Let It Rain

Pitter-pat. Drops of rain start to fall helplessly from the gray-colored clouds. Taeyeon, while waiting for her ride back home watches as these transparent beads of water strike the ground like speeding bullets. It is always a fascinating scene to Taeyeon, especially when a tint of yellow light emitted by the post lamps late in the afternoon makes these droplets of water appear as if they exist to make the asphalt road wonderful at nighttime. The raindrops seem like they are glitters thrown purposely in the air and the way the light reflects on them is like a playful display of mini lights. It is even prettier when the front lights of cars shine through these droplets of water as they pass them effortlessly. It is not that late at night but there is hardly anyone around the place. Taeyeon is among the few students who dont go to their highschool dorms. She prefers to stay with her family at home even that means she has to wake up earlier than her classmates to keep up with her 7 am classes. In the afternoon, her dad will pick her up even though she repeatedly asks him not to anymore because hes too tired from work. Fetching her will be her dads another task but he is too kind so he keeps on turning down her requests until it came to a point when she finally gave up. It is becoming colder. It was a good thing that she wears a jacket. She could have frozen to death if it wasnt for the wool-made clothing. She pulls the ends of the sleeve and blows a mouthful of air on her cupped hands to make her warm. She strokes her cheek with the now warm hand hoping that the heat caused by her breath will transfer to her face. She glances at her wristwatch. Her dad is later than usual. As much as she wants to call him, she cant because her cellphones battery is slowly dying on her. She blamed herself for not charging it earlier. It is also the reason why she doesnt want to go back inside their schools lobby which is only several strolls away from where shes currently standing. She could have avoided being in the cold but no, she decided to just go and wait outside because she doesnt want her father to wait for her. It is her who always have to wait. A handful of minutes passed and yet a sign of her father is nowhere to be seen. She sighs, starting to get bored. She paces back and forth under the waiting shed. Because only private vehicles can enter inside the university and the public transportations route has recently changed, the waiting shed has practically no use aside from serving as a temporary shelter that gives shade when the weather is too sunny or provides shield when the rain is too heavy. She looks around to check if shes still alone and when she notices that she is, she plugs her earphones and starts to sing along to the lines of her favourite song.

You are my everything to me You are my everything to me haneul ui byeolcheoreom hwanhageh bichwojuri geudaeneun naman ui sarang yeonywonhan namanui sarang uri saranghaeyo geudae hanamyeon nan chungbunhaeyo She is about to sing the next line when a text diverted her attention. It is from her father. Taengoo ah. Sorry to make you wait. Appa cannot fetch you right now. My boss is calling for an emergency meeting. Im really sorry. Dont sleep in the bus okay. Take care of yourself. And oh, its raining. Dont forget to use your umbrella ~byong

A slight disappointment forms on Taeyeons face after reading the message. She heaves out a sigh. Her shoulders slumped. She removes the earphones that were glued to her ears a while ago and rummages her bag for something she needs so bad after seeing that the rain hasnt stopped yet. She froze when she realized that... WHAT?! I forgot to bring it? No. I used it this morning! Maybe I misplaced it? Where is it? She digs inside her bag for several times but still keeps on having the same result. How unlucky she is. She thought. The rain is slowly getting stronger. How can you be so careless Kim Taeyeon? Aish. Taeyeon scratches her head with a defeated expression. She doesnt want to get sick. She doesnt want to miss her classes the next week more importantly. Are you looking for this? Taeyeon was startled. A husky voice that she didnt expect to hear made her head turn to where the voice came from. It was behind her. A girl with a flowing jet black hair is the owner of the voice that almost made her leap. She is slightly taller than her. She greets Taeyeon with eyesmiles that can make anyone have butterflies fluttering in their stomach. Taeyeon was surprised. The thing is indeed hers. But how this girl in front of her got it and how Taeyeon barely knows her and yet this person is actually using a possession of her makes Taeyeon want to start a conversation with the girl. You..you scared me! Taeyeon failed to say the right words and instead let the truth escape her mouth. This stranger really scared the heck out of her.

The stranger giggled and found the response given to her by the girl shes talking to amusing. Im sorry. I didnt mean to. Heres your umbrella. You left it on the lobbys sofa. The taller girl went near Taeyeon and joined her under the waiting shed. She closed the baby blue-colored umbrella carefully and gave it to its owner. Gosh, Im so forgetful! Thanks so much for returning it! Taeyeon smiled sheepishly while thanking the stranger for her kind gesture. Though shes just young, she tends to act like an old lady who has an amnesia that attacks her from time to time. The last time she forgot something was when she accidentally left her cellphone inside their fridge. It was a good thing that her brother saw the gadget before it became totally useless. No problem. Uhm. Can I ask what your name is? I want to know so I can thank you properly. Taeyeon politely asked for the strangers name. Even though shes a bit introvert, this girl makes her want to open up. Tiffany Hwang. Just call me Tiffany. The taller girl responded with an adorable smirk. Taeyeon was taken aback and cant help but stare at the girls loving smile. Oh. Tiffany. You have a very nice name. Thank you Tiffany. Inside Taeyeons head, she knows shes not telling the whole truth. What she wants to say actually is that Tiffany is as beautiful as her name. But she cant say that to someone she just met. Shes afraid that Tiffany might think that shes a weirdo for saying that. Youre welcome and thank you too. Tiffanys eyes disappeared into crescent moons and gazed at Taeyeon. Taeyeon is becoming uneasy. Why is she not moving? Shes just smiling at me. Did I say something wrong? A lot of thoughts are coming into her whirling mind. Seconds passed and still Tiffany is not saying a word. Her eyes, still fixed on the smaller girl. Taeyeon finds it weird and coughed intentionally. Erm. The smile that grazed Tiffanys lips got even wider. Uh. Arent you coming back? Taeyeon again chose the wrong set of words and hit her head

because of her silliness. Taeyeons dorky gesture earned another eyesmile from the taller girl. Yeah. But I wont go anywhere until you tell me your name. Because Taeyeon is clueless on why Tiffany is still there waiting, Tiffany finally revealed the hidden agenda behind her smile. Woah. Shes much cuter upclose. Im glad I was the one to notice her umbrella and return it to her. Tiffany thought. Oh! So thats why! Taeyeon snapped her fingers. Sorry about that. I didnt want you to leave though. Taeyeon scratched her head like a little kid. Names Kim Taeyeon. Taeyeon for short. Taeyeon offered her hand. Tae..tae? Thats a cute name. Tiffany welcomed Taeyeons friendly handshake. Tae-tae? Its Taeyeon. I cant believe she missed my name. Maybe, its because of the rain thats why she didnt hear it clearly. Anyway, Tae-tae is fine. Shes the first person to call me that way. Tiffanys cute mistake made Taeyeon smirk. Uhm. I guess Im gonna go back now. Nice meeting you Tae-tae! And please take care of your umbrella next time. Tiffany said. She is about to run from the waiting shed back to the lobby when Taeyeon stopped her. Wait! Taeyeon held the girls wrist. Huh? Its raining hard. Dont run under the rain. Youll get sick. Ill just accompany you back to the lobby so you can get your umbrella. Taeyeon is worried that the girl who just brought her a favor will get sick and she doesnt want that so shes offering to help her in return for bringing back her umbrella. Tiffany was touched by Taeyeons concern and she really appreciates it. Thank you. But the truth is I forgot my umbrella at home. Im waiting at the lobby for a classmate who I can borrow an umbrella from or maybe share it with but it turns out that students in our department go home early on Fridays so there are not much people around. Tiffany reasoned out. Im just waiting for the rain to die down and then I could go home.

But you can ask me. This umbrella is big enough for two people to share. Taeyeon suggested. Wouldnt that be troublesome for you? And I think youre waiting for someone. Tiffany asked with worry. No. Its okay. I was waiting for my dad but he couldnt come. So its fine. Taeyeon reassured Tiffany. Well, if thats the case then I would gladly accept your offer! Tiffanys face lightened up. Then lets go! An eager Taeyeon opened her umbrella. Holding an umbrella above ones head is normally a simple thing to do but Taeyeon finds it rather difficult. Shes wondering where to stand beside Tiffany. Should it be on the left side or the right? Seeing that Taeyeon is only staring at her umbrella; not moving an inch, Tiffany moved closer to Taeyeon to ask whats bothering the shorter girl. Unknown to Tiffany, she is helping Taeyeon solve her problem by standing at the girls right side. Whats wrong TaeTae? Taeyeon snapped back to reality when she heard Tiffanys voice. Oh. Nothing. Dont worry. Taeyeon answered softly. Well, I guess its the left then. She exhaled in relief. What Taeyeon doesnt know is that more awkward moments are bound to happen now that shes just a few centimetres away from Tiffany. While she was carefully holding the umbrella; shielding them both from the coldness of the rain, Tiffany suddenly wrapped her arms around the arm Taeyeon was supporting the umbrella with. The moment Tiffany initiated the skinship, Taeyeon felt zaps of electricity came into contact with her. The gentleness this grip Tiffany has on her is unique and she feels like she wants the moment to stay forever; with Tiffany clinging on her for support and protection. The blowing of the cold wind, the rustling of the leaves, the cry of the crickets, the rhythmic beat emanating from the strikes of water and two pairs of light steps alternately pressing against the wet ground are the only surfacing sounds that can be heard except those that come from their hearts beating and air going in and out of their lungs. An understandable silence forms between the two; with the raining in the background, both struggling to find the seemingly right time to speak. It was not that long since the girls heard each others voices. Taeyeon cant take it anymore. Shes itching to hear the husky voice again so she decides to break the awkward silence even though shes a shy person herself.

Uhm, Ti- Taeyeon hesitates; her words, much to her disappointment, at the same time relief, were drawn back to her throat because Tiffany started to speak at the same time. TaeTae, are you sure youre alright with..? You know, holding the umbrella for me? I should be the one to.. Taeyeon, who felt a little defeated for being drowned by the other girls words cut in in a nice way. No. Its okay. Very much okay. But.. Taeyeon turned to face Tiffany and smiled warmly. Its alright. Oh..okay. Tiffany smiled inwardly. *** Downpour. The rain becomes heavier. Taeyeons shoulders are starting to get soaked but she doesnt mind. All she cares about now is how she can prevent Tiffany from being drenched. She knows she have to because the girl doesnt have anything to cover her from the cold whereas she has her jacket to make her warm. She knows shes violating what she just said earlier that she doesnt want to get sick, but shes doing it indirectly to herself anyway. While walking, Tiffany observes Taeyeon as she tries her best to raise her arm a little bit to keep up with the taller girls height. It seems that the thick clouds cant bear the accumulating weight anymore so in order to ease the pain from still holding it, they have no choice but to release it and now, the water is pouring down relentlessly. Taeyeon is forced to tighten her grip on the umbrella because the wind is also getting tougher. Upon seeing Taeyeons effort, Tiffany felt guilty and wanted to ask Taeyeon again if she could be of any help. As if theres something in her mind that tells her that Taeyeon will politely decline her offer again, she instinctively grasped on the handle; touching Taeyeons hands on purpose so that she wont be able to turn her down again. But the moment she did, she nearly cringed. Taeyeons hands are freezing. But she cant let go. Not now. Not now that shes so eager to get to know her better. But why? Where did this urge come from? And why is it so strong? Tiffany doesnt know the exact reason. But theres one thing shes sure about. She feels safe when shes with Taeyeon. And thats an enough reason for her to stay by her side.

Tiffany? Taeyeon is confused. No TaeTae. Its my turn now. And besides, your hands are all cold. Let them rest for a while. Tiffany said. Warm smile radiated her face when she saw Taeyeon did as she was told. But when the short girl pouted afterwards, Tiffanys smile turned into a hearty laugh. Hey, whats so funny? Taeyeon was a bit caught up by Tiffanys untimely laugh. It was her first time to hear someones laughter like a melody, like dancing notes delighting the audience when a cheerful song in a piano is being played. Are you really that disappointed? Youre so cute when you pout, you know that? Tiffany didnt notice that she was being straightforward. Taeyeons lovable pout is still replaying in her mind. She has seen a lot of pouts before but this pout that just came from Taeyeon is different. Its captivating. Hahaha. Not really. Taeyeon blushed at the compliment given to her by Tiffany. Come to think of it, why is she feeling extremely embarrassed? Is it because the remark is given by a stranger? But Tiffany is no longer a stranger. In fact, Taeyeon already knows her name and some little things about her. But is the name of a person enough and what she does? Or is it because of Tiffanys charms? Taeyeon looks straight ahead but let her mind wander. Is she missing something? No? She steals a glance of Tiffany once more while the latter is busy looking down at her black shoes; wondering if her socks are already wet all over. She takes in the taller girls delicate facial features and from doing it, a virtual lightbulb inside her head lights up. Alas! Yes. Indeed, shes missing something. And its a very important one. Without thinking twice, Taeyeon shoots Tiffany a question. Ahm, Tiffany. You look really familiar. Have we met before? Tiffanys gaze now found its way on Taeyeons curious face. She looks up as if an answer lies

above her head. Her thumb with the other fingers placed lightly on her chin signifies that shes on deep thinking. Hmm..maybe you saw me in the library before? I work there as a student assistant. Tiffany was able to come up with the most possible reason that she could find even though she was surprised of what Taeyeon just said. It never crossed her mind that the girl would have actually known her before they even met. Or is she just overreacting? Even so, shes lucky to have that excuse. She wouldnt want Taeyeon to know that shes stalking the older girl every Friday when she has no duties. On second thought, its more like taking a glimpse rather than stalking. Woah. Thats cool. I want to be one too but my schedules crazy this month. How long have you been working there? Taeyeon asked with curiosity beaming in her eyes. I just started last week. Im pretty new you see. Tiffany answered with a shy smile. Oh. So that means, shes the new student assistant in the library that I keep on hearing about. Aigoo. Omo! I think youre the cute student assistant that my cousin and her friend are referring to! Taeyeon bursted out, not knowing that she jumped like a little kid who just found her lost toy. Taeyeons mouth cant help but open itself widely due to the information that temporarily crowded her mind. So it was true. She couldnt agree more. What Seohyun and Yoona had said to her was right. The new student assistant is really stunning. Her very eyes cant deny it. But something is still bothering Taeyeon. She hasnt visited the library these past few weeks. If so, where did she see Tiffany? Tiffany blushed at Taeyeons mention of the word cute and at her own amazement that swells within herself when she heard that shes being noticed by others, but she lets this aside at the moment because she really cant help herself from being giddy with what Taeyeon did. Even though Taeyeon is already in highschool, she looks and acts like shes still an elementary student. Even her height adds to the evidence. And Tiffany is fully aware of all these. By that time, Tiffanys worry of Taeyeon finding about her so-called secret was washed away. But much to her dismay, things do not usually happen the way she wants them to. Ohh. About the library thing, I havent been there for two weeks now, and.. Taeyeon paused. I didnt recall seeing you there, maybe it was somewhere else...I think. Taeyeon tries hard to

remember where she saw Tiffany. Was it only a glance? Or a simple talk? And when was it? The short girl wants to get her brain cells to function so bad but it seems like her pleading has no effect. Uh oh. Tiffanys heart starts to beat tremendously. She bits her lip to stop herself from shaking due to nervousness. Does she know about it? About me following her? Did I make the wrong move? Was I too fast? Am I caught? The last question is still ringing in Tiffanys head when Taeyeon disrupted the taller girls concentration. I cant seem to remember it. I almost racked my brain but it didnt work. Taeyeon smiled apologetically at Tiffany even though theres nothing to be sorry about. Tiffany was able to calm herself after hearing Taeyeons answer. A part of her wants Taeyeon to just forget about recalling the said memory while the other that was left is so curious where, when and how Taeyeon met her. She just wanted to know because she has followed the girl way too much to notice if shes already caught. It can be either Taeyeon or one of her friends. Tiffany admits that she can be clumsy and careless at times but hopefully not when talking about her Taeyeon-inspired spy-like activity. Then dont force your brain too much Tae-tae was the only advice Tiffany can give Taeyeon at that time. It might appear like shes caring about Taeyeon. Of course, she does, but Taeyeon doesnt know that theres something hidden in those words. Tiffany can be really sneaky. She just gave Taeyeon a gentle tap on her shoulder as if shes congratulating her for a job well done or at least for not remembering. *** Drizzle. The sun has already bid goodbye; the night slowly takes over. The dark color of the nimbus clouds cannot be recognized because it has blended perfectly with the blackness of the night sky. And along these changes came the decrease in intensity of the rain because by the time they were less than halfway away from their destination, Tiffanys slight shaking due to the chilly weather lessened too. And this was all seen and felt by Taeyeons observant eyes and soul. It was as if Tiffany is a part of her and she wants to make her comfortable than the position shes already in: with her. They say that time flies fast when one is having fun. It is nowhere different from what Taeyeon

feels right now. Were here. Since the rain has fully come into a halt, Taeyeon closed her umbrella. Shes certain that she heard someone sigh but she ignored it since her attention is focused on the heavily drenched object in her grasp. By the way Tiffany, where do you live? I forgot to ask you earlier. Taeyeon asked Tiffany whose gaze is directed at the traffic lights opposite their direction. I live in an apartment not too far from here. Walking distance. The names Soshified. How about you? Tiffany turned to look at Taeyeon. Oh. You live in an apartment? Yeah. Me? My house is just one bus ride away from here. Not that far too, but maybe, farther from your apartment. Hehe. Great. Just great Kim Taeyeon. What a lame way to try to make her laugh. Oh. I guess were gonna go separate ways now eh? Taeyeon said with a hint of sadness in her voice. Tiffany doesnt know why but she felt that Taeyeon sounded weak when she said those words. Shes a little right though because Taeyeon pretended that shes not reluctant to let go. In short, Taeyeon let out an eager smile but inside, it pained her. Well..yeah? Well be seeing each other again on Monday, right? Monday? Yeah, Monday. Im gonna visit the library during breaks. You have duties on that day? Yes, I do. And oh, thank you for accompanying me all the way here. Dont mention it. And thanks again..for returning my umbrella. Uh..yeah.

So..bye then. Bye!....Uh, wait! When Taeyeon turned with her back facing Tiffany, the latter noticed how wet Taeyeons shoulders are. Tiffany hurried to her before Taeyeon can make her way to the station and pulled her close. Wha...what? Taeyeon didnt expect the force behind her. Its not because its hard or suffocating, but because it exudes warmth. The kind of warmth that Taeyeon wouldnt mind to be enveloped over and over again and the fact that it was from the girl whom she just met a while ago makes her question why she feels that way...with a stranger. I..I dont want you to get sick, Tae, so if only my warmth can take the coldness away from you, even for just a while, I wouldnt care if I hug you like this all nighI mean, all day long. Tiffany stuttered; trying her best to contain where her heart is. Blood rushes to her face and her temperature starts to rise. It was Taeyeons wet shoulder that triggered that emotion inside of her. It screamed the truth that Taeyeon barely thought of her own self. It was Tiffany that she really cared about. Tiffany recalled what Taeyeon did for her earlier and she was very thankful. Time hasnt passed that much when Taeyeon grabbed the handle of the umbrella from Tiffanys hand and volunteered to carry that umbrella again. Tiffany couldnt help but fall deeper in the pit of crush, love or whatever feeling her heart has for Taeyeon. Hearing that Tiffany also cares for her well-being, Taeyeon couldnt help but smile. Although everything seems to be sudden with her meeting Tiffany at the waiting shed, and now, finding the same girl with her arms wrapped around her petite frame, Taeyeon just let the turn of events or fate work its way to bind the two of them closer together. Thank you. Thank you for thinking about me too Tiffany. But if Taeyeon coughed, you dont mind, we can continue what we are doing now later in some other place? If its okay for you, that is. Taeyeon smirked because she knows Tiffany wouldnt stop hugging her unless she says something about it. She remembers the words the taller girl told her all too well, I wouldnt , I wouldnt care if I hug you like this all nighI mean, all day long. It was strange actually that it feels like these words just carved themselves onto her heart and will settle there forever. But how her brain managed to remember every bit of them makes Taeyeon wonder if her short-term memory only picks what to forget and what to keep among her pool of memories. Maybe its weighing each memorys worth? This new memory sure is precious to her. But of course, she wouldnt let her brain do all the work because her heart must take part in it too. Oh right. Sorry about that TaeTae. Just got carried away. Tiffany removed her hold on Taeyeon immediately when she realized what the latter meant. Embarassment registered on her

face. WHAT DID YOU DO? YOURE SUCH A FOOL, TIFFANY! HOW CAN YOU HUG HER WHEN YOU JUST MET HER TODAY? Okay. Lets rephrase that. Its not really today that you first saw her. BUT ITS STILL CONSIDERED YOUR FIRST MEETING!!! Lost in her own world, Tiffany is oblivious of what Taeyeon really meant with what she said and because of that she unintentionally skipped a very important detail. But it didnt take her too long to realize what shes missing. Wait. Did I hear it clear? She said continue? TAETAE SAID CONTINUE?!! Some other place? SOMEWHERE ELSE?!! Wae?!! Where could it be?!! Tiffanys starting to form weird and unwanted thoughts in her head causing her to blush madly thats why she turned away as a reflex; not wanting Taeyeon to notice how similar to that of a tomato the color of her face is. But what Tiffany did implied something different to the other girl. Taeyeon thought that her own words hurted Tiffany in some way so the latter turned her back at her. Taeyeon doesnt want the taller girl to misinterpret her words so she tapped Tiffanys shoulders to catch her attention and hopefully make her understand her point of view. Tiffany ah.. Eh?! Before Tiffany can connect the dots and come up with a logical reason behind Taeyeons suggestive offer to her earlier, she found herself yet again, confused of whats going on. Especially now that Taeyeon is just right in front of her; looking steadily at her eyes.

T-Taetae? Tiffany. .... Im sorry. I didnt mean it that way. Are you angry? Huh? I dont really dislike the fact of you hugging me. Its just...I dont want you to get cold because of me. Im still wet you see? Taeyeon explained, with her small fingers pointing to her still drenched school uniform. What are you talking about Tae? Me..mad? Tiffany looked at Taeyeon quizzically. I thought youre mad because I stopped you...from hugging me. Taeyeon lowered her head and all of a sudden, the ground became strangely interesting to her. Aww. Taetae! Why would I get mad at you? Youre so silly! Tiffany nudged Taeyeon playfully. So that means...youre not mad at me? Taeyeon tore her gaze from the ground and looked back at Tiffany. Of course not. Answered Tiffany with a sincere face. Then why did yo- Before Taeyeon can get the answer from Tiffany, the taller girl somehow had a feeling that Taeyeon will bring the topic up so she quickly changed the flow of their conversation. She did that because she doesnt know what to answer the short girl. I blushed thats why I turned with my back facing you is something that she cant really say. Taetae, your clothes are soaked. You might get sick when you dont change them immediately. Why dont we go to my apartment first so that you can borrow my clothes for the meantime while we let your clothes dry? Uh-thats..I.. Cmon Tae. Its okay. Its just that-my parents might get worried when I go home a little late.

Ooh. I see. Hmm...How about this? Ill call them to tell them what just happened so they wont get too worried. Will that be fine? Tiffany asked Taeyeon while theyre already walking, heading for her apartment. Thats so nice of you Tiffany. But... Hmp. No buts Tae. Ill take care of everything like I said. And besides we wouldnt take long Tiffany paused. unless you want to do somet-..A-AAICHOOO! Woah Fany ah! Are you alright? Aww. I just got a cold. Tiffany sniffed like a puppy. Thats bad. Now, we really need to get to your home. Taeyeon said, looking concerned. Tiffany smiled to herself when she felt Taeyeons caring nature once again and even dared to do a victory dance when she heard Taeyeon called her Fany, but she eventually frowned when she realized shes being careless again too. GOSH! TIFFANY! YOU REALLY NEED TO WATCH YOUR MOUTH! Of course, Taeyeon wouldnt want to do something else with you. Shes just staying over because of her wet clothes and youll just lend her your clothes, which are by the way..OH NO! Tiffanys eyes widened. Are you okay Fany ah? Taeyeon asked after seeing Tiffanys sudden change in expression. I-Im fine. Y-yeah! Tiffany stuttered yet forced a smile. I hope I still have those pajamas.