‘Fany, how does your husband like the cooking? Does he like it or vice versa, hate it? I don’t really know your husband’s favorite for his tongue. I am sorry it turns out bad >.<’

‘Stop worrying too much. He loves it! It’s already his third plate by the way. Thank you, Taetae! Your seafood soup is the best in L.A!!’

‘Don’t mention it. I am glad he likes it. Well, I’ll stop bothering you then. Have a nice dinner. Say hi to your families.’

‘Nah, you don’t bother me at all. He knows I am texting you right now and he doesn’t mind since he’s too busy munching and slurping in front of me. Ugh, now I am jealous of your cookings. I’m starting to be delusional, aren’t I?’

‘Oh yes, you are. You’ve been crazy ever since. So I assume my seafood soup recipe passed with a flying score?’

‘You bet! What’s our menu for next? So far, I only manage to absorb less than 10% of your recipes. Teach me more!! XD’

“Over my dead body, huh?” Taeyeon quickly hid her mobile phone under her but of course, it was too late since Sunny had been staring at her phone screen for the last 10 minutes, without Taeyeon’s consent.

“Yah! It’s rude to interfere with my personal belonging!” Taeyeon complained. She felt her mobile phone vibrated under her . It caused a strange sound that Sunny snickered.

“She replied” Sunny muttered.

“I can feel that.” Taeyeon flatly replied.

“Read it.”

“No, when you’re still here.”

“Why? It’s not like you’re ting with her anyway. It’s just a normal conversation between neighbors who are thankfully friends with each other.” Sunny stated as a matter of factly.

“What the hell! I am not okay! It’s just normal text, Sunny!”

“That’s what I just said too, Taeyeon.” Sunny rolled her eyes.

“Anyway, how come you’ve become so close with her after only two attempts and hmm.. a week? When earlier you’re actually nemesis or even worse.” Sunny opened the lid of her gum and put it inside .

“Thanks’ to you I guess? The cooking attempt actually works. Her husband complimented her Korean fried rice and she is addicted to her husband’s compliment while her husband is addicted to my cookings. Since she often spends her time here to cook together with me, she practically brings Krystal along. Krystal is allowed to play with Amber as long as it’s not inside the bedroom because she still doesn’t have enough trust in Amber but it doesn’t matter.” Taeyeon stopped for a moment, inhaling and preparing herself for another blabbering.

“She is happy for being able to cook without having her house burned for the first time, her husband is happy because he can eat deliciously and homemade food every day, you are happy because you got yourself a new phone, and most importantly, my daughter is happy because she can play with Krystal again like they used to.” Taeyeon smiled and tried to regain her normal breathing process.

“How about you?”

“What about me?” Taeyeon asked again.

“Are you happy? I see mutualism symbiosis between Tiffany, her husband, Amber, and me. But how about you? You don’t get any benefits here yet you have sacrificed your money for my new phone and surely your time for Tiffany.” Sunny exclaimed.

“Further, it will also practically cut your income. Tiffany’s arrival in your house means not less than 3 hours' worth of cooking which also means that your time for writing has to be reduced severely. Maybe others are happy but surely not Jessica. She has become like Storm in X-Men since you’re close with Tiffany. You know, with the white hairs and all.” Sunny added.

“Don’t exaggerate Sunny.” Taeyeon scoffed.

“I am not! Listen, I am so happy that you two can now have a normal relationship like other neighbors do but don’t you think you’re too close with her? I mean, it’s okay for her to come by and ask you to teach her to cook but it doesn’t mean every single day. Once a week is normal. Twice a week is too often but still okay. Every day? Man, I am not sure.” Sunny sighed.

“I understand your point of view. But whatever you’re insinuating right now, trust me it doesn’t happen in real life. I and she are purely friends and it means in a platonic way. I know she is married and I don’t like her that way.” Taeyeon frowned. She grabbed the remote and turned off the TV, turning her body slightly toward Sunny.

“I don’t think anything funny like that, Tae!”

“Oh come on. I have lived with you for years. I know your way of thinking too well. Don’t lie to me, Sunny.” Taeyeon threatened.

“Okay okay, you got me!” Sunny lifted both of her hands up.

“I just need to ensure. You are a bi and she is quite irresistible. She is beautiful, smart, has great curves, and her voice is husky and y. She is also-“

“Rude.” Taeyeon interjected.

“You know my taste, Sunny. No matter how beautiful or handsome or wonderful a person is, if she or he doesn’t have manners then it’s a big no no.” Taeyeon declined Sunny’s opinion.

“Right. Then why do you never consider Jessica?”

“I actually do but I don’t know. I just can’t see us fit for each other. If Tiffany is rude then Jessica is emotional” Taeyeon slumped her shoulder. Not long after, her phone vibrated again.

‘Taetae, are you busy? You haven’t replied to my last message :(‘

“You can reply to her first you know,” Sunny said.

“It’s fine. It’s not important anyway. You are right. It’s only been two months and we’ve become this close.” Taeyeon tapped her chin.

“Two months already? Man! Time flies too fast. I thought it’s only been a week.” Taeyeon grouched under her breath hearing the statement.

“Back to Jessica-“

“Why you love talking about Jessica so much? It’s not like she paid you to become a sales for her cause. You’re like selling a product namely as Jessica here.” Taeyeon clicked her tongue.

“….”

“Wait! She did pay you???? Oh my God!” Taeyeon palmed her face.

“Listen, she is a very good and behaved woman, Tae. Yes, she is emotional at times but that can be changed if you know the right button to control her. She has good family background and she is rich since born which means if you’re together with her, you will never once know the feeling of being poor. You can buy-“

“Cut the crap, Sunny. I am out of here. Tell Jessica she needs to approach me and court me like normal people do if she is interested in me. Paying you is useless because I won’t listen to any of your bulls okay!” Taeyeon stood up and threw the cushion to Sunny before leaving for the bedroom.

“Now that’s not very nice. Is it possible that Tiffany’s rudeness has infected her?” Sunny scratched her neck.

“Oh well. At least I have tried. Good thing I didn’t mention any refund clausal should my method of oncoming turns out to be a failure.” Sunny shrugged and got up as well, going to the kitchen to seek some snacks.

­---

“Now we only need for the brownies to be ready. I think 20 minutes will be enough.” Taeyeon turned the handle on her oven and smiled at Tiffany.

“What shall we do while waiting? Kids are out playing with her friends and Sunny is at work.” Tiffany said.

“I don’t know. Watching TV?”

“Ugh. That’s boring.” Tiffany shook her head.

“What do you suggest then?” Taeyeon asked.

“Let’s go to the living room. We can talk about ourselves while waiting. Besides, there are many more things about you that I haven’t known.” Tiffany smiled.

“Lead the way, lady.” Taeyeon chuckled. They both walked to the living room. Taeyeon sat on the long couch and Tiffany chose to sit right beside her. If it’s 3 months ago then the situation would be totally different.

“I’ll start asking and you’ll answer. The answers have to be honest and valid. However, if the question is too personal then you have the right not to answer. In return, you can do the same. Is it okay?” Tiffany raised the idea.

“Fine with me.” Taeyeon nodded.

“Good. I’ll start first. What is your real occupation, Tae?” Tiffany leaned back and placed the cushion on her lap.

She had known this woman for a long time but became close to her only for almost three months. It all started when Taeyeon bravely saved her lovely dog from her rooftop. After that even occurred, she still insisted that Taeyeon would do her no good. Therefore, she still ignored her and be rude toward her. Nevertheless, that condition changed when she and her family had a good taste of her cooking. It was heavenly and blatantly addicting. Since then, she never failed to come to Taeyeon’s house every single day just so she could cook half as good as Taeyeon.

Fate surely loved to play with her. One day she was in the worst term with Taeyeon. It’s like they were both to this world to be nemesis just to end up being bestest best friends like Iron Man and Captain America. Surely, she would be Captain America since Iron Man was shorter like how Taeyeon compared to her.

Back to the stories, in the 3 months she knew Taeyeon, she rarely talked about herself. Most of the time, it was Tiffany who kept on rambling about random things, like how Prince loved to flirt with dogs that twice bigger than him or how she had trouble brushing the toilet bowl because she knew that’s where the poop went. Taeyeon would only listen while sometimes commented if asked to. In short, she knew close to nothing about Taeyeon.

“I thought you already know. I am just a widow who got an inheritance from my ex-husband.” Taeyeon smirked.

“I am serious, Tae. Look, I am very sorry for misjudging you and even though bad things about you when I didn’t know who you really are that time. I spent too much of my time with the gossip girls and I am not proud of that.” Tiffany sighed, feeling guilty for every word she blurted out to Taeyeon carelessly.

“It’s okay, Fany-ah. You naturally don’t like me.” Taeyeon smiled.

“Didn’t is more like it, Tae. If you ask me now, I will answer that I totally like you. You are very nice and sincere. I even like you more than Bora.” Tiffany confidently stated.

“Thank you.”

“Wait, you haven’t answered my question! Tell me about your occupation, please? Unless if you don’t have enough trust in me which is understandable since we used to be enemies.” Tiffany sadly smiled.

“I am a writer, Tiffany.” Taeyeon started. Instead of telling what her occupation was, Taeyeon told Tiffany most of herself; her occupation, how she never actually married, how Amber was adopted and wasn’t her real daughter, etc. The only secret left she hadn’t told was about her preference because she was afraid to be judged by Tiffany. They were just close so Taeyeon didn’t want to gamble their good term.

“Whoaa.. That’s a lot of secrets you just told me. Are you sure it’s fine to tell me all of these? I mean it’s totally alright if you didn’t though.” Tiffany felt jittery, in a good way of course. She was partially proud and relieved at the same time. The revelation had made them closer, hadn’t it?

“I just did and it’s okay. I trust you enough. Besides, you too have told me lots of things before.” Taeyeon smiled reassuringly.

“Thank you for trusting me. It’s your turn now.”

“Hmm… How did you meet your husband?” Taeyeon questioned.

“We were studying at the same university. I took a business major while he went into medical school to become a doctor. A friend met us up and since then he tried to court me. 2 years after graduation, we decided to get married. I was only 25 when I got Krystal. Oh, I forgot to tell you. My husband is two years older.” Tiffany said.

“That’s that?” Taeyeon asked again.

“That’s that. Why? Too short?”

“Yeah. Kinda. You haven’t told me how you two fell in love.”

“Save it for the next question then.” Tiffany chuckled.

“Right.”

“Stop sulking. It’s my turn now. Hmm.. Do you currently have a lover?” Tiffany asked.

“Nope. I am single, available, and willing at the moment.” Taeyeon proudly bragged.

“Oh. When was the last time you’re in a relationship?”

“Save it for the next question, Fany.” Taeyeon jutted out her tongue, teasing the latter.

“Damn.” Tiffany mumbled while Taeyeon giggled.

“Don’t you have a plan to have another baby? You know in case Krystal feels lonely.” Taeyeon reasoned out.

“Oh and I thought you’d ask how I and my husband fell in love with each other.” Tiffany laughed.

“Hmm.. He has asked for it but I don’t know. I just don’t want to. Not now at least.” Tiffany answered.

“But you’re already 34. I mean, It’s not safe if you’re pregnant when you’re age is anywhere near 40.” Taeyeon said as she played with the bow on her cushion.

“I know. Maybe next year? I am not sure. Remembering how the baby needs our full attention and drains my energy makes me need time to reconsider whether I want the second baby or not. Thankfully he understands and said it’s up to me whether I want baby boy or not.” Tiffany casually said.

“I see.”

“What do you see in your future lover, Taetae?” It’s Tiffany’s turn to ask now.

“Why did you ask such a question.” Taeyeon stared at Tiffany suspiciously.

“Well, you’re already 32. It’s passed your time to get married. If I know what you like and dislike when it comes to the future lover, I’d know what kind of person you may have interested in. Who knows me or my husband have single friends for you.” Tiffany grinned, showing her white and even teeth.

“I don’t judge based on appearance. As long as he has good personalities then there’s a possibility I’ll like him.” Taeyeon nonchalantly stated.

“Is that all?”

“Yes. That’s all.” Taeyeon confirmed.

“Now that’s not very informative. I need details like the haircut, the body type, the background, and such. Not general information like ‘as long as he can behave well’.” Tiffany growled.

“Hahha.. Well, that’s me.” Taeyeon laughed. A few seconds after, the oven dinged, notifying them that the brownies were ready.

“Oh, I think it’s cooked already. Let’s take a look.” Taeyeon stood up and waited for Tiffany.

“Hmm.. I guess this comes out well, don’t you think?” Taeyeon turned to Tiffany and asked for her opinion.

“Whoaa!! It’s baked perfectly! The appearance is just beautiful. Can I taste it already, Tae?” Tiffany jumped like a baby girl waiting for her mother to feed her some tasty cookies.

“What are you, three?” Taeyeon shook her head. She took one from the brass and tore it carefully, letting the steam came out from the brownies. It surely smelt good that Tiffany’s stomach grumbled in protest, asking to be fed immediately.

“Oh my God! It tastes wonderful!” Tiffany stuck out her tongue and the crumb from the edge of her lips clean.

“You always say that when you have a taste of my cooking. Find another vocabulary, would you?” Taeyeon smirked.

“Yah! I just complimented you. Besides, I am out of words in expressing how delicious your cookings are.” Tiffany defended herself.

“Yeah. I am flattered thank you.” Taeyeon took other brownies for herself.

“Hey, I am serious here.” Tiffany argued.

“I am as well. Look how messy you are. I am teaching a kid indeed.” Taeyeon reached out and brushed the crumbs from Tiffany’s hair.

It was a simple gesture like how Taeyeon always did whenever she found the latter was untidy due to crumbs, sauce, or other seasonings that attached on Tiffany’s face. Weirdly, only this time Tiffany got dazed that her mind went blank. It was like Taeyeon’s background was Mr.Sun that her face got so bright and glimmering. What went wrong? Tiffany too couldn’t understand it.

“…Fa.. ny.. u.. kay?”

“Hey, Fany-ah..” Taeyeon tried again, waving her hand in front of Tiffany’s face,

“Huh?” Tiffany reacted in slow motion.

“I asked are you okay? You look lost for a moment there.” Taeyeon said with full of concerns.

“Y-yeah. I am sorry. I don’t know what happened as well.” Tiffany shook her head, trying to get her sanity back. She was just hallucinating, right? Right. There’s no way Taeyeon’s face would look like what she just imagined.

“Come here. Sit. I’ll get you some water.” Taeyeon helped Tiffany to climb on the stool and sit on it. Not long after, Taeyeon came back with a glass filled with water. She immediately gave it to Tiffany.

“You can just sit here. I will prepare the brownies for you to bring home.” Taeyeon ruffled Tiffany’s hair. The latter blushed. Fortunately, Taeyeon didn’t notice the reddened face.

‘What the hell is wrong with me?’ Tiffany battled in her mind.

“Here you are. Do you think a dozen would be enough to share with your families? I can add some more if you want.” Taeyeon put 12 brownies inside the container and showed them to Tiffany.

“It is more than enough, Tae. Thank you.”

“You are welcome. So, since we’re done cooking. What else do you wanna do? It’s almost the time for us to pick up the kids though. Do you want to come with me or do you want to go home and have some rest? I will drive Krystal as well. No worries.” Taeyeon offered nicely.

“I’ll just come with you. Besides, I don’t have anything to do at home. That if you don’t mind of course.” Tiffany replied.

“Of course not! I wouldn’t be happier having someone to accompany me.” Taeyeon smiled. She took her jacket and the key of her car. She rolled it inside her fingers and waited for Tiffany.

“Let’s go.” Tiffany said.

“Wait. We should bring some for kids to eat on the way home. I am sure they must be hungry.” Taeyeon was being thoughtful. Tiffany nodded and grabbed 3 brownies with her along with the jug of water.

“Now we’re good to go.” Taeyeon opened the door and stepped aside. She let Tiffany walk past her before she closed the door and locked it.

‘Why I never realized how thoughtful she is? Is she always like this? Then, how could I be so rude to her in the past? Bad Fany!’ Tiffany scolded herself inside her mind.

“Fany-ah? What’s wrong?” Taeyeon lowered the window and asked. She wondered why Tiffany hadn’t entered her car.

“Uh. Sorry. I forgot.” Tiffany meekly ran around the car and entered it.

“Are you sure you are alright? You are not yourself.” Taeyeon asked again.

“I am good, Tae.”

“Sure?”

“Yes.” Tiffany nodded.  Taeyeon didn’t ask further and started to drive away.

---

Days passed like how it used to. Nothing much changed. The wind still blew and made the leaves fell beautifully to the ground. The rain sometimes fell and made the earth wet. The bright light from the sun still made numerous people wanted to go to the beach and got their skin tanned. Everything was pretty much stayed the same, except Tiffany's feelings that kept on changing much faster than the seasons within a year.

It’s exactly a month after that weird encounter felt by Tiffany, the very first time she felt crazy for thinking that Taeyeon was an angel sent from above. She meant, how come an angel could be a midget, right? Unless if she’s the descendant of a married couple contained of dwarf husband and elf woman. Again, Tiffany was being delusional.

Tiffany had tried to ignore and forget that day. She wanted to abandon that one-time feeling which occurred on that certain day. Befriending Taeyeon was lucky enough for her since that woman was wonderful. She was thoughtful, caring, patient, selfless, and always sincere. What more could Tiffany seek in a good friend, right? Taeyeon was a woman and she was one too. She was straight. She had no doubt about that. Having a husband and a beautiful daughter was enough to prove it. Then again, she doubted her preference after that day occurred.

The more day she spent with Taeyeon, the more disturbing her heart’s screaming sounded. She felt the indescribable things that made her want to meet Taeyeon all the time. Even if she didn’t meet Taeyeon, it didn’t mean she could stop picturing her inside her mind. Taeyeon was like commercial advertising for her that kept on popping a few times in an hour.

What had Taeyeon done in the life that made her feel this way? Tiffany too couldn’t understand. It’s not like she was lack of her husband’s attention or love. Yes, she had to admit there were days she felt lonely since her husband sometimes couldn’t make it home due to emergency situations and all, but she had understood and had accepted that fact a long time ago before they even committed themselves in marriage. Whenever her husband’s home, they would act lovey-dovey and spent the night like the first night they became one years ago.

Her husband was sweet, romantic, caring, and loved her very much. He always put her as his priority, even during their intimate moments in bed. He would ask her whether she was in the mod or not first before doing anything to her body. He respected her and treated her like she was a diamond; precious and priceless. He too was a good father for Krystal even though at times, he spoiled her too much.

What’s there not to love about her husband? Close to none, right? Then why would she doubt her love for him lately? Was it because of Taeyeon? Taeyeon was merely a woman who coincidentally had talent in cooking. That’s generally who Taeyeon was. Heck, she never once cared about the woman who lived beside her. She even used to insult her and despise her. Could it be it’s her karma for hating her too much in the past?

Tiffany was almost 100% percent sure that what she had for Taeyeon was nothing more than admiration. She might be has misinterpreted it into something more but there’s no way she would like her in that way. Yes, she used to think like that until one night when her husband managed to come home on time. They made love as any married couple did. Yet, instead of seeing her husband’s face, she imagined Taeyeon’s face instead who appeared in front of her face. She pictured it was Taeyeon’s lips that kissed her and worse, she wished it was Taeyeon’s fingers that penetrated her instead of her husband’s thing. That’s when Tiffany acknowledged that her world would never be the same again.

---

“Oh hey. You didn’t tell me you’d come.” Taeyeon’s face emerged and she smiled as soon as she noticed who her guest was.

“Why? Am I not allowed to come here if I haven’t told you earlier? Do I need to always ask permission whenever I want to visit you?” Tiffany said flatly.

“Ouch. That’s rude.” Taeyeon pretended to get hurt and clasped her heart.

“Stop exaggerating, Tae. Let me come in already.” Tiffany chuckled. She shoved Taeyeon’s shoulder and pushed her a bit so she could enter the house of her neighbor.

“Hi! You must be Tiffany. I am Jessica. I am her editor slash her almost girlfriend.” A blonde woman appeared and offered her hand to Tiffany.

“Huh? Oh. I am Tiffany. I am Taeyeon’s neighbor. It’s nice to meet you.” Tiffany who was taken aback finally got a hold of Jessica’s hand and shook it albeit awkwardly.

“Yah! Stop it already, would you? You keep introducing yourself as my almost girlfriend to my friends! Worse, even to Amber! What if they misunderstood?!” Taeyeon shyly yelled.

“Then we should make them stop misunderstanding by making it official! Propose me already!” Jessica debated back.

“What the- No way! I wouldn’t do that!” Taeyeon facepalmed.

“It’s fine. Just say yes already to my proposal then. Why would you make it so hard when it’s as easy as you flip your hand.” Jessica raised one of her eyebrows. She stepped backward and turned around, walking back to the living room.

“I am sorry, Fany-ah. She’s always like this since forever. There’s absolutely nothing going on between me and her. Come in. What do you want to drink?” Taeyeon sighed. She stepped aside and closed the front door.

“Am I disturbing you?” Tiffany’s expression extremely changed and Taeyeon failed to recognize it. If there’s one thing that Taeyeon was lack of, it’s the fact that she was dense most of the time.

“What? Of course not! She just came to criticize my writings. It wouldn’t take more than an hour though.” Taeyeon smiled reassuringly.

“Doesn’t mean I would go home after I am done with editing, Tae!” Jessica screamed from inside.

“Well, that’s fine, right? She too cannot cook and we can cook together.” Taeyeon awkwardly grinned.

“I don’t need to cook because I always have you cooking for me.” Jessica again butted in.

“Uhm.. I guess I am disturbing you indeed. You’re working anyway and I don’t want to disrupt it. I better go back home.” Tiffany played with her fingers, trying to calm herself down. She knew she shouldn’t be jealous of Jessica. She didn’t even have the right to be angry at the first place. Jessica was her editor slash friend slash almost… girlfriend. The thought of it boiled and shook Tiffany’s emotion.

“No, you are not, Tiffany. Your visit is always appreciated and welcomed here. She may be scary but she doesn’t bite. I assure your safety.” Taeyeon winked.

“Fine. I will stay here if you don’t mind.” After contemplating for split second, Tiffany decided to stay. Well, she needed to be there physically to ensure nothing out of normal happened between Jessica and Taeyeon, right? Tiffany had to be there to prevent anything funny that Jessica had planned inside her not so pure brain. She needed to have a second look to hate the blonde with an arrogant aura named Jessica.

One hour was never been so torturing until today. Yes, they each had a laptop in their hands yet didn’t mean Jessica would keep her distance from Taeyeon. If Tiffany didn’t know any better, Tiffany would think that Jessica deliberately showed her affection for Taeyeon. She was clingy, spoiled, and kept on teasing Taeyeon. Tiffany hated it but she couldn’t do anything much. Why the hell Jessica thought that Taeyeon would ever like her anyway. It’s not like Taeyeon was gay… That word slapped Tiffany right on her cheek.

Was it possible that Taeyeon gay? If she didn’t, she would have told Jessica firmly from the start that she wasn’t interested in a woman, right? But then again, what if it’s Jessica who was too y and desperate to obtain Taeyeon’s love and attention? Tiffany shook her head in disagreement with those illusions.

Taeyeon was writing while Jessica was reading Taeyeon’s earlier writings. What should Tiffany do then? Taeyeon had offered Tiffany to watch TV instead while waiting for Jessica to be done with her task. Tiffany declined the idea since Taeyeon’s was much more interesting than those artists or actors on the TV. Yes, by now Tiffany had realized that what she felt for Taeyeon wasn’t normal likeness toward a friend. It was much more, the kind of feelings she was afraid to admit or to confess. She wanted to keep it for herself because it’s forbidden and sinful. If seeing Taeyeon was enough to satisfy her thirst then so be it.

“I am done. I don’t want to write anymore today. The deadline is still days from now, right Jessi?” Taeyeon closed down her laptop and put it on the table.

“Yep. It’s okay to stop now. Just ensure you wouldn’t miss the deadline, baby.” Jessica looked up and smiled widely at Taeyeon. The third woman grimaced at the sight.

“Don’t worry. I won’t forget it this time.” Taeyeon smiled in return. Tiffany frowned seeing how Taeyeon replied normally. ‘She just called you baby, you dense midget!’ screamed Tiffany inside her head.

“Good. You earned a gift.” Both Taeyeon and Tiffany were shocked when Jessica without any warning leaned in and pecked Taeyeon’s lips.

“WHAT THE HELL!!” Tiffany shouted at the top of her lung and stood up.

“Yeah, what is your problem?! She is okay with that! Besides, Taeyeon has known I have special feelings for her for a long time ago! She’s just too afraid to come out and admit her real preference! She doesn’t want to be judged wrongly, mostly by you!” Jessica’s anger was triggered by Tiffany’s screaming earlier.

“Wh-what? What do you mean? Taeyeon-ah, is that true?” Tiffany’s eyes became wide. She turned to Taeyeon. Her eyes started to get wet thanks’ to the revelation.

“N-no. I mean… Sighed. Yes, it’s true. I am bi. I am sorry for never telling you about this before.” Taeyeon deflated. She finally nodded her head albeit weakly.

“Wh-why.. You never told me anything about this.. I.. I..” Tiffany gasped. She was stammering, didn’t know what to say or do.

“Listen, Fany-ah.” Taeyeon reached out her hand and stepped toward Tiffany.

“N…no.. Don’t come near me.” Tiffany stepped backward. Tears were already streaming down and dampened her flawless face.

“I.. I need to go. I am sorry.” Tiffany bowed and hastily ran to the front door.

“Wait, Fany-ah!” Taeyeon didn’t forget to glare at Jessica before she moved her legs and chased Tiffany. Too bad she was late. The front door was already opened and Tiffany was nowhere in sight. Taeyeon sighed and could only close the door.

“Why did you tell her all that?!” Taeyeon raised her tone to Jessica.

“Why wouldn’t I? She’s merely a friend, right? And if she is a good friend, she would accept you just the way you are. Why does it bother her if you’re indeed a bi or even a gay? You’re still you, Kim Taeyeon the neighbor. Correct me if I am wrong.” Jessica logically replied. She wasn’t even bugged with the fact that Taeyeon just had a fight with Tiffany.

“Unless if either of you has feelings for each other,” Jessica added.

“Nah. She is married happily with one daughter.” Taeyeon casually said.

“Doesn’t mean you cannot have feelings for her.” Jessica stated nonchalantly.

“Nope. I don’t have feelings for her.” Taeyeon firmly replied.

“Sure?”

“Totally.”

“Good. Then it means I still have a chance with you.” Jessica placed her head on Taeyeon’s shoulder and grinned.

“Yah! I too don’t have feelings for you. Both of you are the same in my eyes.” Taeyeon responded, yet still let Jessica had her head on her shoulder.

“Nope. We are totally different, Taeng. She is married while I am single, available, willing, y, and have special feelings for you.” Jessica turned serious.

“I like you, Tae. Why won’t you give me a chance, huh? What am I lack that you can’t like me the same way?” Jessica lifted her face and tilted her head so she could see Taeyeon in her eyes when she was saying those words.

“Jessi yaa.. It’s not like that. I just used to see you as a best friend, a sister.” Taeyeon sighed.

“I know, Taeng. But it doesn’t mean it cannot be developed as something more. Unless if you don’t want to that’s it.” Jessica sadly smiled. She had to again burry her hope for the umpteenth time. Just maybe, this would be the last time she tried. She had been too shameless and frontal in expressing her feelings for Taeyeon anyway.

“I will think about it, okay? Give me time.” Taeyeon said after some seconds passed. She moved her hand and held Jessica’s hand.

“REALLY???” Jessica almost jumped from her seat.

“Yes.”

“Yeaay! Finally! Oh my God, I still cannot believe it’s really happening. Please tell me it’s not a dream, Taeng!” Jessica excitedly said.

“It’s not a dream.” Taeyeon brought her face closer and kissed Jessica’s left cheek.

“Okay. I am gonna fainted now.” Jessica exaggeratingly said. Taeyeon could only chuckle.

‘It wouldn’t be so bad, right? There’s no wrong in trying. Jessica is a good woman after all. Sunny is probably right. It’s time to settle down.’ Taeyeon smiled at her own thought. She too took a note to pay a visit to Tiffany tomorrow to explain the whole thing to her and perhaps, to also ask for any advice regarding her and Jessica. She just hoped Tiffany would have a clear mind when advising her.

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After that encounter and the revelation, Tiffany had a hard time sleeping that night and some nights after. The nightmare of imagining Taeyeon together with Jessica kept on haunting her. It wasn’t due to the revelation that Tiffany was mad, but it was more because she had to see Taeyeon with someone else, moreover that it’s a woman instead of a man. Yes, there’s no firm statement yet regarding what Taeyeon and Jessica would be in the future but Tiffany just had a hunch soon or later, she would hear the bad news of them being official.

That same night, her husband didn’t go home. He said he needed to treat a patient and it caused him to go home in the morn