A/N: I has been a while since I last visited SFI, and saw that there was a comment about SNM last December. Sooo.. someone has been reading it still. Sobs. I guess we really shouldn't abandon this fic. Anyway, here's Chappie 4! ♥

JONGHYUN'S POV 

I still can't believe what I just received now. Amber handed me a small piece of paper. "Jonghyun oppa, here's Key's number. You better call him, okay?"
That was her last words before she went to the stage. I couldn't contain my emotions. I wanted to cry, seriously.

Before anyone else could notice, I ran off to the men's room. I locked myself in the last cubicle and secretly cry. Oh, Kim Kibum. Why am I missing this jerk?! Aish. Why are these tears keep on falling?! I still have to perform later. I have to control my emotions. I'll be up next in just a few minutes. The staff might be looking all over for me. Okay, Kim Jonghyun. Calm down. Relax. Just reserve those tears before going to bed. 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10..until I realized that it was already 100..Still my tears couldn't stop from flowing. I tried to vocalize. La la la la la la...Whew! And I'm ready to go.

As I went out the cubicle, I saw myself on the mirror. I almost scream. Gosh. What happened to my make-up?! My eyeliner smeared. My foundation's all gone. I looked like somewhat wasted. My eyes were swollen.

"Kim Jonghyun, what are you still doing there? You're up next," I heard a staff member called upon me so I quickly went out.

"Oh my.. What happened to your make-up?" I could see the puzzled face of the make-up artist. 

"Uhm..." Should I tell her that I cried? NO.

She hurriedly redid my make-up. "There you go. You're all set." Wow, she's so fast!

As I stepped on the stage, I still couldn't forget about that shocking news of Amber. It was like a dream. I'm so excited right now. After three long years of no communication, I could finally talk to him. But will he be glad when I call? What should I tell him? Does he know that I'm doing my solo? Did Amber tell him?

"Those W-were the Ti--mes--" Oops. My voice cracked. I've then realized that I was still performing at MuBank. Yes, it's Music Bank and I just messed up. My mind was drifting elsewhere. Then I heard a round of applause from the audience. Finally, it's done. I think this would be one of my worst performances as a solo...

After performing, I hastily went to my car and searched for my phone. As I sat at the driver's seat, it was then I realized that the small piece of paper was still on my hand. One of the numbers got erased, maybe because of my tears. Wait, was I holding it the whole time, even when I was still performing?! Oh. Great. Nitwitted me. And now, because I got it wet, I couldn't clearly read the last number. Aish. I started to first dial zero as the last digit. There it rang.

"Yeobosaeyo?" I asked politely, trying to control my emotions.

"Hello? What are you talking about?! Are you just fooling around?! Come here now or I'm gonna kick your off!" Blah. Blah. Blah. Oh no. Though I couldn't understand what he was saying, I think I'm really in trouble. It was a deep terrifying voice. Definitely not Key. Probably, he's a tall buff American. I quickly hung up and dialed number one instead.

"Hello! It's Nate! I'm having a meeting right now. Just leave your message after the beep," A voice mailbox. And what did he just say? Whatever. I opted for number two.

"He...llo! Who'sh thish? Are you calling for my mommy?" Okay. And now it's a little girl. End. Time for number three.

"Hey yo! Wazzup, dude!" Now, it's a hiphop guy? End.

Then I continued dialing the other numbers and there I got same failures. Kim Kibum, where the heck are you?! Finally, the last remaining digit... I hesitated at first. Am I nervous? My fingers were shaking when I pressed the digit, nine. 

I was sure it's the right one but then I got confused when someone answered from the other line. He was a little weird.

"I'm really sorry, Boo! I won't do it again! I can't sleep at night thinking about what I have done." He was speaking in English.

"Uh.. yeobosaeyo?" I replied in a low voice.

"...Boo?" He answered back. Maybe he thinks I'm Boo. And who's Boo? Is this really Key I'm talking to?! Amber might have given the wrong number.

"Boo? Who's boo?" I replied in Korean.

"Who's this? I don't quite remember giving out my number to anyone else but my mom, my dad, my Boo and to three of my friends. I don't think you belong to any categories," he spoke again in straight English. Does he understand what I was saying? The Diva-ness in his voice couldn't be someone else's but Key!

"Almighty Key? You jerk! I don't understand you! Speak in Korean! Don't boast your English with me!" I finally uttered confidently.

"OH.MY.GOSH. Charmander?!!" This verified my confusion. It was him! But why did he become silent?

"Bo?" Did he hang up or something?

"JONGHYUUUUUUUUUNNNNN!" Ah,yes. He remembered now. Then I immediately shoved off the phone from my ears. His loud voice really hurt my ears. 

"Aish! Yes, yes. It's me, you bastard. I'm going deaf now!"

"JJJJJJJJJOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGG!" Here goes his deafening voice again.

"Yah! Stop shouting!" I yelled but it didn't work at all.

"BUUUUUUT JJJJJOOOOONNNNGGGG???!!!" He continued.

"NEEEEEEEEEE KIIIIIIIIBBBBBUUUUUMMMM! CAN YOU PLEASE STOP SHOUTING?!!?"

"Oh, right. Okay," he said in a calm tone. Eh? How did he become this complicated?

"Wow. I can't believe I'm talking to you right now," I sincerely told him.

"Me too, it's been three years." Yes. Three years... Three long years. I almost cried upon hearing this. It's been three years since I last saw him... Since we last performed together as Shinee. Since... I don't wanna remember it anymore.

"Yeah. Oh and thanks for finally speaking in Korean." I tried to .

"Mianhe. I just.. I'm just not used to it anymore." He explained.

"I understand. Anyway, heeyy! How have you been doing?"

"Nothing much. I always stay indoors, baking and designing cakes."

"Omo, really? Great! I miss your cakes. And your dishes!" He sure has improved his skills. I'm so excited to try on his new dishes.

"And you jerk! You sure penned a great song."

"Y-you knew?" I was shocked. Did Amber really tell him?

"Of course. I'm all knowing. Hahahaha." I miss that laugh. He might be tapping whatever's beside him now. Haha!

"Yeah right. How could I forget that you're Almighty."

"Correction. I WAS." He replied in a cold voice.

"You're still are, no matter what.'" I tried to be cool.

"Stop it." Okay, he's serious now.

"Sorry."

"Anyway, if you don't mind me asking, where'd you get my--" He stopped. "Uh.. what's the korean for 'number' again?"

"What the hell Key?!" I was surprised. It's only been three years and now, he couldn't speak well in Korean?!

"No, no, I'm serious Jjong."

I couldn't help but laugh at his lame question.

"Oh, thank you very much. you're such a great help." He sarcastically said.

"HAHAHAHAHA! You haven't changed!! AHAHAHA!"

"What do you mean I haven't changed?"

"Whether you speak English or Korean, you're still the same old Diva Key. And don't worry, umma Key, I wasn't stalking you!"

"Then how'd you--"

"Amber gave me your number."

"AMBER??!! As in Amber Liu?!" I think he was shocked.

"We only know one Amber, right?"

"That lizard." He sounded a bit pissed.

"Any problem with me getting your number?" I thought he wanted to talk to me but why is he now pissed off?

"Oh. No. No. It's not what I meant. I'm fine with it. Anyway, thanks to her I'm talking to Bling Bling right now." He changed his mood again. This time, he's being emotional?

"Since when have you become so mushy?" I smiled but my lips are telling me something else... like a big smile. No. Then I just found myself chuckling.

"Shut up." I couldn't help it anymore so I burst into laughter.

"Hahhahahahahaha! By the way, i set up a dinner with the jerks," I continued.

"..."

"Key?"

"How's Taemin? Is he studying?" He finally asked.

"Oh. Yes, I think he is. Minho met up with them. Taemin is doing fine. You need not to worry anymore." I assured him. "Everyone is doing great. I bet we're all dying to see each other."

"I see." That's all he could say?

"So, are you coming?"

"Jonghyun, why still ask? You already know the answer," he just said in a cold voice.

"But Key--" 

"I'm not coming. Look, I have some stuffs to do right now. I'm really glad you called. I am missing you, Bling. Your song is definitely a hit. "

"Kibum..." I really didn't know what to say to him. I wanted him to come but then he refused.

"I will catch up with you later. Bye!"

He was about to hang up when I finally said, "W-wait! Happy Birthday!" He might be shocked. I think he never expected this.

"Jjong.. thanks." I wish I could give him that present... all of us together... like old times.

"Sure, buddy. Later!" I heard his voice crack. Was he--crying?

"Bye!" Then he hung up. Just like that?



KEY'S POV

I walked lifelessly and threw myself towards the couch. I covered my face with my hands and unshamefully burst into tears. I wanted to shout but no words escaped my mouth, I was unconsciously crying so hard. Emotions piled up, I guess. Silly, I can imagine how stupid I look and how messed up my face was. 

I lied on the couch and I unconsciously felt like I was dozing off. Sad memories came flooding my head along with the sad music that was constantly playing in my head. I fell asleep.

I woke up to the sound of my mobile phone ringing again. It was already 8pm. I sure slept soundly. I got up and walked towards the table. This time, just to make sure I won't be surprised anymore, I looked at the phone's screen and saw a familiar name. It was Ha Sang Baek, SHINee's designer my long time friend. 

I didn't expect him to call at this time. He must be in Europe right now, busying himself with his latest project. He told me he was commissioned by a good friend to do this project, and that he couldn't just turn it down. 

I answered the phone. "Hello? Sang Baek?"

"Keeeeeeeeeyyyyyyy! Happy Birthday my dear Key! Oh, we have a lot to talk about! But wait, are you okay? You sound tired and sick." His cheery voice suddenly became worried.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I just woke up. Thanks. I thought you wouldn't call because you're so busy," I still sounded so sleepy, but I appreciate his call. I have to end this stupid day already, good thing I would end it with a blast that was Ha Sang Baek.

"Oh come on, how can I not call you on your birthday?"

"Hm?" My mind was still not processing well.

"Wake up! Wake up! Oh, where's Amber? I need to tell her something. Is she with you? Can I talk to her?"

"No. She went home already. And don't ask why. She's mad at me. Don't ask about that too. I'm not really in the mood to talk about it right now." I said. I don't want to think about whatever it is with Amber as of the moment

It seems he got my point so he changed the topic. 

"Anyway, how was the cake that I asked you to design?"

Oh, yeah. I remembered he commissioned me to design a cake for his project. 

"I haven't started." I blandly said.

"--You what? You haven't started?!" 

"Yeah. I was busy preparing for Amber's--Argh, whatever. I haven't started okay?" 

"I know Amber's birthday is special, but please don't forget that you signed a contract with me. I need the design by October. The customer has set up a meeting with me already. There's no turning back."

"Yeah, yeah." Sang Baek was being serious, I can't help but smile because usually, he was the one fooling around. This project must be really special for him.

"Kim Kibum, please be serious with this project. I have full confidence that you won't
let me down." He was talking like a real businessman.

"Yeah, I know." I was talking like Key while yawning. 

"KIM KIBUM! Don't be such a bum!" He finally yelled.

I burst into fits of laughter. I swear he sounds so funny! Usually, I would complain whenever he calls me by my real name. This time, I can't help but laugh. I need not to worry because he knew me well. I know him well too. We like pissing each other off. It's normal for us. 

"Omo, it rhymed with my name! Hahahahaha!" I tapped the table while laughing.

I heard him laughing on the other line.

"Hahahaha! Silly! Be serious!"

"Okay, I'm serious now. Where will we meet? Are you going here?" Because he made my day, I decided to get serious already.

"No. I have scheduled you a flight to Seoul. We will meet there."

WHAT. DID. HE. JUST. SAY? WHAT THE--

"SEOUL?!? ARE YOU SERIOUS?! NOOOOOO!" What was he thinking?!

"Dear, I'm serious. You will fly tomorrow."

"WHAAAAAAT?!"

"--But I can reschedule it tonight, if you wish." He said coldly. What the hell? 

"You can't be serious about this." I answered back with the same cold tone.

He suddenly laughed, more like in a mocking tone. Sang Baek, you are so dead!

"Why? What's the problem? Oh, it's your birthday! Hahahaha! Don't you want to travel right now? It's also summer in Korea right now. You like summers, don't you?"

"Geez! Don't make fun of me! I'm dead serious." I just yelled. As if that would stop him from pissing me off even more.

"Hahahahaha!" He just resumed his mocking laugh. Is he really my friend? 

I have no time for pranks right now. "Okay, maybe I should just turn down the offer?"

That seems to end his unstoppable-now-stoppable laugh. "Whaa--wait! I'm just pissing you off. But I'm also serious about the flight. It will be on the 28th."

I still couldn't get it.

"Sang Baek, why the heck am I flying to Korea?!"

"Hmm.. let's see Key.. maybe because you're still Korean..?"

"Darn. But--"

"Hey, no buts. Key, I badly need your help with this. I know this is a huge favor that I'm asking. Please think about it." He's being serious again. It isn't funny anymore because I'm also serious this time.

"We signed a contract already. Just consider this as a business trip. You can fly back as soon as we're done." He continued.

I really don't know what to say. Rather, I actually don't know what to think. My head was spinning like crazy because so may thoughts have been going in my mind at the moment. The thought of going back... to that place. It was nerve-wracking.

"So? What now?" he asked.

"After turning down an offer by a friend, now this? Awesome." How could he do this to me? I did all I could to reject Jjong's invitation, now what? I'm actually going back? Yeah right. 

"I am speaking not just as your friend, but as a businessman, and a fan of your cakes too. Please Key? I beg you, please come. My customer wants to meet you too." I can totally imagine Sang Baek's face right now.

"Hmmm... I will call my Boo over there to fetch me at the airport. Just pray that we'll make up as soon as possible." I guess there's no other choice. Make up with Amber. Fly to Korea. Darn it.

"Really!?! Is that a yes?!?" His voice suddenly sounded excited and I can imagine he's jumping while speaking right now.

"Yes. Yes. Yes. Argh, yes, I'm going okay? Remind me about it tomorrow, Sang Baek." What a nice birthday gift, I bitterly thought.

"Watch it, Key. We're meeting up in Korea. You have to get used to calling me SUNBAE once again. Hahahahaha!"

Didn't I tell you he really was born to piss me off?

"Whatever. I'll see you in Seoul."

"Definitely! I will fly over there and we will meet as soon as we're both there. I so love you Kibum!"

"I know right. Bye."

Yeah, yeah. So much for three years, Key. It seems like I'm going to be Korean again for the next few days...

__________

A/N: Kyah! After reading it again, I'm like, 'What the hell were we thinking when we wrote this?!' It's all good anyhow. Cheers ♥