Jay groaned in frustration but complied. In the midst of rearranging the backyard. Yoona stood alongside Jessica who were bystanders, while the others worked hard. No one wanted Yoona to do any form of  physical labour so everyone else worked hard.  

Her eyes wondered around everyone, except she couldn't help but land on her husband. He looked tired and stress, and it's all because of her. All the pain and suffering he endured these last few months was because of their marriage. The marriage she agreed to but never wanted. Their wedding night still sent shivers down her spine. They way he looked and spoke, the coldness and full of hate. She would never admit it to anyone, not even Taeyeon but Taecyeon's glare sent daggers through her heart. 

Just in that moment, Taecyeon's eyes met hers. His eyes were soft and gentle but all she could see was the circles under his eyes. Yoona's stomach turned with the thought  of how angry he must be with her. But suddenly he smiled. A small smile that only she noticed. She stood frozen in her spot. She didn't know what that smile meant. Before she could process his sudden change in behaviour, she turned to face Jessica, who was busy talking about life in America.  

His heart dropped when Yoona turned away. He never knew a turn of the head could bother him so much.

"Junho, can you help us?" Hyoyeon called for her boyfriend.

Junho quickly rose from his seat to assit Hyoyon and Taeyeon with carry the cooler full of alchol. 

Feeling awkward, Taeyeon moved away from the couple and sat down beside Chansung. Taeyeon's attention turned towards Chansung now. He was pouting with his eyes staring onto the fire. 

She nudged his side with her elbow to gain his attention. She smiled to him, "Are you okay?"

He shook his head, but said nothing. 

Taeyon's eyes narrowed, "Let me guess, a broken heart?"  

She couldn't help chuckle when his eyes widen. 

"Don't laugh at me" He whined

Taeyeon playfully rolled her eyes, "You shouldn't be mopping over a girl who clearly doesn't see your charms" 

His eyes lighten and lips formed a smile, "You think I have charms?" 

She looked at him strangely, "I'm not going to answer that but I'm glad to see you smile" 

He laughed for the first time since Seohyun messaged him saying she was having a great time with another guy. Yonghwa is a great guy, or so he's told, but knowing the person you like has feelings for someone else didn't make his heart feel any better. It felt as if someone was squeezing his heart. Yet here Taeyeon was making him feel better. A person he barely knew  could make him smile, while everyone else in the group had told him to stuck it up and get over it. 

"Thanks I needed that"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Don't worry about it" 

"Taecyeon, just seat down. We aren't in elementary school anymore" Junsu patted Taecyeon's shoulder as he passed him. 

Taecyeon stood awkwardly as everyone else were sitting comfortably together. Junsu had just sat beside Junho and and Jay. Directly across the boys, occupiated Tiffany and Jessica, who were hundled in low whispers and giggles. Even Taeyeon, the newcomer, looked comfortable in her new surroundings. One the other hand, he felt so childish. He didn't know where to sit. It was either Jessica and face the awkwardness of being the third wheel or sit with his wife and still face the awkwardness of silence.

Now everyone's eyes were one him except two, Nickhun and Yoona. They were in their own little world, playing with the guitar. Nickhun was showing Yoona different chords. 

Nickhun looked up from his guitar as Taecyeon took his seat beside Yoona. "Hey man. Join the fun"

Taecyeon threw a glance at Yoona but she didn't even seem to notice him. Or maybe she was ignoring him. Neither way, he felt out of place and unwanted. 

"Nah" He shook his head, "I'll leave that to you two" 

Nickhun face dropped, slightly. Before Nickhun could open his mouth, Taecyeon turned away and faced the group. 

"Where is Wooyoung? Shouldn't he be here by now?" He asked the group.

Jay was the first to answer, "He texted me awhile ago. His mom is making him stay longer for dinner. Something about some girl his mother wanted him to meet" 

The grouped laughed. His mother believed in early marriages. Since Wooyoung never had a proper girlfriend, his own mother was starting to believe he was gay. Unable to believe this, his mother began setting up dates for him.

"Poor guy" Junsu mumbled under his breathe, "We should really find him a girlfriend" 

Jessica rolled her eyes, "With the way he treats other girls, he doesn't deserve one" 

Tiffany slapped Jessica's arm, "Jess!" 

"What?" She glared at her best friend, "I know everyone else feels the same way as I do" 

When no one spoke, Jessica continued. "I'm merely speaking on everyone's behalf" 

Uncomfortable, Nickhun cleared his throat, "I think this conversation should be saved for a later time" 

"Agreed" Chansung spoke up, as everyone nodded their heads. 

" Nickhun, why don't you sing us the new song you and Junsu have been working on?" Hyoyeon smiled. 

Nickhun was an rising star. A forgiener from Thailand was making it big in Korea. For his second album, Nickhun had personally asked for Junsu's help as his producer. Now the last four months they've been in and out of the recording studio. The two had been quiet about the details of the new ablum. All the group had been told is that Junsu had espeicially written a song for Nickhun.

Jessica's eyes quickly lit up, "Can we?" 

"There goes your number one fan..." Jay said in a sour tone. 

It was a known fact that Jessica use to have the biggest crush on Nickhun when they were in high school. Jessica would go blank whenever he was around. It wasn't helpful that he was so kind and humble. But when Jay entered the scene, Jessica's attention shifted from Nickhun to Jay. Jessica had no time to gush over the Thai prince when B-Boy Jay constantly needed her attention. 

"I love you too honey" She smiled at her husband before she looked at Nickhun, "Can we please Nickhun! I've been dying to hear the song!" 

Nickhun chuckled, "For my number one fan, I'll give you a sneak preview on song that I'm covering"

He closed his eyes as he began to strum his guitar. He began to play the chords.

Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you 
It's not that I want you 
Not to say, but if you only knew 
How easy it would be to show me how you feel 
More than words is all you have to do to make it real 
 

(Nickhun actually singing the song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgIzy_4JVw4)

"Wow" Taeyeon was the first one to speak up. She began to clap her hands as if she was in a concert and soon everyone else followed. 

Jessicia stood up, continuing to clap, "Amazing. You are so amazing Nickhun" 

Jay rolled his eyes but smiled at his friend, "Good job man!" 

Nickhun put aside his guitar, smiling from ear to ear. 

"Honestly, I wouldn't have chosen  this song to cover if it wasn't for Jusnu" 

Everyone's attention now turned to Junsu, the new producer. He was the shadow of his famous father, a top producer. He wasn't use to all of this attention, but he did enjoy it. He smirked, covering up the feeling for insercurity.

"What can I say, I have an amazing talent"

Jay rolled his eyes, nudging Junsu "One song and he thinks he's a big shot like his father" 

"Oh who's Junsu's father?" Taeyeon asked without thinking. She sooned regretted her question. All eyes turned to her. Everyone was so comfortable around her, that they forgot she was new to the group. The stares gave her a weird feeling in her stomach, she really hated attention. 

"Have you heard of K Productions?"

Taeyon nodded her head, "... I think I've heard of it somewhere" 

"That's his father's company as well he's a famous music producer" 

"Wow" Taeyeon's eyes widen in shock. The pieces in her mind clicked together. Junsu was a music producer, just like his father. The same who produced Girl's Generation's first single. 

"I think she's now" Junsu playfully winked at her, causing Taeyeon and the group to laugh. Even though the mood was light, Taeyeon couldn't help but feel nervous around Junsu now. They had met once a few years ago, when Taeyeon was merely a trainer under SM Entertainment. It was a brief meeting and she hoped Junsu wouldn't remember her. 

She excused herself to get a glass of water in the kitchen. As she walked away, Jusnu couldn't help watch from the corner of his eyes. 

---

"You have some rice on your hair, Yoona"

Nickhun reached over to gently pull out the rice that seemed to have gone unnoticed

Yoona awkwardly sat still, her eyes locked on his. Their faces just inches apart. When Yoona noticed there closeness, she pulled back.

"Sorry" Nickhun moved away. He should have known better but to be honest, he was enjoying the closeness When he realized this, he mentally hit himself. Yoona was Taecyeon's wife. He's bestfriend's wife. Where was his respect? Maybe it due to the lack of closest with the opposite .

"I'll be back... I'm just going to-" Yoona fully turned away from Nickhun, feeling too uncomfortable, "Yeah..." 

Nickhun left in silence, giving Yoona the much needed space she clearly needed and wanted. 

Yoona couldn't understand what she was feeling, but she didn't like it. Usually Nickhun made Yoona feel comfortable especially with the past few weeks when everything seemed like the world was turning upside down. But  just now, Nickhun had made her feel unsafe. The pit of stomach turned, making her feel sick. She sighed and  turned away to find Taecyeon watching her so intensely. His mouth pressed in a tight line. It was clear to Yoona, he was unhappy with her, but she couldn't understand what she did wrong. 

Taecyeon had to admit it, he has always been possive. Yoona was his wife. Yes, they weren't exactly the most loving couple but by law they are together. So why is his owe best friend making moves right in front of his face?

As Nickhun made his way closer, Taecyeon grabbed Yoona's hand from her lap, pulling her closer to his body. He locked their hands, his grip too tight for Yoona to let go.

"Hey, I got you another drink" Nickhun reached over to pass Taecyeon another bottle of beer. His eyes glanced at locked hands but he before he stared too long, he looked up to meet his friend's face.

"Thanks" Taecyeon said coldy.

Yoona wasn't sure what was going on between the two. The tense atmosphere made her chest feel tight. She kept trying to pull her hand away but Taecyeon was too strong so after awhie she gave up. Without realizing it, she was beginning to enjoy the the feeling of his large warm hands against her small cold hands.

Taeyeon let out a loud sigh when she reached the kitchen. Junsu was a reminder of her past. The past she turned to earse. The past that she desperately wanted to forget yet at the same time relive. Singing was her passion, her life. Not anymore. She told herself over and over.

She mindless moved around the kitchen, grabbing a cup from a cupboard and somehow ended up filling the cup with water. Taeyeon didn't even noticed when someone had entered the kitchen and sat themself on the stool.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Taeyeon jumped up, "Oh my-" She turned around to face, "...Junsu"

"Sorry, did I scare you?"

"No, no... I'm fine" She tried to smile but fail, "Did you want a glass of water too?"

He shook his head, "I just stop to see if you were okay"

He lied but he would never tell her that. Secretly he followed her after her, wanting to speak to her alone. Junsu was sure he met Taeyeon before.

Taeyeon turned away from Junsu, hiding her face. She wasn't good at hiding her expressions and right now she was very worried. Taeyeon was biting her lip so hard she swore it was going to bleed soon. The silence grew as no one was willing to speak up. Taeyeon hoped to death he didn't remember her.

"That's where I've seen you..." He mumbled to himself, his smirk grew from ear to ear, "You're that girl... From that girl group, Girl's Generation? Right?"

Taeyeon felt as if all the air in the room was suddenly gone. She tried hard to gasp for air... He remembered. It took her a second to reply but when she did, she could only act to the best of her ability.

"What are you talking about?" She turned around, trying to put her best confused face.

He couldn't help but laugh, "You are a terrible liar. Just admit it"

"Admit to what?"

If she wasn't going to admit, he was going to force it out of her, "The gang would be really impressed that you were almost a idol"

"You wouldn't dare... Would you?"

"If it's not the truth it wouldn't affect you right?" When she didn't reply he continued, "But from your reaction, I'm guessing I've been right all along"

Taeyeon sighed in defeat, "Just don't tell anyone, please"

He looked at her confused. She didn't make sense to him at all. From what he saw in the past, Taeyeon had talent. She was praised by company for her strong voice and determination. Why wasn't Taeyeon proud of any of her accomplishments?

"Please promise me"

He eyed her up and down, Taeyeon looked too desperate. He sighed, he couldn't joke with her because he'd feel to guilty

"Don't worry I won't say anything"

"Won't say anything? What do you mean?" Taeyeon looked over Junsu's shoulder to find Hyoyeon with her arms crossed and foot tapping.

"Easdropping little missy?" Junsy turned to face the blonde beauty with a smirk on his face.

Hyoyeon ignored Junsu's arrognance, "Taeyeon, are you okay?"

Taeyeon smiled, "I'm alright. Let's go back to the group"

"Come on, I think Junho wanted to show up a magic trick he learned from the internet"

Both Taeyeon and Junsu laughed at the thought. Junho... Magic... Not likely going to end well.

Junsu jumped out of his seat just as Taeyeon made her way to Hyoyeon, "Hey! I got to see this!"

The group was laughing at Junho's fail attempt at magic when Wooyoung made his way towards the gang. He loosen the tie around his neck, with his eyes locked on the girl who's arm was wrapped around Jessica. He was too engrossed with Tiffany's beauty, he didn't hear Chansung's voice calling his name. Before he knew it, he had tripped over the log where Junho, Jay and Junsu were sitting and landed face down on the ground between the fire and someone's feet.

No words could describe how embrassed he felt. Out of all the nights to be clumsy, why must it be the day Tiffany was only a few feet away from him? He felt the heat raise up to his face. Great, he'll look like a cherry when he gets up. Out of all the laughs, he could distinctly hear Tiffany's giggles. Now all he wanted to do was crawl under a rock and never return.

A light touch brought from back to reality. He turned to his side to meet a small petite girl. She had dark brown hair that cassased down her shoulders. Her eyes looked worried yet it sparkled from the fire. The girl was biting her lower lip before she spoke up softly, "Are you okay?"

At the moment he couldn't recall who she was but looking at her in the light, she looked... Pretty.

Her brows drew closer in confusion, "Did you hit your head? Should I get some ice?" Why wasn't this guy moving... And why was he staring at her so intensely?

"Huh?" He snapped back into reality again, "I'm fine" He said coldly.

Hearing the coldness in his voice made Taeyeon move back. She was only trying to be nice, he didn't need to give her attitude. She quickly turned to face Hyoyeon as Wooyoung made his way up.

"Are you alright, buddy?" Nickhun said, everyone else had stopped laughing to make sure Wooyoung wasn't hurt.

Tiffany gave him a small smile when their eyes met but said nothing.

It was Jessica who spoke up instead, "You are still as gracefully as ever"

He smriked, Jessica was always giving him the tough love in the group. "I'm fine, thank you for your concern princess!"

"Alright, alright" Taecyeon spoke with authority,"Seat down nowm Wooyoung" 

Wooyoungs scanned the benches, only to find one bench open. Jessica and Tiffany smiled brighty to him, calling him over with their sweet voices. He couldn't help but grin. Tiffany was staring right at him, giving him some attention. He walked over with the sound of his heart pound in his ears. Only Tiffanyt could make him feel this way. 

With the final addition to the group, the gang enjoyed the next few hours with laughter and jokes. Even the awkward tension between Yoona and Nickhun lifted and while everyone else conversed, the two were in their own world. As time continued, the group began to seperate themselves into private conversations. Around the backyard. 

Tiffany and Jessica excused themeselves to Tiffany's office to discuss on fashion. So after, Taecyeon and Junho, along with Jay and Hyoyeon began to agrue about an accident that happened a few years ago. 

"No, I swear I didn't say that!" Junho covered his ears with the palm of his hands.

Taecyeon nodded his head, "Yes, you did!" 

In the midst of the conversation, Taeyeon had walked to a isolated area near the forest. She turned to check on Yoona who was playing with Nickhun's guitar. As she watched, she wasn't sure if she should be happy or worried. It was clear to her eyes, Yoona and Nickhun had a special connection. Nickhun had manged to break down Yoona's walls in a matter of weeks and yet it took Taeyeon years. Rather than feel jealous, she was glad Yoona had someone to lean on when she couldn't be around. 

Though she was glad for their new found friendship, Taeyeon was worried there won't be some issues that will arise. Yoona was Taecyeon's wife. Nickhun was his best friend. If there new found friendship is found by the media, all hell will break lose. Not only that, but feelings could arise... No. Impossible. With their current history right now, love seems out of the picture. There was too much tension and issues between Taecyeon and Yoona, it would take miracale to mend their relationship.

With all the worrying, Taeyeon's head began to throb. She just spent the past week writing exam after exam, her head was going exploded with all this constant thinking and worrying. With a deep sigh, she turned to face the dark forest. She need to take a break. Her thoughts brought her to the idea of taking an adventure with her bestfriend, Sunny.

Her thoughts were suddenly disturbed with Hyoyeon calling her name. She turned around, with the whole gang, except Wooyoung gathered back together. Everyone had there eyes towards her, calling her to come back.

"NOONA" Chansung yelled on the top of his lungs, "Hurry! Come here!"

She couldn't help but smile as she jogged toward the group.

"What's up?" She asked as she took her orginal seat beide Hyoyeon and Chansung.

Jessica was litterally bouncing out of her seat as she spoke, "Come to the Philippines with us!"

"Pardon me?" She choked out, shocked.

Tiffany lightly slapped Jessica's arm, "Don't scare the girl!"

"What Jessica is trying to say is at the end of year of school, the gang takes a trip together" Hyoyeon spoke up.

Junho nodded his head, "It's usually just a week"

"AND" Chansung, "Jessica and Jay decided they'll pay for the trip"

"Woah... Woah" Jay immedity stopped Chansung, "We never agreed to that"

"Come" Junsu nicely smiled, "You are done school correct?"

"I don't finish exams till Friday" Taeyeon smiled dropped

Tiffany was checking on her phone, "Wait... You'll be fine! We'll be leaving on Wednesday after Taecyeon and Yoona's meeting. You can catch a flight with Wooyoung and Junsu" 

This was a dream come true. She wanted to have a vacation... But to the Philippines? How could she pay such expenses for a week long trip. Just thinking what she needed to pay... Flight, hotel, food... Her head started to hurt for the second time today.

"I don't think I can go... It's too much money" She felt herself blush in embrassment... Everyone in the group, even her own cousin was rich. Money had never been a problem for them.

"Don't worry about the money... Everything is basically covered" Tiffany spoke up.

"I'll have to think about it, alright?"

"Fair enough"

Chansung pointed his figure at Yoona, "Guys... I think she needs to go to bed now"

At the exact moment both men looked down beside them just as Yoona's head rested on Nickhun's shoulder. Her eyes were closed, slightly open. Her hand still locked wit Taecyeon, she looked like a true sleeping beauty.

"She use to sleeping in early now ever since she fainted" Taecyeon spoke knowingly.

He avoided the looks that a few of the members gave him, "I'll get her to bed"

"No no, It's fine. I'll do it" Nickhun countered him

"I think I'm alright, I can handle it on my own" It was clear, Taecyeon was getting annoying. He couldn't see Nickhun's concern.

"Are you sure? You can stay with the gang"

"It's fine!" He snapped, "I think I can carry my wife to bed"

With that, Taecyeon scooped up the sleeping beauty in his arms. Yoona's head naturally rested on Taecyeon shoulder. She was breathing lightly out of . He couldn't take his eyes of Yoona's face. She suddenly reminded him of Yuri... No, he stopped himself before hurting himself further. Yoona and Yuri were nothing alike. Except he couldn't deny some similarites in their looks. Long dark hair, dark chocolate brown eyes, beautiful skin - They are true beauties. But their personalities were totally different. Yuri was loud and always an open-book. She always spoke her mind, whether good or bad. Yoona was quiet with walls that hid her true emotions.

He shook his head, this is bad. Why was he comparing Yuri - his ex-fiance with Yoona - his current wife. This wasn't healthy, but what was health in their relationship?

Carrying Yoona was probably the closing skinship they had since their wedding night. She was light in his arms, almost like he was carrying nothing. When she sighed in her sleep, Taecyeon had stop to watch her turn to her head to face him. He couldn't help but just stand there and watch as she breathed in and out.

"Is everything okay, Taecyeon?"

His body froze as if he was caught red handed doing something he wasn't suppose to be doing. He turned, careful not to wake Yoona.

"Are you alright? Should I call someone for help?" She looked concerned. Her eyes watching Yoona's face,

He gave her a comforting smile, "No need for help... I was just about to head upstairs"

Taeyeon sighed a sigh of relief, "Okay, I'm glad" She began to walk push him, heading to towards the door, "I'm leaving now. Just wanted to say good bye"

Taecyeon smiled, he was glad Taeyeon wasn't noisy like his sister, "Good night" 

He walked as Taeyeon walked away before he walked the flight of stairs to their bedroom. He carefully laid her down on her side of the bed. He walked to their closet, grabbing a change of clothes. Once he picked out a warm pair of PJ's, he called one of the maids to change Yoona out of her clothing. He stood by the door, tapping his foot impatiently. Once the maid stepped out the of the door, he walked in to find Yoona comfortably tucked in bed. Without thinking, he walked over to Yoona, he sat down on the bed. He lightly pushed away the hair that covered her face.

"Why can't things be this simple for us?"

His hand rested on he warm cheeks, staring at her as she slept. He wasn't sure what was going on anymore.... With his mind and heart. At first he was angry. Yoona entered his life, unwanted and unneed. He often ranted to Nickhun that Yoona was another schemming gold-digger that manged to win his mother's heart. Then as time passing, his angry turned into pure frustion and jealous for Yuri. How did she mange to win the hearts of everyone in the group, even Jessica the ice princess. It took months for he group to warm up to Yuri and a good year before Jesica and Tiffany had taken a liking to her. He didn't understand what they saw in her. All he could see was a skinny, quiet girl who was very guarded. But after meeting Yoona's mother and learning about her tragic life, all his frustration and anger turned into shame and guilt. Yoona was just a person who was fighting her life and as well trying to protect her mother.

Now that everything (almost everything) was out in open, there was nowhere else to go but forward.

But was Yoona willing to take the journey with him?

"I'm sorry Yoona..." He whispered, "Please... Forgive me"

Yoona's eyes fluttered opened, blinking a few times before her eyes focus on his. Taecyeon quickly putted his hand way, hiding it behind his back. Yoona watched instensly but made no comment.

All he wanted was to understand her... Why must she make everything so complicated? Why couldn't she be  like Yuri ALWAYS telling him whats on her mind?

"Hey..." He whispered.

Yoona continued to stare without a word. 

Taecyeon sighed, "Come on... Say something. I said I'm sorry didn't I? How many times do I need to say it?" 

Yoona continued to stare at him. Her eyes never leaving his.

Was he being honest?

She suddenly remember her conversation with Nickhun just a few hours ago.

Yoona was carefully playing with Nickhun's guitar. She enjoyed strumming and making different sounds. It calmed her nerves and tension in her body. She liked the feeling she was some what in control. Too engrossed with the guitar, she was completely ignoring everyone around her, even Nickhun - who was the moment speaking to her.

When she heard Nickhun chuckle, Yoona stopped to look up at him.

"You never heard one word I said, did you?"

Yoona carefully watched his eyes for any signs of anger. She found none. He seemed to enjoy this.

She shook her head, being honest, "Sorry"

He gently patted her head and when Yoona allowed him, he could help but grin.

From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Taecyeon glance at him. He was suddenly washed with guilt. He shouldn't be having fun with someone else's wife. That someone'se else being his best friend. He looked down at Yoona who's attention was now on the guitar.

"Forgive him" He watched as Yoona stiffen. She didn't move a bit.

Nickhun smiled sourly, he hated making Yoona feel uncomfortable but he needed to do this. He wanted to help them in some way possible.

"He is your husband, Yoona. What happens next in your life, you shouldn't have to do it alone anymore. I believe Taecyeon wants to share it with you. Don't think of him as a husband... Think of as a friend... Like you do with me"

She pulled herself back into reality. Was Nickhun right? Did Taecyeon want to be part of her life and support her? Is this why he wanted forgivenss?

But...

Could she even forgive him? After everything that happened between them... The damage thats been made. Could it be healed with time? Would she be able to forgive all the times he's physically and emotionally abused her? Did she want to forgive?

Here was Taecyeon, vulunable and seeking for some sort of closure.

"I-" Yoona wanted to say it...  to end all the tension. I forgive you. But she couldn't bring herself to say it.

She sighed, what was she suppose to say to lift the tension...

Yoona said the first thing that came to her mind,

"Good night Taecyeon" With a small smile on her face.

 author's note: (updated on March 30, 2011) HURRARY! Chapter is finally out. Let me just say, this is the most frustrating chapter I've written. I rewrote this chapter probably 4 times. Even now I'm still unhappy with the ending, but I guess nothing is perfect, right? LOL Also, I'd like to thank all my new readers and the readers who haven't left me. It really means a lot, I tend to lost inspiration often and when I see a new subscriber, I suddenly get the feeling to continue writing. I know my chapters come out with weeks/months gaps and I'm really sorry. If you wish I can do HALF chapters. I've done them in my previous story and I feel like chapters come out faster than full chapters. So no more waiting. BUT the down side to half chapters is by the time I write the second half, I forget the first half and then the story starts to takes it's own direction. I'll let you folks decieded what you like.

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