I was walking by myself in this Goddamn corridor thinking I never thought that I have to leave from here.
At least not like this.
But what option do I have?
Knowing that this is supposed to be something I already hoped for, although it finally happened when it least expected.
..
..
..
Wait. You must be confused right now, about what the hell im talking about, don’t you?
Let me take you to reminiscing to what happened about 10 days ago.. or so.
After that, Im pretty sure you can understand what im going through right now.

.. sigh.
Who would have thought that 10 days could make such a big difference?
So here it is.
To the day where I left on the last chapter.

--

Things between Jjong and his girl was the highlight on that weekend. Why?
First, because I never seen Jonghyun that mad, and second because what actually happened, we never saw it coming.

On the day after, when I was with Jjong’s ballad group members minus the Trax member, yes, there’s only the Kyu-line leader Kyuhyun and this adorable young Jino, suddenly Eunjung came to the waiting room as if nothing happens.

But she did apologize since the first time she took a step on the room,”Jjong.. im sorry, I didn’t know that Manager Oppa is so mad at you until Jiyeon told me. And why the hell your phone is off, huh?”

Jjong is just staring at her, tracing if there’s another guilty feeling in her eyes. But she did look like the usual Eunjung I know as she bowed to greet me and the two guys. Then Jjong just grabbed her hand, “Let’s talk outside.”

“O-outside? I don’t think that’s a good idea. I ran here without my manager knowing.” Eunjung gave her reason why she reluctant and wants to stay.

“Fine.” Jjong mumbled but he pulled her to the dressing table on the corner and he told her to sit on the chair while he’s standing there, both hands inside the pocket.

Me and Kyuhyun just looked at each other and shrug, while Jino looks uncomfortable. There’s only the 5 of us on that room.

“I cant imagine what you went through.. you know, with all of this, those kids activities, you being the turtle’s girlfriend.” Turtle is Minho, because he took a long time to do most of the things, Kyu likes to call him that. Kyuhyun speaks to me with a small voice that only I can hear, isolating Jino to be alone with his PSP on his hands.

“Well.. not much.” I shrugged.

“O~kay, I believe you.” He commented, which I know he didn’t believe me at all, so I laugh.

Suddenly Jino speaks up when he seems to lost the game, “Ah.. I wish I have a pretty girlfriend like Eunjung Sunbae. Don’t you feel envy, Hyung?”

Kyu is staring at me as if he said, ‘Isnt the Maknae is so cute?’ as then I laugh. To answered that, Kyu just said, “Nah.. im okay.”

“Yeah, because Kyu only set his eyes to one.” I elbowed him playfully and Jino looked at me, “He is? Hyung, who is it, tell me!”

“Ya!” Kyu knocked my head with his knuckles, “I thought we had an agreement!” he meant that he kept my secret relationship with Minho and I kept his secret –about something, too.

“Stop it!” I laugh back at him, as I punched his shoulder, “What I meant is you set your eyes to the game! Your beloved computer game, silly!”

“Wait. Agreement?” Suddenly Jino stopped, “Don’t tell me.. that that rumor about you two..”

“What?” both me and Kyu turned our heads to Jino as we groaned, “Not again..” yes, it’s about the old rumor of me and Kyu were in some kind of relationship.

“If he and I have that kind of relationship, im sure I wont be here to handle your wardrobe, Jino-ah.” I commented.

Kyu looked at me as if he said, ‘Yeah right, how about you and Minho?’ so I just give him my annoyed look until suddenly I heard the screech coming from a chair.

It’s Eunjung, she gets up from the chair and then she walks pass the three of us, bowing really quickly to excuse herself and left the room while Jjong is still standing at the same spot she left him. But as me, Kyuhyun and Jino sat there in awkward silence, Jjong turned around and say to Kyu, “Hyung, Im gonna grab some drink, call me if the meeting is gonna start.”

“Sure.” Kyu just said it and I said, “Ah, I want to buy a cig pack too, im going with you.” as I followed Jjong out of the room.

We walked in the corridor as then I break the silence while we’re waiting for the elevator, “I hope you don’t mind me.”

He laughs, “Nah.. I know that when it comes to cigarette, it means a talking time. But im fine, Noona.”

“Sure.” I used what Kyu’s favorite line. So then we’re just go to the cafeteria but didn’t really talk about what happened.

Not until when Manager Oppa asked me to pick Taemin from his school to go to the next schedule, he went inside my car with a shocking expression in his face, telling me, “Noona, did you hear it? Jonghyun Hyung were almost got into a fight with Taecyeon Hyung!”

“What??”

So this is what happened when I left the Ballad. Jjong called Taecyeon right away because when he talked to Eunjung, there’s a serious misunderstanding between them. Eunjung said that the one who’s taking her home is both the actor SooHyun AND Taecyeon, because they’re using the latter’s car he drive by himself. Also there’s Taec’s manager too. They went to Eunjung’s house, not the dorm, because that’s what she asked them to do.

Jjong doesn’t believe it at first, until Eunjung called SooHyun in front of him just to clarify. Jjong feels slightly bad, well, pretty bad because he already accused her earlier, when she actually didn’t do anything wrong, but he still reluctant to apologize because he’s genuinely jealous. Now there are even two names of guys attached to his girl.

When Jjong called Taec, the member of 2PM coincidentally was on the same broadcasting TV station at that time so the two met, and there Taecyeon just answer to Jjong’s question; why did he lying?

His answer is so casual, “It’s just a joke.”

Jjong couldn’t believe it as then Taecyeon continued, “I mean, our Eunjung trusted you so much, I thought you did too. Who would’ve know that you will overreacted over a small joke.”

And just like that, the lead vocal of Shinee almost punch his sunbae right on the face if it wasn’t for Kyuhyun who walked into the room as he knew something is wrong.

I heard the story from Jjong himself as I asked him after Taemin and I arrived at the office.

“Our Eunjung? Psh.” Jjong looked still very much upset when he and I, as usual, sitting on the smoking room. In our language, we used ‘our’ to express what’s ‘mine’.

He continued, “And Jungie is seems to defend him! She said that Taec Hyung only did that because he was there when Jung is somehow look upset over my fake scandal. Dammit, why did he even with her on the first place?”

“Well, your girlfriend have the right to still befriend with a guy, or anyone.” I tried to be realistic.

“I know that.” Jjong said, “But you know, I hate the fact that she seems more open up to him than to me. Taecyeon Hyung even said that.. he saw Jungie’s crying.”

I lit a cig and say, “And so it means.. she’s just trying to look tough in front of you?”

“No, I mean I saw Jungie’s tears as much as I saw her laugh, but what I don’t like is she let another guy to feel sympathy to her.”

I laugh and cant hide my cynical self, “Wow, Jjong. You are really.. mean. Do you mean she cannot show any emotion? I thought you were the cool type.”

“What im saying is,” he took my cigarette pack and took one for him, “There’s a lot of guys out there who can easily fall for her even if she doesn’t try. Who I don’t trust is not her, it’s them.”

I patted his shoulder as I took my lighter so he cant lit the cigarette, “So you go tell her that. And please, if you want to have a cigarette, go buy yourself. I don’t want to get blame by my 88 chingu on giving her childish boyfriend a bad influence.” By chingu I mean Jungie as we are friend from the same birth year.

Jjong who looks kinda upset earlier, cant help but laughing and pretend to shout at me because I was pointing him as a childish guy, which is later, he actually admit it by himself.

Although to be honest.. about this couple, why I have a feeling that this is not going to be settled here.. somehow?

--

I know that I also have my own unsolved problems, so let’s move on to another topic. Well, aside from Jjong’s story, I left you with so many things going on about myself too, right? At least from all the names, 1 was appearing in front of me in the middle of the night.

“Come in.” I opened the door for her. She got me surprised by calling me and says if she could stay for two nights here in Seoul. Well, she said she asked Jun to stay in his place but he said he’s out of town for a week with his college club thing. Hm, maybe it’s just the way my brother planned to fix the relationship between his sisters.

“Im.. um, I hope im not interrupt.” She said as she took of her shoes.

I laugh, “What? No, Cho cho.” And she just looked me as if she said, ‘you know what I mean.’

For a couple of nights, Minho won’t come to my place because he’s training so hard for the concert. But just in case, he already knew that Cho is here. It’s not that I avoid the moments that two to meet, I just don’t want to make my sister feels more uncomfortable than she already is.

Sometimes when I looked at the boys, recently they only got like 3-4 hours to sleep because after their schedule they still went to the practice room. Taemin even got so many problems with his school he started to become stressful about it.

Minho is on a diet too, you know, for his built-up body he’s been working for. Well, he became grumpy when I said I was on a diet, but now as I stopped and back to habit to eat sweets even in the middle of the night, I felt guilty that I can eat anything in front of him. But the most adorable thing is, he said to me, that it’s like he eats all the delicious food whenever he saw me enjoying my meal that’s why he asked me to eat anything he’s craving at that moment. And he just laughs when I complaint that I will sue him if I gain weight because of his request; which I already am.

That’s why I also declined his eager plan about taking me out for dinner; no, it’s more to be a supper, to celebrate the fact that the boys achieve an award for best dress on 2010 which they dedicated to me and my boss. If I end up to be the only one who’s eating even though I never be disturbed by Minho’s loving stare when he looks at me everything im enjoying the food by myself in front of him. Still, I don’t see the point of having dinner together that way.

“Unnie?” Cho’s voice brought me back to the present.

“Ah, yeah, sorry.” I said, “Do you eat dinner? Outside is freezing, right. Do you want some hot drinks or something?”

Now she’s the one who’s laughing, “I already ate. And I’ve been here before.. I know where to find drinks and stuff.” And she makes me think that I’m acting weird or uneasy.

Actually, she’s here because of the fashion show held by my Boss and his partners. I knew about that, and I will attend too, for some reasons. But Cho didn’t tell me that she talked with my Boss’ assistant by herself, and still follow up with them, until yesterday when she called me. Well it’s good, since it seems to me that she still going to pursue her first plan to go to the fashion academy, even though I heard from Umma that she’s going to try the university exam next year.

“So.. what are you gonna wear for the event?” I began to converse with her as I pour coffee to my cup.

She shrugged and say, “Kibum Oppa will choose it for me, tomorrow he promised to take me to do some shopping together, so..”

“Oh. Okay.” I must looked kinda surprise because now Cho Hee is staring at me, so I said to her, “Hm?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head.

The awkward silence is here again, I closed my eyes and when I opened it, I finally said what I’ve been wanting to know about her, “Hey Cho..”

She turned her head while she’s sitting on the couch, I continued, “Um.. What do you think about Minho?”

As I see she paused for a while, I was a little bit tense, but then she answered, “As the members or as your.. as my sister’s boyfriend?”

“Anything.” I give her a smile.

“He could pass,” She added, “on being both.” And from where I stand, I can see her slight smile.

Then she asked me the question, “So what makes you like him?”

I lifted my eyebrows but Im glad she asked, “Well.. all the nice answers will come out, but.. I also like how he could be so difficult sometimes, showing that he’s actually care.”

“It seems that he treat you well.” She said, and for some reasons I cant believe I finally hear my sister said that. It’s like she accepts it.

“He is.” I smiled.

“Seems like a good catch.” Cho said, but then she frowned as she added shyly, “What am I saying, of course he is. He’s Minho.”

The atmosphere is good, as I said to her, “You sure you don’t want to drink anything? I have the pack of that favorite hot cocoa of yours.”

A smile came across her face while answering, “Well, okay.” When she’s going to get up, I said that im going to make it for her.

“And don’t worry, I still remember 2 spoon of sugar.” I added.

“Actually, no sugar please.” She corrected me.

I lifted my eyebrows but still pouring the hot water to a cup. As the cocoa is ready, I walked and handling it to her then sits on the single sofa.

“Thanks.” She sipped.

“Well, now as im officially off from diet, seems that you started it.” I commented.

She took a glance, “Yeah, I realized that I easily gain weight.”

I laugh, “But you’re way taller than me, and you look definitely okay, Baby.” Oh it’s been a while I call her with that pet name.

“Well you’re a stylist, I don’t know whether you have given some comment if the boys gain weight or not, but when Kibum Oppa mentioned that one particular dress would look better on me if I was slimmer, it’s um.. yeah, feels like I want to throw something to him.”

“What?!” I was startled, “Even he didn’t say anything when Minho,” my voice became smaller as I mentioned his name, “mocked me as I went on a diet.”

Cho is just laughing a bit, “Maybe he wont dare to say it to you, Unnie.” and I said, “That kid, well, you know how Kibum is. Don’t listen to him.”

She shook her head, “No, actually im glad that he mentioned it. At least he said that im not the one who got that from him. And you know he told me it’s not about being skinny, but just to care more about what I eat, or exercise. Two things that im not used to.”

I blinked for a several times. So Kibum and her.. is that close? I mean, how far is this going on?

I know it’s not my business, but.. From the boys I know that Kibum also have this special relationship with Nicole that we even didn’t know whether it has a name for it. And my sister, does she knows what she might facing here?

So then im just saying, “Cho, Please don’t take this in a wrong way, but what do you think about Kibum? Do you like him?”

“Huh?” She replied shortly, “Why are you asking? Well, despite that he can be such a pain, he’s a good company. I mean, he’s older so sometimes he’s bossy and everything, but we have many things in common. Is Kibum Oppa said something to you?”

“No, not much. Nothing, it’s just.. I realized you two became so close..” I hang my sentence. Dammit, I shouldn’t push the button.

“Well, yes. But I mean, it’s not that I approach him or something. I knew who he is, and who am I.. im their fans too, but-“ her tone is raising and she speaks faster, indicates that Cho is nervous, that’s why I cut it slowly.

“I didn’t mean that, Cho.” I said carefully, “But you’re young and sweet, I just don’t want you to have a misunderstanding or anything..” I know that it’s a mistake to bring this out.

“Misunderstood? About what, Unnie?” and I know her tone sounds like she’s a bit offended.

I shook my head but I know that I’ve upset her because she stood up, “What do you mean by that? Y-you think that I misunderstood Kibum Oppa’s kindness and-and.. God, Unnie, Im not that stupid, okay? But.. What actually do you have in mind? Although Im pretty sure that Oppa and I is just friends, you think it’s impossible for him to might fall for someone like me?”

I was so startled as I heard what she said and I shook my head, “No, of course it’s not that.. Cho, you’re pretty, you’re the pride of our family, why would I think of that?”

“Well I don’t know, apparently you think im still not good enough, maybe because I could never be as independent as you are, and never, be good enough to compare myself to my sister. Of course, she got Minho Oppa head over heels like that.” She looked at me and I don’t know that she can speak with that tone.

“Cho-“

“Look, Unnie, I came here because I thought that maybe we can do something about this..” She stopped, but I knew what she means, “But why did you have to ruin it by saying something unnecessary?”

I frowned, “You think it’s unnecessary? I know that you suddenly become so close to Kibum because he told me, but I never heard anything from you. So I just thought that I should tell you that IF.. if there’s something between you two, then it’s not going to be easy. I want to tell you, because I know what it feels like.”

“You didn’t even tell me about you’re dating that person,” again, she avoided to say Minho’s name,”while me and Kibum Oppa is just a normal friends, it’s not something important that sisters have to share, so why would I?” She said coldly. Bulls eye.

I walked to her, “I.. I’m sorry. It’s just.. my relationship is not that simple. People will think that Im the one who’s trying hard on him, or something. And he seems kind of serious about this but I also don’t want to ruin everything for him, I have plenty on my mind already.”

“But im not just ‘people’, Unnie.”

God. She’s right.

And as im still dumbfounded, she said, “Just so you know, if you’re not hiding it from us, maybe I wont think that way. Because I know that my sister is not that low. But since it was a secret, I cant help to think there’s a reason behind it.” She shrugged, “And I couldn’t care less.”

She took her bag and walk to my room, “Im tired, let me sleep first.” But then with one look, she turned to me and says, “By the way, Im fine with you and Minho if that still important for you to know, but stop being so over protective, you’re not even Umma.”

--

At that event, Kibum came with me and my sister. Yes, with all the awkwardness between me and Cho, I believe even Onew can realize it, so it took just a short time to spent with us girls for Kibum to find out that what he’s been suspicious about us is true.

“Ah, the so-different-yet-beautiful Im sisters.” My Boss said as we come to greet him on the backstage of the fashion show, “And you became their bodyguard for today, consider you’re lucky, Kibum-goon. You’re the first one to be, among your group members.”

Kibum laughs and took a glance at me as if he’s saying, ‘well he didn’t know anything.’ but he didn’t even waste one second trying to get my Boss’ attention by showing him his good sense in fashion, “Saem, I picked what Cho’s wear tonight. How’s it?” The boys called my Boss with Saem or even Hyung during informal conversation.

The older guy looked at Cho, and then looks at me, before he turned to Kibum, “You did a great job to be able to compete with your own stylist.” Because my Boss knew that I might have chose what I wear by my own.

Cho is wearing a strapless peach tutu mini dress. It’s all simple, only that she’s wearing huge golden bangles on her left hand, and her long brown hair is naturally wavy all way down almost to her waist. While on the other hand, im wearing a vintage black mini dress and long sleeves with a low backless as the accent. And my middle length hair is tied up casually. She’s still looking like her age, but she’s so damn gorgeous like a doll. I realized that some people is eyeing on her, but I also aware that they reluctant to approach as they saw she’s beside Kibum almost all the time.

My sister doesn’t really talk to me, and as she met Jihyun –remember the Mblaq coordi who’s my friend?- Cho just ran to her and talk about some stuffs. It must be related to fashion, I guess.

That’s when Kibum finally spoke to me about what’s going on.

“You know Minho’s horrible big eyes would come out if he saw what you’re wearing tonight.” He talked just as soon as people leave both of us.

“Yeah, you mean in a good way or bad way?” I joked as his look meant, ‘does something like eyeballs poking out can have a good meaning?’

But then Kibum smirked, “Well, both I guess. But im sure he would act like a protective boyfriend and go all sulky at first.”

“Im wearing this because it’s one of Boss’ partner’s design.” I shrugged, “Besides, it’s not like Minho is going to find out anyway.”

Then this sharp tongue guy starts his attack, “And what about your sister, how’s she found out about you two?”

“She told you?” I asked back.

“Like I said, I already thought that both of you were acting weird, so I just brought it up to her, she said.. she’s not comfortable with the fact about Minho. That’s it.”

I sighed. Yes, that’s the reason why my sister is upset to me, but there’s another reason, Kibummie, I just think my sister wont tell you that I was kinda suspicious with your relationship with her. But then I told him everything about what Cho knew about Minho. Kibum’s reaction? Yes, he’s laughing at the incident while Cho found out about everything.

“Dammit, and Minho didn’t just go? I mean..but yeah, he’s one little show off boy! and im sure he’s pissed like hell because of getting bashed on being just a kid. Cho even compare him to your brother, wow, I never thought my Cho Baby was like that.” At the end Kibum stopped laughing and look at my sister.

“Hey, she’s still the sweet little sister of mine, okay?” I snapped a bit.

He looked at me, “Yes, but I believe that your brother was right too. She’s growing up, I mean, look at Taeminnie, I do my best to keep him to be forever a baby, but that’s just an illusion.” Then he added, “And what Minho thought about this?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know, since I told him to back off, we never really talk about this.”

“And sure, you seems handle it SO well with Cho.” Kibum ends the conversation with a cynical tone but goes off with a sympathy look on his face.

I don’t know whether he discusses about this or not with Cho Hee, but my little sister kept her quietness even until she left for coming home to Busan on the next day. Even when I said to her that I will talk to our mother about my relationship soon, she just shrugged.

--

A couple of days after,

“So tell me, what makes you thinking very hard like that?”

I turned my head and see Minho is leaning to my bedroom door, “Omo, you’re startled me! Minho, when did you walk in?”

“Finally you can hear me.”

“What do you mean?” I frowned.

He said, “I called you, your phone is off then I even standing there for a couple of minutes, calling your name but you’re too busy with your mind.”

I get up from the bed as I sat on the edge earlier, dumbfounded because of what I have in mind, “What is it, does the practice finished earlier?” I took a glance at the clock, now it’s only 2 AM in the morning.

Minho just looked at me as if I said something weird and then chuckled, “Don’t you miss me?”

I laugh, “What? We meet every day, silly. But of course I miss you.”

“Good. Because just to meet like that is not enough for me.” He teased with a stolen kiss but I just pushed him away playfully.

“Shut up. You just have little to time to rest, so sleep.” I said as he sat on the bed and I gave him a shirt that he left here.

He looked at me before he says, “Me too, I thought I will found you sleeping when im arrived, because you seems restless these days, but.. you’re fully awake.” And he added, “With red eyes.”

Yes, he’s right, I actually want to sleep so much my eyes hurt, “I cant sleep.”

“Why, Baby?” He asked, and recently he’s been calling me with pet names, seems that he’s willing to call me only with ‘you’ instead of using ‘Noona’ since he had asked my permission to do that. Unfortunately for him, im not allowed him to. Not because im concern about our age and informal language, Im actually worried what if he unconsciously called me with anything other than Noona when we’re working? It can be a problem.

With those big eyes he studied me, “Something must’ve been bothering you again, what is it this time?” I looked at him, and instead of thinking about pouring what’s on my mind, I actually want ask him where’s Manager Oppa, did he know about Minho’s disappearing in the middle of the night?

To see my hesitation, Minho said again, “As now im here, you can tell me.” Yes, he’s right. Like I said before, we don’t spend much time alone recently, even for phonecalls is not as often as usual. All because of the crazy practice for both concerts and then end of year performance. Not to mention that the boys are still have to exercise for their endurance to held a 3 hours concert. Most of the time Minho would just fall asleep as soon as he came back to the dorm.

So that’s why I asked why he’s coming tonight.

While im still contemplating, he actually have started to persuade with his own way as now I was locked in his arm and he nuzzled to me like there’s no tomorrow, “Tsk, really Minho?”

“Well until you start to talk, I’ll stop.” He mumbled on my skin.

I didnt reply right away, but then I said, “You went here right after your practice and haven’t take a shower, have you?”

He stopped and looks at me, “I thought you’d never ask.” As before I can respond, he gets up and then pulled my hand then lifted me on his shoulder like im a bag of rice or something.

“Yaa! What are you doing??” I slapped his back, “Minho, put me down!”

“You will have a good night sleep after a hot bath.” He calmly replied as he walks out from my room, “I mean, bath with hot water.. not hot hot.” He suppressed the last word as he laughs.

“But I already took a shower!”

“Yeah? No offense, but your hair smells not as nice as usual, you didn’t wash it earlier, did you?” he patted my legs to prevent me from falling because im still struggling.

“Aish! You little-“

“Don’t be such a baby..” He dares to mock me as if im just a little girl,”Or you want me to wash your hair?”

While he walked into the bathroom, I grumbled, “Yeah right. You just want me to join you in the shower.”

He laughs loudly, “Well you know it’s always fun when you do.” And when he closed the door behind him, I cant help not to laugh either.

--

Although Minho has a thousand ways to distract me from my mind, im still struggling with myself on the next day how am I supposed to talk to him about Manager Oppa. And we have a guest on the waiting room that wasn’t actually my favorite one.

Yep, that would be Eunseo-sshi.

“Annyeong.” She waved her hand to everyone; the boys are here except Jjong because he got his treatment for his legs, the concert day is nearly here I guess the therapy has come to the point where it was too rushing if you ask my opinion, but who am I to talk in here?

Minho took a glance at me, so did Taemin before these two guys actually staring at each other. Even until now, I still cant believe how powerful Baby over his favorite Hyung, it’s like he can just pointing out when the latter being incapable on playing PS3, but also even to the bigger issue like how Minho is treating me. I mean, sometimes it feels like my Baby Taemin is my older brother who kept controlling my boyfriend on doing what’s right for my sake. And trust me, it’s a really interesting view to see, these two are.

“Noona, annyeong hasseyo.” Minho replied and he didn’t drop the formal speech. I heard from him that Eunseo quit the show they used to appear together, as last week’s filming is her last one. So I wonder what she wants to do in here, meeting him.

Again, this Unnie is so stunning as usual. Although she didn’t come with the padded jacket for actresses before the camera went rolling, she’s still on her make up and wearing this cool looking jacket over a gorgeous white studded mini dress, which make me realize she might running down here right after she finished her filming. I’ve notice her hair is curled beautifully and it makes her looks.. wilder.

I cant not notice the looks from managers and some staffs, all the guy here seems kind of jealous to see how Minho got the attention of this woman. But she seems doesn’t notice that as her eyes just set on Minho, saying, “I heard that you will leave soon for Japan.”

Minho laughs, “Actually it’s still a week.”

“Um.. yes, I know, but um, as Im going to leave the city to film, I just.. want to wish you luck.” She said. Is she blushing? Yes, and it seems to me that Kibum was rolling his eyes and go giving me ‘Minho the Noona Killer’ look.

“Oh, thanks Noona. You know you don’t have to go down here during your break just to say that.” Minho smiles uneasily, as his eyes caught me and I just try to smile understandably.

“Well, it’s finished and I will leave the building anyway. So..” She smiled but I think she seems a bit taken back because Minho did treat her slightly differently than before.

Everyone was trying not to focus on these two people who are standing in the middle of the room, as I was talking to Onew about a malfunction on one of his wardrobe, I heard that Minho and Eunseo bid goodbye.

Taemin’s eyes are following me, but I try to ignore it. While eventually I cant, I just giving him a sign telling him that im fine. Minho is talking to Kibum, and everyone on the room are busy with their own activities until a couple of minutes later, someone called my name. It’s my assistant.

“Yeah?”

“Unnie, someone’s looking for you.” She said on the door.

“Who?” I asked and she just answer, “Just..” so then I walked out from the room.. to find Eunseo standing about 10 feet from me and she looks up when she saw me walking out the door. Turns out that she still hasn’t leave the building.

Is she the one who wants to see me? Because there’s no one I know in this corridor, well, not that I know her either.

“Ah, im sorry to bother you.” She bowed politely, “I don’t know how to address you.”

I shook my head, “Anything, you can speak casually.” Even though I don’t know what to say to make it less uncomfortable knowing that im younger than her but she seems so shy as if im the older one.

“Um.. actually im here because I want to ask you something.” …. Ask me.. about what?

I just continue to listen although it was pretty nerve wrecking. Waiting her to continue is like I have to wait for a couple of hours instead of just 2 seconds. She said, “I know that it’s a bit late, but I planned to giving Minho a birthday gift. And as I learn that you are the group’s stylist, im pretty sure that you know the size of clothes and also probably what kind of style he likes.”

… Oookay. I pretty much damn sure I know a lot about him, Eunseo-sshi. More than you thought I am.

“Yes.. more or less..” I hang my sentence just to know what she would want from me, “What do you plan to give him?”

She smiled a bit, “I don’t know, I just thought that he’s a simple guy, I’ve seen him with his personal clothes a couple of times before.”

I nodded, “Comparing to Kibum, yeah. Well, actually except Kibum, all of them are pretty simple. Wardrobe concept is just a concept. For the group.” I commented although im not sure what im talking about. My brain went to my knee, I guess.

“I’ve notice that he’s wearing a cap a lot, while he seems like only have one scarf or maybe he’s just loved it.” She said, almost like she’s imagining what Minho used to wear, by looking at her eyes when she talked about him. I don’t know, I feel kinda weird to talk with someone that showing her feelings towards my Minho. Well, I used to see many girls –even celebrities- showing that they were interested on him, but not in this way.

She asked me, “Is he collecting cap, hat or something? I mean, that item is the only one he seems to have a plenty. And he took a really good care of it. Oh no, now I sounded like a freaky stalker..” she laughs at herself.

To be honest, I don’t feel that way. Because like I said, her eyes showing a genuine attraction, there’s no weird vibe coming from it. Even so, it’s just like she’s admire him too much.

“Um.. im not sure that he’s collecting or not, but yes he seems to like wearing hats.” I gave her an answer, not showing that I knew Minho very well.

“So do you think I should give him a hat?” She asked me, with such a hope in her eyes.

“Oh, sure. Well, if that’s what you think that he’s going to like it.” Im not sure what should I give for an answer.

Suddenly she smiles, but weird, she looks kinda.. disappointed? As she said, “I know that this is random, but I think he’s not collecting hats. Maybe because he got it from someone.”

“Yes?” I asked what she means.

“Maybe why im thinking of giving him a hat maybe because I feel like I don’t want to lose to whoever that is. Because once when he arrived on the filming set, he was soaking from the rain, and as his coordi,” it should be my assistant, not me,”told him to change to the filming wardrobe, he asked her to take care of his hat.”

“What hat?” I asked her eventually.

“At first I thought it’s because the hat is from a luxury brand, but then I heard he said to the coordi, something like it was a gift from a noona..”

.. oh, maybe it’s the Armani hat I gave to him.

“And he does look really like it, cares about it too.. so whoever gave him that, I was kinda jealous of Minho’s attention.” Eunseo-sshi sighing, but then she said, “Im sorry, what am I talking about? To be jealous over a hat. Anyway, so you think it’s a good deal to give him a fashion item? Because at least it’s useful, I don’t know so much about what he likes.”

“Well, he loves soccer. He loves sport.” I answered her, and before I realized, I already continue, “Minho also likes children, too much, sometimes. He-“ I stopped because I felt like I shouldn’t talk more.

“It’s okay, Im happy that I can hear a lot more about him.” She smiled but more like it’s out of disappointment, “I was kinda sad that now we’re not going to film the variety show together anymore, but I cant say anything.” Well I don’t really know how to react also because I don’t know really understand about what she meant with it so then I just nodded my head.

Thank God –at least for me, her phone is suddenly ringing. And as she excused herself to answer the phone, just shortly after that, she went back and say, “Im sorry I have to go now, but thank you very much for your help, I will decide later what I will give him. But can I ask you one more favor, please don’t tell anything to Minho-goon.”

I nodded, then she thanked me as she also calls my name. I just smiled and as I watch her back walking further, I sighed. How awkward this hell of situation could be?

--

Promise is a promise, I actually didn’t tell Minho about Eunseo’s gift for him. It’s not my business, right?

Well, he did ask me about how I feel seeing the actress went to the waiting room to see him, then I said I can handle it, I know it’s not something that Minho expected too while we also cannot prevent her to come by or anything.

But as that night we’re sitting on the bed, Minho seems caught that there’s still something bothering me. He helped me with the hairdryer and as he turned it off, I turn around, “Thanks.”

Minho nodded, but maybe he caught the tiredness in my eyes, he asked,”Hey.. earlier, did you worrying about Cho..?”

“Why did you mention that?”

He shrugged, his hand is caressing my hair, “Kibum mentioned about you being weird with your sister on that event the three of you went together, hey you know that we should talk to her.“

I shook my head, “Not we; me. I called her yesterday and her reaction is still.. as cold as that.” and he got what I meant; that my sister still mad after what happen a couple of days ago.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked carefully. It seems to me that since my so-called confession about insecurity, he always trying to make me be honest even more.

I didn’t reply and I think he knows what I mean, so he just said, “Okay then.” Although I can obviously trace the disappointment through his tone. Actually, I was more concern with his hand that kept rubbing his shoulder and arm.

“What it is? Is there something wrong with your arm?” I asked.

He laughs a bit, “When I do weight lifting I almost drop a dumbbell, as I thought it was still too heavy for me.”

“Yaa! Becareful! We cant afford any other injury at this moment!” I exclaimed, “Even we’re already nervous with Jjong’s condition.” Then I put my hand on his shoulder before I move around and kneeling behind him.

I started to massage his shoulder, and he seems a bit more relax. Then he said after a while,”You.. not only as our stylist, you seem always provide everything for the group’s sake, for my sake. Thank you, Noona..”

“Eh?” then I laugh, “What are you talking about? Im your girlfriend, right?”

“But it makes me feel useless. You like to solve everything by yourself, not even let me to work it out with you. At least if you don’t want me to do that, I still deserve to know what have happened to my girlfriend and that’s you.” He said.

I sighed, “Why are you like this, im fine.”

“Then tell me again right now that you really are fine.” He grabbed my hand that rested on his shoulder and look at me.

“Do you really going to continue?” I challenged him back but his stare still look as eager. Fine, you get what you want.

Without hesitating, I said to him, “Why did you try to find Akira?”

He looks a bit startled, but as if I don’t care, I said, “Answer that. You asked for it.”

“So that’s what bothering you?” He said but his tone doesn’t seem unusual. Well, some of them, there’s still more, Minho honey.

“Is this about Jae Woong?” I mentioned about that photographer jerk.

He shook his head, looked even surprise than before, “What, no! Although how I hope I can really find him through Akira Hyung, I really want to see that bastard’s face.”

“Oh just forget it, Minho.” I snapped a little bit. Don’t try to be some kind of hero and do something stupid, Dear.

“What’s with that tone, Noona? Only for our sake, I try to control myself and didn’t do anything wrong! It’s not even me who called first!”

“So just answer me!” I said but then I realized, wait, what did he just say?

He sighed, “He called because he wants me to be one of the model for his portfolio.. and he finds me through my mother, okay?”

I frowned, “So this is nothing to do with me?” okay, now it sounds like I was full of myself.

“Like I said, I handled my anger well, and no, it’s not about you. But why are you like this?”

“Then why did Manager Oppa knows about this? And saying that.. you tell him it’s something.. about me..” I felt really confused in here.

“What?” Minho squinted, “Manager Hyung? No, of course I didn’t tell him..” but then his eyes shifted. It almost like he’s hiding something.

“What is it, Minho?” I looked at him.

He looked back at me and says, “What did Hyung say to you? When?”

Do I have to be honest with him? Do I need to tell him that Manager Oppa thought that I have feelings for him, and to know that Minho might have an interest on me too?

“He just asked me because my name was brought up while you were trying to find Akira.” I said.

“But it’s Akira who called me first, and I swear I didn’t talk about you with him-“ then he stopped.

“Yes?” I folded my hand.

He stared at me, “Hey, why I feel like im being interrogated in here?”

I didn’t say anything, but after a while, Minho sighed, “Okay.. I just realized that I might have told my mother about you when she praised Akira Hyung’s photograph.”

“Y-you what??” my eyes grew bigger as hell. No, he didn’t tell his mother about me.

He shrugged, “I mean, im just saying that you look pretty, that’s all.”

“That’s all?”

“Mm.. my mother teased me and I smile, but do I have to tell you about that too? Really that’s all.” He does seems like he’s telling me the truth, but I wasn’t happy that he mentioned about me to his mother, whatever it was all about.

I was still pretty upset because now im confused. Why did Manager Oppa fabricated the whole story? Wait.. did he act like that because he wants to find out something about me.. and Minho?

I still look at Minho who’s now seems clueless, but soon I found a big question mark shown in his eyes.

Or maybe.. Manager Oppa does know about something, he just didn’t want to tell me..? and it could be that he must knows more about my relationship.. maybe..

“I still don’t get it. Noona, can you tell me what exactly Hyung tells you?” He asked again.

“Nothing.. it’s just what I’ve told you earlier.”

“Then why did you seem still look upset, I already told you everything. It’s not like I don’t want to tell you, I just don’t get the chance. Besides, that’s only about photoshoot, you will know eventually.”

“Yeah, I know, sorry.” I said weakly.

Suddenly he said, “But wait.. I might have mention to Hyung because it might concern about my schedule but I don’t even brought your name. Then why he said it to you?”

I looked away and he noticed that right away, “Noona, there’s something that you didn’t tell me, did you?”

Sigh. I think I cant hide it.

“You trust me, don’t you?” He grabbed my hand, “I deserve to know, Noona. Just to make sure I don’t do any harm to our relationship, you have to tell me everything.”

So just like that, I finally give in. I told him that the Manager thought that Minho and I might have feelings for each other, but I leave out the point where Manager Oppa asked whether I can reject Minho’s feeling or not.

“There. I told you what you want to hear.” I walked to sit in front of the dressing table.

He didn’t say anything, “So he thought that you might like me, and I do too..”

“That’s why I think this is dangerous. It’s only a matter of time that he found out about this, if you keep coming to my place in the middle of the night.” I said.

“No, the problem is why he played around with the fact. He made me like the bad guy here, I really don’t bring you in this Noona.”

“I believe you.” I said.

“Well he knew that you got photographed by Akira Hyung, but that doesn’t mean he can related us just like that, I mean it’s normal for a photographer to have models who know each other, for God’s sake.”

“Unless if Manager Oppa.. talked to your mother.” I put my chin as I was thinking what the hell is Manager Oppa have in mind, but Minho’s silent makes me turn my head to him. And I know I just said something wrong.

“Bu-but I-I didn’t mean that your mother-“

“Yes, I know.” He cut my words.

“Im so sorry.” I took his hand, and he said, “What did you apologize for.. You did nothing wrong.” But his face looks.. betrayed, somehow. It’s like first, I didn’t believe him when he said he really didn’t say anything to Oppa, and now, I even accusing his mother to be the one who tell the manager.

“Minho.” I called him again, as he walked to the bed and just let me holding onto his arm but didn’t really care to take me with him.

“Don’t you feel sleepy at all?” He smiled that sad smile as I released my hand because he’s too far from my reach when he’s now standing on the other side of the bed.

I nodded slowly, then I sat beside him, he pulled the blanket to cover us, and just planted a small kiss to my cheek while im still staring at him felt so guilty and all. He left me sitting there by laying down and giving his back.

Slowly, I put my head on the pillow, next to him, staring at his back that seems disappointed at me. Dammit, I never really thought that his mother told Oppa anything, it’s just-well, fine, I did think of that, but it’s just a quick response of what I’ve heard, information I’ve got when my brain is still trying to figure out what’s really happen in here.

I mean, I also believe that Minho doesn’t mean to do any harm to me by accidentally mention my name to his mother. For God’s sake I cant even mad at him, he said im beautiful. No matter how cheesy it may sound, but it’s bull if you don’t feel happy when the one you love praised you like that in front of his mother. For me, even if his mother doesn’t realize the meaning of it, im still feel.. that he’s proud of me, especially since I nailed that situation as an amateur model; something that I’ve never done before.

But now what have I done, I indirectly accusing his mother. And everyone who knew Minho knows, his mother is everything to him.

I rounded one of my hand to embrace him from behind. I felt so lonely as I cant see his face right now. And even when I moved closer and lean my forehead to his back, somehow I knew he’s still awake. But he didn’t turn his body to facing me. So I just closed my eyes and said it again before I try to get asleep, “Sorry.”

----------------------------------------- (to be continued)

A/N: the web cut my updates, i think because it's too long ^^;;

so let's check the 2nd part!