeon said poking at Tiffanyʼs cheeks. It was hard for Taeyeon to pinpoint the distance and the reality placement of everything; the alcohol was playing up on her. Taeyeon leaned forward and pecked Tiffany on the cheek. “Touch me again and Iʼll cut your fingers off” Tiffany scolded after unfreezing. “You can cut my fingers anytime then” Taeyeon pecked again and again. “Stop it!” Tiffany said struggling to keep the girl balanced and under control. She tried to move away but not let the girl fall to the ground. They arrived at the front of the elevator; she pressed the button for the lift to open. Upon struggling Taeyeon and Tiffanyʼs lips collided. Tiffany felt like she was paralyzed throughout her whole body. She didnʼt know how to react.

“You have pretty lips” Taeyeon pulled back and tilt her head to one side to examine. Tiffany covered her lips with her free hand but her eyes locked on the one who stole her first. Bing. The elevator sounded the alerted their arrival. Tiffany hurriedly walked out of the elevator with the girl following behind her. She pulled the girl to the front door. She unlocked it without saying a word. Taeyeon then crashed helplessly on the bed while Tiffany rushed to the bathroom to wash her face. She needed it badly. Tiffany stared at her reflection the mirror, parts of her fringe were wet and her face was moistened. Her eyes then travelled down to her lips. Her finger unconsciously stroked her pink lips. “yay!! This is so much fun!” The child like sound came from inside the bedroom; thumping sounds were heard coming from the drunken girl. Tiffany ran inside the room to see what was going on. The petite girl jumped up and down upon the bed that looks like I would collapse any moment.

“Youʼre going to break the bed or head, hurry up and get down!” Tiffany yelled. The girl ignored her screaming, she continued to have her fun without fearing of danger. “That it!” Tiffany climbed onto the bed like a sumo wrestler ready for a new round. She head locked the petite girl and took her down and heaved her down using her own weight. “I like this game” Taeyeon said cheerfully, she had no idea what Tiffany was doing but it looked like fun. Once Taeyeon landed on the bed and Tiffany had loosened her grip, she wrapped her arm around Tiffanyʼs body and threw her on to her back and she ended on top. She dropped down onto Tiffany and pressed the victim down with her own weight. “Ahhhh! Get off, Iʼm not playing with you” Tiffany yelled out in pain. She was squish under Taeyeon; the girl had more strength than she thought especially for drunk. For ten minutes Tiffany tried to push the body off her but Taeyeon did move at all. She lay there mumbling some words she could barely hear. After that she realised the girl had already fallen asleep and was unknown of what was

about to happen next. Taeyeonʼs unconsciousness was an advantage to Tiffany, with full force she pushed the girl off her. The sleeping girl fell onto the fall with a loud thump, head first and the rest followed. “Oh shit,” Tiffany said as she quickly drops to the ground to lift the girl off. [End of Flashback] “You fell when you were drunk” Tiffany tried answering it was somewhat the truth. “It hurts” Taeyeon felt her forehead again “Iʼll get you an ice pack” Tiffany said a rushed out the door “When did she get so nice?” Taeyeon asked herself.

Chapter 7 Mummy!

I pray you, do not fall in love with me, For I am falser than vows made in wine They both sat there cunningly looking into each other eyes. The eye staring competition is held between two stubborn minds distant in contact. The loser is the weeper and the winner is the keeper. What was there to win? Keeping consists of pride, the upper hand of dignity. They continued their intense battle for a far bit of time. Their eyes were starting to water and sting from the air blowing in through the window. “Argg” Taeyeon couldnʼt bare it any longer. Her eyes had not had enough rest from last night and the wind wasnʼt helping either. She was determined to win this stranger sitting in her house. Who was this kid? “You lost!!” The little kid screamed “I did not, come one try again” Taeyeon said rubbing her eyes “We did it three times already, you lost just admit it” The little girl got fed up playing the game over again. “Taeyeon give up, you canʼt win” Tiffany said after coming out of the bathroom. “Mummy, tell her she has no chance against me” The kid said with her chin raised high “Mummy? You were married before you got married to me?” “No” Tiffany answered “How did you get a child this big? This kid canʼt be mine… we only just got married” Taeyeon was puzzled to why this kid called Tiffany mum. “It is yours” Tiffany said “What?!” Taeyeon eyes shot open “Iʼm married to you now, so it is your kid too” “But Iʼm too young to be a mum!” Taeyeon retorted “Where did she come from anyways?” “I had been going schooling aboard” The kid spoke up Taeyeon looked over to Tiffany who was busy making breakfast. “Is she going to be living here with us?”

“She staying for today, Iʼm taking her home later” Tiffany said. The kid rocked on the chair and sat there swinging her little feet back and forth. She acted so innocent but Taeyeon could see inside of the kid. She wasnʼt innocent at all. “Where is her da…” Tiffany rushed over Taeyeon to cover her mouth. She stopped her from asking the forbidden question in time. Tiffany dragged Taeyeon into the bedroom for a private talk. “Why did you pull me in here?” “Donʼt mention her dad okay?” “Why?” “He died in a car accident, just recently.” Tiffany expression changed dramatically, she was dead serious. “Poor girl. But why is she staying with us?” “Iʼm waiting for her Aunty to pick her up so until then just act like a happy family, just for the little girl. No arguments or anything that will upset the girl okay?” “Alright Iʼll try but what is her name?” “Sulli” “That is a cute name” Taeyeon felt sorry for the poor kid. She was so young and had already loss her father. She wondered how Tiffany met that guy. It made her feel a bit jealous. So was this Tiffanyʼs kid? Taeyeon thought. Never mind that, as long as she didnʼt have to keep the kid it was fine. Straightening her posture the black hair girl walked out with a genuine smile. Her compelling eye smile could brighten a depressing soul any day. Taeyeon couldnʼt help but smile seeing it too. The kid flashed a smile in return, a fainted smile but it was enough to show that she felt happy to see Tiffany. From her reaction Taeyeon could tell Sulli was close to Tiffany and she was dependent on her. Taeyeon tried not to risk another hurtful question she decided to eye stare the girl, unconsciously her eyes couldnʼt help but wander elsewhere. Tiffany glowed like she had a dozen lights shinning on her; this sudden attraction caused her to tap nervously on the table. Countless times, her eyes wandered to the area she called the red boundary. She had to draw the line there because it was too much to handle in broad daylight. Her byuntae switch

ignored her pleaded and switched on. What in the world could she do to stop it there? Had she taken the wrong medicine this morning? Was it not headache tablet but Viagra or something else? The own smell of her perspiration linger to her nose, she hoped the other two could not smell it. The sweat bead dripped from the tip of her nose and down onto her sweaty hand. Both the inner palms of her hand felt soaked, she wiped them against her pants. “YAH!” Sulli shouted after sensing something odd going on with Taeyeon. Taeyeon flinched. Her reflex couldnʼt have done better. She bit her lips in agony. She felt cold sweats down her spine. Taeyeon stood up quickly and she tried to control herself. Her knees felt like they were going to collapse on her any minute but she forced all her strength to stand up straight. She ran to the bathroom and drowned her self in the cold water. Her aggressiveness had died down, she felt relieved. “Taeyeon are you okay?” Tiffany called out to make sure. “Iʼm okay” Taeyeon sat drenched in cold water from top to bottom. What was happening to her? “Weʼre going out to shop for some things for Sulli now” “Okay” Taeyeon yelled back After hearing the sound of the door closing Taeyeon crawled out of the shower, she dragged herself on the ground, dripping wet all over. She needed to take another tablet. Her head was getting dizzy again. She deprived air; her breathing was constantly playing up on her. Taeyeon took the pill that was in the packet. She swallowed it whole without water. That was how desperate she needed. She slid down against the wall, she felt like she was above in the clouds. Taeyeon loosen the collar and unbutton the top three buttons. Taeyeon loosen the grip on her collar after she unbuttoned it. With each breath she inhaled thoroughly like it meant life or death was cast upon her. Taeyeon stuffed the rest of the medication into her pocket. She will need it later on. Not to let the other two worry she went to take a shower and dress her self in dry clothes again. 15 minutes later “Weʼre home!” Tiffany announced. Taeyeon slightly shifts herself on the chair. She side smiled, a welcoming but not overdoing it type of smile. She slid her hand from her pocket to pick up the lollypop Sulli dropped on the ground. It was strawberry flavored, she could tell by the plastic wrapper.

“I think this belongs to you” Taeyeon handed the girl the lollipop “Thank you” Sulli said taking out the lollypop she was sucking on. She took the one that was handed to her and hid it into her pocket with all the others. “Why did you buy so many lollipops? One is enough to rot your teeth you know?” Taeyeon said smiling. “I told Tiffany you were staring at her boobs earlier, she bribed me to shut up,” Sulli laughed. “Huh?” Taeyeon couldnʼt catch what the girl had said. She was half believing and denying it. The lollipop in her mouth made it hard to hear the exact words. “I said Tiffany bribed me to zip it about you going byuntae on her earlier” “And you still say it” Taeyeon cheeks went red but she couldnʼt help it “Well I said I promised her I wouldnʼt say to anyone else, but youʼre the culprit so it not like you donʼt know” Sulli licked the lollipop with joy. “Tiffany asked told me she was taking me to the movies today, and you canʼt go” Sulli said sticking tongue out. “Who said I couldnʼt?” “Tifany said” “You call your mum by name?” “Yeah” “You shouldnʼt do that, it is being disrespectful” “Tiffany is like a friend, a sister and a mother to me. She isnʼt my real mum” Sulli continued “She isnʼt?” “No, she is only looking after me” Sulli justified Somehow that made Taeyeon feels relieved. She was relief there wasnʼt that someone else. “Iʼm still going to the movies” Taeyeon insisted ___

Taeyeon persistently tagged along, she took the taxi to the cinema while Tiffany & Sulli took the motorbike. Taeyeon wasnʼt going to spend the night by herself in that scary building. The building is dark and gloomy, it made weird noises at nighttime, it maybe the rats out for a hunt but it could be anything. It was an also an excuse for Taeyeon to tag along. Tiffany couldnʼt say no, well she did but it didnʼt matter. “What do you want to watch Sulli? Tiffany scanned the titles of the new releases “Hmmm… I want to see Smurf” Sulli pointed at the little blue men “Okay” Tiffany went to the counter to buy the tickets Taeyeon pleaded Sulli with puppy eyes; Sulli was the only one that could make Tiffany buy her a ticket. “You own me one favour” “Deal!” Taeyeon pinky promised the little girl with a satisfied smile Sulli quickly headed over to Tiffany who was waiting in line, her little feet was fast to respond. From where Taeyeon stood, she could see Sulli tagging on Tiffanyʼs shirt and then she whispered into Tiffanyʼs ear as she bent down. She pointed at Taeyeon who responded with a wide grin. Tiffany made an expression but then she nodded not long after. “Yes!” Taeyeon said to herself. In a short time theyʼve got themselves three seats in the cinema room. Sulli pulled Taeyeon by the hand to her height level. “Sit next to Tiffany, donʼt I donʼt want to sit next to her. She covers my eyes whenever there is a good scene. You know what I mean. She thinks it is bad influence. “Okay” The moment Tiffany sat down Taeyeon shot gunned the sit next to her. Tiffany gave a weird look, what in the world are you doing? While Sulli happily seated herself beside Taeyeon “Hey, Sulli is going to sit there” “Shhhh, the movie is starting” Taeyeon whispered Tiffany grumpily accepted the result; this was not what she expected. During

the movie, you could laughter and giggling every now and then from Sulli. Taeyeon and Tiffany enjoyed the movie themselves, but suddenly Taeyeon didnʼt feel too good. Her shook on the armrest, Taeyeon grabbed her hand to stop it from shaking. She managed to hold it for 5 minutes before her whole body felt uncontrollable. She stood up surprising the two, and exited the cinema without a word. Taeyeon called a Taxi to get home quickly. With each tick of a second, Taeyeon could feel her body starting to shake again and her head going dizzy, she wondered why. Did she catch the flu or a disease or is she going to die? Her body shivered, and she toppled on flat ground. She couldnʼt keep balance. Maybe she had too much to drink yesterday, it was more than she could handle. Taeyeon launched herself onto the couch, her breathing per second ascended. The door swung opened, Tiffany face full of fright met Taeyeon lying on the couch. She looked pale and lifeless. She had taken Sulli home early because Taeyeon hadnʼt been looking good all day. She was scared something bad was happening. She was glad she noticed Taeyeon acting weird, before it was too late. Tiffany rushed to Taeyeon side. “What is wrong?” “I donʼt feel too good, I think Iʼve caught a fever or something” “Did you take medication yet?” “Not yet, I already taken two this morning” “Take another one now, Iʼll get you a glass of water” Tiffany ran to the kitchen and came back with a glass of water. “Here” Taeyeon dug into her side pocket to take out the medicine packet. She held out a clear packet with white tablets. Tiffanyʼs eyes shot open. She grabbed the packet from Taeyeon to take a closer look. It was the packet that went missing yesterday when she left it on the kitchen table. She had forgotten about it. “Oh my god, have you been taking these?” “Yes” “These arenʼt medicine” They are drugs – theyʼre ECSTASY. Ecstasy transcends normal consciousness and makes person feel stimulated and extremely hyped. Tiffany panic, she had once lost someone to drugs, and she couldnʼt bear to lose another person that is close to her. She held onto

Taeyeonʼs hand tightly and unknowingly tears automatically drowned her eyes; two streams of tears began to flow down her cheeks. “Donʼt worry youʼre going to be fine I promise” Luckily Taeyeon had only taken two, she isnʼt deeply rooted, she tucked the rest into her pocket. As long as Taeyeon doesnʼt take anymore she would be fine. [Flashback] “Come on just take one,” The girl urged “What is it?” Tiffany asked “Fun pills” “Ecstasy?” “Take one, it makes you feel energetic” She clasps her hand together like the pill was gold. “Okay just one” Tiffany popped the pill into her mouth and swallowed it 20 minutes later The world around her became a new and different realm. She danced with joy and her heartbeat made her feel the power she had inside. She felt liven and excited. The world was in her hands, she didnʼt need to care or feel stress about anything. “I told you it is fun,” The friend said prancing around like she was floating on the moon. With each step, each movement excitement drove them high. Every weekend Tiffany ended up partying in high mode, she felt it was like heaven. It was an escape of reality. Her family drove her insane, she felt she had lost a whole part of her after she had heard the conversation between her parents. She had no parents; theyʼre devils that had sold her for money. Yoona knew all along they werenʼt real sisters, she pretended to be naïve and perceived what they had told her. Tiffany had been the dumb one all along. She clench her hand, and grinded her teeth. Anger consumed her calmness. Tiffany swallowed another pill to re-boast her energy level. She was starting to feel depressed all over again. Swaying naturally with the music her whole selffunction as an object controlled by waves of sounds. But in reality the pills that changed a person in a short amount of time controlled it. She waved her hands in the air and knocked her head side to side. Grinding up against other in the hot dance floor. “You want to do something fun?” Her friend asked

“What?” Her friend leaned in and whispered “Lets fly”. Her talent was persuasion, even saying it in the way she did sounded exciting. Tiffany smiled at the thought, but what did her friend mean by that? Her friend hooked her by the suggestive smile. This got to be fun. Tiffany followed behind, they elevated up the stairways, she struggled to keep balance but it was fun like that. Up on the top roof the wind breeze blow and felt refreshing and cool against the skin. Tiffany spread her arms out like wings to feel the wind surround her body. She closed her eyes and breathed in heavily. “Up here!” The friend interrupted her peaceful moment Tiffany opened her eyes and turned towards the direction the voice was coming from. She saw her friend standing on the edge of the building. “Hurry up, you are missing all the fun” She hesitated for a moment, but what was there to be scared about? Tiffany staggered over to the edge, she stepped on the concreted edge. “Are you ready to fly?” Tiffany nodded. She watched her friend leaped off the edge happily looking at the sky. She closed her eyes and placed on foot out to the open. “Stopppp!” An unknown figure tackled Tiffany to the ground. “Are you stupid? Or crazy? You could die jumping off there” “I want to fly!” Tiffany said. She was unconscious due to the heavy pills she had taken. “You just want to waste your life away like that?” The tall girl said, seriousness was written all over her face. Her brow frowned. Her big eyes pierced through Tiffany. She had fine hair, short and neat. It was a bit shorter than shoulder length. Her vivid red lipstick stood out most from the rest of her face features. “Donʼt you want to enjoy life?” “I am enjoying it” “I know youʼre not in the right mind at present, so I wouldnʼt waste my time explaining to you why you should live” The tall stranger stood up. She swept her clothes clean; the tiny particles that clung to her clothes were there no

more. She lent out a helping hand for Tiffany to get up. Her finger were long, her hand slender and soft. Her nails were medium short length. She had red nail polish on her nails. “Come here, Iʼll take you down. It is more fun downstairs” She successfully persuaded Tiffany followed the stranger downstairs, she didnʼt know why but this stranger made her trust her. It was only 5 minutes of word exchanging, but she had a feeling that she had known this person long ago, or maybe in her past life. She was her life savior. Her name was… “My name is Sooyoung, detective Choi Sooyoung” She took out a badge of the stateʼs police. Her normal attire disguised her real identity, her revealing clothing made her look cheap. Resembling a street girl, one you call in for fast and cheap service. Her revealing cleavage was an object of distraction. She had done well to hide her identity. “Iʼm Tiffany Hwang” “I know.” She pursed her lips as though she had known for a long time. Tiffany checked this person from top to bottom, a beautiful lady she would have never guessed. “Tell me, what is your goal in life?” “What do you mean?” She flicked her fringe aside and repositioned her gaze. “What do you want to do with your life?” She said resting her back; she crossed her leg over the other. The stocking she worn stretched discoloring the part where her knee bent. The pills had worn out, she was feeling the reality hitting in, her fingers were getting anxious and her mind were telling her it was tired. Depression was her problem. Her fingers started fiddling on the frill of her dress. Sooyoung peered down at the small movement. She knew what was going on. “Do you want to die?” “No” “Do you know your friend had jumped off a 6 storey building?” “What are you talking about?” “It is as what you just heard”

“How? Why?” “I suppose you are awake now” Sooyoung showed no great reaction, she moved her hand from her clasp to her thigh. “The pills made her jump, you were there to witness it too. Remember?” Tiffany remembered parts from the scene that had happened. She recollected the moment her friend jumped off the cliff wanting to fly. Her tears came out and rolled down her face. She buried her face in her two hands. This was unbelievable. She couldnʼt stop herself from crying; it kept coming out nothing she could do to stop it. “Please, just look after yourself” “Guess me a reason why I should? This world is going to collapse on its own anyways” “I have been following you all along, you know you have been living with the people who may have killed your parents?” Tiffany head rose up quickly, she thought she had definitely heard it wrong this time. She wiped the remaining of her tears away. She had drenched her hands. “How do you know?” “Iʼm a detective, I have been following this case for quite sometime. The upper ranks, had given me this case, case 739. The impossible made possible” “This is a dream right?” “I rather it was a dream, but it is real” Sooyoung expressed “Then what do you want me to do? Kill them? Kill myself? Or is this going to be one of those melodrama where you tell me to help you solve this case?” Tiffany sarcasm took part in her response; she felt it sounded like a plot apart of a drama. “Well I wouldʼve given you a prize or an award, youʼve guessed it correctly” Sooyoung stroked the fabric of her stocking. “I want you be apart of this case, help me and help yourself” “If you threw in a prize it would be more convincing” “Iʼm serious” “I am too serious”

“Here take this, call me when you had given it some thoughts” Sooyoung handed Tiffany a paper card with a phone number on it. [End of flashback]

“Tiffany youʼre suffocating my hand” Taeyeon said sarcastically “What? Iʼm sorry” “Itʼs okay” “Iʼm really, really sorry” “It okay, really. It is not your fault. I drank too much” Taeyeon insisted, she patted Tiffanyʼs hand. Tiffany remained silent. She couldnʼt say anything more.

Chapter 8 A date?

A heart to love, and in that heart, Courage, to makeʼs love known She was pleased with the result. A midnight saga it would come under according to her. She wrote the message down, word from word and line from line. Eloquently she gathered the pieces of paper that was ripped into shreds. The technical code of conduct applies in every form of complex operation. She placed the shreds into the burning fire. She watched it burn into ashes all that were left. All that time spent paid off. [Flash back] “About 3 months, that is all it takes” “3 whole months?” “Give it 100 days” “That still sounds incredibly long” “Have you no faith in your self?” The tall girl asked directly “I … donʼt” She spoke showing discouragement. “Well get some faith now, it is not going to wait for you” “Sooyoung… I use to believe I was in a happy normal girl but now Iʼve fallen from a very high place to the very bottom, where do you think I could find that faith?” “In your heart” Sooyoung paused. “You have survived it, faith is just by your side, grab it and keep it there” She passionately spoke words that she hope meant something to Tiffany. “My heart is hollow now, it feels like it had been trampled all over.” “Tell me something I donʼt know” Sooyoung eyes glittered. “Iʼve been through worst, but I have survived and here I am now. Iʼm still standing on this earth. Even if it means I am alone I will still be standing. I want to help others find their place and rectify justice in their hearts” “At times like these I feel angels do exist” Tiffany chuckled. She felt it had become an even more depressing conversation. It was all her fault. “Youʼre one of them” Tiffany smiled. Sooyoung smiled back. “It is like building a castle to dream, have you ever slept in a castle?” “No” What kind of question is that Tiffany thought.

“Of course not, I havenʼt myself, but the castle Iʼm talking about is the one of hope and love. Purely non-fictional” “Maybe one day I will” “You will, I donʼt have doubts at all” “Well, I think I may as well focus on this case first” “Iʼm glad you thought it through” Sooyoung held out her fist. She turned over so both could only see the back of her hand. Tiffany saw the hand gesture; she must be giving her something. She waited for the object to fall into her hand. “Taeyeon, 22, daughter of the Kim family. Currently studying at University. Her father owns one of the largest company in Korea” The picture oddly looked like a little kid with milky skin. She looked 12 years old not 22. Tiffany examined the photo closer. “Isnʼt it illegal to marry a kid” Tiffany joked. “Rich might have a bit of attitude, and you know what I mean about it” “This maybe the ones of the impossible made possible in this case right?” “I guess” Sooyoung sided smile [End of flashback] The message that she had found on the paper accounted as the next clue to the missing puzzle. A whole bigger puzzle waits to be revealed. Taeyeon had been soundly sleeping that night; it was dead tired because of the drugs she had taken. Tiffany hadnʼt been this scared in a long time. She was panicking so much before that she almost couldnʼt control her feelings. She was overflowing with emotions. She needed to control her emotions; she shouldnʼt let it overtake her. This was only temporary; she shouldnʼt go in much deeper. She need not to have feelings for anyone, it would only hurt the both of them. Tiffany sometimes felt like she had had enough, what was she really doing, she doesnʼt know. She wished someone could anyone give her an answer. Sometimes it is the freedom that we want, to obtain the inners things that we truly desire. What is it that each and every one of us wants? Do we really know? How many of us has asked ourselves that question and gotten a perfect answer? Some wants a brand new car, a new house, a million dollars, those are greedy thoughts but those of who wants the simplest thing may be

the hardest to obtain. Love, friendship, affection, sincerity all that we can get is one or the other. Life is raw and cruel. Equality is for eternity uneven. If one believed there is justice, it will come with a price. Tired and restless, Tiffany slumped onto the bed beside Taeyeon. She lifted the rest of her body onto the bed. It was comfy after sitting in the same posture for so long. A slight movement from the person lying beside her made her stop any motion. Taeyeon directly faced at her. She couldnʼt help but wonder what she was dreaming about. Her face was calm and peaceful. With that face she would never age. Perhaps, if they werenʼt who they are, it would be possible. ___ “Jessica!” Yuri called, she chased after trying to make her self seen and noticed. Jessica was listening to music on her ipod, she was deaf to the world. Yuri caught up huffing and puffing in exhaustion. “Jessiiicaaa!” Yuri yelled into one ear. “Yuri?” Jessica finally figured out why there was a noise in the background, it was coming from Yuri. “Why did you ignore my calls?” “You called?” Jessica checked her phone and the screen said she had 3 miss calls. “Sorry I had been listening some new music” Jessica took out her earphone. “Anyways look what Iʼve found at Yoonaʼs house” Yuri took out her phone with the photo of Yoona and Tiffany. “Tiffany? How come she is next to Yoona?” “I donʼt know, I have a feeling she is related” Yuri said. “This is complex, we need to talk to Taeyeon” Jessica said. ___ The three people sat at the coffee table, the busy streets were noisy and crowd but it was the noise could died down on the inside of the shop. Each and every person had their own complex, own story, and their own life. It couldnʼt be easier. It was winter, and the nights became breezy, colder than usual.

The sounds of the doorbell sharp and loud could be heard through the shop. Momentously the three sat in a second of silence, the warm coffee cups in their hand fluster redness in their inner palms, in their minds roamed questions yet to be answered. “Tiffany” The three of them spoke at once. “You go first” Jessica said to Taeyeon, Yuri nodded in agreement. “I saw a photo of Tiffany in Yoonaʼs house the other day. “Me too!” Yuri said taking out her phone and showing Taeyeon the exact same one. “How did you?” Taeyeon asked “Oh well... long story short. I accidently went into the wrong room” Yuri said unconvincingly. “She must have been noisy again” Jessica said. “Well back to the main topic, is Tiffany related to Yoona?” “I donʼt know” Taeyeon signed. She had forgotten to ask Yoona about it, and Tiffany isnʼt too friendly upon that topic. Whatever it is, we got to find out. “Why?” Jessica said, “it not like it is a big scandal or anything, Taeyeon hasnʼt and isnʼt dating Yoona” “It is fun to know, Taeyeon is married to Tiffany so she should know her inlaws” Yuri said “Iʼll ask Yoona sometime” Taeyeon phone beeped, she received a message. “Maybe very soon, Yoona had just messaged me to go out for a drink” “Wait, so she messaged you to go out on a date? This is good but isnʼt right” Jessica fiddled with the cup handle as she spoke. “Hmm yeah but it will be a good chance to ask her about their relationship, it will be a get-to-know a new friend sort of thing. You canʼt classify it as a date if you hadnʼt seen the person more than three times” “So is that it works for you?” Jessica mumbled. “Alright choices, one you go and two you say donʼt go and let the girl be

heartbroken” Yuri added sarcasm “Iʼll go” Taeyeon wanted to know more about Tiffany and this was a good chance.

Chapter 9 Undeniable feelings Will you catch me if I fall, cement me if I walk away… The image must have seared into her retina, it is an image free of judgment. Boldly the girlʼs cleavage was shown, she constipated whether to look straight at it or avoid eye contact with it. It was literally calling for attention. If this was heaven it was partly it. Seduction played in it close to highest level. Times like this called for sunglasses, the girl could see everything that she was looking at. It beckoned her to give it one last look. “Ahem” She made a sound to distraction her own attention elsewhere. “Did you have fun that night?” Yoona asked cheerfully “Yeah” Taeyeon blinked hard to eased her thoughts “You got home safely I assume” Yoona said scanning Taeyeon up and down “Tiffany took me home” Taeyeon said not realizing she had blurt out the name “Tiffany?” Yoona interest drew in “My wi- my friend” Taeyeon lied. “Do you know a Tiffany?” “Yes I do” Yoona looked rather sad. Her shoulder drooped upon hearing the name the second time. “Your friend?” Taeyeon went on “No, a close person” “A family member?” Taeyeon needed more information “Yeah, she is my sister” “Oh sister, that is nice. I didnʼt see her at the party” Taeyeon continued “She lives elsewhere, Iʼve lost contact with her for a while.” Yoona took a sip from her coffee

“I see” “Lets not talk about my sister. I heard from my parents youʼre a business student” “Yes I am, I heard youʼre a designer and a model” Taeyeon heard much more about Yoona than that. “Haha yeah, I love it. It makes me happy. I want to have my own clothesline. Yoonaʼs exquisites, something like that” Taeyeon thought about it “Yoonaʼs exquisites, it sounds nice!” Taeyeon complimented. “Thank you” Yoona graceful lips widened. The two had a long conversation; she couldnʼt speak much about Tiffany because Yoona seem displeased talking about her. But she got what she wanted to know. Enough to understand why Tiffany didnʼt live with her family in a pleasant house but instead she lived in a worn down apartment. Tiffany apparently left home after having a huge argument with her parents; she supposedly found out that she was adopted. That is a tragic story, Tiffany background was not a pleasant one, and she finally understood why Tiffany acted so coldly towards her. ___ Taeyeon enter the apartment and looked around to see if Tiffany was home. Tiffany was on the couch watching T.V it was her first time seeing Tiffany so relaxed on the couch. Taeyeon creped over and launched her whole self at Tiffany, she hugged the girl without letting her breathe. Initiating intimacy wasnʼt her natural doing, it was something she does when she feel the sincerity too. This was one of those moments. She felt she needed to give Tiffany a hug. She didnʼt know why and how she gotten the courage to openly hug Tiffany. But she did. Her arms didnʼt want to let go, and she snuggly dug into Tiffanyʼs neck. Tiffany was caught by surprise, was this apart of prank? It didnʼt feel right. “Hey get off me!” Tiffany yelled, pushing Taeyeon away. “Why are you perverting me?” That was the only explanation she came up with. “I want to give you a hug. Thank you for looking after me yesterday” Taeyeon hands automatically wrapped around Tiffany again She really didnʼt do anything. Tiffany felt rather guilty for leaving the packet of ecstasy on the table so carelessly. She was going to take it away after washing her hands, but she had forgotten about it. She was so clumsy. It would have ended worst. Taeyeon couldʼve become addict to drugs and it

would have been all her fault. She might have jumped off the roof like how her friend had ended up. She felt turmoil, feeling the embrace from the person she could have hurt or is about to hurt now. “What did I tell you that night you kissed me? I said Iʼll cut your fingers off if you touched me again” Tiffany had accidently blurt out the incident that happened between then. Her cheek bloomed redness. Her tongue got tied up. She stared at Taeyeon to see her reaction. “We kissed?” Taeyeon couldnʼt remember a thing but that was the most shocking news she had heard all day. “Never mind I did not say anything” Tiffany said standing up avoiding eye contact, she felt a rush of embarrassment running up her already flushed face. “You canʼt take that back” “Yes I can” “No you canʼt! I heard it!” “Whatever” Tiffany gave up, she had lost from the start. She was disadvantage because the truth had been revealed. “Can we do it again?” Taeyeon said cheekily, she knew how embarrassed Tiffany was right now. Tiffany half angry half embarrassed expression was all she responded. She took off without another word. “I like to refresh my memory” Taeyeon shouted after and laughed. That night Tiffany awkwardly moved in the room, she couldnʼt forget about the kiss she tried to erase. It was all Taeyeon fault. It was worse now that she knew about it. “Baby one more time~~~” Taeyeon sang. “Hey!” Tiffany yelled “What, I am singing a song” Taeyeon was pleased to see Tiffany react so strongly. “Or are you thinking of something else?” “No, I am not thinking about what youʼre thinking about” “Youʼre thinking about it. You wouldnʼt know what Iʼm thinking about if you didnʼt think about it yourself. But to let you know beforehand, Iʼll pucker up for

you anytime” Taeyeon points to her lips ready for some action Tiffany wished she could bury herself underground right there. Taeyeon jumped onto the bed and rested her head with one arm holding it up like a model posing on the bed. She would have been perfect for a beach photo shoot on the sand in the grazing sun. “Come to bed baby” Taeyeon patted the spot next to her. “Iʼm going to sleep outside to tonight” “I donʼt think you will because Iʼll be sleeping on top of you on that couch, it only fits one person and I donʼt want to go to that extend. It is a very uncomfortable position,” Taeyeon laughed Taeyeon yawned, “Hurry up, donʼt make me come and get you. Iʼm too tired to play the chasing game” Taeyeon comfortably settle herself under the blankets. Tiffany figured if she had get quickly onto the bed and wrapped her self up, she would be fine. As long as she doesnʼt detach herself from the edge of the bed, it wouldnʼt have any physical interaction. Tiffany locked her to the edge of the bed after getting on. Taeyeon grinned seeing how Tiffany stiffly laid there. She didnʼt dare to move. Like reeling in a fish with bait, Taeyeon used the blanket and her strength to pull in Tiffany. She didnʼt want her to fall off the bed. Tiffany mind tried to push her feelings and emotions away. But getting detached from it was harder than she had imagined. If only, if only the arms wrapped around her were present earlier, maybe she wouldnʼt have walked down this road. The warmth this person had given her was greater than a heater in the summer operating together. It gave her warmth from inside out. It was a new feeling. “I think love you” The soft whisper in her ear was fainted, but it was real. Taeyeon lifted her courage level up another few notches. She needed to express herself before it was late. After seeing Tiffany in her everyday, and knowing more about Tiffany it had gotten to her. She couldnʼt hold it in much longer. The feeling couldnʼt be trapped inside forever, not even for the rest of the 100 days. Even if she was still unsure of her feelings, she need was willing to risk it. It was better to be truthful than to lie. Love The four letter word. Her definition of love is blurred, indefinite and mysterious; distanced from this word, like a century of secrets that are long forgotten. She had not believe or hoped find it in her circumstances.

“Stop joking around, if I elbowed you in the stomach youʼll regret saying such things” “But I am serious” Tiffany remained silent. Taeyeon mature side exerted, it rarely does but when it does become serious it leaves a significant impression. “When did you?” Tiffany couldnʼt help her mouth from opening. She was curious, how did it become like this. “I donʼt know… you drew me in and I canʼt stop thinking about you” Tiffany stunned at the reply. It partially sounded like what had happened to her self. She couldnʼt stop thinking about Taeyeon either. “We wonʼt work out, if you started loving me. Please stop there. I wonʼt take responsibility for your heart. I wonʼt give back what ever you give me” Tiffany spoke softly but underlined her message clearly. The grip tightened around her frame. Taeyeon rested her head against Tiffanyʼs head. Her hair smelt of a perfume she couldnʼt remember the exact name but it was luring. “I donʼt need you to give back, I want to hold you like this. If I were to let you go now it means I had already given up, but I didnʼt. I want you to be mine” Tiffany was too easily softened by those words; the language of love makes a person defenseless. The wall crumbles, and the boundaries crossed becomes a realm of no return. She had become vulnerable in front of Taeyeon, she wish she hadnʼt. She needed to keep herself from giving in without obligations. Her identity now wasnʼt the old Tiffany Hwang, she had responsibilities, and with much ado in the way she doesnʼt know if she could make it. “I have time and I can wait. You donʼt have to answer now or even remember this, if you donʼt want too. I donʼt want to force you into anything you donʼt defer your mind too.” Tiffany postponed her response. She couldnʼt possibly come up with a better reply. “Goodnight” Taeyeon kissed Tiffanyʼs shoulder as a breaking point. “Night” Things happened so quickly and suddenly it mashed it together in a big jumble, untangling it is a hard job. She decided to leave it as it is.

Chapter 10: That promise

So long as I can breathe or I can see, so long lives your love, which gives life to me… She had coaxed her into believing that youʼre the problem. “I dabble this as a crucial fear. If she were to take this plan to another level, she had started. But literally, that whole family has started. It was a good thing we knew that they would take action and we went a step ahead of them, we are faster than them by one point. During the time you were with them, Iʼm sure you have seen many people come and go. Especially those from rich families, you were one of the victims but at an earlier stage” Sooyoung inhaled deeply. Their roller coaster ride had started. It was the beginning of the dreaded scheme. “Taeyeon is the next victim” Sooyoung equalized the penʼs altitude in her hand. She vertically held the pen pointing on the tip of her index finger. [Flash back] “There is one thing you need to do to make this plan a success” “What is it? Is it dangerous?” Tiffany asked. “You see the person in that photo I gave you? Taeyeon will be the next victim in this scheme. The Im family will naturally let their daughter meet Taeyeon and then slowly take over using their evil tactics.” Tiffany was intrigued, this plan was heading in a way she hadnʼt imagined to be. “How did my parents die?” “They died in a car crash, you were still a baby then. I donʼt know why they took you in, perhaps it was guilt or they thought they could use you.” Sooyoung eyebrow creased. Tiffanyʼs shoulder drooped. She felt disgusted and betrayed. “What do I have to do now?” “You” Sooyoung underlined Tiffany as though she was written on paper. “Have to marry Taeyeon” Tiffany was surprised; she hadnʼt thought she had to take it that far. “It is best to stay close to the victim, then you would know their every step” “What happens if they find out I married Taeyeon” Tiffany was curious “They donʼt know that you know that they killed your parents and now youʼre trying to catch them in their act. So youʼre safe. They might even use you apart of their plan. It would be perfect; we can succeed easier and faster too. We have chosen you for that reason, you fit perfectly into the plan.” Sooyoung dropped ballpoint pen on the table and swung her chair to the front to directly face Tiffany.

“Youʼre now officially going to be a guardian angel for Taeyeon, try and keep her out of trouble. Donʼt be too obvious. Remember to keep your own individual emotions away. However the feelings you will be giving out is artificial, just to help you with your case. Anything you will be doing in the future will be apart of the undercover police department strategy. Youʼre not the old Tiffany Hwang, but an informant taking on a new role.” “A new role?” “Yes a completely new role, first off, you leave that house like you have already. You are to join this street gang called the apocalypse. They have been looking for new members to sell some MDMA, which is short for

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. You would know because you have used them and brought them from gangs like that. Iʼll give you the details to where theyʼre located later. They have been shifting everywhere in town to avoid polices” “What do I do if I get caught by the police?” “You your wits, if the apocalypse value your existence they will save you, if not they will let you go. But I will step in when I am needed” Sooyoung put her hands together on the table and leaned forward. “Okay I got it” “You have to change your complete self, no more fancy clothes, nice cars you have to e a complete wreck. Do you understand?” “I got it!” “What did you say?” “Yes maʼam!” Tiffany saluted standing tall. “Here are your plan tickets to Cali. We have found out Taeyeon and her two friends are heading to Cali for a day. You will be notified of what to do next. Be careful” [End of flashback] “Yoona had met Taeyeon?” “Yes, supposedly they had a casual conversation at the coffee store” “Does she know about me?” “I donʼt think she has yet, but it will be unavoidable. Soon you will meet her face to face again. Her outer appearance and personality is an illusion; she is

truly professional at this. You would have never guessed she was apart of all this” Tiffany had lived for along time with Yoona, she never thought Yoona had an evil side. She was caring and really nice. How did a beautiful girl like that turn rotten? Money makes people selfish. “Taeyeon confessed to me,” Tiffany revealed. Sooyoung felt like a sister to her at times, she had no one else to talk too. She was the only one who knew who she really was. “Predictable” Sooyoung said. “You predicted this?” Tiffany said stunned “She is one of those rich kids that have never met someone like you. She will easily find you intriguing. It could be something temporary. Donʼt look too deep into it. Because she is apart of the plan, the feelings you give out have to be artificial.” Tiffany felt a little disappointed, Sooyoung was right. Taeyeon could be having temporary feelings for her. Because she was different to the usual clingy rich girls “Should I reply?” Tiffany was lost. “You mean what should you reply?” Sooyoung re-phased her question “I think you donʼt want an close ended answer” “Yeah” “When a confession is made it means you either accept or reject. But in your state it really depends. What benefit or advantage can you get from accepting? If you were to accept it, it will be not the real you who accept it. It is as apart of your job. The results differs, the consequences varies” “I understand” ___ She recalled all them with strange clarity, every breath and every movement, last night she had the best sleep ever had. She had embraced Tiffany the whole night and she had confessed without trouble. The heavy stone on her heart is now gone. But the only thing that she was nervous about is Tiffanyʼs reply. She doesnʼt know when or what the result will be but she hoped it turn out good. “Taeyeon, Taeyeon, TAEYEON!” Yuri repetitively shouted “Huh? What?” Taeyeon thoughts got interrupt by her friend “Iʼve been calling over 10 times but youʼve been day dreaming” Yuri explained

“Why are you hanging out with me? Shouldnʼt you be with Jessica?” Taeyeon asked “Iʼve got some problems, I didnʼt know Jessicaʼs real mother had died on this day. She went to visit the grave. Iʼve said some things that made her unhappy so she left without me” “What do you want me to do about it?” Taeyeon asked. Jessica had had a hard past story too. She knew about it because they grew up together. Sometimes she felt like kicking Yuri for being ignorant of Jessicaʼs feelings but she couldnʼt interfere, it was their problem. “Where is the grave located? I want to get there by to say sorry” “In Daejeong” Taeyeon said “Wait Jessica is from Daejeong?” Yuri was shocked “Yes, she lived there when she was younger” “I am from Daejeong too! Which district did she live in?” “Daedeok-gu” “What a coincidence! This is getting more unbelievable. I never knew because we never talked about it” “Because you never took an interest” Taeyeon added “You better get going before it gets dark, Jessica usually stays at her penthouse there overnight, she doesnʼt get home until the next day. Or when she feels like it” “Okay, Iʼll get going now. By the way thank you” Yuri said smiling. ___ It took a long 2 hours train ride to get to Daedaeok-gu. Yuri stepped out of the train feeling refreshed in the open air. The train ride made her drowsy and tried but the refreshing breeze woken her up. Yuri hailed a taxi to get to the cemetery, she wondered if Jessica was still there at this time. The clouds looked like it was about to rain heavily. The stronger winds came in; the tree whooshed in the breeze. Yuri reached the cemetery; she searched around back and forth until she saw a bunch of flowers in front of a grave. She made her way over the dried grass, she suspected that Jessica had left them there. She recognised the flowers, white

Daffodils. She had saw Jessica holding it earlier this morning when they were arguing. She felt regretful of what she had said. She must have hurt her feelings. Yuri hadnʼt known she going to visit her motherʼs grave. If she knew about it she wouldnʼt have put on a tantrum about stupid little things. She finally reached the grave, the worn down edges shows it aged over the years. It was old. The grass around it were trimmed down, it had been taken care of well. Yuri bend down onto the ground to bow, after looking up she was taken by a wave of surprise. On the grave she saw Mrs. Jae Hyung. She was her caretaker when she was younger. She had a daughter name Soo-yeon. They played together and had made many promises before she left to Seoul. Yuri was upset for days because she couldnʼt see her friend again; she wouldnʼt eat and tried to get her parents to take her to Seoul. After two years Mrs. Jae Hyung had became ill and couldnʼt take care of her anymore so they had to hire a new caretaker. Eventually they lost contact with Mrs. Jae Hyung. Yuriʼs mind then clicked. The whole thing had become clearer to her. The relation between Jessica and Mrs. Jae Hyung, Jessica is Soo-yeon. The long lost friendship that she use too and still do treasure greatly. “Jessica is Soo-yeon!” Yuri said out loud. This time she wasnʼt going to let her go. Yuri ran at full speed to the front of the cemetery where the taxi was parked. On the way to the penthouse it was pouring rain. The sky had darkened and the roads were slippery. The little girl who she gave her first kiss to, it was Jessica. The one she had been waiting all long was Jessica. The little girl in the cute white dress was Jessica. The heart she had preserved for was for Jessica. One thing she never had before was a real relationship, because the place in her heart was taken. Her heart had belonged to the friend she had spent the many lovely memories with. If she was given a time machine she wished she had treated Jessica better. She wished she had known earlier. The taxi windscreen wiper couldnʼt keep up with the pouring rain. The rain was getting heavy, and heavier, the denseness of the rain coming down made it hard see the road. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep the loud car horn echoed. The headlight of the approaching car out shone theirs. It was all bright and unclear. The car stopped, the time stopped. The world stopped. “You promise weʼll meet again?” “Of course, Iʼll come to Seoul to find you. Where ever you are Iʼll come and get you” The little girl with the ponytail held up her pinky. “…Promise” The plaited hair girl intertwined her pinky smiling her widest, baring her little baby teeth.

…Life didnʼt promise to be wonderful Chapter 11 Hummingbird Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, catch love in a mo… Soft touches glided along the side of her face, she could feel warm breath coming closer to her face. The person was wiping her face with a wet clothe. Very closely. If she had open her eyes now she would see the person face to face with a little gap to spare. She cringes, as the touches left goose bumps on her arms. She tried to open her eyes but it wouldnʼt budge. The noise she could hear were sounds of someone sobbing. “Jessica?” She mouthed, she was eager to see who it was beside her. Why was this person crying like she was dying? She isnʼt dying is she? Her body was drenched; her clothes were all wet because of the pouring rain. But she felt no pain. She remembered there were bright headlights coming right at them before but what had happen after that? She had lost all consciousness. “Youʼre awake?” She managed to see an unclear figure. The face was unfamiliar, as her vision gotten clearer she couldnʼt recognise this person who was sobbing. “Oh my god youʼre awake!” The girl shook Yuri gently in happiness. “Where is this place?” “This is daedeok-gu hospital” The girl replied “The hospital?” “How long have I been here?” “Only a few hours, thank god youʼre not hurt or I've been feeling so guilty. I had been checking your breathing, I was scared that your body had stop functioning” The girl said checking up and down, she was so relieved to see the person well awake. “Wait, what time is it?” Yuri asked “Itʼs about 6 oʼclock, is there something you need to do?” “Yes, I need to go now” “But the doctor said you need to rest” The girl stated “I really have something urgent, thanks looking after me. Iʼm really fine now”

Yuri tried to stand up but her weak legs didnʼt allow her. The girl supported Yuri by helping her stand up but she could only do so much. “Iʼll be fine” Yuri forced her legs to keep balance. She eventually got on her own two feet, she balanced it well but now she had trouble walking. “I think you need more rest” “Can you get me some crutches?” The girl nodded and went out to find crutches for Yuri, she knew that was all she could to help. She was the one at fault, she had crashed into the taxi and now it was time to make up for it. She came back with two crutches after asking the front information desk. She asked the nurse to get her a pair. “Thank you very much” Yuri politely thanked. She appreciated, she understood that the girl was feeling bad for crashing into her but she did make for it. It not like she did it on purpose. The girl helped her out to the front to hail a taxi; she was scared Yuri couldnʼt take care of her self. But there was nothing she could do make Yuri stay at the hospital. “Thank you, it was nice to meet you” Yuri said and waved through the window “Iʼm very sorry, I hope you get better soon, bye” The girl farewell, she watched the taxi leave. She stood there until it was out of sight. Yuri needed to get to the penthouse Taeyeon had told her. Jessica must be there to sleep over night. It was getting darker as she reached the house. From the outside the house light s were still visible, it was lit brightly. She could see it through the large rectangle windows. Why was her heart beating so fast? She felt her pulse beating like she had done 500 sit-ups. She never felt so nervous to see someone. She had been with Jessica for the past year but she had never felt so nervous. It was like she was meeting with someone she hadnʼt seen in a long time. Yuri inhaled and exhaled deeply, she practice her the usual breathing sets she did for Yoga. It help calmed her a little but the more she thought about meeting Jessica as Soo-yeon, the long lost first love, she couldnʼt bear to breath calmly. Just alittle more until she reached the stairs and the veranda. The taxi had already driven far away after she paid him the cash. The guy was about in his fifties; his smile reduced his age by ten years. His last words were ʻgood luckʼ. She had told him she was meeting her first love again and he said he married his first crush. He gave her his best wishes. Staggering along as fast as she could with the wooden support. Why did it feel like forever? It was only a few steps away from the strongly built door.

Now two. Now one. Zero. Yuri raised her hand up and paused in mid air. What was she to say? What would her first words be? How should she act? She needed to make an good impression. Her hand trembled. Should she knock? What if Jessica wasnʼt inside but someone else was? What if she doesnʼt open? All the what ifs, pelted through head. Why did she feel so worried? It was still Jessica, not someone she hadnʼt talked to before. It was her girlfriend. Yuri settled her emotions before knocking her first, then second and then third. She heard footsteps coming out to the front door. She heard a voice. “Iʼm coming” Yuriʼs heart pounded. Her skin felt wet, she was sweating in the cold night. The door handle turned. Yuri breathed heavily; she fought hard to open her eyes. The door swung open and she tried not to blink at all. But it stung. She blinked hard to ease the sting. She needs words to come out. She needs to say something. The person stared back at her; she was surprised, she could tell. When did she become so beautiful? Her radiant hair were silky and smooth looking, her face slightly pale in the night but was the most beautiful face she had seen in this world. Her mind automatically found this person attractive. She felt ticklish inside. Tummy felt butterflies and her face were flustered. Her cheek redness should be visible at that precious moment. The girl blinked. Her eyelashes bounced. She was adorable in her eyes. How long had she stood staring at this beauty? “Jessica” Yuri finally spoke. The first words she could say were the name she longed to voice. It felt natural, the feeling of knowing someone since young and meeting them again. Now theyʼve both grown up, it was a whole new feeling. She wishes she had a compass, a compass that would have led her to find Jessica earlier. She had fought with her parent to go to Seoul; it took her a long time to convince them that Seoul University was better than the ones in Daejeong. It was risky, but she risked everything to get to Seoul, all for Jessica. Spent the whole two years searching Seoul for this person in front of her right now, it happened like a miracle. But the girl was oblivious of what was happening. “Yes?” She wanted to grab hold of Jessica right there. She wanted wrap her arms around her and never let go. The embrace she longed for was right there in front of her. Nothing was stopping that. Yuri let go of crutches; using all her strength she stood balanced. She leaned over and used her right hand to hold Jessica's hand. She reached out to the soft hand that she had held before but never cherished enough. She pulled Jessica towards her and embraced her

with all her might. Jessicaʼs head rested on her shoulder, she was happy to see Yuri too, but what was going on? Why did Yuri have crutches and why is she behaving so oddly? Yuri finally released Jessica after feeling it was enough. She couldnʼt find any word to express what she felt. She stroked Jessica's hair and then cheek. Maybe words werenʼt what she needed. Her finger traveled down to the pink lips. She leaned in and placed her own on Jessicaʼs soft lips. Her own lips against Jessica felt naturally in sync, it was like they were accustomed to this. This was their second kiss since the day she had asks Jessica to be her girlfriend. But this was also the second time she kissed Soo-yeon. The first time under the pine tree was magical. She had became skillful at kissing over the years, but only now it was consider a real passionate kiss. She didnʼt know why but she felt her feet gaining strength again, perhaps it was the power of love. She led Jessica inside the house without breaking the passionate kiss. She closed the door behind them and took little breathing breaks. She didnʼt want to stop it feels good and exciting. Jessica followed Yuriʼs lead; she wrapped her arms around Yuriʼs neck and Yuriʼs arm established itself around Jessicaʼs waist. Jessica enjoyed Yuriʼs aggressiveness, she always wonder what it would be like to have a passionate kiss. She was shoved against the wall near the chimney fire; she found it sexually appealing and seductive. Yuriʼs hand glided along her back roughly but gently at the same time. Kissing is the act of desire, reverence, a sign of love. She could feel it was genuine it wasnʼt because of lust. A hand roamed underneath her shirt and on her bare skin, she marvel and caressed it softly. Yuri had taken it a little too far, this wasnʼt what she had planned but why did it feel so good. She almost couldnʼt stop herself from going further. Her hands roamed underneath the red sweater. Jessicaʼs bare touchable skin so soft and tender under her fingers, her hand demanded her to keep going but her mind told her to stop. Yuri overcome her senses and pulled back. She broke off the kiss and took her hands out from under Jessicaʼs sweater. The knit sweater was warm due to Jessicaʼs body heat; it was almost like having a glove on both hands. Jessica expression said it all, she was eager for more. Her eyebrow changed shape, it was straight but now it is creased, her lips pouted adorably. She wondered why Yuri had stop so suddenly. “Sorry” Yuri said. Jessica looked into Yuriʼs eyes, the apologetic eyes glittered, and she could visibly see her own reflection in them. “Iʼm sorry for what I said this morning, Iʼm sorry for being a jerk, Iʼm sorry for

not treating you better, Iʼm sorry Soo-yeon, for not finding you earlier” Yuri eyes were watery, she blinked once causing the tears to rolled down. “Soo-yeon? Who is that?” Jessica blankly asked Yuri wiped her tears away. Did Jessica forget her own name? Had she forgotten her childhood? “Isnʼt your name Soo-yeon?” Yuri asked “No, Iʼm Jessica. Have you been cheating on me Yuri?” Jessica was getting angry. “Isnʼt your mother named Jae Hyung?” Yuri needed to confirm it. “Yes my real mother name is Jae Hyung, but my name is not Soo-yeon” Jessica was confused, she didnʼt know whether to be angry or not. “Okay, this is strange. I need to give Taeyeon a call. Iʼll be right back” Yuri took out her phone and dialed Taeyeonʼs number. “Hello, Taeyeon?” “Yeah itʼs me” “I need you to confirm something, Iʼm at Jessicaʼs penthouse right now” “That is great, glad you made it” “Is Jessicaʼs real name Soo-yeon?” “Yes” Taeyeon answered affirmatively. Yuri felt relieved. “But why does she say she is not?” “It is a long story, but to put it short, Jessica had a high fever when she came to Seoul not too long after. She partly forgot some things that happen when she was younger. She may mildly remember images but not clearly” Taeyeon explained as carefully but briefly as she could. It was harder over the phone. “I understand, thanks. Iʼll see you when I get to Seoul. Night” Yuri said and hung up after hearing Taeyeon said goodbye. Yuri went back inside the living room where the warm fire situated. It blazing flame was glorious. It was amazing to watch. But she learnt better not to play with fire at a young age. Jessica was sitting on the sofa; she was waiting for Yuri to come back.

“Jessica, do you remember me?” Yuri asked softly “Of course I do, youʼre Kown Yuri. I donʼt know what youʼre talking about. Are you drunk?” Jessica said trying to sniff out an alcohol smell but she found none. “No I mean the younger version of me, me in your childhood” Yuri went on. “I donʼt really know, I feel like I have seen you somewhere before. The first time I saw you, I felt we had known or met before.” Jessica tilted her head; she tried to scavenge her past memory. But she found nothing “Taeyeon said you had a high fever when you were younger, so might have forgotten some unimportant segments” Yuri felt sadden to know Jessica had forgotten about her. After all these years she had longed to find her friend again, she had no remembrance of their memories together. Yuri came over and sat down on the sofa beside Jessica, she placed her hand on Jessicaʼs clasped hands. “Iʼll give you time, we can do it together” Yuri said. Jessica nodded. She was clueless but she also wants to get back those memories.

[flash back] "Do you really have to go?" The tanned girl asked "Yes, my mother told me there would be a lot more friends there" "A lot of more friends?" The girl asked, she was scared of what will become of them "Do you think we would remember each other when we grow older?" The plaited hair girl asked "We will, I said I'll come find you. Just wait a little while" Yuri said determinately. "Give me your hand." Yuri drew a little picture. "You know what I drew?" Yuri asked looking back up. "What is it?" "A bird" "A BIRD?" Jessica repeated "Not just any bird, it is a hummingbird"

"Why a hummingbird? The little girl asked curiously. "My parent told me once, although a hummingbird is miniature in size but it has a great heart. It follows it's heart to cross the Gulf of Mexico to the eastern shores and then to the West of the blue Ridge mountains and to North of Carolina. It doesn't give up. Neither would I" Yuri closed Soo-yeon's hand and smiled. Jessica smiled in response. Yuri loved reading books, and her parent always told her wonderful stories, stories she would retell to her best friend. Her best friend would sit in awe and listen quietly, sometimes she would add weird sounds effects. Yuri enjoyed it, it made the both of them laugh for hours and even sometimes laughing by her self at home. [End of flashback] Chapter 11.2 Technically yours One half of me is yours, the other half yours Mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours, And so all yours That bright morning in the penthouse the two had stayed over night filled with a new air. Yuri had lain beside Jessica, staring and gazing at her. The brunette was captivating, she couldnʼt take her eyes off her. Why hadnʼt she noticed it earlier? She must look like a creep to a person who walked in and catch her staring at Jessica. But she couldnʼt help it. People wouldnʼt understand how she felt right now; there is no adequate word to describe the overflowing emotions inside. This was greater than having the world, wait no, this is the world in her hands. Jessica was the world to her. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss those soft lips again. Another second of contemplation is another second wasted. With that Yuri close in on the luscious lips, Jessica has a unique scent, it was sweet to the nose and it makes you long for more. The girl moved she shifted because of the disturbance to her sleep. “I thought you were sleeping beauty so I had to kiss you awake” Yuri said sarcastically, but it was what she really thought. Gazing into the beautiful eyes her inside fluttered. It wouldnʼt go away, she doesnʼt think it ever will. She had sworn to herself to do whatever to keep this special person safe, happy and technically hers for the rest of her life. Jessica was a gift from heaven, she remembered when she was younger her grandma who had past away had told her when she first saw Jessica she had asked her these exact words, “Grandma, is she an angel?” She was clueless what an angel was. But this person appeared at her front door. She would smile in her pretty white dress. She always smiled so widely. It was contagious. She was a living medicine. [Flash back]

R.I.P Kwon Dong Sun, 12, 1997 the grave read. The engraved print brought tears the people who were left at the funeral. The little girl grieved as she stood there with her parent to say the last farewell. Her brother had died because incurable cancer; it came so sudden that she couldnʼt accept it. She doesnʼt know what to say or do. She doesnʼt understand why god had taken her brother. He was kind, generous and lovely. Each day she had spent hours and hours playing all sort of adventures with him and sometimes together with other boys but now she was all alone. She hugged her mother who tears couldnʼt stop either. Her father grieved silently, he wasnʼt his usual self too. From that day onwards the little girl stayed depressed, silent and lost. She refused to go out and play, she refused to do anything she used too do. She stayed in her room or at home and tried hide away from the outside world. Until that day, someone arrived at her front door. It was an Aunty and a little girl. Was it the daylight or a real shining exterior? She didnʼt know. Her brother said angels would come and save him. Was this one hers? It was like an angel had drop by her door. They were fake wings but she didnʼt need to prove they real. But she was real. [End of flash back] “Youʼre so ridiculous” Jessica said laughing, but she secretly loved it “I never knew you had such a sweet tongue” Jessica added as she sat up and fixed her hair. “It is reserved for only you” Yuri helped Jessica fix the hair strands on the back. “Do I have to get use to this from now on?” Jessica asked. Yuri pretended to think about for a second before she fastened into a gentle long lasting back hug. Tighten around Jessica, locking her down so she couldnʼt move. “Maybe I will” Jessica felt all this came so sudden, was it there to stay? She doesnʼt know. The chances seems to be thin, this overwhelming love Yuri is giving her, feels burdening. She wants to remember what their past was but nothing came to mind. Yuri's sprouting extreme affection was a rare sight, she had never seen Yuri been like this to anyone. This must be real. She wants to enjoy the most of it, even if this had only lasted one day she was happy. ___ Taeyeon watched Tiffany move around the house, what was she doing? She looked like she was avoiding her. She knew why but Tiffany doesnʼt have tired herself out. Taeyeon rested her head on her arms and watched Tiffany waddled from one end to another.

“You know you are making it easier for me to check out your buttock?” Taeyeon said pressing against her arm that steadied itself on the table. Tiffany backside was facing Taeyeon; she automatically extended her hands to cover her behind. Taeyeon giggled. Tiffany turned around and pierced straight at Taeyeon as a warning. “Are you giving me the silent treatment because I said I love you?” Taeyeon asked Tiffanyʼs silence preludes as a consistent treatment to Taeyeon, she earned with her outright confession. Tiffany pretended Taeyeonʼs existence was an object; she ignored the voice that tried to get into her mind. “I lovvveeeeeeee you, I love you, I love you” Taeyeon said repetitively like an annoying parrot. The type of parrot you donʼt need to train to say words but instead it repeats itself to satisfy boredom. She was enjoying herself; there was nothing better than teasing Tiffany. She had a stack of assignments to do but she didnʼt bother to touch it because this was entertaining, Tiffany fascinates her. “You know youʼre adorable when youʼre angry?” Tiffany scrubbed the kitchen top harder. “If I stop staring at you for one second, I stop breathing” Can she stop being so annoying? Tiffany thought. “Do you know yuʼre like an addictive movie? I could watch you forever” Procrastination was way fun compared to writing essays. She could write an essay about Tiffany. That would be fun. “Tiffannnnnnnnnnnnnnyy-NY-ny” “Tiffffffffffannnnyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” “Tif-FANY” “FANNY Fanny!” “PANNII!” “What?!” “Describe how water tastes” Tiffany paused and thought, what a weird question. Was it a trick question or a riddle? She remained silent because she couldnʼt think of words to describe it. “Exactly, that. You canʼt explain it because it is impossible, it just like how impossible it is to describe how much I love you” Taeyeon made a heart

shape and pointed to Tiffany. Tiffany pretended to puke. She was starting to get nausea. If this were how her days will go on, she would have fallen ill by the end of the 100 days. “My forehead is really hot” Taeyeon said feeling her own temper. Tiffany felt concerned. Taeyeon hasnʼt fully recovered yet? Or did she catch a fever. “I think youʼve got me lovesick” Taeyeon said un-shamefully. Tiffany shouldʼve known. It wasnʼt going to stop. She rolled her eyes and looked away. Taeyeon smiled from ear to ear. “Tiffany do you have a sister?” Taeyeon question struck Tiffany. She did not expect Taeyeon to ask so boldly. Tiffany froze and waited to see if Taeyeon was going to add something. “I do” “What is her name?” “Yoona” Tiffany wiped the kitchen bench as she answered “Im Yoona?” Taeyeon pretended to act stunned “Yeah” “So youʼre from the Im family, I didnʼt expect that” Taeyeon lied “Not thatʼs that important” Tiffany said. Taeyeon acting is pretty poor Tiffany thought. “Not important? Theyʼre my in-laws, I have to at least know they exist” Taeyeon said.

“And now you know. I like to change topic” “Back to Iʼm-so-in-love-with-you topic?” Taeyeon grinned. She was ready. Taeyeon wanted to bombard Tiffany with love. She feels Tiffany had lived in her cold little world, she needs a person to make her smile, make her laugh, make her happy and make her feel loved. Tiffany makes her do ridiculous things she never done. This was ridiculous, but she enjoyed every bit of it. She was addicted to Tiffanyʼs presence. If the 100 days were up what was going to happen to them? Could the verbal contract between them be renewed? Well it doesnʼt matter; she would work it out later. “I think I like that better” Tiffany doesnʼt know why but she starting to find it hard to lie in front of Taeyeon. She use to be able to do it, it was natural and guiltless. Now she canʼt stop fiddling when she tries to tell false truth. Facing

Taeyeon was even harder by the day, why was that? She couldnʼt find the answer. “Tiffany…” Tiffany turned to face Taeyeon. Taeyeonʼs soft call caught her attention. Compared to Taeyeonʼs teasing, one of those sincere calls overlaps it a thousand times. “Make sure you tell me when youʼve fallen for me” Taeyeon passionate eyes and genuine smile touched her heart. She felt it beating, pounding against her chest. She wants to say what was on her mind. She wants to say yes I do love you. But she immediately discontinued her contemplation. Taeyeon could see her words had some effects on Tiffany, she now strongly believes Tiffany extrudes the same feelings inside, her eyes says it all. When I look into your eyes, you make me stronger but weaker in the knees. Youʼve chained my heart and my soul but when will I rest my head upon your beating chest. And listen to the sound of pure love? Is it the inner raving engine that brakes our love on halt? Possibly it is too powerful to predict the result. If our love were to collide, our hearts will bind and our hand will intertwine, shared only between you & I. But can we happen?

Chapter 12 A beautiful mistake.

Invitation: Love only comes once in a lifetime, true love is rectified when two becomes one for the rest of forevermore. Dear Sir/Madam, You’re invited to cruise with us on this 40th anniversary day of Mr. & Mrs. Im. A sailed out to sea, with wines in hand and the enjoyment of an unforgettable experience. You can smell the fresh salty water under the tip of your nose already right? It is wonderful. Peer out into the ocean blue and have bright-lit candles, and delicious meals served by only the best. Includes a mask parade dance. Please join in and wear your speculator masks and show it off. Mr & Mrs. Im would like to share this day with all of family and friends, so please do come and also bring company to enjoy this glorious one evening an overnight event. Sincerely yours, The hopeful crew on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Im Taeyeon close the invitation card. Mr. & Mrs. Im 40th anniversary party must be fun. Wouldn’t it be a good chance to bring Tiffany to meet her family again? Taeyeon wants Tiffany to be happy; maybe if she could help Tiffany make up with her family she would be happy again. But she remembered the last time she asked Tiffany to come to Yoona’s party she had rejected it. Just keep hope Taeyeon told herself. __ “Taeyeon asked me to go to the Im’s anniversary this evening” Tiffany peered out intot he open sky. Their meeting location had to be kept a secret. It changed everytime. This time they were on the hill look out. The vast land beneath covered in trees and animals on the hideout. “Tell her you’re coming. They have got it all set up; Taeyeon and her parents would be stepping right into their trap. If they sign that contract they’re doomed for. This anniversary is an excuse to meet up to trick the Kims into signing the deadly contract.” Sooyoung eyes closed to smell the scent of the green environment. “What happens if they sign it?” Tiffany side glanced Sooyoung. “The whole company in ‘partnership’ with the Im but in reality in their scheme, it is to take over the whole thing” Sooyoung remained monotone “If they don’t sign the contract today what would they do?” Question spurt from every new piece of plan she was given. The more she heard the more she quivered. Her lips pressed together and waited for an answer. Sooyoung a short breathe, “They would do what they did to your parents,

use their most valuable against them” “Did they use me to threaten my parents?” She was stupefied, bewildered by the thought of being the reason why her parents failed to keep their company. “Yes and then they forced your parents to commit suicide to make it look like they had naturally received the company under law enforcement” Sooyoung looked on the gravel ground. She feels sadden at the thought. If she was born earlier maybe she could have saved them. “I’ll try my best to stop them” Tiffany had to get her act together no matter what “Be careful, stay in contact” Sooyoung said peering through her black glasses. She did not wish to see a corpse at her front door. ___ The large cruise ship waited for the guests to fully arrive, the guest arrive in one by one there were many rich and wealthy faces present. The cruiser was huge, it was rented out by the Ims for the party. It coud fit over 3000 people. Every guest was from the upper class. Each one known for different things, directors of industries, managers of banks, CEOs of companies, retires and many more people in high positions. The Im family had a vast connection, but they only tackle those still not under them. Those who don’t give in and those who are against them are to be taken down. Taeyeon came by herself because Tiffany hadn’t answered her invitation. Her parents had gone overseas for a business trip, they told her to take someone with her and apologies on their behalf. She had disappeared all day. Was she avoiding Yoona or her? May be she shouldn’t have confessed. It was too uncomfortable for Tiffany she assumed. Yuri and Jessica was present at the party, Jessica’s parents were with them. Yuri tagged along with Jessica as her companion. Taeyeon had no one, but that didn’t bother her. It wasn’t like she was the only one. “Are you by your self?” A girl asked as she approached in her white diamond centric mask. “Perhaps” Taeyeon said peering through her black mask. “It’s me Yoona” Yoona revealed a part of face “Oh hey” “I saw you walk in before you had your mask on,” Yoona said

“The party looks lovely, very nice decorations.” Taeyeon commented “Thanks, my parents said they liked it fancy so I hired hopeful, they’re known as the best for parties. I’m glad it turned out great. I especially like the lights; they make it look romantic and mysterious. The mask ball dance was my idea though. My parents wanted to make this as an opportunity to meet someone too” Yoona explained. “Oh I see, like match up?” Taeyeon said “Yeah. You want to head over there?” “Sure” Taeyeon looked towards the direction Yoona suggested. It took another half an hour before the guest fully arrived. There were all kinds of dresses and suits. It was an amazing sight. The ones with masks were mostly consists of those who are sons and daughters of the wealthy company owners and leaders and of course there were those who were ones themselves. Taeyeon was tthe type who liked to leave an impression, she had worn a mini dress; it had embedded silvers beads and was tailored professionally. It showed her perfect S-line and milk skin in contrast with the black dress. The cruiser had left shore, she had hoped Tiffany would turn up but she was nowhere in sight. Taeyeon was disappointed. The scanned the room for her friends, they were having their turn arm in arm on the dance floor. They have gotten closer ever since they stayed overnight in Daejeong together. It was sweet to see them happy. She was happy Yuri now realised that Jessica was her special other half. Taeyeon traveled across the side of the floor to the waiter who had the cocktails on the tray. She smelt it before taking a sip. Oddly enough as she raised the glass towards her mouth she caught a glimpse of a person with very unique mask. It was pink and white trimmed. What was unique about it was the feather attached to the side of the mask, it beautifully crafted with a gold extras. Something urged Taeyeon to walk over to greet her. It was must the mask or the unique way she waddled; doesn't she looked familiar?, her behind looked delicious and perky. Where has she seen it before?She wondered. Taeyeon walked over to the beautiful anonymous. She brought another glass of cocktail with her to offer to the girl. Step by step she carefully passed through the people, through the passing many other beautiful ladies. They watched her, examined her, and checked her out. She wasn’t bad looking herself, she was well dressed and her figure would be to die for to some. Her attention was caught off every now and then by the cleavages but she stayed focus on her target. She stood there watching the crowd dance mercifully with it each other. She reached the anonymous at last. The distance felt long but it really wasn’t

that far. She offered the glass before she spoke. “Hello, are you all alone?” Taeyeon had switched from her usual soft voice to a seductive voice. “Apparently” She said “I am apparently alone too,” Taeyeon whispered. “Would you like to dance?” Taeyeon offered her hand. “Sure” The girl answered. She perked her head and chin upward. No one in that room knew who she was, because only Taeyeon knew. She could already guess with a hundred percent definite answer. By looking into those eyes she knew who it was. The person who had made her fallen deeply, deeper than the ocean they were sailing in. “You look beautiful today” Taeyeon said and closed the gap between them. She inched close and the girl inched backwards. “You know who I am?” The girl asked. But before Taeyeon could answer she was interrupted. “Excuseme, Mr. and Mrs. Im wants to see you Miss. Kim” The waiter whispered politely. “Oh okay, thank you” Taeyeon said. “Do you want to come?” Taeyeon asked “Sure” She replied. She followed Taeyeon who followed the waiter to the V.I.P room. There she saw Mr. & Mrs. Im and Yoona were there too. “Hello Taeyeon, it nice to officially meet you” Mr. Im said “It is nice to meet you too Mr. and Mrs. Im, congratulation on you 40 th anniversary. I hope you two live together with a forver binding heart” Taeyeon said shaking each their hands. “Your parents didn’t come today?” Mrs. Im asked “No they are busy on a very important business trip” “Who is this?” Yoona asked. She was curious; the person still had her mask on. “This is Tiffany Hwang, my wife” Taeyeon said proudly. Shocked filled the room, the Ims were taken by surprised when the mask revealed their adopted daughter and for Yoona, her sister she had lost contact with. “Did you say she was your wife?” Yoona asked still stunned. “Yes, we got married not to long ago” Taeyeon said holding Tiffany’s hand. “Hello, father, mother and my beloved sister” Tiffany said each with a deepening tone. She resisted being to obvious; right now it was better to be in harmony with them than being against them. It wasn’t time yet. That day will come, just not at present. “Tiffany, my child I thought we had lost you for good” Mr. Im said “I’m so

glad you’re okay, and even married to Taeyeon” “How did you two meet?” Mrs. Im asked. “A coincidence, it was faith I guess” Taeyeon squeezed Tiffany’s hand. Tiffany looked away from Taeyeon, the word faith was man made in her mind. Tiffany tried smiling, she did her best to be the good daughter she use to be. “Mother, father, and my dear sister Yoona, I want you to officially meet my partner, Kim Taeyeon. I’m really sorry for not asking permission or notifying you all first” Tiffany sounded apologetic but inside she wished she had a weapon of mass destruction to satisfy her anger. “It is okay, I’m really happy to hear you’re happy, the Kim family are a good family, they have one of the largest companies around. Even bigger than ours.” Mr. Im laughed. “Tiffany, I never got to watch you walk that altar but I want to give you my best wishes, I hope it is not too late” Yoona said softly holding Tiffany’s hand. “As your mother I didn’t get to brush your hair or even choose your dress, I have failed so hard. I’m sorry” Mrs. Im said almost into tears. They are really good at this Tiffany thought. Their acting is even better than the ones you see in Hollywood movies. They could win the Grammy awards. Tiffany watch them smile, it was so pitiful. She will make them pay, thinking of her parents being threaten to commit suicide made Tiffany disgusted. “I hope you two enjoy the night,” Mr. Im said. “Thank you Mr. Im” Taeyeon said. “Oh and that contract we were going to sign, I think we should leave it until later. After the dance” So Sooyoung said they might change of plan after the news of her marriage broke. They will definitely call her in the following days to make up. Everything was scripted and planned. Sooyoung told her the securities of the cruiser were tight, there were cameras 24/7 no fly could even get in, if there were any at sea. Why would you have such high securities for an anniversary party? Unless they had something else planned. If in the following 24 hrs nothing special happened then it was true they had changed plans. Tiffany pretended to drop something on the ground and it rolled to the table. “I’m sorry excuse me,” Tiffany said as she bent down. Taeyeon continued to converse with her in-laws. She attached a micro voice recorder and transmitter Sooyoung had given her. She stuck it under the table quickly. Without being noticed, she stood up

and diligently fixed her dress, they were all too focused on Taeyeon to notice. It was planned that Sooyoung would text coded messages if anything were to happen. “Okay, have fun you two” Mr. Im said and the rest said their goodbyes. “Bye” Tiffany said leading the way out. Taeyeon had put her mask back on and Tiffany did too. “How did you know it was me?” Tiffany asked as she waited for Taeyeon outside. “You have something unforgettable and hard to ignore” Taeyeon replied. Tiffany wondered what it was. “Would you like to dance?” Taeyeon offered again. “Hmm...Why not?” Tiffany was pleased. She was in a good mood. It had gone well as preplanned. But before she headed out with Taeyeon, Tiffany felt her phone vibrating. She used her fingerprint to access it quickly and read the message. “They are watching you. Don’t let your act slip; they’re focusing on you and Taeyeon. They think that you and Taeyeon an act because they can’t believe you two are together” It was all written in codes, but Tiffany understood it clearly. Tiffany knew why they had doubted her marriage.It was because they don't think she was capable of meeting Taeyeon, a educated wealthy person. She had left the rich house to prosper on her own, no money and no degree in hand, it wouldn't have been possible in reality. Tiffany comfortably wrapped her arm around Taeyeon. She wouldn’t usually be this close, it would give Taeyeon the wrong ideas but at this point she had no choice. Taeyeon was taken back by Tiffany’s actions. She wondered what had gotten into Tiffany. Perhaps it was just the dance or was she possessed? Tiffany needed to make them believe and be convinced that their marriage was real. What was more convincing than a cuddly lovey dovey couple, acting like they’re on honeymoon? Most just married couples appears to be really clingy; they wouldn’t let go of each other even if a tsunami hit them. “I have something to say” Tiffany whispered. Taeyeon’s heart pounded. Was this what she had been waiting for? “I know you have given me time to think and I thank you for that. I thought about it, you said you didn’t expect me to give anything right? You don’t need me to promise or be sure of us. You just want to be by my side?” “Yes, I want to be by your side. I want to be the person you turn to when you are sad or happy. Whether you need someone to spill your anger on or be the clown for you” sincerely Taeyeon spoke. Tiffany heard each word that came out of Taeyeon’s mouth. She was too honest. How could she hurt someone like this? But it was a choice she had made from the beginning; she couldn't turn back and revert everything like it never happened. “You know how much my heart flutters when I hear you speak? Do you know how much I tried to hide how happy I am when I’m with you? Do you know

how hard it is to act like I don’t care? Why do you make it so hard for me to not love you?” Tiffany got the words she wanted to say off her chest. She meant everything; she didn’t need to lie because it was all the truth. It wasn't an act. “Why don’t you just love me?” Taeyeon questioned It is not easy as you say. I have a burden on my shoulder, I have to rectify justice and in result I will hurt. “Convince me right now, that you love me. I don’t want to hear cheesy words or lines I want you to prove it” Tiffany said. “Come with me” Taeyeon said as she reached for Tiffany’s hands, she held it and led her pass the crowd and to the corridors. Taeyeon cornered Tiffany backing up onto the hard surface of the cruiser walls and gazed into her eyes. Taeyeon leaned in to close the distance between them. “What are you doing?” Tiffany asked. She had been with Taeyeon long enough to know Taeyeon intention but she was afraid. Afraid to take it to the next step. That morning after they got married Tiffany had effortlessly mislead Taeyeon into believing that they share a night together. That they had bare their skin to each other and had slept together. It wasn't what it appeared to be. Taeyeon took her own mask off and then she gently reached for Tiffany’s mask, with both hands she reveal the beauteous goddess before her eyes. She let the mask fall onto the wooden deck. “This only works up close” She whispered. Taeyeon laid her lips onto Tiffany’s lip as she tilted Tiffany’s chin upwards. This was the first time Taeyeon had kissed Tiffany without being drunk until the point of black out. Her lips guided Tiffany to follow. They merged softly and passionately. It didn’t take long for Tiffany to give in. She had longed to feel those lips on hers. Pressing against each other, Taeyeon hand travelled down to rest on Tiffany’s neck. Taeyeon could feel Tiffany was strongly returning the kiss, she knew Tiffany had accepted her confession. They couldn’t get enough of each other; their movement were in sync and their hands intertwined. Brushing onto each other lips softly and gently, the scent the salty water rose to their nose, it was strong. It was reluctantly ignored it. Taeyeon wanted to take it slowly and compassionately, if she had rushed it didn’t feel like she had meant what she had said. It took awhile until they devoured each other lips and exchanged the taste of the cocktail they had consumed earlier. Her slender fingers traced Tiffany jaw line and down to her collarbone tempting to go further. Tiffany didn't reject but instead she insisted Taeyeon to continue. Taeyeon pushed the door open and ignored the light switch, the moon had lit the room and the beautiful silhouette in front of her could easily swept her off her feet without the need of having the light turned on. She locked the door

shut. Her inconsistent breathing was all that was heard, she ignored the loud music playing outside. Crushing her lips against the person she loved was all that mattered; she reassured that they both wanted the same thing, each other’s presence and touches. Skillfully Taeyeon traced the features of Tiffany, she continued to down the outline of the body until she reached the lower waist, and she acquired the warmth against her, she wrapped her arm around Tiffany’s waist. She pulled her closer and their body intimately collided. She trailed kisses down the bareness of Tiffany’s neck. Promptly Tiffany lifts her head and slightly arched her back in response. Tiffany knees started to weaken, she was close to giving in, and she would have been on the floor if it weren’t for Taeyeon’s firm hold. Gently Taeyeon repositioned them both, she laid Tiffany onto the bed and continued, and she trailed back up to devour the luscious plump lips. Slowly and carefully she traced her hand down to the zipper on the side of the dress. She pulled it down inch by inch until the dress left the skin. She tossed it onto the ground and appointed herself to the next step. Tiffany couldn’t bear the touches that turned her on. She wriggled as she felt Taeyeon kissed her abdomen. It tickled. Lavishing the raw emotions that were trigger, sweats exude her body. She couldn’t help but breath heavily. If time were to stop right there, she wished she could remember this moment, this feeling of excitement, the exquisite touches and formation and the kisses they shared. Also the sounds of love, the heartbeats of contentment and the devouring of each other’s sincerity. Her heart had lacked colors and her mind lacked lovely notions. She needed someone like Taeyeon to keep her mind preserved in the simpler and gentler reality. It was like this person had purely been harvest from a romance novel, one of all the descriptive natures, the one who wins in the end, the one who never gives up, the one that does all goods. But what was her character? The person who survives a tragic accident, the one who gets swept off her feet by that someone, or the ones who ends up with nothing. Their doings now is classified under many titles; some calls it the human sin and those of who calls it a process, a sequence of intimacy. But for her it was called something different, a faux. A beautiful mistake But she hoped it would last and literally be imprinted in her memory as a segment to refurnish on.

I’m so sorry Taeyeon.

Chapter 13 Breathe her name Eternity was in our lips and eyes, Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor But was a race of heaven. Taeyeon hands grip on Tiffany’s arms loosen, she blinked consistently, her eyes were getting blurry and she was slowly losing conscious. She was like going into a coma lying on top of Tiffany, nothing after that she could remember. Tiffany flipped Taeyeon over onto her back and placed her in a normal sleeping position. “I’m sorry Taeyeon” Taeyeon had no clue what Tiffany had planned. Everything was part of the plan. Earlier when Taeyeon wasn’t looking she had snuck some sleeping pills into her cocktail. It was the only way to stop her from getting herself into the trap. She covered Taeyeon with the blanket; she fixed Taeyeon hair in place and stroked her cheek lightly. This felt like the first day they first met, that night Taeyeon was unconsciously drunk to the point that she couldn’t even open her eyes. Slowly she removed the dress Taeyeon worn. She remembered like it was just yesterday. Once she was done she used the blanket to cover the sleeping body. Tiffany lay down beside Taeyeon and watched her sleep, how more times could she watch Taeyeon sleep. She was sure by the end of 100 days that Taeyeon wouldn’t want to see her again. I hate lairs; once you become a lair you cannot stop. She does not know why Taeyeon had such deep hate against lairs; Taeyeon doesn’t even want to mention the word. Tiffany received a message from Sooyoung; someone was on his or her way to their room and supposedly soon to be in front of their door. Tiffany tucked herself under the blanket looking like she was naked underneath revealing her top bare skin but in reality she was wearing her undergarments. Knock. Knock. Knock “Hello, itʼs Yoona” “Come in” Tiffany challenged “Okay” Entering as she opened the door that Tiffany remotely opened. Seeing the sight in front of her was unbelievable. She was stunned at her sister who was in bed with Taeyeon. Taeyeon whose eyes were closed and she didnʼt even budge.

“Iʼm sorry, Iʼm disturbing you two” Yoona looked apologetic “Not at all, Taeyeon is tired so she is sleeping” “Oh okay” “What do you need?” “I was just going to do some catching up with you, you like a sister to sister talk. We havenʼt met for so long, I thought we could have conversation” “Sure” “Perhaps later or some other day, it is okay too” Yoona said “No problem, Iʼll get change and we can go talk right now” “Iʼll wait outside” Yoona said and closed the door behind her. Tiffany got dressed and made sure Taeyeon was still sleeping, she fixed the blanket and gave Taeyeon one last look. __ “How have you been Tiffany? Where did you stay? What have you been doing?” Yoonaʼs question sprouted like wild flowers “Why donʼt enlighten me instead, my life hasnʼt been any greater” Tiffany spoke with attitude “Iʼm so sorry to hear that, you should come back home, we always welcome you” “I have my own home now” “Where do you live?” “In an apartment” Tiffany said trying to say it nice as possible. “Is Taeyeon nice to you?” “Yes she is very nice, very caring” “I hope you will live happily with her, I really wish she could bring you happiness. You really deserve a good person” No matter how much she hated the Imʼs family she couldnʼt help but be

touched by Yoonaʼs words, if Yoona was fake she acts really well. “Thank you” “I think mother and father really wants to talk to you too” “What for? I donʼt think there is anything to talk about” “I think you have some misunderstanding” “Misunderstanding?” Tiffany repeated “Yes, it is true that you were adopted but your parents didnʼt sell you for money. They were in a car crash.” Well of course, and guess who killed them Yoona “Oh really?” Tiffany pretend to look shock, Tiffany knew better than to believe Yoona. “Yes, that what I was told. You should have a talk to them sometime, theyʼll tell you everything” “Yeah, Iʼll try” Tiffany couldnʼt get her mind over the truth that surrounded her mind. “Iʼm really glad to see you and Taeyeon together, if she hurts you or makes you angry call me, Iʼll teach her a lesson” Yoona chuckled “I will. Tell them that Taeyeon is too tired to sign the contract tonight maybe reschedule the time to another day” Tiffany said “Oh okay sure” Yoona smiled she was glad to see Tiffany again, that was all that mattered. ___ On the way back to the room she saw Yuri and Jessica dancing cuddly on the dance floor. It was a sweet sight. She wished that her relationship could be a smooth as those two. They been through a lot and now theyʼve found each other. From what she had heard from Taeyeon they were meant to be with one another, it was all faith. The word faith strikes her again; Taeyeon had mentioned many times how their meeting were because of faith. Following down the corridor to the same room she had left a moment ago the door she remember she had locked was open. Tiffany hurried to the room to check if Taeyeon had woken up. She opened the door widely to let in some light. She had found the bed empty and the clothes were gone, Taeyeon was nowhere to be found.

“Taeyeon, Taeyeon!” Tiffany called, she then dialed Taeyeonʼs phone number but the phone was left inside the room. She panicked. Where was Taeyeon? Tiffany hurried outside to find her. She checked in the main deck where everyone was dancing but she wasnʼt there. She went around the whole cruiser but nothing. Tiffany felt really afraid. Had the Ims taken Taeyeon? Was this what they were planning? Desperately her heart beat frantically and her hands shook and she trembled. She was scared, scared of the outcomes. Her knees became weak and her eyes were drowned with tears. In the wide-open front of the cruiser all she could see was the darkness of the gigantic open ocean. She stayed on deck crying, she couldnʼt help it. What if something bad had happened to Taeyeon like what had happened to her parents, she had realised how important Taeyeon is to her. She really meant everything, all that she had left. “Are you okay?” The person tapped on her shoulder She didnʼt turn; she had more to worry about than a stranger trying to hit on her. “Tiffany” The familiar voice called After recognizing that voice she immediately turned around. The person she had cried for, the person who she thought had lost was right in front of her. Without a word she embraced Taeyeon with all her might. This time she doesnʼt want to ever let go. This time she had known what she wanted. She wanted to be with Taeyeon and not to worry about anything, she doesnʼt want revenge, and she doesnʼt care about the Ims. She just wants Taeyeon to be safe. “Where did you go, I was looking everywhere for you” I thought I had lost you “I went out to find you” Taeyeon said smiling at Tiffanyʼs tight embrace almost suffocating her. “Donʼt you ever dare disappear” Tiffany wept “ I think I should be the one saying that, I never wanted to let you go” Taeyeon chuckled Tiffany pulled away to face Taeyeon face to face and just inches away from each other “I love you” It was the first time Tiffany had said the words Taeyeon had longed to hear. It felt remarkable. It was a special feeling, a feeling she would never forget. Indescribable.

“I love you too” Taeyeon said and she reach out to close the small distance in between them and their lips touched, this time both of them felt it was more real than the last. ___ “If I had lie to you would you forgive me?” Tiffany said as she looked out into the wide-open ocean “No” “Why are you so definite” “My answer is no because, I canʼt find a reason why you would lie to me. I trust you, you wouldnʼt do that” Taeyeon said “Oh...” Tiffany felt pressured and guilty. “Have you lied to me?” Taeyeon asked “No” Tiffany said nervously. Yes, and many times. Iʼm really sorry. “I knew I could trust you” Taeyeon tried pecked Tiffany on the lips but Tiffany blocked using her hand to cover. “You had enough for today” “Aww what? There is a restriction?” “Apparently now that you mention it, it does apply from now on” Tiffany smiled cheekily. “That is so unfair!” Taeyeon whined. “It goes by my rules, if you donʼt want to follow then you wonʼt get anything” Taeyeon looked extremely adorable when she sulked. Tiffany pretended look cold. ___ “Jessica you look beautiful today” Yuri said as she stared into Jessicaʼs eyes. The mesmerizing dark brown eyes reflected a beautiful past, it was great but this is was better. “You know your hands are such a perv, my parents are here. I havenʼt told them about us yet” Jessica said changing into a serious tone “You havenʼt?” Yuri was a bit surprised because she thought it wasnʼt like she

hadnʼt met Jessicaʼs parents before. “Well… I have something I havenʼt exactly told my parents apart from us being best friends” “We can tell them together” Jessica stayed silent, she had hidden something from Yuri, and she didnʼt tell her because she knew it would hurt her. She didnʼt know how to put it in the right words. If Yuri knew how would she react? “Jessica honey” Jessicaʼs mother excuse her selves between the two girlʼs conversation. “Mum?” It was what Jessica had dreaded; she knew it would happen but not this soon. Jessicaʼs parents had come over with some other faces she had seen before. “Hello Jessica” He politely greeted “and this is…” “Iʼm Yuri, nice to meet you” Yuri said smiling “Yuri I think Jessica may have told you this is Jae-Hwa, my future son-in-law” Jessicaʼs step mother said smiling proudly Yuri bit her lips; she didnʼt know what to say. Was this what Jessica had been hiding her? Yuri looked at Jessica to confirm it but Jessica couldnʼt give Yuri eye contact, she was feeling guilty as charge.

“His a lawyer, his parents owns one of the biggest firms in Seoul” Jessicaʼs stepmother continued. “Oh that is nice” Yuri tried to say something nice “Jessica may we dance” Jae-Hwa gestured with his hand “I get this, Iʼll let you two to it, Iʼll just excuse myself now” Yuri quietly left “Yuri...” Jessica was beckoned onto the dance floor; her stepmother was making her dance with this person she had only met a few times. She knew her stepmother never liked her, and always wanted to get rid of her but her father also thought it was about she should get married. But arranged marriage wasnʼt what she wanted. Yuri watched Jessica dance with the nerd face from afar; she didnʼt like him one bit. From head to toe, he didnʼt fit the criteria Yuri would even be okay with to allow him to befriend him.

“That is it” Yuri said and left the dancing room. She was upset because Jessica had told her. She thought they would be more open about each other by now. Yuri was saddened by the news, if Jessica were to get married with someone else what would happen to her? ___ Weeks later ___ “Jessica hasnʼt spoke to me ever since that cruise we went on” “Oh why?” “I thought I should be the one angry, not her” Yuri scratched the sticker on the table off. It was a label of some sort, a barcode that had been stuck on to identify the item. “Right?” “Right” “I should be the one hurt, why isnʼt she talking to me?” Yuri continued “I donʼt know, perhaps you she tried harder. Make her talk to you” “You make it sound so easy” “It is easy” Taeyeon watched Yuri getting all depress was more depressing. She had been there for both of them, the ups and downs but looks like the real rocky road was about to start. It really isnʼt easy, only if you believe it is. “Tell her how much you love her, she will give in and talk to you” “Taeyeon, I basically breathe her name” Taeyeon gave Yuri a weird look. “No really Iʼm serious” Yuri inhaled in swiftly and exhaled with an excess length. “Jessssiiiicaaaa” Yuri breathed out “Alright that is creepy” “You should try it sometimes” “No” “Jesssiiicaaaa”

“Why do I have a feeling you call her name like the need to drink water” Yuri smiled slightly “I really do, she means that much to me” Yuri sighed. Her head drooped lower. “It has been weeks, I tried calling her, I tried throwing pebbles at her bedroom widow, I tried spray painting her car, I even tried leaving 100 of voice messages each day, I tried sending her sexy photos of me but she ignored me. What do I do Taeyeon?” Taeyeon let out a little laugh. “Iʼm sorry, the last part just cracked me up” “It okay, it seems a bit desperate” Yuri laughed at her self “Alright, my advice for you. Smother her with your sincere love” Taeyeon had no idea what she meant because she couldnʼt find the answer herself. “You and Tiffany are going well?” “Was, but after that night she pretended it didnʼt happen. I donʼt know what made her change but it was fast. When she said she loved me I thought it was something real, she meant it. I could felt it but now she is back to her old self again. But she is like she has an unpredictable mood swing. She is hot and cold.” Taeyeon signed. Seems like both of them had the same problem. “Tifffaaaaaaaannnnny…I canʼt believe I just did that” “I told you. It is addictive. I warned you”

Chapter 14 Married you Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time: effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end. “Tifffaaannnnyyyyyyyy” “Could you stop breathing my name? It is creepy” “Sorry, itʼs Yuriʼs fault she started it” “If you donʼt stop it Iʼll zip it up myself” Tiffany pulled her gloves “Where are you going?” “Attending my businesses” “What exactly do you do?” Tiffany marched outside door and closed it behind her. “Lock the doors” Tiffany said as she exited Taeyeon never figured out what Tiffanyʼs occupation was. It appeared to be life threatening, she always looked like she was out for a fight. Taeyeon was scared something might happen to her. She looks tough but she knows that Tiffany has a fragile and vulnerable side; she didnʼt think Tiffany could kill a soul. Taeyeon let it off her mind; it wasnʼt going to make her any happier. He closest she got to have the interaction as the time on the boat was. Her mind chased those graphic memories, when their lips touched and when they embraced tenderly. Tiffanyʼs significant change got her inside turned out. It made Taeyeon yearn to understand Tiffany even more. __ “Jessica!” Yuri shouted, Jessica kept ignoring Yuri who was chasing after her. Iʼm sorry Yuri. She forced herself not to look back. Jessica paused for a one second before running again. “Jessica! If you donʼt talk to me now Iʼll disappear from your life like you did to me 15 years ago”. Jessica froze, she didnʼt want to lose Yuri but neither does she want Yuri to get hurt. If Yuri disappeared from her life, it would be the end of the world. Jessica held many secrets, but she knew sooner or later each one would unravel and one by one they would hurt Yuri slowly but deeply. Yuri took this chance to run up to Jessica and embraced her from behind, she tightly cuddled the person she had missed and longed to be with. She hated being ignored; she had the feeling of being alone again. She quivered in her

arms, she was crying and she was breaking down. “Jessica, why are you ignoring me?” Jessica cried even harder “We can talk this through, Iʼm always here for you” “Yuri, I canʼt tell you” “You can, I wonʼt ever blame you for anything, I will forgive you and even hide the truth for you” “Would you really?” Jessica turned around to face Yuri. Her streaming tears kept rolling down. “Yes, of course” Jessica fumbled about the thought of telling the truth to Yuri. Yuri is trustworthy, but she could be put into danger if she knew. “Do you know why I have to marry Jae-Hwa?” “Because your step mother forced you too?” “Yes, but there is darker secret behind it” “What is it?” Jessica grabbed onto Yuri hand, she tighten her grip. It was now or never. “Because Jae-Hwaʼs parents are actually the head of the largest gangs in Seoul” “What?” Yuri said in disbelief “I know” “Did they threaten your parents?” “Yes, and more. They want to take control of the big companies in Seoul. Theyʼre taking them down one by one” “What are we going to do?” “I donʼt know Yuri, I really donʼt know” “Jessica, stay safe. Iʼll make sure we can get out of this. Iʼm not going to let some jerk marry you away, Iʼve finally found you and Iʼll keep you with me.”

Jessica was certain that Yuri meant every word. The only person she could trust and the only one she loved. “Yuri, when I saw you I fell in love with you, you were a dork who hid beside your grandma. I knew you would come find me” “When I first saw you, I thought I had saw an angel” Yuri said smiling smugly. But then realised there was something wrong with what Jessica had just said. “You remembered me?” “Yes, of course. How could I forget such a dork” Jessica said tapping Yuri on the head. Yuri cheerfully cuddled Jessica again but ten times tighter than before. “Why did you hide this from me?” She was curious. “Because before I didnʼt think we were possible. I wanted to be with you for as long as it lasted and not worry about the next thing that happens. But now I donʼt want you to leave, I donʼt want you out of my life. Please donʼt leave me” “Please donʼt leave me. I should be the one saying that. Iʼm the one always being dumped by you. I donʼt know what youʼre talking about” Yuri kissed Jessica on the forehead. ___ Day 85 “Taeyeon, I have something to tell you it is urgent” Yuri called Taeyeon that evening but it was divert into the voice mail. Yuri had discovered something important and she needed to tell Taeyeon right away. Last night she had saw Tiffany selling drugs in the club, one hand she was holding a packet of white substance and the other was cash. Yuri tried to dial Taeyeon again, but no one answered. She was getting annoyed, why wasnʼt Taeyeon picking up? Yuri stopped decided to pay Taeyeon a visit. That evening Taeyeon wasnʼt home, she had received a call threatening call, and at first she thought it was hoax. The person rang a couple of times but she hung up. She knew no one by the name of Chin-Hwa, he had a husky voice, one she couldnʼt erase. He was scary. But for the fifth call he had said Tiffanyʼs name. She didnʼt hang up and listened to what he had got to say. “Tiffany is in our hands, come and get her. Donʼt call the police” He ended and sent her the address. “If he mentioned Tiffany it must be serious” Taeyeon had taken a taxi to the address. Taeyeon felt her the cold breeze come down her spine. It gave her shivers. The place was badly worn down, graffiti spray paint was all over the walls, the alley way through the building was dark almost hard to see. She turned right and turned the broken door handle. She turned it. Slowly the door opened. She paced slowly through the door. Within no time at all two

strangers on both sides grabbed her. They dragged her into a grey door. It had danger spray painted on the front. What first confronted her was Tiffany who was tied to a chair and a man who seems to look like the head was sitting comfortably in a seat with men on both sides. But there were two strikingly beautiful looking girls in the crowd. One with blonde hair, and the other one with long black hair, the blonde one looked familiar, it then clicked. It was the new student at University from weeks back. The other one she had never seen before. “So you were gain enough to come” He took a puff from a cigar. The smell was strong even Taeyeon could recognise what brand it was from a distance. The ones the wealthy people purchase, her father had some of those in his draw in his office room. He would take a few puffs whenever he was stress. He wasnʼt a regular smoker. “Tiffany, are you alright?” Taeyeon concerns were only for Tiffany, she didnʼt care what would happen to her. Tiffany nodded, her mouth was tied with a white mouth, she couldnʼt speak but Taeyeon could tell Tiffany had lots to say. “What do you want?” “I like you, so direct” He pursed his lips a waiting for more words to come out “Let Tiffany go!” The two men held Taeyeon back; she couldnʼt get closer to Tiffany “Sure sure, but lets us do a deal” “What deal?” “Weʼll sign a contract” “What sort of contract?” “A contract for partnership” “Partnership?” Taeyeon wondered what kind of partnership was he talking about. “If your company agrees to importing and exporting our goods, weʼll be happy to let Tiffany, our loyal member leaves without having her to oblige to the gang rules” “Loyal member?” “Oh you didnʼt know?” He blew a circle of smoke out into the air. “Tiffany here

is one of our best drug dealers, she has been with us for quite some time. But now she has become even better use” Taeyeon stuttered “What?” Is this why Tiffany had married her? Taeyeon stood staring at Tiffany in disbelief. She felt betrayed. To get to her final goal, Tiffany had used her? So she was apart of all this. She had lied to her from the beginning. Why was she so callable, why did she agree to such a stupid contract? Taeyeon asked herself. Tiffany words were all lies, all she wanted to do was lured her into this trap. She wanted money. She didnʼt want a small amount but she was onto something bigger. “Tiffany how could you?” Taeyeon tears developed. Tiffany cried, she wanted to say something but she couldnʼt. “Aww drama, dramatic love story never ends well. Anyways sign this contract and Iʼll let the both of you go, or Iʼll kidnap you and ask your parents to sign it instead” “I wonʼt sign it, I am not going to transport drugs for you. You can kill me if you want, Iʼm not going to sign it.” Taeyeon rather died after knowing Tiffany had scammed her feelings. She was never real. No wonder why she had acted so cold, it was because she was using her. She was trying to get her to fall for her. It was all a trick. “Oh really?” He said and did a hand gesture, it was signal to his mean. The guy standing behind Tiffany took out a knife and held it close to her throat. “Do you want it to end this way? I really donʼt,” He said in a sarcastic way. “Donʼt!” Taeyeon shouted. Her heart trembled. She couldnʼt bear to watch her love one die. No matter how much she hurt inside, she still loves this person dearly. Nothing could change that fact. “Then sign it, Iʼm losing my patience” He said putting pressure on his last words “Let me go and Iʼll sign it” Taeyeon made her way over to the table with the paper and pen. Taeyeon tensed up as she picked up the pen, she gave Tiffany one last look. As the ballpoint pen lay on the table the door busted opened. Police with bulletproof vest came in. Taeyeon watched everything happen fast. Taeyeon only had one thought in mind and that was to save Tiffany, she ran over to Tiffany to untie her, as the men were too busy protecting the head. Before she could untie the last knot a hard object whacked her head causing her to black out instantly. Her head felt heavy and she was bleeding, Taeyeon had felt her head before knocking out onto the ground. All she had heard after was the sound of people fighting and Tiffany who had shouted her name.

Tiffany continued to shout as she saw Taeyeon drop onto the ground. She cried and couldnʼt stop. The blonde and the black hair girl fought off the men and came over to help Tiffany. She was too worried about Taeyeon to care about anything. “Taeyeon, Taeyeon” Tiffany repeatedly called. Taeyeon was immediately taken to the hospital after the police had successfully captured all of the gang. Including the boss. Yuri and Jessica came to visit Taeyeon at the hospital. Tiffany had been taken to the police station to give her report about the case. Yoona came with two new faces. One she recognised, it was the girl that had crashed the taxi she was in, in JaeJeong. “Itʼs you” “Hello Iʼm Seohyun member of the CPI, which stands for Criminal Police Intelligence.” “Oh wow, I would have never expected that” Yuri said shaking her hand “Iʼm Hyoyeon also apart of CPI” “The pretty blonde!” Yuri exclaimed. Jessica covered Yuriʼs mouth because she was being too loud. “Sorry”. “This is my girlfriend” Yoona wrapped her hand around Seohyun. “She only speaks of the prophecy” Seohyun elbowed Yoona in the ribs. “Owww” “Jessica, my parents and yours will be okay. Luckily I could act well to trick them that I didnʼt know about much. At least now the head is going to be jailed for life. Forcing businesses to sell drugs on their behalf is a huge crime.” “Iʼm relieved, I thought I had to marry that jerk face” Jessica said “I could have found a new girlfriend” Yuri joked “Oh really?” Jessica elbowed Yuri hard “What is going to happen to Tiffany? She was part of that gang.” Yuri asked holding Jessicaʼs hand “Tiffany, she would be fine. You would be pretty surprised if I told you this. Tiffany is an informant for the CPI” Yoona answered watching the reaction of her two friends. “Omg” Yuriʼs jaw dropped. Now that was surprising. So basically almost everyone is apart of the CPI.

“Are you apart of the CPI babe?” Yuri asked facing Jessica who gave her a ʻreally?ʼ Look and rolled her eyes. In that moment to people walked in. One tall girl and another girl who was shorter by many centimeters, or an head. “Donʼt tell me theyʼre apart of the CPI too” Yuri laughed. “We are” The tall girl said. Yuri stopped as she saw the serious face. “This is Sooyoung and Sunny, we have minor members; it really isnʼt a big group everything is done undercover. We deal with undercover investigation and retrieving & sharing information with other departments. Sunny here is in charge of stalking the criminals. Sooyoung is the one who handles the informants, like Tiffany, Hyoyeon and Seohyun” “Oh it is all clear now” “We only hope Taeyeon wakes up soon” “I hope so too” Jessica said. “She must have been really hurt, inside and out. She doesnʼt know the truth yet. I hope she will understand” Yoona said. Taeyeon body moved. Her hands slowly motioned raising to her aching head. “Taeyeon youʼre awake?” Jessica and Yuri made their way over to the bed. Taeyeon eyes opened, the many unfamiliar faces she had seen was frightening. ___ Tiffany was finally released from the police station; it took a while for her to report everything with adequate details. Seemingly it was easy but really her mind hurts, her hearted hurts more. She wondered how Taeyeon was doing. She straightaway got herself to the hospital. She checked the front desk for the right room number and headed up the elevator. The number in red kept ascending as the elevator went up. She was nervous, she hope Taeyeon had woken up, but she was scared Taeyeon would be angry to see her. Tiffany sped up her speed in the corridors. Each step felt like it took forever. The room she wanted to go in was just ahead. Before she could enter the room, Jessica had pulled her out. “Why are you dragging me out here?” Tiffany was very confused. “I have to tell you something, you have to be prepared for the worst.”

Tiffany panicked. “Did something bad happen to Taeyeon?”

“The doctor said that Taeyeon head had been seriously damaged. Because the object hit her head so hard it did major damaged to her memory sector.” “And is she going to be okay?” “She temporarily or even permanently lost her memory” Jessica continued. Yuri patted Tiffany shoulder in comfort “It is all my fault” Tiffany cried. “No it isnʼt, you did your best. She will be fine soon” Yuri couldnʼt help but feel sorry for the girl. “Go on in” Jessica said Tiffany wiped her tears away before entering the room. The person lying on the bed opened her eyes slowly. Her face was so pure, so beautiful as ever, even with the bandage on. “Taeyeon, how are you feeling?” “Who are you?” Tiffany couldnʼt help but let her tears roll. “Iʼm Tiffany, do you remember?” “No” Taeyeon said bluntly “Iʼm glad you donʼt remember me, it wasnʼt a good one” tiffany cried even more. She came closer and stood beside the bed. “Why are you crying?” Taeyeon asked “Iʼm just happy to see you awake” “Oh” Taeyeon watched the girl cry. She couldnʼt say anything comforting Tiffany sniffed and wiped her tears away. “You should rest, go back to sleep. Iʼll leave soon” “Okay, bye” Taeyeon said softly as she closed her eyes. Tiffany stood there watching her for quite a while. Until she was sure Taeyeon had fallen asleep. “Forget me, forget we ever happened. Iʼm really sorry” Tiffany whispered and then crouched down to give Taeyeon a kiss on her forehead. Tiffany had felt really guilty, it wasnʼt right for her to lie to Taeyeon. If Taeyeon were to

remember she would ever forgive her. It was better for her to not remember her at all. And start again. All she did was a mistake. Her parents had died in an accident and it wasn't a suicide. Yoona's parents weren't at fault, they were made to seem like the bad guys but the real ones were the head of the gang she had joined. Yoona had known what her parents had gotten themselves into so she had asked for help secretly from the CPIs. Sooyoung's past were all the caused of money and drug addicts, they had lured under the wrong clues. It wasn't the Ims who were the criminal they were the victims. Jessica's parents were also victims of this scheme; they were forced to cooperate with the gangsters and were forced to marry Jessica off the head's son. Taeyeon and her family was a victim in this crisis as well, but she was the final victim, Tiffany was the one who hurt Taeyeon, unwilling and unintentionally. But she did lie to Taeyeon. She had lied that about many things of their marriage, she hadn't told Taeyeon that she was using her to carry out a mission of the CPIs. She couldn't save Taeyeon; instead she had come to save her.

___ Day 99 Tiffany packed her luggage and was ready to set off to start a new life overseas. She didnʼt want to be an undercover police anymore. She had had enough; it was not an easy job. Her revenge for her parentʼs accidents was after all a mistake. It was all an accident. Tiffany propelled out of the bedroom after reminiscing the months she had spent with Taeyeon sleeping together. The dork that was addicted to sniffing her, the adorable face she had woken up too. The times she had spent making Taeyeon clean up, and the conversations they had in the kitchen. It wasnʼt a pretty house, but it gave her pretty memories. There was a sudden knock on the door. She wondered who it was. Tiffany came over to open it. Yuri widely smiled as she greeted generously. “Where are you going?” Yuri asked “Iʼm leaving” “To where? Why?” “I want to start new” “Oh I see, it is good to start new” Yuri agreed “Why are you here?” Tiffany asked. Yuri face changed to a serious expression. “I have one favour to ask you”

“What is it?” “Lets get married,” she said confidently “What?” Tiffany was shocked “Iʼm kidding” Yuri said laughing her heart out. “You should see your reaction” Yuri couldnʼt stop herself from joking around in serious moments. “The favour I want to ask you is…” ___ Day 100 The guests filled the seats in the church, the flowers hung as decorations through out the church, with ribbons and bows. Everyone dressing their very best for a beautiful ceremony. Yuri and Jessica walked hand in hand as they greeted the guests. “When is our wedding?” Yuri asked “When I feel that you are trustworthy” Jessica said “I am trustworthy!” Yuri pleaded “Only I can tell” Jessica said as she marched off. “Jessiicccccaa!” Yuri followed behind “Yoona, Seohyun and her parents had gathered early, it was an important day for their daughter after all. They finally will get to see their daughter get married” “The CPIs were invited as VIP guests, they were happily seated close to the front” “Iʼm so happy our CPI member is getting married” Sunny said. “You know we are still waiting for your wedding invitation” “Ask Sooyoung” Sunny said grumpily “You better hurry” Hyoyeon said “Why?” Sooyoung said “Iʼll make Sunny marry someone else for a case if you donʼt do it soon”

Hyoyeon joked. “You wouldnʼt dare” Sooyoung laughed It was then time for the ceremony to start. Everyone was seated waiting for the marrying couple to enter. The bride walked gloriously down the aisle, her father led her step by step down the red carpet. Yoonaʼs mother had tears in her eyes; she had longed to witness her daughterʼs wedding. She was so glad to be given another chance. The bride had reached the alter in harmony with the music. The person waiting was watching in awe. She was awe by the beautiful sight. It wasnʼt the first and it wonʼt be the last. “Do you Kim Taeyeon, take Tiffany Hwang to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and promise to be faithful until do death do us part? Taeyeonʼs throat was feeling dry but she tried to swallow hard on whatever that came down her throat. The words she tried to force to come out of her throat was stuck and couldnʼt find its way up. “I...I…” Her stuttering made the audience curious at what was going on, why was she not answering? Their faces filled with questioning looks and they peering at one another to find an answer. Taeyeon looked over to the person next to her, and millions of questions went through her mind. The woman was focusing to the front; she did not even turn to look at her. Was this woman the destined one? Was this the right choice? Was she ready to officially get married? Her heart couldnʼt find answer to her thoughts. Taeyeon took a huge breath in and then she breathed out again before swallowing whole of whatʼs left of her anxious turmoil. “I...” “I do!” Taeyeon shouted. She caught Tiffanyʼs attention and the guests with her explosive voice. Taeyeon grabbed Tiffanyʼs hand gently and made her face her directly. ”Tiffany…” Tiffany was confused, how come Taeyeon called her name so sincerely; it was like she had remembered. “If you live to be 100…I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day…so I never have to live without you.” “You may now kiss the bride” The priest continued Taeyeon leaned in and kissed Tiffany on the lips, she had winked before closing in. Tiffany eyes surfaced joyful tears. Taeyeon was only acting; she had remembered her from the start. It was all a plan. “Our contract has been renewed for 100 years and infinity,” Taeyeon whispered after breaking off from the kiss.

“You lied!” Tiffany said laughing and crying at the same time. “For 100 minus 1 day I was married to you, now it you who is married to me” Taeyeon stated and kissed Tiffany again.

THE END