Chapter 24

“It’s so early, baby. Sleep first.” Kyuhyun said with a smile.

“I don’t want to. You might fall asleep and I don’t want that to happen! I still want to live. Besides, I don’t want you to feel lonely while you’re driving.” I replied.

“But still, you only had a few hours of sleep and you look so frail right now.” He ended with a frown.

“Stop looking at me and keep your eyes on the road!” I reminded him when I noticed that he was only looking at me.

“It’s only 5 in the morning! Besides we’re on a freeway. Don’t worry.” He said.

“That’s the point! It’s only 5 in the morning and it’s so dark! Keep your eyes on the road!” I lectured him like a driving school teacher.

“Yes, girlfriend.” Kyuhyun tried so hard not to laugh with his own words.

“Girlfriend!? I am not a girl!” I practically shouted at him.

“Aww, my girlfriend is having a PMS. You’re so cute.” Kyuhyun was giggling.

“I can’t have a PMS cause I am not a girl! If you don’t shut it, I swear I’ll force you to leave me by the side of the road.” I threatened him.

“Okay, fine. I’m sorry. But why are you so moody? A while ago you were so sweet and now you’re so angry. Are you hormonal? Oh no, are you pregnant?!” Kyuhyun faked a shocked face then laughed like there’s no tomorrow.

“Stop the car.” I seriously said.

“I promise to shut my mouth from now on.” Kyuhyun stopped laughing.

“You’re going to tease me again. I know it.” I assumed.

“No. I promise not to make my baby disappointed.” He said with a cheeky smile.

“You won’t like it when I throw a fit.” I smiled.

“I really doubt your gender sometimes. I think you should see your—“ His voice faded when he saw me glaring at me.

“Like I said, no teasing.” He nodded.

“Good. So do you want to eat?” I asked randomly.

“Sure but I’m driving.” He was now focusing on the road.

“You know I can feed you.” I said as I batted my eyelashes.

“Oh I wish I was driving with you all the time.” Kyuhyun happily sighed.

“Get over it!” I said as I reached for the bag of chips from the backseat. 

“Thanks, Wookie.” He simply said.

“Anything for you, Kyu.” I smiled at him and opened the chips. “Here you go.”

He opened his mouth as I started to feed him. 

“Who knew that plain chips can taste this good?!” He said in excitement. 

“That’s because I’m feeding you.” I laughed.

“That’s the point!” He was more energetic.

Looking out at the window, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous with meeting Kyuhyun’s parents. I don’t even know what they’re like. Are they the welcoming and warm type that would hug me the minute they see me or will they play the role of the judgmental parents that would look at you from head to toe and look at you in a weird way. 

“Kyu, do you mind if you tell me about your parents?” I decided to start the conversation.

“Why?” He asked.

“It’s just that I don’t know anything about them. I’ll be meeting them later and I don’t know what to do or what to say to get on their good side.” I admitted.

“You don’t have to do anything. Just be you. They won’t even care anyway.” I heard the difference in his tone when he said his last sentence.

“What do you mean they won’t even care?” I didn’t hesitate to ask.

“Nothing.” The playful Kyuhyun a while ago was totally gone now.

“Kyu.” I tried to persuade him.

“Wookie.” He just replied.

I started to gaze at him and read his expression but his face was totally blank.

“Is this a bad idea? Seeing them today?” I asked.

“Not really. It would be good since they can finally see their son.” He snorted at his last statement. 

I never knew that he felt this way with his parents not being around. I thought they were in good terms since he told me before that he used to go to that studio to take pictures with his father. All along, I never even gave Kyuhyun a chance to share this side of him to me.

“I feel like a bad person right now.” I blurted out.

“Why?” His face was not blank anymore, rather worried.

“Because I just realized that everything’s been about me lately and I never gave you a chance to just tell me what you want to say.” I felt like a selfish person.

“Don’t be, Wookie. You shouldn’t feel that way. This is about me so don’t blame yourself.” He said.

“Kyu, did you hear yourself? It’s about you! All the more that I should know about it. Come on, Kyu. Tell me.” I placed my hand on his lap as a sign of comfort.

He removed his right hand from the steering wheel and placed it on top of mine.

“So, how do you think I feel? I figured you already have an idea.” Kyuhyun just said with a smile but I know that he just forced that smile.

“You don’t like your parents not being around, don’t you?” I carefully said it.

“Who would want to?” He asked in disbelief. I felt that he was already getting into the conversation.

“Kids who are immoral and who doesn’t give damn? A child that is definitely not you.” I tried to cheer him up.

“Good to know you think highly of me.” He said as he squeezed my hand.

“Of course I do. I’m the only one who’ll be on your side no matter what happens.” I squeezed back his hand.

“Thanks.” He smiled.

“So, am I right?” I started the conversation smoothly again.

“Ugh.” He let out. “I need a hug right now.” 

“Why?” 

“Just thinking of it makes me sad. I need a warm and tight hug from you right now.” He sighed.

“I can’t hug your right now. You’re driving.” I sighed too. “But you can start telling me.”

He took a deep breath and stared blankly ahead.

“I’m not really the type of person that shares my feelings. I think you know that.” He said.

“Yes I know but don’t you think you’ll feel much better when you say what’s in your heart? It’s good to let it out, Kyu. And you’re not telling it to just anybody. It’s me.” I let go of his hand and patted him gently on the shoulder.

He took a deep breath once more then he started talking.

“I really feel jealous whenever I see kids having some quality time with their parents. They look so happy that their smiles looks like it would be there for quite some time. I just realized lately that I never experienced that, truly being happy when I’m with my parents. I felt more oppressed when I saw how supportive your parents are for you and last night when your mom said she already considered me as her son for a long time, I couldn’t help but feel the lack of love I receive from my own parents.” He stopped talking.

I had no idea that he felt this way. I didn’t even know that he is capable of feeling this way.

“Have you told them?” I asked.

“No. Obviously not.” He let out a sarcastic light laugh.

“Why don’t you?” 

“Knowing me, doesn’t it give you the idea that my parents might be just like me? You know, being a coward when talking about this kind of stuff.” He explained.

“You’ll never know unless you try. And why do you feel that way about talking about it? It’s not like you’re gonna catch some disease or something. Even though you don’t think it fits your personality, you still have to do it because it is for the betterment of everyone.” I encouraged him.

“You make it sound so easy.” He shook his head.

“Because it is!” I defended myself.

“I wish someone can just say it for me.” He replied.

“That’s not good. It should come from you. They might feel like they’re bad parents if they hear it from someone else.” I tried to put some sense into him.

“What if they’re really bad parents?” He shocked me with his answer.

“Cho Kyuhyun! Don’t say that! They are not bad! I’m sure that they are working hard for you and for noona.” I almost slapped his arm but I remembered that we were in a car and he was driving.

“But they don’t even know anything about me. They don’t even know that—“ He suddenly stopped talking, like he wasn’t supposed to say that. “Never mind. Can’t we just not talk about this? I don’t feel comfortable.”

He smiled at me sincerely.

“Sure. If it makes you uncomfortable. But you have to promise me that you will tell how you’re feeling to your parents. Trust me on this. You would thank me before we head back.” I assured him.

“Thanks.” He simply said then changed the topic. “So why do you want to suddenly want to go to the beach?”

You still can’t remove the worrying inside me. Not only the concern, but also the curiosity. I hoped that he will share every bit of his feeling and I would tell him the right thing to do but that obviously won’t happen now. I think I have to get used to the fact that my boyfriend is not that type of man. 

“No particular reason. I just wanted some time to unwind and relax for a bit. Why?” I replied.

“Nothing. I was just curious. So what do you want to do when we arrive there?” He asked.

“Greet your parents first, of course. Spend some time with them then maybe we can have fun in the afternoon.” I was starting to get excited and my voice gave that away.

“We’ll do everything that you wish. I promise. But for now, sleep first. I can’t stand seeing you tired later.” He patted my head.

“Yes, master.” I just said then moved my body in a comfortable position.

“No, Wookie. Remember that you are the master of me.” He said then he started to sing lightly as I drifted to sleep.
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“Do I look okay?” I asked Kyuhyun again as I stepped out of the car.

“Kim Ryeowook, you look exceptional! Trust me! You don’t have to pressure yourself!” He was laughing lightly as he brought out our bags from the back of the car. 

“Thanks. This place looks awesome by the way.” I looked at the wide horizon of the beach.

The car was parked on the opposite side of the house since the road was a little bit wide and not a lot of cars pass by here. There is a fence by the side of the road because a person might fall flat on the sand if there were no barriers. Directly at the back of the house was the beach. Beside the house was nothing for it looked like this house was specially built on this place just recently. The house looked simple in beige paint, white doors and white windows and flowers welcoming you by the door. 

“Be careful not to fall over. The road’s pretty high from the ground of the beach.” Kyuhyun warned me as he stood right next to me, staring at the beautiful view.

“Where are your parents?” I asked.

“They’re probably having breakfast inside. Do you want to go in already or we can just jump over here and enjoy the sand and water?” Kyuhyun smirked.

“Jumping over is a bad idea. I don’t want to get hurt and sneaking is bad. Well, of course, for you it’s not.” I sighed.

“I was just kidding. So are you ready to meet my parents?” Kyuhyun placed his other arm around my shoulder while his other hand was carrying both of our bags.

“I think I’m gonna vomit because of nervousness.” I looked at him with a shocked expression.

“Don’t be! And don’t puke on me! Cho Kyuhyun is not the type of person who gets dirt on him.” He pulled me closer to him.

“I know, I know. But if I remember clearly, you got dirt on you when you saved me from the pool in your house. You even cleaned me up and got yourself all wet and even sick.” I looked at him with a devious smile.

“Uhhh.” He was at loss for words. “That was an exception. The situation demanded it.” 

“So if I drown once more, you won’t save me?” I tested him.

“That’s different. If it’s you that we’re talking about, then my rule doesn’t imply anymore.” 

“You just admitted it. I think I can puke all over you right now and you won’t even get mad!” I jumped a little because of happiness.

“Okay fine.” He breathed. “When it comes to you, even if I’ll be drenched in blood, I wouldn’t care.” 

“Thanks, my sneaky Kyu.” I placed my arm around his waist.

“Anything for you, my cute little blushing precious Kim Ryeowook.” He said back.

“The nickname’s getting longer.” I commented.

“Let it be.” He shook his head with a smile. “Ready?”

I took a deep breath.

“Ready.”

We walked slowly towards the door of the house and I felt my heartbeat getting faster every step that I take. 

Kyuhyun knocked on the door and a dazzling woman with short hair, white dress and a gray cardigan welcomed us.

“Oh, Kyuhyun it’s you.” Kyuhyun’s mom hugged him for a flash and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Kyuhyun just smiled half-heartedly to his mother then she made way for us.

“Good morning, Mrs. Cho.” I greeted her.

“Good morning to you too, young man.” She gave me a warm smile.

Once I saw how the place looked inside, I immediately knew how rich Kyuhyun was. The windows were covered with white curtains that are lightly swaying due to the breeze from the ocean. The living room was filled with different paintings but there was one big picture of the Cho family hanging on the wall on top of the couch. The dining table was carved out of wood and the table was filled with breakfast food that delighted my eyes. The kitchen looked like it was taken out directly from a magazine. It was definitely a kitchen for someone who cooks a lot and the thought of me cooking food for Kyuhyun in that kitchen immediately popped into my head.

“Hey dad.” Kyuhyun just smiled to his father who descended the stairs.

“Kyuhyun, you arrived.” Mr. Cho gave him a quick hug and that was it.

“Good morning, Mr. Cho.” I also greeted him.

I don’t know why but I feel like there’s a different feel in the air when the three of them are placed in one room. I felt the need to go out of the house and stay outside until the three of them show me a happy aura emanating from them.

“Good morning to you too.” He smiled. “Is he the one you’re talking about?”

“Yeah, I told you I was bringing over someone, right?” Kyuhyun said in a tone that he never usually uses. It was more striking rather than welcoming.

“Yes you did! Come on, Kyuhyun. Introduce us properly.” His mom nodded and smiled.

I just looked at the both at them with a smile on my face that never left since I entered this house.

“Dad and mom, this is Kim Ryeowook. He’s a friend of mine that wanted to go to the beach so I decided to bring him here.” Kyuhyun said. 

Wait, hold on. Friend?!

“Is he your classmate?” His dad asked.

“Yeah. I sit next to him in class, too.” Kyuhyun explained.

“Oh, so you’re just a friend.” Her mom sighed happily. “I thought Kyuhyun was gonna bring over some random girl and introduce her to us as his girlfriend.” 

Mr. Cho and Mrs. Cho laughed. I joined them, trying to let out a laugh but all that came out was air and I couldn’t even smile properly anymore.

“I’m not a kid anymore. I can date whoever I want.” Kyuhyun protested.

“We know Kyuhyun, but you just can’t trust anyone these days. Especially that you are now a public figure! You might never distinguish a person’s love for you as a true one or just because she’s a fan of yours.” His mom explained.

I gulped. 

“What if I told you that I am dating a fan?” Kyuhyun looked at them with raised eyebrows.

“That’s not healthy. She might just be after you because of the fame or because she was infatuated with how gorgeous you are, son.” She patted him on the shoulder.

“I have a friend who is also a star that is currently dating a fan of his. That person happens to love him very much and his love for him as his fan totally vanished and it was replaced by true love.” Kyuhyun tried again.

Donghae and Hyukjae.

“Then tell that friend of yours to leave that person. You might never know one’s true intentions.” His mom sighed heavily. “Why are we even talking about this? Let’s eat breakfast first! Come Ryeowook, I bet you were tired because of the trip.” 

“Not at all! I really slept well on the way here.” I explained.

“Oh come on, join us.” His dad pointed at the seat next to Kyuhyun’s. To my surprise, he was already seated and he was eating. He didn’t even bother about me.

“If you insist!” I shyly said and slowly sat down, not minding the person beside me. 

“So Ryeowook, how did you become friends with Kyuhyun?” His mom asked as he passed me a plate.

“Oh, he’s seated next to me in class so I had no choice but to talk to him.” I said and his parents laughed. If only they know what happened at that time. I was really forced to deal with this guy.

“Tell us more about yourself! Like your hobbies or the activities you do.” His mom happily said.

“Oh, I am part of the school’s choir and I also like to play the piano.” I told them.

“Wow! I guess Kyu really found the right friend! You have so many things in common!” His mom was surprised.

Can someone please put a censor every time the word “friend” comes out? Seriously.

Talking with his parents a bit more, I couldn’t help but feel the warmness in them. If I wanted to leave a while ago, I definitely want to stay now. They are so courteous and very welcoming. From the time that we started eating, I was already having a good time but the silence of the man sitting right next to me disturbed me. His parents are so kind, what’s his problem? Why doesn’t he join in the conversation instead of just staring at the plate and pretend that he doesn’t care.

“Hey mom, can we go up already. I want to take a nap for a while then we’ll already head out.” Kyuhyun suddenly spoke.

“Sure son! You must be tired from all the driving. Your room is ready. The extra bed is already there.” She explained.

Oh, I’m sharing the same room with Kyuhyun? Things might not look good.

“Thanks.” Kyuhyun stood up, grabbed our bags and waited for me at the foot of the stairs.

“Thank you so much for the breakfast Mr. and Mrs. Cho! I had a great time talking with you!” I stood up and bowed in front of them.

“Glad you liked it. Hope you enjoy your stay, Ryeowook!” His mom said then Kyuhyun and I went up the stairs.

When we were out of sight from his parents, he immediately held my hand which I shrugged off. I’m not gonna play around with this scheme of his. I don’t like pretending and lying especially to his parents.

Kyuhyun opened the door to his room and we both entered it quietly without even looking at each other. I made my way towards the window and just silently gazed at the view. I don’t even care about his presence right now.

I heard him close the door and he slowly sat on the bed. 

“I’m sorry.” He took a deep breath.

“I thought they already knew.” I continued to look outside the window. I don’t know if he’s looking at my back or if his face is buried in his palms.

“Telling them is not easy. Didn’t you hear what they said?” He said softly.

“I did. If you knew they would react this way, you shouldn’t have even liked me in the first place.” Although it pains my heart, I don’t have any choice but to let it out.

“Don’t say that.” He just said.

“You’ll not only hurt your parents but you’ll also hurt me. Actually, I already feel hurt.” I admitted.

“I will tell them no matter what. Even if they won’t like it, I’ll still tell them.” He was determined.

“Don’t do it.” I immediately faced him when I heard the determination in his voice. “It will jeopardize the relationship you have with them.”

“What relationship? Didn’t you see how we acted towards each other a while ago?!” He reasoned out.

“I did but that’s because you also don’t make an effort! And that’s my point! If you already feel this way towards them, telling them about us will just worsen everything.” I replied.

“I don’t make an effort!? How dare you say that! They’re the ones who are not around! I just grew tired of waiting for them to come home! I thought you’re on my side!” He stood up.

“I am on your side! That’s why I am trying to make things better! Of course your relationship with your parents is more important than the relationship you have with me! Or should I say our relationship that ended the moment I set foot on this house?” My own words scarred my heart. 

His eyes widened at my statement. 

“Don’t you even dare say that!” I was scared by the seriousness of his voice. “Why do you make things hard for me!? Can’t you see that I am the middle man here!? If I make a choice, there’s no way of preventing for one side to be hurt! Do you see how hard it is for me!?”

“That’s why I’m making it easier for you! And you are not the middle man here, Kyu. Nobody’s a middle man because what we have is actually an extra and that’s me. If I was out of the picture, everything will be at place and nobody will get hurt.” I retorted back.

“Do you want to end things with me this bad!? You really want to put an end to this!?” His voice was getting louder.

“If it will make your relationship with your parents better then yes.” I stared at the floor. 

“I can’t believe this.” He snorted. 

“I— I—“ Before I knew it, he already stormed out of the door and I believe that he went out of the house too as I heard the loud banging of the door downstairs.

I looked out of the window and saw Kyuhyun running towards somewhere that he would only know. Where will he go? That, I can only ask myself and never get an answer. 

I lied down on the bed, stared at the ceiling and let my tears drown me. 
_____________________________________________________________________________________

He’s still not back. It’s been 2 hours since he left and since I started staring at the ceiling which I am still doing now. I am such a fool for hoping that he’ll come back soon. Worst case scenario, I would have to go home alone tomorrow.

I decided to stand up and go downstairs to help with Mrs. Cho to prepare lunch. It’s already 12 noon and I bet she’s already preparing lunch. I don’t want to be a burden in this house especially now that I don’t have a purpose for staying here.

When I got downstairs, I immediately went to the kitchen and saw Mrs. Cho chopping in one side of the kitchen and hurrying towards the stove to stir something. I quickly went to the sink to wash my hands and made my way to the chopping board to finish whatever she was doing.

“Oh Ryeowook! Go back upstairs! Don’t trouble yourself here! You’re our guest!” She insisted on taking the knife from my hand but I didn’t allow her.

“No, Mrs. Cho. It’s okay with me! Please let me help you! Besides, it’s really an honor to work in a kitchen like this. I really love cooking!” I happily said. I badly wanted to ask where Kyuhyun went but I just can’t say it out.

“You really like cooking!? It’s rare for men to take it as a hobby! Do you cook for your parents at home?” She asked. She finally let me do the work and she made her way back to the stove.

“Yes but most of the time my dad cooks for us.” I explained.

“I guess it runs in your family.” She said with delight.

“I guess so too!” I replied.

When we were already silent, I wanted to bring up a topic so there wouldn’t be any awkward silence but Mrs. Cho surprised me with her words.

“You’re not going to ask me where Kyuhyun went?” She continued with cooking without looking at me. 

Because of the shock it brought me, I accidentally slipped the knife on my finger which caused the knife to drop on the floor.

“Ouch!” I hurriedly ran towards the sink and left my finger under the running water.

Mrs. Cho panicked and immediately gave me a small towel to wipe the blood from my finger. She did the wiping herself.

After wiping it, she went out of the kitchen and came back with a first aid kit.

She carefully placed a medicine on my wound which made me flinch in pain but the silence between us was gone when she spoke once more.

“I know.” I never thought that two words can make me feel shocked.

“What are you talking about, Mrs. Cho?” I tried so hard to say.

“I am a mother, Ryeowook. Everything that’s happening to my son, I know. Even though he doesn’t share it.” She continued treating my wound. “The moment Kyuhyun introduced you as his friend, I saw your surprised expression. When he kept on debating with me about relationships, it totally gave it away. Your voices were also pretty loud upstairs. Besides, I watch television when my son is on. Isn’t he a sweetheart for admitting your relationship on public television?”

“I’m sorry, Mrs.Cho. I know how you feel about this. But we already ended things because Kyuhyun values his relationship with you.” I explained.

“So that’s why he stormed out of the house.” She nodded as she understood. “Kyuhyun values his relationship with us? Doesn’t he hate us?” 

“No! Absolutely not!” I lied.

“Remember, Ryeowook, I heard parts of your conversation a while ago and even before, I already know how he feels. No one can blame him. We are really bad parents.” I can hear the sadness in her voice.

“Don’t say that, Mrs.Cho. You are really working hard for the sake of Kyuhyun. I know he understands it.” I tried to comfort her.

“I hope he does. If he doesn’t, make him understand. You’re always beside him so I don’t have anything to worry about.” She smiled at me.

“Me? W-what are you—“ I stuttered.

“I’m saying that you should go after him right now and tell him that we love him dearly and that we welcome you to our family! Tell him that we send the both of you our best wishes even though this is not a marriage…..yet!” She laughed happily.

I just stared at her as I was stunned.

“Mrs. Cho, this is--- I--- can’t----“ I stammered.

“Just go!” She literally pushed me out of the kitchen and towards the door. “Just follow this street and you’ll find a small diner at the end of the street. I am positive that Kyuhyun is there. He’s always there.” 

Before I went out the door, I faced Mrs. Cho first.

“I don’t know how to thank you enough, Mrs. Cho! I am really thankful for your blessing! I will make sure to pass on every word you said to Kyuhyun!” I bowed down in front of her for multiple times and she just laughed.

“Go now before things get too late!” She said with a smile and with that I ran towards the diner with only one thing in my mind and that’s to claim my man.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

When I was near the diner, I slowed down my pace and wiped of the sweat from my face. I fixed my hair and took a deep breath. I started to walk normally and entered the shop. 

I looked for him immediately when I went in. I saw him by the counter of the diner and a girl was serving him a cup of coffee. At the back of Kyuhyun, a vacant table can be found and I made my there. Now, our backs are facing each other. He didn’t even notice that it was me who entered since he was so busy drinking his coffee. 

Suddenly Kyuhyun spoke.

“Can’t I just live a life with no bumps in the road!?” He almost shouted. Good thing there weren’t many people in the diner.

“Why? Problem with your boyfriend?” I heard the voice of the girl who served him coffee.

“How’d you know?” He asked.

“I just figured. Nice public confession though. Your boyfriend is cute.” She said coolly.

“How did you know my boyfriend is cute!?” Kyuhyun was alarmed.

“Because his pictures are flooding the internet? Duh, you should’ve expected that.” She said smugly.

“Oh, right.” Kyuhyun just said. “Oh and please don’t call him cute. I’m the only one who can say that.”

Typical Kyuhyun. But wait, my face is all over the internet!? What pictures!? Do I look good there?

“Sure. Do you want to hang out later and just forget your problem with the cute dude?” I was taken aback with the girl’s question.

I couldn’t help but look behind me and glare at the girl who was surprised to see me. I hope she gets what my death glare meant which was HANDS OFF OF MY MAN.

“Or maybe not. Dude, you and your boyfriend have a happy life. By the way, your boyfriend is cute but he’s one scary good looking guy.” The girl left Kyuhyun and went somewhere else.

“What the—“ He stopped. “I told her not to call him cute!” 

I tried to battle my giggling but I lost. I am positive that Kyuhyun heard it. 

“Ryeowook!?” I heard Kyuhyun’s surprised voice.
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This might be the second to the last chapter :) I will try to finish with the next chapter soon and see if chapter 26 is still possible or not :) At this point, I want to start thanking everyone who allotted their time for reading this not-so-awesome fic of mine :) I want to create more KyuWook fics that are better than this! :D And so, I will challenge myself in my next fic :D

THE SYNOPSIS FOR MY NEXT FIC!: http://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/27864

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE! :D Please leave comments! :D