Ellie shifted the bags she was carrying, trying to keep a quick pace, as she was sure the bottom of at least one of the bags was about to go.

She rounded the final corner, the house coming into view.

Then slowed to a halt.

Standing in front of her, was a boy, just a little taller than she, sandy brown hair, tanned skin, his arms muscled.

She didn't even need to see his face.

She knew exactly who it was.

"Daehyun??" she called out in disbelief. "Jung Daehyun?"

As if she knew any other Daehyun.

The boy turned to face her and his eyes widened in suprise as his mouth turned up in a smile.

Except, he was no longer a boy.

He was all grown up.

"L!" he greeted her happily.

Her heart did funny things at the sight of his smile, and hearing him call her that.

She hadn't heard that name in ages.

A smile spread across her face to match the one he was wearing.

"Wah, our Daehyunnie is home. It's been what, 6, 7 months since your last visit?"

"Mmm." he nodded, noting the way she'd called him our Daehyunnie.

One of the bags started to slip from her arms and he quickly came over and took some of the load off her hands

"Thanks." she said.

They began walking together down the sidewalk.

"How are you?" She asked him.

"Good." he smiled. "Busy."

"Yeah they seem to keep you guys pretty busy huh?"

He nodded, almost sadly she thought.

"So what's it like, being an 'idol'?" she asked as they continued walking.

He shrugged. "Eh...no privacy, very little sleep, constant practice,...it's both mentally and physically exhausting. But it has it's perks." he smiled. "I just wish things would slow down a little bit,..it'd be nice to be able to come home more often." he said, the smile on his face fading.

Ellie nodded. She knew idol life wasn't all peachy like everyone liked to think it was. It was a lot of hard work and meant many sacrifices for the idols and their families.

"Well, it's nice to have you home." she admitted. "Your parents will be so happy to see you."

He smiled at her. "I'll help you home with your groceries before I head home." he said.

"Ah actually,..." she paused in front of the gate to his house. "These are going to your house."

"Mine?" he said coming to a halt.

"Mmm. I picked up some things for your mom so she wouldn't have to leave your Dad by himself."

His face softened, his smile faltering. "Thank you." he said softly.

L shook her head. "No thanks needed. It's the least i could do."

"So how are you?" he asked changing the subject.

She smiled. He wasn't asking to be polite. He was asking because he really wanted to know.

"Good." she nodded. "Keeping myself busy."

He opened the gate to his yard and she followed him into the house, both of them removing their shoes just inside the door.

"Omma!" Ellie called out grabbing Dae's attention.

He smiled to himself.

She was practially Ellie's second mother. They'd spent so much time at eachother's houses when they were little.

"Omma, guess who's here?"

"Mm?" she said as she entered the kitchen where Dae and Ellie were pulling groceries from the paper bags.

"Oh! Daehyun!" She cried happily as she moved to greet her son.

Dae wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight as she rocked him side to side, patting his behind.

"I missed you. I'm so happy to see you." she said softly. "I didn't think you were coming until the weekend."

"Yeah, I left a couple days early." he smiled.

She took a step back looking him over, then patting his cheek gently with her hand. "How are you? Eating well?"

He nodded. "Im fine Momma."

She cupped his face, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Good."

"How's Dad?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

She sighed. "He's...doing ok...could be better...but it could also be worse." she said forcing a smile.

He noted her tired eyes and the lines of worry etched into her face, and frowned.

Dae's father had been ill for some time, but lately it seemed to be getting worse. He'd spent some time in the hospital recently and this was the first chance Daehyun had to get back home to see him. The doctors had warned the family that he may not have much time left.

Dae's mother saw the sad look on Dae's face and changed the subject. 

"Ellie here has been a big help to us, she runs errands and does some house keeping,..really makes my job much easier." she smiled glancing over at Ellie.

"Oh geez," Ellie said embarrased as she put groceries into the refrigerator. "It's not a big deal, really."

Dae smiled, wrapping his arm around his Mom. 

"Thank you L." he said giving his mom's shoulder a squeeze. 

She stopped at the mention of her nickname, her heart doing that funny thing again.

She turned to face him, and smiled. "I don't mind at all."

"We'll have to do some catching up while i'm back." he said to her before turning to his mom. "Is Dad awake? I'd like to see him."

"He was when i left the room. Oh, he'll be so happy to see you."

Ellie finished putting things away as the two of them went off to catch-up.

She folded the paper grocery bags, putting them in the cupboard under the sink, then stood, leaning back against the counter, staring out the window, hearing the low murmur of conversation coming from a room at the back of the house.

She hadn't realized just how much she had missed Daehyun until he'd shown up right in front of her.

But she knew he wouldn't be home for long.

And the thought made her heart ache.