TaengSic (COMPILATION)

We Meet Again (C)

Autumn 2011

Taeyeon stepped into her favourite bookstore in downtown Seoul. She wandered towards the magazine section and took some time to scan through the various publications on the shelves. She picked out some magazines before proceeding to the Arts section in the bookstore.

"Ahh...found it. Hmmm, let's see what else I need," Taeyeon mumbled to herself as she fumbled with her shopping list. Taeyeon accidentally bumped into someone as she abruptly turned around in the narrow aisle.

"I'm so sorry! So sorry! I didn't realize there's someone behind me. Let me help you with the books," Taeyeon apologized profusely. Both Taeyeon and the stranger squatted down to pick up their respective stuff, which were strewn all over the floor.

"I'm sorry for bumping into you," Taeyeon gathered her stuff and looked at the person whom she just bumped into. "Sica...Jessica...is that you?"

"Taeyeon?" the taller girl hugged her books and stood up. "Hey, it's really you. Here's your shopping list. Still prefer the pen and paper?" Jessica smiled and handed the crumpled paper to the shorter girl.

"Ah yes, I just can't get the hang of using those apps in my phone. I suppose I'm just the old school type. How have you been? I think it has been four, no, five years since I last saw you. You still look the same." Still as gorgeous...

"Thanks. I'm doing fine. I see you're putting your heart where your passion is," Jessica deduced, looking at the camera bag and the various photography magazines Taeyeon was carrying.

"Ah yes," came an awkward reply.

"Are you in a rush? Do you have some time for coffee? It has been a long time since we last saw each other. Maybe we could catch up over coffee?"

"Oh ok, sure."

=========

"This place hasn't changed a bit," Jessica looked around the familiar café.

"Yup, thankfully the owner didn't sell this place away. I heard it was up for sale two years ago. I suppose it's still caramel macchiato for you?"

"You've a good memory. I'll go grab a seat."

"Earl grey tea's still your favourite? It's nice to know some things never change," Jessica smiled.

"Ya, I guess. What brings you back to Seoul? How long would you be here for?" Taeyeon asked. She somehow felt nervous and awkward facing her old friend. They hadn't been in touch for the past few years, besides sending each other annual Birthdays and Christmas e-greeting cards.

"I'm back here for a short break. I'm supposed to be on a holiday but Daddy asked me to help run some errands for the company at the same time. Are you doing photography full time?" Jessica studied the face she had not seen in the past five years. Deep down in her heart, she knew she missed the familiar face but she tried not to show it. A face she once knew so well. A face she once caressed with tender loving care. A face she once...kissed.

"Yea, I'm thankful for the opportunity to pursue my passion as my job," Taeyeon fiddled with the straw of her drink, not knowing what to say next.

"Hmm...the familiar scent of waffles from the café's kitchen reminds me of the first time we met. Do you remember?" Jessica chuckled as she recalled that moment.

"Yes, I'll always remember that day. It was quite memorable," Taeyeon said with a smile.

Spring 2005 – First Encounter

"I want a double scoop of vanilla ice cream on my waffle please!" Taeyeon traced her finger across the ice cream display and placed her order. She grabbed the plate of waffles off the register and made her way to an empty table at the university's café.