“Tiffany! Tiffany! Hey over here!”

Tiffany was exiting the airport when she heard another girl call for her

“Oh Yuri!” Tiffany exclaimed when she saw the tall black haired figure

“Welcome back to Korea. Still can’t believe it’s been three years” Yuri sighed as she gave Tiffany a tight hug

“Hehe. Yeah. Three years” Tiffany struggled out of her grip

Yuri however didn’t let go

“I’m sorry to hear about... you know” Yuri mumbled into Tiffany’s ear

“It’s okay... No one’s perfect” Tiffany smiled as she patted Yuri’s back

Yuri pulled away and looked into Tiffany’s eyes

“When will you be admitted?”

Tiffany shrugged

“I should probably go as soon as possible”

Tiffany could see the sadness in Yuri’s eyes

“I’m sure there will be someone soon. Just, have to wait” Tiffany reassured

Yuri nodded twice before returning a smile

“Well let’s get you rested. I’m sure you’re tired from your trip” Yuri beamed as she took Tiffany’s luggage and headed for her Mercedes in the car park

Tiffany gave a bright smile as she fixed her hair and entered the passenger seat

 

 

 

 

“Where you going Tiff?” Yuri asked as she saw Tiffany walking out the door with her luggage

“Like I said. The sooner the better” Tiffany answered back with a nervous smile

Yuri came up to give Tiffany another hug

“I’ll come and visit” Yuri whispered

“Thanks” Tiffany mumbled through Yuri’s embrace

“Do you want me to take you?” Yuri pulled Tiffany from her arms

“No thanks. I’m visiting a place first.” Tiffany answered as she began to walk out

“I’ll see you tomorrow” Yuri said sadly

“Thanks” Tiffany called back before entering the taxi which was waiting for her outside

 

 

The taxi pulled up at a restaurant where Taeyeon had taken Tiffany before. It had changed quite drastically. It was renovated now to look like a high class private restaurant. There was even a bouncer in the front controlling the people.

“Wow” Tiffany exclaimed

“Psst. You want to get in faster?” A figure beside Tiffany whispered

Tiffany jumped at the sudden noise beside her. She looked over to see a boy with an oversized hoodie covering his cap. He was wearing simple clothing and yet still looked fashionable

“Emm. I just wanted to visit and ask a few questions that’s all” Tiffany replied

“Okay then. Come with me” The figure said proudly as he grabbed Tiffany’s hand and dragged her to the front

Tiffany began to panic and pulled her hand away

“Don’t worry I’m only taking you inside. Once in there I’ll let you do whatever you like” the boy reassured as he walked up to the bouncer

The bouncer seemed to recognise the boy and opened the door for him. He then waved at Tiffany to follow

“She’s with me” the boy said to the bouncer

The bouncer nodded as he escorted Tiffany inside

As Tiffany entered the restaurant she saw that the inside was warm and decorated in expensive decor

“Okay see you later” the boy said as he disappeared to the counter

Tiffany stood there awestruck at the changes the once small restaurant had gone through

“Table to one miss?” a girl asked

“Emm. I’m wondering who the manger here is” Tiffany said hesitantly

The girl was staring at Tiffany sceptically

“You seem familiar” the girl mumbled to herself

Tiffany smiled nervously as she took a good look at the girl. She looked oddly familiar too

“Yoona?” Tiffany exclaimed when she recognised who it was

“You’re Taeyeon’s hospital buddy aren’t you?” the girl exclaimed back

“Yoona what are you doing?” another girl came up and scolded

“Oh, sorry to keep you waiting. Table for one?” the girl apologized and offered

Tiffany shook her head

“Hyoyeon look! It’s Taeyeon’s buddy. You know, the one who was filled up like a water balloon” Yoona said as she pointed at Tiffany

Tiffany smiled at the memory of Taeyeon’s description

“Ohhhhhhh. Water balloon! Long time no see! Come come. You have to meet Timmy” Hyoyeon said as she dragged Tiffany along

Tiffany frowned at her new found nickname as Yoona and Hyoyeon dragged her into the kitchen

“Timmy! Water balloon is here!” Hyoyeon yelled

“Water balloon?” a deeper voice called out

“Taeyeon’s buddy” Yoona explained

“OH!” the deeper voice exclaimed

Not long after that a figure emerged from the hot steam of the cooking food

“My my my. It’s nice to see you again... ermm... T-T-Talia?” the man struggled to remember Tiffany’s name

“Tiffany” Tiffany corrected with a smile

“Ah sorry Tiffany. It’s just been a long time you see” the man apologized

“Timmy want us to make the food?” Hyoyeon offered

“Oh yes please” Timmy said as he moved out of the way

“So how you been?” Timmy asked Tiffany

“Great. I haven’t been in Korea for about 3 years now” Tiffany smiled

“Oh. That’s why you didn’t come visit. I was starting to think you didn’t like the food” Timmy pouted

“Ew. Gross” a voice boomed from behind Tiffany

Tiffany turned around to see the boy who helped her before

This time Tiffany didn’t see a boy. It was actually a girl

The girl took off her hood and her cap and gave Timmy a smile

“Well that’s not nice Taeyeon” Timmy put his hands on his waist

“Taeyeon?” Tiffany whispered as she took a closer look at the girl

“Oh it’s you. Hello” the girl greeted

Timmy came from behind the girl and smacked the back of her head

“Ow! What was that for?” the girl exclaimed

“It’s water balloon! Don’t you recognise her?” Timmy scolded

The girl raised her eyebrow as she took a closer step towards Tiffany.

“Hmmm” the girl pondered

Tiffany started to panic

The girl stare was too intense

Then, out of nowhere. The girl pulled a weird face

Timmy once again hit the back of her head as the girl fell forward

“Rude!” Timmy exclaimed

“You’re destroying my brain cells by doing that you know. You probably did that to Yoona. That’s why she ended up the way she is now” the girl complained

“Hey!” Yoona came from the kitchen holding a pan and aiming for the girl

Tiffany smiled at the three arguing and the girl caught sight of this

“Tiffany!” the girl exclaimed as she ran to hug her

Tiffany stumbled back a few steps from the impact

“I’d recognise those eye smiles anywhere. Remember me? It’s me Taeyeon” the girl said impatiently

Tiffany giggled at her impatience

“Long time no see Taeyeon” Tiffany answered back

Taeyeon then stepped back from the hug and frowned at Tiffany

“Yeah. Long time” she gave an accusing look

Tiffany gulped. She knew what Taeyeon was implying

“Give the girl a break. She came back from America not too long ago” Timmy chuckled as he pat Taeyeon’s back

“Oh” Taeyeon said as she softened her expression

“Well that’s understandable then” Taeyeon smiled as she gave Tiffany another hug

As the night went on it was time for them to leave

“Hope to see you sometime” Taeyeon called out before disappearing into the night

“Oh em... Bye” Tiffany didn’t have enough time to say anything before Taeyeon was out of sight

Tiffany took a deep breath as she started making her way to the hospital

 

 

 

“Oh. Tiffany Hwang right? We’re expecting you” the nurse said

Tiffany gave a nervous smile as the nurse walked her to her new room

As they were walking they heard people quarrelling

“I’m sorry. I got caught up. I met an old friend. Please don’t punish me”

Tiffany recognised the voice

As they were walking closer and closer to the two people Tiffany recognised the two

“Oh Taeyeon” Tiffany exclaimed

The two people looked over to Tiffany who had interrupted them

“Tiffany. Hi” Taeyeon said as she ran over to her

Tiffany looked at the other person. It was the nurse, Sooyoung

“Oh. Long time no see” Sooyoung greeted

The nurse which was escorting Tiffany went up and gave Taeyeon a flick to the head

“Did you sneak out again?” the nurse narrowed her eyes

Taeyeon hid behind Tiffany and nodded nervously

Sooyoung let out a chuckle

“You’re doomed Taeyeon” Sooyoung commented

Taeyeon gulped and nodded

“Out of all the people it had to be HellSica” Taeyeon sighed

“HellSica?” Tiffany raised her eyebrow

Taeyeon nodded as she pointed to the nurse

“Jessica Jung. The most evil nurse in all of Korea” Taeyeon whispered

Sooyoung let out a laugh

“Come now Taeyeon. Stop scaring her and go back to your room” Sooyoung said as she dragged Taeyeon’s ear

“Ow! Ow! Owwww! This isn’t how you treat a patient” Taeyeon complained as she went back to her room

Tiffany finally had a thought

“Taeyeon is still here after three years?” Tiffany asked herself

Jessica caught part of Tiffany’s sentence and gave a sigh

“She won’t stay here for much longer though” Jessica said before walking off again

Tiffany raised her eyebrow

“Oh that’s good” Tiffany smiled as she caught up

Jessica stopped walking and gave Tiffany a questionable look

Obviously understanding that Tiffany had misunderstood she sighed

“Here’s your room” Jessica said as she opened a door

“Thanks” Tiffany thanked as she put her things inside

“Have a good night’s rest. The doctors will come and talk to you tomorrow” Jessica said before she walked out again

Tiffany took a deep breath as she set her stuff down

“My new home” Tiffany said as she got ready to get to sleep

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Okay. Thanks doctor” Tiffany said after the doctors explained her condition

“As soon as we have a compatible donor we will start the operation. For now, stay here and we’ll monitor your condition” the doctor repeated before he hung the clipboard on the side of the bed and walked out

Tiffany sighed

“Out of all the diseases I could have got, it had to be a heart disease” Tiffany whispered to herself

“Psst”

Tiffany raised her eyebrow at the noise

“Over here”

Tiffany looked at the door to see Taeyeon standing there

“I didn’t know you were admitted here” Taeyeon said as she walked up and took the seat next to her

“Yeah... I was going to tell you last night but you left before I could” Tiffany smiled

“Ohhh” Taeyeon exclaimed

“Mianhe. I was already late and I knew Jessica had her shift that night so I rushed” Taeyeon laughed nervously

Tiffany giggled

“It’s okay”

Taeyeon sat there drawing imaginary circles on the bed with her finger

“So how was it in America?” Taeyeon suddenly asked

“Great... I guess... very different from here” Tiffany answered

“So I’ve heard. I wish I could see it” Taeyeon smiled sympathetically

“I’m sure you will get to see it. I can call my family to take you around” Tiffany offered

Taeyeon gave a slow shake of the head

“It’s okay. I don’t think I’ll be able to go”

Tiffany stared at Taeyeon curiously

“I can’t go because Sooyoung would miss me too much” Taeyeon explained

Tiffany tilted her head to the side

“Haha. Don’t worry about it” Taeyeon chuckled

Tiffany nodded slowly

“So is your mom being over protective again?” Taeyeon asked

Tiffany sighed

“No, actually I have a reason to be here”

“Oh. I see” Taeyeon awkwardly looked down

“Well I hope you get well soon” Taeyeon gave an awkward smile

Tiffany smiled back but it didn’t last long

“I highly doubt it” Tiffany suddenly said

Taeyeon stared up into Tiffany’s eyes

“Oh I’m sorry.” Taeyeon apologized

“It’s okay” Tiffany reassured

There was an awkward silence after that

“Aren’t you going to ask?” Tiffany suddenly broke the silence

Taeyeon just smiled at her sweetly

“It’s not my business. If you want to tell me you want to. I’ll be sure to listen” Taeyeon explained

Tiffany smiled at Taeyeon’s response

“Thanks”

 

 

Two weeks later

 

“And then Yoona completely drenched the guy in hot ramen coup” Taeyeon then burst out into laughter

Tiffany joined her as well

“Taeyeon. Taeyeon!” a nurse called out

Taeyeon let out a groan

The door then opened and Sooyoung stepped in

“Time for your tablets” Sooyoung said as she held up a small container

“I really don’t see a point in drinking them Soo” Taeyeon whined

Sooyoung gave a sad smile

“Well I do. Now come before I tie you down”

Taeyeon then slowly dragged herself off Tiffany’s bed and lazily took the container from Sooyoung’s hands. She tipped out the container and out came four pills. Taeyeon then quickly popped them into and washed it down with water

“Oh. Eugh. It doesn’t get any better each time” Taeyeon said with disgust

Sooyoung patted her back before taking the container and walking out

Tiffany had seen this scene many times when Taeyeon came over to visit her. She was desperately trying to figure out what was wrong with Taeyeon but didn’t have the nerves to ask

Taeyeon saw the confusion in Tiffany’s eyes and smiled reassuringly

“I’ve got Emphysema. It’s a disease which makes it difficult for me to breathe. My family are always busy so they really can’t take care of me. So they sent me here, with Sooyoung in charge” Taeyeon suddenly said

Tiffany stared at Taeyeon

“I’ve been here 8 years before you came till now. Like I said, here is my second home” Taeyeon smiled

Tiffany’s jaw dropped

“11 years....” Tiffany whispered

“That’s half of my life” Taeyeon chuckled trying to lighten the mood

Tiffany remained silent

“Isn’t there a cure?” Tiffany whispered

Taeyeon rested her chin against the side of her bed

“For now, no. The tablets that Sooyoung give me are supposed to help me” Taeyeon then started drawing circles on the side of the bed again

Tiffany recognised that Taeyeon would do that whenever she felt uneasy or nervous

“I really shouldn’t be walking out and about... but the room is just too quiet by myself. It’s also why they are so against me going out to Timmy’s restaurant”

“Does Timmy and the others know?” Tiffany asked

Taeyeon nodded, her chin scrunching up against the bed as she did

“They were against me as well at first. But I told them I wanted some time away from all the trouble and stress. Made me relax every once in a while. Eventually they gave up and accepted me”

The awkward silence then took over the room

Tiffany then took Taeyeon’s hand and lifted it up to her chest. She giggled at Taeyeon’s bewildered expression

“Relax. Can you feel it?” Tiffany asked as she pressed Taeyeon’s palm against her chest

Taeyeon and Tiffany remained silent for a while

“Your heart beat?” Taeyeon broke the silence

Tiffany nodded slowly

“My heart has a weak valve. I was diagnosed with this a while ago when I experienced a heart attack. The only way I can be cured is if I have a new heart donor. I transferred to Korea because they have the smallest waiting line” Tiffany explained

“Oh... I’m sorry” Taeyeon said slowly

“It’s not your fault, there’s no need to apologize” Tiffany chuckled

The silence took over the room again

“Wait here. I’ll go ask the nurses something” Taeyeon said as she got up and ran out to the door

Tiffany sighed and smiled at Taeyeon’s sudden burst of energy

“She really is energetic for someone who has a lung disease” Tiffany whispered to herself

Just as she finished she saw Taeyeon running back into the room and hiding beside her bed

“What is it?” Tiffany asked, bewildered

“Jessica...” Taeyeon whispered as she pointed at the door

Soon enough Jessica came through the door with a mad look on her face

“Where is she?” Jessica growled

Tiffany took a peek at Taeyeon to see her shaking her head

“Where’s who?” Tiffany asked innocently

“Taeyeon. Who else would I be looking for?” Jessica said back angrily

Tiffany was taken aback by Jessica’s harshness

Jessica saw Tiffany’s surprised expression and let out a sigh as she calmed herself down

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I swear Taeyeon is going to get it when I find her” Jessica mumbled to herself as she went to find her

Taeyeon gave a sigh of relief when she heard Jessica leave

“Is there a reason why she’s chasing you?” Tiffany asked curiously

“...” Taeyeon averted her eyes

“I can call her back any time you know” Tiffany threatened with an evil smirk

“NO!” Taeyeon yelled

Tiffany smiled at Taeyeon and waited for her response

“I... was supposed to get my check-up yesterday... I kinda got Jessica... ahem... lost?” Taeyeon raised her eyebrow and shrugged her shoulders at the last word

Tiffany stared at Taeyeon with disbelief

“Got you!”

Taeyeon felt something grab onto the back of her shirt and start pulling her out

Tiffany’s jaw dropped when she saw who was pulling Taeyeon

“Jessica... Hey...” Tiffany said nervously

Taeyeon gulped, sensing the dark, evil aura surrounding Jessica as she was dragged down the hallway

Tiffany got off her bed and ran to the door as she watched the scene unfold

“You got me more then lost. You left me in the middle of an alleyway with nothing but a phone that had 15 minutes of batteries left” Jessica growled

“I.. I... I didn’t mean it” Taeyeon stuttered as she tried to free herself

Jessica kept her grip firmly on Taeyeon’s shirt

“Where’s the complaint box! This is unfair treatment of patients! Your boss shall hear about this!” Taeyeon yelled as she struggled from Jessica’s grip

Jessica smirked

“Sorry the complaint box isn’t for annoying brats who make our jobs harder”

Taeyeon let out a whine as Jessica dragged her into the check-up room

“Don’t lock the door” Taeyeon cried out

To her dismay she heard the door click behind her

Tiffany watched from the outside as she saw Sooyoung put a lock onto the door

“It’s all good. We won’t need to play cat and mouse today” Sooyoung said aloud

Tiffany noticed that all the nurses and even doctors sighed with relief. She then bit her lower lip as a giggle escaped her lips

“I see she’s caused quite a record for herself” Tiffany smiled as she returned to her bed