Byun Baekhyun sighed softly and moved some of his dark brown hair from his eyes as he looked out his front room window. He was waiting for his girlfriend, Taeyeon. She was supposed to leave for college soon and he was the one to her to the train station. Baekhyun hated having to let her travel so far away for schooling, but she had her heart set on Chugye University for the Arts in Seoul, the busy and crowded capital of South Korea. They lived in Bucheon all their life, which was 16 miles away from Seoul, and Baekhyun was going to go to school in Bucheon. He wanted to keep Taeyeon safe and close, but Taeyeon insisted on moving to Seoul for school, rambling on about how Seoul had the best teachers and the nicest apartments.
    Baekhyun was planning on going to a local college, cheap and close to home. He just wanted to get it over with. He already had an office job from his father’s company and he wasn’t planning on doing anything but getting promotions until he could eventually take over after his father once he retired. He hoped to have Taeyeon move in with him and propose to her after she graduates but she didn’t seem too excited about settling down anytime soon. Taeyeon was an artist who loved to move around while Baekhyun liked staying tied to one place. It was simple that way. Even though Taeyeon might have been his complete opposite, Baekhyun loved her and they clicked better than magnets when they were together.
    When a figure walked past the tall glass window through the yard to the porch, Baekhyun quickly stood from where he sat in the small nook and rushed to open the door before his expected visitor could knock. He smiled widely as his brown eyes met Taeyeon’s soft ones. 
    “Hey, babe,” Baekhyun greeted and wrapped his arms around Taeyeon’s waist, pulling her close to peck her lips softly. Taeyeon smiled sweetly and pecked Baekhyun’s plump lips back, setting her hands on his firm chest, slowly tracing the horizontal dark blue stripes on Baekhyun’s warm sweater.
    “Hello Baekkie,” She cooed in reply, “Ready to take me to the train station?” Baekhyun bit his lip and let a soft sigh escape his lungs. This might have been a happy day for Taeyeon, but it was a sad day for Baekhyun.
    “I’d rather you just stay in town with me,” Baekhyun mumbled under his breath, but Taeyeon was close enough to hear the remark. She raised a hand to gently caress her boyfriend’s cheek with her thumb.
    “Baekkie,” She began with a soft sigh of her own, “We’ve talked about this. Moving to Seoul would be the best thing for me. You can visit me on your days off and we’ll still go on dates like we usually do on the weekends.” Baekhyun shook his head softly and looked down, setting his hands back down at his sides and releasing her waist to grab her hand, lacing their fingers in hopes she would stay.
    “You make it sound so easy,” Baekhyun chuckled sadly before grabbing his keys off the rough wooden table by the door with his free hand. “You’ll call me every night, right? Just so I know you’re safe.” He slipped on his jacket and shut the front door, locking it before taking Taeyeon’s hand in his once again before walking to his car. “I need to know you’re alright. I don’t want to lose contact with you. You know how paranoid I get.”
    “Of course I will,” Taeyeon replied with a light laugh. She loved how sweet Baekhyun was, how he did everything in his power to make her feel safe. “I know how worried you get.” A small giggle left her lips and Baekhyun couldn’t help but peck her nose before opening her door and letting her get into the black Chevrolet Trax. He moved to the driver’s side and got in himself before putting the key in ignition and starting the shiny car.
    “I just want to make sure you’re safe, sorry for being a decent boyfriend,” Baekhyun teased. The comment made Taeyeon roll her eyes and fold her arms. 
    “Whatever,” She mumbled before looking over at the older male and smiling softly. “I love you, Baekhyun. I really do.”
    “I love you, too, Taeyeonnie,” Baekhyun replied and leaned over to peck his girlfriend’s cheek, “You’re my everything.”
    “Eyes on the road, Baek,” Taeyeon warned, making Baekhyun roll his eyes this time. Baekhyun used one hand to pull off the wheel and set in between them. Seeing this action, Taeyeon let one of her hands down to slip into his, lacing their fingers together softly and smiling at the warmth that Baekhyun’s smooth skin radiated.
❁
    The car ride to the station was about twenty four minutes long. The couple talked of old times and new plans for the future. Baekhyun wanted to try and convince Taeyeon to stay, but he gave up, knowing it was too late, they were already in the car. She might as well already be gone. She was so determined to leave and Baekhyun couldn’t help but feel bad, like Taeyeon wasn’t happy here with him. Was he not good enough?
    Once the car parked, Taeyeon bit her lip and looked down at her lap, not wanting to say goodbye just yet. Baekhyun looked over and frowned as he saw tears form in his significant other’s eyes.
    “Baby don’t cry, tonight,” He sang her favorite song softly and brought a hand up to gently caress his lover’s cheek. Taeyeon smiled softly and looked up at her boyfriend, moving a hand up to put over his, rubbing it softly.
    “You always had the most beautiful voice,” Taeyeon whispered softly, making Baekhyun’s lips turn up in a soft smile.
    “What’s wrong? You acted so excited to leave me, and now you’re crying.”
    “Baekhyun, I’m excited to go to college in a new place. I hate the thought of leaving you here. I wish you could just come with me.”
    “I would love to, but my place is here.”
    “You always told me your place was with me.”
    “It is,” Baekhyun sighed and looked out the window before looking back to Taeyeon. “My heart is always with you. But my place is here.” Taeyeon looked down and again and nodded softly before reaching for the door handle. 
She waited for a few moments, frozen in her spot. She just wanted one more minute with her love. If only that minute could last forever. But she so badly wanted to go to school in Seoul and it was too late to change her mind. She’d already been accepted into the university.
When the minute ended, Taeyeon opened the door and climbed out of the car. She waited for Baekhyun to do the same before getting her ticket and luggage then heading to the train. Baekhyun was hesitant to let go of her hand as she moved to get on the large train. Taeyeon could feel the sadness in his fingertips and stepped back to place a loving kiss on Baekhyun’s full lips.
Baekhyun pulled Taeyeon close by the waist with one hand and used the other hand to slip into her soft blonde hair, deepening the kiss ever so lightly, never wanting to let her go. But when the whistle of the train blew, she pulled away and pecked his lips one more time before boarding without a word. They promised each other no goodbyes because they knew they would always see each other again. Goodbyes were negative and held a slight foreshadowing of a dark future as if it meant goodbye for good. They would always refrain from saying it.
Taeyeon found a seat by a window and opened it, Baekhyun saw her and ran over to stand by the outside of the light green train with the red horizontal stripe down the middle of the side of it. He smiled at her and leaned down to whisper a soft ‘I’ll miss you’ before her cheek as the whistle of the train sounded again.
Baekhyun stepped away from the train and watched as it rolled away, his girlfriend never leaving his eyes. The further away the train travelled from him, the lonelier Baekhyun felt. He was heartbroken but happy. Happy that Taeyeon was finally going somewhere she’s wanted to go for so long. But he just wished there was some way that this could make them both happy. 
❁
A few days passed and Taeyeon was settled into her new apartment, close to the university. Classes were going well and she already had plans to go out and take pictures for scrapbooking. She’d met lots of new people and hoped to make new friends. Calls to Baekhyun were made every night at seven when she knew he was off work. They talked for hours of nothing and everything. They’ve only been away from one another for barely three days and they had everything to say.
Baekhyun spoke of work and his father’s constant letters and e-mails to him about what he’d have to do in the office when he was the one to take over the company. Taeyeon talked about her fun teachers and the lively streets of Seoul or even her sweet neighbors that brought her food. Most of all, they talked of each other. They spent hours on the phone conversing about dates and visits they would have to make to one another when they were both free from school and work.
On and on, the minutes turned to hours until it was past one o’clock in the morning and mentions of early school and work began to pop up. Neither of them could find the will to hang up just yet. Even when there was silence, they stayed in the call, waiting for someone to talk as they listened to each other’s soft breathing. Finally, when Taeyeon was so tired and silent, Baekhyun would whisper a soft ‘I love you’ before hanging up when he heard his girlfriend being to snore.
Everything was going as planned. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close. Baekhyun could make sure Taeyeon was safe and well while Taeyeon could still go to school and focus on her studies. Thank god for phones Baekhyun hummed in his mind as he sat at his desk, texting his girlfriend when he caught breaks at the office. Pure bliss. Or at least, close to it.
❁
It was Thursday, April 17 and the weather was beautiful in Seoul. Warm and breezy. Taeyeon decided to go out and visit the Han River, bringing along her favorite camera to take pictures for photography class and Baekhyun. She walked along the brick sidewalk and hummed softly as she snapped pictures of cuddling couples, perched birds, energetic children, and the river itself.
As she was about to press the button to take another picture, someone walked in front of the camera and she pulled the device down to see who it was. Taeyeon blinked a bit as she studied the tall charming male. Dirty blonde hair, a slight smirk, dark brown eyes, expensive looking clothes including a grey cardigan, skinny jeans, low v-neck t-shirt, black new tennis shoes, and some earrings of different designs decorated the man’s body in the most charismatic way. Taeyeon stepped back a bit and looked away shyly as if he were some kind of famous K-Pop star. She was about to turn and walk away before the man spoke with a hint of a Chinese accent peeking through his deep words.
“Hello,” the man greeted. Taeyeon thought the male looked to be somewhere in his twenties. Twenty-two, maybe. Though, looks can be deceiving. “I’m Wu Yifan, but my friends call me Kris. I was walking by and saw you taking pictures. Are you a famous photographer? I’m an artist myself and I was just wondering if you wanted to get coffee sometime and talk about. . . Well. . . Art?”
Taeyeon bit her lip and let her cheeks turn a gentle pink, looking down at her camera feeling a bit flustered. “I’m taking photography classes at Chugye University. I’m no artist yet, but I’d love to become one.” Kris smiled and held out his hand to let the girl shake it.
“You don’t need a college degree to be an artist,” Yifan chuckled, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I go there, too. I haven’t seen you around. Are you new?” Kris asked with a tilt of his head and a charming smile.
“Yeah,” Taeyeon nodded and hesitantly took Kris’ hand, shaking it slowly. She could see what the male was trying to do. “I just got here three days ago. I’m Kim Taeyeon.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kris bowed and pulled his hand back, slipping into the pocket of his black skinny jeans, using the other hand to help him talk. “I just came in four months ago from Canada to take classes. I guess you could say I’m kind of new. How about that coffee? I’d love to talk more with you.”
Taeyeon thought about Baekhyun then bit her bottom lip harder. It’s only coffee with a new friend; Baek wouldn’t be mad, right? He’s not the jealous type. She let out a small sigh before rubbing her arm nervously. “I have a boyfriend back at home,” she informed, “I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.”
Kris blinked a bit then scratched the back of his head and nodded. “I understand. It’s alright. But I’d still love to be friends. Coffee with friends is safe, right?”
Taeyeon thought for a moment before smiling shyly and nodding. “Right,” she agreed, “Lets go.”
❁
A few weeks passed and Taeyeon had gotten to know Kris more than she might have wanted to at first. They had a lot in common and he knew just how to make her smile. When she was around Kris, its like a hole in her heart was filled again. Something about him made her happy and she felt terribly guilty. It’s how Baekhyun always made her feel and now someone else was taking his place. The worse thing is that Baekhyun would never even expect this behavior of her. They’ve always been so loyal to one another. But then again, they were always very clingy when they were together. They’ve been dating for six years and knew each other since they were just kids. Now that Taeyeon has her own space and freedom, everything has changed.
Phone calls got shorter between Taeyeon and Baekhyun. Some nights she didn’t even call. Ints not because she didn’t have time or didn’t want to, it’s because she was always with Kris or she didn’t want to face the truth that she was cheating on her loving boyfriend. The nights where Taeyeon didn’t call worried Baekhyun and he started to call her instead but she would always text him and tell him that she’s busy, making different excuses to just avoid the man she loved so much not only a month ago.
❁
“Just tell him you can’t take it anymore. The distance is killing you,” Kris suggested, “I’m sure he’d understand. Its probably killing him, too. It’ll help you both if you break up.” It was a Saturday night and Taeyeon was on her usual dinner out with her ‘close friend’ Kris.
“I can’t,” Taeyeon shook her head and sipped some of her red wine from the elegant wine glass. She was twenty-two and she rarely drank any type of alcohol with Baekhyun around, but Kris was alright with just a glass or two every now and then. “It would break his heart and I’ve hurt him enough lately. I just can’t do it. Maybe he’ll do it for me. I’ll just wait”
“But you’re growing apart, admit it. You’re not happy with him. This isn’t working out how you planned. It’d be easier if you end it now while you’re ahead,” Kris frowned and reached over the table to take Taeyeon’s hand in his. “Taeyeon, I want to be with you. And you want to be with me, too. I know you do.”
    “I—“ Taeyeon began to speak but she looked down and pulled her hand away frowning. “I can’t hurt Baekhyun. Not like this.” Kris sighed and stood up, pulling out his wallet and setting money on the table before looking at Taeyeon. “What are you doing?”
    “Leaving,” Kris sighed softly, “I just need some time to be alone. Bye Taeyeon.” Taeyeon watched as the tall aggravated male walked out of the restaurant, leaving her alone. She sighed softly and ran her fingers through her hair before getting up as well then heading to the exit herself. Maybe she should call Baekhyun. It would be best if she told him what was going on. . .
❁
    When Taeyeon got home she gasped softly after opening the door to her small apartment. On the couch, Kris and Baekhyun were both with their arms folded and arguing. Taeyeon shut the front door and rushed over to stand in front of them both. 
    “Baekhyun,” She exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”
    “Visiting you,” Baekhyun snapped angrily as he stood up and walked over to glare at Taeyeon. “What’s he doing at your place? He’s telling me you don’t love me anymore! Who is he?” Baekhyun’s voice stunned the air, making it harder for Taeyeon to stay calm.
    “He. . . I. . . That’s not true!” Taeyeon yelled, tears forming in her eyes, “I met Kris soon after I got into town and we just started to hang out! He’s nothing to me!” Upon hearing those words, Kris growled and stood up from the couch in anger and confusion.
    “You don’t mean that!” Kris shouted, “Just the other day you were crying in my arms and telling me how much you loved being around me!” Baekhyun’s heart broke as Kris spoke, his eyes becoming red as he tried holding back the lump in his throat. He never thought that Taeyeon, his girlfriend of six years, would be doing this to him.
    “You. . .” Baekhyun began, “You. . . Don’t want me anymore. . . Do you?” Taeyeon frowned and grabbed tightly onto Baekhyun’s upper arm.
    “That’s not true! Baekhyun, I love you!” Taeyeon reminded but sobbed as Baekhyun roughly pulled away from his girlfriend’s touch.
    “I can’t believe that anymore,” Baekhyun shook his head and turned away, trying to avoid looking at Taeyeon. “I knew this was a bad idea. I told you, I told you. . .” Taeyeon bit her lip and curled her fingers to make a fist. Kris walked over to her and took her in his arms from behind and hugged her close to his chest.
    “Baek, please,” She begged, not moving from Kris’ embrace. “Please. . .” Baekhyun was torn. He’d never loved anyone as much as he loved Taeyeon and what she was doing to him was only shredding his heart like paper through a shredding machine.
    “Taeyeon,” Baekhyun began and turned back to look at the weeping girl in the stranger’s embrace. “You don’t even remember what today is, do you?” Taeyeon looked at Baekhyun and blinked, her mind going blank. “It’s our six year anniversary. . . And you’re in another man’s arms. . . I did everything for you. . . I made plans to buy a house and I was even going to transfer schools to Seoul so we could be closer to each other again. I tried so hard to make you the happiest girl in the world and you do this. I trusted you with my heart while you were away. I gave you my heart and you do this. You take it and stab it. How will I ever trust you again? How will I ever trust anyone again? I loved you Taeyeon!”
    “Baekhyun, I—”
    “No,” Baekhyun shook his head and headed to the door, dropping something on the way there. It was a small pink bunny keychain that he bought Taeyeon in high school on their first date. “You left that at my place before you left. . .” He murmured sadly as he began to step out the door. Taeyeon’s eyes caught sight of the small toy and more tears began to soak her soft cheeks, knowing that this was really the end. “Goodbye, Kim Taeyeon. . .” This time he meant it. . .