CHAPTER 20

 

 

            FOR a moment, Taeyeon felt die hearing the remarks she’d never expected before. A sudden numbness was creeping over her body, turning into stinging ache hammering his heart. Her blood felt like cruddled, her tongue felt like had tongue tie. She would never mean to betray her.

But what could she say? How could she spill any plead since each evident narrowing on it? She would never be able to make any sense about it toward Tiffany. It had nothing more to do with it. But… just but, it wasn’t supposed to end here, or end like this. It’s a big mistake after all. It mustn’t end up like this. She didn’t even realize when if Jessica left the kiss mark on her collar.

            The things must been never be as complicated as this, she thought desperately. But she knew she couldn’t just stand like this. She had to make some effort, thought she guessed it’d be fruitless. At least she tried.

            Taeyeon stepped toward her room; which was locked inside already. From inside the room she even could cleary heard desperate sobbing sound earned by her girlfriend, or her “ex”-girlfriend if it had to been rephrased. It made her hurt even more, actually. With her teary eyes and cracking voice, she knocked the door.

            “Fani~aaaa… Please listen to me… Give me a chance to explain it all. You’d been mistaken,” she said carefully. There’s no answer from her.

            “Fani~aaa…,” she called out her again.

            “Just go. Just go away, Taeng!” Finally she answered; half shouted; her voice was cracking as well.

            “I won’t go until you give me a chance to tell you.”

            “I was tired of hearing sorry, Taeng!”

            And I was tired of being sorry as well, Tiffany… But my love for you… was the biggest thing amongst all… And it made me possible to do anything for you…

            “I knew you’re getting hurt because of me… And I was getting hurt too, Tiffany… seeing you like that. But you’d already got me wrong.”

            “Are you trying to say that my eyes didn’t see the mark, my nose didn’t smell the scent, and my ears didn’t hear your confession?”

            “How could on this green grass earth you’re trying to tell me that my eyes, my nose, my ears lied to me???” she yelled sarcastically.

           

            “I didn’t say it,” Taeyeon quickly said, defensively.

            “See?? So that’s the end of discussion.”

            “Oh for Christ Almighty, Tiffany!” Taeyeon shouted back in her frustration. “Why you’re not listening to me?”

            “Now you’re talked as if you’re the victim after all! Great, Taeyeon!”

            “I wasn’t! And there’s no victim here, Tiffany, if only you’d hear me!”

            “If you’re me, would you like to listen for a reason, still???”

            Taeyeon was quiet for a moment; imagining if they’re exchanging place and actually she would listen to her… At least she would give her a chance to explain… because she trusted her. But now? Tiffany didn’t even want to listen to her. Didn’t it mean that she no longer trust in her? And now, what was it worth to carry on… a relationship without a trust wasn’t really mean to be. It …

            “To tell the truth, I would. Because I trust you,” Taeyeon replied solemnly. There’s no more raising tone inside her voice. Tiffany frowned and taken aback for a second noticing her changing sound expression.

            “I think you’re right. We’re over.”

            Tiffany was jolting in surprise on her bed. What??? She said that we’re already over??? No… I was the first who spilled it out and now why I felt so devastated hearing it. Wasn’t I ready for it?

            “If you didn’t trust me, then we had nothing more to do with it,” Tiffany heard Taeyeon said again behind the door.

            “We’d already tried and now we both see the result, Tiffany. We couldn’t lie that both of us were getting tired of all those things. In the end we had to admit and deal with the fact that it didn’t work out.”

            Tiffany felt so shattered hearing all those words releasing by Taeyeon. It was out of her expectation. She would never think Taeyeon could release kind of those words. Deep inside her heart, she’d expected Taeyeon would struggle to win her heart again and to make it up to her… But… was it too late to take back all of her words? Rite? She’s the one… the first who brought the topic up… and she wasn’t able to take it back again…

            Then she heard a footsteps sound leaving away the place, gradually vanished from her ears. She wasn’t standing there any longer.

 

 

            It’s already hit 12 and passed few minutes when Tiffany still mused with those scenes and couldn’t even close her eyes. But she wasn’t losing her thought so long as a sudden ring from her cell yanked her from the reverie. She jolted in surprise and frowned for a while discovering who’s calling. It’s her father. It’s unbelievable. Why on earth his father would call her… after midnight… and she guessed there’s must be something important to tell… Though she wasn’t in the mood at all to talk with anybody, she knew she couldn’t just ignore it…

            Halfheartedly she picked it up and heard her father voice.

            “Hi, Fani. Haven’t slept yet?” her father greeted.

            “I just… tried to sleep… What’s going on, Appa?”

            She heard his father cleared his throat and there’s noisy background voice over there.

            “I can’t hear you clearly, Dear,” his father talked again. “Are you in bedroom now?”

            “Yes… Is still not clear… my voice?”

            “Hu-uh,” his father replied. “I thought your signal was bit patchy.”

            “I need to tell you something important. Would you mind to get out from your room? I think you’d get better signal outside.”

            “Sure. Jamkanman,” she said and rose from the bed; stepping outside. She held her breath for a moment and felt something strange when she noticed Taeyeon had already left. She wasn’t there any longer; whereas Tiffany hoped… she would find her stood still, in front of her door… and smiled understandingly as usual… and they would forgive each other and make it up… they would hug and kiss after all… But seemed… that thing wouldn’t happen this time.

            It’s very dark outside and Tiffany hated it. Usually, Taeyeon would never forget to let switch on the light and now she started to feel twinge of regret.

            Tiffany scrabbling across the wall, trying to find the light switching button, but then she heard something over the room. She frantically shivered… There’s something… something over there…

            “W-who…. Who is it…”

            There’s no answer. And the creepy sound started to be heard again.

            “It isn’t funny! Who is it???” she felt her voice was trembled; she already forgotten the call from his father.

            “Taeng…. I need you..,” she murmured unconsciously while finding her body was slightly shaking.

            The next second she heard exploded gun shoot and she couldn’t help but screaming Taeyeon’s name.

            “Taeng!!!!!!”

 

 

            “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU… HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU… HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY… HAPPY BIRTHDAY FANNY!!!”

 

 

            With that all the lights on the room was on and Tiffany caught bunch of people popped on her sight. She jolted in surprise and frozen in her place. She struggled hard to composure herself and recognized the face… Her heart was beating faster and her brain still couldn’t decipher what was going on.

            Standing in front of her, was a man… she had never expected before… It’s his father.

            “Appa???”

            Then she recognized Taeyeon, Jessica, and a girl she never known before, standing side by side. They all displayed a happy face; their eyes were gleamed with satisfaction as they already made her caught off guard.

            Her father just smiled at her and before she could recover, Taeyeon had already stepped in; bringing a birthday cake and standing in front of her.

            “Blow the candle and make a wish, would you, Tiffany?” she asked and smiled.

            Tiffany felt an urge to cry and she couldn’t stand it anymore. She smiled feeling so touched and nodded her head. She closed her eyes and made a wish.

“I wish… Taeyeon and I would never be apart…”

            Afterward she blew off the candles and earned joyful clapping from the people. Still looked dumbfounded, she shifted her gaze toward Taeyeon; in hope she’d help her explain what was happening.

            Taeyeon got herself closer to her and gave her birthday kiss on her cheek.

            “Happy birthday, My Love, Tiffany Hwang,” she whispered it near her earlobe and pulled back playfully.

            “T-taeng… Appa… What actually had happened?”

            “All the things were her idea,” her father pointed out at Taeyeon that smirked naughtily.

            “You must be lucky to have an assistant like her. She’s so nice to you,” her father said.

            I was indeed lucky, Appa. And she’s more than just an assistant, if I might tell you.

            Tiffany smirked on her thought.

            “Now would you like to cut the cake and distribute to us?” Taeyeon demanded.

            “Sure… sure!” Tiffany smiled and quickly cut the cake; then she found herself hesitate to whom she would give the first slice. She looked at Taeyeon and Taeyeon just smiled and beckoned her to give it to her father, just by her eyes. Tiffany nodded cheerfully and approached her father.

            “It’s for you, Appa.”

            “Happy birthday, Tiffany,” her father said and kissed her cheek, then took the cake from her.

            “What time did you arrive, Appa?”

            “An hour ago,” he answered and smiled; making Tiffany startled.

            “Oh my God… You… just arrived… and came here? You must be very tired, Appa.”

            “No worries, Dear,” her father assured. “It’s nothing… I… I should be better than this after all this time,” her father spoke sincerely. Tiffany shook her head.

            “Appa… You don’t need to say it… I’m so glad you’re here… And… oh, since you’re probably getting jetlag, I don’t mind if you lounge yourself there… in your room,” Tiffany pointed out a room.

            “Are you sure?” her father couldn’t hide his jet-lag feeling overwhelmed himself.

            “Yes… Just make yourself comfortable, Appa. I’ll back to you later.”

            “It’s very nice of you, Tiffany. Once again, Happy birthday. I love you.”

            “I love you too, Appa.”

            After his father disappeared from the room, Tiffany took second slice and without any hesitant she approached Taeyeon and feed her sweetly.

            “How could you do this crazy thing to me?” she murmured and made a face.

            “You had no idea,” Taeyeon smirked while chewing.

            Their eyes were gluing each other.

            “You’re right. I hate you,” she whispered.

            “Oh, I guess I’d already known that,” Taeyeon replied playfully.

            “Hei, Tiff! Wouldn’t you feed me the cake as well?” suddenly Jessica shouted and Tiffany quickly turned away.

            “Sica!” she shouted back cheerfully. “Don’t worry, I would!” she cut another piece and walked toward her.

            “I’m sure you’re involved in this crime as well,” she raised her eyebrows while feeding her.

            “I’m offended,” Jessica took a bite and smirked. “You know,” she whispered. “I slightly worried about your reaction at the first. But your girlfriend insisted me to go on.”

            “I…,” Tiffany hesitated for a moment and thought about the lip marks again.

            “I what?” Jessica asked confusingly.

            “I’d like to ask you something about the scent and the lips mark I found on Taeyeon shirt,” suddenly Taeyeon voice chimed in, finishing the sentence from her. Tiffany tilted her head and finding her already stood behind her; and her arm wrapped her waist. She jolted but didn’t pull away.

            “Oh did I…?” Jessica looked dumbfounded and Taeyeon laughed.

            “See? She even didn’t notice it, Fani~aaa,” Taeyeon said to her.

            “Ehemmm,” the girl standing beside Jessica suddenly cleared and that made both Taeyeon and Jessica suddenly realized they almost forgot to introduce her to Tiffany.

            “This is Kwon Yuri,” Jessica said.

            “She’s my schoolmate,” Taeyeon added.

            “And?” Tiffany raised her eyebrows, didn’t catch the correlation, still.

            “I’m her girlfriend,” Yuri piped up, finally. A proud smile was displayed on her face and she suddenly wrapped Jessica’s waist possessively.

            “What?” Tiffany asked, dumbfounded.

            “You heard it, Baby,” Taeyeon said.

            “But I thought… Jessica and you…,” Tiffany was confused and shifted her gaze back and forth toward Jessica and Taeyeon.

            “Babo!” Jessica giggled and knocked Tiffany’s forehead.

            “How could you think she would cheat on you??? Don’t you know she’s crazy about you?”

            “Hey don’t say it to her!” Taeyeon pretended to protest. “It would only make her been a big head.”

            Tiffany glared at Taeyeon and it just abruptly hushed .

            “Yes, Taeng loved you a lot. And you know what, when she really loved someone, you didn’t need to doubt her faithfulness,” Yuri added. “I guarantee she’d surely die for the one she loved.”

            Tiffany felt very guilty hearing the statement afterward. She felt terribly guilty had slapped Taeyeon that hard as well.

            “Now let me tell you the truth,” Taeyeon said. “I worked as private chauffeur those last nights.”

            “For what???” Tiffany’s eyes widened.

            “For this,” Taeyeon said and pulled out something from her pocket.

            It’s a beautiful necklace and Tiffany’s eyes were glittered with pleasure looking at it.

            “Let me put it on your neck, please?” Taeyeon asked sweetly and Tiffany slightly bent her knee and leaned forward. Taeyeon slightly tipped toe and put it on her neck, then smiled complacently.

            “Thank you, Taeng…,” she said with watery eyes. “Thank you…”

            “Do you like it?” she asked.

            “I couldn’t say more… I love it, Taeng…,” she couldn’t help but hug her tight until Taeyeon felt slightly breathless.

            “You worked hard for it??? You… you didn’t need to…”

            “Ssssh… I needed to and I wanted to, Fani… I wanted to give the best prize for your birthday… Because you deserved it…”

            After some seconds, they broke their hug and Taeyeon dropped a kiss on her forehead.

            “So sweet and romantic,” Jessica commented, making them realized about their presence again. Tiffany blushed when she noticed Yuri was still a stranger to them and she witnessed all the scenes.

            “Don’t worry about her, Fani~aaaah,” Jessica giggled when she noticed Tiffany was blushed because of Yuri.

            “We could even be sweeter than you two,” she stuck her tongue out after glimpsing to Yuri.

            “Yeah, no need to be shy in front of me,” Yuri smirked.

            “And now, Taeng, I need an explanation about the lips mark,” she back to the topic.

            “Ah yeah,” Taeyeon nodded and her thought was wandered back to few days ago.

 

 

“Taeng, I need to talk something about you,” Jessica said seriously on the phone.

Taeyeon frowned, feeling something strange inside her voice.

“What’s about, Sica?”

“It’s about Tiffany,” she said and paused momentarily. “She said… you used to back home late lately.”

Taeyeon was still remaining silence, willingly to listen her more.

“Please don’t get her wrong. She just couldn’t stand it and need to share with someone…”

“Don’t worry, Sica. I wouldn’t get it wrong,” Taeyeon smiled hearing her anxiety.

“I knew my girl well,” she added confidently.

“Yeah, and so I don’t need to tell you what she’s complaining about, rite?”

“Rite,” Taeyeon said. “But I had to do it. I had no choice. Believe me it’s hard for me, tough.”

“I know, Taeng. I just want to reason it out, if you don’t mind.”

Taeyeon paused for a moment before finally she spoke up again.

“Okay, I’d tell you the truth. But just keep it between us, would you?”

“Sure. What’s it?”

“You know it’s near with her birthday… And… when it comes, I’d like to give her special prize. I need to work hard to afford it, Sica.”

“Owhhh…,” she heard Jessica gasped over there.

“That’s why I had to leave her. I worked as private chauffeur during these nights.”

“How does it work?”

“I put my number on ad and people could easily call me whenever they need chauffeur. So far it paid much.”

“Fiuhhh…,” she heard Jessica exhaled hard. “I’m so relieving heard that.”

“Of course,” Taeyeon giggled. “What kind of news you’re expected for?”

“Are you doubt my loyalty?” Taeyeon asked again.

“No… It wasn’t like that,” Jessica said. “I just… sometimes thought… there’s some tough time when you thought you weren’t going to stand it anymore… Tell me if I was wrong…”

Taeyeon was silence again; musing with Jessica’s remarks.

“Have you been… experienced it, Sica?” she asked.

“To tell the truth, yes,” Jessica answered. “I’d already known her for a longggg time. And of course I had experienced the tough days with her. Once when she acted very spoiled I thought I couldn’t stand it anymore; but when I looked back on her face and knew… she’s so vulnerable and realized that she actually didn’t deliberately choose to be the way she was…my heart just melted again and I promised to always stay with her.”

“I couldn’t agree more about it, Sica,” Taeyeon admitted.

“In some way, I had the same thought with you. But the difference was, my feeling for her was a lover feeling, not just a sisterhood affection. I already known as well, she indeed didn’t choose to be the way she was, but in the end I realized, she’d already been changed… to be better girl… to be the way she’s today… and I wasn’t that blind to notice that… she changed because of me…

I was and am and will always proud of her. And it’s not she was lucky to have me, but instead, I was so lucky to have her as well in my life. She made me feel alive and more precious than I thought I could be… That’s why I would never let her down…”

“I’m speechless,” Jessica said bluntly then Taeyeon felt she’s smiling again.

“I’m really happy for you two,” she said. “And hell… I’m jealous and so envy!”

“Ha ha..,” Taeyeon laughed. “Don’t be, Sicababy,” she said. “Why don’t you go out and try to open your heart? I’m sure if you…”

“Ehem… Don’t start to lecture me, Kim Taeyeon,” she made a voice. “I’d already found one, actually.”

“Jinjja??” Taeyeon seemed surprise. “W-why didn’t you tell us?”

“You’ll get to know when the right time comes,” Jessica replied playfully.

“Geezzzz… I don’t like your tone.”

“Hahaha… All right, all right… What’s about tonight?”

“Tonight?”

“Yes… Are you free tonight?”

“Do you forget that I suppose to work tonight?”

“No. That’s why I offer you the job.”

“What?”

“You heard me, Kim Tae Yeon.”

“Are you saying you want to rent me?”

“Ah-ha.”

“Great then. But since I really need much money for Tiffany, I hope you’re cool if I didn’t give you some discount.”

“No worry, Silly!” Jessica laughed. “I’d even give you bonus if you’re doing good.”

“Ah, jaemiisseo!” Taeyeon chuckled. “Okay, just text me when and where.”

“You got it! Bye, Taeng!”

 

 

It was almost 11 pm when Taeyeon touched down the club. She was patiently waiting in front of the entrance and wondered if Jessica had done something wrong there. She stuffed her hand in the pocket of her jacket as the cold evening breeze on August started to blow. Not long after that she heard the door was squeaking as it’s opened and a familiar voice called out her name cheerfully.

“Taeyeon~aaa!!!”

She tilted her head after recognizing it was her.

“Hi, Sica! What’re you doing here?” she asked confusingly.

Jessica was smiling to her without answer and she didn’t even watch her step and she’s tripping over the stone and stumbling toward her.

Luckily, Taeyeon skillfully caught her and hugged her tight to keep her balance.

Taeyeon hugged her for some moment to make sure she’s okay and this was how it happened…

Jessica’s lip accidentally brushed with her collar… and as they had been hugged for some moment, the scent of her just left on Taeyeon’s shirt as well.

They didn’t notice it at that time.

And as Taeyeon was about to release Jessica from her hug, a sudden shout heard from behind.

“MIDGET!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?”

Taeyeon felt so insulted and glared toward the voice’s owner; but at the next second her eyes widened; recognizing her.

She’s a beautiful tall girl with dark skin; with a long hair and stunning appearance; and she approached to Jessica and possessively hugged her tight from behind.

“Seobang,” Jessica hastily chimed in, afraid she would show some temper. “Don’t get her wrong.”

But strangely, out of her expectation, the tall girl suddenly smiled weirdly and when Jessica looked at Taeyeon, she also caught she was smiling back at her.

“Kwon… Yuri?”

“Kim… Taeyeon?”

After dropping a quick peck on Jessica’s cheek, Yuri slowly released her and run into Taeyeon. They embraced each other cheerfully.

“Oh my God!!!! Is it you???”

“I also couldn’t believe it’s you, Taeng!”

“You’re so damn beautiful Yuri~aaa!”

“Sssst… I already known that. But don’t say it in front of my girlfriend. I don’t want she gets jealous!” she replied playfully and deliberately made it clear enough to be heard by Jessica. She looked over her shoulder to read Jessica’s expression and smiled in victory when she caught Jessica glared at her.

“Are you serious???” Taeyeon jolted in surprise again then shifting her gaze to Jessica.

“So… This is your girlfriend, Sica???”

Jessica nodded coyly.

“Oh what a small world! I’m so happy to know this!”

“You… already known each other?” Jessica asked confusingly.

“We’re more than just known each other. We’re more than best friend, Sica!”

“D-did you two have any… relationship???” Jessica began to stutter and earned hard laughter from both Taeyeon and Yuri.

Yuri playfully pinched her nose.

“Not as you’re thinking, Sica.”

“That’s right. She’s not as sweet as my Tiffany. How could I fall into her?” Taeyeon added sarcastically.

“Hey, I was also wouldn’t fall into you. You’re not as y as my Sica!” she replied quickly and Jessica face’s suddenly blushed heard it.

“We’re old best friend, anyway,” Taeyeon stated and nudged Yuri’s rib hard.

“Ouchhh. See? She’s too rude to be a girlfriend,” Yuri said to Jessica.

“I never saw Taeng acted rude, Seobang!” Jessica commented and Taeyeon smirked in her victory again.

“Look, even your girlfriend is on my side now!”

Yuri put a fake mad face and crossed her arms.

“Okay then. Just go back home with her. I would call another cab,” Yuri threatened.

“Seobang~aaa,” Jessica seduced and wrapped her arms around her waist.
“I’m on always on your side,” she smiled cutely.

“Huh, I didn’t see it.”

“What about this?” She tipped toe and dropped a long smooch on her cheek; making Yuri couldn’t hold her fake anger any longer.

“I just did it for you, you see?” Jessica winked to her.

“Aishhh… It’s unfair. You know how to make me melt.”

“It’s your loss then,” she giggled.

“What the bloody sweet of you, Yul!” Taeyeon commented and giggled along.

“I would never expect it!”

“Me too, Midget,” he said. “You had no idea as well how I feel very lucky when I knew she’s mine!” she winked to Jessica.

“Seobang~aaa,” Jessica shook her head shyly. “Save your cheesiness please?”

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t be lack of sweet words when it came to you, Sica,” Yuri replied playfully and rubbed her head.

“So, chauffeur, please drop us to home, would you?” she winked and threw the car key to Taeyeon.

“With my pleasure, Your Honour,” Taeyeon winked back and smiled.

 

 

            “So… It’s the truth, Tiffany,” Taeyeon ended the story while staring at her girlfriend; that looked so mesmerized hearing the whole stories.

            “Mianhae… Mianhae, Taeng… I was so stupid to accuse you cheating on me…”

            Taeyeon opened her arms and reached her into her hug again. Tiffany drifted her head into her chest and Taeyeon gently caressed her head.

            “I don’t want you to cry in your birthday; unless tears of happiness. You get it?”

            Tiffany nodded and lifted her head to stare at her.

            “I’m happy, Taeng… I couldn’t ask for more… I’m happy… to have you in my life… I even couldn’t count my blessings… And… I’m happy as well… to have people like them… surrounding my life… Since I found you… I thought I would never need anything more… Thank you for letting yourself came into my life… Thank you for not giving up on me… Thank you for keeping our relationship working up... This is my best birthday I ever had, Taeng… Taeyeon~i reul… manhi saranghae…”

 

 

to be continued...