School resumed after a month of holiday. Half a year had passed meaning; you had been with EXO for almost 6 months. However, it felt like forever. You can see it positively and negatively, only you could make the call. School started normal but only one thing had changed after the holiday; Yoona was part of EXO, sort of in a way. Her discovery had made her the only person ever to know about the clans’ secret.

“Hey Yoona, did you understand what Mr Yoon was talking about during Math?” Sehun asked. It was already the end of the day and everyone was either packing up or leaving the classroom. Lyorin was busy scribbling last minutes notes while Kai was keeping notes in his bag.

“Yah, he was talking about probability and all sorts.” Yoona answered in a monotonous tone.

 Sehun shrugged, “I don’t like the way he teaches –“

“You were sleeping the entire time.” Yoona in. She gave him a straight look.

“Wow, someone was observing me the en-ti-re time.” Sehun smirked, emphasizing on the word entire.

Yoona rolled her eyes and retorted, “Well, your snoring was really entertaining.” 

“I was snoring?” Sehun didn’t believe it. He went to ask you, “Lyorin, did I?” You nodded, without looking at him. You were in the midst of packing up and weren’t really listening to their conversation. He then added, “Oh well, the lesson was boring.”

“Okay, I’m done.” You announced. You were about to leave the classroom when suddenly Kai spoke out.

“Yoona, would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow at our place?” Kai turned to Yoona, who in return stared back at him. She seemed surprised. You looked at Kai, speechless. Even though Yoona had found out about EXO, you didn’t like the idea of her getting close with them so soon. Not that you were selfish but you were worried for her sake. Knowing any ‘attack’ can happen, it’s too much of a risk.

“Hmm Kai –“ You started to speak but Yoona quickly chimed in with her response.

“Okay great! I would love to have dinner at your place.” She was already beaming with joy and excitement that you couldn’t help but to keep your thoughts to yourself. Sehun, on the other hand, seemed out of place.

“Alright, we’ll pick you up tomorrow,” said Kai casually. You were gawking at the both of them. They totally disregarded your presence. But then, you couldn’t stop Kai from asking Yoona. It was his place anyway. But Yoona was your friend! You had mixed feelings over this. However, you decided to let it pass. Only this time. I’m not going to get Yoona involved.

************

The next day, on a bright Saturday morning, Lyorin woke up surprisingly early for a non-school day. She wasn’t sure whether because she was too excited or too nervous that Yoona was coming over for dinner later in the evening. True, Yoona was her buddy and she was glad Yoona found out about EXO. But the thought of her getting acquaintance with the guys wasn’t something Lyorin planned on letting.

Meanwhile, in a room across Lyorin’s, the guys were up and about. Luhan was infront of the mirror, tidying up his hair. Kai was carrying weights, while Lay and Chen and Sehun were just occupying the room. Luhan had been looking at the mirror for the past 30 minutes which made Sehun grew curious of his actions.

Luhan faced Sehun and asked, “Sehun, how do I look? Should I let the fringe down or spike up my hair? Or –“

“Hyung, why are you asking me this suddenly?” Sehun gave him a weird look which grabbed Chen and Lay’s attention as well. Kai was still absorbing in his own exercise routine.

“Awww, Sehun help me out will you? Should I go for the pretty look?” Luhan let his fringe down and gave the maknae his signature doe-like eyes. “Or should I go for the handsome look?” He messed up his hair and let his fringe up.

Chen went over and stared at him through the full length mirror. “Hyung, are you going on a date?”

“Tsk, what date?” Luhan lied but his face reddened which blew his cover away instantly. “Is he dressing up for Yoona?” Sehun’s mind wondered. He read Sehun’s mind and immediately blurted, “Sehun! Don’t!”

But before he could stop him, Sehun had already announced his thoughts, “LUHAN HYUNG LIKES YOONA!”

“Sehun, shut up.” Luhan looked down, embarrassed. He wasn’t planning to tell anyone. He had only told Kai, who successfully managed to set up the dinner ‘date’ for him.

 “Hyung, is it true?” Lay laughed at the sudden confession. “This is the first time –“

Suddenly, the door to their room slammed opened and Lyorin stormed with a furious look. Apparently, she had been lurking outside their room and overheard their conversation.

“Uh oh.” Sehun stared at her with wide eyes as she made her way straight towards Luhan and attacked him.

“LUHAN OPPA! HOW COULD YOU?! YOU INVITED HER OVER DINNER JUST SO YOU CAN MEET HER?!” Lyorin yelled furiously and she pushed him against the wall.

With a guilty look, Luhan confessed, “Lyorin.. I’m sorry..but..”

“AND YOU KAI, HOW DARE YOU HELP HIM OUT WITH THIS?!” Lyorin continued her blast, moving to her next target, Kai.

She stood in front of him with piercing eyes. “What? It’s just dinner.” Kai answered monotonously.

“SHE’S MY FRIEND!” Lyorin stomped her feet. She was huffing angrily but the guys seemed relatively relax under the situation.

Lay, being the level-headed person tried to negotiate. “Your friend is the girl whom Luhan hyung wants to get to know. Come on Lyorin, this is the first time I see how interested hyung is towards a girl. She must be pretty right?” He winked at her only to receive glares instead.

Suho happened to walk past the room after hearing the commotion went in and asked what was going on.

“Suho oppa. Can you please tell them to not involved Yoona in this?” Lyorin complained to Suho, hoping he would hear her plea.

“What did you guys do this time?” Suho sighed fully knowing well how mischievous s could be at times.

While Lay was filling in the details, Lyorin stood alone with her back facing the boys. She was angry at them for dragging Yoona even deeper. Luhan tapped her shoulder gently but she refused to turn. “Lyorin, I promise I won’t hurt her. Ever since I laid my eyes on her that day, I couldn’t help but have her constantly in my mind. Please let me have the chance to get to know her and be her friend. But if you still don’t let, then I will listen to you and never bother her.” Luhan said out. His voice was tender and sincere which made Lyorin’s heart sank a little. She was being selfish, plus she had no right to control who Yoona or Luhan wants to be friends with.

With a heavy sigh she turned around and faced him, “I’m not afraid of you. I know you won’t hurt her but –“

As if Luhan understood what was on her mind, he assured her, “Don’t you trust us? We’ll never let anything happen to her just like how we’ll never let anything happen to you. Trust me. You have my word.”

Sensing the sincerity and truthfulness in him, Lyorin smiled. She trusted him. She trusted them.

*************

During dinner, Lyorin was quiet letting Yoona and the boys talked among them. Aunt Marie joined in as well and managed to catch up with Yoona after not seeing her for quite some time. Yoona went on about herself, telling the boys how she and Lyorin grew up together. Lyorin didn’t talk much but just listened and nodded whenever was asked questions.

Noticed her sulking, Sehun nudged her elbow, “Is someone jealous?” He whispered in her ear.

Lyorin kicked him under the table which made him flinched and frowned. “I’m not okay! I’m just being wary and protective.” She said out soft but firmly, only to Sehun.

“You know, Yoona is pretty. I am pretty sure that not only Luhan hyung is attracted to her after this dinner.” Sehun teased further.

Lyorin kicked him for the second time, more forcefully than before. This made Sehun jerked up, causing everyone to stare at him. “Aunt, Sehun wants more green beans! He looovees it.” Lyorin lied on purpose. She knew how much Sehun hated green beans but was not brave enough to refuse Aunt.

“Oh, I didn’t know Sehun loves green beans. You can have all of it then.” Aunt came out with a plate full of green beans. Sehun stared helplessly as Aunt placed the plate in front of him. He didn’t have the courage to refuse her. The rest of EXO looked at their youngest member, confused as to what just happened. They knew he hated green beans.

Lyorin continued with her food, pretending to be oblivious. She looked up at Sehun only to be greeted by a furious glare. She smirked at him and then chuckled under her breathe.

“Lyorin, you’re mean.” Sehun finally said softly with a pout.

Without realising, the night had turned late. Yoona’s presence had brought much laughter and joy not only to Lyorin but also to the EXO boys. Lyorin was happy having Yoona around. Seeing how happy she was, the EXO boys couldn’t ask for more. It’s been a while since they last saw Lyorin’s bright and gleeful face. However, everything had to end when Yoona had to leave. “Lyorin, I have to go back now.” Yoona said with sorrowful eyes. She loved their company but sadly she had to head back since it’s already late.

“Okay, I’ll send you back home then.” Lyorin answered. “Kris oppa, can you do me a favour? Can you help me drive Yoona back home? I’ll follow.” She requested for his assistance since she had not gotten her driving lesson.

“I’ll send her home.” Another voice interrupted and it belonged to Luhan.

“Okay great. I’ll follow.” Lyorin said out loud but before she could reach for her jacket anad head out, Sehun pulled her arm.

“Come on Lyorin. I need you here to – “ Sehun scratched his head, trying to come up with something. “I need you to teach me Math.” He finished his sentence.

Lyorin stared at him with a bewildered expression. “Sehun, I can teach you later when I’m back okay?”

“No! I want you to teach me now.”

“B-but..” Lyorin was pulled away from Yoona.

Luhan walked towards Yoona and said, “Come Yoona, I’ll send you back home.” Gently as possible, Luhan gestured Yoona out.

Lyorin quickly figured the trick that the guys were doing on her. Just when she wanted to protest, Sehun covered and pulled her away. “Se-hhun!” Her cries were muffled.

“Shh Lyorin. Let them have some time alone.” Sehun whispered.

Lyorin struggled to break free from his grip but he was too strong for her. The rest of the boys could only watch the whole scene in silence, not wanting to get involved. Lyorin watched as her friend made her way out. She was angry but when she saw Yoona’s face lit up when Luhan was going to send her home, she calmed down a bit and recalled the tele-conversation she had with her last night.

Yoona: Lyorin, I’m excited to see them tomorrow!

Lyorin: Yoong, there is nothing special. They’re just a bunch of annoying guys. Pfft!

Yoona: They don’t seem annoying to me the first time I met them. Oh, there was this cute one…hmmm…

Lyorin: Who? Luhan?

Yoona: (chuckles) Yes, him. His eyes are beautiful.

Lyorin: Yoong! Don’t tell me you…

Yoona: I keep seeing his beautiful eyes in my mind. He’s gorgeous. I think I might be falling for him a bit.

Lyorin: Oh no, you did not just say that.

 Luhan’s smile caught Lyorin’s attention. He bowed to her and mouthed, “I promise,” which Lyorin understood. Reluctantly, she stopped struggling and let them go. I trust you, Luhan oppa.

To be continued...