CHAPTER fourteen

The press conference was a success by Tiffany’s definition. The reporters couldn’t find anything worth exploiting; only that Yoona lived by “happy normal life”. Though this wasn’t exactly true, Yoona was relieved that the Ok family had the power to cover up her past. All she needed to do now was hide it from the world.

“Good job Yoona!” Tiffany smiled, her arms linked through Yoona’s tiny arm.

Yoona was secretly thankful that Tiffany was supporting her weight, if not she probably would have already lost her balance. The walk back to the dressing room seemed longer now. Each step they took echoed in her ears, she couldn’t help by keep recalling the previous hour. She was nervous. Correction she IS nervous. Just because Mrs Ok was able to cover up her past, all secrets need to be revealed sooner or later, right? She could picture it now in all the newspaper and magazines, “Wife of the heir, Taecyeon’s hidden past”, “A liar- Yoona” She knew she was crazy for thinking like this, but she was scared.

“Yoona!” Tiffany yelled as Yoona’s legs gave in. She blinked a few times before regaining strength in her legs.

“I’m fine. Really” She looked up to find Mrs and Mr Ok with worried faces.

“Taec- hold her please?” Mrs Ok looked upon her son’s face that matched her worried face. She couldn’t help give a small smile, “You are the strongest one here”

With that, he stepped up forward, his arms already extended to wrap around her small waist. He waited until Tiffany dropped her arm but still never left Yoona’s side.

Yoona didn’t realize she was cold until she felt the warm touch of her husband. Now that cameras were gone, she didn’t want his physical touch but at this exact moment she could help actually lean against him.

Taecyeon led her to the couch and she immediately moved away from him. Tiffany quickly gave her a bottle of water, both unaware of Taecyeon’s sigh of disappointment. He thought that maybe that Yoona was actually beginning to warm up to him, but that’s not the case. She was a better actor then he thought or maybe he was just fooling himself once again.

“You need to rest, okay Yo- ” Tiffany began but was cut off by her mother.

“I’m sorry kids but your father and I need to leave now” She sighed, “Yoona stay put for a few days alright?” When she saw Yoona nodded, she smiled, “We’ll contact again once we landed to the States”

They left immeditly leaving the siblings alone with Yoona. Taecyeon moved away from the couch towards the open window. He watched as his parents drove away in the black car. He mentally wished for a safe trip.

“Tiffany, can you take me somewhere? Please? Yoona asked, already standing up.

“Yoona... Mother told you to stay put for a few days. We should take you- Alright nevermind. It’s alright don’t listen to me!”  Yoona had already left the room and entered the bathroom to change.

She pushed herself up from the couch and head toward the next bathroom.

“Can you at least let me dress?” Tiffany complied when she saw how Yoona dressed. Once again she wore her old clothes that never complimented her figure. “Come on, there are still some reporter outside. You can’t let them see you dressed like that! I’m your sister-in-law and a designer, I’ll be put on the chopping block for letting you dress the way you do” She gave her famous eye smile when she saw Yoona drop her bag down.

“Here. You are lucky I carry extras”

There was a short silence between the siblings as Tiffany began to pack the clothes and Taecyeon just continued to watch her.

“Tiff, do you know where you’re going?” Taecyeon asked from where he stood.

“Hmmm” Tiffany avoided his stare, knowing already where Yoona wanted to be but knowing she can’t say anything. She really hated behind in the middle of things, especially when it involved her beloved brother.

Luckily Tiffany heard the door unlock, she mentally sighed of relief. She stood at the door as the two gawk at her body; wearing a pair of designer skinny jeans and beige knitted cardigan along with simple white shirt that hugged her body perfectly.

Taecyeon remember the outfit from the night club and thank God, it wasn’t at all revealing. Though her outfit was simple, he still couldn’t help but check her out. And when he realized he was checking out his wife, he turned his head away to face the window that out looked the city.

          “Taec, what’s wrong?” Tiffany looked as her brother with slight worry, “You’re face is all red”

He shook his head, “No no, I’m fine. Just go”

“You sure you’ll be fine alone?” She asked, already ready to leave.

“Yup, I’m going to meet up with the boys later.” He said, still avoiding eye contact.

Tiffany looked at him for a few seconds before she decided to worry about it, “Alright, text me when you’re with them” She smiled and then turned to face Yoona, who seemed to be in her own whole, “Come on, let’s go. I parked in the back” She once again linked her arms with Yoona and led the way out the door.

He waited for the click on the door that symbolized that they left the room. Automatically his hands reached up to his cheeks.

Is he blushing? So easily like that?

He must be lacking sleep.

He watched as his sister’s car pulled out of the parking lot and disappeared with the rest of cars on the streets. He must be tired, he isn’t thinking straight. Still images of Yoona was still in his mind, maybe it was all the mix messages she was sending today from the smiles to the cold shoulder.

The sounds of his ringtone awaken him from his thoughts. A quick glance at the screen before he answered,

“Where are you man?” Chansung’s voice ringed in his ear, “The press conference has been done for almost an hour now”

He pinched the bridge of his nose; the last thing he wanted was to be surrounded by people. All he wanted to do was clear his mind.

“Hello? Taec? You there? – Guys... I think he hung up”

From the background he could hear Jay’s voice above the rest, “You idiot! Past the phone to me!”

Taecyeon sighed at the sound of phone moving from one hand to another.

“TAEC?” Jay yelled, “I know you are still there, answer back.... Come on buddy! You don’t want to miss this party!”

With a deep sighed, he nodded his head as if Jay could see him, “Alright, alright I’m coming!”

He could sense Jay’s smile on the other line, “That’s good to hear. Can you buy more drinks?”

“What the hell? Why?” He asked, confused. Taecyeon was already loosening his tie.

On the other line he heard Jay sigh, “You think since Chansung was hosting this party, he’d buy drink” It was clear sarcasm.

And in the background Chansung yelled, “I’m sorry, okay?” and followed by the laughter of the boys.

It was a boy’s night; a tradition that began since they could remember. They would do this once a month since their group began second year of high school, when they met Chansung- the last memeber in their group. When Jay left for American they stopped their boy’s night, realizing it didn’t feel right having one person missing. Now with Jay back for a few months, they were ready to drink and for a few hours forget all their troubles.

Maybe Taecyeon needed this. For the past month, he’d been living such a roller coaster of emotions. One moment he hated Yoona, the next he felt guilt, then fears her. He needed this. He needed a break from all the commotion that came with the marriage.

“I got it, drinks. Anything else?”

After a moment of pause Jay answered , “Nah, I think we are good. See you soon!”

Taecyeon waited until he heard the line go dead before he put his phone into his bag.  When he looked up, he realized that he was facing the full length mirror. His reflection showed a tired young man, with his hair slightly a mess, his tie pulled down with two buttons undone. He had shadows under his eyes, only made him look more tired.

He wanted to say something, anything but he couldn’t. All he wanted was an escape, even for one night. With a sigh he turned away from the mirror, ready for a fun night with the boys.

He loudly banged at the door. The music could be heard from down the hall. One would expect complaints from the constant loud music, from neighbours expect the closest neighbours were a floor down. Chansung’s  father owned the most expensive condo’s and houses in Soeul. His mother had died when Chansung was 12 years-old due to cancer. When the gang met him, he was still getting over his mother’s death all those years ago. The gang helped him out of his sadness and actually interact with people. His mother was the one who use to discipline him, after her death his father took on the role quite badly. Unsure what do to with a growing teenage boy, he unintentionally left his son alone in a condo on the highest floor, by himself. Lucky for him, other mothers in the group welcomed him into their family.

After awhile and few more knocks on the door, Junsu opened the door. Taeceyon was welcome with bright smile and loud “hello’s”. He walked right into the large apartment, walking past the open concept kitchen and into the living room where all the commotion was happening.

Junho and Jay were sitting on the floor, in a mist of a game, while Nickhun and Chansung watched from the couch. Junsu had just walked passed Taecyeon with   two cold beers in his hand, passing one to Nickhun and drinking out of the other one.

He couldn’t help by smile, he definitely needed this night. All they needed was Wooyoung.

----

He was running late, a total fool he was. Wooyoung knew it wasn’t a good idea to get wasted at the clubs again. Honestly he was getting tired of it all, the partying, the drinking and the meaningless girls. He wanted the attention for one reason; for that one special person to notice him in a different view. He didn’t want to be known as “Taecyeon’s friend” and girls love the bad guy right? Being known as Korea’s Casanova falls into the category of being bad... Right?

All of this made sense when he was 20 and the girl of his dream was leaving for Europe for an internship during the summer. For those two months all he did was lay around his house in sadness, hoping that maybe Tiffany missed him to. But that wasn’t the case; she had come back brighter and even more beautiful, she would tell stories of countless boys she had gone on dates with, all having “charisma sided with good looks and confidence” (as she always said). He swore on then that he would become all of those guys and capture Tiffany’s heart.

Two years later and still no progress, you’d believe one would give up but he wasn’t a quitter.

He was running late to the boy’s night, another bad idea to go to the club last night. The traffic was terrible due to the construction in the road. In the past five minutes he had only moved at inches. It was as if every person with a car in Soeul had chosen to drive on this exact street at the exact moment. He could feel his frustration growing, in the past 5 minutes he had only moved 2 inches.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a deep sigh and counted to 10. By 10, he found his composure but it was short-lived. The loud sound of a horn brought him back to reality; he realized that the cars had moved up ahead already. He moved forward only to stop a few seconds later stopping in front of small cafe. Strangely he couldn’t take his eyes off the small cafe, unsure if it was the strong smell of coffee but his eyes witness what seemed like a break-up of some sort.

The young woman was small especially compared to the man who stood in front of her. Both were wearing hoods that covered their face. The man was fashionably dressed with his designer jeans along with a well-know branded hoodie and over his hoodie was a black jacket that Wooyoung knew was expensive because he had the same jacket. The stranger’s shoe was a pair of limited addition Nike’s. Compared to the man the young women seemed like a maid. Her presence seemed weak, something not worth looking at but yet he couldn’t but continue staring at the girl with her head down. Her jeans weren’t designer and were fading in colour and her hoodie appears to be one sold in all common stores, and her shoes were worn out.

When the man stepped forward the young girl moved back – appearing as if the man was at fault. The young girl shook her head before walking away.

Wooyoung couldn’t help but watch the girl disappear in the darkest of the streets, by the time his eyes returned to the cafe the young man was already gone.

Usually he wouldn’t care for these childish matter like a break-up, maybe the past of his “weaker days” had soften him up... he let out a dry chuckle.. Nah, he must just be bored of waiting.

          PART TWO- SEPTEMBER 1, 2O11 (Really sorry that it's really late.)

It was silent as the boys devoured their food. All expect one, focused on their meals. Every few minutes or so Chansung’s eyes would shift from his food to the cellphone that was beside him. Lately he’s been more distracted than usual. First forgetting to buy drinks and next their dinner; clearly something was on his mind. Only a few of the boys had come to notice; the rest were too preoccupied with their own problems. Nickhun was the first to notice the unusual behaviour; he shook his head but couldn’t help but smirk. Though he didn’t say anything, Junho was next to sense the maknae’s actions; his curiosity grew.

“What the hell are you doing, Chansung?” This question made the entire boy stop momentarily to find Chansung caught in surprise.

He mumbled something inaudible in his bowl of rice that was now covering his mouth.

“It’s not about that girl? Is it?” Junsu asked, “What’s her name again? Seo- what was it again?” He began to think it over.

This raised a few eyebrows from the clueless boys.

“You mean Seohyun?” Nickhun connected the lines together, but when all the boys expect Junsu seemed to be confused still, “That girl who gave Yoona the check-up”

The rest of the boys made the same “O” shape with their mouth, finally connecting the lines.

“Oh that chick....” Wooyoung commented, already uninterested with the topic.

Chansung sent him cut-eye from across the room, “She isn’t some chick. She’s a woman”

Wooyoung rolled his eyes, “Okay there buddy...”

Chansung brushed off his friend’s attitude and returned his attention to his meal.

“What’s stopping you then?” Nickhun asked, trying to stop the awkward silence that would have happened.

The maknae shrugged his shoulder, “She’s already seeing someone already”

It was clear that he was hurt. He wasn’t the type to take interest in girls like Wooyoung. It didn’t make him gay but there was never a girl that caught his eye like the rest of the gang with girlfriends. So knowing Chansung caught interest in the innocent beauty meant the girl was special- at least to him.

“Who’s the guy?” Taecyeon asked, finally getting involved with the conversation

The usual smile and bright aura seemed drained out of him replaced with a sad heart-broken boy.

 “He’s name is Yonghwa. He’s a singer at some band called CN Blue....”

The boys nodded, “ man. That ”

“They are pretty serious now too... He’s meeting her parents right now”

Jay smiled trying to optimistic, “Don’t worry, they probably don’t approve of him”

Chansung shook his head, “No... She told me she’d text me if something went wrong so far nothing” He sighed in disappointment, “Clearly everything is fine”

Junsu patted his back, “He’s probably secretly an . You said he’s in a band. He probably thinks he’s a rockstar now”

Nickhun butted in, “Actually I met him a few times during some concerts, he’s a really nice guy” Junho, Taecyeonm Jay and Junsu sent him daggers with their eyes but he simply shrugged. “I’d defend you all if you guys were being accused of something wrong”

“This guy isn’t you friend though” Taecyeon pointed out.

Nickhun looked at Taecyeon, “And he isn’t a bad guy either. I don’t believe in putting someone down just to bring someone up even if he is our friend”

For a few minutes everyone remained silent, realizing that Nickhun was right. They hated how he was always the rational one, the most mature and well-mannered one.

“ man... I hate when you are right” Taecyeon said what was in everyone’s mind.

“One more shot guys” Wooyoung yelled holding up a small shot class that contained vodka.

Chansung shook his head, “No...noooooo.... I can’tTTTT ” So he was a drunk -who knew his limits? He wasn’t exactly a light drinker but he wasn’t like the rest of the gang. Usually have one or two shoots before he’d move on to a weaker alcohol.

“Oh god... WHERE IS SHE?” He stood up instantly, “She’s with him isn’t she?” His face was red, “We need to stop them! COME ON!!”

Junsu the one closest to him stood up next to the maknae, “Alright man... I think your bed is calling you... Come on”

He wrapped his arm around Chansung’s waist and moved his around his neck.

 The boys remained silent until the two disappear behind the door,

“Women are such a pain...”

Junho raised his eyebrow, “Jay... You are married”

Jay put the beer to his mouth, drinking half of the bottle “You’re point?”

Nickhun looked at his friend, worried, “Are you two alright?”

“She’s friking on my case again... Like woman I’m married to you already! She doesn’t need think I’m cheating on her with some next chick”

Jay was a friendly guy... way too friendly sometimes to the ladies. The boys understood that Jay was madly in love with his wife but he at showing his emotions to Jessica.  Their arguments usually began from his “friendly ways” or her jealous behaviour; a problem that could be easily fixed if they were a little more trusting and open. The gang thought they were going well now, especially with the lack of Korean girls in America.

“Next to me, you are the second biggest flirt here” Wooyoung spoke the truth, “You need to realize girls don’t appreciate if you pull out a chair first to another girl in front of them”

“That was one time!” Jay yelled back in defence.

“Always make the girl feel special”

Wooyoung was known to be a player, a Casanova if you will call him. He knew how to break hearts and how to mend them. He played with so many emotions he could easily read women now, but he could never read the one person he loves.

“I’m married to her! I’m 23 for God’s sake! I could be partying out every night, drinking but I choose to stay with her!... Can’t she see that?” He pouted, “I just want to be with her!”

“I got this one” Junho stopped Wooyoung before he could say anything, “Bro, we know you love her... you always tell us every chance you can. But you don’t tell her that. Girls like to be reassured about your feelings.” 

Nickhun continued, “They want to hear the words ‘I love you’ daily but not because they want to hear it but because you want to say it”

“...You just at showing your emotions to her” Wooyoung finally said.

The boys nodded their head in agreement.

“At the end of the day, it’s the girls who control our lives whether we like it or not” Taecyeon said, ending the conversation. 

The boys spoke true words led Jay to find courage to return back to his wife to ask for forgiveness. This left the boys to do nothing but drink and play poker to avoid another heart-felt conversation; one sappy conversation was enough for them all. When Junho passed out in the middle of the game, they finally called it a night at 3 am in the morning.

With Chansung and Junsu occupying the master room and Nickhun and Junho occupying the only bed left in left in the condo, this left Wooyoung and Taecyoung alone in the living room. The two – having the strongest stomach for alcohol- decided to continue with the party but when Wooyoung returned from the washroom, Taecyeon was already passed out on the couch.

With a disappointed sigh, Wooyoung decided to continue his party elsewhere.

“Night boys” He called out as if they could hear him and left the condo.

Taecyeon was the first to wake up. He cursed at how bright the sun shined in the living room, all he wanted was peace and darkest. Well at least he got one thing he wanted: peace. All the boys were still soundly asleep.

He woke up with a slight hangover but he had worst. The events from yesterday flashed through his mind from the press conference to party. He sat there for God knows how long before he recalled each memory.

“” He cursed to himself. Tiffany must be mad (correction furious) with him for not returning home or even letting her know that he was going to crash at Chansung’s.

He checked his pockets, no phone.

“What the hell?”

He looked around the couch... “Come on... Where are you?”

YES! He found it.

He pressed the middle button of his blackberry expecting many missed called and messages but there was none of the sort. First thought that crossed his mind was confusion. Tiffany was his second mother, constantly calling a checking up on him, wanting to know where he is and if he is safe. She is worst then his actual mother, but he was thankful for her behaviour because it kept him in line.

After awhile he realized the smell in the room was actual him. He decided to take a long cold shower in the main bathroom. When he finished, he wrapped the towel around his waist and opened the door to hear if anyone was awake. The only thing he could hear was the distant sound of cars passing and the loud snort coming from who he presume was Chansung. He decided to change into fresh clothing and cook some food, alone.   

When he entered the kitchen, he noticed the time on the microwave 4:14pm and at this rate the boys will be sleeping till tomorrow morning.

The only ones that would have a problem about this would be: Junho and Nickhun. And from Taecyeon’s knowledge Hyoyeon was featuring in a music video for in a different country and Nickhun has the next month or two hiatus until his next single.

He cooked himself an American-style breakfast even though it was nearing evening. He ate in silence hoping that one of the boys would wake up due to their hunger or something... but no luck.

After his late breakfast, he washed his own dishes- something his hasn’t done in awhile. For awhile all he could hear was the sound of running water until his phone began to ring.

“Hey Tiff, what’s up?” He asked casually.

“Hey!” She seemed to be in a rush, “Ah- How was the party?”

“It was good... Is something wrong?”

“I need to take the first flight back to the States”

“I thought you were staying another month”

“I am. I just need to go for a few days and I’ll be back. I promise”

With a disappointed sigh, he accepted her words, “When is your flight?”

“It’s at 8 tonight”

Taecyeon checked his watch, “That’s almost two hours from now? Did you want me to drive you to the airport?”

“Thanks but no thanks. I actually needed you to do something for me”

“Yeah sure” He said unknowingly, “What’s up?

“Go to the hospital”

“What the hell are you saying? Hospital! Are you ok?”

 “I’m fine. I’ll just text you the room number- Can’t talk now. Got to go”

With that the line went dead

He entered the 15^th floor with stomach tossing and turning with fear. Tiffany clearly stated she was ok but nothing more than an “ok”.

He never liked hospitals... the freakishly clean smell to the bad food and of course people die here.  He was only in the hospital twice. Once when Chansung broke his arm trying to learn how to motorbike when he was 16 and when Tiffany fell off the stage during a play- she broke her leg.

He stopped at 116P- the room the number Tiffany texted him shortly after their call.

He took a deep before entering the room. He first noticed the fairly old lady on the bed, sleeping peacefully. She had a white bandana that covered her head. She had tubes that were inserted in her arms that lead to machines. He was quick to recognize to notice the women resembles Yoona . The room was quiet with only the sound of beeping machines. He was too preoccupied in the women that he missed his own wife, sleeping on the couch. She had her legs on the floor but the rest of her body was lying peacefully on the small couch. She looked uncomfortable and tired.

Crossing the room in three larges strides, he gently lifted Yoona’s legs to the couch. He pulled the blanket from the arm of the couch and covered her small frame. Unconsciously he tucked the strands of her hair that covered her face.

“Taecyeon...?”

The sudden voice surprised him, feeling as if he was caught red handed. He jumped up, turning quickly to face the now awoken women in the bed. She was wearing a small smile. The smile reminded of Yoona expect, there was a sparkle in her eyes that he had never seen in Yoona’s eyes.

He was left with no words to reply back. He didn’t know who the woman is.

It was clear that Taecyeon was confused because the women spoke up again, “We never formally met, I’m Yoona’s mother.”

He stood there, confused.  From what he was told Yonna’s mother was in Japan running a business with her second husband. Never was he told that she was sick. He tried to think clearly. The woman looked so much like Yoona. There was related, but she couldn’t be her mother... could she?

After an awkward silence, the woman spoke again. “You are confused- It’s clear to see no one wanted to tell you the truth” She shook her head, “I needed to see you. To clear things up, so I told Tiffany to bring you here before anything else happens...”

“My sister knows... this?” He wasn’t sure what the truth was anymore.

She nodded her head, “She’s been a great friend to Yoona, listening to every request of my daughter.”

 “Wait- No no, you are supposed to be in Japan... Not he-here”

Her face suddenly became puzzled, “Japan? The only person I know that is in Japan is my sister and her husband...” And as she said it, it suddenly became clear, “They covered it up- actually they covered me up”

“Cover what up exactly? And why?”

Yoona’s mother’s eyes shifted from Taec to her daughter, “Her.” She said sadly, “She’s the reason.”

Taecyeon followed where her eyes focus on. Yoona was sound asleep, still in the same position as he left her.

The atmosphere had suddenly changed, as if something important was about to happen.

“She really changed...”  She said it so quietly, Taecyeon wasn’t sure if she was talking to him or herself.

“I’m sorry, Taecyeon. I really am.”  When Taecyeon turned back,  Yoona’s mother was looking at her small white hands. “She wasn’t like this before...Yoona use to be so bright and happy. It’s my fault... She was just a child, so naive and innocent but I couldn’t handle everything alone... I was stupid” Tears were forming in her eyes now.

Taecyeon crossed the room, sitting on the chair next to the bed and gently placed his hands over hers, “Please don’t blame yourself” He said unknowingly

She looked up, fresh tears streaming down her face. She had the same innocent eyes that Yoona had. She shook her head, “No no” She said as more tears fell, “When he died, I didn’t know what to do... I was so lost-so hurt. I couldn’t handle it. She had so much of him in her... from the way she spoke and acted, they were so alike. She was only nine when he died, she didn’t know any better.... Oh God! I was such a bad mother”

Taecyeon held her hands as tightly as he could without actually hurting her, “Ms. Im... who died?”

“Her... father... my husband” 

“There’s my little princess” He smiled lovingly at her daughter. She had the image of her mother, so beautiful, so innocent.

Her smile widen at the sight of her father, “Appa...” She said as ran up to her father who was standing at the front door.

He came at a surprise, not even his wife knew. “Appa, I thought you were busy” His daughter couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. He was carrying her back to the living room where his wife gave a warm smile.

“You lied”, was all his wife said, before she closed the gap between her and her family. She planted a small kiss on her husband’s check.

Their daughter quickly covered her eyes, she wiggled herself out of her father’s grasp.

“Gross” She mumbled as she crossed to the room to the coffee table where her birthday cake was nicely presented.

The couple looked at each other before they devoted their full attention to their only daughter.

“Honey, I think someone is ready to blow out her birthday cake” The wife said, taking hold of her husband’s hand, dragging him to the couch.

Their daughter smiled beautifully as she blew the cake. She opened her eyes to find her parents looking down on her, “Did you make a wish princess?”

“Maybe...” She replied to her father.

“Well I hope this is better than your wish...” From his pocket he pulled a gold heart necklace. He held it by the chain as both mother and daughter was left speechless.

“Appa... It’s beautiful” His daughter smiled. She rose up giving her father a warm hug.

“Let me put it for you”

Their moment was cut short when the wife asked for the help of her husband. Behind the kitchen doors, they argued.

“That’s pure gold!” The wife said quietly to her husband as she grabbed the plates.

He sighed, “She’s only nine once, honey” Grabbing the forks.

“Don’t pull that on me again... She’s our only daughter but we are barely surviving since the business hasn’t taken off yet”

“Sweetie, don’t worry. Wrinkles aren’t pretty” He said, knowing he as temporally solved his wife’s worries.

“YAH” She whisper, “I’m still young!” She gave him cut eye before she kissed his cheek and walked out of the kitchen.

“Is our princess hungry?” She asked.

“Omma... Do you think we can get ice cream after?”

“Honey... It’s not good to have too many sweets before bed time”

“Omma.... Please it’s my birthday” The daughter whined.

“Yoona... I’m warning you now”

“It’s my birthday though!”

“Alright alright I’m get it” The father said already ready to leave.

His wife wasn’t happy but she said nothing.

“YAY APPA!” The daughter smiled, as she waved her father good-bye.

... Who knew it would be their last birthday all together, their last happy moment. Yoona’s last seconds with her father who she loved so dearly. And the wife who let her husband go without him knowing how much she loved him regardless of their differences.

“He died that night, from a stupid drunk driver” The tears just kept flowing as she recalled the past, “I received a call from the police telling me what happened. Imagine having to tell your daughter that your father died on her birthday... I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t be the one who told her the bad news... So I sent her to my sister’s place”

 She took a deep breath, “She was so lost and confused... With no father and a mother who pushed her away because she couldn’t handle losing the love of her life. I was stupid.” She hands began to tremble under his hands, “She found out the next night from the news... She locked herself out for days, not eating or talking to anyone else. I didn’t even do anything... I just watched as my daughter let herself believe it was all her fault...”

He waited for Yoona’s mother to compose herself, wiping the tears from her face. She was breathing heavily now. Part of him wanted her to rest but the other wanted to know more. After awhile her breathing became shallow and calm, but she looked pale and tired.

As she was ready to speak, a nurse had come in to change the IV bag and do a nightly check up. Rather than stay he stepped out to get a cup of coffee. He waited in an empty waiting room, trying to process what he was just told. He had so many questions to ask, he wanted to know more. After awhile, Taecyeon ended falling asleep.

He woke up to the rising sun and the giggles coming from the young nurses that passed by the waiting room. It was still empty, which was good for him because he was in a rather embarrassing position. He woke up to his drool sliding down his check, as he head was thrown back with his mouth wide open- no wonder the nurses were laughing at him.

Wiping the drool from his face, he realized that Yoona’s mother never finished the story yet. He was quick on his feet and began heading back to the room. As he got closer he stopped when he saw someone leaving the room- it was Yoona. She closed the door behind her and began walking in the opposite direction. Immediately Taeceyon began to follow, keeping a good distance between them. When they entered the stairwell, walking up 5 flights of stairs and by the 3^rd flight he was already out of breath but Yoona kept her composure. He made sure that he was light on his feet so she couldn’t hear him. 

When Yoona exited out a door, he waited awhile because he was really out of breath. He was greeted by a large gust of wind, the door loudly shut behind him but Yoona didn’t move. Her long hair was moving the wind. She was looking straight ahead. This reminded him of the time when they were at the beach.

“Yoona” He called out, but his voice was carried away by the wind.

He moved closer to her, “Yoona!” He yelled a bit louder, “YOONA!”

She turned around, her face blank. Their eyes met leading into a silent battle between who would move first. He wanted to say something, anything really but what could he say that could break the ice between the two. As far as he knew, she hated him.

He took a step closer as if his body was drawn to hers. He was careful to watch her eyes because her eyes told her deepest emotions whether she liked it or not. When something flashed in her eyes, fear- he immediately stopped.

“I’m not going to do anything, I promise”

“Why are you here?” She said in an icy tone.

“I-I”

“Leave”

“What?”

“Leave. Now”

With nothing else, she began to walk leaving Taecyeon shock and slightly hurt. Her walls were guarded and she sure wasn’t going to let anyone break them down so easily.

“How are you going to get home? Huh?” He said, turning around to see Yoona stopped for a second before she walked on.

“People are going to recognize you easily now. Even people how’d be willing to kidnap you for money.”

She stopped again.

“Think about it. You aren’t safe in the streets alone without anyone” This was the only thing he could think of, it was sort of stupid knowing that his own sister walked freely on her own (only during the day)... But he also knew she was trained to defend herself during any danger, Yoona wasn’t.

“I’ll be your ride home.... And I won’t enter the room anymore unless you tell me too”

She stayed unmoving, meaning she was actually thinking it over. She sighed in defeat and walked off leaving Taecyeon alone with the win.

At least he won this battle.... 

 author's note: I'm sorry for the wait. This chapter was really hard to write since to suppose to finish off the beginning (if that makes sense lol) But the orginal verison was changed because the conv with Taec and Yoona's mother got to long and it didn't make sense to have her talk for so long because she was sick... It just didn't feel right, when I wrote that version. Another reason I was annoyed writing this chapter was the conversation with Taec and Yoona because I didn't know how Yoona was going to react... Orginally she was suppose to have more lines but it didn't suit her.

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