"Oh..oh...It's Seokjin's birthday today, so we'd like to invite you later for dinner at home. That's why I said I forgot something when I saw you earlier."

It was Saturday, December 4. Pre-gala show that evening. And Kim Seokjin's birthday. Mrs. Kim had invited us for dinner later. But Kris ge had already made a reservation for dinner later. That would mean we won't be able to attend Jin's birthday dinner.

Mama: Oh! Greet him a happy birthday, ne?

Mrs. Kim: Yes, of course. Dinner's after the gala show tonight. We are watching it, so celebration is after.

Mama: Oh dear. Ah-Zun already made Kris call a reservation for our dinner tonight. He wanted to surprise the kids, you know.

Mrs. Kim: Oh, then maybe for a nightcap after dinner? Drop by, will you? We have only invited a few people. Jin's request.

Mama: I will tell Ah-Zun.

At that precise moment, our food arrived. Papa also called mama. She excused herself as she answered her phone.

I was still blushing at what Luhan had said earlier. I couldn't look at the people straight after that. I didn't know who heard him say it. Even though he said it a little softly, I knew someone must have heard him.

Beep!

"Are we flirting?"

I had to grit my teeth at that. Jungkook was teasing me. I looked at him and he was laughing silently. If he had been sitting beside me, I'd have punched him in the face. I think he enjoyed the attention because he cleared his throat and wiggled his eyebrows at me. Luhan saw that and leaned forward, cleared his throat and eyed Jungkook for the rest of the lunch hour. Jungkook straightened up on his seat and continued eating. I didn't reply to his text, because I knew Luhan would have something to say again.

Mama: We'll see you tonight, then. Ah-Zun had cancelled the reservations so we could attend Jin's birthday dinner.

Mrs. Kim: Thank you. Oh, you know what? His appa...I think that's why he told Jin to go with him at the office. To personally invite your boys and dad.

Mama: I could never understand why these men don't leave their sons to do whatever they want.

Mrs. Kim: I'm with you on that. Jaejoong sometimes is just too hard on these kids.

Mama: Exactly my sentiments.

Okay, they went into "mother" mode, I observed that all of us around the two mothers were listening intently. J had kicked Jimin from under the table because he was about to say something. Jimin showed him the peace sign.

You just don't barge in two mothers talking to each other.

Yup.

After lunch with the Kims, we separated at the basement parking. Suho had said he wanted to go home ASAP so he still could sleep. He wanted to rest before the show. Kai had seconded the motion. Chen just nodded, not wanting to speak more, so he would be able to preserve his voice.

It was Baek who was abusing his voice this time. He had a mini concert in the car. He sang just about any song he could think of. Tao and Sehun made some requests and he obliged. Mama even joined in requesting a song. Kai acted as DJ. Suho was driving his own car and Chen rode with him. He slept on the way home. Kai had transferred to the Odyssey.

I felt a little sleepy myself, so I closed my eyes and leaned on the window.

And I actually slept.

When I woke up, Luhan was already maneuvering the car back inside the gate. Mama checked her reflection in the mirror. Suho had already parked his car inside and was getting out. Chen had walked ahead with his head down. Sehun was neares the door this time and he was the one who opened it. When he got out, he held on to the sides just to make sure he didn't trip. I followed him out and walked towards the house. Luhan and Tao helped carry the shopping bags inside. Baek had wound his arms on mama's while they walked side by side towards the house.

Papa and the other boys were not home yet. I went upstairs to my room and prepared what I would wear for that night. It should be a little formal, but not really that formal. We were going to attend Jin's birthday dinner, so it was a must that I look presentable. Of course, it's a birthday party.

And I would be celebrating it with my future family.

*giggles*

Beep!

Who could be texting now?

I checked my phone. It was Taeyong. He didn't really text or call me, so I was kinda surprised that he did.

"Are you going to watch the show later?"

"What kind of question was that?" I replied him exactly that.

"There's a reason why I ask you a question. It means I don't know." Was his reply.

"Yes, I'm going."

"Are you also going to Jin hyung's dinner?"

"Are you even invited?"
 

"Of course. "

"I'm kinda doubtful about that."

"Who doesn't invite Soo Taeyong?"

"I won't invite you to my birthday."

"I'll go, anywyay."

"Gate crasher."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"See you at dinner, later."

I didn't reply him anymore. Because if I did, I might just go all crazy over wanting to punch him. It was good that he won't be watching the show that evening. He didn't go to our school, so it's sensible that he's not going. Since I already prepared what I would wear for tonight, I went to take a nap.

I woke up three hours later. I slept well. It was dreamless as well. I got up and checked my phone. No missed calls, no text messages. Okay. Then I went out my room to check what the others were doing. Suho had already taken a bath and was going up the stairs when I stepped out. He poked the bridge of my nose as he passed me going to his room. Chen had just stepped out the bathroom. He didn't bother drying himself before he got out. His hair was still dripping wet and his feet left puddles of water on the floor as he sort of ran tiptoe-ing back to his room. He did a double take and went to knock in Kai and Luhan's room.

Chen: Kai! I'm done. Your turn!

Kai opened their door and went out with his towel. He was shirtless and he practiced a dance step as he walked towards the bathroom. Luhan poked his head out the door from their room and threw a shirt at Kai. "Don't leave your clothes lying on the floor!" Kai went to pick up his shirt and went in the bathroom.

There was a wall clock just across the hall and it chimed 4 PM. The other boys were home, too. I heard Baek having a sort of tug of war with Kris in their room. I saw Xiumin go out their room, following Suho down the stairs. I followed them too. Suho had gone inside the media room to check for stuff he might have forgotten. He and Chen were practicing some songs in there these past few days. Xiumin went past down the stairs and the backyard.

I saw mama stepping out the back door, too. A few moments later, Tao came in holding an empty bowl and went to open the fridge, took out a box of cereals and poured some onto the bowl. I walked over to him and picked a grain and ate it.

Tao: Hey! That's mine.

Me: Just one.

Tao: Go get a bowl.

Me: Nope.

Tao: Aish. Fine.

And he poured more into the bowl. He then placed the bowl on the kitchen counter as he returned the cereal back in the fridge. He took out a carton of milk and drank some of it straight from the box.

Me: Ewww... if mama sees you..

Tao: Don't tell her.

Me: You should know better than drink from the carton.

Tao: Shhhh...

Me: You gotta do better than shush me, you know.

Tao: There's food out the backyard, if you wanna eat.

Me: What food?

Tao: Just pizza and some mojos that papa bought when they arrived.

Me: Are they all out there?

Tao: Nope. Just mama, papa, Lay ge, Chanyeol and Sehun.

And he started walking toward the back door. I followed him. And yup, those that were mentioned by Tao were there. Mama and papa were relaxing by the pool. Chanyeol and Sehun were in the swimming pool, while Lay was eating his heart out. As I reached them, Suho came out the back door and informed our parents that he, Chen and Kai will be going in a few minutes. They just needed to wait for Kai to finish getting dressed.

Suho: We'll go ahead after Kai gets dressed, ma...pa...

Mama: Okay. You three take care. We'll see you later.

Suho: The show's at 6:30 PM. It's better you go earlier than that so you can get better seats.

Mama: Oh, those tickets don't have assigned seats?

Suho: Not the actual seats, just the area, ma.

Mama: Ah, alright then. Why don't you just tell your team to reserve those seats for us?

Papa: Yes, that's a better suggestion. Nevertheless, we'll go there earlier. How about fifteen minutes earlier?

Suho: Pa...thirty minutes.

Papa: Haode.

Suho: I'll just tell the ushers to reserve a row of seats for you.

Papa: Gotcha.

Weird.

Papa saying "gotcha." So I chuckled and faced a shrub. I didn't want papa to see me making fun of his expression. Tao had observed the same thing and stuffed his mouth with the cereal. Lay didn't notice anything obviously, because he looked at us like we were crazy. The two in the pool didn't hear a thing. Mama wasn't looking at us, so she didn't really notice...Or did she?

6:00 PM, we were in school. The whole family was present to show our support to Suho, Chen and Kai oppa. When we arrived, there was an usher who recognized us instantly because she saw Lay. She was their classmate and she had said that Suho informed her that when she sees us to lead us to our reserved row of seats.

Our parents led the way, along with Lay and Suho's classmate. There was already a large crowd in the school convention hall where the play was to be held. The tickets given were to organize the seating arrangements and since Suho was part of the theater arts guild officers, he was able to get prime tickets for us. As we were ushered to our seats, I quickly scanned the crowd for a glimpse of the Kims..and Mins. I didn't see them. I didn't know where they were seated.

Bummer.

I sat beside Luhan and Chanyeol. We were in the 5th row from the front, facing the stage. Really good seats. Not too near, and not too far. Mama had checked the programme and thumbed through it.

Mama: Oh, the first part is the welcome speech by the theater arts teacher. Followed by...hmmm...there is a guest welcome speaker. Who could that be?

Papa: Maybe one of their top actors?

Mama: Maybe. And then we have the national anthem right before the actual play. Oh, there's a tableau for the anthem.

Papa: Do you think Suho is part of that?

Mama: Aish, Wu Zun. You never listen to your children, do you? Suho is the co-director of the play.

Papa: So? He doesn't appear?

Mama: Not in this case. I think he preferred to be working behind the camera. But Chen's got three solo performances tonight.

Papa: He's been practicing early mornings. I wake up and I could hear him in the media room already.

Mama: That would be him and Suho.

Papa: Well, they got good genes.

Mama: Yeah. But I doubt Kai got his suave dance moves from you.

Papa: Hah! That's...you know you fell in love with me because of my...moves...

Mama: Hahahaha. Are you kidding me?

Luhan had rolled his eyes as he listened to our parents talking. I saw Chanyeol did the same. On Luhan's left was mama, then papa. On papa's left was Kris and Xiumin. I tried checking their reaction to what they heard, but they leaned back far on their seats. I guess they were talking about it by themselves.

Chanyeol: Papa is too cheesy. Hehehe

Me: Shhhh...

Chan: Shhh...

Luhan: Cut it out. The program will be starting in a few minutes.

And true enough, the lights were dimmed as the stage lighted up. Welcome speech first. Then the guest speaker...which was a teacher from a university in Shanghai. Turned out that he was on the lookout for prospects to enter the college of Entertainment Arts in their school. Then the national anthem was next. We all stood up in respect as the anthem was sung. A team of actors did the tableau. Smooth.

After the anthem, we all took our seats again and the play started. There was narration parts aside from the acting parts. I saw Kai as one of the soldiers and he looked really good in military outfit. It was not your jungle or desert fatigues, it was more like your 19th century Russian soldier type of uniform. So, he was playing a Russian. Cool.

The story actually revolved around a love story between a Russian soldier and a Chinese theater actress. But the lead actor was not Kai. Although, during one of the dances, a lot of people found him to be a promising lead actor.

Mama was like, "Jongin... I don't understand why you didn't get the lead part..." And papa was like, "See? The kid definitely got my moves." And Luhan was like, "I think Kai had to practice really hard, to perfect his dancing skills, if he got your moves, pa."

I heard Kris laugh when he heard Luhan. On Chanyeol's right was Baekhyun. He popped his head along with the music and Tao who was beside him, bopped with the beat. The first dance performance he did was sort of a modern jazz, like a dance to portray the soldier's life away from his family.

"Admit it, Youmei. I got the moves. Kai got it from me."

Facepalm, papa. Facepalm.

I knew that was the same thing that the others were saying in their minds right now. Kris and Xiumin cleared their throats and thumped each other's backs. I couldn't see the other's reactions because of the dim lights around us, but I knew they would have the same reaction. The exact same reaction.

The setting of the story was not set in the 19th century alone, though. It was sort of a mix between the past and modern Russia/China. And because the lead actress was supposed to be a Chinese theater actress, there were scenes taken in the theater...like an opera. And that was when Chen's solo performances were done.

The crowd went silent as the first few notes were sung. Mama had clutched her chest as she sighed. Papa didn't comment on this, though. He was busy observing the other people around us who were commenting on Chen's voice. When he hit the high notes, mama stood up and wanted to clap, but as a rule, no clapping until the play was all the way done. But a lot of people gave him standing ovation. That was just the first song. He got more standing ovations on the next two performances.

"That was something. Wow..."

"Who's he?"

"What's his name?"

"This kid's got some vocal chops."

He's my brother.

Halfway through the play were intermission numbers. I guess that was the time when the actors got to rest and re-rehearse their next lines. I saw Suho walking back and forth from the side of the stage going to the back. Then I felt I needed to go to the ladies' room. I excused myself. Papa asked Luhan and Kris to go with me.

Pa, this is my school. I know the way.

Nevertheless, I just let them accompany me. I saw Kyungsoo follow us as well.

Kris: Where are you going, Mushu?

Kyungie: I invited Hui Qiao to watch...and she's already outside.

Kris: Why late?

Kyungie: I don't know.

Luhan: Don't her sister go here?

Kyungie: Yes, Qian jiejie does go here.

Kris: Are you and...Changiya...you know?

Kyungie: We're just friends.

I didn't hear anymore, because I went inside the ladies' room. There were several people lined up outside the cubicles, so I had to fall in line as well.

When I finished, I went out and didn't see my brothers. I was about to look for them when I heard some girls talking outside the ladies' room. I didn't recognize them. Maybe they were here as guests from other schools, too. I shrugged. But then I heard them talk about Kai.

Girl 1: That was so hot. Like, I couldn't take my eyes off him.

Girl 2: I know right.

Girl 3: Especially when he did that body wave. Oh my god.

Girl 2: I heard he's part of the school skateboard team.

Girl 3: Yes, he is.

Girl 1: Ohhhh... I saw him yes. At the eliminations. Oh my god.

And they giggled a lot. I spotted Luhan and Kris talking with a friend in one corner a few feet away. I started to raise my hand to call them, but one of the girls had to ask a question that I couldn't just pass not answering.

Girl 3: What's his name again?

Me: Oh, hi. Couldn't help overhearing. His name is Kai.

Girl 3: Oh, really? Cute.

Girl 2: Do you know him? Do you go here?

Girl 1: Wait. Those two guys over there. Hot!

Girl 2: Yeah. Hmmm... That tall one is *sigh* He's probably part of the basketball team.

Girl 3: The other one is sweet... That one beside the tall guy.

Me: The tall guy's Yifan. He's a basketball player. And the other guy is Luhan. Soccer team captain.

Girl 1: You seem to know everyone.

Me: Uhm...I just happen to know the ones you're talking about.

Girl 3: Oh, so...you're like the know it all of this school?

Don't get me started, . I can be a brat too, you know. I got Mr. Brat as my teacher.

Me: Not really. I just-

Girl 2: If you really know them, I'm sure you could get their attention or something, right?

Girl 1: Yeah. Why don't you call them and make them come here and talk to us.

Me: Okay.

Watch me.

I walked over to Kris and Luhan. When they saw me, they said goodbye to their friend and started to walk away, but I told them that some people wanted to say hi to them, so they followed me.

Me: Here they are.

Girl 1: Oh...hello.

Girl 2: Hi.

Girl 3: Good evening.

Kris/Luhan: Hi. Enjoying the show?

Girl 1: Yes, thank you.

Girl 3: We're enjoying it, yes.

Luhan: Cool. We need to get back to the show. Let's go Kris... Xia-

Girl 2: See you later!

Luhan and Kris waved a hand and started walking back to the show. I dawdled a bit to get the other girls' reaction.

Girl 1: Wow. He's really cute.

Girl 2: So, how'd you come to know them so well?

Girl 1: You even got to have them leave the other guy there.

Kyungsoo and Chagiya came into view.

Girl 3: Oh, it's Hui Qiao and...oh my god.

Girl 2: Wasn't he the one who sang at school, right?

Girl 3: He is half Korean.

Me: He is Kyungsoo oppa.

Girl 1: Do you know him, too?

She had turned to me. I just nodded. Kris had turned his head when he noticed I was not following them. He then saw Kyungsoo and Chagiya walking towards them. He raised a hand at Kyungsoo and the latter saw him and walked faster towards Kris and Luhan, Chagiya behind him. Luhan had turned his head too and gestured for me to make it faster.

Me: Of course. They're my brothers.

Girl 1: All three of them?

Me: Yes. Uhm...Bye! Gotta go.

And I waved at them and ran towards Luhan and Kris. I was sure they saw it when Kris poked my cheeks and attempted to squish me. Then we went back to the show.

It would be the Russian mafia's scenes next. And Yoongi would debut as an actor. I bet Taehyung would be more proud of his hyung than ever. I could almost hear him say something like, "I'm going to audition for the theater arts guild soon."

After the show, we waited at the lobby for Suho, Chen and Kai to come out. Mama fussed over the state of Sehun's shirt which was crumpled at the sleeves. He had hastily rolled it up. He was not comfortable with long sleeved shirts, so he usually rolls them up. He had remove his dinner jacket and draped it on his shoulder. Mama wanted him to look presentable for dinner, because we were expected at the Kims' house.

Chagiya was being interviewed by Baek and Chanyeol. Her sister, Qian jiejie was part of the play. She came late because there was no one to drive her to the venue. She had to wait for their father. Papa was talking on his mobile phone. Probably talking to his boss.

Xiumin and Luhan had gone to get the cars, so when the three comes out from the convention hall, we'd be able to leave right away. I kept an eye at the door to see if any of the Kims and Mins went out. There were two exits though, so I was not sure which exit they would take.

About fifteen minutes later, Suho came out the double doors, followed by Chen and Kai. They looked really exhausted, and Kai's shirt was drenched in sweat. It was probably sweltering hot in the backstage. They had changed to plain tees and shorts now, but Mama immediately asked Suho to get him a change of clothes. Suho had prepared their dinner clothes beforehand and mama told the boys to change before we leave for the Kims'.

Luhan and Xiumin had just returned from getting the cars round the front of the convention hall. The three who were part of the play went to change their clothes. We had to wait for them, then.

Papa received another call. He nodded and looked at mama. Then he hung up just after a minute or so.

Papa: The Kims have gone ahead, to prepare for the dinner party. Jaejoong just called and informed me to follow them once we're all complete.

Mama: How about the Mins?

Papa: Already on the way, I guess?

Mama: Wasn't their eldest part of the play?

Papa: Oh, yes. Hmm...they must still be here somewhere.

Mama: Ah, we'll see them all later, anyway.

Papa: Right. What's got those boys? They're taking so long?

Mama: Shush. There are a lot of people here and probably have a long line in there.

After ten more minutes, the three of them returned, all looking dapper in their dinner clothes. Suho had on a black long sleeved shirt and pants. Kai had a white shirt with dark blue dinner jacket. And Chen had changed into a mint green long sleeved wool pullover with white undershirt.

Suho: We're done. Let's go?

Papa: About time, boys. Alright. Let's go.

Luhan: Count off?

Mama: Yes, that sounds better.

Luhan: Okay, count off as you get in the car.

And we all trooped outside to the cars. Suho still had to come round to get his car. Chen and Kai went with him. There were two cars outside, the Sienna and Odyssey. Xiumin and Luhan drove both. Papa wanted to rest driving for that evening.

Kris: That's three there. Should be ten here.

Luhan: One.

Xiumin: Two.

Kris: Three.

Lay: Four!

Baek: Five. I'm actually six...

Chanyeol: And I'm actually eight..but Chen's not here...so seven!

Kyungsoo: Eight? Weird. I'm nine.

Tao: Nine? Nine...ten, more like.

Sehun: Ten. I'm twelve.

Me: Thirteen.

Tao: What?

Me: I'm always thirteenth.

Luhan: All in? Good.

And he went first. Xiumin followed and Suho took the tail of the convoy. It was around 40 minutes drive to the Kims, because it was fairly distant from the school. And there was traffic. We had to take a different route going there, so it took longer. If we took the usual road, we'd get there in half an hour.

J was outside the gate, waiting for the guests, I guess. He pressed a number combination on the gate and it opened. He gestured for Luhan to park the car in. He also did the same for Xiumin and Suho.

It was my firs time setting foot in the Kims' residence. Some of my brothers had already been here. The driveway inside the property was long. I deduced their garage was at the back. I saw an SUV outside the house. Probably the Mins' car. Luhan had parked the car farther up the driveway, so the other cars behind can get in.

J had ran towards the front door of the house, poked his head inside the door an announced our arrival. As we entered the house, Mrs. Kim greeted us and ushered us inside. J had gone back outside.

The Mins were already there. Namjoon was sitting beside his eomma, while Yoongi talking to Jin. Taehyung was nowhere to be found.

Oh yeah. Probably with Jimin and Jungkook.

Jin got up and excused himself from Yoongi as he saw us. He went over to thank us for coming. We greeted him a happy birthday. I went to sit by the window overlooking the fishpond.

So, it does really look like a swimming pool.

Sehun had sat beside me and looked out.

Jin: The party's at the poolside, by the way. It's on the rooftop. Let's go?

Sehun and I got up and followed everyone up the stairs. There was loud chatter as we made our way to the rooftop. Baek and Tao had giggled out loud about seeing the real pool this time. When we reached the rooftop, everyone else (aside from the Kims) sighed.

"Cool!"

"Papa, we should have gotten the pool on the rooftop."

"Yeah. And my room having access to the pool."

"This is perfect!"

Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook were already there. There was no puppy this time, so I didn't know how to go about saying hi to them without looking awkward. Luhan's flirting comment was still fresh in my mind. Ughh...

I sat as far away from Luhan as possible. I went to sit beside Kai. I knew he was not as cranky as Luhan when it came to Jungkook or Taehyung.

There were at least a few square tables and couches, instead of single chairs, arranged around each table. There was a white canopy over each of the tables. The whole area was well lighted as well. If you didn't know you were on the rooftop, it had an illusion that you were in a courtyard garden.

J appeared at the top of the stairs. He was breathing hard as he walked towards his appa. Following him were Seul Gi, Jeno and Taeyong.

The Brat has come.

I knew he searched for me because he sweeped the whole rooftop with his spoiled brat's eyes and stopped at me. Then he walked casually over to me and smiled.

Taeyong: Hi, Xiao Yi.

Me: Shouldn't you be greeting the birthday celebrant first?

Taeyong: I saw you first.

Yeah, right.

My gaze automatically landed on Jungkook who was at the other table with Jimin and Taehyung. He nodded at me, as if to say, "Come over here."

I smiled sweetly at Taeyong and got up. He probably thought I was going to him, but I walked right past him and went to sit at the other table. Beside Jungkook.

Taeyong followed me and sat beside Jimin who was across us.

Taehyung looked clueless.

The puppy beside me cleared his throat and chuckled, before he addressed Taeyong.

"You're in my territory."

A lot has been going on. OMG. I'm sorry for being two or three days late in posting this next chapter. Anyway, here it is. Wu Yifan in Shenzen! AAAAHHHHH!!! He got thinner, though. I hope he's eating right. Poor Yifan. And Taotao's kitty post on IG. OMG soooo cute. That kitty looks like him, too. It had sort of like a black eyeliner under its eyes. Cutie. xD I'm spazzing over Suga's lisp...lips...lisp...lips...BOTH! I watched School of Tears pre-debut MV and focused on his lips..lisp...lips...oh god. Hahahaha! Alright, I'll not make this any longer than it already is. → ♥♥♥ 吳愛你們！我愛你們！사랑해요! ^_^