-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

``````~~~~~``````

I think most of them crashed after they came back so none of them ate lunch except Lay, Kris, Xue, mama and me. I walked pass her study and it was open and I took a peek inside. Mama had her head buried in a book as she leaned back against the arm chair. She had a pair of reading glasses resting on her nose bridge and I couldn’t help but smile. She was really beautiful. I could tell where Yixing got his gentle and calm auras from.

I took a step away and went into the kitchen and made a drink before going back up. I knocked on the door.

“Come in.” I slowly opened the door so as to not scare her.

“Rin.” she smiled and put down her book. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought you might be thirsty. I brought you a drink.” I handed her the cup and she took a whiff of it. “Apple juice?”

“Apple and pear juice.” She took a sip.

“It’s good. Thank you, my throat was just starting to feel dry.” I smiled and she placed the cup one side and patted the chair next to me gesturing me to seat.

“Have they been treating you good?”

“What do you mean?”

“I can see it my dear. They ignored you from what I heard from Yixing, you were very close to Jongin and Sehun. What happened?”

“They just drifted apart. They won’t talk to me anymore. But as long as they are happy, I don’t mind.”

“That’s not good. They need to be taught a lesson.”

“Mama, don’t need. I’ll leaving soon so I won’t bother them anymore.”

“You are leaving? When?”

“In 4 days. I’ve submitted my resignation letter last week but Luhan asked me to stay for another week. Yixing was begging me to stay for 1 more week, I couldn’t say no.” she looked at me sympathetically. I knew she felt bad and wanted to apologise on the boys behalf but she didn’t do anything wrong. And I didn’t want her too. “I’m fine. I’ll live with it. I’ve been through tougher times.”

“How old are you?” I stopped breathing for a few seconds.

“20, I’m born in 1994.” Maybe I saw wrongly but I thought I saw something flashed in her eyes.

“You are a very strong girl. And at 20, you are working hard. It’s very admirable.” She said softly.

“Thank you. Yixing is also a very hardworking person. He strives for the best in what he does. You must be proud of him.” she smiled and nodded.

“I’m very proud of him.” she patted my knee. “Okay enough of these. Do you want to help me with dinner? You are a very good student.” I nodded and together we went to the kitchen.

“Could you prepare some Korean food? I want the Korean boys to feel at home.”

“Sure, I’ll teach you if you want, in exchange for teaching me your recipes.”

“Deal.”

I took out the ingredients she had and good thing, Yixing brought home some Korean side dishes and seasonings. I found all the ingredients to make my Kimchi chige. I showed her step by step how to make it and I enjoyed her presence. Mama picked it up really fast and I also taught her some Korean words. I stirred the soup and it seems ready.

“Mama, try a bit.” I held the spoon to and she took a sip.

“It’s sour but the taste is not that bad, something unique. You are good.” She patted me on the back and I smiled.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you for showing me your recipe.” She smiled and brought the ready cook dishes to the table. I covered the soup and let it simmer a little while more, I loved spending time with her.

“Rin.” I turned around.

“Could you help scope the rice again? I need to go get something and get the boys.” I nodded and went to scope 15 bowls of rice and placed it on the table. After that I took the soup and carried it to the table. I was half way there when Xue came down. She immediately went up to me and snatched the pot out of my hands.

“Ouch!” she hissed. The pot was steaming hot and of course without holding it with cloth, she will get burn. It was her fault for wanting to take it from me.

She took hold of a cloth and placed it on the pot. She shoved me a little, making some of the burning hot soup spill onto my arm. Once I was out of her way, she went to the table and placed it on just as the guys came in.

“Did you make all these?”

“Yeah, with the help of auntie.” She is taking all my credit. I was the one cooking she just came and snatched it away from me. She was acting in front of them. She was a fake and I couldn’t tell them. None of them will believe me.

“It looks good.” Xiumin said as he took a sit. Everyone else too sat down and Xue took her seat next to Luhan and Yixing. Kris slowly came down with mama and he staggered a bit as he walked. He didn’t look stable and he looked pale. Compared to just now, he looked terrible. He sat down opposite Xue who smiled at him happily.

“Are we having a feast?” My father said as he came in from the front door. “Something smells good.” Mama went to take off his jacket and she gave him a hug, rubbing his back softly. It was nice to see them so loving. I wanted to be like that too, to be able to grow old with the one I love but that wasn’t going to happen. At least that’s what I was told. I looked down and realised that there were soup stains on the floor. I quickly went to take some paper towels and cleaned it up.

“Rin?” mama called me and I turned around. “What are you doing there? Come and eat.” I was about to reply her but remembered that I was not supposed to know Chinese so I just looked at her blankly.

“Mama is asking you to eat with us.” Yixing said. “Seat here.” he patted the empty seat next to him and I shook my head.

“There isn’t any rice left.”

“Huh? That’s not possible.” He stood up and walked to the rice cooker. I was telling the truth, there wasn’t any rice left. They do eat a lot especially after ‘work’.

“It’s okay.” I said and threw the soaked paper towels away. “I’m not that hungry. Go and eat first.”

“You guys eat first.” He said loudly as mama came over as well.

“Mei, you need to eat on time. Even if you are not hungry, you still need to eat a bit.”

“What’s wrong?”

“There isn’t enough rice, so she is not eating.”

“Rin ah, that’s not good. I’ll go and cook some rice now.” she turned around and I grabbed her arm softly. She turn around and shook my head. She turned and held my arm and gasped. I looked at her and she looked at my arm. I looked down at my arm, it was red. I got scolded but the hot soup. It didn’t hurt.

“YA!” He shouted and pulled me towards the basin and placed my arm under cold running water. “Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked me, he was worried.

“It’s okay, it doesn’t really hurt.” I tried to wriggle out of his grip but he only tightened it.

“Stay still. You will have a scar if you don’t treat it.” Mama went to a cupboard and took out something, she then passed him a tube of what I presumed to be a cream. He dap my arm dry and was about to put the cream on when we heard the conversation outside.

“The soup is delicious, I didn’t know you knew how to cook kimchi chige.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. It’s my first time making so I hope you like it.” Xue’s voice could be heard from the dining area and I was sad I just looked at my arm, it was red.

“That girl.” I could tell from the tone that mama was angry. “How can she take credit for something she didn’t do?”

“What do you mean?”

“Rin made the soup. She taught me how to make it. That girl is really ridiculous. The family has spoilt her too much.” She was about to go out and tell them the truth.

“Mama, don’t.” she looked at me.

“But Rin, you made it, it’s you who should be receiving the compliments.”

“It’s okay. I know what she is up too. She can have it, I don’t need it. As long as they eat till their full, I’m okay.” I said still looking at his finger. He was rubbing the cream on my arm when he paused.

“You just spoke in Chinese.”

“I can speak Chinese fluently. Your mother knows about it. Don’t ask me how, you guys never asked about me so I kept quiet.”

“So you understood what they were saying in front of you, they were-“

“Cursing at me? Yes, I heard it loud and clear. Did it hurt me? Yes, a little but I don’t care.” He continued to rub the cream and once it was done he released my arm.

“I didn’t know.” he said softly. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me gently. “I’m sorry mei, I couldn’t protect you from hearing those hush words.”

“I’ll say sorry on their behalf. Please forgive them.” mama said and she caressed my cheeks. Tears came but I held them in. I’ve never felt so loved before, not in the last 5 years. I wanted to cry there and then but I held back. I can’t show them my weak side.

“You can eat my rice. I’ll give you half.” He pulled away and brought me into the dining area. He made me sit next to him and took an extra bowl, he gave me half of his rice. I looked at him as he took ingredients for me. It was not like I didn’t have hands to take my own food but he still placed the meat on my plate. Looking at him do so, he really felt like the big and reliable older brother who will do anything to protect his little sister. I’m glad that I was related to him. To know that I came from such a family made me happy. Under the table, I held his free hand. He looked at me.

“Thank you.”

We finished eating and everyone was gathered in the living room because my father wanted to say something.

“Okay, so since we are all here, I’ll get straight to the point. My company is having a dinner and dance in 2 days’ time and I’m inviting all of you.” Xue squealed once she heard dinner and dance. “There will be major shareholders and potential business partners around so I expect you all to be on your best behaviour. Understood?” they all just nodded and he smiled before leaving the room.

A dinner and dance.

It’s something I always wanted to attend but never had the chance too. But this time, I didn’t feel like going for it. Everyone split up and they were all talking about the D&D. I saw Kris stand up and he swayed a bit.

‘Something is not right.’ I thought and he made his way back to his room. I stood up, I was going to follow him when Yixing held my hand.

“Mama asked me to bring you somewhere.” He whispered into my ear and pulled me up the stairs. He brought me in front of the room. That very room I went into before.

My room.

He made sure that no one saw us and opened the door, inside, mama was already waiting.

“Come here.” she stood in front of the wardrobe. “Choose one.”

“No I can’t. These are not mine.” I shook my head.

“It’s okay. You can wear it. They have been sitting in here for a long time and it’s about time someone wears them.”

“Xue can wear them. She will look pretty in them.” she shook her head.

“She has too many clothes and she doesn’t deserve to wear these.” She pointed to the clothes hanging there. “These are for my daughter.” She said softly and Lay looked down. His eyes were closed.

“She disappeared years ago. All these years we believe that she maybe still alive and bought clothes for her every year.”

“I can’t, they are too special.” I managed to say out. They bought them for me, the clothes were for me and me only. There was a special meaning behind every piece of clothing. I couldn’t wear them. They didn’t know that I was their daughter. Their long lost daughter.

“No, you can. I allow you too.” she looked at me with tears in her eyes. “She would be your age now and I’m sure she doesn’t mind sharing. She always shared her stuff when she was younger. Besides, I treat you like my daughter, even Yixing treats you like his sister.” She held my hand and patted it. “Just do us a favour and wear one of these dress to the dinner. It’s only one night.”

I couldn’t say no. not when she looks at me with those eyes. She was begging me to wear one. It made me feel bad, I know who I am but they don’t. I felt like I was lying to them.

“Mei, please.” He looked up and he was crying. I reached out and wiped his tears away. It hurts me to see them crying, to see him crying.

“Okay.”

She wiped her tears away and smiled at me. “Thank you.” she gave me a hug and I hugged her back. Her scent was so familiar and I missed it. “Pick one dress.” I looked into the wardrobe. There were a number of dress, at least 12 I would say. And they were all really beautiful.

“How about this one?” Yixing lifted up a pale yellow dress. It was a sleeveless dress that does up to my knees.

“Or this?” mama lifted a purple tube dress. It was a fitting one, different from the one Yixing picked; a loose flowy one.

I couldn’t decide. Both were equally nice but it didn’t catch my eyes. I scanned the dress one more time and caught sight of a blue maxi dress.

“How about this?” I asked, I loved the colour and it was simple looking.

“Go and try it.” she pushed me into the toilet and closed the door behind me. I touched the dress, it was really soft and comfortable. Carefully, I put on the dress and stoop in front of the mirror. I felt like I made the right choice.

I slowly opened the door and came out. Their jaws both dropped at the sight of me. Did I really look weird? I couldn’t help but wonder. I haven’t wore dress in a while.

“Is it weird?”

“N-no! You look beautiful.” Yixing stuttered and mama nodded. I looked down at the blue dress, it was a simple loose pleated chiffon maxi dress. The design was plain, just how I like it and it is fitting at the top but it hang gracefully at my waist, secured with a black belt.  

“All you need now is a pair of shoes, some jewellery and makeup and you are ready for the dinner.” Mama clasped her hands together. “Let’s take a picture.” She whipped out her phone and snapped a photo of me, Yixing did the same too. I smiled.

“Wear this there okay?” I nodded and she took out a few pairs of shoes and I saw a matching dark blue heels. It wasn’t as high as the others which made it even better for me to walk in.

“Thank you for lending me these clothes.”

“No, you keep it, it’s for you.” she smiled and caressed my cheeks. “You deserve them.”

“Okay, it’s going to be late, we should sleep. Son, you have worked hard today, go and get some sleep.” I changed and we left the room.

“Good night.” we said to each other once outside and he walked me back to my room.

“You looked really beautiful just now.” he whispered and smiled before leaving. I smiled and hang up the dress. I was thankful towards them. I was thankful that they were my family. I was thankful that they gave me life.

I tossed and turned in bed. It’s been a few hours since I went to bed. I couldn’t sleep. I thought that having happy thoughts would mean that I would sleep better, no more dreams of my past life. I was happy but I was worried too.

Worried about Kris.

Seeing him during dinner, all tired and pale made me worry. He was totally different from lunch. Was he feeling unwell? Thoughts about him kept me awake.

I got up and went out. I slowly made my way to his room, it was a good thing that he had his own room. I didn’t have to disturb his roommates if he had one. Carefully, I went into his room, making sure I don’t make any noise. It was dark but I immediately found him. He was lying on the bed, with his blanket covering him.

“mhmm.” He made a sound and turned a bit.  Made my way to his bed, his lips were pale and his fringe was wet sticking to his forehead. My hand instinctively went to his forehead.

Wait, I couldn’t feel. I was about to pull away when I felt something. It was warm. I looked at my hand resting on his forehead. Concentrating, I felt heat. It was hot and I pulled my hand away.

He was having a fever.

This is the first time I could feel someone’s touch besides Qian. I stared at him while I processed the fact. He was somewhat related to me. When he gains an emotion, I lose one. But when I lost my sense of touch, I could feel his touch. It was complicated. Then again, we were bound by fate. Anything can happen.

I made sure he was okay before rushing out to the kitchen. I made sure that I did everything quietly. Looking through the cupboards, I searched for some fever medicine. I found none.

“Ah.” I turned and headed back to my room. Digging through my bag, I took out a pouch that holds my medicines.

“There it is.” I took the fever medicine, a thermometer and a cup of water, I made my way back to his room, closing the door behind me. I took his temperature, I couldn’t trust what I felt yet and looking at the temperature, 39.8 degrees, confirmed what I felt was real. Placing the things on his side bed, I went to get a basin and filled it up with water and grabbed a towel. Settling myself next to him, I began to sponge him. Wiping the water droplets on his forehead and face. He flinched against the cold touch of the towel and I held his hand lightly.

“Shhhhh, you are sick. Why didn’t you tell anyone?” he groan as I pressed the towel against his forehead. The feeling of having a fever isn’t nice. It was never a good thing. Putting the basin one side, I tapped his shoulder and called his name hoping he will wake up.

“Kris? Can you hear me? You need to take some medicine in order to get well.” I whispered as he tossed around a bit but he didn’t wake up.

How was I going to make him eat the tablet? There was something my parents did for me when I refused to eat medicine when I was younger and I went into his toilet. Thank goodness there was one in his room or I would have to go in and out of his room. It would have been troublesome.

I took a heavy looking bottle and hoped that it wasn’t something expensive. Placing the tablet on a piece of clean paper, I smashed it softly with the bottle until it was in powder. I then mixed in the water and went out. I tried to lift him up a bit by holding onto his neck, I sat at the side of his bed.

“Kris, you have to drink it okay? Even If it’s bitter, it’s to make you better.” I placed the rim of the cup against his lips and tilted it a bit hoping it will go in. the water just spilled down the sides of his lips, he didn’t drink it. Taking a spoon, I did the same but he didn’t drink it. I quickly cleaned up the water residue on his cheeks and neck while trying to think of something that will make him drink it. He wouldn’t respond to me no matter how many times I called him.

His temperature is really high and he needs it to go down soon. I thought hard and one way appeared. At that thought, my heart beat increased and it was beating against my rib cage. Is that the only way? Do I really have to use that method? Eomma did that to me when I was really sick before. She said that I couldn’t take any medicine and I was unconscious. I was nervous, as much as I wanted to do that a part of me didn’t want too. I knew that I would get more attached to him. I thought about which I should put first. His health or my life.

I chose him.

I held the cup in my hand and took a look at him. He was perspiring a lot and looked in pain. It hurts me to see him like this.

“I’m sorry, but this is the only way.”

I said before drinking the water. I didn’t swallow and placed my lips over his. I felt my lips touched his and it was warm and soft. Using my lower lip, I opened his lips a bit so that there was a gap, big enough for the water to flow. Slowly I let the water slip into his mouth as I held his neck up a bit, hoping it will help him. And he drank. If someone came in at that time, it would have seem like I was kissing him without his knowledge. His lower lips was under mine, in a lip lock.

Once the drink was all gone, I reluctantly pulled away and slowly placed his head back onto the pillow. Taking the cloth, I wiped any traces of water on his cheeks. I looked at him and paused. I didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad. I loved feeling his lips on mine, it felt like a dream to me. I shook my head, taking the thoughts away. I shouldn’t be thinking about that now. He needs to get well.

I looked at his top and realised that it was wet from the spilt water. I went to his wardrobe and took a simple t-shirt. I lifted the t-shirt he was wearing over his head and pulled it off as gently as I could. I took the cloth and cleaned his body quickly, I didn’t want him to catch a cold. It was the first time I’ve seen his upper body and he had a nice set of abs. it wasn’t those defined 6 packs of the body builders. It was just lean muscles, a bit similar to what Jongin had.

Once done, I changed him into the new top and changed the water. I placed the towel on his forehead and turned it every now and then. He stopped groaning and he looked more comfortable now. I took his temperature and it went down a little.

“Get well soon. Don’t fall sick again.”

I stayed with him and watched him sleep. Just watching him sleep made me calm and relax. He has that effect on me. Slowly I closed my eye for a short shut eye.

It was about 8AM when I woke up and I immediately checked his temperature.

36.5 degrees.

It was normal. I smiled and made sure he was asleep before leaving his room. I prepared porridge for him, something light. I brought it to his room along with another dosage of medicine. You never know when the fever might come back. I placed the tray on his side table and changed the towel once more. I wrote a little note and placed it on the tray. Looking at him once more before I left his room.

``````~~~~~``````

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy! ♥