Summer

Haneul’s POV

“UMMA!!” A voice yelled.

“Mmmm~” I buried my face into the pillow, blocking out the noise.

“Umma~~~ Wake up~~~” I was pulled by my hair.

“Hyunie ah~ Let me sleep.” I mumbled.

“No no no~ Wake up!” He sat on my back, tickling my ears.

“Aigoo stop it!” I laughed.

“Umma~” A softer voice called out, tugging onto my fingers.

“Okay, okay. I’m up.” I mumbled.

I turned around but was careful not to throw Tae Hyun onto the floor. I looked at the time and rolled my eyes. It was only 8.30AM, and it is a Saturday today.

“What are you two doing awake this early?” I asked, letting them lie on either side of my arms.

“Umma! Didn’t you say Junhyung hyung is coming today with his friends?” Tae Hyun asked, blinking his big eyes at me.

“Yea. But I bet they are still asleep. It’s so early.” I said, yawning.

“They are already here!” He yelled.

“WHAT!?” I shouted.

“Everyone else is awake except you and Jace Appa!” Tae Hyun pouted.

“Aigoo~ We’re tired~” I said.

“Come on~ Wake up already!” He tugged onto my arm.

“Nawwww~~” I whined, shaking my head.

I was having fun teasing them when a knock on the door distracted us.

“Can I come in?” Junhyung peeked his head in.

“No.” Ji Eun said.

“Sweetheart, don’t be rude.” I mumbled.

Junhyung looked at me awkwardly as he stepped in.

“Just woke up?” He asked.

“No, I am actually not awake yet.” I said.

“JUNHYUNG HYUNG!!!” Tae Hyun jumped off the bed and crashed his body into Junhyung’s.

“Hey~ How have you been?” Junhyung asked, carrying Tae Hyun up.

“I’m fine!” Tae Hyun beamed.

“Hi, Ji Eun.” Junhyung said, stretching out his hand to touch her cheek, but she buried her face in my chest, not allowing him to touch her.

Junhyung tried to keep his smile on his face but I could see the hurt behind it.

“Alright, you two go wake Jace up. I’ll be out soon.” I said, urging them to go.

“See you later, Junhyung hyung!” Tae Hyun waved as he grabbed Ji Eun’s hand and led her out.

“You alright?” I asked Junhyung, holding his hand.

“I’m good.” He smiled, sitting beside me.

“You can sulk, I wouldn’t laugh.” I said, cupping his right cheek.

He sighed and looked down.

“Why doesn’t she like me?” He pouted.

“Give her some time. Well, at least she did not hit you.” I said, kissing him on his cheek.

“True~” He smiled.

“Everyone is up, what are you doing still on the bed, hmm? Waiting for me to wake you up, perhaps?” He asked, pinning me down onto the bed.

“No~” I said, trying to push him away.

“Really? No?” He asked, leaning in closer.

We were so close our noses were almost touching.

“No~” I laughed, trying to roll away.

“But from the looks of it, it seems like you were waiting for me.” He said.

“You think too much. Get off.” I pushed his face away.

“No~ Let’s cuddle!” He somehow got himself into the blanket, hugging me tight.

“No~~~~ I must wake up!” I said, trying to break free from his arms.

“Too bad.” He laughed.

“Don’t regret.” I said as I started poking him.

He tried to control his laughter but ended up laughing even louder.

“Okay, okay, okay! You win, you win. I surrender!” He panted, hands up.

I was on top of him, pinning him down.

“Next time when I say let go, you let go.” I said.

“No. How can I let you go when you say so?” He said.

He swiftly grabbed my waist and turned me over.

“I’ll never let you go.” He whispered into my ear.

I did not know how to answer him, so I just laughed.

“Come, shower and go out for food.” He said, pulling me up.

“Yes, Sir.” I said, standing up on the bed.

He looked at me, confused.

“Carry~” I opened my arms wide.

“How old are you?” He asked, smiling.

“FOUR!” I showed him the ‘four’ sign into his face.

“Really? You should be carrying me then, because I am THWEE!” He did the same to me.

“Don’t do it.” I said, jumping off the bed.

“Ahh okay, okay! I suddenly grew older. I am five now!” He said, bending down in front of me.

“That sounds better.” I smiled, getting on his back.

He piggybacked me as I got my clothes and other stuff.

“Let me down.” I said as we entered the bathroom.

“Why? It’s okay. I can piggyback you while you shower.” He smiled.

“YAH! ARE YOU A ERT!?” I smacked his shoulder.

“Just kidding!” He laughed, letting me down.

“Shower well~” He said, not getting out of the bathroom.

“Alright. Go out.” I said.

“It’s alright. I’ll just stand here and hand you your towel when you need it.” He said, as thou it was the most natural thing to do.

“I got hands! I can get them on my own. Out~” I said.

“It’s alright.” He smiled.

“GO OUT~!!” I whined.

“It’s fine.” He said.

“Alright, then stand there.” I said, grabbing the hose.

“I THINK I AM GOING OUT!” He yelled as he dashed out.

Just as I was about to take out my clothes, he peeked his head in.

“You really don’t want me to stay?” He giggled.

“OUT!” I yelled, laughing as well. I slammed the door shut and locked it.

After getting dressed, I headed out. It was so noisy, as usual.

“NOONA!!! MORNING!!” Dongwoon waved frantically.

“Hi~” I said, sitting down beside Junhyung.

“Eat this.” He said, putting a piece of bread on my plate.

He was putting food on my plate when someone squeezed in between us.

“Go away~” Ji Eun said, pushing Junhyung.

Junhyung almost fell backwards if not for Doojoon who caught him in time.

I glared at Ji Eun but she just pushed her way through, settling herself down in between Junhyung and I.

I was about to say something but Junhyung stopped me.

“Don’t spoil her mood.” He mouthed.

The rest of Beast were looking at us awkwardly.

“Oh, this is really nice!” Yoseob said, handing me a sandwich.

“Thanks.” I said, eating it.

Junhyung tried to hand me food but Ji Eun kept returning it to him. He kept quiet for the rest of breakfast, poking his food instead of actually eating.

“Are you done eating?” I asked Ji Eun after awhile.

She nodded.

“Then come.” I said, grabbing her arm.

“No.” She tried to struggle out of my grip.

I glared at her and she followed me obediently.

“Don’t.” Junhyung mumbled, stopping me.

“Stay out of this, Junnie.” I said, pushing pass him, pulling Ji Eun along.

I pulled her into her room and carried her up to make her sit down on the table.

“Let me down~” She whined.

“No.” I said, grabbing her arms.

“What did I do!?” She struggled.

“Don’t move. You’ll fall.” I said.

“I’m scared!” She pouted.

“That’s my point. If you don’t move, I’ll guarantee your safety.” I said.

She stopped moving but was frowning.

“Why did you have to embarrass Junhyung like this?” I asked.

“I did not.” She said.

“You did not? You sure? Then tell me, what were you doing?” I asked.

She looked down, not answering me.

“Ji Eun, I’ve been really patient with you. But I can’t just let you hurt him over and over again. What did he do to you?” I asked.

“Nothing.” She mumbled.

“Then? Why are you so mean to him?” I asked.

“I just don’t like him.” She said.

“I never asked for you to love him. I just ask for you to show him simple respect. He is older than you, to start with. And he has been trying to be nice to you, but you keep bullying him over and over again.” I said.

She did not answer me.

“Tell me, what is it that you’re so unhappy about?” I asked.

“His face.” She mumbled.

“JI EUN!” I yelled, losing my temper slightly.

“I JUST DON’T LIKE HIM! HE IS EVIL!” She shouted back.

“You’re the evil one, you know! The way you treat him is totally unacceptable! He doesn’t deserve such treatment from you!” I scolded.

“I HATE HIM! BECAUSE HE MADE YOU HATE ME!” She screamed.

“I don’t hate you! What are you talking about!?” I asked.

“LIAR!! Before he came, you would never yell at me like that!” She shouted, tears watering her eyes.

Junhyung’s POV

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on Haneul and Ji Eun, but I was just worried, so I followed them. I stood outside, listening to their conversation. So all along Ji Eun thinks that I am out to take Haneul from her, that’s why she hates me?

“You’re at fault, that’s why I am yelling at you! It has nothing got to do with him! With or without him, I would still discipline you if you’re at fault!” Haneul shouted.

“You don’t love me anymore! Just because you’re not my real Umma!” I could hear Ji Eun cry.

Why did my heart ache so much?

“JI EUN!” I heard Haneul shout, then the door burst open, revealing a crying Ji Eun.

“IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!” She slapped me on my legs.

“I’m sorry.” I mumbled, watching her run off.

“Damn, this girl is stubborn!” Haneul sighed.

“I guess it’s my fault.” I said.

“No! Please don’t think that way. She’s just.. I don’t know. I’ll talk to her again, okay?” Haneul said, holding my hand.

“Yea. Okay.” I smiled, but deep down I felt so bad.

***

We headed for the beach behind the orphanage that day. I wasn’t in much mood to play and besides, the kids still wouldn’t come near me for whatever reason, so I sat alone on the sand, building my own sandcastle.

“Junnie! Why don’t you join us!?” Yoseob ran towards me.

I looked over and saw the rest of Beast playing beach ball with the kids and Jace.

“No, it’s fine. If I walk over, it’ll just be us left playing.” I smiled.

“Aww Hyung! Come on, it’ll be fun!” Yoseob tugged my arm.

“It’s okay. Really. I’ll join you guys later on if I feel like it, okay?” I said.

“Okay then.” He pouted as he walked off.

“Junhyung hyung~” A voice called out.

I turned around and saw Tae Hyun behind me.

“Oh~ Hi.” I smiled.

“Why are you alone?” He asked, squatting down beside me.

“I’m not alone.” I said.

He looked around.

“But there’s no one here.” He said.

“You’re here.” I pointed to him. He chuckled.

“You look sad.” He commented as we played with the sand.

“I do?” I asked.

“Yea. Is it because of Ji Eun?” He asked.

This smart boy.

“It’s not.” I lied.

“Ji Eun makes everyone sad. But actually she’s really cute.” He said.

Defending his sister, just like how a brother should.

“I know. Both of you are so cute.” I said, patting his head lightly.

We played for a while before he ran off to join the others. I sighed as I sat back down, burying my own feet in the sand.

“LET ME HELP YOU!!” Haneul crashed into my back, yelling into my ear.

“I thought you were inside with your laptop or what.” I said.

“I was, until I remembered my depressed boyfriend.” She smiled, pouring sand over my feet.

“I’m not depressed.” I said.

“Oh yea, you’re not.” She said.

I smiled, looking at her bury my legs.

“Shall we bury up to your chest?” She asked.

“No, it’s itchy that way.” I said.

“Oh, then how about to your forehead?” She asked.

“No too, I can’t breathe.” I said.

“Then?!” She asked.

“Don’t bury at all!” I kicked my legs out of the sand.

“YAH!!!” She whined.

Haneul’s POV

Junhyung jumped up and started throwing sand at me. We had a little sand fight. Well, I hated getting dirty because of the sand but he was smiling, so I guess it didn’t matter.

I was watching him from behind all the while. I saw Yoseob try to get him to play, I saw Tae Hyun entertain him, but most importantly, I saw a sad Junhyung. He was affected by Ji Eun’s words, despite how much he tried to deny. It was written all over his face.

“STOP CHASING ME!!!!” He yelled as I ran after him.

“NOOOOOOO!!!” I laughed, running after him.

He tripped over something and fell onto the sand.

“Are you okay!?” I asked, pulling him up.

“Yea, I’m fine. And, I win!” He smiled, grabbing me.

“FOREVER CHEATING!” I yelled, pushing him away.

“Hahahaha~ Cheating or not, I WIN!” He yelled.

“Fine, fine. Whatever. Are you hungry? I’ll go get you food.” I said.

“And Coke!” He shouted.

“Alright, wait here.” I said, heading in.

When I came back out, I saw Junhyung lying in a weird position on the sand.

“What are you doing?” I tried to stop myself from laughing.

“No one wants to play with me, so I am entertaining myself.” He said.

“With what?” I asked.

“I'm a mermaid.” He said, lifting his legs up and pouting his lips.

“Oh my god.” I looked away, laughing.

“Don’t insult the mermaid!” He said with his lips still pouted and legs up. He was laughing as well.

“Stay like this!” I laughed.

“No.” He tried to get up but I pushed him down.

“Stay like this! I’ll go get you some decoration!” I said.

I collected seaweeds and seashells. I put them all over him. I was pretty amazed that he actually allowed me to do such thing to him.

“So, am I pretty?” He asked.

“Oh my! You’re a goddess!” I laughed.

“Of course. Hur~” He said in a girly voice, flicking his ‘seaweed hair’, causing it to drop out.

“OMO!” He covered his head.

“WHAT! You’re bald!? How can mermaids be bald!?” I yelled.

“WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!? WHILE YOU DRINK WATER, I DRINK SEA WATER! WITH ALL THAT SALT, OF COURSE MY BEAUTIFUL LONG HAIR IS GONE!” He yelled and ‘cried’.

“I am so sorry about that, but does sea water have anything to do with your voice suddenly becoming husky?” I asked.

“SORE THROAT!” He shouted.

“Okay okay!” I laughed.

“That was fun.” I said, sitting beside him, eating chips.

“Now, it’s your turn.” He said.

“What!? No!” I backed away.

“Come here~” He crawled closer to me.

“No no no!” I backed off but he kept coming.

He grabbed me and hugged me tight, with him on top of me.

“Yah!” I tried to struggle but he did not let go.

He kept tickling me as thou we were in our room.

“What is it?” I asked when he suddenly froze.

“Junhyung?” I shook him slightly.

He seemed to be staring at something from afar, something scary, in fact.

“Ji Eun..” He mumbled.

“What is it?” I pushed him away slightly so I can sit up.

“What is… YAH JUNHYUNG!!!!” I yelled when he suddenly stood up and ran off.

“JI EUN AH!!! NO!!!! JI EUN!!!!!!!” He shouted.

I looked into the direction he was running to and froze. Ji Eun was wandering off into the water with no supervision at all, and the waves were coming. 

***
When Ji Eun pushed Junhyung

Ji Eun: IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!

Lonely Junhyung

Junhyung: I am a mermaid~