Because I Love My Pet
The Fifth Trick
- - -

 

One morning you woke up to one side of the bed empty. Fluttering your eyes open, you moved your arm, which answered to your suspicion and lazily turned your head to find that it was indeed empty. Quietly groaning, you forced yourself up in a sitting position and groggily looked around, besides the bed, your bedroom had nothing missing. Scratching your head, you stretched out your arms and legs before you pulled the covers off and dragged yourself out of your room.

 

But then you suddenly stopped the moment you heard someone singing in your main room, with the dishwasher running and the sound of clacking after that. A rather confused expression appeared on your sleepy face before you quietly peeked over and noticed a certain little boy singing to himself as he did the dishes.

 

Noona neomu yeppeo
Geu geunyeoreul boneun naneun) Michyeo
Ha hajiman ijaen jichyeo
Replay Replay Replay~
Chueogi nae mameul halgwieo
Ah apaseo ijaen mameul) Gocheyo
Da dagaol ibyeorae nan
Replay Replay Replay~

 

Leaning against the wall, you couldn't help but smile at the boy as he continued singing to himself. He even started dancing along with his singing and the moment he turned around, he instantly froze, his eyes super glued to your form as you started giggling.

 

“N-noona?!” he squealed as he broke his position and shuffled back to the sink. A loud laugh echoed afterward as you paddled over to the younger male and hugged him from behind. His body instantly stiffed up, his cheeks flaring up as he meekly continued washing a pan from yesterday's dinner.

 

“Bombom~ That was really awesome!” you praised, “You're a very nice singer, you should sing for me often.”

 

“Y-you really think so?” he questioned as he turned his head and somehow managed to look at you. Lifting your head, you nod happily as he giggles and returns to his task he started earlier this morning. You laugh as well, ruffling his hair before you release yourself from him, but continue to stand next to him.

 

“Ah, by the way... I have a job interview today,” you inform him casually, causing him to stop once again and look at you.

 

“Really?! That's great news!”

 

You smile meekly and nod, “Yeah, I won't be home til around lunch time, so go ahead and make something for yourself... Just don't burn down my apartment.”

 

“Okay~” he giggles, “I'd hug you, but...”

 

“That's fine,” you continue to smile, “I'm going to go get ready~”

 

After taking almost thirty or so minutes primping yourself up, you casually strolled out of your room, dressed in one of your best dress suits, your professional heels, your make up done in a light yet noticeable way and of course, your hair tied up in a professional ponytail. Taemin was sitting on the sofa, munching on some Shrimp Chips when you came out and the moment you stepped foot in the main room, he looked over his shoulder and just stared.

 

You smiled, “How do I look?” you asked as you did a light twirl. Taemin merely blinked a few times, before a smile broke from his lips and he gave you a thumbs up.

 

“Noona fighting!” he cheered as he pumped his fist.

 

- - -

 

Inhaling quietly, you stared up at the large building before closed your eyes, exhaled some air and walked into the building with your head high. This was another office job you managed to get a call back from and you were determined to get this job. It's been far too long and you really needed to pay your rent and some borrowed money you got from your parents, well more like your dad since he wasn't mad at you.

 

With a professional smile, you walked up to the counter and told them of your appointment with the department manager. The front desk lady merely smiled and nodded gently, before showing you to the door that lead you to the manager's office.

 

It wasn't even ten minutes later that a loud slap plus a string of color words exploded from the manager's office, which caused the door to bust open. You immediately stomped out of the office, red faced and not even bothered to acknowledge the rest of the employees, who were currently staring at the door. Their manager was also red faced, his narrowed as the employees who shuffled to whatever they were doing earlier.

 

You hurried out of the office building, scrambling out of there as fast as your heels could take you. Soon, you plopped down on a bench that was nearby, tired, angry and ungodly humiliated. Tears were now pouring out of eyes, your hands immediately covering your face as you sobbed on the bench.

 

How dare he! You mentally cursed as you continued to cry in your hands. Not only did that old ert tried to hit on you, he was also a close friend to your previous boss. And that's when you recognized him. He had also tried to hit on you back then, but you brushed it off because you didn't want to lose your job. It was no wonder you got an eager call back.

 

“Can this get any worse...?” you whispered.

 

“_____-ah? Is that you?”

 

Pausing, you lifted your head from your hands, only to be staring at someone who couldn't have the best timing in the world!

 

“Oppa...” you sniffled, a few more tears escaping from your eyes. Immediately, Junki hung up his cellphone and sat down next to you, a look of pure concern in his eyes. You only sobbed more the moment he pulled you into his arms and hugged you.

 

“Come on, let's go get something to drink,” was all he said as he got up and helped you over to a nearby cafe.

 

- - -

 

After calming down and cleaning off your ruined make up, you shyly sat on a chair, Junki sitting across from you as he leaned back and had his arms crossed in front of him, in a rather manly fashion. Every now and then, you would steal glances at him, but you'd instantly look elsewhere since he was staring rather intently at you since the both of you sat down.

 

“You feeling better?” he asked, leaning forward and and rested both of his arms on the table. His head slightly tilted itself, causing you to smile meekly, “Ah, there we go~”

 

“O-oppa, t-thank you,” you bowed from your chair.

 

“Y-yah!” he laughed, awkwardly, “Honestly, _____-ah, you need to get rid of the formalities between the both of us. We're high school friends and you call me Oppa, no need to bow!”

 

You timidly nodded. There was another awkward silence, but the waitress who served the both of you appeared with two steaming lattes. Junki quietly thanked her, as well as you and the two of you fell silent once again.

 

“So,” Junki spoke up after a few moments, which caused you to look up from your drink, “How's your job hunting go? Did you have an interview? Is that why you're dressed nicely?”

 

“N-ne, Oppa...” you swallowed hard as you placed your drink down, “Though, I didn't do well with the interview... So, looks like I'll have to try again elsewhere.”

 

“Aigoo... Finish your drink, you and I are going to the agency,” he sighed as he eyed you. With that weird look in his eyes, your own eyes widen.

 

“No need to! You don't have to do that for me.”

 

“_____-ah, you really need a job, yes?” you nodded almost shamefully, “Then I can put a good word for you and viola! You have a job. Besides, we'll be able to talk more and I don't have to worry about running into you crying on a bench in the middle of the city.”

 

“Oppa...” you flashed him a look, “You really don't need to do this for me...”

 

“_____-ah, are you trying to argue with Oppa?”

 

“No! I wouldn't dare...”

 

“Then listen to Oppa for once and let Oppa help you.”

 

You instantly pouted and sighed heavily. Of course Junki would just chuckle at you, causing you to hang your head but agreed anyway. You were desperate and you promised yourself that this was your last resort. You couldn't delay anymore time for your money issues, so as much as you didn't want to disappoint Bombom, hopefully... He'd understand the situation.

 

Speaking of which, why was he so against this agency anyway?

 

- - -

 

The moment you stepped out of the office, you had your head low. Junki immediately got up from his seat and looked at you. You then lifted your head up, a solemn look on your face, but you immediately smiled brightly and hugged him tightly.

 

“Oppa! I got the job!” you squealed happily. Junki laughed loudly, returning the hug and almost spun you around due to the momentum, “Oh goodness, thank you Oppa... This really means a lot to me.”

 

“Aigoo _____-ah,” he chuckled as he released you and looked at you, “I told you I'll put a good word for you~ Shall we celebrate?”

 

You nodded happily.

 

“Great! But first, I need to take care of a quick something and we'll go celebrate,” he smiled rather handsomely, which caused you to blush heavily, “Would you like to meet some celebrities?”

 

“Eh? Who...?”

 

“SHINee,” he smirked lightly as he took your hand and lead you down the hall.

 

“Wait... Who?”

 

- - -

 

“You know, this is really awkward and weird to be doing this without Taemin.”

 

“Well, not much we can do about that, now can we, hyung?”

 

“It's your fault, if you didn't scare him off...”

 

“MY fault?! Oh! Oh?! Look who's talking Mr. Man-Up-Taemin-Or-Else-Just-Leave! And guess what, buddy, he actually took YOUR stupid advice and ran off! Happy now? My SON actually took your advice!”

 

“How was I suppose to know that he'd up and run off? The least he could have done is did that latter... And man up like I told him to!”

 

“You're his hyung! Of course, he's going to take in your words! But he's still young, he most likely thought you wanted him to leave, so he left!”

 

“Really you two? Can we not deal with your marriage quarrels for five seconds?”

 

“Shut up Minho!”

 

Choi Minho, the rapper and Flaming Charisma of SHINee sent the two older ones a narrowed look; however, was clearly ignored since the two started going at it again. With a heavy sigh, Minho trotted over to their leader, who was currently sitting down, his head hanging and his form rather slumped. A water bottle was in his hand but his stare was on the floor, which looked immensely interesting. Lee Jinki or to the rest of the world, Onew gently bopped his forehead against the mirror, attempting to ignore the other two, who were still biting one another's heads off.

 

“No matter now long or how much we bicker and fight, it's still not helping with the fact that Taeminnie's missing and we have a comeback to deal with...”

 

“We'll find him, hyung,” Minho reassured as he sat next to the leader and placed a hand on his shoulder, “I'm sure he's still in the city... Taemin-ah's smart.”

 

“Yah, what's going on here?”

 

Immediately, the two Kim boys stopped with their antics and turned their complete attention to the person standing at the entrance of their dance room. Kim Jonghyun's eye brow rose, especially when he noticed a rather pretty looking woman standing behind the male.

 

“Manager-hyung?” Jinki greeted when he got up from his seat and made his way over to the doorway, the other three following the suit.

 

Peeking over, you stood behind Junki and looked over at the three boys in the dance room. All were very handsome, you weren't going to deny that, but something was off at the same time. First, you couldn't help but feel uncomfortable when one of the boys kept staring at you, regardless of his rather masculine looks, you swallowed before Junki moved aside.

 

“Ah, boys,” Junki smiled as he pulled you over so now you were standing in front of him, “This is _____ _____, the newly hired front desk receptionist and a good friend of mine. _____-ah, this is SHINee.”

 

“SHINee,” you repeated as you looked at each boy before smiling and giving them a bow, “Please to you meet you all!”

 

“I'm surprised she isn't going ga ga,” one of them commented, “Well, pleased to meet you too, _____ _____-ssi, I'm Kim Kibum or the Almighty Key.”

 

“Kim Jonghyun or Bling Bling Jjong,” the masculine one greeted with a rather charming and highly alluring smile, “Nice too meet you, _____ _____.”

 

“Choi Minho, but I'm mostly known as the Flaming Charisma Minho,” the tallest of the group greeted politely and with a equally charming, but polite smile, “It's a pleasure to meet you, _____ _____-ssi.”

 

“And I'm Lee Jinki or better known as Leader Onew,” the final one greeted with the brightest smile you've seen all day, “It's a pleasure to meet you too and I look forward to be working with you!”

 

“Aigoo...” you blushed as you looked at Junki, “And you're a manager now, Oppa?”

 

“Damnit...” Jonghyun muttered.

 

Junki smiled and nodded, “Yes, I take care of these boys like they're my own~ I just wanted to check on them before we go celebrate.”

 

“Celebrate?” Jinki inquired, “Ah! You're celebrating your new work?”

 

“What else would they be celebrating, hyung?” Kibum questioned with a raised eyebow.

 

“I don't know...” Jinki muttered, feeling a bit embarrassed at his slow moment, “Aish Kibummie-ah, don't make me feel silly in front of _____-noona!”

 

“Now we're at that basis? Aigoo... Hyung, you're too forward.”

 

“It's fine,” you laughed and smiled at the leader, “Everyone can call me Noona if they want to.”

 

“Gladly~” Jonghyun jumped in and sent you one of his charming smiles before looking over at Junki, “Hyung... We seriously can't do this without Taemin.”

 

“You seem to be doing fine earlier...”

 

“Yes, but everytime Jonghyun-hyung messes up, he complains about there being an empty space and he started bickering with Kibum-hyung.”

 

“You are such a tattle tale, Minho-yah...”

 

- - -

 

Somehow, the four members of SHINee managed to convince their manager to let them tag along for the little celebration. And thanks to Jonghyun's persuasion, all four boys piled into their manager's personal car (which was a very tight squeeze, mainly because of Minho and his height) and the six of you made your way over to a casual restaurant. The original plan was to take you to a nice bar that Junki knew of, but seeing as you were now bringing the minors, you decided to go with a family style restaurant instead.

 

And somehow, the six of you managed to find a nice place that wasn't swamped with people. Which meant that the boys didn't have to get bombarded by screaming fans. You were currently sitting in the middle, in between Junki and Minho, though, you couldn't help but noticed the leering gestures Jonghyun was sending toward Minho, who ignored him as he enjoyed his soda.

 

“So, you're going to be working on a comeback?” you questioned, trying to strike up a conversation.

 

“Yes,” Jinki answered, “Though, we've been pushing it off since one of our members is... Sick.”

 

Concern soon fell on your features, “Really? Oh... I hope he feels better! So, you're a five member group? Who's your last member?”

 

“His name's Lee Taemin,” Kibum answered, “Our maknae and also our leading dancer.”

 

“I see...” you sighed, “Would it be alright if I gave him a Get Well present?”

 

“We'll give it to him on your behalf,” Junki smiled, “We wouldn't want you to get sick and be late on your first day on the job.”

 

You smiled and nodded, “Of course Oppa... Thanks.”

 

What felt like hours had passed within the blink of an eye, you looked down at your watch. Realizing the time, you shot up from your seat and stated that you really needed to get home. Junki agreed, telling the boys that they too had a busy schedule tomorrow and had to be up early for whatever.

 

After dropping the boys off to their dorms, Junki then drove you to your apartment. Although you declined, he insisted to walk you up to your door, which you sighed but allowed him to. Though, you were acting very fidgety.

 

“_____-ah, are you feeling alright?”

 

You smiled awkwardly but nodded, “I do... I guess I'm still giddy about the little celebration we had with the boys.”

 

He chuckled, “I understand... It's not everyday you get the chance to eat dinner with a few celebrities.”

 

Nodding, the two of you stopped in front of your door. Shyly, you opened your bag and pulled out your keys before you turned and inserted it into the keyhole. But the moment you cracked open your door, a thump and random barking echoed out of your apartment.

 

You jumped, “Bombom!”

 

At the other side of the door, Taemin was down on all fours, barking loudly and making growling sounds. Junki attempted to look beyond you; however, you hurried inside, shoving Taemin at the other side of your entrance way closet and pulling that door open to hide him.

 

“You have a dog, _____-ah?” Junki questioned as he continued to stand at your door way. You gave him a nervous smile, before nodding vigorously. Taemin continued to bark loudly and growl, his hand grasping your suit skirt and tugged on it roughly.

 

“Aigoo... Bad dog!” you yelped as you tried to look over your shoulder; however, you looked a bit silly in this pose, “Bombom! Cut it out!”

 

Now sitting on the floor, Taemin merely sent you a light smirk, before yanking on your skirt and barked again. Arching backward, you yelped and held onto the doorknob, Junki, still trying to look past you, but was having a hard time.

 

“_____?”

 

“Ah... I'm very sorry, Oppa!” you managed to say, “B-but my dog seems to not like men, so I don't want to wake up my neighbors!”

 

“Oh... Okay, I'll see you at work tomorrow then—” was all he said as you slammed your door shut. Letting go of the doorknob, you instantly fell backward, landing on Taemin's lap as he looked down at you with a smile.

 

“Welcome home, Noona!”

 

“Bom... Bom...” you growled as you shot up, “I'm going to NEUTER you!”

 

“NOONA?!”

 

After chasing the poor boy around your apartment for a good fifteen minutes, the both of you collapsed on your floor, panting heavily at that rather unique workout. Though, Taemin had rather abnormal stamina, he lasted rather longer than you had expected, but then again, he was weird to begin with anyway.

 

“What took you so long, Noona?” Taemin pouted as he rolled over and faced you.

 

You turned your head to face him, “S-sorry... I got a job~ And a few coworkers wanted to celebrate.”

 

“Really? You got hired at that once place?” Taemin's mood instantly lit up and he sat up, before helping you sit up as well.

 

You smiled, “Yes... I did get hired... But uhm... Not at the original place.”

 

“Oh, you got a second interview?”

 

“You can say that...”

 

“Noona, are you okay? You look... Guilty.”

 

“Aigoo... Bombom,” you sighed as you leaned forward and hugged the boy, “I know I promised you... But please know I'm doing this so I don't have to worry about the rent and money for things.”

 

“What's the matter?” he questioned as he looked down at you.

 

“...” you stayed quiet, “Actually... Nevermind~ It's a really nice place, so no more worries about the money.”

 

He didn't buy it, that was clear, but he smiled at you anyway and helped you on your feet, “Congratulations! Can we celebrate then? Bombom hasn't eaten dinner yet and he wants Noona's cooking. Noona owes Bombom that much for leaving him here all day and evening.”

 

“Arraso... Let me just change~”

 

“Alright!” he giggled as he released you and returned to his favorite spot on your sofa.