A lone boy clutched his two bags and went out of the library at about past 5. After two grueling hours of studying for the start-of-the-term exams, he finally has freedom to just do what he wants. Normal college boys would either go to the pub to grab some drinks, some would go and play their favorite sport and some would choose to go home, play Xbox or watch movies while eating popcorn.

 

But not this boy.

 

We are talking about Oh Sehun, an 18 year-old Music major whose world revolves around two things—books, and violin. It was his first year in the university and he knows very well that it’s not going to be an easy ride for him. His parents were both classical musicians, making him feel a lot of pressure. It’s not that he doesn’t like the idea of taking up Music, for he loves classical music as much, but having famous parents kind of makes people expect from him too much, and Sehun hates that idea.

 

He entered the music building and saw that the entire place is already deserted. He then went straight to the only place where he can be himself, a place he calls his home. Music room number 4026. He took out his violin from the bag and the music sheet of Paganini Caprice No.24 in A Minor that he just got from the Music Department library.

 

Sehun was focusing on playing the last part of the music sheet. He can’t make another mistake now. He has to make it right this time. There’s another competition that his mother wants him to join. It shall be the 121^st competition that he’ll be joining, the 10th this year.

 

He grinned sheepishly. His life really revolved only in music. Even if he had no friends, he didn’t really care. For Oh Sehun, as long as he can play those beautiful melodies, it’s enough.

 

He wanted to finish practicing before night falls, besides he needs to leave the practice room before his driver arrives.

 

The Freshman was almost done mastering the piece and he was satisfied with his practice until someone suddenly kicked the door open. Despite his thin legs, this pretty-looking blonde guy still managed to kick the door hard. Sehun stepped back as soon as he recognized who the person was, with another tall dark guy standing behind him. This duo has been successfully making him nervous whenever they’re around him.

 

“YAH! What’s that noise all about?!” Lee Taemin, a 19-year-old Music major, walked into the room acting as if he owns the practice room, both of his hands inside his pocket, eyes darting towards Sehun. They are classmates for only a class but their first meeting hadn’t been well, and Sehun doesn’t understand why Taemin’s blood would always boil upon the sight of him.

 

“S-Sorry, I-I was j-just practicing.” The more timid guy could only stutter as he started packing his things. “I’m about to l-leave now. You can use the practice room if you want to.”

 

Taemin, looking more pissed of the boy’s reply, stepped closer to him grabbing his collar. “I don’t give a damn about you practicing. Do you even realize that someone’s sleeping in the next room? Huuuuuh?”   

 

Sehun was afraid, he wanted to escape, to run away from these two bullies but he can’t do anything. He closed his eyes, thinking that the other might hit him, but nothing happened. Instead, he heard the tall dark guy laughed out loud. Kim Jongin, a 19-year-old, also a Music major and Sehun’s classmate, who always follows Taemin around like a pet dog. You could say that he’s Lee Taemin’s faithful sidekick.

 

Sehun finally opened his eyes, Taemin still holding his collar, pointing his index finger on the poor boy’s forehead. “You’re just too noisy, sissy boy!”

 

“Yeah, Taemin’s right. You’re too noisy with that Beethoven music of yours.” Jongin commented, not minding what his friend was doing to Sehun. He was busying himself scanning the music sheet that Sehun was playing earlier.

 

“B-But it’s not B-Beethoven. It’s Paganini.” Sehun tried to correct Jongin despite being in front of the scary Taemin, ready to punch him anytime.

 

“Shut up, weirdo! I don’t friggin’ care whatever you call that music of yours, aish!” Taemin aggressively pushed the poor kid.

 

Sehun felt hands over his shoulders. Jongin caught him and was now laughing like an idiot. “Gotcha, sissy boy.”

 

The violinist was afraid. Ever since he stepped foot into this University, he has been bullied by this two. It’s not like he wasn’t used to it. Back when he was in high school, the jocks would make fun of him and his music, saying it was as boring as he was.

 

He stopped caring about what anyone has to say.

 

But then again, right now, Oh Sehun was afraid.

 

“Please, s-stop it.”

 

He saw Taemin grinning, walking towards him. Sehun struggled to break free, but Jongin locked his arm around his shoulder tightly.

 

“Stop what? We’re not even starting yet.” He saw a devilish smirk in Taemin’s face. This is not good.

 

“Why can’t y-you just… leave me alone?” Sehun tried hard to control the fear in his voice, but failed. He was still struggling from Jongin’s grip but the latter was obviously stronger.

 

“Why can’t you just go and disappear?” Taemin hissed as he grabbed his collar again, more forceful this time.

 

“But how can I go if you’re still holding me?” Sehun innocently asked, not knowing what to do next.

 

“Are you trying to make fun of me huh?! Do you really want this fist to land on your face?” Taemin was now clenching his fist, preparing to punch the boy. Sehun was seriously getting on his nerves this time.

 

“T-Taemin!” Jongin suddenly blurted out while looking straight ahead, shock was obvious on his face, but the other just ignored him and continued glaring at the poor boy.

 

“Just because you’re rich and you’re the professors’ favorite doesn’t mean that you’re the best in our class, so don’t just act as if you’re better than all of us, arasseo?”

 

“B-But I’m not doing anything wrong.” Sehun defended but that only annoyed Taemin more. Taemin was about to hit the other when…

 

“Lee Taemin…” Jongin tried once more, but then again, he ignored him. “Taemin!”

 

“WHAT?!” This time Taemin stopped before his fist lands on the poor boy’s face. He turned his gaze to Jongin who was now stunned.

 

Jongin didn’t answer, instead Sehun pointed to the direction towards the door. Taemin didn’t look. He thought that Sehun was just trying to fool him and escape.

 

“You can’t fool me, sissy boy! Look, I don’t have the time to mess ar—OWWWW!!!” Taemin was cut by someone who suddenly hit him in the head. “AISH, WHO DID THI—OWWW!”

 

“Aish, I’ve been looking all over for you and here you are playing around in the practice room!” Kim Jonghyun pulled his ear, dragging him out of the room.

 

“Wait! Ouch, it hurts hyung!” Taemin complained. Sehun could only drop his jaw in shock as the one who was bullying him was now being dragged out of the room in defeat. He wanted to laugh but decided to keep it to himself since the other might see him and might take revenge the next day.

 

“Minho and I have been waiting for you for an hour now. Next time you skip practice, you’ll be dead, arasseo?!” Jonghyun didn’t let go of Taemin’s ear.

 

“I was just taking a nap, hyung. Ouch!”

 

“And you’re making an excuse again?! I know that you’re good enough to play the keyboard but the heck, when can you ever get serious on this?”

 

“But I’m being serious, hyung. Look, I promise, I’ll never let you down. I can do it even without attending the practice.”

 

Jonghyun pulled his ear more, earning a loud shriek from the younger boy. “Don’t boast your talent with me you little brat! And what are you doing here bullying that poor kid? Grow up, pabo!” He hit the boy on the head, then pulled his ear again.

 

Sehun was even more stunned. It was the first time that he saw Taemin so helpless. He looked at the guy pulling his ears and he had to admit, he looked like a cool person.

 

“And you, KkamJong, don’t you have anything better to do than tailing this useless brat all day?” Jonghyun suddenly blurted out and made Jongin jump. “Ah. I’m going to dance practice after this.”

 

“After what? After bullying this kid? Aish, just what is wrong with these kids nowadays?”

 

“Hyung, you have to admit it feels good to look cool while you make fun of them—” Taemin tried to speak up but he earned a hit on the head by Jonghyun.

 

“Shut up, you lazy . And we’re going to practice now. My cousin said he wants to meet you and he recruited someone to be our vocalist.” Jonghyun casually said, grinning as he saw the younger struggling from his grip.

 

“Ah finally. I was really going to quit the band—”

 

“Mworaguyo?! Say it again and I swear I’m going to teach you a lesson!” Jonghyun began pulling Taemin by his ears and walked towards the door.

 

“Aiyaaaaa hyung! It hurts!”

 

“I don’t care, you’re so stubborn. Ah, jinjja!”

 

Sehun found himself laughing at the silly antics but regretted after because he saw Jongin glaring at him. He bowed and grabbed his violin case silently.

 

“So now you’re laughing huh. You’re lucky Jonghyun hyung came here to rescue your coward . Next time, we’ll make sure you don’t come out of this place alive.”

 

And with that, Jongin grabbed his music sheets and carelessly threw them out of the window.

 

“No!” Sehun’s eyes opened wide as he saw his precious music sheets flew off, being carried by the wind outside and finally landing down on the first floor. He quickly pushed the laughing Jongin and ran off towards the building’s elevator.

 

My music sheets! I can’t live without them.

 

***

 

After picking up all the score sheets from the ground, Sehun’s car came just right on time, and stopped in front of him. The driver went out of the car and opened the door for Sehun, bowing 90 degrees to the wealthy boy. “Young master, your parents want you to know that they can’t join you for dinner tonight. Mr. Oh has a business trip in Hawaii while Madam will be having a dinner meeting with the orchestra.”

 

“No need to tell it to me. I already expected that.” Sehun let out a deep sigh, going inside the car. It has always been like this. His parents are always busy with their careers, leaving the boy alone in their big house. Ever since he was born, he has always been left alone in their house so he kept himself busy learning how to play the violin to please them. Yes, he is a child prodigy; however, this doesn’t give reasons for his parents to make time for him.

 

Sehun stared outside the window glass as the car moved along the highway. People were busy walking to their home, others manage to hang out with friends and eat somewhere while this lonely boy is spending yet another night alone. But he didn’t care though. He was at the point where he finds comfort in silence around him. Just a little noise will distract his little world.

 

As the traffic light hits red, he turned again to the window glass and saw what seemed to be a Chinese restaurant from afar. It has been months since he last ate Chinese food and he admits he really enjoyed eating this kind of dish.

 

“Could we go there?” He pointed to the direction of the restaurant as he poked his driver.

 

“Algessumnida.” The driver obediently parked the car in front of the restaurant and looked around. “You should try this one, young master. I heard a lot of good reviews about this place.”

 

As Sehun got out of the car, he scanned the whole place. It looked like a luxurious dining place. Not bad. Maybe he should give it a try.

 

Upon entering, he was greeted by a set of friendly waiters. The place has a warm feeling in it. Funny because it looks very Oriental. Very Chinese. He settled at a table designated for him.

 

As Sehun waits for his order, his attention was turned into the small stage in the restaurant. A golden-haired boy who seemed to be few years older than him walked towards the stage and sat at the stool, holding a microphone.

 

“Good afternoon, everyone! Have you been enjoying the food so far?” The boy smiled, and Sehun can’t help but gaze at the boy’s angelic feature. He assumed the boy is Chinese because of his weird Korean accent. “Right now, my first song will be Angel. Hope you’ll like this one.”

 

The piano started to play as the young boy sang the Chinese song. Sehun closed his eyes, listening intently to the melody of the song, not caring if he doesn’t understand any of the words. Such a nice tune, he thought. What was the title again? Angel? It suits him well. He looks like an angel.

 

He was absorbed in listening to the song and he went back to reality when the waiter approached him, putting his order on the table. “Here’s your order, sir.”

 

“Thank you.” Sehun bowed but didn’t bother to touch his food and continued watching the one performing on the stage. He really has a nice voice. Calming… and smooth.

 

“Yah, Yifan! Where’s our extra free spring rolls?”

 

“You finished it all already? Ah jinjja… you’re like a pig!”

 

Sehun got a bit distracted because of the people on the table beside him. He looked at them out of curiosity and saw a brown-haired guy eating… well, feasting on the food in front of him. Sehun couldn’t help but shake his head at the sight. The guy was unbelievably gorging on the food like there’s no tomorrow. He saw that a blonde haired guy (who looks like Chinese) was sitting beside him and was just enjoying the Peking duck served on their table.

 

“You can’t blame me! We managed to earn lots of extra money today. Hihihihi.” The brown-haired guy was still talking while his mouth was full. Sehun found it a little off. He was somewhat used to seeing people with proper table manners.

 

“I know, but we need to save, remember?” He saw that the blonde haired guy was the more reserved one.

 

“We have a lot of savings this month. It should be enough. Let me eat this precious Peking duck, Yifannieeeee.”

 

“Yah, save some for me Jinki!”

 

“You can get more spring rolls from the owner, right?”

 

“Well, yes. He promised to give me free spring rolls everytime I come here—”

 

“Yipeeeee! Mr. Zhang is the best!”

 

“Mhm. He’s really nice, that’s why I don’t regret eating here even if it’s a little expensive.”

 

“Don’t worry about that, Yifannie. I told you I got another part-time right? I was signed up to be a vocalist for a rock band! And to make things better, I will get free meals for that. Cool, right?”

 

Sehun looked away, eyebrows raised and a little irritated. He was supposed to have a nice, peaceful dinner but the two just kept on talking loudly. Just when I thought I could relax.

 

He heard people cheering on as they applauded. He returned his gaze to the stage. He almost forgot about the pretty guy-with-a-beautiful-voice, thanks to these two.

 

“Ah… xie xie. Are you all having a nice time? My next song is a personal favorite of mine, as well as the owner of this restaurant. Yu Xia Yi Zheng Wan*. Please do enjoy as much as you enjoy the food.”

 

Sehun was taken aback when the golden-haired guy’s eyes met his while he was talking. He couldn’t explain what he’s feeling at that very moment that he suddenly became nervous. He quickly looked away, grabbing his phone and helplessly punched random letters, not even caring if he was blushing or not.

 

He waited until the pretty guy sang the first lines of the song before Sehun got the courage to look up again. The guy was looking elsewhere now. He sighed in relief.

 

Aigoo, what’s happening to me?

 

It was the first time that a total stranger had caught his eye. What more, it’s a guy. It kind of confused him. He never looked at girls, so why was he looking at this too-pretty-to-be-true Chinese guy?

 

There was just something about him that makes him interesting. Sehun thought. Yes, maybe that’s it. All his life, Sehun didn’t know how it feels like to have someone close to him, let alone someone who can call him a friend. He didn’t have any siblings either. So maybe he was looking for someone to fill that gap in his life.

 

He started concentrating on his food, fighting the urge to gaze at the direction of the stage again. Every once in a while he stops to listen intently at the song that the guy was singing. He made a mental note to download those songs later, if he has time.

 

Yeah, he’s definitely having those Chinese songs in his Classical playlist now.

 

He was still in dreamy-like mood when he heard the voices of the people seated at the next table again. He realized that people were applauding. The song has ended.

 

“Aigoooo! That’s… that’s cutie!” Sehun looked at the brown-haired guy again and saw that he was pointing at the pretty guy, who just bowed and smiled sweetly before coming down from the stage.

 

“Mwo? Cutie?” The other one curiously asked, looking at the direction of the Chinese singer. Sehun couldn’t help but eavesdrop this time.

 

“Ne, that’s cutie! I know that angelic face. Yifannieee, I met him once at a noraebang. And omo! He really has a beautiful voice and he looks cute, right? Hmm… I have an idea. Maybe we could ask him to join us in our street performances. What do you think?” The brown-haired guy never left his gaze on the pretty guy.

 

The other guy just shrugged. “Not bad. We can use his looks to gain fangirls.”

 

“Eh? Aren’t you confident with your own looks?”

 

“Shut up, Jinki.”

 

The brown-haired guy just laughed him off.

 

Sehun felt his fists clenching. It doesn’t concern him, but he was feeling really pissed by what he’s hearing. Using his looks? Why can’t people see singers by their talent and not their looks?

 

He was about to stand up and talk to the two guys but a guy suddenly went over to their table. He was a guy maybe in his mid-twenties? Sehun wasn’t sure. And he was holding a tray of spring rolls.

 

“Yifan! So nice to see you here. One of my waiters told me you were here with a friend so I thought I should personally deliver your spring rolls, as promised.” The guy carefully set the food down and smiled at the two customers. It was a bit surreal hearing two Chinese guys talking in Korean with a slight Chinese accent, Sehun thought. Nonetheless, it was interesting to listen, even if he knows he’s already eavesdropping.

 

The blond-haired guy, who, Sehun figured out was called Yifan after several mentions, stood up and bowed respectfully at the guy. “Gege, thank you for your generosity. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly. They said you were busy in the kitchen.”

 

The guy just waved him off. “It’s okay. Yeah, I was kind of busy, but I don’t mind greeting you myself. Oh, I see you have brought a friend?” He looked at the brown-haired guy, Jinki, Sehun remembered.

 

“Ah, dui. Do you remember him? Lee Jinki. I brought him here thrice.” Yifan pulled Jinki to stand up, to which the shorter guy obliged. Sehun saw that he has a goofy smile in his face.

 

“Annyeongha—I mean, Ni hao, Mr. Zhang! We met before, right?” The Jinki guy bowed and stretched his hand towards the older guy.

 

“Nice to meet you again, Jinki. Call me Yixing.” The guy simply said and smiled back while shaking the Jinki guy’s hand. It seems like he’s the restaurant’s owner. “And you can both sit down now. Hmm… do you need anything else? Tea? You liked Jasmine tea, right Yifan?”

 

The two guys sat down as ordered, and Yifan just shook his head. “I’ve had enough tea, Gege. But thank you, really.” He smiled rarely, Sehun figured out by now.

 

“Very well.” The owner smiled warmly.

 

“Ah, ah… Gege…” The Yifan guy suddenly shifted into Chinese so Sehun wasn’t able to understand. He decided not to listen anymore and continued eating. It’s getting late and he should hurry up, else he won’t have time to practice his violin anymore.

 

“Ah! Luhan. His name’s Luhan.  He’s a long time friend of mine. I met him in Beijing when I visited my cousins. He’s been travelling back and forth from China but he decided to stay here in Korea for a while. Nice voice, right? I asked him to sing here in a regular basis. I guess this is the first time you were able to catch his performance.” The owner spoke in Korean again, and that made Sehun listen to the conversation again.

 

Were they talking about the guy with the angelic voice just now? So… his name’s Luhan? So that Yifan guy asked for his name, huh?

 

“He looks good, that’s all.” He heard the Yifan guy commented.

 

“He’s not only good looking, he sings like… like an angel.” The Jinki guy unexpectedly blurted out, which made Sehun look at him intently. He just didn’t expect that this goofy guy would comment like that. He was smiling warmly too, when he spoke.

 

Sehun found it quite… sincere.

 

“Oh. It’s not everyday that Luhan gets a lovely comment like that.” The owner chuckled. “I’ll make sure he knows that, Jinki.”

 

“Jinjja? Hihihihi. Tell him he really looked cute back there, too.” And now, the unpredictable Jinki guy went back to being goofy again.

 

Sehun almost jumped from shock when he heard the ringing of his phone from his pocket. The three guys seemed to get distracted by it. He bowed and pulled his phone out and saw his umma’s name flashing on the screen.

 

“Yeoboseyo?” He stood up and walked towards the restaurant’s entrance. It was rare that his mother is calling him, and he felt happy all of a sudden.

 

“Sehunnie? How’s my baby? Are you home?” He couldn’t help but smile. He treasures his mother so much, no matter how many times she seems to ‘abandon’ him.

 

“Not yet, umma. I’m still eating dinner. How was your dinner meeting with the orchestra?” He walked further until he reached the parking lot.

 

“Keuraeyo? Oh, it went fine, honey. They seemed to know about you because your maestro happened to be their current conductor. They wanted to see you play. Maybe they’ll invite you over to play for them in one of their European concerts.” By the tone of her voice, he could tell that she’s proud of him. It was enough for him to feel really contented.

 

“That sounds interesting, umma.” No matter how many times he went abroad to fulfill the wishes of his parents (he doesn’t fancy Europe that much), Sehun would never get tired of saying yes to whatever they say. It’s kind of his habit already. Besides, it doesn’t hurt to obey your parents, right? They may not be there for him always but it doesn’t give him enough reasons to defy them. Sehun loves them genuinely and is willing to do as they wish.

 

“I’m glad it is. Well well, you should go back to eating. I’ll be home in about two hours. Your maestro is a very entertaining conversationalist, it’s been a while since I saw him.”

 

“Ah jinjja? I want to meet up with maestro.” The truth is, he doesn’t want to meet him, or to talk to him. He’s an old guy who’s very strict and does nothing but change the way Sehun plays his violin. The bow is too high, the pitch is too low… why don’t you stop playing complicated pieces Sehun-ah? You should play music that suits your age. Although he couldn’t deny that he learned so much from him (he was Sehun’s maestro for 10 years) he hasn’t been really comfortable talking to him. His presence is kind of intimidating for the young boy.

 

“He wants to see you too, maybe we could set up a dinner together—”

 

“Stay away from me or I’ll call the police, you ert.” Sehun wasn’t able to hear everything that his umma was saying when something caught his eye. He looked further and saw two guys talking. More like… arguing?

 

“I won’t do anything bad, pretty boy. I just wanna know your name, is it that bad?”

 

“Sehun? Are you still there—”

 

“I’ll call you later when I’m home. Bye umma.” Sehun almost whispered and quickly hid his phone on his chest pocket. He gasped when he saw that the other guy was actually…

 

Luhan.

 

“And if I don’t want to tell you?” His broken Korean was really evident when he speaks. Sehun felt butterflies lingering his stomach.

 

“Why won’t you? Come on. Or you want me to call you baby instead?” The other guy, almost the same height as Luhan, leaned closer to him and smirked. He looked really good too, this guy, but it seems he’s making the Chinese uncomfortable.

 

Sehun didn’t know what to do. Should he head back inside? This isn’t his business and it was never in his nature to meddle into other people’s business.

 

But it was Luhan…

 

Until now, he’s trying really hard not to pay attention but then…

 

He found himself taking careful steps and walked towards the nearest hiding place. He knows this is wrong, but what can he do? He wants to save this pretty looking guy from the guy who’s trying to mess with him.

 

“Oh, please. I don’t have time for you.” Luhan just shrugged the other guy off, and pushed him aside. Sehun’s jaw dropped in an instant. In the exterior, Luhan seemed helpless but he’s… brave.

 

“Of course you’re just lying. I know you can’t resist me. Why not try me, hmm? Your voice is just… so y, you know that? And you’re somewhat… an exotic beauty.” The other guy, who he noticed was wearing black, hissed and smirked again, and placed his lanky arm on Luhan’s shoulders. Sehun felt the hairs on his arms stand, his face was boiling.

 

“Yah, I said back off!” Luhan elbowed the guy on the ribs but the other doesn’t seem fazed. He has a large smirk on his face that made Sehun want to punch him.

 

That’s a first. He never wanted to punch anyone before, no matter how pissed he was.

 

“I like the aggressive types, pretty boy.” Just as he was about to lean closer again, Sehun closed his eyes. No, he doesn’t want to see this anymore. Just what is he doing here, watching some sort of two guys flirting? This is completely wrong.

 

“Your phone is ringing, loser.” He heard Luhan speaking calmly, not even a slight fear in his voice. Sehun had the courage to look again and saw that the Chinese pulled the phone from the bad guy’s pocket and give it to him. The guy was utterly surprised and looked amusingly at Luhan.

 

“Your lucky day, babe.” The guy just winked. Sehun stopped the urge to facepalm.

 

“Hah.” With one swift movement, Luhan flicked the other guy’s forehead.

 

“Ahhhh! Why’d you—Yes? Yeollie? Aigoo, you’re on your way? Perfect. I’m already here. See you in a few, yes. A-leob-yu, yeobo.”

 

Sehun almost wanted to vomit. Did he hear that right? The other almost screamed in anger when Luhan flicked him but as soon as he spoke on the phone, his personality changed completely.

 

“That was so cheesy, loverboy. I wonder what your Yeobo would do if he finds out you’re interested in me.” Luhan just grinned and casually walked off. Sehun saw that he was going back to the restaurant.

 

This is your chance, Sehun.

 

He was about to run off towards the restaurant when he saw that Luhan found the owner waiting for him by the restaurant’s entrance. They seemed to be getting along well. They even high-fived each other. Sehun badly wanted to get to know the pretty boy better.

 

Maybe next time.

 

He called his driver and asked him to pay for his food. He then asked to go home. He was tired. It was a long day.

 

“Did you like the food, young master?” His driver asked as he parked the car in front of the big white house.

 

“Mhm. I like the place. It’s interesting. I don’t mind coming back, really. Tomorrow? I’ll tell umma to come with me.”

 

It was the first time that his young master enjoyed his dinner alone in a long while, Sehun’s driver thought.

 

End of Second Chapter.

-----

* Jay Zhou’s Yu Xia Yi Zheng Wan

 

...So hello there! Finally got the time to write so tadaaaaa! Tell us what you think ^^ 

Photo credits: To the awesome person who posted it on Tumblr. Asdfghjkl isn't Sehun so adorbs in that?