DESTINY CHAPTER 51 [4th May 2010]

“Baby, wake up, it’s time for lunch,” Soo-yeon said with a gentle nudge.

All Taeyeon could manage was a soft groan. She had trouble keeping her eyes open and her throat felt terribly inflamed.

“You have to eat. I’ll bring you to the doctor after you’ve had some food.” Soo-yeon said with a worried frown on her face.

Taeyeon shook her head weakly.

Soo-yeon placed her hand on Taeyeon’s cheek. “Baby you’re running a fever, please just be good and listen to me.”

“I’ll be fine after I rest.” Taeyeon said in an almost inaudible volume.

“I’ll call a doctor for a home visit.” Soo-yeon insisted.

Taeyeon placed her hand weakly on Soo-yeon’s. “Don’t waste the money.”

“But you’re running a high fever,” Soo-yeon said with a concerned gaze. She brushed Taeyeon’s hair aside and touched Taeyeon’s forehead gently.

Soo-yeon’s hands felt like ice against Taeyeon’s burning forehead.

Soo-yeon picked up Taeyeon’s phone and dialled for Jonghyun.

He picked up moments later and Soo-yeon asked if he could pop by and send Taeyeon to the hospital. Jonghyun of course agreed.

Taeyeon laid in bed feeling quite helpless about the situation. She hated it whenever she fell sick. She did not enjoy being a burden to the people who cared.

Soo-yeon leaned forward and kissed Taeyeon gingerly. “You better see a doctor. What if your brain gets fried and you forget who I am?”

As sick as Taeyeon was, Soo-yeon’s comment made her laugh a feeble laugh.

“Who can ever forget you,” Taeyeon croaked.

“Here drink some water,” Soo-yeon ignored Taeyeon’s comment and helped her into a sitting position.

Taeyeon took a few sips of water and leaned indisposed against the headboard.

“Try to drink more,” Soo-yeon urged.

Taeyeon did as she was told. She returned to lying in bed after a while.

Soo-yeon got herself a wet towel and started to sponge Taeyeon. Even though the water was room temperature, it felt like icy cold water to Taeyeon.

“You promised not to let anything happen to yourself,” Soo-yeon said, upset to see Taeyeon in her current state.

“I did all I could, didn’t expect the flu bug to catch me,” Taeyeon said with the best smile she could come up with. It was a weak one.

“I have a good mind to kidnap you from your parents and lock you up in my house so that I can take care of you,” Soo-yeon articulated as she continued to sponge Taeyeon.

“I love you...” was all Taeyeon managed before she dozed off.

***

It was late in the day and Taeyeon had just gone to the hospital. She was waiting with Jonghyun whilst Soo-yeon collected her medicine.

“Soo-yeon is such a caring person isn’t she?” Jonghyun commented to Taeyeon who was leaning her head weakly against the wall.

Taeyeon ignored his comment. She couldn’t be bothered to reply such a question in her current state.

Although, the way Jonghyun watched Soo-yeon sparked some concern. Taeyeon pondered whether to let Jonghyun in on the fact that she was seeing Soo-yeon.

She was hoping that he would have noticed by now, but he was as slow as a herd of snails.

Not today.

Taeyeon thought to herself. She was not ready for any drama. Jonghyun was the most emotional guy she has ever met.

It was both good and bad. He was a sensitive guy — a very sensitive one.

By the end of the day, they were all back at Soo-yeon’s house and Jonghyun was invited to stay for dinner.

Jonghyun was out in the living room watching TV as Soo-yeon helped Taeyeon to settle in bed.

“Baby a word of advice, I think Jonghyun likes you so watch what you say about us. I don’t think he knows yet.” Taeyeon said as she laid in Soo-yeon’s bed with a towel to her head. She also donned a pair of Soo-yeon’s pink socks. It was quite a cute sight for a sick person.

“Ok, quit worrying and rest.” Soo-yeon said tenderly.

“Remember to tell Soo-jung ok?” Taeyeon said still evidently worried.

“Don’t worry. Soo-jung will be out with her friends. She won’t be coming home for dinner. I’ll text her too just in case ok?” Soo-yeon said with Taeyeon’s hands sitting snugly in between hers.

Taeyeon nodded.

“Now close your eyes and rest,” Soo-yeon said as she stroked Taeyeon’s cheeks lovingly.

It took Taeyeon less than five minutes to drift off to sleep.

***

Soo-yeon was seated at the dining table with Jonghyun.

“Mmm..you’re a fantastic cook,” Jonghyun said as he savored the food that Soo-yeon had whipped up.

“Thank you,” Soo-yeon said with a smile, “Thank you for helping me with Taeyeon this afternoon as well.”

“No worries, my pleasure,” Jonghyun said with his mouth full.

“So what’s Taeyeon doing at your place anyway?” Jonghyun asked. Soo-yeon was certain that it was an innocent question with no hidden agenda.

“Her place is too far away and she was tired after everything so she decided to crash at my place.” Soo-yeon said speaking only half the truth of the matter.

“So what exactly happened yesterday? Care to share?” Soo-yeon said with the intention to distract Jonghyun from asking anymore questions.

“Wow I’m glad you asked. It was the coolest case I’ve worked on ever. Taeyeon was SO cool.” Jonghyun said enthusiastically.

He started telling the story from beginning to end as they had their dinner. Midway he exclaimed excitedly, “Oh you know what? I have the clip of the entire thing. Wanna watch it?”

“Sure why not,” Soo-yeon agreed. She wanted to see how Taeyeon acted.

“It’s in the van though, the camera.” Jonghyun said sheepishly.

“Finish up the food first,” Soo-yeon said as she finished her own bowl of rice.

“Sure thing,” Jonghyun said as he continued to stuff himself.

Minutes later, Soo-yeon was clearing the table and Jonghyun headed down to get the camera from the van.

It didn’t take him long before he returned with the camera.

Soo-yeon took her laptop out into the living room and Jonghyun transferred the clip to her computer.

Soo-yeon checked on Taeyeon and woke her up for some soup before she had her medicine.

Taeyeon drank just a little bit of soup before she had her medicine and continued with her sleep.

Her fever was subsiding.

Soo-yeon kissed her cheeks before she returned to the living room.

She then sat down beside Jonghyun. “Ok, time for the action.”

Jonghyun smiled at Soo-yeon before he pushed on the play button, “Brace yourself.”

After the clip was done, Soo-yeon was speechless. The job was everything but safe.

There was one thing in that entire clip that made an impression,

“...Cheating man are not worth anything...”

The disgust and hatred Taeyeon had for cheating man manifested itself clearly in that one sentence. The way she said it implied her intense dislike for the people who cheated.

Soo-yeon started thinking of her previous relationship.

She was with a married man. What would Taeyeon then think of her?

DESTINY CHAPTER 52 [15th May 2010]

“Surprise!” a whole group of people shouted as Sunny appeared at the doorway of the cafe that she frequented with Taeyeon.

She was truly surprised. It was written all over her face.

The few people that were there were Kang-In, Jonghyun, Soo-yeon and even Soo-jung.

There were a few other friends of Sunny that were also present.

“Wow Kim Taeyeon, you sure pulled a fast one.” Sunny said as she walked towards the bunch of them who were wearing party hats and tossing confetti at Sunny.

“Did you invite the whole world?” Sunny remarked as she sat down beside Taeyeon with a smirk.

“Is your world THAT small?” Taeyeon said smugly.

Everyone laughed.

“Hey you Kwon something,” Sunny said waving to the waiter who was apparently in love with her, “Get the lady an earl grey with a whole lot of sugar.”

“I thought you didn’t like earl grey?” The waiter said puzzled.

“Not for me! For the shorty sitting beside me.” Sunny said in exasperation.

“Oh...I’m sorry, coming right up. And a chocolate milkshake for you?” The waiter asked with a sparkle in his eye.

“Yes.” Sunny nodded.

“Please no sugar!” Taeyeon shouted to the waiter.

He just smiled at Taeyeon meekly. He wasn’t going to defy his goddess, Sunny.

“That’s my boy.” Sunny said with a wide smile.

The waiter blushed at that comment.

“Your boy huh,” Taeyeon teased.

Jonghyun and Kang-In started making loud ‘oooh-ing’ and ‘aaahhh-ing’ noises.

Sunny rolled her eyes and started talking to the rest of her friends, Soo-young and Hyoyeon.

It was a good thing that they were all a friendly bunch, and they soon mingled and became friends.

Even Soo-jung had no trouble fitting in.

“So how did you manage to book the entire cafe?” Sunny asked Taeyeon.

“Well your boy Kwon there happens to be the owner of this cafe, and he closed it specially for your birthday party,” Taeyeon explained.

Sunny’s eyes widened, “What? He’s the owner? Quit Joking.”

Taeyeon shook her head as she wore a smile, “I’m not kidding. He IS the owner. By the way, Happy birthday.”

“So what if he’s the owner, he’s such a dork.” Sunny commented.

Taeyeon knew inside that Sunny was the kind who appeared tough with her words, but was all gooey and soft on the inside.

Taeyeon also knew that Sunny had some sort of attraction for the dorky waiter since the day they met. She just didn’t want to admit it.

Soo-yeon then added, “Our birthdays this year were the best we ever had, we wish you the same.”

Taeyeon smiled at Soo-yeon and then at Sunny. It was something only the three of them knew.

“Come on...” Sunny groaned, “Quit fooling around.” The flush beneath her powdered face was visible as she spoke.

“We shall see,” Taeyeon said with a grin.

The rest of the night was spent playing games and having fun.

It was an extremely enjoyable night.

Halfway through the mini party, Soo-yeon’s phone rang.

“Oh it’s my dad,” She quickly told Taeyeon.

“Go on and take the call,” Taeyeon said as she accompanied Soo-yeon out to the garden behind, where it was quiet.

“Hi Dad,” Soo-yeon said as she picked up.

Taeyeon had her arms wrapped around Soo-yeon’s waist as she spoke on the phone.

“Soo-jung is with me and we’re at a friend’s birthday party.” Soo-yeon continued.

Taeyeon kissed Soo-yeon’s cheek.

Soo-yeon gave Taeyeon a disapproving frown for being cheeky.

“No dad, we wont be going home tonight. We’ll see you tomorrow ok?” Soo-yeon said, “Don’t worry we’ll be ok. I’ll take care of Soo-jung.”

Taeyeon’s eyes lit up as Soo-yeon mentioned that she wouldn’t be going home for the night.

“Ok, Bye dad. Love you.” Soo-yeon said before she hung up.

“Hmmmm...so where will you be staying tonight?” Taeyeon asked cheekily even though she knew the obvious answer was at her place.

“With Jonghyun maybe? Soo-jung will have to stay with you at your place,” Soo-yeon replied mischievously. Two could play the game.

Taeyeon wrinkled her nose at Soo-yeon. “I’m afraid not. Kang-In will have no place to sleep then,” Taeyeon teased.

The both of them wrinkled their noses at each other and Soo-yeon started to stick her tongue out at Taeyeon.

“I tell you what,” Taeyeon spoke, “Kang-In can bunk in with Jonghyun at his place, and Soo-jung and the most beautiful girl on earth can bunk in at mine.”

“And who shall that be?” Soo-yeon asked intentionally.

“Well let’s see,” Taeyeon said pinching her chin and looking upwards, “Is Soo-young prettier or is Hyoyeon prettier. Hmmm.” She intentionally mentioned the two other girls at the party.

Soo-yeon could get quite jealous at times and Taeyeon knew that well.

Soo-yeon pinched Taeyeon’s cheeks, “Stop being cheeky!”

Taeyeon rubbed her sore cheeks and smiled, “that was mean, beautiful.”

“Hmph,” Soo-yeon sulked and turned away.

Taeyeon grabbed Soo-yeon’s hand and placed it around her wrist. “Look, we’re marked for life. We’re two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. I’m yours and you’re mine.”

The long scar from the incident in New Zealand was faint but still very visible. It ran down Taeyeon’s forearm and then across the back of Soo-yeon’s hand and then down the back of Taeyeon’s wrist.

Soo-yeon smiled, “You’re sooo silly.”

Soo-yeon and Taeyeon then broke into a loving kiss.

“Let’s go back in, the boys might come looking for us and catch us locked in an ‘unnatural’ embrace.” Taeyeon said.

“So be it,” Soo-yeon said with a cheeky smile.

Taeyeon released Soo-yeon from her embrace and the both of them returned to the party.

By the time the night was over, everyone was exhausted.

“Hey Kang-In it’s a long drive back so if you want to I’m sure Jonghyun wouldn’t mind if you bunked in at his place,” Taeyeon said to the two guys.

“Yeah, you can stay at my place for the night,” Jonghyun said as he placed his arm around Kang-In.

“Cool, you’re my new best buddy,” Kang-In said as he gave Jonghyun a hug.

“Come on, I’ll give you a lift back,” Sunny said to Soo-young and Hyoyeon.

“Oh, what about Soo-yeon and Soo-jung,” Jonghyun said immediately, “Want to stay over at my place? I have a few guest rooms.”

Taeyeon then took both sisters in her arms, “I’m sorry to disappoint you Jong, they are both going home with me.”

“Do you even have enough space in your house?” Jonghyun asked with raised eyebrows.

“Of course I do,” Taeyeon replied in an instant.

“But you don’t have enough space on your scooter,” Kang-In said with an evil grin.

“I’ll send them over to your place then,” Sunny said to Taeyeon, “Now you boys hurry home.”

Sunny shooed Kang-In and Jonghyun away before offering Soo-jung a bed in her own home. “It’s going to be a tight squeeze if the three of you slept at Taeyeon’s.”

Soo-jung readily agreed to go home with Sunny. She wanted to give Taeyeon and her sister some private time.

Just before they left, the boss of the cafe called for Sunny.

He handed her a little box wrapped nicely in a baby blue wrapper and tied neatly with a purple ribbon. “Happy birthday, I hope you like it.”

“Thanks,” Sunny said with an emotionless expression and then gathered the girls. The three of them left with Sunny for her car.

Taeyeon and Soo-yeon were the last two standing outside the cafe.

“Don’t be disheartened,” Taeyeon said to the boss of the cafe, “I’m pretty sure you’ll get to her.”

He smiled and thanked Taeyeon for the encouragement before he went back to clean up.

Soo-yeon and Taeyeon then got on the scooter and headed for Taeyeon’s home.

Soo-yeon was excited to see Taeyeon’s place. It was always Taeyeon at her place and never the other way around.

DESTINY CHAPTER 53 [15th May 2010]

Taeyeon and Soo-yeon had just arrived at Taeyeon’s home.

It was quite the night. Everyone got closer that night.

It was slightly past eleven when the two of them stepped into Taeyeon’s living room.

Taeyeon was just shutting the door as silently as she could when she heard footsteps.

“Soo-yeon ah it’s my mum.” Taeyeon whispered.

When Taeyeon’s mother appeared, she was surprised to see two figures standing by the door.

“Hi Mum,” Taeyeon said as she went over for a hug.

“Hi,” Soo-yeon said with a polite bow, “I’m Soo-yeon, Taeyeon’s friend.”

“Hi,” Mrs Kim said with a polite smile.

“Oh mum, I was thinking would you like to go out for lunch tomorrow? I’ll take you out.”

“Ok,” Taeyeon’s mother said with a nod.

“Alright mum, I’m home now, you can go back to bed alright?” Taeyeon said as she led her mother back to the room.

Taeyeon tucked her mother in and gave her mother a kiss on the cheeks before wishing her good night.

Taeyeon returned to the living room to see Soo-yeon sitting on the couch. “How well mannered you are, not snooping around and looking at stuff like I would be,” Taeyeon joked.

“Of course I am,” Soo-yeon said in her most proper voice.

Taeyeon held out her hand, “Come on, welcome to my world.”

Soo-yeon walked over and took Taeyeon’s hand before they entered her room.

“Wow, our rooms are so different.” Soo-yeon said as she looked around Taeyeon’s room.

Taeyeon’s room had a little couch by the door, set against the wall and beside it was her study desk where her laptop and all her gadgets sat.

Her bed was directly opposite the couch, pushed towards the corner of the room.

It was plain, neat and simple.

Taeyeon switched on her computer and plugged in the camera.

“What are you doing?” Soo-yeon asked Taeyeon as she settled on the little couch.

“Extracting the photos from just now,” Taeyeon said as she sat on her study chair.

“I wanna see too,” Soo-yeon said as she stood up and plonked herself down on Taeyeon’s lap.

“Uh uh, before you do this,” Taeyeon said as she nudged Soo-yeon to get off her lap.

Soo-yeon got off and sat down on the chair as Taeyeon stood up.

“Where are you going?” Soo-yeon asked as Taeyeon walked towards the door.

“To do this,” Taeyeon said as she locked her bedroom door.

“I see,” Soo-yeon said with a smile. She started exploring Taeyeon’s laptop.

“Let’s see what you have hidden in your computer,” Soo-yeon said as she looked at Taeyeon’s desktop.

Taeyeon nudged Soo-yeon off the seat gently. “You won’t find anything in my computer.” Taeyeon said smugly as she sat down.

“Oh really?” Soo-yeon said as she settled back onto Taeyeon’s lap.

“Yes,” Taeyeon said as she proceeded to transfer the photos out into a folder.

“Where are all your pictures?” Soo-yeon asked Taeyeon.

“You mean the ones I take on cases or the ones of my many girlfriends? I don’t keep them in my computer.” Taeyeon answered with the intention of teasing. She was aware that Soo-yeon was referring to her personal collection of photos.

“There,” Taeyeon said as she pointed to a metallic case locked away at the top of her shelf, “I burn the photos of my investigations onto a CD and store it in that case.”

“Don’t you have other non-work related pictures?” Soo-yeon asked as she poked at Taeyeon’s nose lightly.

“Yes I do,” Taeyeon said as she revealed another case of CDs sitting in her drawer.

Soo-yeon ran her fingers through it and randomly took out a few CDs. They were all labelled.

“Where are the pictures you took with me?” Soo-yeon said recalling the countless pictures they took together. There were none to be found in that case of CDs.

“Oh I don’t know. Maybe I deleted them?” Taeyeon teased.

Soo-yeon used her finger to tickle the underside of Taeyeon’s chin, “Kim Taeyeon. You don’t want to be mean to me.”

Taeyeon smiled. “It’s somewhere in my room.”

“Where?” Soo-yeon asked as she took a quick glance around the room. There weren’t many storage spaces in the room.

Soo-yeon started hunting around the room. She looked through every drawer and every shelf. She couldn’t find anything.

“You see my dear, I hide you well don’t I? You’re just so precious to me I can’t let anyone find you.” Taeyeon said as she got off the chair and sat on her couch.

“So why can’t you reveal it to me?” Soo-yeon said as she straddled Taeyeon and cupped her cheeks.

“Because it’s personal,” Taeyeon said with a cheeky grin.

“You are not getting any tonight,” Soo-yeon got off Taeyeon and sat down beside her.

“Ok let’s go to bed soon then.” Taeyeon said as she got off the couch, leaving Soo-yeon sulking alone.

Taeyeon picked up the camera and snapped a picture of Soo-yeon. “This picture is going into my book.”

“Book? What book?” Soo-yeon asked slyly.

“I don’t know,” Taeyeon shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

“Oh yes, I’m going to shower,” Taeyeon said as she took her towel and left the room.

Taeyeon knew that the hint she left Soo-yeon was obvious enough.

***

Soo-yeon sat on Taeyeon’s couch, still wondering what she meant by ‘book’.

The only books Soo-yeon saw were an encyclopedia and a dictionary with a leather strap around it.

Soo-yeon picked both books off the shelf. She flipped through the encyclopedia to find nothing but normal ‘encyclopedia’ stuff.

She then loosened the strap to the dictionary and opened the book. It was no ordinary dictionary. The insides of the book was cut out and there was another smaller book inside.

Soo-yeon retrieved the little red book and opened it.

She saw her own face staring back at her. She flipped through the pages to see quite a number of pictures. Some were of only her, some were of the both of them.

Taeyeon scribbled little comments and dates here and there. There were few words, but each word summarized everything.

The first picture in that book was a shot that Soo-yeon did not even know existed. It was taken in her home as she was coming out from the kitchen. It was dated

9th March

and the annotation said

‘the best things happen by accident’

It was funny how it was an accidental shot and that the both of them met because of Taeyeon’s accident.

Soo-yeon smiled at how her girlfriend played with words.

She removed the photo from its slot and wrote neatly on the back of the picture.

‘My love, this is no accident. I am your destiny.’

Soo-yeon flipped through the pages and wrote her own comments one by one behind the photos.

It became their little book of love.

DESTINY CHAPTER 54 [15th May 2010]

Taeyeon returned to the room and saw Soo-yeon sitting crossed-legged on the couch.

“You didn’t find it?” Taeyeon asked the sulking girl.

Soo-yeon shook her head. “Find what? Anyway, I don’t want to find it anymore.”

She demanded a towel from Taeyeon and left the room for her shower.

Taeyeon was worried that she had gotten Soo-yeon upset.

She quickly took the dictionary and undid the straps. She removed the book and placed it on the table.

Something did not feel quite right about the book when Taeyeon opened it. The pictures were not quite well slotted into the slits.

Something is wrong.

Taeyeon was worried that a parent of hers had found the book, but it did not seem that way.

She removed the first picture and examined it with the intention to find fingerprint marks on the glossy surface. A smile flooded her face as she saw the following words on the back of the picture,

‘My love, this is no accident. I am your destiny.’

Silly girl.

Taeyeon replaced the picture and stuck a note for Soo-yeon on the book. She placed the book in the center of the bed before she switched off the lights.

Taeyeon could not get enough of teasing Soo-yeon.

***

Soo-yeon was just done showering. She entered the room only to realise that it was pitch dark. The lights were already switched off.

Did she sleep without waiting for me?

Soo-yeon switched on the lights and shut the door. The moment the lights flooded the room, she saw Taeyeon laying on the couch, her eyes shut.

What’s going on?

Soo-yeon then saw the little red book sitting in the middle of the bed and there was a note stuck on it.

Soo-yeon moved forward and read it.

‘I’m sorry I made you angry. I’ll sleep on the couch tonight.’

“Silly girl,” Soo-yeon said out loud, “I was just teasing.”

Soo-yeon got startled when she felt a pair of arms snake around her waist gently, “So was I.”

“My Love, this is no accident. I am your destiny.” Taeyeon mimicked Soo-yeon’s words.

“Oh my, you’re so mean,” Soo-yeon said as she smacked Taeyeon on the arm.

“If you realise, that’s two of us,” Taeyeon said with a chuckle.

“We are so similar aren’t we?” Taeyeon added.

“If we are, do you know what I want from you now?” Soo-yeon asked as she turned to face Taeyeon.

Taeyeon nodded. “The same thing I want whenever we get time alone.”

Taeyeon pushed Soo-yeon towards the door as they kissed. She locked the door without breaking the deep kiss they had.

They both of them then fell in bed and continued with their passionate kiss.

Soo-yeon pulled away suddenly. “Before we continue.”

She took Taeyeon’s camera and handed it over, “Let’s name this photo, Our first night in Taeyeon’s bed — Sunny’s birthday,” Soo-yeon said with a cheeky grin.

Soo-yeon cuddled up to Taeyeon as they took a picture together.

“All settled,” Taeyeon said as she placed her camera on the side table along with the little red book.

The both of them burrowed under the sheets and continued where they left off.

“Remember baby, not too loud. We don’t want to wake my mother.” Taeyeon said in between kisses.

***

[16th May 2010]

Taeyeon and Soo-yeon both awoke to knocking on the door.

“Oh, It’s my mother.” Taeyeon said quickly as she jumped off her bed. She picked up Soo-yeon’s clothing and tossed it in her direction.

The both of them scrambled to get dressed.

“Girls, I made breakfast.” Taeyeon’s mother said.

“Ok mum,” Taeyeon said as she gave Soo-yeon one last kiss before the went outside.

Taeyeon gave Sunny a call and arranged to meet for lunch together with Soo-jung. She knew that her mother needed some company and she knew that her mother would definitely enjoy the company of the other girls.

“Mum, Sunny and Soo-yeon’s sister will be joining us for lunch later,” Taeyeon said as the three of them sat at the breakfast table.

Soo-yeon was more reserved than usual, but she did speak to Taeyeon’s mother for a bit.

After breakfast, Soo-yeon offered to help Taeyeon’s mother with the dishes.

Taeyeon wiped the table as the both of them washed the dishes together.

Cute. If only I could tell my mother the truth.

Taeyeon recalled that she had left her little book on the table so she returned to her room and hid the book. What Soo-yeon did not know was that Taeyeon had another journal. It was hidden in a secret compartment in the shelving.

After a while, Taeyeon decided to bring her mother out shopping with Soo-yeon. Soo-jung and Sunny joined shortly after.

Whilst they were out shopping, Taeyeon decided to leave her mother in the good hands of Sunny, Soo-yeon and Soo-jung as she went off to a bookstore instead.

Shopping for girly stuff was never her interest. Taeyeon had a keen liking for books, gadgets and cameras.

It was then that she saw her favorite book sitting on the shelf. She picked it up and decided to get it for Soo-yeon. She was fortunate since it was the last book available in the store.

Taeyeon got it nicely wrapped and she kept it away in her bag. Before she did, she wrote on the inside of the cover,

‘For my love, my destiny...I’ll find you every lifetime, I’ll love you all the same’

Taeyeon went to her mother’s favorite restaurant and got a table for the five of them.

Just as she was entering the restaurant, she heard Jonghyun’s voice calling for her.

She turned her head to see both Jonghyun and kang-In running towards her. “Hey! What a coincidence.”

Taeyeon looked at Jonghyun and said, “If I didn’t know better I would have thought you were following me.”

“How is that possible,” Jonghyun said as he scratched his head.

“Going for lunch? Great! Can we join you?” Kang-In exclaimed.

“Err..sure.” Taeyeon said. “I’m here with my mother though.”

“Nice, I can finally meet your mother,” Kang-In said as she placed an arm around Taeyeon.

Taeyeon shot Jonghyun dagger stares when that happened. She was sure that it was no coincidence that they were at the very same mall.

Taeyeon settled at the table with the both of them and started talking to them. “So how did the both of you spend the night? Talking?”

Taeyeon caught Kang-In glancing at Jonghyun before he replied, “Yes, mostly sleeping though. Anyway I heard about what you do. It’s so cool.”

“Oh, please don’t mention it in front of my mother, she doesn’t know.” Taeyeon said quickly.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.” Kang-In said as he pounded his chest.

A few moments later, Taeyeon’s mother arrived at the restaurant together with the other three. They were all surprised to see Jonghyun and Kang-In seated with Taeyeon.

“Who’s this?” Taeyeon’s mother asked as she sat down beside Taeyeon.

“I’m Kang-In, Taeyeon’s friend from work. We did a photo shoot together and Soo-yeon happens to be our model.” He said quickly, giving Taeyeon’s mother a quick bow and a firm handshake.

“Oh,” Taeyeon’s mother said as she sat down and looked at Soo-yeon, “I should have known you were a model. You look vaguely familiar.”

Throughout lunch, Taeyeon observed the two gentlemen and she was quite sure that they had probably spoken to each other about their feelings for their special someone.

Taeyeon was extremely curious, so she decided to catch Kang-In unaware and find out if Jonghyun was really in love with her girlfriend.

Kang-In went to the toilet midway, which gave Taeyeon the perfect opportunity.

Taeyeon timed her toilet trip to coincide with Kang-In’s return. She bumped into him outside the bathroom. “Oh Kang-In Oppa.”

“Yes Taeyeon?” Kang-In asked.

“Did Jonghyun want to see Soo-yeon that’s why the both of you appeared here?” Taeyeon asked Kang-In in her sweetest voice.

“I guess nothing escapes your eyes.” Kang-In said with a grin.

“Remember not to let it slip accidentally ok? I’m sure he didn’t tell anyone else.” Taeyeon said with a smile as she went into the toilet.

Kang-In was an easy target.

***

Taeyeon had just borrowed Sunny’s car so that she could send Soo-yeon and Soo-jung home.

On the journey back, Taeyeon told Soo-yeon that Jonghyun carried a torch for her.

“Wow, my sister sure is attractive!” Soo-jung exclaimed.

“Soo-jung stop it.” Soo-yeon said in response to her sister’s outburst.

“I’m so fortunate aren’t I?” Taeyeon said with a smile. She enjoyed her time with the sisters.

“Not quite,” Soo-jung said, “My sister can get really violent sometimes.”

Taeyeon broke into a laugh.

“Soo-jung.” Soo-yeon said sternly.

“Ooops..” Soo-jung said as she covered her mouth.

“The both of you are so amusing. How I wish I had a sister too,” Taeyeon said, feeling envious.

“Don’t worry Taeyeon unnie, you can be my sister! I’d swap Soo-yeon unnie for you any day!” Soo-jung said with the intention to tease.

Taeyeon laughed once more, “Soo-jung ah you better stop joking or your sister may just end up in a violent fit.”

“The both of you sure are looking for trouble,” Soo-yeon attempted a stern frown, but her lips turned up at the corner slightly.

“Soo-yeon unnie, you really can’t act. It’s a good thing you’re a model,” Soo-jung commented.

“You know I think I’ll never stop smiling when i’m with the both of you.” Taeyeon said.

By the time they arrived at their place, it was already dark.

Soo-jung alighted first and ran off. She had the sense to give the both of them some time to say goodbye.

Taeyeon handed Soo-yeon the book. “Here, a little something for you.”

“Thank you, but just so you know, you don’t have to get me anything.” Soo-yeon said with a sweet smile.

She then kissed Taeyeon lovingly on the lips before she alighted.

Taeyeon sat in the car and watched as Soo-yeon walked towards the lift lobby. Soo-yeon turned every few steps of the way to wave goodbye to Taeyeon.

When Soo-yeon arrived in front of the lift, she urged Taeyeon to drive off first, but Taeyeon did not want to.

Taeyeon then motioned for her to get into the lift, but Soo-yeon refused.

Taeyeon ultimately got out of the car and ran towards Soo-yeon. “Here, I’ll wait for the lift with you.”

The both of them held hands as they waited.

When the lift arrived, Taeyeon gave Soo-yeon one last kiss before she let go of Soo-yeon.

The both of them looked at each other lovingly until the lift door shut completely.

I miss her already,

Taeyeon thought.

I can’t ever imagine life without her.

DESTINY CHAPTER 55 [24th December 2010]

It was Christmas eve and they were all out celebrating the night.

Taeyeon and Soo-yeon were walking alongside Sunny in the streets.

They were heading to their frequent hangout.

The moment they arrived, they settled at the infamous corner seat.

Taeyeon placed her arms around Soo-yeon as they sat down and Soo-yeon placed her hands on Taeyeon’s thighs.

Taeyeon was more expressive now that they had been dating for 8 months.

“You know the both of you should get a room,” Sunny said irritably.

“Maybe we will,” Taeyeon said as she kissed Soo-yeon’s forehead in front of Sunny.

“Taeyeon ah don’t be so mean to your best friend,” Soo-yeon said as she slapped Taeyeon gently on the thigh.

“I can’t help it,” Taeyeon shrugged, “She’s just highly irritable since her prince charming isn’t available tonight.”

“I wonder what he’s up to,” Soo-yeon questioned, “It must be something important if he’s passing up on spending tonight with her.”

“Beats me,” Taeyeon said.

“Ok, enough about him. If we continue talking about him, I don’t think I even want to sit here anymore.” Sunny grunted.

Sunny fell in love and she fell hard. It wasn’t expected, but she had been telling Taeyeon that the moment they started dating, it felt like he was the one.

She had never considered marriage until he came along.

Minutes later, Sunny’s favorite drink and her favorite cake was placed on the table in front of her. A note came along with it.

It read,

‘I’m sorry I’m not seated beside you right now, but I have something important planned. I made these specially for you.’

“He’s so sweet, unlike my Taeyeon.” Soo-yeon said as she wrinkled her nose at Taeyeon.

“She’s sweeter. At least she’s spending time with you.” Sunny said harshly, even though she was secretly glad that her boyfriend made the cake specially for her.

Taeyeon was waiting for the moment where Sunny found the little capsule hidden in the cake.

Her boyfriend had been planning on giving her a surprise and popping the million dollar question tonight. Even though they had only been together for seven months, the both of them were very serious about each other.

It did not take long before she poked into something hard. “What’s this?” Sunny asked as she extracted the orange capsule.

“Hey it looks like it can be opened, maybe it’s a christmas gift?” Taeyeon said pointing at the cache that held the capsule in place.

The capsule popped open as Sunny released the cache. A sparkling diamond ring revealed itself.

Sunny’s boyfriend then appeared from behind her and knelt before her, “Will you be my Mrs Kwon?”

Sunny was speechless and tears of joy were streaming down her cheeks. She nodded and everyone in the cafe cheered for the couple.

***

Taeyeon and Soo-yeon were taking a stroll in a random park after they left the cafe.

Taeyeon was deep in thought when Soo-yeon nudged her gently, “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing much. It’s just they barely got together and now they’re tying the knot, don’t you think it’s a little too soon?” Taeyeon voiced her thoughts.

As much as she was happy for her friend, marriage was a life-long commitment that should not be taken lightly. She has seen enough marriages gone awry to know.

“Well if he’s the one, he’s the one. If he’s not the one, no matter how many years they spend together, he’s still not going to be the one.” Soo-yeon replied wisely.

“It seems like The Solitaire Mystery has made you a philosophical person,” Taeyeon joked.

“I think it’s thanks to you and not the book,” Soo-yeon replied as she crinkled her frozen nose at Taeyeon mischievously.

Taeyeon chuckled at the comment since she knew it was true.

“The proposal was so sweet wasn’t it?” Soo-yeon said dreamily.

“I really don’t think much of it,” Taeyeon said honestly.

Soo-yeon laughed. “Are you saying you can do better?”

“Of course I can,” Taeyeon said confidently.

“So what is your version of a perfect proposal?” Soo-yeon asked Taeyeon, her eyes sparkling with great curiosity.

“I don’t know,” Taeyeon shrugged her shoulders. “Whatever the case, I promise that if anyone sees it, it’ll definitely be you.”

“Are you sure you can keep your promise to me?” Soo-yeon said with raised eyebrows.

“Of course I will. Since when have I broken any of my promises to you?” Taeyeon said in great confidence.

“So do you promise to love me forever?” Soo-yeon asked.

“No. Because that isn’t something I can promise nor is it a choice. I can’t ever make myself fall out of love with you.” Taeyeon said sincerely. It was a true representation of what she felt in her heart.

“You’re just so sweet you know?” Soo-yeon said just as she stopped walking. She gave Taeyeon’s arm a gentle tug.

Taeyeon tilted her head and turned to Soo-yeon as if to say ‘why did you stop?’

Soo-yeon pulled Taeyeon towards herself and she gave Taeyeon a tight hug. “I love you.”

“Baby, what’s the matter? You know I love you too.” Taeyeon said as she rubbed Soo-yeon’s back.

Soo-yeon placed her lips on Taeyeon’s. Taeyeon could feel the warmth of Soo-yeon’s lips against hers. It was a very comforting feeling in winter.

The pair wished that they could continue kissing where they were standing, but it was getting slightly too chilly, and they were after all in a public place despite it being quite empty.

Being the sensible one, Taeyeon pulled away from the kiss first. “Let’s continue walking.”

“Ok,” Soo-yeon said with a nod.

As they walked, Soo-yeon started the conversation going again. "How is your mother doing?"

"Same old thing," Taeyeon said despondently.

"If she's so unhappy being with him, why can't she get a divorce?" Soo-yeon asked.

"I don't quite know, but I would think it's because there isn't any concrete proof of my father's affair," said Taeyeon.

"Why don't you prove it for her? If that's what is holding her back, why don't you do your mother the favor and do something for her," Soo-yeon suggested.

"I guess I just wasn't ready then, but I think I am now," Taeyeon said as she stared at the ground in front of her.

"Yes baby, no matter what you know you'll always have me," Soo-yeon said as she gave Taeyeon's hand a light squeeze of assurance.

Taeyeon smiled. "Aren't I the luckiest person on earth."

"As am I," Soo-yeon said sincerely, "we can take care of your mother together."

Taeyeon laughed. "You're that eager to win my mother over huh? Well she first has to know about us before you step in and I doubt I'd be telling her anytime soon.”

“Your mother likes me. I’m sure she’ll accept me as your girlfriend,” Soo-yeon said quite confidently.

“Ha..You don’t know my mother.” Taeyeon replied.

“Anyway it doesn’t matter, I’ve decided to spend my whole life with you no matter what.”

“Yes. My heart belongs to you forever too.” Taeyeon said sincerely.