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.

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.

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.

Heartbeat – Chapter 14

Taeyeon furrowed her brows as she tried to recall where she had seen the young lady in front of her.

The young lady had long wavy dark brown hair that framed her fair complexion. Her hazel eyes were beaming with excitement and she was twiddling her fingers.

“I’m Seungwan ah, Son Seung Wan.” Seungwan pronounced each word of her name slowly and clearly.

The name rang a bell and the face was vaguely familiar but Taeyeon was unable to recall where she met this person before.

“I attended your Choux Pastry workshop at the Seoul Culinary Academy two years ago. I had blue highlights at the ends of my hair,” Seungwan explained while doing a hair flip.

Heartbeat – Chapter 13

Taeyeon woke up to incessant beeps on her phone and wondered who was bombarding her with text messages so early in the morning. Scrolling through the messages, a wide smile gradually grew on her face. Jessica was shopping and took photos of what she tried on in the fitting room. Taeyeon rolled on her back and replied the messages with lightning speed, her energy level spiking despite just waking up moments ago. After a few text exchanges, Taeyeon decided to call Jessica. She missed hearing her lover’s voice.

Taeyeon’s good mood was evident when she stepped into the kitchen. Ren was relieved his senpai was smiling as brightly as the summer sun despite the busy day ahead. It seemed she had recovered from her lousy mood last night.

When everyone was present, Suzuki rounded up his team for a meeting and gave a detailed run through on the event. The media embargo was going to be lifted tomorrow and heavy media coverage was expected. Also, the team would be assigned rooms in the hotel (where the event was held) in order to facilitate final preparations. Security would also be tighter during those days and everyone had to carry a photo id at all times. Everyone had to be on their toes and be alert at all times. Suzuki’s reputation was at stake and there was no room for mistakes.

Heartbeat – Chapter 12

There was a lot of media buzz surrounding the upcoming charity event. So far, the only news released by the event organizers was about the team of award-winning bakers and the charity organization but none about the actress. Everyone was speculating about the actress in question. Several well-known names were thrown up for discussion but the organizers and everyone else involved in the event remained tight-lipped about it. Everyone had to sign a non-disclosure agreement and whoever who violated it would be heavily penalised. In this way, the organizers created hype and aroused interest in the event.

One morning, Suzuki was summoned to the organizer’s office for a meeting. It turned out that the organizers wanted Taeyeon to teach Yukiko how to bake. They needed some footage and photographs of Yukiko baking as part of their press release. In order to ensure Yukiko appear more ‘natural’ during the event, she would need to have prior practice in baking. Plus, it would be more credible that Yukiko put in some effort in contributing to the charity event instead of just making an appearance. This would greatly boost her popularity, thereby gaining more leading roles in dramas and endorsement deals. When Suzuki broke the news to Taeyeon, Taeyeon couldn’t help but suspect that Yukiko had a hand in requesting for the practice sessions. Afterall, Suzuki’s team had more than eight people, so why choose her specifically?

It’s Magic – FOUR (END)

The day of the masquerade ball

 

The school of magic was bursting with excitement and activity. Everyone was busy dressing up and preparing for the event. Chefs were setting the food on the tables while teachers cast various spells to dress the event hall in gold and silver. Boys were dressed in suits while the girls wore glittery gowns. Everyone had a mask and it was difficult to distinguish the face behind it.

 

The students sat according to the houses they were assigned to and the headmasters of each house at the front of the long table. Within each house, the seniors and juniors could sit randomly, thereby encouraging interaction. The Principal gave a long speech about harmony and using magic in a good way to help the world before everyone could tuck into the delicious feast in front of them.

It’s Magic – THREE

A week before the ball

 

Everyone was busy discussing about their plans for the upcoming ball. Some were trying to decide on what to wear, a handful was boasting about which girl they invited and others were just simply excited to be partying instead of studying.

 

Wanting to avoid the chatter about the ball, Taeyeon decided to head to the library for some peace and quiet.

 

Taeyeon was walking down a flight of steps when he saw Jessica at the corridor. He had been thinking of how to ask Jessica to the ball but he ended up having brain freeze whenever he faced her directly.