A week. That’s how long it took me to get Ben to forgive me for how I acted with his mother and didn’t tell him about me making friends with a celebrity.  Who was apparently too attractive for me to talk to and I shouldn’t be talking to him at all.  Though I saw nothing wrong with it since me and Kikwang were barely friends as it was.  But then again I probably should have told him straight off.  I even apologized to his freaking mother who I say still didn’t deserve it.  Stupid tea-drinking life---

“Anais are you paying attention?” 

Startled I looked up to Jae-Sun who looked honestly concerned.  He of course heard me rant the entire lesson the other day about what happened over the weekend.  Sometimes I’m convinced he’s my shrink not my tutor. “Hm? Sorry I was just thinking I’ll pay better attention.”

Jae-Sun didn’t look too pleased with my response but what exactly did he expect of me?  I know he’s not supposed to be biased but still a little slack would be nice. “You better. You’ve only got a little over three months till your final showcase here and if your internship goes through it’s your best chance to get picked up.  How is that going anyway?” Oh gee really? I didn’t know that Jae-Sun thanks so much for informing me.

I couldn’t help but feel sheepish under his gaze though, “I’ve got maybe the first…thirty seconds?”

“Aish this girl,” he rubbed his hand over his face and sighed, “we’ll focus on building up the song next time for now you need to get some rest okay?” 

“But we’ve still got,” I glanced at my phone, “forty-five minutes we need to-”

He placed a hand over my mouth and started to get his stuff together with the other.  “No what you need is a nice cup of tea and to watch some TV and just relax.  Your dark circles are starting to make you look like a panda.” 

Pulling back from him I pouted and tried to hit him with one of my binders.  “Hey!”

Unimpressed, he looked up at me and threw my stuff together.  “Well you do.” Without warning he shoved my stuff at me and motioned with his hands over and over to move.  “Now out.”  When I didn’t move he stood and grabbed my arm pulling me towards the door.  Something tells me Jae-Sun either has a hot date tonight or he wants to go home and sleep too.  Before I could even protest he dragged me out the door and shut it in my face giving me a look through the window to not try and open it.

“Well fine then go face with your stupid doctor!”  I kicked the door before turning and stomping down the hall.  He was right though an early night might be a good thing.  I probably still wouldn’t get back home until after eleven I was starving and mandu sounded really, really good right about now.  And I knew there was one on the way to the bus stop. 

Mmm mandu, mandu delicious mandu I’m gonna put you in my belly. Should I get some for Skyler as well?  He usually doesn’t eat as much street food as I do but who can resist the deliciousness that is mandu?  “Sweet, sweet mandu you’re gonna go in my belly.”  I couldn’t help but laugh at the people that stared at me as I passed by singing.  To be honest I didn’t mind looking like the crazy foreigner anymore.  Once I was about half a block from the stand I called Skyler. 

“Hello?”

“Hey y, you want some mandu?”

“Mmmm no I’m-”there was a small shuffling and I could have sworn I heard whispering on his side,“I’m not hungry right now but I’m sure if you bring me some by the time I get here I will be.”  What in the world was he trying to cover up? 

“You sure you want some?”

“Absolutely can you bring it to the dance room?  I’ll be working with someone until you get here so I won’t be able to go up to the lobby.”  He’s so lucky that he doesn’t have a ‘tell’ in his voice or I would bug him until he revealed what he was up to. 

“Sure I’ll be there in twenty.”  I know he’s up to something I just don’t know what. Either that or he’s so hungry he’s going crazy. That’s probably it.   

I don’t think he realizes how difficult it is to carry a box of mandu and not eat it.  The whole bus ride over I wanted to just hide in the corner and eat it all.  Stupid Cube being so far away from school I hate it, hate it I tell you!  Maybe I’m the one who goes crazy with food?  I regret nothing. But, being the amazing friend I am and knowing Skyler would skin me alive I didn’t eat a single one.  When I saw who he was talking to though I felt like eating all the mandu right there.  The only thing keeping me from it was the fact I had come all the way there.  When I entered I was about to yell at him but he ran over and took the mandu while hugging me tightly. 

“Best friend!  I missed you today!”  He leaned closer to my ear and whispered in English, “Why did you give this delicious boy a rain check and dealt with stupid Ben’s mother instead?” 

I glanced over at Kikwang and smiled a little to which he returned it with that eye smile he was known for and I couldn’t help but smile again.  Remembering that I was annoyed with Skyler I flicked his forehead and responded quietly in English.  “Like I would pick hanging out with my boyfriend over someone I barely know.”

He pulled back a bit and flicked my forehead lightly.  “A y boy that you barely know that you should take every opportunity to know better, or have I not taught you anything?”

Without missing a beat I smacked his arm twice and glared.  “You’re ridiculous.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m not-”

He turned back to Kikwang and wrapped an arm around my shoulder pretending like nothing happened.  “Kikwang said he would like to join us is that alright with you best friend?”

The sudden switch back to Korean took me a moment to adjust and I looked over at Kikwang who looked expectant.  “I-wha-I yeah that’s fine but I may not have enough for everyone.”

Without warning Skyler dragged me over to where Kikwang was and sat down with the boy who looked a little confused but pleased nonetheless. I sat down across from Kikwang and we exchanged smiles once again as Skyler opened the bag.  “Not everyone eats two or three every time Anais.”

Not breaking eye contact with Kikwang I leaned over and smacked Skyler as hard as I could.  “Thanks for making me feel fat some best friend you are.”

“I’m just telling the truth.”

Turning towards him I tried to swipe at him again but he was ready this time and moved away before I could.  “Excuse me for having a good appetite unlike some people I know.”

“I blame you dating a chef it’s made you eat everything in sight.”

Scoffing I swiped one of the pieces and took a small bite.  “Nope I’m afraid I’ve always been like this boo.”

He shook his head and took one for himself and muttered something under his breath before speaking a little louder, “You’re crazy.”

Narrowing my eyes at him I turned away and looked over at Kikwang who looked even more confused than before and a little surprised.  “And we’re leaving Kikwang out.”  Smiling once again I shifted back a bit, “So how’s everything Kikwang?”

“It’s good. I’ve been going a lot of MCing and we’re practicing again and starting to plan out another comeback. But everyone has been given the night to rest since we’re back to working like crazy in a few days.”

“And you don’t have to MC tonight?”

“Nope but I’ve got to for the rest of the week.  But I wasn’t tired so I came down here to dance and ran into Skyler here and we started talking and then you called.”  He titled his head to the side and furrowed his brow a bit.  Stop being cute please.  “I’m sorry you look tired but I wanted to talk to you.”  Please stop being cute. 

Crap say something anything.  “You’re just itching for those secrets aren’t you?”  I grinned teasingly and he seemed to appreciate the humor in it and laughed a little as well. 

He rubbed the back of his neck as he bit into one of the mandu, “I’m that transparent huh?”

“No, I would be the same way nothing wrong with it.”

Again he shifted around sheepishly and looked down at the mandu before mumbling.  “Well I like talking to you too.”

Glancing over at Skyler he gave me an ‘I told you so look’ before turning his attention back to his own food. What in the heck was I supposed to say to that?  I mean I liked talking to him too but maybe I was just overthinking everything?  Using a large bite as an excuse to not talk for a little bit I decided to just go with what I was thinking.  “I like talking to you too, even if it was that awkward seat mate talk for a while.”  Just as I hoped he started laughing and I couldn’t help but laugh in response. 

When he calmed down a bit he grabbed another piece of mandu and shrugged.  “You’re right but come on you said yourself I was an awesome seat partner.”

Shrugging I tried to look nonchalant but the grin on my face gave me away.  “I’ve had better.”

Pouting he tried to use those puppy dog eyes to his advantage again.  “Liar I remember you saying it.”

Please for the love of God stop being cute. “Okay fine you caught me you’re the most amazing seat partner ever.”

He grinned pleased, “You’re darn right I am.”

I was about to say something but Skyler cleared his throat and we both looked over at him.  I felt a twinge of guilt for completely forgetting that he was there. But I was half certain that was his intention. “You should feel special Kikwang she doesn’t tease anyone she doesn’t like.”

Kikwang looked over at me with a bit of a smirk on his face. “Really?”

“Aish Skyler you’re crazy I don’t tease all my friends.”

Skyler looked up from his phone and smiled a bit.  “Nope just the ones you like the most.”

“Oh hush you.”

His phone buzzed once more and his face fell a bit before he smiled again.  “Actually I would love to continue bothering you however my mentor wants to do some late night practice a few studios down.”

Kikwang pouted and glanced at the box and back at Skyler.  “There is still so much food left.”  Ha that excuse never works on Skyler I try it every time.  I know what that boy is up to though and I’m so beating him when I get home.

As I expected Skyler shook his head and took a swig of his water.  “Thanks man but I’m alright one is always enough for me.”

“Skinny .”

Turning to me he pointed the water bottle at me accusingly.  “Shut it white girl or I’ll kick you.”  He stood up and smiled down at both of us, “Don’t let my leaving stop the party though. Have fun you two.”  Skyler leaned down and gave me a brief hug, “I’ll see you at home boo.”

Kikwang watched as Skyler practically skipped out of the room and pouted.  “Did we leave him out or something?”

“Actually knowing Skyler he really does have to go to practice and he’s probably hoping his instructor’s brother will be there. Whether it’s two in the afternoon or morning that boy is always flirting.  And he’s not lying about the food either, I always eat like three of these and he’s all full at one lucky punk.” 

Grabbing another one Kikwang uncrossed and straightened out his legs so his feet were on either side of me.  “How is that lucky?  That means he can’t have as much delicious food.”

Such a guy always loving food.  Not that I could blame him I was the same way sometimes I thought I could give Seung Ho a run for his money.  But then I remember it’s Seung Ho and I would probably bow down to his eating ability.  “Ah, but it also means he won’t get fat.”

Suddenly his eyes narrowed and he gritted his teeth a bit.  “You’re not fat don’t even joke like that.”  I wasn’t even sure how to respond to that. Note to self Kikwang doesn’t like it when girls call themselves fat. “So you’re dating a chef?”

Nodding slowly I looked down at the mandu suddenly not feeling hungry anymore.  “Chef in training but yeah I am.”

Ever curious he continued eating with a smile on his face.  “How long have you been together?”

Slowly I took another bite and counted in my head trying to seem nonchalant about it.  It wasn’t weird that I knew right down to the number of days was it?  And he could barely remember the one day sometimes.  “Almost three years.”

His expression turned serious as he caught my gaze and for the life of me I couldn’t make myself look away even though I was screaming my head to.  “Do you love him?”

Caught off guard I choked on the mandu and started coughing, beating my chest a little bit.  When I recovered I sheepishly smiled at him.  “What happened to those secrets you wanted to know?”

“Sensitive question?”

Did he ever stop being curious?  But at the same time I couldn’t find myself caring too much.  But how in the world was I going to explain to him what I felt for Ben when we didn’t even know each other very well and he certainly didn’t know Ben.  Then again knowing Ben didn’t have a factor in it right?  “Well…I mean I think I do it’s just I’m not sure if he does.”

“Right,” he cleared his throat and grinned before pushing his legs against mine, “and now that you can’t escape about those secrets of yours.”

“I owe you three, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Okay let me think.” What are some of the most harmless secrets that I have? “Hmmm I broke my grandmother’s piano when I was seven and blamed it on my brother.  I’ve always wanted to dye my hair pink just for the hell of it but I’m scared I’ll do it wrong. One time when I was drunk I attempted to kiss my cousin…yeah that wasn’t pretty.”  I laughed a little remembering when he was telling me the story after.  He thought it was the funniest thing in his life.

He was silent for about a minute taking everything in.  “Wait you want to dye your hair pink?”

I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or just stare at him but I opted for the second.  Did he really not pay attention to the other two?  “Seriously?  Out of all of those you are most surprised by the hair thing?  You’re one strange boy.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“At least you embrace it I keep trying to tell Skyler he’s strange and he’s forever denying it.”

“So he’s your best friend?”

“Of all time!  Even more than my friend Annabelle.  I told you about her right?”  He nodded, “Yeah even more than her.  Skyler’s the reason I’m in Korea now honestly.  When I came back for college everything was ten times scarier since I was on my own but he helped me adapt all over again he’s without a doubt the best friend a girl can ask for.” 

He nodded and wrapped up the now abandoned mandu and put it off to the side.  “He’s a good dancer too I’m sure he’ll make it past and they’ll hire him.”

I had no doubt that Skyler would make it past the elimination and they would have no choice but to take him.  If they didn’t see how amazing he was then Cube didn’t even deserve to be in my best friend’s presence darn it.  “Of course they will Skyler is without a doubt the best dancer that I know.”

With a huff he leaned forward and poked my forehead.  “Hey I take offense to that!”

“Aw come on.  Fine then he’s the best non idol dancer that I know.” 

Clearly he wasn’t convinced, “Oh please I know you still think Taeyang is better.”

Okay yes I’m totally biased I can’t help it.  Besides if I was a total fangirl over him then this conversation would be more awkward and I would be staring more especially at his lips or his eyes those are really nice too.  “I-well I mean VIP all day every day but you’re really good too you don’t need me to boost your ego.”

“Sure I do.”

“Oh your lovely fans don’t boost it enough?”

He was silent for a moment and I swear it was like I could see the gears in his head turning.  “Well it’s always nice to get a compliment from someone that isn’t totally in love with my band.”

“True, you guys are good though, all of you I just have a habit of sticking to a few bands and obsessing over them.  Like the Beatles I’ve been in love with them since I was seven.  Speaking of,” I grinned happily, “did you check them out?”

“What was the one you were singing on the plane?” He cleared his throat a bit and furrowed his brow trying to remember I suppose, “And my friends are all aboard, many more of them live next door…” He trailed off trying to remember the rest of the lyrics and I couldn’t help but smile knowing he actually knew some of the lyrics.  That and his accent oh my goodness was it adorable.

“Yeah that’s Yellow Submarine it’s one of my favorites that and Hey Jude but you might want to work on your pronunciation,” He pouted again, “come on I’ll help I promise.”  Despite his skeptic look I held out my pinkie finger and just when I was about to pull it away he linked pinkies with me.

Right when I was about to unhook our pinkies he tightened his pinkie around mind but before I could ask he spoke, “And I’ll help you with yours-don’t give me that look I know you speak slowly when you don’t know how to pronounce something correctly.”  Darn it I thought I stopped doing that or maybe Skyler stopped caring about correcting me. 

“Fine, fine.”  With that agreement he finally let my pinkie go. 

Though I have to admit I was honestly surprised that he was actually intent on the help. Didn’t they already have a teacher for that? But then again studying with a friend or sort of friend is always more comfortable right? I have never seen anyone pronounce London so cutely I almost hugged him, almost.  The longer we stayed there the more confused I became, why in the world had no one come in?  Or was everyone convinced we were actually working and they didn’t want to disturb us. Not like our constant laughter didn’t give us away. 

I wasn’t sure what time it was when Kikwang glanced down at his watch and suddenly stood and patted his pockets.  “Hey can I borrow your phone I need to text hyung to tell him I’ll be home soon I left mine in the recording studio.”

Without a second thought I handed mine to him and stood as well, groaning a little as my bones creaked from not moving in a while.  God why hadn’t I realized how much my hurt?  And how in the world did my get so dirty? Don’t they clean these floors? 

He tapped my shoulder, effectively distracting me from wiping my pants off and I saw him hold out my phone in the corner of my eye. “Thanks Anais.” 

Turning I took the phone from him with a small smile and a shrug. “No biggie, just don’t forget to go back to the studio you were in and get it. I know the people around here are nice but you never know what could happen.” I spotted his jacket on the floor and picked it up for him only to have his cellphone drop on the floor. Glancing over at him I noticed he wasn’t paying attention instead he had decided to take the last piece of mandu and started munching on it. 

With a small chuckle I pulled out my phone and sure enough my theory was correct. The amazing Kikwang ^^ honestly I was expecting a weirder name.  Now to decide if I would ruin his fun or call him out on it.  Glancing over at him, he looked so proud of himself.  Though something told me I was going to regret this later I pocketed his phone in his jacket pocket again and held it out to him.  “Don’t forget this either Kikwang.”

Not suspecting a thing he smiled and took the jacket, effortlessly putting it on and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets.  “Thanks Anais. I’ll see you around?”

“Maybe.” and there he goes pouting again, “Okay yes, yes now go before your leader tries to hunt you down!”  He mumbled something about being unwanted but complied.  A few minutes later I pulled out my phone and smirked once again before texting him.  You know usually it’s customary to ask a girl for her number.

I wanted to leave that up to you ^^

So that’s his excuse? 

I’m not sure if I should call you smooth or weird

Smooth~~~ kekeke either way I have it now~

You do don’t you?  You better not text me at all hours of the night boy.

No promises ^^ but now I won’t have to hunt you down at work anymore kekeke

You hunted me down huh?

He didn’t answer for a little bit and for a second I thought I had been too informal with him too early or I was being too teasing.  So when my phone vibrated again I about jumped out of my skin.

Well how else to get you to keep your promises hmmm~?

Okay I didn’t like how this was going. But, I wasn’t sure what I could do to stop it and I wasn’t even sure what I was trying to stop yet.