ANGELA   “I hope you had fun today.” Jonghyun told me while we walked hand in hand.   Our day out at the orphanage just finished and we are now on our way back to Just Got Pawed. We took a cab going back to the city proper. Normally, we would still take the bus to get to the pet hotel faster but we decided to walk instead to take things slower as Jonghyun had put it. We weren’t worried about the passers-by that could be a fan or something since Jonghyun has still kept a low profile style. Also, we agreed that we could take this time to talk as we didn’t get to talk much at the orphanage. We had fun playing with the kids.   I smiled at him. Jonghyun has been really sweet and kind today. I remember what he told me how he seemed to picture his future wife and child while I was carrying HaNa, the crying baby, earlier. Good thing I’ve got a good grip on the child or else I would have dropped her. The caretaker with us has been giggling as she watched me and Jonghyun, and even commented that we look like a family with HaNa on my arms then Jonghyun standing right beside me. Once I’ve managed to compose myself, I jokingly told Jonghyun to stop wooing me with his cheesy lines because that wouldn’t stop him from helping me change the baby’s diaper.   That seemed to get things back right on track. We’ve made cotton candies and prepared some snacks for the kids. We played with them, read stories and sang nursery rhymes for them. I didn’t know that “Three Bears” is actually a famous nursery rhyme here. I thought the writers of Full House just invented it. That Korean drama became a hit in the Philippines, so as “Three Bears”. It even has a Filipino version already.   “Yea. It was great meeting those kids. But wait, you haven’t really told me why you suddenly thought of going there today.”   I just couldn’t help but wonder, really. Especially with the busy schedule he has. He is an idol after all.   “Well, now that you’ve mentioned it. There is something that I have to tell you.” Jonghyun said as we paused on our tracks. From a distance, I could already see the pet hotel.   “What is it?”   “I’m afraid we can’t see each other as much after today, Angela.” He began with a sad smile.   “Busy with work?”   Jonghyun nodded then we started walking slowly again, our hands still clasped together. “Aside from our ongoing promotion for our new repackaged album, tomorrow, Minhyuk and I will start filming for a show at Mallipo Beach. That will be for two days.”   “Oh, is that far from here?”   “It’s a three hour drive from here. It’s located at Chungcheong Province.”   “Well, I hope you’ll have fun and I’m sure you and Minhyuk will do well.” I said with a sincere smile as I squeezed his hand gently. “How’s Yonghwa and Jungshin doing?”   “They’re doing fine. They’re probably home now from the gym.” He replied casually as he started to lightly sway our linked hands and I followed suit.   “So, how’s Kyuhyun hyung doing?” He asked after some moments of silence.   “Oh he’s in Taiwan with the Super Junior M members to do some promotions.” I explained, looking a bit surprised that he suddenly asked about Kyuhyun.   Oh well. They are friends anyway.   “Do you guys really fight all the time?” He asked, sounding really curious.   “We used to but…” I trailed off, not wanting to talk to him about the constant teasing that Kyuhyun and I get from the others. “But as time passed by, I guess we’ve already gotten used to one another so we try not to fight with each other that much anymore.” I finished explaining with a smile while looking up at him.   I remembered again that night he treated me for dinner and how he assisted me when I was stumbling on my steps on my way back to his apartment. My heart flutters at the sudden thought of it.   “I’m just curious. How did you and Kyuhyun become friends?” I asked so as to change the topic.   Besides, it’s really true. I still can’t believe how they’re friends.  What are their similarities? Apart from being idols and having beautiful, heart-melting voices.   “Ahh, well. Changmin hyung was the one who introduced us to one another. It’s him and Kyuhyun hyung who are really close. I met Changmin hyung at a music program and then from there we started to hang out until I got introduced to Kyuhyun hyung.”   “To be honest, I think you’re too nice to be friends with Kyuhyun.”   “What do you mean by that?” Jonghyun asked, chuckling.   “Oh nothing. You know how Kyuhyun could be at times. Or maybe he’s only like that to me.”   “Hyung’s known for being evil. His fans even call him as the evil maknae but trust me, he’s not as bad as you think he is.” Jonghyun reassured me.   “That’s what Zee keeps telling me too.”   “Hyung really is nice. He just likes to play around most of the time.”   “Well he sure does. No wonder his apartment is always a mess.”   Jonghyun and I burst out laughing. I’d always find food crumbs in his bedroom. His PSP always in knots. Cables of his gadgets scattered everywhere. Seriously, I feel like I’m always looking after a five year old kid.   “True but really, he’s a nice guy even if his temper’s not that good these days.”   “Oh yes!” I exclaimed in agreement. “His temper’s quite weird if you’d ask me. I remember just the other night he was so nice to me. He even treated me dinner. Then yesterday, just right before they left, he was back to his usual self.”   Jonghyun and I paused on our tracks and I felt his grip on me loosened a little. “You two went out for dinner? Like a date?” He asked calmly though I could feel that there was a sudden change in his cheerful mood. It suddenly feels…   Awkward.   Then it suddenly occurred to me that my stupid mouth has been the cause of it. Oh boy.   “Well, I wouldn’t really consider it a date.” I began with a chuckle so as to lighten up the mood. “It was more like him rewarding me for helping him out. Your friend got chased by his fans cos of his carelessness and I covered up for him. That’s all.”   “Hmm, let me guess. A simple take-out dinner by the river with Soju?”   My eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know?”   Jonghyun sighed and looked down on his feet as we started to walk. We’re almost near Just Got Pawed. I could already see the sign from where we are standing. I noticed that he has let go of my hand, though we’re still walking side by side.   “Hey, what’s with the sigh?” I stopped again and had him face towards me. “Nothing’s going on between us. Trust me.”   I noticed the drastic change in his cheerful expression from earlier. He looked really down and I couldn’t help but feel bad. Why did that even come out of my mouth? I’m supposed to stir him away from the idea that he’s got some competition with Kyuhyun but it seems like I’ve added more fuel to it now.   As John Mayer’s song goes, my stupid mouth has got me in trouble indeed.   Jonghyun meekly smiled at me as his brown eyes made deep contact with mine before taking my hand into his again. “Let’s go. Heechul hyung might break my neck if I don’t get you back on time. We’ve got five more minutes left.”   I don’t know what his smile meant but I hope it’s something positive. We were quiet in taking the last few steps until we reached the building.   “So you’re staying at Zee noona’s place now, right?” He began as he turned to face me, our hands letting go of each other’s grip.   “Yea, at least for the next two weeks.”   Then there was another awkward silence.   “Oh… so you’re still going back to hyung’s apartment.” Jonghyun remarked faintly.   Why is he suddenly asking questions like this?   “Well, I have to. We made a deal after all.” My lips formed into a thin smile.   “Suppose the two of you didn’t make any deal, would you still choose to go back to him” He asked as he eyed me intently.   “No.” I said rashly.   But to be honest, I, myself is not convinced.   His question suddenly got me thinking deeply and the beat of my heart seems to be quickening at the same time. I’ve always thought how much I despised staying at Kyuhyun’s apartment because of our petty arguments but ironically, it makes me feel…at home at the same time. I don’t know what the exact feeling is called but all I know is that it makes me feel good and at ease.   “How come you didn’t stay at Zee noona’s in the first place?” The tone of Jonghyun’s voice was filled with… curiosity. Let’s just put it that way.   “Zee was in Canada when Kyuhyun and I made the deal plus it would be awkward. I didn’t even know her back then.” I explained calmly.   “So you don’t find it awkward to be living in a place with boys? I mean, with you being the only girl around.” There was something about his manner of asking. He may look calm but something tells me that there’s more to that.   “Hey, wait a second. Why are you suddenly asking about this?” I asked with a little laugh, so as to let him know that I find his questions ridiculously funny.   Silence got between us for awhile until I heard Jonghyun sigh.   “Nothing.” He shook his head sideways with a small smile. “Don’t mind it. I’m sorry for being too prying.”   I don’t want to think of it this way but is he being jealous? I hope I’m not being too assuming.   I just smiled at him and touched his arm gently so as to reassure him and he returned the gesture as well. He glanced on his watch and his smile grew even wider.   “Well, we’re on time.”   “Afraid of Heechul Oppa’s wrath again, I see.” I teased with a smug smile and he chuckled.   “Well…more like I was afraid I wouldn’t get to see you again.” He countered back and I was left speechless, trying to get hold of my wobbling knees.   Lee Jonghyun. You and your way with words.   The next thing he did almost made my knees give in as he leaned in forward, his pink lips softly landing on my left cheek.   I looked at him surprised, not really knowing how I should react. Did I like it? Well, I wouldn’t say I hated it but I can’t say that I liked it so much either. I’m not mad at Jonghyun for doing that though. I just feel like I’m on a limbo right now. I guess that’s the best way to describe it.   “Sorry.” He said with a flushed smile.   “It’s okay.” I said reassuringly and sincerely.   “So I guess I’ll get going now.” Jonghyun told me as he took a step back.   “Have fun at your filming and good luck! I really had a great time today.”   “Glad to hear that. So…I’ll see you soon?” He asked with a hopeful smile though I noticed how his eyes seemed to have lost that usual spark it has whenever he would look at me.   “See you soon.” I replied with a smile and with that we bade our goodbyes.   I watched his retreating back for awhile and as I did so, I could feel my smile diminishing little by little. I don’t know why but it suddenly felt different.   “So, how did it go?” As soon as I stepped inside the pet hotel, I was greeted by Heechul Oppa whom I almost didn’t notice by the door. Err…How long has he been there?   “Oh Heechul Oppa!” I slightly bowed my head down to him in acknowledgement. “It went fine.”   I noticed that he’s the only one around here. “Oppa, if I may ask, where are the girls?”   “They went out to get dinner for us.” He answered calmly.   We both sat down on the couch while we waited for them. This is the first time that I’ve been left with Heechul Oppa alone. It feels awkward to be honest. Maybe because he still scares me I usually don’t have any problems striking up a conversation with people but I guess that doesn’t apply right now. I just have this feeling that I always have to be careful with my choice of words when it comes to him. I don’t really feel like risking it now.   I saw him busy flipping through a magazine before I drowned myself in my thoughts.   “You don’t look happy. Did something happen?” I noticed Heechul Oppa was looking at me, looking both suspicious and concerned.   “Oh, no. I’m okay.” I explained right away, hoping he won’t press on the issue anymore.   “So, any plans of seeing him again?” Heechul Oppa asked with a wide grin, just like that one of the Cheshire cat’s.   “Jonghyun?”   “No. Kyuhyun.” Heechul Oppa remarked sarcastically with a playful smile.   That’s when I felt like I’ve been jolted back to reality. What a stupid question, Angela.   “Oh of course. Silly me.” I said closing my eyes as I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Soon enough, I guess. He said he’ll be busy these coming days.”   “Really? You’ll have more time for Kyuhyun then.” He said brightly, accompanied by a wide grin.   Instead of getting all defensive and annoyed, I found myself chuckling, and so did Heechul Oppa.   “I’m just curious. Why are you guys fond of teasing me and Kyuhyun?”   “Well, let’s see.” He leaned back on his seat as he began counting with his fingers. “40%, you two look together. 20% it’s fun to troll on you two, especially Kyuhyun since he’s my dongsaeng. And 10% everyone else thinks likewise.” He finished with a satisfied smile.   “Oppa, that’s only a total of 70%.” I said as soon as I finished computing mentally.   “I know. I’m not finished yet.” He said quickly. “I was just about to say that 30% is because it’s fun having you around.”   I looked at him a bit dumbfounded, trying to process what he just said. I don’t know how I should react but to be honest, I thought it was very sweet of him to say that.   “Why would you say that, Oppa?” I asked meekly, unable to look at him.   “It’s because we have someone close to tease Kyuhyun with.” He said with a triumphant smug smile.   “Oh…” I trailed off with a defeated expression. Pfft, I knew he wasn’t being serious about this.   “Kidding aside though,” Heechul Oppa began in a serious tone after a few moments of silence. I looked up at him hopefully, hoping that he’d give a decent reason this time around.   “You’re just someone that Kyuhyun needs right now.” He said, his tone still serious.   Well, so much for expecting something that doesn’t have anything to do with Kyuhyun.   I chuckled at him and said, “Well, as someone to clean after his mess, I guess.”   “Is that really it?” Heechul Oppa asked in a mocked suspicious tone, giving me a knowing look, one eye squinting, while he caressed his chin.   “As far as I know, it is.” I said complacently.   Heechul Oppa was just eyeing me suspiciously yet again as he sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “If you say so then.”   And just when I thought he was going to stop talking already, he continued, “But honestly, something tells me that there’s something more to it. Sooner or later, you’ll have to admit or well, face the truth when it comes out.”   My eyes widened once more as I shot him a puzzled expression. “Your mind games are starting to confuse me, Oppa.”   “What’s he saying now to confuse you?” Zee’s curious voice piped in as she came in with some plastic bags on her hands. EunHee and Kim Shin were following right behind her with some baggages as well.   “Oh nothing. I’m just sharing her some of my well-known words of wisdom.” Heechul Oppa winked at me before he stood up and took the bags from Zee.   I just discreetly shook my head sideways as I snickered in silence.   “Words of wisdom for you but mind games for others.” Zee commented as she followed Heechul Oppa, who was heading to the longer table where we would eat our take-out dinner.   I think I’ll have to agree with Zee.   KYUHYUN   It’s only been our group’s second day here in Taiwan but it already feels as if I’ve already been here long enough to be this drained. Since we’re only here for a limited time, our schedules are really packed! TV guesting and CF shootings left and right. Like today, we tried to finish filming one episode of an Amazing Race-like kind show. I think they’re going to call it SJ-M Celebrity Tour Guide Mission or something like that. We’ll get to have a deeper immersion and glimpse of the Taiwanese culture. We get to tour around different places and taste the variety of food specialties that they have to offer. It’s tiring but it’s actually fun somehow, especially if we get to receive such perks.   I actually consider Taiwan as my second home. My father, who is an educator, is even planning to have a school built here. If ever it will push through, it will be open around early next year perhaps.   Speaking of my father, I actually miss him already, even my mother and noona. I rarely see them because of my busy schedule. And now that I’m in Taiwan, I actually miss them even more. TT__TT I should probably give them a call soon, or better yet, make a quick visit once we get back to Korea. I guess I could consider myself lucky that we’re just staying here for two weeks, unlike Siwon hyung and Donghae hyung who will be extending for a couple of months because of this drama they’ll be filming, which I think will already start tomorrow. Unfortunately, they won’t be joining us in the succeeding episodes of the Celebrity Tour Guide show anymore.   Maybe a cup of hot chamomile milk tea would be good to ease these tensed muscles of mine.   “Angela!” I yelled out loud as I entered the dorm  then I stopped on my tracks, my eyes widening as soon as I realized that I’ve done something wrong.   Something terribly wrong.   I could already imagine the teasing glints forming in the eyes of my fellow members, Ryeowook-ssi and Henry walking right infront of me, Zhou Mi hyung beside me and Sungmin hyung and Eunhyuk hyung right behind me, as well as their lips forming into smugs.   I placed one palm on my face as I mentally counted one to three.   3…2…1   Laughter and jeers erupted from everyone else. Eunhyuk hyung and Henry were howling like wolves. Ryeowook-ssi and Zhou Mi hyung were laughing hysterically while clapping. Sungmin hyung placed an arm around me, enclosing his arms on my neck, as he pulled me closer to him while his other free hand messed my hair.   I’m seriously wishing for the ground to swallow me whole right now.   “And he’d get annoyed at us whenever we mention her name.” Eunhyuk hyung said as he opened the fridge and started searching for some food.   “Looks like she’s crossing your mind from time to time after all.” Henry commented as he threw himself on the couch and opened the television.   The others nodded their heads in agreement   “No she’s not! I just did it out of instinct.” I said indignantly.   Which is true! I have this habit of calling her out loud whenever I want her to make me some tea, especially after I get home from a long day at work.   “Oh we get it all right. It’s the heart’s instinct.” Zhou Mi hyung said earning him a high five from Sungmin hyung while the other’s howled and clapped their hands.   I looked at all of them with despise. “Oh shut up! I just wanted some tea alright!”   “Well, tea sounds far from Angela.” Zhou Mi hyung retorted back.   “That’s because it’s Angela who makes this special tea for him.” Ryeowook-ssi piped in and everyone else gasped. “Well, she originally made it for all of us at first after coming home from dance practice one night since she noticed how tired and beaten up we all were. It was actually good to be honest. And I guess Kyuhyun-ah liked it so much because he always requested her to make it for him.”   “Ooooh.” They all responded in unison.   Why did Wookie-ssi have to be such a blab?   It’s true though. For someone who can’t cook, her tea mixing skill or whatever you call it impressed me. I guess she felt bad for us when she saw us that night. She said that there was a tea she’d mix whenever she was stressed out and tired and asked us if we wanted to try it. We agreed since we wanted to drink something anyway. I’d usually troll on her but I was already too tired to do so.   “Well, if you wanted that tea so badly, why don’t you make one yourself?” Sungmi