What are you doing? You’re disturbing the customer!” Taeyeon scolded Taejin. “No. I was helping Doojoon ahjussi,” Taejin answered. “Mama, this ahjussi is the one that saved me.” “Is that true? I’m so sorry,” Taeyeon bowed. “Are you okay?” “It’s nothing. Don’t mention it,” Minho answered. “Mama, lets go. I have orders to make! Two pasta, two pasta,” Taejin then mentioned the food repeatedly as he held Taeyeon’s hand and walked to the kitchen. Minho looked at those mother and child in silence. And he sat back on his chair. Twenty minutes later, Minho, Taeyeon and Taejin were on the same table. They enjoyed pasta from their own plate. Minho couldn’t help but smile looking at Taeyeon and Taejin who ate from the same plate. And Taejin was right, the pasta is delicious. “It’s good, Taejin. Do you enjoy it too?” Minho said. Taejin didn’t answer. He busy eating until his mouth covered by sauce. “Aish, eat slowly Kim Taejin,” Taeyeon wiped Taejin’s mouth. “I’m full, Mama. You can have the rest.” “The rest of what?” Taeyeon looked at the almost empty plate and pouted her lips “You ate everything.” Taejin only grinned and he hopped off the chair. “Where are you going?” Taeyeon yelled. “I want to pee,” Taejin made a dork face and go to the toilet right away. ­­Taeyeon was speechless. She could only shake her head as she continued eating the rest of pasta. “He’s one smart boy,” Minho mumbled. “There aren’t many kids his age can talk so well like he is.” Taeyeon smiled awkwardly. “You taught him well, Taeyeon-ssi.” “Thank you,” she diverted the topic. “You’re really like the pasta?” “The pasta is good indeed. I prefer homemade food though. I rarely eat outside. I was about to cook this morning but,” Minho lifted his casted right hand, “you know, I just realized there are many simple things I couldn’t do with one hand. So, I only messed up my kitchen.” “I’m so sorry. Your hand is like that because of Taejin. I’m truly sorry,” Taeyeon pleaded. Minho corrected his saying immediately. “No no no. Don’t be mistaken. I don’t blame Taejin or the accident. It’s an accident, it’s just happened. This is not a problem at all. I have extra days off from the office which is good, I just wish there’d be food when I woke up in the morning,” Minho scratched back of his neck. “So, you come here often?” “Yeah, we’re coming here quite often since the owner of this place is…” “Taeyeon,” Doojoon stood near their table. Cut their conversation, “Taejin’s cloth. Wet, again. You never learn, aren’t you?” he chuckled. “Excuse me. I have to help Taejin,” Taeyeon went to the bathroom. Minho and Doojoon looked each other. “Are you,” Minho beckoned Taeyeon. “Her husband? Taejin’s father or something?” The one that questioned was surprised. He then shook his head. “No, I’m not.” “Oh, I’m so sorry. I thought since you seem close to her,” Minho lifted his two hands. “I’m sorry.” “It’s fine,” Doojoon muttered. “I wish I am.” Minho gave Doojoon a ‘what’s with this guy’ look, but he finally decided not to care. “I enjoyed your pasta.” “Thank you. Please continue your meal,” Doojoon bowed and left. Minho watched him left and added one spoonful of pasta to his mouth. “You’re a mess, Taejin,” Taeyeon shook her head seeing Taejin’s soaked cloth. “How many times do I have to teach you how to clean? Aigoo.” “The water is weird, Ma. It gushed so hard. I couldn’t control it,” Taejin gave an excuse. “Anyway, let’s just go home from now and change your cloth. Tell Doojoon we’re going home,” Taeyeon pushed Taejin to the cashier table. “Noona, you’re going home?” Dongwoon said. “Yeah, I have to change Taejin’s cloth. We’ll get going then,” Taeyeon waited Taejin to approach her and held his hand. “Dongwoon, Taeyeon and Taejin left already?” Doojoon was peered his head through the hole that connected between the cashier and kitchen. “Yes, just now,” Dongwoon continued reading magazine. Doojoon sighed. “Hyung,” Yoseob called him. “Are you okay?” Doojoon strucked and shook his head. “I’m fine. What’re you doing? Back to work!” he left Yoseob. Yoseob knew something’s bothering Doojoon because all of them were working and the one that didn’t work and stayed on the same spot was Doojoon. Minho just texted Tiffany when he saw Taeyeon and Taejin went out. He put his phone to the pocket and approached them. “Taejin, you’re a mess,” Minho laughed. “Don’t laugh at me, ahjussi. It’s because of the faucet.” “I thought you’re already left,” said Taeyeon. “I’m about to. Where’re you going anyway?” “Home, of course, I have to dry Taejin.” “I’m not your hair, mother. I don’t need to be dried!” Taejin yelled. “I won’t dry you with a hairdryer, Taejin. I will dry you with a towel. I will wipe you clean,” Taeyeon explained. “Where’s your home? I live around here too, you know? Around four blocks from here.” “Ummmm, we live around here too. Ten to fifteen minute walk.” “Let’s walk together then,” the three of them walked alongside each other. Sometimes Taejin got excited and ran preceded them and Taeyeon must warned him to not get too close to the street. “So, where do you work, Taeyeon?” Taeyeon was taken aback because of Minho’s question. First, because he didn’t know who she is or was, second, because he dropped – ssi particle when talked to her. “I teach dance and sing in Dreams Academy in front of the restaurant we ate earlier.” “Oh, I saw that. That’s great. It’s pretty big,” Minho saw the academy name board whilst had lunch earlier. “I bet you sing and dance so well, don’t you?” “Mama has the most beautiful voice in the world, ahjussi. You should listen to her songs!” Taejin responded. “Songs? You have your own songs? Are you like singer or something?” “I’m not that good. Sometimes I only recorded the song I sang for evaluation and stuffs,” Taeyeon didn’t lie. She really often recorded her own sings for teaching purpose “How about you? Where do you work?” “I work at the embassy, British Embassy. I’m from London, England.” “You’re not Korean?” it’s only natural Minho didn’t know about her. “I got that question quite often. Maybe I have to draw my family tree or something,” Minho chuckled “I am Korean. My father is a Korean-Irish, my mother is Japanese, I was born and grew up in England. So, I got British citizenship. It’s a little bit complicated.” “How could you get to Korea?” “I’d come here four or five years ago. Student exchanged program. I’m in love with this country ever since.” They talked and talked until finally Taeyeon reached her destination, Goyang Residence. “I live here. So…” “No way, you live here? Me too,” Minho exclaimed. “Really?” “Yes!” Minho took the stairs followed by Taeyeon and Taejin to the second floor. And they realized, their room was only separated by one door. Minho lived next to Taeyeon’s door. “What a pleasant surprise!” Minho laughed. “We’re neighbors now?” “I…I guess,” Taeyeon mumbled. “Great! Ahjussi live here too? We can play during the holiday?” Taejin uttered cheerfully. “Of course, you are welcomed to my flat anytime. Just come,” Minho messed Taejin’s hair. “Thank you for the treat, Minho-ssi.” “Uhm, Taeyeon. Can I ask you a favor?” Taeyeon was confused then answered warily. “Sure.” “Can you drop – ssi particle from my name? It makes me uncomfortable. I already dropped yours anyway. And we’re neighbors. I hope we can get closer.” Closer? Taeyeon muted. “As neighbors, of course, don’t take it wrong,” Minho corrected his words. Of course as a neighbor, Taeyeon thought. “Yes, of course, Minho.” “That’s better to hear,” Minho smiled. “Thank you Minho ahjussi!” Taejin peeked out from the door. Taeyeon pushed him back in. “Wait for me in the bathroom, Kim Taejin!” she screamed. “I have to clean him up, so I’m going to come in.” “Ya, go ahead,” Taeyeon then nodded and closed the door. Minho found himself smiling when remembering about Taejin. That kid was so smart and sociable. He talked so well for his age. Somehow, he could see little Lee Minho in Kim Taejin. He’s just like Taejin when in his age. Minho opened the door and got in happily. “Mama,” “Hmmm,” Taeyeon mumbled as she wiped soap from Taejin’s body. “Minho Ahjussi is so nice. He’s friendly, talkative and smart,” Taejin said “I like him.” “You like everybody who talked to you even when he/she was a stranger.” “Minho Ahjussi is different, Mama.” “Different? Like what?” “I don’t know. I just…like him a bit more than anyone else.” “More than you like me?” Taejin looked pondering. “You are even thinking about the one you like more between him and your mother?” Taejin grinned. “I like him but I love you.” Taeyeon smiled upon Taejin’s answer. “Yeah, he seems nice. Now, grab your towel!” Minho just finished showering when his doorbell rang. Misook Ahjumma must be coming, he thought. Minho opened the door and instead of Misook Ahjumma, he saw Tiffany standing in front of him, smiling widely. “Miss Hwang??!” “Hi, Mr. Lee,” Tiffany pecked Minho’s cheek and went inside. She put the shopping bags on the table and started to sort stuffs she brought. “What are you doing here?” Minho still looked at Tiffany wonderingly. “Is it wrong for me to visit my boyfriend?” Tiffany answered without budging from her stuffs. “It’s not like that. Didn’t you say you’d come tomorrow morning? I already asked Misook Ahjumma to come here tonight. You didn’t even call me.” Tiffany stopped her activity. “You don’t like it? I came to your flat?” “Hey, hey, hey,” Minho approached his girl. “Don’t get it wrong. I like it. I really like you came. But, it would be better you told me beforehand so I don’t need to ask Misook Ahjumma to come here,” he took an apple Tiffany just put and bite it. Tiffany glared to Minho. Make him thinking that eating an apple was a crime. “What?” “You should’ve washed it first, Mr. Lee. It’s dirty.” “It looked just fine for me,” Minho shrugged and took a look into all the shopping bags. Wheat bread, one pack of yoghurt, two boxes of milk, ham, broccoli, spinach, potatoes, cooking oil, eggs. But mostly were fruits and vegetables. “Did you just buy a whole supermarket?” he shook his head. “You bought all of these for me?” “Of course,” “Why?” Tiffany narrowed her eyes. “Why do you ask why? A simple thank you would be nice, though.” “Thank you, Miss Hwang. Thank you so much. I’m just confused. You’re not a type that went shopping alone. You couldn’t go shopping with your friends because they haven’t known about us. Why didn’t you ask me? Why did you buy all of these stuffs alone?” Tiffany forgot how observant his boyfriend was. He easily remembered all of Tiffany’s traits and behaviors. “It’s okay. I just thought it would be simpler if I went out by myself. And I bought many raw foods so you can cook all you want.” “You know I can’t cook, yet,” Minho smelled something in Tiffany. He knew that Tiffany wouldn’t act unusually if there wasn’t something going on. “You want to cook for me? Or we can cook together so you’d know a few simple recipes.” “You know,” Tiffany sighed. Minho knew he’s guessed correctly. “What is it?” “The thing is, I, I have to go tomorrow morning.” Minho gaped, “Tomorrow? Morning?! But isn’t that…” “Ya, our schedule was set for ten days from now. But the promotor wanted us to hold a fanmeet before a concert. So, there’re quite a lot to do in Europe.” “Really?” Minho threw himself to the couch and leaned. He took another bite on his apple. “Minho,” Tiffany held Minho’s hand and put her head on it. “You know I want to take care of you and be with you more than anything. But you know, I can’t do a thing about that.” Minho chuckled. “That’s fine with me. It’s your job. You should be professional. I would send you anyway if you decided not to go because of me.” Tiffany smiled. She held Minho’s arm tighter. When they’re chattering, the doorbell rang. Minho got up and opened the door. Misook Ahjumma stood before him. He almost forgot that he asked Misook Ahjumma to come because of Tiffany’s presence. “Ah, Misook Ahjumma,” Minho bowed right away. “Thank you for coming. I’m sorry for bothering you when you’re in grief.” Misook Ahjumma wagged her hands as her face never stopped glowing, one of her trademarks. “It’s fine. I know you need help,” she took off her coat and startled when she noticed Tiffany smiled to her. “Aigoo, you have a visitor, Minho? Am I interrupted?” Minho shook his head immediately. “Ah, nothing at all, Ahjumma. Her name is…” “Hello, my name is Hwang Mi Young, nice to meet you,” Tiffany bowed politely. “I never know you have such a pretty girlfriend, Minho-ah,” she patted Tiffany’s back. “You’re so lucky to have her.” “Thank you, ahjummoni,” Tiffany bowed again embarrassingly. “Alright then, I will use the toilet first and cleaning up the kitchen. Looks like you’re just shopped big time,” Misook Ahjumma went to the kitchen. After Misook Ahjumma gone, Minho looked at Tiffany wonderingly. “What?” Tiffany uttered. “Misook Ahjumma didn’t recognize you.” “Elders rarely watching TV and find out about idol. So, it’s normal.” “That’s why you gave her a fake name?” Minho lifted his brows. “Hwang Mi Young?” “That’s my real name,” Tiffany pushed Minho playfully. “It’s my Korean name. I will get this strange look from the elder if I introduced myself as Tiffany. They’ll think it’s too western.” Minho cackled. “Mi Young-ssi.” “Don’t ever call me like that. Ugh, I hate it!” Tiffany hissed. Minho laughed. “Why didn’t you tell me before about your Korean name, Mi Young-ssi?” “I said stop it! This is the reason I didn’t tell you. You’d only mock me and making fun of me,” Tiffany pouted. Minho still laughed. “Anyway, you came alone?” “Who would I with be? I came driving my manager unnie’s car. It’s less risky,” Tiffany then remembered something. “You remember about my friend that lives in here?” Minho nodded. “Yeah, I guess you ever talked about that friend. Why?” “You want to know her? I think this is a good time,” Tiffany said. “She’s the only one that already knew about us. You know, if you two knowing each other, you won’t do anything stupid while I’m abroad.” “Stupid? What do you think I am?” Minho snorted. Tiffany looked at her phone. Trying to find Taeyeon’s number. She called Taeyeon but the phone is off. “She doesn’t normally turn her phone off,” Tiffany mumbled. “She lives here?” “She said she lives in Goyang Residence. I personally haven’t come in to her apartment. We always meet in her workplace.” “What’s her name?” “I will introduce you later then.” “Why? I can’t even know her name?” “No. You’d be plotting someth