Sunday Storm (Rewritten)

A/N: So now I've caught up with where I had left off before. This chapter has a few changes to it, so it's a bit different from the one I wrote before. So I suggest that even if you had already read the old chapter, you should read the rewritten one too or else you'll miss something. :) Thanks for being patient with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiDVUIcxUEg   (This is such a beautiful song T.T, I love it! It's in Japanese btw ^_^)

Minah’s alarm clock went off, ringing loudly. She rolled over and turned it off. Stifling a yawn, she got out of bed and trudged over to the window hoping to find Joon. But of course, he was not there. It had always been a habit of Joon’s to sleep in on Sunday mornings. Even when they were children, Minah would have to wake Joon up otherwise he would sleep the day away.

With a small shrug, Minah stepped away from the window and closed the curtains. She brushed her fingers through her hair, untangling the knots. Sighing softly, Minah padded out of her room and into the kitchen. She rifled through the cupboards and searched the fridge for anything appealing to eat.

There were a variety of foods she could have picked, from kimchi to fried rice or even cereal. However, that day Minah felt a craving for waffles. Maybe it was because they were Joon’s favorite breakfast dish and she wanted to spite him on Monday for sleeping in.

Going into her room, Minah grabbed her bag before leaving the apartment. She made sure to lock the door and then entered the elevator. She smiled a little at the thought of taunting Joon the next day. It was starting to feel like old times again, back in her childhood where she didn’t have any worries or scars. Of course, Minah could never completely go back to those days since the scars were ingrained so deeply in her.

Pushing thoughts of a time that couldn’t come back away, Minah stepped out of the elevator and left the apartment building. Her legs knew exactly where to take her. She walked for about ten minutes before reaching a small café.

The café was empty like usual; a thing that Minah enjoyed about it. There were no prying eyes that scrutinized her every move. The employees knew Minah and they also knew full well not to watch her while she ate. They kept a comfortable distance away from her after knowing her for the four years she had gone there.

The tiny bell on the door tinkled musically as Minah entered the café. The waiter, whose name was Jonghyun, looked up and flashed Minah a bright smile once he recognized her.

“Welcome back. We haven’t seen you in a while,” Jonghyun said. He immediately led Minah to a table in the far corner of the café. “Your usual spot,” he said, pulling her chair out for her.

Minah sometimes wondered why the employees were always so kind to her, but she ignored it for the most part.

“Would you like a drink to start off?”

Minah flipped open the menu Jonghyun handed her and saw what she wanted.

“Hot chocolate please,” she said quietly. Jonghyun’s eyes nearly popped out when he heard her.

“D-did you just talk?! I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard your voice in four years!” Jonghyun exclaimed. Minah glared at him through her mask and Jonghyun immediately shut up. He bowed and scurried off to get her order.

Minah could hear his conversation in the back with the other employees. She didn’t really care what they were saying but they were so loud that Minah couldn’t shut out their voices.

“She talked?!”

“Yeah, she did.”

“Oh my goodness! This is great! I wonder what got her to talk. Should we tell J-“

“Yah, Lee Jinki! You know you’re not supposed to mention you-know-who when Minah is out there. He doesn’t want her to know just yet. He’s still looking for her…”

From then on, Minah couldn’t hear what they were saying. Their voices had quieted down to a whisper, obviously keeping something from Minah. She shifted in her seat, unconsciously leaning towards the door that led to the kitchen, as she tried to listen in. Normally, Minah wasn’t the type to eavesdrop on a conversation, but there was something about their tones that piqued her curiosity.

Suddenly, the door opened and Jonghyun walked out with the cup of hot chocolate. Minah instantly straightened up in her seat, looking as if she had never moved an inch. With a polite smile, Jonghyun placed the beverage on the table.

“Have you decided what you want yet?”

Minah nodded and pointed at the menu. Jonghyun peered over and read what she wanted out loud. “One order of Belgian waffles? Alright then. They’ll be right out.” And with another dazzling smile, Jonghyun headed off into the kitchen again.

Staring after him for a moment, Minah brought the mug of hot chocolate closer to her and wrapped her hands around it, feeling the warmth seep into her hands. She lifted up her mask and gently blew on the hot liquid. The smell of chocolate filled her nose and she smiled softly. She took a sip and looked out the window at the streets.

There were only a few people walking by since it was early in the morning. A tap on the door signaled that Jonghyun was coming out with the waffles, so Minah slipped her mask back on. Moments later, Jonghyun set a delicious looking plate of waffles in front of Minah.

“Do you need anything else?” Jonghyun asked. Minah shook her head and watched intently as Jonghyun walked away. There was something they didn’t want her to know and the curiosity was eating at her.

*What were they talking about? Who is looking for what for me? What is it that I’m missing?*

She didn’t dwell on the probing questions any longer and began to eat her breakfast. She couldn’t help but smile at the soft texture of the waffle and the sweet, sugary taste of the syrup. The hot chocolate complimented her meal well and soon enough, Minah had finished eating.

Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling another customer. Minah didn’t bother to look up until she heard a familiar voice.

“Welcome sir, how may I help you?” Jonghyun asked the customer. The man looked around the nearly empty café and immediately spotted Minah in the back corner. A charming smile lit up his face as he pointed to her.

“I would like to sit by her,” the man replied. Jonghyun didn’t have to turn around to know who the man was talking about. Giving him an apologetic look, Jonghyun motioned toward another table.

“I’m sorry sir, but I think that customer is about to leave now. This is a good table though.”

The guy shook his head politely and attempted to step past Jonghyun. “That’s alright. I’m her friend so I’ll just go there myself.”

Jonghyun’s eyes widened and he stepped in front of the man. “I’m very sorry sir but I can’t let you do that.”

With a slight frown, the man called Minah’s name. She looked up when she heard him and blinked. Her eyebrows raised in recognition. Lifting her hand, she gave him a small wave.

The man flashed a triumphant smile at Jonghyun. “See, I told you she knows me.” With that said, he ambled over to Minah.

“Hello Minah, fancy meeting you here,” Cheondoong said. Minah greeted the idol politely. “Hello Cheondoong-ssi.”

“Did you just have breakfast?” Minah nodded and seconds later Jonghyun came over to the pair. “Umm, are you finished?” With another curt nod from Minah, Jonghyun grabbed the plate and left.

Taking out her wallet, Minah was about to place her money on the table when Cheondoong held up a hand. She glanced curiously at him and he gave her a small smile.

“I’ll pay for it but in return, you have to come with me.”

Before Minah could even take in what he had said, Cheondoong plopped his money on the table, grabbed Minah’s wrist gently, and tugged her out of the café. She blinked a few times and realized what had just happened.

“W-what? Where are we going?” She demanded. “No time to talk, we gotta move fast or else we’ll get caught by fans.”

Cheondoong tugged her along quickly and they got into a car. He pulled out of the parking space and sped off down the road towards his house. Now that they were in no danger of getting caught by his fans, Cheondoong smiled apologetically at Minah.

“Sorry about that. I was just worried you might get mobbed by haters if someone saw you with me.” He focused back on the road but still continued to talk. “I wanted to spend the day with you. I mean I wanna get to know you more, if that’s alright with you.”

Minah stared at him for a moment and recalled the little note he had given her, telling her his real name. The thought made her soften and she nodded. “It’s fine with me.”

Cheondoong seemed to relax a little more after hearing her reply. “Good. Here we are.” Minah looked up and saw the apartment building. It was much larger than hers and it definitely looked more expensive. When they walked inside, Minah was awed by how large the lobby was. It looked more like the lobby of a five star hotel rather than an apartment building.

There was no time for Minah to admire the breathtaking décor as Cheondoong slipped his hand in hers and pulled her towards the elevators. Minah automatically yanked her hand away and sent Cheondoong a warning look. His cheeks turned a light pink color and he clasped his hands behind his back.

*What is it about me that makes people want to drag me everywhere?*

The pair remained silent for the entire elevator ride. They came to their stop and Cheondoong led the way to the apartment. Opening the door, he held it open for Minah and she walked inside. She tripped on the way in but quickly regained her balance before she fell flat on her face. Cheondoong let out a gasp and shut the door behind him. He frantically apologized to her while he started to pick up clothes and other objects that littered the floor.

*Wasn’t Dara noona supposed to clean the house yesterday?*

Cheondoong moved about in a flustered manner, quickly cleaning up whatever he could by throwing it into his sister’s room. *She’s gonna yell at me tonight but I don’t really care.*

Minah watched with the tiniest hint of a smile as Cheondoong scurried around the room. He was so engrossed in cleaning up that he would have run into Minah if she hadn’t called his name out in time.

“Cheondoong-ssi.” Cheondoong stopped in his tracks and gazed up at Minah, his hand poised to grab a sock that was by her foot. Bending down, Minah picked up the sock and handed it to him. She examined it for a moment first though and choked back a laugh.

*Pororo socks? That’s really interesting.*

Cheondoong’s face grew to be a bright shade of red, like a tomato. “Uh, that’s not…m-mine,” he stammered. *I think she almost laughed at me. Well, I guess it’s better than no reaction at all.*

Standing up abruptly, Cheondoong turned towards the kitchen. “I’ll go get us drinks!” He pronounced. Minah almost giggled when Cheondoong stumbled on his way there.

*So, the idol has a klutzy side?*

Padding over to the window, Minah noticed how the sky had suddenly turned gray. Ominous looking clouds loomed over the entire city and she knew that a storm was coming. She saw flashes of lightening in the distance, getting closer and closer to where they were.

Minah went into the kitchen, curious to see what Cheondoong was up to. She found him preparing two glasses of iced tea. “Do you need any help?”

Cheondoong jumped when he heard Minah’s voice. He nearly spilled the drink all over himself. “I’m alright. Whew, you scared me,” he said. Minah smiled softly and walked over to him. She watched quietly as Cheondoong’s steady hands poured the cool drink into the tall glasses.

*This is what an idol looks like when he is doing normal, everyday things.*

All of a sudden, a flash of light brightened the entire room. Cheondoong became motionless, the pitcher of iced tea still in his hand. It was slightly tipped so the liquid was still pouring out even though the glass was almost full.

*Oh no. Not a thunder storm. Anything but that.*

“U-uh. I think you should probably g-get home soon Minah,” Cheondoong stuttered. Minah noticed his change in tone instantly. She could hear it change from happy and cheerful to frightened and helpless. Soon enough, the iced tea overflowed from the glass and spilled onto the counter. Cheondoong paid no heed to it however and stared out the window like an animal caught by its prey.

“Cheondoong-ssi, are you alright? The iced tea is spilling.” Minah tried to reach for the pitcher or his hand in order to stop the flow of liquid, but right when she touched him thunder sounded loudly.

But to Cheondoong, it did not sound like regular thunder. It sounded like a gun. That was the only thing he could hear, even when the pitcher slipped out of his hand and cracked as it hit the counter. He didn’t hear when Minah yelped in pain as he struck out at an unknown oppressor in front of him. He didn’t hear Minah’s words of worry and concern as she tried to comfort him. All he could hear was the sound of guns.

Minah was absolutely baffled by Cheondoong’s actions. He seemed to lose all sense once the thunder sounded. It seemed to pull him into another world, no not another world, another time.

Crouching down in a fetal position, Cheondoong mumbled words incoherently. Minah could only make out some of the jabber. Words like, “Mom”, “Dad”, and “I’m sorry,” flowed from his lips.

*What is he talking about? His parents? What happened to them?*

Each time another flash of lightening struck outside and thunder boomed, Cheondoong would flinch and curl up into an even tighter ball. Minah had never seen anyone so terrified of a thunder storm before. Actually, she had never seen anyone as terrified as Cheondoong was right then.

Since words weren’t working, Minah had no other choice but to bring Cheondoong into her arms like a child. She hummed softly as she stroked his back in soothing circles. It seemed to calm him down a little, so she continued to hum a lullaby her mother used to sing for her.

By the time the storm had drifted away, Cheondoong had fallen asleep with his head on Minah’s lap. She gazed down at him and swept away one lone tear that slipped from his eye. His face was now a ghostly pallor, still affected by the overwhelming fear.

*But, fear of what? Of thunder? It can’t just be about the thunder. There is something that goes along with it. There’s a reason for this fear and I’m going to find out what that reason is.*

Minah could feel herself getting drowsy and her eyelids drooped closed. No matter how hard she tried to stay awake, it wouldn’t work. She eventually gave up fighting and let herself fall asleep, her hand still touching Cheondoong’s cheek.