Korea ~ Present ~ 2019

           Because of the scandal, Kai was forced to stay on the dorm for the whole month. It was good timing he was punished because his waist injury was hurting again plus his cold is getting worse. He was currently taking off patches from his waist when somebody rang their bell.

“Sehun-shih? Luhan-shih?”

He put on his shirt and opened the door.

          “I brought the medicine” Saerin’s mouth hanged open as the sight of him established on her head. Apparently, Luhan and Sehun were just plotting this to get him and her together.

Great. Remind me to never trust any of the EXO members again.

            She was about to go when her eyes darted to the scattered white paper wraps on the floor. That’s when she knew he’s in pain again. Back then when they were still dating and Exo was new in the industry, he had an accident at the airport. The fans turned crazy and he got hit by the waist. She was at Busan back then and she watched in horror as the news flashed an image of him in agony. She remembered how she worried about him for he was going out of the country and she knew that he was in no condition to perform at all.

She invited herself in and dropped her things on a table. She checks out the place and moves the clutter with her feet.

             “You know you shouldn’t use those, they’re not healthy.” She said. He closed the door and faced her. He cringed when a sudden ached came from his hip. She was there at his side at once putting his arm around her shoulder. She wrapped her other arm around his waist and guided him on the couch. Based on her touch, she felt his temperature was hot. He was really sick.

               Saerin looked at his face and noticed he was blushing. She smiled and coughed, holding her own laughter. Kai was rarely shy, but sometimes he is, especially when he’s around her. Guess some things never change after all.

               “I’ll just prepare these things” She figured it was really hard not to be awkward with him. After all, they had managed to have a good relationship… well for the first year maybe. She picked up her things on the carpet. Luhan made her bring those things because the great michinnom(Crazy bastard) told her he was sick. But in reality Kai was the one who was very sick. She was about to go to the kitchen when he grabbed her hand.

She’s a hypocrite if she wouldn’t admit there wasn’t any sparks that she felt from those hands.

                  “Wait, um, does this mean that you agree to have a lunch date with me?” He said his face glowing like a kid who went to the Amusement for the first time.

                  She tried to let go of his hand but his grip on her gets tighter whenever she tugs her hand back. He may be in pain but she won’t give in to those eyes and sinfully pink lips. There’s absolutely no way!

                 “Reality check you big Kkamjong, we’re inside your dorm and in case you forgot you can’t even walk straight. How can you even call this a date?” said Saerin, successfully taking his hands off her. She turns her back on him and started to prepare lunch.

                 “But, Siren, even though we’re inside and I can’t walk properly; the fact that you’re in my territory and it’s just the two of us here alone… and you’re making lunch for me is technically… a date.” He said smirking at her. He knew, even though he couldn’t see her face, that she’s raging in anger.

                  Saerin balled her hands in to a fist so tight she thought they’d bleed. She calmed herself down by slowly breathing in and out. Good thing she’s practicing Yoga daily, if not she’s probably gone dead cause of stress and complicated ex boyfriends.

She turned to him and clasped her hands together.

                   “I would really appreciate it if you would just shut up. Okay?” she said sarcastically. She saw him pursed his lips together and zipped it. He nodded like an angel with those charming eyes.

“I’ll just wait here and-“

“SHUT UP! Utter one syllable and you’re dead!”

                      She saw him with his eyes closed, his index finger positioned on his mouth like he was trying to make kids quiet. He coughed and she knew he was hiding his laughter. Well she doesn’t think this is funny. How come she was being punished like this? She was a good kid. She never bullied anyone; she even volunteered to help the Tsunami Victims in Japan! Oh she was panicking and this ain’t good.

“Oteoke. Why!?!” She cried. She heard him chuckle but it died right away.

                    A few minutes passed and Saerin finished her very own Dakjuk for the sick boy and Bulgogi for herself. She found a tray table and placed it across the couch. Saerin put the food and few medicines on the tray along with a healthy tea that completes his lunch.

                  “Oh finally” She said stretching her arms forward. She saw Kai shifts to another position. The guy was really asleep, or was he? She knew how mischievous he could be just to get what he wants. Well, she wouldn’t be falling for it.  After all the effort she made and now he would do this? Certainly this is unacceptable.

“YAAAAAAAAAA!” She yelled kicking the couch.

             “BWO?” Kai replied like he was awakened in a middle of a nightmare. He covered his fully clothed chest with his hands as he stare at Saerin.

“Aish, Jinja? Food’s ready, hurry up and eat” She retorted and went back to her food.

                Kai watched as Saerin walked towards the kitchen. Boy she changed a lot. Back then the “sleeping angel strategy” always works; He would always pretend asleep and he’ll feel her watching himself sleep and then he’ll catch her gazing at his face and then they would end up teasing and tickling each other. Ah, the good old days. It felt like it was only yesterday.

Seeing that the trick didn’t work, he called her out and said,

                 “Why don’t you just eat here with me?” He said taking the soup she made. It was good because it sure made him feel better.

                “Thanks but no thanks.” She replied enjoying her meat. It was a good thing he didn’t blabber much because she would really kick him in the balls if he won’t shut up.

                But seconds later, she was taken aback when he appeared on her right. He was there already on her side grabbing the delicious meat.

                “Not that I didn’t appreciate the Dakjuk but this is definitely better.” He picked another piece of meat with his chopsticks and ate it. She was too shocked to react that fell open.

                  “Here” He said putting meat in and smiling at her while munching his food.  

2011 ~ Past ~ Korea

“Here you go.” A guy from Starship Entertainment gave them free Low-Fat Yogurts at their Booth.

           As trainees of SME they were required to attend an Idol Convention. It was held annually for young, aspiring Idols like them to get to know different people from the industry. Saerin was with Baekhyun and Kyungsoo that day and they all came into an agreement to eat first before they go off wandering. They stopped by at a crowded area where some boys from YG were showing off a spontaneous dance number when Kai arrived and spotted them.

         “O, Jongin, came to beat these guys out?” Kyungsoo said confidently.

Kai smiled. Saerin thought he wouldn’t say anything but,

          “Nah, it’s only 3 in the afternoon.” He said and glanced at her.

           “Hi Saerin. What’s up?” He said bidding her with a smile.

           “Oh, Anyeong Jongin-shi. I’m fine.”   She said bowing her head.

            Baekyeon and Kyungsoo exchanged meaningful glances towards each other.

            “Oh, young love…too bad we have limits.” sighed Baekhyun who was tapping her shoulders. She removed his hands and sneered at him.

           “SOoooo Kai… can you hear that, do you hear something?” Kyungsoo said his voice full of mischievousness. Saerin and Baekhyun looked at each other and try to hear anything odd.

            “Hear what?” replied Kai.

            “I don’t know, it’s just so loud I’m hearing someone’s heartbe- OW!” Kyungsoo groaned in pain as Saerin stepped on his foot on purpose.

            “Look, that’s so cool, you guys wanna check it out?” She said innocently to Kai and Baekhyun.

            “Urrrrrgh”

            “Man, are you okay?” said Kai, worried about his friend.

           “Oh, he’s fine. Come on” Saerin grinned and grabbed Baekhyun’s hand towards a singing booth.

“Saerin?”

……………………………….

                Saerin knew that attending idol convention means that her friends who train at YG were there too. All the people at SM knew that she came from a rich family, but none of them knew she was President Yang’s niece. She knows that as his relative, he has an obligation to protect her. But she doesn’t know what happened and SM wasn’t giving her special treatment, so she’s just going with the flow and enjoying her time with the boys and Kai.  For whatever reason she was glad nobody knew about her real identity because if anyone ever did, everyone would surely treat her as if she’s delicate. That’s mainly one of the reasons she decided to enter SM.

                Although she already expected this moment to happen, she still surprised to see that it did.

“Hey Girl, you’re looking more beautiful Rinnie”

                She finally turned around. It was her close friend Lalice. When she was studying in Boston, she met Lalice and before they knew it, they were friends. When both of them went back to Korea, Lalice found out she was Yang Hyun Suk’s niece. She helped her friend auditioned and finally she was accepted and scheduled to have a debut after 5 years of training. They were separated when she decided to go to SME.

“Heyyyyyyy, Lisss. Oh…What a great day huh?” She said with a grin.

               “Woah, you don’t sound like you’re really happy to see me - What? So now that you got what you wanted you think you’re this diva who can’t even look back to-“

               “LIS- um this is my friends from SME. Boys meet Lalice an old friend who trains at YG” She cut him off and introduced her to the boys.

MAN, YG friends get really really over reacting sometimes.

She thought.

            “Hi, my name’s Baekhyun”

             “I’m Kyungsoo”

             “I’m Kai”

               “Oh…Oh, right…right. Wow, hi! Charming.” Lalice said as Baekhyun, Kyungsoo and Kai introduced themselves to her friend. Lalice grabbed her arm and talked to her in private.

               “You didn’t tell me boys in SM are these handsome.” Whispered Lalice.

                “I did, you just didn’t listen. And by the way that guy in blue-“

               “Yeah, he’s cute and bad.”

                “No, Hands off, he’s mine. I like him. Pick another” Saerin said through her teeth.

                “Fine. I’ll have the shortest one.”

                “Oh, that’s Kyungsoo. He’s got an amazing voice and you know what he’s also sensitive, but in a good way”

                  “Saerin and Lalice, you girls want some cotton candies? My treat!” Yelled Kyungsoo. Both of them went toward the boys giggling.

                 When they already got satisfied with their treats, Lalice noticed that Kai was always stealing glances at Saerin. She was happy for her friend to see that Saerin is in love and with the guy that she likes. She thought of an idea and said,

                 “You know guys, funny story about this pretty friend of mine; boys usually make a move on her and I was really worried because they were all handsome and she never picks one. But then some guy in JYP-“

                  “OH GOD what’s that!” Saerin shut her friend by wiping something on her chin. She made her point when she widened her eye at her.

                  “Who? What guy from JYP?” Kai said, obviously trying to keep his calm.

                    “Do we know him?” Kyungsoo added his eyes searching over the JYP booth.

                    “Is he handsome? Does he dance better than this guy?” said Baekhyun.

                    “You know what Liz, you and Kyungsoo are so alike!” She whispered.

                    “Oh, no one. Just a friend who’s very funny. Excuse us” Saerin said coyly at the boys.

She and her friend found privacy somewhere underneath a tree.

                     “Okay, how long do you think this craziness of yours will last? Saerinnie what were you thinking in the first place? And what about your Uncle? Does he know why you went to SM in the first place? And why aren’t you visiting YG? Look, I may sound really like your mother right now but what if Kai finds out? I’m sure you’d thought about that.” Lalice said with a worried look on her face. She knew that Saerin can be impulsive and careless at times especially when in love but she couldn’t help but look at the possible consequences of her friend’s actions. President Yang is a very understanding man-sometimes, but how about Lee Soo Man? Would he give these two love birds a break if ever there will be a relationship between them?

God.

Just thinking about it makes her dizzy.

Saerin sighs and looks back at Kai who was laughing with his friends’ silliness.

                  “I know this is crazy and I know that I’m not supposed to be in SME in the first place but can you blame me?” Saerin said looking at a distance.

                   “I really like this guy and for a while he’s been my inspiration at everything. He’s made me want to be better – in all things not just singing, acting or dancing.”

                  “But what about the consequences? You can’t just ignore YG, we’re your family first even though you choose SM. Remember the deal you made with your Uncle???”

                   She remembers. She made a deal with her Uncle that she’ll just stay at SM for a year and after that she’ll be back at YG. She was surprised when her Uncle told her that Lee Soo Man, SM’s president, was okay with this arrangement. He said that through her, they have this friendly link with each other. Even before she decided to become an idol, she was always welcome at YG. People there never failed to give her a warm welcome every time she comes over. It wasn’t only because she was the president’s niece, but because she grew up close with the people there. 

                   “I know but please help me Liz. I’ve been waiting and praying hard for this. I can’t let this go, I can’t give up the hope that one day, just one day maybe he’ll like me too. I just need more time and I’ll tell him the truth.” Said Saerin, almost in tears.

Lalice couldn’t help but be warmed by her friend’s confession. It was a big risk for Saerin and it can mean suicide but what the hell, she’ll be there to support her.

                         “Fine. But promise me you’ll never get us worried okay. And call me or JiSoo for Pete’s sake, that girl misses you a lot.”

                        “Thanks Lalice, I owe you big time” Saerin said embracing her friend tightly.

                        “You owe me a trip to Hawaii!!!” Lalice said hugging her back.

                        “Sure, I’ll even treat you to London or Paris wherever you want.”

They were about to part ways when Lalice saw an incoming. She gasps at the sight of YG’s elite boy group BigBang.

“Oh No. They’re here!”

                       “Who’s here?” Saerin didn’t hear what Lalice said but when she looked at the direction her friend was looking at, she knew that this day could get even worse.

                         “Oh God, they didn’t know, I didn’t tell them. Hide me, Jiyong Oppa will kill me!!!”

                         “No way, BigBang’s here?!” Saerin heard Kyungsoo exclaimed.

                         “O- I got to have their autographs!!!” Baekhyun exclaimed fixing his hair.

                         “Liz, I’ve got to bail.”

                         “Yeah, go. I’ll cover for you.”

                          “Thanks”

                          “Take care!”

                          “TOP-SHIHHHI!!!!” Baekhyun shouted. Saerin stopped him even before they could get her oppas’ attention.

                          “Let’s go, Baekhyun-shih, the president’s furious, he’s calling us back!”

                          “B-but!!! Top-shi???”

               Saerin dragged the boys back to SM’s booth. When she glanced back, she saw Lalice talking to her 5 big brothers. She felt guilty and relieved at the same time because she wouldn’t want to explain everything to her Oppas, especially to GD. They couldn’t find out, they shouldn’t, not yet. But looking at her friends being together, she couldn’t help but feel that she is leaving YG by being with Kai and SM. Saerin shook her head and smiled. This was her decision after all, and whatever happens, good or bad, it will be her responsibility not anyone else’s.

……………………………………………………………………………

               “I’m assuring you, your niece will be fine. Now why don’t you go and enjoy the feast.” Lee Soo Man said to Yang Hyun Suk as they ended their meeting with the other entertainment company’s presidents inside SME’s main office. 

               “Just make sure that you do because if it gets to me that my dear girl is treated unfairly here in your sacred tower I…I”

Tension filled the room as Lee Soo Man waited for Yang Hyun Suk to threaten him with his life.

                “Aish. Just take care of her. That girl, I didn’t know what got into her head and she decided to enter here and not in YG when we can give her everything she needs even better than you can. Well, unless someone forced her to be here.” YG said squinting at SM, wearing his cap on his head.

                   “No. I’m sure your niece’s decision is personal. Don’t blame it on my talents.”

                    “Hmm. Fine, I trust you. It would be your head anyway.”

                     Lee Soo Man relaxed. He wouldn’t want YG to be an enemy like that. It was enough that they’re competing in business but he just couldn’t afford to be his rival in personal.

                     “Take care old friend.”

                      “I shall leave then. Take Care as well.”

                     President Yang has left for almost 10 minutes now and President Lee felt like he needs to visit idol convention right at the moment. He was walking towards the sliding door when Su Jeon entered the building.

                    “Su Jeon, have you met your Uncle?”

                    “My Uncle?”

                    “Yes? Didn’t you see President Yang? He was with me a while ago, we had a meeting.” President Lee told Su Jeon.

                   “Oh, yes…I-uh just actually talked to him before I got here. Said he wants to have dinner and I just said I can’t since I have to practice.” Su Jeon said with an eye smile to make her lie even more convincing.

                       “That’s good. But you have to eat okay. I made a promise to your Uncle that I will have to take care of you or else it will be my head he says. Aish, your Uncle, he’s a good man but with a crazy and unbalanced attitude. But don’t tell him I said that or world war III will have its beginning on this land.” He laughed.

                     “Okay Sir. I’ll make sure I’ll eat then”

                     “Alright.”

                     Saerin watched in horror as she saw the President having mistaken her as Su Jeon.  She wasn’t worried because her identity was stolen by another girl, but she was worried because Su Jeon might use that to her advantage and that will cause trouble not only with SM but with YG as well.

            Why is Su Jeon even doing this on the first place? Why the hell didn’t I tell Lee Soo Man about my real identity in the first place? Oh Yeah, I wanted to be treated as a normal person by everyone else especially Kai. Why didn’t I see this coming? Why do girls like her even exists! Come to think about it but I’ve got a feeling she knew about me the moment I entered SM. We even auditioned together! Oh my god, that’s it! She totally used me, URGH, this is trouble. I’ve got to call Lalice!

Saerin went at the rooftop and called her best friend.

                     “What do you mean you got identity theft? I’m sure that’s not what it’s called.”

                      “I- It’s hard to explain but remember the first time I auditioned at SM??? I was with you remember?”

                      “Yeah, and girl, you didn’t get in. You were howling and crying the whole night watching Sassy Girl.”

                      “Exactly!”

                      “I’m not getting this Saerin, maybe you’re just paranoid. Maybe Lee Soo Man just honors his word well.”

                      “No, I’m serious about this girl, Lalice. I was rejected because she was accepted. She probably switched our forms.”

                      “No ?”

                        “Way .”

                       “I’ll punch that girl’s face away to Han River if I see her! Hey but look at the bright side, you got accepted 2 months later”

                  “I know, can’t say I’m not proud about that but I’m just worried she’ll use it to her advantage. What if Uncle finds out? Would he challenge Soo Man in a wrestling match?”

                         “No, but he would probably file a lawsuit”

                         “OH GOD NO!”

                         “Yep, another reason why you should never stay behind the enemy lines”

                        “Liz, we talked about this”

                       “Yeah yeah, I know. Saerinnie, you can do this okay? You get in there, you get yourself out. If this girl is really a threat then just tell the truth to the President okay. You have to do this so everyone wouldn’t be affected.”

                        “Even if it means the end?”

                         “Even if it means the end.”

Saerin sighs and slouches her back on the brick wall.

                         “Saerin, I would really like to help you as much as I do but thing is… you’re there.”

                          “It’s okay. You would probably scare everyone here Lalice”

                           “Ha! Look who’s talking. That’s my girl! You be alright okay. And if that Su Jeon fake girl ever tries to bully you again, try giving me a call. I’ll sent the whole YG army with full arm battalions”

                         She laughed. Her friend could be very overacting sometimes. She put her phone back to her pocket and was about to go downstairs when she discovered that she wasn’t entirely alone.

                           “You didn’t by any chance hear anything…did you?” She said.

“Do me a small favor and I’ll promise to keep my mouth shut” Luhan said.

Korea ~ Present ~ 2019

               It was 5 in the afternoon and Saerin and Kai were seated together on the floor by the couch, eating popcorns and watching a Thai Horror film. They were already at the part where the lead actress found out what really happened to the ghost and what her boyfriend did to that girl.

Kai was covering his eyes with his blanket while Saerin continued to watch the film.

                    “You know what I think; if I’d be a ghost I’d be exactly like her” She commented while eating the popcorn.

                    “Don’t say that.”

                     “Ha, I’ll promise you Kkamjong, that If I’d die you’ll never get me off your back” She said and laughs like a mad evil person.

Kai removed his blanket even though he’s holding his life onto it. He courageously picked the remote and turned the TV off.

                     “Be honest with me Siren, you still haven’t forgiven me haven’t you; is that where you’re getting at? It’s been 5 long years. Don’t tell me you’re still furious about it.”

                      “What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Saerin didn’t say anything next except to munch. She heard him sigh and said,

                   “I know I made a mistake and I think I do have to suffer, but what can I do for you to come back to me? Isn’t it enough that you’ve avoided me for years now?" He asked looking straight at her eyes which was still on the blank TV. "Hey…Saerin-ah please look at me... just hear me out”He whispered.

                       She turned to face him and she was surprised to find his face just inches apart from hers. She watched as his gaze fell to her lips. The last time they got intimate like this, they ended up on the bed. She shook her head as naughty thoughts ran through her head.

“K-kai?”

                         “Why are you calling me by that name? I miss you calling me Jongin-ah or just Oppa?”

                         Isn’t life just unfair? Are the only human beings who can seem to stop time were Tao and the male gender? Why can’t she suddenly move? It’s as if she was caught in a trance by his words and his face.

For Pete’s sake Saerin, this guy made your life miserable. SLAP HIM, SLAP HIM!

I can’t. T_T Just one kiss and I’ll slap him.

She finally closed her eyes as she waited for magic to happen only to be ruined by loud cheers and lights turning on.

“SURPRISE”

                  She pushed Kai and stands up to face his crazy friends. They all hugged Saerin the moment they saw her.

Classic ers. Kai thought

The rest of the Exo were back from a promotion and the 11 members were carrying food and balloons and banners that said: Get well soon Kai-Oppa.

                   “O, Saerin-shih, you made it” Luhan said, his face delighted.

                   “Just in time. So, he’s okay now I should probably go” She said hiding her face for she was sure it was very red in embarrassment.

                   “But Saerin-shih, we just got here and we missed you. Can’t you stay and have dinner with us, Please” Xiumin said pouting his lips.

                   “Um, b-but…”

                   “Uh, I need to pee” Kai said excusing himself. The rest of the Exo eyed their dance machine as he made a beeline to the bathroom. Then their eyes shot back at her altogether. 

                    “Did we, by any chance, interrupt something?” Sehun said, suspiciously eyeing her.

                    “No, no. Come, I’ll help you guys prepare for dinner” She said smiling at Sehun who was still looking at her with piercing eyes.

Sehun grabbed Luhan and whispered,

                    “I think we need to be more creative.”

                    “I agree. Creative and Effective”

*Hey guys, hope you like this chapter :D It's quite long but I'm telling you the next one is much longer. Comments are very much appreciated :D