A/N: A little confession here - it actually felt awkward to write the Tiffany x Hojoon scenes so rest assured, you wouldn't have to read too much of them throughout the story. Enjoy the chapter!

***

“So how are things between you and Tiffany?”

“There’s nothing between us.”

“You guys have been hanging out a lot recently.”

Yeah, and it’s making me like her even more, Taeyeon thinks.

“Yeah and leaving no time for us!” Sooyoung adds to what Sunny has just said.

“You’re the one who’s busy with school and your part-time job!” Taeyeon protests.

“Fine.” Sooyoung backs down. “But you know what I mean.”

“We’re just friends. She’s still Oppa’s girlfriend, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“Just a girlfriend, Taeng. You still stand a chance. It’s not like they’re married.”

“Even married couples can get a divorce, you know?”

“What Sooyoung just said.”

“You guys are evil for cursing them.”

“We’re stating facts, not cursing anyone.”

“I know you guys mean well.” Taeyeon sighs. “But I really don’t see us going further than the friends level. She doesn’t swing the same way, first and foremost.”

“And how do you know that? You asked?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? They’ve been dating for a month now. They wouldn’t have lasted this long if she doesn’t like him, no?”

“But you’ll never know if there are already conflicts between them,” Sooyoung states. “That is unless Tiffany tells you everything about their relationship.”

“That she hasn’t. I try not to talk about it as much as I can and I think she knows I’m avoiding that topic.”

“See? Like what Sooyoung said, you’ll never know.”

“But I really don’t see us going to the next level. It’s fine. At least I can still talk to her.”

“Isn’t that more torturing?”

“Beats not being able to talk to her, at least.”

“You’re a masochist.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that compliment,” Taeyeon replies in sarcasm. “Let’s go. Sooyoung and I have a class in ten minutes.”

===

Taeyeon feels a tap on her shoulder and turns. She smiles when she sees who the person is.

“Hi.”

“Hey. Done for the day?”

“Yup, finally.” Tiffany stretches. “Have you had lunch?”

“Not yet.”

“Wanna have lunch together?”

“Sure. I was feeling hungry. Cafeteria or somewhere else?”

“Somewhere else please. I’m kinda sick of the cafeteria.”

“Same. Outside it is. What would you like?”

“Why am I the one who’s always picking where we eat?” Tiffany asks. “I’m sure you have things you wanna have too.”

Because I prefer settling your craving than mine. “Not right now so you get to pick again.”

“I’m kinda craving Mexican food.”

“Mexican food…?”

“Have you never had it?”

Taeyeon shakes her head.

“Then you have to try it. Come on.”

Taeyeon lets the excited girl pull her along. “Did you drive today?”

“Not today. Hojoon Oppa drove me this morning.”

“Oh.”

Tiffany turns when she senses the lack of reply. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Taeyeon smiles lightly. “My car then.”

===

Taeyeon looks at the menu and frowns unconsciously. Okay, so what do I pick out of these…

Tiffany steals a glance at the girl across her and sees the furrowed brows. Cute.

“I give up.” Taeyeon sighs and places the menu on the table. “Can you do the ordering? I have no idea what these are.”

“Sure.” Tiffany chuckles. “Cheese?”

“Love it.”

“Beef or chicken?”

“No particular preference.”

“We’ll have both then. Do you like jalapenos?”

“I do.”

“Okay.” 

Tiffany lifts her hand up and a waiter approaches them within the next minute.

“Can we have a chicken taco, a beef taco and a cheese quesadilla please?”

“Sure. Any other orders?”

“That’s all. Oh, and can you separate the jalapenos?”

“Of course. The wait will be about fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The waiter bows, collects the menus and leaves.

“You don’t like jalapenos?”

“I’m allergic to them.”

“You should’ve told me.”

“It’s okay. You said you like them.”

“I would’ve said no if I knew about your allergy.”

“Why are you so nice to me?”

“W-what?” Taeyeon stutters. Am I being too obvious?

“Do you treat all your friends that well?”

“I… I do.”

Tiffany laughs. “Okay.”

Taeyeon swallows. Is the coast clear? I’m not exposed yet, am I?

“So how was your class today?”

Taeyeon heaves a sigh of relief when she hears Tiffany’s question. Coast is clear, I guess. “Same old.”

“Still working on your building drawings?”

“You know it.” Taeyeon chuckles. “You?”

“I have this assignment coming up and I’m still lacking of inspiration.”

“I’m sure you’ll get it soon. You’re a good designer.”

“Am I?”

“Based on what I’ve seen? Hell yeah.”

“Thank you.”

The food arrives and the both of them thank the waiter.

“So this,” Tiffany points at one of the plates. “Is a quesadilla. And these,” She points to the other plate. “Are tacos.”

“They look good.”

“They are good. Try it.”

Taeyeon takes a bite of the taco that Tiffany placed on her plate.

“Mm,” Taeyeon chews. “This is good.”

“Told you so.”

Tiffany is halfway through her taco when she starts to frown.

“Is something wrong?” Taeyeon asks when she sees the change of expression.

“I taste a jalapeno.”

“Quick, spit it out!”

Tiffany does as she was told and sees a small piece of green in it. “And I was right.”

“Are you okay? Do you need to see a doctor or something?”

“I’m fine. For now, at least.” Tiffany tries to lighten the atmosphere with a laugh. “Don’t worry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mmhmm. Now continue with your lunch.”

===

“So how was your Mexican food experience?”

“Super good.”

“No regrets?”

“Not at all.” Taeyeon buckles her seatbelt. “I’ll bring you to a doctor’s. Is there a clinic you go often?”

“You don’t have to. I’m okay.”

“But you wouldn’t be in a while.”

“I’ll be alright. I have the cream for it at home.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very. Sorry for having to trouble you again.”

“It’s no trouble really.” Taeyeon starts driving. “Or you can take it as a form of repayment for introducing me to Mexican food.”

Tiffany laughs. “Alright.”

A song comes on and Tiffany starts humming to it.

“You like this song?”

“Hojoon Oppa plays this singer’s album on his car so I hear this song quite often.”

“Oh.”

“Sorry.” Tiffany apologizes after half a minute of silence.

“What for?”

“I shou