“Don't you know I need you so,  

Tell me please I gotta know. 

Do you mean to make me cry,

Am I just another guy ………”

 

“I love you more than I can say,

I'll love you twice as much tomorrow,

I love you more than I can say………”

 

(“More Than I Can Say” - Leo Sayer)

 

 

 

 

 

Irene is having her debut stage on one of the most popular music shows in South Korea. There are already thousands of fans rushed to the scene, with an equal proportion of boys and girls. And dozens of reporters gather to catch a glimpse of the future-star from SM. 

 

 

She steps on the stage as words from Jessica and Wendy replaying in her head.  She must do her best for her fans, for herself, for her dream, for those who have helped her, and for Wendy - always the special one.

 

 

 

Cheering flutter echoing to her ears. Too many people that she could not see their faces, but only blurred features.

 

 

She spots Tiffany and Jessica off the stage, behind all the audience. And she continues to glance through the whole place. Still no signs of the person she wishes for.

 

 

 

Maybe this is the end of her dream.

 

 

 

“She promised me and she must be here…… It’s just I can’t see her yet.”

 

 

Irene then starts her performance with a heavy heart.

 

 

 

In the middle of the performance, when she makes a ballet twirl.

 

 

 

Someone barges in to the hall.

 

 

 

It’s a girl. It’s a girl panting and holding a huge beautiful-designed poster - written “Irene I Love You <3” and decorated with many of Irene’s photos. It’s a girl shimmering with her smile and her big round eyes. It’s a girl called Wendy.

 

 

 

 

Nothing else matters to Irene anymore, and she feels unprecedentedly energized. “Irene I Love You”. As if she can hear her saying that in her smoothing voice.

 

 

The star rookie executes her performance perfectly and blows everybody away. She takes a deep bow and gracefully returns to the backstage.

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

“Jessie ?” Tiffany is here today to show her support for her dear junior, but she doesn’t expect a reunion with her long-lost childhood friend.

 

 

“Tiff ?” Jessica is excited as she hears a a familiar husky Amercian-tone voice.

 

 

 

The two share a enthusiastic hug and then break apart soon ‘cause it is not a exactly right timing for a reunion.

 

 

 

“You’re here for Irene too ?” Tiffany asks as she doesn’t know what Jessica has been up to since they lost contact when the latter had moved to Korea.

 

 

“Yeah ….. I am the designer for her debut this time.” Jessica smiles sweetly. Certainly she misses her childhood friend and she knows Tiff is now a big star.

 

 

 

However, on the other hand, Tiffany only knows Jessica has become a well-known fashion designer, but not that part about Irene.

 

 

 

“Wow you did a very good job. I love the clothes you designed. You two are close ?” Tiffany has the instant feeling that Jessica is the one watching Irene’s back. 

 

 

So Taeyeon is right, she was over-protective. Irene is perfectly safe in Jessica’s hands, safer than with herself.

 

 

“Kinda …… I knew her from another designer friend of mine. She is real gem you know. The moment I saw her, I know she will shine one day, like you.” 

 

 

 

Jessica’s eyes are locked on Irene, who has just appeared on the stage. So does Tiffany.

 

 

 

“Thanks Jessie. I see the potential in Irene too. So……. Will you go to the after-party ?”  

 

 

“Of course. For Irene and for my long-lost friend.” 

 

 

 

They then enjoy the show quietly. 

 

 

Irene looks unusually hesitated and nervous.

 

 

But suddenly, the door behind them is busted open in the middle of the performance, revealing a girl with messy hair and casual clothing yet still manages to look all charming.

 

 

 

“I know that girl. She’s Wendy, from the photography studio where Irene has her promotional pictures done.” Tiffany whispers. 

 

 

“Hmmm… I see ~ I love the poster she’s holding.” Jessica gives a genuine smirk. So that’s Wendy. Irene, you’re such a lucky girl.

 

 

 

Tiffany soon discovers something fishy too from Irene’s lightened-up expression after Wendy’s arrival.

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

The two older girls approach Wendy, whom is not standing far from them.

 

 

“Hey, Wendy ! You’re here too ~ ” Tiffany flashes her famous eye-smile and greet the 20-year-old.

 

 

“OH ~ Tiffany-xi, hello.” Wendy is shocked to see two gorgeous unnies smiling towards her.

 

 

 

One is a national star, and the other one looks stunning to Wendy too - that she is elegant, alluring, has a natural proclivity, yet a bit cold even though she is smiling.

 

 

 

“Hi, Wendy. I’m Jessica. Call me unnie is fine.” Her voice is sweet too.

 

 

So that’s Jessica. She is very beautiful and she would be a perfect match for Taeyeon-unnie. Wendy thinks.

 

 

 

“Just unnie is fine for me too.” 

 

 

“Nae.” Wendy shyly smiles and bows a little.

 

 

 

“So, do you want to meet Irene ? We’re heading to the backstage, why don’t you come with us ?” Tiffany places her right hand on the younger girl’s right shoulder, inviting her to tag along.

 

 

“Can I ?” Wendy is more than happy.

 

 

“Sure thing.” Jessica smirks more, as she also places her left hand on Wendy’s left shoulders.

 

 

 

The unnies joyfully brings the “little lamb” to Irene’s waiting room, as if they’re holding hostage of the young Canadian.

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Irene is having some touches up on her make-up and is surrounded by a sea of staff.

 

 

Since she’s going to attend dozens of press conferences and the after-party tonight.

 

 

 

“Irene ~ Look who’s here ! ” Tiffany speaks in her usual loud voice, making such an entrance.

 

 

And she gestures the others to leave them alone for a while.

 

 

 

“Unnie ~Thanks for coming.” Irene stands up and gratefully holds Tiff’s hands.

 

 

“You’re done a great job back there. Heheheehe………And thank me later.” Tiffany steps aside and two more people emerge.

 

 

 

“Sica-unnie !!!!! And…… A-and you….” Irene immediately becomes incredibly timid seeing the young Canadian.

 

 

The Canadian is embarrassed too, having her eyes locked on the floor.

 

 

 

“Oh my ……. My Irene-ie has totally forgotten about me already ……. ” Jessica takes the chance to tease the young pair.

 

 

“Sica-unnie ~ Thank you and love you as always.” Irene spots Jessica’s one-second-pout and hugs her.

 

 

 

“That’s it. You’ve done well.” Jessica happily pulls away and continues, “And how about your little friend here ?”

 

 

“Yeah~ Didn’t you see her poster ? I wish I have someone holding out such a poster for me too~~~~ ” Tiffany joins in.

 

 

 

The younger pair still too embarrassed to say anything, not even looking at each other.

 

 

 

“Maybe we should give them some room. Irene-ie ~ See you later on the after-party~” Jessica says so sweetly yet with a major smirk.

 

 

“Let’s go, Jessie. We should have some catch-up for ourselves too. Bye ~”

 

 

 

The unnies leaves with their light steps.

 

 

 

“You’re late.” Irene is the first to speak. She avoids Wendy’s gazes and pretends that she’s mad.

 

 

“I’m sorry…….  I’m late because the printer in my house didn’t work. I have to finish this in Taeyeon-unnie’s studio.” Wendy pouts and raises her poster to Irene’s face.

 

 

 

“I don’t like the poster …….” Irene coldly shrugs off.

 

 

Wendy pouts so hard that she’s going to cry any second.

 

 

 

“What do you mean by “Irene I Love You” and such a big red heart next to my head ?”

 

 

“I-I …..” Poor Seungwan is a helpless child. 

 

 

 

“I love it. Pabo.” Irene pats Wendy’s head.

 

 

“I-I love your performance too…….. I promised I’ll show up. I never break my promises.” Wendy’s relieved and now smiling so brightly again.

 

 

 

“I just wanna say I’m glad you’re here. I thought you wouldn’t come ……… And you came only because of a promise ?” Irene can’t hold it any longer and has to ask how the young Canadian feels for her.

 

 

“Yes and no. First, I don’t promise to anyone. Second, I came for you. You’re a special case, don’t you know that ?” 

 

 

 

Wendy grabs Irene’s shoulders with both of her hands, forcing the older girl to make eye-contact with her, and summoning her to read more from her gleaming eyes.

 

 

 

Clever as Irene, of course she read the signals. But it’s not the right time.

 

 

“I know.”

 

 

They do a little hug and talk a little more.

 

 

 

“So, you met Sica-unnie.” Irene still hasn’t let go of Wendy’s hand after their brief hug.

 

 

Just wait a bit more. She says to herself and tries to convey it to the younger girl by giving a squeeze of her hand.

 

 

“Yeah, I swear I have never imagined she would be someone that “gorjess”. ” Wendy, however, seems to be too occupied making and laughing at her own joke.

 

 

 

In return, she has one heavy slap on her hand.

 

 

“YAH !!! Say it again and I’ll chop your head off and hang it on a stick.”

 

 

 

“I was just saying she is definitely a perfect match for Taeyeon-unnie…. Ouch…. You’re strong —  And gorgeous too~” 

 

 

“Sica-unnie’s going to the after-party, so how’s Taeyeon-unnie ?” Irene feels a bit guilty and gently rubs Wendy’s hand.

 

 

 

“I went honest with her, ‘cause she hates liars……. I told her about Jessica-unnie and she’ll be at the party too. She said she will try to make it.”

 

 

“Hmm ….. I hope they could meet ~” Irene also admires the two women and sincerely hopes them can be together again.

 

 

 

“But… There’s one thing…….. Taeyeon-unnie went honest with me too. She said Tiffany-unnie seems to be interested in her. And she actually asked me what to do …. Oh my Taeyeon-unnie ~ ”

 

Wendy face-palms when she recalls that day - Taeyeon looked so cute being abashed by the fact that someone shows interested in her and asked her dongseang for help.

 

 

 

“It’s not a good news indeed.” Irene immerses in her deep thought and says.

 

 

“I told her getting back with Jessica-unnie is the best and only way to reject Tiffany-unnie. And she just smiled.” 

 

 

 

“You’re probably right. If Taeyeon-unnie doesn’t express her rejection clearly, Tiffany-unnie is not the type who will give up easily. And if Taeyeon doesn’t approach Sica-unnie first, it’ll be hard for them to get together again.”

 

 

“Irene, you’re so clever. Oh, it’s about time. I’ll see you again at the after-party.” Wendy looks at her watch and pecks Irene’s cheek before she hurries out.

 

 

 

Irene holds her cheeks and a silly grin plastered on her face.

 

 

That pabo, she noticed that.

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

A white convertible Lamborghini pulls up in front of the hotel’s main entrance. And two well-dressed ladies steps out.

 

 

They both dress in feminine tux and high-heels. A big day for them. Rarely dressed up.

 

The older one, in black, has her golden-brown hair down on her shoulders, while the younger one, in white, has her chestnut hair with blue tips tied into a pony tail.

 

 

They has captured a lot of attention at the scene, wondering who are they.

 

 

 

“Unnie. Thanks for coming.” Wendy says while they are at the door.

 

 

“I have to thank you too. Let’s split up. I’ll meet you here, when the party is over.”

 

 

“Roger that.”

 

 

 

Taeyeon pushes the golden-handled door and enters another sea of crowds. Wendy follows suit.

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

A beautiful young girl like Wendy has caught many guests’ eyes, as they are mostly related to the entertainment business. 

 

 

“Hi there. May I know your name ? Are you a singer or an artist ? I think you’re beautiful and I’d like to sign you as a trainee of mine.” A man soon approaches Wendy and puts on cheeky smile.

 

 

“Sorry. I am a designer. And I am looking for a friend of mine.” Wendy shows a fake smile.

 

 

 

“Oh ~ And you’re sure that you don’t wanna be a singer ?”

 

 

“No thanks.” Wendy coldly replies.

 

 

“Never mind. What a waste.”

 

 

 

After brushing off the man, Wendy finally sees the one she’s looking for - there among the largest mist of people. Irene has never been so beautiful. It’s like she’s getting more beautiful each time Wendy sees her. An aqua blue evening dress, shorter at front, and its tail floating down on the ground.

 

 

Surrounded by all of the guests, Irene looks like a real star. Wendy just stands there and watches. She hesitates, feeling the distance between them.

 

 

 

The girl in the white suit then picks up a cocktail to drink. And she awaits.

 

 

 

“Hey.”

 

 

“I thought I need to have a “one night stand” until you’re free.”

 

 

 

Irene laughs and takes Wendy’s hand. “Let’s go to the roof.”

 

 

“Don’t you have to stay ? This is your party after all.”

 

 

 

“People here are mainly for scouting and socializing, not for me.”

 

 

Wendy gives a understanding nod and leaves for the roof with Irene.

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Taeyeon is experienced to such occasion and she knows where to look for. Unexpectedly, she bumps into someone else first.

 

 

 

“Hey, Tae. I didn’t know you’ll attend such occasion.” A eye-smiling woman in a fire-red dress blocks Taeyeon’s way.

 

 

“Hi, Tiff. I’m Irene’s photographer and Wendy’s driver, so I have to be here.” Taeyeon remains her politeness and gentleness although her heart’s at somewhere else.

 

 

 

“Mind if I borrow you for a while then ?” 

 

 

“Sorry. I have other business in hand.” 

 

 

 

“Like what ?” Irene is right about how Tiffany isn’t the type who gives up that easily.

 

 

“Business other than you.” Taeyeon knows she has to be more direct.

 

 

“I’m really that unattractive to you ? Taeyeon ?” 

 

 

“No.” What a short reply.

 

 

 

“Then give me a chance.” Tiffany reaches her hand for Tae’s.

 

 

“I can’t.” Taeyeon evades that by pretending to look at her watch. “I really have to go. See you around.”

 

 

 

She leaves Tiffany alone and heads to the other side of the ballroom, where it is the most “peaceful” corner. She knows she likes to stay in some places like this. Low-profile, like herself.

 

 

A certain figure has caught Taeyeon’s eyes from afar.

 

 

Light honey-brown hair on one side, slim, also in a suit like hers. Taeyeon knows it’s the one she’s been searching for, even she only sees the back of the person.

 

 

 

“Jessica.” Taeyeon’s voice shakes while she calls out that name again after such a long time.

 

 

Jessica turns around and is shocked by the delicate face she sees. She nearly spills the cocktail in her hands.

 

 

But it still looks beautiful in Taeyeon’s eyes, even she only wears a loose white shirt. Jessica loves white shirts.

 

 

 

“T-taeyeon. Why are you here ?”

 

 

“ ‘Cause I’m Irene’s photographer ?” Taeyeon smiles and gets herself a drink too.

 

 

 

“I see…….. I’m her fashion designer.” Jessica also smiles a bit.

 

 

Irene didn’t warn her that Taeyeon is coming too. Ash, that kid.

 

 

 

“It’s been a long time. When did you come back ?” Taeyeon sips her glass of apple cider.

 

 

“About 2 years ago. They sent me back to take care of the sector here, in Korea.”

 

 

 

“Oh ~ Congratulations then. Although it’s bit too late.”

 

 

“Something is never too late to do….. And you quit alcohol ?”

 

 

“Yeah, I don’t drink anymore. And I’m Wendy’s driver for today too. No drink-driving, right ?” Taeyeon chuckles.

 

 

“Good for you. Ah Wendy …… She’s a good girl.” Jessica changes the topics as she watches the lights go dim in the ballroom.

 

 

“So does Irene.” 

 

 

 

Taeyeon’s back is facing the rest of the ballroom so she doesn’t notice it is time to dance until Jessica points her finger towards the “dance floor.”

 

 

 

“May I ?” Jessica sweetly asks as she does the little “gesture”.

 

 

“I’d love to.” Taeyeon gently holds Jessica’s hand and guides her to the floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So how's it ? Do you guys love it ?

I like some old songs too hehehe talking about romantic <3

 

Much love and you're welcome to message me too ~

xo