-Jaejoong POV-

“She isn’t here today.” I heard Yunho say frustrated as he walked into the room.

“Hyung maybe she’s avoiding you.” Said Changmin.

“I asked her supervisor. He said she called in sick.” Replied Yunho.

“Maybe she’s lying to skip work.” Said Junsu.

“Great just great.”

“Yunho maybe she really is sick.” I said, hoping it might cheer him up.

“Hyung if you want I can call her friend to ask.” Said Yoochun.

I could see him perk up in his chair. “What are you waiting for then?”

I just sat there looking at Yunho anxiously sitting in his chair while he looked at Yoochun talking on the phone. The more Yoochun talked the Yunho wanted to go up and wrangle his neck.

“She says that she really is sick. She has the fever because she got caught in yesterday’s rain. She’s sleeping now. She should be fine in a day or two. Its best if we don’t visit her cause she might get upset take her longer to get well.”

With those words he became even more aggravated.

We didn’t really want to put this off any longer. As professional as it we were and how much we tried hiding it, it would come out in our singing. This made it worse since we were making our third album. We didn’t have time to drag in on since we would be leaving for Japan in about 2 weeks to release a new single and perform at the A nation concert.

We were mostly singing our solo parts today. After we were finished we could go home. I was going first.

Luckily, I didn’t make many mistakes so it didn’t take too long. It was around 11am by the time I finished. As I sat there listening to Changmin record his part, I started to get a feeling like I had to do something.

I knew it was only right that I sat through the rest of their recordings since they sat through mine but they wouldn’t mind if I escaped just once would they. Maybe they wouldn’t even notice I was gone.

I went over to where Yoochun was sitting. “Yoochun, I’ve got something to do so I have to leave first. If you need me back just call me. Tell the other guys sorry.”

“Hyung where are you going?”

“Just somewhere.”

I quickly left before he could say anything else.

As I took the elevator down to my car, I wondered what was leftover in our fridge. If I remembered correctly, there were some chicken fillets in the fridge. If that’s the case, I should be able finish cooking the dak juk in about an hour.

Having grown up with so many girls I guess, it was only normal that part of their feminine side stuck with me. When I hear people are sick, I make porridge for them. Also, I felt partially responsible for her fever and I wanted to thank her for the food she had previously prepared for us. Not that I wanted to boast but my porridge wasn’t bad. It had a nice thick consistency. I managed to get it after much practice.

With the pressure cooker, I was done in about 50 minutes. After packing everything and cleaning up, I was out of the house by about 12.45.

Good thing Yunho told us where she lived. That way I could key it into the GPS and I wouldn’t get lost.

According to Yoochun, her friend Jae Jin was looking after her so all I needed to do was pass it to her and I would leave.

Making sure that there was no one around, I quickly got out of the car and pressed the door bell. I waited a while but there was no answer.  Then I tried again. I hope she would answer it soon. It wouldn’t be good if someone saw me here. Still there was no answer. I was getting worried. Wasn’t her friend supposed to be here? She should have answered by now.

Then I heard some clumsy footsteps. Looks like she wasn’t that graceful.

Slowly the door opened to reveal a coughing Jae Eun ssi. No wonder it took so long for her to answer it. She must have been sleeping. “Who is it?” I wasn’t expecting to see her. She looked pale and frail. “Oh Jaejoong ssi its you. Do need something? Its not a good time.” she said in a soft voice.

“No, I’m really sorry to disturb you. I just made some dak juk. I thought your friend was here so I wanted to pass it to her and I’d leave. So here it is.” I stretched out my hand to pass the container to her.

“Jae Jin had to go to school. She’ll be back in a few hours. Thanks.” She stepped out to grab it but instead she fell. Instinctively, I reached out to grab her. As her head was against my chest, I could feel how heavily she was breathing and how hot she was. She didn’t look like she would be fine in a day or two.

I quickly held onto her and brought her inside the house. I left the porridge on the table, leaving my hands free to carry her bridal style. The problem was I didn’t know where her room was. I looked around trying to see anyplace that could be a room when I spotted a black dog at the top of the stairs. He stared at me as if telling me to follow him. So I did.

When I reached the top he seemed to have disappeared until I heard a bark and saw his head stick out one of the rooms which I assumed to be hers.

“Haemin quiet.” I heard her say softly. Was this the Haemin, Yunho was so worked up at the club? I couldn’t help but smirk a little. Yunho was jealous over a dog.

As I walked in I saw the bed with the blanket messily strewn over it. I guess this was her room or at least where she was sleeping previously. I laid her on the bed and covered her with the blanket while unconsciously looking around her room. It was really simple. The walls were a faded apple green and there were just some basic essentials like the bed, a desk, computer and wardrobe. In the corner was a basket which I assumed was meant for her dog.

I thought about what I should do. It didn’t feel right to just leave her here. Maybe I should heat up the porridge. Maybe by then her friend would be back. She said she would be back soon right?

I saw the basin by her side with the towel floating in it. It felt warm. Probably because it was summer. I had better change it. With the basin in hand, I left in search of some ice or cold water. I remembered seeing the kitchen as I came in so I went and opened to freezer to look for the ice cube tray. I poured away the water from the basin and added a fresh batch while adding the ice cubes in.

When I reached back into the room, her dog Haemin was lying on the floor looking at her protectively. He was cute in a way. I wondered what breed he was. A Labrador maybe?

After carefully squeezing the towel and placing it on her head, I went downstairs to heat up the porridge. It took some time before I could find where everything was.

I just stood there stirring the porridge to make sure it didn’t burn. Not really sure what I should do next. When it was done, I went to check if she was awake but she was still sleeping.

As I didn’t want to waste time sitting here and doing nothing, I quickly went down to my car and got some half finished music sheets. I was currently writing music. I wasn’t as good as Yoochun but still I was learning.

When I got back, I changed the towel and sat at her desk just trying to find some inspiration. There wasn’t a keyboard or piano so it was hard to write the melody. Maybe I could write lyrics instead?

Not knowing how much time had passed, I sat there thinking about what kind of story I wanted to tell. Sifting through past memories and experiences, I was hoping to find something.

“Mm, er, ah.” I turned to my side seeing her slowly stirring.

I got off the chair and kneeled by her side. “Jae Eun ssi. How are you feeling?”

She slowly opened her eyes and looked around and stopped to stare at me confusingly. “Jaejoong ssi what are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“Oh sorry. I heard you were sick so I came to give you some porridge to eat. Then you fainted on me. It didn’t feel right to leave you alone either so I stayed. I hope you don’t mind. Are you feeling better?”

“Not really. I’m still a little giddy. You said I fainted. Does that mean you carried me in? I hope I wasn’t heavy.”

“Don’t worry it wasn’t any trouble. Actually you’re really light.”

“Thanks a lot. You know you can leave now. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“Are you sure? What time is your friend coming back?”

“I’m used to it. Besides Haemin’s here with me. And Jae Jin has already done a lot for me. I’d rather she concentrate on her studies then take care of me. But she said she’d be back after her classes ends which is around 6? What time is it by the way?”

I looked at my watch. “It almost 4.” Even I didn’t realise how long I’d been here.

“Its kind of late. How long have you been here? I hope I haven’t kept you from anything? “

“I’m been here since around 1.30 I guess. But don’t worry. I finished my part of the recording already. So I was basically free but it was routine that we stayed till all of us finished.”

“Then why did you.”

“I heard you were sick and I guess my motherly instincts kicked in.”

“Oh. Thanks. You don’t have to stay.”

“Why don’t I stay till you’ve finished the porridge? I’ll go after you’re done.”

“Well I’m not really hungry.”

“You need to eat something even if you don’t want to. You need to keep your strength up. You wait here. I’ll bring it up for you.”

“No wait.” I saw her sit up on slide off the blanket. “I’ll go down. I need to walk a little besides I’m sick of sleeping.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

I grabbed the folder of music sheets on the desk and walked to the door waiting for her. I watched her as she slowly slid her legs off the side bed. She looked so frail but the sun that shone on her showed her natural beauty. It was hard not to look away.

She pushed herself off the bed only to walk clumsily. It must have been the giddiness. As she neared towards me I unconsciously stretched out my hands to catch her just in case she fell. I turned my head to make sure there was nothing behind before taking a step back to give her a little space to walk. However, when I turned my head back she was suddenly falling on me. Not having any time to grab onto anything, I quickly wrapped my arms around her to shield her from any impact.

The next thing I knew my head was throbbing in pain. As I took one hand to rub the back of my head, I opened my eyes to see papers raining down on me.  I must have dropped the music sheets when I grabbed her. Then I saw the girl lying on top of me. Her head was lying on my chest right below my chin. With each breath I took I couldn’t help but smell her strawberry scent. But I remembered what had happened “Jae Eun ssi are you alright?”

Slowly she pushed herself up into a sitting position. “I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” She turned to stare at me. “You hit your head. I’m sorry. Does it hurt badly?”

“I’m fine.” Then I saw the position we were in. I couldn’t help but feel my cheeks becoming hotter.

“Jaejoong ssi, your cheeks are turning red. Did you catch my fever? You should have just left me alone.”

“No I’m alright. Its just that the way you’re sitting. It isn’t very appropriate.”

She quickly looked around her and when realisation struck her she got up only to stumble and fall on her . I sat up to face her and saw that her cheeks had reddened. “I can’t believe this. This is turning out to be the worst two days of my life. First there was yesterday, then today I totally embarrass myself in front of you. I hate being sick, it makes me so weak.”

“Its not your fault. And I want to apologise for yesterday. It wasn’t our place to suddenly confront you about it.”

“I understand. Jae Jin told me but its something I’d rather not talk about please.” As she said this she turned to look at the floor unable to meet my gaze.

I got up and walked towards her offering my hand. “We don’t have to talk about it. Your only priority now is to get well. And there’s a pot of porridge downstairs with your name on it.”

She slowly tilted her head upwards to look at me, a small heartfelt smile on her face. Stretching her own to take mine she said “Thank you Jaejoong ssi.”

I gently pulled her up only to have her fall lightly against my chest. She stepped away quickly shocked at the closeness, dropping her head again to look at the floor. Before I could say anything she quickly said “Erm Jaejoong ssi are these yours?” She bent down to pick up the fallen papers. I followed suit.

“Yeah, I dropped them when you know.”

“Are you writing a song?”

“I’m trying to.”

“Here.” She said as she passed me the papers she had picked up. “Erm let’s go down then.”

“Are you sure you still want to. You don’t look too steady on your feet.”

“I’ll be fine if I hold on to something.”

“I think its best you hang on to me then. If you fall I can catch you.”

“No its fine. I’ll hold on to the wall or something.”

Seeing her insistently denying my offer made me feel like teasing her a little. “Its either that or I’m carrying you.”

I saw her face scrunch up at my suggestion. “Fine.”

I offered my arm and she took it steadying herself. I have to admit, it felt nice. I could imagine walking down the streets with my girlfriend holding onto me like this. Adding on the fact that she kept stumbling due to her weak steps causing her to bump into me and hold on tighter made the idea even more enticing.

I sat her down on one of the chair at the kitchen table and went over to the stove to heat the porridge up. Soon I was sitting opposite her with a big bowl of porridge between the two of us.

“I’m really not hungry.”

“Even so take a spoonful or two. My porridge’s really good.”

She picked up the spoon warily, slowly putting it in . I saw her face light up a little. “Its really good. The thick smooth consistency. How did you make it?”

“If you eat more I’ll tell you.”

“Must I?”

“Yes you do.”

Unwillingly she scooped a few more spoonfuls into . “Is this enough?”

“Ok.”

“So tell me.”

“Well first to get the best result you should use a pressure cooker then you put just enough water. After it finishes cooking in the pressure cooker, heat it up again and add water. Remember to keep stirring. Basically the longer you cook it the smoother it gets.”

“Oh. I see. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Our little talk seems to have let her gain back a little of her appetite as she picked up the spoon again. I ended up just staring at her. So when she asked me something, I didn’t hear it. “Eh?”

“What are you writing about? Your song I mean.”

“I’m not really sure.”

“I thought I’d write a tune and after that add some lyrics.”

“Oh.”

“Is that not the right way?”

“No. Its just that I found it was easier when I knew what kind of story I wanted to tell from the beginning. It was easier to know where I was going. Maybe its changed. It has been six years.”

“I highly doubt anything has changed then. Why don’t you try writing again.”

“Jaejoong ssi I really hope not to get into this conversation. I can’t go back into it again.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Its my fault for asking you what you were writing about anyway.”

“No. I gained a good tip. Anyway are you feeling any better?”

“I guess a little. As you could see how I was walking the giddiness is there. But the porridge seems to have helped me gain back some strength.”

“After this, you should go back to sleep.”

“I know.” She said giving a sigh. “I just wish I didn’t fall sick so easily.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Its our fault that you’re sick.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well we made you upset when we talked to you yesterday. Then it made you go out in the rain.”

“Its not because of you. Its because of my foolishness. Even if you wanted to blame someone Jung Yunho ssi should be blamed. Being so rude and wanting his way.”

“Yunho’s not a bad guy. Its just when someone or something interests him, he wants things to go his way regarding those matters. He hopes that nothing will go wrong but when things go out of his calculations, he kind of loses his temper. I guess you can call him passionate.”

“If you want to say it nicely. To me he’s just a rude irritating selfish person who wants thinks he’s a know it all.” I could only laugh in amusement at her description of him. “Why are you laughing?”

“If Yunho heard this he would be screaming his head off.”

“I can so imagine that.” She gave a small laugh at the thought and somehow I ended up doing the same. Soon we were unable to stop the laughter. Looks like laughter was contagious.

Then my phone started to ring bringing back from our own little word. “Hello?” I said panting a little. Laughing was hard work.

“Hyung, I can’t cover for you anymore. The rest of the members are asking me where you are? And hyung where are you?”

“I’ll be back soon just make some excuse.”

“But hyung since Yunho hyung been in an irritable mood since the morning, he can’t let it go. It doesn’t help if you aren’t telling me where you are? I can’t help you lie if I...” Suddenly he got cut off and I could hear some fight on the other side.

“Hello? Yoochun ah? Yoochun? You there? Are you ok?” Jae Eun ssi was looking at me worriedly from the words I’d just spoken.

I got a shock when someone else on the other line said something “Jaejoong? Where are you now?” It was Yunho. He didn’t sound happy. It wouldn’t do me any good if he found out that I was in her house.

“I’ll be back soon.”

Suddenly Jae Eun ssi asked “Is everything alright?” I quickly signalled her to keep quiet.

But it was too late. “Who’s that?” asked Yunho.

“No one.” I said innocently.

“Are you at Jae Eun’s house? You are aren’t you? What are you doing there?”

“Yunho its not what you think. When I heard she was sick, I thought I should make some dak juk.”

“Then why are you there until now?”

“Well her friend was her and...” I stopped when I saw a hand outstretched in front of me.

“Its him isn’t it. Let me talk to him.” I didn’t question her, I just felt like I had to give it to her. “Yah. Jung Yunho ssi, I won’t allow you to scold someone for being nice and helping me. He doesn’t deserve that. He didn’t need to stay but since he saw my condition he couldn’t leave me alone. When he goes back you’d better not scold him. Arasso? Good.”

Then she passed the phone back to me. In a not so happy but calm voice he said “Jaejoong when are you coming back? They decided to do tomorrow’s group recording today. Junsu’s going to start his solo recording so you have a little over an hour to get back here.”

“I’ll be back by then. Don’t worry.”

“You better leave soon.” Ordering me.

“Yes I will. Bye.”

I closed my phone and turned to look back at her. “As you can tell I have to go. Anyway there’s still some porridge left in the pot. When you want to eat it just add some water and stir.”

“I will.”

“You sure you’ll be fine?”

“Yes I will be especially with the ‘magic’ porridge you made for me.”

“I’ll be leaving then.”

“Bye, drive safely.”

With that I left for my car smiling thinking about the Lee Jae Eun I’d seen today. But thinking about what waited for me back at SM just made me give a big sigh.