Jungkook asked me to go buy drinks with him. Sehun and Kai wouldn't mind, right? They didn't have anything against Jungkook or his brothers for that matter. Anyway, I was a bit thirsty too. I decided to take the offer and ask my brothers as well. Anyway, it would jus just be fitting to offer drinks to your elders, right?

Well, actually, I just wanted to play safe. In any case that any one of the oldies catch me having friendly drinks with Jungkook, I'd have the perfect excuse. I'd have Sehun and Kai with me, too. I smiled at Jungkook and nodded.

Me: Yep, sure. Let's go ask them too?

JK: Uhm...sure.

Jungkook picked up his board and carried it on one hand and walked beside me. I dared not ride the skateboard again, because I kinda saw the immediate future falling flat on my face if I did. LOL. Because Sehun and Jimin were riding their boards, they whooshed past us and halted in front of Kai and J who were waiting...still under the big tree.

JK: Hyung, let's go buy drinks? I'm kinda thirsty.

J: Yeah, sure.

Sehun: There's a convenience store just around that corner, let's go?

J: Alright.

I waited until they were walking alongside us and I steppedright beside Sehun. I didn't wanna make it look like I was neglecting my brothers because Jungkook was there. Sehun draped his arm around my shoulders as he carried his skateboard on his other hand. Kai was riding his board ahead, but was moving a little slower, so we would be able to keep up with him. Jimin and Jungkook walked beside us, while J stepped on his board and followed Kai's suit.

The convenience store wasn't far from where we were. There were a few chairs and tables under colorful umbrellas outside and about 3 or four people occupied one table. We all went inside the store and went straight to the drinks section. Sehun immediately opened the Coca-Cola fridge and got 2 cans of Cherry Coke. He gave the other one to me. At the same time, I felt a tap on my shoulders. I turned around and Jungkook handed me a green apple iced tea.

Heh...so should I reject my brother's offer or...reject Jungkook's?

Sehun knew I loved Cherry Coke, so that's why he gave the other one to me. Jungkook probably thought I was more into tea, so he offered me the green apple tea.

I accepted both, grinned and muttered a soft "Thanks..." to both of them. Kai was opening every fridge and unable to decide which he wanted. Jimin was already drinking Coke which he paid at the counter almost half empty. J bought grape soda and told Kai to try it. Kai was hesitant for a while but got one from the fridge and paid for it. Sehun paid for my cherry Coke and Jungkook the iced tea.

My next dilemma was which one to drink first. I didn't wanna offend Sehun or Jungkook. Knowing Sehun, he always wanted recognition for any accomplishment he made, so I chose to drink the Coke first. I just hoped Jungkook didn't feel offended.

After we paid for the drinks, J and Kai decided to sit down at one of the tables for a little bit. I pulled a chair and sat down. The rest did the same and placed the drinks on the table. I placed both my drinks beside each other on the table. I guess with that gesture, Jungkook would understand that I didn't reject what he bought for me. Kai went back inside the store and came out with a bag of potato chips.

Sehun: Whoaaa...you didn't tell me you were going to buy food, too. You could've bought some for us.

Kai: I'm sharing anyway.

And he opened the bag of chips and placed it on the table for everyone to share. Jimin asked money from J and went to buy another bag of chips from the store. Sehun felt his pockets and got a wad of paper bills. He counted it and asked Kai.

Sehun: Did papa give you your allowance for this week?

Kai: Yes. Why?

Sehun: I haven't. Tsk... I'm really saving up on something.

Kai: You wanna borrow? You can just pay me later when you ask papa for your allowance?

Sehun: Ahhh..never mind. I'm a bit hungry... I'm gonna go buy corn dogs. You want one, Xiao Yi?

Me: Is that your treat or do I have to pay you later?

Sehun: You wanna pay me? Sure.

Me: No, thanks.

Sehun: Okay, it's free.

Me: Xiexie ge. Yes, buy one for me. Hehehe.

And he got up from his seat and made his way inside the store again. Kai called out.

Kai: What about me? Us?

Sehun: Geez. Okay.

Kai: Thankssssssssssss...

J: Here, let's pool.

Sehun: It's okay hyung. I got this.

J: Ahh.. I insist..

And he got up and pushed Sehun with one hand to the store while he fished out money from his pocket with the other.

JK: Extravagant. Tsk...

Jimin: Jin hyung would freak out if he knew J hyung almost maxed out his card.

JK: Oh? He gave his card to J hyung?

Jimin: Yeah, you didn't know?

JK: No. What did he buy anyway?

Jimin: He had a shopping spree last week. Jin hyung thought he was just going to buy groceries and trusted his card with J hyung.

JK: Hahahaha. No wonder appa hasn't given him his own card until now.

Kai: How about you? You got your own card already?

JK: Me? Nope.

Jimin: Only Jin hyung has a card. I think appa doesn't trust any one of us. You?

Kai: Nope, not me either. Baekhyun and Lay ge just got their own cards recently.

Jimin: Awesome!

Kai: If you asked me, no it's not awesome.

JK: And why not?

Kai: You'd have to take care of the bill yourself.

JK: Where'd you get the money to pay for it?

Kai: I don't know... *shrugs*

Jimin: I think it's the same with Jin hyungs. Appa had opened an account for him and I guess it's where he gets the money to pay for the credit card.

Kai: Ahhhh...yeah. Probably.

I was amused with their topic. Boys and money. It was like listening to a mini-businessmen meeting. Sehun and J returned with corn dogs in hand. They handed us our share and started eating. I checked my watch. Kris ge would be driving Baek and Tao home by now. He was probably going to pass by the this street. I ate a little faster. Sehun and Kai looked like they were taking their precious time eating and laughing with the Kims. I sipped my Coke and tapped my fingers on the table, hoping one of my brothers noticed. But noooooo... Wu Shixun was telling a lame joke and Wu Zhongren was laughing hard at it. The Kim brothers also found the joke funny and laughed along. I wanted to laugh so I won't look like I was left out, but I just didn't find the joke funny. I didn't bring my phone with me, so I couldn't send Sehun or Kai a message.

I checked my watch again. What if we stayed out later than 6 PM? Luhan would probably be sending out a search and rescue team. Papa would probably think we got kidnapped or something. But then again, Sehun said he had his phone with him and they would call him in case they started looking for us. Another 5 minutes and I started to expect a call from Luhan.

Luhan was out most of the day and just came back home mid-afternoon. Papa must have asked him to do something for the business, because when he returned, he was carrying a thick envelope. He was wearing dark tinted sunglasses, so I couldn't see his eyes. He probably had tired eyes had he taken the sunglasses off in front of us. But hey, we rarely hear him complain whatever papa asks him to do. If he complained, I think he'd directly say it to papa.

Luckily, Kai may have come to his senses and pulled out his phone to check the time. He casually announced that it was almost our curfew, so we needed to go. It was a good hour and some minutes that we stayed out this afternoon.

Kai: It's half past 5. We need to get home before 6 PM or a search and rescue team will be deployed by Luhan da ge.

Sehun: Oh yeah...

J: Hey, no biggie. We need to get home ourselves.

And we got up from the table. I left the almost empty Coke can but picked up the unopened iced tea that Jungkook bought for me. He made a quick glance and smiled. I hid a smile and faced my brothers instead. The boys carried their skateboards and we started walking home. The Kims walked with us until the end of the block before they made their turn toward the street going to their home.

Before we parted ways at the corner of the street, the boys exchanged a little bit of chitchat. A car was approaching and slowed down when it went level with where we were standing. The window of the car was rolled down and Taehyung's face appeared.

Taehyung: Yo guys!

The driver's window also was rolled down as the car slowed down. Yoongi was on the wheel. I could make out Namjoon's silhouette on the passenger seat and Taehyung at the back. They probably went somewhere. Yoongi had gotten his Chinese driver's license at last, I thought. He stopped the car, but left the engine on. They didn't get off, though.

Yoongi: Go home kids. Hahah!

J: I ain't a kid yo!

Taehyung: Xiao Yi, you didn't tell me you went out on a date with Jungkook. Ouch!

I blushed again. I made a face at Taehyung. And I think to make matters more awkward, Jungkook stood beside me and draped his arm around my shoulder and rested his head on mine.

JK: You're jealous Taehyung-ah?

Me: Aish...

Taehyung: My heart is crushed.

Yoongi: Shut up, Taetae. You're too young to date, Kookie. Good luck with that. Luhan will kill you for sure.

Sehun: Speaking of Luhan...I think we better get going now. I have a feeling he's right outside the gate waiting for us. Get your hands off my sister, Jungkook, before Luhan sees you or you will be ashes when you get home....if you get home.

Jungkook immediately withdraw his arm off my shoulder and made a peace sign at Sehun who chuckled.

JK: Ooops. Mianhaeyo, Sehun-ah.

Sehun: Are you courting my sister?

Yeah. Leave it to Sehun again. I walked sideways to stand beside Kai and hid my face behind him. Yoongi waved once and drove off again. The other boys waved back at them as the car sped off.

JK: Wh- I...uh...No.

Oh, I knew you had a hidden agenda, Kookie. LOL. I smiled as I made that mental note.

Sehun: Just like what Luhan ge said, you can't court my sister....yet.

JK: I know that, Sehun-ah. You know we're just friends.

Sehun: Relax. I'm not against you or something.

Kai: But I am...

JK: ...against?

Kai: Yes.

What was happening? My hand automatically gripped Kai's arm. But then he started giggling and patted Jungkook's shoulder. My crush exhaled loudly. His brothers were dumbfounded and was looking back and forth at Sehun, Kai and Jungkook.

Kai: Hahahaha. I got you there. Dude, I'm not against you or anything, but I'm with Sehun on not courting my sister now. We don't want blood to flow in our families, neh?

JK: Nope. No blood. It would be my blood who'd flow first...whoaaaa....

Jimin: So, Kookie...if you die...don't ever...ever...haunt me...

JK: Shut up.

Jimin: Hahahaha!

J: You'll be next to die, Jimin.

Jimin: Why me?

J: Because I said so. I'll personally ask Luhan to have you next on his hit list.

Jimin: You are not my hyung.

J: Thanks.

The scene reminded me of my brothers' banter when they're all together at home. I just shook my head. I was glad the tension was gone and they were joking again.

Sehun: Okay guys. We'll go ahead or it'll be me and Kai who will die first.

J: Your Lu ge is scary.

Kai: I share a room with him.

J: Well, good luck.

Kai: He doesn't keep a knife under his pillow, though.

J: Did you check?

Kai: Oh yeah.

Sehun: You will die first, Kai. Me and Xiao Yi are going now. Bye guys.

Sehun had gotten hold of my hand and pulling me away from the group. I followed him. Kai stuck his tongue out at Sehun and waved at the Kims. I waved at them too and before I turned around to walk towards home, I caught Jungkook signalling he'd call me later. I did a side smile and turned around, made a peace sign behind me. I knew he would get that.

As we reached our street, Kris' car came into view. He passed on the other block instead of the street we were in earlier. I sighed in relief. He didn't see us with the Kims. I just hoped that Kai and Sehun didn't blabber much. When his car reached the driveway, he honked and waited for the gate to open. Baek was resting his head on the window. The window wasn't tinted darkly, so I could see his head reclined. Tao was sleeping in the backseat. As the gate was opened, Kris parked the car carefully inside. Sehun, Kai and I followed inside. Sehun was half correct. Luhan wasn't outside the gate, but he was out of the house, sitting by the garage and texting someone. I just hoped he wasn't texting Sehun, looking for us.

When Sehun's phone didn't beep or ring, I mouthed a prayer of thanks. He looked up from his phonescreen and examined the three of us from head to foot. He was probably scanning for cuts or bruises. When he found none, he fixed his gaze on his phone again. But then he spoke.

Luhan: You three go inside now and take a shower. We're going out for dinner.

All 3 of us: Yes, Lu ge.

Luhan: Sehun, you forgot to throw away the newspaper you used in the garage.

Sehun: Ahh....duibuqi gege. I promise it won't happen again.

Luhan: Noted.

And we walked faster to get inside the house. Kris opened the backseat door and shook Tao to wake him up. Baekhyun slung his sports bag on one shoulder and hung his head back as he slowly walked towards the front door. Tao grunted and crawled out the car. He pulled his bag and handed it to Kris ge who just shook his head and carried the bag inside. Tao got on all fours and laid on the ground. Luhan saw him and walked up to him, prodded panda gege with his foot and scolded him.

Luhan: Zitao! Get up from there. If you won't get up and shower now, you'll be left home alone.

Tao didn't need any more telling twice, so he got up and walked slouching. He raised a hand and made a peace sign at Luhan. Luhan walked beside him and flicked his head. Tao dodged it expertly and ran inside the house.

Chen and Lay ge were already dressed for dinner and were in the living room watching TV with mama. Chanyeol walked in from the kitchen -also already dressed for dinner- with a banana in one hand. Chen remarked that a giant monkey just entered the Wu residence when he saw Chanyeol with the banana. We met Suho ge on the stairs. He was going down and combing his hair with his fingers.

When we got to the first floor, Kyungsoo emerged from the bathroom with a towel draped around his waist, and another towel wrapped around his head. Kris, Tao, Baekhyun had gone to their room. Sehun followed Soo to their room to get his towel. I climbed the stairs to the second floor with Kai. When we reached the second floor, we met papa who was fixing the collar of his shirt.

Papa: Ah, good you're home. You better get ready. Did Luhan tell you?

Kai: Yes pa. Dinner out?

Papa: Yes. I promised Lay his belated birthday dinner.

Kai: Okay. Will just go shower, pa.

Papa: Xiao Yi.

And I had to turn around. I was almost in front of my room when papa called me.

Me: Pa...

Papa: You can use our bathroom.

Me: Xiexie.

Papa: Buyong xie, mei-baobei. Hurry up you two.

Me/Kai: Yes papa.

Kai went to their room and I went to mine to get my towel. I wouldn't have to wait until Kai finish taking a bath. I hurried to get my towel and went to mama and papa's room to use their bathroom. I saw Luhan going in their room as I closed the door to mama and papa's room.

After shower, I went back to my room to get dressed. Yep, we already went out for dinner on Lay's birthday, but papa and mama were not with us that time. Papa had promised to bring us to the Nautilus restaurant for a late birthday celebration. This time, it would be a celebration of sorts, for 5 of my brothers got in the skateboarding team. Kris ge also agreed to play for the school's basketball team...at the final notice...and the team told him he didn't have to try out. Baek and Tao were automatically in the martial arts team, so they didn't have to prepare for the tryouts. It was held last Thursday. Only Kris ge had to wait for them because Luhan had said that it wasn't necessary for all of us to stay and watch. Only Baekhyun and Tao were needed at the tryouts and they were already part of the team anyway. Chen had decided to audition for the school theater arts guild, much to Suho's delight. Kai was part of the dance team who supported the theater arts guild, so he was happy as well. One of the biggest news and achievements of my brothers, aside from the birthday, basketball and skateboard team appointments, was Kyungsoo being asked to sing at the opening ceremony of Chagiya's school's Annual Arts and Culture Show.

Yep. I was not mistaken. It was Chagiya who called Soo a few days ago, during the skateboard tryouts. She had asked her older sister to get Soo's number from Suho. However, Suho denied giving out his number and said that Song Qian probably asked their music teacher for his number. But we didn't believe him anyway.

It was Kai who had the guts to call papa and ask him if it was okay that Soo be allowed to set foot in a rival school to sing for one of their shows. Upon hearing that news, papa had asked to talk to Soo and asked him a lot of questions before he agreed to let Soo sing for the show. Papa was still in Thailand at that time.

So, for dinner, we would be celebrating a lot of accomplishments. And if you count me as "trainee" to FISSkT as an accomplishment, then yep, we'd be celebrating it too. Hahaha. And not to brag about it, but my class chose me as class representative to the school council. I didn't want to, though, but I thought and thought hard about it and deliberated overnight. Our class adviser gave me just one day to decide, because she had to send the recommendation to the adminstration for approval. And the school administration was strict in giving out deadlines to both teachers and students. Well yeah, even if you were rich, you still had to comply with most of the school rules. You might ask why only "most" of the school rules. Well, as sons and daughters of Beijing's most notable and respected people (and some were expatriates), there were unforeseen events that are not under the control of the student. For example, the student's father decided to take his family into an unplanned vacation somewhere in the world. Or maybe like the student's family decided to give the son/daughter a week to experience working in their family business or the like... well, if you get my drift.

Anyway, I went downstairs to join the rest of my family who were waiting in the living room. Xiumin had followed me downstairs. We were just waiting for Luhan, Baekhyun and Sehun now. Turned out Tao beat Baekhyun to the shower and the latter didn't wanna take a shower together with Tao. I had thought that Luhan would be the last to come down the stairs for he was the last one who took a bath. Chen and Chanyeol had placed bets on Sehun and Baekhyun. Chen had placed a bet on Sehun and Chanyeol on Baekhyun. Guess who won? xP

Luhan made his way down the stairs straightening his white shirt, not bothering to tuck it in. It wasn't a formal dinner anyway. We wore casual dinner clothes. Kris ge was sitting at the armrest of the couch and popping his head to the beat of whatever song his iPod was playing. He had earphones on and he also pumped his fist with the music. Tao was seated beside him and leaning on his leg. Papa was talking to Suho and Xiumin. He called Lay and told him to help Xiumin and Suho with something, to which Lay nodded. Instruction time. Lay was one of the oldies now, as was Baekhyun. But where was Baekhyun? Sehun was bounding down the stairs looking dapper in a dark blue shirt and faded blue jeans. Yo oppa broke into a laugh and reached his hand out to Chen, palm up.

Chanyeol: Hahahaha! Money down Chenchen-ya.

Chen: Bummer.

Chan: No one beats Baek, ya know.

Chen: Sehun beat him before, ya know.

Chan: You're just sour-graping.

Chen: I will win next time. I will bet on myself and not go out the shower. Hah!

Chan: That's called cheating orz.

Papa asked Xiumin to go check up on Baekhyun. Kai had muttered under his breath that Baek probably fell asleep in the shower. Tao had agreed with him and stated that if Baek was not sleeping, he was probably drowning in the tub because he was sleepy. They didn't share the same martial arts class, but their school was adjacent. Xiumin went down the stairs with Baekhyun. At least he was done getting dressed when Xiumin was asked to go up to check on him.

We went to the Nautilus in three cars. Luhan drove the Sienna and Kris drove the Odyssey. Xiumin had wanted to relax that night, so Kris had to drive. The third car was papa's. He and mama were in that car. Sehun and Tao as well.

It was the first time we went there as it was fairly new. The owner of the Beijing branch/franchise was papa's friend. He invited papa to the opening, but papa couldn't make it, so he promised he'd take us, his family, for dinner some other time. And that time was tonight. Reservations were made for us ahead of time, so papa was able to secure the semi-private dining room. When we arrived, all 13 of us were amazed at the facade. Papa said that the exterior was similar to the Hong Kong restaurant. He led us inside the resto and we were greeted by a pleasant looking attendant. Papa told her of our reservation and we were immediately ushered to our seats.

I could see that most of the people dining here were well-to-do. Mostly businessmen and their wives and families. There were a few young professionals too. I let my eyes wander all around the place.

Tao: This is cool. It's like we're inside a submarine.

Chanyeol: Yeah...ahh....

Tao: The lights make it look like we're underwater. Whoaaaa...Cool!

Soo: The lights make me sleepy.

Tao: Why?

Soo: It's dim. Like our room.

Sehun: Yeah, like our night lights.

Tao: Why do you talk about sleeping when we are underwater...ahhh... gege look...

He had pointed to the dome-like dividers that separated the semi-private rooms to the tables outside. We had been ushered to our semi-private room and Tao was gushing at the sight he's beheld. I went to touch the walls. Kai followed suit and giggled as he ran his palms along the ribbed wall.

Kai: It feels funny. Hahaha.

Me: It's rough.

Kai: Yeah. Like the backside of a turtle.

Sehun: Turtles don't have ribbed shells.

Kai: I know. I just said it felt like it.

And everyone else touched the walls. Papa cleared his throat and asked us to be seated and the attendant handed out menus. I sat and waited for my turn to choose my food. Papa let mama decide on what he wanted, he excused himself for a while because his phone rang.

"Vegetales tropicales cocinados en leche de coco y curry. Servido con arroz de coco."

Luhan had read the description of the Caribbean Curry meal.

Sehun: What does that mean?

Luhan: Tropical vegetables cooked in coconut milk and curry. Served with coconut rice. Why? Are you going to get that?

Sehun: Hmmm...Wait...

Luhan: You want chicken?

Kris: Pollo is not my style.

The dragon gege interrupted and flipped his hair away from his eyes. He laughed when Sehun gave him a disgusted look. Lay was reciting the contents of the menu. Suho had joked that Lay wanted to eat them all and the attendant smiled shyly at that. If I didn't know better, my older brothers were showing off and flirting. The attendant was pretty. She smiled at everyone of us. Mama placed her order and looked at me. I was seated 2 seats across her. She handed me the menu and let me choose.

Mama: Qin'ai, what do you want?

Me: Hmmm...I think I've have what you are having?

Mama: Haoba. No shrimps for you, though. Just the Al Pesto and Fillet?

Me: Yes, ma. Xiexie.

Mama: Hao, hao.

And she placed my order with the attendant. When all of us had placed our orders, papa returned and went back to his seat. He confirmed his choice of dinner that mama placed. While waiting for our food, papa spoke...and it felt like we were in a conference. He was at the head of the table. The seating arrangement was not by age tonight. It was an informal setting. There were 16 chairs, 7 on each side and one at each head. Instead of Luhan on papa's right, Chanyeol sat. Beside him was Kris, then me, Sehun, Luhan, Tao, and Kai. On papa's left was mama, Baekhyun, Suho, Lay, Chen, Soo and Xiumin.

Papa: I'm proud of you kids. All of you. Xiexie ni from the bottom of my heart. Hearing news of your accomplishments at the first quarter of the term makes me really happy and proud. So, as a celebration of sorts, here we are. Ah-ah...we are also celebrating Lay's late birthday party... Yes, Sehun. I know. You already celebrated before...

Sehun had interjected that we already had a birthday dinner for Lay before. Papa was quick to ammend. From the corner of my eye, Kris was chuckling and tearing up a piece of tissue paper into bits and rolling them into tiny balls. Yeah alright. The night was one of those that was easy on the heart. No nervous beating because of what papa might say.

But before papa could finish what he wanted to say, his phone rang again. He raised a finger and went to check who it was before he excused himself again to take the call. Mama just sighed and shrugged, "You know your papa."

Sehun: Ma, did you already know that we ran into Mr. Dong at the Banana Leaf on Lay ge's birthday?

Mama: No. What?

Luhan: Duibuqi, mama. I meant to tell you and papa before, but I got a lot on my mind these days, so I kind of forgot.

Mama: What did that man do to you?

Luhan: Uhm...nothing major, ma.

Sehun: Nothing major? He looked like he wanted you to join his table.

Luhan: He was not.

Baekhyun: Mama, believe Sehun.

Mama: Never trust that man, Luhan. I trust you to never put your trust in that man.

Baekhyun: He's bad news...

Luhan: Well, he did try to invite me...and the rest...to dine with them...

Mama: I sure hope you declined?

Luhan: We were done, mama. Was about to go home when he cornered me in the middle of the restaurant where everyone else could see.

Kris: Strategy for you not to make any "undesirable" move. Hahaha.

Mama: And you, Wu Yifan, did you do anything?

Kris: I was out the door before you could say "galaxy," ma...

Mama: My goodness. What does that man need from you? First his daughter wanted you to her at the Hong Kong party... Don't look at me like that, Yifan. I know about it. Yes, Luhan. I know about it... Now, where was I? Oh...yes...secondly, that mistaken identity fiasco at the gas station. Oh my, my, my... Your papa needs to know.

"What is it that I need to know about?"

I had a feeling it was going to be a long dinner. I bit my lower lip as I let my eyes drift away to the other side of the table, not looking at papa. My eyes met Tao's and he looked as curious and uneasy as I was.

•A celebration of sorts. A lot going on with this chapter but I hope you didn't have a headache trying to keep up with it. xD And yes, I'm going to feature Chagiya in one of the next chapters. Let us not forget that her name is Hui Qiao. Hahaha. But I prefer calling her Chagiya. Then maybe I'll add more TaeYi moments. I'd like to see Jungkook get jealous. xP

•JungYi and SooGiya ship sailing! LOL. That last OTP sounds weird. Help me make a name for Kyungie and Chagiya. xP

•I'd like to thank EXO-M's "Growl, XOXO, Baby, and Don't Go" for keeping me up writing this chapter. Add to that:  Tao's jungle selcas. LOL. My baby is finally back from the jungle! I missed him so much. ♥♥♥  吴爱你们！我爱你们！(Wu Ai Nimen! Wo Ai Nimen!) ☺