Transferred story #2. Who Says Kai Is Cold? (Kai/ OC) 160323 - 160904

Description

Kai always acts cold toward everyone... says everyone.

But why... do I only see the otherwise?!

Foreword

thank you to ℬø ℬø ℬø Å∂♥ℯятїṧ℮мℯᾔтs for advertising this fanfic! (50 posts)

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(okay why the hell do i still keep writing at this point lmao)

Visit my other stories | EXO stories | Kai stories | Minah stories

1. oblivious to the obvious

"Thanks." I muttered timidly as Kai, the school's relatively famous boy took my heavy schoolbag off my back... again. In response, he just nodded with his warm, friendly eyes. Although it was the nth time I had seen those eyes, I couldn't help but look away.

I could feel the jealous gazes from the surrounding girls toward me. And even if it had been happneing so regularly, I couldn't help but shudder. I felt guilty even though I didn't do anything wrong. I felt guilty because I knew those girls would kill to be in my place. To be treated the same by Kai.

"He even helped me clean our class room when I was late for school yesterday. He's such a nice guy." I kept rambling with my best friend, Yujin while walking along side with her to our classroom.

"So, do you like him back?" Yujin placed her school bag absently to her seat and turned to me, though I felt like she was unattentive to what I was saying. "Everyone knows Kai has an eye on you, Minah. So can you just stop playing hard to get and begin your sugary love story between you and Kai, like right now?"

Yujin was too loud. In fact, Kai seemed to have heard what she said. I looked at him at the corner of the classroom to check his reaction. Immediately, he glanced at me. Before I could decipher whatever expression he had on his face, I turned away and focus on Yujin again.

"Psst! Kai heard you!" I hissed at my best friend, slapping her arm.

"So what? The way he treats you differently from us says it all. He has a crush on you, Minah. He's showing it, so of course he wants you to know." Yujin kept on her loud mouth. I knew she was frustrated that I brought up about Kai so frequently lately, but I still wanted to kick her for being so loud. 

I couldn't help but hide my face with my palms. I was blushing like crazy. Was Kai still hearing? Did he agree with Yujin's comment about him? Did he really like me in that way? Oh my god, I just don't know anymore...

"Yujin, stop!" I begged her although she didn't go any further.

"But you have to be careful, Minah. Don't give in just because he acts so nice to you." Yujin turned serious all of a sudden. She didn't talk so loudly anymore. Instead, she was whispering into my ear.

"Why?" I slid two fingers out to meet Yujin's face. She only sighed, looking sympathetic at me. I only grimaced at her, knowing that I lacked understanding about yet another subject. Come to think about it, I felt so incompetent because I was so bad at everything...

I neglected my study, I was clumsy, I always seeked help and advice. The only thing I felt good about was drawing, and I knew it was not a valuable talent either. I knew my father was unpleasant about my career choice, but he was open to everything and encouraged me.

"Tsk. Don't you think it's a bit odd? We have been classmates for so many years. But only recently does he starts to treat you like this? And you didn't do anything to him as you have said to me. Right? There must be something fishy about this." Yujin explained, protruding her lips and made a contemplating face. I listened to every word from her, also thinking about it.

"You are right..."

"Or have you done something to him but you didn't tell me?" Yujin looked at me, obviously suspicious.

"Yes, I do actually. Um..." I glanced at Yujin nervously. She looked clearly annoyed. "I don't know how I can remember this. But it was when we were fourteen, which was..."

"Four years ago." Yujin added.

"Right. At that time, Kai kicked a ball and it landed on my face full force. I bled so my nose so much and had to go to the infirmary afterwards." Somehow before I could even finish my sentence, Yujin's lit up expression disappearred into an amused one. "What's with your reaction?"

"Minah!" Yujin exclaimed as she burst out laughing. "You are so cute! That can't be called a moment!"

"Speaking of which, have you drawn my idol?" Yujin's eyes were glowing. Oh my god... who did she ask me to draw again?

Oh!

"Btob Sungjae! Alright, I'll draw him tonight, don't worry. But I will have to finish my English homework in the afternoon, oh gosh, I hate library."

I reassured her, but it didn't seem to work. She activated her panic mode over her idols again.

"Okay! Whatever, if you don't finish it tomorrow, then we are done being besties alright? And oh don't draw actor Seo Inguk as I told you they are completely different alright! There are only two days left until his birthday so I don't wanna miss my sweet pie's birthday or else..."

I rolled my eyes as she was now the one who kept rambling things. When will the bell ring, please?

The school library sure had a lot of books, and thus I always have to find what I want to read with struggle. Blame me for not being a regular reader.

I was searching for the English bookshelf, and there it was! But I just couldn't reach the English book I wanted since it was too high for my reach.

I had to tiptoe and jump, even. It was embarrassing to do it, so I got nervous and the last thing I could remember, I ended up getting hit by a bunch of books and fell on my b.u.t.t.

It was hurt, but I got up immediately to not look like a loser. Some students even sent me annoyed stares for being noisy in the library. I was always this clumsy. Without Yujin, I felt weak.

Right when I stood up with some books on my hands, someone took them away from me. When I looked up, it was none other than Kai! What was he doing here?

He took the rest of the books lying on the floor and placed them neatly on the shelf again. Thanks to him, the daring tears in my eyes completely disappeared, although I still felt the pain on my forehead. It seems like it didn't bleed but it left a bruise.

I bowed at him as a thank since I just felt too shy to murmur a word. He just nodded warmly at me (again!) while his eyes are tracing my forehead.

"Are you alright?" This was the very first time he asked me something. It made me blush. The schoolgirls seemed to be focusing on him now, too.

"I'm okay," I answered weakly, I couldn't even look him in the eyes.

"Which book are you searching for?" Kai's tone was so soft with his low voice that almost made me forget what he was asking.

I mumbled the book's title while standing my back against him. I had never been this close to him before. Therefore I felt nervous.

He helped me pick up the book. "Give me the book when you are done reading, okay? I'll be sticking around for awhile."

I nid-nodded like a clumsy girl (I am a clumsy girl) until he left with his book. Now that I mention it, he was the school's top students, the opposite to me.

He was so sweet. And the girls looked envious of us.

I guess Kai was a sweet boy only to me. Now thinking of it, he was in the same class with me for one year already, but now I only started to notice him. But did he act cold toward everyone else, as Yujin informed me before?

But why me? Did I do something to make him like me?

Or did he like me or not? But if he didn't, he wouldn't act sweetly to me, right? So he did like me!

But why?

And when will I finish this homework?!

A/N: In this fiction, there is no EXO, but there is BTOB as well as actor Seo Inguk, hehe.

Watch Beautiful Gong Shim to see why I gave Minah the talent of drawing ^^

For Minah's best friend, Yujin I have come up with a portrayer. It's Linzy from Fiestar! I really like her. She's petite, tall, and is a vocalist too! Here are some pictures of her. Check out Fiestar's Mirror and You're Pitiful and Hello if you haven't, gosh those songs are outstanding I can't OTL.

2. the plan

I went home after having done the homework. Gosh, it looks like I hadn't been studying for ages! My back hurt like an old lady and the books falling accident earlier was of no help.

I was so excited to see dad's car parking in the house yard. It boosted my walking speed without effort!

First thing I greeted the maids. They looked welcoming as usual. But no one is as warm as Mrs. Lee, a middle-aged woman who always seems enthusiastically positive about everything in life, even though I heard from dad that Mrs. Lee had to do this job because of her irresponsible husband...

"Princess, what happened at school?" Mrs. Lee asked worriedly, looking at my face. I guess I showed complete tiredness.

"I was doing homework, that's all, Mrs. Lee," I reassured her with my grin. She seemed convinced, so I excused myself and went inside to greet my dad. As expected, he was in his working room again.

"Princess!" Dad welcomed me in a long, endearing embrace. I never got fed up with these. I could enjoy his company all day. It's just sad that he wasn't at home almost all the time.

"Daddy! I so missed you these days." I got too emotional as my eyes watered up. I was so happy.

"I missed you too Princess." He patted my back which seemed he knew I was daring to cry again.

"Dad, today some books hit me badly. Look at this." I rolled up my sleeve to show a tiny bruise, and I moved the bangs aside my forehead so he could see another injury. Dad was always caring to me, if not saying he's overprotective at times. But I found myself continually wanting all those loving affections he gave me. And the bruises weren't that serious.

I was greeted firstly by none other than Kai. The weird, out of nowhere encounters with him had been so often that now I found it a usual daily basis. 

... Although he didn't talk that much to me.

"Um... Jongin." I began first after we both said hi to each other.

"Yes?" Kai answered, his eyes contacting mine. Gosh, his gaze was so deep I thought I was going to fall for it.

"I want to know-"

"If you like a Daddy's girl like me!" An annoying childish tone voice came from behind me, and there was no doubt it was Kim Jongdae.

I glared dead eyes at him despite knowing it wouldn't work. Kim Jongdae, not now!

To my surprise, Kai dragged me away from Jongdae and his playful tongue-out. I huffed at him for the last time before I paid full attention to what's going on.

The room we were standing at was rather a large, dirty room, with old equipment and broken tables or chairs lying messily in the corners.

There was no one other than us.

And it's awkward... he was still holding my hands, which, together with my cheeks, started getting too hot already.

I had never held a boy's hand before. Well, excluding my dad, and Kim Jongdae - the previous bastard who led us to this!

I bet he felt the heat from my hand. Therefore he released it. His eyes magically told me to continue with what I tried to say before.

I quickly stepped back to Kai's surprise.

He looked at me with his magical eyes again.

"Sorry, Jongin... I don't feel comfortable with us alone in here." I confessed while quivering due to worries. It's true; I would never know if Kai was a good person or not because he was still just a stranger to me. And dad would kill him if he found out about this.

"I must have scared you," Kai stated understandingly although I just thought he still didn't get me. "So tell me what you tried to say."

"I understand your doings, Jongin but let's just go out of here, okay? I will tell you later..." I still felt unsafe. Sorry, Kai.

Kai nodded with what looked like a smirk on his face. Oh god, he's getting on my nerves.

"You look like a bad guy." I couldn't stop myself from blurting things out of my mouth. Although that was indeed what I thought of him, an aloof boy who suddenly acted nice to me. What else could he be?

Kai burst out laughing. What now? This was the first time I saw him laugh out loud. Okay, he was a bad guy for sure.

"You are frank, aren't you?" Kai left out the last chuckle before following my steps.

I turned to the door and opened it. But since I got too close, the dust hit my nose to the point I had to sneeze.

I covered my face and had my eyes squinted ad I got out of the room.

"So the nickname earlier didn't come out for no reason, huh?" Kai started. And was he teasing me? It was just natural I sneezed and who in the world love dust?

"Don't mention that nickname, please. I hate nicknames." It was more like talking to myself since I only mumbled, but I guess it was enough for him to listen.

"Oh... That's why you only call me Jongin."

"Yes. And to be honest I think Kai is too fancy of a nickname to call someone like you," I started to get mad. Kai was really on my radar. I should be careful.

"I like it though. A close friend gave it to me."

"Sorry... I thought you made that name up." Gosh, be careful of my mouth first!

Kai just shook his head but said nothing. Seriously, now I didn't feel guilty anymore.

"Oh my god! This is amazing!" Yujin squealed like a dolphin seeing my drawing of Sungjae, the idol. "Thank you thank you thank you!" She continued showering me with praises and hugs and kisses (on the cheeks).

"What can I do for you in return, my dear BFF?"

It was so ironic just yesterday she complained me about not being street smart. Hum... street smart...?

"Last time you bought me a perfect paint brush online..." Yujin nodded enthusiastically while still cherishing the drawing. "Now I want you to do me a favor."

"What is it? Minah, I can do anything for you. For SUNGJAE OPPA!" Yujin, you giggling monster...

I brought my mouth near her ear and whispered. "Ask Jongin if he likes me."

Yujin's expression turned sore and miserable and annoyed. What now?

"This is ridiculous."

I had no choice, then. I snatched the drawing back to my hands and daring my pen on it.

"Don't you dare. Bang. Min. Ah."

"This is ridiculous." Yujin groaned as she got back to her seat next to mine after talking something with Kang Minah - a reserved classmate. "But I handled it just fine, girl."

"What is your plan?" I smelt something fishy.

"Since asking directly is just a bad idea, I asked Minah to help us with this new plan." She winked at me.

During the English class, Yujin was not paying attention to the lesson at all. She was writing something on a beautiful colored paper. Sometimes she sent me winks and smirks and all, so I craned my neck to see what she was writing,

If only the teacher didn't call me out.

"Miss Bang, let's hear what your answer is to this question."

"It's... true, teacher!" I heard some giggle and open laughs from the classmates, especially Kim Jongdae with his piercing voice. What's going on?

"We are already done the true or false task. Stand there until the class is over."

Urgh!

Hello, Jongin. This is Minah. I have something to tell you. It's about my true feelings for you. Just be there on the school rooftop, 10 a.m, would be a helpful answer that you too, have an affection for me.

See you later, classmate.

"What!!?" I yelled after reading what she was writing during the whole English class. "Really? I told you to do this?"

"Don't be a dummy, Minah." Yujin patted my shoulder, she got near me and whispered so that only us could hear. "If he shows up, it obviously means he likes you. His classmates named Minah are two people, so he won't know who wrote this to him. It hides your identity. Understand?"

"What did you tell the other Minah about?"

"She will be the one who shows up. You just wait." She winked mysteriously again. Ugh. What is her plan, exactly?

"Oh." Yujin was taken aback while looking at the love letter. "What's this?"

I just grinned at her. She shook her head dismissively but didn't talk about it more. We secretly put it in Kai's locker.

"Okay, done! Now you only have to wait." Yujin said as she left me in the classroom to go somewhere and deliver her present to BTOB's Sungjae.

Kai opened his locker and pulled out a lot of... love letters? Was he that popular? Wow... Unbelievable.

He passed over from letter to letter, he just read the names and put them aside without reading what's inside. Oh god, this lousy bad guy...

Until he stopped at the letter. The one I drew a 3D flower on.

Heart pounding. Don't know why.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I credit the chapter image to the respected owner. That drawing is so awesome √

3. the deal

I was satisfied when he opened the letter to see what's inside. So maybe this guy did like me?

But when I saw his unreadable expression, I gave up. What was he thinking, this mysterious guy...? All I had to do now was wait.

I ran fast to the rooftop after the bell rang its last class. It was so breath-taking that I had to run back to class just because I forgot my phone. Oh god!

When I got there, I saw Kai standing opposite to Kang Minah. I hid behind the door. Sneak peek.

Kai looked like an arrogant jerk who put his hands in his pockets and his poker face shown all the time. Meanwhile, Kang Minah looked like a turtle who would probably faint anytime, like her usual self.

They probably had been talking for a while. If only I had been on time to hear what happened... because Kai was leaving! But Kang Minah pulled him back with her hand. She still couldn't look him in the face. Why was this girl so coward? Look up girl; you shouldn't be that unconfident!

"C-Can you tell me why you are acting like this? You have come all the way here..."

Kai hesitantly turned back to face her. "You should've written your last name, too." Wow. Wasn't that subtle for 'I was expecting other Minah?'

"You... you like... Bang Minah?" Kang Minah's weak voice could even brake this time. Her voice sounded like she was agitated to hear those words Kai said.

"Why do you girls always take love so easily like this?" Kai pulled her hand away heartlessly before leaving for real.

Before I could even process what I just heard, I ran downstairs as fast as I could.

I waited for Kang Minah outside the school gate... with Kim Jongdae.

"You know what Jongdae, you can go ahead; I can catch a bus later," I said as I saw Jongdae looking bored even with his headphones on.

"What? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" He heard me for sure. Jongdae was good at playing around with me. Of course, I always hated it, so I gave him a kick in the shin. He had to scream for that. Ha.

"Don't interfere your nose in our business, okay? Kang Minah and I have something private to discuss."

Jongdae swung his head side to side as if he was listening intently to some genius music. God darn it. I want to smack your head so much, Kim Jongdae.

It was some minutes later that I saw Kai going towards us. He gave me a friendly smile as he passed me. I just nodded uninterestedly at him. He deserved it. He didn't like me. That's for sure. But he wouldn't be my friend for acting nice towards me so fakely like this. I knew it's fake. I just knew. His actions and gestures to me were so out of character.

"Wow, Kai just grinned at you, did you see?" Jongdae said in bewilderment.

"Yeah, whatever." I dropped the topic, but Jongdae didn't look like he would do the same.

"Look who is falling in love!" Jongdae and his childish side, my god.

He kept on ranting stuff about Kai and me despite all the kicks I gave him. Thank god he stopped his childish act when Kang Minah appeared.

"Kang Minah, I want to talk," I called her out, she came towards me and let me speak. Now that I noticed, he was wearing a thin make-up cover, her lips slightly red and glossy. Wow, she was trying to make an impression on Kai. I should do it to my love interest in the future.

"Thank you for the things you did for me earlier. Thanks to you, now I know Kai doesn't like me. And I'm sorry for making you meet that cold bastard." I smiled at her. She smiled back. Wait, what?

"I'm okay. At least he doesn't like you... I mean..." Kang Minah started stuttering again... "Anyways, please fulfill the deal you agreed to do for me as soon as possible. See you later, Bang Minah." She nodded at me without looking at me then she just left without hearing me.

What deal?

"Oh, poor Minah who isn't liked back." Jongdae sticks his tongue out with his annoying face. I just snapped his head and pushed him out of his bike.

"Daddy's girl got mad!! Are you going to report me to your dad again?"

"I don't report. I never did!" I retorted, but he didn't seem to stop soon, so I just let him go on with his non-stop soliloquy. I swore I could push him off the ground if his foot were fine.

"What are you doing? Hey, you're stealing my bike or something? I'm stronger than you, silly!" Jongdae fakely panicked as I sat on the bike's front seat.

"Sit behind me." I sounded like commanding. I don't deny it.

"What?" Jongdae seemed confused. I sighed, feeling irritated that Jongdae never seemed to reckon my kindness.

"Just sit behind. Hurry."

Jongdae made a surprised sound but obeyed my orders anyway. "What now, Daddy's girl? You seem too nice, do you want something from me?"

I groaned because it was either his weight or his attitude. "Just after today, Kim Jongdae. You have rested at home for one week already."

His injury in the foot might have recovered entirely but I just wanted to make sure. Besides, he had to ride me every time so it wouldn't hurt if I gave him a ride today.

Jongdae kept quiet after that. That's odd, but I took it as a pleasant thing. He was quiet, the talkative Jongdae. Sometimes along our way home, he would put his feet beside mine on the pedals to make the bicycle faster. We enjoyed the quiet atmosphere until we arrived at my house.

I left the seat and waved him goodbye, but that was after Jongdae rubbed his hand on my head. At first, I thought he was smiling warmly at me but after what seemed like a glimpse of second his tongue came out his mouth. Welcome back, annoying mode.

"Come back here, Kim Jongdae!!"

"What's the deal, Yujin? Why didn't you tell me about it earlier?" I bickered, but Yujin sounded calm.

"Sorry I forgot Minah. But it's not a big deal at all. Kang Minah just wants a drawing of Kai. That's all. I think she has a cr-"

"Oh my gosh! You repeat it!" I yelled out loud since there wouldn't be anyone who could hear me. The walls were soundproofed.

"You almost made my ears deaf! Seriously."

"What am I going to do? Drawing someone isn't that easy like drawing your idol, Yujin." I lowered my voice, but there was still anger in it.

"Is that so?" Yujin was quiet for a moment. "How about you go take a photo of Kai? That would be easy then!"

"Oh yeah? You go take it!" I turned the phone off and threw it on the bed. Yujin you!!!

How could Yujin give me such a burden? Why did I agree with her crazy plan anyway? The plan failed its attempt to find out Kai's real intention to approach me. Despite the fact, I still had to do something so time-consuming for Kang Minah. And curse you, Yujin.

"Minah!" Yujin called behind as we were walking along to the classroom in the afternoon.

I looked back to see her phone screen right inches in front of my face. When I took a step back and saw what it was, I quickly snatched her phone. It was Kai's photo.

Jongdae held tight to my wrist, making it impossible to dodge. "Oh. Someone's stalking pictures of their crush." He looked at me meaningfully before leaving us to his football friends.

I just rolled my eyes and took a closer look at the photo. In it, Kai looked...

So blank.

"What a bad photo you took." I shook my head hopelessly at Yujin. She looked upset at my comment.

"I think it's fine enough. Don't you think he still looks good in it?" Yujin had a point. Kai did look handsome and such. But his expression was like...

I can't even put it into words. Was he always like that? Hadn't he smiled sincerely for just a moment? Is he always that cold? The more I thought about him, the more I doubt his smiles for me were genuine.

What was I thinking? Gosh. Was I expecting something from him? That's not good, Minah. Pull yourself together.

But I won't dig further. I'm okay with this photo. I don't want to make a fuss about it anymore.

"Minah, why are you staring at it for so long?" Yujin asked, snapping me back to reality. I was overthinking.

"Oh no, this photo will do good." I clicked to send the photo to my phone. When I checked my phone to ensure, Yujin gulped.

"What is it?" I looked behind as Yujin's eyes were trailing. Kai was right behind me! He probably saw the photo although I hid the phones immediately.

He greeted me again with his smile. Was it a genuine one?

"Good morning. Let me help you with your bag." Kai told me as his eyes fixed on me. Curiosity filled his eyes when he saw Jongdae's bag hanged on my shoulder.

"Oh no no, I can carry them. The class is nearby, by the way." I stuttered and bowed slightly to form a goodbye. I didn't pay attention to what Kai's reaction was. What would he think by the way?

Drawing him took so long, I might have distracted myself a lot with thinking about Kai and his personality. But thank goodness it was completed at the end of the day.

A/N: I might have fallen for my character T_T Guess who I'm falling for ;)

Guys! Are you reading it cause I feel like no one is :( Please tell if I'm doing great, good, bad or just plain terrible! I might get offended, but that's the only way for me to know what my writing lacks!

Okay by the way here's Kang Minah's portrayer! She's the actress Kang Minah FYI. She's very pretty. She acted in Seonam Girls High School Investigators with Girl's Day's maknae Hyeri!

4. bear costume

I was drawing dad in my sketchbook while the class president announced something about the class’ end of the year trip to a campsite. There were more than three weeks left until the day came, but it looked like some problems came up. Her face looked serious.

“Alright, as I said before this is our last trip together, maybe our last chance to hang out before we graduate. Therefore, some particular person, please give me the necessary money so I can reserve the place as planned.” Her eyes trailed to the person sitting in the corner of the room – Kai.

He wasn’t interested in the topic in my opinion. The expressionless face of his sure made everyone annoyed. He didn’t even give a plain explanation on why he hadn’t handed the class president a tiny bit of expenses for the trip. He was too distant to us that’s why I didn’t feel like he was an actual member of our class…

I noticed Kyungsoo – his friend was elbowing him to say something. But as I expected, Kai gave a shake in the head as a reply. What was the matter with him?

“What’s the matter with him? He’s playing hard to get?” Some of the boys complained loudly so that Kai could hear. The girls didn’t give a bold reaction, but they tried to convince Kai to go.

Was it because he had no money?

I doubt it. He might be just playing hard to get.

“Hey.” I started as Kai was walking along with me. Yujin wasn’t around, and I wondered whether she headed off to her K-pop club.

“Hey.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” Kai said as he nodded at Kyungsoo, who was walking away from us, with a meaningful stare. I didn’t get what it meant, but I shrugged it off.

“Why can’t you just give the class president the expenses? It’s not that big amount of money, though.” I blurted what I was thinking the whole morning.

In a short moment, Kai spared me an unreadable face. But then he smiled lightly.

“Can I say that I don’t like parties?”

“Who doesn’t? Wow. I don’t get it. It would be fun. And besides, it’s our last time, Jongin. I think you should experience it once in a lifetime.” I convinced him. Well, not like I wanted him to come along. He might think about it like that. “Don’t misunderstand me; I just don’t want the class to have a burden, you.”

“What are you saying?” Kai chuckled, and his expressions looked more real and lively. I would have welcomed it, but he was probably teasing me again.

“Daddy’s girl!” Jongdae suddenly made an appearance out of nowhere. He pulled me away from Kai abruptly. I tried to stop his act, but he was too strong for my limits.

“What are you doing?” I yanked my wrist off his hand when we were out of Kai’s sight.

“Why are you talking to Kai? You two even smiled at each other.”

“Are you my mom?” I rolled my eyes before taking his bicycle out and sit on it.

“Don’t hang out with him. He’s a playboy. I knew it from the very first time I saw his serious face.” He pushed me out of the bike and signaled me to take the seat behind. “My foot healed by the way.”

I laughed at Jongdae’s statement on Kai’s face. Well, his face sure was something to concern about, but it’s not dangerous.

“Hey.”

“Huh?” I asked.

“Want to come to the amusement park near here with Susu?”

“Oh, I haven’t gone out with her for a while. This will be fun.” I squealed at the idea of hanging out with her. Susu was Jongdae’s little sister, but her personalities were far more lovable.

“Nice! Meet her at the front gate of the park this afternoon then.”

“Oh no. I have Math classes this afternoon.”

“Just drop it. You won’t get more points with going to classes regularly.” Jongdae sarcastically pointed out. He was right, but I hated how he put it.

“Don’t tease on my studies.” I huffed. Jongdae just abruptly dropped the topic by whistling some song. He must like singing a lot beside football.

I arrived at the amusement park on time. Susu was standing with Jongdae, waiting for me. They hadn’t seen me yet. I called out to them as I walked closer. Jongdae was first to recognize me.

“Why are you here Jongdae? I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“Are you dumb? Do I just leave her here alone?” He pointed at Susu. Well, I thought ten-year-olds weren’t that ready to go by themselves yet.

“I got it. Don’t call me dumb.” I grumbled at him. My cheeks felt hot because of embarrassment.

“Let’s go, sister, brother! I can’t wait anymore!” Susu exclaimed. Her face didn’t look good. She was holding her stomach too. Oh, I got it.

“Let’s go, Susu. And you, you can leave us. I’ll bring her home before five.” I waved Jongdae goodbye, but he stuck his tongue out again. What was it this time?

“I’ll tag along. I can’t trust some dummy like you to watch over my sister.”

I smashed his head. “You tricked me!”                                                                       

Susu was just grinning meaningfully to Jongdae who adverted his gaze somewhere else although I didn’t understand what the deal between them was.

We went along after bickering non-stop. It’s not the first time I got fooled by his invitations to hang out with ‘only’ Susu.

The amusement park was holding some festive event as everything was decorated colorfully. The preparation must have taken long because Jongdae informed me just now that the park had to close for two days. I even noticed a drawing area wherein you could draw someone and vice versa. I was enjoying the place while Jongdae and Susu seemed annoyed as they had to wait for me. They should have gone somewhere else to play on their own; I wouldn’t get lost anyway.

“Hey, come here!” I called Jongdae to sit on a chair so that I would draw him. I had never drawn him before, so this would be an opportunity.

Jongdae seemed to like the idea, too. He came to sit stiffly while his eyes were looking at Susu’s direction. Aw… He still took good care of Susu.

“You must be honored to draw me you know.” He started.

“Shut up.” I groaned.

Drawing Jongdae wasn’t that hard since his face was exceptional compared with anyone else’s. Or it’s because I saw him almost every day since childhood, so I found no difficulties in drawing him. However, it was hard to draw his facial expression since he kept looking… annoyed?

“Are you annoyed?”

“It’s because you keep staring at me…” He deadpanned.

I rolled my eyes. What a reason.

“Just wait a bit more, Susu. I’m almost done.” I reassured Susu. But when I looked around, Susu was nowhere to be found!

I immediately stood up in shock. Jongdae was seconds late to realize that Susu went missing. We didn’t say a word as we began searching for her.

I chose to search for her around the nearest restroom since she was whining and rubbing her stomach earlier. My choice proved right because I easily spotted her… with a person in bear costume.

The head of the bear was carried on his side so I could see his face. I could recognize him without effort.

A/N: I know this chapter is bland and boring. Hope you didn't fall asleep for this lol.

5. hairpin

He was indeed Kim Jongin! What was he doing here? Why was he wearing that costume?

I walked to Susu and called her name. She looked at me and waved enthusiastically while I expected a surprised Kai who dropped his jaw upon seeing me.

“Care to explain?” I said while reaching Susu’s hand. Kai knew he was being asked but he looked elsewhere.

“Please don’t say this to anyone.” Kai sounded pleading. I guessed it was something he would never want to be exposed.

“I can’t believe you work for the park this whole time while you should be in class or something.” He handled his studies nonetheless. This guy was no joke. But more than that, I felt pity for him since he must be penniless. That’s probably why he wouldn’t likely attend the class trip.

Kai just shrugged it off. “Please don’t tell anyone, even your housemaids.” Kai seemed to press on the latter sentence.

“It’s not like my housemaids would spread the news in school.”

“You don’t get it.” He just shook his head. “Just, please… Don’t tell anyone.”

“Alright, don’t get serious. I was just kidding.” Kai looked odd. Usually, he wasn’t this eager. He might want to hide this from people.

He nodded at me then he settled the bear’s head on his. The costumes just helped make him look bigger and taller. I guess this bear was the tallest among all, well except for a giraffe over there.

To my inconvenience, Susu wanted to tag Kai along so badly either of us was able to withdraw her will. She said she liked him so much because when she mistook the restroom with the staff room, Kai was the one who helped her out.

She was holding Kai’s hand the hold time. I guess he’s with us now. And that didn’t feel comfortable at all.

It was minutes later when we found Jongdae in the roller coaster area. He looked so worried I thought in a short moment, I adored his brotherly side.

I patted his back once we came near him. He looked so happy and relieved to see his sister come back. He even hugged me and thanked me for finding her out.

“Don’t say that Jongdae,” I stated. “It was my fault I made you let loose on your sister’s hand.

“I wasn’t looking over her. It’s not your fault.” I always ended up getting soft for his sincere and gentle side. But I wondered what he was thinking during that time when his gaze was fixed on Susu all the time? Was he busying thinking something too deeply he forgot his sister?

“Who’s this? Why are you holding his hand Susu?” Jongdae eyed the bear suspiciously.

“Please let him play with us for today.” Susu was so cute. No way I would refuse that pouty face. And so would Jongdae.

“Whatever.” Jongdae dropped the topic after eyeing Kai with his piercing gaze like he was some abductor or worse. Don’t be so overprotective Jongdae. You know who took responsibility for letting loose Susu… well along with me.

“Let’s play this!” Susu suddenly squealed, and her index finger was pointing directly toward the most horrible thing in life – a roller coaster.

“Sounds like fun!” Like brother like sister, Jongdae was just as excited. Fun though it could be, I just couldn’t give it a second try. Last time when I went with daddy, I almost throw up.

After a while, Jongdae came back with three tickets.

What? Why three?

“Let’s go Minah!” Susu persuaded me to go.

“Jongdae you know I’m not good at this stuff!” I whined at him, but his jerky smirk showed no sympathy.

“Sorry, Susu but I’ll wait down here with Jong-“

Oops.

“With the bear uncle.”

“But I want to go with you, too!” Susu pleaded. It wasn’t the first time she begged me, but every time she did this, my anxiety always got over my head.

“Or you want to stay here and flirt with this bear?” Jongdae eyed Kai suspiciously again although this time the gaze was in a joking manner. Of course, he might have noticed me staring at Kai several times. I’m not good at pretending or lying. Jongdae knew me so well.

“No! Why are you noticing every detail about me?” I quickly snapped, and Jongdae didn’t answer. Ha! You nosy guy.

Alright, for Kai’s identity protection, I’ll go. It’s going to be fun anyhow, is it?

Hell no it wasn’t! I started getting disturbing butterflies in my abdomen the moment I stepped on and sit on it. I grabbed Jongdae’s hand and held on it stubbornly although I knew he would call me a coward or try to get rid of my hands.

“You are scared?” I was closing my eyes, but I could hear Jongdae’s chuckle. He must be amused to see me in a bad situation. However, he didn’t move his hand away. “Why are you sitting in between? It must be Susu though.”

“Susu, you know I’m scared of this right? Don’t complain or I’ll get off.” I didn’t care what I looked like. Even when Kai, someone I had guts for, was around, I could never stay cool. The only thing that mattered now…

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” I screamed during the whole ride. My scream was always high-pitched naturally, but I couldn’t help it. Sorry, Jongdae and Susu’s ears.

The roller coaster stopped its speed after what seemed like an hour. When we got off, I could feel my stomach roaring. I felt so sick.

It was not until I felt soft fabric behind my back that I realized I almost fell back due to nausea and dizziness. Thanks to Kai…

The thing was I couldn’t move a bit for a while. My feet felt numb, so I had had Kai supported. He was holding my sides gently but steadily enough. His figure covered my back comfortably. It was then that I felt his impressive height.

Jongdae was so annoyed he pulled me away from Kai.

“What do you think you are doing? You are back-hugging a stranger!” Jongdae hissed.

“Oh… So that was back-hug…” I said quietly as Kai seemed to be observing me. Or did he not? I could never tell. My face was heating up at the thought. I just got back-hugged! I didn’t know how but my dizziness had gone!

“Seriously, you’re so dumb! Why are you getting flustered? You liked it didn’t you!” Jongdae scratched his head furiously while Susu burst out laughing. I didn’t know the reason why she laughed at us, but I laughed along. Seeing Jongdae being ‘overprotective’ for me always got me grinning anyways.

“Minah, your hair is all messed up!” Susu reminded me when we were heading to an ice cream truck.

“Oh, thank you.” I patted her head thankfully then fixed my hair up. It was then that I realized I lost it!

“The hairpin! It’s gone!” I exclaimed worriedly as I tried to search all over my head. But as expected, nothing was on my hair!

“You lost your hair pin? How the hell?” Jongdae smiled mockingly at me, but I had no time to fight with him. Jongdae stopped smirking when he knew I was serious.

I looked around and was tracked the way we were walking, but I suddenly remembered…

Oh no. It might have flown away due to the intense blowing wind we experienced on that roller coaster!

I walked back sadly. I just noticed Kai was walking with me and he was looking for my hairpin, too.

“Thanks for the help.” I eyed him through the bear's eyes.

Kai just shrugged with his shoulders. I wondered what he was thinking.

“I guess you’re not interested, but the hairpin means a lot to me. It was given to me by my mom. The last present I got from her, the only physical memory with my mom. It’s more than ten years old so it might have got loosen. I guess I was too careless.”

The bear shook its head continuously. Its hand reached out to my shoulder and patted it slowly. My face was probably sulking a lot.

He even made signs for me to stop crying. He brought the fists in front of the bear's cheeks and moving up and down with the wrists still. Then he made a cross in front of his chest. I didn’t know Kai would act that cute.

“You’re reassuring me? Thank you.” I rubbed my eyes to wipe the daring tears. I shouldn’t cry. “Jongdae is waiting for us. Let’s head back.”

When we headed back, Jongdae and Susu were holding three ice cream cones.

“Have you found it?” Jongdae asked. His eyes were fixing on me with concern. Looking at him always made me feel like a little sister. I sulked as I shook my head.

“Oh don’t cry. You’ll look ugly.” Jongdae’s warm voice didn’t help. In fact, I even wanted to cry more. He gave me a small embrace and handed me one cone of ice cream.

“Eat this. Sweets make you feel better.” He added, and he smiled at me.

I nodded and ate the ice cream. It helped me feel better. I looked at Jongdae with gratitude. Even though I don’t have siblings, I have him. To me, he is my older brother… well, a same-age older brother to be exact.

Meanwhile, Kai was watching us eat. He deserved to eat ice cream the most though. Poor guy, he must be sweating a lot.

6. my pride

As expected, the next day I met Kai at school, he helped me carry my bag with his smile. I let the guy do it since I felt like we had gotten close enough to be friends. Maybe? Anyways, he had become a decent boy to me. He does no harm.

“Are you having a crush? You are grinning non-stop today.” Yujin commented as we were sitting on the bench in the schoolyard.

“Really? Well, I’m just feeling good today. ”I confessed half-truly. It’s true that I felt good today, but I hid the fact that it was because of Kai’s cute movements yesterday. Aw… I wished I could see that bear again!

“Don’t grin so much like that, Minah. It creeps me out.” Yujin said as she stood up and waved me goodbye before heading to her anime club. She’s too busy with clubs.

I wandered around the school, but when I passed the school library, I saw Kai by chance. He was sitting beside the window, reading and writing something. He was solving math, I guess.

Kai’s eyes were glowing gleefully, and his full lips curled up into a beam. He put his calculator away and rested his chin on the table, looking victoriously at his notebook.

He was smiling so elatedly over something so small.

I was observing him the whole time without my notice. All I was thinking was I knew what my next drawing would be! If I gave Kang Minah a picture of Kai being in this situation, she would be so satisfied!

A genuine smile was always a nice inspiration to draw! I guess I remembered his face now. I could close my eyes and felt the image of him appear right in front of my eyes.

Luckily, I could finish the drawing before it was too late and besides, the work looks far better than my previous Kai drawing. Moreover, I didn’t  feel like crashing out this time!

Nonetheless, I felt pretty tired because it was late at night so I lazily put the A4 paper inside a red folder which was an extra just in case for my… drawing contest I should enter the next day! I almost forgot it. I’m such a careless, forgetful girl.

I was up early in the morning despite my usual tardiness. I guess it’s my desperation to win the contest that motivated me a lot. If I won this contest or placed high, I would be confident and sure about my drawing career in the future.

The maids wished me luck, especially Mrs. Lee. She’s such a caring woman.

“Thank you, madam,” I said mischievously making Mrs. Lee chuckle. She rubbed my head gently.

“You are just as high spirited as my son. Just that he doesn’t show it out like you, dear.” She shared. I would hear this and that about her son but never got to know who he was. Probably because I never tried to ask. But as dad said before, don’t ask if people don’t want to mention.

I placed the folder on the piles of folders already on the contestant desk after pasting a tag containing my brief profile provided by the contest. I was nervous, but exciting overall. I had prepared for that drawing for so long. It was one of the best productions of mine.

Jongdae was there waiting for me. These weekends I shouldn’t neglect study, so I asked him to help me with mathematics and other natural subjects.

“Hey, Jongdae! You are right on time.” I said as I approached him. He was sitting on his bike, eating the sandwich.

“You still dream of becoming a drawer? Just think about it Minah. It is a good habit, but it is not good for your…”

“It’s been my childhood dream Jongdae.” I fought back weakly. He knew that, yet he never stopped bringing that topic up.

“Yeah right. That’s why it’s childish, Minah. Move on, my daddy’s girl. We all know this job is unstable and if you’re not well-known, you will have to live under Mr. Bang’s money. Who wants to be such independent?” He continued without noticing me start crying. I opened my mouth to fight back, but Jongdae’s mouth won. I couldn’t hold back my tears. They just kept getting filled over my eyes to the point… they dropped.

7. i just said it

 “Stop berating me, Jongdae!” I hissed. It was till this point he noticed it. But it’s too late. He reached out his hand to grab my wrist, but I was faster to escape and run. But as expected, the driver had already gone. No car.

“Taxi!” I yelled out, but Jongdae abruptly grabbed my wrist and turned me around without effort.

“Hey, Minah.” He said, looking concerned.

“Let go!” I tried hard to get rid of his hand, but it was to no avail. He was too strong for me.

“Why are you acting so weird? Normally you just shrug it off. I didn’t go too far…”

“You didn’t go too far?” I repeated sarcastically. He just eyed me worriedly. I could feel his apologetic attitude right now, but I just got too emotional at the moment.

“Let’s call it a day. Don’t call me or anything.” I coldly stated before leaving him behind. My tears were still falling. I should stop crying, but my heart didn’t obey me.

“What’s wrong, Minah? You look pale.” Yujin asked me after she put his school bag on her seat.

“Do I?” I asked back, tired. I didn’t have any power to talk. I missed dad. If only he hadn’t had so much work to do.

“Did you cry? Your eyes are so swollen.” She exclaimed. Her hand was running through my hair, soothing me. It helped me to stay calmer. I thought I would cry if she didn’t reassure me.

Yujin told me to share everything with her, but when I shook my head, she just nodded. She knew I just wanted to keep it to myself. Having her company with me was the best medicine to heal my mind.

I was relieved because I didn’t see Jongdae all day. He probably hid from me so we wouldn’t meet. It’s the first time we got into this situation. Never before did Jongdae make me cry over such serious, sensitive matter. At least he gave me time to feel free. If I met him now, it would be awkward.

“Hey.” Someone said from behind me, so I looked back. It was Kai. I couldn’t expect more. Around this time, everyone focused on their study and were probably in additional classes. Except for someone like us. One was drawing, and one just had to do something else cause his family was poor.

“Hey.” I greeted back, smiling at him. I didn’t know myself that somehow, I became unaware of his presence now. Instead, I felt comfortable.

“You’re drawing.” He said as he took a seat beside a big tree. He leaned his head on the wood, watching me silently as I didn’t seem to tear my gaze from the drawing I was doing.

It was sometimes later when I finished my drawing. The scenery outside was brought into my picture. The beautiful landscape of the school, with a lovely lake, a fresh green grassland, and the big tree Kai was sleeping beside.

I smiled silly watching him sleeping. He was probably tired. Tired from study or tired of watching my bad drawing? Maybe the latter…

“Stop observing me.” Kai’s mouth open to my surprise. I fell back and I almost yelled. His eyes were still closed though. How would he know?

“Y-you weren’t sleeping at all?” I stammered, embarrassed.

“You were too near. I could sense you.” He explained with his lopsided smile.

I just snorted, but my face couldn’t cool down. It was true I was too close to him. But I didn’t even realize it. What’s wrong with me?

“ert.”

“Your sense was pleasant. But I was nervous being stared at by you.” Kai said. He then looked away meeting my bewildered gaze. Did he just confess…?

No way. Don’t take it romantically, Bang Minah. It’s just normal.

“Don’t you have work to do?”

“I just feel like seeing you draw. I’m kind of lazy today.” He shrugged.

“I mean…  that work.” I corrected. Now he understood what I tried to imply.

“That job is not daily.” He reminded.

“Oh.”

“So… this is your drawing?” Kai asked in a surprised tone.

“Yes… What’s wrong with it?” I asked back, nervous. Was this drawing that bad or something?

“It’s exquisite. The view here looks exactly like one from your drawing… without colors. I guess you will become a great painter.”

I couldn’t hide my happiness by hearing his thoughts. He might have exaggerated it, but I could see his sincerity.

“I like you.”

8. he just said it

“I like you.”

I said absentmindedly. Before I brushed it off, I just realized what I just heard… from myself.

Oh no.

Oh no oh no oh no.

“It’s not like that! Don’t look so bewildered!” I was too frantic. Kai looked just as shocked as I did. Well, such a burden when I couldn’t put it to better expression.

“I don’t like you… like that! You know what I’m saying! I mean… I like you with the compliment you just made.” I justified with a quick wrap-up, trying to sound the calmest I could. But I guess it was to no avail.

How I wished I had worked harder on my literature. And Kim Jongdae had to do with this! He always told me that he liked me, whenever I complimented him on something like scoring in football. But Kai was another case from ours; we were not that close to spill such jokes!

“O…kay.” Kai just dropped the topic like that, he then looked elsewhere, avoiding my stare. The moment I thought he might be fluttered with my false confession, he curled his mouth into a lop-sided smile.

My heart was throbbing like crazy. Why was that only with him did I find myself blushing and thumping my heart like this? Was it because just pure gratitude toward his sincere-feel aura or was it something else?

“I understand,” Kai said again, not sounding convincing at all.

I just nodded, unwilling to look him straight in the eyes, since I was too embarrassed.

“Oh, I gotta go. Bye.” He said after seeing something behind me. When I turned back, from the other side of the lake, I could see a boy figure. I could tell that he was a bit small for usual boys. Especially his shoulder.

“You’re good friends with Kyungsoo, right?” I asked, still looking at Kyungsoo.

“You can say that.” He smiled. “He makes me feel comfortable around him. No competition, no comparison, just friendship.”

“Wow. That sounds cool. My best friend always wants to look fashionable, and she often compares her allowance with mine.” I referred to Yujin. Despite complaining about her, I still smiled.

Kai let out a chuckle which I didn’t quite understand what he was thinking. What’s so funny?

“Minah!” Yujin called, walking towards me. Thank god Kai left. I wouldn’t know how to deal with Yujin’s curiosity.

“Hey!” I replied, waving at her.

“Aren’t you coming to the football yard? Everyone is gathering. Quick! Let’s go!”

Oh… right.

“No. I’ll… I have to go home now.” I looked down, biting my lip.

“What? This is the last match between our school and that school for the finals. You have to go.”

“I just…”

“What’s wrong? You don’t feel comfortable? Still can’t get over that day?” She said, probably referring to the story I told her just this morning.

“I…” I trailed off, didn’t know what to say.

“Come on!” She pulled my hand. “Just clean these up and go! You will regret it if you don’t go.”

I know. It’s just that… I’m scared. What if he saw me during the match and got distracted? I hadn’t said anything to him ever since.

“Okay…” I said at last.

When I got to the school football yard, they already started the match. Let’s pray for our home team.

I almost forgot about things between us during the exciting final match. The boys on the grass yard were all enthusiastic and played to their best. However, I could only focus on Jongdae. The team’s ace, the goal scorer.

As we all wished, the match ended with our home team as the final champion. The moment Jongdae scored yet another point last minute, we all yelled and cheered loudly in joy.

I grinned so much when I got to see Jongdae’s smiley face again. He looked so happy. I was delighted for him, too.

I was yelling our school football team along with the crowd, cheering for the victory they just made. I didn't even bother about the fight we had earlier until I caught Jongdae's eyes looking back at me. It was amazing how he found me in the crowd, though.

He gave a smile, a relieved smile? I wasn't sure, but I smiled back at him as well.

"Congratulations! You have won the football match!" I said and patted Jongdae's back. He did flash me a charming smile, but it faded away quickly.

"Are you still mad at me?"

"Just let it go, Jongdae. I was a bit too overwhelmed that day, too. I know you didn't mean it that way, right?" I asked, looking at him with anticipation. Although I said so, I just wanted to know whether his opinion about my career dream got positive.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way." He confirmed, looking at me with desperate eyes. I giggled at him.

"That's okay."

“Say… Today I passed the English test with a good score. Do you know what it is?” I brought up the topic while sitting behind Jongdae on his bicycle on our way home.

“What is it, then?” He asked back, although he didn’t sound like expecting much from me. Heh, this guy.

“83/100! What do you think?”  For a moment I doubt my fake squeak. He might have figured it out.

“Wow, that’s an awesome score! You’ve improved a lot.”

“I know right?”

“Yeah. You must have been hard-working.”

“I like you.”

Jongdae stopped biking with such an abrupt move. I even bumped my head into his back.

“Hey what are you doing!?” I clicked my tongue at him, but when he faced me, I closed my mouth immediately. He looked so serious right now. What’s going on?

“I like you for commenting on my hard work. That’s just it.” I shrugged my shoulder.

“Don’t joke like that.” He said, looking pretty serious. Every time he made that face to me, I had to guard up. He looked so scary.

“I’m… sorry.” I cried out.

Although he was already facing ahead and continued riding the bike, I heard him sigh.

“Funny, isn’t it? When I say those words to you, you only and always see it as a joke. But when you say those words to me, I know it’s a joke. See the difference?” He pointed out.

“Er…?” I tried to memorize his sentence. But failed. “What?”

“You’d better not know. You dumb, dumb girl.”

“Hey!”

"Minah..." Jongdae called from the back when I landed in front of my house gate. "Please don't take it to heart, okay? You know how much I like you."

A/N: tell me what you think and who you like better, jongdae or jongin?

9. my favorite maid and her family story

What was this, Kim Jongdae? You had always joked that you liked me. But those were for reasons. So why did you say it when I hadn't even praised you or anything?

"What now?" I chuckled at him. "You just said you like me without reasons."

"Is liking someone conditional? You dummy." Jongdae said, smiling at me with his weird gaze. I hadn't seen this facial expression from him before. But I knew he was serious. I started to blush. I could feel my whole body becoming hotter and hotter out of nowhere. Did he mean it? Like really mean it?

When it seemed to him that I didn't have anything to reply, he continued. "I saw you with Kai this afternoon. I thought you and him was a thing. But then you still showed up in the football match despite all the chaos we had. So... I'm still better than him... right?"

I stared at him, and that's all I did. What would I have to react to this? I had always cherished our friendship since childhood. But then with this topic, it's a totally different thing, or at least I didn't feel that way towards him.

"Hey..." He trailed off, scratching his neck. "Did I startle you? I guess I did... But I've always been with you all this time, haven't you noticed?"

"J-Jongdae..." I stuttered, but then I had nothing else to say. "Why... now?"

"I'm scared to lose you. You fool." He replied without hesitation. Then, he rode off, leaving me alone.

“Dad!” I squeaked as I saw dad’s personal car parking in the house yard.

I hurried off Jongdae’s bike and then waved him a goodbye. Somehow, he still looked aloof. I swore his serious face made he looked years older.

“Bye Jongdae!” I said. “Cheer up! You look so moody! I’m going in!”

With that, I grinned at him, encouraging him to smile. As expected, he did smile back.

“Dad!” I called after seeing him in his working room. Unfortunately, he was having a phone call with someone.

I waited for him to finish, then I spoke up.

“I’m sorry, I should have knocked the door,” I said, feeling sorry. He just smiled reassuringly at me.

“That’s okay dear. I miss you so much.” He said, tiredly.

I hugged him tightly.

“Don’t overwork yourself, daddy,” I said worriedly. I always knew that he had to carry all the burden on his shoulder. “I wish I had been a boy.”

“Oh? Is there something happened to you?” Dad asked, his eyes suddenly opened wide, looking concerned.

“No. It’s just I want to be of help to you. You want a boy to inherit your company, right?” I asked. “I’m sorry, dad.”

“Oh. Look at how much you have grown even without your mother.” He said, didn’t look like he was upset or anything after what I said. “I’m always thankful that I’ve got you as my one and only daughter.”

“Even if I am not able to inherit your company?”

“Of course. I don’t care much about who will inherit the company, dear. I care about how you will enjoy living your dreams.”

“You know my dreams, right?”

“Of course honey. And I know you will be a great painter and artist.”

“Thank you, daddy,” I said, looking at him with full gratitude. There was no one as supportive as my dad about drawing.

"Master, young lady, dinner is ready." Mrs. Kim's voice was heard from the other side of the door.

"Coming!" I responded, then I noticed dad's facial expressions changed a little. It wasn't like I paid attention on purpose, but I couldn't help but see that dad held a grudge against Mrs. Kim. Which was odd, because he didn't act like that from the start.

"Dad... I have a question."

"Go ahead." He said, flashing me a warm smile immediately.

"What's the matter with you and Mrs. Kim? I thought she was one of the best maids in our house. You seemed to treat her kindly before, too."

His smile disappeared again, and it was replaced with a subtle wince.

"Come on, dad. I just want to know. I won't tell anybody!"

Dad sighed heavily and sat straight up.

"Her husband did something bad to my own company, dear. I trusted him and treasured him like a little brother."

I gasped in surprise. I didn't know who Mr. Kim was, but it still felt bad. I knew my dad was always a lovely man. A person like him when got betrayed, he would hurt a lot.

"Why did he do bad to your company?"

"He worked for my company, but then he got blackmailed and stole our storage data, which almost broke our full house, dear."

"Where is he now?"

"I don't know. But with the money he illegally made, he heartlessly left his son and wife alone."

"Why would a husband and father do something like that?" I asked, disgust represented in my tone.

"That's a good question. But you see this, Minah. He was a poor college student before he met his once wealthy wife."

I nodded, taking in dad's given information.

"Mrs. Kim was a wealthy daughter, too?"

"Yes. But not as wealthy as you're thinking." Dad smiled weakly. "Just wealthy considering Kim's past conditions."

A/N: Tell me if you don't understand something in this chapter. I have written this like at late night so that I might have rushed things up.

10. i was a fool... again

"Thanks for showing up, guys!" I shyly said as a greet to all those friends who came to my house to celebrate my birthday party. Yujin cheered for me to continue. I smiled at her thankfully.

"Dad can't arrange his schedule so he can't be here..." I glanced at his little present near the birthday cake. "But with you guys tonight, I won't be lonely!"

In a swift moment, I accidentally caught Jongdae's stare. He was standing in the corner of the room. The sudden eye-contact made me shift uncomfortably in front of the already nerve-wracking little crowd.

"Anyways... Enjoy!" I held up the glass of fruit juice up above my head. The crowd made a gasp-like sound when I did that.

"Be careful! It's going to pure on your head!" Yujin made a hand gesture for me to stop and I did stop and hurriedly brought down the glass. I searched my hand over my head to check if there was any drop of water leaked. And once again, I embarrassed myself in public with their laughter all over the room. Well, I guessed it's not that bad after all. Everyone was happy.

I smiled awkwardly at my friends and then, accidentally caught Kai's stare in another corner of the living room. I flashed him a smile of gratitude that he showed up for me. He smiled back, and it made me feel a strange electric sensation running over my body, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Thanks for showing up, Jongin... and Kyungsoo!" I said when I approached him. Bowing to Kyungsoo who was next to him, I smiled at both of them.

"This was not supposed to be a present, but yeah..." Kai said, looking a bit worried at me. I just shrugged it off and took the tiny paper box from him. I opened it with surprise.

"Jongin..." I trailed off, looking at Kai. He smiled at me warmly.

"I accidentally found it..." He said, rubbing his neck. I thought he was lying. He must have put much effort into finding my mom's original present. I put the little piece inside the box and closed it tightly.

"I have to say..." I was cut off when Jongdae called out my name. I turned around and met his gaze. It was awkward for me to face him after his weird confession.

"Minah," Jongdae said, forcing me to look back at him. "Have you made up your mind yet? What do you think?"

"Jongdae... I... I have thought about this for so long." I started hesitantly. "I don't feel the same."

"Minah..." His voice sounded so disappointed and upset. I felt terrible for him. But I couldn't lie to myself. I might be dumb all this time to not realize his mind. But I would never give him high hopes once I found out. He had to face the truth.

"You're popular with girls, Jongdae. Don't feel like this. I don't deserve it." I honestly said. "I just want us to be good friends, okay?"

Jongdae looked down and avoided my eyes. It was tough for me to reject him like this. I would lose my best male friend after this.

"Now... Jongdae. I think you need personal space. I have to say thanks to Jongin first."

I was searching for Kai, but he was nowhere to be found. I asked some friends and finally got to know that he was going with Kyungsoo out of the house to the yard.

"Do you have to do this?" I heard Kyungsoo sneaky voice.

“Do what?” I saw Kai standing next to him, as expected.

“I… I just feel sorry for her, Kai… You make her feel like you’re interested in her, yet you just came for a malicious purpose.”

“You are right about that part,” Kai responded. “But look at my mom. Moments ago she didn’t even look at me in the eye; she felt ashamed of me when she’s obviously not. She’s struggling to overwork herself when she doesn’t deserve it. It’s all my dad… no, that old man’s fault. He even left us, Kyungsoo.”

And before I could even realize, a tear escaped my eyes. Please no… not this again. I didn’t want to hear any more.

I ran into the house without them noticing.

Jongdae was first and might be the only guy that I could trust in the world, after all.

A/N: Please don't be bothered if I post a filler chapter about her past with Jongdae orz. I just wanted to write it so yeah...

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments I have received <3 Honestly, I never thought someone would actually like this story lol. I started this out as a write-for-fun story. The original plot was actually about Jongin and Kai (they are twins lol). Hence the title and the poster. It sounds more interesting, right?

But the thing is... I'm just starting from scratch. I can't develop that plot lol. orz.

So I finally came out with a simple plot and you know, K-drama cliche. However, I did enjoy writing it ^^

So... it's Thursday here and I'll update on Saturday and Sunday as the last update combos. Stay tuned!

filler chapter. [my past]

[childhood]

I was playing alone in the neighborhood. Being alone was sad. I wish dad could make time and play with me. He was always busy with work. He had a very little time to pay attention to me.

However, there was one boy in my neighborhood who would talk to me and be kind to me. Therefore, I didn’t feel that much lonely.

“Hey!” The boy yelled and waved at me enthusiastically. I waved back happily and ran to him.

“Chanyeol!”

“Wow! You already bought it!” He said, looking at the ball I was embracing with my arms.

“Yeah! How do you like it?” I asked him, grinning as he looked very satisfied.

“I like it a lot! This is the best-quality ball ever! You are so rich, Minah-yah!” Chanyeol grinned back, his teeth all showed off. He was so friendly.

“I’m glad you like it!” Before I could say anything else, Chanyeol took the ball away from my hold. I was taken aback at how aggressive he did it. But he might have been too excited.

“Thank you Minah-yah. I gotta go.” He waved at me and was about to run away when I stopped him with my grip on his wrist.

“Hey! I want to play with you, too!”

“Are you crazy? Football is not for girls!” Chanyeol said, sticking out his tongue. I widened my eyes. What was he talking about?

“But… you promised me that…”

“You are so dumb! I only want the ball!” Chanyeol sounded annoyed. He glared at me, even.

I was on the verge to start crying, but he didn’t spare me a sympathetic glance. He was so heartless.

“Give me back that ball!” I commanded, reaching for the ball. But Chanyeol was quick to dodge my hands.

“No way! You gave it to me!”

“No, I didn’t!” I retorted, almost yelling.

“What’s going on?” There was a strange, high-pitched voice from behind me. It made the two of us stop on our track and look back.

The boy looked about our age; he might be five or six like us. He had curly hair and a square jaw that made his face a bit square. He looked unique.

“Why are you asking?” Chanyeol asked sarcastically.

“Quick! Help me! He’s stealing my ball!” I said hurriedly, catching my chance. I was too angry with Chanyeol so that might be the reason why I was acting more bravely than usual.

The square-faced boy put his hands on his hips. He looked full of authority.

“Give her that ball back!”

“Like I will!” Chanyeol replied and looked challenging at that boy.

He then ran towards Chanyeol and grabbed Chanyeol’s shirt.

“Are you giving it back or not? My dad is right there, and if you mess with me, I’ll call him!” He pointed at a man who was not too far away.

Chanyeol’s face turned nervous, and so he handed the back-back to that boy. I was quite impressed with the scene. Chanyeol was a giant compared to that boy. That boy was even shorter than me if I saw it right. He sure was brave.

“H-here. Take it. I don’t need it!” He then ran away quickly, out of our sight.

“Thank you so much!” I smiled at the boy gratefully. He turned back to me and looked down at the ball. His eyes were shining all of a sudden.

“Can I have this ball?” He asked, making me startled.

“Why?” I asked nervously. First Chanyeol, now him?

“I want it. It looks like a good ball.” He observed it slowly, admiring the ball.

“You just helped me get rid of that boy, and now you do the same to me?” I huffed in disappointment.

“You can’t say so. You don’t need it right? You can pass it to me.” He explained calmly.

“Will you let me play football with you, then?”

“Of course not.” My face fell. “But you can watch me play.”

Just watch? Oh well…

“Are you around here?”

“Our family just moved here. Oh, you don’t have friends, right?”

I hung my head low. It was true.

“Well, now you have one! And, my mommy is having a new baby! She can play with you when she grows up!”

I looked at him with happiness.

“Thank you, square-faced friend!” I blurted but wasn’t aware of my saying.

“What?! I’m not square-faced!” He retorted, offended. However, he shrugged it off. “Want to eat this, chubby-faced dummy?”

I gasped in surprise as he brought out some strawberry-flavored candies.

“Thank you! You are the first kid to give me presents!”

“Eh… it’s not a present, though.” He corrected but still smiled as he saw my happy face.

“Oh! You should go. Your dad is leaving!” I exclaimed and pushed him towards his daddy, but he wouldn’t budge.

“That’s not my father though.”

11. who says kai is cold?

“Hey there!” I didn’t have to look back because his voice became too familiar already.

“Let me help you-“

I yanked my bag away from his touch. “No thank you.”

“What’s wrong?”

I stopped on my track and stared at him. He looked a bit startled, but he probably had no idea. That I busted him. He shrugged and looked at me confusedly. I balled up my fists, but then I calmed down and ignored him. I was too tired of backlash at him.

“Minah!” He held my shoulder with his firm hand. I didn’t shrug it off. Let’s see what this guy would pull off next. “About the drawing contest that you are participating in…”

Oh… right. I told him about it. Why was I so open to him?

“You are seeing the result this afternoon, right? Let me come with you.”

“Why? You have to study this afternoon.” I coldly replied. I guessed it was evident that he felt it.

“Oh… Don’t mention it. It’s just one day. It will be okay.”

“I have Jongdae.” I persisted. Yujin was busy with her fan club, so I couldn’t bring her up.

“You told me you didn’t get on good terms with him about this so…”

I told him about this, too.

“Okay.” I weakly agreed.  Kai was too persistent. After today, I should never talk with him again. Although I was so happy about his meaningful gift, he made me cry on my birthday.

“I know you can win this, Minah.” Kai sounded as if he was sure about it but in a fake way. Everything he said now, I took it as a lie. You big liar.

We were standing among a small crowding but gathering tightly in front of the list of top contestants pinned on the bulletin board.

Kai was tall, so I expected him to take a look and inform me instead. I was too short.

“Is my name on the list?” I asked nervously. Kai was staring at it for too long already. Like he was searching for something, for my name.

So I failed, didn’t I?

Kai grabbed my hand and led me out from the crowd. He turned back and looked at me, concerned. I pulled my hand off from his hold, looking back. I knew it…

“I’m sorry… Minah…” He trailed off, didn’t know what to say. I looked down, feeling like it was the end for me. I couldn’t even make it to the top ten. I was a loser, after all…

“Don’t feel upset, Minah-“ I glared at him, feeling sick. When would he put off the act? Why didn’t he capture the chance to use me? Why was he delaying this drama for so long? Didn’t he want Mrs. Kim to be free and live a better life?

Kai didn’t say anything more. He suggested that he take a look at my entry. I didn’t protest, either.

After minutes of waiting, Kai finally came out and probably held my drawing. However, his face was unreadable. When he approached me, he showed a somewhat amused yet sorry look to me. I took a sneak peek at my drawing for a hundredth… no, the second time. And by that I meant… my picture of Kai!

No way!

Oh my god. What was happening now???

I thought I knew what was going on.

And I felt a bit better. Since it wasn’t what I intended to show in the contest. But as of the moment, I could only hide my face under my palms. Too embarrassing.

“So… any explaining why you drew me while I was studying in the school library?”

I ran away, but he held my wrist. I started to burn up. My body heated up along with my cheeks. I could still blush at my enemy.

“You know what… I like this drawing a lot.” Kai said, looking at my drawing again. I snatched it from his hand and hid it behind my back.

His gaze fixed on me. This warm look again… I kept on mistaking it as being genuine.

“Jongin…” I started as we were walking home. The way home wasn’t too far, so we walked on foot.

“Yes?”

I sighed heavily before continuing. His act needed to stop. So I had to make a move first. “Do you want me to do anything for you?”

“What?” He chuckled immediately; there was nothing suspicious displayed on his face, though. He sure was good at acting.

“Well, since you know what I’m feeling about you… Don’t hesitate to tell me what you want from me.” I was too bad at acting! I blushed when I shouldn’t. It sounded like a confession. I shouldn’t feel this way. I’m such a fool.

I thought he was taken aback by my ‘confession’. I thought he blushed, but then this face turned aloof, angst, and then he heaved a sigh; as though he was in an emotional roller coaster.

“You know… when I first studied Math, I thought that I only learned it to get high marks and pass exams. But then I grew to love the subject; I didn’t care about the score and achievements anymore. I don’t use it, I learn it.”

What was he saying? I was asking for something else!? I furrowed my eyebrows, but he didn’t explain.

An idea popped up my mind.

“You regret going out with me instead of studying math at school right now?”

He looked at me but then chuckled lightly. I didn’t know he could giggle this much before.

“Answer me! Did you mean it?”

Kai kept on laughing. It was a huge bothersome because I had no idea what was in his mind. I waited for him until he straightened himself up again, facing me.

“Well. Don’t give up on your dreams. I know you will be successful. I’ll be by your side.” With that, he left me, dumbfounded. I didn’t even know what I was asking him before. His last sentence got me stand still like a statue. I kept on blushing.

Kim Jongin… What did you do to me!?

“Dad… can I ask you something?” I said cautiously as we were talking casually.

“What is it, Minah?”

“Can you let loose Kim’s loan to us?” I didn’t dare look him in the eyes.

“Why?” He sounded calmer than I thought.

“I just think that… if it’s all the husband’s fault, we shouldn’t blame it on his family members. It’s unfair.”

“Nice saying, my daughter.” I managed to look up at him. He was smiling at me with reassurance. He probably knew what I was thinking. “But I can’t do anything with the members.”

“Why?”

“I already talked about that matter with Mrs. Kim but she protested. She wanted to pay the loan all by herself. We can do nothing, dear. There’s something we can only watch.”

“But…” I trailed off, not knowing what to say. It was too complicated. Why wouldn’t Mrs. Kim just accept dad’s offer?

That night, I couldn’t help but think about other things. Like when I would get rid of Jongin’s lies and fake attitude. I should plan revenge, maybe; but with Yujin’s help, of course.

A/N: The ending is kind of subtle. I got a bit too rushy when writing this. I know... I'm always rushy lol.

Thank you for staying up to this point! The story of our daddy's girl and the aloof boy ends here~~