“Didn't have to run, I knew it was love from a mile away.

But I had to catch you, been running through my mind all day baby.

 

They all say I'm crazy, cause anybody even when your father say,

That I can't be with you, I don't hear a word they say.”

 

 

(“That Girl” - Justin Timberlake)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The house is awfully quiet.

 

 

 

“Say, Wendy, is this what you want ?” Mr. Kim sighs before pointing at the newspaper on the coffee table and questioning the couple.

 

 

 

Wendy smirks a little reading the papers, “Well, if you mean by congratulating how match are we, yes.”

 

 

 

“How could you just came out so suddenly and dragged Irene into this mess ?”

 

 

 

“Sir.” Irene clears . “I am not dragged but I am more than willing to.”

 

 

 

 

Wendy’s CEO is also present, he waits for Jessica’s translation before joining in, 

 

 

“I would like to say something too. Wendy has told me about her plan precisely because I am the only one who would and could help. And now, I don’t see any problem with that.”

 

 

 

“What do you mean no problem ?” Kim strikes again. “She has been dating my artist even before she debuted. She has been planning to change agency with her. She has kidnapped her in the middle of the show. She has come out with her to the world. And I am the last one to know ?”

 

 

 

Irene hates to admit she enjoys a little seeing her CEO being helpless like this.

 

 

 

Wendy smirks again, “I thought you have a problem with homouality.”

 

 

Joy giggles and Jessica glares at Kim. 

 

 

 

Kim suddenly realizes the fact that he is basically surrounded by gayness in the room.

 

 

He gulps.

 

 

“Even I don’t. There would be boycotts against you two sooner or later.”

 

 

 

 

“Are you threatening you own artist ?”

 

 

Sooyoung pops out from the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

“Mr. Kim.” Wendy’s boss calls politely. 

 

 

“I’m pretty sure ’til this second, the feedbacks are good. People praise their braveness and openness of us. Even if there are a few negative comments, I don’t think it’ll cause a big deal. Campaigns that are pro-homouality, same- marriage, and equal rights are the trends in the western market indeed.” 

 

 

“So I fully support Wendy. And if you don’t support Irene, I would.”

 

 

He finishes with a smile and pats his suitcase.

 

 

 

 

Sera who is sitting behind Irene wants to clap but she holds it.

 

 

Hyuna just keeps staring holes on Kim’s back.

 

 

 

 

“I’m really sorry that I lied about not dating anyone.” Irene sincerely apologizes to her CEO. “But the thing is, I have no choice.” 

 

 

 

Wendy holds her hand and continues, “Sir, look. I am not asking for you to support. I’m just asking for you to understand. Do you know why she kept everything from you ? It’s because you have never really cared about her.” 

 

 

“All you have been caring about is, would she be alright to carry all the schedules ? Would she be big someday ? Would she bring great profit for us ?”

 

 

“I know your company might have worked in this way for decades. But things changes, you have gone too far. Ask Tiffany. She talked to you this morning, I know. Every artist of yours is not happy. They are not money-making machines or tools. They are human-beings, someone’s daughters, sons.”

 

 

 

“So what you're from the other side of the tracks,

so what the world don't think we match,

I'll put it down like my love's on wax, guess what?

I'm in love with that girl,

And she told me, that she's in love with me.”

 

 

 

“If you don’t want them to leave you one by one, you know what to do.” Taeyeon’s husky voice coldly echoes in the living room.

 

 

Jessica looks at her immediately since she knows her wife-to-be seldom speak up in situation like this.

 

 

 

 

Taeyeon gives a reassuring nod and speaks again, “Mr. Kim, you may remember me. I’m a friend of Tiffany, a close unnie for Wendy, and I am going to marry Jessica-xi. I have been accompanying them along the way.” 

 

 

“I agree with Wendy. But I also want to add on one thing, money talks but money doesn’t last forever. There’re things even money can’t buy. I’ve learned my lesson years ago. Sir, you’re a successful businessman, I think you know what I am talking about.”

 

 

 

Jessica is in the verge of crying since she’d never expect Taeyeon would do a speech like this for her loved ones.

 

 

And she is not alone.

 

 

Irene clutches on Wendy’s hand tighter to show her support.

 

 

 

 

Kim is deep in his thoughts and the room is quiet again.

 

 

 

 

They have all prepared for the worst and they know what might be ahead.

 

 

They are going to stick together for whatever may come.

 

 

 

 

Especially, Irene.

 

 

She is the type who doesn’t talk much about herself, her own feelings, her thoughts, her worries.

 

 

She would even hide them, trying not to express them even in her gestures.

 

 

 

But she cares.

 

 

She cares about others.

 

 

 

And she would care about herself at last.

 

 

 

Such characteristic has reminded Wendy of Taeyeon as soon as they met.

 

 

 

A characteristic just like a coffer.

 

 

You can’t see the inside. 

 

 

It’s locked. 

 

 

 

All you need is a suitable key.

 

 

 

And it’s totally worth opening it.

 

 

 

 

“I need to talk to the board of directors too.” 

 

 

Kim breaks his silence. 

 

 

“It’s not solely up to me to decide.”

 

 

 

 

“So I can still stay in SM ?” Irene asks.

 

 

“Likely.” He nods slowly. “But we have to wait and see the reaction first. It’s just the second day after all.”

 

 

“Thank you, sir.” Irene gratefully bows to him.

 

 

 

“Now let me continue this talk with Wendy’s boss somewhere else.” He signals the other man in the room to leave with him.

 

 

“Thank you.” Wendy also bows to him and winks at her own boss.

 

 

 

The American man waves in return.

 

 

 

 

The door closes shut and the room becomes silent again.

 

 

The girls check on one another’s expression.

 

 

 

 

“Let’s pop a champagne !!!!!” Sera shouts and high-fives with Seulgi and Chorong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Tiff, I’m glad you have dropped by.” Jessica hands a glass to the new guest in the house.

 

 

“Well, I should.” The star flashes an eye-smile. 

 

 

 

She continues looking at the two girls not far away, “I am truly happy for them, you know ? And I owe them a favor. They gave me the courage to bargain with the company.”

 

 

 

“You know what I was trying to say. Taeyeon has said those words and I think she’d want you to come too.” 

 

 

 

Tiffany turns her gaze to the short brunette whom is embarrassing Wendy by telling her teen stories with her partner-in-crime Sera.

 

 

 

“I didn’t expect her would stand up for me too. I thought I have lost her as a friend. Actually…….. I have been thinking - if I should lose her to someone as a lover, it must be you. You are my best friend from childhood and I am glad she is in your hands. Either Irene or Taeyeon, you’d do a better job than me. ”

 

 

“Tiff……. ”

 

 

“I’ll go, Jess. How could miss it ? It’s my best friends’ wedding.”

 

 

“You’ll find that someone too.” Jessica mutters while she pulls her bestie into a hug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Irene-ah.” 

 

 

Tiffany sneakily taps on the girl’s shoulder.

 

 

“Unnie !”

 

 

 

“This is what you’ve asked me to prepare.”

 

 

“Thanks. I own you on-”

 

 

 

“Nope, I did and it’s how I repay you.” 

 

 

“Then….. Thanks again. On Wendy’s behalf too.”

 

 

 

“You should never let this girl go, you know. It’s one in a billion. Have fun with her~”

 

 

“I would, unnie. I would.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy starts off the engine and turns to ask her dearest passenger, “Are you ready ?”

 

 

Irene smiles, “I am always ready.”

 

 

 

The start couple drives off to the centre of the town and they surely catch some attention even on the car.

 

 

 

“Oops, is that the driver on our right trying to take a picture of us ?” Wendy turns her head like an owl seeing cars piling on the lanes next to them.

 

 

“Just smile and wave.” Irene pulls off her professional smile.

 

 

“Why are we going out in such a high-keyed way in the first place ?”

 

 

“Just shut up and smile.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The town is going nuts with Wendy and Irene walking hand in hand on random streets under daylight, talking to fans and just hanging out like normal people.

 

 

People are staring.

 

 

 

Some are curious. Some are thrilled. 

 

 

Some congratulate. Some take pictures.

 

 

Some walk pass. Some throw a disbelief look.

 

 

 

Wendy finds this interesting.

 

 

If they are simple people living a simple life with a simple job, they could have dated like this long time ago. 

 

 

It would not be such a big fuss if they walk on the street linking arms.

 

 

 

They are humans too. 

 

 

They breath, they cry, they laugh, they hurt. 

 

 

 

“Wendy, now we know why you didn’t reveal who are you dating ~~~~”

 

 

“What a surprise !!!!! I am a fan of you two !!!!”

 

 

“I have been shipping you two from the start !! I even wrote a fanfic for you guys ~~”

 

 

“So she’s not with D.O…….”

 

 

“How long has it been ?”

 

 

“We are glad you told us the truth ~ Don’t have to lie anymore and just be yourselves !!!”

 

 

“We’ll never blame you girls !!!”

 

 

“Irene, would you leave SM and join Wendy’s company ?”

 

 

“Wendy, I love you too !! I am a fan after you sang yesterday !!!”

 

 

“Irene, I shipped you and Suzy…..”

 

 

“No, I shipped Wendy with Suzy……..”

 

 

 

 

Wendy bursts out laughing, along with Irene covering holding her stomach.

 

 

 

“It’s funny.”

 

 

“I have never thought of having nice feedbacks.” 

 

 

“Me too, but I did it anyway.”

 

 

 

They squeeze through crowds and window-shops in the malls.

 

 

There are fans following them and reporters joined later.

 

 

 

“We are not taking any questions today. We would hold a press conference later this week.” 

 

 

Irene possessively clings onto the snowman’s arm and answers the approaching crowd with a soft smile.

 

 

 

“So why did you two suddenly show up in the public ? Is it a public relation measure set by up your companies ?”

 

 

“People have been curious how you guys managed to go under the radar these time.”

 

 

“How and when did you two meet ?”

 

 

 

“We will both show up in that conference.” 

 

 

Wendy smiles. 

 

 

“And we are here to hang out like other couples do. Also, listen to the reactions as possible.”

 

 

 

 

No waiting for them to speak again, Irene drags her friendly snowman to the other side of the mall.

 

 

Leaving the reporters and others on their spot and admire their matching height and walking pace, steps, aura and even smile.

 

 

 

The Canadian derp stares at the Daegu girl while they are walking non-stop.

 

 

 

“Even you are staring ?”

 

 

“What ? I can’t ? It’s forbidden ?”

 

 

“It’s creepy.”

 

 

“Nothing, I just found you particularly attractive today.”

 

 

“I thought you’d run out of sweet words, Son Seungwan.”

 

 

 

“Now we didn't have to fall, but we fell in love to the bottom, babe.

No one's there to catch us like when you fell from heaven that day.

 

People always staring, but I don't even care nothing about it, babe.

'Cause since I saw your face, I've been staring just the same.”

 

 

 

“I’ll always be the big cheese-ball to your touchy cabbage kid.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“So where is our next stop ?” 

 

 

“Don’t this remind you of our first date ?” 

 

 

 

Wendy chuckles, “So it’s a date after all.”

 

 

 

“What ? It isn’t ?”

 

 

“I had been denying while Taeyeon-unnie kept teasing me that day. But I hoped it was deep inside.”

 

 

“Sometimes I am surprised that there are already so many memories for us.”

 

 

“Don’t be. There will be more.” 

 

 

 

Irene playfully smacks the snowman’s head and tells her an address.

 

 

She then proceeds on taking a glimpse of Wendy’s wrist which is on the wheel.

 

 

 

There is a bracelet with an unicorn pendant. 

 

 

The same one hanging down from her own neck.

 

 

 

Irene cracks a lopsided grin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I am ready.” 

 

 

Wendy takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.

 

 

 

“What ? What do you think I would do ?”

 

 

“I don’t know. Slap me ? Kick my ?”

 

 

 

“If I really wanted to, Irene-unnie is here.”

 

 

 

Wendy turns to her left and meets a possessive Irene she expected. 

 

 

 

Suzy props her chin on her palms, “Seriously, I was mad. But I was mad because you guys lied to me. Not you guys are together.”

 

 

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

 

 

Wendy and Irene mutter the exact same word at the exact same time in the exact same tone.

 

 

 

Suzy giggles, “Now what ? Is it a tease ?”

 

 

 

The two look at each other and Wendy gestures Irene to speak first this time.

 

 

 

“We didn’t know how to break it down to you. It’s not that we didn’t trust you. The less people know, the better.”

 

 

 

Suzy raises her hand up like a kindergarten student, “But I am really curious, how did you manage to do that collaboration with me ? Shouldn’t you be angry ? I like her too and we are working together to bring her down.”

 

 

 

Irene shrugs, “Love taught me to be patient. Especially when your girlfriend had to leave you for a month soon after you got official. And life doesn’t simply give you a choice. I wasn’t ready.”

 

 

 

“I didn’t have a choice but left neither, Joohyun-ah.” Wendy protests whining. 

 

 

 

She soon turns to the younger Bae.

 

 

“So, would you hate me from now on ?”

 

 

 

Suzy looks down and plays with the napkin, “Nope. And I would still like you.”

 

 

 

Irene immediately perks up. 

 

 

 

“Easy, unnie. But I won’t be a er or third wheel in any sense. I have no intention to snatch her away from you. But if you do her wrong, it will be a different story.”

 

 

 

“It’s very nice of you. Really.” Wendy smiles in relief.

 

 

 

“It’s only because I can see the bond of you two are strong and my adoration towards you is not deep. I don’t want to be the antagonist. Oh, maybe I meet the right people in the wrong timing.”

 

 

 

Irene’s gazes are getting strong and Wendy has to smoothen her back.

 

 

 

“Maybe I am not the right people.” 

 

 

Wendy feels sweat coming down and laughs dryly.

 

 

 

“You’d better not be so many people’s right people.” 

 

 

Irene sighs and tries to shake off her possessiveness. 

 

 

 

“Don’t worry unnie, you look cute when you are jealous.” 

 

 

Suzy finishes with a wink.

 

 

 

“Yah, don’t you try to switch your target on her.” 

 

 

Wendy pouts and dramatically wraps her arms around the eldest girl in the room.

 

 

 

The three laugh again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Tell me what are you up to.” Wendy asks on the passenger seat.

 

 

“You’ll see.” 

 

 

 

“When did you get the license ?”

 

 

“When you were not around, nagging like my grandma.”

 

 

 

“Bae Joohyun.”

 

 

 

“Of course, I like you nagging me.”

 

 

“That’s better.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy is led by a thrilled Irene, and she finds herself in a concert hall. 

 

 

 

“What are we doing here ? It’s just us, and there’s no concert here tonight. So wh-”

 

 

“Seungwan, I love you. But can you just stop nagging for a second ?”

 

 

 

Wendy juts her lips and continues to follow her girlfriend like a puppy.

 

 

 

But it’s okay too.

 

 

Everything is okay now.

 

 

They no longer need to be consolidate at every step, every day.

 

 

 

Wendy had been pondering over whether she should pull off that move since she was asked to go back to the States.

 

 

It’s all or nothing.

 

 

She was thinking perhaps gambling with Irene’s love would be such a disgrace.

 

 

But perhaps as they were bogged down in a situation where they were told to drift farther apart, Irene would also agree to take a risk with her.

 

 

 

Wendy smiles to herself that she has faith in this Daegu bae called Bae Joohyun.

 

 

And so has Irene.

 

 

 

Speaking of which, Irene has led her one and only cheese-ball hamster Seungwan to an empty concert hall.

 

 

 

“Don’t you copy my idea.” 

 

 

Wendy stops at the middle of the audience seating.

 

 

 

“I am not.” 

 

 

Irene turns around and raises her chin.

 

 

 

“Then what’s your plan ? Bringing me here ? Don’t tell me we are having dinner.”

 

 

“Watch me.”

 

 

 

The older girl has summoned her inner 5-year-old out and now she is hopping towards the stage, just like a kid ready to see Santa.

 

 

 

She seems so confident, she seems so excited.

 

 

Wendy nearly forgets she is the one who is going to receive a surprise.

 

 

 

Irene pulls a small cart to the centre of the stage and adjusts the spotlight.

 

 

 

Wendy squints her eyes and identifies it is a karaoke machine. 

 

 

She keeps grinning seeing what is this kid up to.

 

 

 

The 25-year-old kid flashes another smile to her only audience and turns on the machine, which is connected to the big screen of the hall.

 

 

 

Wendy looks at the projected images and grins so wide that it hurts.

 

 

 

“What the heck, Bae Joohyun ? You are going to sing my song ?”

 

 

 

“Can’t I ?” 

 

 

 

Irene makes a funny face before holding up a mic to her lips with her solemn face.

 

 

 

 

Wendy just stands on her original spot, on the aisle, the middle of the hall, looking up.

 

 

 

 

Bae Joohyun doesn’t have the nicest voice, but it’s the best for Son Seungwan.

 

 

Her English isn’t accurate, but it’s perfect for Son Seungwan.

 

 

Her pitch is shaky sometimes, but it hits right into the heart of Son Seungwan.

 

 

 

 

It’s something called, effort.

 

 

It’s something called, love.

 

 

 

Although using someone’s song to serenade her back is not the wisest idea, Wendy feels incredibly proud right now.

 

 

Both for herself writing these songs, and for her Bae who is trying her very best to sing those songs.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, everything is okay now.

 

 

 

“Now don't it seem like these days,

That everybody's got something to say.

But I don't pay attention to the talk, babe.

 

And I don't really care if they stop and stare,

'Cause they see my number one,

My number one girl.”

 

 

I'm in love with that girl,

So don't be mad at me.

 

 

I'm in love with that girl,

And she told me, that she's in love with me.”

 

 

 

Wendy is enjoying being the little audience to this star.

 

 

Too bad her songs don’t have fan-chants.

 

 

Or else, she would have screamed her lungs out like her fans do. 

 

 

 

 

“Not bad, right ?”

 

 

“I suggest we go home and practice more.”

 

 

 

 

Wendy claps while Irene jumps off the stage.

 

 

 

 

“Well, it’s not very romantic.”

 

 

“Then what should I do ? Walking down the stage and sing to your face like you did ? I am not you.”

 

 

 

Wendy is taking a step back as Irene takes a step forward.

 

 

 

“Still, it’s not romantic, kid.”

 

 

“Teach me how to be romantic.”

 

 

 

Irene sees they are reaching the exit and fastens her pace.

 

 

 

“I didn’t say you have to be. It’s my job.”

 

 

“Why didn’t say something else ? Like I think you sang very well ? I appreciate your effort ? I love you ?”

 

 

 

Wendy pauses and spreads her arms, “Look, you knew. What the use of me saying these all over again ?”

 

 

 

Irene gladly throws herself into that warm embrace which warms her up from the first time, “You are a romantic freak, aren’t you ? It’s your job to say these.”

 

 

 

“Okay.”

 

 

 

Wendy places her head on Irene’s shoulder.

 

 

 

“You have sung very beautifully, Bae Joohyun.”

 

 

“I like your voice, and your English particularly.”

 

 

“Thank you for singing these to me. My songs.”

 

 

“You’ve made me proud.”

 

 

“I love you.”

 

 

“I am your forever fan, Irene.” 

 

 

 

“It’s a promise so I seal it with a kiss.”

 

 

 

Irene pulls away a little, smirking. 

 

 

“That’s better. But aren’t you my fan already ? Even before you literally met me ? You said it yourself that night.”

 

 

 

“Yes.” Wendy nods. “I was drunk but I was telling the truth.It’s just I had never imagined there would be us, and we are together so openly now.”

 

 

 

“Seungwan, did you believe in fairytales when you was young ?”

 

 

 

“No.”

 

 

 

Irene frowns, wondering what cheesy lines would come from Wendy’s mouth again, “But you are a romantic freak !!!”

 

 

 

“Did you, Joohyun ?”  Wendy throws the ball back.

 

 

 

“I did. I still do. It’s just…… I realized it doesn’t necessarily take a prince or a knight in shinning armor for a princess in a happy ending. So I believe in fairytales, I believe in love.”

 

 

 

“Well, I believe in love too, true love. But not fairytales and happy endings.”

 

 

 

“Explain to me, Seungwan.” Irene pokes the girl like a cat reaching out its paw.

 

 

 

Wendy, on the other hand, tilts her head cutely like a puppy.

 

 

“It doesn’t need a happy ending to witness true love. True love doesn’t have endings, pabo.”

 

 

 

“So we don’t have an ending ?” 

 

 

Irene is getting used to these lines and throws a questions to her Seungwan.

 

 

 

“We might one day, everyone do. But our love won’t.”

 

 

 

“You should try scriptwriting one day.” 

 

 

 

“Yeah….. I nearly bit my tongue. I am only saying these to you so cherish it.”

 

 

 

“I do. And you, don’t scratch my heart too.”

 

 

 

“Awwwwwww, it’s a good one, Joohyun-ah~~~~~”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So here comes Do you wanna build a snowman hahaha

cheshire95 you made me laugh with your comment.

 

And it's indeed right too, since our Olaf is melting with Baechu's cheesiness lol

 

Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter and have a good day :D

Thanks for your suport and love along the way.

 

p.s. if you owe a Tumblr/Twitter/Instagram fan a/c, I'd follow you ^^ just let me know

I have been thinking promoting my stories in other platforms too.

 

xo