CHAPTER eighteen

Yoona smiled as she was greeted by one of the maids. Instantly, the maid smiled back, happy to see Yoona. Most of the workers, if not all feared Taecyeon due to his hard demeanor. Yoona, on the other hand, was always polite and treated the workers with respect.

"The car for your meeting has arrived and is waiting at the front door"

Yoona nodded, "Okay, thank you very much"

After shutting the door, she returned back to her seat still waiting for Taecyeon to finish getting ready. Ever since the night of the BBQ, they had reached a silent mutual understanding. They were able to live and work together without the awkwardness and tension. Somehow, they were able to function in unison; from sharing a bathroom to working in the studying room. Just then Taecyeon made his morning appearance, cleanly shaven and showered. They were matching once again; both wearing something red. She was wearing a red pencil skirt with a sheer white blouse and white flats. While Taecyeon was wear his regular white dress shirt and black dress pants with a red tie.

"Did I hear voices?" he asked, fixing his tie in front of the full length mirror.

Yoona gathered their belongings and made her way to him. She stop in front of him and began to fix the tie herself. This was normal to them now, though sometimes the closeness made Yoona uncomfortable, but then again he was the first and only man she was ever physically close with.

"The car is at the front waiting for us."

Her attention was all focused on tighten the tie that she did not notice the Taecyeon's stare. The stare that can make any women fall into his arms. Of course it was a habit of his; he couldn't help but stare for when Yoona talked to him. It still amazed him that Yoona was talking to him casually now.

"You remembered to pack your vitamins in the bag right?" She stepped away to examine the tie, she nodded to herself when was satisfied.

Taecyeon cleared his throat, "Yes, I did it last night after you fell asleep"

She nodded her head but made no attempt to continue the conversation. Yoona was still socially awkward and often tend to end conversation way to early. Taecyeon grabbed his ray beans, "Alright, let's go. We'll grab breakfast along the way"

They arrived at the Ok building with time to spare. Taecyeon quickly grabbed Yoona's left hand and began to lead the way into the building. Yoona was use to Taecyeon leading between the two. Walking hand-in-hand, they entered the building and were greeted by two lines of workers. All were bowed down, except an older man that stood at Taecyeon's side.

"Good morning sir and ma'am"

Taecyeon removed his sunglasses to inspect the some of the workers who were still bowing down. Satisfied with everything, he turned to the older man, "It's been awhile. Good to see you. I assume my parents are still in the meeting?"

The older man nodded, "Yes, they ordered me to fetch you. They shouldn't be too long"

"Good, good. Let's walk and talk, I don't want my wife to simply just stand here."

The older man was slightly caught off guard before he cleared throat, "Yes, yes. Ms Ok, it's glad to meet finally meet you. I've been hearing wonderful things about you and I look forward in seeing you more often at the company"

Yoona smiled and tried to shake the man's hand but Taecyeon quickly stop the skin ship. Unlike the man, Yoona was unsurprised by his behavior and simply dropped her arm.

"Thank you" She said softly, "Hm, shall we go?"

It was easy to admit that Taecyeon was territorial; being the heir to the largest corporation in Korea, he was quiet greedy. But even to himself, he was shocked at the his behavior with Yoona. Perhaps it was because Yoona was known to the world that she was his wife that made him selfish. Despite his behavior, Yoona didn't seem to mind but then again Yoona never showed her true emotion. 

"They'll probably have you work along side some of the workers to get the feel of the company..." 

As Taecyeon was talked, Yoona's mind was elsewhere. She had no time to say goodbye to mother, whom she dearly missed. According to the doctors, her mother was on the right track to a healthy life but no words could ease her nerves. No matter what part of her will always expect the worst in life.   She was glad though that her and Taecyeon were only staying for a week because he was need to come back to Korea to fill his role in the company and she needed to start working soon. It was strange that just a little over half a year ago her life changed, now she is the wife to the heir of Ok Corp, never having to worry about money and her education anymore. 

In the midst of her thoughts entered Mr. Ok, Taecyeon had to grab her hand to make her stand. Yoona bowed along with Taecyeon and Mr. Ok made his way across the room to reach the large black leather seat behind the wooden desk.

"Sit sit. We only have a short time to speak" 

The way he spoke and the tone of his voice reminded Yoona of how Taecyeon would often speak with his workers. Like father like son. 

The room was quiet as Mr. Ok began pulling a pile paper out of a drawer, "I need you to sign all of these papers, Yoona. Just some consent forms at all workers are required to sign before working in this company" 

Yoona nodded and grabbed the pen from Mr. Ok and began signing.

Mr. Ok turned to Taecyeon, handing him a folder. "This is for Mr. Campos, he needs to sign it in front of you" 

"Yes sir" 

"While you are in the Philippines, I expect you to be in your best behavior. You, as well as Yoona are attending these parties and galas in behalf of the company" 

"Yes sir" 

"I also need you to attend the meeting with Ms. Kim, a possible benefactor in the building of the hospital here. She's on vacation right now, but she willing to meet with you"

"Yes sir" 

"When you two come back, I need you to come straight to work. You remember everything still, correct?" 

"I do"

"Good. I'm going to have you work with Stanley, you remember him right? Good. He's working on project with Apple. I want you to assist him in everything. Afterwards, I'll have you work on your own projects. As for Yoona, she'll be working alongside your mother, then I'm going to put her to the accountant department. You got that Taecyeon?"

Taecyeon threw a glance at Yoona, who at the looks of things, didn't hear a word as she was busy signing papers still. "Yes sir. I got it" 

"Good. You two may leave after Yoona finishes" 

"Where are those those? Taecyeon knows how I hate tardiness" Jessica rolled her eyes in frustration.

She tapped her foot in annoyance. Being an only child in a rich family, she grew up to be an impatient women. Luckily for her, she met Jay - the man who had all the patience in the world for her.

"Honey, it's okay. They'll be here sooner or later" Jay wrapped his arms around Jessica, in attempt to ease her frustrations.

Junho chuckled, "I have an image that will take your mind off things, Jess"  

He pointed to Chansung, causing the rest of the group to look. Everyone laughed at the sight of Chansung pigging, once again, on food- this time it was a bag of chips. When Chansung noticed the gang was looking right at him, he glared in annoyance.

"Can't a man eat in peace?" He pouted

Hyoyeon playfully rolled her eyes, "Not unless the man is trying to eat all the snacks we packed for the plane ride!" 

Junho, the closest to Chansung grabbed the bag out of his hands and handed it to Hyoyeon. She smiled at her boyfriend before she shared eating with Tiffany. 

"Learn to share young man!" Junho patted his back before he too joined the two girls.

Jessica smiled bitterly at the gang, "I just hope they come sooner than later" 

"Taeyeon, wait up!" A voice called from a distance. Taeyeon turned around, taking off her headphones off.

Taeyeon smiled in recogniztion, "Hey Dara!"

"Let's walk together to class!" 

Taeyeon giggled as Dara linked her small arm through hers. 

They chatted briefly about the upcoming exam. They had got close through a few group projects. Dara was one of the only friends that knew of her secret as a trainee at SM. Ironically, Dara was also a trainee at a different company and would often turn to Taeyeon for advice. 

In school, Dara was majoring it dance - in particular, ballet. Due to her looks, she was adored by many from students to even professor- she was loved by all.  Taeyeon, on the other hand, was a nobody. She wasn't too pretty nor did she showcase her talent enough to be noticed. For the past two years, she's been keeping a low profile.

"Taeyeon, I got a question for you..." 

Taeyeon looked at Dara, confused, "You can ask me pretty much anything" 

Dara pursed her lips, "What's your relation with Wooyoung?" 

Taeyeon's eyes widen, dumbfounded, "You know know him? How?" 

Dara was popular, in school but Taeyeon didn't think, her popularity extended outside of the school walls. 

"Just answer my question. Please, Taeyeon"

All joy were wiped off Dara's face. One of the most cheerful girls, was being serious right now.

"Wooyoung is just a friend of my cousin's husband" Taeyeon answered, honestly. 

Taeyeon watched as Dara processed the information, "You don't like him right? 

Taeyeon laughed, "Him? You have have to be kidding me. Don't asked me that again!"

Dara smiled brightly, "Okay, good!" 

Curiously, Taeyeon asked, "Why would even ask such a question?"

"No reason. Just... Be careful around him, alright?" 

Taeyeon watched as Dara walked into their classroom. For a while, Taeyeon was frozen at the spot. She didn't need a warning to know Wooyoung was just another playboy. Sure, he was attractive, and hell, he had great charisma but to Taeyeon, he was just a jerk. Now, how did Dara know Wooyoung? Before she could think about the situation any longer, her teacher called her inside. 

Taeyeon sighed, she really didn't need these thoughts right before exam. 

(Refer to Chapter 11 for Dara's FIRST appearance)

In the distance, the group could see Taecyeon and Yoona being escorted by the airport security men. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, Jessica's complaints were getting very annoying. The couple were greeted happily by their friends.

"Thank God you guys came! Jessica was about rip our heads off" Junho whispered into Taecyeon's ear.

Jessica glared, and stuck her tongue out "Shut up. I can hear you!" 

Taecyeon laughed, "I'm very sorry Jess, I know you hate being late but my father kept us waiting!"

She wrinkled her nose, "Whatever, can we please go now!" 

Jessica walked away from the group, grabbing her carry on bag. Soon after, the rest of the gang followed. Jay draped his arm around Jessica's shoulder and led the way to the airplane. 

Tiffany stopped Taecyeon and Yoona from moving. 

"How was your meeting?"

Taecyeon smiled, "It went rather well. He didn't even say anything bad about going to the trip" 

Tiffany also look pleased, "That wonderful. How many galas and meetings do you need to attend then?

"6 meetings and 4 galas. It's a record for me" 

"Our parents are seriously getting serious about you taking over the company now" 

Taecyeon sighed, "Yup. Tell me about it. We already have a party tonight for some fundraiser" 

Tiffany gave a bittersweet smile, "The day is still young, we have a lot of time to relax and enjoy our vacation! Come on, let's go!"

Tiffany checked her phone for what seemed like a hundred time. When she saw no messages, she frowned in sadness and annoyance. Trying to avoiding being questioned by Jessica and Hyoyeon, she used her sunglasses to cover her eyes. She hated this feeling, the feeling of feeling unwanted. She was Tiffany Ok. The daughter of the richest family in Korea, she had her own successful fashion line. She is every straight men's dream girl. She had it all, the looks, the talent, the brain and the money so why was she being sad over a guy who hasn't called her back yet. 

"What's wrong Tiff?" Jessica asked as she sat across from Tiffany. 

Tiffany gave a fake smile, "Nothing, I'm just tired" 

Jessica's eyes narrowed, "Liar. What's really bothering you?"

Tiffany pursed her lips. What was she thinking? She could never hide anything from her best friend. Jessica was the only person that understood her inside and out. 

"Do you remember the guy I told you about? The one who asked me for coffee?" (Refer to Chapter 16)

Jessica paused for a moment as she recalled the memory, "Yes. The y business man" 

Tiffany chuckled, and playfully rolled her eyes- even though it wasn't seen by Jessica, "Him. Well, we went out for coffee while I was in America but he still hasn't called me back" 

"You know what? He's must be busy. You told me he travels everywhere. And honestly Tiff, I was that man, I'd be scared to call you too" 

Hearing this Tiffany couldn't help but smile. 

"I'm serious, you're such a talent woman. You have the whole package, any guy must be intimated by you" 

Tiffany's smile widen, this is one of the many reasons why she loved Jessica. She always knew what to say or do to make her smile. 

"I love you, Jess" 

Jessica jokingly flipped her hair to the side, "I know. I love you too" 

Yoona stared into the airplane window in awe. The skies were clear and blue and everything below looked like ants. She had never traveled by plane, nonetheless, in a private plane full of her husband's friends. The layout of the plane was spacious and luscious. There were 16 comfortable seats that were able to transform into a small bed when needed. The seats were divided into 4 groups of 4. It sort of reminded Yoona of how a train was layout.

Everyone was split up. Both Tiffany and Chansung had their own section, seating at the front. Tiffany was busy with some paper work for her fashion line, while Chansung asked to be alone to sleep. The couples, Junho- Hyoyeon and Jessica and Jay in a section in the back, left. They were currently laughing at a story Jay told. This left Taecyeon and Yoona alone. Yoona was seated on a window seat while Taecyeon decided to seat diagonal from her. They were silent throughout the hour long plane ride. The silent was something Taecyeon was getting use to, and part of him was beginning to enjoy it.

Yoona stared out into the window throughout the plane ride. She had no facial expression to showed Taecyeon how she was feeling. For all he knew, Yoona was scared of airplanes or heights. At this point, Yoona was the last issue on his mind. He was already stressed about the amount of work his father and mother are giving him. The shock to hear that the heir to Ok Corp. is worried about not succeeding. Where was his confidence run off to?

In reality, he knew he was perfect for the job. He was well-trained, in every department and knew the company inside and out. He was already large network of connections. He knew he could do anything his father told him but it didn't stop him to have doubts. Like the saying goes, (insert quote)

"Yo Taec!" Jay called from across the plane, "Are you alright? You don't look so good"

Snapping out of his thoughts, he replied, "Yeah, I'm good. I'm just hungry - You know how I get when I want to eat"

"Don't worry, we're going to land soon enough!"

 Taecyeon waited until Jay turned back to the group before he breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't lie often but when he did, he did it successfully. He turned away, only to find Yoona staring at him. They were stared at each other for what seemed like a lifetime before Yoona broke away to look into her purse. After a few seconds, Yoona pulled out some Taecyeon's favorite snack, almond bun. Only one bakery in Seoul that made this kind of bread and many times he'd visit the bread would be sold out already. He wanted to take some bread for the trip to the Philippines but when he stopped by yesterday afternoon, the owner told him someone had already bought day's supply of bread.

 "When did you buy this?" He asked while he grabbed the bread.

"Yesterday" 

Taecyeon stared in shock. But his stares grew uncomfortable for Yoona, so she turned back to the window. 

Taeyeon rubbed the temples of her head, trying to process the 2 hour exam. Her head was pounding from so much writing. The school was pretty much empty since everyone else had left to study for their next exam. Taeyeon was one of the last students to finish their exams. She walked the halls in calm silence. In no time, she was outside the school building. She had three more exams; one tomorrow and two before her flight. 

She stopped right in front of the gates of the school, to grab her headphones when she heard her name being called. Confused, she automatically looked behind her to find no one. 

"Over here, shortie!" 

She faced forward to be greeted by Junsu and Wooyoung. Now she was confused for a different reason, what were they doing here? Taeyeon smiled and waved at them, but only Junsu seemed to care about her presence. Seriously what did she do to Wooyoung?!

"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" She asked when she reached the two men. 

Junsu smiled as he open the back door of Wooyoung's car, "Get it"

"Excuse me?" 

He chuckled at her confused face, "Tiffany asked us to watch over you for the next few days before we leave" 

Taeyeon was touched by their kindness but in her mind she was a grown women. She'd been living on her own for the past 5 years, she didn't need a babysitter. When Taeyeon said nothing, it was Wooyoung who spoke first.

"Just get in, We'll drop you off at your house."

They made short yet awkward eye contact before Taeyeon looked away.

"Come on Taeyeon, we aren't going to bite" Junsu said jokingly. 

Sure Junsu seemed like a nice guy but Wooyoung on the other hand. 

She sighed in defeat, "Alright but honestly you don't need to do this. I'm perfectly fine" 

 author's note: (Updated on July 24, 2012)Once again I'm very sorry for the late update. It was my last year of high school and a lot has happened in my life since my last update. This is the 1st out of 3/4 chapters that will focus on the trip to Philippines. I've just received a lot of good news recently about university and since I'm stuck at home babysitting I have a lot of time to write, happily.Taecyeon and Yoona's relationship, along with some other characters are taking a turning point in the nextfew chapters. You'll be surprised on some of the relationship my characters have. Also true personalities are going to come out from some of the main characters and secrets will be revealed. I'm going to start the next chapter tomorrow or the next day and hopefully I'll have another chapter out in the next week or two.TIP: Oh if you haven't realized why Nickhun isn't around, he'll appear right in the beginning of the next chapter. There is so many people in the gang, I sort of forget to write everyone in... Oops lol

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