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Chapter 3 - Saved by the Devil

Seoul Hospital,

Tiffany’s POV

“I know everything is going to be alright, he’s going to be fine. He can’t leave me alone, he promised it” I was trying to convince myself. I had stopped crying for the last hour. I had to be strong.

“Fany…” my bestfriend Jessica was sitting beside me, comforting me.

“…Sica…He’s going to be fine, right?”

“Don’t worry, it’s going to be…” she couldn’t finish her sentence as the doctor came out of the ER.

From the look on his face, I knew. Daddy left me behind.

“Miss Hwang…I’m-” He looked down apogetically.

“No...He didn’t leave me…he promised me, he wouldn’t…” my legs went weak as I fell on the floor.

It wasn’t the first time that I felt so lonely, abandoned and weak. Somehow, it seemed like everyone I loved was leaving me.

3 days later at the funeral,

I don’t know how much I cried. The past few days were so blur to me. It seemed as if I drank too much and passed out for 3 days. The room was full of people but I’ve never felt so lonely. Why did I have to go through that again? I wish I could run away, I didn’t want to hear them say they were sorry for me, how my father was a good man, how I was going to be ok…How could I be fine without my parents?

All day, all I did was bowing to everyone and nodded at everything they said. I barely registered what my uncle told me, how he was going to take care of me, how I could move in with them. I feel touched and grateful, but…I just didn’t know what to do. My mind was too blank to think.

When I thought everyone had left already, a middle-aged couple approached me. “Miss. Hwang?” the elder man spoke. “Please accept our condolences”

“Thank you…” I replied for the thousand times.

“I am Mr. Kim, your father childhood’s friend” his eyes were teary.

I remembered my father talking about his old friend, telling me their adventures when they were still kids. There was something about this man’s eyes. I swear I have seen them before.

“We can only imagine how hard it must be for you right now. Please, stay strong” such a soft voice, so motherly like. I knew they were nice people.

After excusing themselves, I saw them having a small conversation with my uncle; he even gave them his number.

What was going on?

Later that evening at the Kim’s residence,

Yuri’s POV

“So, your parents came back today?” I asked my best friend as we were playing Mario Kart.

“Early this morning”

“Where…are they…YEAH! I WON!” I screamed, standing up. We were even now. I just hate losing against Taeyeon.

“Babo, it’s only the beginning. The next trip is definitely your treat” she said with that stupid smirk on her face.

“This weekend? You’re not gonna stay with your parents? By the way, where are they?” I questioned her while carefully choosing my next racer.

“Wow, are you a journalist now? And stop taking my player! Let me the mushroom! Dammit!” she then started hitting me and trying to steal my controller, to cancel my choice.

How I wish I could record her in those moments, when she exactly looks like a 5 year old kid.

“They were out since this morning. Personal matters or something”

“And how long are they staying in Seoul?”

“I don’t know, haven’t talked to them yet”

“By the way, did you hear about Hwang Tiffany? Her dad passed away this week, on the first day of class. That’s why she didn’t attend school these days”

“Instead of gossiping, you better spend some time practicing at this game if you want to have a chance against me” she smirked, again.

Just because her mushroom was leading. But there were still 6 laps left…I could do it!

“I wasn’t gossiping. Everyone just knows about it...”

“Why do you even care? You don’t know her”

“I feel sad for her…she is all alone now. I heard that her mother died 6 years ago from a car accident, and now her father…”  

“…”

“I admire her. She keeps on smiling even though she might feel really sad”

“Hey Kwon Yuri. Do you happen to like that girl?”

“I don’t…but...if you want to know who I happen to be interested in…” I actually wanted her to ask me…I wanted to tell Taeyeon about HER.

“No. I don’t wanna know. Keep it for yourself” she responded quickly.

“Ya! Aren’t you my best friend? You should listen and help. Useless kid!”

“Aish…I don’t wanna know your story. You’re always too dramatic and cheesy for me. It gives me goose bumps” Taeyeon said as she faked shivering.

“OH really? Then…tell me…are you…having goose… bumps now that I have BEATEN U!!!!!!! I WON AGAIN! U LOST! YOUHOU” I was jumping up and down on her couch, screaming my head off.

“Aish…you and your stupid talking distracted me!” she threw the controller away.

“So, this weekend…what about Japan?” I asked happily.

“Whatever” obviously, she was angry.

“Come on, don’t be such a bad sport!” I teased her.

“I’m not! Anyway, let’s go out and eat something. I’m hungry” she said while grabbing her keys.

“I told my parents I’ll be back for dinner. Why don’t you eat here? Your parents might be back for dinner as well”

“So boring, I’ll go out, call you later” she said while leaving the room.

“Oh Taeyeon-ah!!!!!” I screamed out. I saw her annoyed face coming back and standing at the door. “Hmmm…I forgot to tell you something. It’s really important. I don’t know how I should say it…you see…the thing is…I WON TONIGHT! U LOSER! HAHAHAHA” I needed to enjoy this victory. I lost the last 10 weeks.

Taeyeon rolled her eyes, sighed then left the room. I was impressed at how she controlled herself; it must have been hard for her to not break anything. All in all, it was a great evening. I just won a free trip to Japan this weekend.

But something was bothering me though…Why did her parents came back?

Around 9pm at the Han River,

Tiffany’s POV

I’ve been wandering around for hours before coming here. I liked this place, it was quiet and reposing. I just liked looking at the river…it appeased me. I was at home earlier, but…I couldn’t stand it…it was just too hard to be sitting in this apartment and knowing…that my father wasn’t coming back. What was I going to do with all his belongings? What about the apartment? How was I going to deal with all this? I couldn’t help but started crying…

“Hey pretty girl! Are you alone?” I turned around and saw this guy coming toward me.

I should have stayed at home…

“Do you need some company?” he said as he was coming closer.

“I…I…I…really have to go” I stuttered, trying to get away.

But as I was walking passed him, he grabbed my arm and pulled me against him. I wanted to scream for help but the sound wasn’t coming out, I was too exhausted to fight back. He pushed me against the rail and told me how pretty I was, how he wanted to kiss me. I tried harder to break free but there was no chance. I could only close my eyes and wait, wait for a miracle.

*Broken bottle noises*

I opened my eyes when I heard this noise. The guy was lying on the ground and wasn’t moving. His head was bleeding and there were shattered glasses all around. And there she was, standing in front of me, a broken bottle in her hand.

Kim Tae Yeon

Compare to her fight the other day, her face was calmer, she didn’t look angry. Before I could say anything, she threw the bottle at the guy, turned around and left.

I was still in shock, I didn’t want to be left alone but I couldn’t move either. I stood there and watched as she walked away.

I didn’t know if it was her conscience kicking in at that time but she stopped and paused for awhile. I guessed she was thinking of what she should do with me. I then saw her making a phone call as she was walking to the sidewalk, where her car was parked. Like a kid, I decided to go near her and wait.

It was a really awkward situation, for no reason, I felt tensed and nervous. I wanted to thank her for saving me but the words wouldn’t come out.

5 min later, a cab stopped in front of us. So that was what she did…called a taxi to take me home.

“Just-” she started to say when her phone went off.

She walked away to answer the call. I didn’t know if I should get on the car and leave or wait for her. I picked the latter. She was Kim Tae Yeon after all; I would only get on her nerves if I stay.

I was opening the cab’s door when I heard my name. “Hwang Mi Young?!”

“Yes?” I responded.

It was Taeyeon. She closed her phone and walked toward me. She then stopped right in front of me, and for the second time in not even a week, she looked into my eyes.

“Who are you?” her voice was so soft and clear…and not scary at all. Quite relaxing actually.

“Huh?”

“How do you know my parents?”

“Huh, what?”

“Whatever…come with me” she said. She walked over to the taxi driver and said something to him. The driver looked quite annoyed as he drove off. I guessed she called him for nothing.

“Get in” Taeyeon told me as she walked to her car. And once again, like a kid, I simply followed her.

“Hum…Where are we going?” I shyly asked her once we were in the car. I still didn’t dare to look at her. Even though I know she wouldn’t hurt me, Taeyeon was still very intimidating.

“…to my house” she simply answered.

“Oh…WHAT?!?!” It came out way louder than it was supposed to. I think…I even saw her jumped on her seat.

Chapter 4A – Where it all began…

On the way to the Kim’s Residence,

Tiffany’s POV

We have been driving for 10 minutes now. As expected, none of us talked. To distract myself from this really awkward situation, I looked closely at her car. It was a silver Mercedes car. Inside were all leathers, of course. Instead of the CD/Radio player, it was a medium LCD screen that worked as a GPS and mp3 player. There was even a small keyboard attached to it. I wouldn’t be surprised if she could go online with it as well.

I tried to look at Taeyeon from the corner of my eyes. Her face was serious and her eyes never left the road. I could tell her skin was soft and white, like baby skin. I think she also had baby-fat. I don’t know why but at that time, I felt the urge to pinch her cheeks.

But I didn’t do it though…I was not that creepy.

I ended up looking through the window as the scenery was changing from the tall business buildings to residential houses.

15 minutes later, the car finally stopped in front of a house’s gate. As the gate’s doors opened, I saw it. It was a magnificent mansion. The white columns made it looks like the White House. As we were driving through the yard, I saw the fountains and the different sorts of flowers in the garden. Everything looked so beautiful and I wondered why Taeyeon wasn’t living there anymore. This place was so nice.

"So…This is where Taeyeon grew up?" I thought as I was looking at that beautiful mansion, right in front of me.

The Kim’s Residence,

I followed Taeyeon as she walked into the house. The main door was already opened by a maid, who welcomed us warmly. If the exterior was stunning then I don’t know how I can describe the interior of the mansion. The entrance was round shape and facing the main door was a mini-elevator, kind of like a tube and made of glasses. On both side of the elevator were 2 staircases leading to the 1st floor. At each side of the entrance, there was a door leading to another part of the house. The lights were bright and shiny, as if the sun was right above us.

“Where are my parents?” Taeyeon asked the maid once we stepped inside.

She replied in a soft and polite voice “Mr. and Mrs. Kim are in the kitchen, Miss Taeyeon”

Miss Taeyeon…hearing it was so weird.

Taeyeon then walked through the door at the left of the entrance, which led us to the kitchen and dining room.

As I entered, I saw a man and a woman cooking something. When the man turned to look at us, I recognized him from this morning at the funeral.

“Mr. Kim?!” I bluntly said.

“Ah! Mi Young, you’re here” he said, giving me a warm smile. His wife laughed at my reaction and smiled at me.

What was my father’s childhood friend doing here? In Taeyeon’s house?

Were they…it couldn’t be…

“I brought her here like you asked. I’m going to bed now” Taeyeon said, ready to leave.

“Why don’t you stay Taengoo? Daddy and I made some soup”

I couldn’t believe they were really her parents, and they even knew my father. And Taengoo? I also couldn’t believe a cold person like her had such a cute nickname.

“Just take a seat for now. I have something to discuss with you two” her father said and even though he didn’t sound angry, I knew Taeyeon could only obey him.

Taeyeon sat down at the dining table, “please go straight to the point, I have school tomorrow” she said.

“Mi Young, do you want some soup? It’s healthy before sleeping” her mother gently asked me.

I couldn’t refuse, especially since I haven’t eaten the whole day. Taeyeon’s mother then gave each of us a bowl of soup. She also gave Taeyeon a huge bowl. Really, it was HUGE! And to my surprise, she actually ate it, without complaining. At that moment, I thought that she was still her parents’ baby after all.

While we were eating, her parents asked me some questions about my life; how was school, my hobbies, if I liked to travel, etc. Pretty usual questions for a first dinner. We happily talked about food while Taeyeon just ate quietly. Not paying any attention to us.

After we’ve finished eating, I helped Taeyeon’s mother cleaned up the table. I could see Taeyeon being annoyed; she was obviously waiting for her father to tell us why in the world I was in their house.

“We’re done eating. What are you waiting for?” an annoyed Taeyeon asked.

Her father’s face turned serious. He then looked at his wife, like asking for her approval. She simply nodded and offered me a comforting smile.

This only made me more nervous. What was going to happen?

“Well, I’ll go straight to the point then…” started her father “we want you two to get married”

*SILENCE*

“Huh?”

I looked at Taeyeon, expecting her to scream or break something but she didn’t even move an inch.

“I know it sounds sudden but we have put a lot of thought into it” he calmly said.

Sudden? Just sudden? I could think of more than thousands words that would be more suitable to describe this bomb that Mr. Kim has just thrown on us.

“Mi Young…your father has just passed away and I’m sure…”

“Do you pity me?” I cut him off.

“We want to take care you…I want to…” he stopped “Your father was a brother to me”

“He hasn’t seen you for years…” I replied.

It was true. As much as my father talked about this anonymous childhood friend of his, I’ve never seen him nor saw any pictures.

“Even though we lost contact and haven’t seen each other for years. The feelings haven’t changed. I know he would have wanted me to take care of you”

“I…I admit that I’m really scared right now. I don’t know what tomorrow is made of but getting married? To someone I’ve never really talked to before?” I looked at Taeyeon who still hasn’t moved…why wasn’t she protesting?

“You two can have time to know each other of course. We were thinking about that actually. Mi Young, why don’t you move in with Taeyeon starting tomorrow? That will help you two get closer” He was serious…too serious for my liking.

And still, Taeyeon didn’t show any reaction. Her parents wanted me to move in with her and she had nothing to say? I stared at her, probably a stupid expression on my face.

Her father talked again “I have talked to your uncle. They won’t refuse if you accept it. They’re living outside of the city, I don’t think you really want to move away and change school”

“But I…” It came out as a whisper.

“We understand that it’s not easy for you. We really do” said her mother.

“Your father wouldn’t have wanted you to marry someone you don’t love. That’s why we’re only asking you to move in with Taeyeon for the time being”

“Wait…I’m lost…you want us to live together or get married?” I was too confused.

“For now, we want you to live with Taengoo. I know you’re a big girl but it is not advised for you to be living on your own. Taeyeon has been living independently for a while now so she can take care of you. Besides, there is enough room at her apartment.” Her father said

“I don’t think Taeyeon…” I tried to say.

“I’m sure she’ll love having some company” added her mother while looking at Taeyeon.

“…” Taeyeon hasn’t said anything since that discussion started. Her face was like usual. Blank.

“Taengoo, you know how we want you to come and live with us in New York?” asked her father.

Finally, Taeyeon came out of her silence “Are you trading with me?” she asked, looking straight into her father’s eyes. “If I don’t get married then I have to follow you to New York? Do you really have to do this” Her eyes looked hurt.

“1 year. It is your senior year now. Just focus on your studies and do as we proposed and we can figure it out later” said her father

“…I don’t understand…” I said.

“1 year?” I heard her asked “I do as you want for 1 year then I’m free?”

Was she serious? Are we really going to live together?

“One day before your graduation day. You can tell me then what is your last decision” stated her father

“What does that change? Now or next year? You know nothing will change” Taeyeon sighed.

“A lot can happen in one year. You can get to know each other better and by next year, it would be easier for us to let Mi Young live by herself if you two happen to go on your separate ways” this time it was her mother. Her soft voice made it sound so simple.

“I can tell you now that my decision won’t change, I’ll never marry her” Taeyeon firmly said.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kim…I’m really touched by your gesture but…” I started to say.

“Listen, all we’re asking you two right now is to move in together. From then, you can do whatever you want. And next year, we’ll see how it went” her father explained “It’s up to you Mi Young, if you want to move in with your relatives then we can’t stop you”

Her mother looked at me, her eyes were compassionate and warm “I admit…I wish you will be my daughter-in-law one day”

“But…You don’t even know me” I stated.

“A mother knows who would be suit for their child. I can feel you’re a special girl Mi Young. It would be a blessing to have you in our family”

“…Thank you…” I shyly said.

“So what do you two think?” her father asked us, his face was serious but calm.

“Whatever” Taeyeon said while standing up. She was about to leave the kitchen when her father reminded her.

“Please make a copy of your apartment’s keys. Mi Young will move in tomorrow” her father said, but Taeyeon just left the kitchen.

“Hmm…I don’t think this is a good idea Mr. Kim” I said, afraid of how Taeyeon would really react if I move in.

“If it’s about Taeyeon, don’t worry. She is not as cold as she seems” her father reassured me.

“Fine, its settle then” he said as he stood up. “I think you better sleep here tonight. And don’t worry for the apartment; we’ll take care of it while you’re in school” with that, he wished me goodnight.

“Come Mi Young, I’ll show you your room” her mother gently said as she held my hand.

I didn’t sleep that night, obviously, how could I sleep? I just couldn’t believe what was happening to me. One day, I was just a normal girl going to school and hanging out with my friends and now? I was sleeping on a huge bed, in a huge room and in that mansion that even if I worked my whole life wouldn’t be able to buy. But most of all, from tomorrow onward, I was going to share an apartment with Kim Tae Yeon…From all the people in this world, why Kim Tae Yeon?

It was with that question that my eyes closed…Nothing will be the same anymore…

Chapter 4B – Under The Same Roof

Kim’s Residence,

Tiffany’s POV

This morning, I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on my door. It took me awhile to realize I wasn’t on my own bed. No, I wasn’t in my apartment. I was in Kim Tae Yeon’s family mansion! One of the maids woke me up for breakfast. I followed her to the dining room. I was glad she led the way because it was just impossible to not get lost in there. Breakfast was already served but I was the only one there. The maid told me to eat as I pleased while she went back to cleaning the kitchen.

“Hmmm…excuse me…?” I didn’t know how to call her.

She stopped her cleaning and turned to me “Yes? Can I help you with anything Miss Hwang?”

“Where is everyone?” I asked.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kim left for the company and Miss Tae Yeon went with them” she simply answered.

So they all left already. Why was Taeyeon going to her parents’ office so early in the morning?

“But you don’t have to worry Miss Hwang. Mr. Kim has arranged a car for you. It will drive you to school”

“Drive me to school? Wow…” I simply said.

SoWon High School,

I’ve just gotten out of the car. I especially asked the driver to drop me off as far as possible from the school’s gate as I didn’t want to draw attention on me. He also told me he would pick me up after school.

So I was really going to move in with Taeyeon today…for REAL.

“Oh Fany-ah!” I saw Hyoyeon and Sooyoung running toward to me

“Hello everyone!” I said smiling.

They looked at each other, unsure of what to say. “How are you feeling?” asked Sooyoung.

“I’m alright, don’t worry” I smiled.

It still hurt, of course, it hasn’t been a week yet and as surprising as it might be, I was coping with it. I had to be positive and believe that everything was going to be alright.

As the three of us walked in class, I saw Taeyeon at her desk, looking through the window, like she always does. I couldn’t help but think about my current situation. I was going to live with this person…for at least ONE YEAR! How in the world was I supposed to do this?

“Hey guys! Where is Sica?” Hyoyeon asked us as we sat down.

“Don’t ask, it’s Sica” replied Sooyoung who was eating a rice ball.

“She is going to be late” I said as our teacher entered the class.

At the same time, outside of SoWon High School,

Jessica’s POV

“Aigoo, I’m late again this morning. Stupid public transportation, I better sue them next time” I complained to myself.

I should have run to the school but then…since when do I run? Nope, I just could take my time; the door was probably closed already. No need to rush.

I was walking at my rhythm when something caught my attention. Someone was trying to climb the wall next to the Tennis court. It was a girl with long black hair, she was quite tall but was still having some difficulties to climb the wall. Every time she would jump, grab the edge of the wall and tried to pull herself up but fail. Then she’ll start again. I started to find it amusing…until she turned around and noticed me.

“OH!!! Jung Soo Yeon!!!!!” she yelled and waved at me.

Great…just great...

“Wait!!! Can you come here please??? I need your help!” Yuri said as I was about to walked away.

“What do you want?” I asked her annoyed.

I don’t even know why I asked her…I should have simply ignored her.

She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the wall, and though there was no one around us, she still whispered to me, “we’re late and the gate is closed”

“The gate is already closed…” I wasn’t really asking her, more thinking for myself.

“Yeah, the gate is closed that’s why-”

“I’m gonna go back and sleep” I said, once again, more to myself.

“Huh? You’re not going to sneak in?” she told me, like it was the most natural thing to do, sneak in.

“…” I simply stared at her, she should have understood by the look on my face that there was no way I would do that.

“Come on Soo Yeon, we can help each other get in” she said happily.

“Jessica, call me Jessica” I started to get annoyed with the Soo Yeon thing.

“Jessica? Like your friends call you?”

“Huh? If you knew my English name, why did you keep calling me Soo Yeon?” I said surprised.

“I know that only your friends call you by your English name and since we’re not friends…I didn’t know if you would mind or not” Yuri answered.

It was sweet. I didn’t expect her answer to be like this. She really seemed sincere and nice…but it couldn’t be right? There is always something wrong behind a sweet smile…I knew too well.

I got annoyed again. “Anyway, do whatever you want. I’m leaving”

“Wait, wait! You can’t leave, you can’t skip school!” she reminded me.

She got a point there. I couldn’t really skip school anymore since I wasn’t paying any attention in class…

“What’s your plan then?” I finally asked her.

“Here is the thing. You help me get on this wall then it will be my turn to help you”

“No, you helped me first”

“What? But…” she tried to protest.

“No discussion” I glared at her, she didn’t tried to complain.

Yuri helped me get on the wall and once I was sitting on it, she threw me my bag.

I was about to help her when I got a funny idea. “I’m sorry…” I told her.

“Huh? What?” Yuri looked up as I jumped down the other side.

“Jessica?!?! Wait!! JESSICA!!!” I could hear her scream.

“Today isn’t a bad day after all” I smiled to myself as I walked toward the school.

Yuri’s POV

“I can’t believe this…I just can’t…” I kept on repeating to myself.

What did I do to deserve this?

“AHHH!! Just because mom forgot to wake me up this morning!” I whined but no one was around to comfort me.

That’s when I realized what had just happened. That only memory brought a smile to my face.

“She told me to call her Jessica…what a beautiful name…Jessica” I smiled sheepishly.

End of school, S1 High School

Tiffany’s POV

It was finally there…the time for me to move in my new apartment. I knew the driver was already waiting for me, exactly where he dropped me off but I had to get away from my friends first before I could join him.

“Huh guys, I’m not going with you. I have something to do” I informed them.

“Where are you going? Don’t stay alone Fany-ah, let’s hang out” Sooyoung said while hugging me.

“I’m fine, really. I just…need to do something on my own today” I tried to convince them.

“There is really nothing that we can do?” Hyoyeon asked me. I shook my head. “Fine then but call us if you need anything!” she gave me a hug then drag Sooyoung away.

Sica who stayed behind asked me “What’s going on? You were weird all day”

“Me? No. YOU were weird all day and you came in late. How did you get in by the way?” I quickly asked her. Gosh. Sica and her sixth sense.

“…Whatever. I’m leaving” she suddenly said.

“HUH?” Ok…that was the Sica Effect.

After I was sure that my friends were out of sight, I walked to my meeting place. The driver was already there, of course. He opened the back door for me and I was surprised to see Mrs. Kim inside.

She told me she was going to accompany me to my old apartment for one last time and then she would go with me to Taeyeon’s place. I felt a little bit better knowing I wasn’t going to do this alone.

Tiffany’s apartment,

After a short ride, we arrived at my apartment with Mrs. Kim. It felt really weird being there again. As crazy as it may sound, I knew I would feel better in another apartment. At least for now.

As I entered my room, I got shocked. It was completely empty. Mrs. Kim informed me that they had already moved everything from my room to Taeyeon’s place. I don’t know how they did it but I was happy it was already done. It would have been too hard to choose what to take and what to throw away.

“What will happen to the rest of the stuff?” I asked Taeyeon’s mom.

“Don’t worry about it, we’ll stock everything somewhere. No one will touch them” she reassured me.

Before I left the apartment, I made sure to take our family photo albums with me. And for once last time, I closed the door to this apartment, where I grew up. For an unknown reason, I didn’t feel sad, instead, I felt relieved.

Around 6pm at Kwon’s Residence,

Yuri’s POV

I spent all day wandering at home because of Jessica…Ah…Jessica…Jessica and her doll face, Jessica and her cute octopus hair, Jessica and her cold attitude…Jessica…

“Hey babo! I’m talking to you” Taeyeon called me, broking my little day-dreaming. “Why are you looking like an idiot?” she asked while eating her rice balls.

“You wanna know? You really wanna know? Don’t regret it once I tell you” I excitedly said.

“Actually NO, I don’t wanna know”

“KIM TAE YEON!” I screamed while stealing her rice ball as she was to put it in her mouth.

I shouldn’t have done that…

“KWON YURI! Stop bullying little Taengoo!” my mom scolded me.

She was bringing more rice balls that she made sure to give to Taeyeon only. “So my Taengoo, how was your day?” she asked Taeyeon while patting her head.

“It was a fine day, more productive than Yuri’s at least” she laughed.

“I know. Yuri forgot to wake up this morning. Bad Yuri” my mom walked up to me and spanked my butt.

“MOM! Please, don’t do that, I’m a big girl now” I whined, embarrassed.

“My poor little thing, there is only Taengoo here, don’t be shy!” my mom started tickled me. “Taengoo, are you staying for dinner? I’ll cook your favorite dish!”

“I’d love to auntie, but I can’t tonight. I have to go home soon” Taeyeon made a sad face; she loves my mom’s cooking.

My mom gave Taeyeon a hug. “Next time then” she squeezed Taengoo then walked out of my room. “And Yul, go take a shower before dinner…and do your homework too!” she said while leaving.

I turned to Taeyeon. “What’s going on with you?” I asked her.

“Me? Nothing is going on, why?” she acted surprised.

“I know you. Come on. Spill the beans!” I urged her. “I know you’re hiding something from me. Taengoo-ah!!! TELL ME!!!” I squeezed her.

Her face then turned serious. “So who do you like Yuri?” she asked me

The time has finally come…

“Omona Taengoo!! You really wanna know??? I’m so touched…” I faked crying.

“So who is she???” she really sounded like she wanted to know.

I started to walk dramatically toward the window, looking at the dark night, I began. “She is…a beautiful girl. Her appearance might look cold but I know she as sweet as honey. Her smile is…well, I’ve never seen her smile before but I bet it’s gorgeous. And her voice, wow, so icy but hot” I turned to Taeyeon. “Ah, Taengoo, try to ima…”

My jaw dropped...I coudln’t believe it…I fell for her stupid trap again…AHHHHHHH!!!! KIM TAE YEON!!! How could she simply leave me here like an idiot, talking to myself? Stupid Taengoo!!!

Around 7pm at Taeyeon’s apartment,

Tiffany’s POV

It’s been 2 hours since I moved in Taeyeon’s apartment. I had the incredible surprise of seeing my new room, twice bigger than my old room and with all my furniture in it. I even have a private bathroom now. I was touched that they tried to recreate my old bedroom into this one. It will help me feel more comfortable I guess.

Taeyeon’s apartment is just awesome. The living room and kitchen are in the same area. She even has a beautiful white piano next to the chimney. The couch is facing a wide LCD screen and I think she is into video games because she has all the game consoles display there. Everything is so organized and clean in her apartment. I have to be careful not to be too messy from now on.

I helped Taeyeon’s mother cook even though I’m really bad at cooking. We were chatting until we heard the front door opening. It was Taeyeon. She greeted her mother and went into her room.

Mrs. Kim offered me a comfort smile. “I apologize for her behavior, I wish she could be more sociable” her mother told me.

“It’s fine, Mrs. Kim. I don’t mind” It was true; I didn’t really care, even though it made me really uncomfortable to not be able to talk to her.

“Please Mi Young, you can call me auntie. Mrs. Kim sounds so distant” she said with a smile.

“Then please call me Tiffany! I like it better than Mi Young…” I laughed; I was really starting to feel comfortable around her.

When I thought that Taeyeon was being a cold loner, she came out of her room and set the table. The bad girl was setting the table. I was truly shocked. After she was done, she sat down on the couch and turned on the TV.

30 minutes later, the dinner was served. I was about to sat down when auntie told us she was leaving. Her husband was still at the office so she was going to go there and wait for him. I thought it was sweet.

I walked auntie to the door as she gave me some support. “Don’t worry Tiffany-ah, give her some time to warm up to you. Taeyeon is a nice girl, she just needs times” she gave me a hug before leaving.

Then, I was all alone in an apartment with Taeyeon…What should I do? I went back to the dining table and sat down. She was eating her rice while watching TV. I was glad that the TV was on because the silence would have killed me.

I knew she was an introvert and never talked to anyone so I thought that maybe, I should be the one making the first step. “So Taeyeon, how was your day?” I tried to start a conversation.

“…” her eyes were glued on the screen.

“OK…that was embarrassing… Pheww…its ok Fany, her mother said she needs time. Don’t get angry Fany…don’t” I calmed myself. I tried to talk to her again. “Your apartment is really nice, thank you for letting me stay here” I looked at her. I didn’t really have time to thank her since yesterday.

“…”

Ok that was really killing me. I know I shouldn’t have exploded but it was really hard to stay calm. “YA! I’m talking to you! Do you know it’s rude to not answer a person’s question?” I screamed at her. She was definitely shocked at my reaction, she startled a bit.

“You…” she started to say but then paused. “…whatever”

She was really killing me…how could someone be so cold and quiet? I thought Sica was the worst cases…guess I was wrong.

10 minutes later, we were done eating and I started cleaning up…until she stopped me.

“I’ll do it” she told me while grabbing the bowl I was holding…I don’t know why she doesn’t speak more often…her voice is so soft…

“No, I’m living in your house, I should do it” I said while taking the bowl back from her.

She grabbed my bowl again. “I said I’ll do it” this time she sounded annoyed.

“Nooooooooo let me do it!!!!” I whined.

I startled her again. She made a weird face while I was whining, like a disgusted face. Even though it must have been negative, I found it cute…She let go of the bowl and sighed. “Whatever…” she said her usual word then went to her room. “Turn off the lights when you’re done” she reminded me before closing her door.

“Goodnight…” I said as the door closed. I washed the dishes, cleaned the table then turn off all the lights.

I went back to my room, took a hot shower, put on my pajamas and did my homework. After finishing my homework, I went to bed. But I couldn’t fall asleep as I wanted to. It was probably the new environment that disturbed me. I couldn’t help but think about the girl sleeping in the other room. I was sleeping under the same roof as Kim Tae Yeon.

For the next hours, I kept on rolling on my bed from side to side but still couldn’t sleep. I even tried to listen to some music to help me but it didn’t work. Finally, I decided to go watch some TV, falling asleep in front of the TV was quite easy.

It was nearly 2am when I opened the door of my room. There was a small light coming from the kitchen which made me feel scared…what if it was a ghost??? I walked really really slowly out of my room to the kitchen.

“Taeyeon?” I whispered as I looked in the kitchen, where the light was coming from.

There she was…Kim Tae Yeon, standing in front of the opened fridge and drinking a glass of water in a…KERORO PAJAMAS!!! Taeyeon was like a little frog from head to toes. She was wearing keroro pajamas, by that, I mean; it was green with keroro heads all over the pajamas…and with that, she was also wearing green slippers with a huge keroro on them…She was only missing a keroro mask then her Halloween costume would be ready.

She didn’t seem to have noticed me though. “Hmmm Taeyeon?” I called her. No reaction. “Ya Kim Tae Yeon! Don’t you remember what I said earlier???” I scolded her. Still nothing. She was still standing there, drinking her water.

When she was done, she put her glass on the sink, closed the fridge’s door and went back to her room. That was when I understood.

“SHE IS SLEEPWALKING??? KIM TAE YEON IS SLEEPWALKING!!! Oh my god!!!” I shouted out shocked. I couldn’t believe I witnessed such a thing…the school‘s little rebel is a sleepwalker and keroro lover! If only I could tell the others!!!

That night, I couldn’t sleep for another hour, too excited of what I saw. It really made my day…or night better. I didn’t know why but, I felt as if this whole living with Taeyeon thing…was going to be better than I thought.