Xiumin’s mother noticed Aileen who stood there still, face pained and confused. “Sweetheart, are you alright there?” She came over and held the girl’s shoulders. Her hair was disarrayed from its previously neat bun. She felt awful, though she did nothing wrong. “I’m fine.” She began to tidy the mess, but Mrs Kim shook her head gently and Xiumin already had the broom. “Tell us what happened.”

“Kris didn’t do anything wrong,” she stated firmly first. “I’m sorry for his actions but he was only protecting me. Some boys came in and...” She searched for the right word. “Harassed me.” She rubbed her arm uncomfortably.

Mrs Kim’s face grew purple. “Oh, my Lord! If I ever—”

“Mum, mum, calm down.” Xiumin said. He turned back to Aileen with a sympathetic smile. “I think we should let Aileen off for today, she’s been through a lot.”

“No, no, I can stay!”

“Aniyo, he’s right.” Xiumin’s mum ushered her back to the dressing room. “You can come back next week, okay?”

She thought for a while, and then sighed gratefully. “Kamsahamnida.”

♥

Instead of taking the short route, Aileen decided to stop by the park on her way home, finding it a good choice to just have a bit of alone-time and reorganise her thoughts. Why the hell did that ert even touch her up like she was some willing e? She felt like cursing out loud, but managed to contain it. And why didn’t Kai at least try to tell his so-called friend to stop? He just sat there like a lump of...! She refrained herself, sighing loudly, knowing that swearing aloud won’t solve her problems.

Walking along the path, she passed many couples—three by far: a man and a woman not much older than herself, arms around one another; a couple in their thirties, the man in a classy black suit and the woman in a silky red dress, looking like they’ve come back from a romantic evening date; two kids from her own school walking hand-in-hand. She smiled at the younger two as they walked past, while they both politely bowed 90 degrees when they recognised her. Then she shoved her hands into her coat pocket as she walked. Exasperatedly, she blew a strand of hair away from her face. What is this? She felt embarrassed seeing that even her juniors had girlfriends and boyfriends, and maybe a little envious that they both didn’t have to worry about the world so long as they were in love. Still, she couldn’t help but smile at how cute her juniors looked together. If she had a boyfriend, she thought, then Kris would stop worrying about her and stop getting himself in trouble because of her. Plus, she would also stop running into trouble if she were with someone to love and protect her. That person can’t always be Kris. Someone notlike Kai, she thought bitterly, then shoved away the thought as it will only make her even more frustrated. Then she looked down at her chest and quickly looked up again, narrowing her eyes. Maybe it’s ‘cause of these. She tried not to remember the image of Kris holding her A-cup cupcake-patterned bra. She threw her hands up. “I will never get a boyfriend!” she yelled out loud, then immediately shut . Meanwhile, another couple walked past her and snickered. Ugh. She literally face-palmed herself.

Out of the blue, a phone started to ring. “Joleum unjeon eumju unjeon an dwaeyo! Unjeonjung handeupin sayong an dwaeyo! (You can’t doze off at the wheel nor drink drive! You can’t use your hand phone while driving!),” it was a very, very upbeat, merry, happy-go-lucky ringtone. And what the hell, it sounded like it was about TRAFFIC SAFETY. Her eyes bulged at the phone near her feet, still noisily chiming like mad. The people passing kept giving her weird looks, thinking she was the owner of the phone. “Uri modu hamkke haebwayo anjeonhan gyotongeul wihaeseo~! (Let’s try to do it all together for a safe traffic~!)” It won’t stop ringing! She crouched and picked up the phone. “What is with this ring tone!” she muttered.

Pressing the green button for answer, she called into the mobile. “Yoboseyo?”

“Ah! I am so glad! I was really worried... What would I do if I lost it?” The person on the other line started talking all at once.

“Sorry?”

“Mianhe, mianhe! You picked it up for me! Kamsahamnida.” It was a man... “Oh, yes. I want to show you my gratitude! Is it okay if you come meet me...?”

“Huh?”

♥

On the way to the coffee shop they agreed (well, the guy on the phone suggested) to meet at, Aileen didn’t know what to say or do. I guess it’s okay, she thought. He sounded like he was young...

“Ah, over here! Over here!” Her head turned to the owner of the voice. Her shoulders dropped as she raised both eyebrows in complete disbelief. A young man, probably only about 20 years old, sat in a chair by a coffee table for two. But that wasn’t what surprised her—it was his outfit. He was wearing a glossy black jacket with metallic details, a belt-like wristband made of shiny black leather and metal and he had a silver ring with a weird symbol on it. He looked like he was from the future for goodness’ sake! “Oh, a high school girl! I got lucky~” He was charming with that eye-smile. “Come sit.” He gestured at the seat in front of him. She sat, but he was still a stranger, so she stayed wary. Does he do cosplaying? Aileen wanted to ask. He was quite handsome, but...

“Um, your cell.” She placed the cell phone on the coffee table.

“Oh, gomawo!” Whoa, dropped the formalities already? He seemed very friendly. “Can I get you something? Menu, please!” He called. “You saved my life. I need this thing for work!”

“You’re welcome,” she replied, poker-faced. She was at a loss for words. “Um, you have a nice ringtone.” She mentally smacked herself for saying something so stupid. She wanted to keep up the conversation, not wanting it to go awkward. But that wasn’t going to be possible, because this guy was talkative, though she couldn’t really tell since she was feeling very flustered at the moment.

“Thanks! It’s cute, isn’t it?”

“Do you work as an entertainer or something?” It escaped before she could stop herself.

“Nope! I’m just your average salary-man.” He grinned. “Can’t you tell?” Urk. With that costume, not really. Who could?? “Well, I’m more like a wandering businessman~” He chuckled, scratching his head. She could only nod. “I got it! As my thanks, I’ll offer you my services! I’ll furnish you with products from my company, S&M Heaven, with a very reasonable discount!” He whipped out a poster out of nowhere. Meaning... he’s in sales! She tensed, trying hard to not make her eyes pop out of their sockets. Is this a prank?! She has had enough of fun and games for today.

“Many of these items are bestsellers!”

“Sorry, but I’m not interested.” She got up from her seat, swinging her schoolbag onto her shoulder, starting to turn away. I thought he looked suspicious.

“Look, look!” He didn’t hear it. “Supplement to make you lose 22 pounds in one day! Or, or! Go from an A to an F with this puppy!” As fast as lightning, she whirled back at him, eye twitching. Don’t do it, Aileen! Those things never work, anyway! With painful reluctance, she jerked back around, back facing him. “Annyeong...”

“Don’t say that! Hey, isn’t there anything you want? Anything, miss! I’ll give you absolutely anything you like~ you did save my life, after all.” Her face fell. Is he still not over with it? “Just say cosmetics or perfume or anything, and I’ll...” He sure is persistent. This’ll stop him, maybe.

“Fine, get me a boyfriend.” She pouted, facing him again. There was a little surprise on his face, but she didn’t notice. She just wanted to go home now.

All of a sudden, his expression went dark. “Is that it?” His voice dropped a few octaves lower. She blinked at this sudden change. “You should’ve said sooner...” He stood up, walking over to her. He took her hand and slipped something into it. “Belated, I know, but here’s my card.” She started to look but without warning, his hand shot up and grabbed her chin, lifting it so they were seeing eye-to-eye. “Try going on the URL on this.” Then he put a finger to her lips. “However, this website is an absolute secret!” He began to walk away, waving with his back turned to her. “I’ll be in touch with you, Aileen.”

He left the shop. URL? she thought as she examined the business card. His name was on it: “Suho.” No surname? That’s strange for a business card... Suddenly, realisation hit her like a blow to the head. Just now, he knew my name?!

“Wait a minute!” She dashed out of the coffee shop, searching for the mysterious salesman. He was nowhere to be seen. No way! He’s gone. Was that for real?

“I’ll be in touch with you, Aileen.”His words and her name definitely echoed in her head.

♥

She tried to open the door to her apartment, but it got stuck. Obviously it’s locked. She rolled her eyes to herself, exhaling loudly. It had been a long, tiring day with all ups and downs. She shoved a hand into her bag, blindly searching for her keys.

Suddenly, a head of jet black hair popped out from next door. “Annyeong Aileen!”

She paused, and then slowly turned her neck to face him. “Hello Tao.”

“Whoa, you’re scary. Didn’t I surprise you?”

Aileen smiled. Not with a truckload of earlier surprises today. “Yeah.” She still wanted to make him happy, though. He frowned, not believing it. “Okay, I’m lying.” She laughed it off, quickly changing the subject. “Has Kris come home yet?”

He shook his head adorably. “He’s ordered us pizza, though.” She cocked her head to the side, confused. Why would he order pizza for her as well after what happened? Maybe he ordered it before that, she concluded. “Come in~” She followed Tao into the apartment him and Kris shared. They were brothers, and their parents also didn’t live with them. Tao was the younger brother, the same age as Aileen. They were all very close, ever since the two moved here by themselves from China four years ago. It was normal for her to go into their apartment since it’s not like it was the first time, but it has been a while...

“Wow, it’s so clean in here,” she stated, comparing their spotless living room to her landfill site.

Tao smiled. “Gege tidies it up. Oh! Let me go get the pizza.” He scurried to the kitchen.

Aileen could only stand there awkwardly as she waited for Tao to come back. She stared at the space, reminiscing all the memories going back to when she was twelve, meeting them and coming in here for the first time. She smiled at the memory. Kris had been very outgoing so she and he got on quickly, but because of his outgoing personality, they were prone to arguments, whereas Tao had been rather quiet. Over the years, he’s opened up to her and now they have a very good friendship, taking care of each other and occasionally telling secrets, even.

“I’m back!” Tao reappeared with a huge cardboard box in his arms. She chuckled at his unnecessary announcement and cuteness overload. “He called earlier. He said ‘it’s for Aileen, not you, so don’t eat it!’ but...” a huge growl rumbled. Aileen burst out laughing.

“Oh my god, wushu.” She shook her head, covering her eyes. He grinned at the old nickname. “Just eat it with me then.”

“But he’ll punish me!”

“With what, Tao?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Nothing!”

Aileen could only snort with amusement in return, and then realised one thing: Kris wasn’t angry with her. She smiled, feeling warm inside. Even after all that trouble he went through for her, he still bought her food to eat right after.

A few moments later, they were sitting by the table in the living room with the TV like old times. She only touched one slice of pizza, barely finishing it in time for another since Tao had already gulped down four of them in less than ten minutes. She bit the end of a new slice, deep in thought. This is exactly what I meant. He worries about her all the time, even buying dinner. She sipped some water.

“You know, I think you and oppa would look good together.”

Ultimate shock sent her out of her mind as Aileen squirted all the water from onto Tao’s face. “Ohmygod!” She dived for the box of tissues, dabbing at Tao’s face. Then she remembered how priceless his face was and started to laugh in his face.

“Hey!” He pushed her over, now laughing as well.

“Mianhe.” She frowned. She suddenly remembered why she did that in the first place. Kris and her... No. She tried to divert the subject: “you said ‘oppa’. That’s what girls say.” She giggled. It was funny, though. He realised his own mistake and then they both launched into another round of laughter, holding their bellies. Abruptly, Tao was all-serious again.

“You’re the only girl I’d allow gege to be with, though.”

She wanted to ask him why, but she could only look down and avoid delving further into the matter.

♥

“Well, goodbye wushu~!” She was opening the door to her apartment now.

“On second thought, stop calling me that.” Tao joked, remembering that it used to bug him. She used to call him that because he practiced it at a school specialising in martial arts, separate from her and Kris and their normal high school for normal kids. Tao was special though, she thought, grinning to herself as she adored him so much.

“Never!” She pouted; laughing at his face then gave a last wave and shut the door.

Sighing for the thousandth time that day, Aileen avoided the mess on the floor of her living room and made her way to the bedroom, slumping on the bed. Bored, she opened her bag and grabbed an orange juice box and also found that the “business” card was still there. So it was for real. She examined it once again. “S&M Heaven?” she read aloud twice until she was used to the name on her lips. “Sounds cheesy.” His name, Suho, was on there, too, if it was his name at all. What kind of business card doesn’t have the family name on it? Or was it some kind of nickname? Still. “Seems shady.” But she was bored and tired after the long day, so...

Aileen opened up her laptop and entered the site written on the card like Suho had told her to. “Not that I think this’ll work, but...” she mumbled to herself as the site appeared before her eyes. In big, bold letters with a heart and wings it read:

LOVER SHOP

S&M Heaven company site just completed construction. The goal of this site is to furnish you with the ideal lover, who will exist solely for your sake...

What is this? Don’t tell me it’s slave trade!?

...lover figure...

She choked on her orange juice. “F-figure?!” She squealed unbelievably. DOLLS?!!? “What was that salesman creep thinking, recommending this to a school girl!”

A nearly perfect lover is created from the ideal options for personality, etc., that you supply...

...those who receive our services are asked to maintain strict secrecy...

“The presently completed model is being named ‘Chanyeol’,” she read aloud, repeating the name until it sounded familiar on her lips. It was a nice name. But what the hell is this! “Let’s see.”

Her heart skipped a beat. A picture of one handsome creature—it was a boy—with black hair, a structured nose that belonged to a sculpture, large brown eyes... He was almost the definition of perfection. “Almost” because, well, was he even real? If he was her boyfriend... She quickly shook her head, screaming to herself; what am I thinking!

She thought about the Kai incident once more. Well, he’s off the list. She remembered how he just sat there while she got molested by one of his “friends”. Kai was definitely out of her mind now. Then she thought of Kris, how he was there in an instant to kick that ert’s . She smiled, but it bothered her. He wasn’t her boyfriend. Then that moment, that day, the last day of summer term, before the start of summer break, came rushing back to her.

She put a small hand on his arm. Kris flinched at her touch. “Hey, I’ve been thinking,” she began. Her heart started pounding out of her chest. It was so hard now that the moment came. “Wu Fan.” She said his Chinese name, more firmly to herself than him, trying to reassure herself that she’ll do this right. Kris knew she was being serious. She hadn't called him that in ages. He was staring right at her, but she was looking anywhere else. “I think,” she breathed. Now she forced herself to look into his eyes, those dark orbs which always seemed to look right through her. “I like you.”

She waited for it. Time seemed to pass by for days. A second felt like hours. It took him at least seven seconds to reply. Seven was her lucky number. She waited for it.

It never came.

“I only see you as a little sister, Aileen.” It was his turn to look at anywhere but at her now. He couldn’t bring himself to look into her eyes and tell her the truth. She didn’t know anymore, she was lost.

“Oh.” She nodded. “Okay. Well, I’ll see you!” She smiled cheerfully, walking away without another word. She wanted to cry, but the tears never came. It never came.

The tears still didn’t come now as she remembered that day. It was a painful rejection, but for some reason she couldn’t bring herself to tears. Maybe it was because of her pride, the pride she put up as a shield around her, never letting down her guard. But she let her guard down when she confessed, and it pained her. After that, Aileen and Kris acted like it never happened.

She glanced back at the handsome face on her laptop screen, smiling genuinely, like he wanted to help. If this works...click.

▌A/N: Well, that’s what happened “that day before summer break”~! I hope you liked this chapter. :)
Also, I know Chanyeol’s hair is reddish brown but I wanted him to have black hair (like in his graduation photo) first, I hope you don’t mind—it will change tho. This is the picture I’m referring to: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2iyed5e961rrmv30o1_500.png  --> Isn’t he so unbelievably handsome? ^^
I also changed Aileen’s age to 16, just because. :D
Thank you dear readers for waiting so patiently for Chanyeol! He will be in the next chapter~

Oh, and my inspiration LMAO:

His expression is just priceless.