Destiny Prologue

Taeyeon hurriedly slipped through the doors of the stairwell. She shut the door firmly and stood with her back pressed tightly against the cold concrete walls. The sharp cold was penetrating her drenched clothing, but she held her position. It was important that she avoided detection.

After two seconds, she heard wet footsteps patter by, positive that it belonged to her pursuer. These were footsteps she would never forget, they were burnt into her memory

Taeyeon stood with bated breath as her pursuer ran by. Her heart was pounding violently against her rib cage.

After she was certain that her pursuer had left, she slid to the ground, leaving a wet trail against the concrete wall.

She pulled her knees inwards and clutched them tightly against her chest. Her entire body was trembling.

Nothing could keep the cold out.

Destiny Chapter 1 [31st December 2009]

It was the last day of the year 2009, many people were out enjoying themselves and waiting to welcome the first day of the solar year 2010. The streets were filled with groups of friends, couples, and families.

Taeyeon walked the streets in the night market, the smell of delicious food wafting through the air caused her mouth to water. Despite the great temptations the food posed, she maintained her focus.

She walked the streets, awaiting the right moment for the perfect photograph.

After a long time in the cold, the moment finally came. She lifted the camera hanging around her neck and took a photo. She checked her camera display to ensure that she had gotten the perfect shot. Indeed, she did.

She kept her camera away and rewarded herself with a nice warm serve of Spicy rice cakes. It was finally time to relax now that she had achieved what she came out to do.

She looked at the watch sitting on her wrist, the time read five minutes to nine. She smiled, pleased that she still had time to spare.

Taeyeon took her phone out and started dialling. The phone rang for a long time before someone picked up, "Hello, are you done already?" said the female voice on the other end.

"Yes I am! We can hang out now!" said Taeyeon cheerfully.

"Great. Where would you like to go?" asked the voice on the other end.

"Shall we meet at the coffeehouse near your place? I am certain you would take quite A WHILE to get ready," sniggered Taeyeon as she completed her sentence.

"Indeed, since I did not expect you to be done so soon. You know what? I actually thought I would NEVER get to see you until next year you workaholic," the voice replied sarcastically.

"Well I guess I'll be the last person you see this year and the first person you see next year. You sure are lucky." Taeyeon continued.

"Well same to you. Alright I had better get going or else you would really have to spend the new year alone. I'm sure you wouldn't want that. Bye now," said the girl. With that, the conversation between the both of them ended.

Taeyeon made her way to the underground parking lot that held her scooter. Once she arrived beside her black scooter, she kept her camera bag securely in the compartment that was attached to the back; her camera was an essential item in her day to day life.

She pulled on her extra coat and her gloves before heading off. Traffic was fairly decent, but due to the icy weather, Taeyeon only got to the cafe in forty five minutes. She took her time to park her scooter as she was quite certain that she would be the first one to arrive.

Taeyeon stepped into the coffeehouse to be greeted by the warm smile of the waitress, "Your usual table and your usual drink?" asked the waitress with a warm smile on her face.

"Yup," replied Taeyeon with a grin. She knew instantly that she was the first to arrive the moment the waitress asked her the question.

Taeyeon made her way to the corner of the coffeehouse and sat at her favorite seat. She took out a book from her bag and started reading. It was a book she loved, she never went anywhere without it.

The waitress arrived shortly with a pot of earl grey tea. Instead of emptying the contents into the cup, the waitress left, allowing the tea to brew for a longer time. Taeyeon smiled in appreciation and went back to her book; she liked her tea thick.

Despite the coffeehouse being slightly noisier and crowded than usual, Taeyeon had no trouble concentrating on her book.

"Yes, yes. I know. The solitaire mystery is just such a good book that I can't help it but read it over and over again," said Taeyeon out of the blue. She looked up and grinned before putting her book away.

"Can you stop doing that? Replying even before I make my comment or my presence known," said the girl standing four steps away from Taeyeon's table.

Taeyeon replied cheekily, "In that case, you have got to change the way you walk, get another type of perfume, and quit making nasty comments about my book every time you see it."

"Ohhh well, here we go again, all that talk about change," sighed Taeyeon's companion as she plonked down in the seat opposite of Taeyeon, "you really should start changing too you know? That shall be your new years resolution, to change your boring ways!"

The waiter came with a menu and placed it on the table shyly. Taeyeon's companion thanked the waiter before he scurried off.

"You know he likes you don't you?" Taeyeon voiced out her observation in an attempt to change the topic. Taeyeon loved her routine and she was someone loyal to whatever she loved.

"hmmm..." her companion sat there flipping through the menu seemingly in deep thought, "what should I have?" asked Taeyeon's companion. It was clear that she paid no heed to whatever Taeyeon had just said.

"Have the earl grey," said Taeyeon with a tinge of mischievousness in her voice. She looked fairly pleased as she tipped the pot over and watched the dark brown liquid fill the tea cup slowly.

Her companion reached for the sugar, which garnered an instant reaction from Taeyeon.

"Ok! Ok! I'm kidding!" shrieked Taeyeon. Taeyeon loved the strong smoky taste of earl grey, and sugar ruined the taste for her. Her companion on the other hand hated earl grey and thrived on a sweet drink.

"Have the chocolate milkshake or something." Taeyeon said with a hand still shielding her tea cup.

"Sure, I'll have that," said Taeyeon's companion with a smile. Before she could raise her hand, the same waiter that handed her the menu appeared by the table.

"What would you like to have today?" asked the waiter meekly.

"A chocolate milkshake please," said the girl.

After the waiter took her order and left, Taeyeon gave her companion a smirk, "I'm telling you he likes you."

"Quit reminding me, you know I would never date a waiter," said her companion curtly.

Taeyeon just gave a wide grin and said, "You never know, life may already be all planned out for us. He may be your destiny, and destiny is something we can't change."

Taeyeon's grin widened as she saw her companion's face contort, she knew that her companion never believed in destiny or fate, if the both were any different.

"Fate is in our hands, we live our lives the way we choose, life is all about choices," her companion retorted.

"Say that if you may, but there are some things in life that will never change." Just as Taeyeon completed her sentence, the grandfather clock in the cafe struck twelve, and everyone in the cafe cheered.

"Happy new year my friend. Despite our differences in opinion, you will always be my best friend," said Taeyeon's companion with a smile.

"Likewise," Taeyeon replied.

DESTINY CHAPTER 2 [1st January 2010]

Taeyeon placed her camera bag on the shelf, and slouched down in her couch. She had just returned home from the new year celebration with her best friend.

She shut her eyes with the intention of taking a quick nap, only to be disrupted by the sound of knocking on her bedroom door.

She dragged herself towards the door and pulled it open. She was met with the sight of her mother dressed in pyjamas.

"Yes Mum, what's the matter?" asked Taeyeon.

"Taeyeon ah, i'm glad you're home safely, do you happen to know where your father is? He isn't home yet."

"Don't worry mum, he is probably out drinking with his friends. Plus, it's the new year so everyone is out celebrating." said Taeyeon reassuringly.

She placed her arms comfortingly around her mother's shoulders and led her mother back to the bedroom. She tucked her mother in before wishing her mother good night. It was tough being the only child, Taeyeon sometimes wished she had siblings so that her mother was less reliant on her.

Taeyeon dragged herself back to her bedroom and shut the door behind her. She no longer felt like napping.

She fiddled with her camera and removed the memory card before inserting it into her laptop. She browsed through the photos earnestly and selected a few for print.

Just as she was done, her phone started ringing. She looked at the caller display, it was her best friend.

"Hello Sunny, what's up?" said Taeyeon.

"Just calling to check that you're home safely. Riding a scooter in winter is really not safe, pick up driving already," nagged Sunny.

"Yeah yeah I will if you'll buy me a car," Taeyeon rebuked.

"Sure, I'll buy you a car if you find me a rich husband! It's a deal!"

"Oh sure I will. My gut feel tells me that the waiter will make it big someday. Now, marry him my friend."

"Aishh..If I marry him, you can be well assured that you will have to ride your scooter forever," said Sunny feeling slightly irritated at the constant mention of the waiter.

"Sure thing, I love my scooter." After Taeyeon completed her sentence, she could almost imagine Sunny rolling her eyes before saying the next sentence.

"You sure are hopelessly in love with your scooter, I wish that someone could change your stubborn ways."

Taeyeon laughed before continuing, "Like anyone could do that? Ok I promise I'll ride safe ok? Thanks for the concern my friend, you know I appreciate it."

"You better!" Sunny retorted.

"Yes, yes, I appreciate you my dear friend. Now, I'm heading to the shower and then to bed, you should too."

With that, the two best friends ended their call.

***

Taeyeon got awoken by a persistent knock on her door, accompanied by her mother's voice.

"Yes mum, what is it?" said Taeyeon sleepily as she glanced at the round metallic clock on her bedroom wall. It was only nine in the morning, and Taeyeon barely had four hours of sleep.

Her mother pushed the door open and Taeyeon was met with a worried frown.

"Your father is not back yet," Taeyeon's mother said with a quiet murmur.

Taeyeon blinked once and then rubbed her tired eyes with both hands while saying, "Mum, I called him last night and he told me that he wasn't going to come home till late today."

She looked up at her mother with reassuring eyes before asserting the next sentence, "Don't worry, he's fine."

Taeyeon saw the crease disappear from her mothers' forehead as she nodded and walked away.

Taeyeon stretched, only to realise that her neck was aching. She had fallen asleep on the couch once again.

She bent over to pick up the brown leather notebook, it was sitting on her lap the last she remembered. It was yet another essential item in her daily life. She smoothened the pages and placed the notebook neatly on her couch.

She then got up and climbed in bed. She had to catch up on sleep so that she could concentrate on work later in the day. Taeyeon was fully committed to her work and she was good at it too; her work was her passion. Despite the irregular hours she had to put in at times, she absolutely thrived in her field of work.

Before she knew it, Taeyeon fell soundly asleep.

***

The sound of a ringing phone was drowned out by the noise that filled the studio. Soo-yeon was changing into a new set of clothing for her photo shoot, completely unaware that her phone was ringing.

Soo-yeon was a freelance model. Despite her height, she had sharp and beautiful features that were accompanied by a slim and slender figure. She had an aura of confidence that was seething from her, and that scored her quite a number of assignments.

She quickly slipped into the clothes so that she could complete the shoot sooner.

About two hours later, the shoot was finally over. Soo-yeon thanked the crew and hurried off. She walked with quick strides to the road side and flagged down the first taxi she saw.

Immediately after she got onto the taxi, she whipped her phone out, only to be met with seventeen missed calls from the same number.

Crap. Thought Soo-yeon. She returned the call instantly.

After a long while, someone on the other end finally picked up.

"Hello," said a sweet female voice. It was Soo-jung, Soo-yeon's only sister.

"It's unnie, I just got done with the shoot. I'm rushing back now. Is he still around? Can..." Soo-yeon got interrupted by Soo-jung mid-sentence.

"Unnie, he had to go so he couldn't wait for you to return. I'll see you back at home ok?" said Soo-jung in a comforting voice.

"Ok. See you in a bit then," said Soo-yeon in her best voice. Despite the disappointment, she was always apprehensive about displaying her emotions to her sister. She was the elder sister and the care-giver, she never wanted Soo-jung to see her weakness.

After they hung up, Soo-yeon got the taxi driver to pull over. She got off the Taxi after making payment and started walking listlessly towards the bus stop. There was no longer a need to rush home, he was no longer there.

DESTINY CHAPTER 3 [9th March 2010]

Taeyeon was limping towards the wall of a cafe with a blood-stained shirt collar. Fresh blood was trickling down her chin.

Countless people walked past her, but none offered her any help.

She gently dabbed on her jaw with her jacket sleeve and felt a sharp pain each time her wound came in contact with the black denim.

She leaned against the wall and eased the pressure off her left foot. It felt like she had twisted her ankle.

It was painfully devastating to be hurt so badly and yet such a long distance from home. The first person she thought of was Sunny, her best friend. She reached into her pocket to find a broken phone.

Great. Now what?Thought Taeyeon despondently. It was her birthday but not a single thing seemed to be going well.

Taeyeon sighed and looked around for a phone booth. Thankfully, there was one sitting at the far end of the road. She took small steps and made her way towards the phone booth slowly.

She was barely past the cafe entrance when someone exited and knocked roughly into her in the process. Taeyeon winced in pain as she landed on her bad foot and collapsed to the ground.

"Watch where you're going you idiot!" shouted the big burly man who bumped into Taeyeon.

Taeyeon could not make a single sound as the pain overwhelmed her. Even if she could, she would not have hurled any abuses at the rude person. She was one to keep out of trouble. More importantly, she did not think it much use to retaliate in kind. Taeyeon saw no need for wasting time on matters that did not matter, she was a problem solver.

"Is he blind or what?!?!!" Taeyeon heard a voice exclaim as she struggled to pick herself up.

She looked up to see a teenage girl with long flowing hair shrug her shoulders. The girl had fair and beautiful features which stood out against her stark black hair.

The person who was making the exclamation had her back towards Taeyeon. All Taeyeon could make out was the outline of her slim and petite figure.

Taeyeon was thankful that such a righteous soul still existed.

"It's ok," Taeyeon called out to the girl, "don't bother with such a person."

The girl turned around to face Taeyeon, her angry expression switched to concern almost instantly. She bent down and placed a hand tenderly on Taeyeon's forearm.

"Are you ok?" The girl asked as she helped Taeyeon to her feet.

In that moment, all Taeyeon could do was nod.

"Are you sure? You don't look like you are," the girl continued.

Taeyeon nodded once more, not a word escaping her pale lips.

"Soo-jung, she seems like she's in shock, get her bag," the girl said frantically, "we'll send her to the hospital."

Taeyeon grabbed the girl's hands in a bid to stop her.

"No, it's ok. I'm fine. I was just....anyway I need to make a phone call," said Taeyeon weakly.

"I think you need more than just to make a phone call, you look a mess. I'll take you to the hospital," the girl insisted.

"I'm really ok, " Taeyeon said assertively, "I don't need the hospital."

"In this case, you should at least go back to my place and clean your wounds," offered the girl kindly.

Taeyeon agreed.

Fortunately for Taeyeon, the apartment block was only three minutes away.

The girl with long flowing black hair helped Taeyeon with her bag and the trio started making their way towards the apartment.

"Thank you for helping me with my bag Soo-jung," Taeyeon said sincerely as she limped forward. Although there was no official introduction, Taeyeon caught her name in the brief conversation the pair had earlier.

"Don't...mention it," replied Soo-jung, a puzzled frown clearly reflected by the crease on her forehead.

"Don't be alarmed, " Taeyeon said in a reassuring tone, "I know your name because she called out your name earlier."

Taeyeon saw the crease on Soo-jung's forehead disappear immediately.

"Anyway, Thank you," Taeyeon said as she turned to the other girl, "I'm sorry to trouble the both of you."

"It's ok," said the girl as she slipped an arm around Taeyeon's waist and held Taeyeon's right arm gently while they inched forward.

After what seemed like a long time, they finally arrived at the entrance to the apartment.

Soo-jung dug around in her bag for quite a while before she finally announced that she couldn't find her keys.

"Soo-jung ah, why are you so absent minded," said the individual who still had her hands around Taeyeon.

She reached into her bag and whipped out her keys in no time.

"I'm sorry Soo-yeon unnie, I guess I'm just as absent minded as dad when it comes to keys," said Soo-jung very softly.

From their conversation, Taeyeon gathered that the pair were sisters.

Soo-yeon unlocked the door and pushed it open. Soo-jung supported Taeyeon by the elbow and led her into the apartment.

The apartment was simply decorated, the layout fairly similar to Taeyeon's home.

Soo-yeon quickly dragged a chair from the dining area for Taeyeon to sit on before proceeding to shut the door.

"May I have the phone now?" said Taeyeon weakly after she settled into the chair. The short walked seemed to have taken a toll on her body.

Soo-jung walked towards the couch and picked up the cordless phone sitting on the side table. She returned to Taeyeon's side and handed Taeyeon the phone.

Taeyeon started dialling Sunny's mobile number immediately. All Taeyeon heard was the long and dreary dial tone. Sunny was not picking up.

Soo-yeon came out with a towel and a basin before Taeyeon could get a hold of Sunny.

"You can call whoever it is you need to call later. You really should clean up before an infection sets in."

Soo-yeon started dabbing the damp towel around the wound very gently. Taeyeon cringed slightly as the cloth came into contact with the gash on her jaw.

Soo-yeon placed a hand tenderly on Taeyeon's cheek and apologised profusely. The soft touch of Soo-yeon's hands against her cheeks felt strangely comforting. This was the third time in the same day that Taeyeon felt a weird feeling wash over her.

Taeyeon dazed for a moment before reaching for the towel in Soo-yeon's hands.

"I'll...umm..clean myself," murmured Taeyeon, "I'm already enough trouble."

Soo-yeon held Taeyeon's hands and took the towel back.

"You just sit here and let me clean you up."

Soo-yeon wiped the blood and dirt off Taeyeon's face a little more carefully this time.

Taeyeon sat and watched as Soo-yeon attended to her. She was amazed at how a total stranger can be so caring for yet another stranger like herself. Not only was she caring, she was also extremely beautiful.

"Your cheeks are burning, don't tell me you're running a fever?" said Soo-yeon worried, "We should really get you to the hospital."

"No. I'm fine," Taeyeon replied instantly. She was aware that the flushed cheeks were not due to an infection of any sort.

There were no words to describe how Taeyeon felt in that moment. It was an odd feeling.

DESTINY CHAPTER 4 [9th March 2010]

Taeyeon sat on the couch, donned in a fresh set of Soo-yeon's clothing. It was not her style, but Soo-yeon insisted that Taeyeon washed up and changed into a new set of clothing.

Taeyeon relented only after Soo-yeon said that her father might get a shock if he came home to a stranger with torn, tattered, and bloodied clothing.

Taeyeon looked around the house from where she was seated. The carpentry and furniture that filled the home was sleek and modern. It was a nice house, but it did not feel like a home. There were no pictures or indicators of family warmth in the house.

Sadly, it reminded Taeyeon of her own family.

Taeyeon picked up the cordless phone that was beside her and started dialling Sunny's number. There was no answer once again.

Taeyeon sighed.

She held on to the arm rest and pushed herself up very carefully. She hobbled towards the dining area where her bag was. She has not had a chance to check on her equipment yet.

She sat down and opened her bag. She reached for her camera and started to fiddle with it. She was relieved when the camera switched on and worked fine.

She pointed it towards the kitchen doorway and decided to take a test shot to make sure that her camera was indeed working.

Soo-yeon walked out the doorway as the shutter clicked.

"Oh..I'm sorry," Taeyeon apologised, her cheeks flushed once again.

"Sorry?" Soo-yeon questioned, "about what?" Soo-yeon continued as she placed a bowl in front of Taeyeon.

"Here, have some soup," urged Soo-yeon.

"Thanks, you shouldn't have," Taeyeon said politely as she placed her camera on the table.

"I sure hope it doesn't taste too bad," said Soo-yeon as she watched apprehensively as Taeyeon down her first mouthful of soup.

Taeyeon swallowed the soup and smiled at Soo-yeon, "It's good. Thank you."

Soo-yeon heaved a sigh of relief instantly. She caught sight of the camera on the table and reacted instantly, "Wow, that sure is an expensive camera. It's not broken like your phone is it?"

"Nope, it's working just fine," responded Taeyeon.

"So why do you have such an expensive camera? It's exactly the same type that the photographers use during my photo-shoots," asked Soo-yeon.

"I use it for work, and sometimes leisure," replied Taeyeon, still drinking the soup.

"Oh!" Soo-yeon exclaimed, "don't tell me you're a photographer!"

Taeyeon was slightly taken aback by Soo-yeon's outburst. She looked up from her soup and then returned to it before responding to Soo-yeon's question.

"Yes, I photograph for a living," said Taeyeon, "are you a model?"

"Yes I am, how did you know?" Soo-yeon asked with raised eyebrows.

Taeyeon laughed at the look on Soo-yeon's face before continuing, "You just told me the photographers use the same camera at your photo-shoots."

"Oh! How silly of me," said Soo-yeon, and she too started laughing at herself.

"Anyway, we haven't formally introduced ourselves," said Soo-yeon with her hands outstretched.

"I'm so sorry, it totally slipped my mind to," said Taeyeon apologetically.

Taeyeon took Soo-yeon's hands in hers, "My name is Taeyeon, and I'm very thankful for all that you've done for me today."

"And my name is..." even before Soo-yeon could complete her sentence, Taeyeon added on, "Soo-yeon. I know. You have a beautiful name."

Soo-yeon smiled at the compliment, and looked at Taeyeon in awe.

"You sure are an unusual character," said Soo-yeon in fascination.

"So are you," said Taeyeon with a smirk.

***

The sun was already disappearing into the horizon and the weather turned colder by the minute.

Taeyeon stood at the pick-up point of the apartment block, Soo-yeon standing by her side.

"Thank you so much once again, I'm really sorry that you wasted your entire day taking care of me," said Taeyeon sincerely.

"Don't mention it," said Soo-yeon, "I had fun talking to you earlier on."

"I enjoyed our conversation too," Taeyeon confessed.

A red car pulled to a stop in front of them. "Here's my ride," said Taeyeon to Soo-yeon, a hint of disappointment evident in her voice.

"Kim Taeyeon! I told you to scrap that scooter!" a shrill voice filled the air, startling both Taeyeon and Soo-yeon.

Sunny was already making her way towards Taeyeon.

"Omo, look at how badly you're hurt!" Sunny cried out.

"Stop making a fuss, I'm fine," Taeyeon asserted.

Soo-yeon just stood there silently, unsure of how she should be reacting in such a situation.

Sunny reached for Taeyeon and started to help her to the vehicle. Soo-yeon followed behind.

After Taeyeon had settled into the vehicle, Sunny turned around to Soo-yeon, "Thank you for helping her out."

"Oh don't worry about it," said Soo-yeon. Sunny took Taeyeon's bag from Soo-yeon and thanked her once more before saying goodbye.

Sunny got into the car and shut the door. Taeyeon turned to Soo-yeon and waved goodbye just as the car pulled out of the driveway.

After they turned out of the apartment's carpark, Taeyeon said to Sunny instantly, "Can we swing by to check on my scooter?"

"NO! You're scrapping it!" boomed Sunny, "fancy you getting all cut up on your birthday thanks to that scooter of yours!"

"Oh come on, I'm ok, let's just head over, I'll have to take care of it until I sell it don't I?" pleaded Taeyeon.

Sunny gave an exasperated sigh and agreed. Taeyeon gave Sunny directions and they arrived at the place where the Scooter was parked.

Sunny was expecting to see a badly damaged scooter laying by the side of the road, but to her surprise the Scooter stood neatly by the side of the pavement, with a few scratches across the sides.

"Goodness Kim Taeyeon, you actually had time to pick your scooter up before getting help!??!"

Taeyeon opened the car door and gave Sunny a sheepish grin in response.

Taeyeon limped over to her scooter and unlocked the back compartment of her scooter and cleared everything out.

Sunny gave yet another exasperated sigh and started helping Taeyeon.

***

Taeyeon sat at Sunny's bed as she dialled home. She told her mother that she would be staying over at Sunny's place for the night. Her mother wished her Happy birthday before hanging up.

"Always using me as an excuse when you get hurt, how convenient," chided Sunny after Taeyeon hung up.

Taeyeon grinned at Sunny, "You know you're the best right?"

Sunny rolled her eyes and sat down beside Taeyeon, "Of course I do, you better start coming up with an excuse for that huge scar on your jaw by tomorrow."

"Don't worry, you know how good I am at all this," said Taeyeon still smiling.

"Here, Happy Birthday," said Sunny as she thrusted a big box at Taeyeon.

Taeyeon unwrapped it and saw a full face helmet in the box.

She put the box aside and gave Sunny a big hug, "You know you're the best and I know it too."

"A pity I gave you the gift a little too late, could have prevented that scar sitting on your jaw now," Sunny joked.

DESTINY CHAPTER 5 [9th March 2010]

Taeyeon watched as the stars sparkled in the night sky. She brought a hand to her grazed cheek, and smiled to herself.

"Kim Taeyeon, why are you smiling to yourself?" asked Sunny in a low voice.

"Oh...nothing.." said Taeyeon quickly.

"You know you can lie to the whole world, but you can't lie to me," said Sunny with a yawn. It was already 11pm and the girls were already in bed.

"Well...I really wasn't thinking of much," Taeyeon continued.

"Which means you were thinking of something, so do tell," said Sunny as she turned on her sides to face Taeyeon.

Taeyeon remained on her back and gazed at the stars as she spoke, "I'm just amazed at her kindness."

"Her kindness?" Sunny questioned.

"Yes, Soo-yeon's kindness," added Taeyeon.

"The girl from earlier?" Sunny probed.

"Yes. I'm fascinated by her character," said Taeyeon, "I'm fascinated that someone who looks like that actually has such depth to her character."

"Someone that looks like that?" Sunny asked puzzled.

"Yes, someone as beautiful as that," Taeyeon affirmed Sunny's suspicions at that moment.

"Taeyeon ah, do you realise that you're smiling to yourself now?" Sunny pointed out, "I somehow think that you're not just fascinated at her kindness, there seems to be more."

"You think?" Taeyeon guffawed. She wasn't sure what exactly she was feeling. It was an odd feeling.

"I'm telling you, I know you better than anyone does," Sunny warned, "there IS something there."

"Ok ok, whatever," said Taeyeon avoiding the topic further, "Good night."

***

[12 March 2010]

Sunny sent Taeyeon to where she left her scooter and left. Taeyeon limped towards the dirty looking scooter, her ankle still slightly swollen. Lucky for her, it wasn't a very bad sprain.

Taeyeon attempted to kick-start her scooter, but it was in vain. She whipped out her new phone and searched for the nearest mechanic in the area. She found a number and called for a pick up.

She sighed. The thought of forking out a hefty sum for repairs was bad since she would not be able to work for the next two months at least.

She sat on her scooter as she waited for the truck to arrive. She pulled her beanie firmly over her ears and tucked her hands into her jacket pocket as she waited in the cold.

"Taeyeon?" she heard a sweet and familiar voice call out from behind her.

She turned and she saw Soo-yeon standing there with two full bags of grocery.

"Oh hey, Soo-yeon," Taeyeon beamed, "I see you bought a lot of stuff."

"Yes I did, it sure is heavy," Soo-yeon responded.

"I would send you back if this little black scooter wasn't damaged," said Taeyeon as she gave her scooter a little pat.

Soo-yeon gave a slight laugh in response, "So is this how you got your hurt?"

"Not exactly, but yes," Taeyeon replied, "No work today?"

"Yup, that's why I'm grocery shopping," said Soo-yeon cheerily.

"In that case, you want to go for breakfast after this? My treat," Taeyeon offered.

"I already have breakfast," Soo-yeon said as she waved the two bags around, "you can join me if you don't mind."

"Hmmm.." Taeyeon frowned, "I can't bring myself to impose on you again."

"Don't be silly, you can do the dishes then!" Soo-yeon exclaimed, "I hate doing the dishes."

Taeyeon laughed at Soo-yeon's silly outburst and agreed.

Fifteen minutes later, the pick-up came to collect Taeyeon's scooter. Taeyeon filled up some paperwork and left the mechanics to do their job.

Soo-yeon waited for her so that they could make their way back to Soo-yeon's place together.

Taeyeon insisted on helping Soo-yeon with a bag of groceries despite her bad ankle, and got her way eventually.

***

Taeyeon was sitting on the couch once again, this time she was in a better state than the previous time.

The smell that came from the kitchen made her mouth water. Soo-yeon sure was quite a great cook.

Taeyeon was quite amazed. Soo-yeon was practically perfect.

As she sat there, she thought of the comment Sunny made that night.

"I somehow think that you're not just fascinated at her kindness, there seems to be more."

Taeyeon found the idea that there was something more than just fascination fairly intriguing.

"Why are you smiling to yourself?" Soo-yeon asked Taeyeon innocently as she walked out of the kitchen with two plates.

"Nothing much, just thought of something my best friend said."

"Your best friend?" said Soo-yeon, "Is she the girl who picked you up from that night?" she asked.

"Yup, that's the one," Taeyeon confirmed.

"The both of you sure seem to share a really close relationship," said Soo-yeon with a hint of envy in her voice.

"We do," said Taeyeon, "though, we have very different opinions on many things."

The conversation continued all throughout the day until late in the evening.

Taeyeon was sitting on Soo-yeon's bed when her phone rang. It was Sunny calling.

"Hello?" Taeyeon picked up.

"Hey, what's taking you so long?" asked Sunny, "do you still need me to pick you up?"

"I'm at Soo-yeon's place, I bumped into her earlier this morning," Taeyeon explained.

"No wonder," said Sunny in a cheeky voice, "I'll see you in an hour and a half?"

"Ok. See you," said Taeyeon before she hung up.

"Are you leaving soon?" Soo-yeon asked the moment Taeyeon hung up.

"Oh Sunny is coming over to pick me up in about an hour and a half," said Taeyeon as she fiddled with her phone, "I actually live quite a distance from here."

"I see," said Soo-yeon, "you wouldn't be staying for dinner then?" asked Soo-yeon.

"Oh no, I don't think I can," said Taeyeon as she noticed a glint of disappointment in Soo-yeon's eyes.

"Well, but I'll visit you and bring you out for a meal once my scooter is fixed," added Taeyeon, "don't turn me down alright?"

Soo-yeon's face lit up as she took up the offer.