25th September 2017

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Weird...

 

It was indeed very weird.

 

You stared at Jongin’s empty table. It was the fifth time - he had missed a whole week of school. You bit on the end of your pen feeling worried, wondering what had happened to him. The last time you saw him was the night of the fair. Mrs Jang had informed that Jongin was down with a really bad flu as told by his mother. You couldn’t help but miss him. It’s been weird the past few days. It was as though you felt empty and lonely. You hadn’t told anyone about it - this stuffy and longing feeling in your chest.

“He’ll be okay,” Soojung nudged your shoulder, “Stop sulking.”

 

You gave her a small smile hoping it didn’t look too forced. The lunch bell rang and you didn’t know what was taught the whole time in class since you were practically zoning out every single second.

 

Everyone had been asking around what happened to Jongin. Rumours started spreading after that night. Some saying they had seen him go crazy that night running around while others said he might have super powers since he broke through the classroom windows. Ridiculous.

 

“What if he was actually a werewolf? It was almost a full moon that night!” A girl from the table nearby said. You scoffed and slammed your chopsticks onto the tray. You couldn’t even eat your meal in peace without hearing someone talk about Jongin. Why would they even start such ridiculous rumours?

 

“That’s creepy! I would say he’s actually some type of vampire hunter. He definitely has the body for it. Imagine him in Hunger Games! I would totally root for him!” Another spoke and you were close to slamming your hands on their table telling them to keep their fantasies to themselves and stop talking weird about Jongin. Baekhyun read your emotions pretty well and placed his hand on yours.

 

“Don’t listen to them Wonnie. They’re just being ridiculous.”

 

You huffed and slumped into your seat. Another tray dropped next to yours and Junmyeon settled down in his seat looking rather determined. “I have a plan and you three are involved.” He spoke without hesitation.

 

The three of you kept quiet as you waited for him to elaborate. “As vice-president of the student council,” You almost snorted since Junmyeon will never let go of the fact he’s not president. “I want you three to head over to Jongin’s house and check on him - you know, just in case. Bring his school work to him and be good school mates.”

 

You raised a brow at this. You’ve actually had thoughts of visiting him but you didn’t want to come uninvited. This seemed to be an opportunity. Junmyeon then proceeded on taking out a piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the table. “Mrs Jang gave me his address so you guys can head over this afternoon.”

 

“I know where he lives.” You stated.

 

Junmyeon and Kyungsoo were surprised. “You do?” They sprouted at the same time. Baekhyun who was preoccupied trying to unfold the piece of paper, was finally reading it and his eyes widened. “He lives at your street?!”

 

You turned sheepish and nodded your head, “Across my house actually.”

 

“He lives across your house?!” Baekhyun shot up from his seat and screeched so loudly a few students turned to look at him weirdly.

 

You yanked him back into his seat and tried to shush him. “Yeah he does! Baek sit down now!”

 

Baekhyun placed a hand dramatically on his chest, “And you never told us?”

 

Your lower lip jutted out and you puffed your cheeks, “I never thought I needed to?”

 

“Cha Haewon I expected better from you, young lady!” Baekhyun turned to Kyungsoo who had kept silent for a while, “Soo, tell her she has been a bad friend.”

 

Kyungsoo’s gears were turning again and everything clicked into place - why you had been declining his offer in walking you home and why Jongin was always with you in the bus before Kyungsoo boards. He was with her all this time?

 

“Soo? You there buddy?” Baekhyun snapped his fingers in front of his face.

 

Kyungsoo groaned and swatted Baekhyun’s hand away as though it was an annoying fly. He was starting to have a headache, “It’s her life, let her live it her way.”

 

Baekhyun seemed to be taken aback and you quietly observed Kyungsoo’s actions. It was kind of unlike him to not want to bicker with Baekhyun. You eyed Kyungsoo whom continued to munch on his sandwich. You raised a brow at him when he finally looks up, face looking nonchalant.

“So, we going?” He asked through a mouth full of bread. You stared at him for a while more before nodding, “Yeah...let’s go.”  

 

Everything is weird.

 

*

 

Kyungsoo was rather quiet throughout the whole journey to your side of the town. He had escorted you to a seat at the back of the bus and let you slide in to take the window seat before he plopped himself down next to you, with Baekhyun sitting right in front of you. Baekhyun was doing all the talking (but when does he not to be honest?) and you were unconsciously nodding to whatever Baekhyun was ranting about - probably something about that cute dude (name: Chanyeol) from the class next door again. Your mind was wandering to Kyungsoo, watching him at the corner of your eye every few minutes.

 

When Jongin’s house finally came into view and you were starting to feel nervous about seeing him. Kyungsoo had deemed Baekhyun’s constant chattering to be enough and smacked him on the arm just to shut him up, which made the poor boy pout. You gave a comforting smile to Baekhyun before leading the way to the front door of the house.

“Whoa, I never really noticed there was another house at the end of the road other than yours won-ah.” Baekhyun muttered in awe while taking a glance back to your house across the road. He observed the area - at the trees surrounding and the quietness of this side of the neighbourhood.  “No offence won, but this place is still hella creepy for me.” He whispered.

 

“None taken.” you stared up at the red door looking as if it was taunting you. You turned back to look at Kyungsoo and Baekhyun’s signal - staring for a few seconds at Kyungsoo before he gave you a small nod. You had a hand raised up ready to knock on the door but a split second before your knuckles made contact on the wood, it swung open. Your eyes widened and jerked slightly at the sudden motion. You were half expecting Jongin to be on the other side of the door but it opened up only to reveal a rather young looking lady wearing an old worn out yellow apron with her maroon coloured hair tied up in a messy bun - holding a spatula.

 

You couldn’t help but stare in awe, a goddess was in your presence. She was rather tall so you had to tilt your head slightly upwards since you’re pretty much the closest to her. But even up-close, her skin was flawless and had a lighter tan than Jongin’s. Her eyes were round and sparkling, nose so cute and well sculptured and her lips were rosy red pulled into a gentle smile.

“Oh. I was not expecting guests today.” She muttered more to herself but her smile was more than welcoming and placed her spatula away somewhere behind the door. “Can I help you kids?”

 

You were frozen in your spot, brain not being able to form words. It was silent while the poor lady had a really confused look on her face.

 

Just then you heard Baekhyun’s voice from behind you, “Holy mother of God...” followed by a loud smack and a screeched ‘ouch’.

 

“Sorry to be disturbing...” Kyungsoo stepped up next to you, placing a hand on your shoulder as an indication that he would take over. You were still in the midst of being tongue tied. “We’re here to pass Jongin his school work since he’s been missing a lot - we’re his friends. Are you Jongin’s sister?”

 

The lady’s eyes crinkled as she covered with her hand, clearly amused with Kyungsoo’s words. “Such flattering words. Nonsense. I’m Mrs Kim, Jongin’s mother.”

 

Cue Baekhyun’s dramatic gasp as your own jaws dropped. His mother looks so young! You internally screamed. Kyungsoo’s adam's apple bobbed up then down as he gulped. “S-Sorry Ma’am.” He coughed out, “You l-look exceptionally y-young.”

 

You would have laughed at the always calm and composed Kyungsoo being a blabbering mess but you were still trying to comprehend the situation yourself. You couldn’t even trust yourself to speak.

“It’s fine my dear.” She gave another radiating smile, “Jongin has been...really under the weather these days. I hope he didn’t miss too much.”

 

At the mention of Jongin you snapped out of your daze and gave yourself a mental slap, “Is he okay? Can we see him?”

 

Mrs. Kim’s eyes landed on yours and her previously radiating smile turned slightly gloomy. “I’m afraid not. Jongin would prefer to be alone but I’ll take his school work and pass it to him when he wakes up for dinner later.” Your shoulders sag a little as disappointment hit you and a lame Oh was all you could muster.

 

Baekhyun jumped in just then in between you and Kyungsoo, popping his head in between. “Mrs. Kim! You’re so beautiful!” his voice a pitch higher than normal - leave it to Baekhyun to be blunt (and embarrassing).

 

“Baek!” Kyungsoo hissed.

 

“What? I’m just stating a fact!” Baekhyun retorted back and went back to beaming at Mrs Kim.

 

Mrs Kim chuckled at the duo and then her attention turned to you. “Are you...perhaps his classmate my dear? Seatmate?”

 

“Y-Yes ma’am.” You were sort of surprised that she knew, Jongin is probably close with his mom.

 

“Ahh, I see. He’s told me a few things about you. Thank you for helping my son.” She smiled ever so sweetly and you felt a wave of comfort from her voice.

 

Your cheeks were tinted slightly as you mumbled, “It’s nothing. I’m just..being a friend.”

 

Out of a sudden there was a loud chime ringing in the house and Mrs Kim jerked in her spot. A hand over her chest as she recovered from the shock. “I must be going kids, Dinner has to be ready. Head home safe now.” She spoke as Baekhyun handed over the worksheets and notes to her. The three of you bowed politely and she gave a small wave before shutting the door.

 

It was silence as you stared at the closed door.
....I guess now we know where Jongin’s genes are from

 

“Did you see? She didn’t look like she was past twenty! No wonder Jongin’s a ing prince charming! His mother is practically a Goddess!” Baekhyun’s eyes were so wide it looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets.

 

You placed a finger against your lips and sent an alarming look, “Not so loud!”

 

“But Baek’s got a point...Jongin’s father probably save a country or something in his past life.” Kyungsoo nodded in agreement with his arms crossed, eyes dazed out towards the house.

 

You sighed and buried your face in the palm of your hands before quietly making your way to your own house across. Footsteps were heard behind you so you know well that they were following.

 

“Staying over for Dinner?” You asked loud enough for them to hear from the back. You heard Kyungsoo hum in agreement but none from Baekhyun. You slot in your key into the keyhole and took a glance at Baekhyun who was rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet. “Baek you not coming?”

 

By the time you were opening the door and fully looking at the two, they were elbowing each other by the rib with Baekhyun cackling. You raised your brow at the two - not that it was something new anyways. It ended with Kyungsoo scowling, the palm of his hand slapping Baekhyun on the neck causing the male to wince a little. However, He still had that sneaky grin on his pretty boy face. “Nope, not at all. I’ll be on my way home...wouldn’t want to be a third wheel.” He replied, last sentence were a mere whisper that only Kyungsoo could hear.

 

“Yah!” Kyungsoo shouted, eyes widening in rage and disbelief.

 

“Alright then,” You motioned for Kyungsoo to enter in which he gladly did - stomping his way into your house, “Take care. Text us when you’re home.”

 

“Oh I will~ Have fun kids~” He wiggled his fingers at Kyungsoo before skipping off.

 

After shutting the door, you watched as Kyungsoo’s frown deepened while taking off his shoes, muttering under his breath. “I swear, one day I will kill him with my bare hands.”

 

That made you giggle a little, “You always say that, but you know you love him. It’s Baekhyun afterall, no one can resist him.”

 

Kyungsoo straightened himself and turned to look at you in the eye. The entrance hallway was so narrow the both of you could barely fit  in it together anymore. Not like it used to be when you were kids. Kyungsoo’s eyes softened and his lips tugged into that smile that made you feel warm and jittery inside. His hand came up to ruffle the hair at top of you head a little causing you to whine.

 

“Yah! I’m not a kid anymore!”  You groaned, trying to fix your hair.

 

Kyungsoo chuckled and stuck his tongue out before heading inside with a loud ‘we’re home’. You watched as he made his way into the kitchen and conversed comfortably with your mother who was cooking in the kitchen. He blended in so well that it was as though he belonged there in your house. What would it be like to actually live together… You stopped your thoughts. Your heart was tugged wildly at the thought of it. Slightly embarrassed with your own thoughts you covered your cheeks and hurriedly past the kitchen to escape to your room.

 

“Haewon sweetie, aren’t you going to help your mother?” Your mother asked. You knew that tone - it was the ‘Why can’t you learn how to cook like Kyungsoo?’ she once nagged when you refused to learn the skill after burning every single dish you attempted. “I’m going to shower! Kyungsoo oppa can help you!” You yelled back and ran off.

 

Your mother sighed and clucked her tongue, “Sometimes I wonder how is she going to survive marriage life. She’d need to marry you then, Soo. That girl wouldn’t be able to take care of herself.”

 

Kyungsoo laughed but he was clearly blushing, “She’ll be fine omonim.”

 

*

 

Dinner time was spent with your mother constantly picking on your cooking skills again and Kyungsoo laughing about how red you looked when your mother mentioned about marriage. Your father wasn’t much help either since he was playing along - “You would have to find yourself a woman since you’re such a boy”

 

You were still whining about it when you were doing the dishes, letting out your frustration on the poor innocent bowls and utensils. Your father had disappeared into the study room probably to read a book and your mother was doing the laundry. The pout was evident on your lips when you felt a nudge on your shoulder, Kyungsoo taking the spot next to you after grabbing the towel nearby.

 

“Stop pouting, it makes you look  more like a kid.” Kyungsoo glanced at you before grabbing one of the last few dishes to be dried. You kept silent but huffed under your breath. You heard him snicker before grabbing the last bowl before you could. “Your mother’s just worried about you.” Kyungsoo’s voice was soft, “Maybe you should try learning again - cooking I mean.”

 

“You know I at it.” You put the dried dishes back into the cupboards, “Burnt almost everything I touch. You were there.” Kyungsoo came over to you with the rest of the plates and you quietly stacked them. He observed you silently and when you were finally done, you wanted to turn away and head to your room but Kyungsoo stopped you. He grabbed onto your shoulders and bent down slightly to meet your eye level a smile playing on his lips. It was making your emotions go haywire.

 

“W-what?”

 

“Just be yourself.” He said, “Anyone would be lucky to have you, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You hear me?”  It made you flabbergasted. His right hand came up and patted your head lightly. You were really flabbergasted. It was always this way whenever Kyungsoo decided to be sweet and caring. It made you blank out, you wanted to respond but the way he was lovingly staring at you was making you hold your breath. You settled with a nod and with that he tapped you on the nose lightly with his finger (“Good girl,” he said which made you scowl)  before he steered you towards the living room; television already .

 

He just sees you as a younger sister...don’t think of anything else.

 

You settled down on the couch and Kyungsoo landed beside you with a heavy plop. “Now, what shall we watch.” He spoke, already pushing the buttons on the remote scanning the shows available.

“Don’t we have homew-”

 

“Relax, it’s a Friday night. We have the weekend to deal with that.”

 

“Bu-”

 

“Oh! Look! Master Chef is on! Maybe you can learn a thing or two.” Kyungsoo practically squealed and grabbed your wrist, but you knew he was just trying to avoid your protests. You rolled your eyes and allowed him to tug on your arm.

 

Somehow the both of you ended up sprawled out on the couch. Your head leaning against the armrest, legs stretched and rested on Kyungsoo’s lap. While Kyungsoo had his head lolled back and slouched a little in order to rest his head on the couch itself, hugging a pillow and his legs were on the coffee table (your mother never minded anyways). After two hours of  Master Chef marathon, the two of you were simply too lazy and comfortable to fetch the remote from the table and left it playing whatever was coming up next; Which was a documentary on some exotic foods in some part of China.

 

Time ticked by, and your comfortable position made your eyes droopy with the hum of the television lulling you to sleep. The temperature was just right and you couldn’t bring yourself to stay awake anymore and you decided to give in to your subconscious. Kyungsoo too was in a similar state, eyes were hooded and a yawn was itching to escape. He felt his phone vibrated beside him and realized his mother was calling. He swiped the green button and placed the phone lazily next to his ear - only managing a hum upon answering the call and switching it to loudspeaker.

 

“Are you planning on sleeping over?” You heard his mother’s sweet voice at the other end of the line, “Have you eaten?”

 

Kyungsoo blinked a little before looking at the time - it was approximately fifteen minutes to ten. He groaned a little at the thought of having to travel back home so he made up his mind. “Yeah, I ate. Probably sleeping over since it’s late. I’ll be back home by afternoon.” His voice groggy.

 

“Okay, Make sure you don’t cause any trouble. Sleep soon, it’s getting late. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hummed again before hanging up. He let out another grunt and surveyed the place, from the dimly lit room to the television now playing some weird cat advertisement then the clock hanging on the wall again and finally to your sleeping figure at the end of the couch - eyes shut, chest gently falling and raising in sync with your calm breathing. Your leg was still resting on Kyungsoo lap and he had no recollection of how that happened. He chuckled to himself before gently lifting your legs so he could stand up for the remote. He switched off the television and headed into the kitchen for a glass of water when your father entered. Kyungsoo shuffled to the edge of the counter and quietly stood there.

 

“Hey, you’re still up,” The elder greeted as he poured himself another cup of coffee, “Sleeping over?”

 

Kyungsoo bashfully smiled, “Yeah.”

 

“You know where the extra blankets and clothes are right?” Your father asked after taking a small sip and Kyungsoo nodded in confirmation. Your father laughed a little and patted Kyungsoo on the back, “Well I’ll be going back to my study, long night ahead. Goodnight Kyungsoo.”

 

“Goodnight.”

 

Kyungsoo finished his glass in one gulp before washing and placing it back on the racks. He then walked back to the living room, stretching his stiff muscles a little and stood by the couch. He took in the sight of your sleeping figure and chuckled. “What am I going to do with you?” He mumbled to himself before carefully reaching down to slip his arms under you.

 

It wasn’t the first that it happened. Kyungsoo was well accustomed to how things would end up when he signed up for a late night television session. He took calculated steps towards your room, not wanting to make any sudden noises in the quiet atmosphere. Carefully, he laid you down on your bed ensuring that you were comfortable before throwing the blanket over your body. A smile tugged on his lips as he watched you snuggle deeper inside the warmth. He sat down next to your bed, careful to not wake you, and reached a hand out to brush strands of your hair away from your face. Kyungsoo leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on your forehead.

 

Sweet dreams Haewon-ah….

 

*

 

Tuesday rolled around soon after, Monday passing by with no presence Jongin again. However, you did end up spending time with Kyungsoo. From an impromptu shopping that weekend to having a mini group study at Kyungsoo’s house (Baekhyun came uninvited). It made you realize how much you missed spending time with Kyungsoo since Jongin wasn’t around for the past week. However, your mind would unconsciously still tugged at the thought of Jongin. The constant worry made you contemplate on going back to his house.
 

When Jongin walking into the classroom after lunch on Tuesday, it made you giddy. The weird part was you felt him coming before he actually entered the room. The chemistry teacher had excused Jongin since he heard from Ms Jang about him taking half a day off from school that day. Your eyes were trained on his face as he weakly bowed his head and turned to head to his desk. As soon as he turned, your eyes meet and you saw that sudden flicker of yellow across his eyes again. Your brows furrowed instantly. He still looked pale and unwell. Class resumed though most eyes were on Jongin as he trudged his way towards you.

 

The instant he sat down, his head rested against your shoulder. A shiver ran down your spine at the contact. “Jongin?” You whispered out.

 

You heard him hum and sighed as if in content, “I missed you.”

 

The words made your heart flutter but your body froze. He was still weak, why would he still come to school? It made you concern. But your thoughts were snapped out of it when Soojung turned around. The class was walking around finding groups for the chemistry project. Kim Myungsoo, Soojung’s boyfriend, had dragged his chair from the other side and plopped it down next to your table.

“That makes four of us,” Myungsoo grinned at Soojung before turning to Jongin. His words died in his throat as Jongin’s eyes glared at him, teeth bared as he growled. Suddenly, you were pulled closer to him. Your heart racing out of nowhere. Why am I feeling threatened?

“Uhm...dude are you okay?” Myungsoo raised a brow.

 

Jongin simply remained silent as he clung tighter to you. Soojung gave you a worried look. You were weirded out by the foreign feeling and tried tugging away from Jongin but he held firm. His fingers wrapped strongly around your wrist causing you to wince a little.

“Jongin you’re hurting me. Let go.” You whimpered. Instantly, Jongin released his grip and shook his head. His eyes clamped shut looking as if in pain. Deep inside you felt as if you had caused him pain. What in the world is going on?

 

*

 

The rest of the school day went by. After that weird moment, Jongin mumbled a soft sorry and things seemed to be back to normal. But it happened again. Just like the night of the fair. Whenever anyone who got too close to the two of you, Jongin would glare and growl a little. It made him grip you tighter again and each time you winced because of it, Jongin would whimper a sorry before resting his head on your shoulder again.

 

The last bell rang and you bid goodbye to Soojung before you were pulled out of the classroom by Jongin. He dragged you down the hall, as if he couldn’t stand another minute in school but the two of you didn’t go far. You heard Kyungsoo call out to you as he came down the stairs. You told Jongin to stop and despite wanting to get the out of the building he surprisingly did.

Kyungsoo walked over with quick steps. His eyes trailing down to the hand around your wrist - not liking one bit of it.

“Hey...Jongin. You feeling better?” Kyungsoo greeted though more than half of him wanted to demand him to release you. When Jongin didn’t reply, you frowned and turned to Kyungsoo. “He’s still not feeling too well.” You explained.
 

Kyungsoo nodded and turned his attention back to you, “Junmyeon needs you at the office. Something about you helping him with his papers?”

 

Your eyes widened and mentally slapped yourself for forgetting. You had promised to help the named vice-president with his report about school clubs. “It totally slipped my mind. Gosh, thanks for reminding me oppa.” You smiled.

“No problem, I told him I’ll help too. Let’s go.” Kyungsoo returned the smile.

 

You were going to head over to the office when a tug made it impossible. You turned and looked at Jongin who had eyes glaring at Kyungsoo.

 

“Jongin, you can head home yourself right? I need to help Junmyeon oppa.”

“I’ll stay.” Jongin said without looking away.

 

Kyungsoo raised a brow at the statement, “You should head home, you still look unwell.”

 

Jongin seethed, “I’m staying.”

 

You didn’t like the tone Jongin was using on Kyungsoo. It sounded as though Jongin despised Kyungsoo. They never had any disputes before this. “Jongin, I think you really need to rest more. You look pale.” You reasoned as you tried to pry his hand off your wrist. Again, he held on tighter. You winced but this time, Jongin never released his grip.

 

Kyungsoo saw the pain in your expression and glared at Jongin. “Let her go! You’re hurting her!”

He reached out to take your other hand but before he could, Jongin growled and shoved Kyungsoo against the lockers.

 

“Don’t touch her.”

 

The loud crash made other students turn to look, some started mumbling and gasping at the sight. Kyungsoo groaned but he continued to glare at Jongin.

 

“Jongin! Put him down NOW!” You cried. Jongin remained for another second before releasing his grip. He was breathing harshly through his nose, his shoulders rising and falling visibly. He clamped his eyes shut again and shook his head. You immediately ran to Kyungsoo’s side, “Are you okay?”  

“Haewon-ah…” Jongin’s voice weakly called out behind you.
 

Without looking at him you told him once again to head home. A sudden feeling of rejection flood through you. The next thing you know, Jongin had ran through the doors. You didn’t realized you had stopped breathing and finally took a deep shaky breath. Kyungsoo touched your bruised wrist and you looked at him.

“Stay away from him please....for me.” Kyungsoo whispered.

 

 

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