When Tiffany saw her for the first time, she was with the other newcomers taking the freshman orientation. She seemed so young and small to be in university. When Tiffany saw her for the first time, she couldn’t help but think that the friend she was speaking to was very attractive.

When Tiffany greeted her for the first time, Taeyeon seemed so shy and nervous to even articulate a word. Tiffany didn’t know if Taeyeon was like this with everyone she first met. Her hands where sweaty and she seemed on the verge of throwing up. It didn’t stop Tiffany from shaking her hand, sweaty and all, and giving a dazzling smile along with a giggle. The girl was unintentionally amusing.

When Tiffany spoke to her for the first time, she had become a tutor for Taeyeon’s English class, as it was obligatory for all students, regardless of the course they took, to learn English. They met at the latter’s house. They spoke. They joked, but barely did what they were supposed to do. Even with the infinite amount of distractions at their learning sessions, Taeyeon aced the subject, though. They went for celebratory ice cream afterwards.

When Tiffany first talked to Taeyeon informally, she had conflicting emotions. She felt awkward, as she would feel with speaking informally for the first time to someone she hasn’t known for long. However, when she heard Taeyeon’s deep voice speaking to her the same, she felt a weird feeling in her stomach. It felt, right, for the lack of a better word, like it was natural for them to be comfortable around each other. She didn’t question her heart’s flutter, though.

When Tiffany called Taeyeon with a nickname for the first time it was unintentional. They were fighting for the pleasure (please note the sarcasm) of telling the vice principal that they had broken the washing machine with another pointless fight again. At one point, they started to use pillows to vocalize their disagreement. It finally came to a point where a sore-armed Taeyeon relented, sulking slightly. Thank you, TaeTae. It came so naturally from her that she didn’t notice until Taeyeon pointed it out. She didn’t mind. That’s what friends do to call each other, right? That’s what she asked herself when warmth filled her body as Taeyeon responded with an equivalent. You’re welcome, Fany.

When Tiffany heard Taeyeon sing for the first time she could feel awe fill her entire body. While she knew Taeyeon was studying something related to music, she would have never thought that such voice could come from a small and awkward girl like her. The emotions her voice conveyed elevated the song to the heavens. It even filled her mind days after listening to it. When Tiffany heard Taeyeon sing for the first time, she saw the latter for the first time in a new light.

When Tiffany was asked out by Taeyeon for the first time, Taeyeon was even more nervous that when the first time they greeted each other, if it was possible. Her body was trembling like a leaf and she was avoiding her gaze. She hemmed and hawed through the speech and almost passed out in shock and happiness as Tiffany said yes. Taeyeon could barely believe it. Tiffany, though, couldn’t be happier. Finally, Taeyeon had understood the hints.

When Tiffany had her first date with Taeyeon, it was nothing short of cheesy. When Taeyeon was her friend, she would be a ball of goofiness and dorkiness enough for them both. As a date however, she was cheesy, to extreme measures. Her words, her attitude, her actions all were cheese. The suit Taeyeon wore, in hopes that Tiffany would feel more romanced, the empty ice cream parlor where they had the victory icy treat, the roses filling every spot of the parlor, and Taeyeon’s unending chivalry were one of the finest specimens of cheese. Tiffany didn’t mind, though. She had always been a fan of dairy.

When they had their first kiss as a couple, Tiffany was surprised. After their first date, Taeyeon had become shyer in their interactions, now being more cautious of her movements around her. She would jump a mile wide when any part of their skin touched. But after one of their weekend dates, when they were saying goodbye, Taeyeon kissed her out of the blue. She was surprised and stiff at first, but then she made the necessary movements to deepen the kiss. Sometimes Taeyeon could be a box full of surprises.

When they had their first year anniversary, Taeyeon was exhausted. A few days before their anniversary, Taeyeon had to leave to Jeonju to go to her grandmother’s funeral. She arrived again at Seoul the day of their anniversary at 4:00 am. As Tiffany opened the door for a sad and pensive Taeyeon to enter, the latter just sat down at the sofa, gestured Tiffany to join her and cuddled with her as they watched TV quietly. Even with the melancholy filling the atmosphere, Tiffany couldn’t help but to think that she wouldn’t have it any other way. Tiffany hoped with all her heart that this would last.