“Jay,” Tiffany called out to her boyfriend, her eyes beaming straight at him.

The messy-haired boy turns around, “What? I’m busy.”

Tiffany crossed her arms, “Who was that girl you were talking to a while ago?”

Jay narrows his eyes, “What are you talking about?”

 “I saw you talking to another girl.”

“It was just a friend, geez,” Jay replied irritably.

Tiffany rolls her eyes, “Really? You’ve been talking to her every day now. You don’t think I notice?”

Jay grabs Tiffany’s shoulders, “Can you relax? We were just talking.”

 Tiffany sighs, “Whatever.”

 Jay scoffs, “Look I don’t need your attitude. That girl was just a friend.”

 In her mind, Tiffany didn’t believe him but she didn’t want to deal with their relationship right now. She was already frustrated enough she had an exam coming up.

Today wasn’t a good day for her.

Tiffany shortly nods, “Okay.”

Jay drops his arms to his side, “I gotta go. I’ll call you tonight.”

 “Yeah okay.”

Jay kisses Tiffany’s cheek; he crookedly smiles and walks away from her.

 Tiffany sighs; she pivots around and exits the university to her car. She quietly drives back to her apartment, as she arrives, she notices Jessica car already parked.

She’s home already? I thought she had another class.

Tiffany parks her car next to Jessica's and quickly heads inside their apartment. She swings the door open and drops her keys on the counter.

“Jessica?” Tiffany called out.

After some time, Jessica walked out of the hallway with a bowl in her hand.

 “What?” Jessica asked curiously.

“What are you doing home so early?” Tiffany asked, “I thought you had classes until 5.”

The blonde latter nods, “I do. But since exams are coming up, Mr. Smith canceled class today to give us time to study.”

 Tiffany’s jaw drops, “What?! That’s not fair.”

Jessica chuckles, “I just got lucky.”

 Tiffany shakes her head, “So what have you been doing?”

Jessica shrugs, “Nothing much. I was just about to video chat with Yul.”

 Tiffany’s eyes widen, “Really?”

The latter nods, Tiffany nonchalantly nods along with her.

“That’ll be fun,” Tiffany replied coolly.

 Jessica rolls her eyes, “Yeah I guess. But can you go in my room and call Yul for me? I need to refill my bowl.”

Tiffany groans, “Why can’t you just call him after you refill your bowl?”

Jessica pouts, “Because I don’t want to be late! Now go!”

Jessica walks pass Tiffany and heads to the kitchen. Tiffany groans again and jogs to Jessica’s room. She turns on the latter’s laptop and logs on the video chat.

“He’s not even online…” Tiffany muttered to herself. She leans back against the chair, “I might as well wait…”

 Although by now she would have left the room to let Jessica handle her business, she couldn’t help but find herself growing excited to see if Taeng was going to be joining Yul as well. A small smile forms on her face as she patiently waits for Yul to log on.

 Intently staring at the screen.

 

“Taeng!” Yul called out from his room.

Taeng sets his book down and heads to his roommate’s room, he gazes at the dark-haired boy who was lying down on his bed.

“What?”

“Jessica’s going to call any minute now but I need to get something from the kitchen,” Yul cuffs his hands as if he was about to pray, “Can you please stay here and answer it once she calls?”

Taeng quickly nods, “Yeah sure. I can do that.”

Yul beams a smile, “Thanks, man! You’re the best.”

He quickly gets up from his bed, pats Taeng’s back and heads out to the kitchen. Taeng, completely oblivious to the smirk on Yul’s face, lies down on Yul’s bed and patiently waits for Jessica’s call.

No knowledge of the plan his roommate conjured up.

 “Ugh! Finally!” Tiffany exclaimed, noticing Yul’s username popping on the laptop screen.

 “Jessica! Yul’s on!” Tiffany yelled.

“Call him for me!” Jessica yelled back, her presence still in the kitchen.

 Tiffany groans again, “Fine!”

She gazes back at the screen and clicks “invite” on Yul’s username.

“Hurry up and accept it already Yul…” Tiffany mumbled to herself.

 

Taeng’s eyes widen, he stares at the blinking box on Yul’s laptop. Jessica’s picture was displayed on the screen and ringing sounds were being projected.

“Yul! Jessica’s calling you!” Taeng yelled.

 “Answer it for me! I’m almost done!”

 “Okay!” Taeng presses the “accept” button. After some time, two boxes load on the screen.

Taeng patiently waits for Jessica’s screen to load, he watches as his face slowly fades onto the screen revealing his reflection. 

“Yul?”

Taeng’s eyes widen, he was surprised to see Tiffany in front of the webcam instead of Jessica as her screen became more clear. 

 “Tiffany?” Taeng said softly in disbelief.

Tiffany’s eyes widen, “Taeng?”

Taeng waves, “Hi Tiffany!”

 A smile grows on Tiffany’s face.

“Taeng! Hi!” Tiffany replied cheerfully, waving back to him at the webcam.

“What are you doing?” Taeng asked curiously.

Tiffany tilts her head, “Jessica told me to call Yul…What about you?”

 Taeng’s eyes widen again, “Yul told me to wait for Jessica’s call.”

Tiffany bursts into laughter, “What a coincidence…”

 Taeng laughs along with her, “I’ll say.”

Yul snickers quietly as he retreats to the kitchen after eavesdropping on Taeng. He lets out a hearty laugh as he couldn't believe the plan he demised had worked. 

“Aigoo…Believe what you want Taeng,” Yul smirks, “But this was no coincidence.”

 “Should we go get the others?” Taeng asked, his soft eyes piercing through Tiffany’s heart.

Tiffany tilts her head cutely, causing a smile to form on Taeng’s face.

Tiffany coyly smiles, “No. I think we should let them wait. It’s payback for letting us do their errands.”

Taeng smirks, “Huh. I never thought you would be pinned as a bad person.”

 Tiffany chuckles, “Hey I’m not a bad person…”

Taeng chuckles along with her, “I know. I’m just kidding.”

 Tiffany smiles, her heart starts to beat irregularly and she couldn’t think straight seeing the cute boy being displayed on the screen.

“How was your day?” Taeng asked; a dorky smile on his face.

 Tiffany bites her bottom lip to contain herself from smiling like an idiot. It made her heart go wild that the latter on the screen wanted to engage in conversation with her.

“It was good,” Tiffany replied placidly, “How was yours?”

Taeng shrugs, “Eh it was alright. I just have a lot of homework.”

 “Oh, that ,” Tiffany replied coolly.

Taeng chuckles, “Yeah. But I have a lot of time to finish it.”

Tiffany smiles whole-heartedly, “Education means a lot to you huh?”

Taeng tilts his head, “Yeah. It’s a high priority for me.”

“That’s unusual, in a good way of course,” Tiffany reassured, “I’ve never met a guy who was so into his studies.”

Taeng chuckles again, “Thanks. It’s not that I like school, I’m just thinking practical. If I put my mind into school, I’ll graduate and find a job that makes a ton of money.”

 Tiffany nods, “I think the same way. College is a struggle but I always tell myself that this is all worth it. That after all this, my dreams will all come true.”

Taeng smiles, he felt his heart warm hearing the latter have the same passion for education as him. He never thought he would meet someone who had the same mindset as him. It was a change from Yul, who had no care in school and only aimed enough to graduate. But Taeng didn’t want that, he wanted to graduate and be known as the “guy who tried his hardest, the guy who never gave up.” Just like a man who once had a big impact on his life.

“I like that,” Taeng replied happily, a warm smile on his face, “It’s rare these days to find someone with the same mindset as me.”

 Tiffany chuckles, “I would have to say the same.”

 Taeng lays his arms on the table; he couldn’t help but gawk at the girl on the screen.

She was so beautiful.

His heart would tingle every time she spoke or smiled. There was something about her he was so drawn to.

Tiffany tilts her head seeing the latter on the screen saying no words but his eyes staring at her. 

“What? Is something wrong?” Tiffany said; a bit embarrassed. Her cheeks tinging red. 

 Taeng shakes his head, snapping himself out of his thoughts, he opens his mouth but no words come out.

Tiffany bites her bottom lip, “Errr Taeng?”

 Geez, the way she bites her lip…

Taeng shakes his head again; he gazes at the latter and sees the confused look on her face.

 Dang, I think I’m making her feel uncomfortable.

“Ahh sorry Tiffany,” Taeng finally said, “I…I was just thinking of my homework.”

 Tiffany slowly nods her head, “Oh I’m sorry…You have homework to do. You should go do that, I can go get Jessica.” She said; a hint of sadness in her tone.

She regretted saying those words but she knew how Taeng felt about education. After all, she would have felt the same. She didn't want to be a distraction to the things that mattered to him, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself if he fell behind his schooling and caused any stresses to the blonde latter. 

 Taeng mentally curses himself after realizing what he said. He wished he could go back in time and stop himself from saying such foolish words to the dark-haired beauty on the screen. 

He quickly shakes his head, “No it’s okay Tiffany. Remember? I have a lot of time to do my homework…” He gazes at the corner of the computer screen.

 “And I want to talk to you…” He said softly, his eyes widen realizing his thoughts came out of his mouth.

 Tiffany blushes after hearing the last sentence from Taeng, her heart skips a beat and her stomach flips upside down. She couldn’t stop the smile that grew on her face. Her eyes softly gaze at the flustered boy on the screen and she chuckled at how cute seeing how uncomfortable he was. Tiffany bites her bottom lip again, Taeng felt as if he could melt seeing the lip bite he grew fond of.

“I want to talk to you too…” Tiffany confessed softly, her cheeks still flushed with red.

This time it was Taeng’s turn to blush, a crimson red color flushes both his cheeks.

“I uh…” Taeng was bewildered, he suddenly grew nervous and his brain wasn’t functioning with his mouth.

He clears his throat and takes a deep breath to calm himself down. Tiffany tries her best to suppress her laugh seeing how baffled Taeng looked.

 “Sorry…” Taeng apologized, realizing that the girl had been quiet for some time.

 Tiffany lets out a small chuckle, “No it’s okay…I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

 Taeng rubs the back of his neck, “A-ah. You didn’t, I guess I got nervous.”

 Tiffany furrows her brows, “Nervous? Why would you be nervous?”

Taeng sighs, “I don’t know…That maybe you wouldn’t want to talk to me.”

 Tiffany felt her heart skip another beat hearing the honesty in Taeng’s words. She blushes again and looks down to conceal her crimson cheeks. Taeng mentally face palms himself. He doesn’t understand why he kept saying his thoughts out loud.

Tiffany smiles, “You shouldn’t think that. I enjoy talking to you.”

Taeng’s eyes widen in disbelief, “Really?”

Tiffany energetically nods, “Yeah! You’re…interesting.”

Taeng found himself calming down, his senses came back to him and he was back to his normal self.

“I would have to say the same about you,” Taeng replied sincerely, his warm smile melting Tiffany’s heart.

“Really? I would think you pinned me as a boring person,” Tiffany half-heartedly teased, hoping Taeng would disagree.

Taeng chuckles and shakes his head, “Nah. At least, through the times we talked I wouldn’t pin you as boring.”

Tiffany pouts, “Are you saying if you knew me better…you would think I’m boring?”

“I wouldn’t know…Maybe?” Taeng teased; a smirk on his face.

 Tiffany crosses her arms, “Hey…”

Taeng laughs, “Well that should be a sign that maybe…” He grins cheerfully at her, “We should get to know each other.”

 

“Wow, so you taught yourself Korean?” Taeng said in awe.

 Tiffany nods, “I figured if I was part Korean, I should learn the language.”

Taeng chuckles, “That’s impressive. Have you ever been here?”

 Tiffany frowns, “Unfortunately not. I’ve lived my whole life in the states. I want to though.”

Taeng smiles, “You should. Korea’s a nice place, you would love it.”

Tiffany beams a grin, “One of these days. Maybe after I graduate college, I did plan on moving there.”

Taeng’s face lights up, “Really? I can show you around Korea…You know; if you want me to.”

Tiffany felt herself squealing on the inside, she was growing excited that one of these days she would get to meet Taeng in person and he even offered to be her tour guide. It was one thing having the opportunity to video chat, but physically meeting in person would be a surreal experience for the both of them.

Tiffany smiles, “I would love that. You can show me all the great spots in Korea.”

Taeng nods, “It’s a plan.”

 During the time, Taeng and Tiffany had shared everything about each other. They spent the time talking about their interests, hobbies, and plans. They were hungry for more information about each other. They would smile after hearing the things they had in common and they would laugh and tease each other for the things they disagreed on. Throughout their conversation, they felt as if they knew everything about each other.

 In only a short amount of time.

“You know… Half of these things I told you, I haven’t even told Yul,” Taeng confessed shyly.

Tiffany bites her bottom lip, “Really?”

Taeng nods, “You’re not going to tell him right? He would make fun of me…”

 Tiffany chuckles, “Of course I won’t.”

“Promise?”

 He’s so cute when he pouts.

 Tiffany smiles, her eyes form into a crescent shape and she looks sincerely at Taeng. “I promise.”

 Taeng felt his heart melt, right before his eyes was the genuine smile he loved seeing on the girl’s face. It warmed his heart every time he would see that smile because he knew that she was truly smiling for what he said.

“Good, because Yul already teases me enough…I don’t want to give him more reasons to,” Taeng replied with a chuckle.

Tiffany chuckles, “Don’t worry. You can trust me.”

 Taeng smiles, “I know.”

Tiffany felt a little shocked hearing the boldness in the latter’s response. They have indeed been talking for quite some time now, 2 months to be specific, but she wasn’t sure if she could establish their relationship as friends or just merely close acquaintances.

“Hey, Taeng are we friends?” Tiffany asked softly.

The anticipation and anxiety could not contain themselves in her system, she wanted to know. Deep down, she believed they were friends and on their way to becoming even better ones but she wasn't sure if Taeng felt the same way. If he disagreed, she knew it was the end of their relationship and it would be too awkward to continue talking to each other, even with Jessica and Yul. 

Tiffany tightens her fists, anxious as she felt like the blonde-haired boy was taking forever to reply. 

 Taeng’s eyebrows rise and he curiously tilts his head. Tiffany holds in her breath as she felt her heart panging out of her chest. 

 “I would think so…” Taeng answered quietly after some time, “I know we’ve only been talking for a short amount of time but I want us to be friends. I’m glad I met a person like you.”

Tiffany felt her heart skip another beat and her stomach grow butterflies. She felt her body relax as she couldn't believe what Taeng had said. She wanted to stand up and cheer from happiness but instead, she kept her composure to avoid looking like an idiot in front of him. 

 “Why?” Taeng asked curiously.

Tiffany gulps and shakes her head, “Nothing…I was just wondering because…I want us to be friends too.”

 Taeng cheerfully smiles, “Then that settles it…We’re friends!”

Tiffany laughs seeing Taeng act dorky on the screen. His childlike manner was something she found adorable.

Her phone goes off, she looks down at her phone that was on Jessica’s desk and realized it was an incoming call. She frowns seeing Jay’s name being displayed on the screen, her sudden happy mood turns dark and she felt a frustrating feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Taeng’s smile slowly fades away, he sees the look on Tiffany’s face and he could tell she was distressed. He wasn’t sure what to say so he remains quiet until Tiffany finishes her undecipherable task. Tiffany groans in irritation, she presses “ignore” on her phone, and throws her phone on Jessica’s bed.

 Great, thanks a lot Jay for ruining my mood.

She heaves out a sigh and crosses her arms over her chest. She hears someone clear their throat; she quickly snaps up and sees Taeng staring at her.

“Sorry about that…” Tiffany muttered as she leans back against the chair.

Taeng looks at the latter worriedly, “Is everything okay?”

Tiffany bites her bottom lip, “I don’t know…”

 Taeng reassuringly smiles, “You can tell me. Remember, we’re friends? You can trust me.”

Tiffany couldn’t stop the smile that grew on her face, her body loosened and she felt at ease again.

 How you can make me smile when I’m mad is beyond me…

She opens but immediately stops herself from speaking.

Taeng tilts his head, seeing Tiffany's hesitation, “If it’s personal. You don’t have to tell me, I can understand.”

Tiffany found herself admiring how understanding Taeng was, he was willing to listen but at the same time, he was giving her space and closure.

 It wasn’t that she wanted to tell him, she was reluctant to mention anything about Jay. For some reason she found herself hesitating to state that she was in a relationship, she wasn’t sure why but she didn’t want to mention Jay’s name or talk about him. It felt as if it would ruin things if he was ever brought up and Tiffany didn't want to ruin the friendship she was creating with Taeng. 

 “It’s not personal…” Tiffany stated; she bites her bottom lip again.

 Taeng raises an eyebrow, “Oh?”

 Tiffany sighs, “I’m just…” She found herself hesitating again. She balls her fists and tightens them as they rested on her knees. 

Why can’t I say this?

“Yeah?” Taeng said; an encouraging smile spread across his face. 

“I’m just having trouble with my boyfriend…” Tiffany finally said in one breath.

The smile on Taeng’s face fades away. He wasn’t sure why but he felt a little annoyed now knowing that Tiffany has been in a relationship. A burning sensation starts to grow within him and he couldn't stop the flames from bursting all over. He wasn't sure why he was feeling this way if anything, he should be aiding his friend in need but instead, he wanted to dismiss the conversation and forget she even mentioned her relationship status. But at the same time, he felt a bit sad hearing that Tiffany wasn’t single, to begin with. He knew he was in a relationship but knowing both were never single when they met was disheartening.

“You have a boyfriend?” Taeng asked with a hint of sadness in his tone.

Tiffany nods but remains silent, unsure of what to say.

 “Hey, that’s cool…” Taeng said softly, “He’s lucky to have you.”

Tiffany slumps her shoulders, she regretted even mentioning the word “boyfriend” around Taeng and she wished she could rewind time to stop her from saying those words.

But then again…Why does it matter?

“So what’s going? Did you guys’ argue or something?” Taeng asked; his face hard like stone.

 Although he wasn’t sure why he was feeling glum he had to it up and help his friend the best way he could. Even if it meant concealing the pain that was in his heart. 

 Tiffany fidgets in her seat, “Not really.”

“Then…what happened?”

Tiffany sighs, “Well…Jessica believes that he’s a player.”

Taeng slowly nods, “Is he?”

Tiffany bites her bottom lip, “I don’t think so…”

“Then…Why are you irritated? If you don’t think he’s a player then he’s not. If you like him and he likes you, you shouldn’t care what people have to say about your guys’ relationship,” Taeng said sincerely, a soft smile on his face.

 Tiffany was taken aback, she found herself in disbelief hearing the wise words from Taeng. For some reason, she was hoping he would tell her to break up with him. And she would have. 

“Y-yeah…You’re right,” Tiffany said breathlessly, snapping out of her nonsense thoughts. 

Taeng chuckles, “Sorry if that’s not the best advice...”

He tries his best to smile even though on the inside he felt disgusted at himself for advising Tiffany about her relationship. He couldn’t understand his emotions right now and he wished he could rewind time so they didn’t have to talk about this.

 But then again…why does it matter?

 Taeng’s himself is in a relationship as well so he shouldn’t be feeling this way.

“No…If anything that was really good advice,” Tiffany admitted.

Taeng rubs his neck, “Ah thanks…Anyways, I hope things between you two work out…I’m sure he’s a great guy,” Taeng reluctantly said, feeling himself grow sadder as the topic keeps prolonging. 

Tiffany bites her bottom lip, “Yeah…He’s pretty great.”

“What’s his name?”

 “Jay.”

A small smile forms on Taeng’s face, “Jay? That’s cool. How long have you guys’ been going out?”

 Tiffany plays with her fingers, “Only about 7 months.”

 Taeng whistles, “That’s a long time.”

Tiffany felt a jab in her heart and she couldn’t understand why. She felt hurt and confused as to why she was feeling this way.

 “W-what about you?” Tiffany asked, turning the tables on Taeng. 

Taeng tilts his head, “What about me?”

Tiffany her lips, “Are you in a relationship?”

Taeng’s eyes widen, he bites his bottom lip and gazes down to the keyboard. He felt reluctant to talk about his relationship status, but since he found out Tiffany’s in a relationship, he thought he might as well confess too.

 “Y-yeah I am,” Taeng replied, his eyes still on the keyboard.

 Tiffany felt her body grow heavy. She felt a bit sad knowing that Taeng was as well, in a relationship.

“That’s nice,” Tiffany said softly, “What’s her name?”

 “Jieun,” Taeng replied weakly.

 “That’s a pretty name, how long have you guys’ been going out?” Tiffany asked, forcing a smile on her face.

Taeng bites his bottom lip again, “A year and 3 months.”

Tiffany gawks, “And you’re saying my relationship is long?”

 Taeng awkwardly chuckles, “Ah yeah...”

 Tiffany lets out a soft sigh, “I’m happy for you…She’s lucky to have you.”

 Taeng felt as if he was sinking, he had this sudden feeling that a slight chip was made in their relationship status. All for unnecessary reasons but even they can’t explain why they felt distressed and sad. Had they never mentioned they were in a relationship, maybe things would have been better. But even they question why they felt the need to hide their relationship status. 

 “Thanks…” Taeng half-heartedly replied, forcing a small smile. 

 Tiffany slowly nods, “No problem…”

 An awkward silence grows between the two, both unsure of what to say. In their minds, they were both thinking the same thing.

Why did things get awkward when it shouldn’t have? They’re nothing more than friends and they both seem happy with their relationships.

They couldn’t help but feel a slight sting in their heart but it only made them ask the same question over and over. 

Why? Why? Why?

Taeng breaks the silence by clearing his throat, Tiffany quickly looks up and gazes at the latter.

“I should go and do my homework,” Taeng awkwardly said as he rubs the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact with the dark-haired latter. 

 Tiffany felt disheartened hearing the latter’s words but she knows he was only saying that because of the awkward atmosphere. She wanted to persist that they could move on and keep talking but judging by the look on the Taeng's face, it seemed best not to try. 

“Yeah…I should go study for my exams,” Tiffany said, trying her best to sound nonchalant and feeling defeated that she couldn't do anything. 

Taeng softly smiles, “We’ll talk soon okay?”

Tiffany weakly smiles, “Yeah…”

Taeng waves to the webcam, “Goodnight Tiffany.”

Tiffany felt hurt but all she could do was wave to the boy on the screen. Her words kept trying to escape her lips to keep him on the screen to continue talking but she had to hold them back. 

 “Good night Taeng," She managed to say. 

 And with that, the call was disconnected.