Taeyeon and Tiffany were lounging in the living room, Taeyeon absentmindedly flipping television channels while Tiffany was scrolling through her phone.

“Alright so when am I going to meet her?” Tiffany locks her phone and places it on the arm rest.

“Who?” Taeyeon blinks, brain not actively working at that point.

“Uh, Beyoncé?” Tiffany replied sarcastically before continuing, “coffee shop girl of course! I need to meet the person who converted you.” Tiffany jokes.

“What do you mean converted? uality isn’t something you can choose. Also, it’s not like we’re together. ” Taeyeon kicks Tiffany lightly at her shin.

“Oww! I know, I know, I was just kidding! Spare me your highness, I perform for a living, please don’t injure me.” Tiffany rubs her leg dramatically and feigns a tragic expression. 

Taeyeon grinned at her antics. “Fine, how about now?”

“What? So suddenly? I need to put on makeup and change my boring clothes! She can’t see me like this!” Tiffany complained.

“Are you trying to woo her? Why do you need makeup? You’re beautiful enough. And your clothes are fine. It's just a five minute walk away. Chill.”

“The Kim Taeyeon is complimenting my looks? Oh coffee shop girl, you have competition.” Tiffany grins and flips her hair.

“You dork. Let’s go.” Taeyeon stands and leads Tiffany to the door.

The light chime of the doorbell caused her to look up. Upon seeing Taeyeon, she placed the cloth she was holding into the pocket of her barista apron and approached her. She wanted to give her a hug but saw that there was another person behind her.

“Hey,” she started.

“Hi.” Taeyeon gave her a warm smile.

The sound of throat clearing behind her makes Taeyeon roll her eyes. “She has been bugging me to meet you. This is Tiffany.”

“Oh hi!” She extends a hand, which Tiffany grabs and shakes. 

“So, we finally meet.” Tiffany says in a goofy voice.

“Yes indeed. What would you like to drink?” She asks, making her way behind the counter.

“I would like an iced americano, and Taeyeon-”

“A pumpkin spiced latte?” She finishes Tiffany’s sentence and glances at Taeyeon. Taeyeon nods.

“I see we have a regular here,” Tiffany wriggles her eyebrows and continues, “it's funny how you can fit a pumpkin in such a small cup.”

“Wait, that’s what I said!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“Now I know why you like her so much.” Tiffany turns to Taeyeon and smirks.

The three continued their conversation at a booth, sometimes she would excuse herself whenever new customers arrived but they were getting along well. Taeyeon’s heart warmed at the thought of her friends liking each other the way she liked them. 

“She’s good for you. She’s so cool! Hopefully she can spread some of her edginess to you, you hag.” Tiffany teased as they were walking back to the dorm.

“Hey, what hag? We’re the same age!” Taeyeon scowled and poked Tiffany’s ribs. 

“I’m kidding! Please no more assault! I have someone to complain to now.” Tiffany sticks out her tongue, shakes her phone in Taeyeon’s face and runs away. Tiffany, being an over friendly person, offered to exchange numbers earlier on.

“That childish girl.” Taeyeon shakes her head and laughs to herself.

Taeyeon exhales blissfully. Things seem great right now. Almost perfect. 

Taeyeon’s mood changes. Too perfect. Knowing her luck, it probably won't last. 

As Taeyeon called it, plans were being constructed behind her back and her CEO had decided to use her as a scapegoat to bring more attention to the group.

Good press is always the goal, but bad press is still press and he would do anything just for people’s attention to be on his groups, causing his stocks to increase.

Taeyeon, along with other members, were practising for their new song when she received news that the CEO wanted to see her. The members looked at her quizzically but she shrugged and left the room.

Taeyeon knocks the opened door and asks, “you wanted to see me?”

“Ah come in! Come in, our prized artist, my pride and joy. Have a seat, Taeyeon.” Mr Kim gestured at the chair in front of his table. On his right was the head of Personal Relations, Mr Lim. Taeyeon meekly followed his request and sat down.

“You must be wondering why I called you here. You, Taeyeon, will play an important role in this plan that we have made. The main character, I would say. Are you up for it?” Mr Kim chortles haughtily. Taeyeon cringes from the volume. 

This won’t be good. She thinks to herself.

But she nods anyway. 

“As you know, your group members have been caught dating and I’ve decided that it is a better choice to let the reporters release the news than to pay them off.” He glances at Mr Lim.

“This is where you will come in.” Mr Lim explains.

“All of their partners are actors or idols who are not in this company, and so publicity might be split between the two sides. You would be the one to unite them all, a cherry on top so to speak. I will enlist a member of our best male group right now and the news of the two of you will be so shocking, everyone’s attention will be on us.” Mr Kim nods thoughtfully, further displaying his fondness of the plan. 

Taeyeon took a moment to process, and her jaw clenched. She was getting played like a chess piece but there was nothing she could do. They would drop her the moment she disobeyed like they did when they kicked people from other groups out of the company.

“Is this the final decision?” Taeyeon enquired after a moment, avoiding eye contact as she tapped her fingers together.

“Well, yes of course. Such a good scheme needs no modification. Very soon, everyone will know your name. His fans will know you and your group. Your fans will know him and his group. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!” Mr Kim exclaims gleefully.

“Can I refuse? “ Taeyeon tries her luck.

“Rubbish! I am the boss, you just have to do what I say, it’s for your own good!” Mr Kim places his hands on his hips.

For my own good or your own good? Taeyeon scoffs internally. 

“Alright, it’s settled. The plan will be in motion. Mr Lim will tell you where to go and you just have to show up!” Mr Kim says and waves his hand, dismissing Taeyeon.

Taeyeon bows and leaves the room gloomily. 

is going to hit the fan and Taeyeon will be on the receiving end of it.

A/N: Are yall ready for the drama? 

Not sure about yall but I personally really like it when fics tie into the real world like it helps me paint a picture more clearly. How about you guys? Do you like it too? or do you find it kinda exploitive in a way? Anyways, I hope yall enjoyed the chapter, a light hearted one, the calm before the storm so to speak hehe.

(Also was wondering if yall preferred short chapters that are uploaded more frequently or long chapters that take awhile more time?)