“I know I shouldn’t be supporting him and I’m not, really but just take some time to understand his situation. If you guys were there and saw how shagged, how hurt he was, you guys would’ve understood.” Tiffany defended herself and Taeyeon.

“I guess we just have to respect it and believe that the choice that was made was the right one. I believe that this 2 are meant to be. Maybe a time away from each other is what they need…” Woori said.

Listening to the talk between her cousin and her ex-boyfriend made break down again. She couldn’t believe that all this while, he was suffering as well. In fact, he suffered more than she did. He couldn’t even get more than an hour of sleep. ‘I’m a terrible girlfriend’ she thought. The thought of Taeyeon leaving her for good bugged her. The tears that has stopped made its way down again..

“Stop crying Jessica. It’ll be fine. Just give yourself some time and space. Things will eventually work out..” Woori comforted her.

“It won’t. I’m a terrible girlfriend. I never really thought or spared his feelings. All this while, I only thought about myself. I never spared a thought for him. I never thought about his feelings, what he’s dealing with.. It must’ve been hard for him but he just kept silence and always gave in to me. I don’t deserve him at all…”

“Unnie, you deserve him more than anyone else. What Woori unnie said is true. Maybe you just need to spend some time apart and meet new people. Oppa’s letting you go because he loves you, so please don’t make him regret his decision. Making such decision wasn’t easy so please unnie. Give yourself a chance.” Taeyeon’s younger sister comforted her.

“He loves you enough to let you go and set you free. You may never find someone like him but you might be able to find better. Taeyeon is selfless. You mean more to him than anything Jessica, you of all people should know that..” Sooyoung said.

The guys could only watch their partners comfort their friend. They hoped and wished for the best for their buddy and hope to see him soon. After crying for hours, the broken hearted girl finally fell asleep. The girls brought her to her room and tucked her in. They left her alone and made their way down to meet the rest.

“How is noona?” Yoong asked as he saw them walking down the stairs.

“She’s asleep right now.” Seohyun answered and went to him for comfort.

“Hey, don’t blame yourself either okay. Hyung knows what he’s doing..” Yoong said to her while her back.

She just nodded.

“Yoong’s right. That brother of yours have always been independent. He doesn’t always share he’s true feeling because he doesn’t want to be a burden to others. Let’s just hope that he’s safe wherever he is and that he’ll come to his senses soon.” Soo said. Silence soon engulfed the room.

“Has anyone contacted Taeyeon?” Sunny suddenly asked.

It suddenly hit them that none of them had contacted him when they found out what has happened. They exchange glances and immediately took out their phone.

“Wait.”Tiffany stopped them from making the call. All eyes were on her, wondering why she stopped them.

“If all of you called at the same time, he wouldn’t be able to receive and even if he did receive it, he wouldn’t answer it, knowing that you guys have learnt about what he’s done…” All heads nodded to what Tiffany said and put down their phone.

“One of us should call him than!” Yoong said.

“Seohyun!” Yuri shouted and pointed at her.

“He will never say no to Seohyun and will definitely answer her call.” Yuri continued.

“OMG. That’s s true! Seohyun, quick call him!!” Tiffany said. The mentioned girl immediately took out her phone and pressed speed dial 2 for her brother.

He sat under the palm tree with his guitar in hand. He stared at the beautiful sight and began strumming the guitar. A cascade of tears ran down his face like a waterfall as he hummed to a tune. Words started to replace the melodious tune and before he realized it, he has written a song. For the first time ever, the song that he’s composed inflicted pain within him. The sudden ring from his phone broke the silence that engulfed him. He looked at the caller and was not surprise to see who it is. He had expected to receive her call.

“Hello” he answered with a low tone.

“Oppa.. Where are you?” his sister asked softly.

“I’m guessing you’ve found out that I left huh?”

“Oppa, how are you holding up? Are you okay?” she asked concernedly.

“I’m fine Seohyun-ah. Can you please make sure that she’s okay? Can you try to make her forget the pain that I’ve caused her?” he asked.

“Oppa…”

“Please Seohyun. Do this for me, please. Even if you have to, bring her out and let her meet new people. Let her date someone else…” he said dejectedly.

“Are you sure you want that oppa? Are you sure you want her to move on and be in love with someone else?”

“It’s selfish of me to keep her by my side when all I do is hurt her..”

She looked around at the rest of the group to see their reaction. The guys only shook their heads as they heard his words while the girls tried hard to hold back their tears.

“Oppa, do you honestly think you’re doing the right thing..?”

“Don’t sympathize me Hyunnie. The moment I made the choice to be a singer, I should’ve prepared myself for this but in all honesty, this wasn’t what I had envisioned for the two of us. I love her and I still do but I can’t bear with it. I can’t stand to see her like that. I’m unworthy of her. She deserves someone better. Someone that will come running to her, someone that will love her endlessly and can give her nothing but happiness and that’s something that I can’t give her. Take care of her Seohyun. Take care of her for me you guys. Let her meet someone new, let her fall in love all again and let her feel the joy of being in love. I’ll see you guys soon. Goodbye.” He sniffed before ending the call.

They stared at the phone before turning their attention away. Sobs could be heard from the girls. They could not contain their sadness. They were touched by his love but also sad that he actually made such decision.

“How can he easily tell us to bring her out and introduce her to a new person? How can he have the strength to witness it?” Sunny said as she wiped away her tears.

“Because that’s the kind of person Oppa is. Other’s always matters before him. He never cared if he’s hurt just as long the other party is happy.” Seohyun spoke of her brother as she laid her head onto Yoong’s shoulder.

The unwanted light crept under her eyelids, stimulating her mind and finally bringing her to full consciousness. Groaning lightly, she pulled the cover over her head, wishing that she could sleep forever as her heart was too heavy right now to be awake. She looked over to the other side of the bed to find it empty, as always. She missed him terribly. She wished that it was all a dream but she knew enough that it was reality. Reality was too cruel to her, separating her from the love of her life. She regretted encouraging him to be a singer. If she had known that this was the outcome, she wouldn’t have agreed to it. He did tell her of the possibilities but she ignored it for she’s proud to have a boyfriend that has a wonderful voice that touches million, she inclusive. She reached out for the photo frame by her bed and stared lovingly at his face.

Flashback

A car pulled over at the front porch. He looked dashing as always. She stepped out and made her way to her boyfriend. Part of her still found it hard to believe that he’s hers and vice versa. He walked up to her and gave a hug.

“Good morning princess” he greeted her with a smile.

“Good morning baby” she replied and kissed him on the lips. They broke the kiss when a voice interrupted them.

“Wow, what’s going on here? Did you guys just kissed?!” Tiffany squealed.

“For the last time fany! Stop squealing when we’re inches away from you! You’re gonna make me and my baby deaf!”

“Baby?! Omo. You guys are officially together?! Yaah! Why didn’t you tell me Jessica Jung Sooyeon!!” she punched her cousin with a frown.

“I wanted to surprise you? Besides Taengoo didn’t want to tell anyone yet.” She answered and s her hands around his waist.

“Sorry Miyoung-ah. I wanted to surprise you guys later at school but since you already know, I would appreciate it if you keep it to yourself and not tell anyone about it. I want them to figure it out themselves later on.” He smiled.

“Argh, fine.”

“Anyway, do you want a ride?”

“She can go on her own baby. She has a car or she can get Yul to drive her to school.”

“Geez Jessi. You just got together and you’re not letting him send me when we’re heading to the same destination?”

“Oh don’t act like that. I want some alone time with him.” She said and pulled the boy towards the car.

“Uhh, bye Miyoung. I’ll see you in school and I apologize for not being able to drive you to school.” He said.

“That wasn’t very nice. She’s your cousin after all.” He said as he buckled his seatbelt.

“I just want some alone time with my new boyfriend” she answered with a pout.

“Alright. You’re making me weak with that pout of yours. He leaned in and kissed her full on the lips. She reciprocated the kiss and deepened it. They reluctantly broke the kiss as they were desperate for air.

“I wonder how they’re gonna react when they found out.” Taeyeon said as he drove off.

“I’m more interested on seeing how your fangirls will react. Though I have to say that I have a bad feeling about it. They might just attack me when they find out about us.”Jessica huffed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you, okay?” he said as he her golden tresses.

“Yeah, right. For all I know, you might just leave me alone like the last time”

“Hey! It was 1 against 5 and I had things in my hand. I couldn’t have escaped them in that situation. Besides, I’ve apologized, didn’t I?”

Their small bickering continued until they reached school. Taeyeon parked his car as his usual spot and turned to look at his lovely girlfriend.

“Are you ready?” he asked as he unbuckled the seatbelt for her.

“Ready for?” she raised her brows.

“Ready to surprise the gang, ready to see the school’s reaction and most importantly, the fans.” He answered.

“Definitely baby but not much of the fans part…” she trailed.

“Haha, don’t worry. I’ll be with you throughout the day.” He told her and kissed her cheek. He proceeded to step out of his car and was already receiving the stare of his fangirls. He made his way to the passenger seat and waited for his girlfriend to step out. As they made their way to their spot, Taeyeon bluntly placed his hand over her shoulder and pulled her close. She couldn’t help but blush at the intimacy and the attention that was given. She nuzzled her head into his chest and mumbled something.

“This is so embarrassing Taengoo!” she mumbled, loud enough for him to hear it.

“You better get used to it princess.” He answered and kissed the crown of her head. As they walked in with hand intertwined together, gasped were heard as everyone saw them. They just ignored it and made their way to their seats.

“So, our little Romeo finally mustered his courage and “popped” the question to out icy Juliette?” Soo questioned as the gang gathered around them.

“Yep.” He answered.

“Sica!! How did he do it? C’mon you’ve got to share with us the derails! I bet it was really romantic. Afterall, he did ask you out as early as dawn!” Sunny squealed. The questioned girl just remained quiet and blushed. She hid her face behind him lightly punched him.

“Omo, my princess is feeling shy right now. Let’s talk about it later, alright?” Taeyeon spoke for his princess and shooed them away. The new couple couldn’t keep their hands away from each other especially since they’re seated next to each other.

“I bet lunch will be and interrogation session for us. Me at least.” Jessica whined.

“Aww. It can’t be that bad right?” he chuckled.

“Yah! You don’t know how possessive that cousin of mine is. She’ll dig everything out of me.” she pouted. He didn’t reply her and just gave her a pat.

It was lunch time and the gang made their way to the cafeteria. 6 of them are in the same class while the 2 maknae is in another. They made their way to their usual seat and waited for the other 2 to join them. Just as Jessica had predicted, the girls started bombarding her with questions. She looked at over at her boyfriend and he could just smile in return.

“So, how’d it go? How did he ask you to be his girlfriend?” Woori asked.

“What did you guys do till you left at dawn and came back late at night?” Sunny added

“Was the ‘proposal’ sweet? Quick tell us Jessie!!” Tiffany said.

“Slow down please. How am I supposed to answer all your questions at once?” She puffed.

“One question at a time please, ladies.” Taeyeon said.

“Not really helping Taengoo.” Jessica glared at her boyfriend.

“So dude, how’d you do it?”

“Better than you guys at least.” He smiled smuggedly.

“Show off. I bet its damn cheesy right, lil Romeo?” Soo said.

“You can say it like that. That’s why I ain’t sharing it with you guys.”

“Share what ?” a voice was heard behind them. All eyes were on the new couple that had joined them.

“Romeo and Juliette are finally together.”Hyo told the maknaes.

“Ohh, I’ve known about it way before. Haha” Yoong laughed.

“What?! Why didn’t you tell us about it??!” Yul smacked him.

“Hey! My head is a precious part to me okay! Seohyun said not to tell anyone, besides it was me and Seohyun that helped with the set up so I know how he did it. It was really sweet and romantic though, as expected of a Romeo” Yoong claimed.

The interrogation continued and after lunch, they made their way back to their respective classes. As they were walking back, murmurs were heard and Jessica couldn’t help but overheard a few girls talking about her.

“What does Taeyeon sees in her? She’s just an American girl that came to Korea. I bet she isn’t a .” One of the girls said, loud enough for Jessica to hear it.

“We should confront her and tell her to leave our Taeyeon alone.” Another said. This time, Sunny and Tiffany heard is and sent glares to the girls. They tried to calm and comfort Jessica without Taeyeon’s knowledge. They walked back in to class and Taeyeon noticed the change is Jessica. She seemed pale and quiet.

“Sica?” he called out. He called her a few times but received no response.

“Sooyeon?” her head snapped as she heard her Korean name being called. It sounded nice coming out from him. She turned and looked at him only to him looking at her with curiosity. ‘Cute’ she thought.

“Are you okay? I called you a few times but you didn’t respond until I called you Sooyeon.” Teayeon asked worriedly.

“I want you to call me Sooyeon from now on” she commanded.

“Eh? Why?”

“I like how it rolls of your tongue. It sounds so intimate and only my family calls me by my Korean name. So, I want you to call me Sooyeon from now onwards, okay?”

“Okay Sooyeon” he answered.

“Anyway, why were you so quiet after lunch? Did something happen?”

“Well, your fangirls said some mean thing Romeo.” Tiffany interjected their conversation.

“I couldn’t help but overheard your question and knowing Jessie, I don’t think she’ll tell you the truth. So, you better watch out Jessie. Things can get ugly for you” Tiffany warned her.

Taeyeon couldn’t help but feel bad for her. He knows that things are not going to be easy for her. He saw what happened to Tiffany when she started dating his best friend and he know how aggressive those girls can be. He didn’t want Jessica to go through the torment that Tiffany went through. He knew he had to do something, but what could he possibly do to stop those girls from coming hard on her.

“You want me to send you home first?”

“Where are you going?”

“It’s Monday and I have training today.”

“Ouh, why don’t I wait for you?”

“Are you sure? It’s gonna be long and hot you know..”

“Don’t you want me to be there?” she pouted.

“Not like that..” Taeyeon looked at the rest for some help.

“Jessi, why don’t you accompany me to the library? I need to get some books besides its cold there. You can meet Taeng later or tomorrow?”

“Yeah, that sounds like a better idea babe.” Taeyeon urged.

“Or, you can go home first and I’ll drop by to see you?”Taeyeon added.

“Taeng! Quick, coach’s kicking the junior’s . We gotta see this!” Yul shouted from a distance.

“I gotta go now. I’ll drop by later,okay? Bye. Love you.” Taeyeon kissed her lips and ran over to Yul. He waved at the girls before disappearing into the changing room.

“He’s acting strange.” Jessica said to her cousin.

“He isn’t. He’s just being protective of you.” Tiffany assured her.

“Taeng doesn’t want you to experience what your cousin here experienced.” Sunny said.

“What happened?” Jessica inquired.

“Let’s just say, the fans went wild.” Woori added.

Months of dating and Jessica have to admit that it wasn’t easy for her. She did get attacked by Taeyeon’s fans a few times. Once, Taeyeon exploded when he found out that the girls had laid their hand on her. Since then Taeyeon never left her alone and even gave warning to those girls. Like any other relationships, they had their ups and downs and their jealousy moments. Jessica was especially jealous when Taeyeon acted intimately with another girl for his musical.

Whenever Taeyeon had to prepare for musical, they seldom have time to go on dates but Taeyeon always manage to find ways to make it up to her but lately, nothing works for her.

“Sooyeon, slow down please!” he panted as he caught up with her.

“Baby what’s wrong? Why are you ignoring me?” Taeyeon was confused at her sudden change in attitude. A few hours ago she was all sweet and full of aegyo and the next moment she was ignoring him.

“Why don’t you just enjoy your time with your female lead. She sure likes your attention” she puffed and walked away. Taeyeon stood rooted trying to digest her waords. ‘Is she jealous?’ He went after her and hugged her waist.

“Are you jealous, Jung Sooyeon?”

“No. Why would I.” she denied.

“Okay than. I’ll head back to the practice room with her. See you later okay?” he teased and slowly let go of her.

“Don’t you dare walk away.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him close.

“You’re jealous aren’t you my dear?” he chuckled.

“Of course I am! It’s obvious that she likes you and enjoys your attention! You’re so oblivious Taengoo!” Jessica slapped him on the arms.

“Are you sure? We’re just acting you know.”

“Taengoo, I’m a girl I can read a girl’s body language and she’s into you! The way she laughs and brushes her hands against you are the obvious signs!” she sighed at her boyfriend.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll keep my distance from her from now on and I’ll make sure that you’re always around during rehearsal. How’s that?”

“Better. I’m sorry Taengoo, it’s just that I’m afraid you might fall for her.” she answered and rested her head on his chest.

“Silly girl, I won’t fall for another. You’re all I need. I don’t have straying eyes for other girls, okay?” he assured her and kissed her.

A cascade of tears ran down her face in waterfall as she was reminded of the past. Six years wasn’t a short period of time. It was a lot effort to make the relationship work. She can’t believe that it was over between them. ‘No, it can’t be over. He still loves me. He loves only me,’ she thought.

The sound of wave crash and the howling wind was heard. That was he’s sole companion, aside from his guitar, pen and notepad. A sea of remembrance filled with sorrow He strummed his guitar and broke the emptiness that engulfed him….

“While you’re deep in the dream
I’m awake thinking
of what we could have been, yeah
Could I have done something better
And made some changes
But objects in the rear view mirror
Are closer than they seem
There’s no use grasping
Things are out of reach

Goodnight My Love
I feel you drifting
Goodbye my Best Friend
This ain’t no kind of living
Goodnight My Love
And I’ll hold you one more time
Until tomorrow”

His heart was breaking into pieces as streams of tears rolled down his cheeks. His heart was aching as he strummed the last note.

“그대를 사랑해요 Darling
언 제나 내 곁에서 빛을 내줘요
매일 밤 바라보고
바라봐도 아름다워요
그댄 나의 사랑 빛 “

Translation:

You’re a darling
You’re more beautiful than the stars above in the night sky
The shining thing deep inside my heart
My very own Love Light

His phone rang and he didn’t need to see the caller id to know who it was. He pondered whether to answer or ignore. Thinking that ignoring will just kill her even more, he answered with a heavy heart. He wiped away his tears and cleared his throat.

“Hello”

“Taengoo”

“Why are you calling me at this hour Sica? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” he asked. He deliberately called her that instead of her Korean name, despite knowing that she dislikes it.

“If you think calling me Sica will make me hate you, you’re wrong Taengoo. How can I sleep when you’re no longer here? When you left me alone.. I miss you baby..” she whispered.

“Don’t say that Sica. You don’t need me. You need someone better. You have to forget me and start anew. Give yourself a chance Sooyeon. I’m sure you’ll find someone better than me..” he said as he held back his tears.

“No one is better than Kim Taeyeon, the love of my life. The one that promised to love me till eternity. No one can love me better than you. No one can ever replace you, Taengoo.”