GIRLS CLOSE TO DONGHAE

1. Jung Jessica/Sooyeon

Reason: Ex-girlfriend, still friends

2. Kim Taeyeon

Reason: Good dongsaeng/oppa relationship

3. Lee Sunny/Soonkyu

Reason: Also has a good dongsaeng/oppa relationship

4. Hwang Tiffany/Miyoung

Reason: Possible crush, close friends

5. Kim Hyoyeon

Reason: Close friends because of Lee Hyukjae

6. Kwon Yuri

Reason: Close friends

7. Choi Sooyoung

Reason: Good relationship as friends

8. Im Yoona

Reason: Ex-crush, still friends

9. Seo Joohyun/Seohyun

Reason: Worked together, as a result, good friends

10. Amber Liu

Reason: Like siblings, known as lookalikes

11. Choi Sulli/Jinri

Reason: Sibling relationship

12. Min Sunye

Reason: Former crush, close friends

13. Kwon Boa

Reason: Close dongsaeng/oppa relationship

14. Park Gyuri

Reason: Hyukjae

15. Goo Hara

Reason: Friends through Jessica

16. Park Sunyoung/Luna

Reason: Labelmates

17. Song Qian/Victoria

Reason: Friends

18. Ariel Lin

Reason: Friends, thinks she’s pretty

19. Jung Soojung/Krystal

Reason: Jessica’s sister; treats her like a dongsaeng

I zipped to my room after bolting out of the car and had been inspecting the list for two minutes. So the girl was single and not four years younger than him. I crossed out the young people first.

GIRLS CLOSE TO DONGHAE

1. Jung Jessica/Sooyeon

Reason: Ex-girlfriend, still friends

2. Kim Taeyeon

Reason: Good dongsaeng/oppa relationship

3. Lee Sunny/Soonkyu

Reason: Also has a good dongsaeng/oppa relationship

4. Hwang Tiffany/Miyoung

Reason: Possible crush, close friends

5. Kim Hyoyeon

Reason: Close friends because of Lee Hyukjae

6. Kwon Yuri

Reason: Close friends

7. Choi Sooyoung

Reason: Good relationship as friends

8. Im Yoona

Reason: Ex-crush, still friends

9. Seo Joohyun/Seohyun

Reason: Worked together, as a result, good friends

10. Amber Liu

Reason: Like siblings, known as lookalikes

11. Choi Sulli/Jinri

Reason: Sibling relationship

12. Min Sunye

Reason: Former crush, close friends

13. Kwon Boa

Reason: Close dongsaeng/oppa relationship

14. Park Gyuri

Reason: Hyukjae

15. Goo Hara

Reason: Friends through Jessica

16. Park Sunyoung/Luna

Reason: Labelmates

17. Song Qian/Victoria

Reason: Friends

18. Ariel Lin

Reason: Friends, thinks she’s pretty

19. Jung Soojung/Krystal

Reason: Jessica’s sister; treats her like a dongsaeng

I remembered him telling me a long time ago that he didn’t like noonas, so Ariel was off the list. Now, for the ladies in a relationship...

I honestly never knew if Leeteuk and Taeyeon were on or off, but I went ahead and scribbled her out.

GIRLS CLOSE TO DONGHAE

1. Jung Jessica/Sooyeon

Reason: Ex-girlfriend, still friends

2. Kim Taeyeon

Reason: Good dongsaeng/oppa relationship

3. Lee Sunny/Soonkyu

Reason: Also has a good dongsaeng/oppa relationship

4. Hwang Tiffany/Miyoung

Reason: Possible crush, close friends

5. Kim Hyoyeon

Reason: Close friends because of Lee Hyukjae

6. Kwon Yuri

Reason: Close friends

7. Choi Sooyoung

Reason: Good relationship as friends

8. Im Yoona

Reason: Ex-crush, still friends

9. Seo Joohyun/Seohyun

Reason: Worked together, as a result, good friends

10. Amber Liu

Reason: Like siblings, known as lookalikes

11. Choi Sulli/Jinri

Reason: Sibling relationship

12. Min Sunye

Reason: Former crush, close friends

13. Kwon Boa

Reason: Close dongsaeng/oppa relationship

14. Park Gyuri

Reason: Hyukjae

15. Goo Hara

Reason: Friends through Jessica

16. Park Sunyoung/Luna

Reason: Labelmates

17. Song Qian/Victoria

Reason: Friends

18. Ariel Lin

Reason: Friends, thinks she’s pretty

19. Jung Soojung/Krystal

Reason: Jessica’s sister; treats her like a dongsaeng

I nabbed a yellow highlighter from the Keroro cup and highlighted the remaining candidates, leaving myself out of the running, because really, what were the odds? I knew--they were close to none.

“Unnie, we’re going to visit Hoihoon, Jisoo, Kyungkyu, and Seonghwan for a bit, are you coming?” Seohyun’s voice floated into the room.

I turned around and saw her face peeping through the crack in the door.

“Yeah, I’ll be right there.”

-----

“My kid is the best at dancing.” Taeyeon bragged.

“No way, Kyungkyu is amazing!” Tiffany rebutted.

“Seohyun, back me up!”

“Wonder what Yonghyun’s doing right now,” Yoona murmured to me.

“Yeah,” I said back.

It was quiet except for the small bickering between Team Hoihoon and Team Kyungkyu.

“Oh, oppa?” I piped up.

The manager coughed and nodded, asking in a gruff voice, “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, I just wanna know if I’m allowed to go out in like an hour or so?” I batted my eyelashes at him.

Taeyeon, Seohyun, Sooyoung, Sunny, Yoona, and Yuri’s eyes were on me then, almost waiting for me to spill.

“Hyoyeon, are you or are you not dating Hyukjae?” he demanded.

The other girls snickered and I huffed indignantly. “No, oppa, I told you already.”

“Well, I don’t know if you tell me everything! Besides, anyone else who saw you two would think you’re dating for sure!”

“How?”

“You guys hug and mess around with each other and flirt and you guys hang out with just the two of you and you even held hands once--”

Oh, I remember that!

Please go away!

That’s not likely.

The girls continued to whisper about me to each other; I got tired with it and interrupted them. “So? Sunny and Sungmin do all that stuff!”

“Sunny and Sungmin are dating.” the manager gave me a look.

Sunny giggled dreamily. “Yeah.”

“Don’t you even start,” Sooyoung warned, knowing full well that Sunny was about to start gushing about how perfect Sungmin was.

Wow, Sungmin does the same thing.

Not surprising.

He’s turned so girly.

“Well, Gyuri’s coming too, so it’s not like we’re alone.” I said.

“How could he invite some girl to a date with you?” Yuri gasped.

“The nerve of that guy!” Yoona scoffed.

I slapped the two of them on the arm. “No, he’s going on a date with her.”

NOT A DATE.

IT’S A DATE.

“Then why are you going along?” Poor Seohyun, I didn’t think she’d ever understand the whole dating process.

“Because he’s stupid.”

“Way to point out the obvious,” Taeyeon smiled.

“Can I go?” I ignored Sooyoung’s teasing remarks and looked expectantly at the manager.

“Oh...alright.”

“You’re the best!” I cheered.

“You have to be back before midnight, and keep an eye out for Hyukjae, okay? I don’t trust that kid.” he muttered the last sentence as an afterthought, as he pulled up to our dorm.

Why does no one trust me?

Because you’re a troublemaker.

Speaking of that, I learned the dance--

And you’re also the world’s biggest moron.

Gee, thanks.

Anytime, buddy!

“So what are you gonna wear?” Yuri and Sooyoung began pestering me in my room.

“What?” I threw them a confused look. “Nothing special, why?”

“You cannot let Gyuri out-dress you!” Sooyoung declared, pointing a dramatic finger in the air. “I know Gyuri’s probably gonna show up in some crazy hot red dress.”

“I know Gyuri,” I corrected, “And I honestly don’t think she will.”

“Don’t you know what girls will do for guys they like?” Yoona joined in, appearing from nowhere.

“Uh...”

“Can I dress you, please?” Sooyoung clasped her hands together. “I’m the best fashionista in this group!”

I groaned, falling back on to my bed. “Fine, whatever.”

“Then you have to let me do your hair!” Yoona started jumping on the bed hyperactively, jostling me.

“Alright, fine!” I told her.

“Can I do makeup then?” Yuri asked sweetly.

“Aish, I don’t care.”

“Yes!” the tall triplets (excluding Seohyun) rejoiced and three-way high-fived.

“When do you have to go?” Yoona poked my knee.

Yah, Hyukjae!

Yes, my dearest Hyoyeon?

That’s just creepy, don’t call me that.

Oh, you know you laughed.

Shush--what time is your date with Gyuri?

Not a date.

Is too a date.

Well, it’s like 9:30 now, so in maybe half an hour?

Where are you taking Gyuri anyway?

See, everyone gave me all these weird suggestions.

Like?

Kyuhyun said I should take her to a noraebang, and then Donghae suggested Lotte World, but I said that that was a little too public. Sungmin and Ryeowook said a nice restaurant, and then Leeteuk said the park, and Heechul just screamed a lot of random stuff at me when I asked him.

Do I wanna know?

No.

Okay then.

Shindong said a walk around Seoul would be nice for her, and Siwon said to take her to the classy restaurant Sungmin and Ryeowook mentioned. And Yesung didn’t give me an answer because well...he has no experience with girls.

Aw, poor Yesung-oppa.

Poor hyung.

I’ll ask my consultants.

Your what?

“HEY! WE ASKED YOU A QUESTION!” Sooyoung bellowed at me.

“I was trying to remember!” I lied. “Anyways, which place do you think is best?”

“Did that boy not decide yet?” Yoona slapped her forehead.

I nodded. “So, the park, Lotte World, a fancy restaurant, a noraebang, or just a walk around the city?”

“Do you want your career to be over by going to Lotte World?” Sooyoung raised an eyebrow at me.

“Well, he needs help, so what do you guys think?” I looked at Yoona, Yuri, Sooyoung, then back.

“I like the restaurant, ‘cause that super classy one is like VIP-only.” Yuri made her point, “So you would have privacy.”

“And we could also dress you up super pretty!”

“I protest!” I shook my head.

Aw, I wanna see Hyoyeon all prettied-up.

No, you do not.

Yeah, I do.

“I think a walk around the city at night would be really sweet.” Yoona tapped her chin.

“I agree.” I said immediately.

“But I just found the cutest dress in your closet!” Sooyoung complained.

Walk, it is.

Okay, cool. Meet me at the Han River?

It’s a date--with you and Gyuri.

It is NOT!

Is too!

“So how much time do you have to get ready?” Yuri was digging through my makeup box.

“Half an hour.”

“Is he insane?” Sooyoung screeched, grabbing ten random outfits and rushing me to the bathroom. “I can’t work under this kind of pressure!”

“If you’d let me get ready by myself, I’d be done in fifteen minutes flat!”

“Yeah, but you’d be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.” Sooyoung rolled her eyes.

“Hyukjae wouldn’t care.” I stuck my tongue out at her.

Not really, since I usually wear the same thing as you.

Hey, go dress nice for your date!

Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m being harassed by Heechul and Donghae.

Donghae?

Don’t ask.

“Why do I have to match Gyuri’s standards anyway?” Sooyoung was holding up different shirts to me.

“Not match, Hyoyeon,” she clicked her tongue, “You must rise above her.”

“But why?”

“Simply put, you can’t let her outdo you!”

“I don’t care though, she’s my friend.” I shrugged.

“Just let me work my magic!” Sooyoung shushed me, placing a white tank top in my hands, along with a blue plaid shirt with purple, green, pink, yellow, and red lines crisscrossing over it.

I changed as quickly as I could and then she tossed me some dark skinny jeans.

Hehe.

What?

Nothing, you’ll see.

Fine, be mysterious...

“Casual and cute,” was what Sooyoung was going for, she said.

She dashed out and returned in a matter of second, holding her brand-new and spotless Converse sneakers.

“Whoa, you’re giving me yours?” I asked, elated.

“Lending,” she said, as Yoona and Yuri entered, making for an extremely crowded bathroom.

“Let me curl your hair a little!” Yoona waved the curling iron in her hand.

“We have like twenty minutes!” Sooyoung flailed her arms. “Chop, chop, people!”

“I will kill that guy!” Yuri exclaimed, referring to Hyukjae. “He gives us no time!”

“What’s going on in here?” Taeyeon asked.

Sooyoung fled the scene and slinked into her room, slamming the door. She always acted like she never did anything wrong, pfft.

“We’re on a time limit here, Taeyeon-unnie!” Yoona tried to shoo the leader away with her eyes.

“I’m home!” Tiffany announced, peering into the bathroom. “Hey, what’s this?”

“Date,” Taeyeon, Yoona, and Yuri answered incorrectly.

“Not!” I glared.

Tiffany shrieked, outraged. “Oh my gosh, how could you guys?”

Yoona lowered the hot curling iron and Yuri stopped powdering my face.

“How could you guys do this...without me?” Tiffany dropped her bags on the ground and entered the bathroom.

“You’re right, three will be faster.” Yoona nodded, and went back to doing my hair.

“I’ll hit all of you.” I threatened.

“Hit us after the date, will you?” Yuri requested.

“Where are you supposed to meet him?” Taeyeon asked me.

“Han River.”

With that said, the three girls sped up the process, somehow, miraculously, without screwing up my face or hair. I would have thanked them, but I felt more like hitting them at the moment.

When it was 9:51, I was able to force them to stop meddling with my appearance. “Okay, that’s it, you’re done!”

“Aw,” Tiffany pouted.

“Manager-oppa is waiting in the car outside,” Taeyeon jerked her thumb towards the door.

“Have fun!”

“Be safe!”

“Never kiss on the first date!”

I whipped my head back around and made a fist at Sooyoung. I grabbed my black coat from the coat hanger and slipped it on as I ambled outside. I looked around to see if anyone was watching me and then made a mad sprint to the car.

“Where to, Hyoyeon?”

“Han River.”

“I don’t know if I’ll get there in time.” he said doubtfully.

“I don’t care, just get me there.” I leaned back in the seat.

He stepped on the pedal and sped ahead, weaving through the traffic. I closed my eyes and opened them again to gaze out the window.

Where are you?

On my way, why?

Well, beat Gyuri here! She’s on her way, too!

I don’t have any control over how fast I get there!

Just hurry!

I’m trying my best!

Try harder!

Stop being a pansy! If Gyuri gets there before me, talk to her or something.

About what?

I dunno, life?

In general?

I don’t know, Hyukjae! But I’m pretty sure you could say anything and she’d laugh.

Are you trying to say I have charms?

Sure, whatever you wanna think.

I’m gonna say that that’s what you were saying.

Sure, okay.

Are you here yet?

Does it look like I’m there?

Well, no--HOLY CRAP!

What?!

GYURI JUST POPPED UP.

Say hi, you idiot!

I drummed my fingers on the armrest of the seat impatiently and continued pestering the manager. He continued to tell me that we were nearly there. How long was nearly though?

“Alright, remember your curfew!”  he reminded me.

I nodded and hopped out of the car, walking briskly to reach the actual location, since the manager dropped me off a block away from the river.

When the river was finally in sight, I saw Gyuri’s back to me. Hyukjae noticed me and his eyes lighted up, sandwich in hand. The two of them were sitting on a red picnic blanket, and various dishes were spread out on the sheet.

“Hyoyeon, what a surprise to see you here!” Hyukjae cried out, jumping up.

Gyuri spun around to face me and she looked surprised, but smiled. “Hyoyeon, hi! I haven’t talked to you in so long!”

“Yeah,” I nodded, smiling awkwardly.

Sooyoung was right about Gyuri. She was really making an effort to impress Hyukjae. Gyuri’s hair flowed in natural waves down her back. She wore a white short-sleeved dress that went to a few inches above her knees, paired with a long gray cardigan and black flats.

“You should join us,” the idiot took my arm and dragged me to the night picnic, pushing me down next to Gyuri.

I’m not an idiot!

You keep telling yourself that.

“So what are you doing here?” Gyuri asked.

“I invited her,” Hyukjae said, before I could answer. “I thought it’d be cool if the three of us could hang out.”

For a moment, Gyuri looked disappointed, but I didn’t know if Hyukjae saw--he was too busy pigging out on the food. The disappointment disappeared and was replaced with a friendly smile.

“Oh, that’s fine, it’ll be more...fun!”

I just smiled and shoved some food into my mouth, feeling particularly hungry. “Who made this?”

“Gyuri,” Hyukjae said, mouth full. “She’s amazing.”

“It’s nothing!” she chirped, cheeks rosy pink.

Ah, that girl could not be more obvious.

“It’s really good,” I added with a grin.

She smiled at me for a second, looked at Hyukjae, frowned, and then looked back at me, still frowning.

“What’s wrong?” I chewed my sandwich slowly.

“Oh, nothing,” she shook her head. “You and Eunhyuk-oppa are just wearing similar outfits.”

I glanced at Hyukjae--he had on a navy blue, red, and white plaid button-up shirt, with a white shirt underneath and black skinny jeans, topped off with black Converse. He had on a black puffy coat, like me.

“Hey, we match!” he grinned stupidly and elbowed me in the side.

“Ow!” I returned the favor by elbowing him back.

Gyuri tried to smile. “Did you guys plan this or something?”

“Oh, no, of course not!” I waved my hands in denial. “It was a coincidence.”

Aw, you don’t like they we’re all matchy-matchy?

You’re making Gyuri upset!

You copied me.

Did not.

Did too.

“So oppa, how have you been?” Gyuri was totally ignoring my existence; you could tell how close of friends we were.

“Oh, me?” I internally rolled my eyes; was it not obvious that he was the only dude present?

Gyuri nodded and Hyukjae leaned forward, crisscrossing his legs and resting his elbows on his knees. “I’m not too busy, but I’m leaving early tomorrow morning for Taiwan.”

“For Super Show 4?”

“Yeah, we’re doing four days in Taiwan.” he beamed.

“Aren’t you all so popular?” I commented jokingly.

“Yes, we are!” he pretended to flick my forehead. “Taiwanese ELFs love us.”

“That’s so great, oppa!” Gyuri diverted his attention back to herself. “You’ll all do great.”

“Thanks,” he smiled, and I swear I saw her blush. For as long as I’ve known Gyuri, I never knew she blushed.

The things guys did to girls.

We spent a good fifteen minutes finishing the rest of food (it was mostly me and Hyukjae who ate it, Gyuri barely touched anything) and chatting about random stuff in between. We went from talking about schedules to how elephants made love--none of us could figure out how the conversation ended up there, but it didn’t matter because we were all laughing hard that our sides had a great chance of splitting.

By that time, it was nearly eleven, to Gyuri’s dismay. She instantly perked up when Hyukjae suggested walking her home, which made her pout and say, “It’s too far, oppa; it would take an hour to walk. I’ll just call my manager.” Then he insisted that it was the gentlemanly thing to do--she giggled at this--and after much debate, I started packing the dirty dishes into the picnic basket, while Hyukjae folded the blanket. I stuffed the blanket into the basket and told Gyuri I’d hold it for her; she didn’t argue, and finally, the three of us were off.

We took shortcuts (courtesy of Hyukjae) to avoid a large crowd of people. How strange would it look if people saw Eunhyuk of Super Junior, Hyoyeon of SNSD, and Gyuri of KARA together?

I stayed behind the two of them and listened in on their small talk intently, but making sure to keep out of the way.

“Gyuri, aren’t you cold?”

“A little...”

“Here.”

I rolled my eyes. I would have believed if someone told me that I was watching a romantic drama unfold before me. He shrugged his coat off and wrapped it around her shoulders. She put her arms through it and I bit back a laugh; it was positively huge on her.

I think it looks kind of cute on her.

I didn’t say she looked ugly, gosh.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Nah.”

“But you’re only wearing that!”

“No, it’s fine.”

“I still feel bad though.”

“Aish, both of you shut up.” I grumbled, chucking my coat at Hyukjae.

“What about you?” he asked, frowning.

“I can handle a little cold.” I folded my arms across my chest tightly.

He chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Hyoyeon, you get cold so easily.”

“Just keep walking!” I pushed the two of them with all my might to get their legs moving.

Aren’t you still sick?

No.

Liar.

So?

“Walk next to me.” he pulled my hand and dragged me forward.

“Why?” I whispered.

His arm s around my waist and he pressed his side to mine. “I’m not letting you get sicker because of me.”

“I already got better!” I protested, feeling his warmth. I managed to sneak a peek at Gyuri; she was currently admiring the road--lovely.

“You don’t recover from sickness in a day, Hyoyeon.”

“Gyuri,” I mumbled quietly.

“What? She’s fine.”

“You’re a complete idiot.” I put my hands over my face in shame.

“What’d I do this time?”

“Let go of me before someone sees and go back to Gyuri!” I hissed.

“What? She’s busy texting someone!” he shot back.

“You are so slow, Lee Hyukjae.”

“Hey, I’m a pretty fast runner!”

“No, it’s--never mind.”

-----

When we neared KARA’s dorm, Hyukjae left me (only because I kept bugging him) and kept Gyuri company. We reached the doorstep and Gyuri gave me a quick hug and thanked me for coming along.

Yet, her eyes were screaming, “Get away from Hyukjae, he’s mine.”

Oh, jealousy.

She wished Hyukjae good luck again in Taiwan and wrapped her arms around his neck in an extremely, extremely long hug. I actually looked at my watch and started tapping my foot. He pulled away first and she went inside, waving one last time at Hyukjae.

Once she was out of earshot, I burst out laughing.

“What?” he whined, holding my hand and swinging our arms back and forth.

“She likes you more than I thought.” I sniffled, rubbing my nose.

“Really? I thought she was just being friendly.”

I sniffled again. “You’re really dense sometimes.”

“Let’s go sit in a café or something so I can call someone to pick us up.” he ran like lightning, with me in tow.

“Why?”

“You’re getting sicker!” he pulled me forward so I was running next to him.

“Am not,” I sneezed.

“Hyoyeon,” he pouted.

To our luck, a small, empty café was just around the block. We entered, trying not to draw attention to ourselves from the lone cashier reading a magazine at the counter.

It was a young male; he looked up at us and we threw our hoods up, retreating to the back corner.

“You think he knows it’s us?” Hyukjae whispered.

“Can’t tell,” I coughed into my coat sleeve.

“Man, Taeyeon’s gonna murder me for getting you more sick.” Hyukjae said guiltily.

“I’ll just take some meds when I get home, no big deal.” I said, my voice sounding nasal.

He was texting furiously, to his manager probably. “I’m telling him to pick us up here.”

I only nodded.

“Are you gonna miss me when I’m in Taiwan?” he grinned cheekily at me.

I rolled my eyes and said, “No.”

But honestly? Maybe a little.

“Aw, I’m touched.” he wiped a fake tear away.

“I didn’t say anything!”

“You thought something.”

“Bleh.”

“Bleh!”

“How long are you gonna be there?” I asked.

“Five days at the most, maybe?” he let out a sigh.

“Mm, have fun then.” I punched his right arm.

“It’d be more fun if you were there.” he smiled.

“Pfft, you know I can’t go to Taiwan, stupid.”

“Why not?”

“So needy,” I griped.

“Don’t worry, Hyoyeon, I’ll be back to annoy you real soon.”

I stared at his unwavering gummy grin and laughed. “Great, I’ll look forward to that.”

“Oh, he’s here; that was quick.” he stood up and pulled my hood over my face. “Let’s go.”

“Hi, hyung!” Hyukjae greeted the aggravated face of his manager.

“Hyukjae,” he sighed deeply. “Tell me why it’s past midnight.”

“Um, we walked Gyuri home.”

“From the Han River?” he exploded.

“Possibly."

“I’m not letting this one slide, Hyukjae.” he drove off after Hyukjae and I buckled our seatbelts in the back.

I spoke on Hyukjae’s behalf. “It isn’t his fault, really. He was just trying to be polite to Gyuri and send her home properly.”

“You’re lucky Hyoyeon keeps saving your , Hyukjae.” the manager smiled.

“Yes, isn’t she wonderful?” he wrapped his arms around me from the side, grinning.

Arms off.

Yes, ma’am.

The manager laughed at us. “Be grateful you have a friend like her.”

“Yeah, be grateful!” I bumped his arm with my elbow.

“I am!” he grinned again.

My lips turned up and I closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. “I’m tired; my manager’s gonna kill me.”

“Why?” he shifted a bit.

“Curfew,” I adjusted my position so I was more comfortable.

“Don’t forget to take your meds when you get home.”

“Yeah,” I said sleepily.

“You’re gonna miss me, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“Mm.”

And she calls me the dense one.

---

4000+ word chapter AGAIN. I am doing spectacularly. /praises self

Comments are appreciated for this long chapter? :)