Heartbeat – Chapter 19

Jessica guessed that Taeyeon was in bed before getting out of it to open the door. The dimly lit room with only the bedside light switched on, the dishevelled quilt and propped up pillow against the headboard were telltale signs. Taeyeon’s phone was lying next to the pillow and soft music was playing from the bluetooth speaker at the bedside table.

Taeyeon was still in a daze as she closed the door behind her. Jessica was supposed to be working in Los Angeles, not standing in the middle of her hotel room. She flipped some switches and both the dressing table light and floor lamp came on, filling the room with a warm glow. She stood in awe for a moment; her heart beating a little faster than usual and her eyes widening with delight as the reality that Jessica was standing in the flesh right in her hotel room sank in.

Heartbeat – Chapter 18

1805

Seeing the numbers engraved on the gold metal plate on the dark wood door triggered a series of memories in Jessica’s head.

The hotel was a top choice of rendezvous, away from the public eye. There were two hotels which Yukiko Takahashi preferred. They provided the privacy she wanted and ensured that her presence was treated with strict confidence. Besides the hotels, Yukiko frequented was a quaint sake bar in a quiet street away from the main hustle and bustle of the city.

A sense of excitement, anticipation and lust sent tingles throughout Jessica’s body whenever she stood in front of the door of the hotel room.

Heartbeat – Chapter 17

Yukiko had swooped down on the empty seat next to Taeyeon while the latter was styling her hair. The actress rested her palm on Taeyeon’s thigh as she was talking to her, occasionally patting it to emphasize her point. Taeyeon was surprised at the actress’ boldness since physical interaction in a “business” environment wasn’t particularly encouraged. Moreover the actress was a well-known figure and her reputation was at stake.

Fortunately, Taeyeon’s hair was ready a few minutes later. The large waves in her shoulder-length hair complemented the white button down shirt and khaki skinny pants she was wearing.

Just then, the floor manager was calling for Yukiko. He wanted to brief her about the interview later since she wasn’t at the studio earlier like the rest. Taeyeon heaved a sigh of relief as she went to join her colleagues.

It’s 11.11

It’s 11.11pm.

We used to make wishes and laughed together. We used to talk so much via texting; random chatter as well as deep conversations. We used to share many late night chats and became each other’s listening ear. We used to be able to talk about anything in the world until we even wonder if we would ever run out of things to talk about.

You told me I was your good friend. You told me you were comfortable with me and even let me into your world, little by little.

But everything has changed overnight. I sensed that you drifted away. You said you don’t have anything to share and that you are busy. Your tone sounds so cordial, as if we are just ordinary friends. 

Was it because of something I said? I wonder if I could just have one night to make it right again.

I know you won’t be here but my heart is waiting. I tried to keep myself busy but everything reminds me of you. My calendar is filled with memories of you; our first date, our random late night drives, our Christmas meal and more. My heart is heavy as I scroll through my picture gallery in my phone, recalling the memories we shared. Seeing your bright smile makes me smile too. I regretted not taking more photos but it is too late now. There are no words to describe how much I miss you.

Someday, the memories would no longer cause pain in my heart. Everything would be normal again. I would be able to smile and move on with life.

But now, all I can do is to wish upon 11.11 and I hope I would be able to get over you soon.

Heartbeat – Chapter 16

Taeyeon was eating strawberries when a bright voice called her name. After putting the tray of strawberries on the table, she leapt onto the bed and rolled in front of the laptop.

“The hotel’s bed is so comfy!” Taeyeon declared, propping her chin on her palms. Her lips automatically formed a wide smile upon seeing the person on her laptop screen. “It would be perfect if you are beside me now….naked.”

“Wipe that perverted grin off your face, darling. You know it ain’t going to happen,” Jessica frowned and pouted. She wished she was lying next to Taeyeon instead of being miles away. The feeling was worse when she knew the seductress Yukiko was lurking near her lover. She could only hope that Taeyeon remained true and steadfast.

Autumn Rain

I checked in at my favourite standing sushi bar in Shimbashi and noticed you liked the post. A few minutes later, my phone beeped.

Hey, are you in Tokyo right now?

My colleague was asking me why I was smiling like a fool when I was reading your message. I merely brushed him off as I typed a quick reply to you.

Yes, I’m here on a business trip.

I was hoping you were in Tokyo too.

Bittersweet Feelings

Today marks the end of Girls’ Generation with SM Entertainment.

Just as I opened Google Docs to start writing Heartbeat, I saw the news in Twitter stating that Sooyoung, Seohyun and Tiffany have decided not to sign on with SM. The remaining five of them, Taeyeon, Sunny, Yuri, Hyoyeon and Yoona have re-signed with SM.

I guess this news is expected some time ago and I’m truly thankful that the girls stayed on to give us a magical 10 year anniversary. Not many k-pop groups could do the same.

I’m grateful to meet and know people through Girls’ Generation. I made friends from all over the world; Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, US and more. We unite via SNSD and stand together as SONEs. I never regretted a single day as a SONE and Girls’ Generation will continue to hold a special place in my heart.

지금은 소녀시대 , 앞으로도 소녀시대 , 영원히 소녀시대.

Heartbeat – Chapter 15

Suzuki, Hinata and Taeyeon were escorted to a small function room in the hotel. Several chairs, studio lights and a long table with white skirting were the only furniture in the room. Two hotel staff stood at the corners of the room while the first media team were setting up their equipment.

The first interview was with a major newspaper. It involved the organizers and the bakers only. Taeyeon breathed a sigh of relief when she discovered that not all the interviews involved Yukiko. The lesser the contact, the lesser the stress. Dealing with the media was hectic, Taeyeon didn’t want to deal with the additional pressure from handling the actress. The three of them breezed through the interview with Suzuki answering most of the questions.

Once the first interview was done, another journalist from a different newspaper entered the room. When the organizers mentioned about back to back interviews, Taeyeon was certain they were not joking.

All I Ever Needed

Taeyeon was not in a good mood now. In fact, she felt extremely annoyed over the smallest thing. The chirping of the birds, the rustling of leaves in the cool breeze, the sounds of sneakers crushing the gravel path separating the business and arts blocks and many others. On a normal day, she wouldn’t even notice their existence but not today. She was having her period and the cramps caused her to be highly irritable.

Taeyeon sighed and put her book down. She couldn’t focus and there was no point in staring at the same paragraph over and over again. Looking across the table, she watched as Jessica solved math problems like she was born to do it. The blonde was wrinkling her nose and frowning almost simultaneously, her hair was a little ruffled but nonetheless she still looked beautiful.

Going the extra mile

Concierge : “Good evening, my name is Taeyeon, how may I help you?”

Caller : “I have a problem and I need help.”

Taeyeon : “Sure, I’m at your service. May I know what kind of assistance do you require, Miss….(looking for the caller’s name on the screen) Jung?”

Miss Jung : “I’m doing a crossword puzzle and I’m stuck at one of the clues.”

Taeyeon has heard of many weird requests before but this request for assistance in a crossword puzzle is certainly a first.