Taeyeon heard birds chirping outside his window long before his alarm went off.

     It promised to be a beautiful day, but it wasn't starting out the way for him.

     This hard cot was giving him aches and pains in muscles he didn't even know he had.

     This days, he was going around with a permanent crick in his back.

     He headed for the bathroom, but since Jessica was already there showering, he made his way to the kitchen instead and put on the coffee.

     He was setting the table when she came out in her Terry robe, her hair wrapped in a towel.

     She looked cute as a button.

     In old days, they would have fun little skirmish with the towel and ended up back in the bedroom. But no more.

     "Your turn," she said.

     "Do you want oatmeal or eggs? Or both?"

     "Both. But you go take your shower. I'll fix them after I get dressed."

     "Sounds good to me." As he pass her, he flicked the towel. "You look cute, babe."

     She laughed. "Right. No makeup. My hair in a turban. If this is cute, you need glasses."

     "So I like the natural look." He took a step then winched and drew in a sharp breath.

     Jessica's brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"

     He reached back and rubbed the small of his back. I don't know how much longer I can take it." He wasn't talking just about the cost now, but that was another story.

     She gav