Oversight: I. Negligence
by maeumi

Taeyeon took another glimpse at the time when the person she has been waiting has yet to step out of the school gate. Each time Taeyeon looked out the window, an exasperated breath escaped through her lips. Her girlfriend had instructed her to be on time, but the latter isn't fulfilling the other half of their agreement. This makes Taeyeon want to leave instantly because she had just got off from work and she's unquestionably exhausted from it. It was troublesome enough that she still need to attend evening class later today, so Taeyeon was expecting to get some rest before that occur. From the way how things are right now, Taeyeon might not even be able to go home anytime soon, unless her girlfriend comes out soon.

About to give the latter a call, Taeyeon finally caught the presence of her elegant girlfriend that appeared to be taking her time to get to the parked coupe. Knowing that complaints will be useless, Taeyeon kept silent and continued waiting until the latter got into the car.

"Sorry, the professor wanted to talk to me after class," she explained once she had been situated on the seat beside the short driver.

"It's fine, Fany," Taeyeon replied unresponsively, quickly adjusting the gears and moved away from the gigantic campus.

"Are you mad, baby?" Tiffany asked, taking Taeyeon's freed hand when the vehicle came to a full stop in front of a red light.

"No, I'm just tired..."

Tiffany knew her lover is irritated by the way how her tone sounded and Taeyeon is constantly looking elsewhere than at her. She didn't mean to bother the older girl when she can get home by public transits, but Tiffany thought it will be a nice opportunity to spend the day together. The two haven't been able to go on dates together ever since school became busier and Taeyeon had gotten a promotion at the restaurant she works at. All she wanted was a contented date with her partner, not a lifeless and moody Taeyeon that's behaving like a child that doesn't even want to speak. Tiffany misses the times when they're younger and more carefree with the way how they spent each day.

"Fanyyy, look what I got you." Sneaking up behind her girlfriend, Taeyeon showed the bouquet of roses she bought for their first anniversary.

"I told you not to buy me roses anymore," Tiffany stated while receiving the flowers from the shorter one and turned around. "They only last a few days. It's a waste of money, TaeTae. You need to learn how to save, you know," she lectured once again whenever the latter use money on unnecessary purchases.

"But I have a job now and it's our anniversary," Taeyeon reasoned, disappointed that the Korean American doesn't appreciate her gift. "Don't you like it, mushroom?"

"I do, but we need to learn how to save." Taeyeon let out a defeated sigh and looked away, not knowing what else she could say back. "Are you mad, TaeTae?"

Shaking her head, Taeyeon looked at the latter and smiled, knowing that Tiffany is just doing this for their promising future. "Nah, why would I? I should be happy that you're helping me save, though you're the one that loves to shop all the time," Taeyeon chuckled, pinching her girlfriend's nose and then brought Tiffany into her arms.

Returning the same smile, Tiffany holds onto the older girl tightly and smooches Taeyeon's pale cheeks tenderly. "That's why you have to save so I can use it later on."

Taeyeon had changed tremendously ever since she had gotten a promotion at work. As her girlfriend, Tiffany understands that the latter has to take care of work and school at the same time. So, Tiffany tries to be less demanding and unreasonable compared to the past, because she doesn't want to give the older girl more headaches and troubles. She changed to be a better half for her lover, but all Taeyeon does nowadays is snap at her every now and then. It definitely bothered Tiffany that Taeyeon isn't willing to sacrifice for their lengthy relationship anymore.

"If you're mad, just say it. Stop keeping things to yourself. I'm your girlfriend, not some stranger," Tiffany stated bluntly, gaining the older girl's attention but the Korean American was unaware of it due to dissatisfaction.

Taeyeon began driving again and took her hand away from Tiffany to place it back on the steering wheel. She knew she had reacted wrongly again, but Taeyeon didn't take the initiative and apologize to her girlfriend. Thus, the entire ride was soundless and a tad uncomfortable for the couple. Neither wanted such silence to cast upon them, but it's unavoidable these days when the oldest isn't willing to open most of the time when a conflict occurred. Her tranquility is gradually making it harder for the Korean American to tolerate such behaviors, because Tiffany expect Taeyeon to express whatever is on her mind.

"Are you hungry? Do you still want to go eat before we head home?" Taeyeon asked, as if they haven't gotten into a disagreement beforehand.

"No. Just take me home," Tiffany replied directly, diverting her attention toward the opened window, still disheartened by the fact that Taeyeon disregarded her previously.

Sensing that her girlfriend is unhappy, Taeyeon knew she's receiving one of Tiffany's various silent treatments again. Letting out a defeated sigh, Taeyeon reached out for the younger girl's hand and gave it an assuring squeeze. Taeyeon didn't speak, nor did she plan to, but just want to hold onto her girlfriend's hand for the time being.

As much as she wants to pull away from Taeyeon's grip, Tiffany won't deny the fact that she misses the days when Taeyeon always hold her hand whenever they're in the car. How long has it been since they last had such a tight grasp on one another?

Way too long...

After another moment of silence, which was more comforting than compared to the previous ones, Taeyeon spoke up. "Do you want to get something to eat before we go home, baby?" she asked again, but in a sweeter tone that Tiffany would like to hear more often.

"I heard there's a new Japanese restaurant that has really nice bento boxes," Tiffany stated, shifting her gaze to the person beside her and smiled.

Taeyeon returned the smile and took a quick glance at her girlfriend before responding. "Let's go there then. We haven't eaten anything besides noodles lately."

Hearing how Taeyeon had also realized that they haven't had any luxury time together with their outings recently, Tiffany's smile became wider and planned a sof