Walk in the streets with you in your worn out jeans
I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be.
Laughing on a park bench thinking to myself,
"Hey, isn't this easy?"

And you've got a smile
That could light up this whole town.
I haven't seen it in a while
Since she brought you down.

You say you're fine I know you better than that.
Hey, what you doing with a girl like that?

TIFFANY POV

“C’mon TaeTae!!”

I laughed at her chasing me.  We looked ridiculous and we knew it.  Two adults, international kpop idols at that, running through the lobby of the SM Building and bolting out the sliding doors. 

“Get back here, Fany!”

I could hear her laughter just right behind me.  We were running down the street.  Our manager gave us all a much deserved early day, and rest of the week off. The excitement just got to us. As soon as we were dismissed, Taeyeon and I started a game of tag.

Regardless of how we were dressed.  Old worn out jeans and plain t-shirts we’d put on for dance practice.

I ran behind a tree and peeked at Taeyeon.  Her blonde hair was streaming behind her as she ran.  She quickly saw me. I bolted out from my heading space and went further into the park.  Fans and reporters alike could probably see us. But who cares?  The fans would love this kind of fun pics and we were having fun.

Uh oh.

I reached the fountain in the middle of the park. Which way? Which way should I go? Footpaths were stretching out radially from the centre.

“I’ve got you!”

Too late.

Taeyeon tackled me and the two of us fell onto the grass laughing.  She rolled off me and the two of us lay side by side. We tried to control our laughter. But every time we came close to stopping we’d look at each other and start all over again.

Finally, with our breathing under control, we stood up and brushed grass off our clothes.  I reached over and flicked a few leaves out of Taeyeon’s hair.  She ran her fingers through my hair to do the same.

The two of us sat on the park bench not too far away.  We sat with our sides touching. From our shoulders down our arms to our legs.  Shared warmth between the two of us.  Just enjoying each other’s company and taking in the scenery.

I smiled at nothing in particular.  It was a great day.  The weather was beautiful with clear blue sky and we were free. 

This was how life ought to be.  Having the time to appreciate things and having people to appreciate them with.

I looked at Taeyeon beside me.

“What?” she asked curiously. Her head tilted to the side adorably.

“Nothing,” I said, then I laced my fingers through hers, “It feels so normal to be here. It’s easy, you know?”

“Yeah, I know,” she flashed me her dorky grin.

She understood me.  With our lives as idols, a lot of our events are planned and staged with rehearsals beforehand.  They’re always fun, but sometimes getting to go out without the planning is better.  Things are just easier.

“I don’t remember the last time I laughed this much,” Taeyeon said as she lay her head on my shoulder.

“Yeah…” my voice trailed off.

I remember.  You haven’t smiled like this in a while. Let alone laughed like this.  A smile so bright that it lights up the whole of Korea. A laugh so carefree that even the most stressed people could breathe easy for a moment.

It’s been a while since you did any of those. Not since you started dating him.  He’s not a bad guy. Actually, despite his faults, Baekhyun is a good guy.  The problem is he isn’t the best guy for you, right? Taetae?

“What is it, Fany-ah?” her brows creased as she frowned with worry.

“It’s nothing, just…” I took a deep breath and played with her fingers, “Are you okay?”

Taeyeon just laughed good naturedly and said, “Of course! I’m fine.”

I raised an eyebrow at her happy answer.

“I have a free day and I’m with my best friend,” she tapped my nose cutely, “Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

I just laughed with her.  My dorky TaeTae. Honestly, you say you’re fine, but I know you better than that.  Don’t worry, I promise I’ll always be here for you.  We spent the rest of the day together, eating lunch at a café, going to a movie and then just relaxing at the dorms.  We didn’t leave each other’s side once.