Chapter 1





“Thirty dollars short.”Taeyeon wanted to cry. Rent will be due tomorrow and she’s still short of funds, ‘This is pathetic! ’She thought to herself, ‘I’m already working two jobs and I still can’t make ends meet.’

The doorbell rang as a new customer walked into the restaurant where Taeyeon works. She immediately forgot about her financial difficulties when she saw an elegantly dressed young man walks in.

“Good evening, Sir.” Taeyeon greeted politely, barely stopping herself from drooling over the handsome customer.

“Table for one?” She said, hoping that this man didn’t have a date with him.

“That will be fine.” The man answered curtly.

‘Yes.’  Taeyeon thought gleefully, ‘No date, I get him all to myself. Besides, he looks like he can afford to leave a big tip.’

Giving her most friendly and kind smile, Taeyeon led the man to a secluded spot of the posh restaurant. After giving the menu and taking the drink order, Taeyeon walked away to give the customer time to decide on his dinner. She felt a little uneasy because she sensed that the man was studying her intently. She sneaked a look at the customer but he was busy studying the menu, ‘Taeng!’ She scolded herself, ‘Stop your over active imagination and concentrate on serving the customer! Remember, the better the service, the bigger the tip!’

“Are you ready to order?”

The man looked like he had made up his mind. He surprised her by giving a heart-stopping smile, “Yes, I’m ready but first, what’s your name?”

Taeyeon blushed furiously and shyly said, “Taeyeon. Kim Taeyeon.”

Taeyeon almost fainted as the man’s smile got even more brilliant, “It’s my pleasure to meet such a lovely lady.” 

The man said, “Tell me, are you seeing anyone?”

“That’s a little too personal, mister.” Taeyeon smiled as she answered the man, “Besides, I don’t even know your name.”

“That can be easily taken care of.” The man said, “My name’s Jiyong.” 


~

It’s been weeks since that fateful day when Taeyeon met her knight in shining armor at the restaurant. She would still get a warm fluttery feeling in her stomach every time she would recall what happened that night. She can’t believe he actually wanted to wait and take her home. Of course, not knowing the guy, she had refused. He actually even left a hundred dollar tip for his meal. Afterwards, he would arrive at five, when most of the crowd was gone and eat and chat with Taeyeon. He was always very polite, well-mannered and charming. After a week, she finally consented to go watch a movie with him on her only day off from both of her jobs. They had a great time.

Gradually, their relationship started to develop and Taeyeon felt she was in seventh heaven.

He started showing up when she would get off from work, usually with flowers and always with some food so that they can have dinner together at her apartment. She was apprehensive the first time he went to her place. She has a tiny apartment at the bad section of town but that was the only thing she could afford. She had done her best to make it as comfortable as possible. She knew that he was used to a more luxurious surrounding. Just seeing the way he dressed, the car he drove and of course that big tip, told her that he’s a very affluent person.

Aside from frowning when he saw what area she lived in, he didn’t show any other negative reaction and seemed to like her apartment.

“I’m sorry about all this mess.” Taeyeon had said, slightly embarrassed about her place.

“Don’t worry about it. I really like what you’ve done here; it’s very welcoming and cozy.” Jiyong had said, while looking around with appreciation.

Taeyeon was head over heels in love with him. She had never been serious with anyone before. She was innocent and had never been so earnestly courted and pursued. Yet, although they’ve been together for weeks and he had clearly shown that he was very interested in her, he still never even attempted to kiss her. She yearned to know more about him but he seemed very reluctant to talk about himself much. She was curious but always felt that he would eventually be more open with himself as they got closer.

“Taeng, you can go.” Said her boss, “I can see your boyfriend waiting impatiently for you.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Taeyeon hurried outside. Her eyes glowed as she spotted Jiyong.
He had been leaning on his green Audi R8 car and immediately straightened up when he saw Taeyeon crossing the street towards him. Jiyong smiled and said, “I’ve missed you.” Then, he gave her a single red rose that he had been hiding from her.

“Thank you.” Taeyeon lifted the rose and inhaled the sweet fragrance, “I just saw you last night, how could you miss me so soon?”

He gave her a look that made her want to frantically fan her face, “I know you’re tired. Let’s go back to your apartment so you can relax.” Jiyong said. Taeyeon loved that about him, always so caring and thoughtful.

“You look tired, too. I think you’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately.” Taeyeon was concerned because he was looking stressed. Taeyeon felt some unease as she sensed him drawing back. He seemed to do that every time she would show her care for him.

“I’m alright as long as I get to see you.” Jiyong tenderly touched her cheek.

“Wait, I forgot my purse.” Taeyeon said, and started to walk back to the restaurant, still distracted from the look he gave her.

“Taeng.” She felt him pull her back as a car almost hit her, “You shouldn’t be so careless.” and he hugged her like he would never let her go.

Still in shock, she automatically hugged him back, “You could’ve been killed.” Jiyong said hoarsely. Their eyes locked and slowly, his head lowered and his heart shaped lips touched hers.

Taeyeon’s toes started curling up. She had always wondered what it would feel like to be kissed and her imagination didn’t even come close to what she was feeling.

He deepened the kiss and held her closer to him. Finally, he whispered, “Are you alright?” Taeyeon gave a small nod.

“I’ll go get your purse, you stay in the car.” He kissed her one more time and made sure she was safe in the car before going back to the restaurant. Dinner that night was interesting at her apartment. They both tried to pretend that nothing happened but the tension was there. The conversation didn’t flow like it did before and both of them would forget to eat and just sit there, staring at each other, “It’s getting late.” Taeyeon finally said.

“Let me help you with the dishes.” Jiyong said.

Their hands touched. Suddenly, they were kissing, exploring each other. One thing led to another and soon, they were in Taeyeon’s room, getting to know each other in the most intimate way.

 

Taeyeon was resting her head on his chest, showering him with tiny kisses, “I love you.” She whispered.

She felt him tensed and was surprised by his answer, “Thank you.” and he hugged her closer. She chalked it up to guys being uncomfortable about revealing their emotions. Then, she innocently said, “I think it’s time to introduce you to my brother.”