JONGHYUN   FNC Academy Practice Room 7:30PM   “Aish!” I exclaim defeatedly as I realized that I just lost the last leg of rocks, papers and scissors.  My opponent, Jungshin, won as he attacked my paper with his scissors.   Jungshin and I were arguing earlier about who will go to the grocery and since none of us would like to go, Minhyuk suggested that we settle it via that petty game. The one who lost will unfortunately be the one to go to the grocery and buy dinner for everyone. The payment’s all on me too. Great.   The two maknaes high five one another as I heave a sigh of defeat. “Fine, fine! I’ll be the one to go.” I tell them, sounding slightly irritable as I get up from my seat. I carefully place my acoustic guitar on the stand placed behind me.   “You do know what we like, right?” Minhyuk pipes in with a smug look.   “Hurry up, hyung! My stomach is growling like mad.” demands Jungshin, the youngest of us all.   I just roll my eyes at them as I put on my blue hoodie and cap for disguise.   We are all currently gathered in the practice room, as we are taking a break from playing. Ever since our album promotions have begun, TV shows, radio appearances and the like have been popping in left and right. It’s actually only now that we got to take some time off from all of those hectic schedules.   “Jonghyun-ah!” Yonghwa hyung calls out to me and I couldn’t help but feel surprised. “Don’t forget my goguma chips, okay?” He tells me quickly before putting back his phone to his ear, giving me no time to even respond.   He’s actually been on it ever since we got on break, and we actually thought he didn’t care about dinner anymore. I guess his beloved girl is feeding him with a lot of sweetness already. Hahaha!   Well, that person is no other than hyung’s precious innocent, goddess-like girlfriend, Seohyun of Girls’ Generation. They got it on pretty well ever since they appeared together as a pair in this reality show called We Got Married,  where they have to act as if they are…well, a married couple. Ever since they ended their virtual marriage, which actually lasted for a year, they managed to keep in touch with one another. Things got even better for them and that’s when they have decided to continue the romance that has been brewing in between them. Their relationship is kept from the public just to be safe, but if their supporters knew what’s actually going on between them, I’m sure they will be all thrilled.   I actually can’t help but wonder what kind of magic that show has. It’s like they’re some kind of matchmakers or something. Not only did they make a real couple out of Seohyun and hyung, but there’s also another couple from the same batch who happened to have taken the same path as they did; only that now they have already taken their relationship to a higher level than Seohyun-sshi and Yonghwa hyung.   Will I actually find my special someone if I join that show? Kekeke.     It didn’t take long before I reached the nearby grocery store. It was only a fifteen minute walk anyway from our company. As I was walking towards the entrance, I accidentally bumped onto someone.   “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to.” The girl wearing a knee-length baby blue summer dress matched with a white-knitted cardigan, blurts out in English, looking very alarmed.
“It’s oka—   I stop in the middle of what I was going to say as I catch a glimpse of her watery eyes. “Hey, are you okay? I’m sorry I was in a rush to—   I stop midway again as I notice how familiar her eyes are. She nods at me quickly before moving to her side so as to give way for me to pass through. I find myself glued in my position though as I watch her restlessly peering at the parking area.   She looks so… lost! LOST! And then something suddenly hits my memory.   As subtly as I could, I survey her features once more. Those round brown eyes, slightly pointed nose, pink lips, angelic face… I can’t be wrong! It’s really her!I’m 100% positively sure!   “Hey! It’s you!” I exclaim as I approach her, causing her to jerk from her position. “You’re the lost girl at the airport!”   Her eyes widen at me as she backs away a little. Way to go for scaring her, Jonghyun!  Sheesh.   “I’m sorry.” I smile at her so as to lessen the fear she is feeling and then her expression changes into a surprised one as she gasps.   “Oh my god! It’s you!” She finally manages to say as she comes closer to me, her face looking relieved as she smiles back.   Oh good! She remembers me!   I extend my hand to her for a shake and she takes it with no hesitation.   “I’m sorry for earlier. It’s just that I’m—   “Are you lost again?” I couldn’t help but ask half-amused, half-surprised, as our hands let go from one another’s grip.   She gives a light chuckle despite of her worried expression. “Well, not exactly but I guess it’s somewhat close to that.”   I look at her quizzically. “What do you mean?”   She heaves a sigh as a tear rolls down her cheek. She covers up her sadness with a light chuckle as she wipes the tear away.   I know I just met her for the second time but I seriously can’t help myself to feel worried about her. Actually, that’s how I also felt when I first saw her at the airport.   “Hey.” I say softly, coming closer to her side as I place a hand on her shoulder. “Is there anything I can do to help?”   “M—my companion left me.” She begins, trying to stop herself from sobbing. “He’s been gone for almost an hour now and… I—I don’t know how I can get back.”   He? Could it be her boyfriend? Or well, maybe a friend? But I thought she’s travelling here all by herself? Hmm…   “Have you tried calling him already?”   She shakes her head sideways. “I don’t have his number.”   Okay, so he’s definitely not her boyfriend. I mean if he is then she should have his contact number or something. But… who’s he? Something’s really fishy here but I wouldn’t want her to think that I’m too meddlesome.   Aish, Jonghyun! Why are you so bothered by it so much?   “Well, I’m sure he’ll come back for you.” I tell her, hoping she would lighten up.   “Oh he better be! Or else I’ll—   She suddenly stops as if she has said too much already.   “Never mind.” She finishes with a defeated sigh. “I haven’t even finished doing the groceries yet. I’m not really sure of the products I’m supposed to buy.”   “Well, I think I could help you with that.” I offer kindly as I cross my fingers behind my back. “I mean, if it’s okay with you.”  I’m honestly hoping she would say yes.   “Really?” The despairing look in her eyes shifts to a hopeful one. “Are you sure? Won’t I be a bother for you?”   I give her a reassuring smile as I place both my hands inside the pockets of my hoodie. “Come on, I insist.” I say once more as I gesture her to take the lead.   She smiles and nods her head. “Thanks.” She walks ahead and I follow suit.   I guess the guys can wait for their dinner a little longer. Kekeke.     KYUHYUN   AISH! That girl… Angela… Seriously, she’s one big troublemaker!!   I am literally catching my rapid breathing as I come to a full stop in front of Just Got Pawed, the very first pet hotel established here in Seoul, owned and managed by one of the few closest girl buddies I have a.k.a. the love of Heechul hyung’s life, Zee Lau. If by any chance, you’re wondering if she’s related to Henry Lau, my only dongsaeng in our group (well, at least in Super Junior-M), well, yes they are. They happen to be cousins.   As I have mentioned earlier, we’re pretty close with another and Heechul hyung doesn’t seem to mind it as he knows that I only really see Zee as a friend, nothing more, nothing less; although I feel that he is getting jealous at times because his girlfriend treats me nicely more than she does to him. Kekeke.   I’m just kidding! The truth is I don’t really know.   I survey my surroundings once more through my rear view mirror, just to make sure that I’ve lost track of the fan girls that were chasing after me.   Whew! Coast seems to be clear now as I don’t see any signs of that small red car that has been following me around. That sure was tiring!   I guess Zee wouldn’t mind if I’d hang out here for a few minutes… or maybe an hour or so. I just need to escape from all of these stresses.   I put on my disguise paraphernalia, which are my black hoodie, Ray Ban shades and my face mask, just in case someone recognizes me. It’s better to take safety measures now considering what happened earlier.   I take another look at my surroundings before fully emerging out of my vehicle, and since I’m pretty certain that the coast is a hundred per cent clear, I immediately click the ‘lock’ button on my car remote and instantly dash inside the hotel.   Good thing there weren’t much people inside anymore when I got in. I bet it’s only Zee and her friends, Eun Hee and Kim Shin, in here since the sound of the their cackle is the only thing filling this vast room and they suddenly come to a stop once they caught sight of me.   The three of them are shooting me an odd look as I stand in front of them.   “Who’s he?” whispers Eun Hee to Kim Shin. Though it was a whisper, it was pretty loud for me to hear.   “I have no idea. But do you think we should call the police or something?” Kim Shin suggests and this alarms me a little.   “Ya! Why would you call the police?” I say in a loud voice, sounding a bit offended.   “Kyuhyun-ah?” Zee, who stands up from the couch, approaches me slowly. “Is that really you?” She asks disbelievingly as she peers at me.   I take my shades off along with my face mask, revealing my make-up free face to them. I hear Kim Shin and Eun Hee breathe out a sigh of relief along with a nervous chuckle.   “Oh! It’s only Kyuhyun Oppa!” Kim Shin continues to chuckle as she avoids my gaze.   “We’re sorry about that, Oppa. Anyway, Kim Shin and I will go ahead already. See you later, Zee!” Eun Hee says hurriedly as she pulls Kim Shin with her, both of them doing a quick bow before heading towards the door.   “What? Do I look like a bad guy to you, guys?” I ask them as I remove the hood over my head but I guess they didn’t hear me anymore as they have quickly gone out.   “Well, to be honest, your get-up made you look like you were some kind of burglar, so you can’t really blame them. I would have mistaken you as one too if I didn’t recognize your face mask.” Zee comments as she stands beside me, looking smug.   I take a look at my face mask and it had the letters “KYU” embedded on it. I snigger at her. She knows me too well. This is why we’re friends.   “Anyway, what brings you here, evil one? As far as I know, you don’t have any pets that could avail of our services, unless…you are checking yourself in here.” Zee teases me and I snigger at her once more.   “Well, honestly, I think that’s a good idea. At least I get to be away from a lot of stresses outside of this place.” I tell her as I my hoodie, showing off my pink polo shirt underneath.   “Stresses?” She gives me a quizzical look.   “Fan girls were chasing after me earlier! Good thing I was able to make it here alive. This is all her fault! If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have gotten into this situation. That stupid troublemaker!” I rant to her as I run my hands through my hair.   “Wait, what? Her? Who is she?” Zee asks sounding very confused as she crosses her arms.   And then it suddenly hit me, she doesn’t know about Angela yet. Hmm… how should I explain this?   “Well, it’s a bit of a long story.” I scratch my heads as I began and I glance at Zee who is tapping her index finger on her elbow, looking very eager to hear the rest of the story.   I pause for awhile as I thoroughly think of the right words to say. I don’t want her to get the wrong impression or something.   “See, last week, Siwon hyung and Donghae hyung took Yoona and Jessica out on a date down at Gangnam and I ended up getting tagged along with them even if I didn’t really want to go anymore.” I say as I make my way towards the couch and Zee follows suit as she sits on the couch adjacent to where I am sitting.   “And?” Zee cues in for me, sounding already impatient.   “Well, to cut it short, on our way home, I was the one driving and well… I—I nearly ran over that girl.” I say quite hesitantly.   “YOU WHAT?!” Zee exclaims as her eyes widen at me and I flinch a little. “Kyu, you have to be careful with your driving! You’re lucky no one witnessed that incident!”   “I know it’s my fault but it’s not like I intended for it to happen. It was an accident! Besides, she’s okay now. She’s even under our care.” I explain defensively.   “You mean she’s living with you guys?!” She asks, sounding pretty shocked.   I nod my head. “I originally didn’t want to take her in but all of my hyungs are so persistent in keeping her.”   “All of your hyungs? So Casey knows about this?”   Casey is Heechul hyung’s English name and Zee is fond of calling him that. It’s kind of like her revenge for Heechul hyung because he baptized her as SaeMi. Though she hated the name at first, it grew on her eventually, especially now that she and hyung are a couple. Personally, I think it’s their own form of endearment for one another. Kekeke.   “Ne. That night, all of them at the dorm came over at my place to discuss about what we’ll do with the girl. Heechul hyung was actually the one who initiated the idea of keeping her. He originally wanted to take her in their dorm but Leeteuk hyung had to remind him that girls aren’t allowed in there.”   Zee scoffs and says, “He would normally talk to me about random things but he didn’t mention anything about this to me.”   Uh-oh. Looks like someone’s going to get a beating from his girlfriend and I think I’m going to get a beating from hyung too if he finds out I was the one who told her. Gulp.   “Well, maybe hyung just forgot.” I say in behalf of Heechul hyung.   “He better be ready with his explanation.” She says in a threatening tone. “Anyway, for how long are you planning to keep the girl with you?”   I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. Maybe until she saves enough money so she can go back to the Philippines.”   “Oh! So, she’s a Filipina.”   “Three-fourths Filipina and one-fourth Chinese.” I add for her information.   “What exactly is her story?”   “She ran away from her home for reasons she won’t discuss. On her first day here, she got held up. Some guy took all of her money that’s why she’s going to be stranded here for quite a long time.”   “Well… that’s pretty unfortunate of her. A series of unfortunate events on her first day in Seoul. Tsk, tsk.” Zee remarks pitifully as she shakes her head sideways. “But it’s good to know that you guys are helping her as you’ve mentioned.”   “Yea, it’s pretty much a win-win situation. We’re helping her, and at the same time, she’s helping us too.” I tell her sounding very pleased with a smug smile. “Which reminds me, she’s at the grocery right now and—   Oops. I feel my smile vanishing as I remember that I left Angela at the grocery store. All by herself. ALL BY HERSELF! And I don’t think she even knows that I left! YIKES!   Panic starts to rush inside of me.   “Which reminds you what?” Zee presses on.   “Err, um… we were actually doing some groceries when the fan girls attacked me and I—I left her all by herself at the grocery store and… I’m afraid she doesn’t even know that I left.” In a span of seconds, I feel a whacking pain at the back of my head, making me cry out in pain.   “Ow! That hurts!” I complain to Zee as she crosses her arms after hitting me on the head.   This isn’t the first time that she did this to me. The first time was when she tried to stop me from moving out of the dorm and when I didn’t comply, I felt her delicate looking hand hit me pretty hard. The pain right now is twice the intensity of that though.   “Are you crazy?!” Zee exclaims incredulously, paying no attention to my cries of pain. “Why would you just leave a girl on her own? She doesn’t even know her way around here!” She continues, seething with anger.   “But I was nearly mobbed by fan girls! I had to do something.” I say defensively as I move a seat away from her.   “Then you should have dragged her with you, babo!” Zee stands up from her seat and have both of her hands placed on her hips.   “I wasn’t with her that time. I didn’t have the time to grab her!” I remember leaving her at the fruits and vegetables section while I was looking for potato chips to munch on at home.   “Then why did you leave her side?” She says as she removes her right hand from one hip. “The idea was for you to prevent her from getting lost, not the other way around!”   “People recognized that it was me, Zee.  If they saw me with her, the situation will just get worse.” Which is actually true. Considering how prying the people could be nowadays. I can’t even bear the idea of people thinking that Angela is my girlfriend. *barfs*   Zee rubs her temples as she closes her eyes and says, “That should not always be your excuse, Kyu. You should have taken the necessary precautions.” She seems to have calmed down now somehow.   I heave a sigh of defeat, a sign of acceptance of my mistake. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left her.”   “Don’t say sorry to me. Say it to the person who deserves to hear that.” She walks towards the counter and grabs her coat and bag. “Now, get up! We’re going to look for her.” She says sternly and just like a programmed robot, I immediately rise from my seat and head toward the exit.   I immediately stop on my tracks though once I saw the door open. Heechul hyung’s figure emerges out of it. “SaeMi?”   His eyes widen at the sight of me. “Kyuhyun-ah? What are you doing here? Don’t you have— SaeMi!”   Hyung’s eyes widen even more at the sight of Zee who just got on my side. He has this sheepish grin on his face right now. However, Zee doesn’t look too amused to see him as she one of her eyebrows is raised and her arms crossed, sending off an intimidating vibe to him.   “Ya, what’s with that look? Aren’t you happy to see your handsome boyfriend?” Heechul hyung asks.