Tiffany's father absolutely adores Taeyeon. It makes her want to roll her eyes when she sees the way he looks at her like a proud father. Meeting Taeyeon is like an opportunity for him to get in touch with his Korean side after being Americanised for so long. He can still speak Korean, though he's a bit slow these days, and they have a pleasant conversation before switching back to English at the sight of Tiffany's expression.
Taeyeon is extremely polite. Not only to Tiffany's father - already a bit more than the usual respectfulness towards elders - but also to Tiffany's two cousins who are visiting. They're both actually younger, one year and two years younger, but she treats them with a polite distance, even when they all play Monopoly together after dinner.
It is revealed that Tiffany's real name is Stephanie - the name on her birth certificate. It is also revealed that after Tiffany's mother died, Tiffany started to use the name her mother liked instead of the name on her birth certificate. Taeyeon catches herself staring at Tiffany after hearing this, and looks away quickly before Tiffany's father notices.
"So, Taeyeon," says Mr Hwang conversationally as he helps to set up the board game, "What's your plan with your qualification? Aiming for any of the big global corporations?"
"No, sir," Taeyeon answers, letting Tiffany rearrange the money in front of her. "I'm going to take over my parents' business, with my older brother - an optical store in my hometown."
Mr Hwang raises his eyebrows. "Interesting choice for a young woman who was even willing to go all the way across the world to study. You don't want to see the world, make some big impact with your degree before you settle down in your hometown?"
Taeyeon's eyes stay on the board between them. She takes the dice Tiffany hands her without looking up.
"No, sir."
She doesn't say anything more on the subject, and Tiffany claps her hands together to start the game. It goes on for a long time, as Monopoly tends to, and Tiffany's cousins pointedly eye the way she interacts with Taeyeon throughout the game. She gives them a look, making a note to explain to them about skinship in Korea compared to the general habits of Americans so that they can stop acting like she and Taeyeon are all over each other. It's not even much by American standards, she thinks - tucking Taeyeon's hair behind her ear, running her hand down Taeyeon's arm, Taeyeon's hand resting on her knee every now and then, playing with Taeyeon's fingers.
Mr Hwang seems to understand, despite his initial frown, his memories of childhood in Korea putting his thoughts to rest. Instead, he warmly considers Taeyeon his newest daughter, smiling at her and even inviting her to stay the night when the game finally finishes late. But Taeyeon has an early class so Tiffany gives her a ride back to the university.
They share a hug in the hallway in front of Taeyeon's door, holding each other for a long time.
"Thanks for coming, Tae," says Tiffany, already smiling. "I hope you had fun."
"I did have fun," Taeyeon responds sincerely. Her hand runs up and down Tiffany's back before they break their embrace. "Your father seems like a good man. And your cousins are... amusing."
Tiffany chuckles. "They can be a bit intense at first. And you thought I was loud, right?"
They keep looking at each other for a little while, smiling and staying close.
"Do you really have an early class tomorrow or were you just being polite?"
Taeyeon grins. "Yes, I do have an early class. And I know your class starts when mine finishes. Let's do something the day after tomorrow. I'll show you how to make a kimchi omelette."
Tiffany eye-smiles and anticipates the stare Taeyeon gives her. "That sounds great!"
She hugs Taeyeon again, clutching her tightly, and swings her side to side gently with her body. Taeyeon's hands move over her back, softly stroking her spine.
Tiffany closes her eyes, tilting her head into Taeyeon's shoulder, and squeezes the girl.
"Goodnight, Taeyeon."
"Goodnight, Tiffany."
It's not much later into the night, as Tiffany settles down in her bed, that a message comes through on her phone. It's from Taeyeon, which does not surprise her at all.
I consider America to be an adventure. I don't need to plan more adventures in my future. One planned adventure is enough, don't you think?
Tiffany purses her lips thoughtfully. She types a reply. I've always believed that the best adventures are the ones that catch you by surprise.
Taeyeon's answer comes fast. What kind of adventure do you dream of?
Tiffany closes her eyes, leaning back into her pillow, and thinks about her dreams. After a while, she turns back to her phone. I used to dream of being a singer. Some dreams turn out to be quite silly. That's another reason not to plan an adventure, because sometimes plans just don't work.
She lies there in the darkness of her room and waits to hear what Taeyeon thinks. It takes a long time, and she wonders if Taeyeon is asleep now and if she should do the same. Her phone screen lights up as she ponders.
I had the same dream. But dreams are not pre-made to come true. Planned adventures require a first step to be taken. Applying to the university or opening the door to an opportunity to prove one's worth as a singer. It takes courage to take that step. Hesitation kills dreams no matter if the adventure is planned or not. Goodnight, Tiffany.
