Prologue

Da-hee poked her head outside of the door to see a long hallway, dark. She could hear voices coming from another room near her. With her arms tied together in the front, she opened the door wider with her hands and slowly let herself out without making any noise. Lifting up her large white dress, which was a wedding dress, Da-hee slowly tiptoed out of the room. Due to the dark hallway, it was a lot harder for Da-hee to see where she’s going. The only light was a light from a single room where the door was not completely shut. The voices were coming from there. Pausing beside the door, not yet showing herself in the small light, Da-hee listened to them.

“Why did you bring her here?!” a guy with a high voice asked. “I didn’t know you both kidnap people!”

“Hyung, that’s really mean!” another voice muttered. “We were just trying to help Yunho Hyung.”

Yunho Oppa? These people know Yunho Oppa? Da-hee asked herself shocked. She continued to listen.

“But you two kidnapped the wrong girl.” The high voice continued.

“Stop it already.” A dull voice muttered. “What’s done is done. We’ll just have to tell Yunho Hyung about it.” He flashed out his cell phone and dialed Yunho’s cell phone number. Immediately, as Yunho answered, he hung up. “Maybe after he’s a little calm.”

“Yunho Hyung is angry?”

“He sounds like he can kill someone.” Muttered the guy.

What is wrong with these people? Da-hee asked herself.

“As for right now, we’ll have to keep her here.” Muttered the guy with the cell phone, “Since she hasn’t seen our faces clearly, we’ll be fine. We’ll just release her tomorrow or something.”

“—I don’t think that’s the case anymore.” Muttered another voice as he noticed Da-hee peeking at them. “Isn’t that her?” he asked.

Quickly as three faces flashed toward Da-hee’s direction, Da-hee, with a jolt, went running down the hall.

“GET HER!” She could hear the guys screaming after.

The hallways were like mazes. Since it was so dark, it made it harder to get around. It must have been a good fifteen minutes before Da-hee finally found an exit from the backyard. Jumping through air, Da-hee continued to run. Right behind her was three guys. One of them was a tall skinny brunette. He was the tallest of them all. The other two was shorter and about the same height.

“Changmin! Use your tall legs! Run after her!” yelled out one of the shorter guys.

“I think that’s not the case anymore Yoochun Hyung.” Changmin replied back.

“Agh—she’s getting away!” the other guy muttered.

“Junsu Hyung, you’re favorite sport is soccer. Just image her like a soccer ball.” Changmin muttered. “And run after her!”

“I’m not a ball!” Da-hee yelled at them as she continued to run.

Due to the large house and lightless paths, Da-hee finally found the gates that had been shutting her in with these three weirdoes. Feeling herself relieved almost, Da-hee came upon the gates and tried to push it open. However, instead of opening, it remained shut.

“What?” she blurted.

“—the gates are closed.” Junsu muttered.

“I need to catch my breath.” Yoochun exhaled.

“That was a run.” Changmin breathed. “You can run.” He muttered at her.

Da-hee looked at them meaninglessly and then blurted, “Why are you still keeping me held captive? I know about Yunho Oppa. Aren’t you afraid of him? I’m going to tell him what you did to me!” she threatened them.

Exchanging looks, they all blurted, “THAT’S THE REASON WHY WE CAN’T LET YOU LEAVE!”

Chapter 01The Previous Day, Before the WeddingDa-hee walked into the bride’s changing room and found her friend, Yoona, sitting on the chair and look at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a beautiful white wedding dress. As Da-hee walked into the room Yoona turned to face her friend.

“Are you nervous?” Da-hee asked Yoona. “Yunho Oppa seems nervous as well.”

Yoona slightly smiled. “Da-hee, do you think Yunho and I match?” she asked.

Da-hee nodded quickly. “Of course! You’re the only woman who looks good with Yunho Oppa!” she answered. “I’m sure you’re nervous since that you’re getting married, but once you two hit the honeymoon! Your fear will all be gone!” She grinned happily.

Yoona slightly smiled again. “Da-hee, can you do me a favor?”

“Of course.” Da-hee nodded.

“Can you please turn around?” Yoona asked.

Da-hee nodded and turned her back against Yoona. As she waited for Yoona to instruct more, a sudden cold metal shaped like a circle touched the bare neck of Da-hee’s. As Da-hee realized what it was, Yoona had already spoken.

“Don’t move.” She said coldly. “We’re going to switch clothes.”

“What did you say?” Da-hee mumbled.

“I’m not the only woman who can look good with Yunho.” Yoona muttered. “There’s someone else who looks better with him.” She slightly mumbled.

“Yoona, I don’t know what you’re saying. Please calm down. I’m sure we could work something out.” Da-hee mumbled.

“I’m not going to marry him.” Yoona continued. “Take off your clothes right now.”

Da-hee froze before Yoona. Giving the gun another push against Da-hee’s neck, Da-hee slightly nodded in fear and confusion. Undressing herself, Da-hee mumbled, “What are you planning to do?”

“You’re going to marry Yunho.” Yoona answered.

“What?” Da-hee blurted.

As Da-hee blurted, Yoona forced her to turn around, and then smiled. “Didn’t you say you’ll do me a favor?” she asked.

______

Changmin looked nervously at Yoochun who was taking a deep breath. Both of them were dressed in black outfits and a black mask was in each of their hands.

“Changmin, as Yunho Hyung’s good friends, we have to save him from grief. Let’s make sure we kidnap the bride.” Yoochun said.

“Hyung,” Changmin mumbled, “We’re doing the right thing right?” he asked.

“When it comes to putting our lives on the line, anything is right.” Yoochun answered.

Nodding at one another, Changmin and Yoochun both left the car holding onto their masks in their hands. Entering the building through the back door, Changmin and Yoochun both put their lives in action. Wearing their masks, they managed to find the hallway to the bride’s dressing room isolated. Coming upon the door, they quickly swung it opened and yelled out, “FREEZE!”

“Eh?” a girl dressed in the bride’s outfit looked oddly at them.

“She’s the only one here.” Changmin mumbled.

“Makes our job easier.” Yoochun muttered.

They walk over to the bride. She was holding tightly onto the flower bouquet. Stumbling backward from them, Yoochun quickly pulled onto the bride’s arm.

“Can you please be quiet?” Yoochun asked her nicely before pulling out some tapes in his pocket. Just as the bride was about to scream, Changmin covered her mouth and off Yoochun taped up her lips. Doing their job as hurriedly as they can, they carried the bride off.

______

Yunho waited patiently with the relatives as they waited for the bride to come. However, one of the bridesmaids came running through the door shocked.

“The Yoona, Yoona is pointing a gun to Da-hee!” the bridesmaid coughed the words in shock. “They—they swapped clothes too.”

“What?” the entire family blurted as the bridesmaid tried to explain.

“Yoona is running away from the wedding…” she breathed.

Angered by the situation, Yunho rushed to the dressing room. Kicking it open, there was no one there. “Da-hee…” Yunho spoke Da-hee’s name.

______

Yoochun and Changmin both high-five one another as their plan was successful. Flipping up the phone, Yoochun called Yunho.

“Yunho…”

“—Da-hee is missing!” Yunho yelled loudly. “Yoona swapped clothes with her and now she’s missing!”

“Yoona? Who’s Yoona.”

“Idiot, she’s the one I’m marrying today.” Yunho explained.

“Oh—right—uh—I just came to tell you, I don’t think Changmin and I can come to the wedding.” Yoochun muttered.

“Don’t come! It’s already ruined.” Yunho answered.

“Oh, right…” Yoochun weakly mumbled. He slightly looked at Changmin and whispered, “Ask the bride’s name, please. Yunho is acting really weird.”

Changmin nodded and turned to the bride. “Uhm—by any chance—can you tell me your name?”

She glared at them as nothing came from her mouth but only gibberish due to the tape around her lips. As Changmin realized that, he slightly undoes the tape around her mouth, slightly giving a small chuckle in embarrassment.

“What did you say?” He asked her.

“I SAID MY NAME IS DA-HEE YOU IDIOTS!” she shouted.

“—Da-hee?” Yunho’s voice mumbled as he heard Da-hee’s voice at the background.

“Hahaha, radio programs are so funny these days!” Yoochun laughed and quickly hang up. Exchanging looks with Changmin, tears seemed to be running from their eyes.

“WE ARE SO DEAD!” they shouted at the top of their lungs.

______

Present time, Junsu’s HouseJunsu and Da-hee both exchanged looks before blurting out, “WHY ARE WE BEING TIED TOGETHER LIKE THIS?!”

Looking at them amusingly was Yoochun and Changmin. Junsu and Da-hee are now both tied by a two feet rope on their hands at each end.

“Hyung,” Changmin muttered, “It’s the best way. We can’t let her go home or Yunho Hyung will kill us.”

“But why did you guys have to tie me up too?” Junsu asked them.

“So that you both can’t get away.” Yoochun looked evilly at them. “Just be good to one another.”

“Why do you sound like you’re leaving?” Junsu asked Yoochun.

“I have other things to do.” Yoochun answered.

“Me too.” Changmin muttered after. “Hyung doesn’t have anything else to do but play soccer. You look after her.” He added.

“I also have a life too you know!” Junsu blurted.

“No you don’t.” Changmin and Yoochun both replied in a dull voice.

Junsu frowned at them. “Don’t you both love me one bit?”

Changmin smiled. “I’ll come and visit, I promise.”

“If there’s any trouble, Junsu, you’re dead.” Yoochun blurted.

“Like that’s going to make me feel any better!” Junsu blurted.

Laughing at Junsu, Yoochun and Changmin both left. Watching them leave, Da-hee looked evilly at Junsu.

“Some friends you have.” She muttered coldly at Junsu. “They even tied you up.”

“Hey! They’re usually a lot kinder than this.” Junsu protested but then quietly mumbled, “Unless they're in trouble, that is.”

Da-hee sighed. “You’re so useless.”

______

Yoochun and Changmin both looked at one another as they laughed loudly outside.

“It’s really mean to put everything onto Hyung, but at least we’re not in trouble.” Changmin muttered happily.

“Yeah. Now, I can finally explain why I couldn’t make it to my date last night!” Yoochun smiled happily.

______

Junsu handed a pair of clothes to Da-hee as he signaled for her to dress herself in those clothes. Looking at him suspicious, she lifted up her hands and whacked him on the head.

“Idiot, how am I suppose to wear this when my hands are tied together?” she asked him.

“Then you expect us to walk like this out in the open?” Junsu asked as he lifted up the rope. “We’ll be sent to the police and I’ll get in trouble!”

Da-hee smiled. “Then why don’t we just call the police right now? It’ll make everything end

faster.”

“Are you kidding me? They both left me alone. I’ll get blame for everything.” Junsu blurted. “I won’t do it. I refuse!”

Da-hee glared at him. “WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO OUT ANYWAY?” she asked him.

Junsu groaned. “I’m hungry! I only live in this house by myself!”

She paused for a moment before muttering, “Do you hate to live with people?”

“It’s not that!” Junsu protested. “My parents are abroad and bought this house for me! My nanny comes here once a while to check on me! Stop with your weird imagination!”

Da-hee sighed. “Then how am I suppose to wear these clothes then?” she asked.

They both exchanged looks before their faces went completely red. The only way for Da-hee to change was for Junsu to undress her! 

“I promise not to look.” Junsu promised raising his hands up in the air.

“Do you want to die?!” Da-hee screamed kicking him on the leg.

“Ahh!” Junsu cried in pain. “YAH! Why do you keep on hitting me?!”

Chapter 02Yoochun and Changmin poked their heads into Junsu’s bedroom that morning. Immediately, the two of them burst into laughter as they found Da-hee on the bed while Junsu was sleeping weirdly on the ground, beside the bed. If a stranger would have walked in, Junsu and Da-hee would have been mistaken to be extremely rough and violent lovers due to the rope around their hands.

“They seem to have a rough night.” Yoochun mumbled.

“And they look like they get along well.” Changmin added.

“Should we just blame everything on Junsu? He is tied with her.” Yoochun suddenly blurted without much thought. His face seemed to be completely convinced about blaming Junsu. “There’s no evidence that we’ll be kill if Yunho seems them first right?” he asked.

Changmin frowned. “Don’t you think we’re being a little too mean to Hyung? I mean, he didn’t even help us kidnap her. I think it’ll be wrong to say it’s all Hyung’s fault.”

“Are you stupid?” Yoochun poked Changmin on the forehead. “Then do you want us to die instead?”

“No…” Changmin bitted his lips. Hyung, it seems like you might really have to take responsibilities for this one. Changmin thought to himself and followed Yoochun away from

Junsu’s bedroom.

______

“Hmm…warm…” Junsu snuggled against the warmth beside him. His eyes remained closed for a second before jolting them up. Right in front of him was Da-hee, who had fallen from the bed. Unlike the previous night’s posture, Junsu is away from the side of his bed and was actually at the opposite end of the room. It seemed like, during his twisting and turning, he had accidentally pulled Da-hee off the bed with him. Looking at her closely, he realized a small bruise at the top of her forehead. Immediately, Junsu’s face went pale. He could already sense himself getting beat for the many times that week. Still lying on the ground, he turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling. With no sense of movement from Da-hee, he knew that that morning was going to be a very long one.

______

Yunho sat quietly beside Jaejoong. Jaejoong, Da-hee’s older brother, looked fierce and in rage.

“Has anyone found where Yoona’s whereabouts is?” he asked.

“There’s no trace of her as of right now.” Yunho answered.

“And Da-hee’s?” Jaejoong asked more.

“I have already reported her to the police.” Yunho answered.

Jaejoong sighed in distress. “What idiots would have the guts to kidnap my sister?!” he angrily asked.

______

“Ahh-choo!” Yoochun and Changmin both sneezed.

“—it seems like we might be catching a cold.” Yoochun sniffed as he let out a small shaking sound.

“But it’s not the fever season yet.” Changmin mumbled.

“—those two…how long are they planning to sleep?’ Yoochun asked. “It’s already so late in the morning.”

“Hyung, I’m hungry.” Changmin groaned. “Junsu doesn’t have anything to eat at all.”

“That guy doesn’t cook. He’s lazy.” Yoochun muttered.

______

Da-hee slowly opened her eyes to find herself with the biggest headache ever. Sitting up, she groaned at the pain. Slowly as her vision became clearer, she realized she was on the ground. Beside her was Junsu, sleeping peacefully with a big smile on his lips. His hands were cuddling the side of the wedding dress. Noticing how close they were together, Da-hee’s face turned extremely red.

“YAAH!” she screamed loudly, pushing Junsu from her and then kicking him. “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”

“AHH!!” Junsu screamed in pain. “IT HURTS. IT HURTS!” he cried.

Running to the door, Da-hee fell onto the floor, hard. Not only did she slip on her own dress, but the weight from Junsu also brought her down as well. “WHY ARE WE TIED TOGETHER ANYWAY?” She angrily yelled at her frustration. “I want to go home!”

“Stop screaming.” Junsu whined. “It’s too early to be screaming!!!”

“It’s your entire fault you loser!” Da-hee yelled out more.

Junsu groaned in pain as he managed to crawl over to her. He quickly pinned her against the wall and placed his hands over her mouth. “If I have a knife, I would have cut this rope off already okay! I don’t cook in this hou---AHH!!!” Junsu screamed as Da-hee bitted his hands.

“What are you? Living in a house with no silverware and utensils! You lazy loser!” Da-hee barked.

“I’m not lazy!!” Junsu pouted. “I just don’t know how to cook!” He felt like crying.

Junsu and Da-hee both glared at one another as their silent hard breathing was doing all the talking. Suddenly, a voice caught their attention.

“—what are you two doing??” Yoochun and Changmin poked their heads inside.

“—good afternoon.” Changmin waved slightly at them with a grin. “Did you sleep well?”

No one answered but all gave him the weirdest looks. Clearing his throat, Changmin remained quiet.

______

Changmin brought over the first-aid kit as he helped placed medicine over Junsu and Da-hee’s faces. Due to the fall from the bed and from trying to runaway, Da-hee suffered a few bruises on her face. As for Junsu, due to all the beating that he suffered from Da-hee, his entire body was aching.

“You two looked like a married couple.” Changmin remarked with a smile as he placed a bandit over Junsu’s cheek. “Though they don’t fight that much.” He quickly added.

“Is that supposed to be a joke?” Da-hee coldly asked him.

Swallowing hard at that comment, Changmin only smiled at Da-hee. She’s even scarier than Yunho Hyung. Changmin thought to himself.

Sitting beside them, Yoochun examined the situation in front of him. He knew well that if they mistreat Da-hee any longer, the three of them will be sent to jail. Also, due to his and Changmin’s mistake, Yoochun knew for sure that Yunho will completely side with the police. Closing his eyes and shaking his head in distress, Yoochun sighed.

“I solved it.” He blurted for attention. Three heads turned their way to him. He looked at them sternly before muttering, “Junsu you take the blame.”

“Eh?!” Junsu and Changmin’s mouth dropped open.

“Yoochun Hyung, what are you talking about?” Changmin asked. “We can’t blame on Junsu Hyung.”

“Why am I the one being used? Remember, you guys pulled me into this mess.” Junsu whined. “Beside, I don’t want to be beaten by Yunho Hyung. He hits hard. This woman here already has the fist of an evil woman.” He pointed at Da-hee who only glared back in return.

No one spoke for a minute. Da-hee, looking at them, finally muttered something.

“Why don’t we all be good people, and just find a way to untied us both?” she asked them. “Then, we’ll talk about whom to blame.”

Junsu quickly nodded his head as he felt a lot better hearing about his separation with Da-hee. He can already see the sunny days in front of him. However, Changmin and Yoochun seemed to be unconvinced by Da-hee’s act. Da-hee, who noticed their answer by their face expressions, felt herself more in rage more than ever.

“Then what do you guys want to do? Keep me here forever?” Da-hee asked them.

Junsu shook his head, Changmin shrugged and Yoochun remained silent. Before Da-hee can even say more, a sudden large growl became from all four of their stomachs. Exchanging looks, their faces went pale and a small chuckle from each of them laughed.

“Haha, I think I’m getting hungry.” Changmin laughed.

“It must be all that frustration.” Yoochun remarked.

“My tummy is hurting!!!” Junsu felt like crying.

“—untie me.” Da-hee’s words broke the friendly atmosphere around them.

Immediately, silence came upon them once more.

“Untie me so I could cook damn it! I’M STARVING!” she snapped.

“YES MAIM!” they all chanted together.

The day was just starting.

Chapter 03Junsu walked closely beside Da-hee outside the street markets as Yoochun and Changmin both strolled a few feet behind them. If anyone looked closely enough, they could see a small rope, probably no longer than eight or nine inches, tying the two of them together. Due to their fear of Da-hee running away, Yoochun and Changmin had swiped up the idea of only tying one of their hands together. Junsu and Da-hee both looked like a very imitate couple.

“So why don’t you cook again?” Da-hee asked him dully as she looked closely at the vegetables.

“Do I have to answer that?” Junsu asked her.

“Since we’re tied together, we might as well become friends.” Da-hee suggested.

“Friends?” Junsu thought of himself being hit by Da-hee. At his silence, Da-hee stopped walking and turned to face him. Immediately as Junsu felt the warm breath coming from Da-hee, he let out a jump backward; however, he stopped himself from falling and making a scene.

“Don’t want to be friends with me?” Da-hee asked.

Junsu slightly shook his head. “It’s not that.” He answered.

“Then what is it?” Da-hee asked.

Junsu blushed. “It’s just…you’ll be the first girl friend I have.”

“Girlfriend?” Da-hee’s face turned evil.

“That’s not what I meant. I meant a friend that’s a girl.” Junsu corrected himself.

Da-hee looked at him and then shrugged. “So?” she muttered. “It’s not that big of a deal you know.”

Junsu blushed. “I’m Kim Junsu. Please to meet you.”

“Kim Da-hee. Give me all your money.”

“Eh?”

Three Hours Later

The three guys growled in tiresome as their entire arms were filled with all sorts of meat, vegetables, desserts and other goodies for the house which mainly is for the kitchen. Arriving upon the house once again, Junsu managed to unlock the gates and then the house with his almost die-out hand. Ordering everyone to bring everything into the kitchen, Da-hee and the others began to prepare for their first meal together.

______

Yunho sat quietly by himself in his dark room as he tried to think where Da-hee could have been taken to. Falling on his back onto his comfy bed, he closed his eyes and think. All sorts of conversation came up during the wedding as he remembered. He remembered when Da-hee smiled at him and congratulated on the wedding. Though he didn’t like that she was able to not see his real feelings, nonetheless she had the most beautiful smile.

“Da-hee…” he spoke her name. Suddenly a flash of Da-hee yelling returned to his mind. Jolting with his eyes open, Yunho felt sweat running down his forehead. Wiping the sweats, he asked himself, “Where did I hear that?”

______

“It’s finished!” Junsu, Yoochun and Changmin all shouted as Da-hee finished cooking. The smell of the Kimchi Jjigae had already cogged up their nostrils. Junsu stumbled along side with Da-hee as she placed the individual bowls around the table. Returning back to the kitchen counter, she grabbed the hot sizzling bulgogi dish and brought it back to the center of the table. Meanwhile as she was working, Changmin and Yoochun both filled the rice bowls with rice.

Sitting together at the table filled with food, three pair of eyes glittered with delight.

“So this is how it feels to have a girlfriend.” Changmin asked.

“Yeah, the women’s cooking is always the best.” Yoochun nodded as he smelt the aura coming from the food.

“This looks really good, I can’t wait to eat!” Junsu excitedly remarked.

“Let’s eat!” they yelled but stopped as Da-hee interrupted them.

“—I poisoned the food.” Da-hee muttered.

They all stopped and blankly looked at her. Suddenly, she let out a smile and then muttered, “Just kidding.” She dipped her spoon into the Kimchi stew and let out a refreshing sound. “This is delicious!” she said to them though no one seemed to be convinced.

As she ate, the three of them oddly looked at one another, uncertain if they should trust Da-hee or not.

______

It had been an entire day since the wedding. Dressed in casual clothes and with a cap on, Yoona slightly lifted up her face to see the houselights of Jaejoong’s. The quietness around the area had already taught her that due to Da-hee’s disappearance, everyone seemed to be in a bad state of mind. Frowning, Yoona let out a small sigh.

“It’s my fault.” Yoona mumbled. “If only I hadn’t swap clothes with you.”

“—what was that?” a voice suddenly came from behind her.

Turning around, Yoona could see Jaejoong standing behind her. His eyes were stern and evil.

“What did you just say?” he asked her.

Yoona paused for a moment, before smiling, “It’s a good evening isn’t it, Jaejoong Oppa?” Quickly without a second to miss, she started running.

Jaejoong, who was shocked to see her run, began trailing after her. “Yoona!” he called to her as he ran.

Yoona, who was not answering him, continued to run. She didn’t know why she ran. Maybe it was because she didn’t want to explain the reason why she forced Da-hee to swapped clothes with her. If Jaejoong would have known, Yoona’s life would no longer be important.“Yoona!” Jaejoong continued to call.

Yoona found herself approaching a huge mall. Luckily the entrance was so close that hiding herself in the mall would be easy due to the distant apart from Jaejoong. Running in there, Yoona disappeared. Jaejoong, who entered the mall after her, stopped running as he noticed Yoona was nowhere to be found. Frustrated, Jaejoong angrily let out a hard stomp on the floor.

______

That night as Da-hee tried to go to bed, the growl from Junsu’s stomach became louder than ever. Slightly turning to him, she could see how pale his face had become. His eyes were opened and were staring at the ceiling. His free hand was upon his stomach, almost trying to comfort it. Slowly standing up, Da-hee poked at him.

“Get up.” She told him.

“I don’t have any more strength.” Junsu replied.

“The sound of your stomach is too annoying. I’ll get you something to eat.” Da-hee said.

“You promise not to poison me?” he asked her.

She growled. “The food wasn’t even poisoned. I lied.” She confessed.

Junsu sat up quickly and gave her a pouting face. “Did you know that I believed you?!” he blurted like a child.

Da-hee, for some reason, gave him a smile. “Do you always believe people that easily?” she asked him.

Junsu quickly shook his head. “No.” he answered. “But for some reason, I feel like I can trust you.” He explained.

As he said that, Da-hee’s face turned pink. Turning away before Junsu could see it, she coughed, “My tummy is also crying. Let’s grab a midnight snack.”

Junsu grinned. “Yes please!”

Junsu and Da-hee walked out of the room. In the living room, Changmin and Yoochun had decided to spend the night and were sleeping peacefully on each of the couches. Strolling to the kitchen, Da-hee turned on the lights. Opening the fridge, which is now filled with food, she pulled out the Kimchi hotpot and the leftover bulgogi. After reheating it, Junsu helped her bring the two dishes onto the table. And then Da-hee brought over the rice and placed them onto two bowls.

Junsu smiled at her. “You would really make a good girlfriend.” His words slipped out of his lips. “It’s the first time any girl has ever cooked for me as well as willing to make a midnight snack for me.” He grinned happily at her. “You’re the first.”

Clearing her throat, Da-hee mumbled, “Maybe you’re just too lazy that’s why no one likes you.”

“Eh?” Junsu looked hurt. “I—got my reasons—okay.”

As Da-hee noticed how silent Junsu had become, she picked up her spoon and filled it with the stew. “Here,” she placed it near Junsu’s lips. “Hurry up before it gets cold.”

Smiling, Junsu opened his mouth and Da-hee fed him. Before she could take out the spoon from his mouth, a cough from someone caught their attention. Turning to see who it was Junsu and Da-hee’s entire face went completely pale. Standing in front of them was Junsu’s nanny who seemed to almost have a heart attack by seeing Da-hee feeding Junsu and also the rope tied around their hands.

“Nanny!” Junsu blurted.

“Junsu-shi, what is going on?” the nanny asked.

Chapter 04All four pair of eyes looked at Junsu’s nanny who gave them a disappointed expression. Yoochun and Changmin had been forced to wake up after Junsu was unable to explain correctly about his situation with Da-hee. No one spoke as the nanny continued to examine their facial expressions that late evening. Sitting beside her was a huge scissor.

“Did you two elope together?” The nanny finally asked Junsu.

Quickly as his nanny asked that, Junsu’s mouth dropped open in shock. The person, who seemed to have taken care of him for so long had thought up of such an evil idea about him, almost gave Junsu a heart attack.

Barely able to answer in return, Junsu mumbled, “That’s not it.”

“Did you both sleep together?” The nanny asked more.

“Eh?” Junsu’s entire face went red. “Of course not!” Thinking about the question, images of him and Da-hee sleeping together on the floor flashed into his mind. Feeling his face getting hot, Junsu closed his eyes and shook his head. “Nothing happened between us! I promise!” he blurted.

“What are you talking about dude?” Yoochun mumbled at him half asleep. “Let’s just tell your nanny and go back to bed.”

Changmin nodded.

“Tell her what?” Junsu asked them.

“Nanny-shi,” Yoochun began to explain the situation, “It’s Junsu’s first time having a girlfriend. He’s just really excited to be with her. That’s all.” Immediately as he explained, his body fell onto the floor and went to bed.

Changmin, who nodded at Yoochun’s lie, slightly waved at them and also fell back to the ground, asleep. Junsu and Da-hee both blankly looked at them two at the fake accusation.

“Is that right?” Nanny asked.

Junsu paused in fear as he remembered how scary his nanny can be when she is angry. Slightly nodding almost, Da-hee shook her head.

“That’s not true at all.” She blurted.

Quickly, Junsu covered Da-hee’s mouth with his free hand. Pulling her to face him, he slightly whispered, “Don’t make my nanny angry. She’s even scarier than you. We’ll be safer if we both agree to Yoochun Hyung’s lie right now.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Da-hee shook off Junsu’s hand and whispered right back. “It’s the perfect time to say everything.”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“NO!”

“YES!”

“Hmm…” Changmin groaned in his sleep. Moving around, he accidentally placed his long leg at the back of Da-hee and then, out of nowhere, kicked her. As he did so, Da-hee’s body fell forward while Junsu was too busy blurting “no” at her. Before he could realized that Da-hee was falling, her lips had already placed itself on his!

“NN—” Junsu’s entire eyes popped open. His heart seemed to have escaped from inside and is now thudding loudly like some kind of crazy wolf!

Da-hee’s face went completely red as their kiss lasted a few seconds before pushing Junsu away. Watching them the entire time was Junsu’s nanny. Convinced by their unexpected kiss, the nanny sighed.

“Young people in love are so dangerous nowadays.” She said picking up the huge scissor.

Frozen before the nanny, Da-hee and Junsu both watched her as the nanny moved closer to them. Letting the mouth of the scissor open like an alligator, she slashed the rope loose in one chop. Smiling at them, she slightly mumbled, “Don’t you think it’s easier to play now?”

Hearts beating at ten thousands miles an hour, Junsu and Da-hee slightly nodded.

The nanny only continued to grin at them. “I came to check on you because no one answered the phone this entire day. I was worried. But now that it’s so late, I’ll be spending the night here. Oh, how rude of me. What’s your name dear?” She asked Da-hee.

“Kim Da-hee…” Da-hee answered.

“Da-hee.” The nanny smiled. “You and Junsu-shi really make a good couple. This boy is just silly and spoil. Make sure you make a good man out of him.” She said.

Da-hee looked at Junsu whose entire face turned red.

The evening finally ended that night.

______

The next morning as Junsu woke up, he felt like it was the best night of his life. Sitting up on his bed and stretching, Junsu walked out of his bed. The smell of the morning breakfast quickly caught his nostrils as he hurried toward the kitchen. Arriving upon the kitchen, his entire body went numb and for the first time, his heart dropped ten thousands feet down.

Standing in front of him was Da-hee dressed in normal clothes and in a pink apron. Junsu’s nanny was also there, in a pink apron, helping with breakfast. Swallowing hard at his shock expression, he cleared his throat.

“Good morning.” He waved calmly at them.

“You’re up.” Nanny smiled at him. “How does Da-hee look? Lovely isn’t she? It’s a good thing your mother still have some clothes left. We wouldn’t want her to be running around in that wedding gown of hers all the time right?” She muttered. “Da-hee looks beautiful doesn’t she?”

Junsu looked at Da-hee. It’s true that she looked more beautiful than ever in the morning. It was probably the first time that he looked at her closely. For some reasons, she seemed to be glowing brighter than ever.

“It suits her.” Junsu tried to act cool. He turned away from them, “Where’s Yoochun Hyung and Changmin?” he asked.

“They’re still sleeping.” Da-hee answered him.

“Is that so?” Junsu replied back. “I’ll go and check on them.” Quickly, he left to the guestroom where Yoochun and Changmin both shared. Opening the door and jumping into the room, he slammed it shut and he fell onto the ground with his back against the door.

“What was that?” he asked himself. He placed his hand over his heart and could feel it thudding loudly. “Do I have a disease?” he asked more.

Unaware that Yoochun and Changmin both had been awoken by the noise, they sat quietly up. Rubbing against their eyes, they could hear Junsu continued to talk to himself as if he’s some kind of crazy guy.

“It can’t be.” Junsu mumbled. “It’s the first time my heart is beating so loud. Did she do something to me? Wait, could it be that she poisoned me?!”

“—Hyung.” Changmin called to him.

“I know! I had a nightmare last night!” Junsu blurted. “I dreamt that I kissed her! Hahaha.” He laughed. “As if we’ll kiss anyway!”

“—Hyung.” Changmin called once again.

“That’s right. It was nothing. Nothing at all.” Junsu smiled as convinced himself.

“—Hyung.” Changmin called again.

Hearing Changmin finally, Junsu turned to face his two weary friends. “Oh, you two are up.” He smiled at them. “I came to check on you both.”

“—why is your face so red?” Yoochun asked him.

“My face?” Junsu touched his face and realized how burning it was. He laughed. “I think I’m beginning to catch a fever.”

“—Hyung, you said that you’ve kissed Da-hee-shi?” Changmin mumbled. “Is that right?”

“What are you talking about?” Junsu laughed. “There’s no way that she and I will ki—“As images of the previous night flashed again in his mind, Junsu’s hands immediately covered his “kissed” lips.

“Oh, I see.” Yoochun chuckled. “No reason why your lips were swollen. I thought it was my eyes fooling me.” He stood up and pushed Junsu away from the door. “You better be careful, Junsu. Yunho likes her.”

“Eh?” Junsu blurted. “What does that suppose to mean?!”

“Hyung,” Changmin stood up and followed Yoochun. “Congratulations.” He said.

“Huh?” Junsu blankly watched them leave him. “That can’t be.” He told himself. “I can’t…be falling in love with her!”

Chapter 05For the first time ever, Junsu felt like something had cogged up his throat. The entire time during breakfast, he couldn’t even smell the scent of the delicious foods right in front of him. He was more too occupied with watching Da-hee. Though he had tried to convince himself that he wasn’t falling for Da-hee, he fell in love with her more and more.

“Junsu-shi?” The voice of his nanny finally caught his attention. Turning to face her, he noticed how worried she looked.

“Are you sick?” She asked him. “You haven’t touched a thing.”

Junsu looked at his stainless chopsticks and spoon. His bowl of rice hasn’t been touched and his soup was getting cold. Remaining quiet, Yoochun coughed.

“He’s too busy preparing for his confession.” Yoochun muttered.

“His confession?” Nanny looked at Yoochun. “What confession?”

“You haven’t noticed?” Changmin looked surprised. “Hyung is in lo—” Before Changmin can finish, Junsu pinched him on the thigh underneath the table. Twitching in pain, Changmin tried to keep a normal expression on, which was harder than he thought.

“It’s nothing at all.” Junsu smiled at them. “I was just—smelling the food! Hahaha.” He laughed.

“You’re turning weirder and weirder, weirdo.” Da-hee remarked and continued to eat.

Even if she said mean remarks to me, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m falling for her.Junsu told himself.

_______

“Thank you for the food!” Yoochun and Changmin both thanked Da-hee and Nanny. “We’ll be leaving now! Junsu! GOOD LUCK!”

“What are you talking about?” Junsu quickly blurted at them. “Go away already!”

“Hyung, I’m rooting for you!” Changmin gave him a thumbs-up.

Watching them leave, the three of them waved.

“Oh! I almost forgot.” Nanny blurted. “I have a meeting tonight at the apartment with the other women. Junsu-shi, I noticed there was a pile of clothes stored in your closet. Why don’t you let Da-hee help you wash them? I’ll come tonight to cook dinner.” She smiled and hurried off as well.

“Please be careful!” Da-hee called to Nanny.

“Take your time!” Junsu, out of nowhere, blurted but stopped as he noticed Da-hee oddly looking at him. “What?” He asked her.

“What do you mean ‘take your time’ idiot?” She muttered coldly. She returned back inside the house.

Shrugging, Junsu followed her. They arrived inside Junsu’s room momentarily. Pushing his closet to open, clothes fell down the moment space was given. Looking evilly at him, Junsu weakly smiled at Da-hee.

“Pick it up.” She demanded him.

“Eh?”

“How much longer are you going to let your stinky clothes stay in here?” She asked him.

“They’re not stinky…” Junsu pouted as he knelt to pick up his clothes. Picking them up, he slightly smelt one of the clothing. Immediately, his face turned green.

“Hurry up. Nanny wants all your clothes done before she comes back.” Da-hee told him.

“Wait, aren’t you going to help me?” Junsu asked her quickly.

Da-hee crossed her arms. “Why do I have to help you?!” She blurted.

He frowned. “I thought you’re going to help me.”

“Are you kidding?” Da-hee answered. “What am I to you that I must help you?” She asked him.

Pausing, the world “girlfriend” popped in Junsu’s head. However, instead of saying it, he lowered his head and whispered, “Yes maim. I’ll do my laundry.”

Junsu followed Da-hee outside into the large backyard. In her arms was a super large silver bowl while in Junsu’s arms were huge bags filled with his dirty laundry, already separated by colors. As Da-hee placed the bowl down, she turned to Junsu.

“Make sure the smell goes away.” She told him.

Da-hee walked over to the water hose and turned on the water, meanwhile Junsu began to put his white color clothes into the bowl. Lifting the water hose higher toward the bowl, it accidentally splashed onto Junsu. The touch of freezing water dripped down Junsu’s wet clothes. Turning to face Da-hee, he suddenly dashed over to her.

“You’re not getting away this time!” Junsu yelled out. He snatched the water hose from Da-hee and turned the running water’s direction at Da-hee. All soaked, Da-hee snatched the hose back and turned it the opposite way where Junsu was running.

Wasting time, the laundry remained dry.

______

That late afternoon Yoochun finally arrived to his apartment. As the clear sliding doors open to revealed an angry looking Yunho, Yoochun felt that his days of peace was coming to an end.

“Hyung,” Yoochun greeted as he approached Yunho. He could smell the alcohol around Yunho.

“I remembered now…” Yunho looked at Yoochun suspiciously. “I remembered where I heard Da-hee’s voice.”

“You did?” Yoochun felt sweats running down his forehead.

Yunho’s sharp evil eyes pierced right through Yoochun as if Satan himself was there. “Where is Da-hee, Yoochun?” Yunho asked him. “I—want—to—see—her.” Finishing his sentence, Yunho’s entire body fell onto the ground, dead almost.

Grasping out of fear and shock, Yoochun breathed hard.

______

“Stay with you?” Da-hee oddly gave a blank look at Junsu’s nanny who had asked Da-hee to stay with her.

“That’s right.” The nanny nodded. “Staying with a bunch of boys when you’re not married is not a good thing.” She explained. “Even if you are Junsu-shi’s girlfriend. Da-hee, do your parents know that you two elope together? Junsu-shi is such a trouble maker.”

“We—didn’t—exactly elope together.” Da-hee corrected her. “Actually…” she paused for a moment, wondering if she should tell her that she was kidnapped by Yoochun and Changmin accidentally and was brought to Junsu to take the blame. Debating to herself for a few seconds, she noticed Junsu’s nanny chuckling.

“That boy has always been alone.” She whispered. “Ever since his parents died, this is the first time I’ve seen him so lively.”

“His parents?” Da-hee oddly muttered. “But Junsu said that his parents are abroad.”

“That’s true. However, his real parents died a long time ago when he’s a child. His parents now are his aunt and uncle who had bought this house for him. They barely come to see him due to their busy schedule. The first time I met Junsu-shi was twelve years ago when I was hired by his aunt and uncle. He was such a lonely boy—but he eventually came to open up to me. Junsu-shi is really a kind boy. Please be good to him.”

Unable to answer correctly, Da-hee only nodded her head in agreement. 

______

That night as Da-hee prepared to leave with Junsu’s nanny. Junsu suddenly approached her, tugging the side of her sleeve.

“You’re leaving?” He asked her.

She looked emotionless at him and nodded. “I am.”

“Are you going to runaway?” He asked her.

“It’s possible.” Da-hee answered.

Junsu paused for a moment before muttering, “Will you runaway from me then?”

Chapter 06A silent wind, from Junsu’s open window, blew against them almost as if it was sending a message that trouble was coming. However, before Da-hee could answer Junsu, Nanny arrived at the door of Junsu’s room.

“Da-hee?” The nanny called to her.

“I’m coming.” Da-hee blurted as she hurried from Junsu, but as she passed him, Junsu grabbed onto her hand. Twitching at the endless pain in her heart, she pushed his hand away and hurried out of the room. Nanny was standing outside the door, frowning at them.

“I’m sure separating is a hard thing. But, I’m sure everything will be better if Junsu talks with your parents soon.” She told Da-hee.

Da-hee nodded at her and followed Nanny out. Junsu watched them quietly, uncertain if he should follow her or not. Poking his head out the door, he could see Da-hee and his nanny leaving from the front door. With his heart pacing, Junsu hurriedly over to Da-hee, however before he could reach her, Da-hee already stepped out of the house.

______

Changmin knocked on Yoochun’s door that night after receiving a phone call from him. As the door opened, Changmin entered the apartment. He can quickly smell the scent of alcohol coming from Yunho who was sleeping on Yoochun’s bed. Giving Yoochun a disgusted look from the smell, they both sat down.

“What should we do?” Yoochun asked. “It seems like Yunho Hyung finally remember something during the wedding.”

“Does he suspect it’s us?” Changmin asked.

“I’m sure. He wouldn’t have come here if he doesn’t think it was us.” Yoochun answered. “We’ll just have to find the best way to explain it to him.” He turned toward Yunho’s direction. He could already sense the pain in his body once Yunho finds out. “We should tell him once he silvers up.”

“Yes.” Changmin nodded. “If Yunho Hyung hears about this when he’s drunk, we’ll be dead for sure!” He nodded.

Yoochun sighed. “Everything’s getting so complicated! Why did the bride and Da-hee switched clothes anyway?!” He groaned in confusion. “Everything would have been perfect if Da-hee didn’t switch clothes with her!”

“Remember, when we first met Da-hee. Her hands were already tied with the flower bouquet.” Changmin pointed out. “That Yoona woman must be really scary as well.”

“Everyone is scary to you.” Yoochun quickly commented.

“That’s not true.” Changmin protested. “They’re only scary when they’re angry.” He added.

“Anyhow, we’ll have to tell Yunho what happen.” Yoochun nodded.

“I’m with you all the way.” Changmin muttered. “What we did was for Yunho Hyung. We’ll take the blame for everything.”

A long silence came from Yoochun before muttering, “Let’s hope Da-hee’s with Junsu, so that he’ll get in trouble too.”

“Eh?”

______

Outside of the house, Junsu sat quietly to himself. It had already been a good thirty minutes since Da-hee had left him. For the first time those thirty minutes was like thirty years to him.

“Ahh!” Junsu yelled out loudly like some kind of moron, “Why is this so complicated?! Why didn’t she just stay with me?!” He asked himself. “Is this a sign for me to chase after her?! Is it? Because I’M REALLY GOING TO CHASE HER!” He shouted loudly and dashed after Da-hee.

______

The bus ride to Nanny’s house was quite long, a lot longer than Da-hee had thought. It had already been well past thirty minutes. The entire time during the ride, Da-hee remained quiet and she couldn’t help look outside her window. Oddly, each time a guy passed the window of the bus, he had Junsu’s face. Though she knew well she must be hallucinating, she couldn’t help but smile whenever his face does appear. Finally the stop to Nanny’s place arrived.

Walking along side Nanny, Da-hee thought back to Junsu’s words. “Will you runaway from me then?” His words repeated itself in her mind.

“What is he talking about anyway?” Da-hee suddenly blurted to herself.

Forgot that Nanny was there with her, Da-hee stopped talking—however—something more important caught her attention. Sitting outside of Nanny’s apartment was Junsu, sweaty. As he saw her and Nanny, Junsu stood up—nervous and embarrassed that he actually arrived before them.

“Da-hee…” He spoke her name.

“—how did you get here so fast?” Nanny suddenly asked him. “Weren’t you at home?”

“Oh…yeah…that’s true.” Junsu laughed. “I—I also want to spend the night at your house tonight!” He blurted.

“Eh? Why?” Da-hee asked him.

At her rejection, Junsu frowned. “I can’t stay here then?” He mumbled.

“I didn’t say that.” Da-hee answered. “You assumed that yourself.”

Nanny laughed. “I guess Junsu-shi’s first time feeling lonely in a different way. Yes, you can spend the night here Junsu-shi.”

“Feeling lonely in a different way?” Da-hee mumbled. “What other way is there when he’s a loner himself?” She shrugged and followed Nanny inside the apartment. Right behind her was Junsu, happy and excited.

______

“Here.” Da-hee dropped a bunch of blankets and pillows to Junsu who was sleeping outside in the living room. He looked happily at her as only nodded a “thanks” in return. Annoyed with his happy silence, Da-hee quickly blurted, “What’s wrong with you. How creepy. Stop it already.” She told him.

“How is it creepy?” Junsu asked her. “It’s not like I did anything to you.”

“You learn to talk back already huh?” Da-hee gave him a cold glare. “Do you want to get beat up?”

“Yes.” Junsu answered.

“Eh?” Da-hee looked confused yet left without saying anything in return.

Watching her go, Junsu grinned happily to himself. It was probably the first time Da-hee was frustrated to say anything back to him. Contented, Junsu picked up the pillows and blankets and made himself at home with it. As he finished and was about to lie in his comfy bed, he could see Da-hee turning off the lights at one corner. For some reasons as he watched her walked pass him and toward the bedroom, his body jolt up and grabbed onto her hand. Everything became tense and quiet.

Chapter 07Junsu continued to hold onto Da-hee’s hand. It was warm and a little shaky. Though Junsu didn’t say anything about the shakiness of Da-hee’s hand, he could sense that she was quite nervous around him. They must have stood like that for a few more long seconds before Junsu let out a smile of relief, and let go of her hand.

“Goodnight.” He whispered at the side of her ear. 

He turned his back from her and returned back to his bed like a good gentleman. As soon as he lied down and covered himself with his blanket, he could hear the door to Da-hee’s room shutting. Looking at the dark ceiling, he smiled to himself. For some reason, he was content.

______

Inside of the dark room was Da-hee. Her hands were upon her chest, feeling the drum beat of her heart racing. Her cheeks had begun to glow red in the dark as well as her body shaking endlessly. By the shock of Junsu’s weird activities around her, Da-hee groaned to herself in confusion.

“That idiot.” She mumbled to herself. “What is he up to?”

With no explanation about why Junsu was acting weird, Da-hee decided to stay away from such useless topic. It will only get her more headaches if she thought about it. Falling onto her bed and letting the warm blanket cover her, she decided to go to bed instead.

______

Yunho woke up the next morning with a horrible migraine. With one of his hands rubbing against the pain, he noticed that Yoochun and Changmin were sleeping on the couches in the living room. Remaining on the bed, he noticed that he couldn’t remember what happened the previous night. He had no idea why he turned up in Yoochun’s apartment and had no idea why Changmin was there as well. Groaning, he jumped back to bed and returned to sleep.

______

Da-hee woke up the next morning to see that Nanny had gone out. Nanny had already made breakfast and had set it on the table with a thin white cloth over it. Junsu, who was not awake yet, was sleeping on the couch, soundlessly. Walking by him, she could hear him breathing and slightly mumbling something to himself. A big smile was upon his lips. Leaning forward to hear him better, she realized Junsu was mumbling her name. Feeling her cheeks blushing, Da-hee quickly turned away. About to walk off, Junsu grabbed onto her arm and pulled her back. As she stumbled backward, she ended up falling on top of him.

“What are you doing?!” Da-hee elbowed him hard on the stomach as Junsu let her go in a yelp of pain. She stood up and watched him sitting up. One hand was on his stomach while the other was rubbing his weary eyes.

“That was mean.” Junsu whined. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” He asked her.

Da-hee glared at him. “That doesn’t concern you at all!” She answered. She turned away and as she was about to walk pass him, Junsu remarked a silly accusation at her.

“Did you try to kiss me?” He smirked.

“Eh?” Da-hee gave him a weird look.

“I mean, it’s possible.” He continued. He stood up and approached her. “I mean, we did kiss already.”

At the moment of him speaking the word “kiss,” Da-hee lifted her hand and whacked him on the head.

“So perverted!” She told him and stomped to the kitchen.

Amused by her reaction, Junsu hurried and followed her.

______

It was probably the sound of Yunho’s cell phone crying loudly that woke him up. Trying to locate the noisy phone, he finally found it under the bed. Answering it, he was surprised that the person calling was Da-hee’s younger sister, Jaeyoung.

“Oppa!” Jaeyoung exclaimed loudly. “Oppa! My father collapsed. Oppa, will he be okay?”

Yunho, poking the side of his ear, sat up. “Jaeyoung, calm down. Where are you right now?” Yunho asked her.

“At the hospital.” Jaeyoung answered as her voice became hoarse. “Oppa, please come soon.”

“I’ll be there in a little bit.” Yunho answered. Hanging up, Yunho grabbed onto his jacket and ran out—forgetting something very important that he had to ask Yoochun about.

By the time Yoochun and Changmin woke up, Yunho was already gone. Instead, what they found was an empty messy bed. Just as they worried all night about what to explain to Yunho, their strength was wasted.

“So where is Yunho?” asked Changmin almost lifelessly.

“It seemed like he left,” Yoochun answered in a dull and tried voice, “in a hurry.”

Looking at one another again, they sighed. All that worrying the entire night was for nothing!

______

When Yunho finally arrived at the hospital, Jaeyoung was already waiting outside for him. Rushing along side with her, they arrived at room where Da-hee’s father was being held. Entering, he could see Da-hee’s father attached with the oxygen mask. Jaejoong was also there, stressed.

“How is he?” Yunho asked as he approached Da-hee’s father. He was pale and worn out.

“Haven’t woken up since he got here.” Jaejoong answered.

“—it’s Uhnni’s entire fault!” Jaeyoung angrily blurted. “She’s always getting into trouble! If only she was found already, father wouldn’t have collapsed like this!”

“JAEYOUNG!” Jaejoong angrily snapped. “This is not the time to say that!”

Jaeyoung quickly stopped and bitted her lips. “I’m sorry.” She apologized.

“I’ve given pictures of Da-hee to the police already. They should be distribution the poster everywhere. Da-hee’s bound to be somewhere. Father’s health is decreasing as well.”

“And Yoona is not found yet huh?” Yunho sighed. “Things are getting more complicated than ever.”

“All I want now is to find those two and make them apology to father.” Jaejoong answered.

______

Da-hee and Junsu, both dressed in aprons, stood side by side as they washed the dishes together. One of the sinks was filled with soap which had turned into large bubbles. The other was filled with warm water for rinsing. Junsu, who was washing, out of nowhere grabbed onto a bunch of bubbles and smeared it over the side of Da-hee’s cheeks. He laughed as she crankily gave him a glared.

“Yah!” Da-hee snapped at him. Dipping her hand into the bubble, she lifted a bunch of them together and smeared it over his face and hair.

Junsu, who did the same thing again, smeared more bubbles onto Da-hee.

“Hey!” Da-hee growled.

Playing with the bubbles for some times, Junsu and Da-hee finally stopped. Returning to their “former” job, Junsu handed Da-hee a soaped plate. Grabbing it, it suddenly slipped out of Da-hee’s hand and slammed hard onto the floor. The plate shattered into many pieces. Da-hee, who was stunned by that accident, hurried bent down to grab the broken pieces but instead, cut herself.

“You cut yourself.” Junsu took hold of her hand and quickly placed a towel over it.

Da-hee paused for a moment before muttering, “It’s a bad omen…” She told Junsu. “Something bad is going to happen.”

Chapter 08Da-hee left to her room while Junsu remained outside to clean up. When he was done sweeping the broken pieces of the plate, he walked over to Da-hee’s room. Knocking it, no one answered.

“Da-hee?” He called to her.

Da-hee, who was inside the room, did not answer Junsu. She had her back against the door and was cuddling her kneels together, like ball. A bandit was around the cut on her hand. While Junsu was calling and knocking on the door, Da-hee tried to think up reasons why the plate broke. At the time of washing dishes, her hands weren’t slippery at all. However, when she touched the plate, it dropped without any warning.

“Da-hee…” Junsu called to her once more.

Da-hee closed her eyes and frowned. Is something happening at home? She asked herself.

______

Jaejoong opened his weary eyes as he noticed he had fallen asleep. As his vision became clearer, he could see Jaeyoung currently watching television while Yunho was also napping. He looked worn out and messed up when he arrived earlier that morning. Jaejoong knew well that Yunho had been drinking the previous night. Yawning a little, he walked up to his father. His father was still unconscious with no signs of waking up yet. Touching the pale hand of his father, he prayed in his heart that his father would wake up soon.

______

Later that afternoon, Da-hee walked out of her room to find Junsu napping oddly on the couch. His head was tilted with no support. Grabbing a small pillow and blanket, Da-hee fixed Junsu’s position and covered him with the blanket to keep him warm. As she did so, Da-hee gave him a small frown.

“I have to leave.” She whispered to him. “Please don’t be angry with me.”

With those words, she left.

______

When Junsu finally woke up, the house was already empty and quiet. There was no sound of Da-hee or his Nanny. Pushing the blanket aside from him, he stood up and stretched. Walking to Da-hee’s room afterwards, he knocked on it. Like before, no one answered.

“Da-hee,” Junsu called to her once again. And again, no one answered. Grabbing onto the handle, he then slightly opened the door and poke his head inside. To his surprise, the room was dark and empty.

“Da-hee?” He called to her. Nothing but only silence answered him. He opened the door wider. No one was inside. Closing it immediately, he walked to the kitchen, then the bathroom, and then back to the living room. There was no sign of Da-hee anywhere.

“Where did she go?” He asked himself. Thinking for a second, he remembered Da-hee vaguely whispering something to him earlier. “I have to leave. Please don’t be angry with me.” Her words made its way back into his mind.

“It couldn’t have been real…” Junsu thought confusedly. “That was only a dream, right…?” He looked turn the door and noticed it was unlocked. “It’s not a dream!!”

He jumped up from where he was, and ran out the apartment, determined to find Da-hee.

______

Da-hee waited at the bus station. Luckily she still had Junsu’s credit cards and a few dollars from the previous days when buying groceries for the house. With that money, she was able

to buy herself a ticket back home. For some reasons, she had been hesitation about her suddenly leave. Looking at the entrance of the station, she had been hoping that maybe Junsu will pop out of nowhere and asked her not to leave or offering to go with her. However, it had been nearly an hour and he hasn’t showed up yet.

“That lazy bum,” Da-hee said to herself. “I bet he’s still sleeping.” 

Frowning almost, Da-hee took a deep breath and off she walked toward the bus back to her city. As she did so, the bus began moving.

______

Junsu finally arrived to the station. Running around the lobby area, Da-hee was nowhere to be found. Grasping for air, he rushed outside where the buses was parked and departing. As he arrived, a bus was moving from its parking and departing to a city. Instead of checking that moving bus, Junsu rushed around the other buses that were parked. After looking at all of the buses, Da-hee was still nowhere to be found. A frustrated Junsu continued to search for Da-hee.

______

Da-hee closed her eyes and let her head lean onto the window. The ride back to the city was going to be at least one hour. One hour used to be nothing to her, but now, one hour seemed to be a complete lifetime. Remaining with her eyes close, a weird jolt from the bus woke her up. Sitting up straight, she noticed the bus was moving rather oddly. Instead of going straight on the road, the bus had come close near the rocks and river on the other side of the street.

“Bus driver?” Da-hee called. 

She slightly stood up when suddenly a loud scream from the front forced her to run. A woman was crying as she pointed to the bus driver. Looking at him, Da-hee noticed that his mouth was beginning to form foam. From the sense of his action, Da-hee knew well that the bus driver was unconscious.

“We’re going to crash!” A man pointed out as the bus moved closer and closer toward the edge of the road.

Grabbing onto the wheel, Da-hee managed to pull the bus from falling off. However, with the driver on the seat and her inexperience bus driving knowledge, the worst was only waiting for them. Trying to maintain calm, the people in the bus tried to move the driver from the seat. As they’re doing so, another scream came from a passenger.

“A truck!” She shouted.

Da-hee, scared to her bones, tried hard to avoid the truck by turning the wheel to the opposite side. However, as hard as she did try, the bus wasn’t moving away. Feeling a cold chill down her back, everything went dead quiet. 

The bus crashed.

Chapter 09Jaeyoung was flipping through the channels as she came upon a news-reporting about a fire accident between a truck and a bus that morning in another nearby city. However, watching it, the door to the room opened and Yunho appeared. In his hands were Chinese carry outs. Steams of its scent rose up into the air. Happily that she can finally eat, Jaeyoung took the control and turned off the television set just as the photos of the injured were being showed.

______

Junsu and Nanny raced to the hospital as they had been notified that a woman with Junsu’s credit cards had been severely injured in the fire accident. As soon as Junsu heard such news, he raced like the speed of light to the hospital where Da-hee was being kept. Arriving at the hospital momentarily, the nurses accompanied him into a room where most all the patients from the accident were. Arriving at the foot of Da-hee’s bed, Junsu found himself almost tearing up.

Da-hee was pale and there were cuts on her face. Around her forehead were bandages that had been soaked in blood at one side. The palms of her hand were beet red. On her left leg, there was a cast. Walking up to Da-hee, Junsu touched the side of her face softly. It was warm.

“From the passengers who were not severely hurt, they said that she was the one who was controlling the bus after the driver passed out.” The nurse said to him. “She has no identification but only the cards with her. Are you her relative?” She asked him.

Junsu nodded. “Yes, I am…”

“What exactly is your relationship with her?” The nurse asked. “Are you her husband?” Before Junsu can answer, the nurse quickly muttered, “I’m sorry, but can you please wait for a second.” With that, she hurried to another patient by the command of a doctor. As she left, Junsu returned back to Da-hee.

“I told you not to runaway from me.” He touched her hand. “Why didn’t you listen to me?”Standing beside him, his nanny frowned. “I’ll try to get her into a better room.” She told him and left as well.

Junsu remained still, clutching tightly onto her hand. “Now that your leg is broken, I’ll make sure you won’t be able to runaway from me again!” He declared.

______

Changmin and Yoochun both arrived to the hospital later that afternoon after receiving a phone call from Junsu. Running through the hall like the speed of light, they arrived at Da-hee’s room. Swinging the door open, they found Junsu and Nanny both inside, quiet. Da-

hee was on the bed, still unconscious.

“Is she alright?” Changmin and Yoochun both exclaimed at the same time.

Junsu shrugged. “The doctor said that she’s was very lucky. She suffered bruises and cuts. She also has a broken leg due to the impact of the truck and bus colliding with one another.” He answered. “However, she hasn’t woken up yet.”

“Is that so?” They both went quiet. “Do you know the reason why the bus driver collapse? They quickly then asked.

Junsu shrugged. “From what the doctor said, the driver suffered a series seizure due to some kind of stress. He wasn’t able to give me any more information than he had already done so.”

Nodding their heads and looking at one another, Changmin and Yoochun realized that it wasn’t the best time to confess about Yunho and assumption about them. Sitting at the couch against the corner, they silently watched Junsu comfort Da-hee.

______

Yoona sat at the usual bar and drank down her shot of alcohol. It had been so hard and complicated since the wedding that she was unable to return to her family or face the consequences that might be waiting for her. Across from her was a television set. The news was broadcasting. Watching carelessly at it, her eyes suddenly jolted open as Da-hee’s pictured flashed in the screen. The reporter was explaining how Da-hee was the one driving after the driver had passed out. Due to her situation, Da-hee was the only one who was severely injured.

“Da-hee…” Yoona’s heart jumped. The cup of alcohol dropped from her hand and splashed it everywhere. Luckily the glass didn’t break. Pulling away from the counter, Yoona signaled the bartender to put the charge on her tab. As the bartender nodded with a wave, Yoona ran out. Flipping out her cell phone, she dialed Jaejoong’s number.

______

It was probably later in the evening when Da-hee finally woke up. In the dimmed room, she could see Yoochun and Changmin sleeping peacefully together on the couch. Nanny was not there. Junsu was sitting on a chair with his head on the edge of her bed, sleeping. With a small smile on her lips, Da-hee tried to move from her bed. Instead, a pain from her leg stopped her from moving. Almost letting out a cry of pain, she covered her mouth. 

From sound of the noise and her movement on the bed, Junsu woke up. Wincing to get his focus clearer, he quickly noticed Da-hee awake. Immediately like lightening, he stood up. Da-hee watched him in as Junsu gave her a shocking look.

“Da-hee!” He blurted.

“Shhh!” She told him to quiet down. She pointed over to Yoochun and Changmin who were still sleeping. Nodding at her, he smiled.

“I’m glad you’re finally up.” He told her. “I was so worried.”

“Fresh air…” She muttered. “I want some fresh air.”

Junsu nodded. “Come on. I’ll help you.”

Da-hee pulled the blankets away from her and then shifted her body where her legs could hang from the edge of the bed. After that, Junsu helped her to the ground where he let one of her arms fall around his neck. Supporting her by grabbing onto her waist, the two of them walked out.

The hospital hallway was quiet and almost dimmed. No one was in sight. Luckily that Da-hee was located on the first floor; it was easier to move around. After walking down the long hallway, they came upon the large lounge. However, before they could even more farther, a sudden voice caught their attention.

“Da-hee!” Jaejoong called her name.

Turning to Jaejoong’s direction, Junsu and Da-hee could see Jaejoong, Yoona and Yunho standing bluntly before them.

Chapter 10“Da-hee!” Jaejoong called out Da-hee’s name.

Turning to face him, Da-hee and Junsu both found themselves in front of Jaejoong, Yoona, and Yunho. Though Da-hee was happy to see them, horror also struck her face. It took a moment before she could actually speak.

“O-pp-a.” Da-hee slowly called to Jaejoong. She didn’t know if she wanted to see them or not. However, she knew for a fact that she didn’t want them to see her in such poor state.

“Da-hee!” Jaejoong hurried to Da-hee’s side. “Are you okay?” He asked. “Is it hurting? Tell me.”

“Oppa, I’m fine.” Da-hee answered calmly. Da-hee slightly looked off the side of Jaejoong and noticed Yoona. Yoona’s eyes were not on Da-hee but the ground. “Yoona…” She muttered.

Yoona slightly looked up and muttered, “Da-hee…”

______

Yoona and Da-hee sat together far from the three guys who were sitting the opposite of them. Together for the first time after the incident was much like meeting each other all over again.

“I saw you on TV.” Yoona explained. “That’s how we knew that you were here.”

“Is that so?” Da-hee answered in a small voice.

“How are you doing?” Yoona asked, uncertain what to say next. The awkwardness between them was heavy and tense. None of the girls looked at one another. “I heard what happened to you after I left. I’m so sorry.” She added. “I didn’t know that that was going to happen.”

“It’s alright.” Da-hee answered. “It’s not your fault. It’s my misfortune.”

“Did they treat you badly?” Yoona concernedly asked.

“No. They were really good to me.” Da-hee answered with a small smile on.

“That’s a relief.” Yoona sighed. “I was really worried.”

“Yoona…” Da-hee looked at her. “Have you apologized to Yunho Oppa yet?” She asked.

Yoona froze in silence. Da-hee looked away.

“I don’t hate you.” She muttered, “And I forgive you. But I can’t forgive you for ruining Yunho Oppa’s wedding.”

______

Watching the Da-hee and Yoona talk, Jaejoong, Yunho and Junsu both sat together with a cup of coffee in their hands each. None of them seemed to have exchanged any words yet. Finally, Yunho cleared his throat.

“How do you know Da-hee?” Yunho turned to Junsu and asked him.

Junsu looked up, uncertain if he should tell a lie or the truth in front of Yunho. About to babble something, Jaejoong cleared his throat.

“That’s not important right now.” Jaejoong answered. “More importantly, we should worry about Da-hee’s health.”

“Yes.” Junsu and Yunho agreed.

______

Afar from the lounge were Changmin and Yoochun. Their heads were poking from the side of the hallway and shocked to see everyone together. Grasping in confusion almost, the two of them hurried back into Da-hee’s room. Closing the door immediately, they looked at one another in fear.

“Why is Yunho here?” Yoochun asked.

“And who’s the girl talking with Da-hee-shi?” Changmin asked. “Can she be that Yoona woman?”

“And there’s another guy with Yunho and Junsu.” Yoochun pointed out. “He looks scary.”

“I’ve never seen him before.” Changmin muttered.

“He must know Yunho and Da-hee.” Yoochun answered.

Talking to one another, the door to the room suddenly opened. Immediately, as Yoochun and Changmin turned to see who it was. The entire room went dead quiet as Junsu, Da-hee, Yunho, Jaejoong and Yoona appeared at the door. The seven of them looked at one another with blank expressions.

“You two…what are you guys doing here?” Yunho spoke as he was surprised to find Yoochun and Changmin there. However, something else popped into his mind as he remembered the vague scene from previous night when he was confronting Yoochun about Da-hee’s case.

“Uh—” Yoochun and Changmin froze.

It was as if the silence between them had said everything. The word “guilt” was written on both Yoochun and Changmin’s faces while the word “furious” was on Yunho’s.

“It can’t be.” Yunho blurted in shock almost. He had a big stupid smile upon his lips as he laughed at himself for not realizing it in the first place. The answer was right in front of him this entire time yet he was too careless to notice.

“What can’t be?” Yoochun mumbled.

“Can’t be what?” Changmin mumbled.

Yunho chuckled. “What idiots…” 

Without loosing any more precious time, Yunho hurried into the room and grabbed onto Yoochun’s somewhat muscular hand and Changmin’s scrawny yet also muscular hand. Without any explanation, Yunho pulled the two of them out of the room. Dragging them down the long hallway, their voices and footsteps disappeared around the corner once the three of them left the hospital building outside.

______

Outside where Yunho pulled them around the back of the hospital, he released Yoochun and Changmin. Giving them an evil smirk and an “I know what you did” face, Yunho spoke.

“Alright. Fess up.” He told them. “Tell me everything and I’ll forgive you both in one

second.”

“Only in a second?” Yoochun and Changmin both exchanged looks. 

Quickly like Yunho had demanded, they confessed the entire story at the pace of chipmunks. Just in a matter of seconds, Yunho, who was unsure to either call them idiots or bigger idiots, gave them the weirdest looks.

“Is that all?” He asked.

Yoochun and Changmin nodded.

“Good.” He smiled at them. Yunho unbutton his jacket and threw it at Changmin who stumbled to catch the jacket. “Hold that for me for a second, will you?” Yunho asked Changmin as he stretched his arms and neck. As Changmin nodded dumbly, Yunho suddenly did a jump kick at Yoochun, who was beginning to runaway from them, and then a sidekick at Changmin’s long body. The two of them flew a certain long distant. Groaning in pain, another surprise was waiting for them.

“—what’s going on here?” The voice of Jaejoong appeared from behind them. Quickly as he noticed the situation, he also unbuttoned his jacket.

“I’ll call the nurse for an extra room.” Yunho muttered as he pulled his jacket from Changmin’s aching arms.

As Yunho left them, Jaejoong cracked his knuckles, his shoulders and neck, and was excited as ever to find the idiots who kidnapped his sister.

“So these are the idiots.”

______

That night, Nanny had brought midnight dinners for everyone, an individual bowl of Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and Kimchi. She had also brought extra blankets and pillows for the others who had just arrived to visit Da-hee. Like a big and happy family, everyone ate together in Da-hee’s room.

“Here.” Yunho helped mixed Da-hee’s noodles for her. “Eat it while it’s fresh.” He told her.

Da-hee thanked him. Dipping her chopsticks into the noodles, she could see Junsu looking at her, hurt, from the corner of her eyes. Unable to do much about it, she ate her noodles silently with Yunho beside her.

Along the couch were Yoochun, Changmin, Jaejoong and Yoona. No one talked between them. Changmin and Yoochun were both suffering from terrible bruises and swollen cheeks. Both Changmin and Yoochun’s lips were big and swollen, almost like a clown’s. Yoochun had bandages around his forehead while Changmin has it around his hand. Both of the bandages were slightly stained with blood. No one asked what happen.

Jaejoong and Yoona both remained silent as they only thanked Nanny for the late dinner. At the opposite end of the room was Junsu, alone on the floor, with his noodles. Nanny, who can see the awkwardness in the room, let out a small friendly chuckle.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Da-hee’s family.” Nanny said with a warm smile on, “I’m Junsu-shi’s Nanny. I noticed how awkward the room is right now. Is everyone angry because Junsu-shi and Da-hee both had eloped together?” She asked them.

“Eh?” Everyone looked up.

A long silence paused between Jaejoong, Yoona and Yunho. Slowly their faces turned toward Junsu and Da-hee.

“ELOPED?!”

Chapter 11“ELOPED!” Jaejoong, Yoona and Yunho blurted in shock as they turned their heads at the “criminals” Junsu and Da-hee.

Already too surprised to answer, Junsu and Da-hee both growled in dismay.

“We didn’t elope together.” Da-hee explained.

“Uh—we just kind of ended up together.” Junsu added.

They sighed together, unsure if anyone was willing to believe them or not.

Nanny, out of nowhere, laughed loudly as Junsu and Da-hee corrected her about the “eloped” story that Nanny had assumed the moment she met Da-hee. No one talked or at least not Jaejoong, Yoona and Yunho. Maybe it was because the shock of hearing the word “eloped” was still flashing in their minds.

“Why didn’t you say so in the first place?” Nanny asked Da-hee and Junsu as she calmed down a bit. “I was really going to push that boy to meet your parents and ask for your hand in marriage!”

“Is that so?” Da-hee felt her cheeks burning.

“Well, then…why were you at Junsu’s house then?” Nanny then asked, which again, brought silence in the room.

Every one again turned their attention to Da-hee and Junsu. Slowly, Junsu and Da-hee looked at Yoochun and Changmin who were still agonizing over their swollen faces. Noticing that they have became the center stage of attention, Yoochun and Changmin can only give them stupid smiles and chuckles.

“Well then…” Yoona stood up, breaking the awkward silence between them. “Since it’s

already so late, why don’t we let Da-hee get some more rest?” She suggested.

Everyone nodded at that suggestion. Quickly, Yunho helped set up the pillows on Da-hee’s bed and helped her lean back. Watching them the entire time, Junsu felt a sharp needle poking him deeply in his heart. Throwing away his bowl of Jajangmyeon, he stood up and walked toward the door.

“Junsu, where are you doing?” Da-hee suddenly called to him as she noticed him leaving. It was like a sense of reflex that suddenly blurted out without warning. Everyone turned their attention to Junsu and Da-hee as they waited for farther reactions from them.

“Some fresh air.” Junsu lied. He smiled at her kindly and walked out before she could say anything else.

Yunho, who noticed Da-hee’s concerns for Junsu, left Da-hee’s side. He approached Jaejoong and Yoona who were ready to leave.

“Actually…” Jaejoong said to the group, “I have some business to attend back at home, so I will be leaving.”

“Business?” Da-hee curiously mumbled. “What kind of business?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Jaejoong replied back. He didn’t feel like telling Da-hee about their father who is also at the hospital. “Just take care of yourself and I’ll return back to pick you up.” He told her.

Smiling at her brother, Yoona and Jaejoong left. Still in the room, Yunho pulled a chair toward Da-hee.

“You should go to bed. I’ll stay here and watch over you.” Yunho told her.

Smiling, Da-hee nodded. “Alright.”

Yoochun and Changmin were already at the couch, ready for bed. Nanny had returned back to the apartment and Junsu had not return from his little “fresh air” yet. Turning off the lights, Yunho sat down on the chair and watched Da-hee fall asleep in the dark.

______

It was nearly four a.m. in the morning when Da-hee was awaken by the sound of the wind outside. Slightly sitting up, she could see Yoochun and Changmin sleeping soundlessly together at the couch. Yunho was also sleeping with his head on the edge of the bed. Looking around, she noticed Junsu was nowhere to be found. Concerned, and worried, Da-hee slowly and carefully, pushed the blanket away from her. Shifting her body where her legs would hang at the other side of the bed, she managed to stand with a winch of pain running through her entire body. While standing, Da-hee grabbed onto a small blanket and hand it around her arm. Limping around her bed and toward the door, she left her room.

The hallway, like before, was dimmed and quiet. No one was awake but her, or so it seemed. Walking down the hallway without the help of Junsu seemed to be taking forever. When she finally managed to get to where the lounge was, Da-hee was already exhausted. Looking around, she noticed Junsu sitting at one of the couches. Limping over toward him, Da-hee noticed that he was asleep.

“Getting some fresh air huh?” Da-hee muttered disappointed that Junsu had lied to her earlier.

With her uninjured leg, she kicked him. However, loosing balance, Da-hee fell forward, hitting her head against Junsu’s. Winching in pain, two arms suddenly came around Da-hee’s body, pushing her against Junsu’s chest.

“Hey!” Da-hee yelled out as she tried to push against him.

“Shh!” Junsu, who was now awake due to the head bump, told her. “It’s a hospital.”

“Let go!” Da-hee told him.

Junsu looked at her and yawned. “Did you come to accompany me?” He asked her.

“No.” Da-hee replied quickly.

“Then why are you out of bed?” Junsu asked.

“I—I—only came for some fresh air!” Da-hee lied. What am I saying? She asked herself.

Junsu laughed at her excused and boldly hugged her as he snuggled against her.

“Hey!” Da-hee blurted once more.

Junsu only smiled bigger at her struggle. “Let me stay like this for a minute.” He asked her. “I want to stay like this with you…”

Blushing as she heard those words, Da-hee let herself fall into Junsu’s warm and safe arms. Closing her eyes, she fell asleep.

Watching them the entire time was Yunho, who stood bluntly behind them, frustrated and irritated.

Chapter 12The light of the morning sun finally woke up Junsu and Da-hee, who were sleeping together on a single small couch beside one another. Slightly opening their eyes and keeping their focus back, Da-hee suddenly grasped as she noticed how close Junsu and her face were together. Immediately with her fast reflex, Da-hee pushed Junsu from her which also result her falling at the opposite end as well. Groaning in pain as she slammed the floor, Junsu sat up from his position at the opposite side and yelled out at her.

“What did you do that for?!” He pouted in anger almost.

“I don’t know. It was only a reflex.” Da-hee explained, sitting up.

“When will you stop with your dangerous activities?” Junsu asked her as he walked over to help her up. Immediately, she punched Junsu on the face.

“What did you say?” Da-hee angrily asked him. “Dangerous?”

“Ahh—why do you always hit me?!” Junsu asked her. “Am I like some kind of sandbag for you to practice your boxing or something?”

Da-hee laughed at him. “What if you are?” She asked.

Pausing, Junsu smirked. “Then you wouldn’t mind if this sandbag get closer to you, will you?” He quickly closed in distant between them. Only inches apart from one another, Da-hee tried to breathe slowly and calmly.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She asked him.

“Nothing…” Junsu answered.

“Ahem,” A voice suddenly caught their attention. It was a nurse. A bunch of patients were right behind her, glazing their eyes out at them, waiting to hear and see more. Immediately, Da-hee’s face turned red. Junsu, who ended up laughing instead, was whacked a second time by Da-hee who was already limping back to her room. Following her, the two of them returned to the room.

When Junsu and Da-hee arrived back in the room, Yunho was already gone while Yoochun and Changmin were still sleeping. The both of them had fallen down onto the ground, cuddling one another for warmth. Chuckling to themselves as they were given a “great” show by Yoochun and Changmin, Junsu helped Da-hee to her bed.

______

“You found Uhnni?” Jaeyoung blurted in surprised as Jaejoong had just confessed that he know where Da-hee is now. “Then where is she? Why isn’t she here? Doesn’t she know that father’s sick? Oppa!”

“Jaeyoung…” Jaejoong slightly mumbled his younger sister’s name.

“Why isn’t she here?” Jaeyoung asked. “Where is she, Oppa?”

“Da-hee…is…” Jaejoong paused and shook his head. “Da-hee’s at the hospital.”

“Uhnni is?” Jaeyoung muttered, “Why? Why is she at the hospital?”

“She got into an accident.” Jaejoong answered.

Biting her lips, Jaeyoung looked at Jaejoong. “I want to see her.”

______

It was the smell of Kimchi fried rice that woke up Yoochun and Changmin. Both of them, sensitive to the taste of food, woke up in seconds to see two plates sitting at the window side for them. Immediately, jolting toward the food, they stopped. Yunho, who was nice enough, grabbed to the plates and handed to them. Giving him a suspicious look for a second, the two of them took the fried rice.

“How about transferring to another hospital? A bigger one?” Yunho suddenly asked Da-hee.

“I…” Da-hee peeked slightly at Junsu, “I like this hospital. Also, it’s not like I’ll stay here long anyway.” She added.

“Then shall I take you back home right after they release you?” Yunho asked her.

Da-hee frowned to herself. She hadn’t thought of leaving since she had been at the hospital that past day. It wasn’t as if she was planning to stay longer with Junsu and the others, but it hadn’t hit her that she had to return home.

“I…”

“Do you want to stay here longer?” Yunho quickly asked.

Da-hee looked at Yunho. She could sense that something was wrong. Not only has his voice changed, but also his expression. He wasn’t the gentle and calm Yunho anymore, he was more liked annoyed and pissed off!

“Yunho—what’s wrong? Is something bothering you?” Da-hee asked suddenly.

Yunho smiled. “Something is wrong.” He answered. 

He looked up at Da-hee and only smiled. For some reasons, Da-hee felt chills coming down her back as she watched him returned back to his lunch. 

No one talked.

______

Yoona and her family sat quietly down beside one another. It was the first time that Yoona had returned back since the wedding incident. Last night, she had spent the night at Jaejoong’s place and that morning, Jaejoong had insisted that she return home. As expected, her entire family was angry at the shame that she had brought upon them.

“Nuna, why did you do that?” Heechul, Yoona’s younger brother, asked.

“—why must you disappear and let Da-hee take the blame?!” Her mother quickly slapped the side of Yoona’s arm. “Do you know how worried we were?! Why did you do it?”

“Mother…”

“Why?” Her mother asked, “Why must you do it?”

“Yunho…doesn’t like me.” Yoona answered.

“How do you know? Did he say that to you?” Asked her mother, “That boy proposed to you! Of course, he likes you!”

“Mother!” Yoona blurted, “He only proposed to me because his father wants him to! He can’t say no to his father!”

“Yoona…”

“And…he already likes someone else.” Yoona whispered. “A long time ago.”

“Then…then…” Yoona’s mother breathed. “He didn’t want to marry you? That’s the reason why you ran away?”

“I’m sorry.” Yoona frowned.

“How can he do that to you?” Heechul asked pulling his fist up with fire in his eyes. “Do you want me to beat him up for you, Nuna?”

Yoona laughed at her younger brother. “You’ll only get beat up instead.” She answered.

______

Everyone left the room as Jaeyoung and Da-hee remained alone. As they did so, Da-hee only smiled at her sister.

“Jaeyoung…” Da-hee smiled. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been horrible.” Jaeyoung answered immediately. “And do you know how’s fault is it?” She asked. “Yours.”

“Jaeyoung, I’m sorry.” Da-hee apologized. “I didn’t know.”

“Of course you didn’t.” Jaeyoung smirked. “You’re too busy getting kidnapped. Isn’t that correct?”

“Jaeyoung, you know that’s not true!”

“I always thought Uhnni was like the devil. No men can touch her, but I guess I was wrong.” Jaeyoung gave her a wicked smile, “You’re nothing after all.”

“No one is invincible.” Da-hee explained. “Not you, not me. Things happen!”

“That’s right. Things happen.” Jaeyoung nodded, “You probably don’t know about father, do you?”

“Dad?!” Da-hee blurted. “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s at the hospital thanks to you.” Jaeyoung answered. “Aren’t you happy to know? He hasn’t woken up yet. Didn’t Oppa tell you?”

“Dad’s sick?” Da-hee asked, “Jaeyoung, what’s wrong with him?”

“I don’t know.” Jaeyoung shrugged, “Maybe a heart failure due to one of his stupid daughter!”

“—JAEYOUNG!” Jaejoong, who accidentally opened the door, yelled out. “How dare you!” He walked to her and then slapped her.

“OPPA!” Jaeyoung cried. “WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HER WHEN I’M YOUR REAL SISTER?!”

“JAEYOUNG!” Jaejoong lifted his hand a second time but stopped as Da-hee pleaded.

“Stop!” Da-hee began to cry. “Stop! Please just stop! No more!”

“Da-hee…”

“Stupid Oppa!” Jaeyoung stomped out of the room.

Da-hee, crying and upset, looked at the blanket that had been stained by her tears. Jaejoong walked over to Da-hee and patted her on the back.

“Da-hee, don’t take that seriously.” Jaejoong tried to explain, “I’m sure he’ll wake up soon.”

Sniffing, Da-hee weakly mumbled to Jaejoong, “Will you take me to him?”

Chapter 13That afternoon as Da-hee was ready to leave back home with Jaejoong, she could see Junsu standing at the front of the hospital looking at her. Her rash decision to leave home had nothing to do with wanting to leave Junsu, but to see how her father was doing. Sending him a smile, Jaejoong helped her into the car and off they drove off.

The entire ride back home, Da-hee did not say anything to Jaejoong. Jaeyoung had returned home with Yunho that earlier, therefore, the entire car was silent. Jaejoong, who hadn’t even exchanged words with her since their departure, remained as mute as ever. Finally, breaking the silence between them, he spoke.

“Did they treat you badly?” He asked her.

“No.” Da-hee answered.

“Were you scared?” He continued to ask.

“At the beginning,” Da-hee answered, “but not anymore.”

Jaejoong smiled. “I’m glad.”

______

It was nearly evening when Da-hee and Jaejoong finally arrived at the hospital where her father was being kept. Inside the room, Yoona, Yunho and Jaeyoung were all there. As Jaeyoung saw her, she quickly stomped out of the room in silent. Yunho and Yoona greeted her kindly. Da-hee, nodding to them, wheeled herself next to her father. Taking hold of his pale hands, she hugged it.

“Dad.” She whispered as tears began to fall from her eyes. “It’s me dad. Please answer me.”

Though she pleaded from the bottom of her heart, her father did not answer. He remained silent and unconscious like the many previous days. Giving her space, Jaejoong, Yoona and Yunho left the room. Everything became quiet.

“Dad.” She said more. “Remember the time when we went fishing? Though we fished all day, I didn’t catch a fish and insisted that you catch one bare hand for me. You weren’t able to catch one at all and I was angry at you for a whole week. Don’t you think that’s funny? Dad…” Da-hee bitted her lips—keeping it from trembling and exploding in tears. “Dad…do you remember the time…”

All night long, she continued to talk with her father.

______

At home with Yoochun and Changmin, Junsu quiet sat beside them as they, for the first time, cooked for him. It was probably the terrible memory with Jaejoong and Yunho that had changed their characters.

“Hyung.” Changmin poked Junsu on the cheek. “Earth to Hyung…”

“Junsu!” Yoochun suddenly punched him on the face.

Growling in pain, Junsu turned to them. “Why did you hit me?” He asked Yoochun.

Yoochun laughed. “Well, I thought since Da-hee always hits you, maybe hitting you could cure you as of right now.” He explained.

“Do you want to die?” Junsu asked them.

“Eh?” Yoochun paused and pulled Changmin before him, separating him and Junsu. “You’re scary when you’re lovesick you know that?” Yoochun muttered.

“Lovesick huh?” Junsu returned back to his daze position.

______

Yoona and Yunho sat together at the lounge as they were waiting for Da-hee to signal some kind of “okay, everyone can home in” sign. Jaeyoung, who was still as angry as ever at Da-hee, had left the hospital with Jaejoong accompanying her. Together in silence, Yunho turned to Yoona.

“Where did you go all this time?” He asked her. “You didn’t even use your credit cards.”

“I was prepared.” Yoona answered calmly. “I took out money.”

Yunho smirked. “You’re planned it well. It would have been nicer to tell me your plans, instead of letting me be the laughing stock at my own wedding.” He told her.

Yoona looked at Yunho and then frowned. “Wouldn’t that go for the same for me?” She asked him. “Not only you’re marrying me for business, but you’ve loved my friend! Do you know how I must have felt?”

Yunho didn’t speak.

“When I found out, I couldn’t help but force her to switch clothes with me.” Yoona explained. “This problem wouldn’t have started if you would have been true to yourself, me and Da-hee!”

Yunho, stressed, sighed. “I didn’t mean to hurt you in any way.” He answered. “But my feelings for Da-hee are as real as our wedding.” He added.

“Does she like you the same way?” Yoona suddenly asked. “Have you ever asked her?”

Yunho paused. It’s true that Yunho had always been by Da-hee’s side yet had never confessed his feelings to her. Maybe it was because Da-hee had never once looked at Yunho the same way as he had looked at her. Her facial expressions had always been brotherly than lovers.

Yoona slowly stood up and looked down at Yunho. “I’ve noticed something when I finally saw Da-hee again.” She told Yunho. “You might have already lost Da-hee to someone else.”

“What do you mean by that?” Yunho asked Yoona.

Yoona only smiled. “She’s already in love with someone.”

______

Da-hee had fallen asleep while crying to her father and holding his hand. When she finally opened her eyes, Yunho was there, sitting quietly at the couch. As she slightly waved at him, Yunho smiled and waved back. He walked up to her and slightly patted her back.

“Did you cry out your heart?” He asked her.

Da-hee smiled at his humor. “Yeah.” She answered.

“Good.” Yunho smiled.

Da-hee pushed away from her father’s bed and was ready to get some fresh air. It had been so stuffy in the room that she was beginning to develop a headache. With the help of Yunho, he opened the door and help strolled Da-hee out of the room. The two of them appeared outside in the dark where most of all patients had already left back to their rooms. Da-hee exhaled the cool air that evening.

“It’s so beautiful tonight.” She told Yunho.

“Yes it is.” Yunho smiled. A small silent came between them as Yunho slowly mumbled, “Da-hee…”

“Hmm…” She innocently answered him.

Yunho walked from the back of the wheelchair and kneeled in front of Da-hee. She looked suspiciously at him, uncertain why Yunho had turned into such a weirdo. However, as the silence between them spoke the answer almost, Da-hee’s face turned a little pale. Yunho, whose face was filled with emotions, slowly touched Da-hee’s hand. He squeezed it a bit.

“Yunho Oppa…” She mumbled in confusion.

“Da-hee…” Yunho said her name in a way that Da-hee had never heard him say before. “Da-hee, I’m in love with you.”

Chapter 14“Da-hee, I’m in love with you.” Yunho confessed.

A long paused came from Da-hee who either was affected purely by it, or just plain shocked with no affection at all. Looking away from Yunho, Da-hee slightly frowned.

“It suddenly got so cold now!” Da-hee blurted as pulled her hands from Yunho’s reach and turned her wheelchair around. However, as she did so, Yunho suddenly hugged her from behind. He hugged her tightly, breathing against her bear neck. The tingling of confusion ran down her body as he muttered more at her.

“I’ve always loved you.” He whispered. “For so many years now. I wanted to tell you so much.”

He continued to hug her for some times, before Da-hee pulled his arms away from her. Shocked by her actions, Yunho fell in mute, discouraged to continue his confession.

“Yunho Oppa…what’s the matter with you?” Da-hee asked him. “Are you sick? Did you get a cold or something?” She slightly turned to him and smiled. “Yoona will be glad to take care of you if you tell her.” She told him. “You two should make up soon.” With that, she quickly wheeled away before Yunho could stop her a second time.

______

Yunho sat silently outside to himself, disappointed and upset. Deep inside his heart, he knew that Da-hee had never had him inside her heart. He was always a brother to her, nothing more nothing less. Covering his face, almost in disgrace, the sounds of footsteps came near him. Slightly peeking from the space of his hand, he noticed it was Yoona. She sat beside him.

“I saw Da-hee earlier.” Yoon told him. “She looked upset.”

“Is she?” Yunho sadly mumbled. “I would have assumed as much.”

“Your confession didn’t go well?” Yoona asked him.

He looked at her and then sighed. “Are you comforting me or making me more miserable?” He asked her.

“What do you think?” Yoona asked him.

Yunho suddenly leaned his head upon Yoona’s shoulder, ignoring her question instead. “Lend me your shoulder.” He told her.

______

Da-hee paused in the lounge where she thought back to Yunho’s words. I’ve always loved you for so many years now. I wanted to tell you so much. His words shivered into her mind as chills came down her back. It was the first time that she had ever felt so uncomfortable around Yunho.

______

The next day, Jaeyoung and Jaejoong had returned back to the hospital. Still unwilling to speak with Da-hee, Jaeyoung accompanied their father in cleaning him with a wet towel. Jaejoong, who was keeping Da-hee companied, handed her a homemade lunch.

“Eat it while it’s still hot.” Jaejoong told Da-hee.

“Oppa, thank you.” Da-hee thanked Jaejoong.

Jaejoong patted her on the head and smiled. “Since you’re back, father will wake up very soon.”

Da-hee smiled. “I’m sure he will.” She nodded.

______

The door to Junsu’s house opened as he bluntly stood before Yoochun and Changmin like a bum. His hair was messy and his clothes were worn out and stinky. Immediately as the smell came upon Yoochun and Changmin’s nostril, they let out a shriek and slammed Junsu’s door shut. Grasping for air, they knocked once more. This time, no one answered. Opening the unlock door themselves, they poked their heads inside. Junsu was on the ground.

“Junsu/Hyung!” Yoochun and Changmin both raced to Junsu.

“—do you think I should have given the house number to Da-hee?” Junsu asked.

“Eh?” They blankly looked at him.

Junsu sighed. “What if she wants to call, but doesn’t have the number? I must have been a fool not to give it to her before she left.” Junsu sat up and growled. “I’m also so hungry…”

Yoochun and Changmin both oddly exchanged expressions as at the twitch of Yoochun’s eyes; they grabbed onto Junsu’s body and out of nowhere, lifted him out of the house. They brought him into Yoochun’s car, however before driving off, Yoochun growled in disgust.

“Stingy! Changmin, clothes!” Yoochun demanded.

Changmin nodded and raced into the house. Moments later, arrived with a pair of clothes for Junsu. Jumping into the car, the three of them left.

______

Yoona and Heechul arrived momentarily with flowers in their arms as Jaejoong opened the door to their father’s room for them. Heechul, who quickly noticed Da-hee, raced to her with a big smile upon his face.

“What happened to you?” He asked.

“I’m doing fine. How about you?” Da-hee asked Heechul.

He smiled. “I’ve been working out. I have someone to beat up, for Nuna.” He explained.

Da-hee felt like laughing. Every time she’s with Heechul, they’re like the comedy duo!

“I’m sure you’ll win if you add a little more meat!” She answered.

Heechul laughed at her joke. “Then, girls wouldn’t like me anymore!” He explained.

Da-hee smiled. “I thought they never liked you in the first place.” She answered.

Heechul, defeated, nodded slightly. “I can never beat Da-hee Nuna at all.” He sighed.

“—how’s your father?” Yoona cut in.

“He’s still the same.” Da-hee answered. “But I’m sure that he’ll wake up soon.”

“—as if.” Jaeyoung suddenly blurted.

Quickly Heechul, with his sharp tongue, blurted, “What’s your problem?”

“My problem doesn’t have anything to do with you!” Jaeyoung stood up. She took the damp towel and out the door she left them with a loud slammed on the door.

“Geez. Like I want to be in it either.” Heechul muttered after her.

______

Junsu tied the plastic bag, with his dirty clothes in it, a double knot as he threw it below his feet. As the car finally came to a stop, he noticed they have parked outside of the hospital parking lot. Quickly as Yoochun and Changmin turned around to face Junsu, they winked at him happily.

“Da-hee’s here?” Junsu asked them quickly as he felt himself already more energetic than before. They nodded at him. Quickly, Junsu opened the door and got out. However, before he could make his first step toward the entrance, an arm came before him and stopped him. It was Yunho.

“Why are you here?” Yunho asked Junsu, suspiciously.

“Why shouldn’t I be here?” Junsu asked Yunho, almost cold.

Their eyes, for some reasons, sparked with fire inside. Catching on with the tension between Yunho and Junsu, Yoochun and Changmin remained in the car—acting invisible. Yunho pulled his arm away and placed them in his pockets.

“When did you suddenly became so close to Da-hee?” Yunho asked him. “Was it during the times that you both are forced to be together?”

Junsu smirked slightly at him. “Does it bother you?” He asked.

Yunho smiled. “It bothers me.” He answered bluntly. “And I don’t like it.”

Junsu shrugged. “And what do you want me to do about it?” He asked.

Yunho looked at the ground for a few seconds, uncertain if Junsu was going to listen to him or not. Slightly kicking the tip of his black shoes onto the ground, he looked back up and smiled. 

“I won’t let you have her.” He answered.

Chapter 15“I won’t let you have her.” Yunho answered.

A deadly silence came between Junsu and Yunho as they both confessed their love for Da-hee to one another. With no sense of “friendship” between the silences, Yunho send another smile to Junsu.

“Of course, I’ll let you have a fair game at it.” Yunho muttered. “You know I won’t do something so cowardly.”

“I know.” Junsu returned his smile. “We did grow up together.”

“That’s right.” Yunho smiled. “We did.” He turned his back from Junsu and sighed. “I already confessed to her. I think you’re a little late. She might not even like you now. After all, I’ve been by her side longer than you have.” With those words, he left Junsu and entered the hospital.

Fired up as ever, Junsu followed.

Still in the car, trembling at the show down between Junsu and Yunho, Yoochun and Changmin both sadly, yet at the same time content, hugged themselves. “SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SCENE BETWEEN CHILDHOOD FRIENDS!” They exclaimed together with stars and tears in their eyes.

______

Twelve Years Ago“Orphan! Orphan!” yelled the other kids as they together pushed down little Junsu in the sandbox. “You don’t have a mommy to cook you food! You don’t have a daddy to take you fishing!” Yelled out the kids together as they made a circle with their hands and skipped around Junsu with him inside.

Crying, Junsu listened to them tortured him.

“—stop it!” Angrily yelled a voice from aside the sandbox. It was Jung Yunho, the little trouble maker. Though little, his fist was as powerful as an adult. Dashing with his head first, he dived into the circle and managed to take down the entire children who was bullying Junsu. Taking the nearest kid, Yunho pinned him down and sat on top of him. Quickly, he began to hit the kid’s face.

“Bully him one more time and you’re dead!” Yunho yelled out.

Junsu, frightened, began to cry. “Stop fighting.” He cried. “Stop fighting.”

While Junsu was crying, the other kids who managed to break free from Yunho all ran behind Yunho and at a count of three jumped on top of Yunho. Punching and hitting him, Yunho yelled out in pain.

“NOO!!!!” Junsu cried. “Don’t hit him!” Standing up, Junsu hurried to Yunho and began pushing the kids away from Yunho. 

It took a few more minutes before the teachers came running to the children and pulled them away.

______

Outside against the school building wall, everyone was on their knees with their arms straight up in the air. While everyone was having fun and playing, Junsu, Yunho and the others were being punished. Their homeroom teacher held onto a thin yet strong stick.

“I’m very disappointed at you all.” He said to them all. “Fighting in the middle of the day. Didn’t your parents tell you not to fight?!”

“—teacher, Junsu’s doesn’t have parents so he doesn’t know that.” One of the kids blurted.

“Quiet!” The teacher yelled out.

Junsu, hurt, remained quiet to himself. It’s true that he doesn’t have any parents; however, he had never once complaint about it. Sad, Yunho suddenly poked at him by the side of his leg with his shoe.

“Pss…” Yunho whispered, “Do you have a Hyung?” He asked.

Junsu shook his head.

Yunho grinned. “I’ll be your Hyung from now on. I won’t let anyone bully you again! I promised!” He promised.

Smiling, Junsu nodded.

______

That same afternoon as school was finally over, Yunho waited for Junsu to pack up his books and homework into his little red backpack. Heading out together, Junsu turned to Yunho.

“Want to come over?’ Junsu asked.

“But I’m hungry.” Yunho touched his tummy.

“My nanny is a really good cook.” Junsu muttered. “I just met her the other day, but she’s really kind.”

“Hmm…you sure she makes good food?” Yunho asked.

Junsu nodded. “Yep.”

“Okay!” Yunho nodded.

Walking together down the long and huge dirt path, Junsu and Yunho finally arrived at Junsu’s small house left by his late parents. His nanny was already making dinner that night when they entered the house. Pleased to see that Junsu had brought over a friend, Nanny made them small desserts and sent them off to the living room to do homework.

“Let me show you something.” Yunho pulled out a photo. It was a picture of a girl. “This is the girl of my dream.”

“What’s that?” Junsu innocently asked Yunho.

Yunho only smiled at Junsu. “When I grow up, I want to marry her.”

“Get marry? You mean like big people do?” Junsu asked.

Yunho nodded. “You have to marry at the same time with me. It’ll be fun.”

“I don’t want to.” Junsu answered.

“Do you not have anyone you like?” Yunho asked him.

“I don’t know.” Junsu answered. “I never thought about it. Homework is more important.”

Yunho smiled. “Since I’m your Hyung, you should listen to me!”

Junsu looked up at him and then sighed. “Okay then.”

“Good.” Yunho smiled.

“Hyung,” Junsu suddenly mumbled, “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Her name is…”

______

Present TimeYoochun and Changmin both entered Da-hee’s father’s room to find a large happy family together laughing and talking. Surprise than ever, they dumbly joined in the conversation.

“Junsu-shi, you and Yunho grew up together?” Yoona asked him. “But why haven’t we

heard anything about you yet?”

Junsu shrugged. “As people grow older, the memories of their past becomes more vague.” He replied. “Mine as well.”

“—But I’m sure you haven’t forgotten everything right?” Yunho quickly cut in. He sent Junsu a sharp message through his eyes.

Junsu smiled. “Of course not.” He answered. “What kind of a friend would I be if I would forget? But don’t you think you should ask yourself the same question?”

Yunho smirked. “It’s true that I was hasty at first, but it didn’t happen—something else happened instead.” He answered with a slight look at Yoochun and Changmin. Yoochun and Changmin, innocently, pointed at themselves, uncertain what exactly they did to deserve such expression from Yunho.

“This time, I will wait for you.” Yunho told Junsu.

“It won’t be so easy.” Junsu answered.

“I like the challenge.” Yunho answered back.

“—ALRIGHT!” Heechul blurted out as he jumped up from where he was sitting. “All this weird talking is making me go ugly! Let’s have lunch or something! Nuna!” He blurted to Yoona and Da-hee who quickly looked up at him, “We’re leaving right now!!!” He grabbed onto the handles of Da-hee’s wheelchair and pushed her away from the room with Yoona following. Jaejoong, shaking his head in confusion, followed them as well. Yoochun and Changmin quickly left in a friendly manner.

“Such weirdoes.” Jaeyoung muttered at them and left as well.

Still in the room, Yunho and Junsu laughed at one another.

“That didn’t go well.” Junsu sighed.

“It was probably our first time talking like this again.” Yunho chuckled at their childish act.

“We shouldn’t have done it.” Junsu stretched his arms. “Everyone is quite confused.”

“Even Yoochun and Changmin didn’t want to interfere.” Yunho smiled.

“Of course they wouldn’t.” Junsu answered. “It has nothing to do with them.”

“You’re correct.” Yunho nodded. “It’s between us.”

Junsu stood up and waited for Yunho to do the same. Standing tall and looking at one another, they, out of nowhere, shook hands—accepting the challenge of their pasts and futures.

“I’m glad you’re still as healthy as ever.” Yunho told him.

“You too.” Junsu answered.

That day was the day they have renewed their promise.

Chapter 16The visions of the past, darkness, and pain— all erupted inside the dream of Yunho as sweats ran down his body like small streams. A girl’s face was vaguely was showing, smiling, and grinning happily at him. Her big eyes, warm smiles, and gentle hands were somewhat vague to Yunho. It was almost as if he had forgotten something terribly deep inside his heart. Suddenly, the scene of him and Junsu when they were a child appeared in his dream.

“Let me show you something.” Yunho pulled out a photo. It was a picture of a girl. “This is the girl of my dream.”

“Hyung,” Junsu suddenly mumbled, “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Her name is…”

The cold wind from the open window brushed against the sweat on Yunho’s body, making him jolt up. Grasping upon his face, he growled breathlessly to himself.

“Who was that girl?” He asked. “Why can’t I remember her name?”

Wondering for a few more minutes, he returned back to bed.

______

Da-hee, winching as if she’s in pain, pulled herself up from the couch that she was sleeping on. Grabbing onto the crutches, which Yoona had brought earlier that day, near the end of the couch, Da-hee placed it underneath of her arms and slowly made her way across the room toward the door. However, before she could open the door, a sudden hand came around her back and touched her. Almost screaming, the hand came around her mouth to stop her.

“It’s only me.” Junsu’s voice appeared. “What are you doing?”

Da-hee pushed Junsu’s hand away and whispered, “I need to go to the bathroom!” She exclaimed.

As she said that, Junsu suddenly out of nowhere blurted in giggles. Giving him an evil glare, she opened the door and limped out with the crutches. Junsu followed.

“—how will you use the bathroom?” Junsu called after her, who was walking quite slow. “Won’t it be tough?”

“Why don’t I break your legs and you can try for yourself?” Da-hee suggested.

Junsu smiled. “I don’t like the idea, but sure—if you can do it with a broken leg.” He answered.

Da-hee, annoyed with him, continued to move toward the bathroom. “For your information,” She stopped in front of the door, “I’m perfectly fine using the bathroom by myself. Go away already.”

“What if you fall?” Junsu asked her.

“Are you kidding?” Da-hee asked him. “What do you take me for?”

“A person who has a broken leg.” Junsu blurted.

“GRR. GO AWAY!” Da-hee yelled at him. She kicked the door open with her free leg and limped into the bathroom.

Amused, Junsu lend against the wall and waited for her. It took a few more minutes before Da-hee finally reappeared. She poked her head out to see Junsu leaning against the wall, waiting for her. Opening the door, she limped out.

“Didn’t I tell you to go back?” She asked Junsu.

He smiled and waved. “Glad you came back safely.”

“Stupid.” She muttered at him. Passing him, Junsu suddenly tugged against the bottom of her shirt, which made her stop.

“Want—to take some fresh air with me?” He asked her.

By the sound of “fresh air” was quite suspicious, though Da-hee didn’t question him. Instead, she nodded. Walking beside one another, Junsu and Da-hee headed outside in the cold. The evening was dark yet lit up with the lampposts around the hospital. Finding a wooden bench near the entrance, they both sat by it. As they did so, Da-hee let out a sigh of relief.

“It was a surprise when you show up today.” She told him. “I wasn’t expecting to see you soon at all.”

A small smile came upon Junsu’s lips as he muttered, “Did you miss me at all?” He asked.

She looked at him, and then shrugged. “Isn’t it a lovely night tonight?” She changed the subject. 

Junsu chuckled at her slickness. Giving him the same bright smile back, Junsu—out of nowhere—moved closer to Da-hee and then let a small yet long kiss upon her cheek. Da-

hee, frozen, felt Junsu’s lips released her rosy cheek.

“I’m glad you’re feeling much better.” He whispered to her.

It took a moment before Da-hee finally restrained herself from her shock. Immediately, without Junsu realizing, Da-hee tighten her fist and smacked him on the face. As Junsu fell off the bench, she stood up and blurted, “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING LOSER?!”

______

Junsu and Da-hee both returned back into the hospital to only find themselves frozen. While standing, many nurses and doctors hurried to Da-hee’s father’s room. Watching them, terror struck Da-hee’s face. The reasons for the doctors and nurses to be running to Da-hee’s father’s room can mean two things. Her father is either recovering or something bad had happen. Just thinking of all the possibilities, tears slowly fell from Da-hee’s face. 

“Dad? DAD!” Da-hee cried as she tried to her hurry toward her father, however, due to her broken leg, she was unable to. Junsu, hurriedly, grab hold of Da-hee and helped her toward the room. As they both opened the door, another surprise awaited them.

______

The entire family, friends, and relatives all arrived with flowers and food into the room as they all congratulate Da-hee’s father who had finally awaken from his deep slumber.

“I’m so glad that you’re finally waked up!” Yoona’s parents said to him happily as they handed him a tin bottle of soup. “We brought you some soup. Please drink it while it’s still warm.”

“Hoho, thank you so much!” Da-hee’s father laughed. “I’m not old enough to die yet.”

“Dad/father!” Da-hee, Jaejoong, and Jaeyoung all blurted at the same time.

He laughed. “I was just kidding, just kidding.” He told his children. Smiling at everyone, he noticed Yoona and Yunho together at the far corner of room. Waving at them to approach him, they did so. Holding onto their hands, he gave them a big smile.

“What happened between you both?” He asked. He looked at Yunho and muttered, “Didn’t you say you had always wanted to marry her?” As Da-hee’s father said that, Yunho only remained silent—uncertain if that statement was true or not. 

The talking between the family and friends continued as Yoona and Yunho left the room. Walking beside one another, they could only send each other slight smiles. Stopping upon a pop machine, Yoona pulled out her wallet. Searching for her coins, something else dropped from her wallet. Picking it up, Yunho looked at it. It was a picture of Yoona when she was young. Immediately, flashes of his dream from earlier rushed into his mind as the scene with Junsu returned to his mind.

“Let me show you something.” Yunho pulled out a photo. It was a picture of a girl. “This is the girl of my dream.”

“Hyung,” Junsu suddenly mumbled, “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Her name is…Yoona”

Chapter 17“Her name is…Yoona”

The words of himself when he was young echoed itself in his mind. Still holding onto the picture like some kind of stalker, Yoona quickly snatched the picture away, giving him an evil glare.

“What’s wrong with you?” She asked coldly. She put the picture away. “If it shocks you this much, might as well gave it back a few minutes ago, stupid. It’s not like you’re that cute when you’re a little kid as well.” She told him. 

Though Yoona said some rude remarks to Yunho, he didn’t reply anything back. Looking at him finally, she noticed how pale he had gotten.

“Yunho?” Yoona placed her hand upon Yunho’s cheek. “What’s wrong with you? Is something the matter?” She asked him hastily.

Yunho looked slightly at her and touched her hand. At the touch of his hand, Yoona found herself shaking a little—uncertain about the reason why. Pulling her hand from him immediately, she cleared her throat.

“What’s wrong with you anyway?” She mumbled. “Better take care of yourself.” With that, she took her coke and left back to the room.

Watching her go, Yunho confusedly tried to think back. What was that all about? Why was Yoona the girl in the picture in my dream? He asked himself.

______

Since the incident that happened between Yoona and Yunho, she had been avoiding him. Every time that their eyes met, Yunho would send this mysterious vibe to her, which only made her feel more nervous around him. It’s not like she had never been nervous with Yunho before, but this time, it was different. The feelings are a little messy between him and her.

Da-hee, who noticed, only felt a lot better since her rejection to Yunho. Since the rejection, it’s almost as if Da-hee had committed some crime to Yunho. However, now seeing him more lively than usual, it made her a lot happier. Also seeing that Yunho and Yoona are both finally getting somewhere in the relationship, it made her even happier. Everything is finally looking better.

______

Junsu had returned home that same morning when Yoochun and Changmin arrived to take him back. Since Junsu had left without a word to his Nanny, she had been pretty upset about the messy house and the smell. Promised to help clean the house, he had left early when everyone was still in bed—though he did whispered to Da-hee that he was leaving. Plus, he remembered to give her his number.

Junsu arrived home to see his nanny in full cleaning uniform. Her hair was tied back, pants rolled up to her knees, and apron on tightly. As soon as she noticed the three of them arriving at the front gate, she quickly threw something at them. Watching them caught it, she yelled, “CLEAN!”Growling to one another, the three of them nodded and helped clean.

______

“You mean Junsu?” Da-hee oddly muttered Junsu’s name as her father asked about him.

“Last night I saw him with you, but I didn’t get a chance to ask who he was.” Leaning closer to his daughter, he whispered, “Is he your boyfriend?” He asked.

Coughing at his remark, Da-hee’s face went completely red. “Dad!” Da-hee blurted. “You know that’s not true!”

He laughed. “Well, I just thought maybe these past few days; you got yourself a boyfriend or something.” He answered. “I was really looking forward to meet him this morning, but he already gone home. How about inviting him over for dinner sometimes?” He asked.

Da-hee cleared her throat. “I’ll ask him whenever I feel like it.” She answered.

Her father laughed. “I’m so glad to see you again. I’m happy that you’re safe.” He hugged Da-hee. “I was really worried.”

“I was really worried about you too, Dad.” Da-hee muttered. “You should have taken better care of yourself.”

“I’m sorry.” Her father apologized.

“It’s okay. I apologize about my part as well.” Da-hee replied as she hugged him back.

“So, when is he coming for dinner?”

“DAD!”

______

Exhausted, Junsu, Yoochun and Changmin all tiredly fell onto the floor with their tongues wide out.

“Junsu, you should keep your house cleaner next time.” Yoochun muttered.

“Sorry. Just got a little carry away.” Junsu explained.

“So hungry!” Changmin growled.

“—where’s our lunch?!” Yoochun growled. “Your nanny left us with all the dirty works! What kind of nanny is she?!”

“Hungry….” Changmin touched his stomach.

As Junsu and Yoochun looked at Changmin, they suddenly pushed Changmin from them. Rolling toward the door, Changmin, confused, gave them a sad puppy face.

“Why did you two hit me?” Asked Changmin, as he sat up and brushed away the dirt on his clothes.

“HUNGRY.” Junsu and Yoochun blurted together. “GET US SOME FOOD.”

“But…”

“We’re your Hyungs…” They both attacked Changmin.

Forcing Changmin to leave to the market to grab lunch, Yoochun and Junsu both laid on the floor, talking about what it’s good to eat and not to eat.

______

Kicking the empty pop can on the sidewalk, Changmin angrily talked to himself.

“It’s always me.” He pouted. “I’m always being bullied by Hyungs! I’m so sad!!!” He pouted. 

Stopping at a crossroad, Changmin noticed a girl all dressed in white. She was standing at the opposite end of him. Watching her with curiosities, a little boy, out of nowhere, fell onto the ground a little into the street. Helping the kid, Changmin noticed a car was coming at a ridiculous fast speed limit. Using his long legs, for the first time in many days, ran across the street. He grabbed onto the girl and the boy and pushed them off the sidewalk. As he landed on top of them, the car opened the window and yelled at them as it droved by.

Crying was the boy whose parents found him and took him away, slapping his butt while walking. Changmin and the girl remained on the ground as the side of her arm was scrapped and at one side of her leg was also badly scrapped.

“Are you okay?” Changmin asked the girl.

The girl shook her head and bowed to him for saving her. Blushing, Changmin stood up. He

lent out his hand to her. With a small smile, she took it and Changmin helped her to her feet. As he noticed she was bleeding, her clothes had been stained by dirt and blood.

“A friend of mine doesn’t live that far from here.” He told her. “Come on. Let’s get your wound clean up.” 

Bending his kneels, he signaled her to get on his back. It took a moment before the girl finally accepted Changmin’s help. Giving her a piggy-ride, Changmin hurried back to Junsu’s house. Arriving at the gate where he noticed Yoochun and Junsu both lying out at the porch, he called to them.

“Open the door quickly!” He called to them.

Slightly looking up, Yoochun and Junsu’s face turned pale. 

“CHANGMIN KIDNAPPED A GIRL!” They shouted at the top of their lungs.

Chapter 18“CHANGMIN KIDNAPPED A GIRL!” Junsu and Yoochun both shouted at the top of their lungs.

“THAT’S NOT IT!” Changmin shouted back angrily. “OPEN THE DOOR ALREADY!” He yelled at them.

Running to them, Junsu opened the gates. Quickly, as he noticed the girl who was oddly giving them a weird look, he quickly bowed to her.

“Please to meet you.” He greeted her.

She nodded silently at him with a bow.

“Yah, Changmin, we asked for food, not a girl.” Yoochun yawned. “I didn’t know you like to pick up girls.”

“I didn’t pick her up.” Changmin explained. “She’s hurt and I want to help her.”

“Oh,” Yoochun and Junsu finally noticed the blood on her leg and arms. “Why didn’t you say so in the beginning?!” They both blurted at the same time.

“I DIDN’T GET A CHANCE!” Changmin growled in distress.______

Changmin and the others entered into Junsu’s house as he helped her on the ground. Yoochun hurried to get a warm towel and a bowl of warm water. Junsu hurried over to kitchen and pour a cup of water for their guest. Returning, the two of them handed everything to Changmin and the girl. Leaving them alone, they sat at the opposite end of the room—scandalously whispering to one another.

“I’m so sorry.” Changmin apologized a second time as he cleaned her wound. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. But the car was coming, therefore, I felt like I had to do something. However, you amazed me as well. You helped the boy.”

The girl smiled. She lifted her uninjured hand and touched Changmin’s hand. She gave him a warm smile, sending him the message that she’s glad that Changmin was so kind to help her. He blushed at the touch of her hand.

Watching him, Yoochun and Junsu both narrowed their eyes.

“Food Changmin, food!” They howled like dogs after him.

Annoyed with them, Changmin turned to them and shouted, “HYUNG, I’M BUSY! YOU TWO GO AND GET SOME FOOD!”

“Eh?” Junsu and Yoochun looked at one another.

“—you go.” Yoochun quickly blurted.

“Why me? You go.” Junsu answered.

“No. You.”

“No. You.”

“You.”

“You.”

“JUST GO ALREADY!” Changmin yelled out.

“FINE! Rock paper scissor!” Yoochun and Junsu both shouted with their fists high in the air.

Getting their fists ready, Yoochun threw out a paper while Junsu threw out a scissor. Yelling out for victory, Junsu jumped happily and ran around the room shouting, “I don’t have to go! I don’t have to go!”

“Hyung, you’re embarrassing.” Changmin growled, embarrassed before the girl. She laughed at them with a grin on her face.

Sad, Yoochun stood up and left to buy their late lunch.

______

Yoona stopped walking as Yunho turned around. He had asked her to accompanied her to lunch, though Yoona had accepted his invitations, she was now having seconds thoughts. With her arms crossed, she sent him a suspicious look.

“Something’s suspicious about you.” Yoona told Yunho. “Why do you want to take me to lunch of all days that I’ve seen you since the wedding?” She asked him.

Yunho laughed at her humor. “It is so bad for your ex-fiancé to take you out to lunch?” He asked her.

She rolled her eyes at him. “Whatever. I don’t feel like going after all.” She answered. Turning away, Yunho suddenly grabbed onto her hand. “Hey!” She snatched it away.

Yunho only smiled at her. “I’ll buy you whatever you want.” He told her. “Just go to lunch with me.”

Narrowing her eyes with suspicion, Yoona got into the car and left to lunch with Yunho.

______

“You mean you can’t speak?!” Changmin blurted in surprise as the girl whom confessed to him about her disability wrote on a piece paper. Quickly, she wrote her name and greeted him. “Lee Eun-suh.” He spoke her name.

She nodded. At the side of the piece of paper, she wrote, “What are you and your friend’s names?”

“I’m Shim Changmin.” Changmin introduced himself.

“And I’m Kim Junsu.” Junsu answered.

Eun-suh grinned at them and wrote, “Please to meet you.”

“Please to meet you too.” Changmin and Junsu both replied together with a small bow.Quick on the paper, she flipped it again to Junsu and Changmin. “Thanks for tending my wounds. I feel much better now.” She grinned.

Changmin nodded. “It was my fault in the first place.” Changmin apologized.

Eun-suh shook her head. “I’m happy that you helped me. Thank you so much!” She wrote on her paper and showed it to Changmin.

Talking to one another, the front door suddenly opened and appeared Yoochun, exhausted. He fell onto the ground as he pointed to the carry outs from the near by Chinese restaurant near Junsu’s block. Hurrying toward the bag, Junsu quickly grabbed onto three bowls and handed one to Changmin and Eun-suh. Forgetting about Yoochun, the three of them ate together.

______

“So why did you take me to lunch again?” Yoona asked Yunho as she took a spoonful of her

bibimbap (rice mix) into her mouth.

“It is wrong to have lunch with you?” Yunho asked her.

Drinking her water, she shook her head. “You’ve been acting so weird since this morning.” Yoona explained. “If you’re still considering yourself as my ex-fiancé, wouldn’t it be nice if you tell me what’s going on?” She asked him.

“Yoona…” Yunho looked up at her. “What exactly happened between us?”

“Us?” Yoona stopped eating. She oddly looked at him and then laughed. “What are you talking about? There was never “us” to begin with.” She answered. “The only reason why you proposed to me was because of business and that you couldn’t say no to your father.”

“Not exactly.” Yunho answered.

“Not exactly, but somewhat correct, right?” Yoona answered.

Yunho sighed. “Something is weird.” He muttered. “It’s like, something’s missing. I can’t explain it.”

“What is?”

He send Yoona a piercing look before muttering, “You.”

Chapter 19Yoona quickly stomped away, irritated with Yunho’s gibberish. Yunho, who was right behind her, hurried and grabbed onto her hand. Pulling it away, Yoona glared at him.

“Yoona.” Yunho muttered her name.

“Okay, I don’t know what’s wrong with you.” Yoona quickly blurted as she distant herself a little from Yunho, “But let’s get this straight. You’re weird. You’ve confessed to Da-hee and now you’re missing something? And that something missing is me? Are you crazy? Sick? Yunho, what is wrong with you?”

“I don’t know.” Yunho answered. “I don’t know. I don’t know what’s wrong with me!” He blurted in frustration.

“Well, find out then!” Yoona blurted.

Yunho sighed. “I want to find out!” He answered. “But I can’t find the answers.”

Yoona gave him a disappointed look. “I forgave you if you stop now. But if you hurt Da-hee’s feelings, I will not forgive you.” She began to walk away, but Yunho grabbed onto her hand once more, pulling her to stop.

“Look at this!” He pulled out his wallet and out of nowhere pulled out a picture of Yoona as a child. It was the same exact picture that Yoona had in her wallet.

“Where did you get that?” Yoona asked him, shock.

Yunho shrugged. “Since when I was young, I’ve carried this picture with me everywhere. It’s very precious to me.”

“Liar.” Yoona blurted.

Yunho shook his head. “I’ve always carried this everywhere I go.” He confessed.

“But…why?”

Yunho shrugged. “That’s what I want to know.” He explained. “I want to know the reason behind this picture.”

“Stupid.” Yoona released herself from Yunho’s grip. Disappointed already, she walked away from Yunho. 

Stupid Yunho. What are you trying to do when you’ve confessed to someone else already? Do you really think finding the reasons behind that picture will make things easier? She asked herself.

______

Da-hee stood before a telephone with a piece of paper in her hands. She had managed to limp her way all the way to the phone booth, however, as she arrived there, she was unsure if she should really call him or not.

“What am I doing?” Da-hee asked herself. “Wait—I can just call to make sure he gets home safely. Oh and also invite him to dinner—since dad wants it. Yeah.” She smiled. Picking up the receiver, something else caught her attention. It was Jaejoong and a nurse talking. She had something wrapped in a small box and handed it to Jaejoong.

“A present?” Da-hee suspiciously eavesdropped on them. “But it’s not Oppa’s birthday.” Da-hee continued to watch. She could see the nurse was a young girl, around her age almost or even a year or two older. She was blushing and her eyes were not meeting Jaejoong’s though he looked directly at her.

“Oppa, you’re so stupid. Can’t you even see her feelings?” Da-hee asked herself as she felt horrible for the girl.

As Jaejoong thanked the nurse for the present, he turned to where Da-hee was. Jumping at the surprise look, Da-hee turned away quickly and lifted up the phone. Faking as if she was dialing, Jaejoong walked passed her muttering, “It’s not nice to eavesdrop.”

“What are you talking about? Da-hee laughed loudly at him, but quickly growled in embarrassment. “He knows…”

Giving up on the phone call, another interesting “couple” caught her attention. This time was Yoona and Yunho. Yoona seemed extremely pissed off and was stomping toward Da-hee’s direction. Yunho, who was right behind Yoona, was walking fast yet slow enough to remain right behind her tail. As the two of them only shot small greeting grins at Da-hee as they disappeared into the room where Da-hee’s father was. Shrugging at herself, Da-hee remained silent, uncertain why everyone was acting so weird lately.

______

“Ahh…” Junsu and Changmin both sighed in distress. Immediately as Junsu realized Changmin was sighing with him, he blurted, “WHY ARE YOU SIGHING TOO?!”

“Because I’m worried if Eun-suh gets home safely or not.” Changmin muttered. “I should have insisted of taking her home. Now I’m worried.”

“But you’ve only met her!” Junsu blurted.

“You’ve only met Da-hee-shi a week ago as well…” Changmin answered.

“Well, that was different.” Junsu explained.

Changmin sighed. “So is this how it feels to worry about the other person?” He asked. “Now, I know how you feel Hyung. I really don’t like the feeling.”

“Yeah…” Junsu nodded. “I wonder why she isn’t calling me yet…”

“I don’t know.” Changmin shrugged. “Maybe she’s still catching up with her father.”“Maybe so…” Junsu nodded.

“Ahh…” They sighed in unison.

“YOU TWO MAKE ME SICK.” Yoochun jumped up and pointed at them. “THIS ROOM IS SO STUFFY THAT I’M GOING TO SUFFOCATE.” He stomped to the windows and opened every one of them. As the wind blew inside the stuffy house, Yoochun sighed in relief.

“Now this is more like it.” Yoochun nodded with a big smile on his face.

“—pss—Yoochun Hyung is angry because he’s a player.” Changmin whispered to Junsu.

“—yeah I know. He dates so many girls and break promises to them. A really bad role model for a Hyung. We shouldn’t follow him.” Junsu whispered back.

“HEY YOU TWO! ENOUGH ALREADY!” Yoochun yelled at them, irritated.

______

“Hmm? Accidents?” Yunho’s sophisticated looking father raised his eyebrow to find it shocking that his son is finally speaking with him for once. 

Yunho and his father are extremely different due to their lack of similarities in interests. That evening after taking Yoona back to the hospital, Yunho had returned home to ask about his past. If he wants answers, he’ll have to find them himself. Sadly, the only person whom he can think of was his father.

“Why do you ask?” His father dully asked. He had a newspaper in his hand. A cup of tea was sat before him at the glossy brown table in the living room. “You’ve never asked before.”

“Can you just answer and not ask anything else?” Yunho asked him. Yunho was standing by the large comfy single couch that his father was sitting.

His father sighed sadly as he folded up the papers and took a sip of his tea. “My son comes home and never once has a decent meal with me. And today, he comes and demands me to answer his ridiculous questions. I wonder what’s going through his mind.”

“Never mind. Sorry that I even ask.” Yunho apologized and turned away from his father. However, as soon as his father muttered something, Yunho’s entire body stopped. It was like his father knew his deepest weakness.

“Accident…” His father muttered. “Ah, yes, there was an accident.” He nodded. “When you were young.”

“When I was young?” Yunho asked. “How come I can’t remember anything from it?”

His father shrugged. “Because your memories never came back.” He answered.

“What?!” Yunho blurted.

“—no shouting please.” He muttered kindly.

“Why didn’t you mention any of this to me before?” Yunho asked, more tamely this time.

“I did.” His father nodded calmly, “but the doctor said it’s best to let your memories come back naturally. Eventually, years gone by and it never did. We just left the mystery behind your memories go.”

“The mystery?” Yunho mumbled. “What mystery?”

“Well, when you were young. You had a bike accident. It was a terrible accident, yes. Due to your head injury, there are certain parts of your memories that are block. It’s a mystery because we don’t know what kinds of memories are block. Of course, we tried asking you to recall as much as you can, but each time you did so, it was painful. Therefore, we decided never to ask you again and then everyone just forgot.”

“I just—forgot?” Yunho asked his father.

“Yeah. Just forgot.” He nodded calmly. “By the way, why do you want to know?”

“—Say, do you remember a girl…” Yunho asked his father.

“—the girl that you want to marry?” His father muttered.

“Yes that girl.”

“Uh-huh, I remember her.” His father nodded.

“What’s her name?” Yunho asked.

His father smiled. “Kim Yoona.” He answered.

Yoona. His mind echoed Yoona’s name. Like the speed of lightening, Yunho dashed out the door with his father calling after him.

“Son, what about dinner? You never have dinner with me again. Son?” Frowning to himself, his father gave out an evil smile. “That boy is screw.”

______

Yoona sat quietly in her room as she looked at the candy ring that Yunho had given her when they were young. It was a promise made by Yunho that he’ll marry her when they were older. Of course, after one day, Yunho completely forgot the promise and then—his feelings disappeared. Reminiscing about the past, Yoona sighed. Standing up and walking over to her trash can, the door to her room suddenly swung opened. Standing in front of her was one sweaty Yunho. As he noticed that she was able to drop the candy ring into the trash, he stomped over and snatched it from her.

“Yunho? What are you doing?” Yoona, confused, asked him.

“Did I give you this?” He asked her showing her the candy ring.

“What are you talking about?” Yoona asked him. “First of all, why are you in my room? Get out right now.” Yoona demanded him.

“Yoona…”

“I said get out.” Yoona pushed him back.

Pushing him, her effort was futile. However, before she could tell what Yunho had in mind, he had already grabbed onto her face and then out of nowhere, kissed her.

Chapter 20Yunho hugged Yoona tightly as he kissed her. For the first time, he felt something in him when his lips had fallen upon hers. Though Yoona had struggled from the moment their lips

touched, Yunho wasn’t letting her go without a fair chance to send his affection to her as well. Finally, when he released her, Yoona wiped her mouth. Angry, slapped Yunho, hard.

“Are you crazy?!” Yoona began to cry. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I want you to tell me everything.” Yunho asked Yoona. “I’m willing to listen.”

“What?” Yoona almost laugh at his ridiculous talk. “What’s wrong with you? There is nothing to tell you.”

“—I had an accident.” Yunho mumbled slightly, “When I was younger, I had an accident. Due to that, I have part of my memories block. Not everything is block, but I believe the memories that are block—are very precious to me.”

“And why are you telling me this?” Yoona asked him.

“I’m sorry.” Yunho walked closer to Yoona who stumbled backward from him. Yunho opened his arms and held Yoona tightly as he hugged her. Snuggling against her, he whispered, “I’m sorry that I’d forgotten you.”

With tears in her eyes, Yoona cried.

______

Outside the chilly night that evening, Yoona remained silent beside Da-hee. Haven’t said anything since she had came to the hospital, Yoona finally turned to Da-hee and smiled.

“When will your father get release from the hospital?” She asked.

“Tomorrow afternoon.” Da-hee answered.

“That’s good. He’s recovering fast.” Yoona smiled.

“It’s because everyone pays him a visit everyday. He’s really excited to leave the hospital. He said it’s too stuffy for him.” Da-hee answered.

“Da-hee…” Yoona’s lips began to tremble.

“Yoona, what’s the matter? Did something happen?” Da-hee asked.

“Will you forgive me?” Yoona asked her. “Will you?”

“What are you talking about?” Da-hee asked. “You haven’t done anything.”

“I—I can’t forget about Yunho.” Yoona confessed. “I can’t forget about him.”

As Da-hee listened to Yoona’s confession, she could only smile. Pulling Yoona into her arms, she patted her gently on the shoulder.

“So is this what it was about for the past few days?” Da-hee asked Yoona. “I knew something was weird.” She smiled. “Why would you need to apologized Yoona? I’m glad that you had forgiven Yunho Oppa. I’m really happy for you two.”

Yoona looked up and frowned. “Are you not angry with me?” Yoona asked her.

She shook her head. “Why would I be angry? You both are meant to be in the beginning.” Da-hee answered.

Smiling at one another, Yoona and Da-hee both hugged each other. It was the longest time since they had talked so intimately with each other.

“Say…” Yoona slightly mumbled as she moved her lips toward Da-hee’s ear.

“Uh-huh?”

“Are you and Junsu-shi dating?” She asked.

Pulling away immediately, Da-hee gave Yoona an awkward yet obvious expression. “That’s hard to say. He hasn’t asked yet.” She answered.

Exchanging looks, the two friends laughed.

______

The door bell at Junsu’s house gate came whistling that late night. Crawling from their beds, Junsu finally called out who it was. Oddly, Yunho was the person ringing the bell endlessly. Rubbing against his eyes, his focus became clearer. Walking down the driveway and toward the gate as Junsu unlocked the door and let Yunho in. Without no words of exchange, Yunho walked passed Junsu and into the house. Returning back into the house, Junsu yawned.

“What are you doing so late here?” He asked him.

“Get me a room.” Yunho demanded.

“Right over there, man.” Junsu pointed to a set of doors down a hallway. “Yoochun and Changmin are here as well. You can room with them or room by yourself, I don’t really care.” Quickly as he turned around, Yunho again called to him.

“Hey.” Yunho kicked the floor a little, “Do you remember the picture I showed you when we were little?” He asked him.

Junsu nodded. His eyes were barely opened. “What about it?”

“Do you remember her name?” He asked her.

Junsu nodded. “Yeah, I do.” He nodded.

“So you’ve remembered.” Yunho sighed in distress. “I should have come to you in the first place.”

“What are you talking about?” Junsu asked him. “I’m so tired.”

“Junsu…”

“Eh?”

“Let’s talk in the morning.” Yunho insisted and walked off toward the hallway where the sets of doors were. Watching him go, Junsu returned back to his room.

______

“EH?!” Junsu, Yoochun and Changmin all exclaimed together like some idiotic trio. Their face expressions was priceless, eyes jolting out the jack in the box while their mouths dropped wide open. Yunho, who had just confessed to them about everything that happened the previous night, watched them irritated as he knocked their heads with his knuckles.

“What kind of an expression is that?!” He blurted at them.

“Ouchie!” They groaned in pain together with their hands on top of their heads.

“—she must really hate me now.” Yunho nodded. “What should I do?”

“You mean Yoona-shi?” Changmin mumbled. “I think you should just try to make up with her.”

“—and her parents. They’re going to hate me.” Yunho growled in distress.

“I think if you just explain, you’ll be fine man.” Yoochun explained.

“—will they forgive me?” Yunho constantly brought up questions that he, himself, cannot answer.“What about Da-hee?” Junsu suddenly asked.

Yunho stopped mumbling to himself as he realized he had confessed to her at some point of the week. Looking up at Junsu who seemed to be waiting for his answer, Yunho sighed. As he was about to say something, Junsu cut him in.

“—that means we’re not going to fight for the same girl right?” Junsu grinned happily at him. “That’s such a good relief. I really didn’t want a bloody war with a friend whom I just reunited! Hahaha.” He laughed.

“Junsu…” Yunho, touched, muttered.

Junsu smiled. “Of course, our promise will still continue.”

Junsu nodded in content. “Right. I will still continue.”

“—Ahh!” Yoochun and Changmin loudly exclaimed, catching the attention of Yunho and Junsu. “LET’S ALL BE IN THAT PROMISE TOGETHER!”

“—no way.” Yunho shook his head. “Yoochun is a player and girls don’t like Changmin.”

“No. That’s not true.” Junsu shook his head. “He brought a girl home yesterday.”

“Oh really?” Yunho raised his eyebrow. “Now that’s interesting. Is she a good girl?”

Changmin shrugged as his cheeks blushed brightly.

“Maybe we should let Changmin into our little promise too.” Yunho nodded.

“Yeah. We should.” Junsu smiled.

“—what about me?” Yoochun asked them.

“YOU’LL NEVER FIND ONE BECAUSE YOU’RE A PLAYER.” The three of them replied at the same time.

______

“No.” The voice of Yoona’s parents refused as Yoona slightly confessed that she might want to work things out with Yunho a second time. Da-hee, who was with Yoona, blankly sat with her crutches beside her, a little worried that there might be problems between Yunho and Yoona’s family.

“Mother. Father.” Yoona mumbled in disappointed. 

It’s true that her parents are still extremely upset with Yunho after finding that he didn’t like her in the first place, but now that Yoona’s sure that Yunho does, Yoona was sure her parents will accept the invitation back. However, they didn’t.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kim,” Da-hee muttered after Yoona, “Yunho Oppa really means no harm. I’m sure if you two talk with him, everything will work out again. He was just---uh---having a groom syndrome.”

“Certainly not.” Yoona’s father refused once again. “I was so happy when he proposal to Yoona, but to find out that his true feelings was never there in the first place, I won’t allow Yoona to go through another unsuccessful wedding with that boy again.”

A little out of words, Yoona and Da-hee both frowned at one another. Yoona’s mother was much easier to handle since she had always liked Yunho in the first place, but Yoona’s

father was another story. He’s as hard as rock when things goes wrong. Feeling the stuffiness in the room, Yoona and Da-hee both head outside for some fresh air.

“It’ll be hard to persuade my father.” Yoona sighed.

“Yunho Oppa, really screw it this time.” Da-hee growled.

“That’s true. He did.” Yoona nodded in agreement. “That idiot. He made things so hard between us.”

Da-hee laughed at Yoona’s frustration. The two girls took a moment of silent to enjoy the breezy wind that was blowing against them that afternoon. Suddenly out of nowhere, Yoona’s phone rang. Picking it up, Yoona wasn’t surprise that it was Yunho.

“Where are you?” Yunho asked her hastily.

“Why? Why do you sound like you’re such in a hurry?” Yoona asked him.

“Tell me where you are right now.” Yunho asked her a second time.

“In front of my house.” Yoona answered.

“We can’t find Da-hee, where is she?” Yunho asked.

“Oh—she’s right here with me.” Yoona answered.

“Good. Don’t go anywhere.” Yunho hang up on her.

“—Yunho Oppa called you?” Da-hee asked.

Yoona nodded, “But he sounds like he was in a hurry. I wonder what’s up.”

Just as she asked that, a loud sound of car tires shrieking, appeared a car. Walking out of the car was Yunho, Junsu and Changmin. Inside the car in the front seat was Yoochun. He waved at the girls, as the other three walked toward Da-hee and Yoona professionally.

“What are you doing?” Yoona asked Yunho.

“Why are you here?” Da-hee asked Junsu who only grinned at her.

Immediately without any answers, Junsu lifted Da-hee up in his arms. Changmin beside him grabbed onto the crutches and started back to the car. Yoona, who was shock by their actions, was also grabbed by Yunho. Instead of being carry, Yunho held onto her hand.

“Wait a minute!” Yoona refused to walk, but Yunho only held her tighter and began to walk toward the car with ease.

“Don’t ask anything.” Yunho told her.

“Hey! Babo! What do you think you’re doing?!” Da-hee pushed Junsu away though he continued to hold onto her making sure she doesn’t fall. Changmin, beside him, winched at the pain that Junsu was feeling. It almost as if Junsu was sending the pain to Changmin himself.

They made back to the car somewhat safely with the girls, and then drove off.

Chapter 21“Let’s have a barbeque!” The guys all happily exclaimed together as Da-hee and Yoona only stared at them with blank faces. The entire time the guys have not said a single reason why they have suddenly took Da-hee and Yoona away in such hurry. Now as they arrived at the gates of Junsu’s, the four of them finally stated the reason why. A barbeque to celebrate.

“So, what are we celebrating again?” Yoona asked them.

“Because we’re happy.” The guys answered. “Come on, lighten up.”

“And why are we here?” Da-hee looked evilly at Junsu.

Junsu only grinned at her weakly as he realized he’ll be beat sooner or later from Da-hee. “Well…” Junsu mumbled as he cleared his throat. He knew any wrong mistake; he’ll be dead by Da-hee’s hand. “It’s just—well—your father woke up. Yunho Hyung is feeling better, and we finally see each other again. We should celebrate—a little—right?” He asked her.

Da-hee didn’t say anything for a moment before muttering, “I know what you guys are up to and we’re not doing it.” She answered. She pulled onto Yoona’s hand. “We’re going to Nanny’s place to invite her. You do the cooking!” She demanded and walked off toward Nanny’s direction.

“Wait a minute.” The guys groaned. Watching them leave without another sound, they frowned at one another before muttering, “Damn. We almost had them!”

______

“We’re having dinner for the first time and Da-hee isn’t here.” Their father sighed in displeasure. “She didn’t even show up to see me off from the hospital.”

“—maybe she’s been kidnapped again!” Jaeyoung quickly blurted rudely.

“That’s not nice.” Jaejoong muttered at Jaeyoung who only rolled her eyes at him. Ignoring her, Jaejoong continued, “I’m sure she has her reasons to miss out in such an important event father.”

“—or maybe she’s out on a date!” Their father, out of nowhere, blurted with a laugh.

“WHAT?!” Jaejoong almost chocked at his rice. Coughing, he drank down his cold water

and wiped the remains from his lips away. “What did you say? Da-hee on a date? Who could she have gone with?!”

“Sheesh,” Jaeyoung, annoyed, muttered. “Why is everyone always so worried about her? What about me?”

Their father laughed. “Well, I did ask her to bring her boyfriend to dinner some times.” He explained. “Maybe Da-hee is with him.”

“Boyfriend…huh.” Jaejoong muttered, who didn’t sound too happy about the situation.

______

Changmin stood beside the griller with Nanny who was helping him. Due to his defeat from rock-paper-scissor, he was stuck grilling the meat while everyone else was doing nothing much. Yoochun, who had offered to make some drinks, finally brought out his special homemade lemonade that late afternoon. Heading toward the two couples that were sitting closely beside one another, he handed them each a cup. Slowly, he made his way over to Changmin and Nanny.

“Thank you dear,” the nanny took a cup.

Changmin frowned at Yoochun. “Hyung, why don’t we change?” He asked.

“No thanks.” Yoochun refused. “It wasn’t my fault you’re horrible in rock-paper-scissor.” He stuck out his tongue at Changmin and returned back toward Junsu their direction. Watching him go, Changmin felt like crying to himself. He was always the one bullied.

It was nearly at the end of finishing the meat when the doorbell to Junsu’s house rang. Oddly exchanging looks, Junsu walked from the others and outside where he found Eun-suh holding onto a package. She seemed to be happy that late afternoon.

“Eun-suh-shi.” Junsu hurried and opened the door. “What are you doing here?”

Eun-suh smiled at him. Taking out a piece of paper, she wrote, “I wanted to thank you all for helping me last time.” She pointed at the white paper bag, “Its dinner made by me.”

“Really?!” Junsu happily muttered. “Oh—we’re barbequing right now! Come and join us!” He insisted.

“But…I didn’t prepare anything.” Eun-suh answered.

“You brought this!” Junsu pointed to the dinner she made.

Blushing, Eun-suh nodded. Before following Junsu, she wrote something on her notepad. “Is Changmin-shi in?” Eun-suh asked her.

Junsu nodded. “Yeah! He’s here. You can see him!” He answered.

Changmin must had almost had a heart attack when he saw Eun-suh following Junsu into the backyard. Shocked with his mouth opened, Nanny lifted her pointer finger under his chin and poked it up to help shut his mouth. Eun-suh smiled as she saw Changmin there.

“Eun-suh-shi.” Changmin left the grill and hurried to Eun-suh. “What are you doing here?”

“I brought dinner.” She showed Changmin the note. “And Junsu-shi invited me for the barbeque. You don’t mind, do you?” She asked him.

Changmin, extremely happy that he won’t be bully in front of Eun-suh, nodded at her. “Of course you’re welcomed to! I’m really happy!” He took her around and introduced the rest of the crew. As they did so, the rest slightly whispered to one another.

“—so, she’s the girl that Changmin took home?” Yunho whispered.

Yoochun nodded. “Yeah, he picked that girl up on the way to buy lunch.”

“Actually, she was hurt and Changmin took her here.” Junsu added.

As they scandalous whispered, Changmin happily accompanied Eun-suh for the rest of the evening.

______

That night everyone held a cup of lemonade in their hands and cheered together for the first time. Sat around the picnic table, delicious food sat before them, sizzling. All in happy faces, Yoochun realized that the entire table was filled with couples. Sadly, Nanny sat beside him to keep him company. Across from Yoochun, he can see Changmin and Eun-suh all lovely-dovey together, though they were not even near close to dating! But he could tell by the atmosphere that Changmin is crazily happy to be with her.

“Here, eat some more.” Changmin picked up some shredded barbeque pork and placed them upon Eun-suh’s bowl. She thanked him with a nod.

Beside Yoochun were Yunho and Yoona who seemed to be completely in their own little world. The two exchanged smiles at one another and fed each other like no one else was there. However, on Nanny’s side, was Da-hee and Junsu—a completely lost couple. The two of them remained silent and was eating though Yoochun noticed they wanted to say something to one another. Of course, something seemed to be clogging up their throats instead. Yoochun growled.

“Don’t worry.” Nanny whispered to Yoochun, “I’m sure you’ll find one yourself very soon.”

Feeling like crying, Yoochun only weakly smiled at Nanny.

______

The night finally came and Changmin was off to send Eun-suh back home. Everyone returned to their rooms and Yoochun was left to clean up.

“This is stupid.” Yoochun puffed out.

Inside the house was Da-hee who was ready to leave with Yoona to one of the guest rooms, however before she could do so, Junsu had already grabbed a hold of her hand. Pausing immediately, he became behind her. A silence came between them as Da-hee could hear her heart racing. The breath of Junsu came closer as she nervously waited for Junsu to say something. Finally, lifting his lips near her ear, he whispered to her.

“Are you busy tomorrow?” He asked her. “Would you like to go out with me?”

Chapter 22That breakfast morning as Junsu and Da-hee had remained quieter than ever, four pairs of eyes constantly stared at them in suspicion. Their eyes moved from left to right, digging as much information as they could about Junsu and Da-hee—however their effort was futile.

“I’m finished.” Da-hee and Junsu’s voices echoed together as they quickly turned one another, surprise that their actions were the exact same that morning. Looking at one another, their faces turned red. Turning away, everyone remained silent and confused.

______

Jaejoong dialed Yunho’s cell phone for a second time as he impatiently waited for the phone to ring. However, Yunho didn’t answer. Already tense about the idea that Junsu is currently having interest in his sister, Jaejoong redialed the cell number once again. Jaeyoung, who had been witnessing Jaejoong pacing around since that morning, irritated, walked to her brother.

“Oppa,” Jaeyoung gave him a really annoyed look. “Are you some kind of sick person? Why does everyone always have to worry about her?” She asked. “Father does. Yunho Oppa does. Yoona Uhnni does. And you too. Aish—so annoying!”

“Jaeyoung, it’s not like that.” Jaejoong explained.

Jaeyoung looked at him for a second time and this time her expression changed. She had a sweet yet wicked smile on her lips. Her eyes went big and had the expression I-know-now in it. “I see now…” She muttered as she felt prouder than before.

“What are you talking about?” Jaejoong asked her, hoping she was just playing with him.

“This is about that guy who died huh. Uhnni’s first love, isn’t it?” Jaeyoung muttered.

As she did, Jaejoong’s face went pale.

______

“Why are you two going shopping together?” Changmin suddenly blurted as he noticed Junsu and Da-hee getting ready to leave the house together. “Da-hee-shi can’t do anything and you’ll have to push her. It’ll only be a hassle if she goes with you.” He told them.

Da-hee, who could understand Changmin’s reason, slightly frowned. “That’s true. I don’t have to g—”

“No.” Junsu shook his head. “Da-hee’s been in the house for too long. She needs some fresh air too.” He protested, though the idea only popped a few seconds ago.

Changmin, who seemed easily convinced, nodded at them. “That sounds like a good idea.” He smiled. “But won’t you two look kind of weird since you’ll be going to the market as well?” He asked them.

“We’ll be fine.” Junsu answered. 

He pulled onto the wheelchair and helped Da-hee into it. Beginning to push her away, Changmin screamed after them telling to have a good time. Embarrassed, Junsu hurried. Disappearing around the corner, Junsu finally sighed in relief. It had been so hard to just leave the house without being suspicious that he and Da-hee will be having their first date. Da-hee, who was still quiet, also sighed.

“That was hard.” She breathed.

Junsu chuckled a little. “It’s harder to explain when we return.” He answered.

Da-hee smiled. “But it’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, it will.”

______

Yoochun and the others fixed their glasses as their eyes pierced at Junsu and Da-hee. Though Changmin had acted like an idiot, for the first time, he had suggested for the group to eavesdrop on Junsu and Da-hee since they have been acting so strangely that morning. All “weirdly” disguised, the four of them continued to look on.

Junsu and Da-hee were taking a walk down the park. The summer trees were green and alive. The sun that morning was shining yet not hot. The weather was perfect. The park was filled with many people that afternoon. As expected, many people that come by Junsu and Da-hee oddly gave them a quick yet long stare. Though some stares were sweet while others were just weird, it didn’t bother Junsu or Da-hee one bit. On the other hand, as for the others in disguised, they were glared at with suspicion.

“Why are they staring?” Changmin mumbled as he noticed the people sending their glares out at them. “Is there something on our faces?”

“Idiot.” Yoochun whacked him on the head. “It’s the way you’re dressed!” He explained.

“Shh…you’re too loud!” Yoona pressed her hand upon Yoochun’s face to shut him up. “They’ll hear us!”

“Quiet.” Yunho whispered to them.

Arguing with one another, Junsu and Da-hee continued their peaceful walk.

______

Jaejoong, exhausted, stopped calling for the many times. “Why isn’t that bastard picking up?” He suddenly in frustration asked. This is not good. What if…what if she encounters him again? What will happen? She doesn’t know what happened. Will she really be okay? He asked himself. Will Junsu be able to help her? Though he asked, there was no answer.

______

It was late that afternoon when Junsu and Da-hee finally finished the shopping. A walk down the trail in the park was refreshing and nice. Though they didn’t do anything special due to their limit of options, they still enjoyed the time together. As they returned back toward the house, someone suddenly approached them. Oddly, it was a guy about Junsu’s age.

“Da-hee...” He spoke her name with love.

Da-hee, who was completely mute and shock, stared at him before muttering, “Donghae…?”

The silence between them was heavy and tense. Donghae, who noticed Junsu, was a bit surprise though he only smiled. Junsu, who was completely lost, could only return the same smile. As Yoona, who knew the past between Donghae and Da-hee, quickly jumped from the trees and hurried over toward them.

“Da-hee!” Yoona hurried over to her. “I’ve been looking all over for you!” She lied.

“Yoona…” Da-hee muttered a little lifelessly.

Yoona quickly turned to Donghae and laughed. “Donghae-shi it’s been quite long since the last time I’ve seen you. What are you doing here?” She asked.

Donghae smiled confidently at them. “I came to find Da-hee.”

As he said that, the silence between them became even heavier.

Chapter 23Together at a double seated booth at the cafe was Donghae and Da-hee while the others were all gathered together, peeking at them in curiosity. It must have been over four years since they have seen each other. Not only was Da-hee surprised, but was also confused.

Ever since that Donghae was born, he had been diagnosed with a weak heart. However one day, he suddenly disappeared. After a few days, the doctors confessed that he had died during a heart transplant. Even his funeral had been prepared for him. Da-hee, who had overcome her loss after since Donghae had died, she managed to become happy once again however meeting him again only made things more complicated.

“How are you doing Da-hee?” Donghae asked her calmly. “You looked well. I’m glad.”

Unlike the sick Donghae in the past, this Donghae looked healthy and well. His skin was not pale but rosy filled with life. Even his eyes were more confident and mature. His smile was still simple and loving.

Da-hee didn’t speak. Instead, she slightly looked away from him.

“Are you not happy to see me?” Donghae asked her more as he noticed how awkward it was between them. “It’s me. Lee Donghae. I’m still alive.”

______

That night as everyone returned back to Junsu’s house, no one stalked about what happened that earlier evening. As soon as they reached the doorsteps of Junsu’s house, Da-hee quickly walked to her room and closed the door. Yoona and Yunho frowned and then sighed to one another as they felt another crisis was coming. Yoochun and Changmin sadly walked to their room as they felt it was none of their concerns to butt in. Junsu, disappointed that their first date had turned out somewhat bad, remained alone in the living room as everyone left to their rooms.

Inside Da-hee’s room, her face was burning up. Not only was her heart racing at the speed of light, but slowly tears began dropping from her eyes. For all these years, she had finally gotten used to not seeing Donghae’s face anymore. She was just happy. Just happy, but now, another feeling was rushing into her.

On the floor, a small knock came from her door. Waiting for a second knock, nothing came. Slowly reaching for the door knob, she opened and only found Yunho’s cell phone lying on the floor beside her door. Jaejoong’s number was visible and the seconds being counted. Taking the phone, she closed the door and spoke.

“Oppa?” Da-hee mumbled.

“Da-hee!” Jaejoong sounded relief yet still worried. “Uh—I—I wanted to know when you’ll be coming back home.” He laughed as he felt as dumb as ever.

“Oppa…” Da-hee’s voice trembled.

“Da-hee? What’s wrong?” Jaejoong asked her.

“Donghae…he’s dead right?” Da-hee asked him. “I mean—there’s no way—he can come back to life right? I mean we even did a funeral for him. His parents cried so much. We

even threw his ashes over the river. So that means he can’t come back right?” She asked him.

Jaejoong, shocked, quickly blurted, “Did you see him? Are you sure it’s him? Are you sure it’s Donghae?”

Da-hee suddenly choked at her tears as she realized she was not seeing a ghost. It was really Donghae. “It’s him.” She replied.

“Da-hee…I am so sorry. I was meaning to tell you.” Jaejoong tried to explain. “But, I…”

“So you knew it all along?” Da-hee cried. “You knew that Donghae didn’t die.”

Jaejoong remained silent.

“Back then, I truly believed that he didn’t die. I really did. But…you, Yoona, the doctors, and even his family said that he died!” She cried. “Why is this happening? It can’t be him can it? No. Why did you lied to me?!” She angrily asked. “Why did you lie to me that Donghae is dead?!”

“Da-hee…I’m sorry.” Jaejoong apologized.

“I…I betrayed him.” Da-hee whispered in tears.

______

In the room beside Da-hee, Yoona and Yunho both exchanged looks as they could hear her crying. It was the first time in many years when Da-hee had cried to such extend. They could almost feel the pain that she was going through at the moment.

“Donghae…” Yoona decided to include Yunho in the information, “was Da-hee’s first love.”

“Da-hee’s first love?” Yunho, surprised, muttered. “When was this?”

“It happened a year before we met you. Back in high school, Donghae and Da-hee had been in love for many years. However, Donghae is diagnosed with a weak heart and he would often faint or be sent to the hospital many times of the week. Nevertheless, he never quit school because Da-hee was there. Also, regardless of his health, she continued to care for him. They truly loved one another. But, Donghae’s parents dislike Da-hee due to their class status differences. Da-hee’s mother died and her father had remarried. Unlike Donghae’s rich business family, Da-hee was from a normal upper-class family.” Yoona sighed as she looked at Yunho who had been quiet the entire time like a child listening to some kind of bedtime story. She slightly smiled as she continued.

“Due to Donghae’s father’s frustration to get him to separate with Da-hee, he decided to make a deal with Donghae. In order to be listed at the top for a heart donation, Donghae must go abroad at once after his operation for four years to learn about business. He was not allowed to tell Da-hee anything and must not contact her. If Donghae was able to

endure the four years, his parents will reconsider Da-hee as part of their family. After his leave, his parents reported that he had died. Even the doctors played along, Jaejoong and me. It’s been four years already.”

______

Yoochun and Changmin both stared at the blank ceiling as they tried to force themselves to sleep. However, as much as they wanted to, they are as eager to find out the relationship between Da-hee and Donghae.

“No reason why she’s always so mean.” Yoochun suddenly blurted. “She likes someone else and doesn’t want to get close to another man.”

“That’s not true. She got close with Junsu Hyung.” Changmin muttered.

“Well…” Yoochun tried to think of other reasons, “Then…maybe a love affair?”

“How can she have a love affair? She’s been with us all this time.” Changmin explained.

Yoochun laughed as he looked happily at Changmin. “Not that idiot.” He answered. “I mean Junsu. Her love affair is Junsu.” He told Changmin.

______

Lying on his mattress was Donghae, back from the dead. Ever since his heart transplant four years ago, he had promise his father to disappear to study business due to his father’s eagerness to get him a new heart. Though he didn’t want to leave Da-hee alone, he was forced to. A promise was a promise. 

Luckily when he returned from overseas, he ran into Heechul, Yoona’s younger brother. Heechul was shocked at first, though Donghae managed to persuade him to understand his reasons for his leaving for such a long time. After trying so hard to persuade him about Da-hee and Yoona’s whereabouts, Heechul finally revealed the location to him. Who would have though after arriving back to the country, he would find his lost love so easy?

Donghae flipped up his cell phone and smiled at the picture of him and Da-hee together all in smiles. “I’m back, Da-hee.” He muttered, “Your Donghae has returned.”

Chapter 24Jaejoong arrived early the next morning to take Da-hee back home. As much as Da-hee wanted to explain the situation to Junsu, she was unable to do so. Yunho and Yoona were also leaving back to the cities as well as Yoochun and Changmin who felt like they should return back as well. Still inside the house while everyone waited outside, was Da-hee and Junsu. They both were in silence though Da-hee knew well she should say her goodbye soon.

“You should take care of yourself better.” Da-hee told him. “Don’t make the house messy and eat properly. If you’re bore, go take a walk or go see Nanny.”

Junsu smiled and nodded at her.

“Also, don’t kidnap any more people.” She said to him.

Quickly, he laughed. “You’re the only one who I will do that to.” He answered.

“Not even me!” She protested. “It makes us look weird!”

He nodded in defeat. “Okay.”

Slowly as she slightly smiled, she whispered, “I don’t know what to say to you, but for you to be patient with me.” She told him. She turned away from him, “I don’t know how long, but…I will sort out my feelings.” Taking her first step to leave Junsu, he held her back by the hand.

“You’ll come back right?” He asked her.

It took a moment before she finally nodded and then left in silence. 

I want to come back. She told herself.

______

The stiff looks between Donghae and his parents finally died down a little as he showed them his entire achievements during his time off sea. Not only did he become the number one in his class but also managed to get a contract going with one of the biggest companies abroad. Already full of himself, Donghae suddenly sent his parents the coldest and evilest glare ever.

“I did my end of the deal.” He said to his parents, “Now it’s your turn.”

Defeated by his son, Donghae’s father sighed. “Fine.” He said. “However, only if you’re able to make her reconsider you—after all, you’ve been dead to her for four years.”

“Fine.” Donghae smiled confidently. “I’m more than confident. Even the dead can still rise and love the living.” With those words, Donghae left his parents hanging. Da-hee, this time, we can finally be together. Just wait for me. I’m coming to come and get you.

______

“Dad?” Da-hee called to her father as she and Jaejoong finally arrived home. Chae-wan, the nurse who had been assigned to take care of their father off-campus, was also there. She was doing a regular checkup on him. “Is he alright?”

“Da-hee-shi.” Chae-wan smiled. “He is healthy. I am only here to do a regular checkup.” She grinned.

“It’s you.” Da-hee remembered. It was the same nurse that had given Jaejoong a gift. “Thank you for taking care of my father. I am in your debt.” Da-hee thanked her with a bow.

Chae-wan shook her head and smiled. “No, thank you for trusting him in our care.” She replied. She returned the bow to Da-hee and suddenly blushed as her eyes caught sight of Jaejoong. He was in silence and was clearing his throat as their eyes came in contact for a second. Chae-wan couldn’t help but giggle silently to herself.

“—and where have you been all this time?” Jaeyoung evilly stood up and walked toward Da-hee. “Though your leg is broken, you travel quite a lot don’t you? I wonder if it’s really broken.”

“And what do you mean by that?” Da-hee asked her.

Jaeyoung only shrugged. “Was it fun?” She suddenly asked her.

“What? What’s fun?” Da-hee asked.

“Was it fun to meet someone who’s dead for so many years?” She emphasized her question.

Immediately, Da-hee’s face went pale. By the look of Da-hee’s face, Jaeyoung was more than amused how easily Da-hee’s emotions became so unstable. Giving her one last nasty look, Jaeyoung left to her room. In silence, Da-hee returned to her room as well.

______

Four Years Ago

Da-hee and Donghae both slowly hid themselves beneath the window shell as they both snuck out of class together. The lecture that day was extra boring and amusingly, Donghae had invited to tell her a secret if she followed him out of class. Of course, for a curious person, Da-hee left with him.

It was a warm autumn day. The leaves had turned beautifully in the shades of red. When the sun shined upon the leaves, the entire tree glowed in crimson. It was beautiful. Donghae and Da-hee both stopped before a brick wall that can be easily jumped over by tall male students and some tall female students. Stopping, Donghae grabbed onto Da-hee’s book bag and threw it over the wall. As he threw his as well, he quickly lifted himself where he could sit onto the wall. Lending out his hand, Da-hee took it with easy.

It was probably the first time that Da-hee had played hooky. It wasn’t like her. She had always been the model student with perfect grades and attendance. However, that was not her. It was only a mere image that the people had created for her. Instead, she was rather a fun and outgoing person.

“Come on.” Donghae held onto Da-hee’s hand and the two ran to the bus stop. The bus arrived in just seconds of their arrival. Rushing into it, the two hurried and sat down at the

end of bus. Grasping for air, excitement ran down their faces.

“So what was your secret?” She asked him.

Donghae smiled and squeezed her hand. “Can’t you tell?” He looked at their hands jointed together.

Quickly, Da-hee’s entire face went red. “Stupid!” She tried to pull her hand, but he wouldn’t let go.

“A couple should hold hands!” Donghae pouted.

Giggling at Donghae’s childish side, Da-hee smiled at him. “Who said we’re a couple. We don’t have any confirmation.”

As she said so, Donghae suddenly out of nowhere kissed her gently on the check. As he released her pink and hot cheek, he smiled at her.

“Is this enough?” He asked her.

Quickly, she nodded in shock. Laughing at her, Donghae leaned onto Da-hee’s shoulder and closed his eyes.

“Hey, where are we going anyway?” Da-hee asked him.

“I don’t know. Let’s just enjoy the bus ride.” Donghae answered.

“Okay.” Da-hee grinned as she leaned onto Donghae and closed her eyes as well.

______

Present Time

A small knock on Da-hee’s window finally woke Da-hee up that evening. Groaning in tiredness, she slowly got out of her bed and walked to the window. As she opened her curtains, she could see Donghae down below. He waved at her to come down. Frozen at the sight of him, Da-hee bitted her lips.

“I have a secret to tell you.” Donghae silently called to her. “Let’s go for a bus ride.”

Hearing those words, Da-hee’s entire hearted jumped with joy. Immediately, her legs began to move on their own. She hurriedly head out of her room and down the stair where it was all dark. Everyone had already gone to bed. As she grabbed onto her jacket, she left the house. Now, face to face with Donghae, everyone almost seemed right.

“Come on.” Donghae lend out his hand.

Looking at him for a second, she took it. 

Chapter 25Donghae held onto Da-hee’s hand tightly as she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Already content that he was able to be beside Da-hee’s side after the four years, he couldn’t ask for anything more. Leaning onto as well, Donghae closed his eyes.

“Just like it had always been,” He whispered. “We can continue where we left off.”

______

Junsu packed up a few pairs of his clothes as he stuffed it inside his duffle bag. Zipping it up and placing it over his shoulder, he walked out of his quiet and dark house. Taking a good look at it from the outside, he smiled.

“I have some business to take care of.” He muttered as if he was talking to the house. “I don’t know how long, but I will be back. I won’t return empty handed.” With his words, he left.

______

The silent between Da-hee and Donghae must have lasted a full five minutes before the sound of Da-hee’s stomach growled breaking the silence between them. As she tried to hide her burning red face from him, Donghae only smiled at her.

“Do you want to eat something first?” He asked her.

“No.” Da-hee shook her head. “It’s not like I’m that hungry.” She answered.

“Is that so?” Donghae, unconvinced, muttered.

Da-hee nodded. “What was the secret that you wanted to tell me?” She asked him.

Quickly, Donghae’s face lit up. Taking hold on of Da-hee’s hand, he smiled. “Can’t you tell?” He asked her.

Afraid that she might really fall for such trick, Da-hee pulled her hand away from Donghae. “I don’t know what you meant.”

Donghae, hurt, returned a blank expression. “I guess it has been long.” He nodded almost in defeat as he felt that it was harder to express his feelings than ever. “Da-hee—”

“Let me say something.” Da-hee cut him. “Why did you lie to me?”

“Huh?”

“Why did you lie to me? Where did you disappear to? Where did you go? You didn’t die?” Da-hee asked him.

Donghae shook his head. “It wasn’t my intention. I’m sorry.”

“Then why?!” Tears began to gather beneath her eyes. “Why haven’t you tried to contact me once if you were alive?! Your funeral—I was at your funeral!” She yelled at him. “And now—you’re—you’re in front of me!”

“Da-hee,” Donghae tried to calm Da-hee down, but she pushed him away.

“I—I missed you so much.” She cried.

Immediately as she said that, Donghae hugged her. Tightly holding her in his arms, he snuggled for warmth. “I missed you too.” Donghae whispered. “It’ll be alright. We can start all over again. I’m still alive.”

Da-hee cried even more as she heard the words. “Donghae—let’s—let’s break up.”

“Eh?” Donghae stopped hugging her and pulled her from his arms where he could see her face more clearly. “What did you say?” He asked.

“Let’s break up.” Da-hee whispered once more.

______

The door to Yoochun’s apartment opened as Junsu was more than surprise to notice that not only was Changmin there but also Yunho. Yoochun, who quickly noticed Junsu’s duffle bag, quickly slammed the door shut; however, Junsu was fast enough to stick his arm through the opening.

“Ahh!! My arm.” Junsu growled in pain.

“My apartment is not some refugee camp!” Yoochun protested. “I have no more rooms.”

“But you stay all the time at my place!” Junsu protested.

“That’s because your house is huge! You don’t even use the space anyway! You’re not being useful to the earth.” Yoochun exclaimed.

“And you are?” Junsu quickly kicked Yoochun through the crack of the door. Falling backward, Junsu jumped into the apartment, closed the door, and then locked it. On the ground, Yoochun frowned at everyone.

“What’s wrong with all you people? Don’t you have homes to go to?” He asked them.

No one spoke. Yunho was sitting at the bed, too busy in his thoughts. Changmin was debating about calling Eun-suh to say goodnight or not. Junsu sighed.

“You’re a player. Of course you don’t have any worries—or least—not important ones anyway.” He answered.

“What does that suppose to mean?!” Yoochun barked at him. “I have worries—just—just—not the same ones as you three!”

“Like I care.” Junsu dropped his duffle bag and jumped onto the couch. “Yah, Yoochun-Hyung, cook me something. I’m starving.”

“I’m not your maid! And this is my roof. You make the food!” Yoochun exclaimed.

______

Yoona sat silently in the living room with Heechul and her parents as her father continued to lecture her about being around with Yunho. Of course, leaving with him and not leaving a note behind, her father had been devastated the entire time.

“It’s not like we’ll elope. Yunho is not that kind of person.” Yoona explained. “We only had barbeque at a friend’s house.”

“But you’re with Yunho!” Her father exclaimed in exhaustion. “That boy is just using you. He will not love you. Haven’t you learned anything, Yoona?!”

“Many things did happen, but, but I really like Yunho.” Yoona confessed. “I love him and I want to marry him. Can’t you just grant me that wish? Reconsider Yunho?”

“No.” Her father shook his head. “He’s going to cheat you again.”

“No he won’t.” Yoona protested. “Yunho won’t cheat me!”

“But he cheated us before!” He answered.

Unable to find any way through her father’s thickhead, Yoona stood up. “I don’t want to talk to you anymore.” She said to her father. “I will remain with Yunho and you can’t do a thing about it.” Rushing to her room, Yoona jumped onto her bed and hid her face on the pillow. Why won’t he understand? Yunho and I are in love. He loves me…right?

______

Da-hee limped down the sidewalk toward her house. Donghae, who was feeling rather unhappy, slowly followed her from behind. Stopping for a second, she turned to him.

“You don’t have to send me home.” She said to him. “I’m big enough.”

Donghae smiled. “But I want to make sure you’re safe inside first.” He answered.

“But there’s no need for you to be so worried.” Da-hee answered. “Please go home.”

“I want to see you off first.” Donghae answered.

Unable to argued, Da-hee turned away. Limping a little fast this time, she suddenly step

onto a rock with her cast and slipped. Luckily, Donghae was fast enough to catch her.

“Are you okay?” He asked her.

Before she could answer, a paper suddenly flew by them. Oddly, she could see her address written on it as it fly passed by. Quickly, Da-hee turned to face the direction where the paper flew from. As she did so, her entire body went cold. Junsu was standing there in shock and full of pain.

Chapter 26, Part AThe world seemed to have completely stopped as the three of them stood bluntly before one another. Everything went so quiet that the sound of their breathing was loud.

“Junsu…” Da-hee mumbled Junsu’s name as he could only returned a weak smile back in return—a bit disappointed. Pulling herself together, she waited as Junsu began to approach her. As he stopped a little before her, his forced smile seemed to be more in pain than ever.

“I wanted to say goodnight to you, that’s all.” Junsu grinned at her.

“Junsu…” Da-hee muttered to him, but Junsu wouldn’t listen. As he walked passed her, she couldn’t help but tugged against his shirt. “Don’t go.” She said to him.

“It’s already late. Please return home.” Junsu told her. He pushed her hand away but Da-hee quickly tugged it again.

“Listen to me.” She pleaded him.

“—are you really coming back?” Junsu’s voice suddenly changed. It was low and cold. By the tone of his voice, Da-hee knew for a fact that Junsu was hurt. He had never spoken so cold to her before. But that evening, it was the first.

Still tugging him, Da-hee felt her lips trembling. “Do you not trust me?” She asked him.

Junsu turned to her and smiled. “I do. Do you trust yourself?” He asked.

Da-hee nodded at him. “I’m confident.”

“That sounds much better.” Junsu grinned as he felt a little better than before. “Goodnight.” He said to her and walked away.

Releasing him, Da-hee bitted her lips.

“—is that true?” Donghae asked her, “That’s your confident to leave me?”

Da-hee turned to face Donghae a second time as she nodded with confidence. “I am.”

Hearing her said that, Donghae couldn’t help but laugh a little to himself. Never had he thought that something so right could go so wrong. “What the heck is going on? This isn’t

supposed to happen. Did I misread everything? How can everything turn out so different than what I have thought?”

“Donghae,” Da-hee frowned. “You disappeared for four years; do you really think it’ll stay the same?”

Donghae looked coldly at her. “Do you not love me enough to endure these long years?” He asked her.

“What?” Da-hee angrily looked at her. “What are you talking about? Do you know how painful it was to hear that you’ve died?” She asked him. “I was devastated. Everyone said that you died. Your parents, Oppa, and Yoona—these are the people that I trusted with my life. Of course I’ll believe them!”

“It was only a lie.” Donghae answered. “A lie, nothing more.”

“Then did Yoona and Oppa know that it was a lie? What about Jaeyoung? How did she know? Why am I the only one who doesn’t know anything?” Da-hee asked him.

“Yoona and Jaejoong know everything, but, I asked them to keep quite. I don’t know why Jaeyoung knows about it, maybe she overheard or something.” He answered.

“Then what about me? Do you really think it was right to lie to me?” She asked him.

“I know that it was wrong to lie to you, but do you know I was also hurt? My parents forced me to leave you. If I can’t beat my parents, how can I make them accept you?!” Donghae exclaimed. “But you—you ruined everything.”

Suddenly out of nowhere, Da-hee slapped Donghae. “My fault?” She frowned at him. “You’re not the same Donghae that I knew four years ago. He’ll never say these things to me. I—I don’t know you anymore. Don’t ever come and see me again.” Da-hee turned away and began to walk from him. However, Donghae grabbed onto her shoulders and forced her to face him a second time.

“Tell me straight up that you love that man.” Donghae said to her. “Tell me.”

“What are you trying to get at?” Da-hee asked him.

“Can you not say it? Do you not love him, because you still love me?” Donghae asked her.

“Stop it!” Da-hee yelled at him. “My relationship with Junsu does not concern you.”

“OF COURSE IT DOES! I LOVE YOU!” Donghae shouted.

Da-hee bitted her lips. “I love him.” She answered. “I love him very much.”

“Liar.”

“—I don’t care if you believe me or not.” Da-hee answered.

“Hmph.” Donghae looked evilly at her. “And what makes you think I’ll agree?” He asked her.

“Huh?”

“Do you really think that I’ll let you go? After all, I came back from the dead.”

Chapter 26, Part BDo you really think that I’ll let you go? After all, I came back from the dead. Donghae’s words repeated itself over and over again for the many times as Da-hee tried hard to ignore it. It’s true that Donghae really seemed to have returned back from the dead, but, seeing him again made everything even more complicated.

“Ahh!” Da-hee stressfully left out a sigh. “Why is he making this so complicated?!”

“What’s complicated?” Jaejoong poked his head into Da-hee’s room. 

“—she’s always complicated.” Jaeyoung quickly muttered as she walked by them.

Ignoring her, Jaejoong continued, “and where did you go last night?”

“Oh, I took a walk.” Da-hee answered.

“And here,” Jaejoong showed her the phone. “It’s Junsu.”

Hearing Junsu’s name, Da-hee’s face lit up. “Give it to me.” She hurriedly said to Jaejoong. Jaejoong threw the phone to Da-hee who quickly caught it. “Hello?” She answered.

“Uh—about last night—I’m really sorry. I was really rude to you and I shouldn’t have said such nasty things to you. Please forgive me.” Junsu apologized to her.

Hearing him as his usual self, Da-hee couldn’t help muttered, “Junsu, do you want to have dinner at my house tonight? I mean, unless you returned back.”

“Oh—no—I would love to!” Junsu happily muttered. “Is your father going to be there?”

“Yes. He had been bugging me a few times about inviting you.” Da-hee answered. “You’ll put a good impression right?” She asked him.

“Of course!” Junsu happily answered.

“Great! See you at dinner!”

“Okay.”

“Yay,” Da-hee smiled to herself. “I finally asked him. I’m sure father will be happy to see

him. Now, I have to go and prepare. I’ll invite Yoona to go shopping with me.”

______

“Junsu…” Yoochun and Changmin both stared at him. “You’ve frozen for several minutes now. What is wrong with you?” They asked him.

“Guys…” Junsu mumbled.

“What?” They answered together dully, uninterestedly.

“DA-HEE JUST ASKED ME OVER FOR DINNER!” Junsu happily shouted as he jumped for joy.

“Uh?” They gave him an odd expression, “that’s why you’re happy?”

“I can’t wait for dinner!” Junsu happily exclaimed.

______

“Hmm…you’re awfully happy today.” Yoona looked at Da-hee. “Did something good happen?”

“Not at all.” Da-hee answered. “In fact, it’s going down the drain.”

“What are you talking about? Your words and actions don’t even match right now.” Yoona mumbled in confusion.

Da-hee, out of nowhere, let out a small laugh. “I think I know how it feels to be really really stressed out. Trying to be happy and making the best of your day is much better than thinking about things that makes you angry all the time!”

“Eh?” Yoona looked oddly at her.

Da-hee grinned. “You should also invite Yunho Oppa to dinner as well. It might go well. Tell him to talk it over with your father. I’m sure he’ll reconsider.”

“Uh—my father isn’t exactly fond of Yunho right now.” Yoona explained.

“Well, you never know Yoona.” Da-hee answered.

“Okay, you’re freaking me out. Let’s just go and buy your groceries.” Yoona muttered.

Slowly pausing, Da-hee sighed sadly. “I’m pushing myself too much. I don’t like it.”

“Huh?”

“What should I do?” Da-hee looked at Yoona. “Donghae won’t accept this.”

______

Yunho’s cell rang as he quickly picked. “Yoona!” He exclaimed loudly which made the other three turned their attention to him. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” Yoona answered. “Tonight—are you free?”

“Tonight? Of course.” Yunho answered.

“Then, have dinner with me and my parents.” Yoona suggested. “I thought it might be a good time to catch up and talk.”

“Have dinner?” He sounded a little scary. “Of course I’ll have dinner with your parents and you.”

“Great.” Yoona happily answered. “I’ll prepare for dinner then. See you soon.”

“Okay.” Yunho nodded. Hanging up, he fell back down.

“—why is that he’s not happy like Junsu when he was invited to dinner?” Yoochun and Changmin both asked themselves.

“—this means, her father’s going to put poison in my food.” Yunho frowned. “What should I do?”

“You should handle it like a man!” Junsu exclaimed. “Tonight we’re going to make sure the girl we loves parents will love us!”

“Easy for you to say. Da-hee’s parents are quite the opposite of Yoona’s.” Yunho answered.

“So? We are thriving for victory!” Junsu exclaimed more.

“Victory huh?” Yunho sighed. Quickly, he jumped onto his feet and with confident exclaimed out, “I’M THRIVING FOR VICTORY!”

“That’s it! We can do it!” Junsu yelled.

“We can do it!” Yunho repeated.

“—those two are just weird. We don’t know them.” Yoochun and Changmin muttered in embarrassment.

______

Jaeyoung walked back home as she finished hanging out with her friends. Pulling out her phone and text messaging one of her friends, she suddenly stumbled upon Donghae. He seemed to be heading somewhere.

“Donghae Oppa!” Jaeyoung called to him.

“Oh, Jaeyoung.” Donghae smiled. “Where are you heading?”

“I’m going back home.” Jaeyoung answered. “Where are you going Donghae Oppa?” She asked.“Really nowhere.” He answered.

“Oh, then,” Jaeyoung recalled earlier that midmorning overhearing Da-hee invite Junsu over for dinner. “Why don’t you come home with me and have dinner. I’m sure Uhnni, Oppa and father would love t have your company.”

“I probably shouldn’t...” Donghae refused.

“No! You must!” Jaeyoung insisted and grabbed onto Donghae’s arm. “You have to come tonight! It’ll be interesting.”

“Interesting?”

Chapter 26, Part CIn the house of Kim, everyone remained silent at the dinner table as Da-hee was forced to sit between Junsu and Donghae. Across from her were Jaejoong and Jaeyoung who seemed to be enjoying the show rather well. Their father was sitting beside Junsu on his own little side, a little shock to see Donghae, and was rather fonder to see Junsu more. Da-hee, who is now feeling more horrible than ever, couldn’t help but sent an evil glare at Jaeyoung. She was always the one to ruin everything. Jaeyoung, who ignored her glare, only smiled bigly before them. Jaejoong seemed to have completely lost at the staring contest and felt himself drowning in the pool of hatred. Junsu and Donghae both felt betrayed almost as they remained quiet as well.

“Well, let’s eat. The food is getting cold. After all, Da-hee made everything.” Their father grinned. “Staring all day won’t make ourselves full, don’t you think?” He asked them.

“I agreed.” Jaejoong quickly nodded in agreement as he felt better that their father had loosen the mood between them.

______

At the other house of Kim, Yoona couldn’t help but stared at her father who had been mad dogging Yunho the entire time. Heechul and her mother seemed to have completely ignored the atmosphere and ate as if nothing was happening. Yunho, who was quite nervous, only slightly touched his food though he would often stopped and look back at Yoona’s father. Yoona, on the other hand, had lost her appetite due to the heavy tension between the man she love and her father.

“Let’s stop with the staring,” Yoona suggested, however no one listened. Already upset, Yoona suddenly stood up. “It’s enough!” She blurted angrily. “You both can stare all day long! I can’t eat at this table! Aish!” She pushed her chair from the table and stomped out of

the house.

______

Yoochun sat alone at his comfortable couch with a dinner TV and some popcorn to go along with his movie. Since that everyone seemed to have abandon him that evening, Yoochun had decided to whip up himself a movie and popcorn. It was only the last minute when Changmin managed to get a hold of Eun-suh and invited her out for dinner. Everyone seemed to have completely forgotten about their refugee camp owner.“It’s not like I’m lonely.” Yoochun smell his TV dinner. “I live alone.”

______

“Uhnni,” Jaeyoung, who seemed to waiting for the perfect moment, finally said a word during dinner. “I’m very interest about something.”

“Interest?” Da-hee sounded a little worried as she knew that anything that came from Jaeyoung’s mouth will not only be bad but to make things worst between her, Junsu and Donghae.

“One man is your first love, and another man is your love now. Which do you love more?” Jaeyoung asked her.

Quickly as she did so, her father and Jaejoong both stopped eating and with curiosity, watched her answer. Junsu and Donghae both turned their attention to Da-hee who seemed to be stumbled at the question. As Jaeyoung smiled even bigger to the fact that Da-hee was unable to answer, she slightly chuckled at her.

“Of course, if you don’t want to say…then please don’t.” Jaeyoung smiled. “I’m sure you don’t want disappoint one of them.”

“Actually, I rather like the question.” Da-hee suddenly muttered with guts as she could see Jaeyoung’s entire face turn pale. “It’ll be a good a time to sort out everything.” She smiled. “Thanks for asking, Jaeyoung. You have always been such a good sister to me.”

“Of course.” Jaeyoung answered. What is up her sleeve this time? She wondered to herself. She is rather taking this quite well. I bet she’s just purposely trying to annoy me!

What the hell am I saying? Da-hee asked herself as she felt like melting into thin air. This is not good. This is not the kind of dinner I was hoping for! “Ahem…” Da-hee cleared her throat.

“—I should be going.” Donghae, from out of nowhere, stood up. He pushed his chair back toward the table as he quickly sent a smile to Da-hee who was quite confused at him. “Thanks for inviting me for dinner, Jaeyoung. Maybe I can come next time.”

“Donghae Oppa…” Jaeyoung bitted her lips.

“It was nice meeting you again, uh—Junsu-shi.” Donghae said to Junsu. “As it is now, we might be seeing each other more often, don’t you think?” He asked.

Junsu nodded. “I believe so.”

“And…” He looked toward Da-hee’s father and bowed for an apology. “It’s my biggest mistake to leave without telling you. I hope you will forgive me.” He said to him.

Da-hee’s father laughed loudly as he shook his head. “What are you saying? You are welcome here anytime.” He answered.

“Thank you.” Donghae smiled. He turned to Da-hee who had remained quiet the entire time. Without much thought, he leaned forward toward Da-hee’s ear and whispered something to her. Quickly as he finished, he waved goodbye at them.

“Da-hee?” Jaejoong noticed how bright red Da-hee had became. “What’s the matter? Your face is all red.”

“What?” Da-hee tried hard not to show any difference in her voice, though it was obviously not working. “What are you talking about? I’m perfectly fine. See.” She tried to smile. What was Donghae thinking? She asked herself. Saying that to me.

You can’t escape from me. I’m still in love with you.

Chapter 27Everyone stared oddly at one another that afternoon they barbeque. In the middle of the mountains and out for a camping trip, Da-hee and Yoona had found their own death wish instead. The two girls stood in the middle of the camping site while on two separate sides where the others. On one side was Yoona’s family as well as Da-hee’s family along with Chae-wan and Donghae. On the other were Junsu, Granny, Yunho, Changmin, Yoochun, and Eun-suh. A blood lusting feeling fill the air as the wind blew against them signaling for a new battle.

How did this happen? Da-hee asked herself as she tried hard not to show any displeasure.

This doesn’t look too good. Yoona bitted her lips as she and Da-hee exchanged facial expressions.

It was definitely not good, especially when everyone isn’t quite getting along.

______

A Few Hours before Camping

“Camping?” Da-hee oddly looked at her father who didn’t sound like he was half asleep that morning. “Why the sudden?”

“Well, I thought it would be a nice family trip.” Her father answered with a smile. “Of course, also a reward for your cast removal.” He quickly added.

“Really?” Da-hee doesn’t seem too convinced about it.

“Of course.” He answered with an even bigger smile this time.

Da-hee narrowed her eyes at her father as she tried hard to think what her father was cooking up. Of course with her father always a smiley person, it was harder to even tell if he was lying or not. Unable to find the answer, Da-hee sighed.

“Yoona’s taking me to the hospital. We’ll leave once I get back.” Da-hee answered.

Her father quickly nodded. “I’ll have everything ready when you return home.”

“Okay. Okay.” Da-hee nodded.

______

“Camping?” Junsu sounded a bit confused as he received a phone call from Da-hee’s father. The guys who happened to be at his house the same morning rushed over to Junsu. Immediately, they lifted up their eyes and placed it near the receiver only to be kicked by Junsu who barely can hear Da-hee’s father’s words.

“Do you want to get beat up?” Junsu whispered to them as well as lift his arm.

Sadly look at him, the three of them returned back to their seats on the ground.

“I’m so sad.” Yoochun frowned. “I need to get myself a girlfriend too.”

“—I want to go camping too. With Eun-suh.” Changmin sighed.

“A camping trip sounds so good right now.” Yunho nodded.

The three of them closed their eyes as daydream about their camping trips.

“—eh? Invite Granny and the guys?” Junsu sounded surprised.

“—WHAT!” The three guys blurted at the same time.

______

“Camping?” Chae-wan looked a bit confused as Jaejoong asked her to go camping with the family. “But—I have to work.” Chae-wan replied. “I won’t be able to go.” She slightly bitted her lips as she waited for Jaejoong to find words of comfort to her, however, as dull as usual, Jaejoong only quietly waited for a “real” answer. “Well, I suppose if I tell my boss that I’ll be looking after your father.” Chae-wan mumbled.

“Then please do.” Jaejoong answered.

“Eh—okay.” Chae-wan nodded. How awkward. He came to ask me and he doesn’t seem like he wants me to go. She thought to herself. “I’ll see you later this afternoon then.” She grinned at Jaejoong.

Jaejoong nodded at her and left without another sound. Frowning to herself, Chae-wan turned away. Who am I trying to kid? Jaejoong doesn’t look at me the same way. I am getting too excited for nothing. Chae-wan told herself. About to return back to her station, a hand suddenly grabbed onto her.

“Eh?” She turned around to see Jaejoong beside her. He was slightly blushing.

“Call me. I’ll come and pick you up.” He told her. Quickly, he left again.

Watching him go, Chae-wan smiled happily to herself.______

Da-hee sat quietly down on the bench as she stared at her leg. So many things had happened that she didn’t even know time flew by so fast. Everything all started with this one leg. Da-hee touched her former broken leg. The feeling was a bit weird.

“What are you doing?” Yoona asked Da-hee.

“Oh,” Da-hee smiled. “It’s just; I didn’t realize how long it has been since the accident.” She answered. “It’s been quite long though it felt like it was yesterday.”

“Is that so?” Yoona sat beside Da-hee. “Do you want to know something absurd?”

“What is it?” Da-hee asked.

“My father asked the family to go on a camping trip.” Yoona answered.

“Camping trip huh---CAMPING TRIP?!” Da-hee coughed.

“Da-hee, what is it?” Yoona, worried, asked her.

“That’s weird. My father also asked the family to go camping as well.” Da-hee confessed.

Da-hee and Yoona both stared at one another for a few seconds before blurting, “No they didn’t!”

______

Present Time – Camping

The sound of Da-hee’s father laughed as he looked at everyone’s serious face. “Why the

long faces?” He asked. “We are all family, are we not?” He asked them. No spoke in return. 

Yoona’s father quickly then cleared his throat as he muttered, “Why isn’t anyone cooking? Isn’t camping suppose to have a campfire and fish?” As he finished speaking, the guys immediately marched toward the lake to fish while the girls prepare dinner that evening.

“How absurd.” Da-hee and Yoona both muttered to one another as they both felt like they were being cheated by their father.

______

By the lakeside was Yoona. Sitting alone with pebbles in her hand, she threw one after another. It wasn’t as if she didn’t enjoy the camping trip, but she was a bit worry that her father and Yunho will have some kind of misunderstanding during the trip. Already out of ideas to make her father reconsider, Yoona didn’t want to ruin anything more. Throwing the last of her pebbles, Yoona sighed.

“—Yoona?” Yunho’s voice suddenly appeared from out of nowhere.

Immediately as Yoona heard Yunho’s voice, her body jolt in shock as she, out of nowhere, slipped into the lake.

“Yoona!” Yunho called her name and jumped into the lake after her. He grabbed onto Yoona’s body and pulled her into his arms. “Why did you jump?”

Yoona coughed out the water as she tried replied, “It wasn’t as if I wanted to. You startled me!”

“Oh. Sorry. Come on. Let’s get out of the water.” Yunho told her. Swimming toward the shore, Yunho suddenly stopped.

“What?” Yoona asked him.

“It’s Jaejoong.”

“What about him?” Yoona asked.

“He’s with that girl. Let’s peek on them.” Yunho answered.

“WHAT!” Yoona blurted, but Yunho placed his hand over Yoona’s lips to keep them from being discovered.

“Shh…” Yunho whispered. “Don’t you want to see the outcome of Jaejoong and that girl? I think she likes him, but he’s too dull to notice.”

“That girl?” Yoona looked across the shore and noticed Jaejoong and Chae-wan walking together toward the lake. They seemed to be having a walk together. “Oh, Chae-wan?”

“Shh…” Yunho placed his hand over Yoona’s lips once again. But as Yunho noticed Jaejoong and Chae-wan approaching the lakeside, Yunho quickly turned to Yoona and blurted, “Go under water right now!”

“What?!”

Before Yoona can even ask why, Yunho had already pulled her underwater. As Yoona and Yunho both went under, Jaejoong and Chae-wan stopped by the edge of the lake and continued their evening together. Meanwhile, Yoona and Yunho tried to communicate under water through their extremely slow hand motions and their squeaky not understandable voice, Yoona lifted her finger up to indicate that she was returning to surface. Yunho, who knew of the consequences about peeking on Jaejoong, only pulled onto Yoona’s arm to stop her. Closing the distant between them, Yunho kissed her.

Chapter 28Jaejoong and Chae-wan both sat quietly beside one another as only silence swirled between them. It wasn’t exactly Jaejoong’s idea to have a walk with her. Instead, his father had suggested that they two should have time alone—what ever that was suppose to mean. Clearing his throat, Jaejoong slightly looked toward Chae-wan’s direction. She was looking across the lake. He could tell that she was feeling a bit nervous to be alone with him. Letting out a small sigh, Jaejoong decided to speak.

“Sorry that my father had to drag you all the way here.” He told her. “I know it must be a pain to lie about work.”

Chae-wan didn’t speak. She only shrugged slightly at him.

“I do sure wonder what’s up with him and Yoona’s father though.” Jaejoong continued. “You might not know this, but there are serious issues in the two families. It’s kind of out of the ordinary to suddenly force everyone together at the same time.”

“—Jaejoong, you worry a lot about your family, don’t you?” Chae-wan looked up at Jaejoong. She grinned at him. “I like that about you.”

Immediately, Jaejoong’s whole face went red. Thinking he should have some words to counter her, nothing came to his mind. They both remained awkward before one another—and then something shot out of the lake.

“Ahh!” The sound of Yoona grasping for air caught their attention. 

Her head popped on the lake’s surface with Yunho following her by. Jaejoong’s face went horrid as he watched Yoona angrily swim toward the shoreline and pulling herself out of the water. Yunho, who was a little bit nervous to be seen by Jaejoong, quickly did the same.

“Don’t even come near me again!” Yoona angrily barked at Yunho. “That kiss under water was not romantic at all!” She pouted. She stomped away from them forgetting who was also listening to them.

“Wait a minute. Yoona!” Yunho called to her. He slightly stopped before Jaejoong and Chae-wan and grinned. “Please carry on your conversation. We didn’t hear anything, I promise.” He muttered and quickly ran after Yoona.

Chae-wan and Jaejoong, embarrassed, remained quiet.

______

Yoochun, bored, stared at everyone. Changmin and Eun-suh were busy making lemonade and passing them out. Junsu had left to take a nature walk while Donghae was with the Da-hee’s and Yoona’s father fishing. Da-hee and Nanny were together cooking the fishes that were caught earlier. As for Yoochun, he sat by himself on the log at a corner.

“This sucks.” He muttered to himself.

From a distant of the campsite, finally appeared Yunho and Yoona. They were both soaked to the bone.

“Yoona?” Da-hee hurried over toward Yoona. “What happened to you? Yunho Oppa? Why are you both wet?” She asked them.

Yunho slightly shrugged at her.

“Hurry and get change or you both will catch a cold!” Da-hee told them. Nodding to Da-hee’s request, they left to change.

Sitting afar and watching them was Yoona’s father. Turning away from Yoona and Yunho instantly, he cleared his throat.

“That boy…” He said.

“—Are you still angry at him?” Da-hee’s father grinned at Yoona’s father. “You know, there’s a saying that if you’re too stubborn and angry—your face will get old and wrinkly.” He muttered with a smile. “You should forgive him already.”

“But he…”

“Surely you can see that Yoona and Yunho are in love.” Da-hee’s father continued. “You can’t keep them apart forever.”

“Well…”

“Just forgive the poor boy. You know you like him.” Da-hee’s father grinned.

“Hmph.” Yoona’s father turned away from Da-hee’s father. “What do you know?”

“Well, I know well that Da-hee’s going through a rough time. That’s why we’re here.” He

answered. “She just needs someone to show her a clue.”

Listening to them, Donghae frowned to himself. Obviously he knew well that Da-hee’s father was talking about the problem between him, Da-hee and Junsu. Looking up at Da-hee’s father, Donghae muttered, “I’m so to have caused so much trouble. Please forgive me.” He apologized.

Da-hee’s father smiled. “I have no right to tell Da-hee who to choose. But let me tell you this, I’m glad you’re not dead.” He told Donghae.

______

Yoona and Yunho dried themselves with towels in silence. Since the water accident with Jaejoong, Yoona hadn’t spoken to Yunho at all. Looking at her, Yunho could tell how upset she was.

“Yoona…” Yunho mumbled. “I’m sorry that I made you peeked on Jaejoong with me. I won’t do it a second time.” Yoona remained quiet. “And the kiss—”

“—it wasn’t even romantic. It was more like you’re pushing air into me.” Yoona looked coldly at Yunho. “I’m disappointed.” She told him.

“Eh?” Yunho blurted.

“No passion at all. And it was our first kiss.” Yoona continued.

Yunho was completely shocked to hear Yoona said such thing. As he watched her beginning to leave him, Yunho couldn’t help but grabbed onto Yoona’s hand. “You said it wasn’t passionate.” Yunho muttered at her. “Then, I’ll give you passion.” Quickly without giving Yoona any time to react, he kissed her a second time—this time—filled with love and passion.

______

Da-hee walked away from the campsite as she noticed Junsu hadn’t returned from his “nature” walk yet. A bit worried, Da-hee decided she’ll find him herself. Why did he go for so long? She thought to herself. If I find her, I’ll give him a good beat! She declared. Along the path from the campsite was another path. Thinking that Junsu had taken such path, she decided to follow it. The path was really small and went deeper into the mountain forest. A bit nervous that she may have taken the wrong turn, Da-hee decided to turn back around. However, before she can return back to the original pathway that she took the leaves on the trees suddenly began to shake. Frozen, horror filled her entire mind.

I didn’t know the mountains have wild animals. Da-hee thought to herself. They don’t eat humans, do they? She asked herself. Trying to stay as alert as she could, something suddenly touched the back of her shoulder.

Chapter 29Da-hee’s entire body froze as she felt the touch on her shoulder. Slightly, clutching her first, she turned around and swung her arms. Immediately, her arms smacked right into Donghae who was at the back of her. Watching him stumble and falling, Da-hee froze in shock. It took a moment before she finally realized she had just whacked Donghae hard on the face.

“I am so sorry!” Da-hee hurried and helped Donghae up. “I—I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you.” She apologized.

Donghae, in pain, shook his head. “I don’t blame you for hitting me.” He answered. “I should have called your name or something. It taught me to never touch you from the back again.” He added.

“I’m really sorry.” Da-hee apologized a second time.

“If you’re that sorry—then will you meet me tonight at the lake?” Donghae suddenly asked her.

“Eh?”

“I have to talk to you.” He slightly whispered. “We can’t put this off any longer.”

“—what are you talking about? We have nothing to talk about.” Da-hee answered. “I won’t meet you.” Walking from him, Donghae grabbed onto her hand. Quickly she pulled it away harshly. “I don’t feel comfortable when you touch me. Please don’t do it again.” She told him. “And I also don’t like it.”

Donghae nodded at her. “I am sorry.”

“Then if you’ll excuse me.” Da-hee began to talk back to the campsite.

“—I’ll be waiting for you!” Donghae called to her. “I’ll wait all night even if I have to! You have to come.”

What’s his problem? Da-hee asked herself as she tried hard not to listen to him. I already told him that I won’t be seeing him tonight. Returning back to the site, Da-hee had already noticed Junsu joining the fun with her father and Yoona’s father in the fun at the small lake by their site. Angered that she had wasted her time to find him, Da-hee stomped over toward Junsu. Immediately without him noticing, she kicked the back of his sit which set him flying into the lake.

“Da-hee?” Her father blurted in confusion as he watched Da-hee stomped away.

“—Hey!” Junsu called from the lake. “Why did you kick me?! You know I can get sick!” He called to her.

“Like I care!” Da-hee blurted back.

“—are you sure Da-hee and Junsu are doing well?” Yoona’s father asked a bit worried. “It doesn’t seem like their relationship is stable.”

“Don’t worry about them. Hahaha.” Da-hee’s father laughed. “This is normal. Sort of, heh.” He laughed once again—a bit worried himself. This doesn’t look good. What could have happened between them now? Her father thought.

______

That evening as everyone gathered around the campfire, Da-hee couldn’t help but noticed Donghae looking at her. It was already weird enough for Junsu almost glaring at her for what she did early that evening, yet with Donghae’s, it was almost as if he was sending her a message. Though Da-hee did not react much to him, she still couldn’t help but noticed his facial. Finally after some times, Donghae left the campfire. Da-hee knew exactly where he was heading.

“Taking a walk this late?” Changmin whispered to Yoochun. “That’s a little suspicious.”

“Shh idiot.” Yoochun whispered in return, “You don’t know anything. Continue fantasying about Eun-suh-shi!”

“Hey! At least I have someone to think about and you don’t!” Changmin quickly countered back.

Immediately Yoochun grabbed onto Changmin by the collar. Eun-suh, who was listening to them, watched them awkwardly. Yoochun slightly turned toward Eun-suh’s direction and smiled.

“I would like to barrow him for a few minutes.” Yoochun said to Eun-suh.

She slightly nodded for her approval. As soon as she approved, Yoochun dragged Changmin into the tent whispering, “I’m going to beat you good for disrespecting your elders.”

Watching them good, Da-hee slightly smiled to herself. I should at least hear what he had to say. It’s not like anything will change. She thought to himself. I’ll end this business between us tonight. It’s best. I don’t want to worry Junsu too much. Suddenly standing up, Junsu grabbed onto her hand.

“Where are you going?” Junsu asked her.

Da-hee bitted her lips, unsure if she should tell Junsu the truth or not. However, before she could answer, Junsu had already continued speaking.

“Are you going to meet him?” He asked.

Da-hee nodded. “I won’t take long.” She answered. “So wait for me okay.” She grinned at him.

Junsu smiled. “Hurry up or I’ll fall asleep.” He answered and let go of her hand.

She smiled. “I will.”

______

The walk to the lake wasn’t so far from the campsite. Luckily, she had a flashlight with her which made everything much easier and less scarier. Arriving upon the lake, she could see Donghae patiently waiting for her. He was sitting on the rock with pebbles in his hands. Throwing them one at a time into the lake, she could hear him whispering, “She’s coming. She’s not coming,” at himself. Finally approaching him, Donghae quickly stood up—a bit embarrassed that Da-hee was able to witness something so humiliating.

“I thought you wouldn’t come.” Donghae said to her. “But I’m glad.”

“Actually, I wasn’t going to come.” Da-hee confessed, “But you’re also my friend. I didn’t want you to stay up all night because of me. So, therefore, I came.”

“Is that so?” Donghae muttered.

“Yes.” Da-hee nodded. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “So, what is it that you need to talk to me about?” She asked. “Please tell me everything. I probably shouldn’t meet you like this a second time. It doesn’t make any sense since we’re only friends.” She added. “And plus, I don’t feel comfortable like this.”

Donghae slightly chuckled to hear Da-hee say such words. “You really did change.” He muttered. “I don’t know where to start.”

“Then let me start.” Da-hee insisted calmly. “I just want to tell you, that I don’t hate you. In fact, I’m glad that you’re not dead. I was very happy when I met you again. I was also very confused, mad, and sad. But, overall, I’m very happy that you’re not dead.” She answered. “It would have been great to know that you were still alive, but you have your reasons and I don’t blame you. However, we can’t return to where we left off. It doesn’t work that way.”

“Da-hee…”

“Things changed over time, even hearts.” She continued. “The feelings I have for you back in the old days, I can’t feel it anymore.” She whispered. Slowly tears began to fall from her eyes. Recalling her love for Donghae was absolutely hurtful. “Even if you’re right beside me, I can’t feel it anymore. My heart doesn’t jump. It doesn’t get nervous. And it doesn’t say thing about you. Nothing at all.”

“You really did change a lot.”

“What can you say? Accidents can change a person’s entire life.” Da-hee muttered as she recalled her own accident with her broken leg as well as Donghae’s death. “So, I beg you. Let’s end it here. I don’t want to hurt Junsu any more.”

“Do you really like him?” Donghae asked her.

Da-hee nodded her heart as more tears ran down her eyes. “My heart aches for him when I’m not near him. It jumps when I’m around him. It beats for him only.” She whispered.

Speechless, Donghae remained frozen before Da-hee who was drying up her tears. He knew well that the tears she shed were not exactly the tears that he had hoped for. Instead, the tears were a sign that she no longer wants to be see him suffer because of their unfulfilled love, and because she had moved on and wishes him to do the same. As Donghae tried to take in everything that Da-hee had said to him, he approached her slowly.

“Can I hold you for one last time?” He whispered to her.

Unable to reply back to him, Donghae, instead, leaned forward to hug regardless of her answer. As he managed to get his arms around her and about to hug her, someone clearing their throat caught onto Da-hee and Donghae’s attention. Quickly as Da-hee turned to see who it was, her face went white. It was Junsu. In his hand was holding onto a blanket and another flashlight. As he noticed them, his face also went white.

“Junsu?” Da-hee whispered his name.

Junsu, a bit hurt, tried to smile. “Since tonight was a little cold, I thought I should bring you a blanket or something.” He sat the blanket onto the ground. “I won’t disturb you both. Please carry on.” He insisted and quickly walked back.

Da-hee, already disappointed at herself, pushed Donghae away. She quickly followed Junsu.“—Junsu!” She called onto him. “Wait up Junsu!” Managing to catch up to Junsu, she pulled onto his arm. “Idiot! Why did you walk so fast! Didn’t you hear me calling you?” She asked him.

Junsu turned to her and slightly glared at her. “I don’t like it when other men touch you.” He said to her.

“What are you talking about? He didn’t touch me.” Da-hee answered.

“You both were about to hug each other!” He blurted. “Do you know how much blood was running through my head? I was able to explode!” He confessed.

Da-hee laughed. “By any chance, are you jealous?” She asked him.

“Who’s jealous?” Junsu refused to admit. “I’m not jealous.”

She smiled. “You don’t have to admit it. Here, I’ll give you a gift.” She placed her hands upon Junsu’s cheeks and suddenly tiptoed to face him better. Without a warning, she kissed him gently at the side of his lips and cheek. “There. You should be fine now. You have nothing to worry about. I placed my mark on you already.” She patted Junsu on the shoulder. “Come on; let’s return back to the site.” Walking, Junsu pulled onto her arm.

“What?”

“Do you think I’m satisfied with that?” He asked. “We’ve kissed before! You shouldn’t be so shy.”

“Eh?! Why are you brining up such embarrassing times?” Da-hee asked him as she covered up her budging red face. “I already forgot all those moments!”

“Then shall I make you remember them once more?” Junsu moved in toward Da-hee. He wrapped his arms around her gently and slowly leaned toward her lips. As he could feel her heart racing against his, he brushed a little bit of her hair off her face. “I love you.” He whispered as he kissed her.

Chapter 30“Why are you so happy today?” Yoona asked Da-hee as she noticed Da-hee was a lot happier than usual. “Did something good happen to you last night?” She asked. She and Da-hee were together by the table packing a family lunch for their long hike up the mountain that morning.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Da-hee lied as she shrugged at Yoona. It’s not like I’m going to tell her I was happy when Junsu kissed me! That’s too embarrassing!She told herself. “I’m just the same old Da-hee.” She answered.

“Right.” Yoona, unconvinced, muttered.

______

Like most camping trips, a hiking is always included. With the guys, each carrying a certain package of food, and the girls and fathers ready to go, the big family began to head their ways up the mountains. The morning was warm and clear. The sun was shining brightly and the air perfect. What obstacle can come their way?

“Hey…Yunho.” Yoochun whispered to Yunho, “Don’t you think it’s the perfect opportunity to get closer to Yoona’s father?” He asked.

“What do you mean?’ Yunho asked.

“Yoona’s father’s an old man. We’re hiking up the mountains. Do you see the connection?” Yoochun asked.

It took Yunho a few seconds before realizing that Yoochun was right. It was the perfect time to get Yoona’s father to accept him once in for all. Thanking Yoochun right away, he hurried beside Yoona’s father.

“It’s a lovely morning, isn’t it?” Yunho grinned at Yoona’s father. “Don’t force yourself too much. It’s a long way up there.”

“What are you trying to say? That I don’t have the strength to make it to the top?” Yoona’s

father grumpily asked.

“Well—that’s not exactly what I meant.” Yunho weakly answered. Great. This isn’t going well at all. He thought to himself.

“You’re forty years too young to even say that to me!” Yoona’s father barked and quickly paced himself.

Depressed, Yoona came beside him and padded him on the shoulder. “Father’s really starting to like you.” She grinned at him.

“You think so?” Yunho sighed. “It looks the total opposite, if you ask me!”

“Heh…” Yoona tried not to laugh. “He’s just stubborn.”

“I know.” Yunho nodded.

Changmin and Eun-suh were both together walking in smiles. It wasn’t everyday that they’re together. From last night, Changmin was beat up by Yoochun who gave him swollen lips and a black eye. However, Eun-suh had patched him back up well.

“Don’t exert yourself too much.” Changmin said to her. “If you need to rest, then we’ll rest. This trail only leads up to the mountain top. So it doesn’t matter if we’re behind.” He told her.

Eun-suh grinned at him, sending him the message that she’s thankful for his care.

Watching them from behind was Yoochun, who doesn’t seem pleased at all. Trying to ignore the couple, Nanny suddenly came and whacked him on the back.

“So, where’s your girlfriend? Oh, wait, I forgot. You don’t settle for only one girl.” She laughed.

“Nanny!” Yoochun’s face went red.

“I’m just lying. She’ll come soon enough. Don’t worry.” She smiled. “Once you know how to look at only one woman in your life.”

“Hmph.” Yoochun turned away from nanny. “Love is hard when everyone loves me too much.” Yoochun answered.

Right behind Yoochun and nanny was Da-hee and Junsu. Trying hard not to recall back last night’s incident, they only smiled at one another. It was already quite embarrassing to know that they have shared a kiss the previous night. Behind everyone else were Heechul, Jaeyoung and Donghae. The three of them seemed to be the outsider of the group.

“Everyone seems to be having so much fun, don’t you think?” Donghae asked them.

“I hate hikes.” Heechul answered. “And the stupid sun is too high. It burns my beautiful skins.”

“I hate this camping trip. Period!” Jaeyoung answered. “Grr. Why did we all have to be here?”

“Well—because we’re all family.” Donghae grinned.

“Family my butt.” Jaeyoung answered as she stomped ahead of Heechul and Donghae.

“Damn.” Heechul growled. “She’s so annoying.”

Donghae, unable to counterattack Heechul’s comment, only smiled. Da-hee seemed happy. That’s all that matters. He told himself.

______

It took almost two hours to reach the peek of the mountain. By that time, everyone was far more exhausted then excited to see the beautiful scenery that lie before them. Already unpacking their extra large lunch, everyone quickly gathered together. Without much thought, the bunch ate. It was probably only Yunho who was unable to eat peacefully due to his concentration to win Yoona’s father’s heart back.

I can’t let it go any longer than this. Yunho told himself. It’s the perfect time. I have to get him to reconsider me and Yoona’s relationship. Agreeing with his inner self, Yunho smiled. Victory will be mine! Though talking to himself, he didn’t realize that Yoona’s father had already disappeared somewhere. Trying to locate him, Yunho frowned. Now where did he go? He asked himself.

“He went over there…” Yoona whispered to Yunho as she pointed the direction where her father had left to. “Good luck.”

As Yoona moved away from him, Yunho tried to breathe normally. Taking another second to look at Yoona’s happy face for courage, he stood up and hurried over toward Yoona’s father. Yoona’s father was located at the opposite end from everyone else. He was looking out into the horizon as he let the wind blew against him. Approaching him, Yoona’s father quickly cleared his throat—almost as if he was nervous to be around Yunho. Quietly sharing the moment with him, Yunho tried to bring up a conversation.

“Lovely scenery, don’t you think?” He asked him. Such lame topic. Yunho felt like crying.

No words came from Yoona’s father.

“Today is so warm.” Yunho continued.

Yoona’s father, again, did not say a word. Unable to say anything lamer than Yunho had already done so, he slightly growled to himself in disappointed. Already almost drowning in his own defeat, Yoona’s father cleared his throat a second time.

“Why is it that you want to marry Yoona again?” He asked Yunho.

“Huh? Why? Because I love her.” Yunho answered.

“So, you didn’t love her when you were supposed to marry her the first time?” He asked angrily.

“That incident…I take full responsibility, but please don’t separate us.” Yunho asked of him. “This time, I really won’t make her cry.”

Unconvincingly looking at Yunho, Yoona’s father sighed. “I’m hungry again.” He avoided the question. Walking past Yunho, he accidentally stumbled upon pebbles on the ground. Immediately losing his balance, he fell onto his leg.

______

The rush down the mountain must be the most memorable moment of their entire lives. Due to Yoona’s father’s accident at the top of the mountain, Yunho is now carrying him down the mountain back to the site. Pacing himself as fast as he could, he could hear everyone’s footsteps right behind him. Though the walk up the mountain took nearly two hours, the run back was half. Finally arriving back to the campsite, Yunho, Yoona’s father, Yoona, and Da-hee’s father, Jaejoong, and Eun-chae dashed toward the car as everyone remained back to clean up.

“Here, let me clean the blood.” Chae-wan insisted as she pulled out a bottle of water. She slightly let the water run down to a small cloth that she had in her hand. As it soaked, Chae-wan gently brushed away the blood on Yoona’s father’s leg. Washing it clean, she smiled. “I don’t think you broke a bone, but we should still take you to the nearest clinic to double check.” She told him.

Finally arriving at the nearest clinic, the nurses quickly took Yoona’s father away while everyone as instructed to wait. Jaejoong, who approached Chae-wan, insisted that she should also leave with the nurses to take care of Yoona’s father. Nodding, Chae-wan left after the nurses. Watching her go, he smiled.

It wasn’t long before Yoona’s father was finally moved to a small room where other patients were. Sitting on the bed, the others came and approached him. Looking up at them, he slightly signaled at Yunho to come closer to him. As Yunho did so, the others left as they noticed he wanted to speak to Yunho alone. Alone with Yoona’s father, Yunho began to feel nervous. He wasn’t sure why exactly Yoona’s father wanted to say. Already afraid that he might complain about the rough ride down the mountain, Yunho swallowed hard to calm his nerves down. Yunho stood quietly beside the bed and waited for Yoona’s father to farther instruct him. However, a long silence came between them before Yoona’s father finally said a word.

“I’ve been thinking…” He said as he touched his leg. It was tightly packed up with a cloth. “On the way down the mountain, it was—”

“Rough?” Yunho blurted by accident. “I’m so sorry! I wanted to get you to a clinic as soon as possible!”

“That’s not it!” He shouted at Yunho. “Stop cutting me!”

“Oh, okay.”

“On the way down the mountain, it was really frustrating to see you carrying me.” He muttered. “By seeing you carry me—I saw you also carrying Yoona’s future in your hands. I don’t want to believe it, but, I really do like you to be part of the family.”

“What did you say?” Yunho asked him.

“There won’t be a third wedding with Yoona.” He said. “Only a second.”

“You mean…you mean…I can marry Yoona?” Yunho asked him.

Yoona’s father smiled. “Don’t make me disappointed again.”

“Thank you so much! I’m—I’m so happy! I’ll be right back!” Yunho yelled out as he quickly dashed into the hallway. He could see everyone else waiting patiently. Without even giving a warning, he dashed to Yoona and lifted her up in the air.

“Yunho, what are you doing?!” Yoona asked. “This is embarrassing! People are watching!”

“I’m so happy Yoona!” Yunho yelled. “We’re getting married!”

“What?”

“I said, we’re getting married!” Yunho let Yoona back down to the ground. Trying to breathe, he took hold of Yoona’s hand and smiled. “Please marry me.”

Yoona, too happy to answer, kissed him. “Yes.” She whispered.

______

As Yoona, Yunho and Da-hee’s father remained to share the happiness with Yoona’s father inside. Jaejoong had suggested Chae-wan to accompany him outside. Agreeing with his request, Chae-wan and Jaejoong left outside. Finding a bench at the side of the clinic entrance, they sat down in silence. Jaejoong tried to wipe away the sweat from his hands as Chae-wan only smile at him. Already nervous out of his mind, Jaejoong finally turned to Chae-wan’s direction. She only smiled as their eyes met.

“Uh—I want to thank you for everything that you did today.” Jaejoong said to her. “You even treated Yoona’s father. Thank you.”

“I’m a nurse. I have to help; I can’t just watch him in pain.” She answered.

“Then…will you help me?” Jaejoong asked her. He took hold of Chae-wan’s hand and held it tightly. “I think I’m beginning to go crazy lately…”

Chae-wan tried to smile. “How—should I help you?” She nervously asked him.

“Close your eyes…” He asked her.

Blushing immediately, Chae-wan closed her eyes. Without loosing the moment, Jaejoong gently kissed her.

Chapter 32Jaeyoung remained in her room alone as she refused to see anyone. Luckily the two cars that were flying toward her slightly missed her by only a few centimeters to the right. Though fainting after the shock, she then was scratched by the glasses lying on the ground. Conscious and alive, Jaeyoung sat quietly on her bed, speechless. The doctor who had treated her had already confessed the situation and news that she was in. Though, shocked, Jaeyoung wanted to stay alone.

Junsu and Da-bee finally arrived at late evening at the hospital as Jaejoong had called them. Everyone was already at the hospital, standing outside of Jaeyoung’s room, worried. As Da-hee hurried to Jaejoong, he frowned at her.

“She doesn’t want to see anyone.” He told her. “She’s probably very shock.”

“I didn’t know…” Da-hee told Jaejoong. “I didn’t know her situation at all.”

“No one knew. It was only father and I.” Jaejoong explained.

“—I have to talk to her.” Da-hee quickly answered as she approached the door, but Jaejoong stopped her.

“Let her be alone.” Jaejoong told her. “She needs sometimes alone.”

“I see.” Da-hee slightly frowned. “She must be shock.”

From inside the room, Jaeyoung could hear the conversations between her families. Hearing them speak about her family tie situation, Jaeyoung clutched tightly onto her blanket as tears slowly made their ways down her cheeks. Trying to contain her emotions, she couldn’t help but cry helpless at her state.

______

It was late in the evening when Jaeyoung poked her head outside to see that the hallway was empty. Her family members were nowhere to be found and Heechul’s family had also disappeared. Taking a deep breath of relief, she led herself out of the room. She didn’t

exactly want to see anyone at the moment and luckily, they weren’t standing outside of her room like before. Heading out of the hospital, a voice suddenly called to her. It was Da-hee.

“Jaeyoung? Where are you going?” She asked her.

Jaeyoung quickly threw a nasty look at Da-hee. “It’s none of your business.” She blurted coldly at her. “Go away.”

“Hey, I’m worried about you.” Da-hee explained as she approached closer to Jaeyoung, but quickly Jaeyoung began backing away. “What’s wrong? Why are you moving away?”

“I—I don’t want to see you!” Jaeyoung yelled at her. “Get away from me!” Jaeyoung started running from Da-hee as her mind went blank. She’s the last person I want to see.Jaeyoung told herself. I don’t want to see her!

“Jaeyoung!” Da-hee called to her. “Wait a minute!”

“NO!” Jaeyoung refused.

Exiting out of the long narrow and dimmed hallway, she suddenly bumped into Heechul. Stumbling backwards, she quickly shot him an evil glare and pushed him away from her. Jolting out of the doors and outside, Heechul and Da-hee raced after her. It was probably the first time that Jaeyoung ever felt scared of being caught. Her heart was racing at the speed of light. Her legs began to hurt as she forced it to run faster. Finally as she was nearly out of breath, Jaeyoung stopped running. Right behind her was Heechul and Da-hee.

“Why did you run?” Heechul asked her.

“Jaeyoung—you’re not in the condition to leave the hospital. Please return to your room.” Da-hee told her.

Jaeyoung coldly glared at them. “What do you two care anyway?” She asked them. “You both hate me!”

“That’s not true!” Heechul and Da-hee protested.

“—yes it is!” Jaeyoung screamed at them. She turned to Heechul. “Didn’t you tell me that you hate me? Today you said it right to my face!”

“That’s because you were being a spoil brat!” Heechul admitted. “If you weren’t such a brat, no one will hate you alright!”

“And you!” Jaeyoung pointed to Da-hee, “You’ve always taken everything away from me.”

“What? What are you talking about?” Da-hee asked her.

“Father, Jaejoong Oppa, Yoona Uhnni, Heechul—everyone!” Jaeyoung began to cry. “And I—I was left with no one! I hate you the most!”

Speechless, Da-hee froze. Impossible. She told herself. She got it all wrong.

“Stupid!” Heechul, out of nowhere, slapped Jaeyoung. “Is that what you’ve been thinking all this time?”

“Why did you hit me?” Jaeyoung asked Heechul.

“Because you were acting like a stupid little brat!” Heechul answered. “Sure—it’s true we’re not the kindest person on earth to you, but you’re not also kind back to us. You complain a lot. You’re spoiled. You always want everything your way—but we never said that we hate you. Sure, I did, and I take it back. I will even apologize.” He said to her.

“No.” Jaeyoung shook her head. “Why are you helping her?” She asked him.

“I’m not helping anyone. I’m saying the truth.” Heechul walked toward her. “Because I care about you.”

______

Da-hee sat quietly to herself in the lobby of the hospital as she sighed in exhaustion. Heechul had taken Jaeyoung back to the room while Da-hee was left alone to herself. As Jaeyoung’s words repeated itself in her mind, she frowned.

“I didn’t know that she feels that way…” Da-hee muttered to herself. “So—I was at fault?” She asked herself.

“—no, you’re not.” The sound of Jaejoong arrived from out of nowhere.

“Oppa.” Da-hee looked sadly at him. “It might really be my fault. I didn’t know at all.”

“It’s not your fault.” Jaejoong explained. “Jaeyoung’s just overreacting.”

“But,”

“Blaming yourself won’t do you any good.” Jaejoong told her. “How about talking to her alone? I’m sure you two can work something out.”

“She doesn’t want to see me.” Da-hee explained. “She resent me so much.”

“I don’t think so.” Jaejoong shook his head. “I really think she loves you a lot.”

After the conversation with Jaejoong, Da-hee finally decided that she’ll take the chance and talked to Jaeyoung. Returning to the familiar hallway, she could see Heechul outside. He was sitting on the floor, leaning his back against the wall. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be taking a nap. Slightly, opening the door, Da-hee let herself in.

“Can we talk?” She asked Jaeyoung who was quite shock to see Da-hee in the room.

Without much thought, Jaeyoung slightly nodded her head. Pulling a seat and moving it toward the bed side, Da-hee slowly smiled.

“Are you feeling much better?” She asked her.

Jaeyoung quietly nodded.

“I see. I’m glad then.” Da-hee continued as silence followed her voice. It’s kind of awkward.

“—Da-hee Uhnni…” Jaeyoung finally mumbled Da-hee’s name.

“Yes?”

Jaeyoung refused to look at Da-hee as her lips were almost trembling. Looking at the white blanket, Jaeyoung suddenly pulled the blanket over her face and yelled out, “I’M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING. I REALLY DON’T HATE YOU. SO PLEASE FORGIVE ME!” She began to cry.

Hearing those words, Da-hee smiled. Standing up, she hugged Jaeyoung. “I don’t hate you either.”

Still covered with the blanket, Jaeyoung continued. “I was angry—because—I envy you. You’re so kind and everyone likes you. I just want to be like you, but we were too different.”

“Stupid.” Da-hee answered. “You don’t need to be like me. We like you for who you are.”

“—uh-huh. Heechul was right. I am stupid.” Jaeyoung cried more.

“No. Don’t cry anymore.” Da-hee told Jaeyoung. “Come on. It’ll make your skin old and wrinkly.”

As Jaeyoung finally stopped crying, she finally, for the first time, gave a genuine smile at her. Wiping away the last bits of tears in her eyes, Jaeyoung cleared her throat. “Actually…” She slowly confessed. “I already found out that I wasn’t Oppa’s real sister. I was adopted.”

“—when did you find out?” Da-hee asked her.

“—before mother married your father.” She answered. “I overheard an argument between my mother and father about the separation. The reason why mother wanted to separate with him was because he wanted to take me back to the orphanage. Mother refused and father divorced her. Since I have never received any affection from father, meeting Uhnni’s father, I feel envious and also desire the same kindness. But the kindness I received was so different. I just want to be loved the same way.”

“But you are.” Da-hee answered. “Everyone loved you—because you’re precious to us.”

“Yes, I know.” Jaeyoung nodded as tears fell from her eyes. “I know now and I don’t want to use any of those loves.”

“You won’t.” Da-hee promised. Because we’re all family.

______

Outside was cool. Sitting by himself was Heechul. He had woken up from his nap and had decided to take a break outside where he could feel the cool air calm him. That entire day was the worst day of his life. Not only was he forced to go on some kind of shopping spree with Jaeyoung, but also witnessed her having an accident. It was too exhaustion and overwhelming.

Relaxing in the cool atmosphere and cold wind, Heechul could hear footsteps approaching him. Turning to see who it was, warm lips suddenly touched the side of his cheek as he realized it was Jaeyoung. Taking a moment to breath, Heechul’s entire body jerked backward as he fell over the bench. Jaeyoung laughed at him.

“WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT!” Heechul yelled in surprise. “DON’T DO THAT!”

Jaeyoung smiled. “Thank you.” She thanked him. “And I like you.” She told him.

“Uh—I don’t go that way okay.” Heechul dully answered as he stood up. He fixed his hair and brushed the dust away from his clothes.

“—why you!” Jaeyoung barked.

“Hey no need to get all mad.” Heechul told her. “Your love is forbidden.”

“What do you mean it’s forbidden? We’re not even related.” Jaeyoung answered.

“But we’re practically like family.” Heechul answered. “Jaeyoung, you’re nasty.”

“YOU’RE NASTY, YOU JERK!” Jaeyoung shouted at the top of her lungs.

Chapter 33How did this happen? Heechul asked himself as he looked toward his right to see Jaeyoung happily enjoying herself in the pirate ship ride. Forced to ride with her, Heechul had been sulking ever since the ride had started. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t enjoying the ride or anything, but to have Jaeyoung clutching tightly onto one of his arm while her other arm was in the air was way too much for Heechul. Though he had tried pushing her away a few times, it was futile. She just wouldn’t let go. As the final finally ended, Heechul hurried and walked out followed by Jaeyoung.

“Where should we go next?” Jaeyoung asked in smiles. “I haven’t been here in a while. Everything seems to fun!! Should we go to a roller coaster?” She asked Heechul.

“No.” He answered dully. “I prefer not to go anywhere with you.” He added. “And, will you

stop holding onto me?” He asked her. “People are looking at us.”

“Why?” Jaeyoung asked him. “It’s not like we’re weird or anything. Couples do that all the time.” She explained to him. “It’s only right if we do it too.” She grinned.

“If you haven’t noticed.” Heechul pulled his arm away from Jaeyoung. “You and I are not dating! And will never be. Stop dreaming Jaeyoung.” He told her.

“What?” Jaeyoung, surprisingly, gave him a sad look. “What do you mean? I—I already confessed to you.” She added.

“And I said I didn’t go that way.” He answered. “My answer was obviously no.”

“Why you!” Jaeyoung smacked Heechul on the head. “Do you always want me to be the man of the relationship?”

“I told you already!” Heechul growled in pain. “There’s no relationship between us. You need to stop imagining things!”

“BUT I WANT SOMETHING TO HAPPEN BETWEEN US!” Jaeyoung yelled loudly. “IT’S NOT LIKE WE’RE RELATED ANYWAY! OUR FAMILIES ARE JUST GOOD FRIENDS! ONLY GOOD FRIENDS!”

Screaming at the top of her lungs, people nearby oddly stared at them and some even whispered among themselves. Embarrassed, Heechul grabbed onto Jaeyoung and covered her mouth with his hand.

“Alright. Alright. I understand. Sheesh, let’s go to the next ride. You’re being noisy here.” With those words, Heechul dragged her to the next ride. This brat—I’m going to ditch her!Heechul’s mind screamed. And where the heck is everyone?!

______

Junsu sat down by himself as he sighed to himself. Though he had asked Da-hee to go with him to the amusement park, she ended up rejecting him to due work. It was only a few days ago when she finally got hired at an Italian restaurant that recently just opened.

“—gosh, you need to have fun!” Yoochun appeared with an ice cream cone in his hand. “Dude, you asked the girl to marry you. Now, it’s only a matter of time before you’re on a leash! Since she’s not here—let’s go and pick up some girls!” Yoochun told him.

“Do you want to die?” Junsu asked him with dull eyes. “I will never do that to Da-hee. Never in a million years!”

“Ahh—you’re so boring!!” Yoochun exclaimed loudly.

“And you’re not? I don’t see you hanging with a girl.” Junsu quickly answered right back.

Stabbed by Junsu’s words, Yoochun slightly smiled. “Haha—I don’t need to be seeing just one girl. I see lots of girls!”

“Stupid.” Junsu answered.

“—okay mister!” Yoochun quickly barked at him. “While everyone’s on a date with their little love ones. I am stuck with no one! Since you’re not with Da-hee, damn it; go on a ride with me!” He complained. “Come on! It’s not like you’re cheating on her or anything! I’m a guy for goodness sake!”

“Is—that what’s on your mind?” Junsu looked at him oddly before bursting out in laughter. “Hahaha, you should have seen your face! You were so desperate!”

“Shut up.” Yoochun answered. “Come on. I’m so so so bored here!”

“Alright.” Junsu nodded. “Let’s go!!”

“Yeah!” Yoochun happily exclaimed.

______

Jaejoong swallowed hard to himself as he sat beside Chae-wan in the cart heading to the haunted house ride. It wasn’t exactly his ideal to ride through the haunted house. However, since Chae-wan had suggested, he couldn’t help but agreed with her.

“Jaejoong, are you okay? You’re shaking.” Chae-wan asked him. “Are you not feeling good?”

“No. That’s not it. I’m feeling fine.” Jaejoong answered. I can’t possibly tell her that I’m scared of ghosts. Jaejoong told himself. She’ll probably think I’m a weirdo and then leave me. But, I confessed to her already—I don’t want her to leave. I have to stay calm.

As the cart entered into the dark haunted house, Jaejoong began to gave goose bumps. Trying hard to maintain calmness, a sudden ghoul appeared from the dark roof and flew across their heads. Biting his lips to keep him from screaming, sweats filled his entire face.

This is not good. Jaejoong thought to himself. I’m loosing it.

Suddenly, a girl with long dark hair was at Jaejoong’s side of the car. She began crawling to them. As she crawled toward their cart, which was moving quite slowly, blood trailed after her. Also, the room began to reek of the dead. Unable to take it anymore, Jaejoong let out a scream of fear.

As the ride came to an end, Jaejoong was already half dead. His face had turned pale and his eyes red. Chae-wan helped him get out of the cart and exit from the platform as she finally took a deep breath before bursting out in laughter.

“Jaejoong, why didn’t you tell me that you’re scared of ghosts?” She asked him.

“—that’s because I was never put in a situation where I must see them.” Jaejoong answered. “You—you must find me weird now.” He frowned. “I’m sorry.”

Chae-wan smiled at him. “No, not at all.” She shook her head. “I’m happy that you went on the ride with me even though you’re scared of ghosts.” Closing in the distant between them, she suddenly kissed him on the cheek. “Are you feeling better?” She asked him.

Blushing, Jaejoong’s entire face went beet red. “Uh—not really.” He confessed as he turned away from her. Lately, she’s becoming bolder. Am I lacking? He asked himself.

“Well, where should we go next?” Chae-wan asked her.

“Anywhere you want.” Jaejoong answered.

“Oh—how about a twist ride?” Chae-wan suggested. “It’ll be fun.”

A twist ride? Oh gosh—I’m going to end up dead afterwards. Jaejoong sadly groaned to himself. Forcing upon a smile on his lips, he grinned at her. “Yes, it’ll be fun.”

______

Changmin and Eun-suh sat together at the nearby park of the amusement park as they both had decided to leave for a small lunch picnic with just the two of them. As Eun-suh spread the large lunch box across their picnic sheet, Changmin’s eyes glittered with stars.

“You made all this?” He asked her.

She nodded with a big smile.

“Everything looks so delicious!” He continued to exclaim in happiness. “If I marry you, I wouldn’t have a thing to worry ever because I’ll always be eating such delicious foods!” As he said those words, Eun-suh’s face went red. Realizing what he said, Changmin’s face too went red. “Uh—well—what I meant was—you know—later I would also like to settle down and have you by myself.” He told her.

Happy, Eun-suh touched Changmin’s hand and smiled at him as she nodded.

“Really?” Changmin asked her a second time.

Eun-suh nodded again.

“That’s wonderful!” Changmin exclaimed in happiness. “I’ll be the happiest man alive!”

______

Yunho and Yoona stumbled across Heechul and Jaeyoung as they both noticed how intimate the two of them were. Exchanging expressions, they sent Heechul an you-have-a-girlfriend expression. Quickly Heechul pushed Jaeyoung away from him.

“That’s not it!” He complained. “We’re not dating.”

“We didn’t say anything.” Yoona answered. “You were thinking about it.”

“Hey! Can you stop that already?!” Jaeyoung angrily asked him. “Stop complaining and let’s go onto the next ride!”

“I don’t want to!” Heechul refused. “I’ve gone to enough rides with you. You go with Hyung and Nuna now.” He told her.

“I refused!” Jaeyoung answered as she stomped next to Heechul. “I want to be with you.”

“Eek!” Heechul’s entire face turned bright red. “How—how can you just say that in front of everyone and in the open as well? What are you?”

“I’m a girl of course.” Jaeyoung answered.

“That’s not exactly what I asked.” Heechul answered as he sighed. She’s having fun making fun of me. Damn her. Heechul growled to himself.

“Uh—maybe we should get going.” Yoona suggested as she noticed Jaeyoung’s expression for wanting them to leave. “Uh—Heechul be on the safe side. Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

“What does that suppose to mean?” He asked her.

“Nothing.” Yoona grinned and hurried off with Yunho.

Everyone is mistaking us. Heechul turned to Jaeyoung who had a big smile on. And she’s getting more annoying since her release from the hospital. Aren’t guys supposed to be the man of the relationship? Relationship? We don’t even have a relationship! What am I thinking?

“Heechul, come on!” Jaeyoung grabbed onto his arm once more. “You’re wasting time!”

I have to free myself from her.

______

“Thank you for your hard work!” The manager of the restaurant thanked Da-hee as she finally finished her shift that evening.

“I’ll be going now.” She answered in return as she hurried outside. The sky had already darkened. “I wonder if the others are still at the amusement park.” She asked herself. “It’s too bad I was working the entire afternoon. I want to be with Junsu too.” She frowned. “Maybe, I’ll surprise him at the park. I’m sure he’ll be happy since he seemed disappointed when I couldn’t go.”

It didn’t take long before Da-hee arrived at the amusement park. The lights of the ride were all lit up beautifully, making the entire night glow. Looking around, she couldn’t spot anyone familiar. Maybe I’ll give him a call or something. She thought to herself. Taking out her cell phone, she called Junsu’s phone. Sadly, he didn’t pick up. Calling him a second time, he didn’t pick up again.

“I’ll just leave him a voice message or something.” She told herself. After leaving him a voice message, Da-hee looked around, uncertain where she should head first. Shrugging to herself, she left toward one of the directions.

______

“Ahh! We shouldn’t have gone on the water ride.” Junsu exclaimed sadly as he looked at his phone. It was drenched in water.

“You know—I heard your cell phone ringing during the ride, but I wasn’t sure.” Yoochun told him.

“Uh—I wonder who will be calling at this time.” Junsu asked him. Looking at one another, their eyes popped open as they both yelled out Da-hee’s name. “Maybe she left a message or something.” Junsu mumbled as they hurried over to the phone booth. Dialing Junsu’s voicemail, he could hear Da-hee’s message and how she’s now at the amusement park.

“She’s here.” Junsu told Yoochun.

“Well, let’s call her and meet up with her.” Yoochun answered.

“Right.” Junsu nodded. He dialed Da-hee’s number, however, for some reasons she wasn’t picking up. “She’s not picking up.”

“Call her again.” Yoochun suggested.

Calling her a second time, she didn’t pick up. “What should I do?”

“Oh—I have an idea.” Yoochun blurt. “Here.” He leaned forward to Junsu’s ear and whispered his idea.

______

Da-hee sat by herself on the Ferris wheel as she still hadn’t bump into anyone she knew. Tired, she had decided to take a ride on the Ferris wheel by herself. Taking out her cell phone, she realized that the batteries had died.

“Great. What if Junsu’s trying to get a reach of me?” She asked herself. “How are we supposed to meet?” Growling to herself, something interesting caught her eyes. Focusing her attention more, she realized that there were something similar to flames on the ground spelling her name. What’s even more embarrassing, right beneath her name was, “will you

marry me.”

“Are you kidding me?” Da-hee’s entire faced went red. “In the open like this?” Anxious to get off the ride, Da-hee’s heart began to race at the speed of light.

______

“You didn’t have to add the last sentence you know.” Yoochun told Junsu as he crossed his arms. “Beside, it was my idea anyway.”

“But I hadn’t asked her properly.” Junsu confessed. “Last time—it was kind of weird and a lot of things happened right after it.” He added. “Do you think she’ll find this?”

“I’m sure if she’s somewhere high in the air, she’ll spot this in no time.” Yoochun explained.

As they waited, people had begun to surround Junsu and Yoochun. The candles on the ground were beginning to die out as the wax was disappearing. By this time, the others had already found Junsu and Yoochun. They all looked a bit surprise at their sudden commotion but then waited patiently for Da-hee with them. The candles were probably almost dead when Da-hee finally showed up. Her face was beet red and she was breathing hard. As she spotted Junsu, she hurried and walked toward him. Everyone who was watching them stopped breathing as the entire atmosphere went completely quiet.

“Sorry, I got lost.” She explained her late arrival.

“Well?” Junsu mumbled as he slightly looked at his proposal made of candles.

Da-hee smiled. “Of course!” She jumped for a hug. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”

EpilogueThe clock was ticking and the time of the wedding bell chiming was getting close. Already dressed in their beautiful gowns was Yoona and Da-hee. Their makeup was beautiful done while their hairs were also nicely done. As they stared at one another, their faces lit up in happiness as they suddenly jumped to hug one another.

“This is it!” They both yelled out in excitement. “We’re getting married!”

Louder than ever, a small cough came from the corner of the room as Chae-wan finally appeared from the dressing room. She was also dressed in her wedding dress. A bit embarrassed though, she slightly grinned at them both.

“You looked beautiful!” Yoona and Da-hee both yelled out loudly as they rushed over to Chae-wan and hugged her.

“Oppa’s so lucky to have a wife like you!” Da-hee yelled out.

“It’s great that you two are getting married at the same time as us!” Yoona added.

“Well—it’s not every day that there’s a triple wedding right?” Chae-wan muttered.

“That’s right.” Da-hee and Yoona nodded in agreement.

Outside the bride’s dressing room was the ballroom reception was held. As the guests were arriving, greeting them outside the door was Eun-suh and Jaeyoung. Both of them were dressed in beautiful bridesmaid clothing. Beside both of Eun-suh and Jaeyoung were Changmin and Heechul who were also dressed in suits greeting the guests.

“I’m so envious!” Jaeyoung sighed loudly. “I wished I can get married too!” She slightly turned to see Heechul who wasn’t listening to her. “Did you hear me?!” She pulled onto Heechul’s arm violently. “I said I wished I can get married too!” She barked at him.

“I hear you! But what can I do about it?!” He answered.

“You can do a lot about it!” Jaeyoung snapped. “Sheesh, am I just in this relationship alone?”

“What do you mean?” Heechul looked coldly at her. “There was never a relationship.” He corrected her.

“Yes, there is!”

“No there isn’t. You’re dreaming.” Heechul answered.

“Why you!” Jaeyoung angrily glared at him.

“I can’t hear you.” Heechul ignored her.

Watching them, Changmin slightly turned to Eun-suh who only smiled kindly at her. “One of these days, it’ll be our turn.” He told her. “But I must let my Hyungs marry first.”

Eun-suh nodded at him.

______

Standing side by side to one another was the grooms of the day. Junsu, Yunho and Jaejoong stood beside one another as they leaned over a glass window that was filled with couple jewelries. It was only a matter of time before they should return back to the wedding hall. However, as they got stuck looking over jewelries on sale, their time was ticking.

“Why do we have to do it now?” Jaejoong asked as he felt a little uncertain if they were going to make it back on time. “We should do it after the wedding or something.” He told them.

“But it’s on sale, and it’ll be a nice wedding present for the girls.” Yunho answered.

“Hmm—this one seems to really match Da-hee and I.” Junsu pointed to a pair of earrings. It

was silver a silver cross earring. “Maybe I’ll take that or something.”

“What about you?” Yunho asked Jaejoong.

Jaejoong quickly pointed to a pair of necklaces. It was a simple silver necklace. The pendant was a circle and inside the circle the initials, coincidentally, JC was carved inside. Yunho smiled as he thought too that the necklaces were a great choice.

“Then I’ll take that one.” Yunho pointed to a bracelet. There was two letters, YY, hanging on it. “Yoona would love it!”

“Okay, we got the presents, let’s hurry. I don’t want to be late to my wedding.” Jaejoong told the guys. “I’m sure you both wouldn’t want to be late either.” He added.

“Right.” Yunho and Junsu nodded.

______

The noises were louder than ever as it was already passed the time of the wedding ceremony. Poking their heads out were the brides who didn’t look quite happy at all. Exchanging worried looks, the three of them remained quiet and uncertain about the situation.

“Maybe they’re stuck in traffic.” Chae-wan mumbled as she tried to think of good excuses for the grooms to be late.

“Where did they leave to anyway?!” Da-hee angrily asked them. “They should already know that they’re getting married today!”

“Hmm…” Yoona tried to think. “They can’t possibly runaway did they?”

“No way!” Da-hee blurted.

“That wouldn’t be possible. Jaejoong would never runaway from this important day.” Chae-wan answered. “It’s just impossible.”

“Beside, Junsu proposed two times to me!” Da-hee added quickly. “If he runs away now, he’ll have to run with two broken legs!”

“Yunho wouldn’t get a third wedding with me either.” Yoona nodded.

“Then the question is—WHERE THE HECK ARE THEY?!” The three of them barked out loud.

Impatient, a sudden cheer of scream occurred as their heads popped right back out. It was them, sweaty and exhausted looking. As the grooms hurried to the front where the priest was standing, the bride’s father finally showed up at the door.

“Are you all ready?” They asked at the same time.

“Yes.” The three of them answered.

First, the flower girls, Eun-suh and Jaeyoung walked, with the best man, Changmin and Heechul. Then, Chae-wan was the first one of the brides to walk since she was marrying the oldest. Then Yoona walked follow by Da-hee. As each other brides were finally stood beside their designated groom, they looked at them, sending them a disappointed look.

“I’m glad you didn’t run away.” Chae-wan whispered at Jaejoong. “I wouldn’t know what to do.”

“Sorry.” Jaejoong whispered back.

“—you know. You messed up; both my father and I would never forgive you.” Yoona glared at Yunho almost. “There won’t be a third wedding.”

“But, I came back didn’t I?” Yunho answered with a big smile. “If I were to runaway, I would have runaway with you in the first place.” He quickly added.

“Ouch!” Junsu left out a cry of pain as he could feel Da-hee angrily stepping onto his feet from under her wedding dress. Trying to contain a causal look, he couldn’t help but turn to Da-hee and send her the expression of “forgive me.”

“Stupid.” Da-hee barked at him in whispers. “Do you want me to chop off your legs?”

“No maim.” Junsu answered.

“How could you be late to your wedding?” Da-hee continued.

“Well…I have a reason…” He mumbled.

______

The wedding was finally done and the girls were dressed in their beautiful hanbok while the guys were in their suits. As the entire family sent them off to the airport for their honeymoon, everyone said their goodbyes.

“Please take care of each other.” Said Da-hee’s father as he happily smiled at them. “Come back with a big tummy.” He quickly added.

“Dad!” Da-hee blurted. “That’s impossible!”

“It usually takes about a few months for it to show.” Add Jaejoong as he felt embarrassed talking about it.

“—you on the other hand.” Yoona’s father looked directly at Yunho. “Don’t to any nasty to my daughter now! You must at least wait three years!”

“Three years?!” Yunho’s entire face went pale. “That’s too long!”

“What are you talking about? It’s very short. I was thinking of seven years!” He added.“I’ll take three years.” Yunho growled painfully to himself.

“Chae-wan.” Chae-wan’s mother patted her on the hand. “Be good now. You’re finally a married woman. Don’t upset your husband now.”

“I won’t.” Chae-wan answered. “I’ll always make him happy.”

“Me too.” Jaejoong answered. “I promise you I won’t make her unhappy or uneasy at all.”

“Thank you.” Chae-wan’s mother smiled. “My daughter is now your wife. Take care of her.”

“Yes.” Jaejoong nodded.

“—uh—now that our plane is about to leave—can I ask you all something?” Yunho muttered. “Why does every one of you have suitcases beside you?” He asked.

“Well…” Everyone looked a bit nervous at one another as they slightly chuckled awkwardly. Getting the message across by silence, Yunho, Junsu, and Jaejoong suddenly took hold of their brides.

“LET’S RUN FOR IT!” They shouted at the top of their lungs as they dashed toward the entrance of the plane.

“WAIT, LET US COME WITH YOU!”

“NO WAY!”

“AFTER THEM!”

“NOOOO!”

______

Three married couples, two forthcoming couples, and one who has not yet found his mate. This is the beginning of their next chapter of life—that has not yet been determined. Everything had started with the bridesmaid’s misfortune when she was kidnapped mistakenly. Can you image what could have happened if she wasn’t?

The End.