Miraculous! Tales of Oh Wolf and the Liu Ladybug!

Come to an End

Only a minor five feet, black coconut hair, and a small rounded face. He was so short! Constantly looking up at her, simply wondering. There was a battle of confusion and curiosity as those brown eyes analyzed her appearance, and apparently, he thought she was a boy. Amber Josephine Liu remembered when the child bowed and introduced himself as Oh Sehun, then immediately asked her the most predictable question afterwards.

"Nice to meet you Amber-hyung, but why do you have a girl's name?"

Of course, back then she was pretty annoyed by the constant stares, the passive-aggressive inquiries and half-hearted jokes which were actually backhanded insults. So, having this young kid sprinkle salt on her bandaged wounds only made those bandages completely weak and useless. Almost on autopilot, Amber quickly corrected the kid and announced that she was indeed a girl.

"Wait, really?" he looked startled.

"Yes."

"Why do you look like a boy-" Amber quickly interrupted him with a scoff.

"It's my style, okay? I like tomboy clothing."

Oh Sehun was thirteen years old at the time while she was just turning fifteen. They were newly scouted trainees at SM Entertainment getting accustomed to the strict and rigid lifestyle of future idolism. Well, technically they have to prove their self-worth and survive stringent exercises and diets.

Anyways...

They weren't very close back then. The most primary factor was gender separated training and classes, and not to mention their age played an important factor. She was the noona and he was the dongsaeng, but honestly? Amber never really cared about titles. However, it was critical for her to understand and respect those titles or face the heavy consequences of "scoldings" ( a.k.a shouting and being grounded for an entire week ). Korean culture was still a new concept to her, so don't hate. They talked a little, but Amber noticed how shy and quiet Sehun was and pretty much avoided everyone altogether. It wasn't a bad thing, and she thought it was kind of adorable. Whenever they did meet it was mostly crossing each others pathways throughout the halls. And to be honest, Amber wouldn't be certain if they would have the same relationship had she not walked out of the dorms that Saturday afternoon playing pokemon Soul Silver on her Nintendo DS. And boy, was Oh Sehun giant pokemon fan.

"You have the latest pokemon silver game?!"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Can I watch? My parents won't buy me anymore games until I raise my grades up..."

And just like that their relationship had blossomed.

It's weird, you know? Being alone majority of the time to suddenly having a little boy follow you around like some lost puppy. Maybe that's what Amber concluded at the time: Sehun being a young, small pup lost in the field of wolves ready to savage each other to earn their rights to debut. 

It wasn't easy.

He stuck by her side whenever they held the chance to meet. Was it her upfront attitude and clothing style that made him feel more comfortable? She noticed he would avoid girls majority of the time... so why her? Or is it because of her interests in videogames? Or... Ah, even now it's still a mystery.

Amber considered Sehun as a little brother, figuritively and literally speaking. He was shorter than her, naive in most cases and, well, he's younger than her! That should be the most obvious answer. She liked it that way and used her height to be a playful by sometimes ruffling his hair when he least expected it, much to his annoyance. Now looking back, they often argued over the most pettiest of things.

"I thought you said I could borrow your PSP!"

"Yeah, but I didn't know you recently broken my freaking consol! Like, you'd expect me to trust you after that?"

"I told you it was an accident!" It was pretty pointless, but Sehun was being a total brat about it all when she banned him from borrowing her stuff. However, over the years things begin to... change. Not a drastic change. At least, not at first.

The obvious change was their height difference.

She mean, she knew over time Sehun would grow taller since he hadn't fully developed because of his premature hormones, but geeze, by the time Sehun turned sixteen he was already towering over her and was still growing! Oh, and he never forgotten her constant teasing which he returned with a vengence...

"Who's the shortbean now?"

"Okay, I get it Sehun."

"Apparently you don't. You're fuming that you can't ruin my hair anymore."

"I definitely can ruin it, but I won't because it's getting boring- hey! Dude!" It was Sehun's turn to ruin her short bobbed hairstyle. The constant teasing still continued because damn it, Amber definitely wasn't going to give it up anytime soon.

And then, the their relationship started to change.

Dongsaeng and noona. Little brother and big sister. Friends. Only good friends.

Or... were they, exactly? Amber tried to keep their relationship the same, but she noticed the subtle changes between them. They were always together, whether hanging out at an arcade plaza or the dorms playing videogames, watching anime or just reading books all day. Sure, there were other days where they couldn't meet together but whenever they held the time they would make the fullest of it with their friends. Hell, she remembers a few nights where her and the girls would secretly request Sehun to deliver food for them at three o'clock in the morning during their strict diet week. Unfortunately, Sehun couldn't even slip into their room without the manager catching them all. Say goodbye to sugary snacks for a month. 

Good times, huh?

They would sometimes go out at five in the morning to exercise. Basic hoodie, simple tank top and a pair of shorts and tennis shoes to match it. However, Amber noticed Sehun didn't wear his usual hoodie and just a tank top, and somehow she couldn't stop oogling! What the heck went wrong with her? She should've been ashamed of herself. He was only seventeen! And... she couldn't. It's just...not right. But he looked persistent in gaining some muscles. He wanted to prove himself that he was capable of being physically fit along with carrying the best ulzzang face. And Amber wouldn't admit it, but yes, his hard work was slowly paying off. Later on within that day, Amber secretly snuck over to his dorm to review some books he gotten for her. Yes, although she likes reading comics and manga, she also loves to read a regular novel from time to time. Sometimes when they read the same novel they'll just discuss how it could be better, or maybe add unique twists and talk about the characters ( or sometimes lack of ) in the book. Perhaps they were nerds in a sense, but what's wrong with reading a good book from now and then? However, Amber couldn't bring herself to read when something- or someone- captured majority of her attention.

The once youthful appearance of a child merged into a slender form of a young adult. No more rounded cheeks, no more coconut hair, no more below shoulder heights and definitely no more hair ruffling. There he was perched on the bed with those long legs scrunched up and face indulging deep into that book. Just a tall young man with a developing body of firm muscles and frequent hormonal changes, moreso moodswings. Firm jawline, defined collarbone, broading shoulders, a pointed nose, soft lips and gelled black hair whispy from today's modeling.

And then he abruptly looked at her.

"Are you going to keep staring at me or do I have to stamp a photocopy of myself directly on your forehead?"

"You don't have to be an asswipe about it."

"What? Can't handle my handsomeness?"

"Oh, bug off."

Another year had gone and things gotten... strange.

Amber may not understand all things, but she knew within herself that Sehun had changed. Not exactly aggressive moodswings, but the constant broodings and silence that left her rather dumbfounded and confused. Sehun was a commonly introverted individual, but he knew when and when not to open up around certain people, so it left a massive question mark when he began to withdraw from her. The thoughts that she buried deep within her mind was already reaching its peak when Sehun began to call less, texted less, and hang outs were sparsed throughout the months. And... yes, yes, this made her deeply depressed. She shouldn't be because it's only life. Sometimes the closest people just... grow apart and move on with their lives, and Amber Liu didn't want to admit it, but she just couldn't bare it. She hated the concept of growing apart with Oh Sehun. It made her question herself during the late night hours, sometimes left wondering if it was herself that he grew tired of. After all, he's an eighteen year old boy with raging hormones, so it shouldn't be no brainer that he would prefer being around more... dunno, feminine women? Someone who's much prettier and carries a natural aegyo? And then his other friends are just as much important.

Or... was he embarrassed being friends with a girl older than him? 

All the times they shared throughout the years. The precious moments talking about random crap while chugging down junkfood after their dieting week. These are memories and now... now it will all become nothing more than a nostalgic reminiscence. So, Amber tried to respectfully keep the distance between them, but mostly to shield herself from the building pain. Whatever time they held together wasn't long and they didn't talk as much as they used to. It became all weird and awkward and she freaking loathed it. It was like they were meeting each other all over again.

"You have... changed a lot, Sehun."

She remembered him being so small and fragile. Look how the tables turned.

"Um, thanks?"

"So, when are you debuting?"

"In about a few months. April, I think?"

"I see. Well, I will definitely be there to support you."

They were hanging out at a little "get together" party with a few of the debuting groups celebrating their years of training. Amber had already debuted a year ago under the group name "( f )x" with her members being Victoria, Krystal, and Sulli, and apparently they're doing pretty good for the first year. Apparently, everyone likes her tomboyish clothing style which made the entire group standout from the current ones. Instead of classes and training sessions it's now photoshoots and music shootings and fashion modeling and scheduled interviews.

"It's been a while, Sehun."

"Yeah, it has."

"Do you...- I mean, if you have the time... do you want to hang out sometime?"

Just like old times again?

"I don't know. I am going to be pretty busy before debut."

"Come on Sehun, please? It's been a while and I- I just want to see you."

She wanted to remember his face, his eyes, his appearance if this means it'll be the last time she'll see him again. An indescribable expression filled those brown eyes that somehow sent shivers down her spine. How did he manage to do that? Or was it the maturing woman inside of herself that's ruining her mind and their dissolving friendship?

"How about this Friday?"

Friday it definitely was.

Now, Amber never believed in altering her appearance for anyone, and especially no man. However, she couldn't help but to wear something more prepped and shiny. Thinner jeans, a neat flannel shirt and her shaggy bob for hair nicely swept to the side with a pair of shiny studs for earrings. Honestly, Amber never believed it was a date per-say until her teammates mentioned it. And you know what? It probably is. Just an unofficial one.

"You look really nice, Amber."

"Thanks.You don't look bad yourself."

Everything was going okay. They stopped at a boba milktea shop and got themselves a boba tea milkshake. Something that they used to do when they were younger.

"So..."

"How long have we known each other?"

The question made Sehun pause.

"I... I think five years now?"

Amber hummed.

"Then you must give a good dang reason why started distancing yourself from me."

"I mean... what do you want me to say?"

"Say? How about you tell me upfront if you're bored of me! If I am some baggage to you, then cut the bull and be honest." If it was possible Sehun's eyesbrows would've flown off his forehead. He immediately froze with that hilarious expression of a deer caught in headlights, and then as if nothing happened, his face returned to his natural pokerface™.

"What makes you think that?"

"Sehun, it's obvious, okay? We used to talk all the time and tell each other stuff without filters and now we rarely talk. I shouldn't be clingy, but... I missed you. I missed those times where we would just play games and waste time and- and I know, you're about to debut and I shouldn't hog your precious. I mean, ever since I debuted it's been a hectic life were I never have time for myself anymore. You might not like me anymore and that's okay. I just- I mean, if you want to move on that's fine. I mean, I am a bit older for you and you should be around people your age-"

"Okay, I'm going to stop you right there." Sehun raised a hand to reaffirm his statement.

Amber could feel the fear huddled deep within the depths of her stomach rise to . She shouldn't be acting like this! This is totally immature.

Heart thumping. Breathing labored. Skin burning and fingers twitching.

It's like she's about to...to...

Her heart dropped and the realization dawned on her.

I like him. I really like-like him. Oh my god.

Why now at this ungodly hours?! And then here he is probably ready to move on with his life and throw her down into the dump. Oh god no.

"Amber..." Sehun's voice brought Amber out of her daze, "Don't think our absence means I didn't want to be around you. I did, I really did, but I was dealing with things that I couldn't express to you. And... you're right, it's pretty ty of me, wasn't it?"

"Well, let's see, a best friend who suddenly stops hanging out and talking to you, thus causing internal turmoil and questioning oneself? Ah, yup, sounds pretty mean if you ask me."

Sehun winced at her words, "Right... I just... reverted back to my comfort zone. I didn't mean to hurt you in process, but I know we haven't talked in a while because... I thought it would be for the best." He sighed, fingers fiddling with the plastic straw lodged inside his drink. "And honestly? Screw age. I don't care about that at all. You'll always be my favorite noona, Amber, no matter how old we get."

"...Then... what about now? Is it even possible to repair what's left of us? I mean... my schedule is pretty packed, so how are we... unless, that's the reason for distancing me. isn't it?" his silence was enough for Amber to understand. "I see. You were preparing in case we don't... see each other as much, huh?" the truth hurts, doesn't it? What was once young kids with their miniscule lives filled with school and idol training as the years pass. And here they are with schedules filled to the brim. How can they even meet at this point? Amber lowered her head as the harsh reality stood before her.

"...I'm sorry for wasting your time, Sehun." It's inevitable, so might as well accept it. Amber stood, preparing to leave until she heard a loud screech from the chair across the table.

"Hey. I didn't tell you to leave."

"Didn't know I had to ask for permission."

"Still snarky as ever." Sehun snorted before doing something that totally caught Amber off guard.

He hugged her.

It wasn't often that they hugged. Whenever they did hug it was either short or those freakishly annoying hugs to pester the other; however, on those rare occasions when the other is deeply emotional, sometimes a genuine hug makes everything better. Oh, how he feels so soft and strong around her. Amber found herself buried in his chest with those lanky arms wrapped around her back ever so fittingly. And to be honest? She couldn't help but to snuggle closer.

"Thank you for taking care of me, Amber noona." Sehun murmured.

The tears couldn't stop flowing.

"You're welcome."