[Chapter 5]

 

General Taeng's Totoro

 

 

A/N: Before you start reading, I just wanna let you know that this is a VERY long chapter! I hope you enjoy!

 

 

[Taeyeon's POV]

 

Today's the last day I get to spend with Fany before I have to leave for home. I hate leaving her for the holidays but my family really wants to spend time with me. Besides, she's not going to be completely alone, she's going to be with her mom! Still, a Christmas Day with Fany would be the best Christmas ever. Regardless, I better make this day count! It's my sworn duty as General Taeng to make sure this is the best Christmas Fany will ever have!

 

I managed a small fist pump of encouragement just before I heard the front door close. “So where are we going today TaeTae?” My eye smiling crush asked, quickly joining my side after locking the entry way to our apartment. More than half of our day was already spent with quality time together. We ate breakfast together and watched a couple shows on the couch. For lunch we ate at a nearby restaurant before going grocery shopping to stock up on food. Either way, I got to spend time with my crush.

 

For a moment I was in a trance, too busy looking at Tiffany up and down just once...or more. Eventually her question sank into my head. “We're gonna go last minute Christmas shopping today. Are you okay with that?” I shared a curious gaze with her as we walked up to my car.

 

The minute Tiffany heard the word 'shopping' her face lit up. “Neh! Where are we going?” She excitedly questioned while the both of us got into my four wheeled baby. I knew that whatever I was going to suggest, she was going to agree with. Just as long as it included anything cute or pink.

 

Before revving up the engine, I had to think for a moment on where we would be heading to. Yoona announced that she would be taking Seohyun to the mall so Yuri and I agreed that it would be off limits for us. Here came the hard part. That fangirl of Tiffany and I didn't exactly tell me where she was going. Aigoo. We should have thought this out better. Then again, what are the odds of us actually bumping into each other in Seoul when there's so many things to do here? That's when I finally thought of a place. Thankfully, it was somewhere that sold things both cute and pink. I gave my roommate and crush a small smile. “How about the plushie store?”

 

Just that much was enough to make Tiffany's voice go a few octaves higher in excitement. She constantly agreed to my suggestion and just like that we were headed to the place where we could both be kids again. I used buying something for my little sister as an excuse to head over there. Fany-ah thought it was cute that I was going to buy my sister something, but she also scolded me for waiting until the last minute. Aigoo Fany. If only you knew that I was secretly trying to buy you something.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, the plushie store has really gotten bigger since the last time I was here. Was this even the same place? It has the same store name so this has to be it. They must have made renovations while I was too busy with school. Fany-ah and I entered the plush filled shop and looked around in awe. There were aisles dedicated to different animals, different brands, and different movies. Each aisle was filled with countless toys, plushes, and stuffed animals. This has got to be a kid's paradise...or maybe that's just me.

 

“Hey TaeTae.” Tiffany's sweet voice rang in my head. I quickly turned to face her, watching her eyes take another glance around before landing on me. “I'm just wondering, but did you really forget to buy your little sister a present for Christmas?” Her eyebrows rose to try and intimidate me, but I just found it purely cute!

 

The look she was giving me was one that made me forget how to think straight. Thanks to this, I couldn't find myself to lie to her. Not even a simple 'Neh' came out! With that pause, I knew Tiffany knew I was lying. I hung my head and sighed with a smile. “Alright, you got me.” I put my hands up in a surrendering manner. “I bought her present weeks ago.” I rose my head to make eye contact with her, curious of what she would say.

 

In no time her eyes turned into happy crescent moons. “I knew it!” She giggled cutely. “And since we're being honest, I have to say that I forgot to buy you a gift for Christmas.” Her lips pursed shyly as her eyes wandered to the floor between us. Wait. What did she just say?! She...she forgot to buy me a gift? I had bought her a little pink purse the same time I bought my little sister something and yet here she is saying that she forgot to buy me something?! My mouth dropped open from her confession, too stunned to say anything.

 

However, I couldn't stay mad at her when I saw how cutely she was acting sorry to me. Why do you keep doing this to me Fany-ah? Sensing that I was starting to relax again, Tiffany bit her lower lip and looked up at me. Aigoo. Why must you be so cute? “So...Uhm.” She began. “I was wondering if you were okay with us splitting up so that I can buy you something.”

 

I looked into Fany's eyes trying to understand if that was really what she wanted. We rarely split up when it's just the two of us, but I guess this is a good reason to separate for now. Still, I found nothing but happiness and anticipation in those chocolate orbs while she waited for my answer. I had nothing better to do than to agree with a small nod and a “Neh.” Oh, now that word wanted to come out? Thinking quickly, I decided that it would be fun to play this game as well. “Well truthfully Fany-ah, I forgot to buy you a present too.” I 'confessed' with a grin.

 

Tiffany looked at me a little bewildered before she flashed me a smile. “Alright. So then let's buy each other gifts and then meet outside when we're done.” She suggested, or rather, happily commanded. Still, I couldn't get mad at my crush, only to nod to her in agreement. Before I could say anything else, Fany-ah excitedly skipped off to some Hello Kitties that were in pink dresses. Heh. Typical. Omo! I hope she remembers that she's buying me something! On a brighter note, I could use this alone time to secretly buy another present for my Fany-ah. Okay, not mine yet, but soon...hopefully.

 

Wandering the store, I found myself going through countless aisles, trying to figure out what Tiffany would most likely want as a present. In the back of my mind something was telling me that no matter what I got her she would like it. Still, I'd rather buy Tiffany something she would absolutely love instead of something she'd have to force herself to love just because it was from me. What could she possibly like? I thought of myself as a failure for a moment seeing as I couldn't think of anything Tiffany would go crazy for, despite the fact that we've been living together for years.

 

Strolling from the puppy aisle towards the teddy bear aisle, I froze mid-step, unsure if my eyes were deceiving me. Is that...Sica? My head tilted to the side curiously as I tried to get a better look. All I could really tell was that this look-a-like was practically suffocating a Brownie plushie in her arms. It wasn't long for my concentration to break because of someone's shoulder clipping mine as they were chasing after the Ice Princess clone. The only apology I received was a quick, “Mianhae!” and a short glance back at me.

 

Figuring out who had ran into me, I gave a small eye roll and shook my head. What are the odds Yul? At first I strolled into the next aisle, but curiosity got the best of me. I couldn't help but back track and watch the duo talking to each other. Was Yuri trying to make Sica's Christmas better? Good on her if she is! That means that she'd be getting half of her mission done!

 

Speaking of mission, I still have to figure out what makes Tiffany sad during the holidays, but it's a little hard to deduce the problem when she hasn't been down in the dumps since yesterday. However, making this Christmas the best Christmas ever is still doable! Now I knew I had to look for something Fany would truly treasure.

 

I left the pair alone as I slithered into the aisle I was originally in. I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be seen and that they would have their privacy. Tiffany was on my mind, not Yuri or Jessica. Too deep in my thoughts on what to get Fany, I somehow ended up in the Disney aisle where I spotted a bunch of oversized dookong! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! They were all there for the Toy Story 3 movie. Immediately I grabbed as many as I could and cuddled with them happily. It felt so good to hold my precious babies! Aniyo Taeyeon! Buy something for Fany! In a flash, I set the pea plushies back in their rightful places, pouting a little at my empty arms. It felt so right hugging them! Looking around to see if anyone saw me, I noticed a particular eye smiling beauty nestling her cheek against a Totoro plushie. Oh! Light bulb. Hehehe. Now I knew what to get her.

 

Quickly stepping away so I wouldn't be seen by my crush, my eyes landed on a face palming Yuri that seemed to be hurrying to the cash register. Suddenly, something had caught her attention. Her face lit up at the sight of whatever the item was. Tucking the Brownie that Jessica was holding earlier under one arm, she picked up not one but two small rings in little black boxes. Before I knew it, Yuri dashed to the register counter. Huh. I wonder what that was all about.

 

I tilted my head in confusion and stood up straight. That was weird. Then again, it was Yuri. I should have seen that coming. Shrugging it off and strolling around, I found a whole pyramid of the same black boxes with a variety of flashy rings in them. Hmm. Maybe Fany-ah would also like one. Slowly sifting through everything, I realized that every black box had the same exact thing. Ring...Ring...Skinny ring...fat ring...gold ring...silver ring...

 

As admirable as every finger ware was, I just wasn't liking the whole ring concept. They could easily slip off the person's finger, it's easy to lose, and some are so heavy that they're nothing but flashy weights. I wanted something different. I wanted... I gasped silently to myself as I picked up the one different item amongst all the rings. That's when it hit me. This pile was more than just rings! Frantically, I pushed aside the numerous boxes I already examined, holding onto the one different item tightly. Ring...Ring...Ring...Ring! C'mon! There has to be another-

 

Again I stumbled onto a different item and picked it up. I felt lucky. These two were probably the only pair of its kind and I was able to find it. They might not be an exact replica of each other, but I knew that these two were meant to go together. They just had to go together. I scanned the area, hoping Tiffany didn't see me. This present would be a really great gift to give her.

 

Relieved that I wasn't spotted, I closed the lids of the boxes and let out a pleasant sigh. I wandered back towards the Disney aisle and checked to see if Fany-ah were around. Nope! Knowing that the coast was clear, I walked up to the many Totoro plushies and snatched the one I was pretty positive was the one my crush was snuggling her face into. Again I looked around to make sure Tiffany wasn't watching me. I felt very suspicious with how I was acting, but this was a secret shopping trip! I can't let Fany see me! Now that I think about it, I haven't seen her since I last saw- Beep. I quickly fished out my phone from my pocket to check the text message I had gotten.

 

[From] Eye Smiling Angel

[Message] I bought you your present! ^^ Don't keep me waiting out here all day TaeTae!

 

I couldn't help but smile like a fool at my crush's text. How can anyone not love her? I strolled over to the cashier counter all calm and collected knowing that Fany couldn't possibly see the things I had gotten her. Soon, I paid for the Totoro, watching the salesperson stuff the present in a colorful bag and hide its contents with matching colored wrapping tissue. I was about to tell the teller to put the boxes in the bag as well, but I knew I had to keep those a complete secret...so I stuffed them in my pockets...after paying for them of course!

 

Parading out of the store triumphantly, I found Tiffany and walked up to her with a giant smile plastered on my face. “All done!” I announced cheerily. As proof of my purchase, I rose the colorful bag in the air.

 

Fany smiled cutely as she rose an identical bag in the air as well. “Me too! I really think you're gonna like it.” Her smile widened at whatever thought was in her head. It was probably of me jumping for joy with the gift she had gotten me.

 

I gasped loudly just to over emphasize my excitement. “Jinja?! What is it?! Can I open it now?!” Just to tease my crush more, I reached up for her shopping bag. As determined as I was to not ruin the surprise, it was always fun playing around with my Fany-ah. Err...again. Not my Fany-ah...yet.

 

Curse my short arms and legs for I really couldn't reach the bag the minute she held the secret up and away from me. She's lucky that I wasn't trying to find out what was inside in the first place. “Aniyo TaeTae!” Tiffany denied with a small slap to my outreached hands. “You can't look until Christmas!” Her voice was a few octaves higher than usual as she pushed my hands out of the way with her free one. Before I could again, I felt her luscious warm lips press against my cheek. Instantly that playful beast inside me was tamed. Am I still alive? Because I can't feel my heart pounding in my chest anymore. I think it exploded.

 

The next thing I knew, I was already being tugged by my wrist towards my car. Eventually I was able to sober up from the public display of affection that had gotten me love drunk, thankfully just before we got into my car. The two of us took our usual seats, me as driver and Fany as passenger, before I revved the engine alive. “So...home?” I questioned with a tilted head. Looking over at my crush, I noticed that she was holding both shopping bags in her lap. “Yah! Fany! That's not fair! You might look at the thing I bought you!” I accused, reaching over to grab my present...whichever one that was. Thankfully I had left the four wheeler in park.

 

“Yah! Aniyo!” Tiffany cried out swatting my hand again. “Don't worry! I'm not gonna look!” She protested while cradling the identical bags. “I know which one is mine and which one is yours!” Her voice sounded very reassuring, but I wasn't convinced.

 

Once more I reached for the bags while reasoning with her. “What if you take a peek while I'm driving though! It wouldn't be fair!” So close! So-

 

Smack. Right on the hand again. “Aniyo! I won't! Look, if you don't want to believe me then here.” After pushing my hand away, Tiffany placed the items in the back seat where neither of us could see it. “We can't be tempted to look if we can't see it right?” She smiled pleasantly with her plan as she sat forward again.

 

I let out a defeated sigh and sat back in my seat. She was right. This was the exact reason why me and the others gave her the nickname 'Manager Hwang'. She knows how to be in charge and she knows how to plan things out. “Neh. That's a good idea.” I nodded to her. “So then, are we heading home now?”

 

The two of us shared a gaze before Tiffany nodded with a pair of eye smiles. “Neh. Oh! But I wanna get something to eat. Do you think we could get some quick take out?” She tilted her head questioningly and cutely to me. Fany-ah, if only you knew how much of a goddess you were. With a single nod, I shifted gears and headed to her favorite place.

 

 

 

 

The way home was pretty interesting tonight. First, on the way to the food place that Tiffany suggested, I could have sworn I saw Yuri and Jessica eating at a restaurant. Were they on a date? Well, they've got to be on a date since it was just the two of them! After we bought our food, I took a short cut I knew that passed by Seohyun's house and I could have sworn that I saw Yoona hauling a large box of goguma into the mansion. A box!...Of goguma! My eyes weren't deceiving me were they?

 

Regardless of what I saw, Tiffany took the time to feed me small bites whenever we would pause at a stop. Friends do that right? They feed each other a meal that they're sharing...right? Or was this something that my skin ship fangirls would be squealing over? I was too busy driving to make up my mind. Still, I couldn't help but find it awkwardly coincidental to not only spot one member, but both!

 

 

 

 

Pulling up into my usual parking spot, I shut off the car engine and relaxed in my seat. “We're home.” I announced with a gentle sigh of relief. Looking over to Tiffany, I noticed that she was holding the empty container that once held our food. The two of us shared a long eye-to-eye stare. I don't know what it was, but I had the sudden urge to lean in. I blame those soft looking lips on Fany's face. They were practically calling out to me! However, when my crush quickly hopped out the door, I knew it would be nothing more than a fantasy to kiss those lips of hers.

 

Defeated at this reality, I let out another sigh and opened the driver side door. I was about to step out when I remembered about the presents we had bought earlier. “Yah. Fany-ah. You forgot our presents.” I called out, snatching the four handles and exiting the vehicle.

 

The minute I locked my baby on wheels I spotted my crush standing in front of the doorway. “Do you have them?” She called out. I nodded to her happily and raised the identical bags as proof. “Okay good. The one closest to my seat was the one that I bought.” She announced as she walked through the door frame.

 

Uh-oh... I bit my lower lip and looked down at the two bags. Which one was that one? I quickly held one bag in each of my hands, trying to figure out if there was any way I could tell the difference without spoiling the surprise. The two were about the same weight, stuffed in the same sized bag, and covered in the same manner. Did we go to the same register or something?! Aigoo.

 

Moping hopelessly into our apartment, I plopped my onto the couch still trying to differentiate our presents. Tiffany skipped into the living room happily and seated herself next to me. “Great. So which one is mine?” Her eyes were in the same shape as tonight's moon as she waited for my answer. With a weak smile, I neatly placed both bags onto her lap. “Err...TaeTae. I meant, which present did I buy you?”

 

I diverted my eyes away and bit my lower lip guiltily. “I sort of...mixed them up.” A weak chuckle slithered out of my mouth. Did I have babo written across my forehead because it sure felt like it. Hopefully she wouldn't be mad.

 

“You...” She scoffed. “You mixed them up? You're joking right?” I lifted my head to her and presented her with another weak smile. I might as well stamp the word 'guilty' over my face as well. Guilty babo. Yup, that completely describes me right now. Fany's lips were tugged upward at one side before she looked down at the gifts in her lap. My crush inspected both items closely for a moment, attempting to tell them apart. In the end, Tiffany stood up and placed both of them next to the pile of presents we had in the corner of the room. “Oh well.” Fany-ah said simply with a quick shrug of her shoulders.

 

Her answer took me by surprise. “Oh well?” I repeated, watching her sit down on the couch next to me. “You aren't mad that I got them mixed up?” My head tilted to the side curiously. I was sure that she would have freaked out. Her being 'Manager Hwang' and all. We didn't give her that nickname for no reason. She likes keeping things in check and knowing where things are. This was new.

 

Tiffany shook her head to me and giggled. Instantly I felt my heart skip a beat. Her little giggles were so cute. “I'm really not mad TaeTae.” She reassured, gently crashing her head against my shoulder. “Either way, the presents are going to be opened.” Fany-ah wrapped her arms around my waist, so I did the same to her. “We can just exchange the gifts if we open the wrong ones. It's no big deal, you dork.” Again her laughter filled the air and I swear that I melted into a love sick puddle.

 

I chuckled softly when I regained my senses. “Arasso. I'm glad you aren't mad.” The words strolled out of my mouth honestly as I rested my head against hers. Today was great. I got to spend time with my crush, check up on the other members, and buy some secret presents for the one I set my heart on. Nothing could ruin-

 

♫ Tonight, we're gonna party like we're out of time

Tonight, we'll live it up under the city lights

Tonight bam haneureul garo jireudeusi

Tonight, Tonight, Ooooooh

(Tick Tock Tick Tock) Running out of time

Tick Tock Tick- ♪

 

Silently I cursed to myself as I fished out my phone from my pocket to silence the noisy device. It was my alarm clock and we both knew what that meant. Reluctantly, Tiffany sat up and gave me a weak smile. “Time for you to get ready to go home, huh?” Her eyes never made eye contact with me as I watched her lips purse.

 

“Neh.” I mumbled softly. When the both of us finally met eye-to-eye, I was able to see the sadness. She didn't want me to leave, and I was having second thoughts on leaving as well. If us separating meant her being sad, then I didn't want to go. I wanted to make my crush happy. It was the holidays after all. Everyone was supposed to be all bright, bubbly, and enjoying the festive vibe surging through the city, not the exact opposite.

 

The eye smiling beauty before me finally broke the stare we were sharing and stood up from the couch. “You better go then. I'm sure your parents can't wait to see their little dork.” Her voice cracked near the end of her sentence, despite how happy she tried sounding. However, I wasn't convinced one bit that nothing was wrong. Before I could even analyze her sudden change in behavior, Tiffany grabbed me by the wrists and pulled me to my own two feet. “Kaja. You can't be late for your bus ride.” When our eyes met again, she flashed me a smile that was too weak to last. The next thing I knew, my vision of Fany was blocked by my baby blue towel that she draped over my head. I guess I'll have to think more of this while I'm in the shower.

 

 

 

 

Exiting the bathroom all clean and fresh, with my towel to my head, I grinned at the sight of Tiffany hanging a few more ornaments on our little Christmas tree we had put up a few days ago. There was nothing fancy about our tree. It was a plastic, rather pathetic looking, type of tree that the two of us had used since Tiffany came here from the states. It stood shorter than me and wasn't even coated in the fake snow-like decoration. Still, we always took it out and covered it in festive things together.

 

I tossed my towel in my, well our, room once I finished drying my hair. “If you put any more ornaments on that thing, it might fall over Fany-ah.” A chuckle escaped my lips as I watched her hang a bright red ornament ball on one of the branches.

 

Her attention quickly went to me once she knew the decoration wasn't going to fall. “Well I don't want us to have a boring tree! You say that every year after you put just one ornament on it!” Tiffany joked with her eyes forming into cute eye-smiles. An angelic giggle slithered from as she stood and examined her work of art. “It looks good though right?”

 

My eyes ventured to our little tree then back at my crush. “Neh. It looks great Fany-ah.” I flashed her my own smile. But you look amazing...as always. Under the tree I spotted a few extra Christmas gifts that I figured Tiffany put while I was taking my shower. “Before I get packing, do you wanna open one of the presents?” A small smirk tugged at the side of my lips, hoping it would be enough to make her agree.

 

Tiffany's eyes turned into excited crescent moons as she nodded happily. “Neh!” Immediately, she grabbed my hand and tugged me towards the pile of presents under the Christmas tree. The two of us made this little tradition to open just one present the day I have to leave. After that, any gifts that we got each other would have to wait until after I got back home.

 

We crashed at the base of the tree and inspected all of the presents that surrounded it. There were big gifts, little gifts, gifts in bags, gifts with bows, you name it! My eyes wandered every present hungrily, trying to figure out which one would be the best to open. Eventually they landed on the two identical gift bags that sat side by side. Apparently Fany-ah was thinking the same thing since we both reached for the handles at the same time. “Oh. Uh.” I was never really a good speaker during awkward situations. This happened to be one of those times.

 

“Here.” Tiffany smiled, handing me one and grabbing the other for herself. We both held our presents in our laps and looked at each other. “So...how are we going to do this?” Her head tilted cutely to the side. I gave her a simple shrug of my shoulders along with an apologetic smile. I'm sorry I'm not good at these sort of things Fany-ah. After a while of thinking, my crush snapped her fingers as if a light bulb had gone off in her head. “How about at the same time we rip off the wrapping tissue on top and take a peek inside.” A wide smile grew on her features, obviously happy of her idea. “Then if we pick our gifts, we're still able to switch without completely ruining the surprise.”

 

I nodded to her plan, actually liking the idea that she came up with. “That sounds good to me. Let's do it.” I agreed excitingly. I was really curious on what she had gotten me. Just like that, we both had our hands lightly gripping the colorful wrapping tissue on top of the bags. Anticipation was pumping through our veins now. What could she have gotten me? Would she really like the present I got her?

 

Our eyes then met and we both smiled happily. “1...2...3!” We counted simultaneously. Each of us ripped off the wrapping tissue and peaked inside the bag. Well I didn't. I knew that whatever her reaction was, it would be enough to tell me if we had to exchange bags or not.

 

Silence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Totoro!” Tiffany finally called out as she freed the plush from the shopping bag. Her arms quickly wrapped around the gray colored stuffed toy squeezing the life out of it. “How did you know?!” Her voice was undoubtedly a few octaves higher and a couple decibels louder. She cuddled into the oversized animal while she waited for my answer.

 

Seeing her so excited about the present really made me warm and fuzzy inside. I couldn't help myself from smiling also. I just made Fany's Christmas very enjoyable with that favorite plush of hers. “Oh you know, we've been living together for years now. How could I not have known?” I explained nonchalantly with a simple wave of my hand. Only then did I realize that I hadn't looked in my bag yet. I was too busy waiting for her reaction! Glancing down I spotted something very green resting at the bottom. After pulling the present from the bag, I was able to tell that it was a pea! “Dookong!” I cried out squeezing the entire stuff. I ped the pod to reveal the three happy yellow peas that were smiling at me. My babies! I locked eyes with Tiffany and flashed her a grateful smile. “How did you know?”

 

My crush scoffed and shook her head. “More like how didn't I know? TaeTae, you have small dookong on your desk, on your dresser, you even sleep with some of them! Then when we were at the store, I came across this oversized version of your 'precious babies' and I knew right away that I had to get it for you.” Tiffany giggled again and pushed aside the now empty bags before crawling over to me, with Totoro in one arm, and engulfing me in a giant hug. “Gamsahamnida TaeTae.” She whispered sweetly into my ear.

 

I felt my heart begin to race at how everything was playing out. What better to do than to hug her back? Everything felt so right. We were both happy, we were both loving the presents, and...we were both loving each other. At least, I was definitely loving her. I didn't want this to end. I wanted to hold Fany in my arms all day and night. Well, technically we've done that before, on those movie marathons that we have every now and then. However, this time I want to hold her when she's mine.

 

Before I could do anything else, Tiffany broke the hug and stood up still holding her much loved Totoro. She offered me a hand which I gladly took to get on my own two feet. “Kaja. We have to get you packed for your trip.” Fany-ah reminded. Curses. I was thinking even more about not going. My family wouldn't mind me missing just one Christmas right?

 

 

 

 

“Alright. Everything's packed.” I announced happily. I wiped off imaginary beads of sweat from my forehead as I flashed Tiffany a dorky smile. “You can get off the luggage now.” I mumbled shooing away my roommate.

 

Fany-ah looked around the luggage's edges to make sure it was secured before finally hopping off and landing in front of me. “You should have just stuffed your clothes in your bag so all the presents had more room.” She giggled jokingly.

 

Fitting those presents into the luggage was so confusing. I felt like I was playing a 3D version of Tetris! Maybe we should have called Sunny to help us pack. I'm sure that gamer would have finished packing everything in a snap! Eventually, we were able to figure out the confusing puzzle on our own. It took a while, but we managed. Oh. Light bulb. I walked over to the blue box on wheels and held the zipper gently, ready to ruin our hard work of containing its contents with a simple tug. Now, of course I wasn't going to the luggage, but teasing Tiffany is just so much fun. “That's a great idea Fany-ah! Maybe we should just-”

 

Before I could even finish my sentence, Tiffany had lunged at me in hopes to stop me from doing exactly what I was teasing her about. “Don't you dare TaeTae!” Her hand grabbed my wrist and made me let go with a quick tug, thankfully in the direction that wouldn't the box on wheels. In the end, we landed on top of my bed with her hands around my wrists.

 

I looked deeply into her eyes as I easily felt my cheeks heat up. My eyes began to wander over her features as I noticed that her cheeks had turned a slight shade of pink. Her lips pursed gently, catching my attention. Oh how her lips were calling me. I've wanted to know what it was like to kiss her for the longest time. Suddenly, her eyes diverted away as her cheeks turned a darker hue of her favorite color. “F-Fany-ah.” I mumbled, wanting her to look at me again.

 

Instead, my roommate gently pushed herself off of me and onto her feet where she quickly occupied her attention with the luggage. She checked over the main zipper, not once, not twice, but even more than three times. Now I knew she was purposely keeping her mind on something else. Anything but me. Fany-ah, gwenchana. My heart is longing for you. It's been longing for you ever since you've moved in with me all those years ago. Can you feel my heart? It only beats for you. Can you read my mind? You're the only one I think about. Fany-ah, tell me your feelings. I want to know what you feel towards me. You're driving me crazy! I promise I won't bite...not unless you want me to.

 

“Okay. So you didn't any part of it. Good.” My crush announced with her back to me. Face me Fany-ah. As if she had heard my thoughts, Tiffany turned around to look at me. Her eyes had changed into those crescent moons that I loved seeing. Tell me your feelings. I watched as she glanced at the luggage again and nod in approval before looking at me. “I have a good feeling that it won't open on the way over there.” I sighed silently at her answer. Tell me your feelings about me. Suddenly Tiffany giggled and covered with one hand. “But I have a feeling that you're going to mess around with it before you even reach home.” My eyebrows dropped to a straight line responsively at her assumption. Not that kind of feeling Fany-ah! A gentle giggle escaped her lips again. It was as if she were reading every thought I had and was purposely teasing me. Oh Fany-ah. How do you do it?

 

Gently, my crush straightened up the luggage on the floor and pulled its handle up. “You're all set. Tell umma and appa that I love them and Merry Christmas okay?” She gave me a smile, but something about it was bothering me. Her smile wasn't a genuine happy smile. It was one that was sad. I wouldn't say that she was sad because she couldn't give my parents the message herself, but sad because...it was as if she were going to be alone. I brought my attention to her eyes and there I also saw that lost and lonely feeling within them. Did she really miss me that much when I was gone?

 

Slowly, I was able to nod to her request and flash her my own smile. “Neh. Of course I will!” I made sure to snap myself out of this detective Taeng mode. It was the holidays! We had to be happy right? “Tell your umma that I love her and that her and I should meet sometime. Maybe then the three of us could spend Christmas together one year.” I chuckled and engulfed Tiffany in a tight hug. I never understood why Fany-ah was so sad every year. I mean, I understand that me leaving to be with my family is sad, but I only stay there for a couple days and then come back home. Wait! Was I the reason for her being sad?! No way! She's with her umma! Maybe...could it be that her umma is the reason why-

 

Beep Beep!

 

The taxi's car horn outside broke our hug as we rushed to get everything ready. Keys, check. Wallet, check. Luggage, check. Bag, check. Everything was check! I hurriedly exited our apartment room and waved to the taxi driver to make sure he knew I was the one he was picking up. Fany-ah helped me put the luggage in the trunk of the car before rushing inside to bring out the dookong present she bought me just hours ago. “Wait! You can't forget this!” She held it out to me the minute I opened the back seat.

 

I glanced down at the green plush and smiled before slowly pushing it into her chest. “You keep it for now. You can imagine this as me while I'm gone. If you ever miss me, just give it a tight squeeze and I'll be back before you know it.” A chuckle escaped my lips as I gave Tiffany another tight hug. “Merry Christmas Fany-ah.” I whispered into her ear. I couldn't have been in my right state of mind because this time I was the one who gave her a kiss on the cheek. Her face, it felt so smooth. I wanted to give her a kiss on the lips, but I knew that doing that might be too much for her. Not to mention that I was already running late. Reluctantly, I hopped in the back seat of the taxi car waving good-bye to my beloved Fany as the Taxi drove away. I'm going to miss you.

 

 

 

 

Phew. Finally, some warmth. That taxi driver sure didn't like the car warm and getting my luggage out of the trunk seemed to have taken forever in that cold wind! I blew into my hands gently to warm my frozen fingers. This year's whether is definitely colder in comparison to last years. Still, nothing can stop me from going home for the holidays. Although I do have to admit that the bus terminal was a little empty today, but I just figured that the other scheduled buses had already left. Hopefully mine didn't! Immediately I went to the ticket booth with my blue luggage and gave a pleasant smile to the ahjussi that was reading a newspaper.

 

Before I could even say a word to the man, the newspaper lowered so he could look at me eye to eye. After I recited my order of one ticket to my hometown, the man began to search through the dinosaur of a computer behind the counter. I didn't plan on buying a ticket home in advance because honestly, not that many people travel to the far countryside where I used to live. I know that there aren't that many people there and even if everybody that moved out all decided to go home at the same time, we wouldn't be able to fill an entire bus. So, I never have to worry about it.

 

I watched the ahjussi's expression as he continued searching through the device that was probably as old as him. Suddenly his eyebrows furrowed before he settled his sight onto me. “Mianhae.” He mumbled while adjusting his glasses. “It seems like your bus ride is canceled. All bus rides to the countryside are canceled because of the blizzard that's coming our way. The roads have already been frozen and it's very hazardous to drive on them. The next available ride is only when the weather lets up. That's expected to be on December...28^th. Would you like a ticket for that day?”

 

Hearing about the bad news made that cheeky smile on my face fall to a small frown. How am I suppose to get home now? There's no airports around my hometown and this bus ride was the fastest route. So then, what do I do? I guess I've got to go back to Fany-ah. The thought of being with my crush this Christmas lit me up again. Not being able to go home wasn't such a bad thing after all. With a half smile, I bowed to the man across from me. “Thank you for the news ahjussi, but I don't think I'll be buying a ticket. Merry Christmas.” Grabbing the handle of my blue luggage, I hurried outside and hailed a cab to go back to my apartment, back to Fany-ah.

 

 

 

 

So far, the only bad news I could think of is that my family is going to have to wait for their Christmas presents this year. I'm sure missing one year won't be too bad right? I'm sure my family would understand. Plus it wasn't my fault for having to cancel the trip. Mother nature was the one that cast the blizzard. It was as if she were answering my prayers for not having me go this year. Maybe Fany-ah and I will take a trip over there in the summer just to surprise them. Yeah, that sounds like a good plan!

 

Speaking of Fany, I wonder how she is. Thinking about it, she might be sitting on the couch with her mom watching some Christmas movies together. Omo! This would be the first time I would meet her mom! Fany-ah did say that her mom comes to our place while I'm away, but since we schedule our trips on the same weekend, we never got to officially meet. The only time I've ever seen her mom is from a picture however many years ago. I wonder why they haven't taken any recent pictures together.

 

Either way, today was going to be the day I finally get to meet her umma. After yanking my luggage out of the back of the second taxi, who thankfully liked keeping the car warm, I dragged the box on wheels to the apartment door and fidgeted with my keys until I got the right one. Eventually I got the door open, no thanks to the cold weather, and stepped in. At first I was going to shout my arrival into the apartment with something like 'Honey I'm home!' but I quickly stopped myself. Saying something like that would definitely confuse Fany-ah. She wasn't my 'honey' and she might give me the cold shoulder for hinting that I like her...that way. Plus with her umma in the apartment, that would just be awkward central! After a second thought I figured that sneaking up on her was the better plan.

 

As quietly as I could, I closed the front door and left my luggage next to my shoes. I slowly tip toed into the apartment, trying to find my lovely roommate without ruining my surprise arrival. Suddenly, I heard Fany's voice. Uh-oh! Was I already spotted? I froze in place to listen in on her conversation. She was talking about...me! Thankfully it was about what we had done today. Phew! So my cover wasn't blown after all. Obviously she was talking to her umma, but something didn't seem right. Her umma wasn't responding to her...at all. There was no “uh-huh” or “mhmm” or anything. I cautiously pressed myself against the nearest wall and continued to listen in.

 

“Umma...TaeTae lied to me.” Fany suddenly spoke. My eyebrows furrowed at her words. I did? When? I fought the urge within me to just jump around the corner and question her about it. “She said that if I hug her dookong tightly, then she'd be back. I've been hugging it ever since she left and she isn't even here.” A small smirk plastered itself on my face. I guess she really does miss me that much when I'm gone. Then, I heard her sniffle. Omo! Was she crying?

 

I didn't want to play hide and seek anymore knowing that Fany-ah was crying. I stood up straight and tried my best to stroll into the room without a worry. I wouldn't want her umma's first impression of me to be some over obsessive roommate. “You know that I always keep my...” Analyzing the room, I realized that Fany-ah was all by herself. My, usually bubbly, roommate sat near the base of our little Christmas tree with her back against the wall. Pressed tightly against her chest was my dookong plushie and her Totoro. In her hands was one thing; a picture frame. Judging by the size and shape of it, it was the same one that held the photo of Fany-ah and her umma. Puffy red eyes were clear signs that Tiffany had been crying for some time now. Streaks of watered down mascara had obviously rolled down her cheeks, only to be visibly wiped to the sides. In the corner of each eye were even more tears that were threatening to spill over. I was petrified. How could someone so bubbly and happy, break down like this? In my heart I could have sworn that not a single hint of sadness was in Fany-ah's body. Now I knew I was wrong.

 

“TaeTae...” Tiffany whispered out. It wasn't until I witnessed one of her tears spilling over did I finally snap out of this pain filled trance. Slowly, I approached my crush and sat down next to her, wrapping my arms tight around her fragile body. Then everything began to unfold. Fany-ah buried her face into the crook of my neck and began to cry. Thoughts began to consume me as I sat there with my heart broken love in my arms. What happened to her umma that she claimed to be here every Christmas while I was away?

 

Seconds, minutes, maybe even an hour passed of Tiffany crying, I couldn't tell. What I did know was that Fany-ah was hurting...badly. All the scars and pain that filled my crush's heart was expertly masked with her never ending eye-smiles and laughter. Then suddenly, she stopped. The sobbing stopped, the tears stopped, and possibly even time itself stopped. Slowly Tiffany stirred in between my arms. She shifted gently to sit up, not once looking me in the eyes. “TaeTae...” My roommate whispered. “What are you doing here?” Finally she lifted her head with her gaze setting only on me. The pain within them pierced my soul. What could have possibly caused her this much pain?

 

I felt my lips purse involuntarily to remind myself to answer her. I'm sure she had just as many questions as I did about my arrival back at the apartment. “The uhm...all of the bus rides were canceled until after Christmas because of the blizzard, so I came home.” Reluctantly I gulped down the one question that was dying to release into the air. There was silence between us as the atmosphere turned an awkward shade of gray. I couldn't hold it in anymore, I had to ask. “Fany-ah...why were you crying?”

 

My crush turned her head away from me. Was it too soon to ask? I watched as her grip on the picture frame tightened before loosening with a sigh. “My mom passed away when I was only eleven...” She finally confessed. I suddenly felt this deep pain in my chest right where my heart was. How could someone so young go through something so tragic and still have a smiling face on everyday? “Christmas was our favorite holiday to spend together. Every morning she'd tell me that Santa left some cookies for me as a little something extra for being so good that year.” Tiffany let out a gentle laugh before rubbing her thumb across her umma's face in the picture. “While my brother would go off to play with his robot toys and my sister would watch Christmas movies with my dad, I was always with my mom baking cookies or we'd be playing with my toys together.” It was then that I finally figured out what had made Tiffany so sad over the holidays; she missed her umma's love that was particularly packed on this one holiday.

 

Every word that slithered out of Fany-ah's mouth was coated in both happiness and pain. Her eyes never peeled off of the picture as she continued to share her memories with me. Half-way through her Christmas story, I engulfed her in another hug as I saw a few more tears spill over. Reminiscing the past was such a bitter sweet memory to her. The topic soon traveled off of Christmas and onto how her umma passed of cancer. “That's when I decided to come to Korea all by myself, to start a new life all over again. I only said that I came with my mom so that people wouldn't think of me as the new girl in a new country that didn't know anything. My appa wasn't happy about his youngest child leaving right after high school, but he knew he couldn't stop me. I never knew that starting all over again would actually make me so lonely on the days I miss the most. Every Christmas I sit here, watching old movies that my family and I would usually watch together. Even though I want to go home for the holidays, I just can't afford going every year. Thankfully my appa helps me pay for college. He would send me money when I needed it and honestly, he even recommended that I should be staying in Seoul.” Tiffany paused for a moment. “TaeTae.” Fany-ah looked at me. “If it wasn't for him, we probably would have never even met.”

 

I raised my eyebrows at the information. A life without Fany-ah? How could my life be complete without someone as amazing as her? I gave my crush a tight squeeze. “Well I'm glad we met Fany-ah. I don't think I could ever think of my life without you.” It wasn't until after everything was said and done did I finally realize that I sounded as if I were her girlfriend. I froze for a moment, waiting to see what Tiffany would do. Did she want me to stay away from her from now on or was she fine with it? Or did she just not notice it at all?

 

A smile crept onto my eye-smiling roommate as she leaned into me. “A life without dorky TaeTae is something I can't think of either.” She said with a giggle. Thankfully Fany-ah had settled down and was able to compose herself. In my eyes, I could tell that a big weight had come off her chest from finally opening up to me about her umma. “I'm really lucky to have met you.” Tiffany mumbled, but I managed to hear every word.

 

Then it hit me, I had to make every Christmas from now on the best Christmas ever! That meant fixing the problem so that Fany-ah wouldn't be sad during the holidays anymore. Hmm...What do I do though? Oh! “Fany-ah.” I called out, having her turn to look at me. “You know, my family has been dying to meet my 'eye-smiling friend' that I always tell them about. How about from now on you come with me on my trips back home for the holidays?” I couldn't help but smile. Being able to spend just one Christmas with Fany-ah would be lucky enough. Now I get to spend every Christmas with her? Talk about a dream come true!

 

“You, you talk about me to your family?” I nodded happily to her. How could I not talk about my crush? “A-Are you sure it's okay? Christmas has always been a family holiday and since I'm not even part of the family...” Tiffany never finished her sentence, or rather, she couldn't finish her sentence. Ever since her move here, Fany-ah felt like she never had a family anymore and that she never fits in.

 

Well things were different now. I, General Taeng, have sworn to the club that I was going to make Tiffany Hwang happy. So I'm not taking 'no' for an answer! “Fany-ah, gwenchana. You may not be family by blood, but I'd love to make you part of the family.” That should be enough to get her to agree. Wait, what did I just-

 

My crush giggled cutely. “You really want me to go huh?” Too busy with my thoughts, all I could do was simply nod to her. “Arasso TaeTae. I'll go. I think it'd be great to spend the holidays with a family again.” Her lips curved up into a sincere smile as she leaned into me happily. I could already tell that she was imagining what Christmas would be like from now on.

 

Our conversation had gone from such a sad story to one that a couple would probably talk about. That got me thinking. What would it be like if we were a couple? Am I just delusional thinking that Fany-ah and I could get together? Probably, but one thing was certain; I hate seeing her cry. Despite that little spark of happiness she just displayed, I could tell that she was still down in the dumps about her umma's passing. What could I possibly do to brighten up her mood? Light bulb!

 

I gently pushed Tiffany up to make her stop leaning on me. All she could do was stare confusedly while I stood onto my two feet. “I'll be right back alright?” I gave her a small smile and scurried away before she could even object. Hurrying into our room, I zoomed to my dresser and opened up my underwear drawer. It was probably the only place that Fany-ah would never go through. Even though we're both girls, she knows to let me have my privacy. Buried at the bottom of the drawer I pulled out the two little black boxes I had bought from the store earlier today.

 

With a quick double check of which was in which box, I smiled to myself and came back to my lovely roommate who seemed completely composed of herself. The minute she saw me, Fany-ah's eyes turned into those crescent moons that I had longed to see since my arrival back home. “What did you go do TaeTae?” She questioned with a simple tilt of her head.

 

I crashed my next to Tiffany and held out the little box that was meant for her. “I went to get this. I know it's small and everything, but great things come in small packages right?” Mentally I cursed myself for the blush that slowly started to rise to my cheeks. I just hope she doesn't notice it. That line was just so cheesy.

 

Tiffany's eyes settled on the little present in my hand before glancing up at me. I gestured for my eye-smiling crush to take the present when I sensed the slight hesitation in her eyes. Eventually I got Fany-ah to receive the gift and watched her hold it in her hands so delicately. “TaeTae, are you sure you want to open another present today? We already opened one gift each remember?” As proof, Tiffany lifted up the dookong plushie that had been pressed against her chest this whole time. Lucky peas.

 

I managed to snap my jealous mind back to reality when I noticed her lips purse gently. “Well, our tradition is to open up presents once I came home and technically I did just come home, so I'm not breaking any rules.” I flashed her a cheeky smile. “Besides, since you opened up to me about your umma, I think now is a much better time to do so.” I let out a gentle chuckle and scratched the back of my head. Everything slowly started to turn awkward, mainly because of me. I wish I was better with these sort of situations.

 

After a quick mental pout of frustration, I watched Fany-ah get ready to open the box before stopping herself. “TaeTae, I can't open it.” She stated with a small sigh. Her hands apologetically held out the little black box to me. “It won't be fair for me to open another present.” A small pout formed upon her lips as her eyes glued onto me.

 

She didn't want to open the present because she wants the present count to be fair? Thankfully I brought mine! Pulling out the other box from my jacket pocket, I held it up triumphantly between us. “But I've got a present myself so it's okay.” I flashed her a victorious smile.

 

Tiffany looked at the extra present then up at me. “They look similar. Who bought these for us?” Her eyes then glued onto the box in her hands as she was inspecting it closely. Anything to figure out who the presenter was.

 

“Well, I did.” I confessed with a weak chuckle. “I just thought it would be the perfect gift for us so I couldn't help myself.” Again I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. It was as if we were an unofficial official couple. Does that make sense?

 

With her eyes locked on me again, Fany-ah seemed surprised that it was I who bought the gifts. “These are from you?” She raised the gift slightly. My only answer was a proud nod. “Ah jinja? It won't be fair then because you already know what the presents are!” I opened my mouth to object, but I found her argument valid. I did know what was in them and that was the exact reason why I wanted her to open up the present. A frown crept its way onto my lips as I hung my head. Sensing how down I was getting must have bothered my crush seeing as she sighed. “Alright. I guess you really want me to open this so I will, but you have to open your present too! Just to make it fair! Arasso?”

 

Hearing that Tiffany would open the present made me as happy as a little puppy. I would do anything just to see the look on her face. I just hope it's a happy face! The two of us took hold of our boxes and counted down. “3...2...1!” Like before, I revealed my present, but never peeked at it. I already knew what was in it! Not to mention that I was too curious on the face Fany-ah would make! In the end, her eyebrows lifted and the edges of her lips curved into a smile.

 

Delicately, Fany-ah took out the gift and held it up by its chain. The living room light revealed a silver necklace that was small and sleek, with the pendant of a pack lock. Her eyes shifted to meet with mine until I couldn't see them under her beautiful eye-smiles. “I love it Tae.” Fany finally managed to say. She then held the necklace out to me and turned slightly in her seat. “Can you help me put it on?” Without any hesitation I flashed her a toothy smile before nodding and hooking the ends of the chain together around her neck. “I really like it Tae. I'm guessing you got the same thing?” Her hand gently brushed over the lock pendant before looking up to meet eyes with me again.

 

“Oh, uh.” I glanced down at the box and took out my own necklace. “Actually, I got myself a key pendant.” My hands took out the matching necklace and held it up for her to see. “They may not be exact replicas of each other but, every lock needs its key right?” Again I could feel my cheeks flush with such cheesy embarrassment. “Wanna help me put it on?”

 

Tiffany nodded happily and latched the ends of the necklace around my neck just like I had done to her. After I had faced her again, I realized that she had been staring at our pendants for a while. A look of curiosity occupied her face, deeming it obvious that she wanted to ask a question. “Hey TaeTae, is there any particular reason why you have the key and I have the lock?”

 

I took a peek at our necklaces with pursed lips, trying to arrange a decent explanation in my head. As much as I tried forming a simple sentence, I just couldn't. With a deep breath, I found it best to say what the real reason was. “It's uhm, it's pretty cheesy and everything but...it's sort of like what you said. When you first came here, you were the new girl in a new country. I could tell on the day we first met that the real Fany-ah that I know now was locked away, too shy to step out of her shell. Then finally, you started opening up. I started to see the real Fany-ah that's right in front of me now. I felt like a key, opening little parts of you every day. I just hope to keep unlocking everything about you.” My cheeks then turned into a shade of her favorite color.

 

Tiffany nodded throughout my entire explanation, until I got to my last sentence. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she thought about it over and over again. Eventually, Fany-ah looked me in the eyes with a slightly tilted head. “TaeTae, I'm completely myself when I'm with you. What more is there to 'unlock'?”

 

Her question caught me off guard, but the answer didn't take long to pop into my head. However, instead of mentally answering her and covering it up with some sort of lame answer, my mouth decided to run on its own, saying the one thing I knew I wouldn't be able to say in my right state of mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Your heart.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A/N: My readers! I am so very very very sorry for not updating to this fan fiction for months! MONTHS! Please forgive me! OTL All of these life events happened where I wasn't able to type! I had school, my family moved, and I'm trying to find a job! I just had too much to do! I do hope everyone understands! Mianhae! OTL

 

To those of you who have stayed, and those that are new to the story [I welcome you! ^^], here is the Taeny chapter that everyone has been waiting for! Alright! The three main couples for this fluffy holiday fan fic have had their own chapters! But what do you think the answers will be? Who's going to be an offical and unofficial couple in the next chapter? Dun dun duuuun! Let me know who! Plus! I put in a few song references! 2 to be exact. Can you name them? xD I'm pretty sure it's easy. Anyways! I'm sorry for taking so long to update! Please be understanding! I hope you enjoyed! Just 2 more chapters and this fluffy story will be done with! ><

 

-Jeo