The ♥ Guitar Freak ♥ xoxo “Call-me-Andie-or-else” Nuna!! ♪♫
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
AGAIN! Nosebleed. hahah! Sipon ata yun.
Anyways…HOHOHO~! I really wanted to add a section here. AT ETO NA NGA! Haha!
Welcome minna-san to the Ayakatomomi’s Side Story #2! Hoho! And this would be a lil’ different… chideeeeeeen!
It’s KANG DAE-IN’s POV. Hehe. Gomen. I know some are expecting for Jonghyun’s pero sabi ko nga, waaaa!!! HEMORRHAGE na kung utak ni Burning ang kikilatisin ko! Haha!
For some reason, gusto ko si burning mysterious mode dito. Haha!
Waaa! I hope this would turn out good.
Okay. Tama na. haha! Storytelling mode na tayo.
I hope you’ll find it okay. Hehe. ENJOY MINNA-SAN!
~ayakatomomi
P.S. English pala to. Any typographical errors and wrong grammar… GOMENASAI MINNA! I just find editing and proofreading bothersome. Ole’ habits die hard. Hohoho. :p
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
I’m Kang Dae-In, but I want people to call me Andie. Especially this one person. Who? The most handsome man I’ve ever met! ^////^
2 years ago…
“Kyaaaa!!!! Oppaaaaa!” Screaming brats in their early teens are squealing their throats out again. Aish, jinjja. So early in the morning. It has always been like this, looking at the new released albums of different pop groups but then coming out of the store empty-handed.
I’m here for my weekly routine. Every Friday I would go visit this music store searching for music compilations of various orchestras with their piano concertos. And yes, every Friday, the same group of crazy fangirls would annoy me with their squeaky voices.
“Brats.” I went down the isle of CDs when the annoying brats have already left. I wondered what could their fangirl spirits be freaking out this time. I picked up the object of their annoying squealing.. “Hmm…KS2 eh? Weird name. Never heard of this one.” Tch. I’m not that fond of the pop music today’s generation. So noisy, with all their computer-enhanced and autotuned voices. “Tch. That’s not music at all.” I put the digital album with disgust.
I continued searching the piles of CDs as I read their titles and annoy myself with their weird album jackets. One beautiful.. male? “Aigoo… Is this a male or a female? What’s with the orange hair?”
I shook my head as I found the titles weird. “Lucifer. LUCIFER?!” What the hell?!” I put it down and again ran my fingers on the rack. “’Cooking? Cooking!’, can’t they find a sensible title for this?”
More albums… Pinocchio, Blockbuster, and the list went on and on. “Blue..tory? Why Bluetory? I think they forgot the ‘S’ here.” CNBlue? Rock band, eh? This is different. Bluetory, CNBLUE. They must like blue a lot.
I stared at the photos of four men, glaring infront of the camera. “Aigoo… What’s with the furious look these days? Do they think they look cool without showing off their teeth?” I shook my head as I put the album down.
Chamkkanman~!
“CNBLUE??!” My eyes widened as I stared at the album’s jacket. “KANG GOON?!” I took the album from the stand again and scrutinized the faces present in the cover. Impossible. It couldn’t be him! But~!
Yah, yah, yah. I knew Minhyuk has a band, but this? I didn’t know about this! Aish, jinjja. I haven’t gone home to Ilsan for a year already!
“Yah! Kang Minhyuk! When I get back, I’ll kill you for not telling nuna about this.” I quickly took the album entitled “Bluetory” and paid it at the cashier. The hell with work today, I have to buy a ticket back to Ilsan as soon as possible!
Kang Minhyuk! Dae-in nuna won’t let this pass!
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
A sunny day to arrive in Ilsan. “Hmmm… fresh air,” I breathed as I recollected the last time I was here. Just a small summary of what I did these past few years. Told my appa and umma I can’t possibly inherit the food business, pack my bags, left for a wild-goose chase, ended in Japan, became a piano teacher for a short time, fell inlove, heart broken, quitted job, applied to a publishing company, bashed some icon’s style, quitted job again, ended up in a fashion magazine, started small, ended up having my own column. Not much of a life, really.
But my family had and has been supportive ever since. “APPA!” I greeted as I opened the door of our family’s restaurant in Ilsan. After I saw that album of my brother, I immediately bought a ticket back home. “Where’s Kang Goon?!” That’s Minhyuk’s nickname way back in his middle school.
Appa turned to me in surprise as I arrived. “Dae-In-a!” Aigoo… me coming here is really surprising. I dunno why I didn’t bother visiting this place for the past years. Must have been pretty lazy. Yeah. I was lazy.
“You’re here! Aigoo… you should’ve called.” Appa came to meet me at the door after he recovered from shock. Seeing me, standing there, with my hair all dyed up in orange is shocking. I tell you. For a minute I forgot what I really came here for as appa hugged me in welcome.
“This was decided so sudden.” I said with a smile as I hugged my father back. Aigoo… I haven’t seen appa in such a long time. “How’s business?” I asked. What a rude way to ask for a long-time-no-see-meeting. I rolled my eyes at myself.
“Been well,” Appa answered. “Few establishments rose up and became competitors, but we’ve managed.” Appa took my luggage, strong as ever. “Take a seat, I’ll prepare breakfast.” Right, it’s still 7 in the morning and the restaurant has not opened yet.
“Umma?” I asked. Looking around, the restaurant hasn’t change much, same old home-y feeling.
“Yard.” Appa answered as I heard the clanking of the pans in the kitchen.
“Ahh…” Then I remembered. “Kang Goon?!”
I heard appa laugh. “Still calling him by that weird nickname, huh? He’s in Seoul. Been busy with his band.”
“Jinjja?!” I hastily went over my bag as I searched the album I bought yesterday. “Appa! Are you talking about this band?” I gave it to appa as I let him take a look at it.
“Ah… ne. See, it’s our Minhyuk,” appa said as he pointed to the guy on the far right. My eyes widened as I heard appa’s confirmation.
“Woah. I can’t believe they’re able to make it big,” I said in pure disbelief. I know my little brother has a band, they even went far as Japan during their indie days. But during those times, I had been busy earning for a living that I haven’t met him personally nor came to know his bandmates. My brother and I kept in touched through emails, nothing more.
I sat back again and turned to look at the photo book attached. “Aish, jinjja. Our Kang Goon is all grown up now.” I continued flipping the mini book and stared at the poses of Kang Goon and his bandmates. “Have you met them? I mean, his band?” I asked.
“Yes, they would come visit whenever they have time.”
I flipped to the pages of the booklet I found inside the album. “Lee Jungshin. Woah. She’s pretty.” I said as I stared at their long-haired bassist. Lee Jungshin. Male? “Woah!!! He’s a male??? The bass, eh? Hmm… he looks cool,” I said.
“Jung Yonghwa. The leader eh? Hmm… He looks average.” He got weird eyes. I scoffed at how my “so-called-annoying” personality came to the surface. Right, it’s a personality that always gets me in trouble but came very handy in my work as well.
I continued looking through the pages and then found their lead guitarist’s photo. “Lee Jonghyun.” I read out loud. “So skinny, eh. What’s with the long, unruly hair?” I said as I shook my head. Well, he’s probably a capable guitarist given he’s the lead. Hmm… whatever.
I continued flipping and finally found Kang Goon’s photos. “Woah. Kang Minhyuk. I don’t like your hair too!” I heard appa chuckle as he placed the food in the table. “Kids these days are so concerned with their looks. Tch. Makes me wonder if they’re actually selling music or their looks, or something else.”
“It’s funny hearing it from someone who has that for a business.” Appa said with a small laugh.
“Tch. Araseo.” I answered. “But then, Appa must have taught him a lot.” It’s been a known fact that it was appa who introduced music to us. He taught Minhyuk the drums while he taught me piano.
Appa sat on the opposite side as he placed the amazing meal he prepared. How can’t I possibly come home when this enormous, mouthwatering food is available here at my disposal? I took the spoon and ate heaven.
Appa and took the album and said, “They’re good.” I stopped chewing as I heard appa’s words. “Mwo? You haven’t heard them yet?” I’m probably gawking in disbelief at the moment.
I shook my head in reply. “Aigoo. Listen to your brother’s music this time. It’s not like a concerto but then it’s good in its own way.” Honestly, I bought the album because I was shocked to see my brother in the album jacket. I never fancy KPop, but still, appa is right. I have to listen to Kang Goon’s music too. I guess I have to support him on this one the way he supported his troublesome sister who left without any plans.
“Araseo appa,” I said with a grimaced to which appa responded with a wide smile.
“I should go and call your umma. She would be so happy to see you. And your orange hair.” I smiled my wide smile and nodded in return. “I have to prepare the restaurant. You want to help?” I made a face as I turned to appa.
“Appa! You want me to poison someone??”
“Ah. Ani. I was just kidding.” Appa said with a small smile as he shook his head ludicrously. Everyone knows I can’t cook. That’s the only thing I haven’t got from my parents. “Just eat and take a rest for today.”
Ani. I won’t slack off, not until I see my donsaeng and interrogate him for keeping this big thing from me!
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
<Yobeosaeyo?> I heard my brother’s voice on the other line. Tch. He finally answered after I called for a couple of times.
“Yah! I’ve been calling since this morning,” I said in an irritated voice. I just arrived at Seoul, and I have to see my brother immediately.
<Ne?> I took the phone from my ears and stared at it. “ ‘Ne?! Bicheosso?!”
“Yah! Kang Minhyuk! Its nuna,” I answered. I waited for his reaction, and I was right. There’s silence on the other line.
<N-nuna? Dae-In nuna?!> yeah right. Does he have any other sister?
I rolled my eyes at his stupid question. “Wae? Is there someone else then?”
<Nuna!> Now, he’s really surprised. <You called. W-waeyo?>
I made my way outside the airport as I pulled my big luggage. “Wae? I can’t?” I asked back. I hailed a taxi and waited as the driver placed my stuff on the trunk.
<A-aniyo…> Aigoo… my brother is still the same. I smiled sheepishly as I decided to tease him even more.
“Where are you staying now?” I asked. I waited for Kang Goon to answer but then the noise of electric guitar echoed on the other line. “Yah, Kang Goon!”
<A-ah. Nuna, mianheyo. We’re in the middle of a band practice now.> Obviously. It’s a guitar just now.
“Ah… I see. Then where are you now?” I asked again.
<A-ah… FNC Academy, nuna. Waeyo?>
I covered the phone’s microphone and told the driver of my destination. “Just asking. Talk to you later, I still have to do something,” I told him on the phone. I didn’t wait for Minhyuk’s answer as I ended the call immediately.
“FNC Academy, miss?” The driver clarified.
I know my brother would be surprise, and I can’t wait. It’s been so long since we’ve spent time together. I miss annoying my brother’s life. I smiled as I answered “Ne, ahjussi.”
Ha! Let me see how far your music would lead you.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
I made my way towards the main door of the academy. And honestly, I’m gawking. The place is huge! My brother went to school here??
I went to the information desk and told them I’m looking for Kang Minhyuk. And I was right; the pretty lady on the desk just eyed me imploringly. Is she deaf?
“I’m Minhyuk’s nuna,” I told her. And she doesn’t believe me. At all. Woah! Do I really look like a prankster to her?
“I’m sorry ma’am, but they’re in the practice room today.” She told me.
I nodded as I answered her, ‘I know. Kang Goon told me that a while ago.” Aigoo… my evilness is creeping out.
‘Kang Dae-In?” I heard someone call from behind. It’s Jung. What is he doing here? “It’s really you!!! Long time no see!”
I forced a smile and nodded my head in answer. “Long time no see, too!” Jung and I used to attend the same academy during middle school. Why is he here?
“You’ve been well?” he asked.
I nodded my head in answer. “Creating ruckus here and there,” I said with a timid smile. “Anyway, why are you here? You go to this school too?”
Jung let out a small laugh. “Not really. I manage some of the things here.”
I looked back in surprise. “Wow.” Just one word that would sum it all up. Yeah. He owns the place.
Jung chuckled and turned to the lady on the information desk. “I’m expecting Ms. Kang today.” He turned to me again and eyed me questioningly. “Well then, after less than a decade, we met again. What brought you here Kang Dae-In?”
“I came for my brother.”
“Brother?” He asked, confused.
“Yeah, brother. As in, younger brother. Last time I heard, he’s been busy banging someone else’s snares here.” I answered nonchalantly.
I watched as Jung’s face turned to confusion, lines creasing his forehead, then ting! Realization came in. “Kang Min Hyuk?”
I almost rolled my eyes in answer. Obviously, he’s Kang, I’m Kang. I breathed and exhaled heavily. “Yeah, he’s my small brother. Surprised?”
We’re now standing in the hallway, Jung’s face taken aback by what I said. “Y-yeah. I mean. Wow, what a small world.”
I smirked in answer. I met Jung here after less than a decade, indeed it’s a very small world. “Can I see him?”
“Of course,” Jung answered immediately. “I’ll inform him beforehand that you’re here.”
“No need to do that Jung-ssi.” I smiled as sarcasm crept into my words. “Let me surprise my little brother. Just lead me to where he is.”
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
“Hyung! Stop that!” I could hear my Minhyuk’s voice across the hallway. Oh well, I hate to admit it but this place is really nice. I guess I underestimated Jung. I could read it from afar, CNBLUE. So this is the practice room.
“Yah! I’m older! Give me some!” A male voice answered. I thought they we’re practicing, it looks like they’re goofing around here.
I opened the door and had them all staring at me. “Yow!” I greeted.
One…
Two…
Tic toc..
“NUNA?!”Okay, that was my small brother asking in shock.
“NUNA?!!!” Okay, that was his bandmates, staring at us back and forth. In shock. Oh wow… They look… hot. Hohoho!
“What are you doing here?!” Minhyuk asked as he stepped towards me.
“Stupid question!” I answered as I gave his head a smack.
“YAH!” He grumbled. “You’ve never been home for a very long time; of course I have to ask!”
I ignored him and turned at the others. They we’re looking at us in confusion. Their airbrushed photos on that album suddenly came into thought. “So this must be Jung Yonghwa,” I said as I turned to the guy with the messy hair and blue guitar. He blinked a few times and smiled timidly. “Lee Jungshin,” and I don’t know if I remembered right, but I referred to the tall guy with a long glorious hair. “And…” I looked around the room, looking for the other one.
“Jonghyun-hyung,” Minhyuk filled in for me. “He went out.” Hmmmm..
I introduced myself. “Anyway, nice meeting you. Kang Dae In, Kang Goon’s nuna.”
“Kang Goon?” the long haired guy asked.
“Yep. That’s he’s nickname. Gave him that by the way.” I looked around the room, noticed their expensive instruments. They were really practicing. “Preparing for your next album?”
“For our next concert.” The leader answered.
I turned around and eyed him. Now that I’ve gotten a closer look, his lips are a lil weird. But he’s cute. “How old are you?” I asked.
“21,” He, Jung Yong Hwa, answered hesitantly. So we’re of the same age. Too young, and now enjoying this stardom.
“I see.” I turned towards the door, waiting for the other band member to come in. I wonder what he looks like in person.
“Nuna, when did you get here?” Minhyuk asked.
“Hmm.. just landed few minutes ago.” I was about to pick the red PRS guitar up when he finally came in.
“Hyung! They ran out of ramyun. And by the way, I met the chairman down the hall, and he said something about Minhyuk’s nuna coming here…” I stood in awe as his voice fade away when he saw me.
Sparkling at first sight. My eyes are sparkling at first sight!
“Ah. A-annyeonghaseyo nuna,” he greeted me nervously. He looked at Kang Goon, and then at me, and then back to Kang Goon.
“Lee Jonghyun,” I called, flashing my sweetest smile. I saw him blinked a few times, then nodded timidly.
I stepped towards him, all smiling and eyes sparkling. And I could pretty make sure I’m creeping Kang Goon off his wits.
“Annyeong Lee Jonghyun!” I must have lost my sanity. He’s handsome. HE’S WRIST-SLASHING HANDSOME!
“Nuna, you’re mouth’s open.”
Yah, Kang Minhyuk, you’re nuna’s scary.” A voice from behind said, must be the long-haired fella. I must have been staring and smiling at him like a perverted old hag. Oh goshh.. I don’t care…
Lee Jonghyun’s mouth crookedly and forcefully stretched for a smile. He looked at me nervously like I’m some predator ready to jump at a delicious meal. Yum.
“AH!” I exclaimed outloud. My brother just hit me in the head, Kang Goon just hit me in the head! “ KANG MINHYUK!!!”
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
“How’s appa?” My brother asked me. We’re now outside sipping coffee after we created a ruckus at the academy. Hohoho! Whenever the two of us meet at some place, expect for a crazy thing to happen. The Kang siblings are just known for that.
“Still the best cook.” I answered. I looked outside and found myself spacing out on the walking people on the sidewalk. I noticed Kang Goon turned silent.
Say nuna… do you think I could make it?” I quickly turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden change of tone in his voice.
“Make it?” feigning dumbness, I asked.
“The band.”
So Kang Goon does feel like that. I sighed and looked across the road again. “You know, when I left home few years back and started living on my own, I doubted my decision. Especially when I knew I could actually stay at home and manage our business. Or maybe be someone like a piano instructor, perhaps get married early and have kids.”
“And antagonize your husband while you’re at it,” Kang Goon added. We both chuckled at the thought.
“Good idea.” I smiled. “But then damn, I don’t want that kind of life. I’m a free spirit, I don’t like it when something is restraining and controlling me. So I started chasing something I couldn’t even see. And it got me this far.” Now that I think about it, I came a long long way to be here.
“Are you happy then?”
“Maybe.” I shrugged.
“What kind of answer is that?” Kang Goon scoffed.
I chuckled. “You know, we’re meant to do great things. When appa taught you how to play the drums, he was not forcing you to live like him. He’s providing with options that could come in handy on times like this.”
Kang Goon didn’t respond, must be thinking. “Nuna, you could actually say some sensible stuff once in a while.”
I smirked at him. “Yah! I may have stupid and idiotic tendencies at times, but I could actually say few words here and there.” I’m you’re big sister after all (though I love my brother as much as I want to bug his life).
I’ve been stirring my coffee for a while now when a brilliant, crazy thought came into my mind. Hihihih.
“Kang Goon, show me your dorm!” I smiled my sweetest smile.
“EHHH??!”
This is it Dae-In! Your stay in Seoul won’t be so boring after all! Hohohoh!
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Jonghyun's POV
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
2 years have passed since the unfortunate meeting.
Present.
“Ah, Jonghyun. How’s Dae-In?” I looked at the chairman, wide-eyed.
“Good. W-waeyo? Why ask me?” I could hear the others trying to muffle their laughter. We’re at the FNC Academy, came here breaking in cold sweat after Kang Min Hyuk did something idiotic in Hongdae. He took Nee Sa there. Or shall I say, Nee Sa took him there.
I thought we’re on the Aileen-Jungshin and Minhyuk-Nee Sa thing here? I looked at hyung and the others and tried ignoring them.
“Aigoo. You’re nuna Minhyuk is a real tough woman,” The chairman said as he shook his head. Yah! What is that smile for?!
We left the office and made our way back to the dorm. The whole time Shin-a was silent, probably thinking about his situation with Aileen. Speaking of that situation, it still gives me the creeps. Like, is that thing even possible? I think I’m having goosebumps again. “Shin-a, gwaenchana?” I asked. He has been staring into space lately.
He turned to me and smiled in answer. Why does everyone thinks a smile could be a reassuring answer?
“You don’t have a single cheating bone in your body, unlike Jonghyun,” Hyung butted in. Aish, jinjja, why do I have to be brought up in topics like this? The others laughed at the statement.
“Yah! I don’t cheat,” I exclaimed. It’s true. Oh well, I dated a lot but I don’t cheat.
“Araseo. Araseo.” Minhyuk answered. Then he turned to me seriously. ““Hyung, take care of nuna, okay? Honestly, I don’t mind living with you for the next 100 years.” The others laughed like crazy while I started feeling my blood creeping into my cheeks.
“Yah! We’re not like that!” I answered defensively. Honestly, why do they have to think I have a thing for that woman?
Who’s that woman, you ask? Kang Min Hyuk’s nuna, Kang Dae In. The one who walks with bad luck, herself.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
“OPPAAAAAAAAA!” That’s from the living room. My eyes opened automatically at the mention of the word, my whole body bolted up in half-sitting position as I reacted on reflex. I turned towards the door, saw it unlocked, and made a run for it. I have to make it!
“AH!” I whimpered in pain as my toe hit the poster. Must. Not. Let. Nuna. Enter. My. Room. I grabbed the door knob in haste and locked it. Yes. Saved! I sighed as I rubbed my toe. Dang. It hurts.
I went back to bed and waited. Any second now…
“Oppa!” Nuna, at the other side of the door. calling. “Oppa?” I could hear the turning of the knob. Thank heavens I got there first. I breathed a sigh of relief as I lay on my bed in prone position. I was so tired last night that I walked haphazardly towards my bed and immediately fell asleep. So tired that I forgot to lock the damn door. Thank goodness nuna’s voice woke me up just in time.
“Oppa?? Are you up?” Aigooo… Nuna would be bugging that door till I step out and see her myself. I grabbed my pillow and tried to muffle the sound. I still want to sleep.
I woke up at the sensation of my aching neck. I looked up and stared groggily at the bedside clock. 10 o’clock.
Kill me.
I stood up with a start, grabbed a shirt and quickly made my way towards the living room. I found the others looking at me.
“Hmmm.uhmmm.ummm,” Minhyuk greeted incoherently as he tried to bite and chew that whole bread in his mouth without holding it.
“Hyung! You’re up,” Jungshin called out from the kitchen. He’s brewing coffee from the smell of it.
What the heck. I looked at the calendar and realized it is Sunday. Rest day. “Aish, jinjja,” I said in relief.
“Mwo? What’s wrong?” Yonghwa-hyung asked behind me.
“Ani.” I shook my head in reply. “I thought it’s Monday.” I turned towards the sofa and sat beside Minhyuk. “You know, I dreamt you’re nuna was here. I dreamt I made a run towards my bedroom door, so glad I made it on time and locked it before she could enter.”
Minhyuk just looked at me and tried to swallow that food so that he could probably say something.
“OPPAAAAAAAAA!” I was about to stand up when long arms went around my neck in a headlocking hug. “Annyeonghaseyo!” Nuna greeted.
“A-annyeonghaseyo,” I greeted back as I choked the words out. Can’t. Breathe.
“Hyung, you look green,” Minhyuk said in a deadpan face.
Nuna immediately released her hold and went to sit beside me. One of her very rare habits. I cannot count how many times she’d tried to kill me with her arms. Nuna’s really weird. And now she has gotten weirder. She would come greet me joyfully, hug me out of the blue then sit beside me, lost in her thoughts. And when you would ask her something she would then look at you in her Andie-manner, recovered from her reverie, like there have been two personalities inside her all this time; the serious-don’t-mess-with-me-personality and the oppa-here-i-come-saranghe-personality.
Now she’s in the serious-don’t-mess-with-me personality.
“Say Andie, what brought you here?” Yonghwa-hyung asked. I was about to ask the same thing because we all know her Sundays are spent on some work we don’t know. I looked at her as she smiled and joyfully said in reply the phrase we basically have memorized.
“To see oppa, of course!” She looked at me beaming while I braced myself for another hug. Instead she stood up and went to the kitchen. That’s weird. Minhyuk and Yonghwa-hyung looked at me temporarily. They must have also found that weird.
“Say, you’re all free today, right?” Nuna asked. We didn’t answer as we waited for her to continue. “Let’s all go out today!” She said, beaming.
“Aren’t you supposed to be busy today, nuna?” Jungshin asked.
“Hm? Of course not!” Nuna answered. Too much emotion, like that statement is intended for her and not for us. “I’m not busy.”
Dae-in’s really weird today. I just have this deep feeling in my gut that she’s lying.
Or she’s up to something again.
I guess it won’t hurt if I’ll spoil her this time.
“Araseo nuna, let’s all spend the afternoon outside,” I answered as I stood up. All of them stared at me in awe. And nuna, her smile reaching up to her ears like it could tear off any minute now.
Yes, yes. She’s worrying about something indeed.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
“Yah Jonghyun, did you eat something bad last night?” Hyung asked as he joined me stand there and watch nuna arrange things on the table.
“What do you mean?”
“You know,” hyung sighed as he placed his hands in his pockets, “giving in to Dae-In’s wishes when you’re supposed to be resting for today. You had one hell of a night last night. “
Right. I had to rewrite the whole guitar solo part of that song we are now working on. I slept at 5 in the morning, woke up at 10. Indeed, it’s a hell of a night.
I looked at hyung and gathered my words. “I think it’s nuna who ate something bad last night.” We watched as nuna arranged and rearranged the contents of the picnic basket like some girl with OCD. She would then clasped her hands repeatedly and then rearrange the things again.
“Oppa!” Nuna called and waved gleefully at us. I waved back in reply.
“She seems fine. Hmmm. Though I noticed something offbeat a while ago, she’s the normal Andie still.” Hyung answered. He then left and helped Minhyuk carry the glasswares from the van.
I watched nuna walk towards me, sprinting as she goes. “It’s a nice day for a picnic. Say oppa, thank you for doing this for me.” She said beaming.
Too close. I watched her face for a moment. I came to realize my hand is touching her forehead. “You’re not sick, are you?”
She touched the area where my hand had been. “A-ani.” She stared back at me, her forehead greased with confusion. “Wae?”
“You’re acting differently, Andie.” I saw her blinked a few times as her lips broke into a small smile.
“You know, you just dropped the ‘nuna’ there and called me Andie.”
I know. It’s about time, I think.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Another busy day at the company. Another busy day for our band. We’re all preparing for a scheduled album launch and world tour. For two weeks now our lives have been revolving on these two things that would determine our future.
I miss sleep.
I lay haphazardly on the sofa, tapping on my iPad screen, searching for any updates on the entertainment world. Scandals here and there, marriage of famous actors I once worked with, car accidents. Crap.
“How is Nee Sa these days?” I murmured. I remembered she drives her car like hell. Minhyuk and Nee Sa. Who could even imagine? I smiled as I turned to my right waiting for an answer. “Yah, Minhyuk.”
Lost in thought. He has been staring at his phone for some time now. He looked agitated. “Nee Sa?” I asked, pointing at the source of his agitated face.
“Nee Sa?” He questioned back. “What about her?”
“What ‘What about her?’” Was that even a normal answer for a person who’s dating somebody? “What’s with that look?” referring to his now-confused face.
He instantly recovered and smiled his eye-disappearing smile. “Ani. I was just wating for my sister to call me.”
“I haven’t seen nuna for a very long time,” remarked Jungshin as he stopped for a moment tuning his bass guitar.
Andie. After we went out 2 weeks ago, I haven’t heard from her since. Not that I missed her or something, just that, it’s weird.
“Maybe she had finally realized how annoying she can be,” I shrugged.
“Or, she finally realized how Jonghyun could be so heartless so she set off and married someone else,” Yonghwa-hyung butted in as he arrived.
Everybody laughed at the remark.
“Which brings us back to you,” Yonghwa-hyung looked at me then. “How could you be so heartless, Jonghyun-ssi?” Hyung said in a cotton-candy-voice attempt.
There goes hyung again. I smirked, ignored him and continued tapping my iPad. I don’t know why but I’m starting to feel annoyed. Oh crap.
“I’m not heartless.” I answered in an icy tone.
Everyone stopped and I felt them staring at me.
“Woah. Hyung, he just snapped,” Minhyuk said in disbelief.
“And it’s all because of nuna,” Jungshin chimed in.
“He misses her.” Yonghwa-hyung pushed.
“Indeed. Hyung wouldn’t even care to lift a finger for women..”
“But look at him, tapping his iPad furiously like some crazy geezer who lost a lover,”
“YAH!” I shouted, glared and dared them to stop. Or else…
The door flung open and the familiar feeling at the back of neck which I haven’t felt for a long time resumed.
“OPPAAAAAA!!!”
I looked back and saw a crazy woman smiling from ear to ear. She was dressed in the usual manner I would always see her, a contradictory to all the actresses she had gracefully and politely lambasted in her fashion columns. She wore her hair the usual way, in messed-up high-bun with some strands cascading down her neck.
She looked the same yet she looked so different.
That was one crazy opinion Lee Jonghyun. It’s because you haven’t seen her face and her annoying actions for some weeks now.
She’s pretty.
Damn. What the hell am I thinking? I do really have missed a lot of sleep.
I saw her rushed towards me, that familiar stance, which I came to know so well. Anticipation? I blinked at my eyes in disbelief.
One thought crashed into my mind as nuna slammed at me with her headlocking hug.
I can’t possibly be in love with this annoying woman.
That would be horribly, unmistakably, furiously, insane.
One thing for sure though as her brown eyes stared back at me.
I knew and felt right then and there how she had troublesomely cut through me like no one else had.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
I've dated a lot of girls in my 23 years of existence. I had eight girlfriends, with an average of 3-month-worth of dating. It's not like I'm somehow playing some bad-boy's game here, collecting girls to show people how cool I can be. No, that's not the case. Girls. They just come and go.
Don't even think I'm being such a braggart about this. What I mean to say is, women are just so enticingly lovely. One moment I'm alone, thinking of which turn I'll go, and before I could even realize it, I now have a lovely lady walking along with me.
No, I don't even think I'm that cool. It just… happens.
A lot.
The whole week had been so antagonizing. And nice.
The band have to practice all day, all night, with only a few hours to spare for us to sleep. I'm not complaining. I'm actually excited with all these line-up schedules, and world-tours, and press conferences, and photo shoots. We dreamt of these! Of course I have to be on this, physically and mentally.
Liar.
Mentally, the same thought over and over again. I've been going on circles for a whole week now! I can't afford to be like this at a very crucial time for our band.
"Jonghyun, you're too fast," hyung's voice brought me back to the present. I looked at the others who are looking at me strangely. Right, we're here at the studio, and we're currently practicing this new song. I looked at the music sheet in front of me and realized I just did my part in an absentminded pace.
"Ah ne. Mianhe." I smiled at them apologetically. "Let me do this one more time." My fingers found the right notes, painfully trying to get my wits together.
Focus, Lee Jonghyun.
I must not be thinking of such trivial thoughts. Concentrate. I sight-read the music sheet, added a few notes on the spot and finished my solo hammering the guitar string.
I looked at hyung for any feedback. "You're as awesome as ever," Hyung started with a smile "but if you have to change the notes every practice, I think we might not do able to pull this well."
Aish. I've let my mind roam again. Why can't I focus?
"But I like that version though, the one you just did. Let's have that one, we just have to make a few changes on this part…" hyung's voice trailed off as my thoughts wandered again.
"Have you told appa about this?" faint sound of Minhyuk's voice echoed across the room, he was talking to someone on the phone.
Appa? Ah. He must be talking to Dae-In nuna. I let out a small smile as I thought of startling Minhyuk from the back. I walked slowly towards him, cold bottled water in hand, ready to press it against his skin. A silly prank Lee Jonghyun.
"America is too far, nuna," I stopped dead on my silent offense when I heard Minhyuk's response to some unknown statement.
America? With the silly prank forgotten, I clutched the bottled water tightly as I thought of the possibilities of that statement. America? Nuna? Nuna's leaving?
I took a step backwards, unsure of how to deal with such information. I realized Hyung asked for the bottled water. And I realized the conversation I just heard is something I shouldn't be messing up with. I glanced back at Minhyuk and continued my way back to the studio.
"He just lost it,"
"Ya, Lee Jonghyun, are you sleeping with your eyes open again?"
"Hyung," Jungshin's voice and gentle tap on my shoulder brought me back. I blinked a few times and realized Yonghwa-hyung staring at me intently.
Oh-oh.
"I'm hungry," I said with all the proper tone I could muster. Must not let them know how unfocused I am.
Hyung continued staring, while I'm starting to break in cold sweat. Hyung would realize it any second now. Luckily Minhyuk chimed in, "Nadu!! Ya hyung… we have been doing this for 3 hours now, can we call this a day?" It's already 8 in the evening.
"Araseo." Hyung smiled back, I sighed in relief. He took his phone and smiled widely now. "Perfect time. Dae-In just arrived, and she said she brought some of uncle's best dishes."
Thinking of the devil.
"Hyung, come on!" I heard Jungshin call. I nodded in answer.
No, I don't know why my chest is beating so loudly now, like it's about to explode. And I don't understand why I'm so warm all-over when I'm still inside this air-conditioned studio. I don't know why I'm having the jitters, the crappy excitement that just popped out from nowhere. I don't know why I'm starting to feel annoyed, giddy, frustrated, mad.
I don't know where nuna fit in this picture.
I seriously have no idea.
That same stupid thought crept into my mind again as I struggled to keep that out of the possibilities.
I'm not happy because that woman is here.
I must not be.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
I walked past the others towards the receiving room where nuna waited. And as I imagined, she just sat there, eyed those magazines imploringly. I knew she's making her mental fashion notes again. She's dressed casually this time, oversized shirt tucked-in in a beige-colored floral skirt. Her usual messed-up high-bun is replaced by a braided thin section of hair drawn across the top of her head.
Seeing her in such a carefree fashion somehow relieves me of the stress piling up these days.
"Oppaaaaa!" Nuna shouted with glee as she saw us walked towards her. This word never gets old. "Annyeong!" She's a couple of months older than me, acts like a respectable big sister around Minhyuk, a crazy matchmaker-Aileen-adoring lady in front of Jungshin, and a graceful-sometimes-annoying woman with Hyung. With me, she's a lot more crazy than a fangirl.
"A-annyeonghaseyo, nuna," I answered back as I bowed slightly. I must be spacing out when I called her Andie the last time.
The others followed and greeted nuna.
"Have you waited long?" Hyung asked.
"Ani, I just arrived. The basket was quite heavy though so arrived a lil late than I expected."
Minhyuk excitedly took the basket. He must be really hungry. "Appa, he's really the best!"
Honestly, I'm not that hungry still. But seeing all the food laid out in front of us, I allowed second thoughts. When was the last time I ate a meal as good as this?
"You want some?" Nuna asked, offering me a cup of tea from the bottle she brought.
"A-ah, ne," I answered as I offered my cup.
I watched as the Kang siblings bickered on some memory I don’t know. Nuna laughed carelessly, the sound I've grown to bear, and somehow like, these past few years. It's somehow therapeutic.
I watched them, careful of not being too obvious as I looked for any signs that could somehow confirm my thoughts on the phone call I've witnessed not too long ago.
"Hyung," I glanced toward Jungshin, realized I'm the one he's calling. "You're spacing out again."
A hand touched my forehead and I flinched at how cold and soft it was. Ah, nuna.
"You're having a slight fever," Nuna said, concern windowed in such brown eyes. I immediately drew back at the touch, then realized that response is way too weird. I'm glad she didn't notice anything.
"Maybe it's the lack of sleep," Minhyuk called out. They looked at me like I have some rare disease or something. And nuna looked at me like I would be dying at the very moment.
"Maybe we should really call it a day." hyung announced, "Lee Jonghyun, maybe you should go ahead first, there's nothing much to do anyway."
"B-but hyung, I'm really o-" I started.
"Yep, we'll just tidy up the studio ourselves so you could go home and rest." Jungshin added.
Why does it looked like they're all making me leave?
"Oppa, maybe you should listen to them," nuna said.
"R-right, you should," Hyung smiled sheepishly. Uh-oh. I can see where this is going now. "And Andie will accompany you." Hyung said, flashing all his front teeth as he smiled.
I can see the Minhyuk and Jungshin trying to stop their laughter as they looked at me and nodded in agreement.
And nuna. Nuna. I know she's more than willing to do that. "I'll do that!". I turned to her as I watched her offer her hand.
"Alright, it's settled then!" Hyung cleared his throat to muffle a laugh. I looked at him in defeat. The others patted my back as they said "Be safe, hyung."
Be safe. An appropriate remark, indeed.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
"The van is parked on this side," I called out. My voice echoed in the basement as I realized there's no else in sight, just cars parked in uniformed direction. I turned back saw nuna searching her bag for something. I hesitantly cleared my throat as I called out again. "Nuna!"
"Ah!" She looked up in surprise and signaled for me to wait. "Found it!" She raised a key and smiled at me. "We'll use the car, I'll drive."
"Araseoyo," I answered. I took the basket from her as we go search for her car. I saw her smile shyly in response.
A dark blue Hyundai Sedan, that's her car. So Andie-like.
I sat on the backseat and tried to doze off a little but my sleepiness had vanished. I would just glimpse by and by at nuna as she drove in silence.
"Gwaenchana, Lee Jonghyun?" She asked. I was not surprised that she's looking at me intently through the mirror, but then I was taken aback by what nuna just called me. This is the first time she called me by name. And I somehow liked it.
"A-ah, ne, nuna," I answered. Why the hell am I feeling so nervous? I cleared my throat and tried to make small conversations, but words were stuck in my throat. What the hell am I doing? Why is this so hard? I then realized I was never the first person to ask nuna anything, she would always be the first one to do that. She would always be the first one to talk and I would just answer any questions asked. But now, nuna is silent. And I can feel the awkwardness of the situation building up. I looked at nuna at the front seat and noted how relaxed and concentrated she is at driving.
Ani. I'm the only one who thinks this is awkward. Why am I making so much effort to make her talk?
I sighed in defeat. Alright, I'll just shut up.
We stopped momentarily as the traffic light turned red. And I watched as nuna tapped the stirring wheel impatiently. "What's your first stop for your world tour?" she asked all of a sudden.
"Ah, It's Japan."
"So how long will this world tour lasts?"
"'Bout 3 months, we're on the last days of preparation."
"I see." Nuna paused as she thought of something. "So you'll leave by the end of the month."
"Ne, nuna."
Silence again.
"Maybe you should sleep, I'll wake you up when we've arrived."
"I tried but I can't doze off. Gwaenchanayo."
The light turned green and nuna resumed driving. She was silent again. And I desperately wanted to ask her about the phone call I've accidentally heard. How should I phrase this…
"Nuna…" I started.
"Wae?? Are you in pain?" Her voice rose in alarm. "Should I stop??"
"Ani!' I shook my head profusely. "Aniyo."
I heard her sigh in relief. "You can always drop the formalities, you know." I know. But I don't know why I can't do that. "What is it?"
"Will you be.."
"Ah, we've arrived," nuna announced, cutting me off. She turned and looked at me, "What is it again?"
"Nevermind." Will you still be here when we go back? I can feel my cheeks burning as I realized how straightforward the question is. Something in my chest fluttered as nuna looked at me like I have lost my mind. "Nevermind."
"I'll help you," nuna said as she offered her hand.
"Ani, I can walk." I can't possibly touch her. I'm burning, not with fever, but of something else. Oh hell. I must get my head straight. Why the hell am I being like this? I took the guitar and followed nuna silently into our dorm.
I'm feeling conscious again. Nuna opened the door to our room and I realized there's just me and her. I stood frozen in my tracks as I contemplated whether I should enter or not. It's not that I'm afraid of nuna but because I think I'm going nuts seeing her standing in our living room!
I feel like I'm in a We got Married sitcom.
Nuna made her way to the kitchen and I immediately went to my room as fast as I can. My heart's beating ludicrously now, like it could come out of my ribcage anytime. "Ani. Ani. Nuna is not the reason. I'm nervous because of too much coffee." Yes. Wait. "But I don't drink coffee. Ne, ne, it's because I've been missing a lot of sleep. Ne. Nuna has nothing to do with this. Lee Jonghyun, you just need to sleep. You'll feel better the moment you wake up."
I took a change of clothes from the drawer and made my way to the bathroom. Oh hell. I need to pass by the living room to get to the bathroom. And nuna might be there.
"Yah! Get a hold of yourself, Lee Jonghyun!" It's not like I'll be walking around here naked. It's not like she'll see me again in my boxers like that last time. My cheeks warmed at the memory. Nuna has indeed done extraordinary things.
I silently made my way to the bathroom and stole a glance at nuna who's busy cooking something at the kitchen. No, she won't notice me. I sneaked silently and finally made it to the bathroom. Yes.
I felt my temperature rising so I settled for a cold bath. Ah. This would clear my mind.
"Now, I just have to go back unnoticed," I sneaked the way back but then odds must have on my side.
"Oppa!" Nuna called out. "Oh? You've washed up. That's good." I saw her approach me and she carelessly placed her hand on my forehead. "You still have fever." She looked at me and exhaled heavily. "You should eat. Come, I've prepared something for you."
Oh no. I remained where I stood.
It's a known fact that even cockroaches die with nuna's cooking.
She looked back when she noticed I'm not following. "Yah. I know I can't cook those meals but I do can make a sensible soup."
"A-ah, ne." Atleast I won't die with an empty stomach.
I watched as nuna served the soup and some side dish leftovers. She's always like this, so caring.
"It's unfair how caring you are to me nuna yet…" I stopped as I realized I just said those words out loud. Damn. Nuna looked at me in surprise and smiled slowly. That mysterious smile again. The one I could never read.
Now what should I say?
"Eat," nuna said as she sat in front of me. The steaming aroma of the soup somehow calmed me a bit. It does smell great. Maybe I'll feel better.
I took my first spoonful and braced myself for the usual Andie-dish.
Oh. It doesn't taste awful.
"I told you so. Appa and umma weren't home that much when we were kids, and I have to take care of Minhyuk by myself, so appa made sure I could somehow make something for him incase Kang Goon would get sick. Bottom line is, that's the only dish I could somehow make." She smiled at the thought.
My heart swelled at the thought of little Andie stirring a big pot of soup for Minyuk. A caring nuna indeed.
"Kamsahamnida, nuna." I said gratefully.
"Finish it up," Nuna stood up and started tidying the kitchen. I watched her clean the pans and wipe the counters clumsily. By and by, something would drop and the floor and she would excuse herself for making noise. Clumsy. "Ah, I'll make you a cup of tea."
I wonder when was the first time I came to see this person as a woman? Now that I look at her doing those clumsy, funny actions, she's far out of league compared to those women I dated once. Does she even have any good qualities?
"You can't even cook. You act maturely at times, childishly most of the time. You scare the fans, You can even scare the wits of me." I stood up and walked towards nuna, watching her looking at me in confusion. "You pop out of nowhere, just when I needed silence you would come here taking with you all the ruckus you're famous for." Her cheeks are now flaming red as she stood rooted on the floor. "You, who would just come hugging me with all your strength. You even curse which is so unladylike. You, who's ready to pounce at anything if it's the younger brother who's in trouble. You would go to such lengths to annoy Nee Sa and drag Aileen into crazy stuff."
"Lee Jonghyun…"
"Now that I enumerate those things, the odds outnumbers the even. What's good about you then?" Her eyes grew wide in uncertainty, unsure of how to respond. While I had started this, I have to bring it to the end. "Hell, you can't even sing. But you play the piano so well. You can write those straightforward reviews nationally. Mock people without even blinking an eye. You just drive me nuts. Indeed you're so out of my league." I stopped in front of her, oblivious to the fact that I'm sick at the moment. I just know, with all the space around us, I was cornered by this woman with only two options to choose from.
To keep on evading or to stand there and accept defeat.
I towered upon her as she looked up, not in confusion, but in pure shock. I looked at her, stood there and accepted what my mind has been blatantly refusing.
Yes, yes. Now I'm very sure.
"I like you. I like you very much."
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOOIOOIOIOOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOOIOIOIOIO
I was not able to sleep well that night. The same scene played and played all over again in my head as I stared at the ceiling in a dazed manner.
"I like you. I like you very much."
I watched as nuna's eyes widened in surprise and her cheeks flamed in deeper red. I waited for her to say anything but nuna just looked at me wide-eyed for a moment then averted her eyes the next minute.
"You sure are sick, Lee Jonghyun,"
It felt like my chest was being struck with a knife.
I blinked a few times and closed my eyes. After that, nuna just tidied everything and left with a small smile on her face, her eyes evading me the whole time.
"Damn Lee Jonghyun, It feels like you just made a joke on yourself." I have always thought that the feeling is mutual. Andie had been so caring all this time, looking at me with those eyes that mirrored something special.
Something special. I smirked at the words. Now I know it's not like that at all. She had been kind, and I misinterpreted that kindness. She had been sweet, and yet again, I misinterpreted into something inappropriate.
Damn, Lee Jonghyun. It never hurt like this before.
I stood up and made my way into the kitchen, replaying that scene again. It feels like a huge boulder has been dropping on me every time I think about it.
"Oh! Hyung," Kang Minhyuk looked at me with a start. "It's 2 in the morning and you're still up."
Oh shit. My chest beat fervently as I thought of the possibility that Andie told Minhyuk of what happened earlier this evening.
"Gwaenchanayo, hyung?" He asked.
"Ah, ne. I just can't sleep. That's all." I made my way to the counter and prepared tea. "Say, Minhyuk, did nuna tell you anything?"
"Nuna?" he asked. "Should she be telling me something?"
So she didn't tell him. I breathed in relief. "Ani. Would you like some?" I asked as I offered tea. Minhyuk nodded.
Minhyuk chatted in his usual cheerfulness. It seems like Nee Sa-ssi ad Aileen-ssi had been hanging around Seoul frequently. Minhyuk bid good night after he finished his cup, and I'm left again in my reverie.
How the hell should I face Andie-nuna tomorrow?
IOIOIOIOIIOIOIOIOIOOIOOOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOOIOIOOIOIOIOOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
No sign of her. We stayed at the dorm the whole day yet not even a shadow of her came into view.
"Say Minhyuk, is nuna coming today?" I asked in the normal tone I could muster.
"Nuna? I think not. She'll be in Ilsan today. Waeyo, hyung?"
"Ilsan?"
"Ne. I heard she have to finish some papers before she leaves."
"Leave?" Jungshin exclaimed.
"Who's leaving?" Hyung butted in.
I looked at Minhyuk, wide-eyed, waiting for the answer to our questions. Nuna's leaving? So this is the situation I am in. Nuna's leaving. Right after that embarrassing day.
"When?" I finally found my voice as it croaked with that one word. So that conversation I happened to hear is true after all. Why now of all times? She could have left when things are still not this complicated. She could have left that day when she saw me making out with some girl. She could have left right before I realized what I feel.
"Probably a week or two. Waeyo?" Minhyuk looked at me intriguingly. And as for hyung…
"Yah Lee Jonghyun." I heard him call out. "There's something you're not telling us."
"Mwoyo?" Asked Jungshin as he placed his bass guitar down.
"Eopseo," I answered with a smile. "Shall we start?" Without looking back, I picked my guitar and started tuning.
"Hyung, I'll start again from the very beginning," Minhyuk said as he beat the drums to the rhythm of the song. In two weeks we will be performing live in Inkigayo for our latest single "Just as You Are." And today is a busy day for practice.
"Okay. Lee Jonghyun," Hyung called out, "…in three, two, one."
The guitar solo sounded clear inside the hollow soundproofed room, my rhythm blending with Hyung's powerful intro, the warm music of Jungshin's bass and Minhyuk's light beat. I took a deep breath and sang the first line of the song.
IOIOIOIOIIOIOIOIOIOOIOOOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOOIOIOOIOIOIOOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Days past by so fast, and Andie will leaving soon. And I still haven't seen her since that day. I must have been walking in daze all these days, but Hyung and the others have been kind enough not to ask me why.
I stared at my phone and pondered whether I should call her or not. Opposing arguments have been in my head these days that I don’t know what to think anymore. Part of me is stubborn enough to think that I deserved not to be miserable. That I already did my part, there was no answer, I must give up. But a bigger part is wavering of this thought. That I might actually be happy for I've changed. Was changed. I never thought I could actually care this much.
I want to see her.
Ani.
I need to see her.
XXXXXXXX
I woke up to the sound of laughter outside my room. I guess hyung and the others had finally arrived from their scheduled photo shoots. I glanced at the clock, 4:33 in the afternoon. I can't believe I slept the whole morning.
"Yah Kang Goon, don't you dare do that!" I froze the instant I heard the voice.
Dae-In. She's here.
My chest started beating furiously. I know I wanted to see her, but now that she's here, I don't even know what to say when I see her face.
"Hyung?" Jungshin called out from the door, "Are you awake?"
"Yes," I cleared my voice. "I just woke up."
"Hyung," he paused, as if hesitating. "Do your best."
So they knew. Or atleast I think they do.
"Oh, Lee Jonghyun, you're finally up," Hyung greeted as I entered the kitchen. I tried so hard not to let my eyes scan the whole room as I focused one person at a time. Hyung is sipping coffee at the dining table. Minhyuk again trying to eat the bread stick without actually holding it with his hands, Jungshin on the phone probably talking to Aileen-ssi. And Dae-in, brewing tea on the kitchen counter. She smiled timidly as she clumsily went back to her brewing.
"Ne, I can't believe I actually slept the whole morning," I said as I took a sit by the dining table. I missed you.
"What time did you finish that song you were writing?"
"Around 5 in the morning. I didn't notice it was already that late." I answered. The whole night my head was filled with thoughts of her.
"Can we all listen to it?" My body tingled at the sound of Dae-In's voice. I saw her looking at me in a normal unfazed expression. She brought me a cup of tea and waited for my answer. I nodded my head in reply. "Drink this first. I finally perfected it." She said with a smile.
I know the others are looking at us, wondering what the hell is going on with this unusual exchange.
"Yah, Lee Jonghyun, quit looking so lost and drink that tea."
The whole visit, the others talked and talked about Dae-In's plans in America, their conversation a buzz to my ears. And by 7pm, Dae-In bid her goodbye, saying she has to pack her stuff and all.
"Yah, Lee jonghyun!" Hyung whispered hoarsely as he lightly kicked my leg and signaled me to see her home. I stood rooted on the closed door. She left. She left. And I just watched her do that.
"Hyung! Go for it!" Minhyuk's voice cheered behind. "I told you, I wouldn't mind living with you for the next 50 years of our lives."
"Hyung! Go!" Junsghin said as he offered my guitar. "Do your best."
IOIOIOIOIOIOIIOIOIOIOIIOIOIOIOIOIOIIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIIOIOIOIOIOIOIIOOIII
FINAL
"KANG DAE-IN!" I called out. She stopped in her tracks. "I wish you all the best in America. I will always be cheering for you." I took the guitar and strapped it on my shoulders. The only thing I can do for this one person.
It feels like, if I could just open this door,
You'll still be there just like always
My chest is pouring out, as I try to sing to her this song I made.
I thought it was such a long time away,
but I guess you're leaving tomorrow evening
When I see your profile looking more grown-up than yesterday,
suddenly I can't say anything
There's no end to my overflowing feelings,
yet my cowardice only hurts you again
I planned to see you off with a "Do your best and come back soon"
But I could only look at the floor and cling to your hand…
She started to slowly turned around, her shoulders shaking, her hand uneasily clutching the strap of her bag.
In the rain that started to fall in the evening,
the town grows more hectic than usual
The children are laughing and playing, calling it a sun shower
It's everywhere in this town I've grown used to seeing
Overflowing memories crush my heart;
words can't express how happy I am to have met you
No matter where you are, that won't change
I thought I knew that, yet I couldn't tell you the core of my feelings
I like you very much.
I thought the flowers that bloomed by the roadside would bloom again tomorrow
But the breeze that just caressed my cheek will never return again
When the night is cold, all you have to do is remember;
you can change colors and change yourself too
Dae-In's eyes wet with tears, her smile long gone.
I spend every moment of every day waiting
For the day when I'll see you again
The clouds will clear from my heart;
I'll grow up and live on
My overflowing feelings are all for the future's sake;
words can't express how happy I am to have met you
No matter where you are, that won't change
So you can keep walking on, just as you are
As my voice faded with the last note of my guitar, such is the moments we and could possible share. I looked down and smiled sadly. "I can’t be selfish now. And I finally realized this feelings I have doesn’t have to be given back. I just love you. I think I can live with that."
"Babo." I watched her move and lean towards me. "I like you, too. From the very first moment I laid my eyes on the You with the Unruly hair." She stood in her toes and kissed me sweetly. "Now we're even."
I hugged her tight, at lost with words to express the pounding of my chest and bliss of being loved in return. I fell in love with this crazy woman. The one who walks with bad luck herself.
"I'll be back from the states in… five days." :p
fin
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
finally! natapos rin ang ss#2! Cheesy overload to, di ko kanaya, diarrhea ang peg sa lactose intolerance. haha.
seriously though, maraming salamat sa pasensya. ilang bwan ding stagnant tong chapter na to, nakalimutan ko na yung plot sa haba ng dormant period ko. haha. Thank you sa mga taong nagmotivate sa akon para matapos to! Kung di ko kayo nameet ulit, malamang ang "SOON" eh sa susunod na taon na. haha.
pasensya na po sa ungrammatical sentences ko, medyo mahina ako sa tenses. haha. at sa pababalik-balik na words, mga 100 lang ata vocabulary ko. hahaha.
pasensya rin po at medyo kaloka sa burning dito, masyadong deep. yun kasi pag-imagine ko sa totoong burning. Too deep. ehehe.
Maraming salamat sa suporta boice friends! And CNBLUE! my one and only fandom! yiee! Nabago nyo buhay ko! hahaha!
Si Yongie na lang! siguro, another 5 months sa pagconceptualize ng plot. haha. but yes, gagawan din kita #yongshane! :D
Labis na adik,
ayakatomomi
PS. natabi ko yung major plot hashtag jungleen, pero may kasunod pa yun. and yung kanta sa taas, by UVERworld. :D