Adopted by EXO

Chapter 1

"Anna come here!"

Rose, the orphanage's caretaker, yelled from downstairs. I ran down the stairs like Sonic before she gets even more mad.

I've been raised in this orphanage my whole life, not knowing who my parents are. I've tried to ask Rose, but she would always push the thought aside, so in the end I gave up. You would think living in this orphanage all your life, they would treat you better, but no I'm stuck doing chores everyday. Zapped of my freedom, I feel like I'm stuck behind bars, trapped in a prison.

I got down the stairs and saw Rose who gave me a mop quickly as she ordered me around harshly, "Go mop the floor!"

Once I hit 18, I'm done taking orders, and moving out of this hellhole. But for now, I'll play the good girl, since they are in charge of my monthly allowances. I nodded silently and holding back my tears, I started mopping the floor.

***

Out of breath, I went upstairs to my room after mopping the entire floor downstairs. 

Why does Rose only hate me?

I lay in bed and cried myself to sleep. 

- The Next Day -

All I wish for my birthday is to find a family who will love me.

After getting dressed and used the bathroom quickly, I trudged downstairs, and went to make breakfast. Everyone was still asleep so I ate by myself at the table.

After eating, Rose came downstairs and gave me a list of chores to do for the morning - not even a single break on my special day. 

Ding Dong

The door opened and in stepped a rich, looking gentleman wearing a black suit topped with a classy panama hat. He had dark-brown curly hair and a bright smile on his face.

"Hello! Is this Happy Kids Orphanage?" he asked as he stepped inside. 

Even the name of the orphanage is ironic, we aren't even happy, just a sad bunch of kids.

"Yes!" Rose turned around to greet him and changed her facial expression so quickly, smiling and welcoming the gentleman inside.

What does a rich looking guy want with an orphanage anyways? Is he going to adopt a child? 

Standing in their shadows as I started ticking off my chore list starting off with mopping the floor. I briefly glanced over at the two of them as they were seated across from each other chatting as Rose introduced the orphanage and gave him the details. 

The morning sun shone through the window beside them as it lit up his facial features: his shiny, bouncy curls illuminated in the light as if he just got out of the salon, his flawless, dewy skin, his sparkling brown eyes focused on Rose gently, and his rosy, soft lips glistened in the sunlight - he could be a model because he definitely looked the part. I was caught staring when our gaze met briefly, and I quickly looked away, blushing shyly, as I carried on mopping. 

"Anna!" Rose called me over, she smiled her fakeness at me. 

I scoffed inside, "Yes?" I headed over to their table, looking down onto the floor as I was too shy to look at the handsome man in front of me, but I could definitely feel two pairs of eyes on me. I gripped the mop tighter, wondering what Rose could what from me now.

"Anna sweetie, can you wake the other kids, and get them ready? This lovely gentleman here wants to adopt a child today." Rose put on her fake act again. "Thank you dear."

I nodded as I put the mop away before heading upstairs to get the kids. 

***

All the children lined up quickly in a horizontal row, and bowed their head in respect, as I followed along. 

"Okay Mr. Park, you may choose a child now," Rose smiled.

"Thank you."

I can't stop but wonder why would a sweet and handsome model like him want to adopt a child. Sighing and looking at the floor, my heart sank, but just as I was about to close my eyes, and wish this nightmare to be over, I felt a hand gently patted the top of my head. My heart skipped a beat as my mind filled with utter confusion. 

"I choose this one," his deep voice sounded above me. 

What? Why?

"Really?" Rose asked. "You sure?"

"Yes." He took his hand away as I looked up at him. He smiled genuinely at me before returning his gaze back towards Rose.

"Okay," Rose spoke. "Let's get started on the paperwork."

All the other kids were dismissed as they headed into the dining hall for their breakfast the cook prepared for them. Rose sent me upstairs to go and pack my bags while she'll get everything all sorted out and prepared for my departure soon. 

Am I dreaming? 

I never expected him to pick me at all. There's so many cuter and adorable younger kids, but why me? Is my birthday wish being granted? Do I finally get to belong in a loving family? Or will he return me within a week like the other families?

Although I still have my doubts, the excitement to leave this orphanage never ceases as I headed upstairs to start packing which honestly isn't a lot.

***

I carried my luggage down the stairs but stopped, and hid behind the wall when I heard one reply came from the model, and it shocked me in a good way that gave me butterflies. 

"Just in case, I'm going to keep her file with me if you do plan to return her-

The model interrupted Rose as he spoke firmly, "That won't be necessary, I won't regret choosing her, you can toss or even shred her file because she won't be coming back here." 

No words could describe this euphoric feeling. Holding back my tears of joy, I stood up from my hiding spot with my one luggage.

"You all ready?" His melodious voice calmed me as he turned towards me, smiling.

Looking into his soft brown eyes, the man standing in front of me gave me the best birthday present ever, I'll never forget this miraculous day. 

"Yes, " I spoke confidently.

 I'm ready to leave this orphanage once and for all.

"가자!" 

***

As he held onto all of my paperwork in his hand, his other hand grabbed mine as we both ran out the doors together, never looking back. I held onto my luggage handle, dragging it along. Feeling like a little kid, his warm hand engulfed mine as we started slowing down as soon as we exited Hell's gates. I looked up at my miracle in front of me - his warm and comforting presence overwhelmed me, and it felt great to escape, smiling for the first time.

"Anna," his voice melted my heart. "What a beautiful name."

"Thank you Mr. Park," I shyly replied quietly.

"Oh why so formal? Just call me Chanyeol is fine. I'm so happy you're part of my family." 

Family.

My heart fluttered at the sound of that, as my vision blurred, water crowded my tear ducts - this blissful and euphoric feeling overwhelmed my emotions as I've never felt such love and kindness before. It felt like the burden has been lifted, the invisible weight carried away, I can finally spread my wings and fly freely. 

This is the best birthday yet. 

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Korean (한국어) Translations: 

1. 가자! = Let's go!