Tiffany's POV

"So what time and day should I come over to your house Taeyeon?"

She looked over to me, her cheeks puffed up and filled with a mixture of food from her visually delicious looking lunch that she made herself. I couldn't help but laugh at how cute she was. After she washed down her food with water, she wiped the corner of and looked over to me. "Huh? Oh yeah. Well, my family has dinner around six o'clock and I'm not busy this weekend."

"Do you want me to come over around that time? Does Saturday sound good?" I asked while she took another bite of her lunch. She nodded her head as she pulled away from her food, leaving a grain of rice near the corner of her lip. I chuckled at the petite girl's carelessness when eating. "You're such a messy eater."

"No I'm not." Taeyeon mumbled through her food.

I shook my head. "Really now? Did you know that you have a piece of bread near your lip?"

She proceeded to wipe off of the excess food. "Did I get it?" She asked, clearly missing the desired spot. 

A smile started to form on my face in reaction to the caramel haired girl's cuteness. I proceeded to raise my hand towards the corner of to wipe off the mess for her. "Right here silly." I said while my fingers cradled the side of her cheek as my thumb gently grazed the corner of her lip to rid of the tiny starchy substance. My eyes made its way to look into her comforting, but surprised brown eyes. "I got it." I grinned, trying to prevent my cheeks from turning a blazing, cherry red.

"T-thank you." She stuttered. A light, pinkish blush started to form on her face. "I could have gotten it you know."

I nodded in response as my thumb gently waved back and forth against her soft, cream colored-like skin. "It's okay." I whispered as my eyes gazed directly into her welcoming, but surprised eyes. To fight off the oncoming awkwardness, I placed my other hand on her cheek and lightly squeezed her face in between my palms. She puckered up her lips in response. A silent chuckled escaped my lips. "You look like a fish Taengoo."

"Let me go Tiffany. I can't breathe." She mumbled through her pursed lips. 

As I did what I was told, the bell rang which told us that lunch was over. Taeyeon and I got up from our seats at the lunch table and grabbed our trash to throw away into the garbage. Before I could collect all my trash, the petite girl walked over to me and picked it up. "What are you doing?" I said in confusion.

"Think of it as a favor being repaid." Taeyeon gladly smiled. "I'll throw this away. Just save me a seat in class okay?"

I smiled warmly at her and nodded my head in response. I turned away from her and proceeded to walk to our fifth period class. Again, I had to walk through the mob of teenagers crowding the hallways. It didn't help that our next class was near the smallest hallway in the school. Squeezing my body through the rushed, sweaty, pubescent teenagers was not the most pleasant feeling in the world. In fact, it was kind of disgusting since some had unique and pungent odors.

Successfully, I made my way through the mess and briskly walked to my destination. I placed my hand on the door knob, opened it, and then walked to my seat remembering that I had to save a spot for Taeyeon. I put my bag near the chair next to me and patiently waited for the brunette to walk through the door. A couple of Taeyeon's and my close friends greeted me as they tried to find their seats. 

"Hey Tiffany." The tall, mohawk-haired kid said as he sat across from me.

"Hey Taecyeon." I smiled back.

"Sup Tiffany," another person happily greeted me as they took their spot next to him.

"Hi Yoona." I cheerfully said.

"You're in an awfully good mood today." The tall kid told me.

I nodded in response. "I am. It's a good day today."

"Well of course." Yoona added. "It's Friday, thank god. I want to go home."

"You always want to go home." I commented. We all looked at each other and tried to stifle our laughter, but to no avail. As we shared a laugh I saw Taeyeon walked into the classroom. Instinctively, one hand motioned her over in my direction while the other hand grabbed my bag off the seat I saved for her. "I saved you a seat just like you asked. I kept it warm for you too." I grinned.

"Really now?" She smirked. "It looked more like your bag kept my seat warm instead of you." She exaggerated a fake gasp and placed her hand on her chest. "Your bag is more considerate than you Tiffany!" 

She sat down in her seat and snatched my bag out of my hands, proceeding to give it a hug. "Thank you Tiffany's bag. You love me more than she does huh?" She whined.

"Hey!" I yelled, causing Taecyeon and Yoona to bring their attention to us. "I saved this seat for you, not my bag. Where's my hug?"

The brunette-blonde haired girl looked over to me and I raised my eyebrow in response. "You don't get one." She playfully stuck her tongue out at me, bringing out a spout of laughter from my friends.

"What's so funny guys?" She happily chuckled at them. 

As Taecyeon and Yoona regained their composure the mohawk kid proceeded to say, "You guys."

Taeyeon and l looked over to them, our expression dumbfounded. "Us?" We said simultaneously.

The mohawk kid nodded. "Yeah, you. Both of you. It's not like you guys to act this way. It's really funny. Right Yoona?" Taecyeon elbowed the long, black haired girl sitting next to him.

"Huh?" The black haired girl said. "Oh, yeah! You guys are acting differently, but it's a Friday. Who cares. People do strange things on Friday anyway."

He huffed at Yoona's response. "She has a point, but anywho. Who else is having a trivial fight about whether a bag or a person saved a seat? Clearly, no one else! Only cute couples fight about this stuff." He laughed. "You guys are too adorable."

The petite girl and I shared awkward eye contact with each other and lightly chuckled towards our friends. "Cute couples?" I said hesitantly.

"We try our best." Taeyeon winked at me which made my heart thump proudly against my chest. I nodded in return and we both smiled at them causing them to reciprocate the friendly action. The bell rang, signaling the class to commence its lesson for the day. 

The teacher rose up from his desk and looked over his students with an ecstatic and conniving look in his eye. I could tell that our teacher had planned something what he thought was incredibly exciting. Since this class was and his specialty was World Studies, it had to be an interactive project that we would have to partner or group up on.

"Alright class!" His voice boomed. "I have good news. Since we've got to know each other for the past two months it's time to unleash this month's project that I'll now be assigning you all."

The class groaned in disappointment. I knew that disappointment added to the stress the students already had to deal with. They didn't need any more and I agreed with them, but the teacher begged to differ. "Woah, woah guys! I promise this will be worth your time!" He said in a reassuring tone. The students turned their attention half-heartedly towards him, listening somewhat attentively. "Well this project is a special one. Why? Well, for this assignment you all get to pick your own partners!"

The students raised their heads and ears up in astonishment. We knew that our teacher never let us pick our own partners so we were all filled with enthusiasm. The class started to move their heads around in search of a good teammate to create a mind blowing presentation for the teacher and the class; like buzzing bees looking for the perfect flower to bring out the best pollen so they can make satisfying honey to give to the Queen or this case the King Bee and the workers.

My eyes turned over to Taeyeon and we both gave each other a look that we both knew that we're going to be partners for this project. We nodded our heads in satisfaction of our decision. As everyone else settled in their pairs the teacher smiled in content and commenced to talk more about the project.

"Now that everyone has picked their partners it's now time to introduce the assignment." He clasped his hands together in excitement. The class leaned their bodies forward, showing that they were interested. "Alright, this project is a 'get to know your partner' kind of thing."

I gasped in anticipation. This is what I needed, the chance to get to know Taeyeon a little bit more. This project was perfect, until I heard the next words left the teacher's mouth. "However, there's a twist. Have you noticed that this class in particular in very diverse in students? In fact it's exciting to see many foreign exchange students attending this school, especially this class."

The class nodded and grinned like bobble heads. He continued to smile. He seemed very pleased with the amount of people that responded to his lesson plan of the day. He proceeded with this speech. "You all bring such a variety in cultural backgrounds, but since there are so many we tend to neglect them. This project will allow us to delve deep into our partner's cultural history. After you have collected enough information about each other's culture, compare and contrast the two and present it in the next month. If both you are of the same culture, then research how your partner and their family living in Korea has affected their traditions, then compare and contrast the family dynamic. Sounds good everyone?"

The class greatly expressed their interest with bright and beaming emotions and actions. I had to admit I was elated with joy but, I was more interested in knowing more about Taeyeon as opposed to the actual focus of the assignment. However, I was worried I couldn't get to know Taeyeon more, but thanks to this project I finally have the chance. I was grateful.

I recalled Sunny's encouraging words. A smile started to form on my face when I knew that she was right. I couldn't mess this up because knew that I wouldn't. This was my chance. I couldn't help to scoff at the craziness and the coincidence of this uplifting situation. This is what I wanted. I now have the chance to finally get to know Taeyeon and most importantly, the chance to know if I really do have feelings for her.

I looked over to her and smiled. She turned her head towards my direction and asked, "Ready partner?"

I nodded my head. I couldn't contain my oncoming excitement. "Yes I am. Let's get to know more about each other Taeyeon."

She warmly smiled back. "I can't wait."

---

After we finished our fifth day of detention I ran over to Taeyeon who waited at the front of the school for her parents. "Taeyeon!" I yelled. She turned around to look at me with smile plastered on her face. "Are you busy right now?"

She tilted her head to the side and squinted her eyes trying to see if she had any other plans. "Well my parents are going to pick me up soon. I can call them as ask them to pick me up later."

I waved my hand in front of her, gesturing her not to do that. "I can give you a ride home. Are you hungry? I was wondering if you want to get something to eat with me?" She placed her hand on her stomach and a faint growl roared out of her belly. 

"I guess a quick bite wouldn't hurt." She was a little embarrassed, but she laughed it off.

I laughed along with her as I intertwined my fingers with her own while pulling Taeyeon along to match my walking pace. I was comfortable with the physical contact that we shared, but I couldn't control the oncoming feelings that I was still trying to suppress. Since I wasn't so sure about them, it made me a bit tense.

"Where do you want to eat?" I shyly asked, my hand slightly shifting in her grasp.

"I'm not that hungry, but go wherever you feel like. I'll eat anything." She gave the ultimatum. 

"Call your parents first then." I said. "I don't want them to get mad at me for kidnapping their daughter."

A chuckle escaped as she used her free hand to pull her phone out of her pocket. As she dialed the number and placed the phone near her ear I couldn't help but sneak glances at her. The rays from the sun that emanated off her body highlighted and traced every line and curve, making her glow with beauty. 

The more I looked at her, the more I noticed how gracefully she was aging. While the days passed, her child-like face had been slowly maturing into a young adult. Her jaw line had noticeably become more prominent and sharp, her soft chin became more rounded, but her adorable button-like nose still stayed the same. It seemed like her maturing features could refract the light away, but the sudden flash of brightness revealed the hidden shadows on her face. The dark circles that rested under her eyes popped out from slumber and her skin was unbelievingly pale. Her gentle lips looked cracked and parched. I immediately became worried. Has she been taking care of herself lately? Poor Taeyeon. What is keeping her up so late?

"Okay Dad. I'll be home later. Tiffany and I are going to get something to eat and she'll be giving me a ride home. Alright, I love you too. I'll tell her that too. Haha, bye." She sighed a relaxed smile and shoved her phone into her pocket. Then she looked over to me with her warm, brown eyes and said, "My parents are cool with it. They told me to tell you that they love you."

"I haven't even met your family yet and they like me already?" I questioned in astonishment. "Wow. I'm starting to like your family even quicker than I expected.

"You'll love them even more after you get to know them." She smiled. I couldn't help but share a laugh with her. As we approached my car I opened the door and helped her into her seat. After I let go of her hand I got in the car, situated myself, then the ignition. The roar of the engine matched the surprisingly loud grumbles leaving our stomach. "I think I'll need more than just a quick bite Tiffany." She chuckled shyly. 

"Me too." A soft laugh escaped my lips. "Let's go, I'm starving."

---

Taeyeon's POV

"Are you sure about this Tiffany?"

The brunette nodded her head while I stared at her in shock. "Yeah. I am. Just get whatever you want okay? It's a buffet and the prices are reasonable. I'll pay for you."

I shook my head in disagreement. "I have to pay for my own meals. It's not like we're dating or anything." We turned to awkwardly gaze at each other. I felt somewhat uncomfortable so I looked away from her and bit my tongue in embarrassment. Why did I say that? I'm such an idiot. 

She reached for my hand and firmly grasped it in her gentle palm. I raised my head to look into her warm and welcoming brown eyes. I couldn't help but notice how her facial features were more poised and distinct when she had her hair up in a ponytail. Her cheekbones were sharp, her chin was defined and her nose was long and prominent. She still carried her royal-like and regal beauty throughout the time I have known her. She had been aging gracefully as time passed by. In the light of the restaurant, despite how poorly dim it was, she still managed to shine with elegance. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous at her. I still looked like a kid and she visualized a captivating beauty, a dazzling queen. There was no way I could compare to her, but despite all of my insecurities she never made me feel inferior about it. She was so humble about it, and because of that her beauty made me fall for her even more.

"It's okay. I got it covered. Just eat lots." She grinned, flashing her trademark eye smile. Every time she showed that special feature, my heart melted. Even with her royal-like beauty that others may find intimidating and arrogant, the smile in her eyes would make people throw all their perceived misconceptions away. Underneath the tough exterior she presented, there was a fragile and timid, but sweet and gentle interior that only the lucky ones could see. The corners of my mouth started to travel upwards again. I was very grateful to have met her. I was lucky.

I gave the brunette's hand a soft squeeze before I let go. "Thank you. I'll pay you back soon."

"No need." She dejected. "It's one of my gifts to you."

I smiled at her as I proceeded to kiss her cheek. "Thank you." I said through my oncoming blush as I walked away from our table to get us some food.  I was becoming comfortable doing things like that around her. It seemed right for me to do so. It was one of the ways that I showed my gratitude towards her. It didn't feel wrong to me. It felt right. A smile started to form on my face once again. I felt a hand grab my wrist and I turned around in shock. I calmed down when I saw that it was Tiffany; however my heart started to race when I realized that she was dangerously close to my face. Too close.

"Um?" I stuttered. "Do you need anything?"

She smiled hesitantly at me before speaking. "Yeah," she shied away. "I do."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Do you want to pick out some food together?" The brunette suggested. "I think it would be fun if we did." 

I nodded my head and smiled. "Yeah, let's go."

As we walked towards the beginning of the line we pulled two plates off the stack on the counter and browsed the selection of food. We pointed at what we wanted and laughed when we chose such ridiculous food that we hated or wanted each other to try. After we got enough food to satisfy our hungry bellies we went back to our table and set the carefully set the plates down. 

"Wow," Tiffany said wide-eyed. "That's a lot of food. How are we going to finish it?"

"Does it matter?" I smiled in anticipation to feast. "Let's eat!"

A light laugh left her lips. "Yeah, you're right. Let's eat. I'm starving."

"Less talking, more chewing." I mouthed through my food.

"Dang." She laughed. "You're hungry aren't you?"

I nodded my head while I continued to stuff my mouth and chew vigorously. Through my bouts of feasting I could hear the brunette laugh at me. I looked up at her with my puffed up cheeks. "What's so funny?" I mumbled.

She playfully rolled her eyes at me and proceeded to grab a napkin from the dispenser. "You're such a messy eater. You never learn do you?" Tiffany chuckled as she wiped off some mess off my face.

I swallowed my food which uncomfortably travelled down my throat. I drank some water that helped to wash down the mushed up substance. "I'm really hungry okay? Don't judge me."

"I wasn't judging." Tiffany raised her hands up in defeat. "But if you continue eating like that you'll get indigestion and that won't be good."

"Really?" I said jokingly. "I didn't know that."

"Whatever." She scoffed as she took a bite of her food. "You're still a terrible eater. Look! You made a mess everywhere."

"I can't help it." I pouted. "Whenever I see food I just eat it. You know, whatever is around my house I eat it. I don't need to be ladylike about it until have to."

"Really?" She questioned. "So you're kind of like a tomboy then?"

"Well not really." I said as I wiped my mouth with the napkin that she used on me. "I like to be comfortable. There's no harm in dressing up a little, but I'm casual most of the time." The athletic girl leaned her body a bit closer, showing that she was interested in what I was saying. I continued on. "When I was little I used to be a huge tomboy. I played with cars, robots, video games and all that stuff with my dad. Sometimes I played with dolls and make-up with my mom, but most of the time I just hung out with my friends and did crazy stuff that wasn't proper for a 'young lady' like myself. Oh! Sometimes I'd pick fights with my siblings. You probably won't believe this but, I'd always win in the fights I had against my brother. I also had tussles with the jerks who messed with my family and friends. I'd get in trouble, but it was all worth it to protect the people I love."

"Wow, you were a rowdy kid." Tiffany was taken aback.

"I couldn't help that I was." I shrugged.

"You still are." She playfully nudged at me.

I lightly pushed her shoulder back in retaliation. "Hey."

"You asked for it." She winked at me.

"Whatever." I scrunched my nose at her as I stuffed more food into my mouth. Tiffany laughed at my childlike actions. "What about you?"

"What about me?" She raised her voice in a curious tone.

"Tell me about yourself." I begged.

"What do you want to know?" She slouched into her chair.

"Anything." I expressed. "What was your childhood like? What kind of kid were you when you were younger? You know, that stuff."

She tilted her head to the side before speaking, indicating that she was deep in thought. A small frown formed across her face and her eyes drooped low. The brunette let out a pained sigh before looking over to me with a forced smile. This expression was different from her classy and confident ones that she always showed. It seemed as though she was trying to fight back suppressed feelings in order to feel dominant over herself. It looked as though something in her past affected her to make her show such contrived facade before me. Maybe the questions I asked were too personal.

However, she was she too engrossed in her thoughts. It was painful for me to watch. I remembered that Tiffany mentioned that she always solved her own issues by herself. It must be lonely to always fight your own battles when you're the only one supporting yourself. I wanted to ask her if her family helped her at all with her struggles, but that was a question for another time. I couldn't help but share the sadness with her. I reached for her hand and slowly caressed my thumb over her skin. "You don't have to answer it." I comforted her. "You can tell me another time, besides I should be getting home now. It's getting late. I don't want my parents to get mad and I don't want your parents mad either."

Tiffany lowered her head and got out of her seat. "Yeah, we should head out now. Here, take this and I'll meet you at the car." She handed me her keys as she walked over to the cashier. I did as I was told and exited the restaurant to get to the vehicle. As I got in I relaxed into the seat and patiently waited for the brunette.

"I wonder what happened to her in her past." I curiously said. "I wonder what happened to Tiffany and her parents." I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard the door open. I turned my head to see a smiling Tiffany and delicious ice cream in each hand.

"For you." She giggled. "I promised you ice cream remember?"

I nodded in uneasiness as I reached for her gift. "Thank you." I responded as I latched my lips onto the sweet treat to hide my discontent.

"It's good right?" She smiled as she started the car. "Let's get you home."

"Yeah." I casted my eyes away from her as I continued to eat my ice cream. Who knew that the sweetest gift could give me such a sour feeling in the pit of my stomach?

I looked over to Tiffany and decided that I was determined to find out more about her. Because of our project it gave me chance to get to know her more.

I wanted to know what troubled her.

I wanted to help her through her struggles. I didn't like seeing her this way. It pained me so much.

It seemed like she hid too much from the world and I wanted to open her up to the possibilities of becoming happy again. 

Getting to know her, getting to know all about her scared me. But I was willing to do it. I was willing to put in all that effort just for her.

Why? I didn't even know the answer myself, but all I knew was the promise that I made to myself the first day I met her.

That promise was to always be there for her through her triumphs...

And her downfalls.

Regardless, I wanted to be the one who would always be by her side no matter what.

With me by her side, I wanted to see her start anew.

Author's Note:

Hello Readers. :)

Thank you for patiently waiting for this chapter. I really commend you for sticking with this story. Thank you so much. It means so much to me.

I apologize that it took me a while. I was very busy with volunteering this week and I will continue to be busy with many things since school is around the corner for me.

Updating can range from 1 to 2 weeks.

However, I will still continue to write and do my best to keep this story alive.

Constructive comments are greatly appreciated. 

Thank you all so much. :)

The song that helped me write this chapter (well there were many songs that helped me...) Maybe I'll start doing a song of the day thing, but instead it will be called "Song of the Chapter".

So today's  "Song of the Chapter" is...

"Love Sick" by TaeTiSeo (TTS-GirlsGeneration): http://youtu.be/TQFUcBkTuY0

I was suprised when I heard this song on their album. It had such an R&B feel to it. It was very old school. I liked it a lot.

Thanks readers! :D

Oh man, I re-read the chapter myself and I made some edits to it. >.< 

That's such an awkward feeling... Oh well.

Sincerely,

PandaJR :3