I sat at the airport lounge. I checked my watch for the time. I was an hour early for my flight. That was good. I didn't have to rush. I had checked my luggage in and I had my plane ticket with my passport on one hand. I stared blankly at the LED screen which announced the departures and arrivals. I was finally going back home to Beijing. It has been three years and two months. It's also the first time I am travelling alone. Mama had said something against me travelling home alone, but papa said that I was already old enough. I'm going back home to Beijing to finish my highschool. I'd be a junior. I am supposed to have been enrolled a month ago, but because of Luhan, Xiumin and Kris gege's graduation, I wasn't able to enroll on time. I'd be a late enrollee.

The three oldies were given a month to do anything they want and go wherever they want. Well, except get married and have babies, not necessarily in that order. You know what I mean... Xiumin and Kris decided to spend their month touring France, where Baekhyun is studying. Luhan decided to spend his month in London. I knew he had become attached to London because of his university friends.

Over the last three years, I have well-adjusted to living in London. At first, it was hard, not knowing anything of how the British lived. It took me at least six to seven months to adapt to the culture. Especially in school. The British kids were different from Chinese kids. I was glad to have Taeyong to help me out. I was different from most of the students, not only in color, but also in habits. I had thought that I'd be bullied because I was new, but because of him, I got through the first few months in my new school without hassle. I also met other Asian students. Most of them were born in London already and haven't been to Asia or the countries where their parents were from.

Speaking of changes, I'm expecting changes in Beijing. Particulary at home. There'll be just the four of us who'd be left at home. Mama, Kai, Sehun and me. Papa's staying most of the time in Thailand to manage the hotels and resort. Suho and Lay were in London with their university education. Chen and Chanyeol were in Japan. Baekhyun in France. Kyungie and Tao in the US. The latter two just graduated from highschool and were in London now. They wanted to stay for a bit in London for the rest of the vacation before they formally start their college life. They had at least a week more before their regular term started. Chen and Chanyeol went with Xiumin and Kris to France with Baekhyun. They also had one more week to spare before their term started.

I have been corresponding to Jungkook through my sns accounts during my first year in London, but over time, we somehow hadn't had time to catch up. There were major changes that happened during that time, so I guessed that he had been busy to keep our correspondence. However, he didn't forget to greet me a Happy Birthday or during holidays like Christmas and New Year. It was just that we didn't talk that much anymore. I found myself talking more to Taehyung and his little sister, Aein. She was growing up to be a bubbly kid, just like her oppa.

Taehyung will be a freshman in college soon, so I was not expecting to see him when I arrive in Beijing. He'd be studying in Italy, where his Yoongi hyung is studying. Namjoon preferred to stay in Beijing as well. If I hadn't known better, he and J would have put their heads together in staying. Anyway, their little sister Aein was three years old now. She could speak properly now, too. But sometimes, she still spoke gibberish. Taehyung was the only one who sorts of understands her baby talk. He had told me that his eomma had wanted him to stay in Beijing to study, but he wanted to follow his Yoongi hyung, so he passed on the responsibility of taking care of Aein to Namjoon. Hahah. Aein was a clingy little kid, or so Taehyung says. You couldn't leave her alone when she wants you. She'd throw tantrums if you stepped outside even just for a few minutes, leaving her alone in the house. Their eomma didn't want to hire a nanny, lest the kid be dependent on her and become too attached. Taehyung had said that Namjoon was kinda hesitant to be taking care of their little sister because he was now in the second year in college. He'd have more subjects and his schedule won't permit him to have extra time at home.

As for the Kims, their appa was the one handling the Beijing business merger, Fusion, for the meantime, because the oldies were not ready to take over yet. Kim Seokjin was in the US for his university education. I heard that Jimin was also going to study there (he just graduated in highschool, together with Taehyung, Tao and Kyungie). J (Hoseok) preferred to stay in Beijing for his further studies. And since Mr. Kim is no longer working for Mr. Soo Kui, they'd have given up the house two blocks away from ours. That house was sort of a housing privilege for Soo Kui's immigrant employees. I learned from Baekhyun that they had moved to a new property, still in the Fengtai district, but a little farther away from their old home. Tao had said that he saw the Kims in California. He and Kyungie went there to enroll before they flew to London to attend the three oldies' graduation. Jin was in the third year in college, just like Lay and Suho. Kim Jaejoong had been able to buy a property in Napa Valley, California and was developing a wine factory.

After the oldies' graduation, Kai and Sehun went back to Beijing first, since they had to enroll and finish some stuff for school before they finally enter as seniors. I wasn't able to go home with them because I had to get my school files from Sedgehill High processed before I can go back home to enroll for the next school year.

Mama had graduated from medical school and was now a full-pledged family doctor. She helps Dr. Min in her pedia clinic. Suho had asked mama to stay a little longer in London to help him with his medical school stuff, so she had stayed for a bit. One of the reasons too, why I was travelling home alone.

Papa was back in Phuket. He had gone back the same day as Kai and Sehun. The Phuket resort was growing and papa had another hotel built near the property. Xiumin would be expected to go there after his month-long vacation in France. Kris would also be expected to go with him. Only Luhan would be going back to Beijing to help manage Fusion. But somehow, I knew that Luhan would also be asked to go to Phuket to oversee some of the work there. I guess the oldies would use their free month to do anything they want. Their carefree days are over. LOL. Naaahh, I don't think so, though.

I didn't realize I was staring at the LED screen overhead for quite sometime until my phone vibrated in my pocket. I got out of my reverie and took out my phone. It was my reminder buzzing off. I had set a reminder that I needed to set my phone to flight mode and that check everything I needed before I Boarded the plane. I had checked my luggage in already, so I just double checked my passport, plane ticket, carry on bag and set my phone to flight mode. I had already sent a text message to mama and the boys back in Beckenham earlier. I had also called papa, because he had wanted to be informed when I was already about to board.

I stood up and gathered my carry on stuff, with plane ticket and passport on the other hand and hoisted my backpack on my shoulder. I still haven't gotten over using backpacks even if I had grown into a much girly-girl. Yep. I was less of a tomboy now, with less boys in the house, and done more girly stuff in the last three years. Kris and Xiumin had allowed me to go with my new friends at school and do pretty much every girl thing I haven't done back in Beijing. Only Luhan was kinda freaked out at first that I had started to wear more skirts and put on makeup. He had cringed one day when he was home and saw me go downstairs as I got ready for a girl's day out. Anyway, there were some things that I still haven't completely shunned off, like backpacks and sneakers. I also still wear hoodies and eat with bare hands. LOL. But other than that, I have grown into a lady. Pffffftttt...

Okay. I was still pretty much the same, except for some changes that are associated with growing up. I had gone taller as well. But not as tall as my brothers. I wasn't short, though. I got mama's tall genes *coughs*

I walked through the gate to where my plane was. I silently followed the passengers who were either talking to each other or minding their own business while walking towards the plane.

Eversince I came to London, I only travelled once outside the country. And that was last year, during Christmas, Baekhyun's first year in college. As he was so eager to study away from most of us, he chose France. Chen and Chanyeol decided to study in Japan, but last Christmas, they voted out Japan where we'd spend our holidays. The family all went to France to show some support to Baekhyun. He was almost on the brink of surrendering and transferring to London on the next semester, but because we cheered him on and gave him encouraging words, he had decided to finish his course in France. With the promise of Xiumin and Kris spending their free month after graduation with Baek, he regained his confidence.

I would have wanted to spend vacation in France too, but I was pressed for time. After the oldies' graduation, there wasn't much time left for me to have a vacation. It was almost another school year in Fengtai, so I had to go back home.

I had entered the plane and found my seat. I was seated near the window and I placed my backpack in the overhead compartment after I had taken out my essentials during the flight. I had my iPod and headphones out. My phone was still in my pocket and I crossed my legs, put on my headphones and pulled down my hood to hide my face. Out of courtesy, I waited until the flight crew was done with the routine safety demonstration before I my music.

Great. Just about ten more hours and I would be back home. It was good that I was able to book a flight direct from London to Beijing, otherwise, I'd be stuck in the air for at least fourteen or fifteen hours.

Kai and Sehun went back to Beijing on the same day as papa, but on different flights. It would have been better if I had gone with them, but my school papers hadn't been released that time, so I had to wait until I could get them. They probably had finished with enrollment, considering the fact that they got back one week ago.

I wondered how it would be at home, with just me, Kai, Sehun and mama. It probably would be like living in a haunted house. Four people living in a big house. The London house wasn't as big as the one in Beijing, for it only had four bedrooms. However, during the last three years, it seemed like I was back in Beijing. With the three oldies, Suho and Lay, the house was familiar. I didn't feel as homesick as during my first year.

Which reminded me, that memorable first year, the rest of the boys with mama and papa had spent Christmas in London again. I wasn't expecting it, since they had spent summer vacation in London that year. But I was more than happy to see them again. I was completely cured of homesickness and got adjusted one hundred per cent. The second Christmas, most of the boys spent their holidays with their moms, except for Lay, Kris and Xiumin who spent it in London with us. And the third Christmas, well...you already know we spent it in France with Baek.

I had fallen asleep while listening to music on the plane. I woke up for a bit to check on the time. I had slept for four hours. I still had six more hours up in the air. I suddenly felt hungry, so I ordered food and waited. I was suddenly reminded of Jin. Yup, Kim Seokjin. He was in California studying culinary arts. They already have a property in Napa Valley, since their appa bought a vineyard and was developing wine for the Beijing business. Jin, Suho and Lay were regularly corresponding through their sns accounts. With Kyungie and Tao's additional information, I had learned that the Kims had also ventured into the pastry business. They had a bakeshop cafe in Berkeley, California. Jimin would be studying his university degree in Berkeley and his appa had decided to buy a property there, too. My brothers were to study in LA, with Kyungie being accepted in UCLA (straight A student) and Tao in California Institute of Arts. It was a five-hour drive from LA to Berkeley, so I guessed the two had gone on a road trip while they were there, courtesy of our cousin Jien. And with that, they had met the Kims in Berkeley. I didn't think it was coincidence, though. The two didn't say anything about getting an invitation from Jimin, but it looked like they were invited by him to go and check out their place in Berkeley.

I had avoided asking Kyungie and Tao about Jungkook when they were in Berkeley. I knew that they saw him there too, because they occasionally mentioned his name when they had told the story about their roadtrip. They also mentioned that Jungkook, J and their eomma had gone back to Beijing the same day that Kyungie and Tao left for London. Kim Jaejoong stayed with Jin and Jimin.

Which reminded me of the fact that Jungkook had sent me a message two weeks ago.

"You're coming back home, right? I have something to tell you."

I sent him a short reply. "Yes, I'm coming back home. Okay."

His response was also short. A plain "Okay, see you then." and that was that.

My stomach grumbled as I saw theflight attendant, who was bringing my food, arrive. I set aside my thoughts about Beijing and Jungkook as I ate. I was starving. I hadn't eaten before I left the house in London. Mama had pushed a rice bowl in front of me, but I ignored it. My stomach was churning both of excitement going home and the thought that I would be leaving London. Mama didn't force the food on me, though. She just asked me if I was okay, and if I felt hungry, to eat. I guess she knew what I was feeling. She just gave me a smile and patted my cheek, before saying, "You'll be fine. It's just nerves, qin'ai."

I finished my food and decided to go back to sleep. I'd have a helluva jetlag when I arrive, I was sure of it, so I wanted to get more time to sleep. I'd have to go to school the next day and register. It was already the first week of classes, and it was a good thing that the school allowed late registrations. The only downlow was that, I wouldn't have much option on the schedule of the subjects I was supposed to take. I would have to get what was available, based on my year level requirements.

I woke up with two hours spare on the air before we landed in Beijing. I took out my phone and checked my inbox. I just stared at the messages sent to me from before. Most of the messages were from the oldies, telling me to take care and that not to be hasty to take a cab back home once the plane landed. Kai would be picking me up, so I needed to wait for him in case he got delayed for a bit. It was already Monday, after all. The only flight I could get that was sooner was a Sunday evening. I couldn't get one on Friday because it was full. Beijing was seven hours ahead of London and it was about ten hours of flight time, so the by time I arrive, it would be dusk. Sehun would probably tag along, I was sure of it.

As long as mama was in London, it would just be me, Sehun and Kai at home with the househelp. Kinda weird because I was used to the noise of the boys. London wasn't that much of a difference this past three years, because most of the boys studied there.

My thoughts were a mess, I know. Blame it on the fact that I was finally going home after three years. Even though I have well-adjusted to London, you can never take the feeling of finally going back to the place where your heart was.

Luhan graduated with a degree in Business Psychology and got business administration extra credits. Xiumin finished with a Hotel and Restaurant management degree, and Kris with Architecture Design. Suho was taking up Medicine, the next doctor of the family after mama. His first choice was Law, but papa hinted that mama needed someone to help her in the future, so he had no choice but to follow. Lay was accepted at a music conservatory. Papa was a bit against his choice of degree, but from the many that sent applications and demos, Lay gege's entry was one of the most commended, so papa had to say yes and support his choice. I kind of thought that papa wanted him to pursue something like Xiumin oppa's, but our silent but deadly gege had different things in mind. Baekhyun didn't want to conform with whatever "crap" papa told him to take up. Well, according to him, papa's suggestions were nothing but crap and won't really develop his skills and knowledge about stuff. That's why he opted to go to study in France and take up Visual Arts...majoring in interior design. He debated with papa that as an interior designer, he'd be able to help Kris ge with his architecture stuff and build a world class Wu building with exquisite interior. Papa was speechless and rested his case. Chen and Chanyeol decided to take their university education in Japan. Chanyeol wanting to be near manga stores and explore more of the Japanese culture, as much as Chen wanted to study robotics. However, instead of taking up robotics, Chen decided to pursue a degree in Accounting, a move that nobody expected. He wasn't much of a math lover, but his decision to take up this course earned him one helluva support from papa. Chanyeol stuck to his Comparative Literature studies. He also took Creative Writing credits for his music stuff. He had told papa that knowing how to write is important in the business world; he'd be good in advertising. Papa didn't disapprove after that. Now, the most recent to graduate in highschool were Kyungie and Tao. I had already mentioned earlier that they'd be studying in California because Kyungie got accepted in UCLA Law School. Yep. He probably thought of Suho and wanted to make papa proud, so he sent in an application and his particulars. With his straight A grades and recommendations from teachers, he was accepted right away. As for Tao, he had wanted to take up something that was going to get him to the secret service, but papa firmly voiced out his dislike in Tao entering the military. The panda gege had to go to plan B, which was enroll in Film & Video at the CA Institute of the Arts. He plans to get additional extra credits in computer forensics and cyber security, just so he would have a chance in entering secret service...if the need arose...without papa knowing...but we knew of his plan C.

Kai and Sehun were just on their senior year in high school, but Kai had voiced out he wanted to take up engineering and applied science in California, too. Sehun, no less, would want to take up something like that as well, but in Japan. His love for anything Japanese made him look up possible universities that offered courses that would not only develop his skills and add to his knowledge, but also get papa's immediate approval just like Chen. There were no “negotiations” when it came to Chen and his choice of university degree, not like most of the boys where they had to plead their case and “debated” with papa to make him see reason. LOL.

As for me, I wasn't thinking of what I would be taking up when I graduate from high school. Maybe I'd look up a degree that would help me become a talent manager. Hahaha. I hadn't given up on that dream of managing my brothers and making them international stars.

Anyway, I had wondered what the Kims and Mins were taking up in college. Well, except for Jungkook since he was still in senior year. As per Kyungie and Tao, Jin was taking up Business Administration in Berkeley, California and had taken up Culinary Arts during breaks. J was in Beijing, taking up Journalism and Mass Media studies and wanted to take up law as soon as he graduates from his current degree. He had wanted to become like his eomma. Jimin was an incoming college freshman at Berkeley and Tao had said that he was going to take up Foreign Language. His love for the American stuff had driven him to want to study more. Tao had added that once Jimin graduates, he'd possibly be the next ambassador of goodwill to the States. LOL.

The Min boys were all going to college now. Taehyung was more than willing to share where he and his hyungs were going. Yoongi was in Milan, Italy, studying Communication, Media and Advertising. Namjoon preferred to stay in Beijing and enrolled at the China Music Conservatory. Taehyung wanted to be with his Yoongi hyung, so he preferred Italy. His course was a complicated one, knowing him to be quite different from most of the people I knew. I had to ask him a few times what he was going to take up and he had politely told me again and again that he was going to take up Economics and Management of Arts, Culture and Communication. Whatever that meant... LOL.

I bet college life was boring. Challenging, but boring. I've seen my brothers at it and it felt like they were wishing to go back to highschool. Luhan had grumbled during his first semester and tried to hide his stress by going out to play soccer every after school and during weekends. He had alway dragged Xiumin AND Kris along with him. I couldn't stay alone in the house at first, so I had to tag along if none of them were left with me at home. When Suho and Lay came, I had seen them immersed in their books and were almost always reading when at home. Even while doing the laundry or cooking, I'd seen Suho with his book propped open on top of the kitchen counter and reciting stuff aloud. Lay ge always had scratches of paper on the table and floor while he studied. I'd heard him play the piano even during the wee hours of the night. As for the other boys, I didn't see how they reacted to their first semester in college, but I had bet that it wouldn't be that different from the oldies. Baekhyun had complained that he didn't understand a bit of French when his classmates talked to him. He had sounded frustrated one time he called Luhan and told the deer gege that he was considering giving up his France education and transfer to London where most of us were.

I was engrossed too much in my thoughts that I didn't realize that the captain had announced that we were about to land, if not for the person in front of me getting up to take his carry on bag from the overhead compartment. I followed suit and took my backpack out from the compartment and as I listened to the flight attendant giving out instructions before landing, I double checked my things to make sure I didn't forget anything.

Then....

...at last. Touchdown Beijing!

I was home.

I grinned to myself as I prepared to disembark from the plane. I waited for the attendants to signal that it was okay to file out and disembark. I heaved my backpack on my shoulder and followed the other passengers out. I had one hand inside my pocket holding my phone, and the other hand held my passport and other stuff needed at the checkout.

As soon as I stepped out of the gate, I took out my phone and switched off airplane mode so I could call Kai. I walked towards checkout as I dialled Kai's number.

He answered after three rings.

Me: Oppa! I'm here!

Kai: Where? Uh..wait...hold on, hold on...

I heard him clear his throat and a door opening and closing.

Kai: I'm still in class.

Me: Oh. So...

Kai: Don't get any ideas. Stay there. I'll be on my way right after this class. It's not gonna be long now, anyway.

Me: Okay. I'll wait.

Kai: Which gate are you?

Me: I'll wait at the bubble tea shop near the lobby.

Kai: Oh yeah, sure. See you later. Stay there. Don't go anywhere.

Me: Okay, okay. I will stay here. See you.

And we hung up.

I completed my checkout and double checked my luggage to see if they were all there. I sighed loudly as I confirmed that everything was there.

But I had a big problem. I had more than one luggage and I needed to drag them all to the bubble tea shop near the lobby. One of the airport attendants saw me scratching my head and offered to help me. I smiled and nodded at him, relieved.

The attendant had stashed my luggage in a heap on a trolley and pushed it for me to the bubble tea shop. I dragged one of the smaller suitcases with my backpack on one shoulder. I gave the attendant a reasonably large tip and thanked him after I had settled myself on one of the tables outside the tea shop.

I bought myself vanilla bubble tea and sipped on it while waiting for Kai. Fifteen minutes into my bubble tea, Kai called. He was on the way to pick me up, Sehun with him. Of course. It was natural that Sehun would come with Kai.

I waited for them for about thirty minutes more. I had hoped that they wouldn't get delayed by traffic, since it was rush hour. It was about forty five minutes to an hour from the airport to our home, so it was possible that we'd get home by seven in the evening.

Kai and Sehun arrived at the airport after forty seven minutes. Traffic jam. Both were still in school uniform, sans the jacket, but the two still looked every inch the FIS seniors that they were supposed to be. Sehun had grown taller over the last three years and was a few centimeters taller than Kai. The people they passed by turned their heads at the two as they made their way towards the bubble tea shop where I was. I saw some flight attendants stealing a glance at my brothers and giggled amongst themselves and followed the boys with their eyes.

Sehun saw me first and half walked-half skipped toward me. He grinned and pulled me up from my chair. He squish-hugged me and ruffled my hair. Kai smirked and pinched my cheeks when he reached me. I winced and slapped their hands away. Sehun poked my nose and laughed. He had grown to start picking on me now.

Sehun: Welcome back, Xiao Yi.

Kai: Welcome home. How was your flight?

They both sat down on the empty chairs around the table. I sat back down as well and smiled.

Me: All's good. I slept most of the time.

Kai: Got all your luggage here? *points to the trolley*

Me: Yup. That's all there is.

Sehun: Whoaa. You went to London with two suitcases, and you come home with five? What have you got in there? Your school?

Me: Clothes.

Kai: You have clothes at home.

Me: Those are the clothes I bought in London.

Sehun: Hmm...There's another suitcase...what's in there?

He had eyed the suitcase beside my chair. I just rolled my eyes at him, deciding not to answer his question. And FYI, that suitcase housed some of my girly collection...like makeup and accessories. The boys didn't need to know that. Especially since Sehun had long graduated in being the only brother who didn't bully me.

Sehun: Ahh...don't tell me, it's where you keep your makeup and stuff? Hahah.

Kai: Xiao Yi and make up? Ewww...

Sehun: I know right.

Me: Shut up. Let's go home.

Sehun: Let me get me some bubble tea first.

And he stood up and went to buy bubbletea. Kai called out to him and told him to get him some, too. Kai eyed me suspiciously as he rubbed his chin with his forefinger and thumb.

Me: Shenme?

Kai: Hmmm...tell me honestly, do you have a boyfriend?

Me: Aniyo.

Kai: Jinjja?

Me: Yeah. Really.

Kai: You and Taeyong didn't...?

Me: We're just friends.

Kai: Are you sure?

Me: I'm sure.

Kai: 100% sure?

Me: ...oppa.

Kai: Just asking.

He chuckled and craned his neck to check up on Sehun and his bubble tea order. Sehun appeared shortly with two bubbleteas in hand. He handed Kai his order and started to sip on his tea. Sehun sat back down to finish his bubbletea. We remained silent as the tow finished their bubble tea.

As soon as the two were done, we got up and proceeded to the lobby and exit. Kai pushed the trolley while Sehun dragged my other suitcase. I was left with my backpack. The two led me to the parking lot and I saw that both of them each drove a car to get to the airport.

Kai's ride was a silver Cadillac CTS, Sehun's was a dust-colored Maserati Ghibli. I knew, because I asked. LOL. They did use their eighteenth birthday fund to buy cars instead of throwing a party. Well, they didn't really need to throw a party, since papa would have done that for them anyway.

Kai pushed the trolley near the boot of the car. Sehun had opened the trunk of his car and heaved the suitcase he was dragging into it, then he helped Kai stuff the other suitcases in the boot of his and Kai's car respectively.

Kai: Get in the car.

Me: Who? Me?

Kai: Who else?

I tried to do the eeny meeny miny moe thing to choose which car I would get into, but Kai gave me his trademark smirk and I got in the passenger seat of his car. Sehun laughed out loud when he saw me scramble inside the car.

Sehun: I think it's time you learn to drive, Xiao Yi.

Kai: Do you want little sister to drive off on her own and not telling us where she's going?

Sehun: No. No, of course, not.

Kai: No driving yet for you, mei baobei.

Me: I know how to drive.

Kai: I wasn't asking you. I doubt papa would want you to drive your own car just yet.

Me: I'd use Suho ge's or...

Sehun: Did you get his permission or something?

Me: I...will ask him.

Sehun: I doubt he'll let you, though.

Me: Oh, he will.

The two of them grunted and snorted, not wanting to believe that Suho would lend me his car. As soon as all my luggage were all safely stuffed in the trunks of the cars, Kai and Sehun both climbed into their respective driver's seats. Sehun went ahead first. I saw him run his fingers through his hair for a few seconds while looking at the rearview mirror, before starting the ignition. He nodded to Kai as he stepped on the accelerator and started off. Kai smoothly followed Sehun out of the airport parking and off to the main road leading home. He glanced for a bit at me and sighed.

“Xiao Yi, please don't drive on your own...without me or Sehun. You know, papa will kill us if we let you out driving on your own.”

I had nodded, promising that I won't be breaking any rules. There were just the three of us left at home with the househelp, and Kai was the oldest among us three, so he was deemed responsible for Sehun and me. I had grown up relatively more mature now, so I knew better than to risk breaking the rules.

I looked outside the window to watch the sunset as the car sped off toward home.

Home.

I was home, at last.

And I just remembered something. I took out my phone and quickly scrolled through my contacts. I saw his name and number. I hadn't had the courage to ask if he was still using the same number that last time I messaged him online, and I dared not ask Kai either. I bit my lip and took my chances. I composed my message and decided to send it to him, to the only number I knew he had.

“Hi. I'm home.”

I pocketed my phone again, nervous of what he'd say. I kept my head looking out the window, so as not to trigger suspicion from Kai. I knew if he saw my face, he'd guess right away. I could hear Kai singing to himself. I stole a glance at him and saw that he had turned his car stereo on and was singing along.

I had my hand inside my jacket pocket where I stuffed my phone. I was ready to take out my phone in case it beeped.

I heard Kai chuckle and turned to look at him.

Kai: Ahh...hahah. Sehun's been playing with his signal lights. Let's just hope that those traffic police won't see him.

I looked ahead and saw that Sehun's signal lights were blinking to what seemed like a beat. He was probably listening to a song and using his lights to jam with the music. I snorted. Kai honked his horn and I saw Sehun raise a hand to acknowledge. His signal lights stopped blinking.

Me: Wu Zun's youngest son, Wu Shixun arrested for playing with his signal lights while in the freeway.

Kai: Wu Zun called in for questioning. Authorities wanted to know if he taught his son how to jam to music with signal lights.

Me: Wu Zun denies rumors and hires top lawyer to get Wu Shixun out of jail.

Kai: Wu family name ruined because of dancing signal lights...brought to you by....Sehun-ah. Hahahah.

Me: He doesn't know we're talking about him, right?

Kai: Not yet.

Me: Are you gonna tell?

Kai: Yes. Hahahah.

Me: If you tell him, wait until I'm asleep.

Kai: Waeyo?

Me: Just...let me sleep before I become the of your jokes.

Kai: Hahah. Okay *snorts*

Me: Good.

Kai grinned at me. I knew he was planning otherwise, but he still grinned as if he wasn't gonna poke fun at me. I rolled my eyes and went to look outside the window again. I was startled when my phone vibrated inside my jacket pocket. I took it out and stared into the screen.

One message received.

It's from him...right? Right? ASDFGHJKLsadhasdfgwfed...

I took a deep breath before I pressed the “view message” button.

And baby, maybe I don't say it as often as I should, but I really want it to be heard. When I say I love you, that's for good. You have my word that day after day, after all I will always be true. That's a promise I make to you.

Kai had turned the music a little louder and this song played as I breathed in and out heavily, slowly lettingmy eyes wander to the top of the message to see the sender.

Jungkook.

I fought the urge to scream and giggle. I let my eyes wander down to the message itself.

“Welcome home, Xiao Yi. Hope you had a safe flight. :) “

Okay. There was nothing heartstopping about that message, nevertheless, I started to fan myself. Kai looked at me and checked the aircondition system of his car. It was fairly cool inside the car, I just felt a little flushed receiving Jungkook's reply. Over the years, he still managed to make my heart race.

“Yes, I had a safe flight. Thanks. Ü “

“You're just going to register tomorrow, right?”

“Ne. Late registration.”

“Don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll still get your subjects and schedule as you prefer.”

“I hope so.”

“Hey. Do you remember that last time?”

“Which one?”

“About me telling you something?”

“Oh, that. Yes. Why?”

“I'll tell you tomorrow.”

“In school?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Alright.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“ Ü ”

“That's my smiley.”

“I know. I like it better.”

“Right.”

“Sleep well tonight.”

I decided not to reply anymore. I knew he woud understand if I didn't keep replying. I pocketed my phone again and let myself drown in the cheesy songs that Kai's stereo was playing. I looked ahead and saw that we were already on familiar surroundings. A lot has changed, but I could still see distinct markers as we passed by buildings, houses, commercial buildings, gardens and road signs. Three years wasn't a long time when you talk about building infrastructures, but as we passed by new buildings on lots that were bare before, I could say that this part of Beijing had been developed lightning-fast.

Kai: We're almost home, Xiao Yi.

Me: Hmm...

I raised my legs up and hugged them, then rested my chin on my knees.

Fengtai district came into view. My eyes became alert. Just a few more minutes and we'll be home. I watched as Sehun's signal lights blinked three times before making the familiar right turn.

Then the familiar street came into view. Sehun slowed down and stopped in front of the gate, honked three times and waited 'til the gate opened. Then he drove through the open gate, Kai followed and both cars halted in front of the house. The househelp closed the gate and hurried to meet us.

I stepped out of the car and looked around. I stared at the house. I missed this house and everything around it. Kai nudged me. I smiled at him and patted his arm. I heaved my backpack on one shoulder and walked back to the trunk of the car. Sehun had opened the trunk of his car and extracting my suitcases. Kai went to open the boot of his car and helped me take out my luggage that were in there. He told the househelp to just open the door and help with preparing dinner. He and Sehun helped me bring my luggage in the house. I plopped on the couch and stretched out. I missed the feel of home. I closed my eyes and inhaled the scent of Wu house, Fengtai, Beijing.

LOL.

Sehun and Kai were the ones who heaved my suitcases up the stairs and stocked them outside my door. I snorted when I found out that I had to be the one to drag them luggage in my room. I called mama and papa to inform them that I arrived safely, and that Kai and Sehun picked me up from the airport. I had told the boys in London and France that I had arrived safely, too. Chen, Chanyeol were still in France with Baek, Kris and Xiumin. Kyungie and Tao were still in London with Luhan, Suho, Lay and mama.

Dinner was awkward. There were only three of us, and I wasn't used to it. When I saw the familiar driveway, I was expecting to come home to a noisy house with all the boys in, but due to my excitement, I had forgotten that things were not as it was before. I had kept glancing at all the empty chairs around the table. Kai and Sehun had looked at each other, and probably thought that I had gone bonkers.

Big house, three people, not counting the househelp.

I sighed and finished my food.

At least I am home.

That's what matters, right? I'm finally home.

I gave Kai and Sehun a smile and pulled the rice bowl toward me for a second helping. The two exchanged weird looks again and shook their heads. I shot them an annoyed look.

“What? I'm hungry.”

“I didn't say anything..”

“Me either.”

“Good. Let me eat in silence.”

That night, I went to bed exhausted, but with a smile on my face. I survived the day and was finally back home. Three years wasn't a long time, indeed. Tomorrow, I'd be going to school and register. I'd be officially a junior. What's more? I'd see Jungkook, too.

That brought a smile to my face all the more. The thought of seeing him face to face after three years made me anticipate the next day.

And before I fell asleep, my phone beeped. I checked to see the message.

“Goodnight, Yinzi.”

I typed, “Goodnight, Jungkook” But, I forgot to send my reply. I fell asleep just right after pressing the last letter of my message.

Being punished for three years wasn't that bad after all. I had grown to be more mature and learned stuff that I probably wouldn't have learned if I stayed in Beijing. I had finally accepted the fact that there are some things that could change anytime, and those changes would either be for the better or for the worse, depending on how you see it. It was a matter of perspective. I was thankful that I decided to see the change as something for my betterment, and that made the difference.

-END-

Annyeong! And that's a wrap for this story. ^_^ Mianhae for not being able to update for a month. Busy, busy, busy. Anyway, thank you for following this story even though I wasn't able to update much in the last chapters right away. I hope you liked how I ended it.

Change is inevitable. But it's up to us how we'd face the changes. To face it with a positive outlook or to face it with a grumbling heart. How we see it affects how it ends.

I've said before that I will be following this story up with Xiao Yi and Jungkook's story. I will be publishing the first chapter of that story soon. Just scroll through my stories to look for it and subscribe if you want to follow JungYi, too. I'd probably post the link here when I get the first chapter up, too. Let's see how it goes. Heheh.

Ahhh, so many comebacks this month. EXO. BTS. EXO. BTS. EXO. BTS. LOL. I know. These are my two bias groups. EXODUS is such a great album. I love everything in it. My favorite is Transformer, though. YOU SLOW DOWN, THEN YOU SPEED UP. OMG. LOL. Tao's voice. Chanyeol's voice. Kai's voice. Everyone's voice. My Answer is You. What If. El Dorado. Ah everything, just everything. Hahaha xD Now, BTS comeback is on the 29^th. The trailer track for 花样年華 is just daebak! SUGA baby! TT_TT I'm pretty sure that they're gonna slay again. EXO. BTS. xD

Luhan's MeiLiShuo international ads. Yifan's Movie and commercial ads. Lay and his Chinese studio by SM...  There's just so much news. ODG. LOL.

Forgive me for this long A/N. It's been a while since I've done this, and I'll probably not be doing this for a few more days...or weeks. Ugh. Busy this month and next month, as well. But I will make it a point that I publish the JungYi story soon. If not this weekend, it would be next week, or next month, after the BTS comeback? OMG. So busy. Ughhhh...

Anyway, thank you. Thank you. Thank you everyone for following this story. Th13teen is one of my babies because of my bias groups and my OC. Kamsahamnida. Feichang ganxie nimen.

I'll end this note with much love from me, the Wu, Kim and Min kids. → ♥♥♥ 吳愛你們！我愛你們！