"Here," I said as I placed 9 bowls of congee on the table.

Some guys stood up and took them while bringing it back to the couch.

I rested my head on the table, tired and just wanting to go to bed already.

I closed my eyes for a minute or two and could hear the guys whispering something to each other.

I ignored it and tried to take a rest.

Someone finally spoke loudly, "Noona, can we go out?"

I didn't raise my head. Instead I just gave him a mumbled, "No. I'm too tired."

"Told you she wouldn't let us go!"

"Why do we have to ask her for permission anyway?"

"Our ummas said we have to listen to her or else they won't let us live by ourselves."

My ears perked up a little bit.

*That's the reason why they listen to me? So they could have freedom?*

I yawned as they whispered some more.

What could they possibly whisper about?

"Ah, that's right Lay!"

"Shhh!" Someone shushed the person who just gave an outburst.

Then, I heard silence.

Finally. They stopped talking.

Peace and quiet.

I heard a door slam shut.

Good, they went back into their rooms.

I snuggled into my arm when I realized something.

The slam came from the ground level, not upstairs.

They weren't in their room.

I shot up from my seat and saw the couch empty. In the kitchen sink were 9 empty bowls.

*How did they sneak behind me like that?*

I ran to the front door and a note was stuck:

Kim Taeyeon, try to catch us!

I huffed in annoyance. They ran away?!

I clucked my tongue and slipped on my shoes, ignoring the fact that I was only wearing a big white t-shirt and short shorts.

I could die if something happened to them. Like, seriously. Their parents would kill me.

But then I would kill myself first for not watching them.

I stormed outside and locked the door.

I ran down the street and looked behind the bushes and up the trees to see if they were hiding.

There was no sign of any of them. They must've caught a taxi or rode the bus.

I just realized I forgot to bring money. Shoot.

I guess I have to walk by foot.

Argh.

Those brats...they're gonna GET IT!

★

The 12 boys wande