Chapter 4 (1/1)

Taeyeon grumbled because she was on duty as server tonight, and it was the busiest day ever. She heaved a sigh before picking up the serving tray, loaded it with a bottle of expensive hard liquor, a bucket of ice cubes, a few empty glasses before carrying the tray carefully to the room. She balanced the tray on one arm before knocking on the door, fully aware that it was a redundant move as people inside wouldn't be able to hear it. She opened the door and went straight to the table in the middle of the room, setting the tray down and started putting everything on the table. The whole time she focused on her task and failed to notice a pair of eyes looking at her. Tiffany looked up the moment the door open and what - or rather who - she saw brought a smile to her face. Taeyeon was carrying the tray with her eyes focused on the table. She watched as the college student did her tasks, hoping that she'd look up. They had been texting quite regularly but the only time they saw each other was when Taeyeon's at work. At times Taeyeon wasn't the server so she could only see her when they're leaving the premise. And when their eyes met, Tiffany would give Taeyeon a smile in which the latter would return one. She liked the lopsided smile that played on Taeyeon's lips. It's strangely attractive and it made her look really pretty and somehow badass- different from the innocent image she had in mind. Taeyeon stood up with the tray at her side and bowed, her eyes scanning the room out of habit. That's when she noticed Tiffany looking at her with a small smile on her face. She returned the smile and before she knew it, she was grabbed by someone on her arm. Out of reflex she swung her arm away forcefully and gasped when the glass of liquor in the man's hand toppled, the liquid staining his shirt. "I'm sorry!" Taeyeon apologized immediately and bowed. She had learned that no matter what happened - whether she was at fault or not - she needed to be the first to apologize. The man put the glass down and was about to lash out at Taeyeon when Tiffany went to her rescue. "My sincere apologies, Mr. Wang, I will find you a new shirt to change into this instant." Tiffany stood infront of Taeyeon and apologized, seemingly to protect her. She then turned to her superior. "Oppa, can you take care of things here? I'll go find Mr. Wang a new shirt to change into." Eunhyuk nodded his head and gave Tiffany his car key. "If you can’t get a new shirt then I have one spare shirt in my car. We can use it for the time being."

Taeyeon was listening to the conversation, her eyes looking down at the floor. She didn't mean to cause trouble to Tiffany. She was just shocked at the sudden touch. Who knew the man was holding a glass and would grab her out of nowhere? Anyone would've been shocked. Tiffany looked at Taeyeon from the corner of her eyes and almost laughed at how downcasted she looked. She tapped her shoulder gently and gestured to the door and to get her to start moving. Once they were out of the door, Tiffany searched for Taeyeon's eyes with a smile on her face. "Taeyeon-ah, it's okay. Don't worry about it. You won't get fired because of this, I promise." Taeyeon took a deep breath and looked up, her eyes boring into Tiffany's. "I'm sorry, Unnie. I- I was just shocked and- and I just..." "It's okay," Tiffany interjected. "Go do your thing while I look for a shirt for my client. Text me when you knock off?" Taeyeon nodded her head and watched as Tiffany disappeared around the corner. Her shoulders slumped as she hit the side of her head with the heel of her palm. This is the second time Tiffany helped me at work. I really need to buy her a meal, she thought to herself. --- Tiffany waited in the car as she drummed her fingers against the steering wheel. She's done with work about half an hour ago and she's waiting for Taeyeon's text so she could drop her home. It was not the first time she waited for Taeyeon just so they could head home together. The college student was reluctant in the beginning when Tiffany offered to wait for her. Of course the younger one couldn't win against her. She knew she's stubborn as hell and it's an advantage in situations like this. A few minutes later, the text from Taeyeon finally came. She sent a quick reply before changing the gear and driving to the entrance of the bar. Taeyeon was standing diligently at the side, carrying a backpack looking like a lost kid. She smiled at the sight and stopped right infront of her. Taeyeon opened the door and went in, closing the door with a soft thud. "Hi, Unnie." Tiffany hummed and waited for Taeyeon to buckle the seat belt before driving away from the road shoulder.  "I hope you didn't get a scolding from your boss?" Tiffany asked, her eyes still focused on the road ahead. "Fortunately no. All thanks to you." They stayed quiet with only the sound from the radio resounding in the car. It was a comfortable silence until Tiffany broke it. "Taeyeon, have you ever thought of working somewhere else? I'm sure you'll be able to find one that suits your timing," Tiffany started, glancing at Taeyeon to look at her reaction. "I'm not in the position to pry into your life or anything but it worries me that you're working in that kind of environment and you're exposed to all sorts of vulnerable situations." The college student kept quiet as she had no answers to Tiffany's question. Her friends had been telling her to change jobs after knowing what she went through at work sometimes. And she knew that if Aunt and Uncle Lee were to know she's harassed at work sometimes, they'd flip and force Taeyeon to quit immediately. So yes, she had thought of changing job.  Now that Tiffany mentioned that she worries for her - which was probably why she waited for her instead of heading home - the urge to change job doubled. Should she go back to the convenience store? It's not like she couldn't afford to do so. Or should she just work on the weekends? "Taeyeon? Sorry if I'm out of line. I'm just... worried." Tiffany bit her lower lip and glanced at Taeyeon again.  It was indeed worrying that Taeyeon looked so frail and she's the attractive type, so it's no surprise if men tried something funny with her. It wouldn't be a problem if Taeyeon knew how to defend and protect herself. Even so, there's no way she would win against men. Taeyeon broke out of her trance and shook her head immediately. "N-no. I was just thinking of something. Although the environment is not ideal but I quite like the job and my colleagues treat me well. I know you guys worry for me and at times I'm worried for my own wellbeing too, but I- I'll think about it okay?" Tiffany heaved a silent sigh of relief and smiled even though she wasn't sure if Taeyeon was looking. "Okay." Taeyeon fiddled with her fingers and peek at the older woman driving. She's beyond touched that Tiffany waited for her despite having work in a few hours time. She was curious as to why she's doing this. Not that she asked her to, or that they're close to the extent. So, why? "Unnie, can I ask you a question?" "Sure. What is it?" "Why are you doing this? Why do you wait for me every time you're at the bar for work?" Tiffany stopped at the red light and turned her head towards Taeyeon, slightly frowning. "Is it making you uncomfortable?" "No!" Taeyeon raised her voice and grinned sheepishly as Tiffany jumped from that volume. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout. I mean- I'm just curious why you're doing this. I've been fine going home on my own after work for the past year," she added softly. "Because for the past year I don't know you yet," Tiffany started, looking ahead. "It doesn't sit well with me that you're a college student and you're working there. And it definitely doesn't sit well with me when you have to go home on your own at such ungodly hour. Come to think of it, how did you go home from there? I don't think there are anymore buses or trains running." Taeyeon's heart pounded at the sweet words of Tiffany and she bit down on her lips to stop herself from grinning. Tiffany cared so much for her and she felt bad for not being able to return the favor. "If I'm on the same shift as one of my colleague who has a bike, I'll hitch a ride from him to the station nearest to my place and walk home. If not I'll bring books to study at the McDonald's next to my workplace until the first train." Tiffany frowned at the thought of Taeyeon's neighborhood. It's basically dark, quiet and scary. She's even more determined to either find ways to get the college student home safely, or to get her to change job. Who knew what would happen one day when she's off work? What if one of those men followed her? She wasn't sure if she was feeling this way because she's being too protective of someone younger than her, or she's afraid that her ex-boyfriend would come looking for Taeyeon when she's not around. The college student is so frail that Tiffany found the need to protect her. Not like she was any stronger, but being the older one she felt like she had the responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the girl. The more she thought about it, the more determined she was to get Taeyeon to change job. --- Taeyeon was having dinner when her phone on the table vibrated. She glanced at the screen and stopped whatever she was doing, putting the spoon down before looking at the text. 'Hey, are you interested to go to an art exhibition with me one of these days? My friend gave me a pair of tickets and you mentioned you like art?' The text was from Tiffany and she smiled at the effort Tiffany put in to get to know her as a friend. She only mentioned once that she liked drawing and coloring, and that it's what she liked the do the most if she had free time. It's touching that the brunette remembered little things she said which other people might just brush it off.  'But I remember you said you don't like such boring and dull atmosphere. Why are you asking me along?' 'My friend is actually in-charge of the publicity and I ought to show my support. And since you have a knack for art, why not?' Taeyeon's smile was so wide everyone around the table noticed. "Taeyeon-ah, who are you texting? Why are you smiling like that?" Aunt Lee asked. "Are you seeing someone?" Uncle Lee asked with a smirk and wriggled his eyebrows. Taeyeon looked up from her phone and found everyone - even Jeha and Jiyeon - looking at her. She blushed and locked her phone, placing it on the table. She'd reply to Tiffany later. "N-no. It's just this Unnie I recently got to know. She's asking me if I wanted to go to an art exhibition with her." "Oh? How did you get to know someone older than you? Is she your senior in school?" "Um, she helped me at my workplace and we kinda just got close?" Taeyeon answered vaguely. She didn't want to go into details and hoped that they'd just leave it at that.  "We're glad you're making more friends, Taeyeon-ah." Aunt Lee smiled comfortingly. Taeyeon had always been an introvert and she could probably count her real friends with one hand. She trusted Taeyeon to know who she could trust and who she should stay away from, just like how she managed to have Sooyoung and Yuri as friends. Taeyeon returned the smile and picked up her phone, reading the text Tiffany sent. She needed to confirm the meeting with her before she could eat her dinner in peace. She felt bad for hogging onto the phone while seated around the dining table. 'I'll pick you up and we go for a light dinner before heading to the exhibition? After that if you're not tired we could probably get light snacks or something on our way back.' 'Sounds good to me. I'll see you then? I need to get back to dinner. They're staring at me now. :p' 'Oops, sorry. I'll text you the time tomorrow. See you! Enjoy your dinner. (:' --- "Why do you look like you're having constipation? Do you want me to get you some yogurt?" Taeyeon smacked Yuri on the shoulder as the latter chortled. "Yah! I do not have constipation! I was just thinking of what I should wear to an art exhibition." "Art exhibition? Since when were you interested?" Sooyoung asked. "I've never been to one and Tiffany unnie asked if I wanted to accompany her." Before Sooyoung and Yuri could tease her, she continued, "She needed to show support to her friend who's in-charge of the publicly." Sooyoung gave Yuri a knowing smirk and wriggled her eyebrow. Taeyeon caught that and she smacked the taller girl on her arm. "What thoughts are you having now? Stop it! What have you been saying behind my back?" Sooyoung frowned and rubbed her arm. "Yah! It hurts! We were only saying how close you've gotten with Tiffany unnie. Why are you so anxious? Is there something going on that we should know of?" "Nothing of that sort, okay?! If you can't help me then leave me be." "Aww, our Taengoo is upset." Yuri cooed and ruffled Taeyeon's hair. "We were just messing with you. I've never been to an art exhibition but if she didn't mention anything about dress code, you should be able to wear anything you want so long as it's presentable?" "Yeah, if she didn't specify then just wear something. Smart casual maybe? I don't think you have dresses?" Sooyoung sniggered. "Should I... get a dress? Are dresses more appropriate than shirt with jeans?" "I think a shirt with jeans would suffice. I don't think Tiffany unnie expects you to dress up like her? With a dress, heels and stuff." "Sooyoung has a point," Yuri patted Taeyeon's shoulder. "Don't worry about it." "I don't want to be an embarrassment and embarrass her, that's why. But I guess I'm thinking too much into it, huh?" She smiled. "We can help you find the most suitable outfit to wear to the exhibition if need be." "Thanks guys, but I don't really trust your fashion sense," Taeyeon answered wittily before running away, laughing to herself. "Yah Kim Taeyeon!" Sooyoung screamed and followed Taeyeon. "This midget," Yuri muttered under her breath and followed her friends. --- Taeyeon regretted the moment she stepped into the art gallery. She felt self-conscious all of a sudden when she found out everyone was dressed formally, the ladies at least had a dress on. She tugged at her long sleeve shirt and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. She bit her lip and avoided all eye contact with people, choosing to stare at the floor instead. Then she felt a warm hand holding onto her wrist, tugging lightly. She looked up to see Tiffany's blinding smile. That elicited a smile of her own. Tiffany's smile was always contagious. "Hey, don't worry about not being in a dress. Just enjoy the art pieces, okay?" Tiffany whispered into Taeyeon's ear, sending tingles down her spine. "O-okay." She nodded. She had never seen something that magnificent. It opened up her eyes and she could feel her creative bone tingling. She had gotten so much inspiration just by walking around and studying the canvases.  Tiffany would ask her questions about how she felt about the paintings and what she saw, and she'd occasionally pose the questions back to her. She's enjoying herself so much that she forgot about her smart casual wear, following Tiffany wherever she went. "Tiffany!" Someone called out which made the two of them turn around. Taeyeon saw this beautiful woman walking briskly towards them with a wide smile on her face. Her smile was slightly different from Tiffany's. This smile felt more distant and even though the smile was beautiful, Taeyeon didn't have the urge to smile along with her. She just stared at the beauty infront of her as she got nearer. "Yoong!" Tiffany called out and hugged the YoonA. "So glad you could make it!" YoonA said before turning her attention to Taeyeon who was standing awkwardly at the side. "Is that Taeyeon?" She whispered. Tiffany gave a small nod. "Please don't scare her away? She's still a little self-conscious about what she's wearing," she whispered back. "She's dressing fine." YoonA released Tiffany from her embrace and turned to Taeyeon, holding her hand out. "Hi! You must be Taeyeon? I'm YoonA, Im YoonA. The one who gave Tiffany tickets to this exhibition." "H-hello YoonA unnie," Taeyeon bowed and took her hand gingerly, whispering the last word. If she's friends with Tiffany meant YoonA is older too. "Aigoo, this kid is cute." YoonA laughed and released Taeyeon's hand. "Are you having fun thus far?" "Y-yes. The paintings are really beautiful." "Good. I'll talk to you guys later. Enjoy your date," YoonA stressed the last word before throwing Tiffany a knowing smirk, turning around to tend to whatever she needed to. Tiffany blushed and glanced at Taeyeon from the corner of her eyes to find the younger girl looking at her too. The both of them looked away immediately and Tiffany faked a cough to mask her embarrassment. Damn you, Im YoonA. Thanks for making things awkward between us, she thought. "L-let's go there," Taeyeon suggested and tugged on Tiffany's wrist, motioning for her to head over to the other side where they've not been to. Tiffany looked at the hand around her wrist and strangely felt like it fits. This was actually the first time Taeyeon initiated skinship. She smiled as she looked at Taeyeon's backview. She looked petite and frail but Tiffany knew just how strong she was to be able to go through all that she had gone through or was currently going through. After the exhibition both felt tired and still full from the dinner they had, thus they decided to just head home and call it a night. "Thank you for inviting me, I had fun." Taeyeon turned to Tiffany and gave her a smile. "Thanks for accompanying me." Tiffany returned the smile. "Um, I guess I better get going now. Drive safe and text me when you're home?" Tiffany chuckled and nodded her head. That sounded like her lover trying to make sure she reach home safely. Her smile fell at the thought and she cursed at YoonA in her head. She must be rubbing the thoughts off me. "Rest early. I'll see you soon. Good night, Taeyeon." "Goodnight, Unnie." Taeyeon got out of the car and waved before closing the door. As usual, Tiffany watched as Taeyeon got into the house before driving away. Compared to a few months ago when she first saw Taeyeon, there was obviously some changes between the way they interacted. The college girl seemed more comfortable with her and she really liked spending time with her. Although they had a few years of age difference between them, it wasn't as bad as Tiffany thought it would be. She thought she couldn't keep up with Taeyeon or they wouldn't have any common topics. On the contrary, they seemed to click really well with a few moments of comfortable silence in between. Taeyeon was a tough nut to crack, but Tiffany was determined to get to know the real her. --- I will try to edit and post up another chapter today. Good morning from Seoul~Next chapter would be a huge step towards TaeNy's bubbling relationship/friendship. ^^P.S. I can't seem to edit the font and size through my ipad so I'm just gonna leave it be. -E