Chapter 55: C-53

C-53

[ Disclaimer: I MEAN NO DISRESPECT AND HARM TO THE REAL PEOPLE WHOSE NAMES I'M USING IN THIS BOOK, NOR ARE THE CHARACTERS IN ANY WAY REPRESENTATIVE OF HOW THEY ARE IN REAL LIFE. Thank you and enjoy. ]

"Mum, when is he visiting?"

"Your cousin is still busy training in Seoul."

"But the break is near."

"Well, he did say he'll try asking the company for permission."

I sighed as my school finally came into view. "Bye-bye, drive safely!"

I went out of the car and headed straight to our classroom. I just sat still, watching my classmates talk and laugh with each other. It's a little sad how 8th grade summer break was already around the corner but I haven't managed to make friends yet. I wasn't really a loner by choice. I tried making friends but everyone already had their own groups and I didn't want to intrude.

"Class is dismissed."

Instead of heading to the cafeteria, I went to the school garden every lunchtime. I always brought a homemade sandwich so I won't have to line up for food. I didn't know how to cook yet so it's quite boring eating the same thing everyday. It's just for me so I didn't really mind... and I didn't really have someone to eat with.

It's okay, though! It's me and my KDramas under the shade of a random tree against the world. That would be my mother. She kept nagging me to stop using technology because my obsession for cheesy romances soared high at the same time with my eye grade. Oh well, it's just one of the sacrifices I had to make for love.

After eating, I fixed my things. I got startled when the bell rang signalling the resume of classes. My schoolmates were all running to get to the rooms and it made me a little dizzy.

"Are you blind?" someone hissed after bumping with me.

"I'm sorry, I kinda am." I nervously apologised whilst trying to look for my eyeglasses that slipped off. I should've listened to my mum!

The person cleared his throat and I saw him pick something through my hazy vision. "Here," he said.

"Oh, thank you so--" I stopped what I was saying when I finally saw who he was.

He immediately walked away before I could fully thank him and I watched his retreating figure in confusion. They talked like he was the baddest student to walk the hallways of our school but I didn't expect him to look so... innocent.

Wasn't that Lee Minho, the school's bully?

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I frowned as I watched Bambam whining because of a scratch on his cheek. Here he was again! We're not even classmates but he's always roaming around our room.

"Lisa, what's up with him this time?" I asked my seatmate who just sat down after managing to stop the boy with his tantrums.

She seemed to fangirl for a moment. "Lee Minho happened!"

"R-Really?! He's here?" I looked around excitedly.

"No, not the actor."

"Oh." I stopped looking around excitedly.

"Anyways! Minho tripped Bam because he was in his way." She squealed a little. "Isn't that cool?"

"How is that cool?"

"You know, like those scenes in dramas. He's totally a bad boy!"

"So a bully?"

"Omg, why are you so clueless? I didn't mean a literal bad person."

"Then why do you call him a bad boy and why is that cool?"

"I didn't know you'd be the curious type, girl. Try speaking up sometimes, will you?" She chuckled. "Unfortunately, an hour isn't enough to fill you in on the latest so try again next time."

I thanked her and focused back in front.

What's cool with being a bully?

Lunch came and I was back at the school garden. I took a break from KDrama for a change and walked around the garden to appreciate the pretty flowers. Just then, voices were heard in one of the secluded areas. I stopped in curiosity when the name of my classmate came up.

"Dude, that's a major fail." Yugyeom laughed. "You had a cat scratch you just to ruin Minho's image. Do you think Lisa believed you?"

"I'm not done yet," Bambam whined. "I'll make sure to get my best friend's attention back from that Minho-- who's there?"

My eyes widened when I accidentally stepped on a twig. I was panicking when a hand pulled me out of there.

"T-Thank you--"

"Stay away from those stupid dweebs. They're just pathetic losers who pick on people as a pastime," he said bitterly.

"I heard them... You're not really a bully, aren't you? They're just lying to ruin your reputation."

He looked at me intently, as if waiting for me to take back what I said. "You don't know what you're talking about. Don't meddle."

"I didn't mean to."

"You're not just blind, nosy too. Be careful next time." Minho shook his head and then he walked away, disappearing from my sight.

I didn't know why but a small smile grew on my face.

Maybe... He's not so bad after all.

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I plugged in my earphones and spent the vacant period here at the school garden. I was looking around once in a while, checking if Minho ever passed by. It's been days since I last saw him.

Wait a minute! Why was I looking for him? We're not even friends but why was I thinking about him? He made me so curious and it was so weird! I gulped down my coconut juice to cool my heated face.

The break was near so I was just waiting for it, thinking of drowning myself in KDramas for the whole time.

I stopped what I was doing when I received a message from my cousin.

Yuta:

Hey lil sis

Company just approved my vacation!

Are you excited? You wont be a loner this break lol

I also have a surprise so wait for it

See yah!!!

I beamed and fixed my things. I was so excited!

But my joy quickly vanished when I couldn't see my sandwich anywhere. Did I forget it at home? I scratched my head, heading to the cafeteria halfheartedly.

I sighed when I saw the long queue from the entrance.

"Move," a voice suddenly said and pushed me aside.

"Ow..." I pouted as I looked at the person I bumped with.

Minho rolled his eyes and tossed me a sandwich. "Do people really think they could bribe someone with food and they'll magically like them back?" he murmured as he walked out.

It must be from one of his badboy enthusiasts. I wondered how it felt like getting free food everyday. I suddenly felt jealous.

I was about to walk back to the garden when I noticed a banana peel on the way that I was about to step on. I was so glad Minho accidentally ran into me again! I looked at the sandwich on my hand and for the second time, he made a small smile appear from my lips.

Lee Minho was making my tummy feel a good kind of weird.

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It's finally vacation!

I woke up early to prepare for my cousin's arrival. I'd been thinking about his surprise nonstop, making me look at the window expectantly whenever a car passed by.

I hoped it's snacks.

"Welcome home, son!"

It was not snacks. Yuta entered with three other boys trailing behind him.

"Are they your friends who'll spend their break here?" Mum smiled. "Welcome to our house!"

"Thank you for having us, ma'am." They all bowed.

I just stared at them from behind my mother until my cousin saw me and opened his arms wide. I smiled and walked over to him, seeing that he did have bags of my favourite crisps in his hands.

"Hey, little sis. Are you surprised?" he asked, which I nodded at. He made me face his friends to introduce them.

"H-Hi... I'm Y/n."

"I'm Kun," the calm-looking boy introduced himself, followed by the one with red highlights on his hair.

"My name is complicated so just call me Ten!"

"I-I'm Jungwoo," the shy-looking boy says softly.

"My friends are your friends from now on so you won't be spending your break alone!" Yuta exclaimed.

I shyly grinned at them, thanking everyone for being nice.

This would be a good vacation!

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We're all walking towards the basketball court in our area. Yuta and Ten were tossing the ball back and forth whilst Kun watched out for them as we crossed the street.

The others had warmed up to me so fast ever since their arrival... except for Jungwoo who was still very aloof. I thought we would hit it off the best because we're close in age, but I thought wrong.

"Best of three!" Yuta spun the ball on his finger excitedly. "Who's teaming with me?"

"Pass... I don't feel like playing," Jungwoo softly declined.

Ten went beside me. "How about you, Y/n?"

I shook my head firmly. There's no way I'm playing basketball! My face was a ball magnet.

He pouted and went back to the guys who're arguing on what to do. Yuta, Kun, and Ten were the ones playing whilst I'd just watch them and keep scores with Jungwoo who's sitting quietly beside me.

I could feel him looking from time to time, but he'd look away whenever I looked back. He's not talking so I didn't know what's wrong. I hoped there wasn't any dirt on my face.

After a while, I got bored and hungry. I told Yuta I'd be going to the convenience store nearby to buy snacks.

"Okay, but go with someone." He looked around for a moment. "Jungwoo, come here!"

"N-No, it's fine!"

"Can you go with Y/n to the convenience store? Buy us something too."

Jungwoo just nodded and looked at me for confirmation. I gave a shy smile and we proceeded to walk.

Was there something wrong with me? Why wasn't he talking?

We reached the convenience store and bought our food without a single utterance from him.

"Ow--"

"Are you okay?!"

Oh. He's suddenly talking.

I stared at him as he helped me up from tripping on a stray crisp, his ears reddening.

"W-Why?"

"Jungwoo, do you hate me?" I couldn't help but pout. "Have I done anything to offend you?"

His eyes widened at my question. "No! I like you! I mean-- I... I don't hate you."

"Then why aren't you talking to me? You've been avoiding me ever since you guys came here..."

He sighed. "It's not like that... I wasn't aware Yuta-hyung's cousin looked like you-- I mean you don't look alike--not in a bad way! Never mind... I'm-- I'm just shy? Yeah, sorry. I mean I don't hate you! I'm sorry for making you feel awkward."

I slowly smiled at his honesty. His voice was really cute and soft.

"I'm shy too, you know? I've never had friends before, just my cousin."

He rummaged through the paper bag of snacks and took out two ice cream cones, offering one to me.

"Let's forget our awkward phase and start again. Hi, my name is Jungwoo. Can we be friends?" He scratched his nape sheepishly.

I accepted the ice cream cone wholeheartedly. "Hi, my name is Y/n. Let's be friends."

We laughed together as we ate our ice creams, totally forgetting about the others waiting for their snacks.

I found out more about him as we walked back. It turned out he had a sister, he really liked Snoopy, and he's also a snack enthusiast that's why I told him about my favourite ones in return. It's funny how we were so distant earlier but we're now chitchatting nonstop!

"My sister is studying abroad and I miss her a lot." He sighed.

"She's like my cousin because he's away in Seoul too."

"I never thought I'd miss her naggings... Sorry for whining."

"It's okay, I get you." I waved my hand. "Hey... I can be your sister until she comes back."

"Really?"

"Really."

We smiled at each other and made a toast with the cones of our ice creams.

"When it's my turn to visit you guys, we should do this again." I motioned to the snacks in our hands.

Jungwoo nodded enthusiastically. "Ice cream is the very first thing I'd welcome you with!"

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I didn't know it'd be so exhausting having a younger brother. It was fun though! Jungwoo and I had been inseparable.

"Whoever comes in last will wash the dishes!"

We all ran towards the house, but of course I couldn't keep up with a trainee's stamina. Where did they even get the energy? They've been playing basketball almost every other day and they never seemed to run out of battery.

"Come on, Y/n!"

"Jungwoo, w-wait... Ah!"

My eyeglasses slipped when he tried to pull me with him. Something blocked my path that caused me to tumble down on my knees.

"Are you alright?!" Jungwoo's eyes were wide with concern. "Did you hit your head? Where's your glasses?"

"I'm fine, just a little blind."

He helped me up from the ground and wiped my bleeding knee with his trembling hand.

"Oh no... Hyung would be mad at me," he said, voice wavering in fear.

"I won't tell," I assured him as I bit the inside of my cheeks so I wouldn't start crying. "It's the glasses' fault for slipping off anyway."

"I-I'm sorry..." He tied a hanky on my knee and looked up at me with misty eyes.

"Hey, it's alright. See?" I kicked my leg, smiling through the pain so he wouldn't worry anymore.

"Really?"

"Really."

"If you say so..."

Jungwoo crouched down in front of me and I immediately hopped on... but we both fell down because he struggled to carry me! The pain seemed to vanish as Jungwoo and I laughed with tears in our eyes because he now had a matching gash on his knee.

"You know what? Ice cream would make this better."

"Shouldn't it be just ice?"

We laughed as we helped each other walk.

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I was just curious on what would happen if we picked flowers from the park with the do-not-pick sign. I didn't know it'd be this scary!

"Y-Y/n!"

I reached for Jungwoo's arm and pulled him closer as we both trembled at the sight in front of us.

"Count to three and we'll run for it. Don't look back."

"O-Okay." He gulped. "One... two--"

"Run!"

"Waaah!"

We ran as fast as we could, away from the group of dogs snarling at us. We reached the gates of our house and we fumbled to unlock it, desperate to go inside.

I laughed at Jungwoo's teary face when he slid down against the wall.

"Y/n!" he whined but laughed as well.

"We were so scared earlier!" I giggled.

Jungwoo stood up and wiped his teary eyes. He smiled shyly, handing me a few almost-crushed flowers.

"I-I was able to take some before the dogs found us."

"Thank you!" I smiled up at him.

"It's nothing..." He scratched his nape. "Let's go inside before they suspect anything though."

When we entered, the guys were sprawled in the living room whilst playing video games. Yuta noticed us before we got to run to the safety of the kitchen.

"Where have you been?"

Jungwoo and I looked at each other, grinning at our little secret as I clutched the bouquet of flowers behind me.

"We just played with the dogs at the park."

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We're now at the park because Ten also wanted to see. If only he knew!

The older boys arranged the food on the free table because we're having a picnic.

"Is it true that you don't have friends?" Kun asked. The two of us were left here because the others ran back home to get the drinks Ten forgot.

"I'm too awkward when it comes to strangers," I replied.

"I don't think so, maybe you're just shy. You're not hard to be friends with," he assured me.

"You know you always talk to me nicely, and your presence is just so calming."

He chuckled and ruffled my hair. "I get that a lot, but let's not talk about me. Let's talk about you."

"What do you mean?"

"I was there when you replied to your cousin and you mentioned someone named Minho? I just thought he's your friend."

My mind began to wander after hearing that. I remembered our few encounters that made my tummy feel a good kind of weird... and it immediately did as I wondered what he's doing now.

"No... but he's someone I want to be friends with."

"Then why don't you befriend him?"

"It's not that easy. First, they say he's a bully. Second, I don't think he wants me to be his friend since he's always glaring whenever we cross paths."

Kun smiled. "Do you think he's a bad guy?"

"I think he's just misunderstood because he's always quiet and has a poker face. It's like he's ready to fight if ever we bump into him. You know... I think he isn't all that bad."

He patted my back as I thought back to all the moments I've had with Minho.

"Sometimes there's a reason why people act like that. Maybe there's something that's keeping him from making friends, with his reputation and all. Maybe he's used to being alone, that's why he prefers not having friends... Or maybe he really just doesn't want friends, there are people like that too. Do you know how the guys and I became friends?"

I shook my head for him to continue.

"Because most of us were always alone. Being a trainee, most of us come from different backgrounds. It's easy to isolate yourself from people who you think you don't have a common ground with. We were all over the place at first, until we decided to actively fix it and get to know each other. Now we're all friends and everything's so much better. We're even spending our breaks together, where we all met and became friends with you whose background is very different. Thinking about it now, finding a common ground isn't that hard. Just by existing at the same time, you already share something common."

I looked at him in amazement whilst he just chuckled at my reaction.

"Do you think he'd want to be my friend?"

"Only you can answer that. Give it a try! Maybe you're the person who'll make him realise that no man is an island."

"I really want to be his friend. He doesn't make me feel scared... just a little giddy? There's always that weird tummy sensation whenever I see him, but it's not a stomach ache though?"

"Innocent girl, it's called the butterflies." Kun chuckled and ruffled my hair. "I think you have a crush on him."

My face heated up. "A c-crush?"

Kun nodded. "Just like what Jandi felt for Jihoo."

I might be crushing on the bad boy... Oh no!

The boys returned after a while and we all ate, laughing at jokes and exchanging stories. They told me about their trainee days and I just listened to them because I didn't really have anything to share.

"How about you, Y/n?" Ten turned to me.

I shook my head as I smiled down my plate. "I didn't really experience playing around. My life was very boring before you guys came."

Kun patted my head. "Well, we're here now."

When we were done eating, no one wanted to clean after our mess so they suggested a game to determine the poor person who'd do it.

"Rock, paper, scissors?"

"Nah, that's boring! Let's play hide and seek!" Ten jokingly suggested. "For..." He looked at me then nudged and mouthed something to Jungwoo. I didn't catch it because he covered his mouth.

"Right!" Jungwoo nodded almost immediately. "Yes, let's go!"

My cousin started to count so we all scattered around the park, looking for places to hide.

"Oh." Jungwoo and I giggled when we ended up at the same hiding spot behind a bush.

"Ready or not, here I come!"

My eyes widened when Yuta passed by us, barely missing our spot.

I sighed in relief and nudged Jungwoo. "Let's find a less obvious place."

He agreed with me so we moved elsewhere, a little far from our picnic spot. We reached a more secluded area in the park where the sun was blocked by the leaves of many trees.

My curiosity was piqued when I heard faint talking voices.

"I think we should go back," Jungwoo nervously told me. I was about to agree with him when the voices got louder and we're able to hear them clearly.

"A gang?!" Yugyeom exclaimed. "Does your family know?"

"Of course not." Bambam laughed.

"How about Lisa?"

"Not yet! It's supposed to be a surprise, remember?"

"Dude, you're unbelievable." Yugyeom sighed. "I can't stop you, can I?"

"Of course not! My gang's already formed and ready to fight. That makes me a bad boy now, right?"

"That's so ridiculous... but fine, whatever. What's the gang name anyway?"

"How about Dabbin? It's popular."

"Dude really formed a gang just so she'd finally notice him." Yugyeom wheezed.

"I heard from her classmates that she likes the tsundere type. Minho can't compare to me now!" Bambam chuckled.

"You do know that what you're doing is very yandere behaviour, right?"

"Shut up, they sound the same-- huh? What are you doing here?!"

Both Jungwoo and I gulped and took a step back. Bambam looked at us suspiciously and walked closer.

"You look familiar. I think I saw you with Minho before..." He thought deeply. "Are you here to spy on me?!"

"Wha-- no!"

"Yah!" He was about to attack us, good thing Yugyeom stopped him.

"Calm your balls, Bambam. They're not Minho."

He glared at us and Jungwoo cowered in fear beside me.

"Brave of you to spy on me and you even brought a weakling!" He laughed before leaving with Yugyeom, not forgetting to threaten me. "We're not done yet," he said as he pointed two fingers to his eyes then back to me.

"Come on, let's go!"

I pulled Jungwoo away from that secluded place and went back to our previous hiding spot. It was silent for a second until I heard him sniffling.

"Hey... Why are you crying?"

"I should be protecting you but I always end up getting scared and you always have to save me. We won't be friends if you didn't call me out because I was too shy. When those dogs cornered us, you're the one who saved us. Just like earlier... I can't do anything because I got scared. I'm such a weakling!" He cried softly.

"Hey, that's not true! You're just... softhearted?"

"Really?"

"Really! You know, it's not bad to be weak. We can't be strong all the time. Kun told me that it's better to be honest about who you are than pretend to be something you're not. I'm not strong either!" I flexed my thin arms. "You see this? We're just the same, but at least you're tall!"

He finally giggled. "Thank you for making me feel better."

"What are friends for?"

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Kun found out that I eat the same sandwich every lunchtime so he dragged me to the kitchen to finally teach me how to cook. He taught me the basics and I was so happy when I managed to make my own bento! It wasn't perfect and some side dishes were either too salty or too bland, but I was so happy!

The others got suspicious of our absence and decided to check on us, but now my lesson with Chef Kun turned into a cooking battle with both of us as judges. Now we're all in the kitchen experimenting on the foods. Yuta said he's going to cook Japanese food whilst Ten is going to cook Thai food.

"I knew about my cousin, but I thought the rest of you were just using stage names. Who else here isn't Korean?"

"I'm Chinese," Kun answered.

"That's so cool! So the locals are just me and Jungwoo. I guess that's what made you special." I high-fived him and he suddenly turned red.

"Special, huh?" Ten wiggled his eyebrows.

I nodded and smiled at Jungwoo, my tall little bro.

We all anticipated as Yuta and Ten battled on the kitchen counter. They looked funny throwing condiments here and there. After a few minutes, the dishes were finally done.

"Tada!"

"Um..." We stared at the foods presented in front of us. "That's just ramen and sunny-side-up."

"Nope! It's a Japanese style ramen made by a Japanese boy," Yuta said and even showed us proof. "Look at the packaging, it's written in Japanese!"

"Yeah! This egg is cooked by me so it's authentic Thai," Ten added.

We just shook our heads and gathered around to eat.

"They're both good, but Kun's cooking made my standard too high," I gave my verdict.

"I'm sensing favouritism here." Ten pouted. "Tell us, Y/n, who's your fave bro out of us?"

"Yuta-oppa, of course!" I answered. "...and Kun."

"Unfair..." Jungwoo joined the pouting squad whilst Kun grinned at them as he took a bite of the food.

"Well, it's just so nice to be around him. It's always zen and reassuring."

"Maybe if you start being zen then you'd be her fave too," my cousin teased Ten because he's usually the most energetic one.

"Wait, that sounds like his name too!" I giggled. "Can I call you that?"

"On one condition. We'll give you a nickname!" Ten proposed.

"How about Moon?" Jungwoo suggested.

"Why that?"

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" he explained.

"Oh..." Yuta grinned at Jungwoo. "Okay, I vote yes."

"No way! That's just her surname," Ten disagreed.

"Just go with it." Kun smiled at Ten as he tried to shake his head discreetly for whatever reason.

"No!" He wouldn't budge. "I'm the one getting a nickname so it's only fitting that I get to give her one."

"Fine..." Jungwoo pouted. "Then what should we call her?"

"How about..." Ten looked around for a while, eyes stopping at his excellent dish. "Sunny!"

"That's actually witty," Kun chuckled.

"Sunny..." Ten put his arm on my shoulder. "Because you're our light, bringing colour to our dark worlds unlike your cousin."

"Now that's just foul." Yuta glared at them as we all erupted in giggles.

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Time passes so quickly when you're enjoying it.

"I wish I was this tall everyday." I laughed as Yuta gave me a piggyback ride.

We're all heading to the playground just to act like stray kids and drive the real kids away.

"How's the weather up there?" Ten asked whilst being carried by a struggling Jungwoo who kept dropping him.

"It's so windy. How about there?"

"Here? It's... Sunny." He winked after saying that. I guessed I was supposed to laugh but it wasn't really funny. His nickname lasted for a day but we all eventually gave up because it didn't really stick with his persona.

"You're so heavy!" Jungwoo panted and left Ten to Kun. We laughed and raced to the swing set.

"Finally." Jungwoo pouted once Yuta let me down. "I promise I'll give you a piggyback too once I'm strong enough."

"It's okay. Remember this?" I pointed to my muscles and he finally smiled.

"Come on." Jungwoo pushed me to the swing and he sat on the other one.

"Let's see who can go higher!" Ten challenged and started swinging beside me.

I laughed as the wind blew at my face, but my smile automatically fell remembering that they'd go back to Seoul in a few days.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just, you're leaving... I'm going to miss this." I teared up with the realisation. It's so fun having friends and I didn't want to be alone again.

"Hey... We still have a few days left to have fun, hm?" Kun consoled me.

My cousin patted my head. "We'll come back next break."

"Really?"

"Really..." Jungwoo smiled softly. "It's the best vacation I've had."

The others nodded in approval. "It's a must to come back because the muse of these soon-to-be artists is here. Right, Jungwoo?" Ten said and they laughed as Jungwoo turned red.

"I brought my polaroid! Line up so we can give her something to always remember us by."

We positioned ourselves and I found myself squished in the middle of four boys.

"Everyone, smile!"

We all grinned as the camera shutter went off.

"There, nice and pretty!"

"Thanks, Oppa." I fistbumped with him when he handed me the photo. It's my first time having a picture with friends. "I told you to bring snacks but you gave me a much better present."

"Anything for my loner cousin."

Jungwoo gestured to the swing set. "Let's go, Y--"

"Stop calling her that," Ten corrected. "Call her Sunny."

"Yeah, 'cause she's our little sunshine. Right?" Yuta nudged the younger boy with a teasing grin.

"W-What? Of course-- I mean, yeah? I mean--" Jungwoo stuttered as he turned red all over.

"Stop it, guys." Kun sighed. "Do you want Sunny to remember us as this unruly bunch?"

"Tch." Ten huffed away whilst Yuta still kept nudging Jungwoo.

Kun smiled at me and offered his hand. I took it and we both walked towards the bench.

"I will really miss you guys..." I looked down. "I'm so happy when Yuta told me about those bento boxes and how you taught me how to make them. Now I won't be eating plain sandwiches every lunchtime... I'm so happy how Ten is always game when it comes to playing around like we're just kids... I'm so happy because of Jungwoo, he's just the sweetest boy ever... and I'm so happy my cousin visited with you guys."

Kun patted my head. "While we're gone, maybe you can try befriending your Minho."

"What if he doesn't want to?"

"Who doesn't want to be your friend?" Jungwoo asked as he walked over to us. "Only a fool wouldn't want to be with you!" he exclaimed, cheeks reddening.

I gave him a wide grin and muttered a small thanks. "You're always so nice to me, Jungwoo."

Jungwoo grinned back. "Anytime, Y/n-- oh, I mean Sunny."

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My life was still as mundane as ever even in the last semester of 8th grade.

It had been months since I last saw my friends and I missed them a lot. It had also been months of me seeing Minho around but I haven't managed to befriend him. It wasn't like I didn't try! I just got so shy whenever he passed by so I'd either pretend to be busy with my KDramas or I'd look away before he noticed me staring at him.

I even searched how to be a cool person so people would want to be your friend. First, be confident. Second, don't be a crybaby. Third, be daring and fun. I haven't mastered any of the steps so far. Making friends was a lot easier said than done!

"Mum, can I just transfer to Seoul?"

"Why?"

"I miss Yuta-oppa and my friends..."

"You're nearly done with the school year, just finish it."

"Then how about next school year, please? I really want to go to Seoul."

"I'll think about it." She parked the car in front of the school gates. "Study hard, Sunny!"

I waved goodbye and entered. They all called me Sunny now, including my schoolmates. They overheard my cousin calling me when he dropped me off before finally going back to Seoul and just started copying him. I doubted if they even knew my real name at this point.

"Watch it," Bambam hissed when we almost bumped. "Oh, hey!"

I gulped when he showed his playful grin. I'd managed to dodge him for so long because Lisa was no longer my seatmate and I thought I could avoid him until vacation... but no! Fate said I should bump into him first thing in the morning.

"I should go..."

He blocked my path. "Do you think I already forgot how you were spying on me?"

"I didn't! I swear--"

He pulled me by my collar, but he immediately released it like the action burned him.

"I didn't mean that," he said nervously. "Just don't tell anyone about what you heard or... or I'll hurt you!"

"I won't tell Lisa that you have a crush on her."

"Who says I have a crush on her?!" he shouted and pushed me to the ground. His eyes widened as his mouth closed and opened like a fish, looking just as surprised.

I teared up as I felt the pain on my butt. Bambam nervously looked around and was about to run away when he suddenly tripped.

"What the fu--"

"Oh, don't mind me. I was just testing to see how low you can get." Minho shrugged.

"You think you're funny?" Bambam glared as he got up.

"You tell me, you're the one who looks like a big joke here."

Bambam gritted his teeth and turned to me with a glare, but Minho took a single step that effectively blocked his sight.

"Imagine if I hit Lisa. How do you think she'd feel?"

"You wouldn't!"

"Of course I won't, I'm not like you. Wonder why I'm the one she likes?"

Bambam clenched his fists when Minho smirked. "I'm her best friend!"

"I don't care and will you leave now? Your face gives me the ick."

Bambam huffed and walked away whilst Minho rolled his eyes. I didn't know he was this sassy.

"Get up or do you want me to carry you?" He rolled his eyes again as I scattered to stand up.

"That was... cool!"

He frowned as if I said something ridiculous.

"Are you a trouble magnet? I told you before that he's a troublemaker." He sighed and shook his head. "Never mind. It's not like I care."

"Thank you for saving me again!"

"I didn't save you," he said and walked away.

"W-Wait! Aren't you going to ask for my name?"

"I don't care!" he shouted back before disappearing from my sight.

I slowly smiled and completely forgot about my aching butt. It's been so long since I last talked to him. What was I even being so shy for? I promised I won't let my nerves win the next time I saw him!

There went the butterflies again. It was such a weird feeling... but I like it.

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I shook my head when I saw Bambam lurking around our room again. He's always trying to get Lisa's attention that's why I made sure to not sit beside her. It'd be better if we're not classmates, but when did luck side with me?

I didn't know why Bambam was so suspicious of us. I was the only one interested in Minho--as a friend!

"Why is Bambam always like that?" I asked my seatmate out of curiosity.

"They've been friends since forever. I think he's being threatened because Lisa is crushing on the school's bully."

"I don't think Minho's really a bully. Have we seen him hitting anyone before?"

"Uh..." She thought hard for a moment. "You're right, but he always looks scary. It's okay, it adds to the charms anyway."

"Huh?"

She just sighed dreamily and didn't respond.

I didn't know teachers get lazy too. I wondered about it whilst heading to the science laboratory along with my classmates. Today, we're going to join classes with another section to 'save time and resources'.

"Go find a partner for today's activity."

I looked around and no one seemed to notice my presence.

"Hi--"

The girl beside me high-fived the one beside her. Okay, she already had a partner.

"Hello--"

The boy in front of me fistbumped with another guy. Oh, I guess he's taken.

"Does it look like I'm looking for a freeloader?"

My heart started to beat weirdly when I heard that voice. I turned around and saw Minho looking done as ever whilst a boy walked away sadly.

Okay, step one!

I slowly smiled when he caught my gaze. "H-Hi, Minho. I'm Sun--"

"I don't care."

I pouted but still went on. "Can we be partners?"

He just nodded and moved a little to give me space. We're silent after that as we listened to the instructions of the teacher. I noticed how he was lowkey doodling something in his lectures. It looked unintelligible but it was such a cute gesture!

"You should've brought a camera instead."

"Huh?"

"At least be discreet when staring."

My face heated up when he called me out. I was just looking at him! Well, a little longer than usual.

I cleared my throat and looked at him expectantly. It was now or never.

"Minho... uh, can we be friends?"

He frowned. "Where did you get that pathetic idea?"

My heartbeat sped up at his harsh response. "I just want to. I know you're not a bad person."

"I'm nice to you once and now you think I'm a saint?"

"N-No! I just know you're not like the rumours Bambam is spreading."

He snorted and rolled his eyes. "You don't know me at all."

"Then let me know you. Let's be friends!"

"Can you hear yourself right now? Are you that lonely to even consider my company?"

I was stunned by his hostility. I sort of expected this, but it still hurt. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Step two!

"Can you at least tell me why not?"

He scoffed at me. "Are you that clueless?"

"I just don't get it..."

"I don't want you as a friend. Do you understand now?" He averted his gaze, refusing to look at my sulky face.

I didn't know rejection hurt this much.

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They said curiosity killed the cat. Well, I wasn't a cat so that won't apply to me!

I waited for Minho to pass by the garden as I ate my lunch. I already finished but I couldn't see him anywhere.

They said if you want something, go for it. I wasn't usually optimistic but Kun's encouragement came back to me. I really wanted Minho to be my friend so I'd make it happen. I already wasted so much time because of shyness so it was now or never!

My eyes widened when I saw him pass by. I beamed and followed him.

"What do you want?" Minho groaned when I finally caught up with his pace.

"I'm friendless here."

"So?"

"Will you be my friend so I won't be alone?"

"Will you stop it so I can finally be alone?"

"Hmp..." I pouted at my failed attempt again, but only for a second.

I stopped on my tracks when I saw the sight in front of us. We arrived at the back of the school garden and I thought it was heaven.

"Waaah... cats!"

Minho groaned when I already settled into his spot and played with the cats. I didn't know there's a place like this.

He sat a few distance away from me and started to pet the cats. I was shocked with how soft he looked.

"So this is what you're doodling last time! Are you a cat person?"

"Don't tell anyone about this or I won't let you come here again."

"Promise!" I couldn't help but smile. "Don't you have friends too?"

"Stop asking personal questions. We're not close."

"We can be close if you'll agree to be my friend."

He sighed in frustration. "I already told you, I don't want you as a friend!"

"Then how about more than that?"

He blinked repeatedly, as if registering what I said. I noticed how his ears reddened a bit. "W-What?"

"We can be best friends!"

"Oh." He cleared his throat. "No way. Cats are better company than you."

I scratched my head as I failed at befriending him again and again. "We'll be friends soon, I can feel it."

"Yeah, whatever."

It was silent for a moment as I just watched him play with the cats. The butterflies were all over the place again. He looked so cute!

"I knew it!"

The peace was broken when Bambam suddenly appeared. The cats ran away and the three of us were the only ones left.

"W-Why are you here?"

"Can't I be here, huh?" He went in front of me. "Did I bother your bonding time with Minho? You can't lie to me now!"

"Why don't you take your shit elsewhere?" Minho looked a little angry as he stepped between us, pushing Bambam backwards.

"Last time I checked you don't own this area so I'll stay here if I want to!"

"It's all yours then, loser."

"Best friend stealer!"

"Stickman!"

I followed Minho when he walked out. His jaw was clenched and his fists were still balled.

"I-I'm sorry..."

"How long has he been bothering you?"

"Since classes resumed..."

"Tsk."

"I didn't know he'd be following us... Are you mad?"

"No." He looked back at the direction of the cat haven and glared.

I walked back to the classroom with my head hanging low. I didn't mean for Bambam to drive the cats away.

I need to do something about this.

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It was time for step three!

I've never been a bad student. I'm just okay--following the rules and trying not to get on anyone's bad side. But sometimes, it's okay to be bad. Especially if it's for the sake of friendship, the cats, and Minho.

My heart thudded loudly as I tiptoed out of the classroom. I had a mission, which was to find Minho a new hangout spot. But I didn't know where to look because I didn't know his preferences.

I thought deeply whilst sipping on my coconut juice. Well, he used to go to the secluded part of the school garden with only the cats around. That meant he didn't want to be bothered.

I bothered him though, that's why he lost his hangout spot.

I guiltily sipped on my juice as I remembered his face when Bambam appeared. How could I make up to Minho? I wondered what made him happy.

Oh!

I slowly smiled when I spotted a stray orange fluffball. I took him in my arms and carried him like a baby.

"Aren't you one of Minho's friends?" I looked crazy talking to a cat but I still went on. "Can you help me with finding a new hangout place for you guys?"

He suddenly jumped off my arms and ran.

"Hey, wait!"

I ran after the cat, panting heavily as I climbed the stairs. I only noticed that we're already on the third floor when the cat stopped in front of a closed door.

"Oh... Oh!" I grinned when I saw the restricted sign on it. This is the perfect place! My schoolmates would be too scared to break rules so they'd never come in here. "Thank you, cat!" I hugged the little fluffball and ran downstairs.

This was where the harder part came in.

My heart thumped loudly as my fist knocked on the door.

"Yes, dear?" A teacher opened the door for me.

"Good morning, ma'am. May I excuse Lee Minho?"

I saw Minho frowned from his seat, clueless as to what I was doing. Me too!

"What for?" The teacher raised her eyebrow.

"Uh... Coach Hoseok is looking for him!" I exclaimed. "For the, um, upcoming ball."

"Oh, yes! You're excused, Minho."

I heaved a relieved sigh when I finally got Minho out of his class. Did I really lie in front of a whole class?!

"What is it now?" Minho groaned.

"I have something to show you!" I told him with a smile plastered on my face. "Follow me, please?"

I ran to the third floor with Minho walking lazily behind me. We stopped in front of the door with a restricted sign and I couldn't contain my excitement as I looked at him.

"I found you a new hangout place!"

"What?"

"Can you please open it? I couldn't push it."

He rolled his eyes but still obliged. When the door opened, I couldn't get any happier. The cats were also here!

"The rooftop?" Minho hesitantly went in. "You found it?"

I nodded. "Bambam stole your hangout spot so I figured I'll find you a new one."

He closed the door and sat down with his back on the wall. "Why did you do it?"

"What?" I sat beside him.

"Why did you exert such an effort for me?"

"Because I want to?"

"You're not afraid of me anymore?"

"I was never afraid of you! Especially now that I know you're just an innocent cat person... I was just shy."

I grinned when I saw Minho trying to fight a smile.

"I thought Coach Hoseok was looking for me?"

"That's a lie." I giggled.

He raised an eyebrow at me. "Did you sneak out of class?"

"Well, yes?" I scratched my nape. "The class was boring anyway."

He suddenly laughed and I was shocked. It's my first time seeing him with a light expression! He looked so nice that it made me smile.

"I didn't know you're a rebel."

"It was for you!" I defended myself.

"Would I like a clueless, nosy, and rebel girl as a friend? Hmm." He shook his head.

"I am not!"

He laughed again as I frustratedly defended myself, but he seemed to realise it and stopped. He flicked my forehead and averted his gaze.

"What was that for?"

He shook his head and refused to talk.

I smiled for the umpteenth time today with Minho beside me, watching the cats play with a soft look on his face. He already looked so cool without any expressions on his face, but he looked so much better whenever he's smiling.

"Why do you never smile?"

"Why do you always bother me?"

"Because you're always alone," I told him but he just scoffed. "Cats are not counted!"

"Don't you have other people to deal with?" he asked.

"They're in Seoul and they won't be back until the break." I beamed, remembering that it won't be long until they visit again.

"That's near. You won't be friendless anymore so you don't need me now, right?"

"I still want you to be my friend, of course!"

He sighed and pushed his hair back, looking defeated as he turned to me.

He rolled his eyes. "Okay, loner. Let's be friends."

I gasped at his response. "Sure?!"

"Sure." He shrugged. "Unless you want me to take it back."

"No, thanks!" I shook my head, earning a grin from him. "Do you know why I tried so hard just to befriend you?"

"Because you're a clueless and nosy rebel girl."

I laughed at what he said. "It's because I talked to Kun and he said that maybe I'm the person who'll make you realise that no man is an island."

"He's a little cheesy."

I shook my head at his comments and took out a photo. It's the one we took at the playground before they went back to Seoul.

"They're my friends and they're all trainees at SME with my cousin. Yuta is Japanese, Kun is Chinese, Ten is Thai, and Jungwoo is Korean. They're more like brothers to me because they're a few years older, but I'm closest to Jungwoo since he's close to our age. Aren't they cool?"

He chuckled at my amazed expression. I still can't help thinking that it's like the United Nations when I'm with them.

"Do you want to meet them?"

"You're a headache enough and now you want me to meet potential pain-in-the-butts?"

"Don't be negative!"

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, Soonie. No promises though."

I frowned at the foreign name. "Who's Soonie?"

"You?"

I was so confused until I got it, making me laugh out loud. I wheezed as I looked at Minho's red ears. "You thought that was my name for the whole time?"

"Yeah?"

I laughed again before showing him the name pin on my bag. "It's Sunny and not Soonie! You never let me finish and look at you now."

"Whatever, Sunny."

I saw him taking out two banana milk that he probably received from his fans again.

"Want one?" He offered and I accepted it wholeheartedly. I managed to force him into making a toast so we could seal the deal of our friendship.

Come to think of it, he's always giving me food. I hope his badboy enthusiasts won't be mad if ever they find out that I'm eating their offerings. I promised that once I've perfected my cooking, I'll be the one giving Minho some.

Minho just stared at me, probably thinking that I get too happy at little things. What can I do if my happiness is just simple? Just like how he's smiling so cutely right now! It's already making me happy.

"You should always smile because you look cooler."

He blinked a couple times before clearing his throat, like he was just caught doing a crime.

"You should always drink milk so you can grow taller."

"Milk is my favourite drink now."

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

The end of the school year was near so all of the students were here in the gymnasium, practising for the year-end ball.

Out of all my schoolmates, my partner just had to be Bambam.

"Ow! Please don't be too rough."

"I didn't mean it!" He sighed as he loosened his grip on my hand.

I watched where he was looking and saw a happy Lisa with her partner who looked so done, Minho. Oh, that's why.

"Why do the teachers have to assign partners?" he whined. "Why does it have to be you and not Lisa?"

"I don't want to be partnered with you too, okay?" I pouted. "Why don't you just tell her to exchange partners? It's not like the teachers will notice."

"Can't you see how happy she is? That's her freakin crush she's dancing with."

I looked back at Lisa and Minho and true enough, she's really enjoying. I couldn't say the same for Minho because he had his poker face on again.

The bully was surprisingly quiet today. He even looked sad.

"Bambam..."

"I know!" He clicked his tongue and watched his steps so he'd stop stomping on my foot.

"Not that..." I hesitated but still went on. "Why do you hate Minho so much?"

"Tsk. He's taking everything away from me."

"Did he steal from you?"

"No, you clueless hobbit." He chuckled. "Everything, I meant my best friend."

"Lisa is your everything?"

He nodded. "She's the closest thing to home. She's so comfortable to be around with and she just magically makes me smile without even doing anything. I don't want to be a sappy shit but being with her makes my life brighter... I feel like she's been drifting away ever since she knew Minho. It's always about him now and I hate it."

"Why don't you tell her that?"

"I like seeing her happy. It's just so bad that she's like that because of him."

Maybe I misunderstood Bambam. Maybe he's not a bad person either. Maybe he's just a really annoying but harmless bully.

"I think she'd understand you. You're besties after all."

"It's harder than that. You're right, I have a crush on her. What if she gets awkward if I tell her that?"

"Oh... I don't know. I've never experienced that before."

"What did I expect from a former loner? I'm just wasting my time here," he said and left me.

I shook my head at his helplessness. Things really get complicated when feelings are involved.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

I was just passing whilst drinking my banana milk when a commotion caught my attention. My eyes widened when I saw what's happening. I threw my drink at the bin and ran towards them.

"You bastard!" Bambam punched Minho, but he was able to deflect with his arm. "How dare you make her cry?!"

"I didn't. She cried on her own." Minho swatted his fist and pushed Bambam.

"She's mad at me because of you! What did you tell her?!"

"I told her that I don't like her back so you'll stop pestering the heck out of me!"

"Damn you!"

I freaked out when I saw Bambam almost hitting Minho with a wooden stick, so I did the stupidest thing ever.

"No!"

I ran in front of Minho and stupidly held my arms out. Their attention turned to me and I suddenly felt like shrinking.

"What are you doing here?" Yugyeom asked.

"I'm his friend! You shouldn't be bullying him just because he's alone."

"I don't give a damn. Move aside if you don't wanna get hurt."

"N-No!"

"What's so special with Minho that you're all head-over-heels for him?"

"You're being unreasonable!" I didn't know how I managed to keep talking back because I'd usually be crying by now.

"What do you know?"

"It's not his fault that Lisa doesn't like you--"

"Shut up!" he shouted so loud that it made me shake. "Take back what you said!" He pushed me down and this time, fear started to seep into my system.

Minho went in front of him with balled fists and a clenched jaw. He punched Bambam in the face and pulled me up.

"Do that again and it's not just your fvcking face..." He glared at the two bullies, taking me out of the commotion.

What just happened?

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

I saw Minho's arm was scratched so I stopped on my tracks that made him stop too.

"What?"

"You have to treat that," I meekly told him.

He seemed to sense my drained energy so he obliged without a hitch. We went to the clinic and the nurse immediately attended to us. Minho got his scratches treated whilst I just sat beside him on the bed.

When the nurse left us, Minho looked at me weirdly.

"Why are you... so quiet?"

"Huh? I'm usually like this..."

"Are you, uh..." He cleared his throat. "Are you okay?"

When I heard his question, I immediately covered my face and held my breath so I wouldn't start crying. "I-I'm alright! I just got a little scared."

Step two! STEP TWO!

He frowned. "Are you hurt?"

I shook my head but it only deepened his frown. "Then why are you covering your face?"

"I just..." I didn't want him to know that I turn into a crybaby when frustrated, so I forced myself to swallow the lump in my throat. "It's unfair! They shouldn't be ganging up on you like that. It's bad!"

Minho stifled a laugh but I heard it.

"Why are you laughing?!"

"You're funny." He chuckled.

"I'm frustrated!"

"Hey, breathe. You're cute but you're about to turn blue."

"What?"

He cleared his throat. "I mean your glasses got dirty when it fell, can you still see?"

"No..."

"Then stop covering your face."

He took my glasses off and wiped it for me whilst I breathed in and out to regulate my fast heartbeat.

"You okay now?"

I nodded as I put my glasses back on.

"Sure?"

"Sure."

"Good. You looked so constipated I thought you're gonna faint. Pent up emotions will just suffocate you. Don't hold it in and try screaming it out. It helps alleviate frustration a lot."

"That works?"

He nodded. "Not here though. Try at the rooftop to make it more dramatic."

I couldn't help but laugh at his weird way of consoling me. He's really so cool.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

I wore a white dress with matching low heels. My hideous Sadako hair looked somewhat presentable unlike my usual style and my thick fringe wasn't adding to my blindness this time. I thought cutting it would look cute like the KDrama protagonists but it just became a hassle I've been regretting.

"I can't see!"

I snatched my eyeglasses from my mother and wore them back whilst she looked at me disappointedly.

"That's because you're always on your gadget! You know back in my day we didn't use it 24/7 and look, I'm not suffering from bad eyesight. Kids these days..."

"Dad!" I looked at him for help because mum could go on about this for hours.

"I think we should go now. Sunny will be late for her dance," my dad saved me.

"Let's take a picture first!"

My dad held up the camera and we all positioned ourselves. My mum also took solo pictures of me whilst crying a little and saying that I'm growing up too fast.

If I'm growing up, why am I still short?

Today is the year-end ball before the break starts. My parents were going to watch the program, that's why I was really serious about this.

We arrived at the school where I could see my classmates all dressed up. My parents went to the event hall first whilst I walked around the hallway to look for my partner.

Just then, I spotted Minho in his black suit with a blue undershirt, its first button undone. He looked so nice in it that I may have found my new favourite colour.

"Minho!"

He raised his eyebrow as he turned around, but he immediately put it down upon seeing me. His lips parted a little as he blinked a couple times.

"You look nice," I complimented him and felt my face heating up. I hope he didn't notice.

"I know." He smirked a little. "You look... different."

"Is it bad?"

"Pretty." He averted his gaze. "Pretty neat."

"Thank you..." I pursed my lips so I wouldn't start smiling like a weirdo. "H-Have you seen Bambam?"

His head whipped to my direction so fast, raising his brow in question.

"He's my dance partner."

"Oh... He's with Lisa."

"Why?"

"I ditched her so now he's comforting his best friend. He'll probably replace me as her partner."

My eyes widened at his answer. "What? That can't be! My parents are going to watch me today and I can't dance without a partner!"

Minho shrugged. "I can be yours."

"O-Oh..." I didn't know why the butterflies appeared. "Is it alright?"

He nodded. "We practised the same dance, just with different people."

I wasn't able to respond when they announced that the program was starting. Minho pulled me to the event hall and we went to our positions together with our classmates.

"Thank you." I blushed when he held my hand as we waited for the music to play.

"Nah. It's my fault why you don't have a partner anyway. Is this okay?" Minho placed his hand on my waist and pulled me closer.

I nodded and bit the inside of my cheek because the butterflies were extra rowdy tonight.

"T-Thanks..." I cleared my throat as I tried to think of any topic to stop myself from being so flustered without any reason. "My friends! I-I mean my friends are coming back."

"Hmm?"

"It would be really nice if you could meet them! Only if you want to though." I beamed. "You can go to the court near the park next week, I'll wait for you."

"No promises..." he started.

My lips turned into a pout.

"But," he immediately follows.

"But?" I looked at him in anticipation that made him chuckle.

"I'll try."

"Sure?" I smiled up at him.

"Sure." He smiled back.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

"We missed you, Sunny!"

"Welcome back!"

We did a group hug when my cousin and my friends finally arrived. We went to our garden to catch up and chill because they're still tired from their journey.

There were a few things that had changed on them. Ten's red highlights were now gone, the others grew taller, and some voices matured.

"Some of our co-trainees want to come too but I don't know if the house is enough for another 17 people."

I laughed whilst listening to them. I really missed these guys!

"Did Jungwoo get taller?" I asked.

"Just a little, I didn't think you'd notice." He smiled.

"It's so unfair! You're all growing taller but I'm just growing up."

"There's a secret that we cannot share." Ten smirked.

"Tell me."

"Oh, that's nothing." Yuta dismissed and hit Ten playfully.

Kun sat beside me and ruffled my hair.

"How about you, Sunny? What happened here whilst we're gone?"

"Well..." I blushed thinking about Minho. "I followed what you said and... I made a friend."

He returned my smile. "That's great! Did you have a hard time?"

"A little, but it's all worth it."

My cousin gasped. "Did I hear that right? Who's your new friend?"

"Lee Minho, not the actor!"

Jungwoo frowned. "Who's that?"

"He's the boy she's always talking about." Yuta laughed. "I can't believe you actually befriended him."

It might be because we're in the garden but there's a lot of butterflies today... especially when Minho's the topic.

"Would you mind if I invite him to the playground tomorrow?" I looked around them.

"Not at all. We want to meet him!"

They all have curious and excited faces that made me smile.

I hope they'd like each other!

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

I know he'll come. I trust him.

"We've been waiting for an hour..." Jungwoo pointed out.

"Can we wait for a little bit more?"

Kun ruffled my hair and nodded. The others followed him and smiled reassuringly.

"If he doesn't come, I'm here--" Jungwoo wasn't able to finish his sentence when I saw a boy who looked a little lost.

"Minho!" I grinned and ran to him. "I knew you'd come!"

"I was bored anyway," he replied, giving me a small smile. I pulled him towards my other friends.

"Guys, this is Minho."

He just nodded at them in acknowledgment. This guy!

"I'm Sunny's cousin, Yuta. That's Kun, Ten, and Jungwoo."

All of them shook Minho's hands aside from Jungwoo. His face was impassive the whole time.

"He's just shy," I told Minho.

"Yeah, shy." He smirked.

"It's just the first meeting but you're already late," Jungwoo said.

"Good thing she doesn't mind," Minho replied.

They had an awkward staring contest for quite a while. I'm glad Kun decided to break it.

"I'm sorry, he's just not used to having new people around." He smiled apologetically and pulled Jungwoo away.

"I'm hungry! We waited for a long time so you should treat us." Ten grinned.

"Ten!" Kun side-eyed him.

"It's okay. Where do you want to eat?" Minho looked smug as he fished out a card.

"We like you already!" Yuta and Ten's eyes glinted in happiness and they pulled us towards the nearest cafe they could find.

"You don't have to," I told Minho but he just shrugged.

"It's okay, they're your friends. I don't really care if they like me or not but it looks like a big deal to you."

"It doesn't matter to me if they won't like you. You're part of my life now and no one can change that but me."

"It matters to me because they matter to you... and I kind of like keeping you around."

I couldn't help the blush that crept on my face. I slowly smiled at him and he returned it, and we both chuckled a little at his cheesy words.

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I smiled seeing my friends getting along well. Kun even laughed at me and said I'm like a proud mother whenever Minho was participating with them.

They were going to play basketball whilst I just watched. I didn't want them to see my ball magnet face.

"Come on, Sunny. Join us!"

"But I don't know how to play."

"Okay then, just cheer for me! Who wants to team up?" Ten asked.

"I'll just stay with her--"

"I'll just watch with her--"

We all stopped when Minho and Jungwoo talked at the same time.

"It's fine. You can play."

"I'm okay. You can go with them."

"No, it's alright."

"I said I'll just stay here."

We looked at them weirdly as they spoke. I even got a little dizzy when they kept on throwing the ball back and forth and convincing each other that they'd just watch.

"Wait!" I stood up and took the ball. "I'll just play so no one will be left out."

"Yehey! I want Jungwoo, and Minho on my team!" Ten said and immediately pulled them away to strategise.

Oh gosh! I hoped I wouldn't end up with a bloody nose.

The game ended with me not being able to shoot a single point and with a forehead bump, but I managed to steal from Jungwoo a lot of times! I didn't know he was worse than me. Minho looked like he really enjoyed playing so I'm glad that I joined, I just wished he wasn't raining the balls in my direction as they kept connecting to my face.

"What was that, Sunny?" Ten laughed at me.

"I told you I don't know how to play!" I pouted.

"Do you want to shoot at least one?" Jungwoo asked and I nodded. He grinned and crouched down. "Hop on."

Jungwoo carried me on his back and went near the ring. I tried shooting but nothing came in because he was staggering and I couldn't focus. Minho chuckled and picked me up like I was a cat, lifting me until I could finally shoot the ball without a hitch.

"Did you see that?!"

Kun handed me the ball again and I shot it for the second time. Minho finally put me down with a smug grin.

"Thank you! You're the best."

We laughed together and at that moment all I could see was us. His cute smile and soft laughter, making my heart beat so loud it rivalled the bouncing of the ball.

"Sunny, can you buy us snacks?" Yuta handed me his wallet. "Minho, can you go with her?"

"Sure."

"I'll go too!" Jungwoo ran after us. We went to the convenience store and started piling snacks on the basket.

"What are your favourite foods?" I asked Minho since I only know limited things about him.

Minho liked being alone, he wanted nothing to do with people, he secretly loved cats, and he always looked done with everything but that's just actually his resting face. That much I knew.

"Anything delicious and edible."

"How about favourite drinks?"

"Iced americano."

"That's so bitter though?" I wondered until we reached the cashier. Jungwoo came back with lots of ice cream cones but before I could open my brother's wallet, Minho already paid for everything.

We were walking back to the court when I saw two banana milk in the snack pile Jungwoo was holding. I took it and held it up to Minho, him taking it with a chuckle. We made a toast with our milk cartons as we continued walking with Jungwoo who was very quiet.

He must be really shy around new people, just like when we first met.

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We're playing hide and seek because the boys already got bored with video gaming and no one wanted to wash the dishes. Yuta was the seeker so he's counting whilst we're trying to find places we can hide into.

"Come here, Sunny." Jungwoo giggled and pulled me behind a bush.

"Ready or not, here I come!"

"Huh? Where is he?" I got confused when the counting stopped.

"Maybe he's being sneaky so he can catch us off guard. Wait here," he said and went to check.

I was silently waiting for Jungwoo to come back when a hand on my shoulder startled me. I turned around to see Minho laughing silently.

"What was that for?"

"Your reactions are funny."

I shook my head and couldn't stop myself from giggling with him. He pulled me out of the bush and I just let him take me. We walked side by side wherever our feet lead us.

"I'm just curious. Don't you have other friends beside me and the boys?"

Minho shook his head. "They're dead now."

"Oh... I'm sorry."

He suddenly laughed. "I'm just kidding, you're so gullible."

"Tch!"

"There are these two boys who are always beside the pension my family goes to for vacation."

"Is that why you were late last time? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to force you to cut your vacation short."

"It's fine. I got bored anyway, and I don't consider them as friends yet because they're nosy as heck."

"Yet? So they'll be your friends soon?"

He rolled his eyes. "Why are you so keen on me making friends?"

"I just want you to be happy because everyone deserves it."

"Well... I'm happy with you. I don't need anyone else."

My cheeks heated up and I slightly nudged him. "You're just saying that so I'll stop pestering you about making friends!"

"Fine then, I guess they're my friends. The card I'm paying with actually belongs to one of them." He smirked.

"What?" I gasped. "That's so nice and trusting of him."

"Nah, it's his punishment for giving me useless advice."

"What kind of advice?"

"Something about the heart and the tummy." He shrugged. "It didn't really work. I still got ignored for so long."

"Were you trying to bribe cats with food?" I giggled. "You just have to wait for them to willingly get close to you. Ten said they get shy with new people sometimes."

"Something like that." He chuckled as he looked at me.

I was enjoying our conversation so much that I didn't notice a big stone blocking my path.

"Ow!"

"What are you doing?" He laughed instead of helping me.

"I didn't see it!"

"How could I forget that you're lowkey blind?" He shook his head and helped me up. I staggered to walk because of a sudden pang in my ankle. He sighed and crouched down. "Hop on."

I happily obliged and let Minho give me a piggyback ride.

"You're clueless, clumsy, and nosy. I bet you'll die first in a horror movie."

"Save me then."

"I'll just die first. Don't want any of that stress."

We reached the area of the garden with the do-not-pick-the-flowers sign. I told him to pick some and he wholeheartedly did, even smirking as he plucked them one by one.

"Dead flowers for you."

"That's not how they do it in KDramas but thanks!"

He chuckled and handed me the flowers, securing his grip on me so I won't fall. Our moment ended when we saw Jungwoo running to us.

"What are you two doing here?"

"We were just--"

"I told you to wait for me." He frowned when I didn't get off Minho. "Are you hurt?"

"Nothing serious. I think I twisted my ankle a little."

"What did you do to her?" He glared at Minho.

"What do you take me for? I'd never hurt her." Minho glared back.

"Her cousin will hear about this."

"Wait, no!" I tugged at Jungwoo's shirt. "Do you remember when I tripped back then because we were running? I didn't tell my brother about it because it wasn't your fault, just like now with Minho. I'm okay, promise!"

"Really?" Jungwoo asked.

"Sure," I replied. His lips parted.

Jungwoo's gaze fell to the flowers in my hand, his mood visibly falling as well. "You picked flowers with him?" he said in a very small voice.

"Her ankle needs to get looked at. Let's go to Kun-hyung." Minho pulled me away, leaving Jungwoo at the garden in a sulky mood.

I didn't know that was a start to something bad.

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"What do you like in a guy?"

I thought deeply on what to answer. I'd never really entertained the thought of liking someone before.

"I don't know."

"Come on, just one thing," Jungwoo prodded.

We're currently having a picnic because Kun and I were experimenting with foods in the kitchen and accidentally made too much. The guys were already there but the two of us came back to get the drinks that Ten forgot.

"Gong Taekwang."

"No, I mean real people."

"But he's real! At least to me."

He scratched his head. "Okay, how about people aside from Gong Taekwang?"

"Lee Minho?"

His breath hitched.

"Him as an actor though, not the roles he plays. For some reason I always end up liking the second-leads."

"Oh." He sighed in relief. "How about people who are definitely not Lee Minho?"

"Hmm... Maybe someone who likes being alone, whose favourites are anything delicious and edible, secretly loves cats, and always looks like he's glaring but is actually just spacing out."

"That's an odd description."

"I haven't really thought about it. Why did you ask anyway?"

"I'm just curious." His ears reddened. "I thought you liked Minho."

"Huh?" My cheeks heated up. "Why would you think of that?"

"You're always together. He replaced me with all the things we used to do." He pouted.

"It's not like that... I don't know if I like him, but I think I have a crush on him?"

Jungwoo stopped walking and so did I. His face turned impassive as he looked at me.

"Why do you have a crush on him?"

"I don't know. He's just really cool? Our schoolmates even compare him to KDrama bad boys, like Jihoo... He's strong, he looks like he doesn't care sometimes but he actually does, and he's always saving me from trouble."

My heart thumped loudly when I realised that I was blabbering about Minho. I didn't know that I was already in too deep. Now, I'm pretty sure that I did have a crush on him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble." I scratched my nape sheepishly.

"What about me?"

"Huh?"

"I'm a trainee under one of the biggest entertainment companies in the country..."

"I know and I'm proud of you."

"What am I to you then?"

"You're my tall little brother and I'm your sister, remember?"

"I hope my sister graduates soon." Jungwoo scoffed and walked away.

I frowned as I watched his retreating back. What's up with Jungwoo? I was just answering his questions.

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"Let's form a gang."

We're all shocked when Jungwoo said those words. It was so unexpected, especially coming from him!

"No, thanks. My mum will kill me." Yuta shuddered at the thought. "Where is this coming from?"

"I just want to."

"That's a dangerous territory... but the thought excites me," Ten said. "I'm in!"

"This is too random. Are you sure you know what you're talking about?" Kun commented and I agreed with him.

"Jungwoo, please listen to your hyung," I told him, but he shook his head stubbornly.

"Come on..." he pleaded.

"Jungwoo..."

"What's with taking a little risk? I just want to be cool and brave! I just want to look strong and not that scaredy-cat you all associate me with!" Jungwoo argued with tears forming in his eyes. "Why can't you all understand that?"

"But..." Kun trailed off, seeing the determined look on Jungwoo's face. "There are other ways to be brave and cool."

"I know how you all see me, a weak boy who's so soft that he needs to be saved every time. I don't want it!"

Minho scoffed. "What an idiot."

"Shut up, Minho. Too afraid to join?"

"I don't have to join a gang to prove something. Unlike..." he looked at Jungwoo up and down.

"Take that back, loser."

"You take that back, crybaby."

The tension rose up from their heated exchange. I was shocked because it was my first time seeing them act so rudely.

"Please don't fight! Jungwoo, what you're proposing is too dangerous."

"Let us handle this, Sunny."

"But..."

Minho shook his head dismissively. I sighed and went to my cousin for help, but he couldn't do anything either.

"If you're really all that, you'll accept my offer. Or maybe you're just lying?" Jungwoo provoked him. "Who knows if you're just making up things. No one here really knows if you're telling the truth since you just came without warning. Sunny just befriended you because you're pitiful!"

"That's too much, Jungwoo," Kun warned.

"Fine. You really want this? I'll join on one condition." Minho popped his knuckles as he glared at Jungwoo. "Leave the two of us alone."

"If I win the fight, you'll leave all of our lives," Jungwoo spat back.

"Deal."

"Hey!" I frowned at all of them. "Are you guys serious? This is crazy!"

"It's already settled."

"Can you please just forget it? You're all my friends!"

"It's either me or him, that's what he wants. Can you choose me over him?" Minho asked and I was too stunned to answer. He scoffed at me. "It's just Minho, but you can't say it."

"Hey, now..." Kun sighed. "Let's all calm down first. Don't make decisions based on your emotions."

I ran outside, away from all the confusion. I didn't know what to answer. I just wanted friends, but why were they making me pick? Couldn't I have them all?

I stopped when I bumped into someone. I looked up to see the face of the boy I almost forgot. He looked different, as if he's dead inside.

"It's been a long time, Sunny."

"Bambam..."

"So they're your friends, huh? I mean, that is if you'll pick them over Minho."

I frowned at him. "What do you know?"

"Everything." He smirked and went closer. "Ever wonder how he got that gang idea in his pretty little mind?"

"Why would you do that?!"

"Did you know Lisa went back to Thailand and left me?"

"Oh..." My lips gaped. "No, I didn't."

"Of course you won't, your attention was always on Minho." He scoffed. "Why do people always choose him? He took everything from me! My best friend left me because of him!"

I flinched when he shouted angrily. He breathed deeply before continuing.

"I'm giving you a chance to leave him. Don't choose Minho and you won't be affected by my revenge."

"R-Revenge?"

"Didn't your wimp friend tell you? My gang is the one they're fighting."

"N-No! You can't scare me off. I won't leave Minho just because of you."

Bambam's eyes darkened at my reply. "You're making the same mistake as Lisa. You shouldn't have chosen him! Suit yourself."

I flinched as he made me face him.

"Tomorrow, it'll be Dabbin versus Neo... and you'll be dragged into this mess."

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I paced back and forth inside my room as I contemplated on telling my parents about the gang situation. I was really worried about my friends.

I was so deep in thought that I almost jumped when I heard knocking on my door. I saw my parents go in.

"Sunny, can we talk to you?"

I nodded and went to sit with them on the sofa in my room. They looked at each other before mum held my hands and spoke.

"We like you having friends, having people to play around and have fun with. We're happy to see you enjoying their company but..."

"What is it?"

"You shouldn't hang out with a bad influence. I get that you want him to experience having friends, but we don't want you to compromise yourself and be like... him."

I frowned as I looked at both of them. "All my friends are good people. What are you talking about?"

"Sunny, Jungwoo told us about Minho. We didn't know he's a bully in your school. I get that he doesn't really look like one and you like him around, but he's not good for you."

I was dumbfounded. Why would he do that...

"Dad, that's not true! We're schoolmates and I've never seen him hurt anyone. He was always saving me from the real bullies!"

"Yuta already talked to him. We just want the best for you, sweetie."

"You don't get it! Jungwoo lied to you!"

"Sunny, don't talk like that."

"I'm sorry, mum and dad. Please listen to me! Jungwoo was just lying! He's the one who's being a bad influence. I wanted to tell you this earlier but I was too nervous. Jungwoo formed a gang and they're going to fight later!"

"That's enough, Sunny! Your friend told us everything. When did you learn how to lie?"

"I'm not lying!"

"Don't raise your voice like that, young lady. You're grounded for a week. You won't leave your room tonight and I made myself clear."

"No! Please!"

I cried when they left my room without looking back. I ran to the door but I was too late because I heard the rustling of keys and the next thing I knew, I couldn't get out.

I slid down with my back against the door, crying uncontrollably.

I felt so betrayed.

I trusted my friends... Why did they have to lie? Why was Jungwoo so selfish? I wanted to understand him, but he went too far.

I don't think we can ever be friends again.

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I woke up from my nap when I heard the door open. I saw my cousin sneaking in.

"Y/n, are you alright?"

"Oppa... Why did Jungwoo lie?"

He hugged me and that made me feel a little better.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything, but I stole the keys!" He made me stand up and guided me out the door.

When we reached the living room, Jungwoo and the others just went in. They all had fair shares of bruises on their faces and body. My head heated up at their sight.

"Sunny, we won--"

I slapped Jungwoo. Hard. The sound echoed in all their stunned silence. Even my hand stung, but I didn't care. He hurt me first!

"I don't care! How dare you lie about Minho? I thought we were friends?"

He knelt in front of me as our tears simultaneously fell. "It's all my fault. I was too selfish and I only realised it."

"You're all so selfish! Don't you know that he only has us as friends? Everyone at our school thinks he's a bad guy! Now you're taking me away from him!"

"Sunny, let me explain--"

"I don't want to hear any of it, Kun. I trusted you, but you all failed me."

"Sunny, please--"

"Don't call me Sunny anymore. I hate that name!"

I ran to Yuta and hugged him. I couldn't bear to look at my so-called friends anymore.

"Please take me to Minho. I can't lose him."

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My cousin took me to the playground.

"I'll fetch you later." He ruffled my hair. "I'm sorry, sis..."

I gave him a meek smile and walked towards the swingset. Minho was trying to sanitise his knuckles before putting bandaids all over it.

I kneeled before him and took his hands. "You're doing it wrong."

Minho looked shocked for a bit before rolling his eyes. I took the cotton and alcohol and tried to clean the cuts as gently as I could. I noticed that he had more bruises than the others and I felt myself getting angrier at the thought that they just let him be.

He hissed when I was done putting the last bandaid on his face. Without saying anything, he just stood up and left. I ran after him and tugged on his shirt.

"Minho, I'm choosing you over them. Please don't leave."

He peeled my hands off his shirt and gazed at me with dead eyes. "You don't have to. I don't need your pity."

"I never pitied you! I genuinely wanted to be your friend. What's wrong with that?"

"That's what's wrong! You're too good for me!"

"That's not true! If this is about what my parents think, don't be bothered with that. I'll fix it! Jungwoo lied about you and I promise to tell them the truth!"

"It's not about that. Just go home and be safe."

"Minho, why are you doing this? Did I do something wrong?"

His face was void of emotions as he looked at me, pushing me away. Why did it feel like my heart was being ripped apart?

"I don't like being with you anymore. Just leave me alone! You're annoying."

"Please don't do this. I'm sorry for whatever I did wrong!"

"Stop it... You look pathetic."

Step two... Come on now, step two!

I couldn't stop my tears from falling anymore. It's like he stabbed me with those words.

"Minho, please..."

I called for him but he kept walking away. Still, I tried my best to keep up with his pace.

I didn't notice our steps had already led us to the park. After a while, the surrounding just sinked in and that made fear creep on my skin. It's so dark, contrary to the bright and flowery park I loved going to in the daylight.

Goosebumps rose in my entire body as I heard footsteps coming closer. I should run but my feet were rooted to the ground as the sight of a boy emerged from the dark.

"Shit..." Minho tensed as he stepped in front of me.

"Would you look at this couple? So fvcking disgusting."

"Not as disgusting as that black eye you got from me."

Bambam glared at Minho, then his eyes moved farther to me, his face turning even grimmer.

"So you made your choice? You know what that means."

"What the fvck do you want?" Minho's fist shook as he held my hand with his other one. "You already lost to me so stand the fvck down and stop being a loser for once."

It only angered the Dabbin leader more as he walked closer to us, baring his teeth in uncontained rage. "She shouldn't have chosen you! I can't let you win again and I'll drag her in your mess if I have to-- oh, fvck!"

Bambam rolled over in pain when Minho kneed him on his groin.

"Run!"

We both took off hand in hand, only to get separated as Yugyeom appeared in front of us and tackled us to the ground. My glasses slipped from the fall and I lost it, almost choking on my tears as pain spread through my body when I hit the ground.

"Damn you!" Minho said through gritted teeth as he kicked him off to the side.

"M-Minho..."

"I know." He wiped my tears away as he pulled me up. "I'm sorry for being rough... I got you now. Shh."

"I-I'm okay..." I said through my tears and we started running again.

"Shit, they're getting away! Get your ass up, Bam!" Yugyeom groaned as he stayed down, too beaten up by Minho to move.

"Give me the keys!"

My eyes widened hearing the revving of the engine. I cried harder when I saw a car fast approaching from behind, knowing that we wouldn't be able to beat it. We went out of the road but it still followed us like a maniac in a driving frenzy, driving through the grass and mud like there was no tomorrow.

I knew I was slow, so I looked beside me and smiled up at Minho. Even when he's very blurry without my glasses, he's still the coolest person I've ever seen.

"Thank you for saving me and for being my friend. I hope you'll always remember me, Lee Minho."

"Sunny, no--"

I pushed him to an area where the headlights wouldn't catch and ran to the other side. He reached his hand to me but it was too late. The car followed me and I could only go so far without my glasses.

A loud crashing noise was heard. For a moment all I saw was white... and then everything turned dark.

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In conclusion:

Pardon me for this VERY long chapter. I got carried away heh. Please also excuse the awkward grammar coz I'm more used to the present tense, and English isn't my first language.

Hope liked it!