TaengSic (COMPILATION)

Stay (OS)

sillage (n.) the scent that lingers in the air, the trail left in the water, the impression made in space after something or someone has been and gone; the trace of someone's perfume

Darkness filled the apartment when Jessica unlocked the door. She reached for the switches next to the main door and turned the lights in the living room on. She kicked off her heels as she walked in large strides towards the master bedroom.

After pulling out her clothes from the drawer, Jessica heard Taeyeon shuffling in bed. Taeyeon peeked from underneath the blanket upon hearing someone entering the bedroom.

"You're home," Taeyeon said sleepily. She picked up the alarm clock and saw the green digits 2:09am staring back at her.

"Ya," Jessica said softly. She walked towards Taeyeon, bended down, cupped Taeyeon's cheeks with her hands. Then she kissed the sleepy woman fully on the lips. However, Jessica felt Taeyeon putting her hands on her chest and pushing her away.

"You smell of alcohol...again," Taeyeon said slowly, turned off by the stench of distilled spirits. It wasn't the first time Jessica had returned home late, smelling of smoke and alcohol. It was a smell Taeyeon detested. Each time the pungent smell of alcohol reached her nostrils, images of Jessica 'entertaining' her clients would flood her mind, causing her to clench her fists and making her heart ache.

"It's work, I can't help it. It's not like I'm having alot of fun. Entertaining is very draining, both physically and mentally. I told you this many times already," Jessica spoke. She stepped backwards, arms akimbo and felt frustrated.

"Why is it always you? I don't see Yoona going for drinks almost every night," Taeyeon snapped. She was wide awake now, feeling anger building up in her stomach.

"I can't believe I have to go through this again. Taeyeon, I'm doing this for my future, our future. Don't you get it??"

"Sica, we hardly talk to each other nowadays. And when we do, we're always raising our voices at each other." Taeyeon was crestfallen. She gripped the hems of her blanket, trying to stop tears from falling.

Jessica let out a long sigh. A year ago, there was a position in the top management that was up for grabs to the most capable employee. Jessica had been working very hard, trying to vie for that position among her colleagues. Her arch rival, Hara was a fierce competitor for the throne. Both of them had been trying to outshine each other in terms of work performance.

Jessica couldn't understand why Taeyeon couldn't understand why she was working so hard. She merely wanted to provide a better life for the both of them, knowing Taeyeon's meager pay and lack of career growth in her company.

Taeyeon didn't want to argue anymore, knowing it was pointless to do so. "It's late. Shower and sleep soon."

That was how they always ended their arguments. Taeyeon would rather keep her anger within herself and remain silent. Initially they did try to talk it out but it never ended well. As time went on, Taeyeon learnt that she should keep her mouth shut if she wanted to salvage the relationship. Gradually, a wall was built between them.

~*~*~*~

"Taeyeon!"

Taeyeon froze in her tracks upon hearing a familiar voice calling out to her. She slowly turned around and met her ex-girlfriend face to face.

"Sica..."

"Sunny told me you're leaving for Australia. Is that true?" Jessica called out.

Taeyeon nodded. "I've applied for a job in Melbourne as a Korean language teacher and got selected."