We arrived home a few minutes later. I went straight up to my room to dump my things. I decided to read the books later that night. I needed to do my homework first, then review for the upcoming exams. I got my notebooks and books out and settled into my desk. I was not very good in math, so I did my homework on that first and the same time review. I had forgotten to close my bedroom door properly, so I could faintly hear what was going on outside my room and downstairs. I could hear a mix of different sounds. There was Baekhyun singing to a classic song. "When I fall in looooooove...it will be forever...or I'll neveeeerrrr fall innnn...looooove..." There was also Lay who was giving instructions to Chanyeol about something that I could not make out due to the loud singing. There was also Soo who was shouting to shut Baek up. There was Sehun who was knocking on every door asking if they found something which he lost. And then there was Luhan who was having a heated discussion with Tao about not going out because it was already getting dark outside.

So, Luhan managed to go home to check up on us. I didn't bother to get up and close the door properly. I was fine hearing them. I felt secure knowing that they were just there. I smiled to myself when I heard Luhan tell Sehun to post an online "lost and found" message so other people can help him find what he was looking for. I was betting he got annoyed already. He then knocked softly on my door and pushed it slightly open and stuck his head in.

Luhan: Xiao Yi, you okay here?

Me: Yes, Lu ge.

Luhan: Okay. I'm going back to school, soccer practice.

Me: Alright. Take care gege.

Luhan: I will. See you all later. And...if you hear anything wild from the others, call or text me, okay?

Me: Uhm...okay, I will.

And with that, he went on his way. I was glad he didn't close the door all the way. I still could hear the different sounds courtesy of my brothers. Tao has joined Baekhyun singing now. But instead of the classic song, they were singing a stupid song. I think they just made it up because it really sounded stupid. I could hear Chanyeol singing along and adding "Uh-huh..uh-huh.." at the end of each verse. Sehun had stopped knocking on every door to ask if they found anything. Soo had become silent as well. And I thought he probably went downstairs and out the garden at the back to study. Lay gege was also silent. He was in their room maybe. I went back to concentrating on my homework.

I was halfway done with my History homework when I checked my watch. It was half past 6 PM. In another half hour it was dinner time. I put down my pen and stretched my arms. Then I got up and peeked out my door. It was silent now; no more singing or shouting match. My brothers may have found a way to shut up. Maybe doing their homework. I shrugged and went back to sit at my desk. I picked up my phone and checked for messages. I had placed it on silent mode, without the vibrate mode. I had 3 messages. I opened them one by one. The first message was from Tao.

"Xiao Yi, if Lu ge arrives before I do, don't tell him I snuck out again. I'm just doing one round the block. Promise me ne? Lay and Baek does not know."

Oh my god. Not again. If Luhan finds out, he'd not only get grounded, he'd probably be forced to withdraw from the skateboard team. Tsk. I shook my head as I typed my reply.

"Tao ge, I won't tell. But you better hurry up and return now. It's just a matter of minutes before

they arrive home."

I sent the message and went to check the other 2. Both of them from Jungkook. I got cold. I didn't know he would have this effect on me. I read the first message.

"Xiao Yi, annyeong. Mianhae for not acknowledging you earlier when you left school."

I had wanted to play the hurt card, but I dismissed it. I didn't have any right to feel bad. If there was someone who should feel bad, it would have been him. I could have waved and said goodbye to him, right? Even if he didn't say it first. I didn't reply to that message just yet. Instead, I read the next.

"Actually, I wanted to ask if we could go to the horror house on Friday after class? Jin hyung said it'll open on Friday."

I fanned myself. It suddenly became hot in my room. Hahaha. Yeah, I giggled. I mean, who wouldn't? I thought hard before I replied. I didn't wanna sound too eager. When I felt that my response was "normal," I pressed the send button.

"You don't have to say sorry. But you better prepare to save enough for 2 lunch treats and to study well for Math, because you are going to do my homework for 2 days because I'm going to ask Lu ge if I can go on Friday."

As soon as I was able to send that message, I got a new one. I checked it and saw that Tao had replied. He was already outside the gate. I sent him a reply that said he better get inside before any of the older brothers noticed him missing again. Papa didn't really tolerate covering up someone's when they did something wrong. But to save us from being punished, we resort to covering up each others asses sometimes. But not often, because papa would notice if we did it too often. I think mama knew though. It's like we can never hide something from her. We were even surprised how she knew that Hua Chen had tried to hit on Luhan and Kris. Mama had her ways. That time, I kinds of thought Tao had gotten his spying abilities from mama. After I sent my reply, I got up and went downstairs. I decided to finish my homework after dinner. When I reached the ground floor, Tao was already inside the house and pretending he was just there the whole time. But I saw his skateboard on the floor beside the couch he was sitting on. He was flipping through TV channels and reclining. He was also singing something, softly. When he saw me go down the stairs, he nodded to me once and resumed to what he was doing. I went to sit beside him and tried to watch whatever he chose to watch. He couldn't settle on one channel. He kept flipping through channels every now and then. I just rolled my eyes. Soo had come in from the back door this time, his books and notebooks under his arm. He also was carrying a large cardboard on one hand. Looked like he had a school project and he had just finished it. I tiloted my head to see what it was. It looked like it was a chart; a food chain chart. Well, he was taking Food and Beverages classes. He placed his stuff on the kitchen counter and went to check what was cooking for dinner. The househelp had just finished cooking and was now preparing the table. Soo went to check all the pots and pans that were on the stove. He even peeked inside the oven to check if there was any pastry for dessert. I guess he found none, because he crinkled his nose and went to the fridge, took out some eggs, flour and whatever stuff he found. Then he disappeared inside the pantry and got out with other ingredients. He asked one of the househelps to get him some bowls and a pan. I think he was making something spontaneous. I went back to watching the TV. Tao had settled on an anime channel now and was laughing along with the characters. He also elbowed me in the process and I pushed him away. He shifted even closer to me and deliberately squished me between him and the armrest of the couch. I slapped his arm repeatedly but he just laughed.

Me: Urghhhh...Get away from me.

Tao: No. Not going to let you go easily.

Me: What do you need, so I can get away?

Tao: Let me squish your cheeks.

Me: Noooo...

And he acted as if to squeeze my cheeks and I ducked my head. Chanyeol had gone down the stairs that time and saw. He walked over to us and instead of helping me get away from Tao, he helped Tao by pinching my cheeks.

Chan: Awwww..squishy, squishy...

Me: Noooo...urghh...get away from me you giant elf.

Chan: Hmmm..no, I won't let you go. You called me by my secret code.

Me: I don't care!

Tao: Let's squish squishy Xiao Yi...

Chan: Yeahhhh... squish mei baobei...

Me: I hate you...gegeeee!

Baekhyun and Lay came down the stairs to check the commotion. When they saw that Chanyeol and Tao were squishing me like a pumpkin, Lay went to pull Chanyeol away. Baek pulled Tao away and dragged him off the couch. Tao let him get dragged off. He was enjoying the attention. OTL. He lay on the floor laughing. Chanyeol joined him on the floor and hugged Tao's arm and he closed his eyes. I poked him with my foot and quickly withdrew it. Then I heard 3 honks outside. The others are home. One of the househelp went out to open the gate. A few minutes later, Luhan came in, followed by Kris and Xiumin. All were fresh from the school's locker shower. Tao and Chanyeol didn't budge from the floor. The oldies dumped their things on the floor beside the nearest chair and went to sit. Luhan assessed the situation and looked at Tao and Chanyeol on the floor, then at Baek and Lay, and lastly at me.

Luhan: What's going on here?

Chanyeol: We were squishing Xiao Yi.

Luhan: Sheesh...get up from there.

Chanyeol: I can't.

Luhan: Suit yourself.

Kris: Imma go upstairs, just call me when it's time to eat. I still got to study for another exam tomorrow.

Luhan: Alright.

Tao: Gege! Play with me on the XBox please!

Kris: Shut up Zitao.

Tao: I'm going to squish you next, then.

Kris: If you can.

And the dragon gege stood up. Luhan also stood up and went to sit beside me. He draped an arm around my shoulders but his hand shot up to my cheeks and he pinched me with both hands. I winced and tried to push him away. Before he went to go upstairs, Kris had pinched my nose and ruffled my hair. He also poked my cheeks with his finger and laughed. Then he walked away and reached the stairs in no time, what with his long legs. I managed to pull a throw pillow behind me and lunged it at him. Kris just chuckled as he proceeded to go upstairs. Luhan laughed as well.

Xiumin was falling asleep on the chair where he was perched. He was nodding off and he finally closed his eyes and snored after a few minutes. Luhan turned his head around to look at him when he heard the snore. Soo was still busy in the kitchen concocting something. I was sure it was for dessert. Maybe it was cake or pie or...hmmm...it smelled like vanilla and strawberries. Maybe a strawberry shortcake? Lay had gone to watch him working on the dessert. His school stuff were still on the kitchen counter, just pushed to the side, so he could place the bowl on the counter.

Suho, Kai and Chen arrived a few minutes after. The phone rang as they entered the house. Luhan was nearest the phone, so he picked it up. It was mama calling to inform us that she'd be home a little later because she had to drop by the pedia clinic in Haidian. Luhan then called us all to prepare for dinner. That meant we won't be having dinner with mama. Kind of a normal day for us. As usual, it was only the 13 of us at the dinner table that night. We felt incomplete. Much like the usual feeling we have when our parents were not with us. What was relaxing about it was that there was no one to interrogate each and everyone of us about our day at school. We were able to eat without feeling nervous that papa would call us next to be interrogated. Luhan, Xiumin and Kris didn't go about asking us questions what we did at school. But for some reason, Luhan knew things we did at school. He even knew our schedule and our classmates. Well, not personally, but he knew the family names of the people we had classes with. He was kinda like mom in this.

After dinner, I excused myself so I could go wash up and prepare for bed. I still had to finish my History homework and start reading one of the books that Taehyung lent me. Actually, one of those books, the prophecy one, was borrowed from the school library. I guess that's where he mostly spent his free time in school. Kris had followed me upstairs. He also was still studying for his other exams. He would be leaving for Japan on Sunday morning. His mom won't be able to pick him up, so he asked Luhan to drive him to the airport. He was excited to see his mom again. He didn't talk about it much, but we could feel that he missed his mom a lot.

When I went back to my room, I quickly got my towel and went to the bathroom. After showering, on my way out the bathroom, Chanyeol and Chen were being chased by Kyungsoo. Again. Chanyeol whooshed past me and went into mama and papa's room. I heard the lock in place, but Chen appeared on the top of the stairs and ran to our parent's room as well. When he tried to open the door, he realized it was locked and that Chanyeol was inside. He knocked on the door asking Chanyeol to let him in. Chanyeol opened the door and Chen quickly got in and they both closed the door with a bang. I heard another click of the lock and laughter on the other side of the room. Kyungsoo ran up the stairs with Chanyeol's drumsticks in one hand. I guess he found the drumsticks lying somewhere on the floor of the media room because that's usually where Chanyeol leaves most of the stuff he uses all the time. Like his skateboard and guitar.

Anyway, Kyungsoo's face was smeared in strawberry shortcake icing. I fully understood what happened when I saw it. I stopped in front of my room and pointed at mama and papa's room. Kyungsoo nodded at me and marched up to the door. He knocked softly at first, and asking the two bullies nicely to come out so he can slap their butts. Of course, the two didn't open the door. Instead, I heard them laughing their butts off and telling Soo to wash his face first. Soo did not leave but went to sit on the floor outside the door. He warned the two that he won't be going anywhere unless they come out.

Soo: You two should come out now. I have a surprise for you.

Chen: No. Wash your face first. Hahahaha.

Chanyeol: Before we give you an audience, please wash your face, your highness. Hahahah.

Soo: I'm going to wash my face using your clothes. Come out!

Chanyeol: Awww...Kyungie-ya...

Chen: I'm touched. You want to use my shirt?

Soo: I hate you hyung.

Chen: Thank you!

Soo: Grrrrrr... I'm gonna tell papa you bullied me again.

Chen: I did not!

Soo: Then what do you call this?

Chanyeol: It's called icing?

Soo: Urghhh! I hate you too!

Chanyeol: Bie keqi...hahahaha...

Luhan had reached our floor and I quickly opened my door and got in my room. I peeked out. Kai was behind him and he was chuckling.

Kai: Luhan the destroyer has come! Beware you two fools.

Luhan: Shut up.

Kai: I'm not noisy orz. Excuse me, Mulan jiejie. Let me pass.

Luhan: You are grounded for one day.

Kai: What??

Luhan: You heard me.

Kai looked shocked and went inside their room shaking his head. Luhan walked towards the sulking Kyungsoo on the floor. He stopped in front of our parents' room and knocked.

Luhan: Chen. Chanyeol. Are you going to get out from there?

Chen/Chanyeol: Aniyooo.

Luhan: You must remember that I have the key to that room.

Chen: *whispers*

Luhan: What?

Chen: Nothing!

Luhan: On the count of three, if you two do not go out from there, you will not only get grounded but I will also cut half of your allowance for next week.

Chanyeol: Oh...my...god...

I didn't listen to the rest of the conversation. I knew where it was leading. I went to close my door. But before I did, I saw Soo's face light up in a wide grin. He won this war, thanks to Luhan ge.

I went to get my hairbrush and started to comb my hair. While combing my hair, my phone rang. I had switch it back to normal mode. I picked it up and saw the screen light up, Jungkook's name flashing. I smiled. Next time, I'd add a pic of him so I can set it on his profile in my contacts.

Me: Yeoboseyo.

JK: Uhm. Hi. Good evening.

Me: Good evening. What can I do for you today?

JK: Hahah. I was just wondering...if...uh...you received my last text message?

Me: *panic attack* Uh...which one?

JK: Hmm...I think you're busy?

Me: Oh, no..not really. I just finished dinner and taking a shower.

JK: Oh, okay.

Me: I was doing my homework earlier, too. What was it that you sent?

JK: Uhm. Ah...it's just that when you replied about...uh, the horror house on Friday. I...uh, yeah.

Me: I haven't asked Luhan yet. But I will later.

JK: Ah, okay. I understand.

I could visualize him nodding his head and smiling awkwardly. Then I heard him clear his throat. That made me visualize him shifting his position from...what...sitting down to reclining? Hahaha. I had quite the imagination when it came to him, I realized.

JK: So, what did Taehyung need from you earlier?

Me: What need?

JK: Back in school, before going home? He approached you, right?

Me: Oh. That. Yes, he did. It was about the books he promised to lend me. Remember Literature class?

JK: Oh, yeah. That. Huh. He reads?

Me: Yes, apparently. I'm going to read them and test his knowledge in them, actually.

JK: For?

Me: Well, I didn't believe him that he reads books...as in seriously.

JK: Ahh..so like proof that he reads, so you're going to test him...

Me: Yeah, just like that.

JK: Cool. Would you test me too, if I read a book?

Me: Depends.

JK: On what? The book?

Me: No.

JK: Then what?

Depends if you really want me to test you, or if you are just indirectly saying that you are jealous, Kookie-ya.

Me: Depends if I needed to read it the same time that I'm also still reading the books that Taehyung lent me.

JK: Oh, okay. Maybe after you read them and tested him, then?

Me: Okay. If that's what you want.... *in a low voice* Kookie.

JK: *laughs* Heyyy...you called me by my nickname. Hahaha.

Yeah, I was in heaven. I laid flat on the bed and squealed silently. I could just imagine him with his eyesmile and laughing at me. Before I could answer him though, I heard a voice calling him in a sing-song voice. "Kookie-ya! Eodiisseooo?" It sounded like J. Then I heard him grunt a little and mutter something that I couldn't get.

JK: Uhm, I gotta go. J hyung's looking for me. Maybe it's time for dinner. Eomma just arrived. I'll...call or text you later?

Me: Sure. Go eat your dinner, captain.

JK: Oh, you haven't forgotten, miss trainee.

Me: Nope, I haven't.

JK: Cool. Uhm..yeah.

Me: I'll just text when I'll get the permission from Luhan.

JK: Thanks. Talk to you later.

Me: Neh. Byebye.

JK: Byebye.

And then I heard the beep that signaled the end of the call. I closed my eyes and placed my phone on my chest, just above my heart and I daydreamed. But then I remembered I needed to finish my History homework, so I cut my daydream short and sat up. I set my phone into vibrate mode and went to sit on my study desk. I placed my phone on one side of the table then pulled my homework to me. It was a quiet night, Luhan probably finished winning the war for Soo oppa. I grinned. Chen and Chanyeol are a conspiracy team. If Baekhyun was in on the prank, it would have been more thrilling and full of action and drama. I suddenly remembered I needed to ask Luhan ge's permission to go to the horror house on Friday with Jungkook. But I was sure I'd get a no. I must think of a plan that he'd say yes. Maybe if I ask Sehun ge to come with me, Luhan would approve. Hmmm... Then I had a plan. It would work, I guess. I silently devised my plan in my head while doing my homework. With the sudden idea, I was inspired to study more. I took out my headphones, plugged it in my phone and chose a playlist. Music while doing homework. Perfect match.

Almost at the end of my homework, I heard a faint knock on my door. I took off my headphones and went to open the door. It was mama. She just got home. I greeted her with a hug and kiss. She just wanted to check on me and she said goodnight. I told her goodnight and she went to their room. I closed my door again and went to finish my homework.

At last, I only had to review my notes, but I decided to review the next day. I took out one of the books that Taehyung lent me. The one with the prophesying monk. I flipped through the pages to scan it. Hmmm...then I went back to the first page and started to read. I got so absorbed with the first few chapters that I didn't notice my phone vibrating on the table. I only realized it was ringing when I shifted on my seat for a more comfortable reading position.

The number that appeared on the screen was unknown. Who could be calling at this hour? OTL. I answered it nevertheless. If it was someone I didn't know, I'd just have to end the call, right?

Me: Wei...

Taehyung: Hello, Xiao Yi.

Me: Who is this please?

Taehyung: Ouch. I am an unknown now?

Me: Uhm. Sorry...but who is this please?

Taehyung: I'm hurt. It's Taehyung.

Me: Oh, oh...I'm sorry. I didn't...know it...

Taehyung: Yeah, it's okay. I was hoping you'd recognize my voice the first try.

Me: Ah...but I didn't. I'm sorry. Jinjjayo.

Taehyung: Ah, it's fine.

Me: Wait. How did you...?

Taehyung: Get your number?

Me: Yes.

Taehyung: I asked Baekhyun hyung.

Me: And he gave it to you just like that?

Taehyung: Yes, why? Is there some sort of process that I had to go through?

Me: Pabo-ya. No, of course not. Hahaha. Okay. So Baekhyun gave you my number. What did you say?

Taehyung: Uh...I just told him I wanted to talk to you about the books I lent you.

Me: Just like that?

Taehyung: Yep.

He sounded unsure. Like he was expecting me to say something like, "No, Taehyung-ah. You still have to go through a series of question and answer portions, then go through an interview and lastly, write a 500-word essay on why you want my number." I swear, he could be clueless and he didn't know it. That made him adorable. LOL. I wanted to prank him, but I didn't. I silently commended him for being able to get my number as easy as that from Baekhyun. Although Baek was not one of the anti-Kim and Min, it wasn't easy to get information from him if you are not immediate family. I guess he was comfortable with Taehyung, so he trusted him enough to give my number to him.

Me: Hmm. Alright then. What can I do for you?

Taehyung: Uhm. Like the reason why I got your number. Have you started reading the books? Or at least one of them?

Me: Actually, I'm reading the one about the monk now.

Taehyung: Jinjja?

Me: Neh, jinjja.

Taehyung: Ahhh...So, how is it?

Me: I'm just past the first 3 chapters.

Taehyung: Wow, you read fast.

Me: Uhm. Maybe.

Taehyung: So, you could test me sooner than I expected.

Me: Yep, it would be so.

Taehyung: I better get prepared. I don't wanna disappoint myself.

Me: Maybe you should read the book that our teacher assigned?

Taehyung: We won't be discussing it until week after next. Exam week, remember?

Me: Oh yes. But, still. It's better to be prepared than cram.. Right?

Taehyung: You have a point. Hmmm...you have a point.

I chuckled. I could sense he was thinking really hard. Then a vision of his face swam into view. Taehyung wearing glasses and holding a book in one hand, reclining on his bed with a pillow for a backrest. Geeky Taehyung. At the same time, I pictured out Jungkook biting his lower lip while reading a book, his forehead creased in concentration. Oh my god. I shouldn't be imagining things like that while I was talking to a boy. I might suddenly let slip what I was daydreaming about.

Me: Hey, how's Taetae?

Taehyung: Who? Me?

Me: Aish. I forgot. Sorry. Hahaha. I meant your puppy, V.

Taehyung: Ahhhh...why you and Namjoon hyung must be on the same side?

Me: Well, Taetae sounds cuter for a puppy.

Taehyung: Wait. So, you think I look like a puppy?

Me: You could be twins with V, yes. Hahahah.

Taehyung: Geez. I should probably teach him to talk, then. I already know how to bark.

Me: I would like to see you teach him to talk.

Taehyung: One of these days, I'll drop by your house and bring him. I think your appa would allow a dog to visit?

Me: Two dogs, actually. Both puppies.

Taehyung: Orz, okay.

Me: Hahaha. Tell Taetae I said hi.

Taehyung: His name is V.

Me: Alright. V it is.

Taehyung: Don't worry, I'll tell him you said hi.

Me: Thanks. And tell him I'll see him soon.

Taehyung: How about me?

Me: I will see you at school?

Taehyung: Ahahaeeeeiii. Okay, see you in school. Xiao Yi.

Me: Go read now. Study. Are you even done with your homework?

Taehyung: No? Heehh. Okay, I'll put the phone down now. Byebye Xiao Yi.

Me: Byebye V.

Taehyung: OTL. It's Taehyung-ah.

Me: *chuckles* Goodnight, Taetae.

Taehyung: Are you saying goodnight to me or to my puppy?

Me: Hmmm...maybe you, maybe your puppy.

Taehyung: I hope it's me. Did you say goodnight to Jungkook?

Me: What?

Taehyung: I know he likes you.

Me: Sheesh... *awkward*

Taehyung: Anyway, I should put the phone down now. Have a nice time reading. Goodnight, Xiao Yi.

Me: Goodnight.

I didn't say V or Taetae anymore. I felt really awkward at that moment. Taehyung must have been really observant. I guess he was just observing Jungkook when I was around. I don't know. Urghhhh... This should not be an issue. Matters of the heart should be my older brother's problem, not mine. Aaahhhh...why didn't I have a sister? I quickly sent a message to Yue about what happened. Of my friends at school, I was closest to Yue, so I was able to tell her particular stuff, just not all. I knew, if I had a sister, I'd be able to share with her everything. Anyway, I knew Yue would be excited and would ask a lot of questions as soon as she receives my text message.

Yue and I were exchanging spazz text messages when I received a call. It was from Jungkook. He had asked if I was busy, because he tried to call earlier but my phone just kept ringing and he got the message that he was on call-waiting. I quickly improvised that I was talking to Yue. He believed that and muttered something that sounded like, "I thought you were talking to Taehyung."

Jealous Jungkook sounded cute. I couldn't help myself but smile. I knew I was going to see him on Friday at the horror house. I had a plan where Luhan would say yes to me going to the horror house. I would ask Luhan that I was going with Yue. Which was partly true, because I had asked her to go with me and told her that Jungkook and I had a dare, and it was sort of a deal. She immediately said yes. She had wanted to go to the horror house as well. She had said that she'd ask the help of Shana and Ling Yan so Luhan won't suspect. I had to giggle at that. Oh god. What was I doing? Ahhhh. This was a girl thing, okay. I don't think the oldies would understand. If only I could tell mama. But I was sure that she'd insist that I tell Luhan so he could chaperone. Mama probably didn't know that Luhan and Jungkook are like fire and ice. I just hope that our plan would work. I think somebody should scold me right now. LOL. I was being reckless, I know. But it wasn't as if I was going to get myself knocked up. It was just a date....I mean, dare...deal. Okay. LOL.

Hearing him mutter that he thought it was Taehyung, I pretended I didn't hear anything. Instead, I asked if he was done with dinner and if he already finished his homework. He had said yes to both. It just dawned on me that Jungkook didn't have a problem hanging out with me in front of Sehun and Kai. He was in the same grade level as Sehun and Kai, so I kind of understood why my two brothers would be comfortable around him. I wondered if it was the same for Taehyung and Baekhyun. Although, Taehyung was on the same grade level as Tao and Kyungsoo.

Jungkook sounded a bit more lively after that. He even joked with me that maybe he should dress up as a girl when we go to the horror house. That way, if Luhan or any of my older brothers saw us, they won't freak out that I was out on a date with a boy. Did I say date? I meant dare...Deal. Hahaha. Okay, fine. Date. I just told him that I would take care of it and he needn't worry. For sure, Luhan would give me permission to go. I pictured him nodding and doing that signature side glance and smile. After that, we said goodnight and ended the call. But I didn't sleep right away. I thought and thought about everything today. What if papa found out? Will he ship me out to the moon? But I had the strangest feeling that he would be thinking about pairing us and betrothing me to Jungkook. Let me scream for a while. I probably would hug papa very tight as a thank you. But then again, I didn't know if that would be his reaction. Who knew, he might just storm into the Kim household and demand Mr. Kim to scold his son. However, I couldn't deny myself the memory that once in Florida, papa had thought about me marrying someone from a family that he already knew. And Jungkook's appa had quipped his son was just 14. Papa had sort of agreed, but... *dies temporarily*

The next morning, I came down the stairs with a poker face. I was going to ask permission today. Better now than late. I had taken a shower already and was in my school uniform. I carried my backpack with one hand as I went down the stairs. Mama was already drinking her morning coffee and was dressed up for her Med school. I greeted her good morning and the rest of the boys at the table. As I sat to eat breakfast, Sehun and Soo came down the stairs together. Sehun tripped on the last flight of stairs like usual. He rubbed his knees and ankles as he made his way to the breakfast table. It looked like Baekhyun would be the last to go down the stairs again. Tao was already gulping down his apple juice after wolfing down a buttered pancake. Kris had a notebook propped up on one arm as he used his other hand to fork a piece of his sausages and ate it. He would have exams until Thursday. Friday was a free day every after exams. But this week, it didn't mean that there was no classes on Friday, horror house day. We were just going there after class.

I prepared myself mentally for the question I had to ask in a few minutes. I quickly scanned the table for Luhan. I found him laughing with Suho and Xiumin. They were talking about some stuff that happened in their campus recently. I decided to ask mama at first. If she told me to ask Luhan, then I would. I waited for a little bit before asking. After I drank my orange juice, I cleared my throat and addressed mama.

Me: Mama.

Mama: Yes, dear?

Me: I was wondering if I could go to the horror house this Friday, after school?

Mama: Horror house? Is it open now?

Me: It's opening on Friday, ma. Me, Yue and the girls were talking about going after class.

Mama: What time would you be home?

Me: Before dinner?

Mama: Hmmm..You get off at school, 3:30 PM?

Me: Yes. So, can I go?

Mama: Okay. Luhan...

The easy part was over. She had turned to address Luhan. Here comes the hard part.

Luhan: Ma?

Mama: Xiao Yi and her friends are going to the horror house on Friday, after class. I want you to drive them there and pick her up as your schedule permits you.

Luhan: Uhm... I have soccer practice ma. But okay. I can drive her and her friends there and pick her up later.

Mama: Good.

Whew! That went well. As easy as 1, 2, and 3.

Sehun: Whoa! The horror house is opening on Friday? We should all go then?

Tao: We have skateboarding practice. Wu sub-team practice every Friday, remember?

Sehun: You are just scared. Anyway, we can go after practice. Let's ask the captain if he wants to come, too.

Kai: I might bail out on that. I want to sleep after practice.

Sehun: Buzz killer.

Tao: Why don't you go alone?

Sehun: It's not fun.

Tao: Maybe you are scared.

Sehun: Am not. You're the scaredy cat. You screamed that last time there was a blackout.

Tao: It was sudden, okay? I think anyone would scream if they were taken by surprise.

Chanyeol: I'll go with you, Sehun-ah.

Sehun: Cool. Let's go after practice, hyung?

Chanyeol: Sure. Where's Baekhyun?

Sehun: As usual, the last samurai.

Chen: *calls out with a loud voice* Tinkerbell! Yoohoo!

Mama: Jongdae. Finish your breakfast.

Chen: Yes, mama Wu.

Baekhyun appeared at the foot of the stairs, his hair still dripping wet, but had his uniform on and was tucking in his shirt in his pants. He held his school uniform jacket in between his teeth. When mama saw him, she put down her coffee cup and went to fuss over Baekhyun. She asked the househelp who was washing the pots and pans to give her a towel. When she got the towel, she went to dry Baekhyun's hair. The oldies laughed at him and about being a mama's boy and had to rely on mama to dry his hair. He threw them a deadly stare after he thanked mama. Luhan was laughing so loudly that he almost choked on his food. Kris, who was seated beside him, quickly placed his plate near his mouth, just in case food comes out. Luhan swatted Kris' hand away with his fork and demanded to put his plate down. Mama went to the laundry room to hang the towel she used on Baek then she went back to finish her coffee. I wanted to hug mama at that time. I ate my breakfast silently and made a mental note to hug mama really tight before we leave for school.

I got up from the breakfast table, after I finished my food and went to brush my teeth. Kyungsoo and Chen finished before me. They waited outside the house, by the tree in the front lawn. Mama had asked to leave the table and chairs that Baekhyun had arranged there. It was a good spot for lounging on a lazy day, she said. I went to hug mama and thank her. She patted my back as she hugged me in return. She reminded me to take care for the day as well. I smiled at her and nodded. Then I followed Sehun out the door who had hugged and said goodbye to mama before me. We waited for the rest of the oldies to come out the house and drive us to school. I took out my phone and sent a message to someone, who I knew would have a nice day.

"Good morning, captain. I got the permission for Friday. Please make sure you have saved enough money for the lunch treats for 2 days. Sincerely, your trainee."

I forgot something. I had to send a second message.

"Oh yeah, Luhan ge would be driving me to the horror house, so I guess we just meet there?"

I waited for a reply. When it came, I slowly pressed the "view message" option.

"Good morning, trainee. Alright. See you, then. Prepare to be my slave. "

Horror house, Chagiya, and some other surprises on the next chapters. I'd like to thank BTS' Miss Right and this pic and gifs of Jungkook for inspiring me to write this chapter. OMG. Hahahah. Okay. Forgive me for spazzing. ♥♥♥  吴爱你们！我爱你们！(Wu Ai Nimen! Wo Ai Nimen!) ☺

I also had this video on while writing. xD I'll just post the link. Hahah. xP   →   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5uLVpfGQmc