Black Blue and Gold

Chapter 3 (Epilogue)

Past & Present

Warning: PG13 or PG15.

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"So you don't mind?" Taeyeon switched the phone to her other hand so she could unlock the door.

"Of course not! She deserves a break – both of you do," said Sunny. "Take as much time as you need."

"Thanks. I owe you one." Taeyeon pushed the door open.

Sunny chuckled. "Don't mention it. Have fun."

"Will do. Bye." Taeyeon hung up.

She went inside, closed the door behind her and took her shoes off – steadying herself with one hand against the wall. Her eyes caught sight of the framed picture. She put her bag on the couch before walking up to it. She stood staring at it. Oppa, I know that I haven't exactly caught Yongbak but this is another milestone for sure. We're getting there, Oppa. I will keep my promise.

Taeyeon then looked at the other framed picture on the wall. She unconsciously smiled when she saw the smiling Tiffany in it. She reached out and took it down – holding it in her hands. She looked at his picture and also took it down.

She took a deep breath. I'm gonna try something, Oppa. I will never replace you but... She switched the frames, hanging Tiffany's gift where his picture was and placing his picture where Tiffany's gift was. Maybe it's time I learn to put her first. She took a deep breath and a step back – observing what she had just done. I want this to last, Oppa. I love her. I don't want to lose her.

A door suddenly opened and Tiffany walked out of the bathroom. "Oh. You're home?" She saw Taeyeon turning around.

Taeyeon nodded. "Come here for a second." She extended her hand to Tiffany.

Tiffany raised her eyebrows. She approached Taeyeon and took her hand. "What is it?"

"Notice anything different?" Taeyeon asked Tiffany as she gestured at the wall.

Tiffany looked at the wall. She was surprised when she saw the change. "Why did you switch them?"

Taeyeon took a deep breath. "I think you know why." She observed Tiffany's face. "He'll always be special to me but he's my past. I can't keep focusing on my past, can I?"

Tiffany's eyes met Taeyeon's. Are you saying...

"You're my present, Fany-ah." Taeyeon squeezed Tiffany's hand. "What had happened made me realize that I can't possibly bear losing you." She then chuckled. "And I have those scumbags Seungjin and Yongbak to thank for that. Ironic..." She shook her head.

Tiffany said nothing – waiting for Taeyeon to continue and hoping that this meant what she thought it meant.

"I think it's time I learn to put you first, to learn to give you more, to love you as much as you love me." Taeyeon smiled. "I want to see how far we can go and how long this will last."

Tiffany's heart was racing. She couldn't believe Taeyeon was saying all this.

Taeyeon let go of Tiffany's hand. She went to the couch and opened her bag. She took out a piece of paper and gave it to Tiffany.

Tiffany read the paper and frowned. "Resort reservations? Bali?" She looked at Taeyeon with wide eyes.

"I think we deserve a break, don't you? I have some money saved up and plenty of vacation days too." Taeyeon smiled. "I haven't been on vacation in years and I've always wanted to go to Bali."