"Oh, yeah. She likes Jungkook, nuna."

I had to turn my head to another person who spoke.

Wu Zitao.

Why did they have to have sharp sense of hearing?

"But if you ask me, I'd rather have Taehyung as my future brother in law."

And Baek had to add that.

Oh. So now I'm the one on the spotlight?

All eyes and ears were on me this time. I clenched my fist on my lap as I prepared myself to lash out. I was only stopping myself because papa and mama were there. And of course, Sohee.

Papa: Are we talking about your sister's future now?

Kai: Uhm...maybe?

Papa: You say she likes Jungkook. Xiao Yi, have you made your decision already?

What?

No, no, no!

Yes.

Me: No, papa.

Papa: You have until the end of January to decide.

Me: Yes papa.

Sohee looked confused. She looked at Xiumin as if to ask what was going on. Xiumin just nodded and gave a short explanation.

Xiumin: Uhm, Xiao Yi's betrothed to Jungkook Kim, but things have sort of changed a bit, and she has two choices...well, sort of like that.

Sohee: Ahh... It's confusing. I'm sorry.

Xiumin: It's alright.

Mama: Blame it to Wu Zun for making his daughter's life confusing.

Papa: Now, Youmei, I'm just doing this for your daughter's future.

Mama: Dear, it's business first. Don't try to make me think otherwise.

Papa: Well, it's the boss' son.

Mama: And because of that, you will be going against your original decision with Kim Jaejoong?

Papa: He knows the situation.

Mama: Hmmm...at the expense of your daughter.

The parents were the ones exchanging words now. All of us just looked at each other and shrugged when Sohee looked questioningly. I saw Xiumin type something on his phone. Sohee's phone beeped. She checked it and after reading the message, she looked at Xiumin and mouthed an "Oh..."

I wondered what she thought of the family after this. LOL.

As mama and papa continued with their discussion, I observed Xiumin and Sohee. They seemed a little awkward with each other, but it was expected. The only time they saw each other was when they did video calls. The first time they saw each other personally was when Xiumin went to Korea to spend his birthday earlier this year. That was also the last time they saw each other personally until now.

Sohee would smile and Xiumin would give out an awkward smile. They often talked through text messaging. I noticed they were both typing messages on their phones the whole time. I thought they needed to spend time together. Alone.

I should at least try to help and devise a plan. I would not be able to implement my plan if the idiots were present. I didn't know how long Sohee would be staying, so I better act fast.

After lunch, we lounged for a bit in the suites. Half of us on one suite and the other went to the other suite. Sohee was with us, of course. Mama, her and I were in one suite. I had the chance to ask her. I approached her while the boys who were with us in the suite had gone to take some Z's a.k.a. sleep. LOL. Papa and the golf boys went to continue their seventh tee.

Sohee was sitting by the window with mama. They were admiring the view outside. Our window overlooked the man-made lake for the golf course. I actually didn't have to ask her, because she and mama were talking about her stay in Beijing. I sat on the bed, pretending I wasn't listening. I had my phone out and was pretending to play with it.

Mama: How about your school, dear? I can't believe Ah-Zun just took you out of your classes that day.

Sohee: I was able to get excused from my classes. I think Wu Zun-ssi went to talk with the school staff before they pulled me out from class.

Mama: You can call him papa, dear.

Sohee: I..uhmm...

Mama: Oh, don't be shy. You and Xiumin look good together. I honestly pray you end up marrying each other.

Sohee: Kamsahamnida.

Mama: You're welcome, dear. It's nice to finally meet you, by the way.

Sohee: Me too. Thank you.

Mama: It's sad that you're only here until Tuesday.

Sohee: I only got three days off from school.

Mama: Ah, we'll see each other more often soon.

Sohee: Yes, I hope so.

Mama: Maybe we can see you when we go to Korea.

Sohee: That would be great. I'll show you around.

Mama: Yes. I'll look forward to that. By the way, has Xiumin asked you out on a date yet?

Sohee: Uhm...not really.

Mama: That boy gets shy around you. I can sense that. The two of you should go out together. Just the two of you. Without the twelve idiots. Xiao Yi not included of course. Ah-Zun's the twelfth idiot.

Sohee: *giggles* Wu Zun-ssi seems so strict.

Mama: Ahh, don't mind him. He's just a little uptight because of his own mistakes when he was younger.

Sohee: But I like this family. It seems fun to be many in one family.

Mama: You could say that again. But you haven't seen the worst.

Sohee: Worst?

Mama: Yes. When they start wanting to kill each other.

Sohee: Oh, dear...

Mama: You know how boys are.

Sohee: Ne, I have a younger brother and he's a little bit like Kai.

Mama: Oh...you should see how Kai is when he gets into the mood tormenting the other boys.

Sohee: But they don't get into fights all the time, I hope?

Mama: No. Not really. There are just those extreme times when it feels like we're in world war three.

Sohee: Hmmm...I think it would be fun watching them.

Mama: You might want to help stop them, though. Luhan's exercising his authority too much because sometimes these boys can be a handful.

Sohee: I could try.

Mama: Oh, they'll listen to you dear. They love you already.

Sohee: Hahah. That's cute.

Mama: Should I say, welcome to the family? Hahah.

Sohee: Thank you. I appreciate it a lot.

Mama: Do you wanna go and watch the boys play golf?

Sohee: Okay.

Mama: Let's go? Xiao Yi?

I pretended not to hear her the first time. It would be too obvious if I answered her right away.

Mama: Xiao Yi, dear?

Me: Huh...mama?

Mama: You wanna come with us? We'll go down to the golf course and watch how your papa and the other boys are doing?

Me: Hmmm...okay.

And I got up from the bed and followed them outside. Xiumin, Kris and Luhan had come out from the other suite and met us on the hallway. They were going to the driving range again. The other boys were sleeping.

Luhan: Ma, wanna go to the driving range?

Kris: I only got one round earlier because there were many people.

Mama: We're off to watch your papa try to get a hole in one.

Luhan: Psshhhh...It's no fun, ma. Go to the driving with us. Mei baobei, wanna come?

Me: Sure.

Mama: You make sure your sister doesn't fall off. Luhan.

Luhan: Yes, mama.

And he took my arm and held it. He kept trying to convince mama to join us, but mama just brushed him off. Kris was chuckling to himself with Luhan's failed attempts. Xiumin and Sohee were quiet. But I noticed they walked side by side. I wished to see them hold hands while walking, but they didn't.

Bummer.

I was the one getting excited for them and blushing.

Kris and Luhan seemed at ease with Sohee around. They didn't really mind joking around even if she was there. Sohee laughed at their jokes as well. Outside the clubhouse, mama, Sohee and Xiumin went on their separate ways towards the golf carts and headed for the ninth tee where papa and the boys probably were. I walked in between Luhan and Kris going the other way.

I hoped not to meet Taeyong again. I've had enough of his five second gentleman approach.

And I got my wish. I didn't meet any of the Soo family. Thank god. Anyway, while we were at the driving range, the other boys had gone down from the suites and joined us. There were only a few golf carts left available, so they took turns going round the course. I sat beside Luhan as he maneuvred the cart going to the ninth tee. We were hoping to find papa and the rest. Kris had followed behind. Kai was in the cart with him.

Just off the course was a mini rough track road. ATVs were seen racing through the rough road. Luhan and Kris were there earlier and they had planned to go back, but seeing as most of the ATVs were used, they decided to just go round the golf course.

The whole afternoon was spent outside the range. Papa and the boys finished their eighteenth hole. Suho won the game. Because he was paired with papa of course. Lay and Chen were not good sports because they complained that Suho only won because papa helped him. However papa wouldn't have any of their complaints. He promised to buy Suho his own golf clubs as soon as possible.

After the afternoon at the country club, Lay suggested we had barbecue for dinner. The rest of us agreed. Xiumin went to drive Sohee back to ther hotel so she could freshen up and change for dinner. It was not a formal dinner, so I told her to just go casual.

Mama then said we'd have to drop by the supermarket to buy ingredients for the barbecue. Papa made a detour from the country club highway to the shorter route towards the nearest mall. Luhan who drove the other car, followed.

Papa parked the car outside the building. There were no more parking space in the basement. After the cars were parked, we trooped inside the mall.

Yes, we came to the mall to buy barbecue ingredients. But as soon as the boys entered the mall and saw a kiosk that sold mini toy figures, they stopped to admire the items. Papa joined them and even asked the salesman to hand him one that looked like Optimus Prime.

Kyungsoo: Pa, there's Ironman. That patriot suit he had on that last movie.

Papa: Really? Where?

Kyung: Right there...beside that one that looks like...wait, is that Bumblebee?

Papa: Hmmm...Can you get me that Ironman figure?

Tao: Pa, I want one too.

Kai: Me too.

Sehun: Me three.

Papa: Hold on boys.

Kai: I want the Black Butler set, pa.

Papa: Are these figures good quality?

Of course. The businessman wanted to know if the items he's buying passed his standards. When the salesman nodded his head and showed him the seal of originality on each box, papa was sold. The boys all wanted to get one of their favorites. Mama and I lingered around, looking at some shops by the toy kiosk while we waited for the boys. Mama didn't seem to mind that the boys were taking a long time. I had a feeling that she was buying Xiumin and Sohee some time alone. The longer we stayed, the longer the two had time for themselves.

And probably even kiss. LOL

I felt happy for them. I do hope they last forever.

Forever.

I knew I heard that word somewhere.

I slapped my forehead. Of course! Jungkook said that. Mama saw me and she asked if I was okay. I told her I was fine. I just forgot something and just suddenly remembered. She asked if it was something important and I told her I was just thinking of what I still needed to do for school before the Christmas holidays and I just remembered.

At last the boys were done with their impulsive shopping with papa. Happy faces as we walked towards the supermarket. Mama chose the ones who'd go in with her, because if we all went, it would be chaos. I know we were only fifteen in the family and the supermarket can hold more than fifteen people. But mama preferred to shop in peace. LOL. She chose Lay, Kyungsoo, Luhan, Kris, Suho and of course me, to go with her. The rest of the boys were left with papa. I saw they went to crowd at the bubbletea kiosk. Sehun was probably behind it.

Lay and Kyungsoo went to the meat section, while Suho and Kris went to get the spices. Luhan, mama and me went to get some ingredients for the side dish. Luhan wanted buttered corn and carrots, so he went to get some. Mama asked if anyone would like to eat broccoli salad, but Luhan shook his head. Sehun was the only one who liked broccoli, aside from mama.

Suho and Kris returned with the spices and sauce needed for the barbecue. They also got olives, marshmallows and bacon strips.

Kris: Ain't barbecue if there's no marshmallows and olives.

Suho: And bacon, of course.

Kris: It's gonna be kebab.

Mama: Where's Lay and Kyungsoo?

Suho: We left them at the meat section. I don't know. Maybe they're checking all meat there.

Mama: Let's go then. They should be back now.

And we walked towards the meat section. The scene that we saw was not one that we expected. We had expected them to be meticulously picking the right kind of meat to barbecue. But Lay and Kyungsoo each had a tong in hand and were sort of fencing with it. They were laughing like idiots. The people around them were looking at them like "what are these two kids doing?"

They didn't see us coming. Because if they did, they would have stopped right away. Mama approached the two and the both of them stopped mid-fence. Kyungsoo dropped his jaw as he saw mama approaching them. Lay had to turn his head to see mama.

Mama: What are you doing? Put that down now.

Lay: Uhm...duibuqi...

Kyungsoo: Sorry, ma.

Lay: We were just...

Mama: I don't think you even bought anything yet.

Lay: I...we...

Kyungsoo: Uhm...we were just...

And instead of finishing his sentence, he abruptly faced the meat salesperson and asked for two packs of this and that meat. Mama had put her arms akimbo. She very much looked like Luhan when he was mad. LOL. Luhan had gone to help out with the meat packs as the salesperson placed the pricetag on it and handed it to him.

Lay and Kyungsoo bowed in apology to mama. After that, we then walked towards the cashier counter. Lay and Kyung were elbowing each other at the back. Mama and Luhan didn't see them, because they were leading the group. Suho cleared his throat as he was bringing up the rear. The two stopped automatically, afraid that mama would turn her head and bring her punishment upon them right there and then.

Suho: You should stop that now or else you'd get a week's worth of wall scrubbing.

Lay: You are exuding Luhan's spirit. Don't you know that?

Suho: I should be. I'm gonna be the da ge soon.

Kris: What da ge?

Suho: You are leaving us soon, Li Shang. I am gonna be the captain of this ship in a few months.

Kris: Oh yeah. I will give my authority to Baekhyun soon. Lay, you should start to be more firm and less play. Xiumin's tasks would be yours soon.

Lay: I understand ge.

Kris: Oh? Really?

Lay: Yes, ge.

Me: I am scared of what will happen without you oldies.

Kris: Papa and mama will still be with you. Who knows, Timbuktu might still be in effect even if we'll be in London.

Me: Timbuktu is not a bad place, mama said.

Kris: It's just a code orz.

Suho: How about military school?

Kyungsoo: I shudder at the thought of me enrolled in military school.

Mama had turned her head as we stopped in line at the cashier. Kyungie thought mama was going to scold him. He hid behind the towering Kris ge.

Mama: You kids can go wait outside.

Me: Okay. We'll go look for papa.

Mama: Suho, go with your sister. Kyungsoo, Lay... you go with them.

Kris: So, I'll stay?

Mama: Yes dear. Oh, Suho qin'ai...when you see your papa, go get the membership card for points. I didn't bring mine.

Suho: Yes ma.

And we went outside to look for papa. They were sitting at a table drinking bubbletea and eating takoyaki. The others were standing around since there were just a few chairs on one table. Suho told papa what mama said and he took out the card and handed it to him. Snow White gege went back inside to give mama the card. As I was nearest Tao, I grabbed his bubbletea cup which he placed on the table and took a sip.

Tao: Hey! That's mine.

Me: Too late. I already swallowed the whole lot.

Tao: Grrrr...

Me: Thanks ge.

Tao: Buy me a new one.

Me: I have no money.

Tao: I don't believe you.

Papa: Zitao.

Tao: Pa..

Papa: It's such a small thing. Just go buy another one.

Tao: Money down.

Papa: I gave you enough money earlier. Where is it.

Tao: Sheesh, pa...

Me: He's pocketed everything, I guess.

Sehun: You took the rest of the change? Gimme half.

Kai: Gimme another half.

Sehun: I was first. I call dibs on the half.

Papa: Do you see why I haven't given you extension cards? You don't know how to save.

Kai: I've saved money, papa.

Sehun: Actually, me too. Because I wanted to go to the field trip next year.

Papa: Where?

Sehun: To Shanghai.

Papa: Did we talk about this before?

Sehun: No, pa. But I was thinking to tell you when I have enough savings to go.

Papa: Is that school administration sanctioned?

Sehun: This one's approved papa.

Kai: I'm not going.

Sehun: Why? You'd get more points for your final grade.

Kai: Because I'm positive we'd get through skate finals.

Papa: Let's talk about that. When's the finals? I could try and watch it.

Sehun/Kai/Tao/Chanyeol/Baek: REALLY? YOU WILL? PLEASE???

Chanyeol and Baek had joined when they heard papa say that he was considering watching the finals. It meant that they would need to work harder to get through the second elimination which was happening next week.

Before the discussion developed, mama, Luhan and Kris appeared, with the grocery bags in hand. Suho trailed behind holding another grocery bag full of fruits.

Papa: Let's talk about it later. Let's go home. We'll still prepare the grille and marinade or whatever it is that needs to be prepared.

Mama: You still don't understand cooking. Hahaha. There is something that you don't know. And I know.

Papa: Don't make fun of me in front of your kids, Youmei.

Mama: Hmmm....I'm not making fun of you. Just telling you that I know something you don't.

Papa: Shushhh...My ego is hurt.

Mama: Let it hurt, dear.

Papa: You dare hurt my ego?

Mama: Give me this once, qin'ai.

Papa: Hmm...okay.

And papa placed an arm around mama's shoulders.

Papa was sweet sometimes.

All of us exchanged looks of amusement and disgust. LOL. Tao and Kai pretended to vomit because of the sweetness. Kyungsoo and Suho smiled and cleared their throats. Baek gave papa a thumbs up, but Chanyeol gave mama the thumbs up. I walked behind our parents with Luhan and Kris on either side. Lay, Chen and Sehun were chuckling and wolf whistling on the sides.

Papa: Your kids are teasing us, Youmei.

Mama: They're just approving the fact that I won this round, dear.

Papa: I'll let you win this round.

We arrived home in light spirits. Everyone was in a happy mood. The boys had the initiative to get the barbecue grill and set it up outside by the pool. Papa helped with setting it up. Kyungsoo and mama went to mix the marinade and placed it in the fridge for some minutes. We still had time before dinner time. The other boys went to prepare the table outside. There was a covered double lawn swing gliders on the side and Chanyeol placed a table beside it. So anyone who won't be able to sit at the table can sit at the swing. Kris saw that one table was not enough, so he went round the house to the front and got the table from under the tree. Kai and Tao raced out front to get the chairs too.

I went upstairs to change to more comfortable clothes and slippers. It was barbecue night after all. No need to be overdressed for the occasion. I chose a t-shirt andshorts and went downstairs. I met Chen on the stairs and he raised a hand and let his fingers graze my hair as I passed. I had to comb my hair with my fingers again. He gave a loud enough chuckle as he reached the top landing.

Chen: Your hair was messed, mei baobei.

Me: Yeah right.

Chen: Uh-huh.

Me: I wish you'd stop messing with my hair. Ughhh...Oppa...bo-ya...

Chen: Sorry, wish not recognized. Please try again.

And he disappeared from the side. He had gone to their room to change his clothes. I proceeded downstairs. Suho and Lay were on the way upstairs too. Lay pretended not to see me and blocked my way. He continued talking to Suho as he deliberately bumped into me.

Lay: Ooops. Sorry, Xiao Yi. I didn't see you.

Me: I'm not that short ge.

Lay: Forgive gege, I didn't see you.

Suho: Let's go buy you glasses soon, Yixing.

Lay: There you go again with the Yixing.

Suho: Ah, c'mon.

Me: Please stop bullying me...

I dragged my feet the last flight of stairs. Lay chuckled and Suho just shook his head. I didn't look back at them and went to the backyard. I sat on the swing and waited for everything to be prepared.

A few minutes later, Xiumin and Sohee arrived. My brother led her to the backyard and escorted her to where I sat. He left her on my care and excused himself as he went to change his clothes. Sohee had changed into a more casual attire, just a shirt and walking shorts this time. She also had her hair in a ponytail. I smiled at her and she sat opposite me.

Me: Hi eonni.

Sohee: Hello, saengie. Hmm...I like that.

Me: Yup. Me too.

Sohee: So, barbecue night?

Me: Yup. It would be more fun if we'd sleepover in tents, but papa wouldn't approve in such a short notice.

Sohee: I like camping.

Me: Maybe we could do that before you go back?

Sohee: I hope so.

Me: We can just camp right here.

Sohee: Of course. We don't need to go to a mountain, right?

Me: M-hmmm..

Sehun walked over to us and he stopped. He seemed to have forgotten what he was about to say. Then he raised a hand and placed it on his nape. He started to open his mouth but closed it again. He looked like he was struggling for words to come out of his mouth. Then he raised a finger and chuckled. He didn't say anything though, but just walked away.

Sohee: I think he wanted to say something.

Me: I think so, too.

Sohee: He looked so cute just standing there. Hahaha.

Me: Maybe he was tongue tied because we're not really used to having other people around for dinner...except his friends from school, that is.

Sohee: You invite friends over for dinner?

Me: Only when papa and mama are not home.

Sohee: Hmm..I can understand why.

Me: Luhan and the other oldies let us bring friends over.

Sohee: That's nice.

Me: Luhan's nice most of the time.

Sohee: Hahaha! Why only most of the time?

Me: He turns into a hybrid of mama and papa when he gets mad.

Sohee: Hybrid? Hahaha!

Me: Half Youmei, half Ah-Zun. Fierce.

Sohee: And Xiumin?

Me: He gives punishments right away.

Sohee: Oh? Right away? Without assessing the issue?

Me: He likes to shortcut stuff.

Sohee: I have observed it too.

Me: But I hope it doesn't turn you off. Xiumin oppa is reallyyyyyy nice...and sweet...and-

Sohee: No worries, Xiao Yi. I like him because he's true to himself.

Me: That's good. He's actually the one in-charge of the accounting.

Sohee: You're selling your brother. Hahahah

Me: And...you're sold?

Sohee: Pretty much...hmmm...yeah...

Me: Xiexie ni. You have chosen the right man, eonni. My Xiumin oppa is the one for you.

Sohee: You're kinda cute, too.

Me: Do you like our family?

Sohee: Yes, of course.

Me: Then you have to call mama as "mama" and papa as "papa."

Sohee: Do I have to?

There was playfulness in her words as she asked. She was all smiles as she ran a hand through her ponytail. Xiumin walked out of the back door. He waved a hand at Sohee and went to help papa and the boys start the grill.

Me: Your knight in shining armor has arrived.

Sohee: How about your knight in shining armor?

Me: I'm not allowed to date yet.

Sohee: But you can have a crush, right?

Me: *nods*

Sohee: There's nothing wrong with having a crush, actually.

Me: Really?

Sohee: Of course. It's normal.

Me: I can't tell my brothers because they'll just tease me.

Sohee: How about your friends?

Me: I don't always see them, except at school.

Sohee: I know how that feels. We wanna spend more time with out bff's but we can't, because we live in different houses.

Me: I know right.

Sohee: And your crush. Are you friends with him?

Me: Well...yes...sort of...

Sohee: I see the butterflies in your eyes. Hahaha.

Me: Sheesh...Don't tease me too.

Sohee: That blush right there. I know it. It means you really like this person.

"You mean, Jungkook?"

I wanted to kill the owner of that voice.

"He likes Xiao Yi, too."

There was another voice.

"But someone else likes our Xiao Yi."

And another voice.

"Min Taehyung likes her, too."

"That's who I meant."

"I think Soo Taeyong likes her, too. Or he won't make an effort to come here last Sunday."

The boys were eavesdropping on us and I didn't notice. Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Kai and Tao went to stand behind me.

"I vote for Jungkook."

"I vote for Taehyung."

"I vote for...Taeyong? That guy made me lose half of my week's allowance. orz."

"I vote for Min Yoongi!"

Who the- what?!

"Min Yoongi likes Xiao Yi."

Lay had appeared, already changed his clothes. He was laughing.

"Nah. I'm kidding. Let little sister decide for herself. Not you."

And he smiled at me.

Annyeong! I'm hoping I can do a double post. So cross my fingers and toes that I'd be able to. Hahah. I'm starting to be busy now, so I'm not able to update everyday. I have a part time job now, aside from regular classes. I hope you understand. ^_^ I'm more active in Twitter on my free days, though. Just mention me and let's talk there, if you like.