DESTINY CHAPTER 26 [30th March 2010]

Taeyeon could feel Soo-yeon trembling behind her.

With what little understanding of english the both of them had, they both could tell that he wanted money.

Taeyeon reached into her back pocket and took her wallet out. She took out all her money and handed it to the man very cautiously.

He reached over and snatched the money away.

“What about you, pretty face?” the man said with a lustful sneer as he pointed the knife at Soo-yeon.

“Soo-yeon your money,” Taeyeon instructed. She was hoping to get this over and done with before the situation erupted into anything worse.

She could tell from his body language that he was contemplating to get more than just money. She hoped that the fact that there were two of them and only one of him deterred him from putting his thoughts into action.

Taeyeon knew that if it was her against him, she had a chance of fleeing, but with Soo-yeon around it was a totally different ball game altogether.

Especially with the knife in his hand, Taeyeon knew that it was almost impossible for the both of them to escape with no injury.

Taeyeon watched his every move and every twitch of his muscle. She would attack him if she had to.

Soo-yeon was reaching clumsily into her pocket for her wallet. She was taking a while and Taeyeon could tell that the man was getting impatient.

Without taking her eyes away from the man for too long, Taeyeon turned and quickly took Soo-yeon’s wallet out and thrust him the money.

He took it and kept it away in his pocket.

Instead of walking away, the man stood his ground.

Taeyeon’s fears were becoming true. It was clear he was going to try his luck.

“It’s such a waste to let two beautiful young girls just slip by me,” he said as he watched the both of them with lust in his eyes.

Taeyeon knew that she would never let him get his hands on Soo-yeon. The thought of him touching Soo-yeon disgusted and angered her.

She quickly whispered to Soo-yeon, “Run when I tell you to.”

She could sense Soo-yeon’s hesitation so she squeezed Soo-yeon’s hand tightly and said in her most reassuring voice, “Trust me and do what I say.”

“You b!tches what are you talking about!” the man shouted as he lunged forward with his knife.

Taeyeon reacted swiftly and swung her arm and smashed the bag of food over the side of his face. She was glad the food was still fresh and steaming hot.

There was food and sauce all over his face and it hindered his sight.

“RUN!” Taeyeon shouted to Soo-yeon.

Soo-yeon held on to Taeyeon’s hands and started to move.

Taeyeon got tugged backwards and she pulled herself forward regaining her balance.

“NO, without me!” Taeyeon said as she tried to free her hand from Soo-yeon.

Taeyeon knew that they could never out run the man so she decided to give Soo-yeon a head start.

In that split second the man slashed wildly and the knife found its way to their flesh.

Taeyeon gave a hard kick to the man’s knee and he stumbled forward, giving her a deeper cut in her arm.

The man was on the ground with the knife still in his hand when Taeyeon shouted to Soo-yeon, “Just go and get help! Trust me!”

Soo-yeon started running.

The man was getting up when Taeyeon gave a hard kick to the hand with the knife.

She succeeded. The knife flew somewhere into the bushes.

Taeyeon was counting on him to underestimate their strength and subsequently disarm him so that she could give Soo-yeon enough time to escape.

She knew that without his knife, the odds of surviving would be higher.

Just as the knife flew out of his hands, he reached over and grabbed on to Taeyeon’s other foot and tugged hard.

Taeyeon fell hard onto the ground but she kicked him in the face just as he attempted to jump on her.

She quickly got up and so did he. By this time, he had a bleeding nose and Taeyeon had a bleeding forearm.

Instead of moving backward or running away, Taeyeon stood her ground.

She knew that if she ran now, he may still end up catching up to Soo-yeon and she definitely did not want that.

Taeyeon also knew that she had a better chance fighting him than having her back towards him as she ran. She was after all trained in unarmed combat.

He started hurling abuses at her as he shot her a powerful punch.

Taeyeon managed to dodge it, but she almost tripped over the root of a tree.

She steadied herself in time only to receive a sharp hard blow to her side. She felt an excruciating pain as she fell to the ground.

The man had a powerful kick.

Within seconds, the man was crouched over her and he had his hands to her neck.

Before he could start choking her, Taeyeon mustered all the strength she had left and delivered a hard blow to the underside of his chin.

She felt the grip on her neck release as he fell backwards.

She scrambled to get up and started running in the same direction as Soo-yeon.

She knew well enough to know that the last blow she delivered would keep him down for enough time.

With every step Taeyeon took, she felt a sharp pain in both her ankle and in her ribs but she knew that she had to go on.

Taeyeon kept running for what seemed like forever until she reached a sidewalk with enough people around.

She fell to her knees and clasped her sides. The pain was so bad and it hurt with each breath she took.

Taeyeon could tell that she was going to faint from the pain at any moment.

Taeyeon fell backwards as she slowly lost consciousness, but before she did, she heard voices shouting out her name.

It sounded like Kang-In and the rest of the crew. Amidst their voices she recognised the one voice she wanted so badly to hear.

She was glad that Soo-yeon was safe.

Taeyeon smiled before she fell flat onto the ground and blacked out completely.

DESTINY CHAPTER 27 [31st March 2010]

Taeyeon was dressed in a hospital gown and laying in a hospital bed.

She had not regained consciousness since she was rushed to the hospital the night before.

The doctor said that Taeyeon had suffered minor blood loss and had a hairline fracture in one of her ribs.

The condition in her ankle had also been aggravated.

There was not much that could be done to treat her since most of her injuries had to heal naturally.

Most of the crew had already left the hospital except for Kang-In and Soo-yeon.

Kang-In was slumped in a chair and catching up on sleep.

Soo-yeon’s eyes were red and puffy from all the crying from the night before and she was still dressed in the clothes she had on the night before.

Dried blood stained her clothing but she refused to leave the hospital until Taeyeon came to.

Soo-yeon had been sitting beside Taeyeon’s bed for many hours now. She was tired but she did not want to leave Taeyeon’s side.

Soo-yeon held Taeyeon’s hand in hers and yet another tear trickled down her cheek.

It was painful for her to see Taeyeon in this state.

*Flashback*

[25th March 2010]

Soo-yeon was walking into the airport when she saw Taeyeon sitting there with her duffle bag in her lap.

For once, Soo-yeon looked forward to leaving the country for work.

In the past, she was always worried about leaving her family behind, but now she had something to look forward to.

From the first day Soo-yeon met Taeyeon she felt a strong affinity for the girl.

It was not something that could be explained with simple words, but there was some kind of connection she felt with Taeyeon.

Soo-yeon had just broken up with the man whom she so loved just before she met Taeyeon.

She was in a state of loss and sadness until Taeyeon came into her life.

Whenever she was around Taeyeon, she felt safe and happy and she was very glad that Taeyeon would be flying to New Zealand with her.

***

They were on the flight to Auckland and Taeyeon was reading the brief.

Soo-yeon was reading the book that Taeyeon had loaned her. It was a good book and very thought provoking too.

She decided to rest her eyes for a while so she leaned the book against her chest and turned to Taeyeon.

She was about to say something to Taeyeon when she noticed that Taeyeon was concentrating on the brief.

She had never seen anyone read a brief so intently before. Taeyeon was the first.

She decided to just watch Taeyeon as she read.

As much as the book was interesting, Soo-yeon found Taeyeon more interesting than the book itself.

***

The shoot took place on a yacht near their hotel. It was her first shoot with Taeyeon and Soo-yeon could sense that Taeyeon was feeling slightly nervous.

Soo-yeon on the other hand felt really comfortable doing the shoot with Taeyeon.

Despite her experience as a model, this was the first time Soo-yeon felt so relaxed.

When she looked at Taeyeon, it drew out a genuine smile every single time.

The chemistry the both of them had made the shoot one of the most quiet photo shoot ever.

After the shoot and after dinner, Soo-yeon did not feel like returning to the hotel yet so she invited Taeyeon to take a walk along the harbour.

Soo-yeon felt very relaxed whenever she was with Taeyeon and this time was no exception.

They talked as they walked, and for once in her life, Soo-yeon felt happy.

They both of them were seated on a bench. Soo-yeon looked up to the sky and thanked god for letting her meet Taeyeon.

Soo-yeon turned to look at Taeyeon and she saw that Taeyeon’s brows were knitted together.

“Is there something bothering you?” Soo-yeon decided to ask Taeyeon.

“Oh no, I was just thinking that Sunny would love this place too,” Taeyeon replied awkwardly.

Soo-yeon could tell that there was something Taeyeon was not saying.

Taeyeon stood up and walked towards the edge and stood by the water.

Soo-yeon stared at her back. She could sense that there was definitely something bothering Taeyeon.

She decided to ask Taeyeon about it.

Soo-yeon stood up and walked towards Taeyeon. She held her hand gently against the back of Taeyeon’s waist, “Are you sure you’re ok?”

Taeyeon did not turn. On the contrary, she just stared into the water.

Despite the fact that Taeyeon said that she was ok, Soo-yeon knew she was not.

As they walked towards the hotel, Soo-yeon slipped her arms around Taeyeon.

She wanted to comfort Taeyeon, and that was the only way she knew how.

***

Taeyeon was in the shower as Soo-yeon went through the pictures taken in the day.

Soo-yeon had never seen herself look so genuinely happy before.

Soo-yeon recalled looking at Taeyeon the entire day and the memory of the shoot brought a smile to her face.

“Now you sure look like you’re in love too,” Soo-yeon heard Taeyeon say.

In love? Am I really...? No, No...It is impossible. She just makes me happy....as a friend.

Soo-yeon recovered from the thought quickly and she started joking around with Taeyeon.

***

[26th March 2010]

They were on the ferry towards Waiheke Island. Soo-yeon was sitting amidst the rest of the crew members and everyone was talking.

Soo-yeon was distracted.

She was thinking about the conversation she had with Taeyeon this morning.

The night before, Taeyeon was calling out her name repeatedly in her sleep. One particular sentence kept replaying in her head.

“Soo-yeon ah, you are very important to me...”

Soo-yeon was glad that she was important to Taeyeon, but whatever Taeyeon said in the morning bothered her even more.

“...whether or not I'm lying in my dream.”

How can anyone lie in their dream...Am I not important to her? Why am I even thinking about this.

Soo-yeon sighed.

It was then that she realised Taeyeon’s seat was empty.

Soo-yeon decided to look for Taeyeon. It was taxing to be thinking of stuff that did not make sense.

Soo-yeon went onto the deck and saw Taeyeon standing in front of the railing, facing the sea.

Taeyeon abruptly left the spot and started walking away.

“Taeyeon ah,” Soo-yeon decided to call out.

Taeyeon turned and all Soo-yeon could do was smile sweetly. She could not control it. Taeyeon just made her smile.

She approached Taeyeon and the both of them stood against the railing facing the sea.

It was a beautiful day to be out.

Soo-yeon placed her hand on the railing and their hands touched.

The contact sparked something in her.

What is going on?

Soo-yeon thought to herself as her heartbeat quickened.

She quickly forced herself to return to reality.

She distracted herself and started talking about how bad it was for Taeyeon to be standing when her ankle needed rest. Somehow the conversation led to more than what she expected to hear.

The last sentence that came out of Taeyeon’s mouth before they arrived at Waiheke island was, “I’ll take care of you too.”

Those words were heartfelt and sincere.

She did not know where it came from, but she believed that Taeyeon really cared for her.

*End of Flashback*

DESTINY CHAPTER 28 [31st March 2010]

Taeyeon woke up and the first sensation she felt was a sharp pain to the side of her chest as she breathed in.

She knew that she had suffered a few injuries and she was feeling sore all over.

The next thing she noticed was the beautiful face beside her arm. Despite the tear stained cheeks and the puffy eyes, Soo-yeon still captivated her.

Taeyeon wanted to lift her hands to touch Soo-yeon’s cheeks but she realised that Soo-yeon was holding on to her hand as she slept.

Taeyeon looked at her other hand and saw that it was bandaged. She recalled the deep long gash in her arm. It was still throbbing with pain.

The pain is worth it, at least Soo-yeon is safe.

Taeyeon moved her hands slowly out of Soo-yeon’s hands trying hard not to wake her but she failed.

The moment her hand left Soo-yeon’s, Soo-yeon woke up.

It took Soo-yeon a while to realise that Taeyeon was awake.

“Taeyeon ah! You’re finally awake!” Soo-yeon exclaimed as she held both hands to Taeyeon’s hand.

Kang-In shot straight up due to Soo-yeon’s exclamation.

“Taeyeon how are you feeling?” Kang-In said immediately.

Taeyeon did not reply him. Instead she was looking at Soo-yeon’s left hand. It was wrapped in bandage.

“Soo-yeon...” Taeyeon said with much effort, “...your hand?”

It was difficult for Taeyeon to talk. A sharp pain shot right through her sides every time she took a breath.

“Oh I’m ok,” Soo-yeon said as she wiped a tear off her cheek, “it’s just a cut and it isn’t as deep as yours.”

“Silly...don’t cry...I’m alright now...” Taeyeon said in an attempt to cheer Soo-yeon up. She did not want to see Soo-yeon shedding tears because of her.

It was then that the door opened and the rest of the work crew entered. All of them showed their concern and asked Taeyeon how she was feeling.

Even though she was feeling terrible, she acted like it was not too bad.

She did not want Soo-yeon feeling guilty about anything.

One of the crew was telling Taeyeon not to worry about the hospital bill since the company actually bought insurance for them all.

She would be able to recuperate fully before returning to Korea.

Taeyeon nodded feeling slightly relieved. She most definitely did not want her mother to be aware of the incident.

“Anyway we’ll still be heading back to Auckland today as scheduled,” the crew member continued, “we have packed up your personal belongings and brought it here for you.”

Taeyeon nodded once more. She has been an independent individual all her life and she had no problem staying back alone in New Zealand.

“Can’t I stay back with her?” Soo-yeon requested.

“I’m afraid not, we have instructions that you have to head back, you have a shoot next week remember?” said yet another senior crew.

“But I can’t do it anyway because of my hand so why can’t I stay back?” Soo-yeon asked, the agitation obvious in her voice.

“We can always photoshop that, it’s no problem, you have to go back,” the senior crew member continued.

Soo-yeon was about to make another retort when Taeyeon held her hand, “I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Soo-yeon’s eyes softened as she looked at Taeyeon, “But I want to be here with you, what if anything happens?”

“I’ll stay back with her,” Kang-In suddenly volunteered.

It was a feasible idea since his job could be easily taken care of by someone else.

“Yeah we can cover for him, at least there’s someone here with her,” the female crew member said.

“Yes...don’t worry...” Taeyeon said in her strongest voice possible but it still came out weakly.

Soo-yeon tried to delay her return by suggesting she take another flight back the day after but she was told that they had already tried looking and there weren’t any seats left in the subsequent flights.

“We have to leave after lunch,” said the senior crew member, “do you want to join us for lunch?”

“No I’ll stay here,” Soo-yeon said stubbornly.

The rest of them left for lunch and Kang-In went along with them.

Soo-yeon held on to Taeyeon’s arm, “Are you sure you’ll be ok? You’re in this state because of me, I can’t leave you here alone.”

“Don’t worry...Kang-In...will take care of me,” Taeyeon reassured.

“Anyway Sunny called you last night,” Soo-yeon said, “I told her about your condition and she was worried sick. She cares a lot for you.”

“Of course she does...I’m her best friend,” Taeyeon explained.

“Maybe...maybe you should tell her how you feel soon,” Soo-yeon said hesitantly.

Tell her how I feel?

Taeyeon was truly puzzled and she showed it on her face.

“I know you may not think that it’s the best idea to confess to her now but I think you may just be able to win her over. She’s very concerned about you, she called at least twenty times last night after I told her what happened.” Soo-yeon told Taeyeon.

Taeyeon kept silent.

“I have to confess that we spoke about the girl you’re in love with that night,” Soo-yeon admitted.

Taeyeon raised her eyebrows.

“Sunny was quite concerned about you being upset about the girl...she wanted me to persuade you to step up and go for what you want. Sunny wants you to be happy. I know that you probably told her about herself indirectly to see how she would react, but sometimes no reaction doesn’t mean that she doesn’t feel anything for you,” Soo-yeon explained expertly.

It was then that Taeyeon realised why Soo-yeon had the misconception that the person she was in love with was Sunny.

It was because of all that she had said the day before.

"And yes she knows I'm so desperately in love with someone, but she doesn't know it's her..........Because she may only see me as a veryclose friend."

“It may actually mean that she loves you enough to want you to be happy. I think you stand a chance so stop worrying and confess to her,” Soo-yeon urged.

Taeyeon was completely speechless. She was not sure whether to clear up the misunderstanding.

After a while, she thought against it.

She was not ready to confess to Soo-yeon, at least not in this state.

Also, she does not know if she will ever be ready in this lifetime.

DESTINY CHAPTER 29 [31st March 2010]

Soo-yeon was in the working van with the rest of the crew. Everyone was there except for Taeyeon and Kang-In.

The seat beside her was empty.

It was Taeyeon’s seat.

Soo-yeon teared once again.

*Flashback*

[26th March 2010]

Taeyeon had just asked her to shoot an arrow during the photo shoot on Waiheke Island.

Soo-yeon was not confident that she could pull it off.

Taeyeon counted for her to release the arrow, “One...two...”

Taeyeon’s voice was really soothing to Soo-yeon. Soo-yeon’s mind trailed off to the night before where Taeyeon was calling out to her in her sleep.

“...three,” Taeyeon completed the count.

Soo-yeon quickly realised that she was daydreaming during a shoot and she was supposed to release the arrow.

She let go clumsily and the arrow bounced onto the ground.

Everyone laughed and Taeyeon teased her, “Ok, now for the real shot that was just a warm-up.”

Soo-yeon laughed,

Warm up?

She thought.

“I can’t shoot this thing, nobody can,” Soo-yeon said quite convinced.

“Let me show you how,” Taeyeon said confidently.

Soo-yeon was blown away by Taeyeon’s confidence but at the same time she had her doubts.

“You can?” She asked Taeyeon with raised brows.

It was then that Taeyeon came over and took the bow and arrow from her.

“This,” said Taeyeon as she loaded the bow skillfully, “is how you do it.”

Within seconds Taeyeon took aim, pulled back and shot.

She had a certain charm when she was so focused. Soo-yeon felt her heart flutter.

The arrow hit bullseye.

Soo-yeon looked at Taeyeon in awe.

Not only could she take beautiful pictures, she was also such a sharp shooter.

Taeyeon requested for Soo-yeon to try again, so she did.

It was however not as easy as Taeyeon made it seem.

“I think you better teach me step by step,” Soo-yeon asked of Taeyeon.

Taeyeon demonstrated once more without releasing the arrow.

Taeyeon returned Soo-yeon the bow and arrow and Soo-yeon tried yet again.

She held the bow with her left hand and pulled back with the right. It somehow felt awkward, her left elbow bent.

Taeyeon suddenly ran her hands along Soo-yeon’s left arm and it slid all the way to her left hand.

Taeyeon then wrapped her other hand around Soo-yeon’s right hand.

There was a certain manner in which did it that made Soo-yeon’s heart race.

Taeyeon was gentle with her touch and yet firm at the same time.

There was a part in Soo-yeon that wished that Taeyeon would never pull apart from her.

Before she knew it, the arrow had been released and it had hit the board with a loud twang.

“See, I told you you can do it,” Taeyeon said.

Soo-yeon turned to face Taeyeon, which she regretted instantly.

Taeyeon’s face was so close to hers and she looked strangely appealing.

Soo-yeon finally managed to quickly blurt out, “Not without you.”

It was then that she realised Taeyeon pulled away very quickly.

Soo-yeon felt a slight pinch to her heart. It was as if Taeyeon did not like being close to her.

It took a while before the shoot was over. It was already forty-five minutes to five.

The owner of the vineyard was very hospitable and he offered all of them some drinks.

The wine was so wonderful that Soo-yeon drank too quickly and too much.

By the time she realised that she had had one drink too many, Soo-yeon was already on the borderline of being drunk.

When she boarded the ferry, all she wanted to do was lay in someone’s arms. She did not just want anyone, she wanted Taeyeon.

Even though Soo-yeon was almost drunk, she could sense that Taeyeon was avoiding her.

It made her upset.

Why am I feeling this way?

Soo-yeon was bothered and confused.

It was just earlier in the day that Taeyeon said she cared for her. It sounded sincere but now her actions seem to show otherwise.

Soo-yeon decided to go onto the deck for some fresh air. She stood up and went up the stairs with unsteady steps.

Her head felt woozy as she walked. She sat in the front. The cold wind was piercing but it was better to sit there than to be sitting below.

Soo-yeon sighed.

It did not feel good to be ignored by Taeyeon.

Just then she heard a voice come from behind her, “Don’t mind if I join you do you?”

It was Taeyeon and that brought a smile to her face.

Maybe she does care about me.

Taeyeon sat down beside her.

So what are you doing out here alone, are you ok?” Taeyeon asked her.

Because you were ignoring me and it was too painful to be sitting there watching you ignore me,

Soo-yeon answered in her head.

“I just wanted to be away from everyone else, it was getting slightly too noisy,” Soo-yeon lied since she could not afford to speak the truth.

“You really should watch how much you drink, who’s going to take care of you if you get drunk,” Taeyeon said.

Soo-yeon knew from the sound of Taeyeon’s voice that she was caring for her and not reprimanding.

She smiled again, “I don’t have to because I know you’re here to care for me.”

“You just wanted to drink didn’t you and I happen to be a convenient excuse,” Taeyeon replied mischievously.

“Why you’re here aren’t you?” Soo-yeon said directly, “sitting beside me because you are worried? It’s because you care.”

Soo-yeon waited for Taeyeon’s reply. She wanted to hear it from Taeyeon.

“Haaa...I was just worried that the model for the photo shoot falls overboard and I don’t get paid for the shoot.”

She did not know what to believe anymore, Taeyeon was giving off confusing signals.

First she said that she cared for her on the journey to Waiheke Island and now she was joking about such.

Soo-yeon poked Taeyeon in the rib gently, “You sure are cheeky aren’t you.”

“Not as cheeky as you are,” Taeyeon grinned a cheeky grin.

Soo-yeon’s only comeback was to stick her tongue out at Taeyeon.

After that, Taeyeon seemed to drift off. It was obvious she was thinking something or someone.

Shortly after that, Soo-yeon asked Taeyeon if she could lean on her shoulders. Her excuse was her heavy head due to drinking.

In actual fact, she just wanted to snuggle up to Taeyeon.

“Sure,” Taeyeon said void of emotions.

Soo-yeon leaned her head against Taeyeon’s shoulders and held on to Taeyeon’s hands. It felt good.

“Your hands are freezing, do you want to head down?” Taeyeon asked almost as if she wanted to escape the current situation.

“I’m feeling cold but I don’t feel like going back down,” Soo-yeon insisted. She wanted her time with Taeyeon.

It was then that Taeyeon placed her jacket gently over her.

It was sweet.

“What if you catch a cold?” Soo-yeon continued. It was really cold and she was worried about Taeyeon too.

Taeyeon replied, “I won’t because I’m strong.”

Soo-yeon took the opportunity to snuggle up even closer to Taeyeon.

“Here we can keep warm together,” she said.

Soo-yeon pulled the jacket so that it was covering the front of Taeyeon’s body.

She slid her hands around Taeyeon’s waist and snuggled her head into the crook of Taeyeon’s neck.

She felt better already.

*End of Flashback*

DESTINY CHAPTER 30 [12th April 2010]

Taeyeon was sitting in bed and eating her lunch.

Kang-In sat in bed beside her as she ate, picking at bits of her food.

Taeyeon smacked his hand, “Oppa, stop picking at my food and get your own.”

Kang-In picked one last bit and gave her a wide grin.

Taeyeon mimicked his grin and shifted her food tray away from him.

The both of them had gotten even closer after spending almost two weeks together.

Kang-In had been practically living in the same space as Taeyeon for the past twelve days. It was as if he was a patient there as well.

Taeyeon’s condition has improved greatly from twelve days ago although she has not fully recovered.

The doctor said that it was probably because Taeyeon was still young and healthy that’s why she was so quick with her recovery.

“Anyway Oppa, Sunny said that she would be arriving today didn’t she?” Taeyeon asked Kang-In.

Kang-In checked the calendar in his phone before he replied, “mmmm...yes she should be here today.”

“Did she say what time?” Taeyeon asked.

“Nope,” Kang-In shrugged his shoulders.

Just then someone knocked on the door.

“There you go, that must be her. Nobody knocks around here,” said Kang-In with yet another grin.

Sunny had managed to take time off her own busy schedule so that she could visit Taeyeon.

She had even planned for a few days to travel around for a bit.

“Come in,” Kang-In shouted.

The door opened and Sunny stepped in, “Kim Taeyeon! You silly thing! Always getting yourself into this kind of trouble!”

Taeyeon just grinned before saying, “Stop chiding me like you always do, you should give me a hug! I miss you so much!”

“Careful though my rib isn’t fully recovered,” said Taeyeon as Sunny moved in to hug her.

It was then that Taeyeon saw Soo-yeon following behind Sunny.

“Soo-yeon?” both Kang-In and Taeyeon said at the same time. They were surprised to see her.

“Yes it’s me, how are you feeling now?” Soo-yeon asked Taeyeon.

“Oh...I’m much better now,” Taeyeon said with a smile.

Soo-yeon too smiled, “That is good to hear.”

Taeyeon gave Sunny a quick glance. Her eyes said it all and it was something Sunny understood.

Why is Soo-yeon here?

was what it said.

“Ok Taeyeon I’ll talk to you later, I’m starving. Where can I get lunch?” Sunny said intelligently.

“Kang-In Oppa you should bring her since you’re hungry too,” Taeyeon said as she nudged him arm.

“Sure thing,” said Kang-In as he ruffled Taeyeon’s hair.

“Soo-yeon you coming?” Kang-In asked.

Soo-yeon shook her head.

“Ok then. Sunny let’s get going,” said Kang-In. The both of them had already met through the video calls that Taeyeon had been getting.

When the both of them left, Soo-yeon sat down in the chair by Taeyeon’s bed.

“So what are you doing here too?” Taeyeon asked Soo-yeon.

“I have always liked New Zealand so I’m back here for a work-holiday and to see how you’re doing at the same time,” answered Soo-yeon.

“Oh so where are you heading?” Taeyeon asked Soo-yeon.

“mmm...the boss of Treetop Lodge has invited me for a stay at their place so that I can give a review of their place, facilities and activities,” Soo-yeon replied.

“When do you have to be there?” Taeyeon asked.

“I’ll be heading there on the fifteenth,” said Soo-yeon.

“Oh ok,” Taeyeon said as she nodded, “so I assume you’ll be hanging around town these few days?”

“Yes, Sunny and I will both be staying in an apartment a few blocks from here,” said Soo-yeon.

“Is there a spare room in there? Can you please bring Kang-In along? He has been sleeping on the couch for the past few days,” Taeyeon requested.

“It’s a two bed room apartment so Sunny and I can share one room and he can have the other. That is of course if Sunny doesn’t mind,” Soo-yeon added thoughtfully.

“Consider that a done deal, Sunny will listen to me,” Taeyeon said brimming with confidence.

“Ok,” Soo-yeon said with a smile.

Their conversation then ended there. An awkward silence filled the air and it was obvious that the both of them were feeling uneasy being around each other alone.

It was a drastic change from before.

***

*Flashback*

[10th April 2010]

Soo-yeon stood at the airport, waiting for Sunny to arrive.

Soo-yeon had contacted Sunny when she returned to tell Sunny about Taeyeon’s condition.

Soo-yeon even suggested that Sunny should make a trip down soon since Taeyeon was there alone and with Kang-In.

Sunny jumped at the idea and asked Soo-yeon along.

Soo-yeon obviously agreed since she was at the airport waiting for Sunny.

It did not take long before Sunny arrived, and the both of them were on the flight to Rotorua via Auckland.

***

Soo-yeon was seated beside Sunny.

Sunny was already soundly asleep.

As Soo-yeon looked at her her mind slowly drifted to the things that had happened in New Zealand with Taeyeon.

She recalled the first time she suspected that Taeyeon had feelings for Sunny.

*Flashback*

[26th March 2010]

Soo-yeon was seated at the table, waiting for Taeyeon to return. They had just gotten back from Waiheke island and the rest of the crew had gone for dinner.

Taeyeon had stayed back to look after her and they were resting for a bit at the cafe by the harbour.

Taeyeon returned with two cups of tea.

The moment Taeyeon set the tea down on the table, Soo-yeon knew instantly that it was her favorite tea.

After a while Taeyeon said to her, “Anyway I didn’t know what you like so I got you my favorite tea, it’s ok is it? Otherwise I can always get you another.”

Soo-yeon was pleased to hear that Taeyeon and her both loved the taste of earl grey.

“Yes I like earl grey too,” Soo-yeon replied.

“I see that I have found my soul mate,” Taeyeon said. Taeyeon’s words made Soo-yeon happy.

“Sunny hates earl grey and she refuses to read my favorite book. You should be my best friend instead,” Taeyeon continued with her sentence.

When those words came out of Taeyeon’s mouth, Soo-yeon’s heart dropped.

I see. So she wants me as a best friend.

“I feel the same way about you being my soul mate,” Soo-yeon said from the bottom of her heart, “I always feel very comfortable around you. I can’t explain it, but I do.”

All Soo-yeon wanted to do was to let Taeyeon know how she felt.

The alcohol was doing its job and giving Soo-yeon the courage to say all those words.

She waited for Taeyeon to give her some kind of reaction.

“Well..” Taeyeon replied after a long pause, “I guess I make most people feel that way?”

Her answer disappointed Soo-yeon.

So, that’s what I am. Like most other people.

Shortly after that, the both of them headed back to the hotel and Soo-yeon fell asleep a few seconds after she got into bed.

***

Soo-yeon woke up. She stretched.

She was feeling much better than before. The alcohol had probably gotten out of her system by now.

She sat up in bed and looked around for Taeyeon. She was no where to be seen.

Soo-yeon leaned against the headboard and thought of the day’s happenings. She remembered all the intimate moments she had with Taeyeon and a smile formed on her face.

It was also at the same moment that she recalled how Taeyeon was blowing hot and cold. It was as if there were two Taeyeons.

Why is she like that?

Soo-yeon decided to stop thinking and got out of bed.

She looked around for Taeyeon and realised after a while that Taeyeon was standing on the balcony.

What is she doing there in the cold.

As Soo-yeon got closer to the balcony door and pulled it open, she heard Taeyeon say, “You gotta see how beautiful New Zealand is.”

Soo-yeon was puzzled. She did not get why Taeyeon was saying that to her.

It was only after she saw Sunny on Taeyeon’s phone did she realise that Taeyeon was talking to Sunny and not her.

After exchanging a few words with Sunny, Soo-yeon got chased back into the room by Taeyeon.

Before Soo-yeon entered the bathroom, she threw a glance at Taeyeon and their eyes met.

Taeyeon gave a somewhat awkward look and a smile before she turned away.

Why is she behaving this way?

thought Soo-yeon to herself.

Is there something going on?

*End of Flashback*

DESTINY CHAPTER 31 [14th April 2010]

Taeyeon was finally discharged from the hospital. It could not have been more timely since Soo-yeon had to head up to the Treetop Lodge Estate the day after.

Soo-yeon had been bringing Sunny around for two days now.

Kang-In had just made his way back to Korea the day before. He did not want to leave at first but Taeyeon made him, with the help of both Sunny and Soo-yeon.

Sunny helped Taeyeon with her bag as they walked very slowly to the Apartment they were residing at.

Taeyeon still felt slight pain at the side of her body if she exerted too much strength.

It took them a while but they finally arrived at the apartment.

“Sunny, Taeyeon can sleep with you tonight, I’ll take the room Kang-In slept in,” said Soo-yeon the moment they stepped into the apartment.

“Oh please, no. She talks too much in her sleep,” Sunny refuted the offer.

Taeyeon had a good mind to give Sunny a huge whack to the back but she had to refrain herself from doing so.

“I can sleep alone then, so I won’t wake anyone and it’s probably better that way. I don’t want anyone hitting me in the rib while they sleep,” said Taeyeon with emphasis on the last sentence as she gave Sunny a discreet glare.

“We’ll be sure to check on you at night then,” said Sunny with a wide grin.

“Oh by the way Soo-yeon, do you think we can join you at the Treetop Lodge Estate?” Sunny changed the topic in an instant.

“I’m not sure if they have anymore rooms but if they do, I’ll try to get a complimentary room for the both of you too,” said Soo-yeon.

Taeyeon wanted to stomp on Sunny’s feet at that moment but she could not.

“Thank you Soo-yeon, you’re such a sweet friend,” Sunny said sweetly.

“Oh no worries, Taeyeon is my good friend so you naturally are too,” Soo-yeon said nonchalantly as she headed straight for the fridge, “I’ll prepare lunch now.”

“Taeyeon you can sit on the couch and entertain Soo-yeon as she prepares lunch, I’ll keep your stuff in the room,” said Sunny as she disappeared into a room.

Once again, there was an awkward air of silence between the both of them.

Neither of them knew what to talk about.

Taeyeon decided that she should just head into the room and talk to Sunny. They had not had a single chance to converse about Soo-yeon upon Taeyeon’s injury since Kang-In was always there.

Taeyeon stood up and walked slowly towards the room. When she reached the doorway she saw that Sunny was laying in bed and just staring at the ceiling.

Taeyeon entered and shut the door behind her. She walked to the bed and sat down beside Sunny.

“We need to talk. What’s going on?” Taeyeon asked in a soft whisper.

“What’s going on? I’m creating an opportunity for the both of you?” Sunny replied softly.

“I know you’ve been saying stuff to her and just so you know she thinks I’m in love with you,” Taeyeon said in yet another hushed whisper.

“Huh how can that be?” Sunny said feeling confused.

“I had already cleared the air with her that night,” said Sunny with certainty.

“You know what, let’s just tell each other everything that happened and we’ll work it out,” said Taeyeon as she reached into her duffle bag and searched for her brown leather notebook.

“Ok, so let’s start from the beginning...” Taeyeon led the entire thing and pieced the timeline and all the facts together.

***

Soo-yeon was standing at the fridge and washing the vegetables.

Sunny had just entered Taeyeon’s room and left the both of them out there.

It was after all just a small apartment and the kitchen and living room were in one space.

Soo-yeon felt conscious around Taeyeon and she did not want to be left alone with Taeyeon now that Sunny was here.

Soo-yeon was worried that she would not be able to control her own feelings.

*Flashback*

[27th March 2010]

Soo-yeon woke up quite early since she had quite a lot of sleep the day before due to the alcohol.

When she woke up, she realised that she was cuddled up against Taeyeon and Taeyeon had her arms wrapped around her.

Today was unlike any other day. Soo-yeon was conscious of her pounding heart and the butterflies she had at the pit of her stomach.

She had never felt this way before towards anyone. Not even for her ex-boyfriend whom she so thought she loved.

Why am I feeling this whenever Taeyeon is around. Is this ok?

Soo-yeon decided to get out of bed.

She got out slowly to avoid waking Taeyeon.

After she washed up, Soo-yeon decided to take a walk at the harbour.

She needed to be alone and away from Taeyeon so that she could think clearly.

She sat down at a bench and tried to figure out what it was that was happening to her.

She saw couples walk past and she could see herself doing the same with Taeyeon.

Why do I always have to get myself in such situations? Falling for people i’m not supposed to fall for.

Wait a minute.

Did I just admit that I have fallen for Taeyeon?

This is not right. Is it?

Why does it matter anyway.

Soo-yeon looked up to the sky and started talking to god.

She was not sure if god existed but she was desperate.

What is my destiny?

Can you please tell me what I’m supposed to do?

Why are you doing this to me?

Soo-yeon sighed. She was being gullible to think that a voice would boom out of no where to give her direction.

Soo-yeon sat there thinking and thoughts of Taeyeon flooded her head.

It was then that she realised she was not in control.

The feelings she had for Taeyeon just crept up on her.

She did not know when it happened.

She did not know how it happened.

It just did.

Soo-yeon was lost.

Is this really the path I should pursue?

Can you please tell me?

Soo-yeon looked up towards the sky and pleaded with her eyes.

“Good morning, it seems like the sky has captivated you,” Soo-yeon heard a voice she knew so well say.

Taeyeon was right there, in front of Soo-yeon.

Soo-yeon was in disbelief for a short moment.

Is this the answer? Is this your reply to me?

Soo-yeon smiled. She liked the answer to her question.

“What are you doing here?” Soo-yeon decided to ask Taeyeon. She was curious as to why Taeyeon would appear here at this very moment.

“I came down to look for you because I knew you were here,” Taeyeon replied.

Soo-yeon laughed, “Like you’d know.”

“Of course I do, what I don’t know is why you’re seated here alone so early in the morning,” Taeyeon questioned.

It is because of you.

“I just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery in Auckland before we left for Rotorua,” Soo-yeon lied.

She could not speak the truth.

“Do you believe in Destiny?” Soo-yeon decided to ask Taeyeon. She was still quite amazed that Taeyeon appeared just like that.

“Oh...Destiny,” Taeyeon repeated.

“Yes, Destiny, do you believe in it?” Soo-yeon asked once more. She wanted to hear Taeyeon’s answer.

“I do, as much as I don’t want to at times, I do,” replied Taeyeon softly.

“I feel the same way,” Soo-yeon said with a nod.

It was then that she accepted all the feelings she had for Taeyeon.

*End of Flashback*

Soo-yeon tried to shake that memory away.

She did not believe in Destiny or God any more.

It was probably all just her stupid one sided imagination.

Perhaps she wanted it so much that she thought everything up.