“Are you excited for your game?” Jessica asks Taeng as they walk down the halls with their intertwined hands.

Taeng grins, “We’ve had three straight wins I’m more than excited.”

Jessica chuckles, the couple heads inside homeroom, taking their usual assigned seats.

Yoona smiles at them, “Hey Taeng.”

 “Hey Yoona,” Taeng greets happily, smiling at Yoona and Seohyun.

“Are you ready for you game?” Seohyun asks, leaning against Yoona’s arm.

Taeng nods, “I’ve been ready.”

Tiffany enters through the door, gazing at Taeng as she heads to her seat.

 “Hey Tae,” She greets happily as she sets her bag down.

 Taeng swivels around and smiles warmly at his best friend, “Fany, Fany, Tiffany!”

 Tiffany laughs, “You’re a dork.”

 Taeng chuckles, “I’m just excited.”

Tiffany warmly smiles, “For your game?”

Taeng nods, Tiffany chuckles “I’m excited too.”

 Taeng smiles, “Have you talked to Donghae?”

Tiffany frowns, “No. I’m tired of always making the first move, he needs to step up and talk to me if he wants to sort things out.”

Taeng chuckles softly, “Atta girl. Woman power!”

Tiffany laughs, “Right?”

The day passes by, the school growing spirted and preparing to support their basketball team.

 The group heads in the gym while Taeng heads inside the locker room. Taeng sees Yul changing into his uniform; they awkwardly make eye contact, Taeng awkwardly smiles and heads to his locker. Taeng quickly changes into his uniform, trying to avoid Yul as much as possible.

 “Today’s different,” Yul states quietly as Taeng pulls over his shirt.

 Taeng slowly gazes at him, “What do you mean?”

“Today,” Yul starts quietly, “We’re teammates. On the court, we’re not supposed to affiliate with unnecessary drama.”

Taeng’s face softens, “So after the game you’re still going to ignore me?”

 Yul sighs, “I still need time Taeng. Please understand.”

Taeng softly smiles, “I do Yul. Jessica misses you.”

 Yul flinches back in surprise, “She does?”

Taeng nods, “I miss you too. I’m sorry for not realizing your feelings Yul. Really I am.”

Yul gazes at the floor, tightening his grip on his shirt, “It’s okay Taeng…” He softly snickers, “Let’s do well today okay?”

Taeng warmly smiles, “Of course,” He pats Yul’s back softly, “Teammate.”

Tiffany watches as Donghae runs across the court, grimacing at his sight. She was upset that he hasn’t talked to her at all today; he’s been purposely ignoring her. She wasn’t going to initiate it again; she’s grown tired of it.

The game was close to starting, the home team ended their warm up’s and start making their way to the benches.

“Okay team, let’s pull out another win okay?” Coach So says enthusiastically, pumping the team up.

“With Taeng here we’re bound to win!”  Kikwang praises, clasping Taeng’s shoulder.

Taeng dorkily smiles, “Thanks hyung.”

The whistle blows, the crowd erupts into cheers and chants to support their team. Taeng looks over to Yul who had a serious look plastered on his face; he couldn’t help but smile as he gazes at his friend.

“Excuse me unnie, is this spot taken?”

Tiffany looks over and sees Jieun smiling happily at her, she reciprocates a smile back.

“No, you can sit here Jieun.”

Jieun politely bows before taking the seat next to Tiffany, her eyes averting to the court and gazing at Taeng.

“Taeng oppa is really good,” Jieun states quietly, smiling to herself.

Tiffany nods in agreement, “Yes. He is.”

Jieun chuckles, “He would make a great big brother.”

Tiffany gazes at the latter oddly, “What do you mean?”

 Jieun chuckles again, “I’m just saying that from perspective. I wish I had him as my big brother. He’s kind, gentle, and caring.”

Tiffany warmly smiles hearing the young latter’s words, “You must really love him like a brother huh?”

Jieun bites her bottom lip, “Yes.”

 “That’s cute. Taeng all around is a great guy.”

From the side, Jessica catches the last few words from Tiffany, growing weary and biting her bottom lip.

She pretends to ignore the latter’s words as she sees her boyfriend make a shot, “Go Taengoo!”

 Taeng’s team was ahead by 10 points, his body was drenching with sweat and he was near exhaustion. He passes the ball to Yul; Yul fakes his guarder and scores a layup.

 Taeng smiles, “Nice one Yul.”

Yul warmly smiles back, “Good pass Taeng.”

 Taeng grins, feeling even more confident in his game.

Tiffany gazes over to the court, watching as Donghae keeps a stone expression on his face. Taeng passes him the ball; Donghae jumps up and attempts to shoot from the three point line. It widely misses, hitting the glass and bouncing back, the opposing team stealing the ball.

“Come on Donghae!” Coach So yells, punching his fist in the air.

 Donghae scowls, shaking his head as he runs to the other side of the court.

“Wow,” Yoona says emphatically, “Donghae is terrible. How is he on varsity?”

Tiffany didn’t bother to glare at Yoona for the rude remark of her boyfriend, she couldn’t help but agree.

The game ties down with Taeng’s team winning by 20 points, the crowd as usual runs to the court to congratulate the players, hollering and chanting in victory.

Taeng spots Jessica and immediately runs to her, taking her in his arms.

 “Congrats Taengoo!” Jessica hollers over the noisy auditorium.

Taeng smiles, “Thanks beautiful.”

 He leans down and kisses her softly, holding her tightly and lovingly.

 “Sorry I’m all sweaty,” Taeng says sheepishly as they part lips.

 Jessica laughs, softly touching his cheek, “You’re still perfect.”

 Taeng grins, his heart fluttering hearing his girlfriend’s words, kissing her lightly and softly again.

Yul watches the two exchange loving gestures, he was hurting deep down yet he forces a smile on his face. He slowly walks away, wrapping his towel around his neck and his head hung low.

 Tiffany was scouting the court to find Donghae. After shoving through the humid crowd she finds him celebrating with his friends. She makes her way to him and presents herself in front of her boyfriend.

“Donghae,” She says warmly, gazing at him.

Donghae looks at her and his smiles washes away, “What?” He says with pure annoyance.

Tiffany fights the angry feeling forming in her, “Congrats on winning.”

 “Thanks,” He replies bluntly, averting his attention back to his friends.

Tiffany sighs, “I don’t understand why you’re mad at me when you have no reason to be.”

Donghae snaps back to her, “You never listen to me.”

 “I’m not your property, just because I’m your girlfriend doesn’t mean you can treat me like I’m a dog,” Tiffany snaps back, tears forming in her eyes.

Donghae scoffs, “When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it.”

Tiffany flinches back, hurt to hear the coldness in his tone, “What happened to you Donghae?”

 Donghae looks at her oddly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 “You’ve changed,” She says quietly, holding back her tears.

Donghae sighs, “Can you just go away? I’m trying to celebrate with my friends.”

Tiffany couldn’t back her tears at that moment, after hearing the rejecting and hurtful words her boyfriend said to her, tears spewed from her eyes. Donghae turns away, pretending not to notice his girlfriend’s presence. Tiffany didn’t want to argue with Donghae anymore, she turns around and runs out the doors. Hot tears streaming down her cheek.

 “Great job guys,” Yoona says happily to Yul and Taeng.

They smile sheepishly, gazing at their friend’s and thanking them for supporting them.

 “Taeng oppa!”

 “Ah! Jieun!” Taeng says happily, hugging the young latter.

“I’m so proud of you!” She says to him, grinning widely.

“Thanks Jieun,” He replies warmly.

“Your little sister is proud of her oppa,” Jieun says happily, pointing at herself.

Taeng tilts his head, “Little sister?”

 Jieun punches his arm, “Me oppa!”

 Taeng cracks into a smile, “Oh! I get it. Aish, I have a great little sister then.”

Jieun smiles, congratulating Taeng once more before parting her way to congratulate the other members.

 “Congratulations Yul,” Jessica says softly as she gazes at him.

Yul looks at her and sadly smiles, “Thanks Sica.”

Jessica’s eyes soften, her eyes kept on Yul as Yoona wraps his arm around his neck. Yul looks away and gazes at Yoona, ignoring the pained feeling in his heart.  

“Do you guys’ want to get dinner?” Sunny asks nonchalantly, gazing at the group.

“Let’s call it a night,” Yoona says, his arm still around Yul’s neck, “I’m sure our star players are exhausted.” He looks and sees the relief look flushed on Yul’s face.

 Taeng looks around, “Hey where’s Tiffany?”

They shrugs in unison, Taeng excuses himself to search for her. He sees Donghae through the crowds and makes his way over to him.

“Donghae,” He says calmly, his eyes stale.

Donghae turns around, groaning after seeing who called his name, “What do you want?”

 “Where’s Tiffany?”

 “She went home,” He replies bluntly, lying through his teeth.

 “And you didn’t go with her?” Taeng says in frustration, anger coursing through his veins.

“She didn’t want me too,” Donghae retaliates, ending the conversation by turning around.

 Taeng sighs, walking back to reunite with his group.

I hope you’re okay Fany-ah.

“Can you guys’ wait until we take our showers?” Taeng asks as they head for the exit.

The group complies, Yul and Taeng head in the locker room to take their shower after a victorious game.

“Good job Yul,” Taeng says softly as he pulls over his shirt.

Yul softly smiles, “Thanks. You too.”

Taeng gazes at him, “Starting tomorrow you can ignore me again.”

Yul chuckles bitterly, “I’ll gladly do that.”

 Taeng cringes, “Do you hate me Yul?”

Yul quickly shakes his head, “Of course not. I think of you as my brother Taeng. Like I said, I just need some space.”

Taeng nods, “I understand. Take all the time you need.”

 Yul smiles, “Thanks.”

 They finish changing and head out, the group bids each other a good night and they start their way home. Taeng quietly walks by Jessica side, softly holding her hand, enjoying the cool breeze the night was bringing.

 “Yul seemed…” Jessica trails into silence, unsure of how to complete the sentence.

 Taeng squeezes her hand, “He just needs the space.”

Jessica sighs sadly, “I know…I just miss him.”

Taeng gazes at her gently, “I know. I do too.”

 “But you’re right. He needs the space,” Jessica states, looking down at her feet.

 Taeng kisses her cheek, “We’ll be okay.”

 Jessica smiles, “I know.”

They arrive at Jessica’s house; Taeng bids her good night, stuffing his hands in his pocket as he begins to head home. The night air was sending chills down his spine, winter was approaching and the weather was getting colder and colder. He stares at the concrete sidewalk ahead as he walks back home in silence. He walks along the ledge, hearing nothing but the trees rustle and leaves wrestle.

Taeng notices a girl sitting on a bench a few meters away, she looked familiar to him as he grew closer and closer. His eyes’ widen after clearly seeing the side profile of the female figure.

“Fany-ah?” He says softly, seeing her head was hung low.

Tiffany slowly raises her head, surprised to hear Taeng’s voice, she had been sitting there for a while crying her eyes out. Taeng’s eyes grow even wider seeing Tiffany’s puffy eyes, he quickly sits down next to her.

“Tiffany what’s wrong? What happened?” He asks frantically.

Tiffany sniffles, “Donghae, h-he, k-kept…”

It was difficult for her to talk through her tears, she cried so hard she kept choking every time she tried to explain. Taeng cringes seeing the pain Tiffany was in, he especially grew worried of her appearance. She had no jacket on, her nose was red and she was shivering.

She’s been out here for so long…Donghae, you bastard.

Taeng wraps his jacket around her, “Come on. Let’s go to my house. You’re going to get sick.”

 Tiffany slowly nods her head, wrapping Taeng’s jacket tighter around her, she was freezing she didn’t realize how cold she was until she stopped crying. Taeng wraps his arm around Tiffany’s shoulder, doing his best to keep her warm as they make their way back to the house. Tiffany was enjoying being in Taeng’s arms again, the protected feeling returning throughout her body.

Taeng unlocks the door to his house, letting Tiffany in first. She stands absentmindedly in the middle of the entrance, gazing around Taeng’s house as she waits for him to lock the door.

 “My parents’ are probably asleep,” Taeng states as he places his shoes on the rack.

Tiffany gazes around like a curious kid, “I like your house.”

Taeng chuckles, “Thanks. Come on; let’s go to the living room.”

He guides her down the hall, gesturing her to take a seat on the couch.

 “I’ll be right back,” Taeng states softly, heading out to the hall.

Tiffany gazes at the house with awe, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. Taeng shortly returns with a blanket and a cup of tea, he sets the tea down on the table and sprawls out the thick comforter along Tiffany, covering her from neck to toe.

 Tiffany’s heart skips a beat; she gazes at how close Taeng’s face was to hers and quickly grows flustered.

Our faces are so close.

She quickly looks away as Taeng finishes tucking her in.

Taeng stands up straight and smiles, “Warm?”

Tiffany quickly composes herself and nods, “Thank you so much.”

 Taeng chuckles, “Of course. I don’t want you to get sick.”

He swivels around and picks up the tea cup, handing it to Tiffany before sitting down next to her. Tiffany’s heart was touched, seeing how Taeng was taking care of her.

 “So what happened?” Taeng asks caringly, staring at the latter.

 Tiffany bites her bottom lip, holding the cup between her hands to keep them warm, “I simply went to congratulate Donghae on winning and he was unnecessarily rude to me…”

 Taeng sighs, “What did he say to you?”

Tiffany cringes, “He said, ‘When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it.’”

 Taeng clenches his fist in anger, “He has no right to say that you.”

Tiffany slowly nods, “He really has changed…”

 “People change,” Taeng replies contently, his fists still tight.

 “Yeah but he changed for the worse…” Tiffany retorts, taking a sip of the tea.

Taeng stares at Tiffany, “You know I hate him right?”

 Tiffany slightly flinches; she wasn’t surprised to hear the latter say that.

Her grip on the cup tightens, “I know…”

Taeng releases his fist, taking a deep breath to calm himself down, his emotions were stirred wild.

“Sorry, I thought I should let you know,” Taeng says quietly, looking away from Tiffany.

 Tiffany slowly nods, “No I understand.”

 “But…back to your problem,” Taeng states softly, “I think you need to set your foot down and let Donghae know that you’re not a dog.”

Tiffany slightly chuckles, “Honestly I don’t even know about my feelings for him anymore…”

Taeng was taken aback; he gazes at the latter with surprised eyes, “Really?”

Tiffany leans forward and sets her cup on the table, returning to her comfortable position on the couch.

“I don’t know…” Tiffany replies, gripping the blanket tighter.

“Feelings are complicated huh?” Taeng says, lightly chuckling.

 Tiffany nods, “They are.”

Taeng remains quiet, enjoying the atmosphere surrounding the two teens. 

He gazes over and sees Tiffany staring blankly ahead, “So what are you going to do?”

Tiffany diverts her attention to him and shrugs, “I don’t know…I’ll let you know later.”

Taeng nods, “Honestly? If you’re not happy with someone, you shouldn’t be with them if they fail to make you happy.”

Tiffany warmly smiles, “I’ll tell myself that from now on.”

Taeng chuckles, “Take it from me.”

Tiffany leans her head against Taeng’s arm, appreciating the comforting feeling Taeng was giving her.

Taeng, I always feel protected when I’m with you. I feel safe. You give me warmth at the times when I’m freezing.

From a distance, Mrs. Kim was watching the two as she leans against the doorframe of the hallway. A warm smile was on her face, she crosses her arms of satisfaction.

You two really are special.

Time passes and Taeng hasn’t moved from his spot, he liked the serene quietness between him and Tiffany, his arm was starting to grow numb from Tiffany’s head but he didn’t mind. He gazes over and noticed Tiffany had been asleep, she was lightly breathing against his arm. Taeng chuckles, adoring how Tiffany looked in her sleep. He carefully sets her down on the couch before standing up, he swivels around and gently lifts Tiffany into his arms with the blanket still around her.

Taeng quietly heads up the stairs, taking Tiffany into his room and gently lies her down on the bed. She quickly shifts on the bed, wrapping the blanket around her and lightly breathing on the pillow.

Taeng warmly smiles, staring at Tiffany affectionately as she sleeps peacefully. He changes into shorts and does his bathroom routines, checking on Tiffany before heading downstairs. He lies down on the couch, staring at the white ceiling above him with his eyes wide open.

I’m trying so hard to get over you Tiffany but somehow you always make me fall for you over and over again.